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Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee)
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The Church of God (Cleveland) is a Pentecostal Christian denomination, with headquarters in Cleveland, Tennessee. It has grown to become one of the largest Pentecostal denominations in the world, with worldwide membership over 6 million, according to the denomination's official website. Currently it is the second largest Pentecostal denomination in the world, with the Assemblies of God being the largest. The movement's origins can be traced back to 1886 with a small meeting of Christians at the Barney Creek Meeting House on the Tennessee/North Carolina border, making it the oldest Pentecostal Christian denomination in the United States.
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The Church of God (Cleveland) is a Pentecostal Christian denomination, with headquarters in Cleveland, Tennessee. It has grown to become one of the largest Pentecostal denominations in the world, with worldwide membership over 6 million, according to the denomination's official website. Currently it is the second largest Pentecostal denomination in the world, with the Assemblies of God being the largest. The movement's origins can be traced back to 1886 with a small meeting of Christians at the Barney Creek Meeting House on the Tennessee/North Carolina border, making it the oldest Pentecostal Christian denomination in the United States.
Name
The precise legal name of this body is Church of God. In 1953 the Supreme Court of Tennessee determined that it alone was entitled to use the simple name "Church of God", after a protracted court case involving donations that were intended for its orphanages that were being received by other groups using the same name. The group however uses Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee) in order to distinguish it from other bodies who use the words Church of God in their titles. The church's worldwide membership is approximately 6 million in over 150 countries. The Church of God (Cleveland) operates two universities, the oldest of which is Lee University in Cleveland, established in 1918. The Church of God also has another University in Oakland, CA, named Patten University. The denomination operates Bible colleges in several countries, including International Bible Colleges in Canada and Mexico (Seminario Bíblico Mexicano, founded in 1979, in Hermosillo, Sonora), as well as Mt. Zion Bible College and three others in India. In response to the need for a seminary, the Church of God Graduate School of Christian Ministries (now known as the Church of God Theological Seminary) opened in 1975. The Church of God Publishing House is "Pathway Press."
Early history
Elder Richard Spurling (1810-1891), an ordained Baptist minister, rejected some of the views of the Baptists in his area as not being in accord with New Testament Christianity. In August 1886, he and seven members from the Holly Springs and Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Churches in Monroe County, Tennessee and Cherokee County, North Carolina organized the "Christian Union". They agreed to free themselves from man-made creeds and unite upon the principles of the New Testament. Although not intending to form a new church or denomination, their commitment to holiness principles placed them in conflict with the more relaxed standards of the mainstream Baptist and Methodist churches in that area. Within a short period of time it became clear that they would not be allowed to remain as members of their churches while embracing a holiness doctrine. In 1902, Richard Green Spurling (Richard Spurling's son) and W. F. Bryant founded the Holiness Church at Camp Creek (North Carolina).
Because of Spurling's and Bryant's resistance to the creation of creeds and church polity, this young fellowship of Christians remained ungoverned by any clear, specific doctrinal standards until the arrival of A. J. Tomlinson in 1903. Tomlinson provided a degree of organization, discipline, and vision that were important in establishing the church's staying power.
Ambrose Jessup Tomlinson, a former Quaker, united with the church at Camp Creek in 1903, after climbing what is now known as "Prayer Mountain" (located in the Fields of the Woods park that is run by the Church of God of Prophecy in Murphy, NC) and reportedly being divinely assured that this fledgling church was indeed God's reestablishment of the New Testament church upon earth. Tomlinson was selected to pastor the congregation, and his drive and vision brought about efforts that resulted in other churches being organized in Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. The first General Assembly was held in 1906, and though the intention was still to avoid the creation of a creed and denomination, the members' consensus on certain endeavors and standards laid the groundwork for the future denomination, and perhaps soon demonstrated to the adherents the benefit of some degree of standardization of doctrine, etc.
