Assemblies of God USA

==Beliefs==
===Fundamental doctrines===
{{Main|Assemblies of God Statement of Fundamental Truths}}

The primary beliefs of the Assemblies of God are summarized in its [[Assemblies of God Statement of Fundamental Truths|Statement of Fundamental Truths]].<ref name="agfundtruths">{{cite web|title=Assemblies of God Statement of Fundamental Truths|publisher=Assemblies of God|url=http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Statement_of_Fundamental_Truths/sft_full.cfm|access-date=October 12, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101025103149/http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Statement_of_Fundamental_Truths/sft_full.cfm|archive-date=2010-10-25|url-status=dead}}</ref> The following is a summary of these essential AG beliefs:

{{div col}}
# The [[Biblical inspiration|Bible is inspired]] by [[God in Christianity|God]] and is "the infallible, authoritative rule of faith and conduct".
# There is only one true God who exists as a [[Trinity]].
# [[Jesus Christ]] is the [[Son of God]] and, as the second person of the Trinity, is God.
# Man was created good by God but was separated from God through [[original sin]].
# [[Salvation]] "is received through repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ".
# There are two [[Ordinance (Christianity)|ordinances]]. [[Believer's baptism]] by [[Immersion baptism|immersion]] is a declaration to the world that the believer has died and been raised together with Christ, becoming a new creation. The [[Eucharist|Lord's Supper]] is a symbol expressing the believer's sharing in the divine nature of Christ, a memorial of Christ's suffering and death, and a prophecy of Christ's second coming.
# [[Baptism in the Holy Spirit]] is a separate and subsequent experience following conversion. Spirit baptism brings empowerment to live an overcoming Christian life and to be an effective witness.
# [[Speaking in tongues]] is the initial physical evidence of the baptism in the [[Holy Spirit]].
# [[Sanctification]] is, "...an act of separation from that which is evil, and of dedication unto God." It occurs when the believer identifies with, and has faith in, Christ in his death and resurrection. It is not believed to be a "second definite work of grace" (see [[Finished Work]]), as in some other Pentecostal denominations, but is understood to be a process in that it requires continual yielding to the Holy Spirit.
# The [[Christian Church|Church]]'s mission is to seek and save all who are lost in sin; the Church is the [[Body of Christ]] and consists of all people who accept Christ, regardless of Christian denomination.
# Divinely called and scripturally-ordained [[minister (Christianity)|minister]]s serve the Church.
# [[Divine healing]] of the sick is provided for in the [[Atonement in Christianity|atonement]].
# The "imminent and blessed hope" of the Church is its [[rapture]] preceding the bodily [[return of Christ]] to earth.
# The rapture of the Church will be followed by the visible return of Christ and his reign on earth for a thousand years.
# There will be a [[final judgment]] and [[eternal damnation]] for the "wicked dead".
# There will be future new [[heaven]]s and a new earth "wherein dwelleth righteousness".
{{div col end}}

===Core beliefs===
The AG considers salvation, baptism in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues, divine healing and the Second Coming of Christ to be its four core beliefs.<ref name="iValue">[http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Our_Core_Doctrines/index.cfm Our Core Doctrines] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819012156/http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Our_Core_Doctrines/index.cfm |date=2012-08-19 }}. Assemblies of God official website. Accessed August 1, 2010.</ref>

