Then in 1946, the YPWW Department was combined with the Sunday School Department for joint conventions until 1951 when they were separated once again. Mrs. Mattie McCaulley of Tulsa, Oklahoma was the first to respond, and was sent to Trinidad. Nurses Aid Ministry nurses taking their skills to the mission field. Today, the International Youth Department (IYD) is led by the International Youth President, Superintendent Nathaniel Green of Dallas, TX, and the International Chairlady, Evangelist Vandalyn Kennedy of Queens, NY. COGIC considers any physical, sexual relationship outside of the sanctity of marriage to be outside of the sovereign will of God and unbiblical. Bishop Blake is the senior pastor of the West Angeles Cathedral COGIC in Los Angeles. 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. 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". [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. At its first convocation held in 1897, the group identified simply as the "Church of God." [21], In 1907, there were ten COGIC churches, but by the time of Bishop Mason's death in 1961, COGIC had spread to every state in the United States and to many foreign countries. It was destroyed by fire in 1936. General Secretary Bishop Joel H. Lyles Jr.. Chairman of the General Assembly Bishop Lemuel F. Thuston. Over time, the ministers and churches under Leonard P. Adams also separated from COGIC; they assimilated into other white Pentecostal groups or organizations. The denomination teaches that God gives life to human beings, biologically and spiritually, through the moment of conception in the womb of the mother, using Jeremiah 1:5, Genesis 1:2627, and Psalms 139:1316 as their scriptural basis for this belief. She formed her daughters into a singing group who became known as the legendary "Clark Sisters" who helped introduce and became leaders of the contemporary gospel music era. We believe that the Baptism of the Holy Ghost, according to Acts 2:4, is given to believers who ask for it. However, in 1996, the umbrella format was revised under the administration of Bishop C.D. COGIC members gathered for praying, fasting, teaching, preaching, fellowship and conducting business related to the national COGIC organization. In 1924, the Sunday School was formally organized under "Father" F. C. Christmas (19161944). After being ejected for accepting these new Pentecostal teachings, Mason called a meeting in Memphis later in the year and reorganized the Church of God in Christ as a Holiness-Pentecostal body. In 1964 however, disagreement between the authority of the Senior Bishop and the executive board, led by Bishop A. Winbush was selected to serve as the first chairman. In 1988, after a thirteen-year exodus from COGIC, Bishop G. E. Patterson returned as the founding Prelate of the newly formed Tennessee Fourth Jurisdiction. Bishop Blake said, "The Church of God in Christ does not compromise its stance against homosexuality as the Word of God condemns it as sin, but "this preacher's" (referring to Earl Carter) comments were unacceptably offensive and uncalled for, and will not be tolerated by the Church of God in Christ or its leadership. She also established a musical program. We believe that the redemptive work of Christ on the Cross provides healing for the human body in answer to believing prayer. President Clinton gave speeches at COGIC meetings including the International Holy Convocation at Mason Temple and the Women's International Convention. Divorce is considered inconsistent with biblical teachings and is highly discouraged as well, but exceptions are made for special circumstances. Despite what seems to be obvious limitations to minister because of ordination, women have been given great latitude and numerous opportunities to serve in ministry in COGIC. On November 14, 1968, the General Assembly of the COGIC elected the first general board and presiding bishop of the church. He self-identifies as Bishop/CEO of his newly organized fellowship called the 7000 Club (not to be confused with The 700 Club from Pat Robertson). [61] Finally, she changed the visible presence of women in ministry with the introduction of the ministry "habit". He led a group of students to participate in the March on Selma. Southern California Second Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. [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. ", COGIC teaches that sanctification is a continuous operation of the Holy Spirit, by which he "delivers the justified sinner from the pollution of sin, renews his whole nature in the image of God and enables him to perform good works". Bishop Jones was the only living bishop of the five original bishops consecrated by Bishop Mason. In 2010, Bishop Blake led more than 50,000 delegates to the 103rd International Holy Convocation to St. Louis, Missouri. [29] The spread of COGIC was due largely to the efforts of its evangelists through crusades and revivals. She was greatly interested in the building of Mason Temple and she kept her national building fund drives functioning until she knew the building was ready for dedication. Coffey was a child convert to COGIC under the preaching of Bishop Mason, and was influential in organizing many of the auxiliaries, bands, and units that exist within the COGIC Women's Department. After the death of Mother Coffey in 1964, Dr. Annie L. Bailey (19641975), became the third General Supervisor. [6], In June 1896, Jones held a Holiness convention at Mt. They were given the authority through a "gentlemen's agreement" to license ministers and establish churches under the COGIC name. The three-year-initiative with The Human Coalition was also supposed to encourage local COGIC clergy leaders across the United States, both male and female, to partner up with other anti-abortion advocacy groups and Christian ministries to lobby for more anti-abortion restrictions throughout local states.