5.   Pentecostal Revivals. (1900 - 1950)

At the beginning of the 1900`s there was another significant stage of growth in the Body of Christ. God`s Holy Spirit awakened people to a deeper understanding and walk with Him. Two great outpourings occurred - one in Azusa Street in America, and the other in Wales. This became known as the Pentecostal revivals. 

Pentecostalism spread rapidly to Europe, South America and Australia. In less than a century it became a major force in the Christian world. The main denomination was the Assemblies of God which formed from many groups that arose.

Apostolic Church.

Also from the Wales revival there was another restoration of truth. This was the revelation of the five ministry gifts of Christ. The Apostolic Church was formed and grew slowly over the years. It took nearly a century though for the other Pentecostal groups to receive the revelation of `Prophets and Apostles.`

Along with the restoration of truths to the Body of Christ, there has been much error and Church splitting over some aspects of doctrine.

In the middle of the 19th century the Holy Spirit accelerated His wonderful movements across the Body of Christ. Previously Holy Spirit movements were in a few areas however now the Holy Spirit moved across denominations, overflowing every barrier of man. It was the beginning of the restoration of the truth of the five ministry gifts of Christ to His Body.  

Evangelist. (`50`s)People like Billy Graham traveled the world speaking to hundreds of thousands of people drawing them to Christ.

Charismatic renewal. (`60`s) The infilling of the Holy Spirit was experienced by ministers, and believers right across the Body. The Full Gospel Business men`s meetings played a big part in bringing believers of all denominations together.

Shepherd/Pastor.(`70`s) There was a big move of the Holy Spirit among the hippies in the `70`s. As they came to know Christ a shepherding movement took place to guide the new believers in their walk with the Lord.

Teacher. (`80`s) Next we see the Holy Spirit raise up great teachers, like Derek Prince, who travelled the world teaching the believers the word of God. Radio programs, tapes and books were all used to help believers receive good teaching.

Prophet. (`90`s) Although prophecy had been received the revelation of the office of the Prophet was new to most believers. The Prophetic Office brings direction to the Body concerning the purposes of Christ.

Apostle. (2000) This office is the most controversial of the ministry gifts and least understood. However it is essential, with the others, to bring the Body to maturity in Christ. The Apostle brings forth the character of Christ.