Who We Are
The Philippines General Council of the Assemblies of God (PGCAG) is a Pentecostal fellowship of churches that began from the missionary work of the Assemblies of God USA. It was incorporated on June 19, 1940, after its first convention in Villasis, Pangasinan.
Today PGCAG serves about 7,000 congregations and 2,400 ministers in 21 districts across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Its message is summed up in its slogan, “All the Gospel.”
PGCAG is a member of the World Assemblies of God Fellowship and the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches.
Our History
Villar Assembly of God
First AG Church in the Philippines
Garsulao established a church in Sibalom, Antique, and his first deacons were Gregorio Garsulao, Miguel Oblima, Esteban Oblima, Ariston Fadrigo, Demetrio Cepeda and Manuel Vedia. At first the church was simply identified as the “Pentecostal Church,” but it was later named Villar Assembly of God Church.
1926
Benjamin H. Caudle and his wife arrive as the first Assemblies of God USA missionaries to the Philippines.
1939
At the request of Filipino Bible school graduates, the AG USA sends Leland E. Johnson to organize the work.
1940
The first convention is held in Villasis, Pangasinan, and the council is incorporated on June 19.
1941
Bethel Bible Institute opens in Baguio. During the Japanese occupation, Filipino leaders carry the work forward.
1951
Immanuel Bible Institute is founded in Cebu City.
1953
Missionary Elva Vanderbout founds Bethesda Children's Home, serving the Igorot people of the Mountain Province.
Today
About 7,000 congregations and 2,400 ministers across 21 districts in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
16 Fundamental Truths
As part of the worldwide Assemblies of God fellowship, PGCAG holds to the Statement of Fundamental Truths. Open each one to read a short summary and its key Scriptures.
01The Scriptures Inspired
The Scriptures, both the Old and New Testaments, are verbally inspired of God. They are His revelation to humanity and the infallible, authoritative rule of faith and conduct.
- 2 Timothy 3:15–17
- 1 Thessalonians 2:13
- 2 Peter 1:21
02The One True God
There is one true God, eternally self-existent, the Creator of heaven and earth and the Redeemer of humanity, who has revealed Himself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
- Deuteronomy 6:4
- Isaiah 43:10–11
- Matthew 28:19
- Luke 3:22
03The Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. Scripture declares His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, substitutionary work on the cross, bodily resurrection and exaltation to the right hand of God.
- Matthew 1:23
- Hebrews 7:26
- Acts 2:22
- 1 Corinthians 15:3–4
- Philippians 2:9–11
04The Fall of Man
Humanity was created good and upright, but by voluntary transgression fell, bringing not only physical death but also spiritual death, which is separation from God.
- Genesis 1:26–27
- Genesis 3:6
- Romans 5:12–19
05The Salvation of Man
Our only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Salvation is received through repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ, by grace and not by works.
- Luke 24:47
- John 3:3
- Romans 10:13–15
- Ephesians 2:8
- Titus 3:5–7
06The Ordinances of the Church
Water baptism by immersion is commanded for all who repent and believe, as a declaration that they have died with Christ and been raised to new life. The Lord's Supper is a memorial of His suffering and death until He comes.
- Matthew 28:19
- Romans 6:4
- Luke 22:19–20
- 1 Corinthians 11:26
07The Baptism in the Holy Spirit
All believers are entitled to, and should earnestly seek, the baptism in the Holy Spirit and fire, the promise of the Father. It is distinct from and subsequent to new birth, and brings power for life and service.
- Luke 24:49
- Acts 1:4–8
- Acts 8:12–17
- 1 Corinthians 12:1–31
08The Initial Physical Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit
The baptism of believers in the Holy Spirit is witnessed by the initial physical sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives them utterance.
- Acts 2:4
- Acts 10:44–46
- Acts 19:6
09Sanctification
Sanctification is an act of separation from what is evil and of dedication to God. Believers grow in holiness by identifying with Christ's death and resurrection and yielding every part of life to the Holy Spirit.
- Romans 12:1–2
- 1 Thessalonians 5:23
- Hebrews 12:14
- 1 Peter 1:15–16
10The Church and Its Mission
The Church is the Body of Christ. Its mission is to evangelize the world, to worship God, to build up believers into the likeness of Christ, and to show God's love and compassion to all people.
- Ephesians 1:22–23
- Matthew 28:19–20
- Acts 1:8
- Ephesians 4:11–16
- James 1:27
11The Ministry
A divinely called and scripturally ordained ministry is provided by the Lord to lead the Church in evangelism, worship, building up the saints and meeting human need.
- Mark 16:15–20
- Ephesians 4:11–16
12Divine Healing
Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the atonement of Christ and is the privilege of all believers.
- Isaiah 53:4–5
- Matthew 8:16–17
- James 5:14–16
13The Blessed Hope
The resurrection of those who have died in Christ, and their being caught up together with those who are alive at the coming of the Lord, is the imminent and blessed hope of the Church.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17
- Romans 8:23
- Titus 2:13
- 1 Corinthians 15:51–52
14The Millennial Reign of Christ
The second coming of Christ includes the rapture of the saints, followed by His visible return with His saints to reign on earth for one thousand years.
- Zechariah 14:5
- Matthew 24:27–30
- Revelation 1:7
- Revelation 20:1–6
15The Final Judgment
There will be a final judgment in which the wicked dead will be raised and judged according to their works. Whoever is not found written in the Book of Life will be consigned to everlasting punishment.
- Matthew 25:46
- Mark 9:43–48
- Revelation 20:11–15
- Revelation 21:8
16The New Heavens and the New Earth
According to His promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
- 2 Peter 3:13
- Revelation 21–22