About Us

Ås Gospel Church was established in 1935. There had been several meetings in Ås for many years. The history of the church therefore dates back to 1911. During that time, Preachers from, “The Free Friends” had meetings in Ås. Evangelists Jørgen Dammen, Juul Holmen, Helmer Moger and Hans Ersrud held door to door meetings, and occassionaly premises were rented for holding meetings with large number of participants. There was a revival in 1925 when brothers Harald and Sigurd Brynhildsen visited the church. Many people got received Jesus Christ and were added to the fellowship. Following this, there was a need for a permanent meeting premises. An old ironsmith worskshop was was furnished and rented for use during meetings. In 1930, there was a new revival following meetings that were held by evangelist couple Anna and Karl Nybakk. By this time, the congregation had grown big in number that it became necessary to formally establish a church. It was also natural to be affiliated to the Pentecostal Movement. The church was formally established in 1935 with august Angersen from Rygge as the Pastor. Afterwards, the premises in Solfallsveien 6 was purchased together with the carpentry workshop. The house was furnished and dedicated to God in 1943. A Preacher by the name Ingar Fjellstad served the church and did a good job during this period. Another Preacher who contributed to church activities then was Toralf Dalebråten.

In 1955, the church decided to become a branch of Berøa church in Oslo. The leaders were Harald Brovold and Helge Christiansen. During that time, there was also well functioning Sunday school activities led by Olav Østli. The then Pastor in Berøa church, Johan Løkke-Sørensen together with Harry Kvale and Rosenquist participated in the meetings of the church occassionaly. In 1974, the church premises was completely renovated through a huge voluntary undertaking. In 1997, the church decided to once again be an indipendent entity. Halvor Hansen from Råde became the Pastor. In 1981, Kåre Juul from Drøbak became the new Pastor for the church. Thereafter followed a period of significant growth and in 1984 the church building was extended. This created room for a big platform with an inbuilt baptism pool and a basement with one room and a toilet. Kåre Juul ended his engagement as a Pastor in 1985 following which Senior Elder Halvor Brovold took the leadership of the church. Øyvind Skjennum was a full time Preacher during this time. In 1988, Oddvar Hamborg took over the leadership of the church as a Senior Elder. In 1990, the church entered into a new era with Hans Friberg as a full time Preacher. Meetings were held regularly on Wednesdays and Sundays. In addition, the church started broadcasting its Sunday services on Radio Follo.

In 1996, Willy Wilhelmsen and his family joined the church. Willy was elected as a new Elder, and the following year, Oddvar Hamborg ended his leadership role as a Senior Elder after 10 years of service. Willy Wilhelmsen became the new Pastor and served the church until 2007. Many people joined the church during this period. The church building was also upgraded with a new kitchen. In 2006, Laila and Lars Johansen moved from Hamar and joined the church. Lars became a full time Evangelist for the church. Ole Bjørn Saltnes took over the Pastor role from Willy Wilhelmsen. He served in this role until 2009 when Lasr Johansen became the Pastor. In 2010, the basement with renovated with a new bathroom and a WC. The baptism pool was also upgraded.

The church has all along been involved in mission work both abroad and domestically. Among the Missionaries that have received support from the church include Kari Hoftun (Belgium), Lars Blystad (Mozambique), Kristin and Magne Kjeldstad (Turkey). The church has also supported Misjon Europa (Baltic States) and Ole Bjørn´s Street Church ministry. Several church members have also been involved in outreach work that ran until 2021 in Drøbak led by Marie Brun. Activities included monthly meetings. Currently the church gives financial support to the work done by Open Heart and Make Possible respectively.

The church was involved in children and youth work from 1943 to 1995. During this period, about 20 to 60 children used to meet every week. The leders for this work until 2010 included Olaf Østli, Erling Tveter, Hilfrid Brovold, Oddvar Hamborg, Torbjørn Østli, Dag-Ragnar Blystad and Helen Myksvoll Sing. When members of International Believers Fellowship (IBF) started meeting in the church premises in 2013, the need to once again start activities for children became apparent. Øystein Johnson started Sunday school aimed at children for the parents that who were in IBF. Afterwards, some of the families moved from Ås and the Sunday school work came to a halt. In 2014, Marit Rauset took over Sunday school work and had responsibility for Sunday school during the Sunday servive until 2019 when she stepped down from that role. The church continues to hold Sunday school meetings parallel with the main service every Sunday. Youth meeting is also held at the same time.

During a Congregation Meeting held on 21 January 2019, it was unanimously agreed that the pentecostal church and IBF should formally become one. Before this decision, there had been an extensive process involving discussion with members of both groups. As a result of the union, it was agreed that the church will have joint account and that the church board will comprise members from both groups. After the union, the church got a new name – Ås Gospel Church, as well as a new logo. In the beginning of the same year, the church got a new Pastor, Elias Miriti Mukiira. The church is now experiencing stable growth and has ambitions to expand its work in coming years.