Assembly of God: what do they believe?

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My future daughter in law is AOG. At the present time my son and this girl are taking it in turns to visit each other’s Church. I am happy to know that they are at least attending Church 🙂

I have been looking into some of the information on the AOG and like others have expressed, I feel that there are better sources of information than Fr. Stenhouse on this subject.

Since I live in the Bible belt of Sydney, I do live near quite a few of the Pentecostal churches in the area. The largest is a megachurch known as Hillsong. It is run by an AOG pastor who is currently the Australian president of the organization. I have heard a lot of not so very nice things about this group.

Even if there are some good things about what they might do, there are other things that are distasteful. My comments are targetted towards Hillsong and not AOG in general:
  1. I objected to the nature of some of the taped and written material available from this “church”. There is an unhealthy emphasis upon the body and also upon having intimate relationships. If I get a moment I will post some information about this outfit.
  2. This group is into fleecing the congregation for money, promising healings that never happen.
Some of my other personal objections are dependant upon the first of my objections and I see no need to raise them in this forum. However what really bothers me about them is the spreading of a false gospel: the Prosperity gospel.

Yes, it is true that they deliberately attempt to convert Catholics and they go as far as demanding that the Catholic returns his baptism and other certificates as proof of leaving the Church.

A person that I know who went to this church felt as though he had been a puppet on a string, always smiling etc. He made a very poor decision to marry a woman (an ex-Catholic) whilst involved with this group. He wanted to back out of the marriage before it took place but he did not go through with it. From what he was saying it sounded like there was a little bit of match making going on.

What about the music? Well it is mostly noise, and if you start taking notice of the words, it is very self-inspired.

Maggie
 
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Jay74:
I understand your sadness. Try to find comfort at the fact that he is still worshiping and trying to serve God.

I don’t want to spark any controversy. I’ve long told protestants that its better to seek Him in a catholic church than no where, and I believe the reverse is true as well. At least he hasn’t left church altogether.

Blessings.
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Thank you for your comments, Jay74. I agree with you that my friend is at least worshiping God. I do find comfort in that and I just pray he finds his way back home to Rome on God’s time not mine! God bless you, friend!
 
MaggieOH, thank you for your comments, also. I am glad your son and his fiance are visiting one another’s churches and I also pray that they may arrive at the decision to be married in the Catholic Church! And I also know what you mean about the AOG “gospel of prosperity.” I don’t agree with it either and find it misleading. So many of these AOG communities are just huge and generate huge sums of money and I cannot help but wonder what their true beliefs are. But at least they believe in the Lord. :hmmm:
 
In my journey to the Catholic Church I attended an Assembly of God for a while and theyare very anti Catholic but there have been several converts to Catholocism from the assemblies of god including Timothy Staples you can see his conversion story on you tube just type in timothystaples/youtube and it will take you there
 
I was raised in the AOG, and still attend services there on occasion. They are a diverse group of people. Some are anti-Catholic. And others aren’t. Some AOG churches are heavily into the prosperity gospel, while others preach against it. Some believe it’s a sin for men to have long hair, women to have short hair, women to wear pants, women to wear makeup, etc. - while others have no problem with it.

The AOG doesn’t allow ministers to be divorced and remarried. They preach that smoking, drinking, gambling, and dancing are sins, and yet there are a few who don’t. They are anti-abortion, and anti-euthanasia. Generally speaking, they don’t believe in once saved always saved. They ordain women into the ministry. They believe in a pre-trib rapture.

Although they are a pentecostal group, most AOG congregations don’t behave like Pentecostals. It’s been ages since I’ve seen any AOG church serve communion or even baptize anyone. I’m sure they still do, but not often. Most services at most AOGs are like Baptist services. Most of their beliefs are like those of the Baptists, except for OSAS, speaking in tongues, ordination of women, the 9 spiritual gifts of 1 Cor. 12, miracles, and a few more. Some AOG churches have gone over to the rock music style of worship music, while others - very few, retain a more traditional style of music in their worship. Jimmy Swaggart, though not AOG anymore, is probably the most prominent AOG minister of recent times. So were Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, Paul and Jan Crouch, David Wilkerson, Kenneth Copeland, Kenneth Hagin (I don’t think Hagin and Copeland remained in the AOG). If you’re familiar with what these people taught and teach, you know what is taught in the AOG. I want to re-iterate that not all AOG churches are into the Copeland and Hagin doctrines of prosperity and hyper-faith. And not all are anti-Catholic in the sense that they think Catholicism is a false religion and its adherents are lost and on their way to hell. Rather, they look upon it as another mainline denomination they don’t care to be a part of. And then there are those who hold the same opinions of the Catholic Church as does Jack Chick.

