Definition

Proper noun: A specific, large Pentecostal Christian denomination. It is characterized by its emphasis on the direct personal experience of God through the baptism with the Holy Spirit, as evidenced by speaking in tongues (glossolalia), divine healing, and the inerrancy of the Bible.

Usage and Examples

• The Assemblies of God is one of the largest Pentecostal denominations in the world.
• She grew up attending an Assemblies of God church.
• The doctrine of the Assemblies of God includes a belief in the present-day operation of spiritual gifts.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• The term is always treated as a singular proper noun (e.g., ) despite the plural form "Assemblies."
• It is often abbreviated as AG or AOG.
• As a proper noun, it is always capitalized.

Variants and Related Words

• Assemblies of God church (n): A local congregation that is part of the larger Assemblies of God denomination.
  • There is an Assemblies of God church on Main Street.
• Assemblies of God minister/pastor (n): An ordained clergy member within the denomination.

Synonyms and Related Terms

• Pentecostal denomination: A broader category of Christian churches that share the core charismatic beliefs of the Assemblies of God.
• Charismatic church: A term that can describe churches, including but not limited to Pentecostal ones, that emphasize the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Key Distinctions

• Assemblies of God refers specifically to the organized denomination with a defined statement of faith and governance.
• The term is not used as a general phrase for any gathering or "assembly" of religious people; it is a fixed proper name for the organization.

Noun

1. a charismatic Protestant denomination in the United States