Christ Gospel Churches International

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article may contain improper references to self-published sources.
Please help improve this article by removing unreliable sources. A self-published source may only be cited as a primary source in an article about the author or source itself and not as an authority. (March 2008)

This article needs additional citations for verification.
Please help improve this article by adding reliable references. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (September 2007)

Please help improve this article or section by expanding it.
Further information might be found on the talk page or at requests for expansion. (September 2007)

The neutrality of this article is disputed.
Please see the discussion on the talk page.(December 2007)
Please do not remove this message until the dispute is resolved.

Christ Gospel Church describes itself as a fundamentalist, Pentecostal Christian denomination.

The church was founded in the 1950s by Reverend Bernice R. Hicks, who still takes an active leadership role despite her advanced age. A core teaching of Rev. Hicks is that the Old Testament tabernacle was laid out in the form of a cross and the stature of Christ, and is a pattern for Christians to follow as they seek full spiritual maturity (Hebrews 9:8-11; Ephesians 2:19-22).¹ This concept can be found throughout Rev. Hicks' numerous publications and in church teachings.

Along with a number of distinctive doctrines developed by Rev. Hicks, the Christ Gospel Churches accept the Apostles' Creed as an expression of Christian faith. Their pentecostal emphasis is seen in teaching the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of glossolalia, or speaking in tongues (Acts 2:4,11,38).¹ However, they do not believe that evidence of glossolalia is a requirement for salvation; rather, it is a gift that Christians can accept as they desire. The church also teaches that water baptism by immersion is a commandment for all Christians (Acts 2:38; 8:12; 9:5,18).¹ The church believes that worship should embrace all kinds of music (e.g., traditional hymns, choruses, country gospel, urban gospel, classical) and musical instruments (e.g., drums, guitars, pianos, saxophones, trumpets, violins). The church welcomes all races and classes of people because it realizes the importance of people being united in Christ rather that being divided among themselves. The church teaches "old-fashioned Holiness" in matters of conduct and dress, but also understands there are different levels of commitment and regards this as a matter of the individual conscience.¹

Christ Gospel Churches International has about 70 congregations in the United States, over 400 in India, about 500 churches in Mexico, as well as affiliates in several countries of Africa and Central America, as well as England, the Faroe Islands, Germany, Haiti, Iceland, Jamaica, Japan, Mongolia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Romania, Russia, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, and various countries of South America: Guatemala, El Salvador, Colombia, and Ecuador. The movement claims over 1,400 affiliated congregations in 120 countries (2003). Its international offices are located in Jeffersonville, Indiana, from which a Bible school, publishing ministry, broadcasting ministry, and audio ministry are operated.