====Salvation====
{{Main|Christian soteriology}}

The Statement of Fundamental Truths states, "Man's only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ the Son of God". The Assemblies of God holds the [[Arminian]] position on salvation. While it agrees with the [[Calvinist]] position that God is sovereign, at the same time, it believes that mankind has [[free will]]—free to accept or reject God's gift of salvation and eternal life.<ref>[http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/topics/gendoct_09_security.cfm "Security of the Believer (Backsliding)"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100619013115/http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/topics/gendoct_09_security.cfm |date=2010-06-19 }}, a paper endorsed by the Assemblies of God's Commission on Doctrinal Purity and the Executive Presbytery. Accessed August 1, 2010</ref> Therefore, the Assemblies of God disapproves of the doctrines of [[double predestination]] and the [[unconditional election|unconditional security]] of the believer, which holds that once saved it is impossible for a person to be lost. Instead, the Assemblies of God believes that salvation is received and kept by faith, if faith in Christ is lost, then salvation is lost.<ref>[http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/pp_4178_security.pdf "The Security of the Believer"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060627042657/http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/pp_4178_security.pdf |date=2006-06-27 }}, statement adopted by the Assemblies of God General Presbytery, August 21, 1978. Accessed August 1, 2010.</ref>

====Baptism in the Holy Spirit====
{{Main|Baptism with the Holy Spirit}}

[[File:Randolph TN 06 Randolph Assembly of God.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Randolph Assembly of God, [[Randolph, Tennessee]]]]

According to the Statement of Fundamental Truths, "All believers are entitled to and should ardently expect and earnestly seek" the baptism in the Spirit. It also states, "This was the normal experience of all in the early Christian Church". It is a separate experience from and occurs after salvation. This baptism gives to the receiver an "enduement of power for life and service, the bestowment of the gifts and their uses in the work of the ministry". There are four experiences listed in the Fundamental Truths that result from Spirit baptism: "overflowing fullness of the Spirit", "a deepened reverence for God", intensified consecration and dedication to God and his work, and "a more active love for Christ, for His Word and for the lost". In addition, this experience initiates the believer in the use of [[spiritual gifts]]. The "initial physical sign" of having received this baptism is "speaking with other tongues as the Spirit of God gives them utterance".<ref name="agfundtruths" />

Baptism in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues is a requirement for ministerial licensing and ordination. However, Spirit baptism and speaking in tongues is ''not'' a requirement for membership or participation in an Assembly of God church.<ref name="Crossroads12">{{harvnb|Poloma|1989|p=12}}</ref> An increasing minority of pastors has expressed concern that there is a lack of biblical support for the claim that Spirit baptism must always be accompanied with speaking in tongues.<ref name="churchidchangep73">{{harvnb|Roozen|Nieman|2005|p=73}}</ref> This concern corresponds with a decrease in the number of Assembly of God adherents reporting baptism in the Holy Spirit; according to the AG's Office of Statistics as of 2003 less than 50 percent of adherents had this experience.<ref name="emergingmagisteriumpg213">{{harvnb|Robeck|2003|p=213}}</ref> These challenges to the AG's traditional position were noted in a 2007 report by the AG's Spiritual Life Committee:

{{blockquote|Yet, the distinctive doctrine that once united us has, in some circles, become a point of contention. We lament the increasing rarity of the gifts of the Spirit in our worship setting. We wonder where, in our busy church schedules, will people have an opportunity to tarry at the altars for a transforming Pentecostal experience?<ref name=07GCminutesp.9>"Spiritual Life Committee Report", General Council Minutes 2007, p. 9.</ref>}}

Despite these challenges, in 2009, the 53rd General Council passed a resolution reaffirming the doctrine of initial physical evidence.<ref>[http://ag.org/top/Events/General_Council_2009/Business/Resolutions/Resolution_21_Reaffirmation_of_Initial_Physical_Evidence.pdf Resolution 21 ''Reaffirmation of Pentecostal Distinctive''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101210212635/http://ag.org/top/Events/General_Council_2009/Business/Resolutions/Resolution_21_Reaffirmation_of_Initial_Physical_Evidence.pdf |date=2010-12-10 }}. 53rd General Council of the Assemblies of God. 2009. Accessed October 12, 2010.</ref>

