Like many churches around the world, churches in Malaysia have had to adapt themselves to the existence and infl uence of evangelical Christian movements from as early as the 1930s, though the 19860s were the main period of growth.

Pentecostal Movement
pentecostalism is an evangelical restorationist movement. it emphasizes the baptism and gifts of the Holy Spirit for the life and mission of the church and indigenous forms of worship and church structure. The Pentecostal Moment, which originated in the United States in 1906, has become the largest and fastest growing segment of Christianity in the world. It has been called Christianity’s ‘forth force’, alongsideCatholicism, Protestantism and the Orthodox denominations.

The modern Pentecostal Movement includes; Classical Pentecostals, Neo-Pentecostals or Charismatic, and Neo-Charismatic and indgenous groups. Although these are Western categories, classical Pentecostal churches in Malaysia reflect more diversity in and contextualisation of beliefs and practices. Pentecostal spirituality has especially appealed to marginalized populations, e.g. overseas Chinese in Malaysia. In recent decades it has also attracted the middle classes and the wealthy.

The style of worship among Pentecostals is emotional, musical and revivalist. Speaking or praying in tongues, prophesying, healing, exorcism, ‘slayings in the spirit’, baptism by fire and holy water are common features observed with great zeal and fervency. This worship style also separates Pentecostals from other mainline Christian denominations. Experience, rather than docrine, has often been noted as the principal determinant of Pentecostalism. On the other hand, similar to other mainline, evangelical Christian denominations, Pentecostalism tends to adhere to almost all of the other fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith.

What was once known as the Pentecostal Movement has now splintered into numerous diverse. yet overlapping, movement has now splintered into numerous diverse, yet overlapping. movement. One of the most important traditional Pentecostal denominations in Malaysia is the Assemblies of God (AOG) with more than 400 churches and many other preaching points. The other notable indigenous church is the New Testament Church started in 1963 by Hong Kong actress Kong Duen Yee, popularly known as Mui Yee.

Evangelical Christian
Movements Charismatic Movement The Charismatic Renewal Movement has some of its roots in historic Pentecostalism, and it is now deeply entrenched in most of the mainline Protestant denominations. In Catholicism, and in some Orthodox churches. In contemporary usage, various terms are loosely applied to the Charismatic Movement, such as the ‘Renewal Movement’, ‘Neo-Pentecostal Movement’, ‘Third Wave Movement’ , ‘Revival Movement’ and ‘Spirit Movement’.

Although related to Pentecostalism, the Charismatic Movement differs in not being denominationally organized and in its refusal to insist upon speaking in tongues as an essential element of authentic Christian experience. The Charismatic Movement is an informal international and transdenominational fellowship of Christians. By definition it is concerned with charismata, the Greek term for ‘gifts of grace’.

The terms Pentecostal and Charismatic are frequently used interchangeably and are obviously related. This interchangeability in usage has been unavoidable due to the borderless nature of ‘charismatic’ theology and expressons. The earlier historical Pentecostal Renewal or Revival movements do share many similarities (although some dissimilarity may be evident too) with modern day charismatic folk Christianity. Common features include speaking in tongues, emphasis on the Holy Spirit, experiencing God, expressive forms in worship (dancing, raising of hands and hopping on the spot) and in the exercise of spiritual gifs.

The Charismatic Movement has been in Malaysia since the 1970s.This 20th-century Pentecostal renewal has impacted every segment of the Christian church with new vitality and fervour. It has certainly provided inspiration and the muchneeded spiritual re-awakening among churches and individuals. Two of the pionners of charismatic ministries in Malaysia were Full Gospel Assembly ( FGA ) and Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship International (FGBMFI).

As a result of its impact and influence, traditional churches in Malaysia have had to make various adjustments to accommodate charismatic folk Christianity. Many Malaysia Christians view the emergence of charismatic identity as a solution to the problem of Christian unity and believe it helps to overcome ethnic boundaries.

Taken from The Encyclopaedi