The Liturgical-charismatic Movement

For decades the charismatic movement has been influencing the forms of worship practices in many of the older historic churches. Millions of Catholics, Episcopalians, Lutherans, and others worldwide have found that the informal, spontaneous, and exuberant worship style of charismatics can bring new warmth and energy to traditional services-services whose formal structures and restrained atmosphere once felt cold and routine to them. Today, more churches than ever are likely to be bridging the gap between ancient forms and Pentecostal fervor. But surprisingly enough, many of them are now building the bridge from the other direction. Across the country, groups of nondenomination charismatic believers seeking to deepen and enrich their worship are exploring the traditional forms of the oldest Christian communions. They're finding that what is often called "liturgical worship" has a balance, breadth, and rootedness often lacking in more spontaneous forms. They're learning that liturgy …