The Charismatic Century: The Enduring Impact of the Azusa Street Revival

by Jack W. Hayford, S. David Moore

The most profound event in modern church history took place not in a cathedral but in a clapboard church in Los Angeles. A small congregation of mostly African American worshipers embraced the concept that New Testament signs and wonders were still available in the early twentieth century. Their dramatic spiritual revival, which became known as the Azusa Street Revival, attracted believers worldwide and launched the modern Pentecostal and Charismatic movements. This event forever changed Christian worship, music, and expression. In commemoration of Azusa Street's 100th anniversary, Jack Hayford tells the story, revealing how Christians are still experiencing its impact.

Genres: History

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 5, 2006

About the author

Jack Williams Hayford (born June 25, 1934) is an American author, Pentecostal minister, and Chancellor Emeritus of The King's University (formerly The King's College and Seminary). He is a former senior pastor of The Church On The Way in Van Nuys, California and was the fourth President of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel. He is widely known for his past involvement in the Promise Keepers movement and for being a prolific author and songwriter, with over 600 hymns and choruses in his catalog. He is the author of the popular 1978 hymn "Majesty", which is rated as one of the top 100 contemporary hymns and performed and sung in churches worldwide.

Reviews

[Rex Blackburn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hayford tracks the various 'Renewals' of Charismatic and Pentecostal movements throughout the 1900s. The book mostly follows the lives of the many leaders of these movements. I was interested to read it; I had picked it up as part of the Tim Challies Reading Challenge for 2018, as 'A book from a theological viewpoint you disagree with.'

Interestingly, the movements described in this book seem to have an inbred desire to escape from any kind of authority (ecclesiastical, denominational, etc.), though God has given these leaders as gifts to His Church (Eph. 4). I think it's this "Let's go rogue!" mentality that led to so much spiritual instability of some of these leaders. Many of them ended up in theologocal no-man's-land by the end of their lives. On the contrary, Paul's description of maturity in Ephesians 4 has a lot to do with doctrinal stability.

Also, too much comfort with the Word of Faith movement. Some pretty harsh descriptions of the complementarian position. Finally, there's a whole chapter about the "Renewal" spreading to Roman Catholics, and not a word about Roman Catholic teachings concerning God, Christ, and the Gospel?? Another evidence of the seeming lack of discernment within the movement.

This one was tough sledding in places.

[Paul Hickernell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent read for anyone wanting to get a historical look with theological perspective on the last 100 years of Pentecostal and Charismatic church history. I had to read it for grad school. Better and more objective than many other histories.

[Randy Corn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The subtitle of this book is “the enduring impact of the Azusa Street Revival.” It is essentially a history of the Pentecostal and Charismatic movement. I learned some interesting things from this book. I have to say that the authors were very candid about the elements of the movement which many have criticized down through the years. I was a bit surprised that some of the early adherents were put off by the fact that the father of the movement, William Seymour, was black. In fact, that led Seymour to say that even if you have spoken in tongues you don’t really have the Spirit unless you have manifested the fruit of the Spirit, which would include love beyond racial bounds.

I had read another of Hayford’s books a few years ago, The Beauty Of Spiritual Language. My complaint with this book is similar to that one. Hayford does not make much of a biblical argument about tongues, or the other gifts of the Spirit. He just say that people were baptized in the Spirit and then spoke in tongues. The fact that this has happened with so many seems to be proof enough for him. I don’t want to be mean spirited about it, but it struck me as similar to the arguments for pragmatism made in church growth literature. Whatever works is its own validation.

Still, you have to also see his point. Millions of people do accept the idea of Spirit baptism and the manifestation of tongues as an evidence of the same. My question would be to ask, what about other Christians who disagree? Are we just content to live beneath our blessing? Are we less than we ought to be, that God really wants us to be? It might be argued that we are simply the product of our training, couldn’t the same thing be argued the other way? What’s more, how many modern day miracles are really on the scale of what happened in the Bible? If I were someone like Oral Roberts I would want to find a certifiably blind person who could then be healed and shown as a proof. What about cripples walking, or better yet, the dead being raised? I suppose I am just a bit too critical by nature.

I will have to say that the authors are ready to say that this movement has taken many different forms and that not a lot of people are happy with that. I have to wonder at the seeming disparagement of doctrine so that we don’t really care if someone is a practicing Catholic as long as they speak in tongues and yet being willing to condemn some like the “Kansas City Prophets” as heretics.

Still, I am glad that I read this book. I need to know more about this popular movement in the Christian world. What’s more, I need to know all that I can about the work of the Holy Spirit.

[Mary Thoresen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good overview historically, of the Charismatic Renewal,Starting in the early 1900's. I've heard of the Azusa Street revival, but didn't know much about it. Now I understand better the history and waves of the renewal. I also better see the divisions and problems that needed to be overcome, and still do, in many instances.

[Jake Cordell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful

This book brought great insight and understanding to the foundation of the Pentecostal/Charismatic movement. The authors do a great job of informing without forcing their opinions.

[Ira Smith-Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very helpful read to understand the Pentecostal/Charismatic movement in the 20th century. Specifically what happened in America but does mention the move of the Spirit in other parts of the world.

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in 2006, this history of the Charismatic/Pentecostal movement captivated me. The authors are classical Pentecostals with an understanding of all facets of the movement. I learned a lot.

[Glen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hayford offers an insightful, positive review of a century in Pentecost. It is a delightful read that focuses on outstanding personalities and how they impacted key USA movements emerging from Azusa Street, Topeka and other historical revivals.

Among the strengths of the book is how the writer offers a balance critique of individual strengths and foibles with a graceful touch. This work also brings a sociological perspective by analyzing the Pentecostal/Charismatic movement's emergence into the American mainstream including both Protestant and Catholic expressions.

Ample references in the text direct the reader to other excellent resources. The voice of the work is open, inquisitive and ecumenical in its scope with a sense of celebration that grows as the writer revisits those who have helped form the legacy of his own personal Christian tradition.

[Christian Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great perspective and insight from a respected source. The subject matter is presented with both fine balance of admiration and objectivity. Subject matters are treated with respect, but the author in no way skirts around the scandals often involved. A good light history of the past 100years of the spirit-filled church in the US

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the book was interesting and learned alot about things I didn't know about pentecostal/charismatic history during the 20th century.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a delight to have such a well written history that filled in more details for so many of the influencers in my own life and walk.

[Jon Beadle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful treatment of a beautiful movement I had the privilege of beginning my faith-journey in.