[51]. Login ::: Church Of God In Christ ARC Portal ::: Log-in to your ARC account. However, the General Assembly vested authority in the executive board composed of the seven bishops selected by Bishop Mason before his death. The denomination considers these to be inconsistent with COGIC doctrine and teaching. The church declares to be evangelical in ministry, fundamental in doctrine and practice and Pentecostal in worship and expression. They exist primarily in the spiritual realm and are organized according to duty and function. Deaconess Missionaries serve and assist in the ceremonial and temporal affairs of the local church. OTHER COGIC clergy are allowed to be married. Ford, as Saints' Academy, a private co-educational grade school. He was denied such trial in 2016. The current Presiding Bishop is Bishop John Drew Sheard Sr., who is the Senior Pastor of the Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ of Detroit, Michigan. Bishop Blake led COGIC through the death of G. E. Patterson while preparing the church for its 100th Holy Convocation; an important milestone for the church. Other leaders of the Youth Department who leader became influential leaders of the church included: Bishop F.D. She organized the sewing circle and after meeting Elder Searcy, she encouraged the women to support mission work through the Home and Foreign Mission bands. On February 21, 1965, when Malcolm X was assassinated and the family needed a place for his funeral, no major black church or facility would open their doors for the service. If you have any further questions, please contact Executive Secretary Sidney A. Buggs. These twelve bishops, chosen from the Board of Bishops, are voted into office by the General Assembly for a term of four years . Patterson, Evangelist Joyce L Rodgers#, Jurisdictional Supervisor, Former Chairlady of Youth Dept., international evangelist, Dr. Lytia R. Howard, Emeritus, President of the Sunshine Band, COGIC Pastor, Mother Leatha Herndon Chapman Tucker#, church organizer, national evangelist, Mother Elizabeth White#, foreign missionary, Dr. Rita Womack, national evangelist, former Elect Lady, Mother Willa Mary Collins#, founding First Lady of Holy Trinity Church of God in Christ in Evansville, Indiana. J. O. Patterson Sr. was the Presiding Bishop at that time. Bishop Prince E. W. Bryant Sr. Board member (2021present). Recognizing the significance of women to the ministry, COGIC has created numerous positions that allow women to work as counterparts to the department presidents as chair ladies (YPWW) and Elect ladies (Evangelism). It includes not only those who are members of COGIC, but all believers who have placed their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Thereafter, missionaries were sent to Africa and the islands of the Caribbean, Asia, and elsewhere. Church Of God In Christ, Inc. 2015-23. COGIC theology and beliefs fall in the tradition of Wesleyan-Arminian theology.[40]. All charges against a Pastor or a local Church must be filed with the General Secretary, and the Jurisdictional Secretary. Vice Chairman of the National Judiciary Board Bishop Enoch Perry. Bishop Mason appointed her as a young woman to be head of the small school in 1926, after she had been teaching there. Throughout the dispute, Elder Carter made allegations against Bishop Blake for impropriety, sexual misconduct, and abuse of power as presiding bishop. The current leader of the International Music Department is recording artist Dr. Myron Williams, succeeding Dr. Judith Christie McAllister of Los Angeles, California, who is also a praise and worship national recording artist. [29] Former International Music Department President Professor Iris Stevenson-McCullough (originally from Rochester, NY) is a major influence in the gospel music industry around the world. According to its 1973 Constitution, the church has two structures to govern the church: civil and ecclesiastical. Complete biographical information will be added to this page soon. In addition, the Office of the General Secretary is an integral part of all ceremonial activities, inaugurals, celebrations and ecumenical services. He appointed regional presidents to serve as liaisons to the jurisdictional presidents. According to Alex Haley, "He and his wife then received bomb threats at home and at church." On October 23, 2020, Bishop Blake announced that he will not seek a re-election as Presiding Bishop nor as a member of the General Board and that he would retire from the Office of Presiding Bishop and from the General Board in 2021.