According to the research of Ryan Burge, Professor of Practice at the Danforth Center for Religion and Politics at Washington University, there is only one denomination (of all the denominations in the USA) that is significantly larger than it was 30 years ago: The Assemblies of God (see the graph). Of course, the big question is: why them and not us?

The Assemblies of God is a global Pentecostal church which began in 1914 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The Church of the Nazarene began in 1908 in Pilot Point Texas. In fact, the original name of the Church of the Nazarene was the “Pentecostal Church of the Nazarene.” (The word “Pentecostal” was dropped in 1919 so as to not be confused with churches like the Assemblies of God that emphasized speaking in tongues and other manifestations of the Holy Spirit). While we differ on “the tongues issue,” we certainly would consider the Assemblies of God church a “sister” church. So why are they doing so well, when the until this year, the Church of the Nazarene in USA/Canada has been in a massive decadal decline?

One might pick an obvious answer and say, it is because of their emphasis on speaking in tongues. But is that it or is there something else going on? I’m sure there are several factors that have contributed to the denominational growth. I will suggest one. 

By virtue of their emphasis on the workings of the Holy Spirit, the Assemblies of God preach a gospel that is near. By that I mean experiential. They are in tune to the fact that Jesus is with us when we gather (with “two or more,” remember His words). In a world that is increasingly disconnected from one another, they preach a gospel of connectedness. This isn’t a tongues issue. It’s what our society is seeking. In an ever increasing lonely world, it’s a message that says, “God wants to connect with you.” 

It can be our message too. Again, I don’t think it is about unknown tongues. It is about meeting with Jesus. Seeking Jesus. Expecting Jesus to show up at our gatherings. It’s the presence of Jesus that makes for a compelling worship service. Not music, lights or preaching. It’s Jesus. 

The Assemblies of God figured that out long ago, and people are drawn to their story. That can be us. Jesus wants to meet with us. Do we plan, pray and prepare our hearts for an up close and personal encounter with Jesus. Maybe if we saw that happening more and more in our churches (starting with our pastors and church leaders), our growth trajectory would look more like the Assemblies of God rather than the stock graph line of Radio Shack (It’s not that bad my fellow Nazarenes). 

Our world needs Jesus. The Assemblies of God doesn’t have a corner on the market of Jesus. It’s a message we can and do preach. The more our people get in touch with Jesus, the greater our impact on culture and society will be. Our task is simple: Connect people to Jesus.