22/08/2026
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD NIGERIA@ 92 YEARS OLD
Assemblies of God Church Nigeria, widely regarded as a pioneering force in Nigeria’s Pentecostal movement, was established in August 1934, independently of the Assemblies of God Mission USA, which was founded in 1914.
The history began when a group of devoted young believers who had been expelled from Faith Tabernacle assembled at Old Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria. United in prayer and earnestly desiring to experience the baptism of the Holy Spirit as recorded in Acts Chapter 2, they sought God diligently and were filled with the Holy Spirit. It was at Old Umuahia that the fellowship which would eventually become Assemblies of God Church Nigeria was established. At its inception, however, it was not yet known by that name.
AUGUSTUS EHURIE WOGU AND THE EARLY BEGINNINGS
Augustus Ehurie Wogu, a native of Umuobutu Village in Old Umuahia, became a born-again Christian in 1930 while residing in Port Harcourt. He subsequently withdrew from the Anglican Church and joined Faith Tabernacle in pursuit of a deeper understanding of the complete truth of God’s Word.
At that time, Faith Tabernacle, like many Protestant churches in Nigeria, affirmed the healing power of God without reliance on drugs or other medical means. It also emphasized salvation through the finished work of Christ. However, the church did not accept the baptism of the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, or the accompanying gift of prophecy. The prevailing belief was that these experiences were limited exclusively to the Apostolic Age.
Augustus Ehurie Wogu became actively engaged in house-to-house evangelism. Through his evangelistic ministry, many young people repented, accepted Christ, and joined Faith Tabernacle at Afara in Umuahia, which was then part of Imo State.
As the number of believers increased, the need arose for a suitable place where the brethren, particularly the new converts, could assemble for prayer, fellowship, and Bible study. Abel Nwoji generously donated a parcel of land at Old Umuahia, where a mud house was constructed for this purpose.
Augustus Ehurie Wogu and many of the converts were educated and devoted themselves diligently to the study of the Bible. In addition to their Bible studies, Wogu supplied the brethren with Christian literature from Port Harcourt, where he was employed. These materials dealt extensively with subjects such as salvation and the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Through their study of Scripture, the believers became persuaded that the baptism and filling of the Holy Spirit were not confined to the Apostolic Age but were also available to them and to succeeding generations. They therefore brought the matter to the attention of the leadership of Faith Tabernacle.
THE BREAK WITH FAITH TABERNACLE
The matter was discussed at the Faith Tabernacle congregation in Afara on a Sunday morning in August 1934.
Representing the believers who had become convinced of the biblical reality and continuing relevance of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, Augustus Ehurie Wogu appealed to Acts Chapter 2, particularly verse 39, which states:
“For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.”
Despite the believers’ conviction and appeal, the leadership of Faith Tabernacle rejected the teaching concerning the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The senior pastor, Rev. Epelle, subsequently issued a verdict on behalf of the church leadership, declaring that Faith Tabernacle would have nothing to do with what it regarded as a new and strange doctrine. Members who firmly upheld the teaching were informed that they could no longer remain part of the congregation.
In response, Augustus Ehurie Wogu explained that they had joined Faith Tabernacle with the expectation that they would be taught the full Gospel and assisted in appropriating the blessings made available to believers through the Word of God.
Following their dismissal from Faith Tabernacle, the group returned to Old Umuahia and assembled in the mud house built on the land donated by Abel Nwoji. There, they devoted themselves to prayer and earnestly sought the baptism of the Holy Spirit. According to their testimony, they were baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit and experienced the power of God.
It was through this group of believers that the movement which would become Assemblies of God Church Nigeria was established in August 1934. At that time, however, it did not yet bear the name Assemblies of God.
A few months later, the believers unanimously adopted the name “Church of Jesus Christ.” Significantly, none of the early believers claimed personal ownership or founder status over the church. Their conviction was that the Church belonged to Jesus Christ and that God Himself was responsible for its establishment and growth.
THE ARRIVAL OF ASSEMBLIES OF GOD MISSION USA
By 1939, the Church of Jesus Christ had grown considerably and recognized the need to strengthen the training of its pastors and evangelists for more effective ministry. The leaders therefore sought relationships with missionary organizations overseas that shared similar biblical and Pentecostal convictions.
Among the organizations contacted was the Assemblies of God Mission USA, founded in 1914.
In 1939, Assemblies of God Mission USA sent Rev. W. L. Shirer to visit the Church of Jesus Christ at Old Umuahia. Following his initial visit, Rev. Shirer returned in September 1939, accompanied by his wife, and visited the church’s work in Port Harcourt on behalf of Assemblies of God Mission USA.
A conference was subsequently convened to discuss the relationship between the two organizations. Their fundamental doctrinal beliefs were examined and compared, and certain minor doctrinal adjustments were made.
Following these discussions, the Church of Jesus Christ resolved in September 1939 to change its name to Assemblies of God Church Nigeria. From that time onward, the Nigerian church entered into a longstanding partnership with the Assemblies of God Mission USA.
It is therefore important to emphasize that Assemblies of God Church Nigeria was established in August 1934, prior to the arrival of Assemblies of God Mission USA in Nigeria in 1939. The relationship with Assemblies of God Mission USA was established several years after the Nigerian Pentecostal fellowship had already commenced.
THE GROWTH AND IMPACT OF ASSEMBLIES OF GOD NIGERIA
Since its humble beginnings at Old Umuahia, Assemblies of God Nigeria has experienced remarkable growth and expansion. The church has proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ in communities throughout Nigeria and established numerous congregations across the nation.
Over the years, Assemblies of God Nigeria has also made significant investments in theological education and leadership development. It has established seminaries and other institutions where pastors, evangelists, and Christian workers are trained and equipped for ministry.
The ministry has expanded into several areas, including:
* Churches and congregations throughout Nigeria
* Theological and ministerial training institutions
* Evangel University
* AG Mortgage Bank
* Primary and secondary schools
* Evangel Television
* Printing and publishing ministries
* Evangelism and missions
* Leadership development and discipleship
Through these ministries and institutions, Assemblies of God Nigeria continues to fulfill its commitment to evangelism, discipleship, leadership development, education, and community impact.
92 YEARS OF GOD’S FAITHFULNESS
From the humble gathering of believers in a mud house at Old Umuahia in August 1934 to a nationwide Pentecostal movement comprising churches, educational institutions, media platforms, financial services, and training centres, the history of Assemblies of God Nigeria stands as a testimony to God’s faithfulness.
The journey has been characterized by prayer, sacrifice, evangelism, spiritual revival, discipleship, leadership development, and an unwavering commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
As Assemblies of God Nigeria commemorates 92 years in 2026, the church reflects on the past with gratitude and looks to the future with renewed faith and heightened expectation.
1934 – 2026: 92 YEARS OF GOD’S FAITHFULNESS
Yesterday: His Grace.
Today: His Faithfulness.
Tomorrow: His Glory.
Indeed, God remains faithful to Assemblies of God Nigeria.
The current General Superintendent of Assemblies of God Nigeria REV. ABEL UKACHI AMADI PhD
