AOG and Doctrinal Adherence

[PhantomGaze]

Do you consider AOG very particular about doctrinal adherence?

Do you think strict doctrinal adherence is important, or is it more of a guideline?

If strict doctrinal adherence is important how strict should it be?

To show my cards a bit, I go to an AOG church, but I'm not sure I consider myself as identifying with or "belonging to" AOG as a denomination... I am not really a fan of denominations, I like the idea that people should be presented with a variety of Orthodox Christian perspectives, and that diversity of opinion on the more nuanced aspects of theology and philosophy is a natural human thing.

 

[Dave-W]

I think it is much more loose on doctrinal adherence than it was 40-50 years ago.

Example: I know several A/G members (relatives) who regularly go to movie theaters, who own and play card games, and even have alcohol on occasion. Any of those used to get you kicked out of the congregation.

I do not know if they are as adamant against OSAS and other calvinist main points as they used to be. I have not heard them talked about at all in a couple of decades.

 

[PhantomGaze]

Oh geeze, I'd be doomed if that were still enforced.

 

[rocknanchor]

Hello there,

Doctrinal Adherence? Depends, But if you don’t mind me stepping back a bit, these days, to fellowship in the AOG, even if your being tried within (differences of conscience) them, will go a lot easier in the AOG than a number of other Churches I’ve encounter. Some are painfully strict like pulpit commands for attention.

The AOG didn’t grow to this extent by subjecting folks to rigidity. Their strictness is built mainly on reasoning with the congregants. This, coupled with their true love of the brotherhood and the stranger makes them a good-deal palatable to the seeker. Yes there are almost always forward members that feel they are there to make things right. Ha.

But there is always the Lord to inspire/enlighten, and that goes for the “gift” in some too. Words of knowledge, wisdom; God knows how to bring in the right information to know when it’s His message from an opinion, , if it doesn’t sit well with you, just do the AOG-Tango; when things get tight under mis-direction, just Tango out with “Oh-okay brother, thank you and God bless you.” But this is about as bad as should be expected. If it does take an unreasonable downward turn, don’t feel like you have to tarry.

While reason is good, do also include praying about it. That is another promise from the word

“Consider what I say; and the Lord give you understanding in all things.”
(2 Timothy 2:7)

Allow time to sharpen such hearing.

 

[klutedavid]

Do you consider AOG very particular about doctrinal adherence?

Do you think strict doctrinal adherence is important, or is it more of a guideline?

If strict doctrinal adherence is important how strict should it be?

To show my cards a bit, I go to an AOG church, but I'm not sure I consider myself as identifying with or "belonging to" AOG as a denomination... I am not really a fan of denominations, I like the idea that people should be presented with a variety of Orthodox Christian perspectives, and that diversity of opinion on the more nuanced aspects of theology and philosophy is a natural human thing.

Hello PG.

The word doctrine simply means a truth statement.

The importance of strict doctrine depends on the specified doctrines in the scripture, how the scripture is read. I have seen numerous doctrine statements by different Christian organizations, they do differ from one another in importance. Some church movements have few doctrines, some churches have many doctrines.

The pattern over church history is that older churches with a hierarchy of clergy, tend to have a higher count of doctrine statements. Independent, young church movements for example, that do not borrow doctrinal statements, will have a lower count of doctrine statements.

Whether or not any doctrine is important depends on the interpretation of the scripture.
The number of interpretations of the scripture is legion.

 

[Crusader91]

I've grown up in the A/G all of my life, graduated from Evangel Univ.(not a Bible college) The A/G by no means is perfect but if you are somewhat familiar with the doctrines and are uncomfortable with some of them, then perhaps you may want to find another independent church/denomination because you may find yourself in unnecessary disputes or just be miserable.

In a lot of ways, the doctrines are the same or very similar with other evangelical denominations and independents with some exceptions.

The big focus for the A/G is the Great Commission...spreading the gospel (not social gospel) locally and around the world with exceptions of some churches. It is all about Christ and reaching the lost. That means that there is effort from church leadership and members alike to be engaged in this all important activity. It is not solely the job of the pastor or youth pastor but all of us who have called upon Christ to be our Lord & Savior. Some people may be uncomfortable with that all-important activity. There is not pressure on any particular member or attendee to do this, but simply reminders and opportunities to do this. Remember, all of us who are in right relationship with God will be judged by what we did for Him based upon our understanding and capability. I'm not referring to entrance into heaven or hell but to rewards. Rom. 14:12; I Cor. 3:12-15; II Cor. 5:10 I hope this helps.

 

[Crusader91]

I've grown up in the A/G all of my life, graduated from Evangel Univ. https://www.evangel.edu/ (not a Bible college) The A/G by no means is perfect but if you are somewhat familiar with the doctrines and are uncomfortable with some of them, then perhaps you may want to find another independent church/denomination because you may find yourself in unnecessary disputes or just be miserable.

In a lot of ways, the doctrines are the same or very similar with other evangelical denominations and independents with some exceptions.

The big focus for the A/G is the Great Commission...spreading the gospel (not social gospel) locally and around the world with exceptions of some churches. It is all about Christ and reaching the lost. That means that there is effort from church leadership and members alike to be engaged in this all important activity. It is not solely the job of the pastor or youth pastor but all of us who have called upon Christ to be our Lord & Savior. Some people may be uncomfortable with that all-important activity. There is not pressure on any particular member or attendee to do this, but simply reminders and opportunities to do this. Remember, all of us who are in right relationship with God will be judged by what we did for Him based upon our understanding and capability. I'm not referring to entrance into heaven or hell but to rewards. Rom. 14:12; I Cor. 3:12-15; II Cor. 5:10 I hope this helps.

 

[KevinC1129]

Just like with any denomination, I think it depends on the congregation. I don't mean to judge all, just relaying my personal experience with one church...
I was saved and baptized in an A/G church, so I will always have a deep love and appreciation for the denomination. The pastor and the people there were some of the most friendly and loving I had ever come across. My only complaint with the church was that in the 4+ years that I attended, I only remember hearing one sermon preached on the Baptism in the Holy Spirit and how to be filled. I found this to be odd considering it is one of the core doctrines of the denomination.