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We received a question via email asking if Pentecostalism is the oldest “religion” (denomination) within Christianity. The following article explains in detail what the difference is between a religion, sect, and denomination. It also explains which of the denominations is the oldest and then where Pentecostalism fits in the Christian family tree of denominations.
First of all, to define our terms, from a secular perspective, Christianity itself is considered a singular religion consisting of a number of denominations within. It is important to note that the Biblical definition of Christianity is decidedly different than the secular definition. The Bible describes an entity known as “the Church” which consists of all those men, women and children who have put their faith in Jesus and His resurrection. Trusting in Him solely for the forgiveness of their sin. This is explained in John chapter 3. This definition has nothing to do with denominations nor does it describe the collective of born again believers as a “religion”.
The term “denomination” did not come into wide use until about the 18-19th centuries when denominationalism within Christianity reached its zenith. Prior to the German, Swiss and English reformations of the early 16th century, we had what some might call “movements” or “schisms” e.g. Waldensian movement c. 1182, The Hussite movement c. 1430, the Nestorian Schism or the Great Schism of 1054 whereby the Eastern Orthodox church and the Roman Catholic church split into to “sects” of Christianity (in a secular sense) for 5 centuries. Each of these sects referred to the other as “schismatic” and as “churches departed from the true Christian faith”.
The earliest schisms date back to the 3rd and 4th centuries regarding a difference in Christology (study of the person of Christ). Some were called Monophysites (Christ is one person – combined God and man) and the others were called Nestorians who followed Nestorius’ teachings regarding the person of Christ. Variants of these groups still exist today in Egypt and Iraq despite thousands of years of persecutions by Jewish, and Muslim religions. Today, many of these early groups mostly resemble the Eastern Orthodox traditional high church and the fact that they have survived so many centuries despite the hatred of those around them is genuinely miraculous.
All groups above: movements, sects, schisms, etc of the Christian religion are today lumped under the term “denominations” (see pictured chart). So technically, the “oldest denomination” would probably have to be the coptic Christian or Coptic Orthodox Christian church in Egypt, dating back to the 4th century.
Where do the pentecostals fit into all of this? Pentecostalism itself is not itself a denomination but rather is a description of a particular theological position known as “pneumatology” (The person and work of the Holy Spirit). Within this pneumatological distinction, there are several different groups which hold to different beliefs regarding the person and work of the Holy Spirit. One group holds to the position that the spiritual gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12 continue from the time of Christ until present day. This group of denominations is primarily pentecostal in doctrine only but not necessarily in regular liturgical practice (Calvary Chapel, Church of the Nazarene, Foursquare Church, Christian Missionary Alliance).
Another group of Pentecostals are called “charismatics” (Bethel Church, Church of God in Christ, Oneness Pentecostals, Vineyard, Potter’s House etc) is more akin to what could be described as cultic in behavior whereby these spiritual gifts MUST be practiced today in order to demonstrate one’s legitimacy of belonging to God i.e. born again. They believe the Holy Spirit works like a “pie” where some can have “part” of Him but the charismatic has “more” of Him and the anointed charismatic ‘prophet’ or ‘apostle’ has ALL of Him and the ability to “impart” Him to those they lay hands on or belt in the face with a white coat.
In conclusion, Pentecostalism is not a denomination at all, much less the “oldest” denomination. Rather, within Pentecostalism we have several denominations (and even a couple cults) which are clearly distinct from each other. Some examples are: Assemblies of God, Foursquare International, Church of God, Church of God in Christ, Church of the Nazarene, Vineyard, Potter’s House, Calvary Chapel etc. So, if you look back at my chart, you will see pentecostalism represented through these groups which all go back as far as the late 19th century (relatively late) but not under the pneumatological name “pentecostal”.
No one receives eternal life and eternal presence with God (from Whom all good things come – James 1:17), by belonging to the right church, denomination, world religion, or by having a particular world view. Rather only those who trust in the Lord Jesus (preached by the Apostles in the Bible) for their own sin. We will not trust in a Savior for sins that we either don’t believe we have or that we think aren’t deserving of hell. But the Bible says that ALL have sin and the wages of that sin is eternal separation from God (death). The good news is that the Bible says that you can know that YOU have eternal life. Click the button below to see if you are genuinely saved from your sins according to the Bible: