What Is Assemblies of God? (Feat. The Guy In Charge of Assemblies of God)

I wanted to learn more about the Assemblies of God Church, so I went to their headquarters in Springfield, Missouri and met with their General Superintendent Doug Clay. I had a lot I wanted to ask about the AG Church and about Pentecostalism, and Doug didn't balk at any of my questions.
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[@hawks5999]

I grew up AG and knew Doug Clay from the time I was a teenager. He was the youth director for my state and I did a couple short term missions trips with him. What you saw in your interview is the same Doug Clay I knew 30 years ago. He’s a super genuine and generous guy. I haven’t been a part of an AG for quite awhile, but I really respect his vision for their churches. Thanks for doing a great interview with him.

[@shadowlands8490]

Good that is a good place to start from. Some pentecostal movements have gone completely NaR movement.

[@theirmom4723]

@@shadowlands8490 B/C AofG churches function independently, many have gone NAR...in my area we have 6-7 AofG churches and I know of 3 that are full blown NAR in teaching and one totters around it.

[@JJL-pr4gl]

@@theirmom4723what does NAR mean? I am starting to go and I want to really understand if it’s a good place to go to. I am former Jehova’s witness

[@loria474]

I loved this video! I went to an AG church for Sunday school from K to 6th grade because my parents wanted a free babysitter. I will be forever grateful for the ladies there that got us to memorize scripture by rewarding us with little gifts. My family moved after that and I had some very difficult and traumatic experiences but the scriptures I had memorized came back to me and raised me up out of the pit of my own making I found myself in. I’ve never really known what AG was about other than the emphasis on memorizing scripture for kids so I loved learning about it. From my own memories, I’m not surprised that they are based on the firm foundation of Jesus.

[@inhizownimij]

Aww as one of those teachers who loves to help my kids memorize scripture, it’s so uplifting to hear that it helped you.

[@darthcole2584]

Amen sister.

[@sdthyng]

But . . . the real question is "Is it the church that JESUS built, or is it a church built by men?"

[@mannyruiz1954]

​@@sdthyngyeah I get it. I was raised AG. Today I am Catholic. Despite what pentecostals/evangelicals think of the RCC, we all agree that Jesus is our Savior. We follow Him through the Church and Sacred Tradition.

[@jakehumphrey1213]

Matt I’m so glad that you clarified that we in the AoG don’t believe that you have to speak in tongues to be saved and our belief in the Trinity. Some very small sects have twisted Pentecostal doctrine.

[@RonaldDPotts]

We deal with that in the Four Square church, and it is something consistent, and wrong, ideal in Pentecostalism

[@RonaldDPotts]

Btw, there's quite a lot similarity between AoG and Four Square. The first four things he cites of faith in the Kingdom is the creed of Four Square

[@texashoosier7318]

UPC is not 'very small.'

[@jakehumphrey1213]

@@texashoosier7318 sorry, I’m comparing to the roughly 70M worldwide membership of the AoG. Last I saw, the UPCI was around 5M.

[@stevenwiederholt7000]

There are those who for various reasons want to make Christianity more includionary (if that's a real word :-)) and Complicated than it really is. For me if someone accepts the Nicene & Apostles creed Any Version...you're in the Club. But that's just me.

[@k.s.m.1197]

Hi Matt , i was wondering if you can make a video about the Amish .

[@XSquibX]

That would be quite difficult. Amish tend to strongly push for being humble and humility and part of that is not posing for paintings, pictures, videos etc. Many consider putting yourself in your "best light" to be prideful, hence their humble attire and somewhat dodging the public eye.

[@genesisp3884]

@@XSquibX Maybe just Audio then

[@isaiahstruve2224]

Yeah! Or another anabaptist group!

[@kimberlytroutner567]

Probably find more success in speaking with other Anabaptist groups: the Mennonites, or Brethren congregations.

[@JosiahR1]

And other anabaptist groups like Mennonites

[@cmac1100]

Its so weird seeing where I work on ten minute Bible hour 🤣

[@krystopherscroggins3044]

My first thought was, "Hey! It's the blue vatican!" Hahaha

[@PartyCreate]

They didn't go down the flag hall! Bummer. 😂

[@shadowlands8490]

Assembly of God teaches to Repent and Believe. That is the Gospel. But they also teach to remain repentant , which is also a biblical doctrine.

[@romanthechristian5237]

I know lol I don’t work there, but I live in the Ozarks and I actually went to middle school on the same street

[@davidkunze2770]

Shadow lands, repent and believe, means to turn to the cross, and to Him alone for salvation. If real, it will last a life time. (See the thief on the cross and Paul to jailer in Acts.) Blessings

[@tigerboy1966]

Matt is a great listener which is what makes these conversations so good. I'd be chipping in every few seconds with "Yes, but...", "so what you're saying is...", "are you seriously suggesting that..." etc. It's a great gift Matt, keep on using it.

[@biblelife527]

This is such a great idea! Most people get their info on other denominations from their own denomination through the lens of their pastor or Leader. Its a double edged sword because on one hand its good to trust your leader for this type of info, but it also leaves alot of room for his own personal bias. But what your doing takes that away! Straight from the knowledgeable leaders of their denominations to our ears, and the questions you ask and the way you break them down....just awesome, pure awesomeness! Thank you for these videos! They are truly amazing!

[@frederickngwenya4082]

That was a great interview and Doug has really represented the AOG that it actually is. As members of this WORD rooted denomination AOG we give him a thumbs up for representing the church well. Lots of love from South Africa 🇿🇦 ❤

[@inconnu4961]

Lots of Love to you, Brother Frederick, and to all our fathful brothers & sisters in ZA, from the US!

