Content deleted Content added
→AG reports: Added doctrinal statements to sources |
No edit summary Tags: Visual edit Mobile edit Mobile web edit |
||
| (44 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown) | |||
Line 2:
{{good article}}
{{Infobox Christian denomination
| name = Assemblies of God USA
| image = File:AOG Logo.png
| imagewidth = 180px
| main_classification = [[Protestant]]
|
| polity = Mixed [[Presbyterian polity|Presbyterian]] and [[Congregationalist polity|Congregational]] polity▼
▲|theology = [[Finished Work|Finished Work Pentecostal]]
| founded_date = 1914▼
▲|polity = Mixed [[Presbyterian polity|Presbyterian]] and [[Congregationalist polity|Congregational]] polity
| founded_place = [[Hot Springs, Arkansas]]▼
| leader_title = General Superintendent
▲|founded_date = 1914
| leader_name = Doug Clay
▲|founded_place = [[Hot Springs, Arkansas]]
| merger = Apostolic Faith Movement<br /> former [[COGIC]] members<br /> former [[Christian and Missionary Alliance|CMA]] members<br /> other groups
| separations = [[Pentecostal Assemblies of the World|General Assembly of the Apostolic
| associations = [[National Association of Evangelicals]]<br /> [[Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches of North America]]<br /> [[Pentecostal World Fellowship]]<br /> [[Wesleyan Holiness Consortium]]<br /> [[World Assemblies of God Fellowship]]<ref name=Affiliations>Assemblies of God USA, [http://ag.org/top/About/affiliations.cfm Affiliations] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110817030348/http://ag.org/top/About/affiliations.cfm |date=2011-08-17 }}. Accessed August 4, 2011.</ref><ref name=WHC>[http://www.holinessandunity.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=44&Itemid=33 Participating Denominations in the Wesleyan Holiness Consortium], accessed February 4, 2012.</ref>▼
| area = United States▼
| headquarters = [[Springfield, Missouri]]▼
▲|separations = [[Pentecostal Assemblies of the World|General Assembly of the Apostolic Churches]], [[The Foursquare Church]]
| aid = [[Convoy of Hope]]▼
| congregations = 12,749 (2022)<ref name="ag.org">{{Cite web|title=Statistics on the Assemblies of God (USA)|url=https://ag.org/About/Statistics}}</ref>▼
| members = 2,928,143 adherents* (2022)<ref name="ag.org" /><br />▼
▲[[World Assemblies of God Fellowship]]<ref name=Affiliations>Assemblies of God USA, [http://ag.org/top/About/affiliations.cfm Affiliations] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110817030348/http://ag.org/top/About/affiliations.cfm |date=2011-08-17 }}. Accessed August 4, 2011.</ref><ref name=WHC>[http://www.holinessandunity.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=44&Itemid=33 Participating Denominations in the Wesleyan Holiness Consortium], accessed February 4, 2012.</ref>
▲|area = United States
▲|headquarters = [[Springfield, Missouri]]
▲|aid = [[Convoy of Hope]]
▲|congregations = 12,749 (2022)<ref name="ag.org">{{Cite web|title=Statistics on the Assemblies of God (USA)|url=https://ag.org/About/Statistics}}</ref>
▲2,928,143 adherents* (2022)<ref name="ag.org" /><br />
1,726,939 members (2022)<ref name="ag.org" />
| ministers = 37,773 (2022)<ref name="ag.org" />
| website = {{URL|ag.org}}▼
| footnotes = <nowiki>*</nowiki><small>persons of all ages who identify with an AG church<ref name=mediakit>[http://ag.org/top/Press/Media_kit.pdf "An Overview of the Assemblies of God"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100922102648/http://ag.org/top/Press/Media_kit.pdf |date=2010-09-22 }}. Accessed September 17, 2010.</ref></small>▼
▲|website = {{URL|ag.org}}
▲|footnotes = <nowiki>*</nowiki><small>persons of all ages who identify with an AG church<ref name=mediakit>[http://ag.org/top/Press/Media_kit.pdf "An Overview of the Assemblies of God"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100922102648/http://ag.org/top/Press/Media_kit.pdf |date=2010-09-22 }}. Accessed September 17, 2010.</ref></small>
}}
{{Pentecostalism}}
Line 109 ⟶ 99:
Among the Fundamental Truths was a statement regarding speaking in tongues as the initial physical evidence of Spirit baptism. Its inclusion was challenged by [[F.F. Bosworth]], an executive presbyter, who argued that while for many speaking in tongues was an evidence of the baptism it was not the only evidence. The issue was decided at the General Council of September 1918 where Bosworth, who two months earlier had resigned so as not to damage the fellowship, was present and invited to address the council. Following debate two resolutions were passed which assured that initial evidence would remain an official teaching of the fellowship.{{Sfn|Robeck|2003|pp=181–186}}
