Expert: Brian Thompson - 6/30/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hey, im doing an assignment on AOG and i cant seem to find specific information on the following:
- How members are initiated into an AOG church? and the requirements for membership?
- How teachings are passed on>
- Sacred writing and how they are interpreted?
- Contribution to society (how it reaches out to others)

Thank you

ANSWER: I think you should contact your local AOG church, it is not a secret society and organisation in each nation may differ.

First you should realise that the AoG is a grouping of like minded congregations, each led by a pastor accredited by the AoG.

members are not initiated the requirements are the basic Christian committment to Jesus, ie Born again. It is expected that believers will progress to receiving Baptism and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. services are open to all with the expectation that preaching will produce a willingness to make a committment. The AoG emphasises the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer

Teachings essentially come through preaching although there may be bible studies and cell groups to faciliate fellowship and learning. Those who want to attend Bible Colleges as a preparation for ministry and leadership roles.

The Bible is sacred and is regarded as the Word of God guiding the believer in all aspects of everyday life.Faith is emphasised so that miracles of healing and provision are anticipated

AoG churches may reach out in many ways, support of missions, charitable work, youth work, outreach meetings, visitation, scripture in schools, it is up to the individual congregation. The larger the Church the more resource it has. Excepting for the emphasis on the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer the operation of the AoG in outreach is not different to other churches

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hey thanks heaps that helped alot, i also would like to know;
what are the leadership structures?
what are some of the common practises relating to your beliefs?

thanks

Answer
I speak for my own nation.

The Church is headed by elected leadership. The national leader is elected each year as is the state leader. There is an area superintendent, the equivalent of a Bishop. at local level there is a pastor who may be supported by various specific ministries, ie; worship, youth, womens, etc. Obviously the larger the church the more leaders there will be in specific positions since one pastor cannot effectively support more than 100-200 members alone.

The church is not dissimiliar to many churches.
There are two sacraments, although this term is not used.
Baptism is by full emersion and children are dedicated at an early age, not baptised.
Communion is shared with both emblems distributed although grape juice is used in preference to wine.
The form of service may consist of worship, a song service which might run for an hour, prayer for specific needs, offering, announcements, preaching which may also last for an hour or more, followed by individual prayer. The order of service is flexiable. Prophecy may be brought forth at appropriate times. There is no litergy. Services are usually held on a sunday
Cell groups are encouraged to permit fellowship and friendship to grow and body ministry to flourish reducing the load on the pastor
Prayer meetings are held at which corporate prayer is shared
Tithing is encouraged,as is giving and support of missions

Again I suggest you visit an  AoG church and ask the pastor for more detail