Assemblies of God facts for kids
Quick facts for kids World Assemblies of God |
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| Classification | Evangelical Pentecostal |
| Theology | Finished Work Pentecostal |
| Governance | Cooperative body |
| Chairman | Dominic Yeo |
| Region | 190 countries |
| Origin | 1914 (WAGF formally established 1988) |
| Separated from | Church of God in Christ, Christian and Missionary Alliance, and various other denominations, including those of Reformed and Baptist traditions. |
| Merger of | Several Pentecostal groups |
| Separations | General Assembly of Apostolic Assemblies, The Foursquare Church |
| Congregations | 367,398 |
| Members | 68,500,000 |
| Aid organization | World Assemblies of God Relief and Development Agency |
The World Assemblies of God (AG), also known as the World Assemblies of God Fellowship, is a large international group of Pentecostal Christian churches.
It is a worldwide fellowship, meaning its member churches are independent. However, they are connected by similar beliefs and a shared history. Pentecostalism started with the Azusa Street Revival in the early 1900s.
This movement led to the founding of the Assemblies of God in the United States in 1914. This was one of the first Pentecostal groups that focused on "Finished Work" beliefs. Later, in 1918, the Assemblies of God in Brazil was formed. Aimee Semple McPherson, a famous evangelist, was an early leader in the US Assemblies of God. She later started her own church, the Foursquare Church, in 1923.
The Assemblies of God grew as missionaries traveled the world. They also connected with other Pentecostal churches. The worldwide fellowship was officially formed in 1988. As a Pentecostal group, the Assemblies of God believes in the baptism with the Holy Spirit. They believe this experience often comes with speaking in tongues.
Contents
How Did the Assemblies of God Start?
Early Beginnings in the USA
In 1914, about 300 preachers and church members met in Hot Springs, Arkansas, in the United States. They came from 20 states and other countries. They wanted to form a new group because of disagreements about how churches should be run. This meeting led to the creation of the General Council of the Assemblies of God in the United States of America.
Over time, new Assemblies of God groups formed in many countries. Some grew from local Pentecostal movements. Others were started by missionaries from the US group. For example, in 1919, Canadian Pentecostals formed the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. They joined with the US Assemblies of God the next year. The Assemblies of God in Great Britain started in 1924. This group influenced the Assemblies of God in Australia, now called Australian Christian Churches.
Before 1967, the Assemblies of God officially opposed Christians taking part in wars. They saw themselves as a "peace church." Today, the US Assemblies of God still supports members who choose not to fight in wars for religious reasons.
Forming a Global Fellowship
In 1988, different national Assemblies of God groups came together. They formed the World Pentecostal Assemblies of God Fellowship. This idea came from Dr. J. Philip Hogan. The main goal was to work together on sharing their faith. Soon, it became a lasting way for these churches to connect.
Dr. Hogan was the first leader of this fellowship. In 1993, the group changed its name to the World Assemblies of God Fellowship. Leaders like Rev. David Yonggi Cho and George O. Wood have also served as chairmen.
How Many Members Does the Assemblies of God Have?
In 2022, the World Assemblies of God had a large number of churches and members. They reported having 367,398 churches around the world. They also had about 68.5 million members worldwide.
What Do Assemblies of God Members Believe?
The Assemblies of God has beliefs that are typical of Pentecostal and evangelical Christians.
- They believe in the Trinity, meaning God is one but exists as the Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit.
- They believe the Bible is inspired by God. They see it as a perfect guide for faith and how to live.
- They practice Baptism by immersion. This means a person is fully dipped in water. It is a symbol of a person's new life in Christ.
- They also celebrate Communion. This is a special meal with bread and juice. It reminds them of Jesus' suffering and death. It also looks forward to His return.
- A key belief is fulfilling the Great Commission. This means sharing their faith with people all over the world.
As Pentecostals, they believe all Christians should seek the baptism in the Holy Spirit. They teach that this experience is separate from becoming a Christian. It gives believers power for Christian life and service. The first sign of this baptism is often speaking in tongues. They also believe in other spiritual gifts today, like divine healing.
The Assemblies of God allows women to be pastors. This is different from some other Christian groups, including many traditional churches.
Each country's Assemblies of God group has its own detailed beliefs. However, they all share a main statement of faith that connects them.
Assemblies of God and Politics
Some members of the Assemblies of God are involved in politics.
- In Australia, former Prime Minister Scott Morrison is a member. He has said that the Bible is not a rulebook for politics. He also supports religious freedom.
- In Brazil, the local Assemblies of God group has become more involved in politics. Some of its pastors have become politicians.
- Another Brazilian politician, Marina Silva, is also an Assemblies of God member. She supports environmental ideas and the rights of native tribes. Her church leaders have sometimes disagreed with her political views.
- In the United States, most Assemblies of God members tend to vote for the Republican Party.
How Is the Assemblies of God Organized?
The World Assemblies of God Fellowship connects national Assemblies of God groups globally. Each national group is independent and runs itself. Being part of the World Fellowship does not take away this independence.
The work of the World Fellowship is led by an Executive Council. Members of this council come from different parts of the world. They serve for three years. The General Assembly elects these members. It also chooses the Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Secretary of the World Fellowship.
At both national and local levels, the Assemblies of God usually has a structure where local churches have some independence. However, they also have oversight from district and national councils.
The World Assemblies of God Relief Agency (WAGRA) handles the group's humanitarian work. This includes helping people in need around the world.
See Also
In Spanish: Asambleas de Dios para niños
- List of Assemblies of God National Fellowships
- List of Assemblies of God schools
- List of Assemblies of God people
- World Evangelical Alliance
