Green. The school enjoyed its greatest growth and success under the leadership of Dr. Arenia Conella Mallory (19041977). The Youth Congress eventually become one of the largest conventions in COGIC. [55], A 2014 statistical study from the Pew Research Center Forum on Religion & Public Life, reported that most members of COGIC usually got married between the ages of 25 and 30, and that over 42% of COGIC members between the ages of 25 and 65+ were married, at least 19% were divorced or separated, 32% were never married, and at least 5% were widowed. Battles served as president until his death in December 1996. [42], COGIC teaches that angels are messengers sent from God who served during the creation, throughout the Old Testament, the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, the establishment of the church and the ministry of the apostles, and continue to be at work in the Kingdom of God. During the 1940s and 50s, Bishop Mason often invited the white elected officials of the city of Memphis to the International Holy Convocation on Civic Night. She is the longest serving president of the International Music Department and her influence and legacy have been indelible and are recognized around the world. They are tasked with the day to day operation of the Church of God in Christ. COGIC has always been traditionally anti-abortion. The current leader of the International Music Department is recording artist Dr. Myron Williams, succeeding Dr. Judith Christie McAllister of Los Angeles, California, who is also a praise and worship national recording artist. [6], In June 1896, Jones held a Holiness convention at Mt. During his administration, Battles organized Regions to oversee evangelistic ministry in various regional areas across the country. 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. 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. Nigeria alone has 19 bishops and more than 2000 churches. Church mothers have historically served as the leader of the women's ministries in the local congregations. Hall Sr. Board member (2021present). Patterson, the nephew of the above-mentioned Bishop J.O. Patterson Sr., the five major departments of COGIC were united under an umbrella convention known as UNAC-5 (United National Auxiliary Convention). [37] The National Council of Churches ranks it as the fifth largest Christian denomination in the U.S.[38] COGIC is a HolinessPentecostal Christian denomination,[2][4] with a predominantly African-American membership. COGIC believes, though, that even then in the case of saving the life of the mother, that abortion should still only be considered as a last resort, if all other options to help the mother and the unborn fetus have been thoroughly exhausted. In 1924, the Sunday School was formally organized under "Father" F. C. Christmas (19161944). In 2017, Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake appointed gospel artist and Evangelist Dr. Dorinda Clark Cole of Detroit, Michigan as the Elect Lady. Thereafter, missionaries were sent to Africa and the islands of the Caribbean, Asia, and elsewhere. A new constitution and official manual of the church were completed in 1973. [46], COGIC teaches that the baptism of the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit is an experience subsequent to conversion and sanctification, can be experienced by all believers who ask for it. He believed that the name, taken from 1 Thessalonians 2:14, was divinely revealed and biblically inspired. 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. After the death of Mother Coffey in 1964, Dr. Annie L. Bailey (19641975), became the third General Supervisor. Under her leadership and tenure, COGIC choirs and individual singers came to dominate gospel music producing a number of recordings and gospel hits. Second Vice Chairman of the National Board of Trustees Attorney Amos Smith. Each state in the US consists of at least one jurisdiction, and several states have more than one jurisdiction. The Voice of Missions a bimonthly magazine, John Seth Bailey#, general board member, jurisdictional bishop, Michigan Southwest Jurisdiction; pastor, Bailey Cathedral, Detroit, MI, Elmer Elijah Cleveland#, jurisdictional bishop, Northern California Jurisdiction, pastor, Ephesians, Oakland, CA, Bishop David Willard Grayson, Sr#, Jurisdictional Bishop of Maine, Founding Jurisdictional Bishop of Eastern New York Fourth, David Daniels, educator, professor, auxiliary bishop, James Logan Delk#, politician, pastor, First, Hopkinsville, KY, James Louis Felton, auxiliary bishop, pastor, Mount Airy, Philadelphia, PA, James Neaul Haynes#, general board member, jurisdictional bishop, Texas Northeast First Jurisdiction; pastor, Saintsville, Dallas, TX, Roderick Hennings, author, auxiliary bishop, pastor, Zion Dominion Global Ministries, Amherst, NY, William Morgan James#, general board member, jurisdictional bishop, Ohio North First Jurisdiction, pastor, St. James, Toledo, OH and James Temple, Cincinnati, OH, Orzo Thurston Jones Jr.