Assemblies of God Joins Hispanic National Association of Evangelicals

WASHINGTON, -- America's largest Hispanic Christian Organization, The National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC), The Hispanic National Association of Evangelicals, announced today the addition to its membership roster of one of America's largest denominations, the Assemblies of God, headquartered in Springfield, Missouri.

"It is a natural fit for The Assemblies of God, already the largest Hispanic member denomination to fully join the Hispanic NAE. For years we have served the Hispanic churches in the fellowship via AMEN and the NHCLC. What is historic of this membership and partnership agreement is that we will serve all 12,000 plus churches as it relates to Hispanic American Christian values, priorities and representation as we defend life, marriage and our biblical worldview," stated Dr.  Jesse Miranda , Chief Executive Officer of NHCLC.

The growth of the Pentecostal Hispanic community within the ranks of the American Evangelical community stands poised to transform the national religious landscape because, according to Pew Research and Dr.  Gaston Espinosa , a Latino Evangelical expert, Hispanic Pentecostals stand committed to a strong biblical worldview particularly in issues of social and family values.

"With the recent launch of the National Hispanic Pentecostal Congress, in addition to this historic membership/partnership agreement with The General Council of the Assemblies of God, we are demonstrating our commitment to serve a vibrant and powerful emerging community. The relationship between the Assemblies of God and Hispanics can be traced to the early 20th Century when AG missionaries began an outreach to Hispanics in America and abroad resulting in the Pentecostal explosion both domestically and abroad," explained Rev.  Samuel Rodriguez , NHCLC President.

In addition to membership affiliation, Assemblies of God General Superintendent, the denominations Chief Executive Officer will serve on the Association's Board of Advisors. "The National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, the Hispanic National Association of Evangelicals, serves our Fellowship of over 12,000 churches, particularly in representing the values of our Hispanic brethren by defending biblical marriage, life, and advocating social justice from a biblical worldview," stated Dr.  George Wood , General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God in America.

The Assemblies of God offers a number of academic opportunities via colleges, universities and bible institutes throughout the nation, a compelling feature for the growing Hispanic American Pentecostal community. "The fact that Jesse, Sam and I are Assemblies of God ministers speaks to the prominent role this fellowship exercises within our American and Global Christian family. We are proud to be part of this fellowship and blessed to serve the church as we build a multi-ethnic Kingdom Culture firewall against moral relativism, spiritual apathy and cultural decay," added Dr.  Gilbert Velez , Board Chairman.

    Contact:
    Maritza Ramirez
    Press and Media Director, NHCLC
    hispanicchurch@aol.com
    hispanicevangelicals.com
    916-919-7476