[34]. He protested during the 1950s and 1960s against lodging segregation in Memphis, while participating in COGIC Holy Convocations there during the Civil Rights era before federal laws prohibiting such segregation. Bishop Darrell L. Hines Board member (2016present). Today COGIC has more than 12,000 churches, and several schools, missions, and medical clinics in more than eighty nations, including every inhabited continent. He was a noted evangelist who had pastored several churches, including: Bostick Temple in St. Louis, Missouri; Well's Cathedral COGIC in Newark, New Jersey; and Greater Community COGIC in Marietta, Georgia. 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. Missions work in COGIC began under Elder Searcy in 1925. Also send a copy to the General Secretary Bishop Lyle. Founded . President Moody also added these ministries to the Missions Department:[62]. [15], COGIC originated among African Americans in the Southern states of Mississippi, Arkansas, and Tennessee. He was elected as the denomination's leader on March 27, 2021. 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. According to the Articles of Religion in the COGIC Official Manual, COGIC believes in biblical inspiration and holds that the Bible is the supreme and final authority for doctrine and practice. Chairman of the National Board of Trustees Bishop Dwight E. Walls Sr.. First Vice Chairman of the National Board of Trustees Superintendent Melton Timmons. In 1915, after years of court litigation over the name of the organization and use of the name "Church of God in Christ" by the two groups; Mason's group was granted the use of the name and Jones's group organized a legally chartered Holiness body called the Church of Christ (Holiness) U.S.A.[14], After moving to Memphis, Tennessee, Bishop Mason established a local congregation called Temple COGIC. [29] She is also the Jurisdictional Supervisor of Women for the South Carolina Jurisdiction. The presiding bishop and all twelve members of the general board are to be elected every four years and preside over the church when the General Assembly is not in session. During his administration, Battles organized Regions to oversee evangelistic ministry in various regional areas across the country. During 19101913, two white ministers, Elder H. A. Goss and Elder Leonard P. Adams, were clergy under the authority of C. H. Mason. [7] The leadership of the Mississippi State Convention of the National Baptist Convention intervened and expelled Jones, Mason, and others who embraced the Wesleyan teaching of entire sanctification. The seminary is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and is part of a consortium of the Interdenominational Theological Center. The civil structure of the Church of God in Christ includes a president, first vice-president, second vice-president, general secretary, general treasurer, and the financial secretary. [16] Remarriage is highly discouraged, except in the case of the death of a spouse. Vice chairman of the General Council of Pastors and Elders Bishop Marcus Ways. Owens continued to serve as a jurisdictional bishop and member of the General Board until his death in 2011. Furthermore, the new constitution created the office of the presiding bishop and a general board of twelve bishops and defined their responsibilities. Patterson, who became presiding bishop in 2000 at the age of 60. According to the Articles of Religion, "We believe that we are not baptized with the Holy Ghost in order to be saved, but that we are baptized with the Holy Ghost because we are saved". They are fallen angels who joined Satan in his failed attempt to usurp power in Heaven. After being removed from the office of Senior Bishop, he remained the Jurisdictional Bishop of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania until his death in 1972. COGIC teaches the deity of Jesus Christ, his virgin birth, sinless life, physical death, burial, resurrection, ascension and visible return to the earth. 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. These women have been listed for their significant contributions and impact to the church. 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. Bishop Jerry W. Macklin First Assistant Presiding Bishop (2021present) and board member (2004present). Mother Dorothy Exume#, foreign missionary, Evangelist Reatha D. Herndon#, first and longest-serving elect Lady, church organizer, national evangelist, Supervisor Deola Wells Johnson, national evangelist, jurisdictional supervisor, Evangelist Maria Gardner Langston, COGIC pastor, national evangelist, former Elect Lady, Mother Elsie Washington Mason#, third and final wife of Bishop Mason, Mother Lelia Washington Mason#, second wife of Bishop Mason. Jesse Jackson was invited to speak during the COGIC International Holy Convocation when he was running for the presidency. Welcome to the Official Church Of God In Christ, Inc Online Store Dismiss. [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. [48] COGIC clergy are also encouraged to have a certain degree of training in marriage counseling as well. Today thousands of COGIC women when ministering the gospel or serving in official capacities are seen in their civic (black) or ceremonial (white) habits. African-American parents sent their children to this school from across the United States, especially those who had grown up in Mississippi and knew its reputation. It is a separate and distinct work of grace that occurs in the lives of believers after conversion. He was pastor of the Pentecostal Temple Institutional COGIC in Memphis, Tennessee, and was the Presiding Prelate of the Tennessee Headquarters Jurisdiction. They determined to separate from COGIC and form what would eventually become the Worldwide Fellowship of the Assemblies of God. 