Transcription
OFFICIAL MANUALwith theDOCTRINES AND DISCIPLINEof theCHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST1973Written by the authorization and approval of theGeneral Assembly.The Editor of the Official Manual, the General Secretaryof the Church Of God In Christ and the Publisher of theChurch Of God In Christ shall be commissioned with theediting and revising of the "Discipline." The EditorialCommission shall have the authority to revise and amendphraseology as may be necessary to harmonize withlegislative decisions approved by the General Board andthe General Assembly without changing its originalmeaning.CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST, INC.WORLD HEADQUARTERS272 South Main StreetMemphis, Tennessee 38103Bishop Louis H. Ford, Presiding Bishop1991 EditionPage #I03/07/11108:25:49 AM
EDITORIALCOMMISSIONElder C. F. Range. Jr.Book EditorElder Clyde YoungAssistant Book EditorBishop G. R. RossGeneral SecretaryPUBLISHERDr. Roy L. H. Winbush,President of Church OfGod In Christ PublishingBoardCopyright 1973 by Board of Publication of theChurch Of God In Christ, Incorporated. All rightsreserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in anyform without permission in writing from the publisher.Printed in the United States of AmericaReprinted 1991, 1992Page # II03/07/11208:25:49 AM
PREFACEThe worldwide chaotic conditions and the blatantdefiance of the reality of God are irrefutable testimony ofthe urgent need for a new dedication to the principlesupon which we as true believers of Christ stand.During the first decade of the twentieth century,Bishop Charles Harrison Mason, a Prophet of God andFounder of the Church Of God In Christ International,began to reveal his God-given vision. He expressed agreat faith in the New Testament teachings ofsanctification, the Spirit-filled life, as essential to God'spresent day plan for man's salvation.The initial Movement of the Church Of God In Christhad its beginning in Lexington, Mississippi and surrounding towns. His preaching was met with great hostilitybecause of the social and religious changes envisioned.But it did not discourage him nor prevent the rapidexpansion of the Church which now embraces millions ofcommunicants throughout the world.Only a true Prophet of God with an unwavering faithand a consistent dedication could have been chosen as theinstrument through which such a heavenly vision couldhave been realized The colorful history of our Churchcould not have been written without giving proper recognition to our illustrious and God-fearing Founder. Thisinformative Doctrinal and Disciplinary Handbook, soprayerfully and scholastically compiled shall establishguidelines for the conduct of both the ministry and laityof the Church Of God In Christ, International. It is a monumental tribute to Bishop Mason and to the innumerableco-laborers who shared his God-given vision.Page # III03/07/11308:25:49 AM
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTIn view of the accelerated progress and stupendousachievements inaugurated by the Church Of God In Christwithin the last two decades, a new and comprehensiveManual embracing the tenets of faith, the doctrine,discipline and liturgy of the Church, commensurate withour present needs, was envisioned by our sagaciousLeader, the Honorable Presiding Bishop J. O. Patterson.It is to him that we owe a tremendous and incalculabledebt of gratitude for selecting the Editor and for authorizing and encouraging the production of this volume.Without his guidance and direction, we would have beenunable to complete such a mammoth task at this time.Elder Clyde Young of Pennsylvania was of greatassistance to the Editor in the composition and compilationof this presentation. He spent many hours gathering data,researching, and in conference in bringing this Manual toits present status.In preparing this Volume, the Editor had occasion tocall upon the assistance of a seasoned member of ourGeneral Board, a man of integrity and great spiritualinsight, the late Bishop D. Lawrence Williams. Hiswisdom and constructive criticism was indispensable.The merit and utility of this Volume may be ascribedlargely to the indispensable services of Bishop GermanR. Ross, Secretary to the Presiding Bishop and the Rev.Roy L. H. Winbush, President of the National PublishingBoard. The analytical scrutiny of the reliable judgmentand discerning eye was responsible for smoothing overmany of the rough spots of this Manual. The stylistic andorthographic arrangement which reflect a deliberate deciPage # V5
