This paper explores the dynamic relationship between the charismatic movement and Reformed Baptist theology within the global evangelical Christian landscape. Charismatics, proponents of the continuation of miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit, constitute one of the fastest-growing evangelical movements worldwide. However, traditional Reformed Baptist churches, often leaning towards cessationism, may exhibit wariness towards the charismatic movement due to concerns over sensationalism and abuses of spiritual gifts.
Craig Keener’s works, Spirit Hermeneutics and Miracles, shed light on the global growth of the charismatic movement, attributing its appeal to its ability to address practical needs and underscore the gospel through miracles and divine healing. His works and others demonstrate that global Christian growth is often charismatic in nature, and any non-charismatic evangelical group which seeks to expand globally must take the charismatic church growth trends into account. Despite this, Reformed Baptists have often been influenced by cessationism, Enlightenment ideals, and a secularized biblical hermeneutic, hindering their appreciation of charismatic theology and the global charismatic movement.
Conversely, charismatics may lack a robust ecclesiology and understanding of divine sovereignty and sanctification, potentially limiting their theological depth and influence. This paper proposes that by reevaluating cessationist assumptions and integrating aspects of continuationist theology, Reformed Baptist churches can wield substantial influence within the global evangelical movement. By leveraging their theological strengths and embracing charismatic practices responsibly, Reformed Charismatic Baptist churches have the potential to catalyze church planting initiatives and enhance overall church health worldwide.
This paper will contribute to the literature because it addresses how Reformed Baptist churches can expand worldwide through embracing the positive aspects of the global charismatic movement. In turn, global charismatic churches can grow in overall health through adhering to Reformed theology, especially in the areas of soteriology and ecclesiology. I am defining the global charismatic movement to include all evangelical churches which adhere to the continuation of the gifts of the Spirit. Therefore, my paper will also contribute to the literature on the growth of indigenous churches in countries that have few Christians.