Welcome to the AFM Church
AFM stands for “Apostolic Faith Mission”. The AFM has existed since 1908 and is one of the largest Pentecostal churches in the world – with over 28 countries worldwide. “Pentecostal” means that it is a church that believes the Spirit of God is given to believers to live dynamic and overcoming lives. It also implies that believers can demonstrate the character, love, and power of their Lord, Jesus Christ, in their daily lives.
The AFM can be distinguished by two inseparable characteristics: the baptism in the Holy Spirit and the Great Commission. We received the Holy Spirit and His power to be missional (Acts 1:8). That’s why we refer to our assemblies as apostolic communities and our members as apostolic agents. We endeavour to inspire and mobilise our entire church to take the whole gospel to the whole world.
The desire of the AFM is to saturate our societies with the presence of God and the principles of His Kingdom. Our uniqueness also lies in our diversity and ability to accommodate all. Not only are we a reflection of our diverse society, but somewhere in our local churches, you’ll find a spiritual home where you’ll feel part of the family.
We hope that by exploring this website, you will come to know more about the AFM and its activities, and how we are changing lives in Australia and around the world.
The Apostolic Faith Mission of Australia
AFM Name & Logo
Our Name
From the very beginning of the modern-day Pentecostal movement, the name Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) was synonymous with “Pentecostal.” When the first Pentecostal missionaries came from America, they brought the name with them. While the name fell into disrepute in America, the AFM in Australia retained it.
The term “Apostolic Faith” was chosen by the early pioneers to embody the apostolate idea in the movement’s name. This concept represents a “New Testament” church—one that reflects the church in the Book of Acts, mirroring the days of the apostles. In both doctrine and practice, they aimed to continue the work of the early church as described in Acts. The addition of “Mission” ties into this apostolic mission, symbolizing a church of action, an outward-facing community, a church dedicated to the nations, and a mission-minded fellowship. Apostolic Faith Mission is not only a theological name but also a reflection of our true DNA.
Our Logo
The AFM logo features two prominent symbols: the cross and the crown. These symbols were first used together by the Holiness movement of the 19th century, and later by the Zionist movement in America in the late 19th century. The AFM adopted this logo from the very beginning, likely due to John G. Lake’s earlier involvement with the Zionist movement.
The cross and crown symbols have roots dating back to the 4th century after Christ. In the early days of the AFM, it was often stated, “No cross, no crown,” emphasizing the link between sacrifice (the cross) and the reward (the crown) in the Christian life.
VISION & MISSION
Our Members
Our members are the most visible evidence of the AFM’s vision and mission – living powerful lives and carrying destiny-changing messages. Our members are “apostolic agents,” sharing the message of God in every area of their lives.
Vision
We see a church accessible to all people, celebrating our unity and God-given diversity, empowering our members for caring and changing communities to the glory of God.
Mission
The AFM is a missional church – a community of God’s people that defines themselves as agents of God. It is rooted in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…” God sent His Son to redeem us. We confess that being missional is the activity of God Himself. This prime calling of the church is deeply embedded in the AFM since our birth in 1908.
Being a missional church is no longer understood as evangelising communities outside of the borders of Australia. Being missional is understood as making a Christ-centred difference where you live, work, and function daily. The time to make an impact for Christ is now, and the place is here.
We are dedicated to the true mission of our church:
The whole church taking the whole Gospel to the whole world.
Soaking our communities in the presence and principles of the Kingdom of God.
Missional Action