The World Assemblies of God Fellowship ( WAGF ) is a global cooperative body of over 170 Pentecostal denominations that was established on August 15, 1989. WAGF was created to provide structure so that member denominations, which previously related to each other informally, could more easily cooperate on a global basis.
102-867: The organizational committee, in 1988, summarized the purposes for the WAGF: Member denominations are independent and autonomous, but they are united by shared beliefs and history. WAGF member denominations have varied histories. Most have roots in the interracial Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles, California or other Pentecostal revivals around the world in the early twentieth century. The largest member denomination, Assembleia de Deus in Brazil, dates its beginning to 1911. Initially called Missão de Fé Apostólica (Apostolic Faith Mission), it changed its name in 1918 to Assembleia de Deus. The Assemblies of God USA, organized in April 1914,
204-683: A Holiness Pentecostal denomination, affirms the ordinances of baptism , the Lord's Supper , and the washing of the Saint's feet . Certain Pentecostal denominations, such as the Ukrainian Pentecostal Church and the Christian Congregation , among others, observe the ordinance of women's headcovering in obedience to 1 Corinthians 11:4–13 . This Christianity -related article is
306-537: A Southern Baptist minister. They began to identify themselves as Pentecostals. The Apostolic Faith Movement played a leading role in organizing and institutionalizing Pentecostalism in the Midwest and Southwest and from 1909 to 1912 absorbed smaller Pentecostal groups. The Apostolic Faith Movement was a mostly-white organization, but it had some black and Hispanic ministers and missionaries. The Church of God in Christ (COGIC)
408-491: A peace church . The US Assemblies of God continues to give full doctrinal support to members who are led by religious conscience to pacifism. Through foreign missionary work and establishing relationships with other Pentecostal churches, the Assemblies of God expanded into a worldwide movement. It was not until 1989 that the world fellowship was formed. In 1989, the various Assemblies of God national fellowships united to form
510-430: A combatant, a noncombatant, or a conscientious objector". This was the culmination of a process begun during World War I, when it was unpopular to hold antiwar views, in which AG adherents questioned their denomination's pacifist stance. The Assemblies of God emerged as the leading Pentecostal denomination in terms of status, wealth, influence, and global adherence. In the 1980s, the Assemblies of God saw rapid growth in
612-610: A denomination, preferring the terms fellowship and movement . The national headquarters are in Springfield, Missouri , where the administrative and executive offices and Gospel Publishing House are located. Convoy of Hope serves as the AG's aid organization. The AG's college ministry is Chi Alpha , which has been involved in multiple controversies over sexual abuse since 2022. The Assemblies of God maintains relationships with other Pentecostal groups at both regional and national levels through
714-409: A means of grace from God, an ordinance is a practice that rather demonstrates the participants' faith. Roman Catholics , Eastern Orthodox , and many historic Protestant traditions ( Lutherans , Anglicans , Methodists , Moravians , Continental Reformed , Presbyterians and Congregationalists ) prefer the use of the term "sacrament". For Anabaptists, "ordinances brought one into conformity with
816-708: A merger of the Pentecostal Church of Australia and the Assemblies of God Queensland. The Queensland AG had formed in 1929; though, it was never formally affiliated with the AG in America. The Assemblies of God of South Africa, founded in 1925, like the AG Queensland was also not initially aligned with the US fellowship. Before 1967, the Assemblies of God USA, along with the majority of other Pentecostal denominations, officially opposed Christian participation in war and considered itself
918-629: A move that caused not a little anxiety, a committee introduced the Statement of Fundamental Truths. Oneness proponents and others saw this as an attack on the authority of the Bible, yet it was adopted along with a recommendation that AG ministers use the Trinitarian baptismal formula. Old preaching credentials were recalled and new ones issued with the Fundamental Truths included. Oneness believers, including
1020-582: A number of Dowie's followers accepted the Pentecostal message. In 1907, Parham was charged with sodomy while in San Antonio, Texas. The scandal led evangelists to renounce his authority, and his organization dissolved. Parham's former associates reorganized the Apostolic Faith Movement. Prominent leaders of the new movement were Howard A. Goss, L. C. Hall, D. C. O. Opperman, and A. G. Canada. They were later joined by Eudorus N. Bell , previously
1122-659: A position against homosexuality starting in 1979, which was later reaffirmed. The Assemblies of God also opposes ordination of openly gay or lesbian clergy members. Members of the Assemblies of God have been among the most significant figures opposing homosexuality in the United States. The president of ex-gay organization Exodus International was associated with the Assemblies of God. While LGBTQ students are allowed to participate in Chi Alpha campus ministries, they are not allowed to be student leaders unless they adhere to
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#17328594214071224-544: A previous baptism, should be baptized in the name of Jesus , rather than in the name of the Trinity. By 1915, it was adhered to by many in the fellowship, including founders such as Goss, Opperman, Hall, and Henry G. Rodgers. Other influential leaders, such as G. T. Haywood, adopted the Oneness doctrine as well. In 1916, the 4th General Council met in St. Louis to resolve the "new issue". In