The last time I visited an AOG church was the Sunday before last Christmas. They had the baptistry stuffed with a Christmas tree. That troubled me, and still does. I haven’t been back since. It’s the one I grew up in. I quit going to it regularly in 1978. I was fresh out of house school with no job and no income. The pastor said in his sermon if you don’t pay tithes you’re a freeloader and you’re not welcome to come here. That’s almost word for word what he said. I had no way to pay tithes - I had no income. So I figured he was talking to me, so I quit going. My dad was with me. He didn’t believe in paying tithes, but he gave money anyway. He quit too. That was the last time he attended church. He also smoked. They condemned him over it and would never let him join the church. They never offered to help him quit either. He tried many times but failed. He was bedfast the last 2 mths of his life and didn’t smoke. In those last 2 mths he also asked to be baptized, but his request was never granted. I don’t know about the AOG anymore. Too many of them seem to be oriented towards squeezing money out of their people. That Christmas tree in the baptistery…:confused:
 
I have been to Assemblies of God churches many times and have not found the negative comments that I have read here to be correct. To find out what the Assemblies of God believe, why not go to the website General Council of the Assemblies of God. Thanks for allowing me to comment, and God bless you.
 
I dont see how any catholic could leave the Eucharist behind. It is the body, blood, soul and divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ. We receive Him the way He intended us to receive Him. Where was the Holy Spirit before the late 1800s , just wondering around? Only the Catholic Church has the real presence because of apostolic succession. When I see some websites of pentecostal pastors they look like a rockstar or something entertaining someone. We must remember what is truly holy and sacred. If someone is bored at mass its because they dont really understand it. I feel full of the Holy Spirit after mass and the peace and joy that comes with that. Stay catholic and accept the great gift of himself that He has given us. Maybe you wont feel like you been to a rock concert but you will know you have the fullness of truth. peace.
 
stanton111 said:
I have been to Assemblies of God churches many times and have not found the negative comments that I have read here to be correct. To find out what the Assemblies of God believe, why not go to the website General Council of the Assemblies of God. Thanks for allowing me to comment, and God bless you.
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My wife and I attended an assemblies Church for over two years. I never heard the pastor say a mean word about anybody, or any other religion. He was a good man and I have a great respect for him. People in the congregation form time to time would say nasty things about Catholicism, and being cradle Catholics my wife and I would defend the Catholics by telling them the truth. From what I remember the Assemblies would not allow dancing, or smoking. Drinking was Ok in moderation. I could not be a member at the time because I smoked cigarettes. They do not believe in the body and blood, and have their communion ceremony once a month. This bothered me to no end. No Protestant has ever been able to convince me that Jesus was speaking figuratively in john 6. Or explain St Paul’s blunt and to the point exclamation “Is not the bread we eat the body of our Lord?” . Their slant on the book of Matthew never made sense either. The pastor told me that Jesus was talking about himself when he said “upon this rock”. But when I added what about the keys? His answers got vague, and he changed the subject. Out of respect I did not badger him about it, but as time went by I beagn to realize they didn’t have the answers.
 
I have grown up in the AG and currently attend an AG church. The Assemblies of God is not inherently anti-catholic but some people who belong to it are. For example the church I grew up in; the senior pastor was anti-catholic and the associate pastor was not. That shows the diversity of opinion even within a local assembly. The prosperity teaching is actually officially not allowed by AG ministers but for some reason this rule is not enforced very well at all (to my sadness). The main beliefs can be summed up in the phrase "Jesus is our Savior, Baptizer (in the Holy Spirit), Healer and Coming King. In many ways their view of salvation and sanctification are similar to Catholicism than reformed Protestantism. Most ex-Catholics I know who currently attend AG churches were not practicing their Catholicism when they did so and some where not even believers anymore before that point. In this case I think it would be a positive thing for any Christian to see another Christian (even formally Catholic, now not) to be practicing Christian faith and believing. Think about it this way, a non-believing “Catholic” is really no Catholic to begin with.
Peace.
 
Periannath said:
I have grown up in the AG and currently attend an AG church. The Assemblies of God is not inherently anti-catholic but some people who belong to it are. For example the church I grew up in; the senior pastor was anti-catholic and the associate pastor was not. That shows the diversity of opinion even within a local assembly. The prosperity teaching is actually officially not allowed by AG ministers but for some reason this rule is not enforced very well at all (to my sadness). The main beliefs can be summed up in the phrase "Jesus is our Savior, Baptizer (in the Holy Spirit), Healer and Coming King. In many ways their view of salvation and sanctification are similar to Catholicism than reformed Protestantism. Most ex-Catholics I know who currently attend AG churches were not practicing their Catholicism when they did so and some where not even believers anymore before that point. In this case I think it would be a positive thing for any Christian to see another Christian (even formally Catholic, now not) to be practicing Christian faith and believing. Think about it this way, a non-believing “Catholic” is really no Catholic to begin with.
Peace.
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Yes I remember their view of salvation seemed reasonable enough. They were not hung up on scripture alone or faith alone. Their sense of social justice is different though. I was young and laid off from work for several months. I was told by several members that God was disciplining me perhaps because of some sin in my life. I sure didn’t need that guilt at that time. I had a wife and 3 small children to take care of and it made me feel inadequate, and unworthy of God’s love. The Catholic sense of social justice is much different. Some of my Protestant friends still believe that God walks around with a hammer waiting to whack us on the head if we step out of line.
 