sion to preserve the Linguistic acumen and terminology ofthe Church Of God In Christ may be attributed entirely tothese two colorful personalities, nationally known for theirastuteness and ingenuity. The task of comparison, criticalreview end verification involved considerable time, traveland labor. Therefore to them, I am most grateful.Acknowledgement of e very special kind is due ElderWinbush for the excellent appearance of this enhancedOfficial Handbook, the finesse, the expeditious publicationas the final step for distribution.The Editor is deeply appreciative to Mr. Melvin Crosswho rendered invaluable assistance in the preparation ofthis manual. His services were unselfish and dedicated.His technological and professional dexterity contributedgreatly to the total enhancement of this presentation.Other sources drawn upon included Bishop D. A.Burton, General Secretary of the Church; Dr. LeonardLovett, President-Director of Charles Harrison MasonTheological Seminary who shared with us in preparationof the doctrinal position of the Church; Miss ThelmaPatrick and Mrs. Janet Ratliff who spent many hours astypists; Miss Mary Ellen Meredith who was responsiblefor much of the proofreading and final typewritten draft.We especially express our appreciation to all personswho gave of their time and the services needed for thepreparation of this edition. Any omissions of contributionsmade were without prejudice but were due to lack offactual knowledge.THE EDITORPage # VI6
FOREWORDAnother unique and dramatic moment has arrived inthe colorful history of the Church Of God In Christ as wepause to signally celebrate the publication of a profoundand provocative production, the first volume in many yearsof the Official Manual of the Church Of God In Christ.Several decades have passed since the publication of ourfirst Manual which was last amended in 1952. Thetremendous expansion of the Church throughout the world,with its accelerated growth and many resulting changes,necessitated a more complete and comprehensive manual.Several years prior to becoming Presiding Bishop andwhile yet serving as General Secretary,the greaterneeds of the Church were envisioned and I was divinelyunctioned to initiate plans to produce a manual comparableto our present day needs.This innovation has at last come to fruition after muchdelay and deliberation We sincerely tender our thanks toGod and to the exceptional Christian personnel whopreserved and remained with the task to its completion.The volume is an earnest attempt to transcribe in contemporary terms the doctrine and discipline of our Churchand hopefully it will counteract the malicious and seditiousdoctrines flourishing again in this age of insecurity.Hopefully it will exhort men to consult their heart insteadof their heads.The Editors have succeeded, I believe, in giving anunusually rich and illuminating picture of Christian thinking. Obviously, every effort has been made to speakplainly, to enlighten, rather than to astound.The Church Of God In Christ, with its esoteric doctrinePage # VII7
based upon and supported by Biblical Truth as it proclaimsthe Gospel of Christ, must relate itself to the secular worldof which it is a part. Therefore, areas dealing with civil andsecular affairs, alcoholism, crime. etc., have been includedin this volume. The rituals and liturgical requisites of theChurch have been thoroughly covered Orders of worshipfor public and private devotions are included and thedoctrine of the Church beautifully amplified The Manualprovides illustrative material for both pulpit and pew.Because of the utility of this volume, it is hoped that itwill become a constituent part of the library of every localchurch, every clergyman, and every dedicated member ofthe Church Of God In Christ throughout the world. Further,it is our prayer that this Manual will make alasting contribution toward the building in this world ofChrist's "Kingdom of love," by enriching the program of hisChurch as it ministers to men and women of all races, classesand cultures the world around.J. O. PATTERSON,Presiding Bishop1968-1989Page # VIII8
