Charismatic vs Pentecostal

The Anglican middle way embraces Orthodox and Charismatic tendencies. But it is not Pentecostal. Let me explain.

Both Pentecostals and Charismatics believe in an infilling of the Holy Spirit that takes place sometime after conversion. This infilling is sometimes also called the baptism in the Holy Spirit, the enduement of power, and charismation (Acts 2:4). It is at the point of this infilling that one receives the spiritual gifts and anointing from God (Acts 1:8).

Many people mistakenly assume that Charismatics are Pentecostal. But there is historically a difference between these two labels.

Pentecostals insist that speaking in tongues is the initial physical evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit. If you don’t speak in tongues, you don’t have the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Charismatics would say that such a requirement is unbiblical and that any spiritual gift may serve as evidence that one has been anointed and infilled by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:30).

Some may wonder if Charismatics would consider themselves Full Gospel. Most would consider themselves such, but still avoid the term. For some people, the term Full Gospel has an arrogant sound to it. It says we have the Full Gospel, while your Gospel is not full.

In fact, I would argue that many churches that call themselves Full Gospel are not full at all. I would like to believe that the Episcopal Church has all the truth, but I know better. No church has all the truth, truth is too big for any one church. This should keep us humble and teachable.

Published by

Jay Forrest

Dr. Jay N. Forrest is an Ordained Interfaith Minister and Certified Meditation Teacher who guides others on the Mystic Way through contemplative teaching and interspiritual insight.Since becoming a Christian in 1983 and earning his Doctorate in Ministry, Jay has served within a rich range of Christian traditions—including Pentecostal, Charismatic, Baptist, Methodist, and Liberal Catholic churches—and provided compassionate care as a Hospice Chaplain.His journey has also led him through catechism studies with the Orthodox Church in America, minor orders in the Liberal Catholic Church, and over two decades of Buddhist study and practice. His path is one of depth, integration, and a lifelong dedication to the transformative power of spiritual practice.



Share this:

The Mystic Way
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.