1326-533: A racially inclusive revival, it accommodated itself to America's culture of racial segregation rather early; the Assemblies of God was no different. As early as 1915, an executive presbyter wrote in an article for the Pentecostal Evangel that segregation was "ordained of God"; however, it was not until 1939 that the General Presbytery enacted a policy prohibiting the ordination of African Americans to
1428-460: A registered sex offender to serve as a mentor despite knowing of his status. Two Texas pastors who knowingly connected their students with the mentor were removed from their church positions. The Assemblies of God district in North Texas started an investigation to discover if other credentialed ministers had acted similarly. A Baylor University campus minister was arrested on sex abuse charges, and
1530-477: A second work of grace. He believed in the finished work doctrine, teaching that "when God saves a man, He makes him clean". Durham had a direct influence on many of the founders of Pentecostal movements around the world. A. H. Argue of Winnipeg, Canada, received Spirit baptism under Durham's ministry. Argue returned to Canada, and his preaching led to the founding of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada ,
1632-506: A third of the fellowship's ministers, were forced to withdraw, a loss especially felt in the South where the Oneness doctrine had the most influence. A side effect of this was a transition in leadership from former Apostolic Faith leaders, many of whom accepted the Oneness teaching, to men with Christian and Missionary Alliance backgrounds. The Oneness dissenters formed the General Assembly of
1734-647: Is a term used by certain Christian denominations for a religious ritual that was instituted by Jesus for Christians to observe. Examples of ordinances include baptism and the Lord's Supper , both of which are practiced in denominations including the Anabaptist , Baptist , Churches of Christ , and Pentecostal denominations. Some churches, including those of the Anabaptists, include headcovering and footwashing as ordinances. The number of ordinances depends on
1836-416: Is contrary to our view of the clear teachings of the inspired Word of God". Most of the founders and first generation members of the denomination held to this view, and it was presented as official teaching throughout World War I and World War II. The official pacifist position remained unchanged until 1967 when the denomination affirmed "the right of each member to choose whether to declare their position as
1938-810: Is distinct from and subsequent to the experience of salvation . Baptism in the Holy Spirit empowers the believer for Christian life and service. The initial evidence of baptism in the Holy Spirit is speaking in tongues "as the Spirit gives utterance" (Acts 2:4). It also believes in the present-day use of other spiritual gifts such as divine healing . The Assemblies of God ordains women as pastors, which many Christians, especially from evangelical denominations, but also from traditional churches such as Orthodox and Catholic denominations, consider liberal and progressive. Pentecostal and Charismatic denominations have traditionally allowed women to serve in pastoral ministry. While
2040-412: Is not a policy handbook, and I get very worried when people try to treat it like one". In late 2017, Morrison said he would become a stronger advocate for protections for religious freedom. In Brazil , the local branch Assembleias de Deus has had an increasing influence on politics throughout the early 21st century. The Christian fundamentalist party Patriota is in a parliamental coalition with
2142-567: Is sacramental. [1] [2] Rituals such as baptism, confirmation, initiatory (Chrismation) [see: washing and anointing] , ordination, endowment (formal vows and reception of sacred vestments) [3] and marriage are referred to as "saving ordinances" [4] , as they are considered transformative and necessary for salvation and exaltation. Similar to Catholic sacraments, Mormon ordinances are only considered valid if performed by ordained clergy with apostolic succession reaching back to Jesus through Peter. [5] [6] [7] [8] The Calvary Holiness Association ,
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#17328594214072244-560: Is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ the Son of God". The Assemblies of God holds the Arminian position on salvation. While it agrees with the Calvinist position that God is sovereign, at the same time, it believes that mankind has free will —free to accept or reject God's gift of salvation and eternal life. Therefore, the Assemblies of God disapproves of the doctrines of double predestination and
2346-547: The All India Assemblies of God , was elected vice chairman. Dominic Yeo of the Assemblies of God in Singapore was elected chairman in 2023. According to a census published by the association in 2024, it has 450,106 churches and 86.1 million members and adherents worldwide. The doctrinal position of the Assemblies of God is framed in a classical Pentecostal and evangelical context. The AG is Trinitarian . It believes that
2448-481: The Bible is divinely inspired and the infallible authoritative rule of faith and conduct. Baptism by immersion is practiced as an ordinance instituted by Christ for those who have been saved. Baptism is understood as an outward sign of an inward change from being dead in sin to being alive in Christ. As an ordinance, Communion is also practiced. The AG believes that the elements that are partaken are symbols which express
