I hope I don't offend, but I have questions..

savedgirl10

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I was born again in 2010, and currently attend a non-denominational church . My friend and I were discussing trying a different church this coming Sunday and the one we are thinking of is a AoG..now I am not very familiar with this church and would like to learn about it.
Again, I do not mean to offend, but I hope I can learn from all of you so that i can kind of know what to expect when we do attend service.
 

AGTG

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It can vary. I've been to some AOG churches that are very tame and quiet, like a baptist service. I've been to others that are raucus with lots of shouting and praising God.

The most important thing is that the teaching is Biblical and the Spirit of God is free to do what He wants. Most other traditions related to how people worship aren't necessarily a big deal to God. He just wants to be worshiped in Spirit and in truth.

The AoG do believe you must show evidence of speaking in tongues in order to assure salvation, but I don't agree with that. I saw powerful workings of the Spiritual gifts in my life for over a year before I ever uttered a syllable in tongues. I suppose they would have figured me for not being saved until that point. That's not really Biblical, though.

That being said, praying in tongues is very beneficial and when Paul and the other apostles evangelized it was always to get people to the point where they would be praying in tongues as it builds you up in the faith and makes you strong in the face of adversity.

You don't necessarily need some overwhelming spiritual experience to actually pray in tongues, either. Get yourself to a quiet place alone with God, spend time worshiping Him, praying, singing to Him. Get yourself in a state of worship. Then, close your eyes and start to make some utterances. It doesn't matter what it sounds like. Commit your tongue to Him and step out in faith and make some simple noises. Get your tongue wagging and your mouth moving. He will start to make it come forth, and usually when it's the first time it will begin to pour out of you. You will know it's supernatural and if you spend a lot of time praying in tongues (as much time as you can commit without neglecting praying with your mind, too), you will see the benefits of it.

I hope this blesses someone out there.
 
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dayhiker

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Hi savedgirl.
Well, you didn't give much of an idea in what your looking for.
Here is one resource on the core AG beliefs.
Assemblies of God (USA) Official Web Site

I have an degree from an AG Bible college and I've never heard of speaking in tongues needed for assurance of salvation. The AG position is that tongues in the initial physical evidence of the Baptism into the Holy Spirit. Tongues has other aspect to it a well.

Attending an AG church is not likely to be much different than attending a different non-denominational church in your area. One of the things I've always loved about AG churches is how effective they are in missions.
 
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FuegoPentecostes

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It can vary. I've been to some AOG churches that are very tame and quiet, like a baptist service. I've been to others that are raucus with lots of shouting and praising God.

The most important thing is that the teaching is Biblical and the Spirit of God is free to do what He wants. Most other traditions related to how people worship aren't necessarily a big deal to God. He just wants to be worshiped in Spirit and in truth.

The AoG do believe you must show evidence of speaking in tongues in order to assure salvation, but I don't agree with that. I saw powerful workings of the Spiritual gifts in my life for over a year before I ever uttered a syllable in tongues. I suppose they would have figured me for not being saved until that point. That's not really Biblical, though.

That being said, praying in tongues is very beneficial and when Paul and the other apostles evangelized it was always to get people to the point where they would be praying in tongues as it builds you up in the faith and makes you strong in the face of adversity.

You don't necessarily need some overwhelming spiritual experience to actually pray in tongues, either. Get yourself to a quiet place alone with God, spend time worshiping Him, praying, singing to Him. Get yourself in a state of worship. Then, close your eyes and start to make some utterances. It doesn't matter what it sounds like. Commit your tongue to Him and step out in faith and make some simple noises. Get your tongue wagging and your mouth moving. He will start to make it come forth, and usually when it's the first time it will begin to pour out of you. You will know it's supernatural and if you spend a lot of time praying in tongues (as much time as you can commit without neglecting praying with your mind, too), you will see the benefits of it.

I hope this blesses someone out there.

Whoaaaa there you are mistaken my friend! I do not attend an Assembly of God church but I will run to their defense right away when saying they, like the majority of other Pentecostal denominations, definitely DO NOT believe speaking in tounges is a requirement for salvation or evidence for salvation. Again, like most other Pentecostal churches, they encourage the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and believe tounges to be a sign of that, but they in no way believe that tounges are an assurance/necessity/evidence of salvation! The only ones I know of that teach that are Oneness or "Jesus Only" Pentecostals, and they are certainly wrong in that area.
 
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idomin00

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It can vary. I've been to some AOG churches that are very tame and quiet, like a baptist service. I've been to others that are raucus with lots of shouting and praising God.

