In a striking and deeply candid conversation with Charisma Media, respected theologian R.T. Kendall made a statement that is already sending shockwaves through the church: “The charismatic movement is dead. Has no impact. It’s over.”
Kendall is quick to clarify that he is not rejecting the work of the Holy Spirit or the reality of spiritual gifts. However, his concern lies in what he sees as a drift away from the movement’s original power and purpose.
Ishmael vs. Isaac: A Prophetic Parallel
Kendall frames his perspective through a powerful biblical analogy—comparing the charismatic movement to Ishmael, not Isaac.
Drawing from the story of Abraham, he explains that just as Abraham mistakenly believed Ishmael was the promised son, many believers have assumed the charismatic movement was the final outpouring of God’s Spirit.
“I believe that the charismatic movement… is Ishmael,” Kendall said, noting that it may have been genuine but ultimately not the fulfillment of God’s ultimate plan.
Instead, he points to what he calls the coming “Isaac”: a future move of God that will surpass anything seen before.
What Went Wrong?
According to Kendall, one of the most troubling developments has been the rise of false or compromised teachings within the movement.
He specifically warns against “open theism,” a belief system that suggests God does not fully know the future and is dependent on human decisions.
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“The notion is that God is open to us… God does not know the future,” Kendall explained, calling it a dangerous departure from biblical truth.
He also notes a broader shift in focus. Where the charismatic movement was once marked by the gifts of the Spirit, he says the dominant theme today has become prosperity teaching, often at the expense of deeper spiritual truth.
The Missing Ingredient: Fear of the Lord
Perhaps most concerning to Kendall is what he describes as a widespread loss of reverence for God.
“There’s a lack of the fear of God. It’s gone,” he said plainly.
This absence, he believes, has contributed to spiritual complacency and doctrinal compromise across the church.
Yet this is precisely what will define the next move of God.
“When Isaac comes, there will be a great fear of God,” Kendall declared.
A Global Awakening on the Horizon
Despite his sobering assessment, Kendall’s message is ultimately one of hope.
He believes a powerful, worldwide revival is imminent—one that cannot be manufactured or controlled by human effort.
“Something big is coming… it could come any day,” he said.
This coming move, he believes, will not be led by celebrity preachers or ministry elites, but by ordinary believers who are deeply rooted in Scripture and prayer.
Are You Ready?
If Kendall’s warning is accurate, the church stands at a critical crossroads.
This is not a time for complacency or chasing trends—it is a call to return to the fear of the Lord, to the authority of Scripture and to a genuine dependence on the Holy Spirit.
The question is not whether God will move again. According to Kendall, that is certain.
The question is whether Christians will be ready when He does.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