2550-593: The Bolsonaro government as well as the centre-right Partido Social Cristão , which is led by two AG pastors, Everaldo Pereira and Marco Feliciano , who were accused in various cases of crime and sexual misconduct. Everaldo was arrested for his participation in a corruption scheme in the state-owned company of water treatment of the State of Rio de Janeiro , Companhia Estadual de Águas e Esgotos do Rio de Janeiro [ pt ] ; Feliciano proved his innocence and that he
2652-726: The Church of God in Christ , Apostolic Faith, or other early Pentecostal groups. In 1916, the General Council condemned Oneness Pentecostalism , causing a split within the young denomination and the adoption of the Statement of Fundamental Truths, which endorses the Trinity . Established during the Jim Crow era , the AG forbade the ordination of black ministers from 1939 until 1962. However, African Americans could still be issued local licenses to preach. Black Pentecostals seeking ordination were referred to
2754-588: The Foursquare Church ). This made the issue of women's place in the movement important in the 1930s. It was also recognized that many congregations who could not afford male pastors relied on women preachers. Although opposition to female pastors had been regularly affirmed since 1914, the office of pastor was opened to women in 1935. Between the World Wars, the movement kept a relative isolation from other Pentecostal and evangelical groups, but after World War II,
2856-688: The Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches of North America and the Pentecostal World Fellowship . It is also a member of the Wesleyan Holiness Consortium and the National Association of Evangelicals . The denomination was founded in 1914 during a meeting of Pentecostal ministers at Hot Springs, Arkansas . These ministers came from several different Pentecostal movements. Some were loosely affiliated with
2958-545: The Statement of Fundamental Truths and position papers, which emphasize such core Pentecostal doctrines as the baptism in the Holy Spirit , speaking in tongues , divine healing and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ . The fellowship's polity is a hybrid of presbyterian and congregational models. This tension between local independence and national authority is seen in the AG's historical reluctance to refer to itself as
3060-517: The United States of America , the majority of its membership vote or lean Republican . During Donald Trump's presidency, General Superintendent George O. Wood attended the National Day of Prayer and praised an executive order allowing ministers and religious organizations to support and advocate for political candidates. The World Fellowship unites Assemblies of God national councils from around
3162-513: The charismatic movement that began in the 1960s was a cautious one, affirming the move of the Holy Spirit yet urging that all revival must be judged by scripture. For the first time, beliefs and practices which had largely remained confined to the classical Pentecostal denominations began to impact mainline Protestant and Roman Catholic churches on a large scale (see: Catholic Charismatic Renewal ). The fact that this occurred in these churches (which were historically seen by Pentecostals as suspect),
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3264-399: The unconditional security of the believer, which holds that once saved it is impossible for a person to be lost. Instead, the Assemblies of God believes that salvation is received and kept by faith, if faith in Christ is lost, then salvation is lost. According to the Statement of Fundamental Truths, "All believers are entitled to and should ardently expect and earnestly seek" the baptism in
3366-498: The 1980s, a growing number of AG ministers have been educated and risen to leadership positions at evangelical institutions, such as Fuller Theological Seminary , Gordon-Conwell , and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School . This "evangelicalization of the Assemblies of God" has led to the weakening of Pentecostal distinctives, especially the doctrine of initial evidence. Other traditional practices, such as holding prayer meetings and altar services, have faded over time as well. Despite
3468-408: The 20th century, Pentecostals saw themselves as "peculiar people", and one of the components of this identity were particular prohibitions on behavior. Prohibitions on drug use, gambling, social dancing, consuming alcohol, smoking, attending theaters, bowling, swimming in public pools and beaches, owning television sets, and restrictions on feminine attire and fashion helped distinguish Pentecostals from
3570-733: The AG started an approximation with Pentecostal groups overseas. Like the Federation of Pentecostal Churches in Germany and the Assemblies of God in Australia , at that time many national denominations came to affiliate with the U.S. fellowship. These partnerships would later develop into the World Assemblies of God Fellowship. As well as establishing fellowships in other nations, the AG also began to communicate with other U.S. churches. The Assemblies of God
3672-629: The AG until the 1960s, though some served as missionaries and evangelists, the denomination's work among Spanish-speaking people has a long history, first sanctioned explicitly in 1918. Hispanic outreach became independent of the Foreign Missions Department in 1929 when the first Latin American District was established. By the end of World War II, the AG's Latin American constituency formed the largest Protestant presence among Hispanics in
3774-421: The AG's future leaders had CMA backgrounds. In 1914, Apostolic Faith Movement leaders Bell, Goss, Opperman, M. M. Pinson, and A. P. Collins issued the call for a general council to "Churches of God in Christ, and to all Pentecostal or Apostolic Faith Assemblies". What resulted was a merger of the Apostolic Faith Movement, Chicago Pentecostals, and CMA Pentecostals at Hot Springs, Arkansas. The 1st General Council
