Pentecostalism facts for kids
Pentecostalism is a Christian faith that is part of Evangelical Christianity. It focuses on having a personal experience with God. This happens through something called the baptism of the Holy Spirit. This idea comes from a Bible story on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:38).
Pentecostalism is similar to Charismatic groups. However, Pentecostalism started earlier and often formed its own churches. Charismatic Christians, especially at first, usually stayed within their existing church groups.
Contents
What do Pentecostals Believe?
There are a few different ways Pentecostal churches understand their faith. Most Pentecostals believe that people are saved by believing in Jesus as their Savior. This means their sins are forgiven, and they can please God.
Like most other evangelicals, Pentecostals believe the Bible is true. They also believe it should guide their faith and decisions.
Speaking in Tongues
In the largest group of Pentecostals, speaking in tongues is seen as a sign. It shows that someone has received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. However, it is not required for a person to be saved. For this group, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a special gift. It helps people in their Christian work after they have become a Christian.
Other Beliefs
Two other groups of Pentecostals have a different view on salvation. They believe a person needs to repent (turn away from sin) and be baptized in Jesus' name. After this, they receive the Holy Spirit. In this belief, receiving the Holy Spirit is needed for salvation. This also includes speaking in tongues.
In these groups, some Pentecostal churches baptize only in the name of Jesus. Others baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Pentecostal churches also believe that Jesus still heals sick people. They believe this happens through the power of the Holy Spirit.
How Many Pentecostals Are There?
According to a list of Christian groups, there might be around 150 million Pentecostals worldwide.
Important Leaders
Early Influencers
These people helped shape the ideas that led to Pentecostalism:
- William Boardman
- John Alexander Dowie (1848-1907)
- Edward Irving
- Albert Benjamin Simpson (1843-1919)
Key Figures in Early Pentecostalism
These individuals played a big part in the start and growth of Pentecostalism:
- Maria Woodworth-Etter (1844 - 1924)
- Smith Wigglesworth (1859 - 1947)
- Charles Fox Parham (1873 - 1929) - He is often called the Father of Modern Pentecostalism.
- William J. Seymour (1870 - 1922) - He led the famous Azusa Street Revival.
- Aimee Semple McPherson (1890 - 1944) - An American female evangelist who started the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel.
- David du Plessis (1905 - 1987) - A South African leader who helped start the Charismatic movement.
- Kathryn Kuhlman (1907 - 1976) - An American female evangelist who helped bring Pentecostalism to more mainstream churches.
- Oral Roberts (1918 - 2009) - A healing evangelist who became well-known through television.
Related Pages
Images for kids
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Charles Fox Parham, who connected speaking in tongues with the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
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The Apostolic Faith Mission on Azusa Street, seen as where Pentecostalism began.
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William Seymour, leader of the Azusa Street Revival.
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Women in a Pentecostal worship service.
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Filadelfiakyrkan ('the Philadelphia Church') in Stockholm, Sweden.
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Members of the Pentecostal Church of God in Lejunior, Kentucky pray for a girl in 1946.
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Dmanisi Pentecostal Church in Georgia.
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Pentecostal worshippers belonging to the Christian Congregation in Brazil.
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Hillsong Church, a Pentecostal mega church in Sydney, Australia.
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A Pentecostal church in Ravensburg, Germany.
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A modern Pentecostal church in Seinäjoki, Finland.
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Pentecostal pastors pray over the Colombian flag.
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This Pentecostalist centre of worship has incorporated a populist label into its name, the Peoples Church Dublin City.
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See also
In Spanish: Pentecostalismo para niños
