 Hensley 's first experience with snake handling occurred between 1908 and 1914 , after which he held snake @-@ handling services in parts of rural Tennessee . His supporters later asserted that a revival broke out at the start of his ministry , a claim considered dubious by historians . At first , the Church of God did not object to his snake @-@ handling services , and , in 1914 , he held a snake @-@ handling meeting with a Church of God bishop in Cleveland , Tennessee . The next year , Hensley applied to be licensed as a Church of God minister , but required his wife 's assistance to complete the paperwork owing to his illiteracy . He had memorized some Bible verses but also stated that he received divine revelation while speaking . After being licensed , Hensley held Church of God services throughout Tennessee , including revival services at church general assemblies . He preached about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit , a Pentecostal teaching that referred to an additional spiritual experience after conversion . His ministry was often mentioned in Church of God newsletters , and his wife Amanda contributed an article about him . In the 1910s , Hensley is thought to have led churches in Grasshopper Valley ( northwest of Cleveland , Tennessee ) ; Cleveland ; and Birchwood , Tennessee . 
