COGIC teaches that according to the Word of God, there will be final events and conditions that address the end of this present age of the world. He also instituted the Annual Prayer Breakfast, conducted Evangelistic Crusades across the country and developed the Church of God in Christ National Evangelist Registry. All officers are elected by the General Assembly. Bishop Blake led the COGIC to become a greater global ministry, primarily in Africa and Latin America, while at the same time investing in the inner cities where many COGIC congregations are located. Bishop Charles E. Blake, as the Presiding Bishop of the COGIC from the late 2000s up to the 2010s, was also dedicated to increasing and maintaining stable ecumenical relationships from the COGIC with other diverse Christian denominations, most notably Pentecostal/Charismatic churches, Baptist churches, African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Churches, and A.M.E. Zion churches, and even some non-denominational Christian ministries for the purposes of ministry efforts and collaborating on addressing social issues that affect Christians and specifically the Black Church in America, most notably through his Urban Initiatives program. They exist primarily in the spiritual realm and are organized according to duty and function. For many years, West Angeles has been one of the fastest growing churches in the United States and remains the largest COGIC local congregation with a membership of 25,000. These departments include: the Women's Department, the Sunday School Department, the Youth Department known as Y.P.W.W. Amen. He also established the COGIC national headquarters there. [7] The leadership of the Mississippi State Convention of the National Baptist Convention intervened and expelled Jones, Mason, and others who embraced the Wesleyan teaching of entire sanctification. He is credited with helping to secure the steel needed to construct Mason Temple which was virtually impossible during World War II.[52]. Bishop Sheard has over 30 years of leadership in the Church of God in Christ. [11] In 2016, Bishop Blake was appointed as the Co-Chairperson to the leadership council of the Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches of North America. In 1951, the first separate National Sunday School Convention convened in Kansas City, Missouri. [21], In 1907, there were ten COGIC churches, but by the time of Bishop Mason's death in 1961, COGIC had spread to every state in the United States and to many foreign countries. Vice President of COGIC World Missions-Supervisor Sideary King. We believe in the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit, by whose indwelling a Christian is enabled to live a holy and separated life in the present world. [13], Although the Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee) began earlier, it is still the case that in 1907, with ten congregations, The Church of God in Christ became the first legally chartered Pentecostal body incorporated in the United States. She revolutionized and reorganized the music ministry to become a leading department in the church. Other leaders of the Youth Department who leader became influential leaders of the church included: Bishop F.D. He testified to receiving entire sanctification after reading her autobiography in 1893. Mason as General Overseer and Chief Apostle. This list may not reflect recent changes . Bishop Sheard was inducted into the prestigious Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Board of Preachers. Coffey was a child convert to COGIC under the preaching of Bishop Mason, and was influential in organizing many of the auxiliaries, bands, and units that exist within the COGIC Women's Department. He was a lifelong member of the. WATCH: COGIC Inaugural Installation, Consecration Service of Rev. J During his visit, Mason received the baptism of the Holy Ghost; the evidence was believed to be his "speaking in other tongues", in accordance with the biblical account found in the book of Acts 2:4. Religious Figure, former Presiding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), the fourth largest Protestant denominaton in the world. Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr. is the fifth Presiding Bishop and the seventh leader in succession, appointed in November 2007 by the General Assembly of the Church of God in Christ. Mason was given authority to lead the new denomination. In the 1990's and early 2000's, Blake also penned articles for Ebony and Christianity Today noting the importance of the Black Church's influence on presidential elections and American politics and society in general. They disagreed in having an electoral process to select the presiding bishop.[28]. The Church of God in Christ (COGIC) is a HolinessPentecostal Christian denomination,[2][4] and the largest Pentecostal denomination in the United States. He was recognized in Washington, D. C. by President Barack Obama in 2009 and invited to serve on the White House Advisory, Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. In looking to COGIC'S future, Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr., senior pastor of West Angeles Church of God in Christ in Los Angeles, announced last year that he would not seek-re-election . Furthermore, the new constitution created the office of the presiding bishop and a general board of twelve bishops and defined their responsibilities. Bishop Mason was pivotal in licensing and credentialing both white and African-American ministers, who spread the Pentecostal message and planted new churches. By 1906, the church had grown to nearly 100 congregations in three states. Together he and his wife, Karen, founded Karew Records, a faith-based record label focusing on various forms of Gospel, Christian and Inspirational music. In 1951, when Bishop Mason was approaching 