TABLE OF CONTENTSEditorial .VIIDirectory of National Officers.XIIIHistory of the Church.XXIIIPART I The ConstitutionThe Constitution of the Church Of God In Christ.1PART II The Article, of ReligionThe Old and New Testament(The Authority of the Scriptures).40The Doctrine of God (Theology).41The Doctrine of Jesus Christ (Christology and the Virgin Birth). .42The Doctrine of the Holy Ghost (Pneumatology).45The Doctrine of Angel. (Angelology).48The Doctrine of Demons (Demonology).50The Doctrine of Man (Anthropology).52The Doctrine of Sin (Hamartiology).55The Doctrine of Salvation (Soteriology).56The Doctrine of the Church (Ecclesiology).59The Doctrine of Last Things ivine Healing.73Miracles.74The Ordinances of the Church.75A. Lord's Supper.76B. Feet Washing.77C. Baptism.77Page # IX03/07/11908:25:49 AM
PART III The Churcha. Local Church.80b. Church Membership and Admission.82c. Children and Church Membership.84d. Transfer and Termination of Membership.85e. Membership Records and Reports.87General Rules of Order.88a. Nature. Purpose and General Rules of the Church.88b. Doctrines Disapproved.88c. Practices Disapproved.93d Rules of Order for a Meeting.95e. The Dress Code.100PART TV The Church and Welfare ConcernAlcoholic Problems.121Tobacco.121The Drug Problem.123Crime, Capital Punishment and Rehabilitation.124Gambling.125Mental Health and Medical Care.125Social Welfare.126Sex in Christian Life.128Human Rights.129War and Military Service.130PART V The Christian MinistryThe Call to Ministry.132Ministerial Orders.133Apostles. Prophets. Evangelists,Pastors, Elders, Bishops, Deacons,Deaconesses, Teachers.133-143Women in the Ministry.144Reception of Ministers from Other Churches.146District Superintendents.147District Missionaries.149Missionaries.149The Deprivation and Restoration of Credentials.150The Restoration of Lost Credentials.151Page # X03/07/111008:25:49 AM
PART VI Temporal EconomySupport of the Ministry, Church Finance, and Ministerial Support.Tithes and Offerings.151- 157Ministerial Health and Welfare.157PART VII General Services for Pulpit and ParishI. Orders of Worship - Practical Suggestions forWorship Services.159Calls to Worship.159 -169General Calls to Worship.159Calls to Morning Worship.161Calls to Evening Worship.162Calls to Good Friday Worship.163Calls to Palm Sunday Worship.164Calls to Easter Worship.164Calls to Communion Worship.166Calls to Thanksgiving Day Worship.166Calls to Christmas Day Worship.167Calls to Watch Night Worship.168Calls to New Year's Day Worship.168Prayers of Invocation.169Prayers of Benediction.171II. Services for the Administration of the Ordinances.171Baptismal Service.172Lord's Supper.175Feet Washing.177III. Marriage Service and the Christian Renewal ofMarriage Vows Service.179-190IV. Burial Services.190Suggestion for Burial of:An Adult.192Young Person.193Child.195An Aged Person.195Victim of Tragic or Sudden Death.196Non-Church Person.197The Burial of the Dead - Scriptural Texts.198Page # XI03/07/111108:25:49 AM
Special Services.200Service for Installation ofChurch Officers and Leaders.200Service for Licensing One to Preach.203Service for Ordination of a Minister.206Service for Installation of a Pastor.210Service for Installation and Consecration of a Bishop.213Service for Organization of a New Church.217Service for Dedication of a New Church Building.220Service for Groundbreaking for a New Church Site.221Service for Laying the Cornerstone of a New Church Building.223Service for Burning the Mortgage on a Church Building.224Service for the Dedication of a New Home.225Service for Use Dedication of Children and Parents.227Page # XII03/07/111208:25:49 AM
