The Church of God (Cleveland) is the oldest known (Protestant)/Pentecostal Christian denomination, with headquarters in Cleveland, Tennessee. 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. It has grown to become one of the largest Holiness Pentecostal denominations in the world. Protestantism is a general grouping of denominations within Christianity. ... The Pentecostal movement within Protestant Christianity places special emphasis on the gifts of the Holy Spirit. ... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Luther Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Pope · Archbishop of Canterbury Patriarch of Constantinople Christianity Portal This box:      A Christian () is a person who... A religious denomination (also simply denomination) is a subgroup within a religion that operates under a common name, tradition, and identity. ... Cleveland is a city in Bradley County, Tennessee, United States. ... Year 1886 (MDCCCLXXXVI) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Sunday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... Christianity percentage by country, purple is highest, orange is lowest Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Wycliffe Tyndale · Luther · Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Pope · Archbishop of Canterbury Patriarch... Official language(s) English Capital Nashville Largest city Memphis Largest metro area Nashville Area  Ranked 36th  - Total 42,169 sq mi (109,247 km²)  - Width 120 miles (195 km)  - Length 440 miles (710 km)  - % water 2. ... Official language(s) English Capital Raleigh Largest city Charlotte Area  Ranked 28th  - Total 53,865 sq mi (139,509 km²)  - Width 150 miles (240 km)  - Length 560[1] miles (901 km)  - % water 9. ... The Holiness movement is composed of people who believe and propagate the belief that the carnal nature of man can be cleansed through faith and by the power of the Holy Spirit if one has had his sins forgiven through faith in Jesus. ... The Pentecostal movement within Protestant Christianity places special emphasis on the gifts of the Holy Spirit. ...

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 exceeds 7 million people in over 160 countries. The Church of God (Cleveland) operates several universities, the oldest of which is Lee University in Cleveland, established in 1918. The Church of God also has Bible Colleges in countries around the world, including International Bible College in Canada and Mexico (Seminario Bíblico Mexicano, founded in 1979, in Hermosillo, Sonora[1]), 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, "Pathway Press" is a major gospel music resource. Church of God is a name used by numerous, mostly unrelated bodies. ... Lee University Lee University is a private coeducational university located in Cleveland, Tennessee. ... 1918 (MCMXVIII) was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar (see link for calendar) or a common year starting on Wednesday of the Julian calendar. ... Church of God Theological Seminary, located in Cleveland, Tennessee, is the main theological training center for the Church of God (Cleveland). ... Gospel music is a musical genre characterized by dominant vocals (often with strong use of harmony) referencing lyrics of a religious nature, particularly Christian. ...

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 of 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. In 1902, Richard Green Spurling (Richard Spurling's son) and W. F. Bryant founded the Holiness Church at Camp Creek (North Carolina). 1810 was a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar). ... Year 1891 (MDCCCXCI) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Saturday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Wycliffe Tyndale · Luther · Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Pope · Patriarch of Constantinople Christianity Portal This box:      Baptist is a term describing individuals belonging... Year 1886 (MDCCCLXXXVI) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Sunday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... Monroe County is a county located in the state of Tennessee. ... Cherokee County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... 1902 (MCMII) was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ...

Because of Spurling's and Bryant's resistance to the creation of creeds and church polity, however, 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.

A. J. 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 Wood park that is run by the COGOP 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.-1... 1900 (MCMIII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display calendar) of the Gregorian calendar or a common year starting on Friday of the 13-day slower Julian calendar. ...

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". In fact, Tomlinson himself did not believe he received the "baptism of the Holy Ghost" until some time later, 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. Eventually, the Pentecostal emphasis became more predominant than the holiness emphasis, though this latter emphasis is still very much a part of the denomination's beliefs and values. Year 1907 (MCMVII) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Monday of the 13-day-slower Julian calendar). ... Year 1909 (MCMIX) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Thursday of the 13-day-slower Julian calendar). ...

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. This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

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.

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.

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. Snake handling is a religious ritual in a small number of Christian churches in the U.S., usually characterized as rural and Pentecostal. ... The Church of God with Signs Following is the name applied to Pentecostal holiness churches that engage in the practice of snake handling and drinking poison in their religious worship services, based on Mark 16:17-18. ...