3876-491: The African-American leaders of the denomination. Though in some instances, the relations between Mason's church and white ministers were more informal. Beginning in 1911, many white ministers affiliated with COGIC expressed dissatisfaction with African American leadership. In 1913, 353 white ministers formed a new church, which gave its own credentials, although still using the same name as Mason's organization. By 1910,
3978-509: The Apostolic Churches, which later merged with another group to form the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World . Among the Fundamental Truths was a statement regarding speaking in tongues as the initial physical evidence of Spirit baptism. Its inclusion was challenged by F.F. Bosworth , an executive presbyter, who argued that while for many speaking in tongues was an evidence of the baptism it
4080-494: The Assemblies of God for their unpredictability and the dramatic religious experiences of participants. In the case of the Brownsville Revival, the AG's national leadership gave it cautious approval and support. Chi Alpha is the Assemblies of God's student organization and college ministry. As of 2022, it operated on 275 campuses. Chi Alpha's Texan chapters were highlighted by Christianity Today in 2023 for allowing
4182-414: The Assemblies of God had no objections to women being engaged in ministry. The Pentecostal belief in personal experience, Spirit baptism as empowerment for service, and the need for evangelists and missionaries encouraged women to be active in all types of ministry. What concerned some Pentecostal leaders, such as Bell, were women exercising independent authority over men. The council therefore approved of
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4284-426: The Assemblies of God officially opposed Christian participation in war and was listed by The Pacifist Handbook as America's third largest peace church in 1940. The official position of the church until 1967 encouraged Christian nonviolence: "We . . . are nevertheless constrained to declare we cannot conscientiously participate in war and armed resistance which involves the actual destruction of human life, since this
4386-522: The Assemblies of God with the National Association of Evangelicals in 1942 signaled the AG's alignment with evangelicalism and its opposition to mainline Protestantism and the ecumenical movement . The AG and its evangelical partners agreed on most issues and shared similar world views though the AG's Pentecostal distinctives—Spirit baptism and the operation of spiritual gifts—were not embraced by most evangelical Christians. The AG's response then to
4488-542: The Assemblies of God's sister denomination. The Stone Church and the North Avenue Mission were the "main exporters" of Pentecostalism to Christian and Missionary Alliance (CMA) churches of the Midwest and Northeast. The CMA was a higher life denomination founded by A. B. Simpson . Simpson and other Alliance leaders were cautiously receptive to the new movement. In the spring of 1907, the Alliance's annual council
4590-521: The Baylor chapter was suspended. In 2022, a minister working for Chi Alpha in Corpus Christi, Texas, was charged with sexual abuse of a minor. By the end of January 2024, the Assemblies of God was sued by a parent of an unnamed minor who alleged sexual abuse by members of the organization, and an Orange,Texas-based church disaffiliated with AG over the scandal. The Assemblies of God General Council took
4692-408: The Christian denomination, with Mennonite Anabaptists counting seven ordinances, while some Baptists may name two or three. Christian traditions, including Anabaptists (such as Mennonites and Schwarzenau Brethren ), Baptists , Churches of Christ , Christian Churches/Churches of Christ , Disciples of Christ , refer to "ordinances", rather than " sacraments ". While a sacrament is seen as
4794-547: The Church is built on present-day apostles and prophets. The Latter Rain theology of no pre-tribulation rapture and the manifested sons of God teaching were condemned as heresy . The Latter Rain and the Salvation/Healing Revival of the late 1940s and 50s would be a major influence on later renewal movements. During this time, by 1953, the denomination's college ministry Chi Alpha was chartered. The affiliation of
4896-401: The Church of God in Christ. Women were allowed to become pastors in 1935, but prior to that women had served as evangelists, preachers, and missionaries . The denomination identified itself with the broader American evangelical movement in the 1940s. The charismatic movement of the 1960s and 1970s influenced the AG as well. Standards on behavior and dress became more relaxed over time, and
4998-645: The Churches of God in Christ name for the "white work". In 1910, the Apostolic Faith Movement was renamed “Church of God in Christ and in Unity with the Apostolic Faith.” This change was part of a movement within Pentecostalism at that time to adopt church names that appeared in the Bible, such as Church of God, Church of God in Christ, and Assembly of God. In the Church of God in Christ, white ministers were supervised by
5100-460: The General Council approaching, there were fears that the fellowship might split over the Latter Rain issue, but in the end, the General Council was united against what were seen as the excesses of the movement. A General Council resolution specified six errors which included: imparting, identifying, bestowing, or confirming gifts by prophecy and the laying on of hands. It also rejected the idea that