====Divine healing====
{{Main|Divine healing}}

The Assemblies of God understands divine healing to have been provided for in the atonement. Looking to scripture, such as {{bibleverse||James|5}} and {{bibleverse||Isaiah|53:5}}, the AG believes that Christians can pray for healing. Indeed, it believes scripture gives elders of the church the responsibility to pray "the prayer of faith" over the sick. It believes God can and does heal, but believes that God is sovereign and that, whether one is healed or not, a person's trust must be in God.<ref name="divinehealing">Trask, Thomas. [http://agchurches.org/Sitefiles/Default/RSS/IValue/Resources/Divine%20Healing/Articles/Defining_DivineHealing.pdf "Defining Truths of the AG: Divine Healing"]. ''Enrichment'', 2007. Accessed August 1, 2010.</ref> It sees no conflict in trusting God for healing while receiving medical care.<ref name="Crossroads60">{{harvnb|Poloma|1989|p=60}}</ref> Healing testimonies regularly appear in the official publication, the ''Pentecostal Evangel'', and prayer for healing and testimony commonly occur in church services.<ref name="Crossroads54">{{harvnb|Poloma|1989|p=54}}</ref>

While adamant that divine healing is a reality, the AG is not dogmatic on the subject of how one is healed. [[Margaret Poloma]] summarized this view stating, "Physical healing is not certain, automatic, or subject to formula. At the same time, it remains a tenet and practice of the Assemblies of God". Officially, the AG rejects the view that healing is caused or influenced by "positive confession", a belief found in [[prosperity theology]] and [[Word of Faith]] teachings. Nevertheless, these teachings have influenced some congregations.<ref name="Crossroads52-53">{{harvnb|Poloma|1989|pp=52–53}}</ref>

====Christ's Second Coming====
{{Main|Second Coming of Christ}}

The Statement of Fundamental Truths articles 13 and 14 articulate the Assemblies of God's official teaching on the [[return of Christ]] to Earth. It is a [[dispensationalist]] and [[premillennialist]] [[Christian eschatology|eschatology]] that includes the pre-[[Tribulation]] [[rapture]] of the Church—the "imminent and blessed hope". The rapture of the Church will be followed by Christ's visible return to earth and his reign of 1,000 years. This millennial reign will usher in the salvation of the nation of [[Israel]] and universal peace. The Assemblies of God is specifically opposed to the theologies and practices of [[universal salvation]], setting dates for Christ's return, [[Post Tribulation Rapture|post-Tribulation rapture]], and [[amillennialism]].<ref name="GC09BylawsIX.B.3p127">General Council Minutes 2009, Bylaws, Article IX, Part B, section 3, p. 127.</ref>

===Position statements===
The Assemblies of God has released statements on various issues not addressed in the Statement of Fundamental Truths.<ref name="agpositionpapers">{{cite web | title= Assemblies of God Position Papers and other statements | publisher= Assemblies of God | url= http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/topic_index.cfm | access-date= October 12, 2010 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101025093208/http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/topic_index.cfm | archive-date= 2010-10-25 | url-status= dead }}</ref> These position papers are usually written by the Doctrinal Purity Commission, a standing committee of the General Council, which reviews and responds to issues referred to it by the Executive Presbytery. Position papers are not official positions of the Assemblies of God unless recommended by the Executive Presbytery and approved by the General Council.<ref name="churchidchangep112-113">{{harvnb|Roozen|Nieman|2005|pp=112–113}}</ref> Position statements touch on biblical, theological, and social concerns.