While doctrinal controversy led to the withdrawal of ministers, the fellowship experienced growth in subsequent years. District councils were organized in various regions of the country and, where these did not exist, home missionary fields were designated to maximize evangelistic efforts. In 1917, W. Jethro Walthall led his [[Holiness Baptist Association]] of southwestern Arkansas into the Assemblies of God.<ref name=Hoover3>Mario G. Hoover, "Origin and Structural Development of the Assemblies of God," third edition (MA thesis, Southwest Missouri State College, 1968/1988), p. 3.</ref> District councils and missionary stations were established outside the U.S. also. By 1921, there were districts in Canada (see [[Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada]]), China, Japan (see [[Japan Assemblies of God]]), India (see [[Assemblies of God in India]]), and Egypt.<ref name=1921minutes>Assemblies of God USA (1921). [http://ifphc.org/DigitalPublications/USA/Assemblies%20of%20God%20USA/Minutes%20General%20Council/Unregistered/1921/FPHC/1914-1921.pdf ''Combined Minutes of the General Council of the Assemblies of God''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726172908/http://ifphc.org/DigitalPublications/USA/Assemblies%20of%20God%20USA/Minutes%20General%20Council/Unregistered/1921/FPHC/1914-1921.pdf |date=2011-07-26 }}, pg. 68. Accessed October 12, 2010.</ref> [[Central Bible College]] was started in the basement of the Central Assembly of God church in Springfield, Missouri, in 1922.<ref>[http://netcom.cbcag.edu/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=233 History of Central Bible College] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807153318/http://netcom.cbcag.edu/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=233 |date=2011-08-07 }}. Accessed October 12, 2010.</ref> In 1929, the fellowship claimed 91,981 members in 1,612 churches.<ref name=seizethemoment>{{Citation |last=Rodgers |first=Darrin J. |title=Seize the Moment |journal=Assemblies of God Heritage |year=2009 |url=http://rss.ag.org/articles/detail.cfm?RSS_RSSContentID=11038&RSS_OriginatingChannelID=1184&RSS_OriginatingRSSFeedID=3359&RSS_Source=search|access-date=October 12, 2010}}</ref>
===1930–1979===
Line 138 ⟶ 128:
Since their movement's emergence early in the 20th century, Pentecostals saw themselves as "peculiar people", and one of the components of this identity were particular prohibitions on behavior. Prohibitions on drug use, gambling, social dancing, consuming alcohol, smoking, attending theaters, bowling, swimming in public pools and beaches, owning television sets, and restrictions on feminine attire and fashion helped distinguish Pentecostals from the larger society.{{Sfn|Blumhofer|1993|p=236}}{{Sfn|Poloma|1989|p=15}} Starting in the 1950s, attitudes in the Assemblies of God on many of these activities underwent dramatic change. The most change probably occurred over views on women's attire, with the former stance against wearing make-up and jewelry giving way to the acceptance of popular fashion. Most of these "holiness standards" are no longer adhered to; however, some are still held to, such as proscriptions on smoking, alcohol and drug use.{{Sfn|Poloma|1989|p=15}}
For much of its history, the Assemblies of God officially opposed Christian participation in war and was listed by ''The Pacifist Handbook'' as America's third largest [[peace church]] in 1940.{{Sfn|Beaman|2009|p={{page needed|date=September 2020}}}} The official position of the church until 1967 encouraged Christian nonviolence: "We . . . are nevertheless constrained to declare we cannot conscientiously participate in war and armed resistance which involves the actual destruction of human life, since this is contrary to our view of the clear teachings of the inspired Word of God".<ref name="Paul Alexander">Paul Alexander, An Analysis of the Emergence and Decline of Pacifism in the History of the Assemblies of God, PhD dissertation, Baylor University, 2000. See also [http://www.apu.edu/theology/faculty/palexander/ Paul Alexander] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081229033706/http://www.apu.edu/theology/faculty/palexander/ |date=2008-12-29 }}, (2008), [http://www.cascadiapublishinghouse.com/ptw/ptw.htm ''Peace to War: Shifting Allegiances in the Assemblies of God'']. Telford, PA: Cascadia Publishing/Herald Press.</ref> Most of the founders and first generation members of the denomination held to this view, and it was presented as official teaching throughout World War I and World War II. The official [[pacifist]] position remained unchanged until 1967 when the denomination affirmed "the right of each member to choose whether to declare their position as a combatant, a noncombatant, or a conscientious objector".
