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The Church of God traces its history back to the original first century Church established in 31 A.D. by Jesus Christ. Basing its position on the Bible and an understanding of history, the Church believes that the original message delivered by Jesus was gradually distorted and almost lost. After the original apostles died, others began concentrating exclusively on Jesus, the Messenger, instead of focusing on what he taught as recorded in the Bible. Slowly, tradition, philosophy, and local culture were substituted for the revealed truth of God.
Decades after the fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D., saints who remained loyal to the teachings of the founding Church at Jerusalem were scattered. Some migrated from Asia Minor through Europe to Britain. They were identified and persecuted for keeping the Sabbath, Holy Days, Baptism, and Dietary Laws of the Bible. History records these persecutions by state religions in Europe.
The roots of the modern-day Church of God date back to Stephen Mumford’s departure from London and arrival in the British colony of Newport, Rhode Island, (New York) in 1671. Mumford established the first Church of God congregation in North America and over the next two centuries, congregations multiplied and spread across the
continent.
A Protestant revival movement during 1790-1840s led to a few traditional Christian denominations rediscovering the Sabbath and Second Coming of Jesus Christ and crossing paths with the Church of God. But the Church of God remained distinct from traditional Christianity and on the fringes as it had done throughout history. In the confusion of the times the Church reorganized at a General Conference under the name Church of God (Seventh Day). The Church of God continued to spread throughout the world.
In 1933, Herbert Armstrong branched off from the Oregon Conference to do a publishing and radio ministry. In 1934, Radio Church of God began with The Plain Truth magazine and The World Tomorrow program. Over time, efforts expanded to television, establishment of three Ambassador College campuses, Church offices and congregations around the world. In 1968, the Church was renamed Worldwide Church of God. From 1934-1980’s the Church had distributed 1.4 billion pieces of literature and magazines worldwide.
Herbert Armstrong died in January, 1986 at the age of 93. Mr. Armstrong named Joseph W. Tkach to succeed him as Pastor General of the Worldwide Church of God. By 1995, Worldwide Church of God leadership abandoned long held Bible based beliefs in favor of embracing traditional Christianity and acceptance into evangelicalism. Apostasy led to the persecution and departure of those desiring to remain faithful to God and the
Bible. The resulting confusion led to many offshoots and the scattering of saints. This is not the first time apostasy has occurred in Church
of God history (Galatians 1:6).
The Church of God continues on as the spiritual body of Christ and those supernaturally called by God (John 6:44). It is not a state religion, corporation or building. When God’s people assemble together it is organized and orderly (1Corinthians 14:40). The Church of God embraces two broad purposes: to proclaim the gospel of the restoration of God’s government on earth (Matthew 24:14); and to teach and help others who are interested in learning God’s revealed way of life (Matthew 28:19-20).
Not affiliated with traditional Christianity, the Church of God does not publicly appeal for funds nor actively seek new members. Believing that only God Himself can spiritually attract new members, the Church is non-proselytizing and non-political. All resources and services are provided free of charge in the public interest.
Following the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Founder of the Church, members strive to live by every word of God (Matthew 4:4), as revealed in both the Old and New Testaments. For example, as Jesus and the first century Church did, members keep the seventh-day Sabbath and annual Holy Days, including Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread, and the Feast of Tabernacles (Mark 2:27-28; Leviticus 23:1-44; John 7:8, 14;
1Corinthians 5:7-8).
In challenging times and during persecution the saints may find themselves alone, few in number, and meeting in homes. We are reminded by the encouraging words of Jesus “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20) and “I will never leave you, nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
Christ’s final instruction to His followers in Matthew 28:19-20
reads, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
In Revelation 22:20 we find Christ’s famous last words, “I come quickly” promising His
Second Coming and the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth.
This is the hope of the saints, creation and all humanity. | 