5202-520: The General Council. In 1919, Pentecostals in Canada united to form the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada , which formally affiliated with the Assemblies of God USA the following year. The Assemblies of God in Great Britain formed in 1924 and would have an early influence on the Assemblies of God in Australia, now known as Australian Christian Churches . The Australian Assemblies of God formed in 1937 through
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#17328594214075304-625: The Lord's Supper, as established explicitly by Jesus Christ, while other sacraments include additional ordinances instituted by the Church Fathers in the New Testament, such as " the laying on of hands " or anointing of the sick , as expressed in the Standard Confession (1660). The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) uses the term "ordinance", however the underlying belief
5406-509: The Methodist Church and became a nondenominational evangelist . As a restorationist , he rejected traditional denominations as incompatible with true, biblical Christianity, which he referred to as the "apostolic faith". By 1900, he concluded based on his study of the Bible that glossolalia (speaking in tongues) was the evidence of receiving baptism with the Holy Spirit . While other people had claimed to speak in tongues before Parham, he
5508-667: The Methodist doctrine of entire sanctification as a second work of grace . He was also an adherent of the holiness movement and believed that faith healing was provided for in Christ's atonement . Parham had some contact with the Fire-Baptized Holiness Church led by Benjamin H. Irwin. He accepted Irwin's teaching of a third experience of grace identified with the "baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire". After 1895, Parham left
5610-600: The Middle East and Southern Asia each have one. They are elected by the General Assembly. Each World Fellowship member is entitled to send one or more delegates to the General Assembly with one vote. The General Assembly also elects the Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Secretary of the World Fellowship. At both the national and lower level, the Assemblies of God are generally structured around a form of presbyterian polity , combining
5712-442: The Spirit", "a deepened reverence for God", intensified consecration and dedication to God and his work, and "a more active love for Christ, for His Word and for the lost". In addition, this experience initiates the believer in the use of spiritual gifts . The "initial physical sign" of having received this baptism is "speaking with other tongues as the Spirit of God gives them utterance". Ordinance (Christian) An ordinance
5814-430: The Spirit. It also states, "This was the normal experience of all in the early Christian Church". It is a separate experience from and occurs after salvation. This baptism gives to the receiver an "enduement of power for life and service, the bestowment of the gifts and their uses in the work of the ministry". There are four experiences listed in the Fundamental Truths that result from Spirit baptism: "overflowing fullness of
5916-427: The U.S. also. By 1921, there were districts in Canada (see Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada ), China, Japan (see Japan Assemblies of God ), India (see Assemblies of God in India ), and Egypt. Central Bible College was started in the basement of the Central Assembly of God church in Springfield, Missouri, in 1922. In 1929, the fellowship claimed 91,981 members in 1,612 churches. Despite Pentecostalism's origins in
6018-409: The U.S., for several years ranking as the fastest growing American denomination. This growth was mainly the result of its Hispanic outreach (in 1988 Hispanic members made up some 15 percent of the fellowship's total constituency). The growth of an Asian immigrant constituency was also recognized in this decade when the first Korean district was created. The Assemblies of God gained national visibility in
6120-452: The United States and the U.S. branch of the World Assemblies of God Fellowship , the world's largest Pentecostal body. The AG reported 2.9 million adherents in 2022. In 2011, it was the ninth largest Christian denomination and the second largest Pentecostal denomination in the United States. The Assemblies of God is a Finished Work denomination, and it holds to a conservative , evangelical and classical Arminian theology as expressed in
6222-408: The United States. Howard A. Goss was appointed field director for Texas to supervise around 60 full-time evangelists. Around this time, L. C. Hall and D. C. O. Opperman joined the movement. Both men were prominent former members of John Alexander Dowie 's Christian Catholic Apostolic Church. Parham attempted to gain control of Zion, Illinois , the utopian community established by Dowie. As a result,
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#17328594214076324-550: The United States. The AG also focused on major European immigrant populations, but as later generations assimilated into American culture, these separate European segments were absorbed into the regular geographic districts. During the time when African Americans were barred from ordination, women began to receive greater opportunities for leadership. Women formed an important part of the Assemblies of God's constituency, many being Sunday School workers and evangelists, most prominent being Aimee Semple McPherson (who would later found
6426-429: The World AG Fellowship has a statement of faith that outlines the basic beliefs that unify the various branches of the movement, each national AG denomination formulates its own doctrinal statements. The Assemblies of God USA, for example, adheres to the Statement of Fundamental Truths . The most prominent politician within the Assemblies of God is former Australian prime minister Scott Morrison . He has said, "the Bible
