James River Church, a prominent megachurch based in Springfield, Missouri, has reportedly ended its official affiliation with the Assemblies of God, according to The Christian Post (CP). The church, which draws approximately 16,000 attendees weekly, was previously one of the largest congregations within the denomination.
According to CP, the church's board recently voted to conclude its formal denominational partnership, though it emphasized continued theological alignment and support for Assemblies of God missionaries and ministries.
However, the Assemblies of God national office has not yet released an official statement on the matter. As of this writing, no major news outlets or denominational sources have confirmed the church’s departure, raising questions about the scope and nature of the reported decision.
The Christian Post noted that the move came without prior notice to the denomination and has been described by unnamed church officials as a “surprise.” Still, some speculate that the shift may reflect a broader trend toward autonomy among large, resource-rich churches.
In recent years, James River Church has also made headlines for its dynamic growth and controversial events. Its founding pastors, John and Debbie Lindell, are in the midst of a gradual leadership transition to their sons, set to complete in 2027.
Until further confirmation is available, the full implications of this reported separation remain unclear. Observers will be watching closely to see how both the church and the Assemblies of God respond in the coming days.
