A Pentecostal/charismatic Manifesto

The manifesto that follows addresses the worship life of traditional Pentecostal churches and that of charismatic churches in general. It distinguishes between changes basic to renewal and those that are more stylistic. It also focuses on the strengths and weaknesses of the Pentecostal and charismatic theology and practice of worship, and urges a reflective, biblical pursuit of worship renewal within this circle of churches. The author expresses a personal view and makes no claim to speak in behalf of Pentecostal or charismatic churches in general. While worship renewal in mainstream Protestantism has been fairly intentional, in that it has resulted from theological reflection, the movement among Pentecostals and charismatics has taken a more unpredictable course. Changes in worship patterns have been adopted more spontaneously, spreading from event to event and from church to church. Enough common features have emerged, however, to disclose an identifiable trend. Included in this …