I want to know what the differences there are between Assembly of God and Baptist?

Question

I grew up Baptist but have been to many non-denominational churches that I have enjoyed. I recently moved and am looking to attend a local church that is a First Assembly of God denomination. I like them because they have a lot of community involvement with the youth. I find this to be a good thing and do not understand why there has to be so many different denominations. The Bible is the Bible, why do we have to have so many different beliefs.

Answer 1

One thing I've always found helpful in identifying denominational differences is to read the "statement of faith" for each denomination:

http://www.sbc.net/BFM/bfm2000.asp (for the southern baptist statement of faith)

http://www.ag.org/top/beliefs/Statement_of_Fundamental_Truths/sft_short.cfm (for the assemblies of God)



The most obvious difference between the Baptist and Assemblies of God denominations is their position on the "baptism in the Holy Spirit"...specifically as manifested in "speaking in tongues".



If you look at the "big picture" of what each denomination considers it's "core doctrine" (the "universal" beliefs of its members), two things are apparent. First, they basically agree on the "fundamentals" related to God, Jesus and the bible. Second, they differ in the way their "expectations" for believers are presented. The Baptist doctrine contains a number of statements related to the "life of a Christian"...behavioral expectations related to war, marriage, child rearing and many more. In my experience, such doctrines typically result in a somewhat stricter set of behavioral "rules" (and, unfortunately, a significant amount of judgment for those who break the rules).



The Assemblies of God doctrine contains significantly more statements related to the future of "the church" and it contains more statements about the role of "the church" instead of the behavioral expectations for members. In my experience, this type of doctrine results in a more "welcoming" church that readily forgives past transgressions and focuses more attention on helping others than on judging them. The downside is all the pointless speculation about the future you have to listen to...for example only, Assemblies of God core doctrine specifies a pre-tribulation rapture...the Baptist doctrinal statement doesn't even include the word "rapture"!



As for your last question, I believe the reason that we have so many different denominations (and so many different beliefs) is because we look for answers to different questions in the bible...and, sadly, because when we find the answer to those questions, we tend to assume that the answer is "universally true". Denominations build around those answers when enough people agree are "fundamental" to "Christianity".



I'm with you...I'm happy with the first statement in both those statements...the Bible is the word of God...the rest just creates divisions that are largely counterproductive.

Answer 2

they are merely different denominations. someplace alongside the strains of christianity, human beings had different beleifs on the bible, so as that they shaped their very own element, to that end the denomination. some beleive jehova witnesses are no longer christian. Im not sure, and its merely my place to choose... i be attentive to JW dont beleive in hell, or life after dying, for that count. Im not sure in the event that they beleive christ died on the circulate or no longer... Baptists have faith in as quickly as stored, consistently stored. Methodist is an previous denomination. Its between the 1st 3, which i beleive is pentecostal, methodist, and Baptists. and assembly of god is relatively a branch of pentecostal, although their ideals are relatively different. they are very cutting-edge so a strategies as ideals. despite if i'm no longer christian, my fav denomination replaced into the AoG. ur superb guess for looking information promptly from a internet site is wikipedia... they convey mutually stuff from different web pages, and positioned all of it in a nut shell...

Answer 3

subtle differences in teachings.

Beliefs



An AG church in Fiji, conveniently located to serve passengers entering the country via Nadi AirportThe doctrinal position of the Assemblies of God is framed in a classical Pentecostal and an evangelical context. The AG is Trinitarian and holds the Bible as divinely inspired and the infallible authoritative rule of faith and conduct. Baptism by immersion is practiced as an ordinance instituted by Christ for those who have been saved. Baptism is understood as an outward sign of an inward change, the change from being dead in sin to being alive in Christ. As an ordinance, Communion is also practiced. The Assemblies of God also places a strong emphasis on the fulfillment of the Great Commission and believes that this is the main calling of the church.[10]



As classical Pentecostals, the Assemblies of God believes all Christians are entitled to and should seek the baptism in the Holy Spirit. The AG teaches that this experience is distinct from and subsequent to the experience of salvation. The baptism in the Holy Spirit empowers the believer for Christian life and service. The initial evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit is speaking in tongues "as the Spirit gives utterance". In addition, it also believes in the present day use of other spiritual gifts and in divine healing.[10



The beliefs of Baptist churches are not totally consistent from one Baptist church to another, as Baptists do not have a central governing authority, unlike most other denominations.



However, on major issues, Baptist distinctives are beliefs that are common among almost all Baptist churches. Baptists share so-called "orthodox" Christian beliefs with most other moderate or conservative Christian denominations. These would include beliefs about one God, the virgin birth, the sinless life, miracles, vicarious atoning death, burial, and bodily resurrection of Christ, the Trinity (the divinity of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, together with God the Father), the need for salvation (though the understanding of means for achieving it may differ at times), divine grace, the Church, the Kingdom of God, last things (Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth; the dead will be raised; and Christ will judge everyone in righteousness), evangelism and missions.

Answer 4

The Assembly of God is Pentecostal and, of course, follws the Pentecostal tradition, which is quite new. Baptist is a rather loose term and can describe any number of denominations of Protestants. Aside from the mode of worship between the two the primary difference is that Baptists generally hold to "once saved always saved" while Pentecostals generally do not.



And you only find "so many different denominations" among Protestants.

Answer 5

I go to a Baptist church now..........but when I was first saved, I went directly to an AOG church....so I've experienced both.



The AOG concentrates heavily on the gifts of the Spirit....whereas the Baptist church doesn't.



But I've said it before & I'll say it again: As long as Jesus Christ is at the center of our worship.....we cannot fail.

Answer 6

there are denominations because of pride...this group believes certain scriptures mean one thing and another group says they mean something else...this is the birth place of denominations. There is much more to add to this but I am out of time unfortunately...feel free to email me for a more complete answer if you want...GOD BLESS YOU AND LEAD YOU INTO ALL TRUTH! AMEN <>( JN 3:16

Answer 7

There are more different Baptists than there are different Assemblies..... you just have to go and see if you fit.....



here is a link to a page on my site I call... All different Flavors.... it is my pov on why so many different "denominations" ...



I invite you to visit... comments from brothers and sisters in Christ are always welcome.



http://mikevanauken.pages.qpg.com/mikesfaith/id24.html





The Good Samaritan









I was walking across a bridge one day and I saw a man standing on the edge, about to jump off. So I ran over and said, “Stop! Don’t do it!”



“Why shouldn’t I?” he said.



I said, “Well, there’s so much to live for.”



“Like what?” he said.



I said, “Well, are you religious or atheist?”



He said, “Religious.”





I said, “Me too! Are you Christian, Buddhist or Muslim?”



“Christian”



“Me too!” I said “Are you Catholic or Protestant?”



“Protestant”



I said, “Me too! Are you Episcopalian or Baptist?”



He said, “Baptist”



“Wow, me too! Are you Baptist Church of God or Baptist Church of the Lord?”



He said, “Baptist Church of God”



I said, “Me too! Are you original Baptist Church of God, or Reformed Baptist Church of God?”



“Reformed Baptist Church of God!”



I said, “Me too! Are you Reformed Baptist Church of God, Reformation of 1889, or Reformed Baptist Church of God, reformation of 1915?”



He said, “Reformed Baptist Church of God, Reformation of 1915.”



I said, “Die heretic scum!” and pushed him off



- Emo Phillips

Answer 8

Fireball is baptist, thats different!