Pentecostal vs. Non-Pentecostal

myself

[Lasher]

To born-again Christian FReepers:

I have a conceren that has been on my mind for some time. My wife's family in Arizona have a long heritage of membership in the Assembly of God Church, a well known Pentecostal church. My wife and I have recommitted ourselves to Jesus Christ, and have been regularly attending a church with a Baptist affiliation. I am convinced that the Lord has led us to this church by working through our daughter, who has been participating in their youth ministry for longer than we have been going there ourselves. It is a succesful church with attendance and membership growing exponentially. Our church teaches the Bible as the authoritative word of God, has a small group ministry which is the heartbeat of our church, teaches salvation through Christ, and has all the elements you would recognize in a church led by the Holy Spirit.

In a handout given to us in their church membership class, it is mentioned that the most truthful way of describing their fellowship is "The High Desert American Baptist Premillenial Evangelical Non-Pentacostal Church." But it is not named that. Just simply, High Desert Church.

I know it is not a salvation issue if you are pentecostal or non-pentecostal, but I would like to know more about the differences between the two. Is one actually superior in worship style? Does either one have an advantage over the other? Or does it even matter?

I plan to ask this question when I attend another class offered by our church, "Discovering Christian Theology," which teaches more about the bible and its contents, why some books were included and not included, etc. But I would like an answer from any knowledgeable third party, for a more objective response. And by the way, do you consider yourself Pentecostal or Non-Pentecostal? Just curious. Thank you in avance for a truthful, helpful and timely response. Sincerely, lasher

[longleaf]

The Pentecostals know lots of different languages without even studying and can speak them fluently. Might come in handy that close to the border, although I've never heard one "slain in the Spanish Spirit."

[parentsgonenuts]

My husband and I are Pentacost and we were also led to the church we attend. The Pentacost religion teaches all the things you mentioned above, as well as speaking in toungues and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I cannot rightly say which is better but I went to a Baptist church my whole life until I married, and now I go the a small church here in town. I love the church and would rather go to it than a big Baptist church. Just thought I'd put in my 2 cents worth!

[RaceBannon]

This is a link to a church that has some great Bible studies, one on the Charismatic movement..

I used to attend there, but dont now and would not reccomend you do either, but the written material they have cannot be beat!

[RaceBannon]

Here, the link is back up. This is the DOCTRINAL STUDIES page, scroll down a paragraph and you will see 3 studies on the Charismatic Doctrines of tongues and such

[glory]

Well here is something quoted directly from the site of my synod in the Lutheran church regarding the differences if that will help

. What are the main differences between the Missouri Synod and the Pentecostal churches?

A. Perhaps the main difference between The Lutheran Church--and Pentecostal churches is that Pentecostal churches tend to emphasize the importance of personal and spiritual "experiences" (such as "baptism in the Holy Spirit" and speaking in tongues), while the LCMS emphasizes the importance and centrality of the word and promises of God in Holy Scripture, which remain true and valid regardless of our personal "feelings" or "experiences."

[nhoward14]

My father was ordained as a Baptist but has been Pentecostal for nearly 20 years, and I was raised Pentecostal.

My understanding of the most basic difference between Pentecostal and Non-Pentecostal churches relates to how the original feasts of the Old Testament are handled. Pentecostals tend to consider more of the Old Testament to remain in effect meaning that things like Passover, Feast of Unleavened Bread, and Pentecost are still to be observed today. Non-Pentecostals tend to consider those a part of "Mosaic Law" and not necessary under interpretations of the New Testament teachings.

Pentecostals also tend to believe in speaking in tongues, the healing of the sick through anointing with oil and prayer, and that the "layman" in the church is just as able to evangelize as the pastor more often than other religions.

Also, some Pentecostals are called "7th Day Pentecostals" because they believe in observing the Sabbath on the 7th day (Saturday) as the Jews were instructed in the Old Testament.

[glory]

Those are pretty good. The synod I am in of the Lutheran church has an excellent reference on this too, but it's framed in the manner of the differences between that particular denomination and the charismatic movement as a whole. It's comprehensive and non insulting as to the differences and why this particular denomination does not adhere to those things(no your going to burn in hell stuff). Might be another good read

http://www.lcms.org/ctcr/docs/chmat-02.html

[Jefferson Adams]

I'd call myself Charismatic, rather than Pentecostal, but for what you're asking the differences aren't much.

We believe that the gifts of the Holy Spirit listed in the Bible are for today, as well as for the time of Jesus' disciples. Baptists, generally, believe that the gifts died out with the original apostles - they consider them to be "sign" gifts that were only for the early church.

I started my Christian life in the non-Charismatic (refers to the Greek word "charisma," which means "gifts") church, and then received the gifts myself. Which, if you haven't been around them, isn't as weird as it sounds to a lot of people. I pray and sing in tongues - really just a prayer language that the Lord gave me. I've experienced the Word of Knowledge gift on many occasions, when God supernaturally used my mouth to tell someone something they needed to hear. Again, not nearly as "strange" as it may sound - after all, God said in the Bible that these gifts were to be sought after by His children.

As for the worship, it's my experience that true worship, full-blown my-heart-is-Yours worship to the Living God is generally experienced primarily in Charismatic/Pentecostal churches, although by no means by all of the members. It's ultimately a matter of being truly free with God, and desiring Him above all else. Worship flows from that, and singing worship songs is no longer just music. It becomes a way to touch our Father's heart, and to have Him touch ours.

I hope that helps :)

[FNG]

I have seen some "pentecostals" use the term spirit-filled
to think of themselves more highly than other christians.
This is true to an extent in every faction of God's Church.
God's word does not make the gift of tongues any more special than the others.
I do belive that emotional worship services like are held in "pentecostal" and "spirit-filled"
churches are the truest forms of worship, but sometimes emotions and the leading of the Spirit
can get mixed up by some.

