With roots in the 19th-century conservative holiness movement, the Church of God (Holiness) is an association of autonomous congregations.
The denomination has its roots in a church that was founded in 1883 by a group of former members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The founding members had left the Methodists because they were involved in the Holiness movement, preaching a doctrine of entire sanctification.
The association was founded in 1886 when other congregations joined with them. One of the early leaders of the denomination was John Petit Brooks, who left the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1886.
The doctrines of the Church of God (Holiness) emphasize sanctification as a second work of grace.
According to the beliefs of the Church of God (Holiness), the Bible was inspired by God. The Scriptures are infallible, and are divinely authorized to be the rule of faith and practice for Christians.
There is one God, who is infinite, eternal, and holy. He is triune, including a unity of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ is the Son of God. In the Incarnation, He was both God and man, conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin. He died on the cross as a sacrifice, so that those who believe in Him may attain salvation. He rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He indwells believers, guides, teaches, and empowers them, and represents God on earth.
Through the fall of Adam, human beings have willfully sinned against God and separated themselves from Him. There is nothing that human beings can do to overcome this sin. The only hope that a human being has for salvation is to turn to God through Jesus Christ. Justification is provided on the merit of Christ's sacrifice and not through human works. Salvation requires repentance from personal sin, conversion, belief in Jesus, and a public confession of this belief. Holiness is clear evidence of the presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Christian. It is possible for a person to fall from grace, but a Christian can live a victorious life as long as he or she is faithful and obedient to the Scriptures.
The church is made up of those who believe in Jesus Christ, and who willingly submit to His plan for the church, of which Jesus Christ is the head. Churches are autonomous, and church government is congregational. Every church sends delegates to the annual convention of the denomination. Women have a place in the ministry of the church.
The Church of God (Holiness) observes two sacraments: baptism and the Lord's Supper. Baptism is the outward sign of the inward work of grace achieved through the Holy Spirit. All believers should be baptized. The Lord's Supper, also known as Communion, represents the redemption that the believer has in Jesus, and this ordinance should be observed with the utmost reverence.
The destiny of an individual is sealed by death, after which there are no second chances. The Second Coming of Christ will be visible, and followed by a literal millennium. All human beings will be judged by Christ, after which the saved will be granted eternal life, and the unsaved will be eternally separated from God.
The beliefs of the Church of God (Holiness) are that full sanctification requires deliverance from original sin and purification. Once sinful, human nature is renewed in holiness, and believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit. Full sanctification is accomplished at the moment that a believer consecrates his life to God. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is not accompanied by such signs as speaking in tongues.
The Church of God (Holiness) is not a large denomination. It is concentrated in Missouri and Kansas, and includes congregations on the Navajo Reservation, Spanish-speaking congregations in California, Colorado, New York, and Texas, a Korean-language ministry in Kansas, and Haitian-language ministries in Florida and New York. The denomination is also active in the Cayman Islands.
Its affiliated ministries include Home Missions, World Missions, Harmony Hill Youth Ministries, and the Herald and Banner Press. The COGH is headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas.
The denomination is associated with Kansas Christian College in Overland Park, which grants degrees in education and ministry. The denominational headquarters are situated on the campus.
The central point of this category is the Church of God (Holiness), its affiliated ministries, companies, and organizations, as well as regional associations or districts. Websites representing local congregations should be submitted to the Local & Global category that corresponds to the geographical location of the church, however.
Recommended Resources
The CHOGH began in 1883, founded by former Methodists who left Methodism over the issue of entire sanctification. Its history, a statement of faith, and biographies of early leaders are set forth, along with a directory of regions and congregations affiliated with the Church of God (Holiness), sermon outlines and illustrations, Bible study information and resources, announcements, and a calendar of events.
http://www.cogh.net/
Established as a means of uniting the children and young people of the Church of God (Holiness), the organization conducts an annual General Youth Camp and Convention, as well as other camps and retreats, encourages the organization and development of youth organizations at the level of the local church, including area youth organizations. Schedules and leadership contacts are posted to the site.
http://www.harmonyhillyouthcamp.com/
Located in Overland Park, Kansas, Herald and Banner Press is the official publishing house of the Church of God (Holiness), and the publisher of The Church Herald and Holiness Banner, a monthly publication, as well as Sunday School curriculum, school texts, guides, and activities books, and resources for people all ages. Its products are outlined here, along with contacts, announcements, and a blog.
https://www.heraldandbanner.com/
The Home Missions of the Church of God (Holiness) is charged with planting and encouraging local congregations of the denomination, including its work about Native Americans, Spanish-speaking populations, and immigrants coming to the United States. Its programs, ministers’ conferences, mission churches, and church development programs are set forth, along with leadership contacts and announcements.
http://coghhomemissions.com/
KCC is a four-year Christian College in Overland Park, Kansas. Affiliated with the Church of God (Holiness), the institution is accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education. Its on-campus and online degree programs are highlighted, including an academic catalog, tuition and fees, financial aid options, and admissions policies. Employment opportunities are posted, and applications may be made online.
http://kansaschristian.edu/
The World Missions program of the Church of God (Holiness) began in 1917, currently spreading the good news of the gospel in at least eight languages in several countries around the globe. World Missions has a place for authors and publishers, Bible study leaders, church planters, evangelists, linguists and Bible translators, pastors, school administrators, teachers, and volunteers for short-term projects.
https://www.coghworldmissions.org/
