Perhaps you’ve passed it and wondered what goes on inside Mount Olive Tongan Assembly of God. The Mount Olive Tongan Assembly of God in Auckland is part of a larger story. It is a story of faith and community. It is part of the Assemblies of God movement in New Zealand. This movement has a rich history. It serves many New Zealanders.
Assemblies of God has 222 churches across Aotearoa. They serve 30000 New Zealanders. These people come from many ethnic groups. These groups include Māori, Samoan, Tongan, Fijian, Indian, Korean, and European. Many churches are multicultural. Some churches are led in Samoan, Tongan, and Korean. The churches are multigenerational. They also have a strong national youth movement called Fearless.
The Assemblies of God focuses on sharing God’s love. They aim to build strong leaders. These leaders carry the spirit of Jesus Christ. The local church is central to the movement.
The Samoan Assemblies of God in New Zealand has a distinct history. It began in the early 1960s. Holiness-Pentecostals from Samoa brought Pentecostalism to Samoans in New Zealand. Reverend Makisua Fatialofa and his wife Evangelist Mauosamoa were pioneers. Also, Reverend Dr. Samani Pulepule and his wife Sapapalii were important. So were Reverend Fereti Ama and his wife Leausuone. These people helped the Assemblies of God grow. By 2005, there were 89 Samoan Assemblies of God congregations.
Some members wanted self-governance. This led to a split in 2005. Forty-five churches left the Assemblies of God in New Zealand. They formed a breakaway group. About 40 churches stayed. Today, both Samoan fellowships work together.
Dr. Samani Pulepule led the newly established movement. He also led the Samoan Assemblies of God International Fellowship. He retired in 2011. Reverend Motu Matia and First Lady Silaumua led after him. In 2016, Reverend Tafunai Muaiava became the General Superintendent.
The churches that remained elected Reverend Ailaulau Faletutulu. He became the Samoan representative. These churches are known as the Assemblies of God in New Zealand Samoan Churches.
The Samoan Assemblies of God in New Zealand is not the same as the Assembly of God Church of Samoa in New Zealand. This group left in 1974. They wanted Samoan churches run by Samoan people.
The Samoan Assemblies of God believe in core doctrines. These are based on the Bible. They believe in the Trinity. They believe Jesus is the Son of God. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus. Baptism in the Holy Spirit empowers believers. Speaking in tongues is evidence of this baptism. The church seeks to save the lost. Divine healing is provided for. Christ will return. There will be a final judgment. There will be new heavens and a new earth.
The Mount Olive Tongan Assembly of God, like other Samoan Assemblies of God churches, considers some beliefs to be core. These include salvation and baptism in the Holy Spirit. Divine healing and the Second Coming of Christ are also important.
The Mount Olive Tongan Assembly of God is part of a vibrant community. It is a place where faith and culture meet. It is part of a larger movement. This movement has shaped the religious landscape of New Zealand. The Assemblies of God continues to grow. It continues to serve its community. The Mount Olive Tongan Assembly of God plays its part in this story.