One of the largest African-American Pentecostal bodies in the United States, the Church of God in Christ was founded in 1897 by Charles H. Mason, a Missionary Baptist Church minister who was expelled for what was considered an overemphasis on holiness.
Initially, Mason and another former Missionary Baptist minister, Charles P. Jones, founded the Church of Christ (Holiness) in 1895, which stressed the doctrine of sanctification. In 1897, Mason also founded the Church of God in Christ, which was in fellowship with the Church of Christ (Holiness).
In 1907, Mason participated in the Azusa Street Pentecostal revival in Los Angeles, California, where he experienced speaking in tongues. When Mason raised the issue of his Pentecostal experience in a gathering of the Church of Christ (Holiness), Jones withdrew his fellowship.
With likeminded people, Mason formed the general assembly of the Church of God in Christ, of which he became general overseer and chief apostle, heading the church until his death in 1961.
The Church of God in Christ is trinitarian in theology, holding a belief in one true God who exists in three persons, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Jesus Christ is of the same substance as the Father. He took on a human nature at the incarnation and was born of a virgin. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, He provided redemption and reconciliation to God. He rose from the dead, and ascended into heaven.
The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son, and is of the same substance, equal in power. He equips and empowers believers for service, guiding them into the truth.
The baptism of the Holy Spirit occurs subsequent to conversion and sanctification and is considered a prerequisite to living a holy life, one that is free of sin. As it was in the early church, the experience of speaking in tongues is relevant today. Members also believe in the reality of divine healing.
The Church of God in Christ holds that the Bible is the Word of God, fully inspired, infallible, and the sole authority in matters of religion.
Due to Adam's sin, human beings are born with a sinful nature. Because of this, people have a need to be born again, sanctified, and cleansed of sin through the blood of Jesus. Salvation comes through confession, repentance of sins, and belief in the Lord Jesus Christ. Believers should forsake sin and seek the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Church government is largely episcopal, the ascending hierarchy being the pastor as overseer of the local congregation, state overseer, and general overseer. The highest legislative body is the general assembly.
The Church of God in Christ observes three ordinances: baptism, communion, and foot washing.
Baptism is viewed as an outward demonstration of a conversion experience that has already occurred, and is for believers. Baptism is usually done by immersion in water.
The Lord's Supper is seen as symbolic of the sacrificial death of Christ on the cross, as well as its effect: giving life, strength, and joy to the soul.
Foot washing demonstrates the way in which humility characterizes greatness in the family of God. It is performed prior to the observance of the Lord's Supper.
Members believe in the Second Coming of Christ, and that He will return personally, visibly, and bodily. The theology of the Church of God in Christ is premillennial.
COGIC has consistently taken a pro-life stance regarding the issue of abortion. Clergy are encouraged to take part in anti-abortion programs.
COGIC also took an active role in the Civil Rights movement, hosting several significant Civil Rights events, and several notable Civil Rights figures have been members of the Church of God in Christ. On April 3, 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King delivered his final speech at Mason Temple Church of God in Christ in Memphis, Tennessee. He was assassinated the following day.
The Church of God in Christ is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee.
The focus of sites listed in this category should be on the Church of God in Christ. Appropriate sites include those representing the denomination or any of its regions, ministries, publishing arms, or associated organizations or corporations. Informational sites focused on COGIC may also be submitted to this category, whether they are supportive, oppositional, or neutral. Sites representing local congregations should be submitted to the appropriate Local & Global category, however.
Recommended Resources
Districts and district leaders of Alabama First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ are introduced, and administrative contacts are published to the site. Its bishop, board of superintendents, the office of the jurisdictional secretary, and departments are discussed, and other resources include video, photographs, and other media, as well as an overview, public relations information, and prayer requests.
http://www.alabama1cogic.org/
Organized in 1907, COGIC is a Pentecostal denomination headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. Its history and founder are highlighted, along with a statement of faith and beliefs, leadership structure and contacts, and a calendar of events. Its departments and affiliated organizations are introduced, with links to additional information, and prayer requests and a newsfeed are available. An online store sells books and other resources.
http://www.cogic.org/
Church of God in Christ United
COGIC United separated from the Church of God in Christ (Memphis, Tennessee) during a dispute over leadership following the death of Bishop Charles Mason in 1961, and was organized as a denomination in 1973, headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana. Its history, a list of COGICU bishops, and a schedule of workshops, conventions, and other events are published to the site. Applications and vendor registrations are discussed.
http://www.cogicuiwc.org/
Church of God in Christ, India
Headquartered in Kodaikanal, in the state of Tamil Nadu, South India, the site represents the churches and ministries of the Church of God in Christ in India and the surrounding nations, such as Bhutan, Indonesia, Nepal, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, and Sri Lanka. Its church planting services, tribal outreach programs, children’s homes, health care, and relief work services are highlighted, along with leadership contacts.
http://cogic.in/
General Secretary of the Church of God in Christ
The official website of the general secretary of the general assembly of the Church of God in Christ publishes staff listings for the general assembly and its staff, along with a calendar of conferences, meetings, celebrations, and other events, along with a map showing the location of the denominational headquarters, administrative contacts, and links to affiliated offices, departments, and organizations.
http://www.cogicgensec.com/