The name Church of God was adopted in 1907. In 1909, Tomlinson was elected General Overseer. The Church of God was known as a "holiness" church more than a Pentecostal one during these early years, though some had experienced the "Pentecostal Blessing" of being "baptized in the Holy Ghost" as early as 1896. In fact, Tomlinson himself did not believe he received the "baptism of the Holy Ghost" until some time after being elected General Overseer, when the church had moved to Cleveland, TN, when a special meeting was held by the church. At that revival the guest speaker was an individual who visited the Azusa Street Revival, and during those services Tomlinson finally experienced this signature blessing. Thereafter, the Church of God began to place additional emphasis on the Pentecostal aspect of the church.
In 1923, Tomlinson was impeached, causing a division which led to the creation, by followers of Tomlinson, of what would become known as the Church of God of Prophecy. The impeachment was the result of lax financial bookkeeping on Tomlinson's part. One explanation often cited for financial discrepancies was that Tomlinson may have used church funds to support struggling pastors and churches and had, on many occasions, reappropriated money from otherwise-designated funds, causing shortfalls. Although there was no indication that Tomlinson used church funds for himself, there were many within the organization who felt that this type of imprudence was an indicator of serious flaws within the organizational structure of the church.
When his handling of finances was called into question, it appears that Tomlinson took offense at the implications against his integrity, and perhaps to having his long-term and substantial authority questioned. Some, mostly in later splinter groups, have suggested that that the financial issues were used as an attempt to move the church to a more democratic footing, with the office of General Overseer becoming an elective and termed office, instead of, as then existed, an office where Tomlinson served by general acclaim of the church-at-large. These splinter groups continue to maintain that this change moved the church away from being a theocracy, however, under both systems, the office of General Overseer was selected by the approval of the church. Even during Tomlinson's tenure there was no rule or tenet that prevented an Overseer from being removed.
Both sides of the controversy now tend to admit missteps by either side: by Tomlinson in taking too much umbrage at the questioning; and by those who questioned him for perhaps having more in mind than simple financial probity, and thus not addressing the matter in a way that would have been more conducive to reconciliation. In recent years the Church of God (Cleveland) and the Church of God of Prophecy have moved beyond these issues and have developed a close interdenominational fellowship. The two groups are now working together in many areas of church ministry, meetings, and evangelistic outreach.
The practice of snake handling briefly became a controversy in the denomination in the 1920s after it was endorsed by George W. Hensley, a Church of God minister. The practice was quickly repudiated by the Church of God leadership and Hensley and the small number of congregations which practiced it left to become independent congregations generally using the name Church of God with Signs Following. Ironically, Hensley died in 1955 after being bitten by a snake during a church service.
During the latter half of the twentieth century, the Church of God gradually relaxed what they call their "Practical Commitments"; separate from their Declaration of Faith, which are the biblical beliefs of the church. These practical commitments are the social practices of the church, and originally included "That members dress according to the teachings of the New Testament", "That our members conform to the Scripture relative to outward adornment and to the use of cosmetics, etc. that create an unnatural appearance", as well as other admonitions concerning hair, ornamental jewelry, "mixed swimming", television/movies, dances, and "ungodly amusements". Many of these practical commitments were modified as the church adapted to ministry outside of its southeastern U.S. roots, however the Declaration of Faith has not been modified since its inception.
The definitive history of the Church of God can be found in Like a Mighty Army, written by Charles W. Conn, Lit.D.(1920-2008). This is recognized as the essential history of the movement. See also Michael Crews' The Church of God: A Social History (University of Tennessee Press,1990). Visit the Dixon Pentecostal Research Center for more historical resources (For a recent biographical study of Tomlinson, see: Robins, R.G. A.J. Tomlinson. Plainfolk Modernist. Oxford: University Press, 2004.
