The Beginning of the Assemblies of God: A Story of Faith and Growth
- Boundless Team
- Apr 2
- 5 min read
Have you ever wondered where the Assemblies of God came from? Maybe you grew up in an AG church, or perhaps you're just curious about this faith community that spans the globe. Either way, welcome! Pastor Layne McDonald and the team at Boundless Online Church want you to feel right at home as we explore this incredible story together.
The Assemblies of God didn't just appear out of nowhere. It was born from a hunger for God, a desire for unity, and a movement of the Holy Spirit that changed millions of lives. Let's walk through this journey together.
It All Started in Hot Springs, Arkansas (1914)
Picture this: It's April 1914. About 300 ministry leaders and everyday believers from 20 states and even foreign countries gather in Hot Springs, Arkansas. They weren't there for a vacation: they came because something powerful was happening, and they wanted to be part of it.
These believers had experienced what we now call the Pentecostal revival. Many had witnessed or heard about the famous Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles just a few years earlier. Lives were being transformed. People were experiencing the Holy Spirit in fresh, powerful ways. But there was a problem.
Without organization, the movement was scattered. There was no unity, no structure, and no way to train new ministers or send missionaries effectively.
So from April 2-12, 1914, these passionate believers met to create something new. They had four main goals:
Promote unity and doctrinal stability among Pentecostal believers
Establish legal standing so churches could operate officially
Coordinate missions work to spread the Gospel worldwide
Create ministerial training to equip future leaders
The first General Council elected Eudorus N. Bell as chairman and J. Roswell Flower as secretary. A new fellowship was born.
The People God Used to Build the Movement
What makes this story even more beautiful? It wasn't just one type of person. God brought together an incredibly diverse group.
Bishop Mason, a prominent Black Pentecostal leader, spoke at that first General Council. He even brought a gospel choir from the Church of God in Christ school in Mississippi to sing. Remember: this was during Jim Crow laws when racial division was the norm. Yet here was the Spirit of God breaking barriers.
At least two founding members were Native American: William H. Boyles and Watt Walker, both Cherokees from Oklahoma. The fellowship ordained its first Hispanic minister in 1914 (Antonio Ríos Morin) and its first African-American minister in 1918 (Ellsworth S. Thomas).
From the very beginning, the Assemblies of God was meant to be a family that welcomed everyone. That same heart beats in Boundless Online Church today: where you're never forgotten, never alone, and deeply loved by God.
What Does "Pentecostal" Actually Mean?
Here's where some folks get confused: or even nervous. What exactly is Pentecostalism?
The word comes from Pentecost, a Jewish festival that happened 50 days after Passover. In Acts chapter 2, we read about the disciples gathering in Jerusalem during Pentecost when something extraordinary happened:
"When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." : Acts 2:1-4 (NIV)
Pentecostals believe this experience isn't just ancient history. We believe the Holy Spirit still moves powerfully today: that believers can still be filled with the Spirit and experience spiritual gifts like speaking in tongues, prophecy, healing, and more.
A Mini Bible Study: The Holy Spirit in Scripture
Want to see where Pentecostal beliefs come from? Here are key passages:
Joel 2:28-29 : God promised to pour out His Spirit on all people
Acts 2:1-4 : The disciples receive the Holy Spirit at Pentecost
Acts 2:38-39 : Peter says the promise is for "you and your children and for all who are far off"
Acts 10:44-46 : Gentiles receive the Holy Spirit and speak in tongues
1 Corinthians 12-14 : Paul teaches about spiritual gifts in the church
1 Corinthians 14:1 : "Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit"
The Assemblies of God simply believes these scriptures are for today, not just for the first-century church.
Why Do Some People Have Questions About Pentecostalism?
Let's be real: some folks feel unsure about Pentecostal churches. That's okay! Questions are welcome here.
Some common concerns include:
"It seems emotional or chaotic." We understand. Pentecostal worship can feel unfamiliar if you're used to quieter services. But remember, King David danced before the Lord (2 Samuel 6:14). The Psalms are full of shouts, clapping, and exuberant praise. Different doesn't mean wrong: it's just different.
"Speaking in tongues seems strange." It can feel unusual at first. But Paul wrote extensively about tongues as a legitimate spiritual gift (1 Corinthians 14). The key is that everything should be done "in a fitting and orderly way" (1 Corinthians 14:40).
"I'm worried about fake experiences." That's a fair concern. Not every claim of spiritual experience is genuine. That's why the Assemblies of God emphasizes biblical teaching and accountability. We test everything against Scripture.
At Boundless Online Church, we take a gentle, non-confrontational approach. We're not here to argue or make anyone feel pressured. We simply want to share what we've found in Scripture and invite you to explore alongside us.
Early Challenges and Standing Firm
The young Assemblies of God faced a major test almost immediately. A theological dispute arose about whether to abandon traditional Trinitarian beliefs (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) in favor of "Oneness" theology.
Rather than ignore the issue, the 1916 General Council addressed it directly. They approved a Statement of Fundamental Truths that affirmed the Trinity: a core Christian doctrine held for nearly 2,000 years. This established clear theological boundaries while maintaining unity among those who agreed.
This moment showed something important: the Assemblies of God values both spiritual experience AND sound biblical doctrine. It's not one or the other: it's both.
A Heart for the World
From day one, the Assemblies of God has been passionate about world missions. At only their second meeting in November 1914, delegates declared their goal was "the greatest evangelism that the world has ever seen."
By 1915, the fellowship already endorsed about 30 missionaries serving in Africa, India, China, Japan, and the Middle East.
Today, the worldwide Assemblies of God movement includes:
Nearly 13,000 churches in the United States
Close to 3 million members in America alone
Over 86 million adherents worldwide
What started as 300 people in Hot Springs became one of the largest Pentecostal movements on the planet.
How This Connects to You and Boundless Online Church
Maybe you're unchurched, homebound, or searching from somewhere across the globe. Maybe you've felt disconnected from faith communities. Maybe you just want to learn.
Boundless Online Church exists to serve people exactly like you. Our roots trace back to this same Pentecostal heritage: a belief that God still moves, the Holy Spirit still empowers, and every person matters.
Through Boundless, you can access blogs, podcasts, groups, training, live chat and video, 24/7 ministry support, prayer and praise boards, and connection with real pastors and teams who care about you.
Looking for a physical church near you? Use our ZIP code or country search to find a local congregation, and we'll even provide a VIP handoff to help you connect.
You're part of a worldwide family. You belong here.
Call or text Pastor Layne at 1-901-213-7341. Join the loving community at: www.boundlessonlinechurch.org
First Assembly Memphis 8650 Walnut Grove Road Cordova, Tennessee 38018 Phone: 901-843-8600 Email: info@famemphis.net Website: www.famemphis.org
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