Church of God in Christ
The largest predominantly African American Pentecostal denomination, headquartered in Memphis.
- U.S. size
- ≈ 5 million (self-reported) (Church claim cited in NCC Yearbook (approx; not independently verified))
- Founded
- 1897, Mississippi (Charles H. Mason)
- Church government
- Episcopal, led by a presiding bishop
- Ordains women as pastors
- Not as pastors or elders; women serve in a strong women's department
- Official site / locator
- www.cogic.org
Core beliefs
| Topic | What they teach | Scripture they cite |
|---|---|---|
| Scripture & authority | Scripture is the inspired, infallible authority. | 2 Tim 3:16 |
| Salvation | By grace through faith in Christ, followed by a life of holiness. | Eph 2:8; Heb 12:14 |
| Baptism | Water baptism by immersion for believers. 'Baptism in the Holy Spirit' is a distinct experience, often evidenced by tongues. | Acts 2:4; 10:44-46; 19:6 |
| Lord's Supper | An ordinance and memorial. | 1 Cor 11:24-26 |
| Worship | Expressive and contemporary, with prayer for healing. | Ps 150; James 5:14 |
| Mary & saints | Mary is honored as a believer. There is no invocation of saints. | 1 Tim 2:5 |
| Spiritual gifts | All the gifts, including tongues, prophecy and healing, are active today. | Acts 2:17-18; 1 Cor 12:7-11; Mark 16:17-18 |
About these numbers: figures are approximate and come from each body's own most recent report or the National Council of Churches' Yearbook of American & Canadian Churches. Bodies count members differently (baptized, confirmed, adherents, publishers), and some historically Black denominations have not published new figures in years. See also the Pew Religious Landscape Study and the ARDA. Belief summaries are our own short descriptions. Please read each church's own confession.