Intrigued by a tale of faith that spread like wildfire. We stand before Assembleia de Deus a testament to the power of belief in Brazil. This church’s story began with two Swedish missionaries. Daniel Berg and Gunnar Vingren arrived in Belém Pará. This was in 1911. They sought to spread their Pentecostal faith.
Initially they named their mission Missão de Fé Apostólica. Later in 1918 it became Assembleia de Deus. The Assembleia de Deus grew quickly. It reached Amazon villages and the Northeast. Migrants then carried it to Rio de Janeiro. This was in the late 1920s.
The church has links to the Swedish Pentecostal movement. Lewi Pethrus supported Berg and Vingren. He sent missionaries to help them. In 1932 the Swedish Pentecostals granted autonomy to the Brazilian Assembleia de Deus. The American Assemblies of God also increased their presence. They influenced doctrine and teaching. Yet the Brazilian church remained independent.
Today Assembleia de Deus is a major force. It has many schisms and splits. This has led to many independent organizations. All using the same name. The Convenção Geral das Assembleias de Deus no Brasil is the oldest. It considers itself the heir to the Swedish mission. The National Convention of the Assemblies of God Madureira Ministry is another significant group. It was founded by pastor Paulo Leivas Macalão.
Assembleia de Deus sends missionaries abroad. They started in 1913. A Portuguese immigrant was sent back to Portugal. Today Brazilian missionaries serve in Latin America and Portuguese speaking Africa. Assembleias de Deus also exist in Brazilian immigrant communities. They are in North America Japan and Western Europe.
Each ministério is led by a pastor president. This leader is sometimes called a bishop or apostle. The mother church manages the funds of affiliated local churches. It also assigns pastors. Pastoral leadership has a strong influence on decisions. Members generally support the ministry’s choices.
Doctrine varies among Assembleias de Deus. However they share core beliefs. These include the Bible as the sole source of doctrine. They also believe in Christ’s death the baptism of adults and Holy Communion. Grape juice is used instead of wine. Tithing is an obligation. They believe in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Also they believe in the premillennial return of Jesus.
Assembleia de Deus has an increasing influence on Brazilian politics. The Partido Social Cristão is considered its political arm. However politicians linked to the church have diverse views. Marina Silva supports ecological ideas. She defends the rights of indigenous tribes.
As we stand here remember the journey of Assembleia de Deus. From Swedish missionaries to a major Brazilian denomination. It continues to evolve adapt and influence the nation. Its story is one of faith perseverance and the enduring power of belief.