“Holiness” isn’t just a word. It’s a way of life. It defines the Missionary Church of God in Christ. Here we stand before a place where faith and community intertwine. The Missionary Church of God in Christ is more than bricks and mortar. It is a beacon of hope and a testament to the enduring power of faith.
The Church of God in Christ COGIC is an international Holiness Pentecostal Christian denomination. It is one of the largest Pentecostal denominations in the United States. COGIC has a predominantly African-American membership. Its international headquarters is in Memphis Tennessee. Bishop John Drew Sheard Sr is the current Presiding Bishop.
The Church of God in Christ was formed in 1897. It was founded by Charles Price Jones and Charles Harrison Mason. These men were former Baptist ministers. They began preaching the Wesleyan doctrine of Christian perfection. This doctrine emphasizes entire sanctification as a second work of grace.
In 1896 Jones held a Holiness convention. Mason attended with others from several states. Doctrinal debates affected responses to new Christian movements. Some Baptist pastors considered Jones and Mason controversial. The Mississippi State Convention expelled them.
In 1897 Elder Mason founded St Paul Church. It was the first church of the new movement. At its first convocation the group identified as the Church of God. Many new holiness groups wanted biblical names. C H Mason sought a name to distinguish his group.
Later in 1897 Mason stated that God had given him a name. That name was Church of God in Christ. He believed the name was divinely revealed. It was taken from 1 Thessalonians 2:14. The COGIC began to develop congregations throughout the South. C P Jones was elected the General Overseer. C H Mason was selected as Overseer of Tennessee.
By 1906 the church had grown to nearly 100 congregations. C H Mason investigated a revival in Los Angeles. William J Seymour led that revival. Mason’s visit to the Azusa Street Revival changed the church’s direction. Mason received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. The evidence was his speaking in other tongues.
Upon his return to Mississippi Mason faced opposition. Not everyone accepted speaking in tongues. At the general convention in 1907 a separation occurred. It was among Jones and other leaders.
After being ejected Mason reorganized the Church of God in Christ. It became a Holiness Pentecostal body. The early pioneers chose C H Mason as General Overseer. Mason was given authority to lead the new denomination.
In 1907 with ten congregations the Church of God in Christ became legally chartered. It was the first Pentecostal body incorporated in the United States. C P Jones and those who did not embrace the Azusa Revival continued as Holiness churches. In 1915 Mason’s group was granted the use of the name Church of God in Christ. Jones’s group organized a legally chartered Holiness body. It was called the Church of Christ Holiness U S A.
COGIC originated among African Americans. It began in the Southern states. During the early twentieth century the Pentecostal movement grew rapidly. It attracted racially integrated congregants. Bishop Mason licensed both white and African American ministers. They spread the Pentecostal message and planted new churches.
Today the Missionary Church of God in Christ continues this legacy. It stands as a testament to faith perseverance and community. It is a place where all are welcome. The Missionary Church of God in Christ embodies the spirit of its founders. It lives out its mission every day. As you continue your journey remember the power of faith. Remember the importance of community. And remember the enduring legacy of the Church of God in Christ.