6528-429: The World Pentecostal Assemblies of God Fellowship at the initiative of Dr. J. Philip Hogan, then executive director of the Division of Foreign Missions of the Assemblies of God in the United States. The initial purpose was to coordinate evangelism, but soon developed into a more permanent organism of inter-relation. Dr. Hogan was elected the first chairman of the Fellowship and served until 1992 when Rev. David Yonggi Cho
6630-464: The belief that homosexual activity is sinful. The primary beliefs of the Assemblies of God are summarized in its Statement of Fundamental Truths . The following is a summary of these essential AG beliefs: The AG considers salvation, baptism in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues, divine healing and the Second Coming of Christ to be its four core beliefs. The Statement of Fundamental Truths states, "Man's only hope of redemption
6732-437: The center of the Pentecostal movement had moved from Los Angeles to Chicago, Illinois. According to historian Vinson Synan , "for the next decade, Chicago served as the de facto worldwide missions and theological center for the fast-growing movement". The two most important Pentecostal congregations were the Stone Church and the North Avenue Mission. Both churches had contacts with the Apostolic Faith Movement. The Stone Church
6834-433: The civil rights movement and its cultural effect on American society. In 2007, according to Joe Newman in Race and the Assemblies of God Church: The Journey from Azusa Street to the "Miracle of Memphis" , ...that although current Assemblies of God leaders have embraced the concept of an integrated church fellowship that no longer excludes African Americans, there is virtually no evidence of wide acceptance of this concept at
6936-410: The context of baptistic evangelical theology and, by the 1950s, emphasized certain doctrines and practices as requisite for Spirit baptism. Charismatics challenged these views by claiming to receive Holy Spirit baptism outside of this context (such as remaining in liturgical churches, failing to reject sacramental theologies, and not adopting Pentecostal taboos on dancing, drinking, smoking, etc.). On
7038-473: The denomination dropped pacifism as an official teaching. In the 1990s and 2000s, AG churches have experienced revivals that have drawn comparisons to early Pentecostalism, the most famous being the Brownsville Revival . Charles Parham was a leading figure in the early development of the Assemblies of God. Parham was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and served as an unordained supply pastor in Eudora, Kansas, from 1893 to 1895. Parham believed in
7140-441: The early years of the Assemblies of God. The African American pastor Garfield Thomas Haywood , for example, pastored one of the largest churches and was an influential voice within the fellowship until he withdrew from the newly-founded denomination after 1916. The founders of the fellowship did not intend to create a denomination and originally had no creed or doctrinal statement. However, in response to several doctrinal issues,
7242-404: The efforts of denominational leaders to reassert Pentecostal identity and remain more than "evangelicals plus tongues", the process of acculturation has continued. Additionally, the Assemblies of God leadership alongside other predominantly and traditionally white Christian denominations renounced racism during the 1990s, seeking to reconcile with the Church of God in Christ and others following
7344-414: The fellowship experienced growth in subsequent years. District councils were organized in various regions of the country and, where these did not exist, home missionary fields were designated to maximize evangelistic efforts. In 1917, W. Jethro Walthall led his Holiness Baptist Association of southwestern Arkansas into the Assemblies of God. District councils and missionary stations were established outside
7446-504: The granting of credentials to female evangelists and missionaries while restricting the office of pastor to men, and it was not until 1920 that female evangelists could vote at denominational meetings. By the fall of 1914, out of 512 credential holders, 142 were female missionaries and evangelists. After 1914, the Church of God in Christ became predominantly Black or African American and the Assemblies of God would remain predominantly white. However, there were African Americans involved in
7548-490: The holy kiss, and the prayer covering." The Dunkard Brethren Church , a Conservative Anabaptist denomination in the Schwarzenau Brethren tradition, includes baptism , feetwashing , communion , the holy kiss , headcovering , and anointing of the sick among the ordinances of the Church. Feetwashing, communion and the holy kiss occur during the lovefeast . Some Baptists teach two ordinances , baptism and
7650-437: The independence of the local church with oversight by district and national councils. The World Assemblies of God Relief Agency (WAGRA) directs its humanitarian work. General Council of the Assemblies of God in the United States of America Christianity • Protestantism The Assemblies of God USA ( AG ), officially The General Council of the Assemblies of God , is a Pentecostal Christian denomination in
7752-528: The interracial Azusa Street Revival . Seymour initially considered himself under Parham's authority, but Parham's criticism of the revival led to a permanent split between the two men. The Azusa Street Revival soon eclipsed Parham’s influence over the nascent Pentecostal movement. In 1906, Parham's movement had an estimated 8,600 members concentrated in Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, and Texas. In that year, he appointed Warren Fay Carothers as general field director for
