“Imagine a tent. A simple tent became the humble starting point for what would become Houston First Church of God. Over ninety years ago, this church’s story began unconventionally.
It started with a black woman evangelist. She served Mrs. Thomas H. Ball. Mrs. Ball was the wife of a prominent lawyer and former congressional representative. After Mrs. Ball converted and became sanctified, she immediately became active in spreading God’s word. She bought a tent. She began a Sunday School. This marked the start of Houston First Church of God.
The first permanent church building was located above a drug store on North Main. The church stayed there until 1915. Then, the congregation bought a Baptist Church building on Bishop Street. At this point, it became known as the Church of God.
In 1936, Houston First Church of God purchased land on West 11th Street. This was in the Heights area. They built a small building there. In 1953, the church’s vision expanded. They started a Bible Institute to train young men and women for ministry. It was initially called South Texas Bible Institute. Later, it became 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 current location. This area was then the outer border of Northwest Houston. In 1977, the church began Wee Care Day Care ministry. Today, Houston First Church of God believes God still has a significant ministry. The city has grown around it. The church believes God strategically placed it here. It is meant to help those who are hurting and befriend those who feel alone. It teaches Christ and His love to all who listen and builds the Kingdom of God one soul at a time.
Houston First Church of God is part of the Church of God. The Church of God began in 1881. It emphasized the unity of God’s people and holy living. Daniel S. Warner and associates sought to forsake hierarchies. They also left behind formal creeds. They trusted the Holy Spirit as their overseer. They relied on the Bible as their statement of belief. They aimed to restore unity and holiness to the church. Their goal was to promote allegiance to Jesus Christ. They wanted to transcend denominational loyalties.
The church’s teachings include divine inspiration of Scripture. They include forgiveness of sin through Jesus Christ and repentance. Also important are the experience of holiness, the personal return of Christ and the kingdom of God as established here and now. The church also believes in the resurrection of the dead and a final judgment. In this judgment, the righteous are rewarded and the wicked punished.
Baptism by immersion is a witness to the new believer’s regeneration. It signifies inclusion in the family of God. The Lord’s Supper reminds participants of the grace experienced in the life of the believer. Foot washing is practiced. It acknowledges and accepts the servant ministry of all Christians. These acts are reminders of what God has done in Christ. None of these practices are mandatory conditions of Christian experience.
There is no formal membership. Individuals are assumed to be members based on personal conversion. Their conduct must support that conversion experience. This aligns with the church’s understanding of Christian unity. It is a unity based on spiritual experience rather than creedal agreement.
Each local congregation is autonomous. Ministers meet in voluntary assemblies. In North America, the General Assembly meets with the movement’s annual North American Convention.
Since the first missionary was sent to Mexico in 1891, the Church of God has grown. It is now a multi-national community of faith. Today, the largest concentrations of U.S. churches are in the Midwest, along the Pacific Coast, and in western Pennsylvania.
Houston First Church of God strives to be disciples who make disciples. It seeks to multiply and build the kingdom of God. It welcomes you to be a part of it. Fill out a Connect Card. Connect with Houston First Church of God. Discover small groups, kids and youth ministry, and volunteer opportunities. Worship begins at 11 a.m. Youth group starts at 9:45 a.m. Kids Club begins at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays. There are also Wednesday activities for all ages. Small groups meet throughout the week. It is all happening here at Houston First Church of God.”