Here stands the Full Gospel Church of Washington a testament to faith and community. Imagine this place in 1907. Something Apostolic was going on here.
Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship was established in 1994. Bishop Paul Sylvester Morton Sr. founded it in New Orleans, Louisiana. It started as a movement within the National Baptist Convention, USA in 1992. From 25000 to 30000 people attended the first conference in 1994.
Full Gospel Baptists advocate for Pentecostal Christian spiritual gifts. They also hold traditional Baptist doctrine.
Exploring the gifts of the Holy Spirit was important. Morton and his affiliates were advised to resign. They were with the NBCUSA before they were kicked out. National Baptist leadership feared a separate denomination. The National Baptist Convention’s president disapproved of tongues and divine healing.
In 1995 Bishop Morton left the National Baptist Convention. Controversies arose among traditional black Baptists.
New Birth Missionary Baptist Church became a notable affiliate. This was before leaving the fellowship during Bishop Eddie Long’s tenure. Controversies surrounded their leadership. Paul Morton consecrated Eddie Long as a bishop in 1994.
In 2013 Bishop Morton announced his resignation. He appointed Bishop Joseph W. Walker III as his successor. Walker assumed presiding office in 2015. Bishop Neil Ellis established the Global United Fellowship.
Like most Baptist denominations Full Gospel Baptists uphold believer’s baptism. They believe in soul competency and congregational autonomy. The fellowship also believes in Pentecostal doctrines. These include speaking in tongues divine healing and prophecy. The Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship emphasizes Christian sanctification.
Full Gospel Baptists ordain many female pastors and bishops. Its women clergy operate Daughters of the Promise. This is also known as the Full Gospel International Women’s Fellowship.
Full Gospel Baptists are governed by the Full Gospel Baptist Council of Bishops. The presiding bishop is the head clerical and executive leader. Bishops claim apostolic succession. This is through Bishop Morton’s consecrator George Augustus Stallings. Stallings consecrated Morton in March 1993.
Remember this Full Gospel Church of Washington. It stands as a beacon. It represents faith community and the enduring power of belief.