Megachurch Quits Denomination Without Warning
James River Church, the largest Assemblies of God congregation in Missouri, has announced that it will sever its formal ties with the Assemblies of God (AOG) denomination. The decision, made by the church’s board of trustees, was shared publicly on Thursday. Despite this move, the church affirmed its ongoing commitment to Pentecostal doctrine and to supporting global missions, including its continued partnership with the AOG in various ways.
While the church did not offer specific details on the reasons behind the decision or how long the disaffiliation had been planned, the move has caught the national office of the AOG by surprise. An official from the AOG stated that they were unaware of any ongoing disputes or issues leading to the announcement. James River Church, with a weekly attendance of 16,000, made the public announcement during its Wednesday evening service, without prior notice to the denomination.
The Southern Missouri Ministry Network, which represents AOG congregations in the region, acknowledged the decision and confirmed that the network would follow the formal process for handling such disaffiliations. Don Miller, the network superintendent, expressed gratitude for James River Church’s impact within the Assemblies of God, even as they work through the disaffiliation process.
James River Church’s pastor, John Lindell, has been involved in several controversies in the past. One such incident involved a claim made in 2023 about a miracle, when Lindell said an amputee’s toes had regrown, leading to public skepticism and demands for proof. Additionally, Lindell had previously accused Pastor Mark Driscoll of trying to undermine his leadership and divide his congregation during a men’s conference in 2022.
Founded in 1991, James River Church, formerly known as James River Assembly, has had a long history within the Assemblies of God. Despite parting ways with the denomination, the church remains committed to its core beliefs and mission, focusing on serving its community and advancing its global ministry efforts.