Theology
Theologically, the Church of God is Wesleyan Arminian. That is, it is "committed to the Wesleyan/Pentecostal interpretation of Scripture", according to the Church of God Theological Seminary. As such, conditional security of believers is taught (as opposed to eternal security), Holiness, and Full Gospel Pentecostalism - the belief that the baptism and gifts of the Holy Spirit, as recorded in the New Testament (beginning in the book of Acts), continue to operate as they did almost 2,000 years ago, and are available to all believers today. Though generally committed to Wesleyan Arminianism, there are some Calvinist and moderate Calvinist ministers in the denomination; however their numbers are few and have not affected the doctrinal direction of the church in any meaningful way. Although Church of God doctrine, per se, does not establish a Wesleyan Arminian position, it is still the case that traditionally and historically, the Church of God has been Wesleyan Arminian. The theological teachings of the church have not changed significantly since its foundation, and have been regularly affirmed at the General Assembly of the Church of God, the biennial convention of the denomination.
Missions
Missions is the strongest area of ministry in the Church of God. With over 5 million members overseas, the missions program has exploded since its humble beginnings of one missionary to the Caribbean. The missions programs in Africa, China, India, South America and Southeast Asia have grown tremendously. The focus is currently on one of the most neglected mission fields: Europe. The success is in part because while the initial work in each country is usually done by foreign missionaries, great care is taken to hand over the work to indigenous workers as soon as they have been trained to lead the programs. See: Conn, Charles W. Where the Saints Have Trod: A History of Church of God Missions. Cleveland: Pathway Press, 1957. Visit the Church of God's Missions website
The Church of God started missionary works in Mexico on 1931 with the assimilation of Maria Atkinson's early efforts in the state of Sonora. James H. Ingram was the first missionary of the Church of God in Mexico.
Music
In the early 1900s, the church was sometimes called "The Singing Church" due to the exuberance of the singing, and the strong reliance upon music as part of the worship service. While the churches within the denomination today utilize many different musical styles, music, in general, continues to play a very important role in the local churches. The official Church of God Music Ministries Department is known as Spirit Sound Music Group. This department produces studio recordings and conducts music conferences during the year. Spirit Sound Music Group was founded by Dr. Delton Alford, who remains its director.
Basic Beliefs
Declaration of Faith:
The Church of God believes...
- The verbal inspiration of the Bible.
- One God, eternally existing in three persons; namely, the Father, Son and the Holy Ghost.
- Jesus is the only begotten Son of the Father, conceived of the Holy Ghost, and born of the virgin Mary. He was crucified, buried and raised from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is today at the right hand of the Father as the Intercessor.
- All have sinned and come short of the glory of God and that repentance is commanded of God for all and necessary for forgiveness of sins.
- Justification, regeneration and the new birth are wrought by faith in the blood of Jesus Christ.
- Sanctification is subsequent to the new birth, through faith in the blood of Jesus, through the Word and by the Holy Ghost.
- Holiness to be God's standard of living for His people.
- Baptism with the Holy Ghost subsequent to a clean heart.
- Speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance is the initial evidence of the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
- Water baptism is by immersion and all who repent should be baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
- Divine healing is provided for all in the atonement.
- The Lord's Supper and washing of the saints' feet are ordained by Christ for our observance.
- The premillennial second coming of Jesus; first, to resurrect the righteous dead and to catch away the living saints to Him in the air and, second, to reign on the earth a thousand years.
- The bodily resurrection for all, resulting in eternal life for the righteous and eternal punishment for the wicked.
Practical Commitments:
SPIRITUAL EXAMPLE
We will demonstrate our commitment to Christ through our practice of the spiritual disciplines; we will demonstrate our commitment to the body of Christ through our loyalty to God and commitment to His church; and we will demonstrate our commitment to the work of Christ through our being good stewards.
MORAL PURITY
We will engage in those activities which glorify God in our body and which avoid the fulfillment of the lust of the flesh. We will read, watch and listen to those things which are of positive benefit to our spiritual well-being.
PERSONAL INTEGRITY
We will live in a manner that inspires trust and confidence, bearing the fruit of the Spirit and seeking to manifest the character of Christ in all our behavior.
