eNews – Aglow History

What is Aglow Brochure

One of the greatest blessings that former Aglow staff members gifted to our current (and future) Aglow staff is the preservation of so much of Aglow’s historical records. There are days when opening a file cabinet feels like opening a time capsule that the Lord sealed, ready and waiting to open at “such a time as this.” The profound impact that Aglow has had around the world for 58 years is lovingly displayed in letters, magazine articles, newsletters, books, and historical documents saved in file cabinets around the headquarters office. I am delighted to now share with you the start of a new “Aglow e-newsletter” column: Aglow History.

Will you join me in traveling down Aglow’s “memory lane,” exploring the work of the Spirit in this global ministry?

I will start with a little brochure printed in 1977 that was tucked into a paper folder. It is only 5.5” x 2.5” in size but is filled with gold. Once unfolded, the brochure includes an article about Aglow, which I want to share with you today:

Women’s Aglow Fellowship: How it got going and how it is growing

Filled with spiritual excitement, four women went back to their hotel room to pray. They had just been listening to a speaker at the women’s luncheon of a Full Gospel Businessmen’s Convention in Portland, Oregon. They were deeply blessed by the testimony and the fellowship.

“Lord,” they prayed as they joined hands, “is there a way that we can enjoy this kind of fellowship in our city? Show us how.”

The date was May, 1967. The Holy Spirit was moving powerfully across the United States and around the world people were eager to know a fuller Christian life.

After the convention the women returned to Seattle and continued to meet together for prayer. One evening the Lord nudged them into action. They began to plan for a luncheon.

In September of 1967 the luncheon was held in Seattle. About 125 women came to hear a woman’s outstanding testimony. Many women responded to the Lord. Other meetings developed in nearby towns and the number of women attending continued to increase.

In 1968 an outreach office was established after a vision was seen of many such fellowships being established by the leading of the Holy Spirit. In response to the numerous calls that came in, teams of women went out to other locations to help new groups to become established under the name of Full Gospel Women’s Fellowship.

In Victoria, B.C., several women joined together for lunch and the sharing of testimonies. A short time later, they contacted the women of Seattle and recognized they were all a part of the interdenominational women’s fellowship that the Lord was raising up.

In November, 1969, after much prayer, Aglow Magazine was born. Thirty women had met to seek the Lord’s direction, feeling that women who were unable to attend the luncheons should also be able to be edified by the wonderful testimonies and teaching. Three women simultaneously received from the Lord the name, “Aglow” for the magazine from the Amplified version of Romans 12:11. Following the Lord’s leading, 7,000 copies of the first issue were printed.

As women began mailing magazines to friends in other parts of the country, inquiries came. “Can we start a group like the ones we are reading about? Can we subscribe to Aglow Magazine?” A volunteer staff was brought together to handle the growing ministry. Everyone worked in “home offices” and recreation rooms to do the many tasks involved.

In 1972, with interest in the fellowships still mushrooming, the ministerial board of advisors to the Fellowship suggested incorporation as a means of protection. It was decided that the beautiful name “Aglow” should be used not only for the magazine but for the whole organization. Women’s Aglow Fellowship was officially incorporated on November 9, 1972.

The Lord showed His plan for the structure of Aglow to the leaders as they worked on the constitution. This structure was to give strength to the organization and to be the means of tying the groups (now worldwide) together, and to protect them with ministerial authority. The plan was that every local chapter, every area board and International Board of Women’s Aglow Fellowship was to be under an advisory board of charismatic pastors. As needed, these men would be looked to for the solution to problems, for guidance in spiritual and business matters, and for balance.

The first Aglow Publications office was located on the second floor of a two-story garage, but when (in 1974) too many desks, filing cabinets, and people began to get in each other’s way, new quarters for leasing were provided by the Lord – a lovely two-story house for the whole International Organization. Later a second house was secured in the same block. In the fall of 1976 Aglow International moved into a spacious building, with 9500 square feet in the west wing of Esperance Elementary School.

At the present time (1977) there are over 800 chapters of Women’s Aglow Fellowship around the world. Charters for new groups continue to be granted at the rate of about one per day. Aglow retreats, conferences, and regional conventions are held in various places in the United States and other countries. An International convention for Aglow leaders is held each year.

Aglow Magazine now has a circulation of 85,000 and Aglow publications and recording are sent to every state in the U.S., every province in Canada and many foreign countries. The Aglow Newsletter, issued six times a year, keeps the fellowships in touch with one another and with the International office. The Aglow recordings department includes the production of records and music and teaching tapes. The ministries of Women’s Aglow Fellowships include intercessory prayer, Bible study, and counseling. The International outreach ministry helps new groups to develop both locally and oversees (Matt 28:19).

That is what Aglow is all about. It is where charismatic women are finding delightful fellowship with each other in Christ. Aglow is active and growing. Why don’t you join the women who have already found what it means to be truly “aglow with the Spirit?”