Glory and Shame
The Rise and Fall of the Charismatic Renewal Movement in the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand
Abstract
The charismatic renewal movement may have begun earlier and had a greater penetration of the historic churches in New Zealand than in any other country in the world. A remarkable example of this is the renewal movement in the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Unlike movements which rejected the renewal, early Presbyterian reports on neo-Pentecostalism recommended engagement with people who had experiences of the Holy Spirit. A number of Presbyterian churches became notable centres of charismatic renewal. The Paraclete Trust (later Presbyterian Renewal Ministries) attracted talented leaders and powerfully influenced the Presbyterian Church. Its policy of focussing on the transformation not just of individuals but of congregations left a legacy of regional churches which are today among the most significant in the Presbyterian movement.
But at the peak of its influence, the leadership of Presbyterian Renewal Ministries was captured and it ceased to be a transformative grassroots movement. Over time, a couple made it their personal ministry and abused the trust of many participants. The movement began to display cult-like tendencies and finally went out of existence. This tragic story is published here for the first time.
Key words
Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand, charismatic renewal in New Zealand,
Paraclete Trust, Presbyterian Renewal Ministries (NZ), reaffirmation of baptism, glory and shame
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