WHAT IS THE CHURCH’S POSITION ON REPORTS OF CONTEMPORARY MANIFESTATIONS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, SUCH AS DANCING IN THE SPIRIT, FALLING UNDER THE POWER, ETC.?
Misunderstanding and controversy have accompanied the events of every revival since New Testament times. When divine manifestations of the gift of tongues occurred on the Day of Pentecost, skeptics declared that Spirit-filled believers were drunk (Acts 2:13). Similarly, at the start of the 20th-century Pentecostal movement, many skeptics from traditional church backgrounds also failed to understand the outpouring of the Spirit and claimed that those filled with the Spirit were under demonic influence.
Such criticism and controversy are not limited to attacks from non-Pentecostals. Some people raised in Pentecostal churches also debate which manifestations of the Spirit are biblical and therefore appropriate. Critics of non-biblical manifestations argue that they are improper because they are not mentioned in Scripture. Supporters of these manifestations cite Scripture to justify their experiences and highlight biblical cases where individuals were in unusual physical and spiritual states (e.g., Dan. 8:17-18; Acts 9:3-4; Rev. 1:17).
As believers, we should look to the Bible for evidence of manifestations that are declared as signs of spirituality and models for all people. For example, the doctrine that the gift of tongues is the initial evidence of baptism in the Holy Spirit is based on multiple accounts in the Word. We can therefore affirm that all believers may experience this, and it should remain a normative part of every believer’s spiritual experience.
At the same time, the claim that every minor occurrence during a revival or service must have a scriptural counterpart does not align with our understanding of a sovereign God who can act according to His best judgment, knowledge, and will. An example of this is divine healing. As Pentecostals, we believe in and proclaim this truth. However, we do not conclude that God can only heal diseases specifically mentioned in Scripture. While the Bible describes various cases of healing, not all ailments are listed, and we know that God can heal any weakness or disease.
Similarly, the Bible describes many instances of God interacting with people supernaturally, touching their spirit, soul, and physical body. The Apostle Paul wrote about one such experience (2 Cor. 12:1-5), not presenting it as a normative experience or claiming greater spirituality because of it. John also had extraordinary experiences on the island of Patmos (Rev. 1:10). In each case, God revealed Himself to a specific person at a specific time, in a specific way, for a specific purpose. These occurrences were not described as regular events. This does not mean that these manifestations were not real, only that they were exceptional rather than normal events. In light of this, we acknowledge that God is sovereign and distributes His blessings to His people creatively and in His timing.
People often seek simple answers to difficult questions. Few choose the spiritual discernment required for prophecy as described in 1 Corinthians (1 Cor. 14:29). It is easier to say that anything requiring discernment should not be allowed. If we have not experienced or are unfamiliar with something, it is often easier to dismiss it than to investigate. Manifestations during a Pentecostal service are spiritually discerned, not to reject the entire revival but to retain the good that God desires to achieve through the revival movement.
Moreover, judging from a distance based on second- or third-hand reports is not what Paul required. Assessing whether a human reaction is appropriate should be done in the context of the church where God is clearly at work. We should always seek God’s presence and value it more than any evidence or manifestation. God can come in wind, in an earthquake, in fire, or in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:11-12).
For example, Isaiah’s extraordinary experience of God’s presence (Isa. 6) shows a beautiful sequence of events. First, there is a vision, a revelation of God’s holiness and majesty. Isaiah’s response is to give glory to God. But the experience of God’s presence does not end there. It also brings a profound awareness of human sinfulness. “Woe to me!” he cried. “I am a man of unclean lips… and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty” (Isa. 6:5). However, self-condemnation was not the story’s conclusion. God immediately gave Isaiah a mission: “Go and tell.” Experiencing God’s presence is more than just a pleasant feeling; it calls for greater service.
Below are discussions about contemporary manifestations that often raise many questions and deserve discernment.
Falling in the Spirit: The terms “slain in the Spirit,” “falling under the power,” or “resting in the Spirit” do not appear in the Bible. They are used, however, to describe the experience of falling to the ground under the power of the Holy Spirit. Falling in the Spirit is not unique to modern revivals and evangelistic events; historical accounts describe people falling under the power of God or being “struck” in the Spirit during 18th and 19th-century revivals (recorded by Jonathan Edwards, John Wesley, Charles Finney, among others). Some cases involved sinners falling under conviction of sin. In contemporary Pentecostal/charismatic revivals, believers who fall under the Spirit’s power often experience a profound, extended time of internal spiritual work tailored to the individual’s needs.
Based on biblical evidence, we affirm that falling is not a sign of spirituality. It is also not a normative experience to be sought based on a biblical command or recurring examples. Such “overwhelming” experiences, like falling to the ground, are not something all believers should seek as a standard, but at the same time, they should not be feared. In God’s presence, physical strength can be lost, as Jonathan Edwards described. Therefore, when such phenomena occur, they should not be dismissed. On the other hand, “courtesy falls” are not acts of the Spirit, nor is quickly getting up to make room for others. If someone truly falls under the Spirit’s power, the Holy Spirit is likely doing significant work in that person’s life.
Dancing in the Spirit: Dancing in the Spirit must be clearly distinguished from normal social dancing or choreographed dance routines. Instances of dancing in the Spirit, known from 20th-century Pentecostal revivals, typically involved an individual spontaneously “dancing” with closed eyes, yet not bumping into others or objects, clearly under the power and guidance of the Spirit. Again, such manifestations are not signs of greater spirituality or standards for all believers to seek. If such an experience occurs, it happens because the worshipper is so enraptured by God’s presence that the Spirit takes control of the person’s spirit, emotions, and physical movements.
The biblical story of David dancing before the Lord does not represent dancing in the Spirit. Scripture says that “David danced before the Lord with all his might” (2 Sam. 6:14), describing his personal joy and thanksgiving, consciously expressed to the Lord. Some justify choreographed dance in worship as restoring the Old Testament “Davidic dance,” but it should not replace spontaneous, unpracticed manifestations of the Holy Spirit’s presence, representing a higher expression of worship.
Other Manifestations: It would be pointless to address a long list of other manifestations (shouts, joyful laughter, feelings of heat, etc.), as such a list could quickly become outdated. The principles described above apply to both familiar manifestations and those that may emerge in the future. In every case, they are human reactions to the tangible presence of God. They are not signs of spirituality and will not ensure the Kingdom’s growth. Only God’s authentic presence, not human reaction, empowers the victorious Church in these last days before Christ’s return.
SUMMARY
God’s work, which includes manifestations of the Holy Spirit, must always be received with joy in the Church. At the same time, we must focus on Jesus Christ and desire Him, not manifestations for their own sake. In our pursuit, we must consciously obey God’s Word in everything we do. We must also understand that when God creatively pours out His Spirit on someone in a way not described in Scripture, it is not a normative experience necessary for all believers.
How can we recognize a manifestation prompted and controlled by the Spirit? Confirmation that a spiritual experience is authentic and biblical should be sought in the spiritual growth of the person who experienced it. Does it bring glory to Jesus and build His Body? Is there humility that exalts Jesus? Does the believer become more Christlike? Has the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control—multiplied after experiencing the Lord’s presence? These fruits will directly impact the person’s witness and ultimately draw others to Christ.
Developed using official documents from the Assemblies of God.
