Christian Charismatic Movements: Threat or Promise?

The New Testament shows the early Church as having both stable institutions and dynamic growth in charismatic ministries. In the twenty-first century, although many historically-determined inessentials have changed, the Church's structure remains fundamentally the same. This study looks at New Testament ministries (Eph 4:11-12), Baptism in the Holy Spirit, and the history of the gift of tongues from the Acts of the Apostles through to the charismatics of our time, to see how these elements contribute to the fast-paced, global phenomenon we call the pentecostalization of modern Christianity. Our research shows that much of what appears to be novel in current ecclesial movements is the fruit of charisms that have been poured out from the beginning. The disciples of Christ are still bringing out of his treasure what is new and old.