Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the Church of God Holiness is its deep-rooted history. It began in 1883. The church was founded in Centralia Missouri. Forty-four members came together. They sought to embody the New Testament church.
The Church of God Holiness holds a unique place in Christian history. Its origins trace back to a schism within the Methodist Episcopal Church. This divergence stemmed from differing views. These views concerned the attainment of entire sanctification. Some members zealously advocated for its instantaneous reception. The Methodist Episcopal Church allowed for progressive sanctification.
Several key figures spearheaded the Church of God Holiness. J. F. Watkins and N. T. Sneed were among them. H. A. Foster and G. R. Sneed also contributed. F. H. Sumter and J. B. Ceighton played vital roles. J. H. Allen and D. C. Brenneman were essential too. G. W. Petty and Isaiah Reid offered their support. T. B. Bratton and A. L. Brewer joined. A. M. Kiergan and W. T. Bean completed the group.
These founders chose the name “Church of God”. They believed it was the Scriptural designation. They rejected denominationalism. They thought all genuinely converted individuals belonged to the true church. Each person answered to a local body of believers.
The Church of God Holiness grew from the Southwestern Holiness Association. These former Methodist Episcopal Church members wanted more. They wanted instantaneous entire sanctification. John Petit Brooks was an early leader. He edited The Church Witness. It later merged into The Church Herald.
Beliefs are important to the Church of God Holiness. Believers gather as one body. They enjoy fellowship with others. God wants us to approach Him with repentance. He wants us to seek deeper knowledge of Him.
Organizationally, the Church of God Holiness comprises autonomous congregations. There are about 120 congregations in the United States. Most are in Missouri and Kansas. The church maintains a presence on the Navajo Reservation. It supports Spanish-speaking congregations across several states. It has ministries in California and Texas. It also has ministries in New York and Colorado. Korean and Haitian ministries exist as well. The church has expanded to the Cayman Islands.
Various departments support the Church of God Holiness. Home Missions serves local communities. World Missions operates globally. Harmony Hill Youth Ministries supports young people. The Herald and Banner Press publishes literature. Headquarters are in Overland Park Kansas. An annual general conference happens there.
The Church of God Holiness engages in worldwide missions. They are in Bolivia and the British West Indies. They are also in the Virgin Islands and Ghana. Missions extend to Nigeria and India. They reach Myanmar and Papua New Guinea. Colombia, Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica and Ukraine are included too.
Ecumenically, the Church of God Holiness partners with other groups. It belongs to the Global Wesleyan Alliance. It is also part of the Interchurch Holiness Convention.
The Church of God Holiness supports education. It is associated with Kansas Christian College. The college offers degrees in ministry. It provides degrees in business leadership and psychology. Education degrees are available too. The church’s headquarters are on the campus. General Camp and Convention are also held here. The church is linked to elementary and secondary schools. These schools include El Dorado Christian School. Fort Scott Christian Heights is another. Gravette Holiness Bible School is associated. Lowry City Christian School is connected. Mount Zion Bible School is also linked. Mountain State Christian School is another. Overland Christian Schools completes the list. The Church of God Holiness promotes faith and learning. It strengthens communities through ministry and education.