The Church of Christ (Holiness) U.S.A. arose in the late 19th century, a product of the Holiness movement.
Founded in 1894, the key figure in the emergence of the denomination was Charles Price Jones, a black Missionary Baptist preacher in Alabama and Mississippi who had grown dissatisfied with a faith that he felt bore no fruit. According to his testimony, the Holy Spirit promised him that and his associates that if they fasted for three days, God would sanctify them. After doing so, they became filled with the Holy Spirit.
Jones began to preach a Holiness message. Initially, his emphasis was non-denominational but, after facing criticism from other Christians, he and his associates decided to establish their own denomination in 1894.
The Church of Christ retained its emphasis on Holiness even after other African-American Holiness churches joined with the Pentecostals, although several of Jones' associates led their congregations into the Pentecostal fold. The denomination was chartered in Mississippi as the Church of Christ (Holiness) U.S.A.
For the sake of brevity and a more comfortable sentence structure, we will refer to it as the Church of Christ or the CoC here, recognizing that there are several unrelated Christian bodies using that name.
The theology of the denomination is similar to that of the Church of the Nazarene in most respects. The CoC adheres to the Methodist Articles of Religion as its doctrinal statement. Its goal is said to be to spread the gospel worldwide, convert sinners, reclaim backsliders, help people understand the reality of divine healing, and promote the teaching that Christ is returning one day.
The entire Bible is the inerrant Word of God. Both the Old and New Testaments are inspired by the Holy Spirit, containing all truths necessary for salvation and living a Christian life.
The one true God is eternal, invisible, all-wise, all-good, merciful, loving, and full of grace. He is the creator of the heavens and the earth, and is manifest in three persons, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus is the Son of God, and is co-equal with the Father and the Holy Spirit, as well as eternal. He became incarnate through the power of the Holy Spirit, and was born of a virgin. He died on the cross, thus paying the price for human salvation. He rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father. The Holy Spirit is ever present and active in the church. He convicts and regenerates those who believe in Christ. The Holy Spirit dwells within believers, teaches and comforts them, guides them into truth, and empowers them to obey God.
Original sin came into the world through the corruption of the nature of Adam and Eve, and because of this all of mankind are sinners by nature. There is no righteous within them, which makes them unfit to enter the presence of God. This sin can only be overcome by the Holy Spirit through the blood of Jesus Christ, not by any human effort.
Those who repent and believe in Jesus Christ are justified, regenerated, and saved from sin. However, it is possible for a believer to fall from grace, thus losing his salvation, but this is unlikely for a true believer.
In the Church of Christ, baptism is for believers only, not infants, and baptism is by immersion. The Lord's Supper commemorates the death of Christ, with the bread and wine representing the body and blood of the Lord. The church also practices foot washing as an act of obedience, although foot washing is not considered to be an ordinance.
One day, Christ will rapture the church. Following the Second Coming of Christ, there will be a resurrection of the dead. The just will be rewarded with eternal life while the unjust will suffer eternal damnation.
Within the denomination, believers must become sanctified. This involves an act of divine grace in which human beings are freed from original sin and made holy. Through sanctification, the inclination to sin is removed.
The denomination also affirms the other spiritual gifts, including speaking in tongues.
Church government within the denomination is a representative form of government, in which each local church has a pastor who provides oversight over the congregation. Bishops are delegated to speak on behalf of the churches, and the senior bishop is the highest official in the church. The final authority lies in the national convention, which includes delegates from among church elders, clergy, and local lay leaders.
Sites listed in this category should related to the Church of Christ (Holiness) U.S.A. These may include denominational sites, or those representing its regions, associations, agencies, publishing houses, and corporations. Local congregation sites should be submitted to the Local & Global category that corresponds to its geographical location.
Recommended Resources
Church of Christ (Holiness) U.S.A.
The denomination came out of the first holiness convention, held in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1897. Its history and a biography of its founder, its faith and doctrine, core values, diocese locations, and member churches are defined, along with its leadership and departments, informational video, and various reports, minutes, calendars, and other documents. An online shopping area allows for contributions and book purchases.
https://cochusa.org/
Representing the National Sunday School and Holiness Youth Ministry Congress, previously known as the National Sunday School and Holiness Young People’s Union Congress, its history and mission are featured, along with a statement of beliefs. Contest rules, applications, forms, and letters are included, along with a teacher’s toolbox including aids for elementary, middle school, high school, and adults students.
http://www.cochusacongress.org/
Eastern Diocese, Church of Christ Holiness, USA
The Eastern Diocese of the Church of Christ (Holiness) USA includes member churches in Delaware, New York, Virginia, and Washington DC. Its member churches are listed, with names, addresses, pastors, and contacts. A history and profile of the denomination are put forth, the bishop of the diocese is introduced, and administrative contacts are posted. Convention schedules, its youth conference, and scholarship fund are included.
http://edcochusa.org/
The NBM is an organization affiliated with the Church of Christ (Holiness) USA, made up of men who are connected to God, empowered by Christ, and guided by the Holy Spirit. A discussion of its ministries, a vision and mission statement, and its brotherhood creed are presented, with a message from its president, a calendar of events, event highlights, contacts, and announcements. Contributions may be made to the organization.
http://cochusa-nbm.com/
Northern Diocese, Church of Christ (Holiness) USA
The Northern Diocese of the denomination includes churches and ministries within the US states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. Congregations in these states are identified, with addresses, and the diocesan bishop is introduced. A calendar of meetings and events are published to the site, along with local and national news and announcements, an overview of its missions, and administrative contacts.
http://ndcochusa.org/
South-Central Diocese, Church of Christ (Holiness) USA
The South-Central diocese of the denomination includes member churches in Mississippi, whose names, physical and mailing addresses, and contacts are given. An introduction to the diocesan bishop is presented, and a calendar of upcoming conventions, meetings, and events are given. Denominational ministries are highlighted and, when available, web addresses are included.
http://scdcochusa.org/
