BELIEFS & COMMUNITY
Assemblies of God: Pentecostal beliefs and worship
Religious Values guide · Updated
The Assemblies of God is a Pentecostal fellowship that emphasizes evangelism, the authority of Scripture and the present work of the Holy Spirit. Its Statement of Fundamental Truths explains the doctrinal basis of fellowship. The US body's statement is the focus here; national Assemblies of God organizations also have their own structures.
This profile describes Assemblies of God teaching, not every Pentecostal church. Claims about spiritual gifts are reported as religious beliefs.
Salvation and Spirit baptism
The Assemblies of God distinguishes receiving salvation through Christ from baptism in the Holy Spirit, which it describes as empowering believers for witness and service. Its statement identifies speaking in tongues as the initial physical evidence of Spirit baptism. It also discusses the fruit of the Spirit and Christian character, so spiritual life is not reduced to a single experience or outward expression.[1]
Baptism, Communion and prayer for healing
Water baptism follows repentance and faith and is performed by immersion. Communion remembers Christ's suffering and anticipates his return. Prayer for healing is also part of the fellowship's teaching. A service may include testimony, expressive singing and prayer, but the denomination's doctrinal statement is a better guide to its claims than assumptions based only on volume or emotional intensity.[1]
Mission and local church life
The fellowship describes the church's task through evangelism, worship, discipleship and compassion. Local congregations put those commitments into practice through ministries suited to their setting. When visiting, ask how the church teaches new believers, explains spiritual gifts and supervises prayer ministry. Clear explanations of participation and leadership help you understand how the stated theology is lived in that congregation.[1][2]
Common questions
Does speaking in tongues mean the same thing in every setting?
The official statement distinguishes tongues as evidence of Spirit baptism from the congregational gift of tongues in purpose and use. Ask a pastor to explain that distinction and how a service makes room for interpretation and orderly participation.[1]
Is Assemblies of God non-denominational?
A congregation may have a name that does not mention the fellowship, but an affiliated church still has a relationship with Assemblies of God structures and doctrine. Check its stated affiliation rather than relying on the name displayed outside.
Sources & further reading
The sources below explain the beliefs and practices discussed here. Where a guide describes a broad movement, a named organization illustrates its own approach.
- 1.Assemblies of God: Statement of Fundamental Truths
The US fellowship's doctrinal statement, including ordinances, Spirit baptism and mission.
- 2.Assemblies of God: Jesus Christ, God and man
A church-published explanation of its central teaching about Jesus.