Study on Dennis Bennett

Resource Description

Father Dennis Bennet was an Episcopal priest that was responsible for the revival of the Charismatic movement.  His enlightenment has impacted Christianity in many ways, liberating forms of worship and introducing other gifts of the Holy Spirit. Whilst sceptics rejected his initial confession of Charismatic worship through speaking in tongues, it has slowly become a worldwide phenomenon. The revival of Charismatic worship has brought Christian worship to the thresholds of new degrees, appealing to a greater degree of youth. As Bennett become a prominent founder of the Charismatic movement his compassion and modesty lead to the understanding that this type of worship should be incorporated in Churches, not completely eliminate traditional forms of prayer. Thus Bennett has shown many virtues and moral understanding of living a Christian life and has ultimately contributed to the development and expression of Christianity.

Bennett’s religious life began at the age of 11when he accepted the personal salvation offered through faith. Through years of dedication and religious worship Bennett found that he had the received the baptism of the Holy Spirit which allowed him to talk in tongues. Bennett communicated this gift with his Church in Van Nuys California, St Mark’s Church that became the root of controversy within the Church as many characterised this type of worship as “extreme and dangerous”, other were unwilling to accept his baptism as the inception of the Charismatic movement.  Being a rector and chief pastor, this brought shame upon the Church, thus he was asked to resign. This caught much unwanted media attention and caused Bennett disturbances within his community. Thus he and his family moved to Seattle, Washington and formed a new Charismatic Church. St Luke’s Ballard was on the verge of closing down when Bennett joined, however through his introduction of Charismatic worship within that community a newfound interest in Church arose. Over a short period of time Bennett’s Charismatic worship became famous and attracted attention from many Christians over the world. This became the inception of the revival of Charismatic worship within Christianity.