Organized in 1919, the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith is a Oneness Pentecostal denomination headquartered at Greater Refuge Temple Church in Harlem, New York City.
The denomination was organized by Robert Clarence Larson, who also founded the Greater Refuge Temple Church, which he pastored until his death in 1961. He also served as the chief apostle for the wider organization. Larson's background was as a pastor with the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World.
The membership of the COOLJC within the United States is predominantly African-American, where it has been highly influential. Most of its membership, however, is outside of the United States, including congregations in the British West Indies, Canada, the Dominican Republic, England, Haiti, Mexico, the Philippines, West Africa, and elsewhere.
The church has also spawned several breakaway denominations. The first was in 1930 when Sherrod C. Johnson left to form the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith. In 1957, Smallwood E. Williams took about seventy congregations and formed the Bible Way Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Others include the Church of God in Christ Jesus International Ministries, the Progressive Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Refuge Temple Assembly of Yahweh, the Evangelistic Churches of Christ, and other small associations. Several of these denominations have themselves split off.
When Lawson died in 1961, a dispute over the organizational structure of the denomination resulted in a change. Lawson, the founder, had been the church's sole prelate. Now, however, the churches are governed by a board of archbishops, or apostles. Two other groups, a Board of Bishops and a Board of Presbyters, hold the Board of Apostles accountable, and are held accountable by them.
The COOLJC hosts other auxiliaries that serve member churches and the community, including the International Armor Bearers' Young Peoples' Union, the International Sunday School Association, an International Music Department, the International Missionary Department, the International Congress, Global Mission, Home Mission, International Ministers' and Deacon Wives' Guild, the International Women's Council, and the International Union of Deacons.
The doctrine of the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith Is that of a Oneness Pentecostal organization, similar to the United Pentecostal Church and the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World. However, the doctrine of the Holiness movement is also influential in the culture of the denomination.
Differentiating itself from many of the other Pentecostal organizations, the COOLJC emphasizes the significance of the name, Lord Jesus Christ, in its denominational title as well as in its baptismal formula.
The church is non-trinitarian, stressing the oneness of God, who was the Father in creation, the Son in redemption, and the Holy Ghost in the Church today. Baptism of the Holy Spirit, as evidenced in speaking in tongues, is necessary for second birth.
The Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith is premillennial, awaiting the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, the resurrection, and final judgment of the living and the dead.
The church encourages a conservative dress code, including head covering for women during church services. Women are not permitted to serve as pastors, and the church uses a strict interpretation of the New Testament scriptures regarding divorce and remarriage.
Foot washing is practiced prior to the observance of the Lord's Supper, but not as an ordinance.
The focus of sites listed in this category is on the Church of Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith, and may include sites representing the denomination, any of its boards, leadership, or affiliated associations, fellowships, corporations, or organizations. However, websites representing local congregations or churches should be submitted to the appropriate Local & Global category.
Recommended Resources
Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith
Founded by Robert Lawson in 1919, COOLJC is a Oneness Pentecostal church with headquarters in New York, New York and Houston, Texas. The official denominational website offers a biography of its founder and a history of the church body. Its auxiliaries and boards are introduced. A directory of member churches is offered, including a map showing their locations, and a calendar of events and online shopping area are included.
http://www.cooljc.org/
East Texas Diocese, Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith
The diocese represents churches of the COOLJC in eastern Texas, including Austin, Beaumont, Belton, Corpus Christi, Houston, Port Arthur, San Antonio, San Marcos, Seguin, and Universal City. Addresses and contacts are posted, along with diocesan departments, a gallery of photographs, a column from and an introduction to the bishop, a calendar of programs and events, and announcements.
http://www.wpflh2.com/etd
Founded by the late Bishop Robert Clarence Lawson, who also founded the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith, the historic church is located in New York City. A profile of the church is set forth, including historic and contemporary photographs, an introduction to the current bishop, a schedule of weekly services, a calendar of programs and events, contacts, and live streaming video.
http://greaterrefugetemple.org/
Located in Columbia, South Carolina, Refuge Temple Church is the Southern Regional headquarters of the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith. Photographs and a profile of the facilities are put forth, along with an introduction to the bishops and leadership staff, its mission, and an overview of the denomination. Other resources include announcements and a calendar of events.
http://refugetemplesc.com/
Solid Rock Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith
Founded in 1975, the congregation became part of the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith in 1993. A history and profile of the church are set forth, and its leadership is introduced, along with its core beliefs, the order of services, a calendar of programs and events, contact information, location, direction, and a gallery of photographs. A portion of a recent sermon may be viewed online.
http://www.solidrockchurchfamily.org/
