The Connection between the Lutheran Charismatic Renewal and the Frontier-Camp Meeting

Abstract

Jeffrey A. Berg’s 1980 paper explores the parallels between the Lutheran Charismatic Renewal—particularly within the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS)—and the emotional, experiential religion of 19th-century American frontier camp meetings. Berg argues that while no direct historical link exists, both movements share striking similarities in structure, emotional intensity, and emphasis on personal religious experience. He examines the role of charismatic leaders, the use of open-ended worship formats, and the prevalence of emotional expressions such as tongue-speaking, comparing them to the “acrobatic Christianity” of frontier revivals. Berg suggests that both movements emerged in response to perceived deficiencies in traditional church life, offering participants a sense of stability, identity, and spiritual fulfillment. Ultimately, he concludes that the Lutheran Charismatic Renewal developed in a manner akin to frontier religion, reviving its emotional and communal dynamics under a new name and context. Abstract generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4).