1
The Third Wave: Movement of God or a Tsunami of Syncretism?
As a student of church planting and evangelism this writer relates to the little child trying to
jump the waves on the beach. Some waves lift and carry the child creating joy. Occasionally a
wave snatches the child and later releases him bruised and battered. In the Americas, especially
South America, a wave has embraced evangelical Christianity. It has provided excitement,
attracted large numbers of people, and reenergized flagging churches. The wave, commonly
known in North America as the Third Wave, has spawned debate. Proponents see it as the much
needed work of God. Opponents disagree. This paper will examine Third Wave theology
utilizing the writings of two of its best-known American proponents: C. Peter Wagner and John
Wimber.
1
Their hermeneutics and doctrines of pneumatology and soteriology reflect common
Third Wave positions. Has evangelicalism been lifted by a benevolent and needed surge of
Gods power or has it been snatched by a syncretic tsunami?
Since its inception from the writings of Donald McGavran, the Church Growth Movement
has changed the landscape of American evangelicalism.
2
Many of the changes revitalized
plateaued or struggling churches and deserve praise. However, all is not well. The Church
Growth Movement utilizes several principles including "Pragmatism." Elmer Towns defines
1
Other individuals may be influential in Third Wave circles but Wagners name
recognition is broad based among the rank and file pastor and laity. His name is rarely absent
from any work related to Church Growth.
2
In examining the Church Growth Movement the writer agrees with Gary McIntosh that
numerous strands have developed in the movement. Some of which have little connection with
the original. McIntosh states most of the criticisms result from focusing on "popular versions of
the movement rather than its core biblical values. This has happened in part due to the fact that
the term ,,Church Growth has been broadened to include numerous meanings that it never was
intended to imply." However true that may be one is still left with the task of addressing what the
majority of readers understand as Church Growth. Again, this is largely the result of Wagners
prolific pen. See Gary L. McIntosh, "Biblical Church Growth: Growing Faithful Churches in the
Third Millennium", Journal of Evangelism and Missions, Spring 2002, pp 59-76.