[@kevinekvall4081]

I loved this interview! I didn't have a clue what AG was previously and I just praise God for the enthusiasm, clear communication, and grace both Doug and Matt brought to the conversation. You guys made my evening 🙂

[@dimesonhiseyes9134]

As someone that has grown up in the AG churches and similar pentecostal churches thank you for being genuine and honest. We may not unite under the same exact teachings. But we as brothers and sisters can all unite for our love of Jesus Christ. And 🍕 we can all unite under our love for pizza.

[@matthewterry9413]

Sorry… pizza is the most overrated food in all human history lol

[@dimesonhiseyes9134]

@@matthewterry9413 there is just no excuse for having taste that bad. Pizza is one of the greatest foods of all time. Just about every culture independently developed a "pizza" on its own. If a culture developed bread they then shortly thereafter developed a "pizza". Pizza is ubiquitous with the human experience. If you don't like pizza you might as well say "I like beating puppies with kittens". There I said it.

[@matthewterry9413]

@@dimesonhiseyes9134 lol pizza is the lowest quality food available. Children’s party food.

[@RonaldDPotts]

Great video, Matt. I love these denominational interview videos and the honesty, sincerity, and grace that you use in them, allowing the person to speak of their faith and doctrines for themselves without your interpretation shading the presentation. Great work. 👏👏

[@MiscMitz]

Hi Matt. I "agree" with the focus on the gifts. It makes me feel off... I have however witnessed an amazing healing. My foster mother was deaf. We were attending an non denominational church with 2 separate pastors. One was Southern Baptist and one was Lutheran. Pastor Bob, the Baptist pastor, laid hands on her ears and prayed for her. She said that she heard a load pop and she could hear. To this day, she still has incredible hearing. All this to say that I don't understand how He works but that He sometimes does.

[@sacredsteeler]

That's the mystery. Miracles happen almost daily in a "hot" church, almost to the point that it's often forgotten by the next church service. I love theology, but it's hubris to try to understand every step how God works.

[@queenria7]

Wow!! Thanks for sharing! I just started reading the book "True Stories of the Miracles of Azusa Street", and it's mind blowing! (Azusa Street is where AoG originated from)

[@houseofjesseworship]

Wow, praise God!

[@davidoslin7760]

Matt, I am convinced that God is using you, as well others, as His answer to Jesus' prayer in John 17:20-26. It's so refreshing to see us learning that we can love one another freely by understanding each other better. Keep up the good work and may God continue to bless you mightily.

[@rh10033]

My husband and I have been so distraught by all of the divison within the body of Christ. So many denominations don't even consider anyone outside of their tradition to be a Christian. It's awful! I am praying for unity. After all, it's our apologetics to the world that Jesus Christ is Lord!!

[@shadowlands8490]

Correct, the basis for Christian credibility is not "doctrinal supremacy", but Christ centered doctrine accuracy. And to be Christian, there's to teach all people the accuracy of Christian theology and community. It's a not a war against anyone else but a ministry unto God. Some seminaries teach it's a man centered reward to teach their doctrine until you are able to condemn others in their beliefs.

[@BrotherhoodWorkshop]

I married into an AG family, and dang those people get stuff done.

[@JonStallings]

Outstanding as always Matt. I really appreciate how you try to take an unbiased approach. It was also great to here from AG that the gospel is the main thing. I am part of Foursquare and we are very similar to AG.

[@stevenwiederholt7000]

We could use some Missionaries from Nigeria and South Korea!

[@TGuard00014]

I actually met a missionary from South Korea on the street in San Antonio a couple of years ago, it was a little surreal.

[@stevenwiederholt7000]

@@TGuard00014 As surreal as saying men can have periods....American is a racist nation... we are 10 years away from the end of civilization as we know it?

[@DavidReyes-qn1bq]

I’m in the Assemblies of God & honestly every church is very unique. You can go to very biblical AG churches and to very, let’s say, low biblical knowledge AG churches.

[@longtalltexan1867]

Same for the CoG. But I'd be willing to bet its that way for most "evangelical" denominations.

[@Drspeiser]

@@longtalltexan1867 Yeah, I think that's a very good point! You're surely going to find some variation in whichever denomination you look at.

[@Lukeschamberger]

This was about two hours too short.

[@MarthePassoli]

Exactly 😂 We want a part 2!

[@jaythomas3180]

The guy in charge of the Assemblies of God... thought you were going to interview God!

[@RaeiFlames]

Exactly, that the only Being In charge of Us (AoG)

[@justineimperial282]

Indeed it was just a genuine interview, just wow! God Bless you brother

[@matthewterry9413]

Looool

[@ChristsNationTV]

The Ten minute bible hour has been such a great inspiration for me. Am excited each time i see a notification from your channel. I have been able to learn about other churches and their fundamental beliefs. God bless you.

[@Mediamessengers]

What I love about AG is they are SUPER missions minded.

[@MarthePassoli]

Yes we are!🎉🙌🏾

[@JeanmarieRod]

And they teach the heresy that a saved believer can lose his salvation, plus are LOADED with false converts bc of that and other heresies they teach

[@Mediamessengers]

@@JeanmarieRod hmm? What creates more false converts "Once saved always saved" or "You can walk away from the Lord" ?

[@darrenwithers3628]

Super money makers

[@Mediamessengers]

@@darrenwithers3628 What??

