Assemblies of God

The World Assemblies of God Fellowship (WAGF), commonly known as the Assemblies of God (AG), is a global cooperative body of over 170 Pentecostal denominations. It was established on August 15, 1989, through the efforts of the Assemblies of God USA, the largest Pentecostal group in the United States. The WAGF was created to help these groups work together more effectively around the world.

Before the WAGF, these denominations worked together only in informal ways. The WAGF gave them a stronger structure to support their shared goals. The main purposes of the WAGF include supporting world missions, organizing help for those in need, using technology to share their message, speaking up for churches that face hard times, supporting theological education, and creating a directory of Pentecostal churches and missions to share information. Even though each member denomination operates independently, they are united by their common beliefs and history.

History

Most groups that are now part of the Assemblies of God have their beginnings in big religious meetings, like the Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles, California, or other similar meetings around the world in the early 1900s. One of the biggest groups, called Assembleia de Deus, started in Brazil in 1911.

The Assemblies of God in the United States began in 1914 when about 300 religious leaders met in Hot Springs, Arkansas. They created a new group called the General Council of the Assemblies of God in the United States of America. Over time, similar groups formed in many countries, sometimes starting from local religious movements or from missions started by the U.S. group.

The world fellowship of Assemblies of God groups was created in 1989 to help these groups work together better. It started with the goal of sharing their message, and grew into a bigger organization connecting all the different national groups. Leaders from different countries have taken turns leading this world fellowship over the years.

Statistics

The Assemblies of God has many members around the world. Different reports say there are between 67 to 89 million people who belong to it. In 2025, they said they had about 451,000 churches and 88.9 million members and followers. Earlier reports from 2022 and 2020 gave slightly smaller numbers, around 67 to 69 million people.

Beliefs

The Assemblies of God believes in the teachings of the Bible and follows the traditional views of Pentecostal and evangelical churches. They believe in one God, shown as three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Important practices include baptism by full immersion in water and sharing in Communion, which reminds believers of Jesus' life and teachings.

The Assemblies of God teaches that all Christians can experience a special connection with the Holy Spirit. This is often shown by speaking in different languages, known as speaking in tongues. They also believe in the power of healing through faith and other spiritual gifts. Women can serve as pastors, which is different from many other churches. Each country may have its own statements about beliefs, but they all share these core ideas.

Politics

The Assemblies of God has had some notable politicians who belong to the group. In Australia, former prime minister Scott Morrison talked about the importance of protecting religious freedom.

In Brazil, some politicians from the local branch of the Assemblies of God have been active in government. One group worked with the government at the time, while another focused on protecting the environment and supporting local communities. In the United States of America, many members often support Republican ideas. During Donald Trump's time as president, a leader from the group spoke about the importance of allowing religious groups to be involved in politics.

Organization

The World Fellowship brings together Assemblies of God groups from many countries so they can work together. Each country's group makes its own decisions and can still join the World Fellowship. The Executive Council runs the World Fellowship. Members of this council come from different parts of the world and serve for three years. They are chosen by a big meeting called the General Assembly, where each member group can send representatives to vote.

The General Assembly also picks leaders for the World Fellowship. The Assemblies of God groups are organized in a way that lets local churches make their own choices while also having some oversight from bigger groups in their country or area.

The World Assemblies of God Relief Agency (WAGRA) leads efforts to help people in need.

Interdenominational dialogue

The Assemblies of God has talked with the World Communion of Reformed Churches to learn more about each other’s beliefs. This helps them understand one another better.