Church of God International (United States) facts for kids

The Church of God, International (CGI) is a Christian church based in the United States. It is a type of church known as Binitarian, which has a specific view on the nature of God.

The CGI was formed as an offshoot of another church, the Worldwide Church of God (WCG). It is one of several Sabbatarian Churches of God, which means they observe the Sabbath on Saturday.

How the Church Began

The Church of God, International was started in 1978 in Tyler, Texas. One of its main founders was an evangelist named Garner Ted Armstrong. He and three other former members of the Worldwide Church of God (WCG) started the new church.

This happened after Garner Ted Armstrong had disagreements with his father, Herbert W. Armstrong, who was the leader of the WCG. These disagreements were about how the church should be run and some of its teachings. As a result, Garner Ted Armstrong left the WCG and started CGI.

The church's logo includes a helmet, a breastplate, and two crossed swords. This design is based on a suit of armor that was given to Garner Ted Armstrong as a gift from his father. The logo refers to a Bible passage, Ephesians 6:11-17, which talks about the "Armor of God."

How the Church is Led

Garner Ted Armstrong led the CGI from its start until 1998. The leaders wanted to create a "servant-leadership" style. This was different from the WCG, which had a "top-down" leadership style where one person made most of the decisions.

In 1998, after some disagreements within the church, Armstrong left CGI. After he left, the church reorganized its leadership. Today, the church is led by a board of directors made up of pastors. The chairperson of the board is re-elected every three years. Vance Stinson became the leader in 2015.

CGI also has a training program for new leaders called the Ministerial Apprentice Program (MAP). The church works to have good relationships with other similar churches and partners with many of them.

What the Church Believes

The Church of God, International shares many beliefs with other Christian churches. For example, they believe the Bible is inspired by God and that Jesus was resurrected. However, some of their beliefs are different from most Catholic and Protestant churches.

Getting Back to Original Christianity

CGI believes that over time, some Christian traditions mixed with non-Christian ideas. They try to follow the beliefs and practices of the very first Christian church from the time of the Apostles.

Because of this, they do not celebrate holidays like Christmas or Easter. They believe these holidays have origins that are not from the Bible.

Beliefs About God

CGI is a binitarian church. This means they believe that God the Father and Jesus Christ are two separate beings in the "God Family." They believe the Holy Spirit is the power of God, not a third person. This is different from the Trinitarian belief of most other Christian churches.

The Purpose of Humans

The church teaches that when people become Christians, they become part of God's family. They believe that in the future, faithful Christians will be resurrected and become spirit beings, like sons of God.

The Kingdom of God

CGI teaches that Jesus's main message was about a future Kingdom of God that will be set up on Earth. They believe that saved people will not go to heaven, but will live and rule with Jesus on Earth for 1,000 years, known as the Millennium.

Following God's Laws

CGI believes that God's grace is a free gift. However, they also teach that it is important to obey God's laws, which are found in the Old Testament. They see these laws as helpful guides for living a good life.

Some of the laws they follow include:

• Observing the seventh-day Sabbath (from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset).
• Not eating meats the Bible calls "unclean."
• Observing holy days and festivals mentioned in the Bible, like the Days of Unleavened Bread and the Feast of Tabernacles.

They do not believe these actions "earn" salvation, but show love and obedience to God.

What Happens After Death

CGI does not believe in an ever-burning Hell. Instead, they teach that people who do not repent will be permanently destroyed, a belief called annihilation.

They also believe in more than one resurrection. People who never had a chance to learn about the Bible will be brought back to life in the future. They will be given a chance to learn and choose to follow God.

Tithing

Members of CGI practice tithing. This means they give 10 percent of their income to the church to support its work. They are also taught to save a second 10 percent to help them attend the church's annual religious festivals.

Spreading the Message

CGI has churches in the United States, Canada, Jamaica, Ireland, Australia, and the Philippines. The church produces media to share its message.

• Television and Internet: They have a TV program called Armor of God and a strong online presence, including a YouTube channel and a Roku channel.
• Publications: They publish a newspaper called The International News and have programs for children and young adults.

See also

In Spanish: Church of God International para niños

• Armstrongism
• Christian observances of Jewish holidays
• Christian views on the Old Covenant