Reflections on the Charismatic Movement: Lessons for the Next Generation
As someone who came of age during the charismatic renewal of the late 90s and early 2000s, I look back on that time with both gratitude and caution. It was a season marked by an intense focus on the gifts of the Holy Spirit, a deep hunger for God’s presence, and a sense of radical calling. I still believe in the gifts of the Spirit and the power they hold to build up the Church. However, there are important lessons I wish I had understood then—lessons I now want to share, especially with young people who may find themselves drawn to similar movements.
1. Don’t Despise “Normal” if It’s Already Godly
One of the recurring themes in many charismatic circles is the call to live a life that is anything but “normal.” On the surface, this can be an inspiring challenge to reject complacency and pursue God wholeheartedly. However, it’s important to ask: What is “normal” in your life right now?
If your “normal” is outside the faith—characterized by sin or spiritual indifference—then yes, a radical break is needed. But if you were raised in a heritage of faith, surrounded by godly and devout practices, your “normal” may already include a deep connection with God. Don’t assume that a faithful, consistent life is somehow lacking. It takes wisdom, often beyond what we have in our teenage years, to recognize the beauty of steady faithfulness. Seek out a mature, humble, and quiet mentor to help you discern what “radical” really looks like in your unique context.
2. Choose Your Spiritual Mentor Carefully
The charismatic movement often places a strong emphasis on spiritual mentorship and the role of leaders who guide others in their walk with God. This is not inherently bad, but it does require discernment. The person you allow to influence your spiritual journey will shape how you see God, yourself, and others.
Humility is a crucial quality in a spiritual mentor. True humility doesn’t shy away from uncertainty—it embraces it as an opportunity for faith. Faith, after all, is about trusting in what we cannot see. Beware of mentors who always seem to have a “word from the Lord” for you. Instead, seek someone who walks humbly with you, praying and discerning God’s will together. Remember the apostle Paul’s advice: “Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21).
3. Keep Love at the Center
The ultimate goal of any Christian spiritual practice is to grow in love—love for God and love for others. Without this foundation, even the most dramatic spiritual experiences are meaningless. As St. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 13, spiritual gifts, miracles, and prophecies are nothing if they are not rooted in love.
Ask yourself: Is what I’m doing helping me to love God more? Is it leading me to love people more—including my enemies? The Holy Spirit transforms us by pouring God’s love into our hearts (Romans 5:5). True radical living isn’t about chasing emotional highs or dramatic manifestations—it’s about being conformed to the image of Christ, who loved selflessly and sacrificially.
Dive deeper into the love of God. Ask Him to fill you with His love, and let that love overflow into every part of your life. This is the true evidence of a Spirit-filled life.
A Closing Word
The charismatic movement taught me to believe in a God who is alive and active, who still moves and speaks in powerful ways. For that, I am forever grateful. But I also learned that these experiences must be rooted in wisdom, humility, and love. My prayer is that the next generation will embrace these lessons and continue to seek God with all their hearts.
May we all be transformed by the Holy Spirit—not for the sake of being different, but for the sake of being like Christ.
