Assemblies Of God Churches

Having originated in the Pentecostal movement of the early twentieth century, the Assemblies of God still exhibit certain worship traits associated with that movement, such as encouraging all to participate visibly and audibly in the service. In other areas, however, the Assemblies have moved toward assimilation into the evangelical mainstream. With assimilation, a larger role for clergy and more attention to musical excellence has emerged in the Assemblies. From its inception in 1901, the Pentecostal Movement sought to minimize the rigid distinction between clergy and laity typical of most churches. Consistent with their belief that the baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8; 2:4), as prophesied by Joel (2:28-29), brings empowerment for Christian witness, leaders have encouraged every believer to seek for this second experience of grace and become active in some form of church work and evangelism. The Spirit provides the enabling power for all Christians to be active in a diversity of…