What is the difference between Baptists and Pentecostals?

Answer 1

Pentecostals still believe in the acts that happened at Pentecost and the moving of the holy spirit in his fullness. These are found in the book of Act and the gifts of the Spirit in 1 Cor. 12. Baptists think these things ended with the apostles. That is one main difference. However, they both believe that Jesus Christ is the resurrected savior...just different beliefs within Christianity..It's unfortunate to see that this question can't be answered by Christians without someone slamming either side...in response to the poster 3 answers below mine!


Edit: link955 is correct, I drive a BMW

Answer 2

I once heard someone say: "Pentecostals praise God with their hands raised in the air; Baptists praise God with their hands in their pockets".
Often too true!
Both groups are evangelical Bible believers.
There is a difference in how the two understand the reception of the Holy Spirit, on the use of the gift of tongues, and on the permanence of salvation.
The most visible difference, however, is how we conduct our worship services, and the quote at the beginning of this answer, said in fun (by a Pentecostal pastor to Baptist pastors), kind of illustrates the difference here. Pentecostals will usually (not always) be more physically expressive of emotions when singing and praising God in their services. Baptists usually tend to be a bit more subdued. There are many exceptions, however.
EDIT:
Link, the previous answserer, is probably thinking of the televangelists, and the prosperity gospelists, who have forms similar to many of the pentecostals, but must not be identified with pentecostals. Those wealthy teloevangelists are generally independent of denominations (they do not like to be held accountable by anyone).

Answer 3

Baptist is a term describing a tradition within Christianity and may also refer to individuals belonging to a Baptist church or a Baptist denomination. The tradition takes its name from the conviction that followers of Jesus Christ should be immersed in water as a visible and public display of their faith. Baptists do not practice infant baptism.

Organizationally, Baptist churches operate on the Congregational governance system, which gives autonomy to individual local Baptist churches. Baptists traditionally have avoided the "top-down" hierarchy which is found in the Roman Catholic, Anglican, and many other churches. However, Baptist churches will often associate in denominational groups such as the Southern Baptist Convention, National Baptist Convention, USA, and American Baptist Churches USA, among others.

Both Roger Williams and his compatriot in working for religious freedom, Dr. John Clarke, are variously credited as being the founder of the Baptist faith in America.[1] In 1639, Williams established a Baptist church in Providence, Rhode Island and Clarke began a Baptist church in Newport, Rhode Island. According to a Baptist historian who has research the matter extensively, "There is much debate over the centuries as to whether the Providence or Newport church deserved the place of 'first' Baptist congregation in America. Exact records for both congregations are lacking."


The Pentecostal movement within Evangelical Christianity 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. Pentecostalism is similar to the Charismatic movement, but developed earlier and separated from the mainstream church. Charismatic Christians, at least in the early days of the movement, tended to remain in their respective denominations.

Answer 4

Baptists drive Fords and Pentecostals drive BMWs.

Answer 5

Drums in worship service.. Most baptist I know are kind of tightly strung but then again some Pentecostals are too wild and reckless. Both are believers in Christ and that is what is important. That is why both are Christian people.. Jim

Answer 6

Pentacostals are Spirit filled, but Baptists don't believe in spiritual gifts for these times.

Answer 7

Baptist are quite, worshipping with softer music, dont believe in speaking in tounges.

Penecostals are usually very loud, vocal, and believe in speaking in tounges.

Generally speaking, thats the difference.

Answer 8

Pentecostals believe in speaking in tongues and prosperity movement of naming it and claim it.

Baptists don't believe in speaking in tongues or the prosperity movement. They just believe in Jesus and his word.