Neither culture-pushing nor carousing is on the agenda when 30,000 members of the Assemblies of God meet in Denver next week for their general council.

Unlike denominations that heat up the public square with issues about homosexual clergy or the war in Iraq, the traditional Assemblies of God, with 52 million members worldwide, has no plans to change its stand that the Bible forbids homosexual behavior and that politics is something to pray about, not take sides on.

"We don't really have contentious issues," said spokeswoman Juleen Turnage, though members believe the Bible calls them to be active, involved citizens.

The denomination will meet at the Denver Convention Center on Aug. 2-5. Formed in 1914, the Assemblies of God rose out of the great Pentecostal revival movement of the early 20th century. It's noted for relying on the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and its belief that speaking in tongues is still viable today.

While members don't drink, gamble or dance, they do plan to gather at restaurants after evening sessions, Turnage said, adding there's been a formal request made to local restaurants to stay open later. "They love to fellowship and do that over food," Turnage said. "And they will probably be all over town doing some shopping."

The most controversial item is likely to be whether to rescind a 2001 resolution that allows a divorced person with a living ex-spouse to become a minister or church leader. The divorce must have taken place before the person joined the Assemblies of God. Since the resolution went into effect, 400 to 500 divorced men and women have taken advantage of the relaxed standard. The church has ordained women since 1914.

One obstacle to returning to the former standard, which did not permit any divorce among its leaders, would be the difficulties it raised for those hundreds of new clergy. As resolutions go, "That's about as contentious as it gets," Turnage said.

Delegates also will consider - and are expected to pass - a resolution making background screenings mandatory before anyone can pursue a clergy or leadership role. Now the screenings, largely to protect against sexual predators, are done at the discretion of local districts. The denomination has in place a zero-tolerance sex abuse policy, Turnage said.

Clashes may not be on the horizon but lively gatherings are - 12,000 church youth will hold their own convention complete with "inspirational competitions" that will pick winners in categories that include art, music and even preaching sermons.

In the U.S., the denomination has grown 18 percent since 1994 and with 2.7 million members, is regarded as one of the fastest growing churches in the nation, Turnage said. She said a great part of the growth is in the Hispanic community, which now makes up 17 percent of the American church. There are 185 member churches in Colorado.