upgrade

✝️intro to christianity review

Assemblies of God

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

The Assemblies of God is a global Pentecostal denomination that emphasizes the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the practice of spiritual gifts. It originated in the early 20th century during the Pentecostal revival, which highlighted experiences such as speaking in tongues, divine healing, and prophecy as central to Christian life.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The Assemblies of God was officially founded in 1914 in Hot Springs, Arkansas, with a focus on evangelism and missions.
  2. It is one of the largest Pentecostal denominations worldwide, with millions of adherents in over 200 countries.
  3. The church places a strong emphasis on personal salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with God through the Holy Spirit.
  4. Assemblies of God churches often engage in contemporary worship styles, incorporating music and expressive forms of worship that appeal to younger generations.
  5. The denomination is organized with a hierarchical structure, including local congregations, district councils, and a national fellowship that provides support and resources.

Review Questions

  • How does the Assemblies of God differ from traditional Christian denominations in its approach to spiritual gifts?
    • The Assemblies of God strongly emphasizes the active presence of spiritual gifts as part of everyday Christian life, distinguishing it from many traditional denominations that may view these gifts as limited to biblical times. This denomination teaches that all believers can receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, empowering them to operate in gifts like speaking in tongues and prophecy. This perspective encourages active participation and a dynamic relationship with the Holy Spirit, which is central to their faith practice.
  • In what ways did the early 20th-century revival contribute to the formation and growth of the Assemblies of God?
    • The early 20th-century revival fostered a renewed interest in the workings of the Holy Spirit, leading to an explosion of Pentecostal movements across America. The Azusa Street Revival, which began in 1906, was pivotal in shaping Pentecostal beliefs about spiritual gifts. This environment encouraged believers to seek experiences like speaking in tongues and divine healing, which became hallmarks of Assemblies of God teachings. The formation of the denomination in 1914 was a direct response to this movement, uniting congregations under shared beliefs and mission-focused practices.
  • Evaluate how the Assemblies of God has adapted its practices and teachings to remain relevant in contemporary society.
    • The Assemblies of God has continually adapted its practices to connect with modern society while maintaining its core beliefs. This includes embracing contemporary worship music, utilizing technology for outreach, and addressing current social issues from a biblical perspective. Their commitment to evangelism remains strong, as they employ creative approaches such as social media campaigns and community service projects to engage younger generations. By remaining relevant and responsive to cultural shifts, they aim to attract new members while deepening the faith of existing congregants.