Quick answer: In many U.S. Black church contexts, “Apostolic” often refers to Oneness Pentecostal or Apostolic Pentecostal congregations. But the word apostolic is broader than one denomination, so a church’s exact doctrine should be confirmed.
At a glance
What does Apostolic mean?
Apostolic is one of the most ambiguous labels in American church life. In many Black church and Pentecostal contexts, it points toward Apostolic Pentecostal or Oneness Pentecostal traditions. In other Christian contexts, the word can refer more generally to continuity with the apostles or apostolic succession.
That ambiguity is why the report’s PAA question “What are the five apostolic churches?” cannot be answered responsibly with one universal list. Different traditions use the word in different ways.
Apostolic Pentecostal and Oneness traditions
Many U.S. Apostolic Pentecostal churches are part of the Oneness movement. Oneness Pentecostals differ from Trinitarian Pentecostals in their understanding of the Godhead and often emphasize baptism in Jesus’ name.
Not every church with Apostolic in its name belongs to the same organization. Some are affiliated with large Pentecostal bodies; others are independent.
Apostolic vs. COGIC
COGIC and Apostolic Pentecostal churches are both part of the wider Pentecostal landscape, but COGIC is Trinitarian while many Apostolic Pentecostal bodies are Oneness. Their histories and denominational structures are therefore distinct.
This distinction is more useful than treating every expressive Black Pentecostal congregation as belonging to the same tradition.
How to verify an Apostolic church
Look for the congregation’s statement of faith, baptismal teaching and denominational affiliation. Those details are more reliable than the word Apostolic by itself.
For local visits, use the church profile to confirm address and contact information, then use official congregation materials for current service times, ministries and doctrinal details.
Key takeaways
Frequently asked questions
What are the five Apostolic churches?
There is no universally accepted list of five Apostolic churches because the word is used differently across Christian traditions.
Are Apostolic churches Pentecostal?
Many U.S. Apostolic churches are Pentecostal, especially Oneness Pentecostal, but the word Apostolic can also be used outside Pentecostalism.
Is COGIC Apostolic?
COGIC is Pentecostal-Holiness and Trinitarian. It is distinct from Oneness Apostolic Pentecostal denominations.
Do Apostolic churches baptize in Jesus’ name?
Many Oneness Apostolic Pentecostal churches do. Because not every church using the word Apostolic is identical, check the congregation’s own teaching.
Explore related church traditions
Visit Black Apostolic churches near you
We list 179 Black Apostolic churches in 40 states, with the most in Indiana (9), North Carolina (9) and Georgia (8). Search near you or pick a state below, then call ahead to confirm service times.
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Black Apostolic churches by state
- Alabama 7
- Arkansas 4
- California 4
- Connecticut 5
- Florida 5
- Georgia 8
- Illinois 6
- Indiana 9
- Iowa 3
- Kansas 7
- Kentucky 4
- Maryland 8
- Massachusetts 5
- Michigan 6
- Mississippi 3
- Missouri 8
- New Jersey 6
- New York 4
- North Carolina 9
- Ohio 4
- Oklahoma 3
- Oregon 3
- Pennsylvania 7
- South Carolina 8
- Texas 5
- Virginia 7
- Washington 6
- West Virginia 3
- Wisconsin 7
Well-known Black Apostolic churches
- ApostolicGreater Bethel Temple Apostolic ChurchLouisville, KY
- ApostolicRock of Refuge Full Gospel AssemblyTurnersville, NJ
- ApostolicZion Apostolic AssemblyPitcairn, PA
- ApostolicZion Tabernacle Apostolic ChurchIndianapolis, IN
- ApostolicApostolic FaithSeattle, WA
- ApostolicApostolic Faith ChurchChicago, IL