Charles Parham

[Ron Alexander]

Charles Parham
By Ron Alexander

When I opened the book “People of the Spirit” I had no idea who I was going to write I disagreeignment on, much less who any of the names listed were. I tried to come into the assignment with the idea that I would review the biographies and then make a decision. As I came across the name Charles Parham in the index I was instantly discouraged that the first listing under his name was “accused of sodomy.” I instantly had a preconceived judgment that due to the title, this man could not have impacted the Pentecostal religion with that type of allegation lingering over his head. Those allegations were later determined to be unfounded, and charges dropped. But then I started reading his biography, again not knowing who Parham was or what his impact was. I now have a highly respected view of Parham for his accomplishments in the faith. Parham had to overcome physical ailments growing up, which helped guide his faith in healing with hope and strength. Parham began his biblical education in a Kansas College that prepared him for Methodist ministry. After battling Rheumatic fever and witnessing God’s divine healing, Parham eventually left college and went into ministry in the Methodist church. Parham, later being influenced by other believers of the movement of the Holy Spirit, Parham developed the belief in tongues as the initial evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and left the Methodist movement. Parham furthered his ministry by starting Beth-el College at Topeka, Ks . Parham began adding strong beliefs in foundational doctrine issues as diving healing, “sealing”, rapture of the church, and tribulation. Parham strongly professed his belief in tongues to Kansas City, Eldorado Springs, Lawrence, Galena, Ks., and eventually Houston, Tx. Parham started a third bible school in Texas. Though the looming accusations, and a belief of tongues as another human language, Parham still managed to bring great revival to the Midwest and lay down strong foundational ideas that founded much of our Pentecostal Doctrine today.

[Jeremy]

Since I first read of him, I have been intrigued by Parham. There is perhaps not a man with more evident flaws than he, and yet he was used powerfully over a number of years to bring revival. And those that came out of his church and school are still influencing Pentecost today. Warts and all, God uses us, huh!!
Do you think there was any particular failure in his life that ended up limiting his work in ministry? What seemed to be the greatest "bad" in him that God turned around to use for "good", either physical, moral, whatever?

[Ron Alexander]

I thought t was great testimony of his that he overcame physical impairments early on that developed his belief in divine healing. Again, with the later healing of rheumatic fever shaped his belief. I enjoyed the story of how he was basically ran out of Topeka by the discouragment of others that allowed him to move on in ministry and start other bible schools. I was also intirigued by the story of William Seymore. How due to segragation Seymore had to listen to the teachings from the halway (due to the racist beliefs of Parham). Then Seymore goes on to start the revival in California, which appeared to have mirrored that of Parham's in Topeka.

[Julie Zeck]

I also like the fact that God use Mr. Perham (SP?) though he was indeed a flawed man. It gives me hope! The Lord says He uses the foolish to confound the wise and I think this is a fine example of a frail man being used in such an extraordinary way. God is so wise to give us these examples to follow regarding who He uses. I would get discouraged if I thought I had to have "it" to be used by God.