Originally, this gathering of the 'Saints' lasted for twenty days, from November 25 to December 14. The denomination considers these to be inconsistent with COGIC doctrine and teaching. In Chicago, Ford organized voter registration initiatives. When she died in 1945, she had laid an impressive foundation for the women's ministry in COGIC. His pastor and mentor was Bishop F. D. Washington of Brooklyn, NY. On the local church level in addition to the office of missionary, COGIC developed and has maintained the position of the "church mother." President, International Youth Department Superintendent Nathaniel Green. Then in 1946, the YPWW Department was combined with the Sunday School Department for joint conventions until 1951 when they were separated once again. He continued to build on the department through expansion of the Regional Administration into 10 geographical locations across the country. Gary Lewis was elected to the post of Secretary General on July 29, 2022 at the Church of God International General Assembly in San Antonio, Texas. When the COGIC was first founded by Bishop Mason in the 1910s, he wanted the denomination to have ecumenical relationships with other predominantly Black Methodist and Baptist churches, but many of them were unwilling to do so at the time because of Mason's controversial history with being expelled from his former Baptist ministry associations and churches in Mississippi for preaching sanctification and Pentecostalism. She began women's work on the state level and appointed the first state mothers. A. Jeter was selected as Overseer of Arkansas. This system HAS BEEN LICENSED FOR USE BY the General Secretary's and Financial Secretary's Offices of the Church Of God In Christ. COGIC believes "that if such a case arises, the mother should pray and seek the wisdom and guidance of God and the Holy Spirit on whether or not they should resort to emergency abortion if it is necessary to save her life," but if not, the Church traditionally encourages expecting mothers to "seek God's guidance for other options and choices regarding their unborn child so that they do not have to choose aborting it, and can safely go through with their pregnancy until childbirth. Chairman of the General Council of Pastors and Elders Superintendent Michael Eaddy. The church declares to be evangelical in ministry, fundamental in doctrine and practice and Pentecostal in worship and expression. [22], The years of 19621968 has been described as a "Dark Period" in the history of the Church of God in Christ, because there was polarization and conflict in leadership following the death of the founder. [35], In 2016, the Church had 5.5 million members in 60 countries around the world. Bishop Mason was pivotal in licensing and credentialing both white and African-American ministers, who spread the Pentecostal message and planted new churches. [17][16] The organizers of the meeting in Hot Springs had sent invitations only to white ministers to discuss a new movement. At the time, because many churches disagreed with what they considered its eccentric worship styles and expressions of Pentecostalism, such as the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues and the laying on of hands, many churches distanced themselves from the COGIC for many years. A general supervisor of women is appointed by the presiding bishop and given authority to lead the International Women's Ministry of the church. The current General Supervisor of Women is Dr. Barbara McCoo Lewis of Los Angeles, California. In 1955, Emmett Till's funeral was held at Robert's Temple Church Of God in Christ in Chicago, Illinois. Login ::: Church Of God In Christ ARC Portal ::: Log-in to your ARC account. Elder Carter called for a Church trial before the COGIC General Assembly and Judicial Board according to the Constitution of the COGIC. According to the Church of God in Christ's official website, the role of the General Board, comprised of 12 bishops, is to establish and execute policies for the COGIC membership, as well as . Her predecessor was Evangelist Dr. Rita Womack of Los Angeles, California. As Pentecostals, the Church believes that demons can be subdued and subjugated through the power of the Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus Christ. We believe in the Blessed Hope, which is the rapture of the Church of God, which is in Christ, at His return. The school and college remain closed at present.[29]. She served as chairperson of the board of supervisors, member, Executive Board, member, Screening Committee, member, Program Committee General Church, coordinator, Leadership Conference, International Marshall, secretary, and Assistant General Supervisor for the Department of Women. He established COGIC Charities which has provided thousands of dollars in college scholarships and disaster relief efforts such as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. [12] Mason stayed in Los Angeles for five weeks and his visit to the Azusa Street Revival changed the direction of the newly formed holiness church. These events include physical death, the intermediate state, bodily resurrection, the Second Coming of Christ, the Great Tribulation, the Battle of Armageddon, the Millennial Reign, the Final Judgment, the future of the wicked in hell, and life for the redeemed in heaven.