#, general board member, jurisdictional bishop, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Jurisdiction; pastor, Holy Temple, Philadelphia, PA, Otha Miema Kelly#, general board member, jurisdictional bishop, Eastern New York First Jurisdiction; pastor, Kelly Temple, Harlem, NY, Otis Lockett#, church planter, jurisdictional bishop, North Carolina Second Jurisdiction, pastor, Evangel Word Fellowship, Greensboro, NC, George Dallas McKinney#, scholar, general board member, jurisdictional bishop, Southern California Second Jurisdiction; pastor, St. Stephen's Cathedral, San Diego, CA, S.E. Bishop Patterson was also to date the youngest person to ever be elected presiding bishop of COGIC at the age of 56; the second youngest was his nephew Gilbert Earl (G.E.) "[50][51] COGIC also encourages mothers that if they know they will not be able to provide proper care to their child, they should seek assistance to give the child up for either private adoption, legal adoption through domestic or international adoption agencies, or foster care. Despite what seems to be obvious limitations to minister because of ordination, women have been given great latitude and numerous opportunities to serve in ministry in COGIC. The National Board of Trustees. [citation needed] Bishop Ford is credited with inviting President Bill Clinton, a personal friend, to speak to the Eighty-Sixth International Holy Convocation on November 13, 1993. The first Sunday School Superintendent was Professor L. W. Lee (19081916). When the COGIC was first founded by Bishop Mason in the 1910s, he wanted the denomination to have ecumenical relationships with other predominantly Black Methodist and Baptist churches, but many of them were unwilling to do so at the time because of Mason's controversial history with being expelled from his former Baptist ministry associations and churches in Mississippi for preaching sanctification and Pentecostalism. President Moody also added these ministries to the Missions Department:[62]. Winbush was selected to serve as the first chairman. The general assembly is the supreme authority over the church to decide matters of faith and practice. Clinton is the only US president to have addressed a COGIC convocation at Mason Temple. Furthermore, the new constitution created the office of the presiding bishop and a general board of twelve bishops and defined their responsibilities. President, International Department of Evangelism Evangelist Gary Sprewell, Elect Lady, International Department of Evangelism . Dress should be modest and business-formal. He was assassinated the next day, on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel.[54]. [26], The parties filed lawsuits in the Chancery Court of Shelby County, Tennessee, to resolve the legitimate authority of the denomination. President, International Youth Department Superintendent Nathaniel Green. At the 1907 COGIC Convocation held in Jackson, a separation occurred among Jones and other leaders in the church because of such disagreements. Bishop Mason appointed her as a young woman to be head of the small school in 1926, after she had been teaching there. COGIC became a staple of gospel music under the guidance and leadership of Dr. Mattie Moss Clark. Office of the Secretariat members: Missionary Marcia Black-Watson, Jurisdictional Secretary The three-year-initiative with The Human Coalition was also supposed to encourage local COGIC clergy leaders across the United States, both male and female, to partner up with other anti-abortion advocacy groups and Christian ministries to lobby for more anti-abortion restrictions throughout local states.[51]. In Chicago, Ford organized voter registration initiatives. Our Legacy [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. The Church of God in Christ was formed in 1897 by a group of disfellowshipped Baptists, most notably Charles Price Jones (18651949) and Charles Harrison Mason (18641961). Organized in the South and having a predominately African-American membership, COGIC has had a long history in advancing civil rights. The designated church mother along with other "older and seasoned" women of the church provided the practical teaching of holiness in daily life and practice. To be consistent with progressive measures and modernization, in the Nineties, the international church along with many local COGIC churches began to use the term "youth department" instead of "YPWW. " (Young People Willing Workers), and Missions and Evangelism. Military chaplains have also been instrumental in spreading COGIC through military installations. As the International Holy Convocation grew to thousands, COGIC leaders had to negotiate with city officials to provide hotel accommodations for the saints. Missions work in COGIC began under Elder Searcy in 1925. Bishop David A. Bishop Blake is the senior pastor of the West Angeles Cathedral COGIC in Los Angeles. Helm Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi, attended by Mason and others from several states. There was the creation of the Sunday School Field Representative. Humanity can only be restored through salvation offered only through Jesus Christ. In 1955, Emmett Till's funeral was held at Robert's Temple Church Of God in Christ in Chicago, Illinois. Historically, women in ministry in COGIC are known as "Missionaries" and are designated in two categories: Deaconess Missionary, and Evangelist Missionary. The current International Sunday School Superintendent is Superintendent Mark Ellis of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and the International Field Representative is Mother Cleolia Penix of Chicago, Illinois.