Word of Faith

Word of Faith
Name	Word of Faith
Type	Christian movement
Founded	20th century
Region	Global
Notable people	Kenneth Hagin; Kenneth Copeland; Joyce Meyer; Jerry Savelle; Creflo Dollar

Word of Faith is a Pentecostal‑charismatic movement originating in the United States in the 20th century that emphasizes positive confession, prosperity, and divine healing. It intersects with movements and figures across Pentecostalism, Charismatic movement, fundamentalist debates, and evangelical institutions such as Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International and Assemblies of God. Proponents have founded ministries, seminaries, publishing houses, and media networks that link to organizations like Oral Roberts University, Houghton College, and broadcast outlets including Trinity Broadcasting Network and Christian Broadcasting Network.

Origins and Theological Foundations

The movement traces origins to influences including E. W. Kenyon, Phineas F. Bresee, and early Pentecostal leaders such as Charles Fox Parham and William J. Seymour who shaped doctrines later popularized by teachers like Kenneth Hagin and Kenneth E. Hagin Sr.. Development occurred alongside institutions like Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International and revival events associated with Azusa Street Revival, missions networks like Samaritan's Purse, and publishing efforts similar to Zondervan and Tyndale House Publishers. The theological matrix draws on Wesleyan sanctification motifs, Reformed debates over covenant and promise language, and rhetorical practices present in the ministries of Billy Graham and Oral Roberts.

Key Figures and Movements

Prominent leaders associated with the movement include Kenneth Hagin, Kenneth Copeland, Joyce Meyer, Creflo Dollar, Benny Hinn, Frederick K.C. Price, Joel Osteen, Jerry Savelle, Rod Parsley, T. L. Osborn, Warren W. Wiersbe, and publishing entrepreneurs linked to Multnomah Books and Thomas Nelson. Influential ministries and networks include Word of Faith Ministries (Kenneth Hagin), Kenneth Copeland Ministries, Manna Publications, Eternity Network International, and media platforms affiliated with Saddleback Church broadcasts or Lakewood Church outreach partnerships. Academic and critical engagement has come from scholars and institutions such as Dallas Theological Seminary, Fuller Theological Seminary, Princeton Theological Seminary, Marquette University, and historians at Harvard Divinity School.

Beliefs and Doctrinal Tenets

Doctrinal emphases include teaching on "positive confession" and faith as a creative force, doctrines of healing and prosperity, and scriptural interpretations concerning covenant blessings attributed to passages found in Hebrews, Romans, and Genesis. The movement articulates beliefs about faith, health, and wealth that contrast with positions from Calvinism, Arminianism, and historic Holiness movement formulations. Tracts and sermons often quote or critique theologians such as John Calvin, Martin Luther, Jonathan Edwards, John Wesley, and contemporary apologists at Ravi Zacharias International Ministries. Liturgical and hermeneutical methods sometimes reflect allegorical readings noted in writings by E. W. Kenyon and popularizers like Kenneth Hagin.

Practices and Rituals

Worship practices blend elements familiar to Pentecostalism, including public prayer meetings, healing services, laying on of hands, deliverance ministries, and media‑driven crusades modeled after events led by Billy Graham, Oral Roberts, and Benny Hinn. Organizational practices include conferences, telecasts, faith schools, and Bible colleges similar to Oral Roberts University, Regent University, Liberty University, and local church networks. Prayer, tongues speaking, and charismatic proclamation appear alongside fundraising strategies and stewardship teachings comparable to approaches used by Joel Osteen, Creflo Dollar, and Kenneth Copeland Ministries.

Criticism and Controversy

Critiques come from theologians and institutions such as J. I. Packer, John MacArthur, The Gospel Coalition, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and scholars at Yale Divinity School and Princeton Theological Seminary who challenge doctrinal claims about prosperity and sickness. Controversies have included public disputes over financial accountability reminiscent of investigations involving televangelists such as Jim Bakker and Robert Tilton, ethical critiques from watchdog groups like Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability discussions, and legal scrutiny in various jurisdictions comparable to cases involving Ted Haggard. Academic critics from Oxford University and Cambridge University have analysed rhetoric and sociological impacts similar to studies of New Religious Movements and Third Wave of the Holy Spirit dynamics.

Influence and Cultural Impact

The movement has shaped popular Christian media, publishing, and politics, interacting with personalities and institutions such as Trinity Broadcasting Network, Christianity Today, Charisma Magazine, Hillsong Church, Saddleback Church, Lakewood Church, National Association of Evangelicals, and political engagement seen in alliances with figures linked to Religious Right conversations. Its cultural imprint appears in music charts influenced by Contemporary Christian Music, collaborations with artists tied to Integrity Music and Sparrow Records, and global missions strategies deployed in regions including Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia through organizations like Youth With A Mission and World Vision. The movement’s media presence spans television, radio, books, and conferences that have affected broader debates involving religious freedom and public life in countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Brazil, and South Korea.

Category:Christian movements