Wow, a new survey from the Barna group shows a large growth in Charismatic Churches. Though the article heading seems to show a large growth in this type of movement, the figures they provide show otherwise. For instance they say that a decade ago 3 out of 10 adults claim the Charismatic designation. Today that figure is 36%. Do you see the change in designator for their claim. Sure it is a 6% growth, but it is not as strong as they attempt to make it out to be. Why the change from 3 out of 10 to a percentage, hmmm.
A figure that threw me for a loop was that 7% of Southern Baptists hold to a Charismatic movement. Fortunately, I haven't found one of them.
A final note I like to bring attention too is the educational level of the pastors in the survey. 78% of the Pastors in those traditional non-charismatic churchs have graduated from a seminary (somewhere), compared to 49% of the Pastor's from Charismatic churchs. Is theology and doctrine important. You bet, a seminary degree is not everything, but it gives you something to hang your hat on. I have met seminary grads that don't need to preach, but have found many more preachers preaching....that have no seminary degree, and they shouldn't be.
It is an interesting survey and they attempt to give some reasons for the growth in Charismatic churchs. I encourage you to read it here http://www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=BarnaUpdateNarrow&BarnaUpdateID=287 .
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