Charismatic churches are on the rise, according to the latest research from The Barna Group.

"It is not surprising that the Pentecostal community in America has been growing—nor do we expect it to stop making headway," author George Barna says of the new findings.

Barna’s information indicates that nearly one of every four Protestant churches in the United States (23 percent) is charismatic. While some denominations are well-known—such the Assemblies of God, Foursquare, or Church of God in Christ—non-denominational churches emerged as one of the most common charismatic groups. Four of every ten non-denominational churches are charismatic.

According to Barna, this increase coincides with the increase in the non-white American population—the group growing most rapidly.

Paying attention to trends

Outreach magazine published a special report last month about churches reaching Hispanics. Churches should not be left behind corporations and politicians, who are recruiting this exploding new population as consumers and voters.

Statistics indicate that though most foreign-born Hispanics are Roman Catholic, once they immigrate to the United States many convert to evangelical Christianity. Outreach reports that some 43 percent of Hispanic evangelicals are former Catholics who wanted a personal relationship with God.

Outreach also gives a nod to Barna’s finding about the growth of charismatic and Pentecostal groups—especially among Latinos and across the Catholic and Protestant divide.

Outreach concludes that "the emergence of Spirit-filled worship practices among Hispanic believers will certainly forge great change in America’s religious landscape."

Emphasis on the Spirit

More emphasis on the work and presence of the Holy Spirit in daily life and worship may change the way many believers and churches practice the Christian faith.

According to a recent Christian Post article, The Pew Forum also predicts a continued rapid growth of Hispanic Christians, presenting a huge opportunity for church growth for various Christian denominations. Many churches are relying on foreign ministers to provide Latino-oriented worship services or ethnic churches. About half of even English-speaking Latinos say they attend these types of churches.

According to the Associated Press, some Roman Catholic dioceses send recruiters to Latin America to bring in priests or seminarians. The Episcopal Church has a direct connection to Latin Americans who want to serve here. Southern Baptist churches rely on word of mouth to find Latin American ministers.

Keys to reaching Hispanics

Outreach suggests four keys to reach this population: 1. Understanding and celebrating their cultural heritage; 2. Maintaining a familial focus; 3. Assisting with assimilation and acculturation; and 4. Connecting to multiple generations.

For churches intent on reaching out, these keys to reaching a growing ethnic and religious population are worth thinking about.