The Pentecostal Movement and Its Origins in South America and Brazil

Pentecostalism is one of the largest Christian movements in the world and, in South America, especially in Brazil, it has become one of the pillars of evangelical Christianity. With roots in the revival of the early 20th century in the United States, the movement spread rapidly, finding fertile ground among the popular layers of South American society.

In this article, we will explore the origins of Pentecostalism in Brazil, the main Pentecostal churches and their characteristics, as well as present a detailed table about each denomination.

The Emergence of Pentecostalism in the World

The Pentecostal movement has its origins in the Azusa Street Revival (1906-1909), in Los Angeles, California (USA), under the leadership of African American pastor William J. Seymour. This event brought a spiritual revival based on the baptism in the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in tongues (glossolalia), divine healings, and intense spiritual manifestations.

From Azusa, Pentecostal missionaries began to carry this message to other countries. In Latin America, the first contacts with Pentecostalism occurred in the 1910s, through missionaries coming from the United States and Europe.

Pentecostalism in Brazil: First Steps

Brazil was one of the first countries in South America to receive Pentecostal missionaries. The movement began with two main branches:

2.1 Christian Congregation in Brazil (CCB) - 1910

• In 1910, Italian immigrant Luigi Francescon, who was part of the Pentecostal movement in the United States, arrived in Brazil and began preaching in the city of São Paulo.
• Francescon had been influenced by Pentecostalism within the Italian Presbyterian Church in the USA.
• The Christian Congregation in Brazil (CCB) grew rapidly, becoming the first organized Pentecostal denomination in the country.

2.2 Assembly of God (AD) - 1911

• In 1911, Swedish missionaries Gunnar Vingren and Daniel Berg arrived in Belém do Pará, after having received the baptism in the Holy Spirit in the United States.
• Both were from the Swedish Baptist Church, but they were expelled for preaching Pentecostalism.
• They founded the Assembly of God, which quickly spread throughout Brazil, becoming the largest evangelical denomination in the country.

The Pentecostal Expansion Across Brazil

Pentecostalism expanded to various Brazilian cities from São Paulo and Belém do Pará. Some of the first cities to receive Pentecostal churches were:

• São Paulo (SP) – First nucleus of the Christian Congregation in Brazil.
• Belém (PA) – Cradle of the Assembly of God.
• Rio de Janeiro (RJ) – Received missionaries in the 1920s, becoming a major Pentecostal center.
• Recife (PE) – Strategic point for the growth of the Assemblies of God in the Northeast.
• Porto Alegre (RS) – Became an important hub of Pentecostalism in the South.

In the 1950s, the emergence of the so-called second wave Pentecostal churches occurred, founded by Brazilian preachers, such as Brazil for Christ and the Quadrangular Gospel Church.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the neopentecostal movement emerged, with churches like the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God and the International Grace of God, which emphasized financial prosperity and spiritual warfare.

Main Pentecostal Denominations in Brazil

Below, we present a table with the main Pentecostal denominations in Brazil, their founders, influences, and doctrines:

Characteristics of Pentecostalism in Brazil

5.1 Emphasis on Personal Experience

Worship services are marked by manifestations of the Holy Spirit, such as speaking in tongues, healings, and prophetic revelations.

5.2 Active Evangelism

Evangelism occurs through open-air services, social media, radio, and TV programs.

5.3 Cultural Adaptation

Pentecostal liturgy incorporates Brazilian cultural elements, such as lively music and emotional preaching.

5.4 Charismatic Leadership

Pastors and leaders have strong spiritual authority and influence over the faithful.

5.5 Use of Media

Denominations like the Universal Church and the International Grace invest heavily in radio, TV, and the internet to reach new believers.

Conclusion

Pentecostalism is, today, the largest evangelical segment in Brazil, growing across various social strata and regions. Its dynamic message and strong cultural identity ensure that it remains an influential force in national religiosity.

The trend is that Pentecostalism will continue to shape the Brazilian and South American religious landscape, with new denominations emerging and a growing presence in politics, media, and society.

If you wish to understand more about the impact of the Protestant Reformation in Latin America and the role of Pentecostal churches in contemporary society, continue following our series of articles on the subject.

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