Pentecostalism spans multiple denominations and independent churches, and the fluid nature of its boundaries—especially considering its influence on the broader charismatic movement—makes it difficult to tally precise numbers.
However, here’s a broad overview:
- Global Reach: As of 2021, it’s estimated that there are more than 280 million Pentecostals worldwide, making it one of the largest and fastest-growing forms of Christianity.
- United States: In the United States, the Pew Research Center reported in 2014 that approximately 25.4% of the U.S. population identified as Evangelical Protestant, a category that includes many Pentecostals. Of that percentage, a substantial number belong to traditionally Pentecostal denominations.
- Ethnicity and Race: Pentecostalism in the U.S. is diverse and can be found across different racial and ethnic groups. Historically, it has had significant appeal among African-Americans and, more recently, among Hispanic communities.
- Socioeconomic Status: Some research suggests that Pentecostalism has had significant appeal among lower socioeconomic groups, both within the United States and globally. However, this is not exclusively the case, and Pentecostalism can be found across different socioeconomic strata.
- Age: Pentecostal congregations tend to skew younger than many mainline Protestant denominations, reflecting the movement’s continued growth and dynamism.
- Gender: While leadership roles in certain Pentecostal denominations are male-dominated, many Pentecostal churches have a high level of female participation. Some early Pentecostal churches were notable for being led by women, and many Pentecostals believe in the equal ability of women to preach or lead, given the direct empowerment of individuals by the Holy Spirit.
For more up-to-date information, it’s advisable to refer to the latest research from reputable sources such as Pew Research Center or other organizations that track religious demographics.