The Church of God of Prophecy is one of five Church of God bodies headquartered in Cleveland, Tennessee, each having their origins in a 1903 meeting at the Holiness Church at Camp Creek, North Carolina, near the Tennessee border.
Originally, the church referred to itself as the Church of God, as did most of the other churches using that name but, to avoid confusion, the churches headquartered in Cleveland generally refer to themselves as Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee), Church of God (Charleston, Tennessee), Church of God for All Nations, Church of God (Jerusalem Acres), and Church of God of Prophecy.
The COGOP was part of the original Church of God, founded by Ambrose J. Tomlinson in 1903 but, when Tomlinson was impeached in 1923, he formed a new organization that was originally also known as the Church of God. After a lengthy litigation over the use of the name, "of Prophecy" was added to its name, and it became the Church of God of Prophecy.
Other schisms include the Church of God (Huntsville, Alabama) and the Church of God of All Nations, which came about in the 1950s. In a dispute over the appointment of a general overseer, the Church of God (Charleston, Tennessee) was formed in 1993.
In recent years, the Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee) and the Church of God of Prophecy have entered into a cooperative agreement for the purpose of evangelism, although they remain separate organizations.
The COGOP bases its beliefs on the whole Bible, and holds that the Scriptures are God's inspired Word, inerrant, and infallible, and takes pride in the attention that its committees and membership gives to Biblical research.
The ordinances of the church include the baptism of believers by immersion in water, the observance of the Lord's Supper, and foot washing. Membership requires a born-again experience, as well as the continuance of a Christian witness. The church does not believe that Christianity is reserved for members of the Church of God of Prophecy.
The church holds orthodox Christian beliefs, plus Pentecostalism.
There is one God who has always existed in three persons, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The church believes in the deity of Christ, virgin birth, and a life free of sin, as well as the miracles that Christ performed, his sacrificial death on the cross, resurrection, and ascension to heaven, where He sits at the right hand of the Father.
The GOGOP teaches that salvation is the product of grace alone, through faith in Christ, and that sinners are persuaded of their need for salvation through the work of the Holy Spirit. Sanctification is made possible through the blood of Christ, through which one is made holy. The church believes in the active ministry of the Holy Spirit, who guides the church and empowers Christians to live godly lives through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
The Church of God of Prophecy teaches that all of the biblical doctrines of the New Testament are relevant to today. This includes baptism by the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in tongues. It also believes in divine healing and the other fruits of the Spirit, which are spoken of in the New Testament.
The Church of God of Prophecy is premillennial, believing in the Second Coming of Christ before the millennium, followed by a literal thousand-year age of peace. Following the millennial period, the dead will be resurrected and judged. The righteous will be rewarded with eternal life, while the wicked will be subjected to eternal punishment
The church is racially integrated at all levels, and women play a prominent role in church affairs, including serving in pastoral roles. Church leaders have always emphasized church unity and fellowship without interference from social, racial, and political differences.
The sanctity of marriage is stressed, and divorce and remarriage are not condoned.
The church also encourages complete abstinence from alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and recreational drugs, and discourages profanity, membership in secret organizations, and wearing gold as ornamentation.
The church holds to the biblical practice of tithing, which is the giving of one-tenth of a person's increase.
Headquartered in Cleveland, Tennessee, the Church of God of Prophecy is headed by a general oversight group that consists of at least two bishops who, along with a general overseer, are responsible for the day-to-day affairs of the larger church body. Doctrinal matters are addressed at its biennial general assembly.
The focus of this category is on the Church of God of Prophecy. Appropriate topics for this category include websites representing the denomination, regional associations, missions, or ministries, as well as affiliated organizations or corporations.
Recommended Resources
The COGOP is one of five Pentecostal denominations sharing an origin, headquartered in Cleveland, Tennessee. The official denominational website presents its statement of faith, core values, doctrine, membership policies, and history. Its leadership is set forth, and its finance, administrative, leadership development, discipleship, and global missions leadership contacts are published, along with brochures and other resources.
http://cogop.org/
Although headquartered in the United States, nearly ninety percent of the COGOP membership is outside of North America. Member churches in the United Kingdom are represented here. An introduction to the presiding bishop, its national and regional overseers, ministries, and administrative offices. A directory of churches in the UK are included here, and educational courses may be completed online.
https://cogop.org.uk/
Church of God of Prophecy, Florida State Office
Member churches of the COGOP in Florida are represented. Its administrative staff, specialized ministries, state presbyters, state committees, and district overseers are introduced, and member churches may be found through the site. A schedule of conferences, conventions, and assemblies are posted to the site, along with state evangelists, summer camps and retreats, announcements, and state news.
http://www.flcogop.com/
Church of God of Prophecy, North Carolina State Office
Headquartered in Jamestown, North Carolina, the office represents member churches of the Church of God of Prophecy within the state. Featured are a statement of faith, a calendar of events, and a directory of regions, districts, and local churches of the COGOP. Minister’s reports, men’s ministry reports, and various report forms are available for downloading, and prayer requests may be submitted through the site.
http://www.nccogop.org/
The Global Missions Ministries of the Church of God of Prophecy serves to assist the denomination’s national and regional ministries in their task of evangelization, often cooperating with Harvest Partners, Helping Hand Ministry, One Child Fund, and Servant Partners Cooperative. The countries in which the ministry works, global media resources, staff contacts, newsletters, and announcements are included.
http://www.globalcogop.org/
Representing member churches of the Church of God of Prophecy within the state of Tennessee, the state association is headquartered in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Its mission, vision, beliefs, practices and principles are outlined, as well as an introduction to the church. Its ministries and retreats are identified, and a calendar of events, monthly and quarterly reports, fundraisers, podcasts, a blog, and administrative contacts.
http://tncogop.com/
White Wing Christian Bookstore
Located in Cleveland, Tennessee, the bookstore is affiliated with the Church of God of Prophecy. Its location, hours of operation, and contacts are published to the site, and a catalog of Bibles, Christian education books, digital downloads, and other church resources are available for purchase online. A sale catalog is available in PDF format, its terms and conditions are stated, and a category index is included.
http://www.whitewingbooks.com/
