The Churches of God, General Conference came about through the evangelistic preaching of John Winebrenner in the 1820s.
Winebrenner was an ordained minister in the German Reformed Church, a Calvinist body. Assigned to four congregations in the area of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Winebrenner adopted Arminianism. Some members objected to this, as well as to his revivalistic and evangelistic method of preaching. In 1828, he was removed from the ministerial rolls of the German Reformed Church. Winebrenner continued preaching, and his following increased.
In 1830, Winebrenner became convinced that the only true baptism was believer's baptism, and was baptized by Jacob Erb, an elder in his church. He and some others formed the General Eldership of the Church of God, although they were known as the Winebrennerians by people outside of their body. The churches and people who made up the new Christian organization were from a variety of denominational backgrounds, and the organization reflected this diversity.
The name of the denomination was changed to the General Eldership of the Churches of God in North America in 1845, and adopted its current name in 1975.
Despite a Baptist theology, member churches have a presbyterial polity, organized by regions. Its headquarters is in Findlay, Ohio, and it is strongest in Pennsylvania and the Midwestern United States. There are seven regional organizations in the United States, the Allegheny Region, Eastern Regional Conference, California Eldership, Great Lakes Conference, Mid-South Conference, Midwest Region, and Western Region. Its international ministries include conferences in Bangladesh, Brazil, Haiti, India, Kenya, and Venezuela. The denomination also has missions in the Dominican Republic, Sweden, and Thailand.
The Churches of God is not historically related to any of the other denominations using a similar name.
The Churches of God can be described as an evangelical Bible church, with a theology that is Arminian, evangelical, and conservative. Three ordinances are observed: baptism of believers by immersion, the Lord's Supper, and foot washing. Its only creed is the Bible.
The Churches of God encourages culturally relevant worship, but it is cautious of many aspects of modern American culture. The church teaches that believers should live holy lives, and that this is possible through the power of the Holy Spirit.
The CGGC operates the Winebrenner Theological Seminary on the University of Findlay campus. The denomination's official publication is The Church Advocate, which is published bi-monthly.
The focus of this category is on the Churches of God, General Conference, sometimes known as the Churches of God (Winebrenner). Denominational or regional sites are appropriate for this category, as well as other sites related to the church body, such as denominational missions, ministries, publishing houses, corporations, or other organizations. Sites representing local churches should be submitted to the Local & Global category appropriate for its geographical location, however.
Recommended Resources
The Church of God, General Conference’s Board of Pensions was started in 1971 to provide pensions benefits for ministers and employees of the denomination. The CGGC Pension Plan is open to pastors and employees of the denomination, and to all of its affiliated churches and organizations. Contributions to the plan can be made by the employing church or by the pastor or employee, including pre-tax, after-tax, or ROTH contributions.
https://www.cggcpensions.org/
Affiliated with the Church of God, General Conference, the purpose of the organization is to disciple and send women into various areas of ministry. A printable pamphlet is available, which explains what the organization has to offer, and a schedule of women’s retreats and conferences are set forth, and its executive board and other networking team coordinators are introduced. A blog is included.
https://www.womenforgod.org/
Churches of God, General Conference
The denominational website offers an introduction to the history, beliefs, and core values of the Christian body, including its statement of faith and constitution. Staff and administrative contacts are put forth and its ministries are discussed, including new church planting, cross-cultural programs, and overseas missions. Its logo and branding guidelines are stated, and an online bookstore allows for the purchase of books and other materials.
http://www.cggc.org/
Churches of God, Midwest Region Conference
The Region is made up of member churches of the Churches of God, General Conference in Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa. A mission statement, staff contacts, and a schedule of upcoming events are published to the site, and member churches may be found through the site. Various forms, applications, reports, and other documents may be downloaded from the site, and a private area for members is included.
http://www.midwestregion.org/
Eastern Regional Conference, Churches of God
The Eastern Regional Conference of the Churches of God, General Conference is responsible for the CGGC churches and interests in Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia. Member churches and affiliated ministries are identified, and an overview of the beliefs and practices of the CGGC, a calendar of events, and policy information are included.
http://erccog.org/
