Here stands The Church of God in Vancouver a beacon of faith. Founded on the principles of Christ it is revealed in the Bible. The Word of God serves as its bedrock. The church’s faith and practice are rooted in Scripture. Its members’ experiences are scripturally guided.
The Church of God is first and foremost a Christian church. It centers on Jesus Christ the Son of God. The church’s doctrines and practices are based on His teachings. It embraces Protestantism. It stands for justification by faith. The church believes in the priesthood of believers. It upholds the Bible’s authority religious freedom and separation of church and state. It opposes abuses of ecclesiastical ritualism and dogmatism.
The Church of God holds five foundational Christian doctrines. The Bible is inerrant and infallible. Christ was born of a virgin and is completely divine. Christ’s death was an atoning sacrifice for the world’s sins. The body will be literally resurrected. Christ will come again in bodily form to earth.
The term Evangelical describes those affirming primary scriptural doctrines. These include the inspiration of the Word of God the Trinity and the deity of Jesus Christ. Salvation comes through faith in Christ’s atoning death. He bodily resurrected and ascended to the Father. The Holy Spirit ministers. Christ will come again. Believers in Jesus Christ share spiritual unity. The Church of God aligns with the National Association of Evangelicals. It stands in the mainstream of Evangelical Protestantism.
In 1896 Church of God members experienced a spiritual outpouring. They identified it as baptism of the Holy Spirit. It resembled early Christians’ Pentecost experience. It enriches Christian life through the Holy Spirit’s power. This empowers believers to witness Christ effectively. Speaking in tongues is initial evidence of Holy Spirit baptism.
The charismata or gifts of the Spirit emerged early in the Church of God. They fall into three categories. These are the gifts of revelation power and utterance. Revelation gifts include wisdom knowledge and discerning of spirits. Power gifts include faith miracles and healing. Utterance gifts include prophecy tongues and interpretation. The Holy Spirit bestows these gifts. Those accepting their validity are called charismatic.
From its start The Church of God has been a revival movement. Evangelism is at the forefront. The church aggressively shares Christ’s message worldwide. Every program reflects evangelism. This includes revivals conferences worship teaching preaching and missionary efforts.
The Great Commission requires united effort. Central organization efficiently serves this. Guidance support resources and leadership come from a common center. The Church of God is centrally organized. Centralized government operates from international state territorial and local levels. It helps fulfill the church’s mission. Control rests with laity and ministers. They form the General Assembly. It meets biennially. Centralized government ensures doctrinal uniformity binds local churches together and ensures membership commitments. It also expands fellowship ensures accountability makes cooperative decisions and unites evangelism and world outreach.
Ministers are ranked as bishops ministers exhorters and ministers of music. They reach these levels through faith commitment training and credential requirements. The Church of God emphasizes the priesthood of all believers. It encourages laity to assume Biblical roles in local ministry.
Education and training are priorities. Educational opportunities span from local congregations to international institutions. Lee University is the oldest and largest educational institution. Other institutions include European Bible Seminary and Han Young Theological University.
From its beginnings The Church of God has felt its responsibility to benevolence ministries. The church operates several specialized programs. These include homes for children and the Iris B Vest SpiritCare Center. The church helps youth and unwed mothers. Operation Compassion includes Helping Hands and Children of the World. Chaplains serve worldwide in various institutions.
The Church of God maintains ministry centers worldwide for U.S. service members. These centers offer fellowship counseling and worship. Military chaplains serve in all branches of the military.
The Church of God Publishing House offers printed materials. Pathway Bookstore offers inspirational resources. The Church of God addresses social concerns. World Missions implements global evangelism church planting and training. It shares Christ’s love and ministers to human need. It brings people to God. Today Church of God missions extends to many countries.