My b/f attends an Assembly of God church and really likes it. I have went with him a couple of times, but would like to find out what others think of it. I've only been to Baptist churches before, so it was different to me.
Thanks for all the answers! They were very helpful!
more2thislife
Favorite Answer
I attend an Assembly of God church for the past 13 years. Yes there is speaking in tongues, yes, depending on which church you attend there are people displaying worship in "different" ways; raised hands, jumping, waving flags or banners, kneeling, etc...different does not mean bad or freakish. People worship in different ways regardless of the type of church you attend. For instance Catholics are reserved but that doesn't mean that their way of worship is any more wrong or different than the full gospel church. In the A/G church there is also a more contemporary style of worship music which is agreeable to many people being that it has a modern sound while maintaing the heart of worship. Give it a try, you might like it. They usually have big youth groups and children's programs as well as Sunday School and many opportunities for fellowship on many levels. No cult, no pressure, just church. Also it's important that you know that the Pentacostal church is a full bible believing church...if it's in the bible it's taught regardless of anybody's comfort zone. I hope this helped a little.
Bible warrior
I have been Pentecostal most of my life. It is a great church where the gifts of the Holy Spirit are really active. When the Holy Spirit moves in a service it is really awesome. The feelings are just great. In addition the preaching and teaching in my church is some of the best I have ever heard. I highly recommend giving a Pentecostal church a try.
EDIT: I am not sure there is one bit of truth in the post above me. We do not add to the scriptures. We read the Bible and it alone. We do not right new books and consider them equal to the Bible or inspired. We do not encourage people to stay in other churches. We serve God and we let the Holy Spirit move. The gifts have never died out and will not.
EDIT2: The poster below me said we believe you must speak in tongues to be saved. This is not true in the churches I have been in. We believe speaking in tongues is a thing to be desired but it plays no role in salvation.
EDIT3: Panzercommando said Pentecostal churches are a silly American invention. I would say it is a return to the church that formed at Pentecost. To the way the early church believed.
Jasmine
I go to an AOG church, not because I'm in love with the denomination, but the people. The basic differences between Baptist and AOG are the things that are emphasized. Baptism is emphasized in Baptist churches, speaking in tongues in AOG churches. I do not speak in togues, and am fully comfortable there. Honestly, I believe every church is different (even within the denomination) so try to find one that fits your needs. Ones that you can get involved in, that have nice people, and seem to be true to the faith. I would stay away from the ones that are completely tradition based (as they usually don't have a relationship with God), or ones that "feel wrong" in your spirit.
Anonymous
I grew up in an Assembly of God church. Check them out online and you can read all of their doctrine and beliefs. In my experience these are some of the best churches in the nation! I am not a Christian, but my experiences at the Assemby Churches have caused me to have love and respect for Christians instead of all these poor people who seem to have such an utter hatred for them (even though most of them profess to be tolerant of everyone. . . awfully ironic in my mind). Make your own decisions and don't let anyone who comes at you in a judgemental manner affect your decisions!
gatita
Jesus was speaking to Nicodemus about the "new birth" or what is required to be born again. John 3:3-5 states, "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."
Here the Lord is telling him that he needs to repent, be baptized, and filled with the Holy Ghost to experience the new birth.
Jesus gave Peter the "keys to the kingdom" or the authority to preach the full gospel message on the day of Pentecost. 120 disciples were present in the upper room seeking the baptism of the Holy Ghost evidenced by speaking in tongues as described by Christ in Mark 16:15, "15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;"
This is the experience the disciples were waiting for. After receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost, men from all over the known world were amazed and questioned what had happened. This is recorded in Acts 1 & 2.
Peter stood up in the midst of the crowd an proclaimed the gospel message, "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call." Acts 2:38, 39.
This a free gift of God and all that is required is repentence, baptism in Jesus name, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost as described. God bless you and yours!
gatita_63109