pentecostal

"Pentecostal" can describe a person, church, belief, or style of worship connected to Pentecostalism, a Christian movement that grew quickly in the early 20th century. It developed through revival meetings, especially in the United States, and then spread across the world. A central idea is that the gifts of the Holy Spirit, described in the New Testament, are still available to believers today. These gifts may include speaking in tongues, prophecy, healing, miracles, and discernment.

Historically, many established Protestant churches downplayed or rejected these experiences. Pentecostalism grew in part as an alternative, offering a more emotional and experience-based form of worship. Early Pentecostals often faced skepticism and were sometimes pushed aside by more established churches.

Today, Pentecostalism is one of the fastest-growing parts of Christianity worldwide, with a strong presence in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. There is a wide range within the movement, from large denominations like the Assemblies of God to small independent churches. Services are often marked by enthusiastic singing, clapping, raised hands, spontaneous prayer, and personal stories about God's action in people's lives.

The word can also be used as an adjective, as in "a Pentecostal preacher" or "Pentecostal worship," and as a noun, as in "She is a Pentecostal." While many Pentecostals are also evangelical, the word especially points to a strong emphasis on the active work of the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts. So, when you hear "Pentecostal," think of a Christian tradition centered on vivid worship and the living presence of the Holy Spirit.