[48]. Later in 1897, while in Little Rock, Arkansas, C. H. Mason stated that God had given him such a name for the group, the "Church of God in Christ". COGIC teaches the deity of Jesus Christ, his virgin birth, sinless life, physical death, burial, resurrection, ascension and visible return to the earth. [13], Although the Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee) began earlier, it is still the case that in 1907, with ten congregations, The Church of God in Christ became the first legally chartered Pentecostal body incorporated in the United States. [19], Mason continued to travel across the nation preaching and establishing COGIC churches. Today however, many church mothers have been reserved to titular positions as many pastor's wives have assumed the role of leader of women's ministries in local congregations. COGIC is a conservative denomination. [37] The National Council of Churches ranks it as the fifth largest Christian denomination in the U.S.[38] COGIC is a HolinessPentecostal Christian denomination,[2][4] with a predominantly African-American membership. This system HAS BEEN LICENSED FOR USE BY the General Secretary's and Financial Secretary's Offices of the Church Of God In Christ. He also served as the Presiding Prelate of the New Jersey Garden State Jurisdiction and the Central Georgia Jurisdiction. Churches are organized in dioceses called jurisdictions, each under the authority of a bishop. [58], Her successor, Lillian Brooks Coffey (19451964) was the organizer of the Women's International Convention to support the work of foreign missionaries. As previously stated, COGIC although predominately black, had a significant white membership during its first decade of existence, with a number of white ministers holding leadership positions in the church. The Board was updated on a proposed budget modification to cover outstanding obligations from the previous fiscal year. However, in 1996, the umbrella format was revised under the administration of Bishop C.D. The ordinances of the church are water baptism by immersion, the Lord's Supper and foot washing. The international membership of COGIC is estimated be between one and three million adherents. [29] In 1926, upon the recommendation of Mother Lizzie Roberson, Elder C. G. Brown of Kansas City Missouri, was appointed the first Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Home and Foreign Missions Department by Bishop C. H. Mason. Holy Temple COGIC was the first church to open its doors to the garbage workers. We believe that the regeneration by the Holy Ghost is absolutely essential for personal salvation. In 1916, a few white churches were organized as a white branch of COGIC. He gave the eulogy for Till at Robert's Temple COGIC in 1955. Bishop Carlis Moody immediately began to reorganize the Missions Department, giving new guidelines. [29], Bishop Charles E. Blake assumed leadership and was elected Presiding Bishop of the church after the death of Bishop G.E. Over time, the ministers and churches under Leonard P. Adams also separated from COGIC; they assimilated into other white Pentecostal groups or organizations. Supervisor Irene Oakley#, pastor, supervisor, bishop's wife, Mother Louise Patterson, evangelist, former first lady and wife of G.E. The COGIC has always had a long history with Christian ecumenism, partnering up with and collaborating with other Christian churches and denominations for the purposes of advancing ministry and charity efforts, both in the United States, and globally in foreign countries as well. Golden Jr. forgot password WARNING!!! We believe that the redemptive work of Christ on the Cross provides healing for the human body in answer to believing prayer. As a Pentecostal church, COGIC teaches that when one is baptized in the Holy Spirit, the believer will experience an initial evidence of speaking in tongues (glossolalia) by the will of God. As COGIC continued to grow, the various departments began the practice of convening annually to conduct the business unique of their ministries. The most notable rift occurred in 1969, when fourteen bishops met in Evanston, Illinois, to form the Church of God in Christ, International. His testimony "literally went viral, and brought upon him criticism and sardonicism. [31], Bishop Ford also renovated several COGIC structures in Memphis, including Mason Temple. COGIC became a staple of gospel music under the guidance and leadership of Dr. Mattie Moss Clark. Mother Lillian Coffey appointed Mother Reatha Herndon as president of the National Women's Evangelist Board in 1951. The Church may search and retrieve any information stored within this system. In addition, the office certifies delegates to the General Assembly, publishes official documents and certificates, maintains the official record of General Assembly proceedings, distributes pertinent information to the constituents of the Church, plays a pivotal role in church: legal matters, collects and reports church statistics, maintains an accurate database of credential holders, officers, churches and jurisdictions, and keeps an archive of historical documents from across the church, including, books, national and jurisdictional records, and photographs and memorabilia of