AG History: 1914-AG History: 1914-19501950

The Early Years: 1914-1927The Early Years: 1914-1927

Development: 1927-1949Development: 1927-1949

The Early YearsThe Early Years1914-19261914-1926

A Call to GatherA Call to Gather E.M. Bell called for a special convention in E.M. Bell called for a special convention in

the Word and Witness publication:the Word and Witness publication:

““This call is to all Churches of God in This call is to all Churches of God in Christ, to all Pentecostal or Apostolic Christ, to all Pentecostal or Apostolic Faith Assemblies who desire with united Faith Assemblies who desire with united purpose to cooperate in love and peace purpose to cooperate in love and peace to push the interests of the kingdom of to push the interests of the kingdom of God everywhere. This is, however, only God everywhere. This is, however, only for saints who believe in the baptism with for saints who believe in the baptism with the Holy Ghost with signs following.” the Holy Ghost with signs following.” (1913)(1913)

Reasons for the Reasons for the ConventionConvention

The following reasons were The following reasons were published in the Word and Witness published in the Word and Witness for the meeting:for the meeting: Unity among the churchesUnity among the churches Conservation of the work at home Conservation of the work at home

and on foreign fieldsand on foreign fields Better support for missionariesBetter support for missionaries Chartering with a legal nameChartering with a legal name Bible school training for ministersBible school training for ministers

The First General The First General CouncilCouncil

August 1914August 1914 Ministers and Missionaries were half the Ministers and Missionaries were half the

delegatesdelegates

First 4 days dedicated to prayer and First 4 days dedicated to prayer and fellowshipfellowship

Mack Pinson’s Keynote Sermon: Mack Pinson’s Keynote Sermon: “The Finished Work of Christ”“The Finished Work of Christ”

General Council of the Assemblies of General Council of the Assemblies of GodGod

Voluntary CooperationVoluntary Cooperation

Two Restrictions for Two Restrictions for MarriageMarriage

Divorce:Divorce: Disapproved except for adulteryDisapproved except for adultery Divorced person should remain singleDivorced person should remain single No credential for anyone with two living No credential for anyone with two living

spousesspouses

Women in MinistryWomen in Ministry Ordained only as Evangelists and Ordained only as Evangelists and

MissionariesMissionaries Not to be ordained as pastors (until 1935)Not to be ordained as pastors (until 1935)

AG First Two LeadersAG First Two Leaders

E. N. Bell, General Superintendent E. N. Bell, General Superintendent (1914; 1920-1923)(1914; 1920-1923)

Well-educated Baptist background, Well-educated Baptist background, tall and 22 years older than Flower. tall and 22 years older than Flower. Just began his first pastorate in Just began his first pastorate in Arkansas. Edited Word and Witness. Arkansas. Edited Word and Witness. Ideas about women in ministry strong Ideas about women in ministry strong influence. Supported tongues as influence. Supported tongues as initial evidence. He was a shaper of initial evidence. He was a shaper of AG doctrine in its formative stages.AG doctrine in its formative stages.

Two Leaders (con’t)Two Leaders (con’t)

J Roswell Flower, General J Roswell Flower, General Secretary (1914 -1916) Secretary (1914 -1916) (Executive until 1959)(Executive until 1959)

Immigrant from Canada. No Immigrant from Canada. No formal training for ministry. formal training for ministry. Before his call, he read law. Before his call, he read law. Founder of the Pentecostal Founder of the Pentecostal Evangel, along with his wife. Evangel, along with his wife. Strong upholder of AG doctrines.Strong upholder of AG doctrines.

General General SuperintendentSuperintendent

E. N. Bell 1914 and 1920-1923E. N. Bell 1914 and 1920-1923

Arch P. Collins 1914-1915Arch P. Collins 1914-1915 Baptized in Spirit while pastoring a Baptized in Spirit while pastoring a

Baptist ChurchBaptist Church

John W. Welch 1915John W. Welch 1915 Protector and Shaper of AG beliefsProtector and Shaper of AG beliefs Problems of the nature of the Problems of the nature of the

GodheadGodhead

The New IssueThe New Issue1913-19161913-1916

Overemphasis of Jesus Christ as Savior, Overemphasis of Jesus Christ as Savior, Healer, Baptizer, soon coming King.Healer, Baptizer, soon coming King.