7854-484: The larger society. Starting in the 1950s, attitudes in the Assemblies of God on many of these activities underwent dramatic change. The most change probably occurred over views on women's attire, with the former stance against wearing make-up and jewelry giving way to the acceptance of popular fashion. Most of these "holiness standards" are no longer adhered to; however, some are still held to, such as proscriptions on smoking, alcohol and drug use. For much of its history,
7956-486: The late 1980s from the popularity and later scandals surrounding two of its ministers, Jimmy Swaggart and Jim Bakker . The Assemblies of God launched an effort to increase evangelism and growth in the 1990s called the "Decade of Harvest". Such efforts failed to sustain the impressive growth of the 1980s, however. From 2003 to 2008, growth had slowed to an average annual increase of just over 1 percent. With increased growth came increased acceptance and acculturation. Since
8058-435: The leadership of General Superintendent Thomas F. Zimmerman , that the denomination finally began issuing ordinations without regard to race. Three years later the 1965 General Council adopted a resolution affirming the goals of the civil rights movement and condemning racism and discrimination. By the 1970s, there was renewed focus on inner-city evangelism and integrated urban efforts. While blacks were largely excluded from
8160-614: The local church level in the denomination. Churches within the Assemblies of God have experienced revivals from the 1990s and early 2000s which featured worship and practices reminiscent of early Pentecostalism. The most prominent of these was the Brownsville Revival , which occurred at the Brownsville Assembly of God in Pensacola, Florida, from 1995 into the early 2000s. These revivals often faced criticism from within and without
8262-430: The local level, Assemblies of God churches were influenced by the charismatic movement. Some charismatics left their original churches and joined less formal Assemblies of God congregations. In addition, the contemporary decreased emphasis on traditional Pentecostal taboos in the AG is in part attributable to the charismatic movement, which accelerated a trend already in existence. Since their movement's emergence early in
8364-408: The meeting and was incorporated under the name General Council of the Assemblies of God in the United States of America . In time, self-governing and self-supporting general councils broke off from the original fellowship or formed independently in several nations throughout the world, originating either from indigenous Pentecostal movements or as a direct result of the indigenous missions strategy of
8466-412: The ministry. Districts were still allowed to license African Americans to preach but only in the district where the license was issued. Black Pentecostals seeking ordination were referred to "one of the colored organizations". This was especially true of the Church of God in Christ, which, despite the fact that it predates the Assemblies of God, was seen as a "younger sibling". It was not until 1962, under
8568-548: The most important being the Oneness teaching, the AG felt the need for agreement on central doctrines and to reassure evangelical Christians of its adherence to orthodox belief. Oneness Pentecostalism rejected Trinitarian theology, instead identifying the Jehovah of the Old Testament with the Christ of the New . Furthermore, Oneness adherents believed that Christians, regardless of
8670-440: The multifaceted nature of the movement owing to the many different traditions its participants came from, and the perception by Pentecostals that the movement was based too much on experience and not on biblical teaching led some in the Assemblies of God to see it in relation to the ecumenical movement. The charismatic movement forced a reevaluation of what it was to be Pentecostal. The Assemblies of God understood Spirit baptism in
8772-525: The phrase "seek not, forbid not" that summarized the CMA stance on speaking in tongues. The CMA had a profound influence on the Assemblies of God. According to historian Joe Creech, the Assemblies of God derived its "hymnody, healing doctrine, ecclesiology, and organizational structures" from the CMA. While the Apostolic Faith Movement drew its adherents from the rural Southwest, the CMA and Chicago Pentecostals were primarily Northern middle-class evangelicals. Many of
8874-493: The sharing of the divine nature of Jesus of Nazareth; a memorial of His suffering and death; and a prophecy of His second coming. The Assemblies of God also strongly emphasizes the fulfillment of the Great Commission and believes this is the church's calling. As classical Pentecostals, the Assemblies of God believes all Christians are entitled to and should seek baptism in the Holy Spirit . The AG teaches that this experience
8976-433: The truth of Jesus Christ, whose life , crucifixion , death, and resurrection had so fundamentally altered all of humanity and creation that human beings were now capable of works of loving obedience that revealed the indwelling presence of God in Christ in all people." Seven ordinances have been taught in many Conservative Mennonite churches, which include "baptism, communion, footwashing, marriage, anointing with oil,
9078-581: The world together for cooperation. Each national council is fully self-governing and independent and involvement with the World Fellowship does not limit this independence. The work of the World Fellowship is carried out by the Executive Council. Executive Council members represent different regions of the world and serve three-year terms. Africa, Asia Pacific, Latin America/Caribbean, and North America each have four representatives, Europe has three, and