DIRECTORY OF NATIONAL OFFICERSGENERAL BOARDPresiding Bishop and Board MemberBishop L. H. Ford272 S. Main, Memphis, TN 38103 901-578-38381st Assistant Presiding Bishop and Board MemberBishop C. D. Owens2nd Assistant Presiding Bishop and Board MemberBishop C. L. AndersonOTHER MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL BOARDBishop O. T. JonesBishop P. A. BrooksBishop S. L. Green, Jr.Bishop J. N Haynes, Board SecretaryBishop C. E. BlakeBishop L. WillisBishop R. L. H. WinbushPage # XIII03/07/111308:25:49 AM
Bishop Leroy AndersonBishop Chandler OwensGENERAL ASSEMBLYDr. Frank Ellis, ChairmanBishop C. L. Sexton, Vice-ChairmanGENERAL SECRETARYBishop German R. RossGENERAL TREASURERBishop Theo DavisFINANCIAL SECRETARYBishop S. Y. BurnettACCOUNTING DEPARTMENTMrs. Sylvia Law, Chief Financial Officer272 S. Main St., Memphis, TN 38103Page # XIV03/07/111408:25:49 AM
BISHOP'S COUNCILBishop J. H. Sherman, ChairmanBishop L T Walker, Vice ChairmanBishop Ted Thomas, SecretaryELDER'S COUNCILElder Franklyn Knight, ChairmanElder J. P. Morgan, 1st Vice ChairmanElder E. Newton, 2nd Vice ChairmanElder Edgar Barnett, Executive SecretaryPUBLISHING BOARDBishop Norman N. Quick, PresidentBishop F. E. Perry, Vice PresidentPage # XV03/07/111508:25:49 AM
Bishop Nathaniel Jones, SecretaryDr. David A. Hall, Editor of the Whole Truth Newspaperand Representative of The Publishing Board,275 S. Main St., Memphis, TN 38103Dr. Roy L. Winbush, Editor of the Sunday SchoolLiteratureMrs. Mae Winbush, Editor of the Sunday SchoolLiteratureElder James L. Whitehead, Jr., Editor of the YPWWTopicDr. L Howard, Editor of the Sunshine BandTopicsMrs. Alberta Gooch, Editor of the Bible Band LiteratureMrs. E. M. Ritter, Editor of the Home & ForeignMissionsMr. Hughea Terry, Manager of the Church Of God InChrist Publishing House,291 Hernando, Memphis, TN 38126Mrs. Geraldine Miller, Manager of Church Of God InChrist Bookstore,285 South Main Street, Memphis, TN 38101Page # XVI03/07/111608:25:49 AM
WOMEN'S DEPARTMENTDr. Mattie McGlothen, International SupervisorMrs. Emma Crouch. Assistant to the InternationalSupervisorMrs. Elizabeth B. Moore, Executive SecretaryMrs. Freddie J. Bell, Secretary of the Women'sConventionMrs. Olive Brown, Financial SecretaryMrs. Elizabeth Hampton, Chairman FinanceCommitteeMrs. Madge Cyars, Public Relations ChairmanMrs. Anna B. Ford, Minister of MusicPage # XVII03/07/111708:25:49 AM
UNACBishop F. E. Perry, Chairman, United NationalAuxiliaries ConventionBishop G. R. Ross, Secretary of the Executive CommitteeINTERNATIONAL YOUTH DEPARTMENTBishop C. H. Brewer, PresidentMrs. Clara Clemmons, ChairladyINTERNATIONAL SUNDAY SCHOOLDEPARTMENTBishop C. W. Williams. PresidentElder J. W. Macklin, Vice PresidentMrs. Gloria Smith, Field RepresentativeHOME AND FOREIGN MISSIONSBishop Carlis L Moody, PresidentPage # XVIII03/07/111808:25:49 AM
Evang. Jesse W. Denny, Executive SecretaryMrs. Sideary King, SecretaryNATIONAL MUSIC DEPARTMENTMrs. Mattie Moss Clark, PresidentMrs. Mattye Wigley, Vice PresidentBOARD OF EVANGELISMDr. E. L. Battles, PresidentMother Reatha Herdon. Elect LadyPage # XIX03/07/111908:25:49 AM
CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRISTCLERGY BUREAUElder Samuel Smith, SecretaryCHURCH OF GOD IN CHRISTHOSPITAL FUNDBishop E. H. Moore, ChairmanCHARLES HARRISON MASON FOUNDATIONElder Otis T Massey, DirectorCONVENTION & TOUR BUREAUAtty. J. O. Patterson, Jr., ChairmanBishop G. R. Ross, SecretaryPage # XX03/07/112008:25:49 AM
Bishop Roy L. H. Winbush, TreasurerBishop W. L. Porter, MemberBOARD OF EDUCATIONElder Wood row Hicks, PresidentBishop L. T. Walker, Secretary-TreasurerSCHOOLSC. H. Mason Theological Seminary, Atlanta, GADr. Oliver Haney, DeanJackson Memorial College, Topeka, KSCalvary Temple School, Belize, British HondurasC. H. Mason School, Port Au Prince, HaitiPage # XXI03/07/112108:25:49 AM
C H. Mason Bible College, 272 South Main Street,Memphis, TN 38101Elder Granville Scruggs, DeanSaints Academy, Lexington, MS 39095Dr. Donald Wheelock, PresidentC. H Mason System of Bible CollegesBishop Nathaniel Jones, Jr., DirectorLEGAL COUNSELAttorney J O. Patterson, Jr.Page # XXII03/07/112208:25:49 AM