Jesus OnlyJesus Only

Re-baptizing believers in Jesus name Re-baptizing believers in Jesus name only (Acts 2:38)only (Acts 2:38)

1916 General Council statement against 1916 General Council statement against “the new move of God”/Oneness“the new move of God”/Oneness

Split: ¼ leave AGSplit: ¼ leave AG

TonguesTongues

1918 General Council issue 1918 General Council issue over Tongues as the Initial over Tongues as the Initial Physical Evidence of Spirit Physical Evidence of Spirit BaptismBaptism

Reaffirmed that tongues for the Reaffirmed that tongues for the AG was “our distinctive AG was “our distinctive testimony” (Aug 1914)testimony” (Aug 1914)

ExpansionExpansion 1915 General Council officially affirmed the 1915 General Council officially affirmed the

evangelization of the heathen by NT methods.evangelization of the heathen by NT methods.

1919 Missionary Department established with 1919 Missionary Department established with J Roswell Flower-funds to 206 Foreign J Roswell Flower-funds to 206 Foreign MissionariesMissionaries

John Welch in 1920: “The General Council of John Welch in 1920: “The General Council of the Assemblies of God was never meant to be the Assemblies of God was never meant to be an institution; it is just a missionary agency.”an institution; it is just a missionary agency.”

HQ: Findlay, Ohio- St. Louis- Springfield (1918)HQ: Findlay, Ohio- St. Louis- Springfield (1918)

22ndnd General Council General CouncilNovember 1914November 1914

Meeting at the Stone Church in Meeting at the Stone Church in ChicagoChicago

"As a Council, ... we commit ourselves and the Movement to Him for the greatest evangelism that the world has ever seen."

Why? Jesus is coming

What Grew The What Grew The Assemblies of God?Assemblies of God?

Henry C. Ball– Reaching the Spanish-Henry C. Ball– Reaching the Spanish-speakersspeakers

Ethel and Marcus Musick- She Ethel and Marcus Musick- She preached, he supportedpreached, he supported

Robert and Mary Craig- sobering Robert and Mary Craig- sobering drunks and training leadersdrunks and training leaders

Evangelist: Aimee Semple McPherson- Evangelist: Aimee Semple McPherson- The Queen of the EvangelistsThe Queen of the Evangelists

Challenges for Challenges for MissionsMissions

1914-1927 were the most unstable 1914-1927 were the most unstable years for AG missions.years for AG missions.

Many early GC missionaries dropped Many early GC missionaries dropped out because of difficultiesout because of difficulties

Age, illness, poorly trained and Age, illness, poorly trained and prepared, hardships on the field and prepared, hardships on the field and some unable to work under man-some unable to work under man-made guidelines/policymade guidelines/policy

AG MissiologyAG Missiology

The Key: Evangelizing in Light of The Key: Evangelizing in Light of Jesus Soon ReturnJesus Soon Return

Alice E. Luce, India: First significant Alice E. Luce, India: First significant AG missiologist. She wrote “New AG missiologist. She wrote “New Testament Methods” influenced by Testament Methods” influenced by Roland Allen’s Book: Roland Allen’s Book: Missionary Missionary Methods: St. Paul’s or Ours?Methods: St. Paul’s or Ours? To the 3-Self Formula, Luce To the 3-Self Formula, Luce

added:added:

Signs and WondersSigns and Wonders

Early Missionary Early Missionary CharacteristicsCharacteristics

Aim: Establish 3-Self Churches that Aim: Establish 3-Self Churches that could reproduce themselvescould reproduce themselves

Lillian Thrasher: compassion, Lillian Thrasher: compassion, courage, and good business sensecourage, and good business sense

Ivan Voronaeff: sacrificeIvan Voronaeff: sacrifice

W.E. Simpson: Martyr for China/TibetW.E. Simpson: Martyr for China/Tibet

Victor Plymore: Paid with his familyVictor Plymore: Paid with his family

1900-1921: Summary 1900-1921: Summary Decisions that Framed AG Decisions that Framed AG

MissionsMissions1.1. April 1914: Reason for Being: MissionsApril 1914: Reason for Being: Missions

2.2. Nov. 1914: Commitment to greatest world Nov. 1914: Commitment to greatest world evangelismevangelism

3.3. 1915: New Testament Methods1915: New Testament Methods

4.4. 1917: First Mission’s Committee1917: First Mission’s Committee

5.5. 1919: Foreign Mission’s Department Formed1919: Foreign Mission’s Department Formed

6.6. 1920: Survey of the Fields1920: Survey of the Fields

7.7. 1921: Alice Luce: Pauline Methodology1921: Alice Luce: Pauline Methodology

1900-1921: Lessons Learned1900-1921: Lessons Learned

1.1. Spirit baptism is empowerment to bear Spirit baptism is empowerment to bear witness to the ends of the earth.witness to the ends of the earth.

2.2. Understanding that not all practices and Understanding that not all practices and trends are are or equally effective. The trends are are or equally effective. The guidance of the Spirit and Structure.guidance of the Spirit and Structure.

