TRINITY: A CHARISMATIC CHURCH IN CHICAGO
Trinity is a church that loves the Jesus of Scripture and takes seriously the Bible’s teaching regarding the Holy Spirit. Since terms like charismatic and spirit-filled can mean different things to different people, let’s create clarity by what we mean...
WHAT DOES TRINITY MEAN BY BEING A “CHARISMATIC CHURCH”?
The word “Charismatic” comes from the New Testaments word “charisma”, commonly translated “gift”. It broadly refers to receiving unconditional favor, especially the free gift of grace; it is also used to describe the supernatural gifts of the Spirit such as prophecy and tongues:
Now there are varieties of gifts [charisma], but the same Spirit - 1 Corinthians 12:4
Many Christians have been uninformed about spiritual gifts, even since the beginning of the church (1 Corinthians 12:1-2). Instead of minimizing them, first century believers were taught to earnestly desire the gifts, especially the New Testament form of prophecy (1 Corinthians 14:1). A wide range of gifts were in practice (1 Corinthians 12:8-10,28; Romans 12:6-8; 1 Peter 4:10-11). They are not eternal, yet will not cease until we are “face to face” (1 Corinthians 13:8-12). They are given for the common good of God’s people (1 Corinthians 12:7).
We are told not to forbid tongues (1 Corinthians 14:39), and to not despise prophecy (1 Thessalonians 5:20). The impartation of gifts was not exclusive to the Apostles (Acts 2:4,9:17-18; 1 Corinthians 14:1,13); Scripture—as well as church history and contemporary testimony—affirm their continuation (Mark 16:17-18;1 Corinthians 12:8-10). They are not given because of human worthiness or wisdom; they are graciously favored upon us by the Spirit’s will (1 Corinthians 12:11). To pursue them effectively is to do so with an attitude of love (1 Corinthians 13:1-2).
THE STATE OF CHARISMATIC CHURCHES IN CHICAGO
There are certainly many faithful churches in Chicago who are following Scripture. However, individuals who are coming into the Christian faith, or those searching for a new Christian community, may find the differences between churches confusing and difficult to navigate. Key distinctions may not be easily discerned without spending considerable time going deeper into each congregation. Plus, people may not have enough biblical understanding to do this well.
However, finding a biblically faithful Charismatic church anywhere, let alone Chicago, does not have to be a rocky experience if key questions are asked and answered upfront. For example, it is not uncommon for some spirit-filled churches to be weak in theology. On the other hand, churches strong in the Word may be a bit lifeless. At Trinity, we strive to reflect what we see in Scripture—the perfect harmony between the Word and the Spirit.
The Bible gives us rich theology, causing us to engage our minds with study and contemplation. It also draws us into a robust experience of God where we encounter His divine joy and power. After all, the Apostle Paul wrote Romans AND raised the dead; these are not dichotomies.
CHARISMATIC CHURCHES ARE GROWING
A study1 released in 2020 by Professor Todd Johnson of Gordon-Conwell, reveals the unprecedented growth of Spirit-Empowered churches globally. The study found that from 1900-2020, Spirit-Empowered churches grew at nearly four times the growth rate of both Christianity and the world’s population. Today, the countries with the most Spirit-Empowered Christians are Brazil, the United States, and Nigeria.
This measurable increase in the Holy Spirit’s ministry is encouraging news for the church's call to fulfill the great commission. It is by the power of the Spirit that we go into the world and boldly declare the gospel. It is by the power of the Holy Spirit that we prophesy, pray in other languages, heal the sick, and experience all kinds of signs and wonders that confirm the message of Jesus. It is by God’s design and timing that renewal and revival is on our horizon.
COME VISIT TRINITY CHURCH IN CHICAGO
If you are looking for a spirit-filled charismatic church with a biblical approach to the Holy Spirit, please visit Trinity this Sunday. We are located on the Northside of the city in the Edgewater neighborhood at 1244 W Thorndale Ave, Chicago, IL 60660. We are a stone's throw from the Red Line, CTA Bus stops, and also accessible to drivers.
The main entrance is located on Thorndale Ave. The children's entrance is also located on Thorndale. Both have signs. When you enter the building through the main entrance, head up the stairs, grab a name tag, and help yourself to refreshments in the lobby. The restrooms are located down the stairs either side of the lobby; the mens is on the southside of the lobby and the womens on the northside. Please ask if you have any questions.
Thanks for visiting us online. We hope to meet you in-person soon. Find out more here.
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