E.L. Simmons (left) and S.W. Latimer (right) led Publishing House staff in weekly prayer for the Evangel and other printed literature.
MAKING DISCIPLES:
DIVISION OF DISCIPLESHIP
Louis F. Morgan
JESUS INSTRUCTED His followers to “Go…and make disciples” (Matt. 28:19 NIV). The Great Commission is at the heart of Church of God ministry as we reach people for Christ and lead them to experience His transforming power. Through the years, our members have developed creative ways of obeying Christ’s mandate to make disciples.
Since our formation, we have valued God’s Word and interdependence, each of which is vital to effective discipleship. The bold step taken by R.G. Spurling in 1886 to assemble together his Christian neighbors was as purposeful as it was revolutionary. Spurling desired for individuals to embrace their faith and understand why they held certain beliefs, not simply follow creeds or traditions. Spurling believed true discipleship is accomplished when Christians study the New Testament together and discuss how to apply its teachings to their lives. His mission was for his neighbors to know God’s Word and then live according to it, and it was this emphasis that gave birth to our movement.
Our first General Assembly in 1906, emphasized family worship and Sunday school as means of discipleship. The importance of spiritual guidance in both the church and home were seen as integral to spiritual development. As the church expanded into new locations, equipped ministers became essential. By 1910, R.G. Spurling, A.J. Tomlinson, and T.L. McLain were compiling examination questions and Bible references for interviewing potential ministers. Consequently, their work produced the church’s core teachings used to disciple members. The teachings, which were revised in 1988, and the doctrinal statements issued in 1948 in our Declaration of Faith serve as the biblical foundation of our movement.
Since our formation, we have valued God’s Word and interdependence, each of which is vital to effective discipleship. The bold step taken by R.G. Spurling in 1886 to assemble together his Christian neighbors was as purposeful as it was revolutionary. Spurling desired for individuals to embrace their faith and understand why they held certain beliefs, not simply follow creeds or traditions. Spurling believed true discipleship is accomplished when Christians study the New Testament together and discuss how to apply its teachings to their lives. His mission was for his neighbors to know God’s Word and then live according to it, and it was this emphasis that gave birth to our movement.
Our first General Assembly in 1906, emphasized family worship and Sunday school as means of discipleship. The importance of spiritual guidance in both the church and home were seen as integral to spiritual development. As the church expanded into new locations, equipped ministers became essential. By 1910, R.G. Spurling, A.J. Tomlinson, and T.L. McLain were compiling examination questions and Bible references for interviewing potential ministers. Consequently, their work produced the church’s core teachings used to disciple members. The teachings, which were revised in 1988, and the doctrinal statements issued in 1948 in our Declaration of Faith serve as the biblical foundation of our movement.
The Latin American Department in San Antonio published El Evangelio and other Spanish-language literature.
Discipleship through Publications
At the turn of the twentieth century, publications were a popular medium for communicating the gospel. Prior to joining the church, A.J. Tomlinson had published Sampson’s Foxes (1901–1902) to encourage his mountain readers and to inform those outside the region of his missionary work. When Tomlinson was called to pastor, he wanted a publication to connect the local churches. In January 1904, he began The Way, and he and M.S. Lemons served as editors until it was discontinued the following year. Church members also read and contributed to various Holiness and Pentecostal publications, such as The Bridegroom’s Messenger, a periodical started by G.B. Cashwell and for which Tomlinson was an early corresponding editor.
On March 1, 1910, the inaugural issue of the Church of God Evangel (first titled The Evening Light and Church of God Evangel) was published with 125 subscribers. Referred to as the “white-winged messenger,” the paper lived up to its title by proclaiming Christ and introducing the Church of God into communities across the globe. Upon reading the testimonies and doctrinal articles, individuals often were intrigued about sanctification, the Holy Spirit baptism, and the Church of God.
When the Evangel announced a Church of God preacher was needed in Texas in 1914, J.T. Priest answered the call and soon the Evangel reported he was preaching the “red-hot gospel.” Three years later, an Evangel was tossed from a train and picked up by a Holiness minister, who also requested a Church of God preacher come to his community—resulting in a church being organized in Strawn, Texas.
Similarly, when Katie Free saw her first Evangel in 1919 near Vardaman, Mississippi, she shouted with joy after reading the line: “People are receiving the Holy Ghost and speaking in other tongues.” Having received the Holy Spirit baptism while praying at home, it wasn’t until reading the Evangel that she discovered others also shared her experience.
