Church of God in Christ
The Church of God in Christ (COGIC) is a global Protestant denomination with a deep-rooted history in the Pentecostal and Holiness movements. With a membership of approximately 6.5 million people, it stands as one of the largest and fastest-growing religious organizations in the United States and worldwide. Its identity is captured in its official seal, where a sheaf of wheat represents the members, a rope symbolizes the founding father Charles Harrison Mason, and rain signifies the Latter Rain revivals that sparked the Pentecostal movement.
Founded in 1897 and incorporated in 1907 in Memphis, Tennessee, COGIC separated from the National Baptist Convention, USA. Over the decades, it has evolved from a small group of ten churches into a worldwide network of faith, characterized by its Holiness Pentecostal theology and an Episcopal polity (a hierarchical church government led by bishops).
Key Facts
- Founder: Charles Harrison Mason
- Founded: 1897 (Incorporated 1907) in Memphis, Tennessee
- Membership: Approximately 6.5 million
- Current Leader: Presiding Bishop John Drew Sheard Sr.
- Theological Orientation: Holiness Pentecostal
- Headquarters: Memphis, Tennessee
Historical Evolution and Leadership
The Era of Bishop C. H. Mason (1897–1961)
Under the leadership of its founder, Bishop Charles Harrison Mason, the church experienced exponential growth. From just ten churches in 1907, the denomination expanded to every U.S. state and various foreign countries by 1961. At the time of Mason's death, the church supported over 4,000 churches with a membership exceeding 400,000.
The "Dark Period" and Transition (1962–1968)
Following Mason's passing, the church entered a period of polarization and leadership conflict known as the "Dark Period." This era was marked by constitutional ambiguity regarding succession. While the General Assembly elected O.T. Jones Sr. as Senior Bishop, control was contested between the COGIC Board of Bishops and an executive board of seven bishops previously selected by Mason.
The Era of Bishop J. O. Patterson Sr. (1968–1989)
Stability returned in November 1968 when Bishop James Oglethorpe Patterson Sr. was elected as the first presiding bishop. At 56, he was the youngest person to hold the office. Bishop Patterson is credited with establishing formal protocols for worship, policy, and practice, culminating in a new constitution and official manual in 1973. Under his tenure, COGIC became a dominant force in the collective Black Church and the global Pentecostal movement.
Subsequent Leadership and Modern Era
The church continued to evolve under several key leaders:
- Bishop L. H. Ford (1990–1995): A champion for social justice, Bishop Ford gained national prominence for officiating the funeral of Emmett Till in 1955.
- Bishop C. D. Owens (1995–2000) and Bishop G. E. Patterson (2000–2007) continued the denomination's growth.
- Bishop C. E. Blake (2007–2021): Led the church into the 21st century before becoming Presiding Bishop Emeritus.
- Bishop John Drew Sheard Sr. (2021–Present): Elected in the denomination's first-ever virtual online election on March 20, 2021, and re-elected by acclamation on November 12, 2024.
Ecumenical Engagement and Social Justice
COGIC has actively sought to bridge racial and denominational divides. During the 1970s and 80s, Bishop J. O. Patterson Sr. helped establish the World Fellowship of Black Pentecostal Churches and secured membership in the Congress of National Black Churches. Later, Bishop L. H. Ford facilitated membership in the Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches of North America, an international caucus aimed at healing racial divisions within the movement.
Organizational Structure and Governance
The church operates under a structured corporate and ecclesiastical framework. The General Board serves as the primary governing body, led by the Presiding Bishop and supported by assistant presiding bishops, a general secretary, and a general treasurer.
Summary of General Officers (2024)
| Position | Current Officer | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Presiding Bishop | Bishop J. Drew Sheard Sr. | Michigan |
| 1st Assistant Presiding Bishop | Bishop Jerry W. Macklin | California |
| 2nd Assistant Presiding Bishop | Bishop Lawrence M. Wooten | Missouri |
| General Secretary | Bishop Robert G. Rudolph Jr. | Arkansas |
| General Treasurer | Bishop Charles Harrison Mason Patterson Sr. | Tennessee |
Departmental Ministries and Influence
COGIC is noted for its robust departmental ministries, particularly the Department of Women. This department has been led by several General Supervisors, including Mother Lizzie Woods Robinson and the current supervisor, Mother Barbara McCoo Lewis. The department focuses on training women for ministry and operating various specialized units, such as the Business and Professional Women's Federation.
The church has also had a profound impact on gospel music, largely through the influence of figures like Dr. Mattie Moss Clark. Additionally, the denomination has produced notable figures in public life, including U.S. Congressman Bobby Rush and actor Denzel Washington.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded the Church of God in Christ?
The church was founded by Bishop Charles Harrison Mason in 1897 and officially incorporated in 1907 in Memphis, Tennessee.
What does the COGIC official seal represent?
The seal features a sheaf of wheat representing the members, a rope representing founder Charles Harrison Mason, and rain symbolizing the Latter Rain revivals of the Pentecostal movement.
Who is the current leader of the denomination?
The current Presiding Bishop and chief apostle is John Drew Sheard Sr., who was first elected in 2021 and re-elected in 2024.
What is the theological orientation of COGIC?
COGIC is a Protestant denomination with a Holiness Pentecostal theology and an Episcopal form of church government.
How many members does the church have?
The Church of God in Christ has approximately 6.5 million members worldwide.