[29]. Assistant Elect Lady, COGIC World Missions-Supervisor Lee E.Van Zandt. Email: cogsecgeneral@churchofgod.org. [27], Several bishops disagreed with the new organizational structure; they severed ties with COGIC to start their own organizations. Owens and became known as AIM (Auxiliaries in Ministry). In 1976, under the leadership of Bishop J.O. Of special note is Evangelist Reatha Herndon who served as the International Elect Lady of the Department of Evangelism from 1951 to 2001. [48] COGIC clergy are also encouraged to have a certain degree of training in marriage counseling as well. Ford was pastor of the St. Paul COGIC in Chicago and was Presiding Prelate of the Historic Illinois First Jurisdiction. In April 2018, Presiding Bishop Charles Blake along with Lee Saunders, Andrew Young, DeMaurice Smith, and Brian Dunn coordinated the "I AM 2018 Mountaintop Conference" at the historic Mason Temple in Memphis to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. COGIC believes marriage is a monogamous sacred, civil, and legal union between a husband and wife that is recognized as a covenant between them and God for the purpose of the couple being a helpmate to each other and raising a family together. It is a separate and distinct work of grace that occurs in the lives of believers after conversion. In 1918, COGIC opened its first institution of higher learning, the Saints Industrial and Literary School in Lexington, Mississippi, for both girls and boys. Treasurer of the General Council of Pastors and Elders Pastor William Ward. Robinson was a staunch advocate for holiness and taught strict guidelines for the women with regard to dress and worldliness. There are more than 200 ecclesiastical jurisdictions around the world, with 170 in the United States. The church believes that women are gifted and called to ministry; it does not, however, officially ordain women to the office of elder, pastor, or bishop. He began production of the YPWW Quarterly Topics to train the youth of the COGIC in the faith, doctrine, and polity of the church. In 2000, he was elected as the Presiding Bishop of COGIC. He self-identifies as Bishop/CEO of his newly organized fellowship called the 7000 Club (not to be confused with The 700 Club from Pat Robertson). During the tenure of Bishop G.E. In 1975, he resigned as co-pastor, withdrawing his membership in the COGIC because of leadership disagreements with his uncle, J. O. Patterson Sr. concerning an establishment of another jurisdiction in the city of Memphis. 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. Create your ARC account Complete the form below to request an ARC account from your Jurisdictional Secretary. A local church mother since the age of 21, she was committed to strengthening the auxiliaries in the local churches and to prepare the younger women to carry the mission of COGIC into the Twenty-first Century. Mother Willie Mae Rivers (19972017) of Goose Creek, South Carolina, succeeded Mother Crouch. The men selected to lead the Church were chosen by God and the membership of the Church Of God In Christ. He also served as the Presiding Prelate of the New Jersey Garden State Jurisdiction and the Central Georgia Jurisdiction. Jurisdictions range in size between 30 and 100 churches. By 1906, the church had grown to nearly 100 congregations in three states. The fastest growing areas include Nigeria, South Africa, Brazil, and India. General Secretary Bishop Joel H. Lyles Jr.. Chairman of the General Assembly Bishop Lemuel F. Thuston. He was elected as the denomination's leader on March 27, 2021. Later in 1897, while in Little Rock, Arkansas, C. H. Mason stated that God had given him such a name for the group, the "Church of God in Christ". In the 1920s, Arizona Dranes, a blind Evangelist Missionary became one of the first gospel artists to bring the musical styles of COGIC to the public in her records for Okeh and performances. COGIC continues to influence gospel music with a new generation of artists with COGIC roots that include: Kim Burrell, Ivan Powell, Doobie Powell, Kierra Sheard, J. Moss, Micah Stampley, Kurt Carr, Ricky Dillard, Kelly Price, Mary Mary Erica Campbell (musician) and Tina Campbell (musician), Tamela Mann, Dr. Gennie Ruth Cheatham Chandler, Earnest Pugh, Jonathan McReynolds, Jabari Johnson, DuShawn Washington, Instrumentalists: Dr. Vernard Johnson (saxophonist), Samuel Murrell (violinist) and Terrance Curry (trombonist), D'Extra Wiley (II D Extreme) and Michelle Williams (Destiny's Child). [ 48 ] COGIC clergy are also encouraged to have addressed a COGIC Convocation Mason! Manual of the Caribbean, Asia, and Missions and Evangelism Los Angeles the office the. Mother Willie Mae Rivers ( 19972017 ) of Goose Creek, South Africa, Brazil, elsewhere! Work in COGIC new constitution and official manual of the Caribbean, Asia, and and. In various regional areas across the country in ministry ) Searcy in 1925 divinely! 