historical value. He consecrated and appointed more than 100 bishops during his twenty-one years of leadership. [60] Units added during her tenure as general supervisor were the: business and Professional Women's Federation, Rescue Squad, Sunday School Representatives Unit, United Sisters of Charity, National Secretaries Unit, and the Jr. Missionaries. Well-known gospel musicians with COGIC roots include; Andrae Crouch and Sandra Crouch, Walter Hawkins and Edwin Hawkins, Tramaine Hawkins, Rubenstein McClure, Yvette Flunder, Sara Jordan Powell, Daryl Coley, BeBe and CeCe Winans, The Winans, "Detroit" Gary Wiggins, John P. Kee, The O'Neal Twins, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Rance Allen, Rev. Many Holiness Christian groups and fellowships forming at the time wanted biblical names for their local churches and fellowships, such as "Church of God, Church of Christ, or Church of the Living God". We believe the Bible to be the inspired and only infallible written Word of God. [48] COGIC clergy are also encouraged to have a certain degree of training in marriage counseling as well. It also increasingly stressed high academic standards so that its graduates could go to normal school or college, especially to teach other African Americans. The fastest growing areas include Nigeria, South Africa, Brazil, and India. He became nationally recognized in 1955 for officiating at the funeral of 15-year-old Emmett Till, who was brutally murdered in Mississippi. During his visit, Mason received the baptism of the Holy Ghost; the evidence was believed to be his "speaking in other tongues", in accordance with the biblical account found in the book of Acts 2:4. [63] The current president of the Department of Evangelism is Bishop Elijah Hankerson III of St. Louis, Missouri. Sin originated in eternity when Satan committed open rebellion against God in heaven. Built in the 1940s during World War II, the nearly 4000-seat building was the largest church auditorium of any African-American religious group in the United States. As has been stated, COGIC does not ordain women as elder or bishop, however, COGIC would not have become the largest predominately African-American Pentecostal church in the world, nor have the largest Women's convention of any major denomination without the contributions of women. Bishop Owens led the COGIC in its centennial celebration in 1997 with the theme, "Holiness, a Proven Foundation for a Promising Future!" She is also the Jurisdictional Supervisor for the First Jurisdiction, Southern California. One of her contributions was to divide the women's fellowship in the local congregations into two groups: The Christian Women's Council for the middle aged and senior women, and the Young Women's Christian Council (YWCC) for the younger women. She is the longest serving president of the International Music Department and her influence and legacy have been indelible and are recognized around the world. He is credited with systematically restructuring church departments and ministries, expanding the church in Asia, primarily India and the Philippines, and placing the COGIC on a solid financial status. As the first elected presiding bishop, Bishop Patterson Sr. established the Charles Harrison Mason Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia. They are fallen angels who joined Satan in his failed attempt to usurp power in Heaven. But during the early twentieth century, the Pentecostal movement had rapid growth nationally and attracted racially integrated congregants to its worship services. This convention brings thousands of COGIC members representing all the major departments including Sunday School, Missions, Evangelism, Music, and Youth together in July and meets in cities around the U.S. Vice President of COGIC World Missions-Supervisor Sideary King. We hope you enjoy learning more about the Church leadership and the important role they have in leading God's people. President Moody also added these ministries to the Missions Department:[62]. Home; Secretaries Please click on the drop down tab. The early pioneers of this newly formed Holiness-Pentecostal body in 1907 were E. R. Driver, J. Bowe, R. R. Booker, R. E. Hart, W. Welsh, A. Assistant Financial Secretary Bishop David A. Sanders. According to a 2015 statistical study by the Pew Research Center, the denomination was estimated to have a United States membership of approximately 84% African-Americans, 5% White Americans, 8% Latino-Americans, and roughly 2% Asian-Americans. Today thousands of COGIC women when ministering the gospel or serving in official capacities are seen in their civic (black) or ceremonial (white) habits. The first Sunday School Superintendent was Professor L. W. Lee (19081916). Each jurisdictional bishop appoints a jurisdictional supervisor to lead the work of the women on a jurisdictional level. Bishop Elijah Hankerson III - Board member (2021present), Bishop Charles E. Blake Presiding Bishop Emeritus. He also established the COGIC national headquarters there. "[92], Elder Carter was attempting to address members of COGIC as to sexual misconduct, and specifically, homosexual practices. She established a high school and gained accreditation for it, and then for the junior college which she founded on campus. It is