Why One Pastor Is Calling for a Reformation of the Charismatic Movement
Although the Pentecostal/charismatic movement has swept the world for more than a century, bringing salvation, healing and spiritual empowerment to hundreds of millions of people, it has also been hampered by extreme teachings, setbacks, scandals and spectacular downfalls.
So says Mel C. Montgomery, author of The Genuine Flow: How the Faith Giants Flowed in the Spirit and How You Can Too, and The Seven Laws of Balance.
For at least 30 years, national charismatic leaders have called on believers to pray for a massive revival that will revive us and cure these ills. “If 30 years of prayer haven’t worked,” Montgomery says, “then for heaven’s sake stop praying and start changing!”
Montgomery is calling for a reformation of the charismatic movement. As he often states, “We need to move from feelings to facts. We must identify and separate ourselves from extreme teachings and the mindset that allows these teachings to flourish.”
As he sees it, the first logical step to take in a charismatic reformation is to identify which charismatic teachings are biblical and which are not. Montgomery has identified seven objective points of reference to use in judging teachings.
Montgomery lists and explains these principles or “laws” in his meetings and in his book, The Seven Laws of Balance: How to Judge Teachings and Ignite a Charismatic Reformation. Montgomery—a Spirit-filled minister sets before fellow charismatics seven laws to use in judging charismatic teachings, revelations and practices.
“In 1517, believers began to throw off the shackles of religious traditions and unbiblical teachings,” he says. “Now, nearly 500 years later, it is time for us charismatics to throw off ours.”
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