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The Assemblies of God is the world's largest Pentecostal denomination.

As of 2005, there are approximately 52.5 million worldwide who are members of the World Assemblies of God Fellowship . In the year 2000, the Assemblies of God World Congress reported 107 fraternal fellowships and 10,000 converts a day worldwide . The nation with the most Assemblies of God churches is Brazil, with 8.4 million members (3.6 million associated with US branch). As of 2005, the fellowship operated 859 Bible Schools, 1,131 Extension Programs and 39 Seminaries outside of the United States .

History

The Assemblies of God, or A/G for short, was founded in 1914 at Hot Springs, Arkansas. The early founders were licensed white ministers of the Church of God in Christ, the largest African-American Pentecostal body founded by Charles Harrison Mason in 1897 *. Their affiliation with the Church of God in Christ was short-lived due to the racial climate of the Jim Crow era in the United States. Subsequently, predominately white representatives from 20 states and a few foreign countries gathered to form a fellowship of Pentecostal believers. A fellowship emerged that was incorporated as the General Council of the Assemblies of God. E. N. (Eudorus Neander) Bell (1866-1923) was elected the first chairman. Central Bible College was started in the basement of the Central Assembly of God church in Springfield, Missouri in 1922.

The Assemblies of God has forerunners in groups that existed before its incorporation in 1914. In April of 1906, the Apostolic Faith Movement began in Orchard, Texas. A group of 20 ministers organized as the Church of God (not connected with the Church of God, Cleveland, Tennessee movement) near Slocumb, Alabama in February 1911. This Church of God and the Apostolic Faith Movement united around 1912. It was this group, now called Churches of God in Christ (not to be confused with Mason's church), that issued the call for a general council to meet in Hot Springs in 1914. The Holiness Baptist Churches of Southwestern Arkansas (org. 1903), under the leadership of William Jethro Walthall (1858-1931), united with the Assemblies of God in 1917. As opposed to other pentecostal organizations, the A/G was not organized strictly around a Wesleyan view of holiness.

The early denomination suffered an ideological split when the Jesus Only controversy arouse. Between the World Wars the movement kept a relative isolation from other Pentecostal and Evangelical groups, but after the WWII the A/G started an aproximation with Pentecostal groups overseas, like the Federation of Pentecostal Churches in Germany, and as well as establishing fellowship within the national borders, through the Pentecostal Fellowship of North America and the National Association of Evangelicals.

The A/G received the influence of the Latter Rain Movement in the 1950's, which the General Council condemned.

Today the fellowship is organized under the General Council of the Assemblies of God (USA), with a constituency of 2.7 million and 12,277 churches*. The American AG is very ethnically diversified, reaching people of different races and cultures. The General Council's national headquarters are in Springfield, Missouri, where the administration building, Gospel Publishing House, and International Distribution Center are located. The General Council is a member of the National Association of Evangelicals.

The Assemblies of God holds to a conservative evangelical Christian and Arminian theology as expressed in the Assemblies of God Statement of Fundamental Truths and the Position Papers, which emphasize such core Pentecostal doctrines as the baptism in the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, and divine, supernatural healing. Congregations are independent and autonomous from each other and the national headquarters. However, only the general and district councils has authority to ordain ministers and revoke their credentials. The ordination of women as head pastors (and all other positions) is allowed and about 17.6% (5817) of clergy are women. Although doctrine holds more closely to the Arminian tradition and its understanding of the role of Free Will, the governmental structure of the church follows a mostly Presbyterian model.

