Because the ground had been well prepared among the hopeful Christians in Germany, this new movement was initially received with enthusiasm and an open mind by the “revived circles.” The longing and anticipation were great, and now at last, after such a long wait, God was at work in such an unexpected way.

However, the new movement possessed an inherent dynamic, accompanied by external manifestations, that were largely unknown to the spiritual leadership of the various Christian groups.

People who were moved by the Holy Spirit sometimes reacted with various spiritual manifestations that confused, alienated, and repelled Christians, some of whom were very attached to Prussian order. Could this “un-German” activity truly be the work of the Holy Spirit?

In addition, the prayer in tongues practiced by the “tongue-speakers” was a major topic of discussion. Spiritual leaders were faced with the daunting challenge of, on the one hand, not stifling the work of the Holy Spirit, while on the other hand, not giving in to the specter of a “cult-like mentality.”

In July 1907, the so-called “Kassel Incidents” occurred, which, after some time, caused the debate among the nation’s spiritual leaders on this difficult topic to escalate. These incidents caused consternation among German Christians, as well as uncertainty and a call for clarification.