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Assemblies of God posts impressive numbers

The Assemblies of God, a denomination rooted in rural and small town America, appears to have leaped into the 21st century in a dramatic way.

At its General Council meeting in Orlando, Florida, August 5–9, the denomination touted its formula for defying the downward trend affecting other religious groups: contemporary music, arts and high-tech communication and outreach to young people, immigrants and ethnic minorities.

The denomination reported a 1.8 percent increase in U.S. membership to 3 million adherents. Globally, the gain was 1.5 percent, to 66 million, making it the largest Pentecostal group in the world.