Mile Markers of Faith: Big Milestones in Assemblies of God History

Part 3 of 5 | A Journey Through the Defining Moments That Shaped a Movement

Ever wonder what it takes for a brand-new faith movement to not just survive, but absolutely explode across the globe? The Assemblies of God story is packed with jaw-dropping milestones that'll blow your mind, and help you understand why this movement has touched millions of lives worldwide, including right here at First Assembly Memphis.

As our own Layne McDonald often reminds us, "Understanding our history helps us appreciate how God has been faithful through every season." So let's dive into the pivotal moments that transformed a small gathering in Arkansas into one of the world's largest Pentecostal movements.

1914: The Hot Springs Miracle - Where It All Began

Picture this: April 2-12, 1914, Hot Springs, Arkansas. About 300 Pentecostal leaders from 20 states gathered with one massive goal, create unity in a movement that was growing like wildfire but needed structure. This wasn't just another church conference. This was history in the making.

These pioneers weren't messing around. They established the General Council of the Assemblies of God with four crystal-clear objectives: promote unity among believers, provide legal standing for the movement, coordinate missionary efforts, and create ministerial training. Eudorus N. Bell became the first general superintendent, with J. Roswell Flower as secretary.

Why this matters for you: Even from day one, the AG was built on the principle that every believer matters and has a role to play. That same inclusive heart beats strong today, whether you're joining us online or walking into First Assembly Memphis for the first time.

1914-1918: Breaking Barriers Before It Was Cool

Here's something that'll surprise you: while much of America was still deeply segregated, the Assemblies of God was ordaining minority leaders right from the start. In 1914, they ordained Antonio Ríos Morin, their first known Hispanic minister. In 1915, Ellsworth S. Thomas became their first African-American minister.

By 1918, they'd created a conference specifically for Hispanic churches in the United States, the Latin American District. Talk about being ahead of their time! This wasn't just progressive thinking; it was Kingdom thinking.

The takeaway: The AG has always been about radical inclusion. No matter your background, language, or life story, you belong in God's family. That's the same heart we carry at www.famemphis.org and through Boundless Online Church.

1915: The Missionary Explosion

Get ready for this: by 1915, just ONE YEAR after forming, the Assemblies of God had endorsed approximately 30 missionaries working across Africa, India, China, Japan, the Middle East, and beyond. These weren't seasoned veterans with massive budgets, they were passionate believers who heard God's call and said "yes."

The second General Council in November 1914 made a resolution that gives me chills every time: achieve "the greatest evangelism that the world has ever seen." And honestly? They weren't kidding around.

1916: Getting the Foundations Right

In 1916, something crucial happened: the General Council approved the Statement of Fundamental Truths. This wasn't just paperwork; it was the movement affirming its Trinitarian theology and evangelical identity. They were saying, "Here's what we believe, and here's why it matters."

This document became the theological backbone that helped the movement stay grounded while still embracing the supernatural gifts of the Spirit. Pretty smart strategy, right?

1929-1944: Growing Through the Storm

Here's a stat that'll knock your socks off: during some of America's toughest economic years (the Great Depression), the Assemblies of God almost TRIPLED in size. Between September 1929 and 1944, they went from 1,612 churches to 5,055 churches. Membership shot from 91,981 to 227,349 people.

While banks were closing and businesses were failing, churches were multiplying. Why? Because when times get tough, people need hope, community, and the supernatural power of God more than ever.

Modern application: Whether you're facing personal storms, family challenges, or just need a community that "gets it," this is why places like First Assembly Memphis and online communities matter so much. We're built for the tough seasons, not just the easy ones.

1931-1933: Getting Serious About Missions

The early 1930s marked two game-changing milestones: in 1931, the AG published their first Missionary Manual, and in 1933, they began providing formal funding for missions. This wasn't just good intentions anymore: this was organized, strategic world evangelization.

They were learning that passion plus structure equals maximum impact. The heart was already there; now they were adding the systems to support it.

1950s: The Partnership Revolution

By the 1950s, the Assemblies of God made a brilliant shift in their missionary approach. Instead of the old paternalistic "we'll take care of everything" model, they moved toward partnership and training indigenous leaders.

This wasn't just politically correct: it was Kingdom smart. Local leaders understand their cultures, speak the languages fluently, and can reach people in ways outside missionaries never could.

1968: Clarifying the Mission

In 1968, the General Council took time to reaffirm their threefold reason for being:

1. An agency for world evangelization

2. A corporate worship body

3. A means for Christian discipleship

Notice something? These three elements are exactly what you'll find whether you join us physically at First Assembly Memphis or connect with us through our global online community.

The Modern Milestone: 3.1 Million and Growing

By 2013: the AG's centennial year: they'd grown to over 3.1 million adherents in the United States alone, making them the ninth-largest denomination in the country. Globally? The numbers are even more staggering.

But here's what's beautiful: it's not about the numbers. It's about the individual stories, the transformed lives, the families restored, and the hope renewed in communities around the world.

What This Means for Your Journey

So why does any of this history matter for you? Because these milestones show a movement that's always been about inclusion, supernatural power, world missions, and practical faith. Whether you're exploring faith for the first time, coming back after years away, or looking for a church family that embraces both tradition and innovation: you're looking at a movement with proven staying power.

The same Holy Spirit that empowered those early pioneers is still moving today. The same heart for the lost, the broken, and the seeking is still beating strong. And the same radical welcome that broke barriers in 1914 is still opening doors in 2025.

Ready to be part of the next chapter? Connect with us online at Boundless Online Church or visit us in person. Remember: you're never forgotten, never alone, and deeply loved by God.

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Ready to explore your next step? Visit us at First Assembly Memphis, 8650 Walnut Grove Road, Cordova, Tennessee 38018. Phone: 901-843-8600. Email: info@famemphis.net. Or connect with our global community online: membership is always free, and you control your experience completely.

Coming up in Part 4: The Core Teachings That Changed Everything - What You Really Need to Know About AG Beliefs