The Assemblies of God: A Call for Greater Inclusion of Rural Ministers

 

The Assemblies of God (AG) is a Pentecostal Christian denomination known for its vibrant worship, emphasis on spiritual gifts, and commitment to evangelism and missions. However, there is a growing concern among some members that the organization is not sufficiently supportive of its rural ministers. This concern is particularly evident in the organization's annual General Council meetings, where keynote speakers are predominantly from larger, urban churches. 

The AG has a rich history of being a grassroots movement, with its roots in rural America. The denomination is known for its commitment to the 'priesthood of all believers,' a doctrine that asserts every Christian, regardless of their role within the church, has a unique and valuable contribution to make. However, it seems that this commitment is not fully reflected in the organization's most prominent gatherings. 

The General Council meetings are a significant event in the AG calendar. They provide an opportunity for ministers from across the country (and world) to come together, to learn from each other, and to be inspired by the work God is doing through the AG. However, there is a growing sense that these meetings are not representative of the diversity within the denomination. The keynote speakers are often from larger, urban churches, while ministers from smaller, rural churches are rarely given the platform. 

This is not to say that the experiences and insights of ministers from larger churches are not valuable. They certainly are. However, the experiences and insights of rural ministers are equally valuable and deserve to be heard. Rural ministers face unique challenges and opportunities that are often very different from those faced by their urban counterparts. They have much to teach us about faithfulness, resilience, and the power of community. 

This lack of representation is not a new issue. For a long time, rural ministers have felt overlooked and undervalued by the AG. They have watched as their urban counterparts are given the platform, the resources, and the recognition, while they are left on the sidelines. This is not just a problem for rural ministers; it is a problem for the whole denomination. When we overlook the contributions of rural ministers, we miss out on the richness of their wisdom and experience. 

The AG prides itself on being a movement that values every member, regardless of their role within the church. It is time for the organization to live up to this claim and to give rural ministers the recognition and support they deserve. This means inviting them to speak at General Council meetings, providing them with resources to support their ministries, and celebrating their contributions to the life of the denomination. 

The Assemblies of God is not a joke; it is a vibrant and diverse movement of believers. However, it is failing in its duty to support and value all of its members. It is time for this to change. It is time for the voices of rural ministers to be heard.