The most important thing is that the teaching is Biblical and the Spirit of God is free to do what He wants. Most other traditions related to how people worship aren't necessarily a big deal to God. He just wants to be worshiped in Spirit and in truth.

The AoG do believe you must show evidence of speaking in tongues in order to assure salvation, but I don't agree with that. I saw powerful workings of the Spiritual gifts in my life for over a year before I ever uttered a syllable in tongues. I suppose they would have figured me for not being saved until that point. That's not really Biblical, though.

That being said, praying in tongues is very beneficial and when Paul and the other apostles evangelized it was always to get people to the point where they would be praying in tongues as it builds you up in the faith and makes you strong in the face of adversity.

You don't necessarily need some overwhelming spiritual experience to actually pray in tongues, either. Get yourself to a quiet place alone with God, spend time worshiping Him, praying, singing to Him. Get yourself in a state of worship. Then, close your eyes and start to make some utterances. It doesn't matter what it sounds like. Commit your tongue to Him and step out in faith and make some simple noises. Get your tongue wagging and your mouth moving. He will start to make it come forth, and usually when it's the first time it will begin to pour out of you. You will know it's supernatural and if you spend a lot of time praying in tongues (as much time as you can commit without neglecting praying with your mind, too), you will see the benefits of it.

I hope this blesses someone out there.


I did this, and Wow, I got floored.....It was 11 PM at night, and I just went to a corner and desperately asked the Lord Jesus for this gift, and then it started with a few syllabus, after an hour it was like a language gushing forth.....THe presence of Jesus was all over me, liquid love...I didnt feel like sinning, I would without thinking twice witness for the Lord Jesus....When it waned...I would fast and pray again, and the presence returned...THanks AGTG :clap:
 
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JimOfRose

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I've been in AoG churches during two parts of my life. Once when I was a child, and now as an adult. I cannot believe how much has changed.

One thing I did NOT know until recently is that AoG is NOT a denomination. It is described as an association (or assembly) of churches with like beliefs. There is no "cookie cutter" idea here, like McDonalds, where you know exactly what one AoG church is going to be like because the last AoG church was like that too.

There may actually be, some remnant, of AoG that teaches speaking in tongues as a requirement for salvation... as an extreme on one side. Then, on the other side, I've been to AoG churches that actually suppress the movement of the Holy Spirit because they (humans) want things done "decently and in order"; which I think is a mistake since the Holy Spirit will always do things "decently and in order" (after all, He did right the book :) ... just sayin').

So, on the one hand, the AoG is a really wonderful organization that facilitates the movement of the Holy Spirit as an organization and as requirements for being a part of that organization. And, like most "denominations" (or organizations, as is in this case) it started out well, but man's pride has crept in. Some have gone the path of the "Holy Roller". Some have taken on being "slain in the Spirit" (which is wonderful... if it's actually the Spirit that has "slain-ed" you). Some have taken the stance, "yeah, we believe in the moving of the Holy Spirit, but just not on Sunday morning. It ruins the program".

It's the whole, "bad apples in a barrel" concept.

I thank God that today, my wife and I attend a really wonderful, Spirit filled AoG church in Roseville CA (not that we attend a Spirit filled AoG, but more that we found a Spirit filled church... that happens to be AoG). We know God led us here and we are now active and actually ministering to people, in the Spirit and from heart to heart. This church is well balanced and allows for the movement of the Spirit. If I have a word for the church, I can quietly share it with the pastor and he can discern if it should be shared with the church and will either allow me to share it, or will share it himself.

I say all this to say: when looking for a Spirit filled church, don't go to an AoG church simply assuming it is Spirit filled. Pray, ask God for a new church home. It may not be AoG. It may be another. It may be non-denominational. It may be Four-Square, Nazarene... or somebody's living room. God has a place for you. He will lead you there.
 
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savedgirl10

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Thank you all for your replies, I guess I am just curious as to what others have experienced. I have never spoken in tongues, but I know with out a doubt I am saved.
I will ask for God's guidance in this, I am not looking for a new church home, but I do think it can't hurt to try other churches. I am not a "member" of the church I currently attend, and who knows..God may have other plans for me, it is not where I attend, I know that the "Church" is NOT a building. Im just feeling a pull to take a step away from where I go now.
Thank you all again :)
 
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yeshuaslavejeff

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it is so awkward because there's so many fishin' holes to go fishin' , so many fish to catch, and they'ze all fish of one kind of another...
learn and seek and keep faith in JESUS HIMSELF, do as HE SAYS, always always in line with all of Scripture,
and God Himself will be pleased to call you HIS OWN! YES !
 