The Evangel even found its way into Romania after Gheorghe Bradin read a Church of God publication about healing and the Holy Spirit baptism and contacted the church requesting literature. As a result, Bradin started a Pentecostal church in his home in 1922 with Church of God literature providing guidance for its doctrine. Today, the Apostolic Church of God in Romania has over 500,000 members.
As the church grew, so did our need to own a printing operation to publish literature from a Pentecostal perspective. By 1917, we had purchased a publishing house, hired members to write literature, and began publishing our own Sunday school curriculum.
In 1945, the church adopted the broader evangelical curriculum promoted by the National Sunday School Association, which eventually included the Evangelical Sunday School Lesson Commentary. According to Lance Colkmire, this commentary is our best-selling nonmusical book. Started in 1953, it has been published by Pathway Press since 1963 with Church of God members serving as editors and Pentecostals as its main writers since 1974. Realizing the need for more relevant literature for youth and children, Pathway Press introduced New Life curriculum in 1975 with assistance from Atlanta’s Mount Paran Church of God.
In the 1930s, Peter C. Hickson led the Young People’s Endeavor for our Black congregations when we were divided into black and white governmental structures. Burdened for more literature for youth, he asked for a monthly publication, which the Black Assembly authorized. In 1936, Hickson published the inaugural issue of the Church of God Gospel Herald. Although its original purpose was to facilitate youth ministry, the Gospel Herald soon developed into the primary voice for Black ministries.
As we have grown, our publications have increased, with many departments printing specialty magazines. Other countries also publish literature in their native languages. As early as 1944, a Spanish version of the Evangel was published in Mexico. Three years later, San Antonio, Texas, became the publication base for El Evangelio until its editorial offices relocated to Tennessee. Other widely-circulated international publications have included Moving Waters (South Africa), InSpirit, formerly Stimme der Wahrheit (Germany), Cuvântul Adevărului (Romania), Suvisesha Nadam (India), and Risveglio (Italy).
At the turn of the twentieth century, publications were a popular medium for communicating the gospel. Prior to joining the church, A.J. Tomlinson had published Sampson’s Foxes (1901–1902) to encourage his mountain readers and to inform those outside the region of his missionary work. When Tomlinson was called to pastor, he wanted a publication to connect the local churches. In January 1904, he began The Way, and he and M.S. Lemons served as editors until it was discontinued the following year. Church members also read and contributed to various Holiness and Pentecostal publications, such as The Bridegroom’s Messenger, a periodical started by G.B. Cashwell and for which Tomlinson was an early corresponding editor.
On March 1, 1910, the inaugural issue of the Church of God Evangel (first titled The Evening Light and Church of God Evangel) was published with 125 subscribers. Referred to as the “white-winged messenger,” the paper lived up to its title by proclaiming Christ and introducing the Church of God into communities across the globe. Upon reading the testimonies and doctrinal articles, individuals often were intrigued about sanctification, the Holy Spirit baptism, and the Church of God.
When the Evangel announced a Church of God preacher was needed in Texas in 1914, J.T. Priest answered the call and soon the Evangel reported he was preaching the “red-hot gospel.” Three years later, an Evangel was tossed from a train and picked up by a Holiness minister, who also requested a Church of God preacher come to his community—resulting in a church being organized in Strawn, Texas.
Similarly, when Katie Free saw her first Evangel in 1919 near Vardaman, Mississippi, she shouted with joy after reading the line: “People are receiving the Holy Ghost and speaking in other tongues.” Having received the Holy Spirit baptism while praying at home, it wasn’t until reading the Evangel that she discovered others also shared her experience.
The Evangel even found its way into Romania after Gheorghe Bradin read a Church of God publication about healing and the Holy Spirit baptism and contacted the church requesting literature. As a result, Bradin started a Pentecostal church in his home in 1922 with Church of God literature providing guidance for its doctrine. Today, the Apostolic Church of God in Romania has over 500,000 members.
As the church grew, so did our need to own a printing operation to publish literature from a Pentecostal perspective. By 1917, we had purchased a publishing house, hired members to write literature, and began publishing our own Sunday school curriculum.
In 1945, the church adopted the broader evangelical curriculum promoted by the National Sunday School Association, which eventually included the Evangelical Sunday School Lesson Commentary. According to Lance Colkmire, this commentary is our best-selling nonmusical book. Started in 1953, it has been published by Pathway Press since 1963 with Church of God members serving as editors and Pentecostals as its main writers since 1974. Realizing the need for more relevant literature for youth and children, Pathway Press introduced New Life curriculum in 1975 with assistance from Atlanta’s Mount Paran Church of God.
