Ready to explore a story of faith and community? The Assembleia de Deus Selados Por Cristo stands as a beacon in S\u00e3o Paulo. It is part of a larger movement with roots stretching back over a century.
The Assembleias de Deus began in Bel\u00e9m Brazil in 1911. Daniel Berg and Gunnar Vingren two Swedish missionaries founded it. They arrived from the Swedish Pentecostal movement to spread their faith. Initially they named it Miss\u00e3o de F\u00e9 Apost\u00f3lica. The name changed to Assembleia de Deus in 1918.
The Pentecostal movement already existed in S\u00e3o Paulo. Louis Francescon an Italian-American missionary had founded the Christian Congregation of Brazil in 1910. While the Christian Congregation of Brazil expanded south Assembleias de Deus targeted the north. Migrants then carried the church to Rio de Janeiro and S\u00e3o Paulo in the late 1920s.
Early on the Assembleia de Deus had close ties to the Scandinavian Pentecostal movement. Lewi Pethrus led that movement. He financed missionaries and sent them to assist Berg and Vingren. In 1932 the Swedish Pentecostals granted autonomy to the Brazilian Assembleia de Deus during a General Convention. Afterward the American Assemblies of God became more involved. This involvement was mainly in teaching and doctrine. However the church maintained its independence.
The Assembleias de Deus have experienced schisms since 1911. This led to many independent conventions and Minist\u00e9rios. They all use the same name. Key denominations include the General Convention of the Assemblies of God in Brazil. The National Convention of the Assemblies of God Madureira Ministry is another.
The Assembleias de Deus have always emphasized foreign missions. It began in 1913. A returning Portuguese immigrant was sent to Portugal. Today Brazilian missionaries serve in Latin America. They also serve in Portuguese-speaking Africa. The church has grown among Brazilian immigrant communities too. These communities are in North America Japan and Western Europe. These congregations often remain independent. They may link to ministries back in Brazil.
The Assembleias de Deus follows a non-territorial episcopal polity. This is called minist\u00e9rio. A mother church under a pastor-president leads each minist\u00e9rio. This leader might also be called bishop or apostle. Affiliated congregations and preaching points fall under this leadership. The mother church manages funds and assigns pastors. Pastoral leadership heavily influences decisions. Members generally approve the minist\u00e9rio’s choices.
Minist\u00e9rio structures overlap territorial boundaries. This limits collaboration between them. Each minist\u00e9rio functions independently. This results in independent denominations. One major minist\u00e9rio is the Assembly of God Bethlehem Ministry. It has around 2200 churches in south-central Brazil. Its headquarters are in S\u00e3o Paulo’s Belenzinho neighborhood.
The Assembleias de Deus emphasize biblical inspiration. They believe in one God in three persons the Father Son and Holy Spirit. They believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God fully human and fully divine. They uphold the Holy Spirit. It is believed that it convicts people of sin regenerates sinners and guides believers.
The church believes in the sinfulness of humanity. Repentance and faith in Jesus Christ can restore people to God. New birth through grace faith and the Holy Spirit are essential. They believe in forgiveness salvation and justification through faith in Jesus’s sacrifice. The church views itself as the body of Christ. It is a pillar of truth a gathering of believers called to follow and worship God.
Baptism by immersion is practiced. It symbolizes commitment to faith. A holy life empowered by the Holy Spirit is pursued. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is believed to be demonstrated by speaking in tongues. Spiritual gifts are active within the church. They are for building up the community.
The Assembleias de Deus anticipate Christ’s second coming. This includes a rapture of the church. It also includes a reign over the world for a thousand years. Believers will appear before the Tribunal of Christ. They will receive rewards for their service. The Final Judgment will occur. The wicked will face eternal punishment. The faithful will experience eternal joy. Marriage is defined as between a man and a woman.
The Assembleia de Deus Selados Por Cristo exemplifies these values. It offers a place for worship community and spiritual growth in S\u00e3o Paulo. Its story is interwoven with the larger history of the Assembleias de Deus in Brazil. It is a testament to faith perseverance and global outreach.