Church of God, an International Community

The Church of God, an International Community, is a Christian organization based in Pasadena, California with members worldwide. The church was founded by a group of ex-United Church of God members who did not agree with the principle of the Council of Elders and the ousting of David Hulme as the president of the organization in 1998. [ [http://www.hwarmstrong.com/ar/AR68.html "United Dethrones Hulme", "Ambassador Report"] , Issue 68, April, 1998]

Background

The removal of Hulme was the result of differing opinions on how the church should be governed. Hulme and his supporters believed that as President he had the power to make "executive decisions." But his judgment regarding tasks he deemed necessary for the everyday operation of the church sometimes conflicted with that of UCG's Council of Elders. This clash between Hulme and the Council led to dissension within UCG. Points of disagreement included the decision to remove some employees from the payroll; the method by which the church was to spread its message; and the relocation of the church's home office. In 1998 the Council of Elders voted to remove David Hulme as President of UCG. Shortly afterward, disaffected ex-members of UCG asked Hulme to act as pastor general in the newly-formed the Church of God, "an International Community". See [http://www.church-of-god.org/ Church of God website] and [http://www.thejournal.org/archives/cgtimln4.html The Journal] for additional details.

About

The Church of God, an International Community, traces its roots via the United Church of God (which was founded by David Hulme and others) and the Worldwide Church of God (which was founded by Herbert W Armstrong), to Sabbatarian believers in 17th-century Europe, and before that to the first-century Christian church at Jerusalem. Accordingly the Church endeavors to uphold the original practice and teachings of Jesus Christ and His followers. The Church of God has members around the world and offices in Australia, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, the Philippines, South Africa, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The purpose and activities of the Church of God are primarily educational towards its own members. Whilst it seeks to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God throughout the world as instructed by Jesus Christ in Matthew 24:14, the Church does not believe that command is an instruction to proselytize. As a result, the organization does not attempt to convert new members through its communications and outreach. It also does not actively solicit donations and financial support through its activities.

However, the Church welcomes new members and supporters who are inspired by God to participate in this work. Therefore, as instructed in Matthew 28:18-20, the Church of God places great emphasis on taking care of its members, providing them with spiritual guidance and support. Its goal is to provide a community where call those who commit to the ideals and values of the organization can grow in grace and knowledge and develop Godly character.

Work

The Church publishes the quarterly [http://www.vision.org/ 'Vision: Insights and New Horizons'] , which examines, from a biblical and historical perspective, the complex social, moral and philosophical issues facing the world today. It aims to present the Bible as a credible source of solutions to the problems the world faces. In doing so, it challenges many teachings of traditional Christianity, maintaining that its churches have forgotten Christianity’s roots and ignored much of Jesus Christ’s belief, practice and teaching.

Notes

External links

* [http://www.vision.org Vision: Insights and New Horizons]
*Has produced two television documentaries: [http://www.vision.org/visionmedia/page.aspx?id=207 'Cheating God Out of Christianity'] , which aired on The History Channel, and the subsequent production [http://www.vision.org/visionmedia/form.aspx?ekFrm=216 'Quest for the Real Paul"]