[@aizamanatad4057]

i think all assemblies of God have the same heartbeat and passion and joy, and that is reaching out people, sharing Gods love and forgiveness to them, we want to see more people putting their faith in Christ and serve Him and not to our religion, but building a strong relationship with Christ... its not our priority to preach about our church, its our priority and joy to preach Christ.

[@chris2fur401]

I’m a pastor in the church of God (Cleveland, Tn) denomination. The AG is basically our cousins in theology lol. Great video and Doug Clay did a great job explaining things.

[@inconnu4961]

Cleveland Tennessee, huh? Who is that famous Pastor who has a church there, that i watch his program on KZbin, and own a few of his books? What is his name? LOL Seriously, I attended a Church of God as a child, walked away from the LORD for about 12 years, then was invited to an Assemblies of God church by a co-worker. Be blessed, Pastor!

[@chris2fur401]

@@inconnu4961 Perry stone? Jentzen Franklin? Thank you!

[@bkbff]

Yep, white COGIC pastors decided they needed to segregate, so they formed the AG

[@OatPancake]

Glad you’re doing AoG. You should check out a Hispanic or Spanish speaking AoG church.

[@Kenny-wr3ky]

My AoG church is about about 25-30% spanish. Our associate pastor is spanish. He teaches a all spanish Sunday school class. We also have a retired teacher that teaches a free ESL class that uses the Bible to teach english.

[@OatPancake]

@@Kenny-wr3ky glad y’all are reaching the Spanish speaking community. It’s much needed in many areas.

[@MarthePassoli]

Erik Merales French speaking AG too!

[@Toneeeeee23]

As part of the AG church and an avid watcher of your videos, this was a great conversation! I love the way Doug verbalized the core beliefs. Sometimes we get the “Pentecostal” label thrown at us which some might see as a focus on the gifts rather than theology. We are church who loves God, loves people, loves scripture. The reason we live out miracles is because we truly do believe they are biblical, that along with every other aspect of faith and Christian doctrine.

[@justineimperial282]

Amen Same now in this modern time, It gave me more confidence to say I'm part of AG and this pentecostal movement.

[@MarthePassoli]

@@justineimperial282 oh yes!

[@robt2151]

Thank you, Matt. These interviews are very informative and enlightening, and your manner of conducting them is a model of graciousness. I belong to a denomination which recognises each local church congregation as autonomous, having a direct relationship with God and led by its own local leadership as guided by the Holy Spirit. Consequently, when I see a large edifice, be it a building, a denomination, a political party or a legislative body, I immediately see red flags. No matter how tolerant the leadership may be, once you become associated with such an organisation then you are open to outsiders making assumptions about you based on their limited understanding of what that organisation might stand for. To reuse the example used in the video, popular opinion then views you, by default, as part of a "voting block".

[@danielconner8870]

My uncle (John Stetz) was the missionary to South Korea who planted a Bible college and trained Dr David Yonggi Cho and helped him in establishing his church. My wife and I are AG and are on our way as Missionaries to plant churches in France.

[@Kenny-wr3ky]

Stop on by Crossroads in Greenville Tx during your mission raising stage of you can. We're a smaller Church around 150 but we're big givers. God bless the work that is ahead of you.

[@moriahthompson7659]

Thanks for doing this interview. Really enjoyed it and your honesty and openness.

[@BedriddenFire]

It's really hard to read the comments here. As someone who grew up with a father who was a minister in AG, went to the day care, private schools, the summer camps, basically lived in various AG churches for the first 21 years of my life. So many youth group activities. My siblings attending North Central bible college. I know this is all a masterful performance. This video isn't genuine, it is terrifying. AG is really good at branding themselves. When your entire job is to recruit people for christ, you get REALLY GOOD a projecting an image people want to buy into, and then never going much deeper than that. I wish they actually did things from the heart. But most in the congregations don't look at how things are done, the council is not transparent, nor does anyone seem to realize/admit the impact it takes on families. We get distracted by videos like this. This is how they deflect attention. If you haven't spent enough time both inside and outside the church to really process the repetive rhetoric, you would not know other wise. It's deeply ironic, given how they push the idea that the secular world is of the devil ment to decieve us. It aids in us not trusting in anything that isn't from AG. That casual, fun, charisma is not from the joy of lord. He is in AG minister mode. They are caught of up in ideals and expansion. The positivity is a way to emotionally manipulate, keep up an appeal and interest, but also disaude critical thinking. Again. They are REALLY good at this.

[@bootsontheground3047]

I like the way your not focused on debating, but seem to be focused on ecumenism. Keep it up brother. I know you've covered Catholicism some, I look forward to seeing more in the future. God bless from Arkansas!

[@patrickbrownusmc]

I love all these and your commentary afterwards! Thanks for what you do!

[@Moscoviya2009]

After watching this video, I'm no longer embarrased for being "Evangelical" and "Fundamentalist". No shame in being a Fundamentalist and Evangelical Christian. The devil can try to hinder us through secular political culture but the devil will fail. I believe in Jesus Christ and the Bible is the Word of God! Amen!

[@justineimperial282]

Same!!!! God Bless you Brethren

[@MissCarlyJoy]

The Bible condones and encourages genocide, rape of concubines, slavery, polygamy, incest.... I’d reconsider being comfortable as a “fundamentalist.”

