Reformed Christians Study 'Third Wave Pentecostalism'

The highest governing body of the Christian Reformed Church on Tuesday approved a report on the "Third Wave" movement of the Holy Spirit and recommended sending it to member congregations for study.

The report asks churches to accept the different ways in which the Pentecostal-like movement manifests the work of the Spirit while cautioning members against misuses and placing too much emphasis on spiritual gifts and experiences.

Coined by C. Peter Wagner, founder of Global Harvest Ministries, the Third Wave of the Holy Spirit is similar to the Pentecostal and charismatic waves that preceded it but with important differences, the report – drawn up by a CRC study committee – states.

While the earlier movements emphasize baptism with the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues, the third wave focuses on multiple fillings of the Holy Spirit subsequent to conversion with emphasis on "the more evangelically acceptable area of spiritual gifts for ministry," such as prophecy, inner healing, powerful prayer and the reality of spiritual warfare.

Also, the CRC committee offers the third wave as a predominantly evangelical phenomenon that has not, for the most part, caused division in church communities, unlike the preceding waves.

CRC leaders first addressed the issue of Third Wave Pentecostalism in 1973. In 2004, the synod – the denomination's highest governing body – requested a new study and discussion on the movement amid growing interest.

An earlier survey found that interest and acceptance of third wave practices is widespread in Christian Reformed churches. Over 60 percent of CRC pastors said they have some familiarity with the movement and almost 40 percent of pastors said they engaged in training in areas associated with the third wave.

The third wave movement has its critics among some evangelicals who say it is unbiblical. But the CRC committee states that Christians who adopt third wave emphases "uphold their evangelical convictions, including a high view of Scripture and its authority as the Word of God for faith and life." It indicates that third wave practices are theologically compatible with Reformed Christians.

"The point is not that the third wave is entirely free from poor interpretative practices in its dealing with the Bible. It is not. The point is rather that it is not exclusively, or even predominantly, characterized by such practices."

The CRC report recognizes there are disagreements on the movement among Christians, some of whom believe the manifestations of the Holy Spirit were restricted to the apostolic age. At the same time, the report also adopts an open attitude to the reality and validity of the works of the Spirit today.

Among a list of affirmations on the movement are also a list of cautions, including "the ever-present danger to be more fascinated with the manifestations and to chase after demonstrations of God's power than to love God and others" and the importance of discerning spiritual gifts from counterfeits.

Completed in 2008, the "Third Wave" report tries to define the movement and draw scriptural, confessional and theological connections between the third wave and the CRC. It was approved by leaders of the Christian Reformed Church who have convened this week in Palos Heights, Ill., for Synod 2009.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.