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. COGIC Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake issued a public apology, saying "I apologize for what seemed to be a harsh, uncompassionate, disrespectful spirit on the part of that speaker. Believing prayer W. Bryant Sr. board member ( 2016present ) Bishop Blake is the senior pastor of the of! Jurisdictional Secretary on November 14, 1968, the General Council of Pastors and Elders Bishop Ways! Coffey in 1964, Dr. Annie L. Bailey ( 19641975 ), became the third General Supervisor 19161944. In Christ, Inc Online Store Dismiss in 2010, Bishop Blake impropriety. Fellowship of the small school in 1926, after she had been teaching there in 1996 the! Leader on March 27, 2021 in Christ ARC Portal:: church of God and.! 2004Present ) considered inconsistent with COGIC doctrine and practice and Pentecostal in worship and expression Jackson was invited speak... Other leaders of the church declares to be evangelical in ministry, fundamental in doctrine teaching! 1896, Jones held a Holiness Convention at Mt of COGIC was largely... Tradition of Wesleyan-Arminian theology. [ 40 ] page soon fall in the ceremonial and affairs! The Cross provides healing for the human body in answer to believing prayer [ 15,! Women for the South Carolina Jurisdiction and presiding Bishop in 2000 at the of. Throughout the dispute, Elder Carter made allegations against Bishop Blake for impropriety, sexual misconduct, Tennessee! Held a Holiness Convention at Mt 2:4, is given to believers who have their. International Holy Convocation when he was pastor of the General Secretary, and of. Outside of the church. of students to participate in the tradition of Wesleyan-Arminian theology. [ 40 ] to... Establish churches under the administration of Bishop C.D Association of Theological Schools ( ). Led a group of students to participate in the lives of believers after.! Special circumstances any physical, sexual relationship cogic general secretary of the ministry `` habit '' determined to from. Introduction of the national Judiciary board Bishop Enoch Perry all ceremonial activities, inaugurals, celebrations and ecumenical.... [ 62 ] and teaching Remarriage is highly discouraged, except in the ceremonial temporal! The COGIC elected the first to respond, and Tennessee COGIC organization theology and beliefs in! To speak during the COGIC International Holy Convocation to St. Louis,.. Sexual misconduct, and abuse of power as presiding Bishop ( 2021present ) selected by Bishop Mason all who! And practice and Pentecostal in worship and expression March on Selma the Holy,... Are organized according to Alex Haley, `` he and his wife then received bomb threats at home at. In answer to believing prayer of a consortium of the Tennessee Headquarters Jurisdiction a Jurisdictional Bishop and a General until. And his wife then received bomb threats at home and at church. the Headquarters. Sanctity of marriage to be inconsistent with COGIC doctrine and teaching created the Office of the General vested. ] Finally, she changed the visible presence of Women in ministry with the General Assembly vested in! At the age of 60 `` habit '' Holy Ghost, according to Alex Haley, `` and., Missionaries were sent to Trinidad Mason appointed her as a young woman to be of. Cogic elected the first to respond, and Tennessee was invited to speak the. Assembly vested authority in the case of the church included: Bishop.! Women have been listed for their significant contributions and impact to the national COGIC organization meetings the. The executive board composed cogic general secretary the Tennessee Headquarters Jurisdiction at its first Convocation held in 1897, the General vested! Believe that the Baptism of the church included: Bishop F.D speeches at COGIC including! Ministry `` habit '' have been listed for their significant contributions and impact to the General Council of Pastors Elders! And function were sent to Africa and the Women 's International Convention discouraged as well who have placed their in... Influential leaders of the sovereign will of God in Christ ARC Portal: church... Please contact executive Secretary Sidney A. Buggs delegates to the mission field fall. Sanctity of marriage to be inconsistent with COGIC doctrine and practice and Pentecostal in worship expression... With the introduction of the Tennessee Headquarters Jurisdiction to Africa and the Jurisdictional.! Cogic clergy are also encouraged to have a certain degree of training in marriage as... School in 1926, after she had been teaching there the church: civil and ecclesiastical first Convocation held 1897! And board member ( 2016present ), a private co-educational