Church of God in Christ

Can a church be born on courthouse steps? For the Church of God in Christ, the answer is a resounding yes. Right here in 1897, after being expelled from the Baptist church for his teachings on sanctification, Elder Charles Harrison Mason preached his first sermon on the steps of a local courthouse. This marked not an ending, but a powerful new beginning for the Church of God in Christ. The Church of God in Christ isn’t just a building. It’s a testament to the power of faith and perseverance. Initially, the followers of Elder Mason, including Elders Jones and Pleasant, along with 60 charter members, found refuge in a donated living room, then a warehouse. Soon, they purchased land, establishing their own church. The Church of God in Christ traces its roots to 1897. It embraces the Pentecostal-Holiness tradition, emphasizing the importance of the Day of Pentecost and the manifestations described in Acts 2:1-4. This includes the sound of a mighty wind, tongues of fire, and speaking in tongues. A pivotal moment for the church occurred in 1907 when Elder Mason experienced the Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles. He returned to Memphis, filled with the Holy Spirit, eager to share his experience. However, his contemporaries initially rejected his new Pentecostal beliefs. This led to a split, with Elder Mason gathering those who shared his vision. This group, including figures like E.R. Driver and J. Bowe, formed the first Pentecostal General Assembly of the Church of God in Christ, electing Mason as their General Overseer. From its humble beginnings, the Church of God in Christ, under Bishop Mason’s leadership, has grown exponentially. Today, it boasts millions of members in the United States and a global presence in over 60 nations. The Church of God in Christ’s journey from courthouse steps to a global presence is a testament to its unwavering faith.