The Church of the Living God, Christian Workers for Fellowship claims to be the first predominantly black church in the United States not started by white missionaries.
The denomination was founded in 1889 by the Rev. William Christian, a Baptist minister who was born a slave. Christian formed his own church after a difference of opinion with Dr. Howe, another Baptist minister.
Organized in Wrightsville, Arkansas, at a time when many white Christians treated blacks as something less than human, Christian taught that many of the prominent figures in the Bible, including Jesus and David, were black.
Christian held to a Trinitarian doctrine and Pentecostal practices, including speaking in tongues, although he insisted that inspired speaking must be in recognizable languages.
The church observes three ordinances: baptism by immersion in water, foot-washing, and the Lord's Supper, which is celebrated with water and unleavened bread. The washing of feet is required only when a new member unites with the church, however.
Christian had an interest in Freemasonry, and developed a church structure based on that of a fraternal organization. He referred to the church body as "operative Masonry" and to the ordinances as the "first three corporal degrees."
Local assemblies are known as temples rather than churches and are subject to the authority of the general assembly. The presiding officer of the general assembly is known as the chief bishop. Other parts of the church leadership include bishops, overseers, evangelists, pastors, missionaries, and local preachers. The general assembly meets every four years. In between, the operation of the larger body of the church is in the hands of the executive board.
In recent years, however, the church has been removing or reducing the importance of the Masonic aspects of the denomination.
The Rev. John Christian, the founder's brother, was part of the leadership of the church in the early years. In 1895, the brothers had a difference of opinion that led to a separation, with those following each brother maintaining the name of the Church of the Living God, while the larger body of the church, following the Rev. William Christian, included Christian Workers for Fellowship, originally a motto, at the end of the name, which is often abbreviated, C.W.F.F.
Over the years, there have been several secessions, but the Church of the Living God, Christian Workers for Fellowship, organized by the Rev. William Christian, remains the parent body, which does not consider itself to be a denomination.
The Church of the Living God, also known as the Church of the Living God National Brotherhood, believes that the Bible is the book that points the way to eternal life through obedience. Salvation requires living a life that honors every word of the Bible pertaining to salvation. The church teaches that the Old Testament is a Jewish guide that foreshadows the coming of Christ, that the Gospel recorded in Matthew, Luke, and John contains the plan for salvation, the Acts of the Apostles may be used as bylaws in part and as a history of the apostolic work, that the Book of Revelation was sent from God, through an angel, for the inspiration and encouragement of the Disciples of Christ, and that all Scripture is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished, unto all good works.
The focus of sites listed in this category is on the Church of the Living God, Christian Workers for Fellowship, also known as the Church of the Living God National Brotherhood. Websites representing the main body or its boards, districts, councils, ministries, and affiliated associations, organizations, and corporations, are appropriate for this category.
Recommended Resources
Situated in Manchester, Connecticut, the church is part of the larger Church of the Living God, Christian Workers for Fellowship. Driving instructions are published to the site, and its vision, beliefs, history, pastors, and staff are featured, sponsored missionaries are introduced, and a schedule of events and calendar of events are included. Recent messages can be viewed in podcasts, and prayer requests may be made through the site.
http://www.clgonline.net/
Church of the Living God C.W.F.F.
The Church of the Living God, Christian Workers for Fellowship, was formed in 1889 near Wrightsville, Arkansas. A history and profile of the Church of the Living God Brotherhood, as it is also known, is put forth, along with its articles of faith, districts, councils, executive board, and officers. Its ministries, departments, and outreach programs are highlighted, and announcements are posted to the site.
http://www.ctlgcwff.org/
Church of the Living God, Temple 130
The Peoria, Illinois congregation is a member of the Church of the Living God, Christian Workers for Fellowship. A history of the local congregation and larger church body are set forth, and its leadership structure and administrative contacts are posted to the site, along with prayer listings, schedules for Sunday School, New Members Class, worship services, and other programs, a calendar of events, and announcements.
http://www.tcotlg130.com/
Church of the Living God, Temple 230
Located in Phoenix, Arizona, Temple 230 is a congregation of the Church of the Living God, Christian Workers for Fellowship. Directions and a map show the location of the church, and a history of the local church and denomination are put forth. A calendar of events, an introduction by the bishop, and a sermon archive are published to the site, Contributions can be made online, and announcements are posted.
http://cotlg230.org/
Church of the Living God, Temple 29
Founded in a tent in 1914, the Richmond Heights, Missouri, the church was pastored by the Rev. William Christian. Its church facility is located on Dale Avenue in Richmond Heights and is a member congregation of the Church of the Living God, Christian Workers for Fellowship. Its history and beliefs are outlined, and a calendar of events, schedule of services, and a map showing the location of the church are posted.
http://churchofthelivinggodtemple29.com/
Church of the Living God, Temple 44
A congregation of the Church of the Living God, Christian Workers for Fellowship, the church is located in Los Angeles, California. General information about the church, its articles of faith, and leadership team are introduced, along with a calendar of events, service schedules, photo gallery and a slideshow, and an overview of its ministries, missions, and Sunday School. Prayer requests may be submitted online.
http://www.cotlgcwfftemple44.com/
