Apostolic churches, particularly those within the Pentecostal Apostolic tradition (often referred to as Oneness Pentecostal or Jesus' Name Pentecostal), are found throughout the United States. However, they tend to be more concentrated in certain regions.
Here's a breakdown of their general distribution:
* Southern States: The South is a major stronghold. States like Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina have a significant number of Apostolic churches. This is likely due to the strong evangelical and Pentecostal history in this region.
* Midwestern States: There are also Apostolic churches in the Midwest, particularly in states like Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, and Missouri.
* Northeastern States: While less concentrated than the South or Midwest, Apostolic churches can be found in the Northeast, especially in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey.
* Western States: You'll find Apostolic churches in the West, including California, Oregon, and Washington.
Important Considerations:
* Denominational Affiliations: Apostolic churches are diverse. The largest include:
* United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI): This is the largest Oneness Pentecostal denomination, with churches across the USA and internationally.
* Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (PAW): A large, historically African American Pentecostal organization with many Apostolic churches.
* Apostolic Church of Pentecost of Canada: The American churches are considered districts in the organization.
* Independent Churches: Many Apostolic churches are independent and not affiliated with a larger denomination. These can be harder to locate through denominational directories.
* Urban vs. Rural: Apostolic churches can be found in both urban and rural areas, though in some regions, they may be more prevalent in smaller towns or rural communities.
How to Find Specific Churches:
1. Denominational Websites: If you're looking for a church within a specific denomination like the UPCI or PAW, visit their official websites. They often have church locator tools.
2. Online Search: Use search engines like Google, DuckDuckGo, or Maps by searching for "Apostolic Church" or "Oneness Pentecostal Church" along with the city, state, or zip code you're interested in.
3. Church Directories: Websites like Church Finder or similar online directories may list Apostolic churches in your area.
4. Word of Mouth: If you know people who attend Apostolic churches, ask them for recommendations or referrals.
In summary, Apostolic churches are widely distributed across the USA, with a higher concentration in the South and a significant presence in the Midwest. To find specific churches, use denominational websites, online search engines, and church directories.