85 years of age, he set up a "special commission" to help with the administration and oversight of the church. The school enjoyed its greatest growth and success under the leadership of Dr. Arenia Conella Mallory (19041977). [47], COGIC teaches that the church is the community of Christian believers who have accepted Jesus Christ and submit to his Lordship and authority in their lives. In 1976, under the leadership of Bishop J.O. Multiple Bishops and Pastors within Church of God in Christ Have Died He was a noted evangelist who had pastored several churches, including: Bostick Temple in St. Louis, Missouri; Well's Cathedral COGIC in Newark, New Jersey; and Greater Community COGIC in Marietta, Georgia. [36], In 2022, it was present in 112 countries in 2022. Research Center at Boston University, the Greenlining Institutes Big Heart Award, a Trumpet Award, and the Urban Leagues Whitney M. Young award, among many others. Women in COGIC have been influential in the leadership and organization of the church since its inception. During her leadership, several new buildings were constructed on the 350-acre campus to serve this expansion. It was destroyed by fire in 1936. Mother Rivers also began the "49 and Under" to enlist and focus the younger women of COGIC to remain committed to the doctrine and teachings of the church. BISHOP CHARLES E. BLAKE, SR. - Church Of God In Christ Owens and became known as AIM (Auxiliaries in Ministry). Factions developed within the organization as both the senior bishop and Bishop A. Salvation is an operation of the Holy Spirit upon sinners brought about by repentance toward God, which brings about conversion, faith, justification, and regeneration. Bishop L. H. Ford (Former Presiding Bishop COGIC) - YouTube National officers of the church are chosen at the general assembly every four years unless special elections are warranted. Drew Sheard was appointed Superintendent of the Emmanuel District, by Bishop Herbert J. Williams, Sr., Prelate of the North Central Michigan Jurisdiction. COGIC does not teach that Spirit baptism is the same as salvation. [39], COGIC is a trinitarian Holiness Pentecostal denomination. Mallory retired in 1976 after fifty years of service; and she had a national reputation. Drew Sheard was born on Jan. 1, 1959, in Detroit, Michigan, to Bishop and Mrs. John Henry Sheard. [29], Bishop Gilbert Earl (G. E.) Patterson began his ministry as co-pastor of the Holy Temple COGIC with his father, Bishop W. A. Patterson. The following 4 pages are in this category, out of 4 total. It teaches that sanctification should precede the baptism with the Holy Spirit. It believes that the gifts of the Spirit are given to believers and are active in the church today. Drew Sheard June 22 and the consecration service for the jurisdictional and auxiliary bishop designates June 23, 2021. . In 1982 during the Seventy-Fifth Holy Convocation, the diamond jubilee of the church, COGIC published its own hymnal, Yes, Lord!, which included many arrangements and songs written by COGIC and African-American musicians and songwriters. Of special note is Evangelist Reatha Herndon who served as the International Elect Lady of the Department of Evangelism from 1951 to 2001. The general secretary, general treasurer, and financial secretary terms run concurrent with the current presidential administration that is elected every four years.[20]. His dream was to establish an international ministry complex known as "Saints Center" and an accredited institution known as "All Saints University". Jesse Jackson was invited to speak during the COGIC International Holy Convocation when he was running for the presidency. YPWW became a distinctive trademark for COGIC and the principle training institute usually meeting on Sunday night prior to evening worship services. The church has more than 3,000 churches in Asia, and 2,000 churches in the Caribbean and South America. Well-known gospel musicians with COGIC roots include; Andrae Crouch and Sandra Crouch, Walter Hawkins and Edwin Hawkins, Tramaine Hawkins, Rubenstein McClure, Yvette Flunder, Sara Jordan Powell, Daryl Coley, BeBe and CeCe Winans, The Winans, "Detroit" Gary Wiggins, John P. Kee, The O'Neal Twins, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Rance Allen, Rev. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Hall Sr. Board member (2021present). Chairlady, International Youth Department Evangelist Vandalyn Kennedy. [44], COGIC teaches that salvation is the work of redemption to the sinner and his restoration to divine favor and communion with God. Evangelist Missionaries are licensed to preach the gospel, conduct gospel meetings, and may be given the oversight of local congregations serving as the church administrator. Pentecostals have been criticized because of their noticeable absence from the official record of activism that has been largely overshadowed by black ministers of other denominations such as Baptists and Methodists; however, there is evidence to verify and document the role and response of COGIC ministers and other Pentecostal denominations to the cause and struggle for Civil Rights in the United States during the 20th Century. C. D. Owens had gained national attention in the church as the president of the Youth Department. Patterson in March 2007. He appointed regional presidents to serve as liaisons to the jurisdictional presidents. According to the press release, The COGIC General Assembly, the legislat The court ordered the church to convene a constitutional convention in February 1968. The Presiding Bishop - Church Of God In Christ Drew Sheard elected as COGIC's new presiding bishop; two Memphis bishops elected to general board Sheard, 62, was elected in late March to lead the predominantly African American . In November 1975, at the National Holy Convocation in Memphis, TN., with the