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 states what the biblical beliefs of the church are. These practical commitments are the social practices of the church, and originally included "That members dress according to the teachings of the New Testament," and "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 bathing," 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-). 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 ([2]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), are still just as much in operation today as they were almost 2,000 years ago, and available to all believers today. Though generally committed to Wesleyanism/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 in the United States, traditionally and historically, the Church of God has been Wesleyan/Arminian. The general teachings and theology 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. John Wesley (June 28 [O.S. June 17] 1703 – March 2, 1791) was an eighteenth-century Anglican minister and Christian theologian who was an early leader in the Methodist movement. ... Arminianism is a Protestant Christian theology founded by the Dutch theologian Jacobus Arminius. ... Perseverance of the saints (or preservation of the saints or eternal security) is a controversial Christian doctrine which maintains that none who are truly saved can be condemned for their sins or finally fall away from the faith. ... Holiness is the state of being holy, that is, set apart for the worship or service of God or gods. ... The Full Gospel movement within Protestant Christianity places special emphasis on the gifts of the Holy Spirit and in that God wills for his children to be prosperous in all areas of their lives: Spiritual - John 3:3,11; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Romans 10:9-10. ... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Luther Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Pope · Archbishop of Canterbury Patriarch of Constantinople Christianity Portal This box:      Pentecostal can also mean pertaining to... In an unadorned church, the 17th century congregation stands to hear the sermon. ... Moderate Calvinism Moderate Calvinism is sometimes called the non-traditional view of Calvinism. ...

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 due to the fact that 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 [3] “West Indian” redirects here. ... A world map showing the continent of Africa Africa is the worlds second-largest and second most-populous continent, after Asia. ... South America South America is a continent crossed by the equator, with most of its area in the Southern Hemisphere. ... Location of Southeast Asia Southeast Asia is a subregion of Asia. ...

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. Music, in general, usually plays a very important part in the local churches. Depending on the individual church, the music played can vary anywhere from old-time gospel and hymn-singing to contemporary Christian, Caribbean style, R&P (Rhythm & Praise instead of R&B) and Christian rock. // Music is an art form consisting of sound and silence expressed through time. ... It has been suggested that Ecclesia (Church) be merged into this article or section. ... For other uses, see Gospel (disambiguation). ... A hymn is a type of song, usually religious, specifically written for the purpose of praise, adoration or prayer, and typically addressed to a god or other religiously significant figure. ... Love Song Contemporary Christian music (CCM), or Christian pop music, is a sub-genre of Christian music. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

Basic Beliefs

The Church of God subscribes to the following doctrines:

1. The verbal inspiration of the Bible.
2. One God, eternally existing in three persons; namely, the Father, Son and the Holy Ghost.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Justification, regeneration and the new birth are wrought by faith in the blood of Jesus Christ.
6. Sanctification is subsequent to the new birth, through faith in the blood of Jesus, through the Word and by the Holy Ghost.
7. Holiness to be God's standard of living for His people.
8. Baptism with the Holy Ghost subsequent to a clean heart.
9. Speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance is the initial evidence of the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
10. 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.
11. Divine healing is provided for all in the atonement.
12. The Lord's Supper and washing of the saints' feet are ordained by Christ for our observance.
13. 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.
14. The bodily resurrection for all, resulting in eternal life for the righteous and eternal punishment for the wicked.[4]

Presently, there is an on-going effort to work closely with the Church of God of Prophecy (created by the division in 1923). Both churches hold very similar doctrine, and there has been much more cooperation between the churches and leadership.

Church Planting

The National Church of God Planting Office for the COG of Cleveland, TN is located in Madisonville, KY under the leadership of Pastor Michael Knight, a part of Covenant Community Church, also in Madisonville. The NCOP offers training labs for other COG planters.

Related bodies

• Church of God (Charleston, Tennessee) (org. 1993)
• Church of God, House of Prayer (org. 1939)
• Church of God (Huntsville, Alabama) (org. 1943)
• Church of God of Prophecy (org. 1923)
• Church of God with Signs Following (org. circa 1922)
• (Original) Church of God (Chattanooga) (org. 1917)
• The Church of God for All Nations (org. 1981)
• The Church of God of All Nations (org. 1957)
• Bethel Hispanic Church of God (org. 1985)

The Church of God (Charleston, Tennessee) is a pentecostal holiness body of Christians with roots in the holiness movement among Baptists in the late 19th century. ... The Church of God, House of Prayer is a Pentecostal holiness body of Christians. ... The Church of God (Huntsville, Alabama) is a Pentecostal holiness body of Christians, based in Huntsville, Alabama. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... The Church of God with Signs Following is the name applied to Pentecostal holiness churches that engage in the practice of snake handling and drinking poison in their religious worship services, based on Mark 16:17-18. ... The Church of God (Chattanooga) is a Pentecostal holiness denomination of Christians, located mostly in the southeastern United States. ... The Church of God for All Nations is a theocratic Pentecostal holiness body of Christians. ... The Church of God of All Nations is a holiness Pentecostal body that descends from the Christian Union movement of Richard Spurling, A. J. Tomlinson and others. ... Origins Bethel Hispanic Church of God in Anchorage, Alaska is also known as Iglesia de Dios Betel. ...

External links

• Official denominational website
• Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee) at the Open Directory Project