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Worldwide Church of God
Description
The Worldwide Church of God was founded in the 1930s by Herbert Armstrong, who had earlier founded a radio ministry, a magazine entitled The Plain Truth and a Church. Many of his doctrines were derived from his unique translation of the Bible. He emphasized the importance of the millennium and the return of Christ. His Church grew rapidly and became well known for its radio ministry, which later became a television ministry. The show aired until the mid 1990s, when change in doctrine and financial factors led to its demise. Armstrong died in 1986, after which it was determined that many of his doctrines were not biblical, and new doctrine was adopted.
Because of the changing doctrine, which was in transition between 1986 and 1996, Church membership dropped drastically in those years, particularly after the doctrine concerning dietary requirements and dates of religious observances changed. Some congregations split off into separate denominations to conserve the doctrine of Herbert Armstrong, while others moved away from the remaining Church of God entirely, and some congregations split up to join other Christian denominations.
The Worldwide Church of God, as it is now constituted, believes in one God who is present in three co-essential, yet distinct Persons, the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. This is because of the change in doctrine that took place after 1986. The Church also believes that Jesus died, rose and mediates for humans from heaven. Since Adam and Eve sinned, humans were banished from Eden and born with sin.
While the Church’s doctrine is now more similar to that of other Christian evangelical Churches than it was in the past, some congregations continue to observe the older customs and practices of the Church, including certain dietary requirements and observance of older annual festivals.
Religious Elements
Scriptural and Doctrinal Sources
Sacraments
Baptism, signifying a person’s repentance and acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour; practised by immersion. Infants are not baptized. The Lord’s Supper, at least annually. Service may include ritual washing of feet once a year. Other rituals:
- Anointing the sick.
- Ordination.
- Fasting on the (Jewish) Day of Atonement (an older tradition).
Moral Code
Houses of Worship
Churches range from wood structures to those of brick and stone. Interior layout consists of a hall in which the faithful gather for services, an entrance vestibule, and a raised platform at the front occupied by the pulpit and Communion table. A structure’s size reflects the size of the congregation. Where congregation size or finances preclude the construction of permanent facilities, space may be rented in multipurpose, public facilities. Church facilities are sometimes rented from other denominations.
Devotional Practices and Services
The Worldwide Church of God is still publishing The Plain Truth, an evangelical magazine, internationally. In Canada, the Church publishes Northern Light. Church services include sermons, songs and prayers, which are conducted by a minister. Congregation members may hold Bible study meetings, prayer circles, or children’s and youth meetings. Outreach to other denominations is also encouraged, since it is important to understand how others worship God.
Clergy, Organization and Government
The Church has a president and pastor general, whose role includes the study of Church doctrine. Since 1986, this office has played a large part in reforming the Church. Regional main offices serve large communities. Ministers must be ordained. Women are encouraged to participate in leadership roles, but they cannot be ordained.
Propagation of the Faith
Sharing a belief in Christ with others and spreading the gospel are central to the beliefs of the Worldwide Church of God. Evangelism is through personal visitation. Until 1994, the Church conducted evangelism through television and radio broadcasts. Evangelism is also conducted through the ministries and the magazine The Plain Truth.
Major Celebrations and Observances
Dates on which events are celebrated may vary from year to year according to variations in the liturgical calendar.
Days of Regular Observance
Before 1994, the Worldwide Church of God observed Saturday, the seventh day, as the Sabbath. When the old doctrine was replaced and amended, it was decided that Saturday worship was not necessary. Some congregations now celebrate Sunday as the Sabbath, but others continue to celebrate on Saturdays. Before 1994, it was customary to observe the annual festivals that are observed in Judaism. However, the new doctrine states that celebrating these festivals is not required, though some congregations continue to observe them. The festivals, considered optional, include the following:
- Christmas Day: 25 December.
- First Day of Unleavened Bread: coincides with the Christian Holy Thursday.
- Easter.
- Jewish Pentecost (Shavnot).
- Christian Pentecost: two days after Jewish Pentecost; date may vary from that observed by other Christians.
- Festival of Trumpets (Jewish Rosh Hoshanna).
- Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur).
- First Day of Tabernacles (Sukkot).
- Last Day (Shemini Atzeret).
Dress Requirements
Dietary Requirements
Before Church reform, members avoided pork, shrimp and other meats, in accordance with the writings of Leviticus in the Bible. This doctrine was changed during the reform, but some members may still adhere to this diet.
Medical and Health Requirements
Under normal circumstances, abortion is not considered a legitimate biblical or ethical choice. The Church accepts, however, that when the mother’s health or life is at risk, abortion may be a legitimate choice. Members’ choices about abortion in cases of rape or incest or other extraordinary circumstances are not considered a test of faith. Abortion is not considered a valid form of birth control. Most forms of birth control are permitted, except abortion for that purpose. Homosexuality in itself is not considered a sin, but the practice of homosexual acts is considered sinful, as is any sexual act outside of marriage. Illegal drugs are forbidden. The use of tobacco and alcohol is discouraged.
Death and Burial
The Church teaches that death brings total unconsciousness, with no memory, feeling, knowledge or perception of surroundings or existence. God will judge all at the time of their resurrection, granting eternal life in heaven to believers and eternal death to those who, knowing Christ, have rejected Him. The Church does not specify a particular mode of burial. Funerals may include services in church and at the burial site.
Other
Capital punishment is a matter of justice administered by governments, who are ultimately answerable to God. The Church discourages but permits divorce.
Sources of Additional Information
http://www.wcg.org/ — official website of the world headquarters of the Worldwide Church of God.
http://www.wcg.ca/ — official website of the headquarters of the Worldwide Church of God in Canada.
Worldwide Church of God in Canada
101–5660 192nd Street
Surrey, BC V3W 1K5
Phone: (604) 575-2705, or toll free at 1-800-663-2345
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