[@lordmosess1]

@@MissCarlyJoy I'm so sorry you believe God condones that. Just because something is mentioned, does not mean it is approved. As a "conservative" I spent five years at Bible collage learning the full death and historical references. Biblical and non. If the "God of the new testament" is know as a God of love. Consider, "God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Try to see through the truth glasses, not ones with angry lenses. God is good. All the time, he is Goød. Goød luck on your journey

[@MissCarlyJoy]

@@lordmosess1 the New Testament has lots of problems too… like being very anti-woman. And yes, when god rewards the people committing these acts for their “faithfulness” he’s telling them they did a good job. For instance, can you point to any piece of scripture where Sarah/Sarai does a good thing?

[@MissCarlyJoy]

@@lordmosess1 “if a man sells his daughter as a slave, she shall not be freed at the end of six years as the men are. If she does not please the man who bought her, then he shall let he be bought back again; he has no power to sell her to foreigners, since he has wronged her by no longer wanting her after he married her.” Exodus 21:7-8 This is God’s law -buy a female slave to use as a wife I didn’t even look this up I just literally opened a Bible and found this on the page I opened. It’s everywhere in the Torah and beyond. Your god not only condones but instructs his people to have slaves, concubines, and because these female slaves can’t consent, rape them.

[@edwardzionsaji3445]

I'm from a city in India called Bangalore. There are lots of AG churches all over the city. The biggest one is called Bethel AG, I think.

[@sandscribbler]

It seems to me that something similar is happening with the term "evangelical" (at least in the USA) as what happened a few decades ago to the word "fundamentalist." It means one thing to the insiders, and something else entirely to outsiders.

[@j.g.4942]

Yeah, I think I've heard maybe 4 different ways of using the term. For one thing it was the original name for Lutherans and is still kept in most churches from that tradition.

[@ravissary79]

If might be because the only time the media uses the term is as a voting block. It suits their anti Christian narrative to only view us as an evil big bad wolf.

[@misskitty285]

@@j.g.4942 Right or wrong though it may be, Lutherans seem to have dropped the 'evangelical' at least in the English-speaking world. (It's the 'Lutheran Church in Ireland' but Evangelisch-Lutherisch in Germany.) In Germany we still use it, because you can distinguish between the two things (evangelisch and evangelical, the latter of which makes some people a bit sceptical) linguistically.

[@j.g.4942]

@@misskitty285 yeah, same in Australia. It's for ease of communication, yet the pastors of the Lutheran Church Australia LCA are ordained into the Evangelical Lutheran church and confess the Evangelical confessions of the Book of Concord. There's also a small synod using an old name of Australian Evangelical Lutheran church AELC. But again mostly in interchurch things we just say Lutheran for ease of communication.

[@MissCarlyJoy]

Fundamentalism is working within a literal, classic interpretation of the Bible. Evangelicals believe in converting others to their way. I don’t think anyone, “inside” or “outside” is confused.

[@Mark-yb1sp]

I was AG for about 18 yrs. It became a place of entertainment instead of a place of worship . The songs were repetitive and there is a ‘group think’ mentality. You cannot disagree with the Pastor or at least make it known to others that you have a different understanding on things. The gifts of the spirit are central (not Christ) to the worship and each person can interpret the scriptures as they believe the Holy Spirit will speak to them directly. People always seem to have ‘a word from God’ for you and it gets ridiculous after awhile, especially when it’s very generic. Emotionalism is VERY high in the AG. Thus, the repetition of the music over and over which can put you in an altered state of more emotions. Their stress on having a ‘prayer language’ is unbiblical, but yet, takes center stage when the congregation is asked to pray for someone. This is NOT another attack on the AG, it’s my personal 18 year journey with my family.

[@theirmom4723]

I have seen it change into what you state. It is sad...their "worship" music is from several groups that are not theologically correct...yet...they sing it every service for about an hour.

[@jordanrenaud-pq7rx]

Paul said " not everyone will speak in tongues" and so it is. But it would be a tragedy if no believer had at least one of the gifts of the Spirit.

[@drewwilson6639]

Would love to be in the middle of 700000 people worshiping in the presence of God!

[@refugechurchofgod5445]

Hey Matt! Love your videos!! How about the Church of God, Cleveland, TN? Arguably the second biggest Pentecostal denomination. Almost 40,000 churches worldwide. More out of the country than in the US

[@AtrusGambit]

1:58 This is all I needed to hear all year. Lovely.

[@miguelangelous]

Totally agree 💯

[@sstockwell5519]

I appreciate when Doug says, "We still have a lot more commonality in the body of Christ than we do separation..." (And also before that when Matt says "Venn diagram"! Love a good graphic organizer...!) :) Thank you, both, for your time and work!!!

[@XSquibX]

Thanks for visiting another denomination and exploring a little bit more with us. I must admit, I wish there were some more questions asked.... but at the same time, I'm unsure what you would ask. haha Assemblies Of God seems to pretty much overlap with Baptists, Methodists and Presbyterians on almost everything, just with an additional belief in accessible miraculous power from the Spirit through faith.

[@arminyousefi5282]

Can you do one about Messianic Judaism

[@RonaldDPotts]

There's a lot of similarity between the AoG and the Four Square church. Hey, Matt, can you get a video about the Four Square church? I'd love that

[@davidturner1079]

There are also some MAJOR differences where the grace that was extended to evangelical churches, isn't extended by foursquare as well.

[@RonaldDPotts]

@@davidturner1079 interesting, I'm not aware of this. Do you mean in working with Evangelical churches?

[@danielbassett3654]

Got to love the reformed beards and pints of frosty beer though...

[@julieolson3649]

Nailed it! ✝️✝️✝️

[@thetributary8089]

How do you read the New Testament and not see miraculous manifestations as being atleast somewhat normative? Or how do you not see the baptism in the Spirit as a subsequent experience from salvation? It’s all over Acts.