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HisSparkPlug

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It can vary. I've been to some AOG churches that are very tame and quiet, like a baptist service. I've been to others that are raucus with lots of shouting and praising God.

The most important thing is that the teaching is Biblical and the Spirit of God is free to do what He wants. Most other traditions related to how people worship aren't necessarily a big deal to God. He just wants to be worshiped in Spirit and in truth.

The AoG do believe you must show evidence of speaking in tongues in order to assure salvation, but I don't agree with that. I saw powerful workings of the Spiritual gifts in my life for over a year before I ever uttered a syllable in tongues. I suppose they would have figured me for not being saved until that point. That's not really Biblical, though.

That being said, praying in tongues is very beneficial and when Paul and the other apostles evangelized it was always to get people to the point where they would be praying in tongues as it builds you up in the faith and makes you strong in the face of adversity.

You don't necessarily need some overwhelming spiritual experience to actually pray in tongues, either. Get yourself to a quiet place alone with God, spend time worshiping Him, praying, singing to Him. Get yourself in a state of worship. Then, close your eyes and start to make some utterances. It doesn't matter what it sounds like. Commit your tongue to Him and step out in faith and make some simple noises. Get your tongue wagging and your mouth moving. He will start to make it come forth, and usually when it's the first time it will begin to pour out of you. You will know it's supernatural and if you spend a lot of time praying in tongues (as much time as you can commit without neglecting praying with your mind, too), you will see the benefits of it.

I hope this blesses someone out there.
A nice & well balanced reply! What a blessing to read.
Yeah, I've never figured out how some think speaking in tongues proves one is saved.. oh well..
 
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HisSparkPlug

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Bethel Church in California seems to be a good Spirit filled, Fired up people for the Lord Jesus.

They are located in California, ibethel.org

Hope this helps
I so love watching Bethel services! The Spirit of God does much there. I had no idea what denomination they are - Are they pentecostal? (I don't pay attention to denominations obviously - I only look for the Spirit of God)
 
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KnowHisJoy77

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I was born again in 2010, and currently attend a non-denominational church . My friend and I were discussing trying a different church this coming Sunday and the one we are thinking of is a AoG..now I am not very familiar with this church and would like to learn about it.
Again, I do not mean to offend, but I hope I can learn from all of you so that i can kind of know what to expect when we do attend service.

Hi! I was born again in a AoG Brazilian missionary almost 20 years ago..no speaking in tongues were necessary for salvation most people did not spoke in tongues the ones who did were loud.. men wore suits or long sleevem..women wore skirts, long hair, no sleeves clothes or pants...no women were ordain pastors. Worship and praise very enthusiastic. The reading of the Word of God was much praised with lots of heart felt expression, lots of "oh glory", hallelujah, praised the Lord and other expressions as people freely reacted the message personaly. People went to altar and hand in there without altar calls although there were many altar calls for salvation and etc. Legalistic in some layers because of the holiness position and bible interpretation..but without roubt there was a very real and moving love for souls and evangelism drive unbeatable that really touched ones hearts the sincerity and love for Jesus, hate for the enemy and reality urgency to not let people go to hell.

I went once to an AoG "American" long ago and it was very different than Brazilian AoG I was, used to..nowdays some or most the Brazilian in the US became like the US AoG and very much influenced by TBN ways in my observations. And in my observations one have to be Berean in some Pentecostal churches or any other church preaching and compare teachings with Scripture.
 
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I belonged to an AOG for several years, and never heard anyone speak in tongues. I had just come from an intense Charismatic church and was looking for something lighter, but not as traditional as it turned out. As others have said, teachings vary from church to church in any denomination.

From the AOG Website statement of fundamental truths:
"WE BELIEVE... The Initial Physical Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is ‘Speaking in Tongues,’ as experienced on the Day of Pentecost and referenced throughout Acts and the Epistles."
Official stance is not as evidence of salvation, but of baptism in the Holy Spirit. Individuals may feel differently, but it is not backed up by scriptures or AOG Central.
The AoG do believe you must show evidence of speaking in tongues in order to assure salvation... when Paul and the other apostles evangelized it was always to get people to the point where they would be praying in tongues as it builds you up in the faith and makes you strong in the face of adversity.
Scriptures mention speaking in tongues -- delivering a message in a group setting -- and personal praying in tongues. When Paul talks about it building us up, it's either how it builds a person up in communication with God, or God delivering a message to people in another language.... not making the attainment of tongues part of evangelism.

From the AOG site:
WE BELIEVE...the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a Special Experience Following Salvation that empowers believers for witnessing and effective service, just as it did in New Testament times.