3.3. Deep commitment to the Bible. “Anything Deep commitment to the Bible. “Anything goes in the name of the Spirit” is not goes in the name of the Spirit” is not biblical.biblical.

4.4. Balance of the Spirit and the Word.Balance of the Spirit and the Word.

5.5. 1921 General Council stated the objective 1921 General Council stated the objective of missions was to produce indigenous of missions was to produce indigenous churches, but it took a long time to work churches, but it took a long time to work out.out.

Years of Years of DevelopmentDevelopment

1928-19471928-1947

Indigenous ChurchesIndigenous Churches

1914: there were 40 AG missionaries, 1914: there were 40 AG missionaries, years of instabilityyears of instability

1920-1924: missionary numbers—2211920-1924: missionary numbers—221

First indigenous churches and national First indigenous churches and national bodies began to appear in the 1930s: El bodies began to appear in the 1930s: El Salvador and then Burkina Faso (1934)Salvador and then Burkina Faso (1934)

Problems with missionaries and old ways Problems with missionaries and old ways and resistance from US churches.and resistance from US churches.

Compassion/ Compassion/ Charitable WorkCharitable Work

1920: J Roswell Flower, first mission’s 1920: J Roswell Flower, first mission’s secretary wrote about Pentecostal secretary wrote about Pentecostal Standard: Preaching as priority, with no Standard: Preaching as priority, with no time for schools, hospitals, etc.– the latter time for schools, hospitals, etc.– the latter were distractions.were distractions.

However, in real life on the field However, in real life on the field compassion and proclamation went compassion and proclamation went together.together.

Dislike of Dislike of DenominationalismDenominationalism

Pentecostals wanted to be Spirit-Pentecostals wanted to be Spirit-led, not man-led.led, not man-led.

Distrust of man-made Distrust of man-made organizations.organizations.

Slow change of attitude and Slow change of attitude and understanding of reality.understanding of reality.

““Cooperative Fellowship” or “The Cooperative Fellowship” or “The Fellowship” preferred.Fellowship” preferred.

GrowthGrowth

Ernest S. Williams elected Superintendent in Ernest S. Williams elected Superintendent in 1929 and served 20 years.1929 and served 20 years.

During this period:During this period: The Home Missions and Education Departments The Home Missions and Education Departments

were created: 1937 Busy Bee- Buddy Barrelwere created: 1937 Busy Bee- Buddy Barrel

Bible Institutes multipliedBible Institutes multiplied

Gospel Publishing House increased publicationsGospel Publishing House increased publications

Evangelicals began to recognize PentecostalsEvangelicals began to recognize Pentecostals

Women were ordained as pastorsWomen were ordained as pastors

WarWar

Initially, WWII was not a worry– Jesus was Initially, WWII was not a worry– Jesus was coming soon.coming soon.

In 1941, Noel Perkin reported that 104 In 1941, Noel Perkin reported that 104 missionaries had reached field– only 4 missionaries had reached field– only 4 failed.failed.

1941: Mission’s Dept offered to pay for 1941: Mission’s Dept offered to pay for missionaries in China, Hong Kong and missionaries in China, Hong Kong and Philippines to come home, but too late.Philippines to come home, but too late.

New Fields opened after the warNew Fields opened after the war

Strategic PlanningStrategic Planning

Rapid Changes between 1943 and 1959Rapid Changes between 1943 and 1959

Continued development of Mission’s Continued development of Mission’s Department and strengthening of the role Department and strengthening of the role of the department– not appreciated by of the department– not appreciated by independent-minded missionariesindependent-minded missionaries

By 1959, AG Missions was well-recognized By 1959, AG Missions was well-recognized by other agencies.by other agencies.

1943 Mission’s Conference1943 Mission’s Conference

PlansPlans

Develop positions of field secretariesDevelop positions of field secretaries

Add 500 new missionariesAdd 500 new missionaries

Develop an advisory groups of pastors and Develop an advisory groups of pastors and laymenlaymen

Provide missionaries with better trainingProvide missionaries with better training

Promote missions better in USPromote missions better in US

Raise $5 million for missions.Raise $5 million for missions.

