The Assemblies of God, of which we at Journey Church are part, celebrates its 100th Anniversary this week in Springfield, Missouri, headquarters of our fellowship.The movement's roots are in Hot Springs, Arkansas, where 300 ministers gathered initially. We have now grown to more than 67 million adherents globally attending more than 350,000 churches in 190 countries.
According to the Assemblies of God, the denomination has experienced 24 years of consecutive growth with a 21% increase among Millenials. Fifty-four percent of AG adherents in the U.S. are under the age of 35 and more than 40% are ethnic minority. We are among the fastest growing evangelical groups in the world today.
That's great news.
Thousands will attend the 100th Anniversary Celebration this week, celebrating what God has done and asking for God's favor and blessing for the next 100, should He delay His return. In 1914, the founders of the AG committed the movement to 'the greatest evangelism the world has ever known.' This week in Springfield, it will reaffirm that commitment.
To quote from the fresh AG "Human Right" document:
"While the denomination is active in addressing social justice needs and human rights throughout the world, the AG believes the most essential human right is that everyone should have an opportunity to hear and respond to a clear presentation of the Gospel."
Yes, and amen. So proud to be part of the Assemblies of God.
And be blessed.
4 comments:
When you speak of the growth of AG, I can easily say that JC is the best church I have ever been to. I have been to several other churches of other denominations, but my true home church is JC and my church-family there. I could never go anywhere else. I think the way that the Gospel is presented is all-inclusive. It appeals to a wide swath of folks and I'm glad to hear that many younger people are attending.
Just an aside, I asked and am able to get many more Sat nights off of work! Yay!!! I will be seeing you and the rest of the family soon! I knew God would provide a way for me to come back to Him...He is a very good God! :)
Why was the name changed and GOD removed from the title? A large cross was on stage months ago and it was removed shortly thereafter? Respectfully curious?
Hello Anonymous. Thanks for asking.
The church name changed happened about 16 months ago in response to the acquisition of a multi-site in Burlington, Wisconsin and the vision to continue planting other churches and sites as God opens the doors in future.
We needed to give the multi-site (as well as future sites) the same name as the central campus and there were a couple of reasons -- we knew that there were no new churches being planted and started with a name like "First Assembly of God." This was also affirmed by our General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God when he was visiting us months before this decision was voted on. We also knew that, going forward, there would already be First Assemblys in some of the cities we'd like to plant. So, with great vision and unity, our congregation voted to change the name of BOTH Burlington and Kenosha campuses to JOURNEY CHURCH in what I can only describe as an overwhelming "YES" vote. It was a gratifying day and one which none of us who were present will ever forget.
I'm so grateful to be part of a congregation that loves God with all their heart and is at the same time willing to do whatever necessary to reach more people for Christ. Such great folks. We are blessed.
There is no relation between a cross being removed and the decision to change the church name. We have two crosses outside - one as you enter the parking lot and one on the tower high above the main entrance. We still have a cross out on stage from time to time and, more importantly, preach it on a weekly basis.
Thanks so much for your inquiry. Blessings on you.
Thanks PK for taking the time for a heartfelt, meaningful explanation. Regarding the name change, it was the removal of 'God'. Journey church of God has a nice ring to it. 'JG' with a myriad of prepositions after Journey always ending in God. Journey to, Journey for, Journey by, Journey of and my personal favorite Journey towards...God. Forgive my directness in some of my posts on your blog. It is always out of love for Jesus and the passion for His truth that He put in my heart.
Blessings and God's grace.
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