What is the difference between Apostolic, Charismatic, Evangelicals, Pentecostals, & Apostolic Pentacostals?

Answer 1

Way too complicated.
Evangelicals is the most general term, and it pertains to those who believe in a literal interpretation of Scripture and justification through faith in Christ's atonement, but are usually independent of the major denominations and non-liturgical in observation of the worship service.
Pentecostals might consider themselves to be under the umbrella of Evangelicals, but most Evangelicals would probably consider them distinct.
They also believe in taking the Bible literally, salvation through a personal encounter with God through faith in Christ; but they also embrace a second work referred to as the Baptism in the Holy Spirit with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues, as described in Acts chapter 2 and First Corinthians chapter 14.
Apostolic Pentecostals (as far as I know, same as "Apostolic") believe in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, but unlike Pentecostals, Charismatics and Evangelicals, they believe speaking in tongues is the only sure evidence you are saved, and they also insist upon water baptism in the name of Jesus "Only", and they deny the doctrine of the Trinity.
Charismatics are usually those from non-Pentecostal, often mainline denominations including Catholics, Lutherans, Episcopalian, etc., who acknowledge the reality of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues and also the other gifts of the Holy Spirit mentioned in First Corinthians Chapter 12.
I would add, many Charismatics are non-denominational.

Answer 2

Okay people, how about we give up on our propaganda either for/against Christianity and answer the damned question?

First off, those different groups aren't at the same level. Starting from the top, Evangelical Christians, as we know them in America today, vary widely in how they worship/exactly what they believe, but generally they all agree in a few of the same tenets: the Bible is primary, in terms of a source of faith and morals, faith in Jesus is more important than works, a focus on conversion and being converted (born-again), to name a few. The Evangelical movement that we know now really started to get going in America and Europe in the 1800s. It was a reaction to deistic philosophies and the Enlightenment ideals that were coming about. Methodists, Quakers, Anglicans were among the primary groups responsible for coming together to get the movement going.

Pentecostalism as a movement started referring to itself as that in the late 1800s. As with most other Protestant movements, it has since fractured into many different Churches and sects, but there is a tendency to emphasize the water baptism and glossolalia (speaking in tongues), and the importance of the Holy Spirit/Ghost in one's faith. Their worship is very lively, but aside from these points and a few other there remains a large range of variation between Churches.

The Charismatics are a sect very similar to Pentecostals, except this particular revival movement began in the mid 20th century. Of the few differences, one is the rejection of glossolalia as a veritable sign that the Holy Spirit is at work. This is analogous to the transubstantiation/consubstantiation distinction in Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. Charismatics also often stay in their existing denominations.

I emphasize, again, that because of splintering of denominations, you can't really define Pentecostals or Charismatics in the sense of each being a single large organization on their own. Often the two are confused, and with good reason. As is evidenced by Apostolics, Apostolic Pentacostals, Charismatic Pentacostals, etc. I mean there's an international church based in Germany called "Catholic Apostolic Charismatic Church of “Jesus the King”.

So if you want to go with the Christian apologists: "There is no difference between these Churches, they're all the doing the work of Jesus."

Or the atheist apologists: "It's all the same nonsense."

(I know other people have by this point written serious answers, but I spent a bit of time researching this so I figure I'll put it up anyway.)

Answer 3

Evangelical Charismatic

Answer 4

I don't totally know. My church calls itself Apostolic. The unique feature is an understanding of authority that I haven't seen in other churches. There is an "apostolic counsel" where the leaders meet together and hold each other to the standard of the Bible. They excercise their authority in calling to account the members of the church that fall into sin. They hold a high standard of behavior and expect that it will be met. They expect the people to be willing to take confrontation and respond to it. They believe in new pastors being sent out, not just deciding they want to be a pastor and going out and starting a church. They must be planted under the covering of an established church. It may sound scary, but I think it works quite well. We have a thriving congregation where people are actually walking out the gospel every day. There is incredible personal growth when you live within God's established authority structure.

Answer 5

Let me see is I can explain as brief as possible.

The Apostolics, the ones who do not believe in Trinity say that you have to be baptized in Jesus name and speaking in tongues as the evidence of having the Holy Spirit.

Pentacosals believe in Trinity while the Apostolics, the ones whom I mentioned in my first explaination of Apostolics are the same Apostolic Pentacostacals. They also believe in speaking in tongues as the evidence of having the Holy Spirit.

While all say they believe totally in the Bible as true and revelant daily, Evangelicals belive in Trinity and are more winning souls orientated. Many groups are evangelical but do not call theirselves such.

Charismatic has to do moreso with the

WAY

they worship, etc,, than any particular doctrine. I am not sure about what Charismatics believe, regarding speaking in tongues. They too say they believe in the Bible.

This is as close to an answer I can give you. For a church assembly who believes totally in the Bible would say they follow the Apostles doctrine, but believes in Trinity, and all do not believe that speaking in tongues is the evidene of the Holy Ghost or speak in tongues.

I hope I have not confused you. If so please excuse.

Answer 6

Nice question. I know Charismatics and Pentecostals believe greatly in the gifts of the Spirit. For example you might go to a Pentecostal church and see them dancing around speaking in tongues- something which many other Christians think might not happen that way. Charismatics believe in all the gifts, and use them, like healing, tongues, casting out spirits etc.

Answer 7

I don't know. What do you think "Pentecostal Apostolic" is? I have been a Pentecostal for more than 30 years, but I have never heard the term "Pentecostal Apostolic" prior to this question. Go in peace. Ana, always remember: Jesus loves you!! Sincerely, Uncle Floyd

Answer 8

Apostolic---people who have been sent out on a mission to preach God's word
Charismatic---they dance, sing, speak in tongues, and generally draw a whole bunch of attention to themselves.
Evangelicals---are tasked to go out and proclaim the Good News of Jesus.
Pentacostals---pretty much the same as charismatic, they anoint people with oil, do healing/laying on hands stuff. Plus all the charismatic things.
Apostolic Pentacostals---a major painus in the anus---they believe that everyone should speak in tongues, dance, sing, prophesy, heal, anoint, and usually they believe that everyone should believe every single word in the Bible---which Bible, am not certain.

Oh, I like to dance and sing. Attended a Pentacostal service last night. well, half of a service....not my style.

Answer 9

Charismatics (word comes from Charisma) are very much into actively praising and worshipping G-d at church (often loudly) and in their lives (Supposed to anyway).
Evangelicals do alot of evangelizing: spreading G-d's word around to everyone that will listen (supposed to anyway)
Pentecostals also actively praise G-d and usually exhibit outward expressions of G-d's Holy Spirit as well, like speaking in tongues, prophesying, healing, etc.
Apostolic Pentecostals are very much like regular pentecostals, but they believe you must speak in tongues to evidence that you are "saved."
Every one of these categories would generally be considered: Charismatic, but not always.

Answer 10

Different callings, different gifts.

The Lords calls some to the 5 fold ministry; some Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors & Teachers.

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit were given at the day of Pentecost for ability to Preach the Word to all nations, to heal people, strengthen one another in Christ, encourage one another, teach one another, etc...

All these are parts of the Body of Christ, but the Body of Christ is One Church.