As for as doctrine AOG believes what I call the ‘basic stuff.’ Jesus Christ, Son of God, died for our sins, rose the 3rd day, acended to the right hand of God. He is our saviour. God is composed of the 3 elements (the trinity). etc etc etc. Man is a sinner until he/she comes to know Christ. Also, I think it probably believe in the ‘rapture of the church’ (I’m not sure of the Catholic Church’s beliefs on that).

Hello, I would like to just point out that the “Rapture” is not biblically or traditionally supported by the Catholic Church.

Thank you and God Bless.
 
stanton111 said:
I have been to Assemblies of God churches many times and have not found the negative comments that I have read here to be correct. To find out what the Assemblies of God believe, why not go to the website General Council of the Assemblies of God. Thanks for allowing me to comment, and God bless you.
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I happen to attend an Assembly of God Church and I can only tell you that I Do Not belong to any Religion. Salvation is not about a Religion…it’s about a relationship with Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We can be sure of Salvation when He shed His Precious Blood on that Cross that day, which washes away all our sins. In Acts 4:31 God’s Word says, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved and your house. Of course we do have to repent and turn from our wicked ways But in 1 John 1:9 it says, If we confess our sins He (Jesus) is faithful and just to forgive us of all of our sins, and cleanse us for all unrighteousness.
You see, we have to know who Jesus is. In John 1:1 it says, In the begining was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. In John 1:14 it says, and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, who was Jesus, so Jesus is every Word in the Bible, that’s why I believe every Word. In 1 John 1:12 it says, I write unto you little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His Name Sake (Jesus). Please read 1 John, 2 John, and 3 John. Pray first that God would open your eyes to only the Truth and just take notice of the word Word and may God bless all of us and lead us all into total truth in Jesus’ Name. Amen Love in Christ Jesus
 
I am a charismatic catholic and I guess I would say that I have access to the best of both worlds! We are fully catholic and we also embrace the Baptism in the Holy Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit.

Too bad the guy who’s friend left the church didn’t try the charimatic renewal instead. The joy is here! If anyone wants to learn more about it, let me know!

Praise Jesus forever.
 
tomjoans said:
I happen to attend an Assembly of God Church and I can only tell you that I Do Not belong to any Religion…
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When you mean religion do you mean the organized AOG Church? The folks I knew ( and know) who associate themselves with the AOG tend to be very independent and view their salvation separately from any organized Church. Catholics on the other hand believe our salvation and the Church go hand in hand. I’m not knocking the ASG this is just my observation. I noticed you used the word “attend”, and not belong to.
 
Greggy, that is an awesome point you just made, Bro, and I’ve never heard it put quite that was. I’m a former AoG, and it’s curious that I only heard the bond between Church and congregant brought up one time. It was by one of those “Prosperity Preachers” I still admire, but whose name would start a firestorm here :p. He empasized that to join a church was to enter into covenant relationship; and that one doesn’t break a covenant because one’s counterpart in the agreement sings too loud or preaches a sermon you don’t agree with, etc.

I guess that’s why I’m here. Those other preachers showed me wonderful things about the faith. The Catholic Church has the fullness of the faith.
 
ez3714 said:
Greggy, that is an awesome point you just made, Bro, and I’ve never heard it put quite that was. I’m a former AoG, and it’s curious that I only heard the bond between Church and congregant brought up one time. It was by one of those “Prosperity Preachers” I still admire, but whose name would start a firestorm here :p. He empasized that to join a church was to enter into covenant relationship; and that one doesn’t break a covenant because one’s counterpart in the agreement sings too loud or preaches a sermon you don’t agree with, etc.

