Assembly of God Tabernacle

Could a church born from a merger of diverse faiths thrive in the segregated South? The Assembly of God Tabernacle’s story begins with just such a question. The Assembly of God itself emerged in 1914, a melting pot of Pentecostals from various movements including the Apostolic Faith, Chicago Pentecostals, and those with roots in the Christian and Missionary Alliance. Right here in Hot Springs, Arkansas, during the Jim Crow era, these believers gathered for their first General Council. They sought unity, a shared identity. They wanted to streamline their missions, both at home and abroad. The Assembly of God Tabernacle reflects this larger story of the denomination. It exemplifies the tension between local autonomy and national structure that characterized the early Assemblies of God, a group that preferred to call itself a “fellowship” or “movement” rather than a denomination. One of the pressing issues the early Assembly of God faced was the role of women in ministry. While women were active in various roles, from evangelists to missionaries, the initial structure limited the office of pastor to men. It wasn’t until 1935 that women gained the opportunity to officially serve as pastors within the Assembly of God. Another defining characteristic of the Assembly of God was its stance on race. Founded in a segregated society, the Assembly of God initially prohibited the ordination of Black ministers, a policy that lasted until 1962. While Black individuals could receive local licenses to preach, they were often directed towards Black Pentecostal denominations like the Church of God in Christ for ordination. This complex history is part of the Assembly of God Tabernacle’s legacy, a story of evolving views on race and gender within a rapidly growing faith. The Assembly of God experienced explosive growth throughout the 20th century. From just over 50,000 members in 1925, it grew to over a million by the 1970s. This growth reflects the Assembly of God’s emphasis on personal experience, Spirit baptism, and the operation of spiritual gifts, elements that drew many to its message. The Assembly of God Tabernacle, in its own local context, likely participated in this larger story of expansion and evolution. The Assembly of God’s commitment to missions also played a crucial role in its growth. By 1921, districts and missions were established not just across the United States, but internationally, reaching from Canada to China, Japan, India, and Egypt. The stories of those early missionaries, some of whom faced persecution and even martyrdom, fueled the passion for spreading the Pentecostal message, a passion that likely resonated within the Assembly of God Tabernacle. The Assembly of God Tabernacle stands as a testament to a faith forged in unity, grappling with issues of race and gender in a turbulent era, and propelled by a fervent belief in the power of the Holy Spirit. It’s a story of seeking common ground amidst diversity, of striving for spiritual growth within a structured framework, and of a commitment to spreading its message to the world.