Church of God (Anderson)

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The Church of God (Anderson) is a non-denominational, Holiness movement believing group of Christians with roots in Wesleyan pietism and also in the restorationist and (arguably) anabaptist traditions. Perhaps its most distinctive feature is that there is no formal membership, since the movement believes that belief in Christ makes one a member. Similarly, there is no formal creed other than the Bible. Accordingly, there is much official room for disagreement, even though the movement's culture is strongly rooted in Wesleyan holiness theology.

It was started in 1881 ¹ by Daniel Sidney Warner and several others. Warner had been a member of the General Eldership of the Church of God. He differed with the Winebrennerians on the doctrine of sanctification, which he held to be a second definite work of grace, and on the nature of the church. The desire of Warner and the others was to forsake denominationalism and creeds. To this end, they determined to trust in the Holy Spirit as their guide and the Bible as their creed. This church movement is not historically related to other Church of God bodies such as the Church of God (Cleveland) or Church of God (Charleston, Tennessee). Though these bodies are also holiness in outlook, the Church of God (Anderson) does not share their Pentecostal practices.

There are 2,276 congregations in the United States and Canada which are affiliated with the Church of God (Anderson), with an average attendance of 255,771 (2006 Yearbook of the Church of God). Worldwide "membership" is more than 817,572 in 7,375 congregations spread over nearly ninety countries. The church does not have traditional formal membership. Personal conversion and Christian conduct, coupled with attendance, are sufficient for participation in a local Church of God congregation.

1 The church's doctrinal beliefs with corresponding Biblical references
2 Church of God affiliated schools
3 See also
4 External links
- 4.1 Footnote

[edit] The church's doctrinal beliefs with corresponding Biblical references

The Church of God feels it is called to be the following: The following is a work in progress. Better explanations of the terms will come soon.

A gospel church

- Galatians 1:1-10
- Ephesians 1

To be a gospel church is to make it a priority to spread the message of how accepting that Jesus Christ is our Savior can be liberating. This is in contrast to the legalistic faith of Roman Catholic Church in the time of Martin Luther. Martin Luther found that he was justified before God because of God’s gift of salvation, not through his good works.

A Bible church

- 2 Timothy 3:14-17
- Colossians 4:16
- Luke 24:13-49

John Calvin led the charge for this particular reform. The Swiss reformation was organized around the idea that the Bible should be used for more than just ritualized reading during a worship service. Calvin encouraged preachers to teach their way through the Bible. The Church of God stands behind Calvin’s assessment that the Bible should be systematically taught in worship services.

A born-again church

- John 3:1-10
- 2 Corinthians 5:16-17
- Acts 9:1-19; 22:6; 26:12-18

A born-again church takes the concept of a Bible church to the next level. This emphasis is on helping those who are learning about the Bible make the choice to convert to a belief that Jesus Christ is their savior. The Church of God is keeping the tradition of old time revivals with the numerous “camp meetings” that are held all over the world.

A holiness church

- Acts 2:1-4
- 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
- Romans 12:1-2
- 1 John 4:7-21

The Church of God has placed an emphasis to help their members live a life that exemplifies God’s love. Special emphasis is placed on the fact that God loves all people equally. The Church of God calls all believers to the wholehearted love of God and others.

A unity church

- John 17:20-26
- 1 Corinthians 12:12-31
- Ephesians 4:1-16

The Church of God places a high value on the New Testament’s teaching on unity among believers. The Church of God does not support membership to individual congregations. The Church of God feels that if a person is a Christian, they are part of the Church of God. This is also why they avoid calling themselves a denomination. The Church of God sees part of the disunity among Christians stemming from the conflicting opinions brought about by the doctrine of the various denominations.

A kingdom of God church

- Matthew 5-7
- Luke 9:1-2
- Romans 14:17

The Church of God wants to take seriously the values presented in the book Matthew chapters 5-7 known as the Sermon on the Mount. Although the Church of God does not feel the need to separate from society like the Mennonites and the Amish, they do feel that our interaction with other peoples and our daily routine should reflect more of principals outlined in the New Testament.

A missionary church

- Matthew 28:18-20
- Acts 1:8; 2:1-4, 37-47
- Romans 1:14-16

The Church of God reorganizes Jesus’ call to the apostles to spread his message throughout the world. The Church of God does not see that this directive was only for the first century Christians, but also for the modern church. It is also not understood to be a minor request from Jesus, but a directive that should have priority with Christians until the time of Jesus’ return.

The Church of God acknowledges that the seven doctrines listed above are unique to them. The Church of God does however feel that it is the grouping of doctrines and the emphasis on all of them that make the Church of God unique to other denominations claiming to be followers of Jesus Christ.

Information for this section came from Vision for the Church of God at the Crossroads by Gilbert W. Stafford. Warner Press/Church of God Ministries 2002.

The church observes baptism by total immersion, the Lord's supper (commonly known as communion), and feet washing as symbolic acts, recognizing them as the ordinances (commandments) of God. According to the church's official web site, "None of these practices, termed ordinances, are considered mandatory conditions of Christian experience or fellowship."³ Church polity is autonomous and congregational, with various state and regional assemblies offering some basic support for pastors and congregations. In North America cooperative work is coordinated through Church of God Ministries with offices in Anderson, Indiana. Currently the General Director is Ronald V. Duncan. For other Christian denominations in the Holiness/Pietist tradition, see Church of God.