Synod Approves Third Wave Report

Synod on Tuesday night recommended sending to Christian Reformed Church congregations for study a report that details the value of—and also offers some cautions on—the movement known as “Third Wave Pentecostalism.”

A committee had been assigned several years ago to provide a theological response to this charismatic phenomenon. With the help of seminary professors and input from a range of biblical scholars, it brought the report to Synod for approval.

Overall, the committee said that Third Wave Pentecostalism has merit and value in helping to describe the work of the Holy Spirit.

“We had intense discussions on every sentence before you,” said Rev. Leonard T. Riemersma, reporter of the committee. “We came to unanimous support of all that is here.”

One issue – whether there is real prophesy from God today – caused some dissent. But even there, the committee agreed to disagree. Some people argued that prophesy is limited to prophets in the Bible. Others said they believe that some form of prophesy is alive today.

Synod agreed to “gratefully accept all the ways in which the Holy Spirit manifests his work in this movement for God’s glory, notably in demonstrating the present reality of the spiritual gifts recorded in Scripture and of being filled with the Holy Spirit in different ways and on multiple occasions.”

There was also some disagreement over whether speaking in tongues – a hallmark of charismatic expression – is legitimate if there is no one to interpret what is being said.

Riemersma said the report also makes it clear that this form of worship has serious drawbacks. “We recognize that misuses of spiritual gifts and charismatic ministries sometimes cause pain and therefore we greatly appreciate the pastoral wisdom of these reports,” he said.

Church members several years ago asked Synod to assess the value and teachings of “Third Wave Pentecostalism," which spread in the mid 1980s, and is identified as a spiritual resurgence that helps in establishing new churches and provides a new commitment to the signs and wonders in evangelism and the life of a church.

Essentially, the report provides a Reformed view of the phenomenon, recommending that people take it seriously and yet cautioning that people need to beware of “misuses associated with healing ministries since they detract from God’s glory and hold potential for doing great damage.”

There are devils in the world that prey on believers, and deliverance-type ministries have their place, says the report. At the same time, it adds another caution and suggests seeking deliverance “through a scripturally sound deliverance ministry against demonic powers in the authority and name of Jesus Christ.”

The committee says that church members should “be fervent in prayer and expect God to do great things as a result.”

One delegate said that he appreciates the report because “it didn’t put the Holy Spirit in a box.”

The report also cautions church members to be realistic: “Accept that when God, in his Sovereignty, does not heal, he manifests his love in and through suffering and death. Such present healing points us to the complete healing Christ accomplished and will bring to fullness in his return.”