*'''Abstinence from alcohol''': On the consumption of alcohol, the AG calls on its members and adherents to live life-styles of total abstinence (see [[Christianity and alcohol]]).<ref name="abstinence">[http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/pp_4187_abstinence.pdf "Abstinence"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100215111649/http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/pp_4187_abstinence.pdf |date=February 15, 2010 }}, official statement of the General Presbytery of the Assemblies of God USA, August 6, 1985. Accessed October 12, 2010.</ref>
*'''Apostles and Prophets''': The Assemblies of God does not recognize titles or offices of "[[apostle]]" and "[[prophet]]". It does, however, believe there are those in the church who "exercise the ministry function of apostles and prophets".<ref name="apostleprophets">[http://ag.org/top/beliefs/position_papers/pp_downloads/pp_4195_apostles_prophets.pdf "Apostles and Prophets"] {{Webarchive|url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20140611133042/http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/pp_4195_apostles_prophets.pdf |date=2014-06-11 }}, statement of the General Presbytery of the Assemblies of God USA, 6 August 2001, pp. 11-12. Accessed 26 January 2011.</ref> Apostolic functions relate to evangelizing previously unreached areas or people groups, while prophetic functions "occur when believers speak under the anointing of the Spirit to strengthen, encourage, or comfort". "Prophecy is a continuing gift of the Holy Spirit that is broadly distributed as the Spirit wills throughout Pentecostal churches".<ref name="personalprophecy">Assemblies of God. [http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/topics/sptlissues_prophets_prophecies.cfm "Prophets and Personal Prophecies"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100619013341/http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/topics/sptlissues_prophets_prophecies.cfm |date=2010-06-19 }}. Accessed 26 January 2011.</ref> Predictive prophecy that proves false, or prophecy that "departs from biblical truth" is false prophecy. The AG believes in the four ministry gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastor/teachers but notes that there are no biblical instructions for the appointment of apostles and prophets today.
*'''Assisted suicide and abortion''': Viewing all human life as sacred, the Assemblies of God opposes [[assisted suicide]] and [[abortion]] (unless it is medically confirmed that the mother's life is in imminent danger). It believes scripture is silent on the use of [[contraception]] and therefore takes no position on this subject.<ref name="abortion, suicide">[http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/PP_Sanctity_of_Human_Life_Abortion_Reproductive_Issues.pdf "Sanctity of Human Life: Abortion and Reproductive Issues"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120610220745/http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/PP_Sanctity_of_Human_Life_Abortion_Reproductive_Issues.pdf |date=2012-06-10 }} and [http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/PP_Sanctity_of_Human_Life_Suicide_Euthanasia.pdf "Sanctity of Human Life: Suicide and Euthanasia"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120611015635/http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/PP_Sanctity_of_Human_Life_Suicide_Euthanasia.pdf |date=2012-06-11 }}, statements of the General Presbytery of the Assemblies of God USA, August 2010. Accessed September 4, 2010.</ref>
*'''Creation''': The Assemblies of God believes that the [[Genesis creation narrative|account of creation in the book of Genesis]] "accurately communicates God's creation of the heavens and the earth" and that "the New Testament treats the creation and fall of Adam and Eve as historical events". It acknowledges that Christians will have different views on "the age of the earth, the age of humankind, and the ways in which God went about the creative processes" but urges them to "avoid divisiveness over debatable theories of creation". It also affirms that "God reveals himself both in Scripture and the created order" (see: [[creationism]]).<ref name="creation">[http://ag.org/top/beliefs/position_papers/pp_downloads/PP_The_Doctrine_of_Creation.pdf "The Doctrine of Creation"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100917094806/http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/PP_The_Doctrine_of_Creation.pdf |date=2010-09-17 }}, statement of the General Presbytery of the Assemblies of God USA, 9–11 August 2010, pp. 3-4. Accessed 26 January 2011.</ref>
*'''Demon Possession''': The Assemblies of God believes it is possible for people to be [[demon possession|demon possessed]] and be delivered by the "power of the Spirit, and the name of Jesus". However, it cautions against overemphasis on [[demonology]] and rejects the belief that Christians can be possessed by evil spirits.<ref name="demonpossessed">[http://ag.org/top/beliefs/position_papers/pp_downloads/pp_4176_possessed.pdf "Can Born-Again Believers Be Demon Possessed?"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060627043022/http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/pp_4176_possessed.pdf |date=2006-06-27 }}, statement of the General Presbytery of the Assemblies of God USA, May 1972. Accessed 26 January 2011.</ref>