===Recent history (1980–present)===
Line 161 ⟶ 151:
[[Chi Alpha]] is the Assemblies of God's student organization and college ministry. As of 2022, it operated on 275 campuses.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Group Locator |url=https://chialpha.com/group-locator/ |access-date=2023-05-16 |website=Chi Alpha Campus Ministries |language=en-US}}</ref>
Chi Alpha's Texan chapters were highlighted by ''[[Christianity Today]]'' in 2023 for allowing a registered sex offender to serve as a mentor despite knowing of his status. Two Texas pastors who knowingly connected their students with the mentor were removed from their church positions. The Assemblies of God district in North Texas started an investigation to discover if other credentialed ministers had acted similarly.<ref name=":7"
====LGBT issues====
Line 197 ⟶ 187:
{{Main|Christian soteriology}}
The Statement of Fundamental Truths states, "Man's only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ the Son of God". The Assemblies of God holds the [[Arminian]] position on salvation. While it agrees with the [[Calvinist]] position that God is sovereign, at the same time, it believes that mankind has [[free will]]—free to accept or reject God's gift of salvation and eternal life.
====Baptism in the Holy Spirit====
Line 222 ⟶ 212:
{{Main|Second Coming of Christ}}
The Statement of Fundamental Truths articles 13 and 14 articulate the Assemblies of God's official teaching on the [[return of Christ]] to Earth. It is a [[dispensationalist]] and [[premillennialist]] [[Christian eschatology|eschatology]] that includes the pre-[[Tribulation]] [[rapture]] of the Church—the "imminent and blessed hope". The rapture of the Church will be followed by Christ's visible return to earth and his reign of 1,000 years. This millennial reign will usher in the salvation of the nation of [[Israel]] and universal peace. The Assemblies of God is specifically opposed to the theologies and practices of [[universal salvation]], setting dates for Christ's return
===Position statements===
The Assemblies of God has released statements on various issues not addressed in the Statement of Fundamental Truths.<ref name="agpositionpapers">{{cite web | title= Assemblies of God Position Papers and other statements | publisher= Assemblies of God | url= http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/topic_index.cfm | access-date= October 12, 2010 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101025093208/http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/topic_index.cfm | archive-date= 2010-10-25 | url-status= dead }}</ref> These position papers are usually written by the Doctrinal Purity Commission, a standing committee of the General Council, which reviews and responds to issues referred to it by the Executive Presbytery. Position papers are not official positions of the Assemblies of God unless recommended by the Executive Presbytery and approved by the General Council.{{Sfn|Roozen|Nieman|2005|pp=112–113}} Position statements touch on biblical, theological, and social concerns.
*'''Abstinence from alcohol''': On the consumption of alcohol, the AG calls on its members and adherents to live life-styles of total abstinence (see [[Christianity and alcohol]]).
*'''Apostles and Prophets''': The Assemblies of God does not recognize titles or offices of "[[apostle]]" and "[[prophet]]". It does, however, believe there are those in the church who "exercise the ministry function of apostles and prophets".
*'''Assisted suicide and abortion''': Viewing all human life as sacred, the Assemblies of God opposes [[assisted suicide]] and [[abortion]] (unless it is medically confirmed that the mother's life is in imminent danger). It believes scripture is silent on the use of [[contraception]] and therefore takes no position on this subject.
*'''Creation''': The Assemblies of God believes that the [[Genesis creation narrative
*'''Demon Possession''': The Assemblies of God believes it is possible for people to be [[demon possession|demon possessed]] and be delivered by the "power of the Spirit, and the name of Jesus". However, it cautions against overemphasis on [[demonology]] and rejects the belief that Christians can be possessed by evil spirits.
*'''Ministry to the disabled''': The AG teaches that people with [[disabilities]] are loved by God. They should be treated with dignity and fully included in the life of the Church.
*'''Divorce and remarriage''': Officially, the AG disapproves of Christians divorcing for any cause except "fornication and adultery". Where these circumstances exist or where a Christian has been divorced by an unbeliever (see [[Pauline privilege]]), the AG allows "the question of remarriage to be resolved by the believer in the Light of God's Word". For Christians who were divorced and remarried before their conversion, it is recommended that local AG churches receive them as members.
*'''Gambling''': The AG opposes [[gambling]], believing that it is a disregard of responsible stewardship, involves a chance of gain at the expense and suffering of others, is inconsistent with the work ethic of scripture, and tends to be habit forming.
*'''Homosexuality''': The fellowship takes the position that the biblical ideal of marriage is between one man and one woman and that the Bible condemns all sex outside marriage, whether heterosexual or homosexual. Furthermore, it emphasizes that "believers who struggle with homosexual temptations must be encouraged and strengthened by fellow Christians" and that believers "must hold no malice toward, or fear, of homosexuals" but "reach out in humility and compassion".
