How a loose network of Pentecostal churches became a global religious powerhouse

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The Assemblies of God began as a collection of independent revivals in the early twentieth century. Today, it stands as a massive, decentralized fellowship of over 170 denominations. While each national branch remains autonomous, they are united by a shared history and a commitment to global evangelism and relief.

The movement traces its roots to the Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles and similar gatherings worldwide. The first group to adopt the name Assemblies of God organized in Hot Springs, Arkansas, in 1914, bringing together roughly 300 preachers from 20 states and various foreign nations. This early American council sought to move beyond regional boundaries, establishing a nationwide constituency that eventually expanded into an international presence through missionary work.

For decades, these national fellowships operated independently. It was not until 1989 that the World Assemblies of God Fellowship was formally established to provide a structured platform for cooperation. Initiated by Dr. J. Philip Hogan, the fellowship coordinates theological education, media resources, and humanitarian aid through the World Assemblies of God Relief Agency. Despite this global coordination, the organization maintains a presbyterian-style structure where local churches retain independence while receiving oversight from district and national councils.

Theologically, the movement is defined by classical Pentecostalism, emphasizing the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the practice of spiritual gifts like divine healing. Unlike many other evangelical groups, the Assemblies of God ordains women as pastors. Its reach is vast; a 2025 census reported over 88.9 million adherents across 451,512 churches. While the fellowship provides a unified statement of faith, individual national branches—such as the Assembleia de Deus in Brazil or the Assemblies of God USA—formulate their own specific doctrinal positions and engage with local politics in diverse ways.

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