Notable People with Assemblies of God Connections

  • A. A. Allen - A/G preacher active in the 1950s and 60s; known for his "raise the dead" campaign
  • Donald Argue - At the age of 55, Argue was elected president of the National Association of Evangelicals in 1995. He was said to have criticized the NAE as being "too old, too white, and too male." He unexpectedly resigned his post on April 15, 1998 to become preside over Northwest College in Kirkland, WA. Argue previously served as president of North Central Bible College for 15 years, and has served as cochair of the State Department's Subcommittee on Religious Freedom and Religious Persecution Abroad.
  • John Ashcroft - Born 9 May 1942, in Chicago, Ashcroft grew up in Springfield, Missouri where his father served as an A/G minister. Most recently served as the US attorney General under George Bush, he also previously served as a Missouri senator (1995), and Missouri Governor before that (1985-93). Known as the first A/G congressman. (Republican)
  • Jim Bakker - Founder of PTL who was originally sentenced to 45 years in Federal Prison for various crimes including using tax exempt funds to pay hush money to keep quiet a sexual affair with a 19 year old church secretary.
  • Tammy Faye Bakker - Ex-wife of Jim Bakker and PTL co-leader; subject of film "The Eyes of Tammy Faye"
  • Dan Betzer - Pastor, speaker, radio host, author. Distinguished himself for 17 years as host of "Revivaltime," once heard on 650 radio stations in 80 nations. Currently pastoring in Ft. Myers, FL, and serving on the Board of Directors for the National Religious Broadcasters Association.
  • Edith W. Blumhofer - Noted pentecostal historian and author of A/G: A Popular History and Aimee Semple McPherson: Everybody's Sister
  • Alan Chambers - President of Exodus International, the largest "ex-gay" organization in the world
  • Gary Chapman - This acclaimed singer/songwriter's parents (Mary * and Terry) were both ordained A/G ministers and pastored an A/G church in Texas. Once married to Amy Grant, Chapman was divorced in 1997.
  • David Yonggi Cho - Senior Pastor of the largest church in the world, Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul, South Korea
  • Admiral Vern Clark - Former Chief of Naval Operations
  • Paul Crouch - founder of Trinity Broadcasting Network
  • Nicky Cruz - former gang member; now A/G minister; his autobiography: Run Baby Run
  • Joshua Davey - Claimant in the Supreme Court case of Locke v. Davey, which went before the court in November, 2003, regarding scholarship funds used for theological or religious training.
  • Jo Ann Davis - Virginia congresswoman
  • Richard Dortch - Illinois District Superintendent from 1971 til 1983 when he joined PTL. He was the 2nd PTL executive to spend time in Federal Prison for his crimes related to the PTL Scandal.
  • Andrew Evans - Founder and most influential member of the Family First Party and Member of the South Australian Legislative Council
  • Mickey Gilley - (born March 9, 1936) Rock-n-Roll and Country star, singer, pianist, guitarist. Performed with cousins Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Swaggart at the Ferriday First A/G church (Ferriday, LA).
  • Natalie Grant - Contemporary Christian music artist, former participant in the Assembly of God National Fine Arts Festival competition *
  • Dennis Griffith - In April 2003, President George Bush appointed Griffith (the Director for Teen Challenge for Southern California) to serve on the White House Advisory Commission on Drug-Free Communities. Griffith has worked with Teen Challenge for 25 years and earned the respect of John Walters, President Bush's "Drug Czar," and director of national drug control policy.
  • Jessica Hahn - Teenage Church Secretary whose sexual exploits with Jim Bakker was the beginning of the end of the PTL Ministry.
  • Rick Hill - U.S. Representative from Montana (Republican)
  • Steve Hill - Evangelist who led the Brownsville Revival in Pensacola, Fla. in the 1990s
  • Benny Hinn - (born 1953) Televangelist, hosts "Benny Hinn Show" on TBN, was either defrocked or allowed his papers to lapse within a year or two of his credentialing by the A/G.
  • Dean Jackson - A/G minister in Provo, Utah; profiled in Christianity Today for fighting religious intolerance within the A/G.
  • Timothy Johnson - Illinois congressman
  • Mary Ellen Kay - (Born August 19, 1929) An actress regularly appearing in movies throughout the 50s, she is Phil Keaggy's older sister, who lead him and his little sister to Christ at a small A/G church in Boardman, OH, two weeks after their mothers' death in 1970.
  • Philip Tyler Keaggy - (Born March 23, 1951) Guitarist, singer, songwriter and founding member of rock band Glass Harp. Brother to Mary Ellen Kay, Hollywood actress from the 1950s. Widely considered to be one of the best guitarists living today. Two weeks after Keaggy's mother died in 1970 he became a Christian and attended a small A/G church in Boardman, OH.
  • Sam Kinison - Former student of Pinecrest Bible Training Center in Salisbury Center, New York. Sam Kinison was a controversial comedian in the late 80's and early 90's. Before he was a comedian he was an Assembly of God evangelist.
  • Jerry Lee Lewis - (born September 29, 1935) Rock-and-roll star, pianist, singer, at age 8 sang for Ferriday First A/G Church (Ferriday, LA), played at tent revivals. Allegedly expelled from the A/G Bible institute in Waxahachie, Texas. Cousin to Jimmy Swaggart and Mickey Gilley.
  • Linda Gail Lewis - Singer, sister to Jerry Lee Lewis, began performing with Jerry Lewis at the Ferriday First A/G (Ferriday, LA).
  • Marilyn Musgrave - Colorado congresswoman and chief sponsor of proposed Federal Marriage Amendment.
  • Dolly Parton - American singer, songwriter, actress, and author
  • Scott Perkins - Known as the "Country Parson" to country music listeners in the Topeka, Kansas market, Perkins was nominted as one of the top five Personalities of the Year for the 2003 Christian Country Music Associations award. Perkins's show has been on the air since October 1995 and is steadily spreading through multiple markets, currently airing in 10 sedular markets. He attends Faith Family Life Centre A/G in Topeka, KS.
  • David du Plessis - one of the founding fathers of the charismatic movement outside of the traditional Pentecostal churches.
  • Elvis Aron Presley - (born 1935, died 1977) "King of Rock & Roll," singer, actor, born in Tupelo, Mississippi, sang in choir at First A/G (Tupelo) and at camp meetings.
  • Dr. Cecil Mel Robeck, a professor of ecumenics, church history, and Pentecostalism at Fuller Theological Seminary with influence in Roman Catholic circles.
  • Gene Scott - (deceased) President of University Network, Ph.D. Philosophies of Education, Stanford University. Once taught at Evangel College. Resigned his credentials in 1970. Helped found ORU. Taught unorthodox and controversial theology and was noted for swearing and smoking in his broadcasts.
  • Linda Smith - U.S. Representative from Washington. (Republican)
  • Dr. Russell P. Spittler - Biblical scholar, Ph.D. from Harvard University, former provost at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California.
  • Sonny Arguinzoni, Sr. - Founder of Victory Outreach International
  • Kristy Starling - Contemporary Christian music artist, former participant in Assembly of God National Fine Arts Festival competition
  • Jimmy Swaggart - (born March 15, 1935) Televangelist, founder of Jimmy Swaggart Ministries; he exposed Jim Bakker's sex scandal; exposed himself to prostitutes in 1998; and was later outed by fellow televangelist Marvin Gorman. One of the best-selling gospel music artists of all time. Cousin to Jerry Lewis and Mickey Gilley, began performing at the Ferriday First A/G (Ferriday, LA).
  • Todd Tiahrt - U.S. Representative from Kansas 4th District, graduate of Evangel College Springfield, Missouri (Republican)
  • James Watt - U.S. Secretary of the Interior under Pres. Reagan
  • Doug Wead - Once an A/G evanglist, Wead also served as special assistant to George H.W. Bush. After the Bush presidential victory Wead wrote a memo on the lives of presidential children, leading to the book, All the President's Children. Currently a corporate and motivational speaker.
  • Smith Wigglesworth - Healing Evangelist, the "Apostle of Faith," instrumental in founding future Elim and Assemblies of God national fellowships
  • Bill Wilson - Born in south Boston in 1947, Wilson's mother abandoned him on a streetcorner in Pinellas Park, FL, at age 14. She said, "I can't do this anymore. You wait here." Even three days later, little Bill was still sitting on that street corner, she never came back. Now heading Metro Ministries International in Bedford-Stuyvesant (Brooklyn), Wilson's Sunday school program is the largest in America, reaching more than 20,000 children aged 12 and under each week. His curriculum is used in 1,000 cities around the world. In 1992 he was the only ghetto resident appointed to President Bush’s National Commission on America’s Urban Families. (See: metroministries.org)