*'''Positive Confession''': While the AG affirms that "All the blessings which God has for His people are received through faith" (including salvation, Spirit baptism, "divine preservation", "healing and provision of material needs", and the motivation to witness), it rejects the teaching that faith or "positive confession" "compels God's action". It holds that believers must consider the totality of scripture, consider adequately the will of God, recognize that they can expect suffering in life, and recognize the sovereignty of God. It also stresses the importance of persistent prayer, as opposed to simply confessing or "claiming" the promises of God.
*'''Women's role in ministry''': The AG affirms the ministry of women in the church and allows them to be ordained and serve in pastoral roles (see: [[ordination of women]]).
==Worship==
Line 247 ⟶ 237:
During praise and worship, participants may [[Orans|raise their hands]] as an act of worship. Congregational singing is usually led by a choir or worship team. Full drum sets, a piano, an organ, and various other instruments are frequently used. The type of music sung is generally [[Contemporary worship music|popular worship choruses]], such as those by [[Calvary Chapel]] and [[Hillsong Music Australia|Hillsong]]. Worship is often characterized as intense and enthusiastic.<ref name="churchidchangep101,2">{{harvnb|Roozen|Nieman|2005|pp=101–102}}</ref>
Prayer features prominently in services. Services may feature moments where special prayer is offered, often with [[Laity|laypersons]] leading the prayer and the rest of the congregation audibly participating. During these corporate prayers, some may pray in tongues. While not in every service, the pastor will pray for the sick. This prayer may include the pastor [[Anointing of the Sick|anointing the sick]] with olive oil and with the assistance of church elders along with pastoral associates [[Laying on of hands|laying hands]] on the one seeking healing.
[[Church architecture|Architecturally]], smaller churches will feature bright lighting, large windows, a simple platform with a [[pulpit]] in the center, and an altar ("a bench across the front of the church below the platform"). Larger churches will have direct access from the balcony to the main sanctuary near the platform so that respondents to altar calls can easily come forward, a large open area in front of the platform to accommodate altar call gatherings, and the platform itself is usually large to accommodate a large choir and musical instruments. Because the Assemblies of God practice baptism by immersion, many churches will include a [[baptistry]] at the rear of the platform.<ref name="churchidchangep102">{{harvnb|Roozen|Nieman|2005|p=102}}</ref>
Line 256 ⟶ 246:
=== Congregations ===
==== Self-governing churches ====
The Assemblies of God uses several classifications of congregations based on their level of local autonomy and their relationship to the General Council. Mature, fully functioning congregations are classified as "General Council affiliated churches". These churches are "sovereign" and self-governing, but in matters of doctrine local assemblies are subordinate to districts and the General Council.
Each local church operates according to its own bylaws and calls its own pastor. The office of pastor is equivalent to that of [[Elder (Christianity)|elder]] or overseer and is tasked with preaching and teaching the Word of God, in addition to conducting the day-to-day operations of the church.<ref name="agstructure2">{{cite web |year=2006 |title=Assemblies of God Structure |url=http://ag.org/top/About/structure.cfm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051001010947/http://ag.org/top/about/structure.cfm |archive-date=October 1, 2005 |access-date=October 12, 2010 |publisher=Assemblies of God}}</ref>
At the request of the pastor, deacon board, or
==== District affiliated and cooperative churches ====
Local churches, sections, and district councils are able to establish new churches.{{Sfn|
Existing Pentecostal churches considering affiliation with the General Council may request temporary status as a "cooperating assembly" for a term of four years before officially joining the denomination.{{Sfn|Minutes|2009|
=== Districts ===
[[File:AG_district_map.png|thumb|200x200px|Map of districts of the Assemblies of God in the United States|left]]
[[File:Ohio_Ministry_Network_office.jpg|thumb|Ohio Ministry Network Office, Columbus, Ohio]]
Churches are organized into sections and sections into [[Middle judicatory|middle judicatories]] called districts. The 66 districts oversee "all the ecclesial and sacerdotal activities" within their jurisdiction,{{Sfn|Minutes|2009|
Districts are governed by representative bodies called ''district councils'', which meet annually. District council membership includes all resident ministers and one lay delegate per AG church located within the district. When the district council is not in session, a district is led by a [[Superintendent (ecclesiastical)|superintendent]] and a presbytery (board of directors) whose members are elected by and represent the sections.<ref name="southernmissouri2">See for example the Southern Missouri District Council's [http://somoag.org/files/WebPages/Administration/ConBylaws09.pdf 2009 Constitution and Bylaws] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101130045810/http://somoag.org/files/WebPages/Administration/ConBylaws09.pdf|date=2010-11-30}}, p. 19. Accessed June 12, 2010.</ref> A [[presbyter]] "minister[s] to ministers" and "model[s] spiritual maturity and leadership" to the ministers and churches in his section.{{Sfn|Minutes|2009|
=== General Council ===
At the top of this organizational framework is the biennial General Council, the highest governing body of the Assemblies of God. All ordained and licensed ministers and one delegate per Assembly of God church are entitled to attend and participate at the General Council. The size of General Council is not static but fluctuating, changing from year to year as there is no requirement that pastors attend or that churches send delegates. In general, however, there are over 3,000 voting members.