I guess that’s why I’m here. Those other preachers showed me wonderful things about the faith. The Catholic Church has the fullness of the faith.
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We certainly can learn form those of different faiths. When thinking of our relaionship to the Church I often remember something T.S. Eliot wrote (an Anglican ). “Why should men love the Church? Why should they love her laws?. She tells them of Life and Death, and of all they would forget. She is tender where they would be hard, and hard where they would be soft.” I once felt quilty for loving the Mass, and the Catholic Church. I thought: Shouldn’t I love God above all that? But I soon realized that when I love the Church I love God for the Church and Christ are one. But I’m going to get in trouble for getting off topic, so I’d better stop here,
 
Sherlock said:
A friend and neighbor of mine is active in the humongous AOG church in our area, and ironically he was instrumental in my return to the faith: he asked me some questions about Catholicism that I couldn’t answer, and I realized I needed to answer them, thus sparking my studying my faith. I have asked him a little about his services, so here’s what I have gleaned:

They aren’t necessarily anti-Catholic, though they hold to the usual Protestant misconceptions of Catholicism. For example, my neighbor has asked me, “Is Purgatory a ‘second chance’?” They don’t believe in the perpetual virginity of Mary. This particular AOG church subscribes to the “Rapture” end-times scenario popularized by the “Left Behind” books, but I don’t know if that’s representative of all AOG churches. Speaking in tongues is big. I have been to one of their services, and would describe it as very emotional.

You asked why a Catholic would switch: many Catholics don’t understand the Real Presence, as I don’t think any would leave it if they understood it. Most Catholics are very poorly taught, so that’s likely the case with your friend. Also, many Catholics don’t understand that we go to Mass to offer sacrifice (the once-and-for-all sacrifice of Christ), and not just to hear a stirring sermon: the purposes of Mass and an AOG service are NOT the same. Also, a lot of people like that emotional stuff: I don’t, but some do and will leave if they don’t know their own faith—they are looking for feelings that they are missing. Unfortunately, they probably COULD find those feelings and enthusiasm if they looked for it within Catholicism, (I am thinking of the Charismatic movement)but not many look.
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Excellent and very informitive post. THANKS!👍
 
Those who have left Christ Church, The CC, or considering doing so, should be aware of the following.

Heb. 6: 1-8 “Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 with instruction about ablutions, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do if God permits. 4 For it is impossible to restore again to repentance those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 if they then commit apostasy, since they crucify the Son of God on their own account and hold him up to contempt***. In a most specific way this applies to fallen away Catholics]*** 7 For land which has drunk the rain that often falls upon it, and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. 8 But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed; its end is to be burned.”

The Issue of no Baptism is critial to salvation, so Says Jesus Himself.
John 3:5 "5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”***

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

***John 3: 36 “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God rests upon him.” *
**

Chrsit desrires, demands that we accept ALL of His teachings, not simplt those that appeal to us.:o

Love and prayers,
 
greggy53 said:
Yes I remember their view of salvation seemed reasonable enough. They were not hung up on scripture alone or faith alone. Their sense of social justice is different though. I was young and laid off from work for several months. I was told by several members that God was disciplining me perhaps because of some sin in my life. I sure didn’t need that guilt at that time. I had a wife and 3 small children to take care of and it made me feel inadequate, and unworthy of God’s love. The Catholic sense of social justice is much different. Some of my Protestant friends still believe that God walks around with a hammer waiting to whack us on the head if we step out of line.
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That is very unfortunate that you have had that experience and I think that is just terrible. I think we all need a reminder that we will be held accountable for every idol word we speak (how much more when we communicate things about God). On the other hand I don’t think you can apply that experience as a blanket statement of the AG. Many of the first participants among the early Pentecostal movement (including the AG) were poor Americans. God’s love and concern for the poor has always been apart of the AG’s love an concern. Unfortuenatly propserity teaching (hersay) has crept in and what happened in your case seems like something affected by the prosperity teaching. By and large, though, most AG people I know care for the poor and know the church (as a whole) should and must do more for their cause and care.

On the other hand the AG does believe that the Scriptures are the infallible and authoratative rule of faith and conduct. In the sense that Scripture is the authority, it is akin to Sola Scriptura. Pentacostals do not, however, limit God to the Bible but believe and expect him as active part of todays world. This, of course, is not in disagreement with Catholic teaching (as far as I know) but there is nothing besides the Scripture that works in such an authortative manner (c. Sacred Tradition)

The AG also teaches we are saved by grace through faith as the Bible teaches, something akin to Sola Fide. However, as the AG does not teach eternal security (aka perseverence of the saints or once saved always saved) salvation does not get caught up in a one time faith issue. One could rightfuly say we were saved, are being saved and will be saved. As faith is the vehicale of saving grace it is also never seperated from obedience. Faith in Christ as Lord and Savior means we must act as if he is both **Lord **and Savior. This must be understood apart from works, though. It is Christ who is savior and his work is total and compelte. Our co-operation with him, and the Spirit in our lives, should not be seen as us meriting our own salvation or even a part of it; we co-operate not because God’s needs us to nor because we must earn our salvation but because it is relationship that God desires with us which requires intimate co-operation. Cahtolics (and many protestants) tend to talk a lot about grace and whether we co-operate with it or not. I think if we looked at our salvation process not just as system of graces but as the work of the Spirit (who desires a personal and intimate realtionship and particiaption in our lives) the concept of co-operation would be a lot less scary to protestants.
Peace.
 
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