Pentecostalism: a movement with its own churches
British Pentecostalism traces its beginnings to All Saints' parish hall in Sunderland, where in 1907 the vicar Alexander Boddy hosted meetings that became the seedbed of the movement in this country, drawing on the revival then stirring in Los Angeles and in Wales. From those roots grew distinct denominations: the Apostolic Church in Wales, the Elim Pentecostal Church founded by George Jeffreys in 1915, and the Assemblies of God in Great Britain from 1924.
A second chapter began with the Windrush generation. Congregations planted by Caribbean, and later African, Christians grew into some of the most vigorous churches in the country, among them the New Testament Church of God and the Redeemed Christian Church of God. Today the black majority churches account for a large share of Sunday worshippers in London. Classical Pentecostal teaching typically holds that baptism in the Holy Spirit is a distinct experience after conversion, with speaking in tongues as its initial evidence.
The charismatic renewal: the same fire inside older churches
From the 1960s, Pentecostal-style spirituality began appearing inside the historic denominations rather than alongside them. Anglican, Catholic, Methodist and Baptist congregations discovered the gifts of the Spirit without leaving their traditions. In the Church of England the renewal has been remarkably durable: think of Holy Trinity Brompton and the Alpha course, the New Wine network and its summer gatherings, and hundreds of parishes where a sung worship set sits comfortably beside Common Worship. Catholic charismatic prayer groups meet in parishes across Britain, worshipping expressively while remaining fully Catholic.
Charismatics generally regard tongues as one gift among many rather than the required sign of Spirit baptism, and their worship adapts to its setting: a charismatic Anglican eucharist is still recognisably Anglican.
The new churches
Britain also produced a third stream. The house church movement of the 1970s grew into networks now usually called the new churches, among them Newfrontiers, Pioneer and the Vineyard churches that arrived from California. They are charismatic in practice but independent in structure, often meeting in schools and warehouses with band-led worship and informal dress. Many appear in our listing of contemporary worship churches.
Side by side
- Origins. Pentecostalism dates from the first decade of the twentieth century; the charismatic renewal from the 1960s; the new churches from the 1970s onward.
- Setting. Pentecostals formed their own denominations; charismatics renew existing ones; the new churches sit outside denominational structures altogether.
- Tongues. Classical Pentecostals treat tongues as the initial evidence of Spirit baptism; most charismatics do not insist on it.
- Feel. Pentecostal services are often the most exuberant, with altar calls and extended prayer ministry; charismatic worship keeps some of the shape of its host tradition.
Visiting one of these churches
Expect a longer service than at the parish church, expect music that fills the room, and do not be unsettled if people around you pray aloud or in tongues. Nobody will press you to join in, and visitors are almost always welcomed enthusiastically. Our first visit guide explains what to expect, and you can browse Pentecostal churches across the UK in the directory.