Not a requirement for salvation, but an experience that can follow salvation.
One thing I did NOT know until recently is that AoG is NOT a denomination.
How unusual. I am not sure why they would resist calling themselves a denomination, when they have governing oversight. Distancing in lawsuits?
http://ag.org/top/About/structure.cfm

From the site:
As general superintendent of the Assemblies of God, USA, part of the largest Pentecostal denomination in the world, he is a member of the denomination’s Executive Leadership Team and Executive Presbytery. The church has over 12,700 congregations in the United States with over three million members and adherents. The U.S. Assemblies of God is part of a larger World Assemblies of God fellowship with a membership of over 66 million.

http://ag.org/top/About/Leadership/index.cfm

It does sound like they're avoiding the term elsewhere, though.

The biggest difference I saw from other denominations, was the resistance to women in leadership -- which was not mentioned in our new members class. (We should have just known it was improper?) And a culture where women were occasionally chided for talking with men. As though conversation was an attempt to steal someone else's husband. That wasn't consistent though, or spoken outright... it was an undercurrent.

Basically it's a nice denomination, with a stable structure and high regard for organization and personal devotion. Generally reasonable in most matters. Pastors are held accountable and salaried, so you would be less likely to find a scandal of rampant profiteering.

Did you end up visiting?
 
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JGGray6

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It can vary. I've been to some AOG churches that are very tame and quiet, like a baptist service. I've been to others that are raucus with lots of shouting and praising God.

The most important thing is that the teaching is Biblical and the Spirit of God is free to do what He wants. Most other traditions related to how people worship aren't necessarily a big deal to God. He just wants to be worshiped in Spirit and in truth.

The AoG do believe you must show evidence of speaking in tongues in order to assure salvation, but I don't agree with that. I saw powerful workings of the Spiritual gifts in my life for over a year before I ever uttered a syllable in tongues. I suppose they would have figured me for not being saved until that point. That's not really Biblical, though.

That being said, praying in tongues is very beneficial and when Paul and the other apostles evangelized it was always to get people to the point where they would be praying in tongues as it builds you up in the faith and makes you strong in the face of adversity.

You don't necessarily need some overwhelming spiritual experience to actually pray in tongues, either. Get yourself to a quiet place alone with God, spend time worshiping Him, praying, singing to Him. Get yourself in a state of worship. Then, close your eyes and start to make some utterances. It doesn't matter what it sounds like. Commit your tongue to Him and step out in faith and make some simple noises. Get your tongue wagging and your mouth moving. He will start to make it come forth, and usually when it's the first time it will begin to pour out of you. You will know it's supernatural and if you spend a lot of time praying in tongues (as much time as you can commit without neglecting praying with your mind, too), you will see the benefits of it.

I hope this blesses someone out there.
No, they don't. They only think that they are to show that you have been baptized in the holy spirit.
 
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Brad413

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As others have mentioned it all depends on the church and its leadership. I have found some churches place a large emphasis on the gifts, I personally love attending an Assembly of God church that figured out how to balance the gifts, with proper solid bible teaching, and worship

I hope I don't offend either but sometimes churches have placed such a large emphasis on the gift they have forgotten the gift giver. This is all churches, I am not targeting the AoG (especially since I consider myself AoG :p). When looking for a church look for how they are teaching the word, the word is more important then any gift experience. When the Bible is being taught, and doctrine is being solidly built, the gifts of the spirit will flow through in a Christ honoring way.
 
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Kazza Ah-O

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Thank you all for your replies, I guess I am just curious as to what others have experienced. I have never spoken in tongues, but I know with out a doubt I am saved.
I will ask for God's guidance in this, I am not looking for a new church home, but I do think it can't hurt to try other churches. I am not a "member" of the church I currently attend, and who knows..God may have other plans for me, it is not where I attend, I know that the "Church" is NOT a building. Im just feeling a pull to take a step away from where I go now.
Thank you all again :)

If the Lord is leading you to a time of learning (or perhaps that other place needs the very gift God has already given you), trust the Lord. As the old saying goes, "He will not lead you where he cannot keep you." Just put all your faith and trust in him. What you have said above, has happened three times in my life.....first was to move me into a church that was head over heels in love with God (as opposed to my previous experience in a social club with a steeple).....second was to get me out of a church that eventually split......and the third time was leading me to my present home (long story of the how & why). On the second time he moved me, I must have visited dozens of churches until I found the one that seemed was the place the Lord wanted me to stay awhile. And I reckon I learned something in each and every place. I reckon I'm saying you should trust the Lord, stay in constant contact with him through prayer, enjoy the journey. It'll be amazing!
 
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