The Strange Fire Conference, organized by John MacArthur in 2013, aimed to address and critique what MacArthur and other speakers identified as excesses in the Charismatic and Pentecostal movements, particularly concerning the concepts of spiritual gifts and the work of the Holy Spirit. The conference brought together several influential evangelical leaders and theologians to discuss issues surrounding spiritual phenomena and the doctrine of cessationism—the belief that certain spiritual gifts, like speaking in tongues or prophecy, ceased with the apostolic age.

Key Points of Evaluation:

1. Content and Themes:

  - Cessationism vs. Continuationism: The conference prominently defended cessationism, arguing that many of the gifts attributed to the Holy Spirit, especially those involving miraculous signs and prophecies, were unique to the early church and are not intended for today.

  - Biblical Authority: Speakers emphasized the necessity of adhering strictly to biblical revelation and being wary of personal experiences or revelations that could contradict Scripture.

  - Critique of Charismatic Practices: The conference included a strong critique of various Charismatic practices, which MacArthur and his associates viewed as unbiblical and potentially misleading for believers.

2. Reactions:

  - Support: Many conservative evangelical circles applauded the conference for its emphasis on sound doctrine, biblical integrity, and caution against perceived emotionalism in worship. Supporters felt it was a necessary voice against what they see as the excesses of the Charismatic movement.

  - Criticism: On the other hand, the conference faced significant backlash from Charismatic and Pentecostal adherents who perceived it as overly critical and dismissive of genuine spiritual experiences. Critics argued that this approach could hinder the workings of the Holy Spirit in the contemporary church and overlook the rich diversity of Christian experience.

3. Impact:

  - The Strange Fire Conference sparked a wide-ranging discussion within the evangelical community about the role of the Holy Spirit, the practice of spiritual gifts, and the nature of worship. It highlighted ongoing divides within Christianity regarding the interpretation of Scripture and the applicability of certain gifts today.

  - It also led to further publications and discussions, including MacArthur’s book "Strange Fire," which elaborates on the themes presented at the conference. This book further fueled debate among various factions within the church.

The Strange Fire Conference served as both a rallying point for proponents of cessationism and a flashpoint for discussions about the nature of contemporary worship and the role of the Holy Spirit. It remains a significant event in the ongoing dialogue about spiritual gifts, biblical interpretation, and church practices within modern evangelicalism.

Watch the Conference