Third Wave / Neo-Charismatic Movement
Signs and wonders movement emphasizing 'Power Evangelism' without dogmatic tongues requirement
The Third Wave (coined by C. Peter Wagner at Fuller Theological Seminary and embodied by John Wimber of the Vineyard) represented an evangelical movement that affirmed the ongoing validity of all miraculous gifts of the Spirit (healing, deliverance, prophecy) for today, but rejected the classical Pentecostal dogma that tongues is the necessary 'initial physical evidence' of Spirit baptism.
Historical Context & Significance
Coined around Fuller Seminary's famous MC510 course 'Signs, Wonders, and Church Growth', the Third Wave stressed 'Power Evangelism'—that the gospel is most effectively proclaimed when accompanied by demonstrable supernatural manifestations of the Kingdom of God.
Genealogical Lineage & Splits
This movement or council is an early root foundation with no preceding parent split in the dataset.
Direct Offshoots & Descendants (3)
The Association of Vineyard Churches originated in 1982 when John Wimber led his congregation out of Calvary Chapel due to differences over charismatic ministry and prophecy, establishing a movement characterized by George Eldon Ladd's inaugurated Kingdom theology ('Already and Not Yet'), intimate vertical worship music (Vineyard Music), and 'doing what Jesus did' through healing prayer and compassionate church planting.
Sovereign Grace Churches (formerly People of Destiny International) was founded in 1982 by C.J. Mahaney, distinctively synthesizing five-point Calvinistic soteriology and complementarian male eldership with continuationist charismatic worship and the practice of spiritual gifts (prophecy, tongues, healing).
The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), formulated by C. Peter Wagner, is an informal global movement of independent charismatic churches and networks that claims God is actively restoring the governing offices of Apostle and Prophet to the church (Eph 4:11), exercising supernatural authority, spiritual warfare (territorial spirits), and dominion over societal spheres (the Seven Mountain Mandate).
Theological & Hermeneutical Coordinates
Primary Scripture Proof-Texts
Key biblical passages central to this tradition's exegesis and historical debates.
Connected Theological Perspectives & Debates
Universal confession that the Holy Spirit sovereignly distributes spiritual gifts to the body of Christ for mutual edification and fruitfulness.
Universal confession that the Holy Spirit indwells every true Christian and empowers the church to bear witness to Jesus Christ.
Universal confession that the original Twelve Apostles and Paul held an unrepeatable historical role in witnessing Christ's resurrection and authoring inspired scripture.