Organized in 1918, the Independent Assemblies of God International has its roots in an 1890s revival among Scandinavian Baptist and Pietist Christians in the United States.
Originally known as the Scandinavian Assemblies of God in the United States of America, Canada and Foreign Lands, the association took its current name in 1935 when it merged with the Independent Pentecostal Churches.
The IAOGI is headquartered in Laguna Hills, California. Besides the United States and Canada, it has congregations in Africa, Guatemala, India, Mexico, the Philippines, and Romania.
The IAOGI considers the strength of its position in favor of the autonomy of the local congregation to be a distinctive, setting it apart from some of the other Pentecostal denominations and associations. Otherwise, its theology and practices are similar to most Pentecostal Christian churches.
The IAOGI holds that the Bible was inspired by God, and is infallible. The Bible is the authoritative rule of faith and conduct for the church.
The IAOGI believes in one God, who exists in three persons, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus, the Son of God, was born of a virgin in the incarnation. He lived a sinless life on earth, performed miracles, and died on the cross for the atonement of the sins of humanity. He was bodily resurrected from the dead, and ascended to heaven, where He sits at the right hand of God.
Salvation is made available through the blood of Jesus Christ, and is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ as Lord. Sanctification is achieved through the power of the Holy Spirit.
The church practices baptism of believers by immersion in water, as well as the Lord's Supper, as a memorial of the body and blood of Christ.
As a Pentecostal body, the Independent Assemblies of God International believes in the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which is evidenced through speaking in tongues. Through the power of the Holy Spirit coming upon a believer, sanctification is possible. Diving healing is also possible through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ on the cross.
The church believes in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Those who have died will be resurrected after the Second Coming of Christ, and those who have not accepted Christ as their Savior will be judged, found guilty, and condemned with the devil and his angels in the Lake of Fire.
The church accepts the five-fold ministries that God gave to the church: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.
In the IAOGI, marriage is considered a lifetime commitment between one mand and one woman, this being the only legitimate, honorable, and holy estate approved by God.
Although the Independent Assemblies of God Interrnational maintains fellowship with the Assemblies of God International Fellowship, the International Assemblies of God Fellowship, and the Assemblies of God, they are each distinct Pentecostal bodies.
The focus of this category is on the Independent Assemblies of God International, as well as its national ministries throughout the world, as well as affiliated ministries, publishing arms, organizations, and corporations. Sites representing local congregations should be submitted to the appropriate Local & Global category.
Recommended Resources
Organized in 1918 as the Scandinavian Assemblies of God in the United States, Canada and Foreign Lands, the Pentecostal association operated under that name until 1935 when it merged with the Independent Pentecostal Churches and renamed itself the Independent Assemblies of God International. Member churches in Canada are identified, along with a statement of faith, statements of ministerial ethics, policy information, and access to various forms and documents.
http://www.iaogcan.com/
Independent Assemblies of God International
The IAOGI is a Pentecostal Christian association that began as the Scandinavian Assemblies of God in the United States of America, Canada and Foreign Lands, taking its current name in 1918 after a merger. A history of the denomination, a statement of faith, organizational structure, credentialing, and leadership contacts are set forth, along with reports on its missions and projects, member congregations, and information for those interested in making a contribution.
http://www.iaogi.org/
