Apostolic Faith Mission Church of God

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Apostolic Faith Mission Church of God
Classification Pentecostal
Origin1915
Mobile, Alabama
Congregations18
Members10730

The Apostolic Faith Mission Church of God is a Pentecostal Christian denomination founded in 1906 by F. W. Williams. In 2005, there were 10,730 members in 18 congregations. [1]

Williams was a black man who went to Los Angeles to participate in the revival there. While in Los Angeles, he was baptized by William J. Seymour. He later returned to the South, and converted the members of a Primitive Baptist Church there. The members of the church gave Williams their building as the new meeting house for his church. In 1915, Williams adopted a nontrinitarian view and formally separate from Seymour's church, and renamed his new church. [2]

The church places an emphasis on faith healing. It also permits the ordination of women preachers and practices foot washing in its communion rite. It considers any baptism performed without the words "the Lord Jesus Christ" to be void. Alcohol, drugs, and tobacco are forbidden to its members. Members are also advised to only marry other persons who have been "saved". [2]

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References

  1. "2008 Yearbook of American & Canadian Churches". The National Council of Churches. Retrieved 2009-12-09.
  2. 1 2 Lewis, James R. (1998). The Encyclopedia of Cults, Sects, and New Religions. Amherst, New York: Prometheus Books. ISBN   1-57392-222-6.