[@amybee40]

@The Ten Minute Bible Hour Lest you think that none of your regular viewers are Pentecostal, here's one!

[@cruzerm8681]

Thanks Matt, for making these videos. They are very informative. I enjoy them very much. Happy Thanksgiving. GOD bless you. 🙏

[@AustinBurch1]

I’ve been waiting on this vid for a while! I’m glad you were able to film it

[@infpsych]

Were the original Christians when they were filled with the Holy Spirit and started to preach in other tongues, were they then the original Pentecostals?? I do find Assemblies of God at its core interesting because you could find this movement in any country and it brings forth these new Christians so passionate about their faith. However, after a while and generations later they become horrible Christians, aka Jimmy Swaggert.

[@inconnu4961]

A very sad & sobering reality! Look at Israel from the Old Testament. The longer the prospered the more they wandered away from GOD. The more GOD had to call them back, even using the heathen to get Israel's attention.

[@faithhopejoywithpastormari9069]

I’m an AG ordained minister. Thank you for interviewing Doug Clay. He accurately represented us. You did a great job in this interview and I wish we could all work better for unity of belief.

[@joshuas1834]

Thanks for your gentleness and humility Matt! I was actually surprised to hear you call yourself reformed because you have got to be the kindest calvanist I've ever seen (maybe tied with Preston Sprinkle). People in the reformed tradition have not typically been very tolerant of my non-Calvinist views and people in the Pentecostal tradition have been really intolerant of my partial-cessationist views. Love your channel and your podcast too!

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

Thank you, though I'd say I'm solidly reformedish.

[@gloriajoyce609]

May God’s grace be with you today and I choose, as an act of My will, to pour out an anointing upon you, in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of God,-- What a blessing - God Loves your Ministry, so do I

[@Maine-Life]

You REALLY need to talk to Father Barnabus Powell and/or Father Andrew Stephen Damick. Powell went from a Pentecostal pastor to an Orthodox priest. Damick came as an evangelical to an Orthodox priest.

[@silverhaze_2121]

Thank you for this very informative video. And unity in the body is crucial and hope to see more of that as well. Again thank you and God bless.

[@jeffreyberens3424]

Thanks for doing what you do! You put out great content and have really inspired me to look deeper into Christian theology as a whole instead of only caring about my own denomination. You’d be fun to be in a Bible study with- if you ever start one on zoom or something I want in!

[@oogalook]

Golly, great job by Doug. I love his openness and his bravery. Seems like a guy who wants to save souls; who can say no to that? Get after it, I say. Good stuff. Also great job by him to turn it around on you for a minute there. You deserve big props too, Matt. You're making a big Mission of this channel yourself!

[@lovemuffin4521]

I went to a AoG school I enjoyed my time there. I have some disagreements with speaking of tongues but I do appreciate their love for God. The other side can learn from them when it comes to evangelism and letting the Holy Spirit work in them

[@Katiemadonna3]

I love how they worship, the speaking and feeling draws me in even if I don’t agree with all the beliefs

[@revbrentcolby]

Thanks Matt and Doug. Great conversation and reflection on the AoG.

[@thelordsdayministry2026]

I went to two different AG churches, and they were both prosperity doctrine churches. The love of money is the root of all evil. 1 Timothy 6:10. Why didn't you ask about prosperity doctrine or his view on eternal life?

[@MattDeras]

I loved this. Doug was so clear and communicated well. Thanks for all you do, Matt. I do think you are bringing people together in understanding each other. We are the body of Christ and we must be gracious to each other. Personal Story: As someone who has worked as a staff pastor in an A/G for over 10 years now, I can say that one of the great challenges of the modern A/G church is that we want to build mature Christians who are driven to tell others about the gospel. My relationship with the Holy Spirit, to me, adds a depth to my relationship with Christ and affects how I live out that “go tell” part of the great commission. I think there are those who unfortunately focus on sensationalism and maybe focus too much on “gifts” as Doug said. But I think the heart of who we are as a fellowship is about mature faith, a relationship with Christ (which is deepened with the gift of the Holy Spirit, though “gifts” are not required for Salvation), and an importance on being personally passionate about empowering myself and others to “go and tell”.

[@TheNatedogg56]

Love these videos! Always interesting to see other traditions in the body of Christ. Would love to see a Presbyterian denomination represented sometime if that’s possible.

[@marshallariza9814]

I don't speak in tongues but AoG is on solid Scriptural ground saying tongues, interpretation, prophecy, discernment exist today. Do all believers do this? 1 Corth 12 1-11 says the Spirit gives these to individual believers as He will, so the answer is "no". If you say "that was then, this is now", were does it explicitly say these gifts ceased? It can't be 1 Corth 13:8-12 unless you think we have the same understanding of God today that He has of us.

[@JohnMChew]

For The past 3 months I have been going back and forth between The Apostolic-Pentecostal Church and Assembly of God. I feely verybStrongky about Water Baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, according to Acts 2:38, and baptism of the Holy Ghost. I see the teaching of the Trinity from The Assembly of God. I wish the leaders of both Churches could sit down with eachother and have bible study together.

[@bradbrown2199]

Baptism of the Holy Spirit is the major distinction. Like Wesleyan theology refers to “second experience” of deeper sanctification, the tongues in Acts are used didactically in the AG tribe not just seen as historical for the Birthing and empowering of the Church for mission. Secessionism of sign gifts is not laid out in the Scriptures. A theological system imported onto the text is necessary for this position. As a former AG college educated individual, I can not agree that “Baptism of the Holy Spirit “ is demonstrated w glossolalia. With this said, spiritual gifts are active in different contexts for the edification of the Church today. Its foolish and ripe for judgement to ham string the Holy Spirit with Papal, Calvin , Luther or Darby types.

