Expert: Elder Greg Madden - 12/24/2006

Question
Is the Assembly of God Church the same as the Pentecostal Church?  

Answer
Melissa,

Sorry for the delay in my reply. Let me see if I can answer your question.

First, let me define the term "Pentecostal", and that  Pentecostalism is a movement, not a denomination.

Theologically, most Pentecostal denominations are aligned with Evangelicalism in that they emphasize the reliability of the Bible and the need for the transformation of an individual's life with faith in Jesus. Pentecostals also adhere to the doctrine of Biblical inerrant. Pentecostals differ from fundamentalists by placing less emphasis on personal spiritual experience and more emphasis on the Holy Spirit's work within a person than other Protestants.

Pentecostals believe that one must be saved by believing in Jesus as Lord and Savior for the forgiveness of sins and to be made acceptable to God.

The Pentecostal movement places special emphasis on the direct personal experience of God through the baptism of the Holy Spirit, as shown in the Biblical account of the Day of Pentecost. Pentecostals believe that the baptism in the Holy Spirit is always accompanied initially by the outward evidence of speaking in tongues.

Pentecostal's reject any connection between personal salvation or conversion and the baptism in the Holy Spirit and teach that it is not necessary for salvation, but a gift from God available to all Christians regardless of denominational affiliation.

Melissa, the A/G as a denomination does believe in the basic Pentecostal beliefs. However, they have (for a myriad of reasons) "de-emphasized" the necessary of the Baptism of the Holy Ghost in the life of the Believer, and they have turned their back on the Spirit lead/directed worship in praise during their services. I feel they have done this in order to be more "user-friendly". This is not true of every local assembly of course. It is my prayer that this once great move of God would turn back to it's roots that made it great.

Please let me know if this helps, or if your have any further questions.
Elder Greg Madden