THE STORY OF OUR CHURCHthe"CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST"THE CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST IS A CHURCHOF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST IN WHICH THEword of God is preached, ordinances are administeredand the doctrine of sanctification or holiness is emphasizedas being essential to the salvation of mankind. Ourchurch is commonly known as being Holiness or Pentecostalin nature because of the importance ascribed to the eventswhich occurred on the Day of Pentecost, the 50th day afterthe Passover, or Easter as being necessary for all believersin Christ Jesus to experience. On the Day of Pentecost,the first day of the week, the Lords Day. SupernaturalManifestations descended in marvelous copiousness andpower. The gift of the spirit in the fulfillment of thepromise of Jesus to clothe those who would wait inJerusalem with power from on high,1 was accompanied bythree supernatural extraordinary manifestations Thesudden appearance of the Holy Ghost appealed first to theear. The disciples heard a "sound" from heaven whichrushed with a mighty force into the house and filled it even as a storm rushes - but there was no wind. It was thesound that filled the house and not a wind, an invisiblecause producing audible effects. Next the eye wasarrested by the appearance of tongues of fire which restedon each of the gathered company. Finally, there wasthe impartation of a new strange power to speak inlanguages they had never learned "as the Spirit gave themutterance."Our Church is also considered to be a member of thePage # XXIII03/07/112408:25:49 AM
great Protestant body though it did not directly evolvefrom the European or English Reformation but had itsorigin within the General Association of the BaptistChurch.Elder Charles Harrison Mason, who later became thefounder and organizer of the Church Of God In Christ,was born September 8, 1866 on the Prior Farm near Memphis,Tennessee. His father and mother, Jerry and ElizaMason, were members of a Missionary Baptist Church,having been converted during the dark crises of AmericanSlavery. Elder Mason was converted in November, 1 8 7 8and baptized by his brother, I. S. Nelson, a BaptistPreacher, who was pastoring the Mount Olive MissionaryBaptist Church near Plumerville, Arkansas. In 1893, hebegan his Christian Ministry with the accepting of ministerial licenses from the Mt. Gale Missionary BaptistChurch, in Preston, Arkansas. He then experienced sanctification through the word of God and preached his firstsermon in "Holiness" from II Timothy 2:1-3; "Thoutherefore endure hardness as a good soldier of JesusChrist." On November 1, 1893, Elder Mason matriculatedinto the Arkansas Baptist College, but withdrew afterthree months because of his dissatisfaction with themethods of teaching and the presentation of the BibleMessage He then returned to the streets and to everypulpit that was open to him declaring Christ by the word,example, and precept.—In 1895, Bishop Mason met Elder C. P. Jones ofJackson, Mississippi; Elder J. E. Jeter, of Little Rock,Arkansas, and Elder W. S. Pleasant of Hazelhurst,Mississippi, who subsequently became Bishop Mason'sclosest companions in the ministry. Jointly, these militantPage # XXIV03/07/112408:25:49 AM
gospel preachers conducted a revival in 1896 in Jackson,Mississippi, which had far-reaching effects on the city.The theophanic manifestations of the revival, whichincluded the large numbers that were converted, sanctified,and healed by the power of faith and the dogmaticteachings of Bishop Mason on the doctrine of sanctificationcaused church doors within the Baptist association tobecome closed to him and to all those that believed andsupported his teachings.So in 1897, when these pioneering, persistent preachersreturned to Jackson, Mississippi, Bishop Mason wasforced to deliver his first message from the south entranceof the courthouse. A Mr. John Lee, who desired to seeBishop Mason's ministry continue, provided the livingroom of his home the next night. Because of the overwhelming number that attended, a Mr. Watson, the ownerof an old abandoned gin house in Lexington, Mississippi,gave his consent to transfer the revival meeting to the ginhouse located on the bank of a little creek. This gin housesubsequently became the meeting place for the Church OfGod In Christ. This miracle deliverance