International Fellowships

The fellowships affliated with the Assemblies of God of the United States.

Bible Colleges and Institutes, Colleges, Universities, and Theological Seminaries

The Institutions of higher learning endorsed by the General Council of the Assemblies of God of the United States. *

Bible Colleges

Bible Institutes

Colleges

Universities

Theological Seminaries

Churches and Ministries

Churches and ministries affliated with the Assemblies of God of the United States.

Megachurches

Megachurches affliated with the Assemblies of God of the United States.
  • Calvary Church, Naperville, Illinois *
  • Capital Christian Center, Sacramento, California *
  • Cedar Valley Church, Bloomington, Minnesota *
  • Celebration Church, Lakeville, Minnesota *
  • Coweta First Assembly of God, Coweta, Oklahoma *
  • Dream Center, Los Angeles, California *
  • Emmanuel Christian Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota *
  • Follow the Son Fellowship, Normal, Illiois (Former Largest A/G Church in 1975)
  • G.V. Christian Center, Henderson, Nevada *
  • James River Assembly of God, Ozark, Missouri *
  • Lakeview Church, Indianapolis, Indiana *
  • Phoenix First Assembly of God, Phoenix, Arizona (Largest A/G Church in the U.S.) *
  • Rockford First Assembly of God, Rockford, Illinois *
  • The Stone Church, Palos Heights, Illinois

Ministries

External links

Fraternal Organizations of the World Assemblies of God Fellowship with websites

See also

References

  1. Center for the Study of Global Christianity - Status of Global Mission (2005)
  2. Pentecostal Evangel - Conversation with David Yonggi Cho and Thomas E. Trask (2000)
  3. IBGE (Brazil Institute of Geography & Statistics) - Census 2001 * Accessed January 27, 2006
  4. Assemblies of God World Missions - AGWM Current Facts and Highlights (2005)
  5. 2004 Statistical Report Summary * Accessed January 27, 2006
  6. History of the Assemblies of God * Accessed January 27, 2006

Pentecostal denominations | Assemblies of God

Sîn-tiàu-hōe | Asambleas De Dios | Asembleo de Dio | Assemblées de Dieu | 하나님의 성회 | Gereja Sidang-Sidang Jemaat Allah | Assemblee di Dio | Assemblies of God | アッセンブリーズ・オブ・ゴッド | Zgromadzenia Boże | Assembléia de Deus | Sammankomsterna av Gud | Hội chúng của Ðức Chúa Trời | 神召会

 

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