Why Do These Pentecostals Keep Growing?

Many evangelical churches and denominations are in a state of plateau or decline. Why aren’t Pentecostals?

There are parts of the globe where the greatest church growth is happening through the Pentecostal movement. One of the most asked questions is, “In a world where the church seems to be declining in many areas, how they are bucking the trend?”

There is never one reason why a movement succeeds. But some factors rise to the surface. Pentecostals will say they are growing because the Spirit is moving in a powerful way. I get that, and actually would affirm that as part of the reason, but from a sociological perspective, other things are happening and worth exploring.

I was recently asked (by Pentecostal leaders) what some sociological reasons might be. So, following that meeting, and in this brief post, I want to explore how the beliefs of Pentecostals actually promote and produce growth, compared to other, more “mainstream” groups. Read more

See also
Speaking in Tongues: Its Essence, Purposes, and Use (Part 1)
Part 1: Pentecostals And The Issue Of Subsequence
Part 2: Pentecostals And Evidential Tongues

For those readers who may be interested, I have provided links to three articles from Enrichment Journal, which offer some insights into the doctrine and practice of speaking in tongues of a leading Pentecostal denomination - the Assemblies of God. 

Photo: brandonag.com