Baptism in the Holy Spirit

In Pentecostal theology, the baptism in the Holy Spirit is a second spiritual experience subsequent to and distinct from conversion, providing empowerment for Christian witness and ministry. In classical Pentecostal teaching (Assemblies of God, Church of God, Foursquare Church, others), the initial physical evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit is speaking in tongues. The doctrine is foundational to Pentecostal identity and distinguishes Pentecostal practice from broader evangelical practice, which generally holds that the Spirit is given fully at conversion.