[TheBattman]

What a question, and by the way - congratulations for re-commiting yourselves to Christ!

Honestly, in my opinion is that the primary things to look for in a church are:

1. Teaches that the Bible is infallible, complete word of God.

2. That teaches that Jesus Christ is the ONLY way to salvation and everlasting life in Heaven.

3. That believes that the great commission of the Church is to spread the "Good News" of Jesus Christ.

4. All doctorine is firmly based in the Word of God (Bible - see #1).

As far as the differences are concerned - there are many, althogh most are fairly small and are simply based upon worship style and such.

I have only been associated with the Baptist church (actually Baptist Missionary Association of America) for about a year, previously being an Episcopalian, so my experience is still quite limited. The only direct doctrinal difference that I have experienced (although I am certain there are many more) is in the definition of " speaking in tongues".

I hope that others with some real knowledge post here to help you out, as I fear my post isn't all that helpful.

Good luck, and may God bless your life.

[borntodiefree]

Pentecostals believe that on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit indwelled and overflowed the Christians. There was a manifistation of many of the spiritual gifts which the first Apostles referenced throughout the new testement.

It is not a salvation based issue, but it can be important to you and your families spiritual development. Understanding the Bible is of course one of the most important directions to take in life, but seeking the guidence of the Holy Spirit is the other. Relationship with the Holy Spirit builds your foundation and openness with Jesus and the Father.

By having this relationship you may or may not have the opportunity to operate with the spiritual gifts (which are seperate from the situational spiritual gifts). This is a great area of division in the church (which it shouldn't be), but you should research it further yourself and allow God to reveal His truth to you in His time.

[E=MC²]

Pentecostals tend to dwell in the book of Acts and consider all of its precepts and prophecies as valid today, whereas non-Pentecostals regard the book of Acts as a TRANSITIONAL book between the Old Testament Age of the Law and the New Testament Age of Grace.

[Jefferson Adams]

It isn't - all the rest peripheral.

Peripheral to salvation, yes - I agree.

But I want more than just salvation - I wnat to experience my Father here on this earth to the fullest extent possible, and that includes the gifts He listed in His Word.

As someone mentioned, Pentecostal/Charismatic churches tend to emphasize "experience" rather than "the Word." This is true, unfortunately, in most cases. A truly balanced church would emphasize both, and some Charismatic churches do. Remember, the Bible is essentially our menu for life - and, as a pastor I knew once said - while the menu may be excellent, and in this case even God-breathed, you don't want to eat it. You want to use it to get the dinner (or life) that you want to eat (or that God desires for you).

:)

[mercy]

Oh man, where do I start. It's so much about semantics, misunderstanding and misapplication of scripture and doctrine. I believe all Christians are Pentecostal in that the Holy Spirit is The Comforter to all of us since the day of Pentecost. Most 'Pentecostal' churches allow all sorts of silliness to be done under the banner of the 'Gifts of the Spirt' even though Paul clearly explains that The Holy Spirit is not a spirit of disorder. Much of what passes for worship in these 'Holy Roller' churches is mass hysteria or just plain exhibitionism.

Conversely non Pentecostal churches are so freaked out by the practices of 'those people' (who all used to be over on the wrong side of the tracks) that they have squelched the Spirit and the Gifts. I KNOW that the gifts operate amoung a close knit community of believers. What the world calls psychic abilities and honest seemingly miraculous healing DO take place. But not like you see it on TV as practiced by big haired televangelists.

I've seen horrible error practiced in Evangelical/Pentecostal churches which has driven many away from the church. I've seen sickening deadness in mainstream denominational churches that have bored many more right out of the church. The church is a very weak entity as it appears on earth. But the true Church of The Messiah is a mighty edifice encompassing billions of souls throughout the Christian age.

[Jefferson Adams]

I do belive that emotional worship services like are held in "pentecostal" and "spirit-filled" churches are the truest forms of worship, but sometimes emotions and the leading of the Spirit can get mixed up by some.

I agree. We can easily get into "flesh-based" worship, rather than true spiritual worship, because it feels good. But we also gotta remember who designed the flesh :) Ideally, our bodies and the emotions they produce and enjoy will be dedicated to God and His worship, and the fact that we're emotional in worship becomes a GOOD thing, rather than a flesh thing, if you know what I mean.

[Ahban]

Both are good. Iv'e served God in both. The Pentecostal Church is under great attack. It is filled with some posion off base teachings and nutty personality types. I think this is because it has the potential to be Satan's greatest threat, and my military background teaches me that you always 'check to the threat'.

Combine the access to supernatural power with folks who live their lives right and the World will be changed. The Babtists are doing hte best they can, but are not seeking access to that power in the same way. They will not be as big a threat to Satan if they are only serving God with the best of their natural abilities. Our natural abilities are not as effective as our natural and supernatural abilites together.

If you choose the pentecostal church, concentrate on factual truth and good stable living over 'warm fuzzy' experiences, if you choose Baptist, concentrate on seeking God's supernatural gifts and expecting miracles. In other words, emphazise in your personal walk the things that are under respected in that denomination.

[Textide]

The replies to your post have been very informative. Thanks for asking the question.

[Heartlander]

Great post! Great question! And Great answers!

It is good to seek council from fellow Christians but don’t forget the Great Councilor Himself.

In my humble opinion any church that has a good balance with the Word and the Spirit will be a church that will thrive. All Word and no Spirit will have a tendency to dry up. All Spirit and no Word will have a tendency to burn out.

I pray you find what is right for your family.