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What is a Charismatic church?

The Charismatics derive their name from the Greek, CHARISMATA, which refers to the gifts of the spirit. This term and movement came into its own in the mid 1960's, as laymen and ministers in mainline churches began experiencing the manifestation of spiritual gifts. For many years the term Charismatic was used to merely identify a non-Pentecostal Christian who had such experiences. Today there are persons who attend mainline, non-Charismatic churches, yet who consider themselves Charismatics. And there are also local congregations and denominations that classify themselves as Charismatic.

In some ways a Charismatic church may be indistinguishable from a Pentecostal church in that they too embrace the belief in the modern day operation of spiritual gifts and a distinct Holy Spirit baptism which can enable persons to speak with other tongues. Their form of liturgy may vary, but with much emphasis upon a freedom of worship focused around praise. Generally a Charismatic church has a more independent, non denominational tone, sometimes with more emphasis on spiritual exploration, and less emphasis on established tradition.