consent of the General Board, Bishop Carlis Moody Sr. of Evanston, Illinois, was appointed by Bishop J. O. Patterson to be president of the Department of Home and Foreign Missions. He consecrated and appointed more than 100 bishops during his twenty-one years of leadership. As a classical Holiness Pentecostal denomination,[2][4] COGIC continues to embrace its holiness heritage, teaching modesty in dress, appearance, moderate participation in secular entertainment and prohibitions against profanity, alcohol, substance abuse and immoral behavior. Vice President of COGIC World Missions-Bishop Nate' M. Jefferson. Her life story led many African-Americans into the Holiness movement, including Mason. Her predecessor was Evangelist Dr. Rita Womack of Los Angeles, California. Drew Sheard who was elected in 2021. Charles Edward Blake Sr. (born August 5, 1940) is an American minister and pastor who served as the Presiding Bishop and leader of the Church of God in Christ, a 6 million-member Holiness Pentecostal denomination, that has now grown to become one of the largest predominantly African American Pentecostal denominations in the United States, from 2007 to 2021. [5] Although an international and multi-ethnic religious organization, it has a predominantly African-American membership based within the United States. In 1964 however, disagreement between the authority of the Senior Bishop and the executive board, led by Bishop A. It ultimately ended by 1930, when the Depression set in. In 1955, Emmett Till's funeral was held at Robert's Temple Church Of God in Christ in Chicago, Illinois. Throughout the dispute, Elder Carter made allegations against Bishop Blake for impropriety, sexual misconduct, and abuse of power as presiding bishop. A general supervisor of women is appointed by the presiding bishop and given authority to lead the International Women's Ministry of the church. Bishop Malcolm W. Coby Board member (2021present). As has been stated, COGIC does not ordain women as elder or bishop, however, COGIC would not have become the largest predominately African-American Pentecostal church in the world, nor have the largest Women's convention of any major denomination without the contributions of women. His testimony "literally went viral, and brought upon him criticism and sardonicism. In 1924, the Sunday School was formally organized under "Father" F. C. Christmas (19161944). Young, James Brewer, Daniel Spearman, and J. H. Boone. 1st Assistant Presiding Bishop Bishop Jerry W. Macklin. President, International Music Department Dr. Myron Williams, General Assembly and Call Meeting (April) Memphis, General Council of Pastors and Elders (May), International Women's Crusade and Convention (May), Auxiliaries in Ministry (AIM) Conference (July), Bishop Mason's Birthday/Founder's Celebration (September), International Holy Convocation and General Assembly (November), Mother Lizzie Woods Robinson first general supervisor (19111945), Mother Lillian Brooks Coffey second general supervisor and founding president of the Women's International Convention (19461964), Mother Annie L. Bailey third general supervisor (19641975), Mother Mattie McGlothen fourth general supervisor (19751994), Mother Emma F. Crouch fifth general supervisor (19941997), Mother Willie Mae Rivers sixth general supervisor (19972017), Mother Barbara McCoo Lewis seventh general supervisor (2017present), Evangelist Emily Bram Bibby#, longest-serving national female evangelist, Missionary Pearl Paige Brown#, foreign missionary. Vice chairman of the General Council of Pastors and Elders Bishop Marcus Ways. After being ejected for accepting these new Pentecostal teachings, Mason called a meeting in Memphis later in the year and reorganized the Church of God in Christ as a Holiness-Pentecostal body. In 1981, Bishop J.O. Mother Willie Mae Rivers served faithfully for 20 years as General Mother until 2017 and the age of 91. Robinson was a staunch advocate for holiness and taught strict guidelines for the women with regard to dress and worldliness. Blake was the fifth Presiding Bishop (and seventh leader) of the historically African-American denomination from 2007 to 2021. Missions work in COGIC began under Elder Searcy in 1925. Student Aid a ministry of support to foreign students. But during the early twentieth century, the Pentecostal movement had rapid growth nationally and attracted racially integrated congregants to its worship services. As founder and CEO of Save Africas Children, a program of the Pan African Childrens Fund, he helps to support more than 200,000 children in 400 orphan care programs throughout more than 23 nations on the continent of Africa. They are fallen angels who joined Satan in his failed attempt to usurp power in Heaven. Clinton is the only US president to have addressed a COGIC convocation at Mason Temple. New COGIC leader J. Drew Sheard seeks to be a 'unifier' in Memphis They exist today as adversaries to the kingdom, purpose and will of God. Mother Lillian Coffey appointed Mother Reatha Herndon as president of the National Women's Evangelist Board in 1951. James Moore, Thomas Whitfield (singer), Deniece Williams, Hubert Powell, Donnie McClurkin, LaShun Pace, The Anointed Pace Sisters, Dr. Bettye Ransom Nelson, Bishop Richard "Mr. Clean" White, Bishop Paul S. Morton, The Clark Sisters: (Jacky Clark-Chisholm, Elbernita "Twinkie" Clark, Dorinda Clark-Cole and Karen Clark-Sheard). Welcome to the Official Church Of God In Christ, Inc Online Store Dismiss. He was the founding Chair of the Board of Directors for,[10] and has served as a board member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors, for the Interdenominational Theological Seminary. Although headquartered in Memphis, COGIC's leaders . Thereafter, missionaries were sent to Africa and the islands of the Caribbean, Asia, and elsewhere.