More Than 1 in 4 Christians Are Pentecostal, Charismatic

The Pew Research Center's Forum on Religion & Public Life published a demographic report this week on the size and distribution of the world's Christian population and revealed that Pentecostals and charismatics make up more than a quarter of all Christians.

Using estimates from the Center for the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, the report also showed that together Pentecostals and charismatics make up more than 8 percent of the world’s total population.

The study defines Pentecostals as members of Pentecostal denominations that teach that all Christians should seek a post-conversion religious experience called the baptism of the Holy Spirit. These denominations also teach that those who experience the baptism of the Holy Spirit may receive spiritual gifts, including prophesy or speaking in tongues.

Charismatics are members of Catholic, Orthodox and some Protestant denominations, who engage in some spiritual practices associated with Pentecostalism.

Both groups can be characterized as placing emphasis on the Holy Spirit. Greg Mundis, executive director of Assemblies of God World Missions, told The Christian Post, “The biggest thing for us in our exegesis of Scripture is that we believe in baptism in the Holy Spirit … Our understanding of the Scriptures is that upon salvation the Holy Spirit is sent to convict us.”

“Baptism in the Spirit empowers us to be His witnesses,” he explained. To read more, click here.