A History of Christian Doctrine #3 - Online Christian Library

A History of Christian Doctrine
Pentecostals and Charismatics are the fastest-growing
group in about 80 percent of all nations.
Church Growth Factors
Peter Wagner identified seven reasons why the
Pentecostal movement has grown so rapidly: 333
1. “Biblical Triumphalism”—preaching power, victory,
and overcoming based on the Bible; proclaiming a
message of hope, salvation, deliverance, and healing.
2. “Targeting the Poor and Oppressed.”
3. “Multiple Tracks to Ordination.” Instead of
requiring seven years of college and seminary for ordination,
Pentecostals base ordination on the call of God, spiritual
qualifications, and mastery of basic Bible doctrines.
As preparation, they consider self-study, experience, and
on-the-job training.
4. “High Local-Church Autonomy.” Instead of
denominations controlling the local church and its
finances, the local church makes its own decisions. The
strength of the movement rests in the local churches and
not at the top.
5. “The Apostolic Model of Church Planting”—using
recognized leaders to plant churches in new areas, and
using large churches to start daughter works.
6. “Schism.” Over time, two churches in an area usually
reach more people than just one church would.
Pentecostals have proliferated from divisions over the
years. The point is not that the church should encourage
church splits, but if a split occurs, it is wise not to castigate
those who have left. Instead, if the wounds can be
healed and the wrongs can be righted, then both sides can
achieve great growth. Moreover, this principle can work
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