Chapter 2.1 Flashcards
- Why was legal recognition of churches necessary?
Legal standing was necessary to purchase property. Ministers needed recognition of their ordinations to perform weddings and funerals. Legal standing gave the ministers benefits such as discounts on the railroads.
- Explain the importance of the name, General Council of the Assemblies of God.
The name was taken from “the general assembly” in Hebrews 12:23 (KJV). In the holiness tradition it was a familiar term that emphasized Christian unity.
- What two groups did the General Council restrict in ministry? Explain.
(1) Divorced persons whose previous spouses were still alive and (2) they also did not ordain women to be pastors.
- Explain the importance of the Statement of Fundamental Truths in 1916 and today.
Then: to protect the Fellowship from doctrinal error. Today: to provide identity for the Assemblies of God and to continue to protect the Fellowship from doctrinal error.
- How did the strong focus on Jesus affect some Pentecostal doctrines?
The emphasis on Jesus as Savior, Healer, Baptizer, and coming King caused some Pentecostals to believe in “Jesus Name” or “Oneness” teachings.
- What department of the Assemblies of God was organized first?
The Missionary Department in 1919.
- How did Etta Calhoun show that Pentecost and ministry go hand in hand?
Etta Calhoun showed that Pentecostals ministered whenever there was a need. She organized a women’s missionary prayer group in 1925. When another need arose, she worked to supply that need. She organized and founded the Women’s Missionary Council (later called WMs).
- Identify the difficulties early church planters faced. Do any of those difficulties exist in planting churches today? Explain.
The early church planters started churches wherever they could find a place to hold services. Few church planters had much education. Most of them lived the “faith life”?trusting God for finances and health. Persecution was intense. Some people tried to disrupt the services by throwing things into the crowd or at the preacher. However, the church planters were determined and did not give up. While answers will vary on this question, today, the preachers are usually better educated. They may not have the severe persecution that the early believers faced. However, they may face problems of a different nature.
- What was the advantage of moving the General Council headquarters to St. Louis? What were the advantages of Springfield?
St. Louis offered a better location for publishing, but was costly and smoggy from all the industry. Springfield was healthier. It also kept the council leaders out of the racial and social tensions that later troubled the country
- What was the Assemblies of God position on World War I? What caused this attitude?
Pentecostals believed that the end-time events were about to be fulfilled. People should love their enemies. While the Assemblies of God pledged its loyalty to the government, it took a pacifist position on the war.
- What were the five purposes for the convention in Hot Springs, Arkansas, in April 1914?
Word and Witness published the following reasons for the convention: (1) Unity among the churches; (2) Conservation of the work at home and on foreign fields; (3) Better support for missionaries; (4) Chartering with a legal name; and (5) Bible school training for ministers.