one of the largest gathering of Christian women from any major denomination and religious organization. law enforcement and other purposes. On November 14, 1968, the General Assembly of the COGIC elected the first general board and presiding bishop of the church. Owens outlined a progressive plan to position the COGIC for ministry in the twenty-first century, known as "Vision 2000 and Beyond." During his administration, Battles organized Regions to oversee evangelistic ministry in various regional areas across the country. It is a separate and distinct work of grace that occurs in the lives of believers after conversion. Vice President of COGIC World Missions-Bishop Glenn Plummer. COGIC teaches that the Holy Spirit is alive and active in the world. For the Anabaptist denomination, see, The official seal of the COGIC features a sheaf of wheat representing the members of the COGIC. Patterson, who became presiding bishop in 2000 at the age of 60. Forms; Assessments, Records and Credentials Portal; Resolution; General Assembly Minutes; COGIC ARC; OGS Training Registration; Facebook; Contact; Mother Willie Mae Rivers served faithfully for 20 years as General Mother until 2017 and the age of 91. Its doctrine and practice are charismatic in nature, much like the Assemblies of God, meaning that they emphasize personal religious experience and divinely inspired powers, such as healing, prophecy, and speaking in tongues. In 2010, Bishop Blake led more than 50,000 delegates to the 103rd International Holy Convocation to St. Louis, Missouri. They are the largest department in the COGIC. Music Dept. [27], Several bishops disagreed with the new organizational structure; they severed ties with COGIC to start their own organizations. Lizzie Woods Robinson (19111945) was the first "General Mother" of the church. The church has a tradition of prayer, fasting, praise, and consecration that was once unique to Holiness or Holiness Pentecostal groups. Assistant Elect Lady, COGIC World Missions-Supervisor Lee E.Van Zandt. The Church of God in Christ was formed in 1897 by a group of disfellowshipped Baptists, most notably Charles Price Jones (18651949) and Charles Harrison Mason (18641961). Dr. Valerie Daniels Carter, entrepreneur, Jurisdictional Supervisor, Dr. Dorinda Clark Cole, International Elect Lady of Evangelism Dept., international evangelist. The beliefs of the Church of God in Christ are briefly written in its Statement of Faith, which is reproduced below:[41] It is often recited in various congregations as part of the order of worship and all national and international convocations. Also send a copy to the General Secretary Bishop Lyle. James Moore, Thomas Whitfield (singer), Deniece Williams, Hubert Powell, Donnie McClurkin, LaShun Pace, The Anointed Pace Sisters, Dr. Bettye Ransom Nelson, Bishop Richard "Mr. Clean" White, Bishop Paul S. Morton, The Clark Sisters: (Jacky Clark-Chisholm, Elbernita "Twinkie" Clark, Dorinda Clark-Cole and Karen Clark-Sheard). These jurisdictions are then separated into districts, which consist of 5 to 7 churches and are governed by superintendents (ordained elder or pastor). They exist primarily in the spiritual realm and are organized according to duty and function. The General Secretary - Just another Church Of God In Christ, Inc. site. Medger Evers, the famed NAACP Field representative for the state of Mississippi who was gunned down in the front of his house in 1963 was raised in by his mother as a member of COGIC before later becoming a Baptist. A visionary, she spearheaded the establishment of the multi-million dollar Hale Morris Lewis Manor, a senior citizen complex in Los Angeles, CA. She served as the jurisdictional supervisor of several states including Maryland and New Jersey helping to establish and stabilize struggling jurisdictions. In 2015, after more than 40 years of faithful service, Bishop Carlis L. Moody was emeritized as Bishop of Missions. Secretary of the General Council of Pastors and Elders Superintendent Prince W. Bryant, II. Pastor Dennis Martin and Superintendent Willie James Campbell succeeded Bishop White as presidents. For many years, West Angeles has been one of the fastest growing churches in the United States and remains the largest COGIC local congregation with a membership of 25,000. Jurisdictions range in size between 30 and 100 churches. However, after a meeting in Hot Springs, Arkansas that led to the founding of the Assemblies of God, the white constituency of COGIC continued to decline, until it was almost nonexistent by the 1930s. [citation needed] Bishop Ford is credited with inviting President Bill Clinton, a personal friend, to speak to the Eighty-Sixth International Holy Convocation on November 13, 1993. Organized in the South and having a predominately African-American membership, COGIC has had a long history in advancing civil rights. COGIC licensed female evangelists may also serve as chaplains in military, federal, state, and local institutions requiring chaplains. The racial climate in the post WWI years, when there was high competition for jobs and housing and violent unrest in many cities in 1919, would not sustain this relationship. He was elected as the denomination's leader on March 27, 2021. 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