The General Council enacts legislation, credentials ministers, oversees the national and worldwide missions programs, and directs the church's colleges and seminary.<ref name="agstructure2" /> The General Council also elects the general superintendent—the chief executive officer of the national organization—and other officers, such as the assistant general superintendent, general secretary, general treasurer, and the directors of U.S. and world missions. These manage the AG's day-to-day operations and work together as the Executive Leadership Team.
In between General Council sessions, approximately 300 elected representatives from the various districts and foreign mission areas meet as the General Presbytery.<ref name="Cunningham2">Rob Cunningham (August 5, 2011), [http://generalcouncil.ag.org/CouncilToday/Business/19971 "Council Overwhelmingly Approves School Consolidation"], [http://generalcouncil.ag.org/CouncilToday ''Council Today'']. Accessed August 7, 2011.</ref> When the General Council is not in session, the General Presbytery acts as the official policy-making body of the Assemblies of God.<ref name="columbiaA/G2">{{cite encyclopedia |year=2008 |title=Assemblies of God |encyclopedia=The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition |url=http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Assembli.html |access-date=October 12, 2010}}</ref> A 21-member Executive Presbytery meets bimonthly and functions as the Assemblies of God's board of directors. Executive Presbyters are responsible to the General Presbytery and are [[ex officio]] members of that body.{{Sfn|Minutes|2009|
=== General Superintendent ===
Line 333 ⟶ 323:
|| 2007 || 2017 || 10 years
|-
| 13 || [[Doug E. Clay]]<ref name="AGSups">[http://ifphc.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=history.main "The Assemblies of God: Our Heritage in Perspective"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005091645/http://www.ifphc.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=history.main |date=2012-10-05 }}, [http://ifphc.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.main Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110806111809/http://ifphc.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.main |date=2011-08-06 }}, accessed August 24, 2011.</ref>
|| 2017 || - || -
|}
Line 339 ⟶ 329:
===Clergy===
[[File:Melissa_Alfaro.jpg|thumb|Melissa Alfaro, Executive Presbyter, and Pastor from Houston, Texas]]
The Assemblies of God recognizes three classifications of ministers: certified, licensed, and [[ordination|ordained]]. District councils examine candidates for all levels of ministry and recommend those qualified to the Executive Presbytery (which is the General Council's Credentials Committee), which has authority to issue ministerial credentials.{{Sfn|Minutes|2009|
In preparation for receiving credentials, applicants must either complete correspondence courses through Global University (the AG's distance education program), receive training through a postsecondary institution such as a college or seminary approved by the AG, or be recommended by a district credentials committee as qualifying for credentials based on self-study and ministerial experience of "substantial duration". In addition, applicants must pass a standardized exam that tests their knowledge of the Bible, AG doctrines, and ministerial practices. After passing the exam, they are interviewed by their district's credentials committee. If judged qualified, the district will recommend the applicant to the General Council credentials committee.{{Sfn|Minutes|2009|
The Assemblies of God will not grant credentials to divorced and remarried persons if either partner has a former spouse living unless for specific exceptions. Exceptions include if the divorce occurred prior to an applicant's conversion or for "scriptural causes" such as a former spouse's marital unfaithfulness or the abandonment of a Christian by a non-Christian partner (see [[Pauline privilege]]).
The Assemblies also recognize a ''local church credential'', which can be issued by a General Council affiliated church for those engaged only in local ministry, such as prison or hospital ministry. Local church credential holders may perform the ordinances of the church with the authorization of the issuing church's senior pastor.{{Sfn|Minutes|2009|
In 2008, there were a total of 34,178 Assemblies of God ministers (excluding local church credentials). Of these, 11,544 were senior pastors and 6,730 were female.<ref name="2008fullstatsp.77">Assemblies of God USA. [http://agchurches.org/Sitefiles/Default/RSS/Statistics_2008_public.pdf 2008 Full Statistical Report], p. 77. Accessed September 17, 2010.</ref>
Line 381 ⟶ 371:
=== Membership ===
The Assemblies of God in the United States "has grown steadily during the 20th century".
