Have you ever thought that perhaps the more exuberant or supernatural elements of the Pentecostal experience might be slightly off-putting to those less familiar with them? Have you ever been told that a non-Christian may be more hesitant to receive the gospel message if they encounter these kinds of Pentecostal practices in your worship services? I’ve certainly heard both of these claims, but is there any validity to them?
Actually, there is significant statistical evidence that stands in stark contrast to this claim.
Pentecostalism is the one of the largest and fastest growing Christian demographics in the world (sources below). This fact alone is proof that Pentecostal practice is not ultimately a deterrent to the fulfillment of the Great Commission or a hindrance to people receiving the gospel message. Yet, in the United States, where the modern day Pentecostal movement was first revived, Pentecostals have a significantly smaller presence than globally. What could be causing Pentecostalism to explode worldwide, while plateauing domestically?
It’s certainly not hard to imagine that increasingly hostile rhetoric toward Pentecostal theology from within the church, combined with the rise of skepticism within our culture toward the supernatural, and the credibility of the church in general, might make pentecostals feel like the black sheep of contemporary ideologies. It also doesn’t seem like a stretch to think that Pentecostals in the U.S. might feel hesitant at times to engage in or associate with Pentecostal practice as a result.
3 Reasons Some Hesitate to Identify as Pentecostal
While there might be any number of reasons for this phenomenon, there are three that I’ve encountered most frequently. Firstly, some hesitate to identify themselves as Pentecostals out of fear that the more supernatural elements of Pentecostal practice will make them appear bizarre or foolish to the uninitiated. Secondly, I’ve heard others cite concern that these practices could deter non-Christians from accepting the gospel message. Lastly, I’ve witnessed Pentecostals, who have experienced supernatural moves of the Spirit, avoid the subject in conversation simply because they aren’t familiar enough with the biblical foundation for its rightful place in the church. As a result, they don’t feel confident communicating the Biblical validity of Pentecostalism, especially to those who might oppose it.
While there absolutely are cases where these concerns might merit consideration, these fears tend to be somewhat exaggerated. In response to them, let me offer you two Biblical Defenses for Pentecostalism, and three practical reasons why it’s better to be unapologetically Pentecostal, than a closet Pentecostal.
Two Biblical Defenses for Pentecostalism
First, without getting too technical, the basis for opposition to the Pentecostal movement is found in a misinterpretation of 1 Corinthians 13:8-10, which says that the spiritual gift of speaking in tongues, (the practice most closely identified with Pentecostalism) will come to an end. However, verse 12 of the same passage tells us that this will only happen when we see God face to face, firmly establishing that the gifts of the Spirit, including tongues, remain legitimate practices for the church today.
Secondly, Scripture specifically tells us that God will continue to use people to prophesy (a practice also associated with Pentecostalism and the Charismatic movement) even throughout the last days (Acts 2:17, Rev. 11:3) making the Pentecostal practice of operating in prophecy a viable Biblical practice from now through the end of time itself.
The Biblical evidence doesn’t end here, and the discussion surrounding this topic is certainly worthy of greater attention, but for now these are two strong arguments to equip those looking for the confidence that scripture provides us in support of Pentecostal practice.
Three Practical Reasons It’s Better To Be Open About Your Pentecostal Position
Additionally, there are many practical reasons I think it’s better to be up front with newcomers about what we believe. Let me offer you a few of the most compelling.
First, if we really believe what we say we do, there’s a certain level of dishonesty to hiding those beliefs from others. They’re going to find out eventually, in which case you may only be delaying the inevitable departure of some, and denying others the full experience of encountering God’s presence and power in the process.
Secondly, if Pentecostal practice is Biblical, as I’ve shown, then what we’re doing by avoiding these topics is avoiding teaching scripture. 2 Timothy 4:2-3 says: “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage–with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” Who are we trying to please when we avoid the parts of scripture we think others will not want to hear? While we should minister with sensitivity to where each person is in their faith development, our motivation shouldn’t be to preach solely what is palatable to people. When we avoid Pentecostal practice, whether it’s in our churches or in our everyday life, perhaps our focus is more on being accepted by the world than on preaching the word.
Lastly, when we avoid Pentecostal practices, we assume that the move of the Holy Spirit is something most people won’t like. But what if we’re mistaken about this? What if people are desperately hungry for a real encounter with a supernatural God, and we deny them, out of our desire to be liked? I’ve found that in many cases what we fear will seem bizarre to people is exactly what they need. Even in cases where they do find some elements of a Pentecostal worship service unusual, many of those same people return to our services anyway because the Spirit of God draws them in, in spite of their initial misgivings.
At the heart of the Pentecostal experience is a desire to let the Holy Spirit lead however He wants. When we try to avoid experiences that are biblically sound just because some might find them less palatable, we might actually end up leading people out of the move of the Holy Spirit and cause them to miss out on what God wants to do in their lives and in the church. In doing so, we exchange a life-changing encounter with His power and presence for the fear of man.
Instead, when we are bold in letting the Holy Spirit move in our midst, and model a lifestyle that exemplifies healthy Pentecostal practice, accompanied by teaching that is faithful to scripture and practically applicable to the life of the believer, we create potential for greater openness to the move of God in the lives of those who might not be accustomed it.
Sources:
Pentecost Apologetics 
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