A charismatic church is a type of Christian church that emphasizes the work of the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts as an everyday part of a believers life. It is a form of Christianity that embraces the powers of the Holy Spirit, and the congregation is often characterized by zeal and enthusiasm. The charismatic movement is an overarching grouping of connected beliefs and practices, and is not itself strictly defined within specific practices. Some of the key features of a charismatic church include:
-
Expressive worship: Charismatic churches are often defined by expressive worship, which may include raising hands in celebration, singing, dancing, and shouting "in the spirit".
-
Spiritual gifts: Charismatics believe that the spiritual gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 are normative for the believers life today. This includes the presence of spiritual gifts, such as prophecy, healing, and speaking in tongues.
-
Miracles: Charismatic churches often emphasize the possibility of miracles and supernatural occurrences in the lives of believers.
Charismatic churches can be found in all denominations, including Pentecostal, Episcopalian, Methodist, and Roman Catholic congregations. While there is no set doctrine for the charismatic movement, the work of the Holy Spirit in a believers life and the use of spiritual gifts are central tenets.
