Question: Is the Assemblies of God the same as Word of Faith? If not, what’s the difference?

No, the Assemblies of God and the Word of Faith are not the same.  They are two separate organizations.

The Word of Faith movement emerged within Charismatic/Pentecostal Christianity in the latter 20th century. The Word of Faith movement as a whole has no formal organization or authoritarian hierarchy, though the movement does have a number of high-profile teachers who heavily influence Word of Faith theology. It’s basic theology is a peculiar mix of orthodox Christianity and mysticism.

Kenneth Hagin (who I believe is no longer living) is often referred to as the “father” of the Word of Faith movement, but in reality it was Phineas Parkhurst Quimby (1802-1866) who laid the foundations. It was Quimby’s metaphysical teachings that influenced E.W. Kenyon, and it was E.W. Kenyon’s teachings that in turn influenced Kenneth Hagin. Most prominent Word of Faith teachers today draw their inspiration from Kenneth Hagin.

The “force” of faith, an unbiblical view of faith, is the foundation of Word of Faith theology. Proponents believe they can use words to manipulate the faith-force, and thus actually create what they believe Scripture promises (health, wealth, etc.). Laws supposedly governing the faith-force are said to operate independently of God’s sovereign will — God Himself being subject to the “laws” of faith.

The Assemblies of God is the second largest Pentecostal group in the United States and the largest Pentecostal organization in the world.  In the United States the Church of God In Christ is the largest Pentecostal group.  The Assemblies of God would official reject “Word of Faith” teaching but many of it’s churches do network with Word of Faith teachers.

For a compresensive look at what the Assemblies of God believes I suggest you visit their website at http://www.ag.org and brouse through the beliefs section.  There are many articles there that you should find interesting.  Especially their “position paper” section which sets forth their difference with some of the newer “Charastimatic” groups including the Word of Faith. (the Position paper is linked HERE for your convenience)

Blessings
Terry Wiles

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Pentecostals-2256/Assemblies-God-Word-Faith.htm

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