The Charismatic Renewal
The Charismatic Renewal was an event that spanned several years. Like most moves of God, it is difficult to pin it down to specific years. Most people would suggest that it began in the late 60's and continued until the mid '70's. More importantly, the Charismatic Renewal was a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon people that drew them closer to the Lord in relationship and touched many people for the first time with the love of God.

This renewal was characterized by the emergence of the "Praise Chorus" and it wasn't long before people all over the U.S. were singing new songs in their times of worship. The Charismatic Renewal also had a greater impact on the West Coast. The popular song, "Little Country Church" was actually about a small church pastored by Chuck Smith that was particularly affected as hundreds, even thousands, were touched by the Lord. They were 'filled' with the Holy Spirit and many spoke 'in other tongues'. It was an emotional experience! There also seemed to be a shift in focus from songs sung 'about' the Lord to ones sung 'to' him. This was certainly my experience!

The 'Little Country Church' eventually became the first Calvary Chapel and grew into the large association of 'Chapel' churches we know today. This was also the time period when the Vineyard Movement began with John Wimber. Many Foursquare Gospel and Assemblies of God churches experienced a renewing wind and many people became Christians, especially among the young people.

The message of Christ was especially appealing to those known as 'hippies'. There was a lot of common ground between the values of many of them and the gospel. The description of the early 1st century church found in Acts 2:42-47 rang true. The idea of gathering together for vibrant worship, common meals and the sharing of belongings, and the expectancy of the miraculous was very attractive to young people. Their disenchantment with the government and the Vietnam War and their seeking for meaning and purpose all worked together to make them ripe for the Holy Spirit to reveal the Jesus they came to embrace. It was called by many the "Jesus Movement" since Jesus was all they talked and sang about. Yes, it was Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!

Written by Fred May, Eugene, Oregon, May 25, 1998