A vibrant worldwide body. That is how the Church of God of Prophecy describes itself. The Church of God of Prophecy is more than just a place of worship. It is a community of believers united in their faith.
The Church of God of Prophecy shares God’s love. It offers a message of hope to those who are brokenhearted. Its roots trace back to the New Testament. The modern history of the Church of God of Prophecy intertwines with major religious movements. These movements swept across the United States and the world.
The Church of God of Prophecy has a rich heritage. It is rooted in the Protestant Reformation. Zwingli, Luther, and Calvin were key figures. The church’s legacy lies in the Radical Reformation. Groups like Anabaptists and Mennonites sought a complete restoration. They emphasized spiritual experiences and strict moral discipline. They used biblical models. They emulated the church found in the Book of Acts.
Radical reformers immigrated to America. Their ideas flourished in the colonies. They emphasized experiential salvation. They preached God’s love and practical holiness. Love and holiness were hallmarks of the true church. This contrasted with the formal creedal-ism prevalent then. Great revivals marked by Pentecostal manifestations occurred. These revivals influenced groups like Baptists and followers of Whitefield and Wesley. The forefathers of the Church of God of Prophecy saw their work as both a continuation and restoration of the Apostolic Church.
In August 1886, Richard G. Spurling and his father reacted against creedal-ism. They saw it as dependence on creeds instead of Scripture. This led to over-organization. It caused a lack of fervent Bible practice among Baptists. The Spurlings and seven others organized Christian Union. They believed it was a true restoration of the Apostolic Church. They freed themselves from man-made creeds and traditions. They took the New Testament as their only rule of faith.
In 1895, the Holiness Movement stirred parts of North and South Carolina. Benjamin Harding Irwin greatly affected the region. Spurling’s congregations were swept into this movement. R. G. Spurling accepted holiness. He modified the extremes of Irwin’s movement.
William F. Bryant was drawn into the Holiness Movement. Oppression from without and a lack of order nearly devastated Bryant’s group. By 1902, the group had dwindled to about 20 people. R. G. Spurling persuaded Bryant to organize. On May 15, 1902, the Holiness Church at Camp Creek was set in order. Spurling was selected as pastor. Bryant was ordained as a deacon.
In 1903, A.J. Tomlinson led the group. It was more formally organized into the Church of God. From Appalachia to the World, the movement saw great growth. These pioneers traced their roots to the New Testament church. They considered themselves a continuation of Spirit-filled Christianity. This connection continues today. All church decisions are committed to prayer and based on scripture.
The General Assembly of 1907 officially adopted the name Church of God. Controversy ensued over which group had the legal right to that name. In 1952, the court decreed that “of Prophecy” be added. This distinguished the organization from others with similar names.
The Church of God of Prophecy has over one-and-a-half million members. They worship in over 10,000 churches or missions in 135 nations. Nearly 90% of its global membership is outside of North America. The church believes the Bible alone is the inspired Word of God.
The church covenant is how individuals become members. It affirms one’s willingness to follow all of Christ’s teachings. The church flag uses colors and designs to represent Jesus’ character and work. The church logo represents Jesus and our mission.
The Church of God of Prophecy is a global network. It is dedicated to sharing God’s love. It offers hope through faith. Remember that as you pass by here.