Assemblies of God

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

Before the WAGF, these groups only worked together in informal ways. The WAGF gave them a stronger way to support their shared goals. The main purposes of the WAGF are to support world missions, organize help for people in need, use technology to share their message, speak up for churches that have difficulties, support theological education, and create a directory of Pentecostal churches and missions to share information. Even though each member group works independently, they are united by their common beliefs and history.

History

Most groups that are now part of the Assemblies of God began in big religious meetings, like the Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles, California, or other meetings around the world in the early 1900s. One big group, 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. 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 what the Bible teaches and follows the views of Pentecostal and evangelical churches. They believe in one God, who is three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Important practices include baptism by full immersion in water and sharing in Communion, which helps believers remember Jesus' life and teachings.

The Assemblies of God teaches that all Christians can feel a special connection with the Holy Spirit. This is sometimes shown by speaking in different languages, called speaking in tongues. They also believe in 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 ideas about beliefs, but they all share these main ideas.

Politics

The Assemblies of God includes some well-known politicians. In Australia, former prime minister Scott Morrison spoke about protecting religious freedom.

In Brazil, some members of the Assemblies of God work in government. Some help the environment and local communities. In the United States of America, many members support Republican ideas. When Donald Trump was president, a leader talked about letting religious groups take part 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 but 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 so local churches can make their own choices while 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.