“Imagine winning as many people to Christ as possible.” This is the vision of the Gulf Coast Region Church of God in Christ. Standing here, you’re facing a community deeply rooted in faith. The Gulf Coast Region Church of God in Christ is more than just a church. It’s a place of fellowship and spiritual growth.
Let’s explore the story of the Gulf Coast Region Church of God in Christ. The Gulf Coast Jurisdiction is part of The Church of the Living God International Inc. It is a Pentecostal Holiness ministry. The Gulf Coast Region Church of God in Christ includes churches in Alabama, Florida and Mississippi.
In 1995, the churches in the Gulf Coast states were organized into the East Gulf Coast and West Gulf Coast Regions. By 1998, the East Gulf Coast Regions was renamed the East Gulf Coast Jurisdiction. Bishop Charles D. Smith took leadership. In 2000, the East Gulf Coast and West Gulf Coast Jurisdictions were combined. This established the Gulf Coast Jurisdiction, with Bishop Smith still in leadership.
Currently, there are three districts and seven churches in the Gulf Coast Jurisdiction. These districts are the Alabama-North Florida District, the Emerald Coast District, and the Central Florida District.
The Gulf Coast Region Church of God in Christ has a clear mission. It preaches the Gospel to everyone. The church baptizes them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. This ensures that they might have eternal life.
What does the Gulf Coast Region Church of God in Christ believe? They believe that the Bible is the verbally inspired Word of God. It is infallible and inerrant in the original writings. They also believe in one Living and True God. He is the Maker of Heaven and earth. They believe in Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God. He was with God in the beginning. They believe in the Holy Ghost. The Spirit of Truth proceeds from the Father and Son. The Holy Ghost is equal with the Father and Son. It is a gift to the believer.
The Gulf Coast Region Church of God in Christ believes in the virgin birth of Jesus Christ. He suffered, was crucified, died and buried. The third day He arose again. He ascended into Heaven and sits on the right hand of the Father. His return is imminent in order to judge the quick and the dead.
They believe in repentance from sin. They believe in the atonement by the substitutionary death and shed blood of Jesus Christ. This is for the propitiation of sins of the world. They believe that salvation is by grace through personal faith in Jesus Christ. This allows experiencing the new birth.
The Gulf Coast Region Church of God in Christ believes in baptism by immersion in water. They also believe in sanctification. They believe in the baptism, filling, and indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the believer. They believe in the operation of gifts of the Spirit in the church.
The Gulf Coast Region Church of God in Christ is led by dedicated individuals. Bishop Charles D. Smith serves as the Jurisdictional Bishop. Elder Carlos Thompson is the Jurisdictional Bishop Assistant. Minister India Rogers is the Chief Administrator. These leaders guide the church in its mission and vision.
The Board of Trustees includes Elder Augustus Russell, Elder Paulette Harrison, and Elder Tony Sewell. These individuals provide guidance and oversight. District Superintendents include Elder Augustus Russell, Elder Carlos Thompson, and Elder Tony Sewell.
Pastors of the Gulf Coast Region Church of God in Christ include Elder Carlos Thompson, Elder Christopher Mastin, and Elder Tony Sewell. They also include Elder Deborah Sewell, Elder Augustus Russell, and Elder Paulette Harrison. Bishop Charles D. Smith and Elder Adrian Hines are pastors too.
The Gulf Coast Region Church of God in Christ is committed to spreading the Gospel. It welcomes all who seek spiritual growth. As we conclude this part of our tour, remember the Gulf Coast Region Church of God in Christ. This is a beacon of faith and community.