What is meant by "continuationism" in Assemblies of God beliefs?

Continuationism refers to the belief that spiritual gifts, such as healing, prophecy, and speaking in tongues, continue to be active within the church today. In the context of Assemblies of God beliefs, continuationism is a fundamental aspect, emphasizing that the work of the Holy Spirit is ongoing and that believers can experience the same gifts and miracles that were present in the early church. This view affirms that the Holy Spirit empowers Christians for ministry, thus ensuring that the church remains vibrant and effective in fulfilling its mission.

Those who hold this belief argue that the spiritual gifts are meant for the edification of the church and for reaching out to the world, and they are not limited to the times of the apostles. This aligns with the Assemblies of God’s theology, which strongly supports the active presence of spiritual gifts in modern Christian communities.