The Azusa Street revival, which commenced in Los Angeles in 1906, serves as a defining moment in the history of modern Pentecostalism. Under the leadership of William J. Seymour, the movement emerged from a small mission and rapidly gained international significance, fundamentally altering the landscape of global Christianity.

The revival was characterised by a fervent emphasis on direct religious experience and the manifestation of spiritual gifts. It played a critical role in popularising specific practices that would become central to the Pentecostal tradition, transcending established racial, national, and denominational boundaries during a period of significant social division.

Key features of the worship and practices at the mission included:

• The practice of speaking in tongues, or glossolalia.
• Public testimonies of divine healing.
• A strong focus on Spirit-centred worship.
• An inclusive environment that welcomed diverse congregations.
• The promotion of personal religious experience over formal liturgy.

By fostering a community that prioritised spiritual fervour and egalitarian participation, the revival acted as a catalyst for the rapid expansion of the Pentecostal movement. Its influence extended far beyond California, establishing a template for worship that continues to shape religious practice across the world today.