The Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (AGTS) at Evangel University hosted the first national “School of the Spirit” Conference September 8–10, drawing pastors and church leaders from across the nation along with students, faculty, and staff. Attendees gathered in Spence Chapel with a shared desire for a fresh encounter with the Holy Spirit and His supernatural anointing.
The event was co-hosted by the Assemblies of God’s (AG) World Prayer Center and sponsored by Evangel’s Ministry Leaders of Tomorrow project. While the World Prayer Center has led similar gatherings for AG districts, this marked the first time the conference was convened on a national scale, underscoring AGTS’ role in equipping the Church for Spirit-empowered ministry.
Encounter and Equip
The “School of the Spirit” Conference was designed to help believers both encounter the Holy Spirit in new ways and be equipped to operate in spiritual gifts.
Key themes included:
- Biblical foundations of spiritual gifts
- How the fivefold ministry of Ephesians 4:11 functions in the local church
- The cultivation of prophetic gifts
- Prayer and prophecy in the lives of believers
- Prophetic evangelism and revival in the contemporary church
These themes were reinforced through times of worship, prayer, and reflection that brought both teaching and Spirit-led moments of renewal throughout the three-day event.
Featured Speakers
The conference featured a distinguished lineup of leaders who have shaped conversations on revival, prayer, and Spirit-filled ministry across the Assemblies of God and the broader Pentecostal movement. Among them were Rev. Rick DuBose, assistant general superintendent of the Assemblies of God; Dr. Joe Oden, national prayer and evangelism director for the AG and director of the AG World Prayer Center; Dr. Carolyn Tennant, professor emerita at North Central University and a noted author on revival and spiritual gifts; Dr. Darla Rakes, EU ambassador to students and donors and sought-after speaker and author; Pastor John Kilpatrick, recognized for his leadership in the Brownsville and Bay Revivals; and Sean Smith, an evangelist known for his bold preaching and passion for stirring the hearts of the next generation for Jesus.
Why This Gathering Matters
The conference marked a milestone moment for AGTS and the Assemblies of God. By hosting this national-level gathering in partnership with the AG World Prayer Center and Ministry Leaders of Tomorrow, AGTS reaffirmed its mission to form leaders who are both theologically grounded and Spirit-empowered.
For pastors, ministry leaders, and the campus community alike, “School of the Spirit” was more than a conference—it was a space to encounter God’s presence, receive fresh impartation, and return to their ministries equipped for Spirit-led service.
Continuing the Momentum
“AGTS’ partnership with the Assemblies of God’s World Prayer Center’s ‘School of the Spirit’ was an incredible time of refreshing, equipping, and spiritual renewal,” said Dr. Wade Mumm, vice president of the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. “This year’s gathering was one of the most powerful we’ve experienced, and we are deeply grateful for the World Prayer Center’s partnership. We look forward to continuing this partnership and collaborating on future events that cultivate a deeper hunger for the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.”
To learn more about AGTS, visit www.agts.edu. To learn more about the AG’s World Prayer Center, visit prayercenter.ag.org.