*'''Ministry to the disabled''': The AG teaches that people with [[disabilities]] are loved by God. They should be treated with dignity and fully included in the life of the Church.<ref name="ministrytodisabled">[http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/pp_disabilities.pdf "Ministry to People with Disabilities: A Biblical Perspective"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060627042601/http://ag.org/top/beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/pp_disabilities.pdf |date=2006-06-27 }}, statement of the General Presbytery of the Assemblies of God USA, August 11, 2000. Accessed September 16, 2010.</ref>
*'''Divorce and remarriage''': Officially, the AG disapproves of Christians divorcing for any cause except "fornication and adultery". Where these circumstances exist or where a Christian has been divorced by an unbeliever (see [[Pauline privilege]]), the AG allows "the question of remarriage to be resolved by the believer in the Light of God's Word". For Christians who were divorced and remarried before their conversion, it is recommended that local AG churches receive them as members.<ref name="divorceremarriage">[http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/pp_4189_divorce_remarriage.pdf "Divorce and Remarriage"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060627042747/http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/pp_4189_divorce_remarriage.pdf |date=2006-06-27 }}. A Position Statement of the General Council of the Assemblies of God. August 1973, revised August 2008. Accessed October 12, 2010.</ref> The General Council has offered this guideline for AG churches; however, churches are free to determine their own standards of membership with the result that many local churches will admit divorced and remarried persons as members even if the above conditions are not met (see [[Christian views on divorce]]).<ref name="Crossroads168-169">{{harvnb|Poloma|1989|pp=168–169}}</ref>
*'''Gambling''': The AG opposes [[gambling]], believing that it is a disregard of responsible stewardship, involves a chance of gain at the expense and suffering of others, is inconsistent with the work ethic of scripture, and tends to be habit forming.<ref name="gambling">[http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/pp_4186_gambling.pdf "A Biblical Perspective on Gambling"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120611033159/http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/pp_4186_gambling.pdf |date=2012-06-11 }}, official statement of the General Presbytery of the Assemblies of God USA, August 10, 1983. Accessed October 12, 2010.</ref>
*'''Homosexuality''': The fellowship takes the position that the biblical ideal of marriage is between one man and one woman and that the Bible condemns all sex outside marriage, whether heterosexual or homosexual. Furthermore, it emphasizes that "believers who struggle with homosexual temptations must be encouraged and strengthened by fellow Christians" and that believers "must hold no malice toward, or fear, of homosexuals" but "reach out in humility and compassion".<ref name="homosexuality">[http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/pp_4181_homosexuality.pdf "Homosexuality"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111123040455/http://www.ag.org/top/beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/pp_4181_homosexuality.pdf |date=2011-11-23 }}, statement of the General Presbytery of the Assemblies of God USA, August 14, 1979, and revised August 6, 2001. Accessed October 12, 2010.</ref>
*'''Positive Confession''': While the AG affirms that "All the blessings which God has for His people are received through faith" (including salvation, Spirit baptism, "divine preservation", "healing and provision of material needs", and the motivation to witness), it rejects the teaching that faith or "positive confession" "compels God's action". It holds that believers must consider the totality of scripture, consider adequately the will of God, recognize that they can expect suffering in life, and recognize the sovereignty of God. It also stresses the importance of persistent prayer, as opposed to simply confessing or "claiming" the promises of God.<ref name="Postiveconfession">[http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/pp_4183_confession.pdf "The Believer and Positive Confession"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120611015733/http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/pp_4183_confession.pdf |date=2012-06-11 }}, official statement of the General Presbytery of the Assemblies of God USA, August 19, 1980. Accessed August 18, 2011.</ref>
*'''Women's role in ministry''': The AG affirms the ministry of women in the church and allows them to be ordained and serve in pastoral roles (see: [[ordination of women]]).<ref name="womenrole">[http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/PP_The_Role_of_Women_in_Ministry.pdf "The Role of Women in Ministry as Described in Holy Scripture"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100917050226/http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/PP_The_Role_of_Women_in_Ministry.pdf |date=2010-09-17 }}, official statement of the General Presbytery of the Assemblies of God USA, August 2010. Accessed September 4, 2010.</ref>