[@shawngillogly6873]

As one of Reformed heritage, I concur.

[@letsgoletsgoletsgoletsgoletsgo]

i read somewhere on youtube and other places that women cannot be pastors and that its biblical ,my chuch is an AG church and there are women pastors , and im concerned and confused , which led me to find out more about AG . and here i am

[@brodym661]

Hey Matt, I just wanted to say I really appreciate these videos. I’m actually currently in a ministry training internship through the AG’s college ministry Chi Alpha. This video (as well as pretty much every other video/podcast you’ve done) has really helped me as I’ve wrestled with some of the things that I’ve learned about the AG and Christianity in general over my 5 and a half years of being a Christian. Thanks!

[@WhiteBraveheart1]

Beautiful expressions of Christianity -- from a Roman Catholic.

[@SemperVeritas.]

I grew up Pentecostal (AoG and CoG) and even though I’m catholic now I still love these groups for their passion and love for God, scripture, and people.

[@lisalmenard3828]

God bless you, James. Praise God. Yes, as long as we agree in the fundamentals of the faith/gospel, there is freedom of interpretation in the “secondary” (non-salvific) issues. We can appreciate each other as brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior, no matter what. 🙌

[@shadowlands8490]

Yes, if only the Catholic believers would rename themselves and separate from the Roman church. I believe The true Catholics have converted to Greek orthodoxy. If you could confirm this or not

[@shadowlands8490]

@@SemperVeritas. I agree, your path has diverges because of internal denomination corruption. Rather than foundational beliefs.

[@WhiteBraveheart1]

@@shadowlands8490 Which Orthodoxy? God Bless

[@edwinholcombe2741]

I was brought up AG and from a family who were with AG from the beginning. There is so much the AG has given me that I appreciate so much like respecting God for who he is, grounding me in the Word etc. Although I am not with the AG I still feel I identify with them and agree with their Pentecostal distinctives. I left for Presbyterian church and now Methodist because of my carreer moving me around where AG was not an option. And the blessings I have recieved by learning from Presbyterians and Methodists are immeasuable. I've grown to love them so much. I'm not against returning to AG if the situation presents itself but above all it is Jesus and his will I try to set as my goal - not any denomination.

[@danggood]

Growing up AG, I have had to struggle really hard to develop my biblical understanding and worldview. I was very focused, in my own faith, on the feelings and the goosebumps. and then when I couldn't make myself "feel" God's presence, I felt incredibly inadequate and distanced from God. I was immature. and 10 minute bible hour has helped me learn a ton more and develop a deeper understanding of the Word. I consider myself an intellectual, trying to balance that with the emotional side of things. EXPERIENCE with God is important, but it is NOT above the Word. the Word needs to be foundational. and I am learning that and loving it. thanks, Matt.

[@circuitrider8700]

Amen, good to see you again Daniel. I am encouraged that the new leadership team (installed 2019?) has a high view of Scripture. Also pretty impressed that Doug rattled off a version of the Five Solas *lol* All that said, and despite the good things he said, AG places initial evidence of speaking in tongues, every time (Truth #8) and divine healing, every time (Truth #12) on the wrong shelf. Ministerial credentialing is done by the regional networks. Most of the applications - all that I've seen, at least - require that when minsters apply for renewal every year, they sign a section stating 1) they have accepted Christ and are walking in faith, and 2) they will teach the baptism in the Holy Spirit, especially the initial evidence of speaking in tongues. Yes, right up there alongside salvation. In my opinion, for the AG to truly become a "healthy" Christian movement, they need to demote initial evidence and start teaching a Bible based doctrine of divine healing.

[@danggood]

@@circuitrider8700 I get that. I'm not in a place where i agree with AG doctrines fully. i have had experiences of speaking in tongues, and i still feel that there was authenticity there for my personal faith, but i didn't really like how he answered the question about what place it has in someone's faith. so I'm still swimming in a little uncertainty here. which i think is okay. Trusting in God's grace that if I'm a little off on something, he can still work in me, through me, and it will work out in the end. not to say I'm eager to continue on in error, I'm open to correction, but yeah, gotta keep swimming...

[@JoshJ12]

Woah this is exactly what my experience was. My immaturity sky rocketed where I was blasphemous. Now I am seeking redemption and also trying to understand that the Word is complex and I cannot simplify it because once I do and things don't turn out the way I wanted, blasphemy occurs.

[@benjamin3541]

“ Uneducated “. yes that’s absolutely true !

[@joshuaprox]

"House of Carded".... Lol. Wonderful! I'm gonna use that so much!

[@cadenlemley5329]

My family has been AG since 1914 😎

[@MarthePassoli]

Caden Lemley basically since its foundation... 🤗 My family since 1970s

[@daodejing81]

Actually, he's deceived. I will preface by saying that I was Catholic till 1975, at 15, then I was involved in the Catholic Charismatic Movement and I left Catholicism in 1978. I switched to the Assembly of God in Guam, while at Anderson AFB. Then, while at England AFB in Alexandria, Louisiana, I went to the Assembly of God there.I left religion altogether in 1980, at 20. So, what is the deception about? Biblical Scripture destroys Christianity just in one verse in Psalms: No man can save another man, nor can any man be ransom for another. The whole theology of Christianity is founded on the premise that a man, Jesus, saves them. It's a catch 22 for Christians because if they agree with David the Psalmist, their theology is therefore a falsehood. And if they find other Scripture to counter what David the Psalmist says, then there are inconsistencies in Biblical Scripture ----- which means, Biblical Scripture is NOT inerrant.

