The Pentecostal family
Pentecostalism began with the Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles in 1906 and is now one of the largest Christian movements in the world. In the US, the main bodies include the Assemblies of God, the Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee), the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), the Foursquare Church and the United Pentecostal Church, plus many independent and Hispanic congregations. The name comes from the day of Pentecost in Acts 2, when the Holy Spirit came on the first disciples.
Worship
Worship time is long and energetic. People stand, clap, lift their hands, sing out loud and sometimes dance or kneel. You may hear people pray aloud all at once, or speak in tongues, a form of prayer in a language the speaker doesn't know, which Pentecostals see as a gift of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes a message in tongues is followed by an interpretation. None of this is expected of visitors: standing quietly is fine.
Preaching and the altar
The sermon is passionate and Bible-based, often 30 to 45 minutes, with listeners responding "Amen!" At the end, the pastor usually invites people to the altar at the front for prayer: for salvation, for healing or for the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Church members may pray with people, sometimes laying a hand on their shoulder. If you go forward and prefer not to be touched, just say so.
Practical tips
- Allow plenty of time: services rarely end exactly on schedule.
- Some Pentecostal churches, especially in the holiness tradition, dress conservatively (skirts for women, no jewelry). Check the church's website.
- Baptism is for believers, by full immersion. Communion is usually held monthly.