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Pentecostalism is a form of Christianity that emphasises the work of the Holy Spirit and the direct experience of the presence of God by the believer.

Pentecostals believe that faith must be powerfully experiential, and not something found merely through ritual or thinking.

Pentecostalism is energetic and dynamic. Its members believe they are driven by the power of God moving within them.

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The Pentecostal building is very simple. There is a main room for the services, with a low platform at the front. There is no altar, just a simple table for bread and wine. Often there is a simple statement or verse from the Bible on the wall. There may be bright banners.

In the building, there may be several small rooms.

Pentecostal churches look very modern. There are more of them in America than in England.

BBAAPPTTIISSM M IIN N A A PPEENNTTEECCOOSSTTAAL L CCHHUURRCCHHPentecostal churches follow practising baptism by

immersion. For Pentecostals water baptism is an outward symbol of a conversion that has already occurred. It is the conversion that is essential; the water baptism is an additional element.

Pentecostal churches do not baptise infants. They regard water baptism as an outward expression of an internal work of grace following an individual's choice to follow Christ. Young children are not able to make such a choice because they do not recognise their need for salvation.

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Pentecostalism began among poor and disadvantaged people in the USA at the start of the Twentieth century.