The Assemblies of God (AOG) is a Pentecostal Christian denomination that began in the United States and has since grown internationally. Its origins trace back to a global religious revival in the early 1900s, where individuals sought a more authentic and vibrant Christian faith similar to that of New Testament churches.
As this Pentecostal revival spread, leaders saw the need for organization. In April 1914, about 300 ministry leaders and laypeople met in Hot Springs, Arkansas, to foster unity and address significant issues. This meeting led to the formation of the General Council of the Assemblies of God in the USA.
In its core beliefs the AOG church focuses on personal salvation, water baptism, divine healing, the baptism with the Holy Spirit evidenced by speaking in tongues, and the pre-millennial return of Jesus Christ. The Bible is the inspired word of God and the foundation for faith and practice.
The Assemblies of God expanded globally through missionary work and alliances with other Pentecostal churches, (the Assemblies of God in Great Britain was formed in 1924). However, it wasn't until 1988 that the world fellowship was established.
Mattie Ledbetter was the first Assemblies of God missionary to settle in Hong Kong in 1928. A number of other missionaries transferred to the Colony when they were evacuated from China. During WWII a dozen or so AOG missionaries were interned in Stanley Camp in 1942 prior to being repatriated later that year. They returned after the war.
The leading AOG Church in Hong Kong is the First Assembly of God in Kowloon, (formerly known as the Argyll Street Church). Under the leadership of Harland Park, land was purchased in 1952 and a fine building seating 800 people was constructed. In 1969 the church also operated four schools, two supervised by the Harland Parks and two by the A Walker Halls. In this year eleven AOG missionaries were under appointment to Hong Kong: the Harland Parks, A. Walker Halls, Paul Greisens, Aaron Rothgangers, Annie Bailie, Lula Bell Hough, and Sarah Johnston.
Prior to 1967, the Assemblies of God, like most Pentecostal groups, opposed Christian involvement in war and supported pacifism. In the US, many AOG churches lean Republican, and during Donald Trump's presidency, General Superintendent George O. Wood praised an executive order supporting religious organizations' political advocacy.
As of 2022, the Assemblies of God reported having 367,398 churches and 68.5 million members worldwide.
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