Is Pentecostalism Christianitys next reformation?
The quick answer: It is, if one looks globally at the entire Christian world. The longer answer: Christianity’s “next wave” may come in Pentecostal form. With an estimated 500 million followers, Pentecostalism now comprises the second largest communion of Christians in the world, more than Protestants and Anglicans combined. With its continued growth and its unique understanding of Christian experience, Pentecostalism promises to reshape Christianity in the 21st century. “The Pentecostal movement is not simply a new denomination,” says Margaret M. Poloma of the department of sociology of the University of Akron. “The rise of Pentecostalism is more analogous to the rise of Protestantism in Christianity than the birth of a new denomination. It’s an example of the restructuring of Christianity.” Ms. Paloma authored the study, “The Spirit Bade Me To: Pentacostalism and Global Religion.” What is Pentecostalism? There are several classical Pentecostal denominations, including Assemblies of G
