While both Pentecostal and Apostolic churches share core beliefs rooted in Pentecostalism, there are some key differences in their specific doctrines and practices. Think of Apostolic churches as a subset or branch within the broader Pentecostal movement, with distinct characteristics that set them apart.
Here's a breakdown of the key differences:
Shared Core Beliefs (Common to both Pentecostal and Apostolic churches):
* Pentecostal Experience: Belief in and seeking of the "Baptism of the Holy Spirit" evidenced by speaking in tongues (glossolalia).
* Spiritual Gifts: Emphasis on the operation of spiritual gifts such as prophecy, healing, miracles, discernment of spirits, etc., as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12.
* Bible as Authority: High regard for the Bible as the inspired and infallible Word of God.
* Salvation through Jesus Christ: Belief in salvation through faith in Jesus Christ's atoning sacrifice.
* Evangelism and Missions: Strong commitment to spreading the Gospel.
* Second Coming: Belief in the imminent return of Jesus Christ.
Key Differences:
| Feature | Pentecostal Churches (General) | Apostolic Churches (Specifically) |
|------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Doctrine of the Godhead | Generally Trinitarian: Believing in one God existing eternally in three co-equal persons: Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit. | Primarily Oneness Pentecostal (also known as Modalism or Jesus Only): Believe in one God who manifests Himself in different "modes" or roles as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They do not believe in three distinct co-equal persons within the Godhead. They believe Jesus *is* the Father manifested in flesh, and the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Jesus. |
| Water Baptism| Baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. | Baptize "in the name of Jesus Christ" for the remission of sins, based on Acts 2:38. They believe this single immersion is the correct formula prescribed in the Bible. |
| Holy Communion| Practice communion as a remembrance of Christ's sacrifice. | Similar to other Pentecostals, view communion as a remembrance, but also often place a strong emphasis on its spiritual significance and potentially transformative power. |
| Foot Washing | Not universally practiced, but sometimes observed as a symbolic act of humility and service, following Jesus' example in John 13. | Often practiced alongside communion as an ordinance, believing it is a commandment of Jesus to show humility and fellowship. |
| Church Governance| Varies greatly among Pentecostal denominations. Some are hierarchical, others are congregational, and some have a blend of both. | Often emphasize the role of Apostles and Prophets in leading the church, believing these offices are still active today. Apostles are seen as having a specific calling to establish and oversee churches, and they may have considerable authority within the denomination or movement. |
| Emphasis | Broad emphasis on experiencing the Holy Spirit and exercising spiritual gifts. | Strong emphasis on returning to the "Apostolic faith" as practiced in the early church. This includes not only experiencing the Holy Spirit, but also adhering to specific doctrines and practices they believe were taught by the apostles. |
| Examples of Denominations | Assemblies of God, Church of God (Cleveland, TN), Foursquare Church. | United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI), Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (PAW), Church of God in Christ Jesus Apostolic (COGICJA). |
In Summary:
* All Apostolic churches are Pentecostal, but not all Pentecostal churches are Apostolic.
* The defining difference is the doctrine of the Godhead (Oneness vs. Trinitarian) and the corresponding baptismal formula. Apostolic churches are almost exclusively Oneness Pentecostal, while Pentecostal churches are generally Trinitarian.
* Apostolic churches also tend to have a greater emphasis on certain practices like foot washing and the active roles of Apostles and Prophets in church leadership.
It's important to note that there can be variations within both Pentecostal and Apostolic movements. This table represents general trends and should not be taken as a definitive or exhaustive description of every single church within these categories. Always best to research specific churches or denominations to understand their particular beliefs and practices.