[@Matt-ql1cj]

I attend an AG church in Italy and this is how Pentecostals really are..don't listen to false voices

[@timbryant8152]

LOVE this series! I go to an AG church, and coming from a Southern Baptist background I had many of the same questions.

[@maninthewilderness3208]

My time in the AofG (churches, SAGU, music ministry, pastoral ministry) was the most nightmarish experience in my life. Still in recovery from the hypocrisy of pastoral leadership, professors and people of grand delusions.

[@mrnoedahl]

Great job as always Matt. You forgot to ask him about Calvinism since you are reformed. And Reformed people treat their Calvinism like the Pentecostals treat their tongues. After all both are supported by Scripture.

[@Alex-yd9pf]

Although most of these AG guys are trinitarian n' all so by default they're Christian, the Church did not start 105 years ago.. Christianity has been going on full swing and enduring long before then! We are talking centuries before this just another Protestant denomination or AG movement has sprung up. I love the livelihood this guys brings and do not want to dull his passion and fire but the Church started around 1987 years ago from this year of 2020, roughly around the year 33 AD when Jesus handed the keys to St. Peter. The Church is Catholic fellas (Book of St. Matthew Ch16:V18). If these AG's love the pentecostal aspect of Christianity, which one of my personal favorite as well, they really ought to explore charismatic Catholicism in greater depth. Jesus wants us all to experience the fullness of Christianity and be one in Christ. It is also interesting to know that pentecost is a Catholic event. Yes, the Church goes all the way back to time of Pentecost!!! Charismatic Catholics are in many ways today renewing the original Christian Church (the Holy Catholic Church) as well. Christ Bless!

[@andrewderksen3342]

Hey great Video 👍🙌 You should interview David Bercot at Scroll Publishing Would be a great interview on the early church father's :)

[@shawngillogly6873]

Thanks for doing this Matt. Having been accredited with the CMA, and attending SBC and EV Free churches in the past as well, it's taken a long time (probably too long) to recognize that what a church does to empower its members to promote the Kingdom is infinitely more important than whether I agree on every point of doctrine. It's easy to target "excess," of zeal in the Church. But in an Evangelical movement that would often have to apologize to Laodicea, maybe a bit more zeal and openness to all the Spirit has for us isn't a bad thing.

[@Stanbott]

At the opening listening to this guy he sure does a lot of double talk. Why not just explain how they are Pentecostal and Evangelical.

[@TheJuddly]

Matt I am Roman Catholic, love your videos. I have been called to work to unify all us Christians, Assembly of God is my first church i plan to talk to and invite to the Church. I hope to talk to you about my mission one day and just and fyi, I will talk to you and your amazing beautiful Church one day also : ) God Bless you my brother and love your videos :)

[@TheJuddly]

I sent you an email on your website! Cant wait to hear back and dont feel obliged to respond asap, take your time i bet you receive a lot of them!

[@JeanmarieRod]

Doctrine is important. The RCC is teaching a different gospel like the AG is.

[@TheJuddly]

@@JeanmarieRod yeah possibly so. Catholic Church has the Church and Bible is the main difference, we have an authority to make sure doctrine is taught the same throughout the entire Church while AOG has differences amongst the Churches.

[@liamariloutenkah8489]

@@JeanmarieRod Purgatory, pedophile priests, the Eucharist, and the obsession of Mary are just a few red flags. Let's not forget that Catholics believe they are the one and only true church. LoL

[@appledude08]

I really like these videos, its kool to see how everyone is super down to earth to just talk! I used to attend a spanish speaking AoG, have a few family members who are pastors and missionaries. Most ethnic churches are "spiritual" than our american english speaking brothers. Currently im actually "that fraction of pentecostals" believer. I dont have anything against my fellow evangelical brothers and sisters. I think its awesome though your branching to see differences and how we are all basically one. Cant wait till your next video!!!

[@lindat929]

This is awesome. I went to an AOG church and was very concerned about some of the things I was hearing...so I left and found a great Baptist church. Doug Clay is very impressive and has opened my heart that they aren't all so misguided as the church I attended. Thank you for this video!

[@BobbySmith-ek9fl]

I’m AG and have been for all of my walk with Messiah. And this video was super helpful even for me to learn about AG. I actually just saw Pastor Doug at the National Fine Arts/National Youth Conference we had. Awesome guy. I love how y’all’s conversation is so civil and friendly. That’s exactly what I wanna encourage to be done throughout denominational conversations!

[@justineimperial282]

Proudly to say I am saved by Accepting Jesus as my Personal Savior and Lord, it was definitely just a bonus but definitely a great privilege as well to be an AG member. God Bless Brethren!

[@FallenEmbers33]

Matt, it seems to me what you've seen as far as the miraculous signs was from the charismatic movement. What I mean is that what you saw is the people doing/saying whatever it is they did/said of their own volition, NOT lead by the Holy Spirit. I've seen both. There is definitely a difference.

