The History of Aglow International

Aglow began in 1967 with four women who expressed a desire to meet together as Christians without denominational boundaries. The first general meeting was held in Seattle, Washington, USA, close to where Aglow’s Worldwide headquarters exists today.

The meeting drew more than 100 women to the Meany Hotel close to the University of Washington campus. It didn’t take long for women who attended that first meeting to invite their neighbours and friends to gatherings in other communities surrounding Seattle. As the word spread, new groups began springing up around Washington State, and within months, groups formed in other U.S. states.

By 1972, more than 60 local groups held monthly meetings around the U.S. By 1973, Aglow was moving onto the global stage as fellowships began in Canada, and New Zealand. The Netherlands followed in 1974, marking Aglow as an international “network of caring women,” in just six short years.

Today, Aglow spans the globe! And it continues to reach out to women of every creed, colour, and culture, and, through women, to families worldwide. Over 4,600 Aglow groups meet worldwide. More than 21,000 Aglow leaders minister in their communities and nations to an estimated 17 million people each year, and its membership has now grown to an amazing 2 million.

Today, 100% of the nations have indigenous women overseeing the work in their nations. Aglow International celebrated its 40th Anniversary at their 2007 Conference, held in Seattle, USA.

“God created women with a purpose – to influence our world, speak truth and wisdom, and occupy a unique position in creation,” said Jane Hansen Hoyt, President and CEO of Aglow International.

The backbone of Aglow continues to be monthly meetings where groups of women gather to support one another and reach out to their communities. Aglow wants to help women to come into their destiny with the Lord and to evangelize not-yet-believers and bring them to the Lord.