They are two different groups that both consider themselves Christian. Presbyterians practice Calvinistic theology (John Calvin) and originated in Scotland in the early 17th century. The Pentecostal group is also Christian and placed emphasis on baptisms. Also, Pentecostalism is very similar to Evangelicalism. Pentecostalism (the current Pentecostal church) started in the early 1900's. Both Presbyterian and Pentecostal churches are Protestant.

Here's my simplistic answer. I am a Pentecostal minister and have recently graduated from a Presbyterian seminary. Pentecostals emphasize the movement of the Holy Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit being visible and operating in today's church. Their style of worship is very spontaneous and lively, often with contemporary Christian music, and altar services at the end of a service where people can come forward for prayer. Presbyterians are very orderly in their style of worship, which uses a call and response liturgy, and traditional worship/hymns. Some Pres churches allow contemporary style worship. I think that each faith tradition has a lot to offer the other. A hybrid of the two would be a mighty force, not to be reckoned with. I have found Pres believers who utilize the gift of speaking in tongues in their private prayer time, but it is generally looked at with great suspicion. It would be wonderful if we could get a dialogue going on this problem. Has anyone else seen snippets of Pentecostalism in the Presbyterian church? I think there is an undercurrent of the movement of the Spirit that is taking place unofficially. God bless

I agree with everything that Chaplain D stated above... And I would like to add that Pentocostal churches are more vocal and expressive with their worship and praise. Presbyterian are more reserved and formal.

Well I would just like to add to that great post above from Chaplain D...but have a tad bit more to add since I have a background in both and let me explain. I was baptized as a child United Methodist and then confirmed and raised in the United Presbyterian Church( now known as PCUSA). I later became a member and professed in a Pentecostal church. My uncles were Oneness Pentecostal preachers. Lets take a look at the Pentecostal church now. When you think Pentecostal one thinks of the Pentecostal Church of God, Foursquare Church, Pentecostal Holliness and the United Pentecostal Church. Once Assemblies of God were also in this category, however I am of the suspicion that they may consider themselves Pentecostal but have strayed from what it really means. In fact many AG churches feel more like a non denominational or even Baptist Church. Presbyterians are a confessional church and hold on to many of the ancient creeds of the Church. Presbyterians split off from the Roman Catholic Church and were part of the Reformation and are followers of John Calvin and John Knox. Presbyterians can be highly liturgical, semi liturgical or more of an evangelical contemporary style. Presbyterians adhere usually to predestination, although the Cumberland Presbyterians do not. Presbyterians honor two sacraments which are Holy Communion or the Lords Supper and Baptism which is done by sprinkling and pouring. They do practice infant baptism. Presbyterians also believe in the triunity of God and explain it in more of oneness style versus some protestants. They believe in the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, but the emphasis in on Oneness not threeness! An easy explanation of Presbyterians would be that they are similar to Low Episcopalians and Methodists. They are one step down from Lutherans as far as liturgy and generally one step above a Methodist as far as liturgy. So , one would say they are in between a Lutheran and a Methodist. Lets take the Pentecostals, the older version, Holliness and United Pentecostal put more emphasis on outer appearance and standards. United Pentecostals have a strong and strict dress code of modesty and refrain from movies, gambling, drinking, smoking, jewelry etc etc.Worship is free and contemporary and emphasis is placed on speaking in tongues and the gifts of the spirit. Pentecostals do not adhere to the creeds of the ancient church , they have no sacraments like the Presbyterians and also do not believe in Predestination . They do have an arminianism view of salvation. Pentecostals do not believe in infant baptism at all. Baptism is performed after a person has repented and decided to follow Jesus Christ and has made a profession. Most Pentecostals do believe in the trinitarian formula however Oneness Pentecostals baptize in the name of Jesus Christ and do not believe in the word trinity as they see it as unbiblical. They believe that there are three manifestations of One God and place truth on the Oneness of God. Many trinitarian Pentecostals are also adding the Baptism in the name of Jesus in addition to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The early church baptized in the name of Jesus.

What is the difference between white and cream?