Speaking of Faith: Pentecostalism in America

You've done some homework. I respect this work but let me tell you that Pentecostalism is not orginally a North American concept as there is historical evidence that Pentecostalism pre-dates Azuza street of 1900s and can be seen in Asia, Europe, and Africa prior to this. This evidence is more of an experiencial history of Pentecostalism however, it was the Classical Pentecostals of the Assemblies of God, the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada (and Newfoundland) that actually developed the teching of initial evidence and proclaim a second work of grace. In 1907 Azuza street lead by a black pastor who was never allowed to sit in a white class room, established the Azuza St revival in Los Angelas and became the first multi-racial church that I've ever read about, about the same time, Hebnon Mission of Toronto brought the fire's of the Pentecostal thinking to Canada and it quickly spread by the work of hungry evangelists and missionaries. It crossed international borders and then became a vastly unique religious event that resembled the Reformation of the 1500's of Martin Luther against the Catholics which lead to the birthing of Protestantism. Personally, I believe what happened 100 years ago was as incredibly as the reformation, that in its own right it was a new form or Protestantism that sought to restore the experiences of the first century church to modern day. Now it is true that Pentecostalism has influenced Protestantism and Cathocolism but that was not the case at first. Pentestals faced persecution from these very groups.

Pentecostalism is broken up into 3 streams. Classical - those that see their origin with Azuza St and have remained faithful to historical theology, Vinyard with sought to broaden the experience which would include, John Wimber, the Toronto Airport (later excuminated so to speak), and the Third waivers of those that wanted to remain in their traditional denominations referred to as Charismatics.

Hypothetically speaking there is actually a forth break: Word of Faith (including the Cleansing Stream) who focus material wealth and have a different teaching on a number of topics which I can demonstrate if requested. They have as much of a connection the the New Age Movement and Sientology as they do to Christianity and are influenced by personalities such as Benni Hinn, Joyce Meyers, Oral Roberts, etc, etc., perhaps this can be defined as TV Christianity.\

Pastor Joseph Vaillancourt
St. Jamestown Community Church
Affiliated with the Pentecotal Assemblies of Canada
416 963 1999

i gave you a 4 because you did a fair job with it and demonstrated a good understanding of the movement known as Pentecostalism but you could have been more specific and given more informatiom.