Whereas charismatics historically have been members of Pentecostal congregations--fundamentalist Protestant churches emphasizing direct inspiration by the Holy Spirit--high-profile leaders like the Copelands have a broader appeal. Those who track the charismatic movement say it increasingly includes people who are members of large nondenominational churches and some mainstream congregations.
Global Evangelization Movement Research, an organization based in Richmond, Va., estimates that charismatic Christians now number more than 523 million worldwide.
The convention is a chance for believers to meet and worship with thousands of other charismatic Christians. It serves as a pep rally and a chance to recharge spiritual batteries. Some of those attending are pastors seeking inspiration for their own sermons. Study sessions are laid-back, with participants taking extensive notes and marking convention materials with highlighters as they listen raptly.
Some said the movement's emphasis on positive thinking is the big attraction, for they find it disheartening to live by Christian ideals in a secular world.
Firefighter Brian Coney of Yorba Linda said he attends to renew his faith and surround himself with like-minded Christians.
"I came here to keep my spiritual acumen sharp," said Coney, 42. "It has the tendency to get dull because the things you encounter every day can make you feel like there's not a God."
Coney, who goes to a charismatic church in Walnut, said he became a Christian in 1972 and has been following the Copelands' ministry and reading their books for 25 years.
Fighting fires as a profession became a symbol for his internal battle to keep the devil at bay, he said.
Kim Warf, 37, drove from Mesa, Ariz., for the convention. Becoming a Christian is the easy part, she said.
"The key is to stay on track and not get distracted by the devil," she said. Of the Copelands and their colleagues, she said, "These men and women of God are pointing us in the right direction."
