Drawing charismatic Christians from Seattle to San Diego, the West Coast Believers' Convention in Anaheim this week is a testament to the phenomenal growth of a movement once viewed skeptically as a fringe element.
The weeklong event at the Convention Center has more than 2,000 registered participants and drew more than 5,000 Tuesday night to hear Texas-based minister Kenneth Copeland preach.
High-profile preachers like Copeland and his wife, Gloria, who head Eagle Mountain International Church in Fort Worth, have spent decades appealing to mainstream Christians by making charismatic worship more accessible.
With their emphasis on direct divine inspiration, healing powers and speaking in tongues, charismatics historically have made many mainstream Christians uncomfortable. But the emphasis on the benevolence of God, the power of forgiveness and the benefits of optimism is a strong draw.
"It's the segment of Christianity that is growing fastest around the world right now," said Lee Grady, editor of Florida-based Charisma magazine, with circulation of 250,000. "While the mainline churches are declining, charismatic and Pentecostal churches are growing and are healthy. It's where the action is."
Part of the reason, Grady said, is the charismatic movement's acceptance of women as leaders.
"A lot of evangelicals are still arguing about whether women can minister today," he said. "And here's Gloria Copeland already doing it and doing it well."
Dressed in a bright pink suit, Gloria Copeland stood at the podium Wednesday morning to tell how to teach the Bible to children and keep them interested in Sunday school.
"Going to church ought to be fun," she said in a talk laced with personal, humorous anecdotes. "If you go to church and it's a drag, you're going to the wrong church."
Indeed, her Bible lessons are the main draw for many participants at this year's convention.
"Gloria keeps you grounded, and Kenneth gives you new insights," said Stephen Rodriguez, 20, clutching his Bible under his arm as he left the Wednesday morning session. "They preach that God is a good God. I love that. We have enough trouble in this world as human beings. It's good to know that God's on your side."
Rodriguez, who took vacation days to make the road trip from Phoenix, said Gloria Copeland is known for her teaching, while Kenneth Copeland is known for his fiery oratory and speaking in tongues.