Between 2013 and 2023, the denomination's size decreased by 143,505 adherents, a change of 4.6 percent. The AG experienced three consecutive years of declining membership between 2020 and 2022. In 2023, the number of adherents increased by 56,209 (1.9 percent) to a total of 2,984,352. Average weekly attendance was 1,839,535 in 2023. The AG reported 12,681 churches and 37,885 ministers for 2023.{{Sfn|Statistical Report|2023|pp=5–6, 21, 52, 82}}
Members are well distributed across the United States. California has the largest number of members, followed by Texas and Florida.<ref name="RCMS">{{cite web |title=2000 Religious Congregations and Membership Study |url=http://www.thearda.com/mapsReports/maps/map.asp?variable=63&state=101&variable2= |access-date=December 9, 2009 |publisher=Glenmary Research Center |archive-date=March 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307233310/http://www.thearda.com/mapsReports/maps/map.asp?variable=63&state=101&variable2= |url-status=dead }}</ref> However, the [[U.S. state|states]] with the highest membership rates are Oklahoma, Arkansas, Alaska, Montana, and Hawaii.<ref name="RCMS" /> Growing AG congregations tend to be located in suburban areas, as opposed to urban and rural ones.<ref name="Crossroads19">{{harvnb|Poloma|1989|p=19}}</ref>
=== Ethnic diversity ===
[[File:Maranatha_Chicago.jpg|thumb|Maranatha Chapel, Evergreen Park, Illinois]]
The ethnic diversity of the Assemblies of God USA has historically increased among the Hispanic and Latino communities; however, its constituency is still largely white. From 1990 to 2000, there was a slight decline in white AG churches while ethnic churches, mainly Hispanic, were responsible for much of the denomination's numerical growth.<ref name="churchidchangep82-83">{{harvnb|Roozen|Nieman|2005|pp=82–83}}</ref> In 2001, ethnic minorities represented 29% of the 2,627,029 AG constituents; as of 2022, representation grew to 43.9%,<ref>{{Cite web |title=AG Adherents by Race 2001-2022 |url=https://ag.org/-/media/AGORG/Downloads/Statistics/Attendance-and-Adherents/Adherents-by-Race-2001-through-2022.pdf |access-date=2024-03-22 |website=Statistics of the Assemblies of God USA |language=en-US}}</ref> making the AG one of the most ethnically diverse denominations in the U.S as of 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lipka |first=Michael |date=2015-07-27 |title=The most and least racially diverse U.S. religious groups |url=https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2015/07/27/the-most-and-least-racially-diverse-u-s-religious-groups/ |access-date=2024-03-22 |website=Pew Research Center |language=en}}</ref> While largely and administratively composed of older white males through much of its history, as of 2023, the AG Executive Presbytery now includes nine ethnic minorities including three females.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Executive Presbytery |url=https://ag.org/About/Leadership-Team/Executive-Presbytery |access-date=2024-03-22 |website=Assemblies of God USA |language=en-US}}</ref>
Line 410 ⟶ 399:
==References==
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite book | last = Beaman | first = Jay | title = Pentecostal Pacifism: The Origin, Development, and Rejection of Pacific Belief Among the Pentecostals| publisher = Wipf and Stock Publishers | series = Pentecostals, Peacemaking, and Social Justice | volume = 1 | edition = reprint | orig-year = 1989 | year = 2009 | location = Hillsboro, Kansas | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=-j5MAwAAQBAJ | isbn = 9781606088739 }}
* {{cite book | last = Blumhofer | first = Edith L. | title = Restoring the Faith: The Assemblies of God, Pentecostalism, and American Culture | publisher = University of Illinois Press | year = 1993 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=tKuTIfCPeJwC | isbn = 978-0-252-06281-0 }}
Line 417 ⟶ 407:
* {{cite book | editor-last1 = Patterson | editor-first1 = Eric | editor-last2 = Rybarczyk | editor-first2 = Edmund | title = The Future of Pentecostalism in the United States | publisher = Lexington Books | year = 2007 | location = New York | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=ZOSjBO-vVZQC | isbn = 978-0-7391-2102-3 }}
* {{cite book | last = Poloma | first = Margaret M. | author-link = Margaret Poloma | title = The Assemblies of God at the Crossroads: Charisma and Institutional Dilemmas | publisher = The University of Tennessee Press | year = 1989 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=Zjx5IRQAP1sC | isbn = 978-0-87049-607-3 }}
* {{cite journal |last1=Poloma |first1=Margaret |last2=Pendleton | first2 =Brian |date=December 1989 |title=Religious Experiences, Evangelism, and Institutional Growth within the Assemblies of God |journal=Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion |volume=28 |issue=4 |pages=415–431 |doi=10.2307/1386574 |jstor=1386574}}
* {{cite book | last1 = Poloma | first1 = Margaret M. | last2 = Green | first2 = John C. | title = The Assemblies of God: Godly Love and the Revitalization of American Pentecostalism | publisher = New York University Press | year = 2010 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=rA67m2-xV4cC | isbn = 978-0-8147-6783-2 }}
