1. Can you explain the “Eagle Mountain
While it is true that Douglas County
An eagle's wings are long and broad, making them effective for soaring. To help reduce turbulence as air passes over the end of the wing, the tips of the feathers at the end of the wings are tapered so that when the eagle fully extends its wings, the tips are widely separated. To help them soar, eagles use thermals, which are rising currents of warm air and updrafts generated by terrain, such as valley edges or mountain slopes. Soaring is accomplished with very little wing-flapping, enabling them to conserve energy. Long-distance flights are accomplished by climbing high in a thermal, then gliding downward to catch the next thermal, where the process is repeated. Bald eagles can fly to an altitude of 10,000 feet (nearly 2 miles up!) which enables them to fly above storms in tranquility.
In like manner we as Christians are created by God to rise and soar at great heights, even above the storms that may come our way. Like the eagle, this is what we were made for – to find our strength in God, to place our hope in Him, and to be able to go the distance in life with confidence. However, even eagles have to learn how to fly. One authority on eagles noted that 40% of young eagles don’t survive their first attempt to fly. Even those who do are awkward until they learn to get it right. The lesson for us is that eagles learn to soar by perseverance and hard work! Becoming an eagle Christian doesn’t just happen – if you are going to rise and soar above the circumstances of life it will be because you have applied yourself and gotten out of your comfort zone (your nest) – and have become a disciple who follows hard after Jesus. We want our church to be a place where eagle Christians can be trained up to learn to soar.
Without belaboring the parallel, eagles are also known for their ability to work together, and for their keen vision. It is easy to see how these are admirable qualities that men and women of God should pursue. We desire to be a church known for its unity and spiritual vision.
Concerning the mountain part of our church’s name, we can readily point to the Bible where we find that significant encounters with God often took place on mountains. Many of these are in the Old Testament: Abraham took Isaac to a mountain top to sacrifice him and instead received an awesome revelation of God; Moses went up Mt. Sinai to receive the 10 Commandments; Elijah called down fire from heaven to reveal God’s presence and approval on Mt. Carmel; the Temple was built on Mt. Zion as a special place of God’s presence; even Jesus went to a high mountain with Peter, James and John to reveal his glory as the Son of God prior to his death; and when He ultimately returns to earth to bring deliverance to the Jewish people, it will be at the Mt. of Olives.
So mountains have special significance to God’s people – symbolic of where people have met with God in powerful ways. It is in that sense that we desire Eagle Mountain Assembly of God to be a mountain of God
So, yes, it is a unique name, but when you understand the symbolism behind it you can get a beautiful picture of what we believe God is doing in our church family.
How is my local church affiliated with the Assemblies of God?
Within the fellowship of the Assemblies of God there are two classifications of churches - General Council affiliated churches and district affiliated churches. General Council affiliated churches enjoy full autonomy, having developed to the point of where they are self-governing and self-supporting. These fundamental principles have been catalysts for growth in the Fellowship. District affiliated churches are those which have not yet developed to the point where they qualify for full autonomy. All assemblies are required to adhere to the Statement of Fundamental Truths and a biblical pattern of conduct. Learn More
What distinguishes the Assemblies of God from other Christian groups?
The Assemblies of God is an evangelic protestant fellowship that believes God exists in three persons -- the Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit. The most definitive identification of the Assemblies of God is Pentecostal. Just as it was founded in 1914, the Fellowship remains a full gospel church—one where the fullness of the Holy Spirit is welcomed, nurtured, and taught. This includes speaking in tongues as the initial evidence of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Other manifestations of the Holy Spirit embraced by the church include: messages in tongues with interpretations, prophecies, word of knowledge, and the complete gifts and fruit of the Holy Spirit as indicated in the Bible. Among Pentecostal churches—the Assemblies of God is largest worldwide with over 52 million constituents.
How can I learn more about the Assemblies of God?
Visit www.ag.org for more information about the Assemblies of God including: beliefs, history, ministries and more frequently asked questions.
