How about a story about a church that began with a tent? That’s how the Church of God started in Houston. Let’s explore the history of Houston Church of God International.
Over ninety years ago the first work of the Church of God began in Houston. A black woman evangelist who served Mrs. Thomas H. Ball started it. Mrs. Ball was the wife of a prominent lawyer. After her conversion she started spreading God’s Word immediately. Mrs. Ball bought a tent. She then started a Sunday School. The first permanent church building was over a drug store on North Main. The church stayed there until 1915. That year the congregation bought a Baptist Church building on Bishop Street. It became known as the Church of God.
In 1936, the church bought land on West 11th Street. It built a small building in the Heights. By 1953, the church wanted to train young ministers. It started the South Texas Bible Institute. Later it was named Gulf Coast Bible College. In 1985, Gulf Coast Bible College moved. It became Mid-America Bible College in Southwest Oklahoma City.
In 1975, the congregation moved to its present location. It began to serve the outer border of Northwest Houston. In 1977, the church started Wee Care Day Care.
Today, Houston Church of God International believes God still has a great ministry for it. The city has grown around the church. The church wants to help those who are hurting. It wants to befriend those who feel alone. It wants to teach about Christ and His love. It wants to build the Kingdom of God one soul at a time.
The Church of God started in 1881. It emphasized the unity of God’s people and holy living. Daniel S. Warner and others wanted to forsake denominations. They trusted solely in the Holy Spirit and the Bible. They aimed to restore unity and holiness to the church. They did not want to start another denomination. They wanted primary allegiance to Jesus Christ.
The church’s teachings include the divine inspiration of Scripture. They also include forgiveness of sin through Jesus Christ. The church also acknowledges the experience of holiness. It recognizes the personal return of Christ. It believes in the kingdom of God established here and now. The church teaches the resurrection of the dead. It anticipates a final judgment. The righteous will be rewarded. The wicked will be punished.
Baptism by immersion witnesses the new believer’s regeneration. The Lord’s Supper reminds participants of God’s grace. Foot washing acknowledges servant ministry. These symbolic acts remind us of what God has done. None of these practices are mandatory conditions.
There is no formal membership. Individuals are members based on conversion. Their conduct supports that conversion experience. This aligns with the church’s view of Christian unity. It is a unity based on spiritual experience not creed.
The Church of God is congregational in government. Each local congregation is autonomous. Ministers meet in voluntary assemblies. The General Assembly meets annually in Anderson, Indiana.
In 1891, the movement’s first missionary went to Mexico. Since then, the Church of God has grown. It is now a multi-national community. There are approximately 2,300 congregations in the U.S. and Canada. Worldwide, it has work in 90 countries. It represents approximately 7,340 churches. It has over 750,000 believers.
Houston Church of God International invites you to connect. Worship starts at 11 am. Come early for free coffee. Youth group starts at 9:45 am. Kids Club starts at 10:30 am. There are Wednesday activities for all ages at 7 pm. Small groups meet throughout the week.
The Houston Church of God International’s story is rooted deeply. It emphasizes community and faith. Its mission continues to grow. It adapts to the evolving needs of Houston.