AG History 1950’s AG History 1950’s and Beyondand Beyond

Passingthe BatonPassingthe Baton

ControversiesControversies

New Order of the New Order of the Latter Rain 1949Latter Rain 1949

Healing Healing ControversiesControversies

A New Generation A New Generation for New Erafor New Era

Thomas Zimmerman (1912-1991) Elected Thomas Zimmerman (1912-1991) Elected one of 4 Assisstant General one of 4 Assisstant General Superintendents in 1953 and General Superintendents in 1953 and General Superintendent in 1959. “Let us never get Superintendent in 1959. “Let us never get the idea tat God has brought us to our the idea tat God has brought us to our present plateau to terminate progress– His present plateau to terminate progress– His command is, ‘Go Forward.” (1968)command is, ‘Go Forward.” (1968)

Philip Hogan, Executive Director of DFM in Philip Hogan, Executive Director of DFM in 19591959

Decade of HarvestDecade of Harvest

G. Raymond Carlson: 1990s Decade of G. Raymond Carlson: 1990s Decade of HarvestHarvest

Members and Adherents from 16 million to Members and Adherents from 16 million to 30 million30 million

Bible Schools increased by 43%Bible Schools increased by 43%

Total National Ministers increased 48%Total National Ministers increased 48%

The Charismatic The Charismatic MovementMovement

May 1960, Episcopal Priest Dennis Bennett May 1960, Episcopal Priest Dennis Bennett baptized in the Spirit and spoke with other baptized in the Spirit and spoke with other tongues.tongues.

Revival within the Catholic Church. Feb. Revival within the Catholic Church. Feb. 1967 at Duquesne University: 30 students 1967 at Duquesne University: 30 students and 2 theologians. Influence by David and 2 theologians. Influence by David Wilkerson’s Cross and the Switchblade.Wilkerson’s Cross and the Switchblade.

David du Plessis (1905-1987): Pentecostal David du Plessis (1905-1987): Pentecostal AmbassadorAmbassador

Condemnation of the World Council of Condemnation of the World Council of ChurchesChurches

Key MissionariesKey Missionaries

Melvin Hodges (1909-1988): The Melvin Hodges (1909-1988): The Indigenous ChurchIndigenous Church

J. W. Tucker: Assembly of God MartyrJ. W. Tucker: Assembly of God Martyr

Mission’s Mission’s DevelopmentsDevelopments

Light For the LostLight For the Lost

ChaplaincyChaplaincy

Prison MinistryPrison Ministry

Speed the LightSpeed the Light

BGMCBGMC

Faith PromiseFaith Promise

Local Church Mission’s ConventionLocal Church Mission’s Convention

Establish a regular income for missionsEstablish a regular income for missions

Getting people committed and involvedGetting people committed and involved

J Philip Hogan: “I have been selling J Philip Hogan: “I have been selling missions to churches on a money-back missions to churches on a money-back guarantee for many years… If they set guarantee for many years… If they set aside a portion for the lost abroad, God aside a portion for the lost abroad, God will help them in the local church” (1963).will help them in the local church” (1963).

Missionary Life Missionary Life Became More Became More

ComplexComplex Promotional dutiesPromotional duties

Financial pressuresFinancial pressures

Hostility and dangerHostility and danger

QualificationsQualifications

ScandalScandal

Jim and Tammy Bakker 1987Jim and Tammy Bakker 1987

Jimmy Swaggart 1988Jimmy Swaggart 1988

PartnershipPartnership

1980’s change in the church around the 1980’s change in the church around the world– partners in God’s workworld– partners in God’s work

Morris O. Williams, Morris O. Williams, The Indigenous Church The Indigenous Church and the Missionaryand the Missionary (1978) (1978)

Mission’s LeadersMission’s Leaders

Loren Tripplett (1989-1997): stressed the Loren Tripplett (1989-1997): stressed the Spirit’s supernatural role in calling people Spirit’s supernatural role in calling people to enter the last days’ harvest in to enter the last days’ harvest in expectation of Christ’s return.expectation of Christ’s return.

The Fall of the Soviet Union opened up The Fall of the Soviet Union opened up many fields previously closed, increasing many fields previously closed, increasing urgency of the taskurgency of the task

AGWM still thinking in terms of geography, AGWM still thinking in terms of geography, not people groups.not people groups.

John Bueno (1997-2012): PartnershipJohn Bueno (1997-2012): Partnership

Mission’s CoreMission’s CoreOur Four PillarsOur Four Pillars

The widest possible evangelism The widest possible evangelism (REACHING)(REACHING)

Establishment of NT churches (PLANTING)Establishment of NT churches (PLANTING)

Training national beleivers (TEACHING)Training national beleivers (TEACHING)

Showing the Compassion of Jesus to the Showing the Compassion of Jesus to the suffering (TOUCHING)suffering (TOUCHING)

Unreached People’sUnreached People’s

““The ends of the earth” Acts 1:8The ends of the earth” Acts 1:8

Lack of strategyLack of strategy

Partnership may have eroded pioneeringPartnership may have eroded pioneering

HostilityHostility

Center for Ministry to Muslims/ Global Center for Ministry to Muslims/ Global InitiativeInitiative

International Ministry Department and International Ministry Department and CompassionCompassion