Church of God by Faith
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The Church of God by Faith, Inc. A Body of Holy Ghost filled Pentecostal believers of the Christian Faith.
The Church of God By Faith, Inc. was founded in 1914 in Jacksonville, Florida by Crawford Bright, John Bright, Aaron Matthews, Sr. and Nathaniel Scippio. In 1922 an assembly was held in Alachua, Florida, a charter was drafted, and the name Church of God By Faith, Inc. officially adopted. Since 1987, the annual meetings of the church have been held in Atlanta, Georgia. The church stands in the holiness tradition, teaching that entire sanctification is an instantaneous work obtained by faith, but must be preceded through the consecration of the individual. Divine healing is held, but they do not reject the use of medicine and doctors if necessary. The church's articles of faith do not address the issue of speaking in tongues. National headquarters are located in Jacksonville, Florida. Most of the churches are in the southeastern United States – especially Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.
In 1996, the Church of God by Faith had 8325 members in 145 congregations.
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One of the greatest preachers ever to work in the Church of God by Faith, Inc. was Elder Artie B. Smith. He was the pastor of the Church of God By Faith Church in Opa-Locka, Florida. He pastored in that location for 45 years, and during his pastorialship, he built a new edifice. The old church was located at 2201 NW 153 Street in Opa-Locka, Florida. The new church is located at 16969 NW 23 Ave. in the newly established city of Miami Gardens, Florida. Elder Artie B. Smith's assistant pastor during the last 10 years of his pastorit was his son, Elder George E. Smith. Elder George has since gone on to establish (in 1996) the Church of God By Faith, Miami Mission in Miami, Florida where he presently pastors.
[edit] References
- Encyclopedia of American Religions, J. Gordon Melton, editor
- Handbook of Denominations (10th ed.), by Frank S. Mead and Samuel S. Hill
- Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches (1997), National Council of Churches
