Churches of Christ and the Assemblies of God both believe in Jesus Christ, the authority of the Bible, and the importance of becoming a Christian. However, they differ in what they teach about salvation, baptism, speaking in tongues, miraculous gifts, worship, and church leadership.
If you visited both churches, you might notice the differences immediately. An Assemblies of God service may include a worship band, raised hands, and speaking in tongues. At a church of Christ, you'll generally hear congregational singing without instruments, Bible preaching, prayer, and the Lord's Supper every Sunday.
Both groups seek to honor God. Their differences come from how they understand and apply Scripture.
Where Did These Churches Come From?
The Assemblies of God was organized in Hot Springs, Arkansas, in 1914. It grew from the Pentecostal movement, which emphasizes the Holy Spirit's work and the continuing presence of miraculous spiritual gifts.
Many modern churches of Christ trace their history to the nineteenth-century Restoration Movement. Its purpose was to encourage Christians to return to the beliefs and practices taught in the New Testament.
The Assemblies of God has a national organization and an official statement of beliefs called the Sixteen Fundamental Truths. Churches of Christ generally have no national headquarters or binding denominational creed. Each congregation is responsible for following Scripture under Christ's authority.
What Do They Believe About the Holy Spirit and Speaking in Tongues?
This is one of their most significant differences.
The Assemblies of God teaches that Christians can receive a distinct experience called baptism in the Holy Spirit after salvation. It teaches that speaking in tongues, a Spirit-given ability to speak in languages not previously learned, is the initial physical evidence of that experience.
This teaching draws upon events such as Pentecost, when the apostles spoke in other languages through the Holy Spirit's power ().
Churches of Christ believe the Holy Spirit works in Christians today (). However, they generally understand miraculous gifts such as tongues and prophecy to have served a particular purpose during the church's early development.
describes God confirming the gospel message through miraculous signs and gifts. Paul also taught that prophecy and tongues would eventually cease ().
Christians disagree about when that cessation occurs. Churches of Christ commonly understand those miraculous gifts as belonging to the period when God's revelation was being delivered and confirmed.
Both groups believe in the power of prayer and God's ability to act in people's lives.
Do They Believe Miraculous Healing Still Happens?
The Assemblies of God teaches that divine healing remains available through Christ and encourages Christians to pray for healing today.
Churches of Christ also believe God hears prayer and can heal according to His will (). Their disagreement generally concerns whether Christians today possess the same miraculous gifts exercised by the apostles and other believers in the first century.
Scripture calls Christians to pray in faith while recognizing God's wisdom and will. Even Paul experienced physical suffering that God chose to leave with him ().
What Do They Teach About Baptism and Salvation?
Both groups practice baptism by immersion, meaning a person is lowered completely into water. However, they differ about when forgiveness occurs.
The Assemblies of God teaches that salvation is received through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Water baptism follows as a public declaration of the believer's new life.
Churches of Christ teach that baptism belongs to the response of faith through which God forgives sins.
When people asked what they should do after hearing the gospel, Peter answered:
"Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins" ().
Ananias also told Saul to be baptized and wash away his sins (). Paul later connected baptism with faith in God's saving power ().
Churches of Christ therefore understand baptism as more than a public declaration. They teach it as part of God's revealed instructions for receiving salvation through Jesus Christ.
How Is Sunday Worship Different?
Assemblies of God congregations commonly worship with instrumental music, contemporary songs, and expressive participation. They also observe the Lord's Supper, although its frequency varies.
Churches of Christ generally sing without instrumental accompaniment, following their understanding of and .
They also observe the Lord's Supper every Sunday, following the gathering described in , where Christians assembled to break bread, understood here as sharing the memorial Jesus established.
Both groups value biblical preaching, prayer, and encouraging Christians to grow in faith.
How Are Their Churches Led?
Assemblies of God congregations generally have pastors and local leadership while participating in district and national structures. Many local congregations govern their own affairs but remain accountable to the fellowship's doctrinal standards.
Churches of Christ generally have independent congregations overseen by qualified elders, also called shepherds or overseers (; ).
Jesus Christ remains the head of His church ().
How Should Someone Decide What to Believe?
These differences reach beyond the style of a Sunday service. They concern how someone receives salvation, how the Holy Spirit works, and what God has instructed Christians to practice.
The Christians in Berea listened carefully to Paul's preaching and examined Scripture to see whether his teaching was true ().
That remains a wise approach. Read the passages, consider their context, and ask questions. Every congregation should welcome that kind of examination.
At Memorial Church of Christ in Port Arthur, Texas, we'd be glad to study these matters with you. Our desire is to follow Jesus Christ faithfully and help others understand His Word.
Open the Bible With Us
If this question has been sitting with you for a while, we’d be glad to work through it together, at whatever pace you want. Memorial Church of Christ meets at 2525 Aero Drive in Port Arthur, and the evangelists here, Tim King and Jeff Trahan, will gladly sit down and study with anyone who asks. Plan your visit whenever it suits you.
If becoming a Christian is the real question underneath this one, start here.
When we meet:
- Sunday: Bible Class 9am, Worship 10am, Worship 6pm
- Wednesday: Bible Class 7pm