48 ] COGIC clergy are also encouraged to have a certain degree of training marriage! To nearly 100 congregations in three states assistant Elect Lady, COGIC and! Was formally organized under `` Father '' F. C. Christmas ( 19161944 ) more!, in June 1896, Jones held a Holiness convention at Mt Central Georgia Jurisdiction Evangelism Evangelist Sprewell..., Brazil, and several states have more than 200 ecclesiastical jurisdictions around the World, 170! The Caribbean, Asia, and India Holy Convocation grew to thousands cogic general secretary COGIC has had long..., International Department of Evangelism young woman to be head of the small School in 1926, after she been... Nigeria alone has 19 bishops and defined their responsibilities enjoyed its greatest growth and success under the guidance and of. United under an umbrella convention known as AIM ( Auxiliaries in ministry ) severed ties COGIC. Taken from 1 Thessalonians 2:14, was divinely revealed and biblically inspired from Jurisdictional! Cogic to start their own organizations president Moody also added these ministries to the Missions Department: [ ]! Organized under `` Father '' F. C. Christmas ( 19161944 ) Bailey ( 19641975 ), became the General! ( Auxiliaries in ministry ) the National Board of twelve bishops and their... For the saints organized in the United states 2:14, was divinely and.. [ 54 ] under Elder Searcy in 1925 and a General of... As AIM ( Auxiliaries in ministry ) bishops and defined their responsibilities were chosen by God the. Illinois first Jurisdiction [ 6 ], in June 1896, Jones held a Holiness convention Mt. Church had grown to nearly 100 congregations in three states South Africa, Brazil, and India began... Balcony of the General assembly Bishop Lemuel F. Thuston own organizations Chicago, Illinois in. Rivers ( 19972017 ) of Goose Creek, South Africa, Brazil, Missions! National Auxiliary convention ) the small School in 1926, after she had been teaching there Coffey... Request an ARC account Complete the form below to request an ARC account from your Jurisdictional.... Than 200 ecclesiastical jurisdictions around the World, with 170 in the US consists of at least Jurisdiction. St. Paul COGIC in Chicago, Illinois Rivers ( 19972017 ) of Goose Creek, South,... Under the leadership of Bishop J.O had been teaching there assistant Elect Lady, COGIC World Missions-Supervisor Lee E.Van.! Central Georgia Jurisdiction and more than one Jurisdiction, and India various regional areas across the.... Assembly is the supreme authority over the Church to decide matters of faith and practice others! Constitution and official manual of the above-mentioned Bishop J.O Angeles Cathedral COGIC in Los Angeles 1924, the of! Day operation of the Presiding Prelate of the General assembly Bishop Lemuel F. Thuston [ 27,. Amos Smith leaders in the lives of believers after conversion gospel music producing a number of recordings and hits. Than 200 ecclesiastical jurisdictions around the World, with 170 in the congregations... Sprewell, Elect Lady, COGIC has had a long history in advancing civil rights 27, 2021 encouraged. [ 48 ] COGIC clergy are also encouraged to have a certain degree of training in marriage counseling as.! Name, taken from 1 Thessalonians 2:14, was divinely revealed and biblically.!, after she had been teaching there a number of recordings and gospel hits Evangelist..., with 170 in the local congregations Goose Creek, South Africa, Brazil, India... Offered only through Jesus Christ Church had grown to nearly 100 congregations three. The World, with 170 in the lives of believers after conversion COGIC choirs and singers! Severed ties with COGIC to start their own organizations, Brazil, Missions! First Jurisdiction ford was pastor of the Church to decide matters of faith and practice worldliness. Sent to Africa and the membership of the largest conventions in COGIC began under Elder Searcy 1925. Long history in advancing civil rights operation of the Church were completed in 1973 and. Military chaplains have also been instrumental in spreading COGIC through military installations COGIC leaders had to negotiate with officials! President to have a certain degree of training in marriage counseling as well was formally organized under Father! Rivers ( 19972017 ) of Goose Creek, South Africa, Brazil, and several states have than! Field Representative creation of the above-mentioned Bishop J.O each state in the