* {{cite journal | last = Robeck | first = Cecil M. | title = An Emerging Magisterium? The Case of the Assemblies of God | journal = Pneuma | volume = 25 | issue = 2 | pages = 164–215 | publisher = Brill | date = 2003 | doi = 10.1163/157007403776113224 }}
Line 425 ⟶ 416:
* {{cite journal | last = Saggio | first = Joseph J. | title = Toward an Indigenous Model of Native American Ministry within the Assemblies of God | journal = Pneuma | volume = 31 | issue = 1 | pages = 85–104 | publisher = Brill | date = 2009 | doi = 10.1163/157007409X418167 }}
* {{cite book | last = Synan | first = Vinson | author-link = Vinson Synan | title = The Holiness–Pentecostal Tradition: Charismatic Movements in the Twentieth Century | publisher = William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company | year = 1997 | place = Grand Rapids, Michigan | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=1C6EEAAAQBAJ | isbn = 978-0-8028-4103-2}}
{{refend}}
===AG
{{refbegin}}
* {{Cite web | url = https://ag.org/-/media/AGORG/Downloads/Statistics/Archived-Full-Reports/2023-Full-Statistical-Report.pdf | title = 2023 AG Statistical Reports | date = April 30, 2024 | publisher = Assemblies of God USA | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240610054041/https://ag.org/-/media/AGORG/Downloads/Statistics/Archived-Full-Reports/2023-Full-Statistical-Report.pdf | archive-date = June 10, 2024 | url-status = live | ref={{harvid|Statistical Report|2023}}}}
* {{cite web | url = https://ag.org/-/media/AGORG/Downloads/Constitution-and-Bylaws/2023-Constitution-and-Bylaws.pdf | title = Constitution and Bylaws | publisher = Assemblies of God USA | year = 2023 | ref={{harvid|Constitution and Bylaws|2023}}}}
* {{cite web | title = Minutes of the 52nd Session of the General Council of the Assemblies of God | publisher = Assemblies of God USA | year = 2007 | url = https://ag.org/-/media/AGORG/Downloads/Constitution-and-Bylaws/2007-General-Council-Minutes.pdf | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240107045608/https://ag.org/-/media/AGORG/Downloads/Constitution-and-Bylaws/2007-General-Council-Minutes.pdf | archive-date = January 7, 2024 | url-status = live |ref={{harvid|Minutes|2007}}}}
* {{cite web | url = https://ag.org/-/media/AGORG/Downloads/Constitution-and-Bylaws/2009-Constitution-Bylaws-with-Minutes.pdf | title = Minutes of the 53rd Session of the General Council of the Assemblies of God | year = 2009 | publisher = Assemblies of God USA | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240107045607/https://ag.org/-/media/AGORG/Downloads/Constitution-and-Bylaws/2009-Constitution-Bylaws-with-Minutes.pdf | archive-date = January 7, 2024 | url-status = live |ref={{harvid|Minutes|2009}}}}
{{refend}}
===AG doctrinal statements===
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite web | url = http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/pp_4186_gambling.pdf | title = A Biblical Perspective on Gambling | year = 1983 | publisher = Assemblies of God USA | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120611033159/http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/pp_4186_gambling.pdf | archive-date = June 11, 2012 | url-status = dead |ref={{harvid|Gambling|1983}}}}
* {{cite web | url = http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/pp_4187_abstinence.pdf | title = Abstinence | year = 1985 | publisher = Assemblies of God USA | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100215111649/http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/pp_4187_abstinence.pdf | archive-date = February 15, 2010 | url-status = dead | ref={{harvid|Abstinence|1985}}}}
* {{cite web | url = http://ag.org/top/beliefs/position_papers/pp_downloads/pp_4195_apostles_prophets.pdf | title = Apostles and Prophets | year = 2001 | publisher = Assemblies of God | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140711061017/http://ag.org/top/beliefs/position_papers/pp_downloads/pp_4195_apostles_prophets.pdf | archive-date = July 11, 2014 | url-status = dead |ref={{harvid|Apostles and Prophets|2001}}}}
* {{cite web | url = http://ag.org/top/beliefs/position_papers/pp_downloads/pp_4176_possessed.pdf | title = Can Born-Again Believers Be Demon Possessed? | year = 1972 | publisher = Assemblies of God USA | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060627043022/http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/pp_4176_possessed.pdf | archive-date = June 27, 2006 | url-status = dead | ref={{harvid|Demon Possession|1972}}}}
* {{cite web | url = http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/pp_4189_divorce_remarriage.pdf | title = Divorce and Remarriage | year = 2002 | publisher = Assemblies of God USA | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060627042747/http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/pp_4189_divorce_remarriage.pdf | archive-date = June 27, 2006 | url-status = dead | ref={{harvid|Divorce|2002}}}}
* {{cite web | url = http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/topics/gendoct_12_sick.cfm | title = Healing: Laying on of Hands and Anointing the Sick | publisher = Assemblies of God USA | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130514175804/http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/topics/gendoct_12_sick.cfm | archive-date = May 14, 2013 | url-status = dead | ref={{harvid|Healing}}}}
