Haven’t you heard how the Church of God in Christ began in a gin house? This Old Fashioned Church of God in Christ in Houston shares roots with that humble beginning.
The Church of God in Christ emerged from a group of Baptists. They were led by Charles Price Jones and Charles Harrison Mason in 1897. These men preached the Wesleyan doctrine. It emphasized Christian perfection. This caused conflict with their Baptist congregations.
In Mississippi, Jones and Mason faced expulsion for their teachings. They established the Church of God. Mason sought a unique name. He found it in 1 Thessalonians 2:14. Thus the Church of God in Christ was born. It spread throughout the South. Members were called “Saints” seeking daily holiness.
By 1906, the Church of God in Christ had nearly 100 congregations. Mason visited the Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles. He experienced the baptism of the Holy Ghost. He spoke in tongues. This experience wasn’t universally accepted back home. A separation occurred among leaders like Jones.
Mason reorganized the Church of God in Christ as a Holiness-Pentecostal body. In 1907, it became the first legally chartered Pentecostal body in the United States.
Bishop Mason moved to Memphis Tennessee. He established the COGIC national headquarters. The International Holy Convocation began. It lasted twenty days. Members gathered for prayer teaching and business.
The Church of God in Christ attracted both white and African American ministers. But racial tensions led to the departure of many white members.
Bishop Mason traveled establishing churches. As African Americans migrated north and west, the church expanded. By 1961, there were over 4000 churches. Membership exceeded 400000.
The Church of God in Christ believes the Bible is God’s word. They believe in the Trinity. Father Son and Holy Ghost. They believe that salvation comes through Christ. The Holy Ghost empowers believers.
The Church of God in Christ practices water baptism. They celebrate the Lord’s Supper. Feet washing symbolizes humility.
Early on Bishop Mason created departments. These included Women’s Department Sunday School Youth Department and Missions and Evangelism. These ministries support the Church of God in Christ’s holistic approach.
The Women’s Department plays a significant role. Although women aren’t ordained as elders or bishops they serve as evangelists.
The Church of God in Christ has a rich history. It began with humble origins and grew to a global movement. The Old Fashioned Church of God in Christ shares this legacy. It stands as a testament to faith perseverance and community.