[@joebridger3027]

When I was at Bethel Seminary in Saint Paul MN they explained that the largest "families" of the Christian movement are now 4 fold. Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant and Pentecostal. The professor, who was not pentecostal, explained that in the last 115 years the pentecostal movement has grown so large and so fast and become so established around the world like Doug said, moreso outside of the US than inside for the A/G that among theologians it is now categorized as it's own branch of the Christian faith, although it grew out of protestantism it's modern expression is so adhered to by so many that it belongs in it's own branch with the more ancient expressions of Christian faith. A/G is just one of 15-20 large Christian pentecostal expressions worldwide. But A/G is the largest. Which is amazing given the reality that before they established their 16 fundamentals they nearly imploded as a fledgling organization because of disagreements over what was to be held in higher esteem, the word of God (Bible) or the voice of the Holy Spirit speaking today. Fortunately they made the decision that the Word of God and it's Sovereignty must be the foundation and if someone shares something they believe is from the Holy Spirit, but it doesn't align with scripture, then that person would be in error. The fellowship is also an increasingly liquid denomination that holds tight fisted to their doctrine, but loosely to the methods in which they administer the functionality of their churches world wide. Their sovereignty can at times be a double edged sword on a smaller local level. But it's their individual sovereignty as churches within their network that allows for freedom of expression, creativity and hearing from the Holy Spirit in a way that allows for cultural flexibility. Houston Texans A/G churches can be different from NYC A/G churches and different from A/G churches in Seattle, Nigeria or South Korea....and that's allowed, ok and even celebrated.

[@circuitrider8700]

Awesome video, Matt! Doug is a good guy all around - knew him in Ohio in the 80s (Big Prairie!) and really appreciate hearing him highlight fidelity to God's Word. Former AG member praying he and the national leadership team keep the big ship on the right theological course.

[@jfaul_7823]

Matt, this is a big question, but I really want you to do an interview with someone within the Church of Christ. It is the tradition I grew up in. We often heard messages about what "the denominations" believed, but wow were they over-generalized and dishonest. Your interviews with these leaders of other traditions of faith have really opened my eyes to a lot of dishonest points I was taught growing up. I appreciate your work man.

[@shirleynewman1143]

That is a church of bondage. I was taught all other churches were wrong,

[@kevinpritchard3592]

Another well put together and articulated video, thanks for the passion and grace that is shown in all your videos. My dad was an evangelist that spoke in all sorts of churches, denominations, and traditions. Even Quaker churches at times. We are all part of the same family, but just like siblings, we are unique, and that is ok.

[@dennislogan6781]

I was raised in the AG church and my father was a AG pastor. I left the AG when I noticed there was no uniformity of belief or method. Also the speaking in tongues while running down the aisle was just scary and weird.

[@Charlotte_Martel]

Glad to see that there is a rational person here.

[@halfmanhalfspirit2303]

I’ve been healed and Baptized in HS. I was like you, never thought that was real. It is!

[@axmilly]

Hey Matt, I love these videos on different churches! I attended what's called a convergence church and I think you should totally try and do a video on Convergence Christianity. In short convergence churches try and blend what they see as being the good elements of different traditions within the Church. Ususally some mix of liturgical, evangelical and charismatic influences.

[@isaiahstruve2224]

There’s a few AOG churches that do that. I want to plant a church like that one day

[@axmilly]

@@isaiahstruve2224 it's funny you say that, but we actually came out the of PAOC which is the Canadian equivalent.

[@isaiahstruve2224]

Oh interesting! I have a friend in Ontario that is a youth pastor at an PAOC church. I can’t remember the name though.

[@circuitrider8700]

That sounds a lot like Evangelical Anglicanism. Not everyone knows that term, but they might know of worship groups like CityAlight, St. Aldates Worship, and church networks like New Wine in the UK. I agree it would be interesting to hear from one of them.

[@axmilly]

@@circuitrider8700 yeah you're not too far off with that comparison. I guess the only real difference would be the Pentecostal influences

[@jenniferlawrence1372]

I had no idea Bakker and Swaggert were AOG. Have known many AOG and would not say those two guys represent them.

[@PaxAmericana__]

Probably because they are terrible people

[@milhans]

Jim Bakker left the AOG Church in 1988. Swaggart was defrocked by the AOG in 1988.

[@ravissary79]

Existing at one point in the AG doesn't mean others would feel represented by them.

[@richardleeevangeloutreachm2167]

Bakker and Swaggart are friends of mine. God forgives (Gal.6:1).

[@TheHoustonscotty]

Welcome to Springfield!👏🏼 I go to an AG church in Oak Grove.

[@joshpeterson1999]

You should explore more explicitly that "humility buffer" (what if our theology is wrong) with people. That's a really valuable question I think. Great video!

[@clydestamp6970]

First church ever was pentecostal! Were still here !:)

[@MissCarlyJoy]

Lol what? The Protestant reformation wasn’t until the 16th century.

[@angelbonilla2255]

Hi, Lutheran here. Does the Inspired and Infallible New Testament teaches about the charisms of the Spirit and its use? Yes, It does. That is what matters. It is irrelevant if the 10 Minute Bro has never witnessed a healing or a miracle. But The Bible teaches us that Jesus still heals through the ministry of his church.

[@violethill3745]

As a Lutheran I don’t recall learning much about this in confirmation classes or hearing much about it in services. What do we believe?

[@sheldenkay8614]

Read 1 Corinthians and go to an AG church or other Pentecostal churches

[@Rev_rider775]

I became a Christian through an AG church back in 1987. Through them. I've been on a mission trip to Japan and Mexico. When I went to an AG college. I had breakfast almost everyday with the president of the college. Plus had dinner at his house with him and his family. I was a "no one special ". Just a guy from a small Nevada town. I had the best time in that church.