What are the history and beliefs of Assemblies of God?

Origins and Early Development

The Assemblies of God formed in 1914 during a gathering of Pentecostal pastors, evangelists, and laypersons in Hot Springs, Arkansas. These believers sought greater unity and accountability among congregations that had experienced rapid growth following the early 20th-century Pentecostal revival. Many point to the Azusa Street Revival (1906–1909) in Los Angeles, led by preacher William J. Seymour, as a defining spark of modern Pentecostalism. Historian Vinson Synan, in his works on the Pentecostal-Charismatic movements, identifies the Azusa Street Revival as the catalyst that led to new denominations and the rapid spread of Pentecostalism worldwide.

The desire in Hot Springs was to structure a distinct fellowship while maintaining local church autonomy and emphasizing evangelism. Five hundred delegates attended, and they agreed upon fundamental truths and formed the General Council of the Assemblies of God. By 1916, a formal statement of faith was adopted, known as the Statement of Fundamental Truths. This paved the way for doctrinal clarity and helped shape the trajectory of the movement, which is now one of the largest Pentecostal fellowships globally.

Doctrinal Foundation

From the outset, the Assemblies of God has upheld the Bible as the inspired Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16). Their Statement of Fundamental Truths identifies salvation through Jesus Christ, baptism in the Holy Spirit, Divine healing, and the return of Christ as core beliefs. These truths reflect classical Pentecostal theology, emphasizing both personal piety and reliance on the empowering work of the Holy Spirit to witness for Christ.

Credence is also given to the continuity of Scriptural gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:8–11). This understanding aligns with the movement’s roots in revival, which stressed that God continues to work supernaturally among believers through healings, miracles, and the operation of spiritual gifts. The Assemblies of God holds that these manifestations of God’s power remain active today as signs pointing to the gospel message.

Core Beliefs and Distinctives

1. Salvation and the Work of Christ

Central is the teaching that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8–9). Jesus’ atoning sacrifice and resurrection stand as the cornerstone of redemption, guaranteeing the believer’s forgiveness of sin and the promise of eternal life.

2. Baptism in the Holy Spirit

The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is seen as a post-conversion experience of empowerment for service. It is often accompanied by speaking in tongues, which they interpret as the biblical sign (Acts 2:4). This experience is key to Pentecostal spirituality, driving evangelistic zeal.

3. Divine Healing

Consistent with early Pentecostal roots, the Assemblies of God teaches that God heals physically, emotionally, and spiritually in response to faith and prayer (James 5:14–15). They cite numerous testimonies across the centuries where individuals have experienced miraculous recoveries. Such accounts, recorded in mission fields and local churches, are presented to demonstrate the ongoing power of God.

4. Second Coming of Christ

The imminent return of Jesus is a major emphasis. They profess a literal return of Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17) and encourage believers to maintain a life of holiness, mission, and service in anticipation of that day.

5. Authority of Scripture

Upholding Scripture as fully inspired by God, the Assemblies of God has historically placed significant importance on personal Bible reading, church-based Bible studies, and expository preaching. Their conviction is that each book of Scripture stands as part of God’s revealed truth, consistent in its teaching and unified in its testimony of redemption.

Ecclesial Organization and Governance

While united behind core doctrines and fellowship structures, the Assemblies of God gives considerable freedom to local congregations. Churches typically belong to district councils, which connect them to the broader national General Council. This network structure allows operational unity while preserving local governance. Ordained pastors are recognized by the fellowship, and individuals may serve in wider ministries and missions.

World missions remains a major focus. Early leaders believed fervently in sending missionaries to the nations, establishing Bible schools, planting churches, and translating the Bible into local languages. Today, the Assemblies of God maintains one of the largest missionary organizations in Protestant Christianity.

Worship and Spiritual Practice

Worship in Assemblies of God churches often features contemporary music, prayer for healing, and messages that encourage personal transformation. Congregational singing, prayer for the sick, and teaching on the Holy Spirit are hallmarks. Small group meetings, sometimes referred to as “home groups” or “cell groups,” are common, fostering close fellowship and discipleship.

Evangelism and Global Outreach

From its inception, the Assemblies of God has championed evangelism. Missionaries have been sent worldwide, implementing humanitarian missions, planting churches, and establishing educational institutions. Reports from their global efforts suggest that the movement thrives in regions like Latin America, Africa, and parts of Asia, confirming the enduring focus on the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20).

Much of this global growth is credited to an emphasis on the Holy Spirit’s power working through ordinary believers. Anecdotal testimonies recount healings, miraculous provisions, and transformed lives—outcomes attributed to the ongoing action of God among the nations. Such stories are used to demonstrate that the God described in Scripture continues to intervene in modern contexts.

Community Life and Social Impact

Assemblies of God congregations typically stress moral living, reflecting Christlike character in daily life. Educational programs, youth ministries, and compassion outreaches (e.g., food pantries, addiction recovery programs) often operate under congregational supervision. In various communities, the denomination advocates for moral values based on biblical teachings.

Many Assemblies of God believers affirm the direct application of biblical commandments, encouraging a life marked by prayer, evangelism, and charity. The fellowship supports these values with local, national, and international events like youth conferences, pastoral training seminars, and charity initiatives, aiming to develop faithful disciples against the backdrop of an ever-evolving society.

Doctrinal Continuity with Church History

Although a modern movement in name, Pentecostal belief in the Baptism in the Holy Spirit traces its origins back to New Testament accounts (Acts 2:1–4). Adherents often cite early Church Fathers who spoke of the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit, though Pentecostal distinctives about the “initial evidence” of tongues arose more explicitly in the early 1900s.

Nevertheless, Assemblies of God theologians see their teaching as consistent with the Word of God, anchored in the historical creeds concerning Christ’s divinity, the Trinity, and the authority of Scripture. They also uphold the continuity of miracles as part of God’s ongoing activity among believers, presenting historical documents of early Christian practice and testimony as corroboration.

Modern Developments and Global Influence

Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, the Assemblies of God has witnessed substantial global expansion. Now numbering tens of millions of adherents worldwide, the movement has built educational institutions, hospitals, relief agencies, and community development programs. In line with the Pentecostal ethos, it seeks to merge spiritual ministries with practical help.

Even in regions skeptical of supernatural claims, the fellowship promotes open dialogue, pointing to archaeological, textual, and historical evidence supporting the reliability of the Bible. In tandem, they share firsthand accounts of miracles worldwide, from healing crusades to deliverance from natural disasters.

Conclusion

The Assemblies of God stands as one of the most prominent Pentecostal fellowships, forged by revival fires in the early 1900s and spanning the globe today. Grounded in a firm belief in Scripture as the inspired Word of God, centered on Jesus as Savior and Lord, and empowered by the Holy Spirit for mission and service, the movement continues to emphasize the necessity of personal conversion, a life of holiness, and a passion to share the gospel.

Through worship, missions, and local church ministries, Assemblies of God congregations aim to follow the Great Commission and eagerly await Christ’s return. As their leaders and members often testify, they look to God to work through the gifts of the Spirit and through the power of His Word to transform lives and communities, fulfilling Jesus’ words in John 14:12: “Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I am doing. He will do even greater things than these…”