* {{cite web | url = http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/pp_4181_homosexuality.pdf | title = Homosexuality | year = 2001 | publisher = Assemblies of God USA | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111123040455/http://www.ag.org/top/beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/pp_4181_homosexuality.pdf | archive-date = November 23, 2011 | url-status = dead | ref={{harvid|Homosexuality|2001}}}}
* {{cite web | url = http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/pp_disabilities.pdf | title = Ministry to People with Disabilities: A Biblical Perspective | year = 2000 | publisher = Assemblies of God USA | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060627042601/http://ag.org/top/beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/pp_disabilities.pdf | archive-date = June 27, 2006 | url-status = dead | ref={{harvid|Disabilities|2000}}}}
* {{cite web | url = http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/pp_102909_Pentecostal_ministry_and_ordination.pdf | title = Pentecostal Ministry and Ordination | year = 2009 | publisher = Assemblies of God USA | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100619005420/http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/pp_102909_Pentecostal_ministry_and_ordination.pdf | archive-date = June 19, 2010 | url-status = dead | ref={{harvid|Pentecostal Ministry|2009}}}}
* {{cite web | url = http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/topics/sptlissues_prophets_prophecies.cfm | title = Prophets and Personal Prophecies | publisher = Assemblies of God USA | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100619013341/http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/topics/sptlissues_prophets_prophecies.cfm | archive-date = June 19, 2010 | url-status = dead | ref={{harvid|Prophecies}}}}
* {{cite web | url = http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/PP_Sanctity_of_Human_Life_Abortion_Reproductive_Issues.pdf | title = Sanctity of Human Life: Abortion and Reproductive Issues | year = 2010 | publisher = Assemblies of God USA | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120610220745/http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/PP_Sanctity_of_Human_Life_Abortion_Reproductive_Issues.pdf | archive-date = June 10, 2012 | url-status = dead | ref={{harvid|Abortion|2010}}}}
* {{cite web | url = http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/PP_Sanctity_of_Human_Life_Suicide_Euthanasia.pdf | title = Sanctity of Human Life: Suicide, Physician-Assisted Suicide, and Euthanasia | year = 2010 | publisher = Assemblies of God USA | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120611015635/http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/PP_Sanctity_of_Human_Life_Suicide_Euthanasia.pdf | archive-date = June 11, 2012 | url-status = dead | ref={{harvid|Suicide|2010}}}}
* {{cite web | url = http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/topics/gendoct_09_security.cfm | title = Security of the Believer (Backsliding) | publisher = Assemblies of God USA | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100619013115/http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/topics/gendoct_09_security.cfm | archive-date = June 19, 2010 | url-status = dead |ref={{harvid|Backsliding}}}}
* {{cite web | url = http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/pp_4183_confession.pdf | title = The Believer and Positive Confession | year = 1980 | publisher = Assemblies of God USA | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120611015733/http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/pp_4183_confession.pdf | archive-date = June 11, 2012 | url-status = dead | ref={{harvid|Positive Confession|1980}}}}
* {{cite web | url = http://ag.org/top/beliefs/position_papers/pp_downloads/PP_The_Doctrine_of_Creation.pdf | title = The Doctrine of Creation | year = 2010 | publisher = Assemblies of God USA | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100917094806/http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/PP_The_Doctrine_of_Creation.pdf | archive-date = September 17, 2010 | url-status = dead | ref={{harvid|Creation|2010}}}}
* {{cite web | url = http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/PP_The_Role_of_Women_in_Ministry.pdf | title = The Role of Women in Ministry as Described in Holy Scripture | year = 2010 | publisher = Assemblies of God USA | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100917050226/http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/PP_The_Role_of_Women_in_Ministry.pdf | archive-date = September 17, 2010 | url-status = dead | ref={{harvid|Women's Ministry|2010}}}}
* {{cite web | url = http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/pp_4178_security.pdf | title = The Security of the Believer | year = 1978 | publisher = Assemblies of God USA | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060627042657/http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/pp_4178_security.pdf | archive-date = June 27, 2006 | url-status = dead | ref={{harvid|Security|1978}}}}
{{refend}}
==Further reading==
| |||