What is the Latter Rain Movement?

Definition and Historical Origin

The term “Latter Rain Movement” refers to a branch of charismatic and Pentecostal theology that emerged in the late 1940s, especially associated with events at the Sharon Orphanage in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Canada. Leaders such as George Hawtin and others in that location emphasized restorational teachings which they believed would usher in a renewed outpouring of the Holy Spirit akin to the apostolic age. The phrase “Latter Rain” alludes to biblical references describing God’s blessing and spiritual refreshment—particularly rooted in Joel 2:23 and the imagery of seasonal rainfall in ancient Israel.

Pentecostalism had already gained momentum through prior revivals, notably the Azusa Street Revival beginning in 1906. As participants sought an even deeper, modern manifestation of the Spirit’s power, the Latter Rain Movement introduced new perspectives on worship, prophecy, laying on of hands, and believer’s authority. The movement spread widely in charismatic circles, influencing contemporary doctrines on spiritual gifts and eventual end-times revival.

Biblical Basis and Terminology

The scriptural foundation often cited is Joel 2:23: “Be glad, O children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God, for He has given you the autumn rains for your vindication; He sends you showers, both autumn and spring rains as before”. Proponents interpret “autumn” and “spring” (or “former” and “latter”) rains as spiritual seasons: the “former rain” signifying the early church in the book of Acts and the “latter rain” signifying a future, final outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Additionally, Joel 2:28–29—fulfilled initially at Pentecost (Acts 2:16–21)—serves as another key passage: “‘And afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on My menservants and maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days’”. Within the Latter Rain framework, these verses are seen as not only historical but also indicative of a more complete realization of the Spirit’s operation leading into the last days.

Doctrinal Emphases and Contributions

1. Five-Fold Ministry Restoration

A significant teaching is the restoration of the “five-fold ministry” described in Ephesians 4:11—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Many Latter Rain proponents maintained that the offices of apostle and prophet would be fully restored before the return of Christ, anticipating a global revival facilitated by these leaders.

2. Spiritual Gifts and Prophetic Voice

The movement highlighted prophecy and continuing revelation, encouraging believers to exercise gifts of the Spirit, such as tongues, healing, and words of knowledge. Divine healing, in particular, was emphasized through prayer, anointing, and laying on of hands, in line with James 5:14–15.

3. Impartation Through Laying on of Hands

While earlier Pentecostals recognized prayer for spiritual gifts, Latter Rain teachers systematized the idea that anointed leaders could impart gifting and spiritual blessing through the laying on of hands. This practice was based on passages like 1 Timothy 4:14, which instructed Timothy not to neglect the gift received through prophecy and the laying on of hands.

4. Unity and End-Time Revival

Many taught that a universal revival would precede the end of the age, fueled by worship, prayer, and spiritual manifestations. The emphasis on Christian unity often involved gatherings across denominational lines, with a strong conviction that a final, worldwide revival would precede the second coming of Christ.

Historical Development and Influence

The seedbed of the Latter Rain Movement was the Healing Revival era of the late 1940s to 1950s, credited in part to evangelists such as William Branham, Oral Roberts, and others who reported miraculous healings. Although not all of those figures were formally “Latter Rain,” their revivalist context overlapped significantly.

Over subsequent decades, many Latter Rain teachings found pathways into various charismatic churches and movements. Some streams of the modern “prophetic movement” trace their roots to Latter Rain practices, including modern gatherings that emphasize prophecy, apostolic leadership, signs and wonders, and fervent worship. The movement also contributed to discussions surrounding modern-day apostles, raising questions about biblical authority and the role of the historic apostolic office.

Criticisms and Controversies

1. Doctrinal Excesses

Concerns arose over teachings sometimes associated with the “Manifested Sons of God” doctrine, suggesting that believers might achieve a form of perfected spiritual maturity before the second coming, effectively overcoming sickness and even death. Critics argued that such notions lacked scriptural foundation and conflated sanctification with glorification.

2. Church Authority and Apostolic Claims

Traditional Pentecostal denominations, such as the Assemblies of God, issued warnings in the 1950s, concluding that the Latter Rain emphasis on modern apostles and prophets could challenge pastoral leadership, biblical authority, and denominational structures. Official position papers cautioned believers to maintain clear distinctions between scriptural revelation and modern claims of revelation.

3. Misuse of Prophetic Ministry

Critics also pointed out the potential for subjective revelations, cautioning that personal words of “prophecy” might usurp the authority of Scripture or be misused to manipulate. As 1 Thessalonians 5:20–21 reminds believers, prophecies are to be weighed and tested.

Scriptural Reflections on Discernment

Scripture exhorts believers to test all teachings and spiritual manifestations. Acts 17:11 describes the Bereans examining “the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true”. In 1 John 4:1, we find, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God”. These passages underscore that any extraordinary claims—whether miraculous signs, modern prophecy, or apostolic authority—must align with the unchanging truths and character of God revealed in Scripture.

Enduring Legacy

In many charismatic settings today, one can find references to “Latter Rain” themes through passionate worship, the belief in modern miracles, a focus on spiritual gifts, and the anticipation of a worldwide revival. While these emphases resonate with believers who cherish vibrant expressions of faith, questions persist regarding doctrinal balance and submission to clear biblical teaching.

Nonetheless, the Latter Rain Movement underscores a sincere pursuit of spiritual renewal, a desire to see the power of the Holy Spirit actively working in the church, and a call to heightened devotion and unity. Whether one agrees or disagrees with specific doctrines, its influence on charismatic expressions of Christianity remains evident in contemporary worship and ministry practices.

Conclusion

The Latter Rain Movement began in the mid-20th century, emphasizing a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the restoration of New Testament offices and gifts. It drew heavily on Scriptures referencing “former and latter rains” and the promise of the Spirit’s empowerment in the last days. Though controversies have surrounded certain extreme teachings, the movement has left a lasting imprint on modern Pentecostal and charismatic Christianity, particularly through its focus on spiritual gifts, dynamic worship, and the expectation of end-time revival.

Whether studying early revival movements or discerning ongoing expressions of charismatic faith, believers are encouraged to evaluate all claims by God’s word. As Isaiah 8:20 declares: “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn”. This scriptural principle remains the guidepost for understanding the enduring significance of the Latter Rain Movement and any movement bearing the name of Christ.