The defining conviction of the Charismatic Movement is that the gifts of the Holy Spirit described in Acts and the Pauline letters — tongues, prophecy, healing, words of knowledge, and others — are available and normative for Christians today. 'Baptism in the Holy Spirit' is an experience of empowerment, often subsequent to conversion, that activates these gifts in a believer's life.

Unlike classical Pentecostalism, most charismatic expressions do not require speaking in tongues as the initial physical evidence of Spirit baptism. Tongues are regarded as one of many gifts, not a mandatory sign. This openness to all gifts without requiring one particular manifestation has allowed the movement to penetrate diverse traditions — Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, and others — without demanding uniformity of expression.