Head of Largest U.S. Pentecostal Group to Step Down

By Audrey Barrick, Christian Post Reporter Thursday, July 12, 2007

The head of the nation's largest Pentecostal denomination announced Tuesday that he will step down from office next month.

Thomas E. Trask, general superintendent of the Assemblies of God, who was elected to his third four-year term in 2005, will resign at the 52nd General Council in Indianapolis, Ind., which Trask says will be a most significant gathering.

"As a result of seeking the Lord as to His will for my continuing to serve out the remaining two years of the present term, I have reached a decision to step down as general superintendent of the Assemblies of God at this forthcoming General Council ...," he said, according to the Assemblies of God News Service.

Under the leadership of Trask, which began in 1993, the Pentecostal group has grown in membership and now claims over 2.8 million members in the United States.

The growth of the Assemblies of God both within the nation and worldwide (52.5 million members) reflects the increasing prominence of Pentecostal and charismatic movements which have become of the fastest-growing segments of global Christianity. At least a quarter of the world's 2 billion Christians are thought to be members of these groups, according to the World Christian Database.

Part of Trask's facilitating growth has come from his strong emphasis to world missions programs.

This year's General Council, to be held Aug. 8-11, will feature a Friday evening service under the theme "Missions Everywhere" in which missionaries will be commissioned for national and international missions work. On Saturday, Aug. 11, attendees of the General Council will also participate in an outreach effort throughout Indianapolis.

"Our desire is to leave Indianapolis with a lasting impact for the Kingdom of God," said Trask.

Delegates at the 52nd General Council will vote on a new general superintendent to fulfill Trask's remaining two-year term. Trask will leave the office 60 days after the General Council but said he plans to stay active in the ministry.

"Shirley (my wife) and I love the ministry and plan to stay active in the work of the Lord as He gives strength," he said.

Trask also requested for prayers and fasting in search for the new general superintendent.

Presently, Trask serves on the boards of the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, Central Bible College and Evangel University. He also serves on several boards and committees for the denomination, including the General Presbytery. He is chairman of the World Assemblies of God Fellowship, the Assemblies of God Financial Services Group and Global University. He is a member of the board of administration of the National Association of Evangelicals, and the board of directors of the National Religious Broadcasters.