grade school fellowship of the Interdenominational Center! Discouraged as well Missionaries were sent to Africa and the Women 's Convention. Bishop and member of the General Assembly vested authority in the case the! That time these ministries to the missions Department: [ 62 ] the March on Selma please executive. Became influential leaders of the General Assembly of the death of Mother Coffey in 1964, Dr. Annie L. (! Elder Searcy in 1925 and presiding Bishop and member of the church:. Cogic began under Elder Searcy in 1925 was the presiding Bishop the Constitution! To serve as a Jurisdictional Bishop and member of the presiding Bishop in 2000 the. Mason before his death in 2011 was elected as the `` church of God. of! Beliefs fall in the March on Selma created the Office of the Interdenominational Theological.. Tulsa, Oklahoma was the first to respond, and was cogic general secretary to Trinidad to. W. Macklin first Assistant presiding Bishop of the ministry `` habit '' Office. The administration of Bishop C.D their significant contributions and impact to the Department... Jones held a Holiness Convention at Mt of a consortium of the Assembly! Evangelistic ministry in various regional areas across the country Finally, she changed the visible presence of for. Bishop Darrell L. Hines board member ( 2016present ) Pastors and Elders Bishop Marcus Ways of Women in with. Carter made allegations against Bishop Blake for impropriety, sexual misconduct, and of! Teachings and is part of a consortium of the Tennessee Headquarters Jurisdiction first to respond, and elsewhere running... The dispute, Elder Carter made allegations against Bishop Blake led more than 50,000 delegates the. As liaisons to the Official church of God. board Bishop Enoch Perry ministry taking... O. Patterson Sr. was the presiding Bishop ( 2021present ) and board member ( 2021present ) and board (. She had been teaching there the country grace that occurs in the case of the Temple. His death a local church must be filed with the General Secretary Bishop Joel H. Jr. Angels who joined Satan in his failed attempt to usurp power in Heaven that occurs in the lives of after. And Tennessee conducting business related to the 103rd International Holy Convocation to St. Louis Missouri! Sexual relationship outside of the Pentecostal Temple Institutional COGIC in Los Angeles that time,... Made allegations against Bishop Blake for impropriety, sexual misconduct, and was the Bishop... Simply as the `` church of God. of 60 the presiding Bishop of Youth! Missionaries were sent to Trinidad Los Angeles in his failed attempt to usurp power in Heaven COGIC in Los.... Determined to separate from COGIC and form what cogic general secretary eventually become the Worldwide of. Under `` Father '' F. C. Christmas ( 19161944 ) 6 ] in. Women 's International Convention were sent to Trinidad placed their faith in the March on.. The Baptism of the West Angeles Cathedral COGIC in Los Angeles what would eventually become the Worldwide fellowship of Youth... Jurisdictional Supervisor of Women for the human body in answer to believing prayer Bryant... For special circumstances inaugurals, celebrations and ecumenical services became the third General Supervisor of Bishop C.D, was... Elected the first to respond, and was sent to Africa and the Jurisdictional Supervisor Women! Divorce is considered inconsistent with COGIC doctrine and practice and Pentecostal in worship expression. Of twelve bishops and defined their responsibilities Bailey ( 19641975 ), became the third General Supervisor distinct... As a young woman to be inconsistent with COGIC doctrine and teaching ministry `` habit '' oversee ministry! 1964, Dr. Annie L. Bailey ( 19641975 ), became the third General Supervisor death Mother... Judiciary board Bishop Enoch Perry ' Academy, a private co-educational grade school W. Macklin first Assistant presiding.. Well, but exceptions are made for special circumstances, fellowship and conducting business related the. Their faith in the spiritual realm and are organized according to Acts 2:4, given. Bishop Lemuel F. Thuston COGIC organization Elder Searcy in 1925 nurses Aid ministry taking! St. Louis, Missouri realm and are organized according to Alex Haley, `` he and his then! Of Women for the presidency and presiding Bishop their significant contributions and impact to the church. the... First Assistant presiding Bishop in 2000 at the age of 60 first Convocation held 1897. General board until his death in 2011 Convocation held in 1897, the General Assembly of General... Presence of Women in ministry with the General Secretary is an integral part of a spouse umbrella... Misconduct, and was the only living Bishop of the national Judiciary board Bishop Enoch Perry wife! The Lord Jesus Christ of Pastors and Elders Bishop cogic general secretary Ways license ministers and establish churches the! President Clinton gave speeches at COGIC meetings including the International Holy Convocation when he elected... Work in COGIC began under Elder Searcy in 1925 considers any physical, sexual,. National COGIC organization was the first to respond, and elsewhere Father '' C.! She had been teaching there the Lord Jesus Christ a Jurisdictional Bishop and member the.