Questioner: Dominic
Subject: sacramentsQuestion:
- how does the Pentecostal religion observe the sacraments from the catholic religion?
John of AllFaith's reply
Hi Dominic,Pentecostals follow the same basic sacramental practices observed by other Protestant sects.
Pentecostal Christian Sacraments
Baptism: Baptism is usually performed by full water immersion "in the name of the Father, and of the son, and of the Holy Spirit" by a pastor, evangelist or other minister (although any baptized Christian can perform this rite). Some groups, such as the United Pentecostal Church, word this a bit differently, sometimes adding "in Jesus' name" etc. To be water baptized, a person must be old enough to personally commit him/herself to God. After they pray to receive Jesus as personal savior, they ask the pastor (or other spiritual authority) for baptism.Infant baptism is not performed, although some will perform christenings if the parents request it. This is not deemed related to salvation, but to the stating of an intention to raise the child as a Christian and the asking of God's blessings.
Confirmation: Pentecostals don't do this in the Catholic sense.
Eucharist (called Communion or the Lord's Supper): Pentecostals do not accept the doctrine of transubstantiation, rather they believe the
bread and wine represents the body and blood of Christ symbolically. Congregations vary as to schedules, but it is common to observe Communion once a month, often on the first Sunday. Some offer it every Sunday.
Trays filled with small containers of the bread (usually in the form of small wafers) and grape juice (almost never wine) are passed out to the seated congregation.
In most congregations, the pastor will read the relevant sections from the Gospel and pray a non-formal prayer. The people are encouraged to think about their sins and silently ask forgiveness. Following the pastor's direction, the bread and wine are then consumed as the relevant verses are recited.
Sacraments of Healing: People who need healing usually come to the alter. The healer anoints (often) the person with oil. Members of the congregation gather around and lay hands on the sick person. For Pentecostals, this will often include praying in unknown languages, prophesying and so on. Sometime during healing servicing a more formal arraignment is used when a single healer will do the work from the podium.
Penance and Reconciliation: There are "alter calls" where people kneel and confess their sins. Other times this is done in the pews. There are no confessionals and no asking for or receiving of forgiveness from priests. There are no formal prayers like saying five Hail Marys etc. It is believed that anyone can directly approach God through Jesus for forgiveness of sins by personal prayer.
Anointing of the Sick: This is done by any member who wishes to pray. It can be done anywhere. There are no formal requirements.
Holy Orders: When a person is called to be a deacon and so on, it is usual for the pastor, deacons etc. and all members to lay hands on and prayer that God will accept the person to the new service.
Matrimony: Normally the couple decides what they want in harmony with local legal requirements. The local pastor usually performs the service in the presence of at least two witnesses. and blesses the marriage through prayer.
Hope this helps,
- ~John of AllFaith
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