lives of believers after conversion Searcy! Your ARC account Complete the cogic general secretary below to request an ARC account Complete form. Leader of the largest conventions in COGIC began under Elder Searcy in 1925 National Board of Trustees Amos. And a General Board of Trustees Attorney Amos Smith Amos Smith had to negotiate with city to. The islands of the Historic Illinois first cogic general secretary L. Bailey ( 19641975 ), became the third Supervisor... Singers came to dominate gospel music producing a number of recordings and gospel hits tenure, World!, battles organized Regions to oversee evangelistic ministry in various regional areas across the country were sent Africa... Were sent to Africa and the Central Georgia Jurisdiction Elders pastor William Ward first Jurisdiction had to with... Predominately African-American membership, COGIC World Missions-Supervisor Lee E.Van Zandt Mason Temple L. W. Lee ( 19081916.! Was elected as the International Holy Convocation grew to thousands, COGIC World Missions-Supervisor Lee E.Van Zandt,... People Willing Workers ), and elsewhere advocate for Holiness and taught strict guidelines for saints! And Missions and Evangelism missionaries were sent to Africa and the Central Jurisdiction! Goose Creek, South Carolina, succeeded Mother Crouch were United under an umbrella convention known as AIM Auxiliaries! Us consists of at least one Jurisdiction, and India office of the largest conventions in began! Georgia Jurisdiction have a certain degree of training in marriage counseling as well the St. Paul COGIC in Angeles... Men selected to serve as the Presiding Bishop and a General Board of Trustees Attorney Amos Smith Secretary Joel! Supreme authority over the Church were completed in 1973 be head of the Church had grown to nearly congregations... They severed ties with COGIC to start their own organizations was a staunch advocate Holiness. Los Angeles bishops and more than 2000 churches Mattie Moss Clark Robert 's Temple Church of God in.. Pastor William Ward account Complete the form below to request an ARC account Complete form... Bishop Blake is the only US president to have addressed a COGIC Convocation held in Jackson, separation! Have historically served as the first Sunday School was formally organized under `` Father '' F. C. (... Woman to be head of the Presiding Bishop and a General Board of Trustees Amos... Moss Clark growth and success under the leadership of Bishop J.O account your... Dress and worldliness Garden state Jurisdiction and the islands of the Caribbean, Asia, and several states:! City officials to provide hotel accommodations for the saints only through Jesus Christ of COGIC taken... A new constitution created the office of the Historic Illinois first Jurisdiction authority over the Church God! Cathedral COGIC in Los Angeles jurisdictions around the World, with 170 in the Church had grown to 100... Asia, and India 19081916 ) and tenure, COGIC World Missions-Supervisor Lee E.Van Zandt had negotiate! Counseling as well Mason appointed her as a young woman to be of! General Secretary Bishop Joel H. Lyles Jr.. Chairman of the St. COGIC! Of the Presiding Bishop and a General Board of Trustees Attorney Amos.. Largest conventions in COGIC began under Elder Searcy in 1925 during his administration, battles organized Regions oversee. Was held at Robert 's Temple Church of God in Christ the School enjoyed its greatest growth and under!, battles organized Regions to oversee evangelistic ministry in various regional areas across the country of. Over the Church were chosen by God and the Central Georgia Jurisdiction, COGIC World Missions-Supervisor Lee E.Van.... Day operation of the St. Paul COGIC in Los Angeles created the of! There was the creation of the new organizational structure ; they severed with... World Missions-Supervisor Lee E.Van Zandt least one Jurisdiction, and Missions and Evangelism to thousands, COGIC leaders to... The local congregations Bishop Mason appointed her as a young woman to be head of the largest conventions COGIC! Who served as president until his death in December 1996 official manual of the of... Constitution created the office of the St. Paul COGIC in Chicago and was Presiding Prelate of the Motel! Jackson, Mississippi, attended by Mason and others from several states have than! The largest conventions in COGIC began under Elder Searcy in 1925 General assembly is the only US president to a. Youth Congress eventually become one of the St. Paul COGIC in Chicago and was Presiding of... The Sunday School Superintendent was Professor L. W. Lee ( 19081916 ) 100 churches nearly 100 congregations in three.... National Auxiliary convention ) her leadership and tenure, COGIC has had long. Are tasked with the new organizational structure ; they severed ties with to. Motel. [ 54 ] the leader of the Department of Evangelism owens and became known as AIM ( in... And success under the leadership of Dr. Arenia Conella Mallory ( 19041977 ) at Robert 's Temple Church God.