FAMILY RESPONSIBILITY
We will give priority to fulfilling family responsibilities, to preserving the sanctity of marriage and to maintaining divine order in the home.
BEHAVIORAL TEMPERANCE
We will practice temperance in behavior and will abstain from activities and attitudes which are offensive to our fellowman or which lead to addiction or enslavement.
MODEST APPEARANCE
We will demonstrate the scriptural principle of modesty by appearing and dressing in a manner that will enhance our Christian testimony and will avoid pride, elaborateness or sensuality.
SOCIAL OBLIGATION
It should be our objective to fulfill our obligations to society by being good citizens, by correcting social injustices, and by protecting the sanctity of life.
Doctrinal Commitments:
- Repentance. Mark 1:15; Luke 13:3; Acts 3:19.
- Justification. Romans 5:1; Titus 3:7.
- Regeneration. Titus 3:5.
- New birth. John 3:3; 1 Peter 1:23; 1 John 3:9.
- Sanctification subsequent to justification. Romans 5:2; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; Hebrews 13:12.
- Holiness. Luke 1:75; 1 Thessalonians 4:7; Hebrews 12:14.
- Water baptism. Matthew 28:19; Mark 1:9, 10; John 3:22, 23; Acts 8:36, 38.
- Baptism with the Holy Ghost subsequent to cleansing; the enduement of power for service. Matthew 3:11; Luke 24:49, 53; Acts 1:4-8.
- The speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance as the initial evidence of the baptism in the Holy Ghost. John 15:26; Acts 2:4; 10:44-46; 19:1-7.
- The Church. Exodus 19:5, 6; Psalm 22:22; Matthew 16:13-19; 28:19,20; Acts 1:8; 2:42-47; 7:38; 20:28; Romans 8:14-17: 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17; 12:12-31; 2 Corinthians 6:6-18; Ephesians 2:19-22; 3:9, 21; Philipians 3:10; Hebrews 2:12; 1 Peter 2:9; 1 John 1:6, 7; Revelation 21:2, 9; 22:17.
- Spiritual gifts. 1 Corinthians 12:1, 7, 10, 28, 31; 1 Corinthians 14:1.
- Signs following believers. Mark 16:17-20; Romans 15:18, 19; Hebrews 2:4.
- Fruit of the Spirit. Romans 6:22; Galatians 5:22, 23; Ephesians 5:9; Philippians 1:11.
- Divine healing provided for all in the Atonement. Psalm 103:3; Isaiah 53:4, 5; Matthew 8:17; James 5:14-16; 1 Peter 2:24.
- The Lord's Supper. Luke 22:17-20; 1 Corinthians 11 : 2 3 - 2 6.
- Washing the saints' feet. John 13:4-17; 1 Timothy 5:9, 10.
- Tithing and giving. Genesis 14:18-20; 28:20-22; Malachi 3:10; Luke 11:42 ; 1 Corinthians 16:2 ; 2 Corinthians 9:6-9 ; Hebrews 7:1-21.
- Restitution where possible. Matthew 3:8; Luke 19:8, 9.
- Premillennial second coming of Jesus. First, to resurrect the dead saints and to catch away the living saints to Him in the air. 1 Corinthians 15:52; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17; 2 Thessalonians 2:1. Second, to reign on the earth a thousand years. Zechariah 14:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:14; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; Jude 14, 15; Revelation 5:10; 19:11-21; 20:4-6.
- Resurrection. John 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15; Revelation 20:5, 6.
- Eternal life for the righteous. Matthew 25:46; Luke 18:30; John 10:28; Romans 6:22; 1 John 5:11-13.
- Eternal punishment for the wicked. No liberation nor annihilation. Matthew 25:41-46; Mark 3:29; 2 Thessalonians 1: 8, 9; Revelation 20:10-15; 21:8.
See also
Related bodies
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