9180-537: Was a founding member of both the National Association of Evangelicals and the Pentecostal Fellowship of North America (now Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches of North America ). In the 1950s, the AG was challenged by the Latter Rain movement , which began among former members of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada , the AG's Canadian counterpart, and quickly spread to the United States. The "New Order" as it
9282-490: Was a predominantly African American Holiness church headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. In 1907, its founder, Charles Harrison Mason , visited Azusa Street and adopted the Pentecostal message. Mason's group was the first Pentecostal denomination to incorporate, which gave its clergy privileges such as railroad discounts. Mason led the church until his death in 1961. He was highly respected by both black and white Pentecostals. COGIC
9384-486: Was a victim of a conspiracy planned by former PSC member Patricia Lelis, who was charged with false reporting and extortion before fleeing to the United States , where she was again charged and arrested for the same crime. Another Brazilian politician and AG member, Marina Silva , pursues ecologist ideas and supports the rights of the indigenous tribes of her country . The church leadership has criticized Silva's leftist stances on many issues, such as drug reform. Within
9486-533: Was attended by predominantly white representatives from 20 states and missions in Egypt and South Africa. The fellowship that emerged was incorporated as the General Council of the Assemblies of God . Bell was elected the first general superintendent. The Assemblies of God gave five reasons for calling the meeting: Other actions taken at the 1st General Council addressed women in ministry. The Pentecostals who founded
9588-601: Was convinced "that God [was] now visiting His people in many places with a special manifestation of power". Throughout the summer of 1907, aspects of the Pentecostal revival were on display at CMA events. At the Beulah Park Convention in Collinwood, Ohio, it was reported that "God poured out His Spirit upon the people in general and upon others in particular, so that they spoke with new tongues and magnified God. The sick were healed and demons were expelled". While Simpson
9690-565: Was elected chairman. In 1993, the name of the Fellowship was changed to the World Assemblies of God Fellowship. In 2000, Thomas E. Trask was elected to succeed Cho. At the 2008 World Congress in Lisbon , Portugal, George O. Wood , General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God in the United States, was elected chairman. At the 2011 World AG Congress in Chennai , India, David Mohan, General Superintendent of
9792-477: Was established in 1906 by William Hamner Piper, a former follower of Dowie who had joined the Pentecostal movement. Due to its strategic location in Chicago, the church often hosted large conventions and rallies. The North Avenue Mission was pastored by William Howard Durham , who received Spirit baptism at Azusa Street in 1907. Unlike other early Pentecostal leaders, Durham did not believe in entire sanctification as
9894-493: Was interracial with many white members, and many white Pentecostal ministers sought ordination from Mason. Early Pentecostal groups were loosely organized. Historian Cecil M. Robeck, Jr. notes, "While a person might hold primary allegiance to one organization, she or he could hold credentials with a second organization as well." In 1907, Goss had received a license to preach from Mason's group, and he claimed that Mason had given him permission to issue ministerial credentials under
9996-409: Was known was highly critical of denominations, such as the AG, and taught that the gifts of the Spirit are channeled through church elders and are given to others by the laying on of hands . However, the Assemblies of God and other classical Pentecostal groups maintained that the charismata are not personally received or imparted but are manifested as the Holy Spirit wills. In 1949 with a meeting of
10098-514: Was not opposed to speaking in tongues, he opposed the doctrine of evidentiary tongues. In 1914, the Alliance adopted an official position stating, "the consecrated believer may receive the Spirit in His fulness without speaking in tongues or any miraculous manifestation whatever." Afterwards, CMA members who believed strongly in evidentiary tongues left the Alliance. After Simpson's death, the Alliance became more hostile to tongue-speaking. A. W. Tozer coined
10200-426: Was not the only evidence. The issue was decided at the General Council of September 1918 where Bosworth, who two months earlier had resigned so as not to damage the fellowship, was present and invited to address the council. Following debate two resolutions were passed which assured that initial evidence would remain an official teaching of the fellowship. While doctrinal controversy led to the withdrawal of ministers,
10302-481: Was the first Pentecostal denomination to name itself Assemblies of God. The Assemblies of God USA was founded by about 300 preachers and laymen from 20 states and several foreign countries met for a general council in Hot Springs, Arkansas , United States. While most other U.S. Pentecostal denominations were regionally defined, the Assemblies of God claimed a broad nationwide constituency. A new fellowship emerged from
10404-465: Was the first to connect glossolalia with Spirit baptism. His Apostolic Faith Movement was strongest in southwest Missouri and southeast Kansas. He established several congregations around Galena, Kansas. In 1905, Parham moved his headquarters to Houston, Texas, and opened a Bible training school. One of his students was William J. Seymour , an African American holiness preacher. In 1906, Seymour moved to Los Angeles, California, where his preaching ignited
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