revival was such asuccess it stirred up the "Devil," causing someone toshoot five pistol shots and two double barreled shotgunblasts into the midst of the saints while they were shoutingand praying. Some persons were wounded but miraculously, none of the shots were fatal.At the close of this meeting, it was necessary toorganize the people for the purpose of establishing achurch with a stronger appeal and greater encouragementfor all christians and believers, a church which wouldemphasize the doctrine of entire sanctification throughthe outpouring of the Holy Spirit. A meeting was mutuallyPage # XXV03/07/112508:25:49 AM
called by Elder Mason, Elder Jones and Elder Pleasant,and sixty stood as charter members. Land was soonbought on Gazoo Street, from Mrs. John Ashcraft, justbeyond the corporate line, upon which was built a littleedifice 60 x 40. These charter members formed a pentecostal body known as the "Church of God."Subsequently, in 1897, while seeking a scripturalname which would distinguish this church from others ofsimilar title, the name "The Church Of God In Christ" wasrevealed to Bishop Mason while he was walking along acertain street in Little Rock. Arkansas. The followingscripture supported his revelation: I Thessalonians 2:14,"For ye brethren became followers of the Churches of Godwhich in Judea are in Christ Jesus: for ye have sufferedlike things of your own countrymen even as they have ofthe Jews." All of the brethren unanimously agreed to thename of "Church Of God In Christ."Later, the church was reorganized during which ElderC. P. Jones was chosen as General Overseer. Elder C. H.Mason was appointed as Overseer of Tennessee, andElder J. A Jeter as Overseer of Arkansas.The turning point in Elder Masons life came in March,1907, when he journeyed to Los Angeles, California, toattend a great Pentecostal revival with Elder D. J. Youngand Elder J. A. Jeter. Elder W. J. Seymour was preachingconcerning Luke 24:49, "And behold I send the promiseof my Father upon you; but tarry ye in the city ofJerusalem until ye be endued with power from on high."Elder Mason became convinced that it was essential forhim to have the outpouring of the Holy Ghost. Thefollowing are excerpts from Elder Mason's personaltestimony regarding his receiving of the Holy Ghost:Page # XXVI03/07/112608:25:49 AM
"The first day in the meeting I sat to myself, awayfrom those that went with me. I began to thank God in myheart for all things, for when I heard some speak intongues, I knew it was right though I did not understandit. Nevertheless, it was sweet to me. I also thanked Godfor Elder Seymour who came and preached a wonderfulsermon. His words were sweet and powerful and it seemsthat I hear them now while writing. When he closed hissermon, he said 'All of those that want to be sanctified orbaptized with the Holy Ghost, go to the upper room; andall those that want to be justified, come to the altar.' Isaid that is the place for me, for it may be that I am notconverted and if not, God knows it and can convert me.""Glory! The second night of prayer I saw a vision. I sawmyself standing alone and had a dry roll of paper in mymouth trying to swallow it. Looking up towards theheavens, there appeared a man at my side. I turned myeyes at once, then I awoke and the interpretation came.God had me swallowing the whole book and if I did notturn my eyes to anyone but God and Him only, He wouldbaptize me. I said yes to Him, and at once in the morningwhen I arose, I could hear a voice in me saying, "I see.""I got a place at the altar and began to thank God.After that, I said Lord if I could only baptize myself, Iwould do so; for I wanted the baptism so bad that I didnot know what to do. I said, Lord, you will have to do thework for me; so I a turned it over into His hands.""Then, I began to seek for the bapti
doctrine of the Church beautifully amplified The Manual provides illustrative material for both pulpit and pew. Because of the utility of this volume, it is hoped that it will become a constituent part of the library of every local church, every clergyman, and every dedicated member of the Church Of God In Christ throughout the world.