In the 1930s, Peter C. Hickson led the Young People’s Endeavor for our Black congregations when we were divided into black and white governmental structures. Burdened for more literature for youth, he asked for a monthly publication, which the Black Assembly authorized. In 1936, Hickson published the inaugural issue of the Church of God Gospel Herald. Although its original purpose was to facilitate youth ministry, the Gospel Herald soon developed into the primary voice for Black ministries.
As we have grown, our publications have increased, with many departments printing specialty magazines. Other countries also publish literature in their native languages. As early as 1944, a Spanish version of the Evangel was published in Mexico. Three years later, San Antonio, Texas, became the publication base for El Evangelio until its editorial offices relocated to Tennessee. Other widely-circulated international publications have included Moving Waters (South Africa), InSpirit, formerly Stimme der Wahrheit (Germany), Cuvântul Adevărului (Romania), Suvisesha Nadam (India), and Risveglio (Italy).
The Young Harvesters Club in Detroit Michigan, was one of the earliest youth groups in the Church of God.
Youth and Discipleship
By the 1920s, local churches were conducting youth-centered discipleship programs, such as “Children’s Day” services and weekly youth services. Beginning in 1923, M.P. Cross and Houston R. Morehead established Young Harvesters Clubs throughout Michigan, and in 1926, E.L. Simmons of Florida organized a Young People’s Missionary Association. In Tennessee, Alda B. Harrison organized a Young People’s Mission Band in 1923 and encouraged the Church of God to start a national youth society.
Sensing the growing importance to connect with youth, General Overseer F.J. Lee asked Lettie Cross to preach the first General Assembly sermon for youth in 1924. With continued encouragement from youth leaders, we began a general youth program in 1929, adopting the name “Church of God Young People’s Endeavor.” That same year Harrison began publishing The Lighted Pathway as a youth magazine, which the church officially adopted in 1937, and she continued serving as editor until 1948. By 1932 the first national Y.P.E. convention for Black ministries was held in Jacksonville, Florida.
The Youth Program Committee, appointed in 1945, sponsored a Youth Congress prior to the 1946 Assembly, at which meeting a National Youth Department (now the International Youth and Discipleship Department) was established with Ralph E. Williams as first director. In 1950, the church developed standards to assist congregations in improving local discipleship programs, and by 1953, it began “steering toward better youth programs” for the Y.P.E. with the publication of The Pilot.
Today, local churches utilize a variety of discipleship models. Some maintain the traditional Sunday school, while others have adopted cell groups. Many churches conduct midweek classes for all ages, known as the Family Training Hour since 1990. Modeled after the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts organizations, the Church of God utilizes effective kids clubs. Boys ministries include Pioneers for Christ or Royal Rangers. Girls clubs first began in 1969 when the Women’s Ministries Department initiated Young Ladies Ministries (grades 7-12), obeying the scriptural admonition for older women to teach younger women (Titus 2:3-5). Eventually, clubs for younger girls were created—Joy Belles (grades 4-6) in 1974, Bluebelles (grades 1-3) in 1984, and Little Sweethearts (preschool) in 2002. Both boys and girls clubs complete workbook activities and service, by which they are awarded patches and advance in rank.
By the 1920s, local churches were conducting youth-centered discipleship programs, such as “Children’s Day” services and weekly youth services. Beginning in 1923, M.P. Cross and Houston R. Morehead established Young Harvesters Clubs throughout Michigan, and in 1926, E.L. Simmons of Florida organized a Young People’s Missionary Association. In Tennessee, Alda B. Harrison organized a Young People’s Mission Band in 1923 and encouraged the Church of God to start a national youth society.
Sensing the growing importance to connect with youth, General Overseer F.J. Lee asked Lettie Cross to preach the first General Assembly sermon for youth in 1924. With continued encouragement from youth leaders, we began a general youth program in 1929, adopting the name “Church of God Young People’s Endeavor.” That same year Harrison began publishing The Lighted Pathway as a youth magazine, which the church officially adopted in 1937, and she continued serving as editor until 1948. By 1932 the first national Y.P.E. convention for Black ministries was held in Jacksonville, Florida.
The Youth Program Committee, appointed in 1945, sponsored a Youth Congress prior to the 1946 Assembly, at which meeting a National Youth Department (now the International Youth and Discipleship Department) was established with Ralph E. Williams as first director. In 1950, the church developed standards to assist congregations in improving local discipleship programs, and by 1953, it began “steering toward better youth programs” for the Y.P.E. with the publication of The Pilot.
Today, local churches utilize a variety of discipleship models. Some maintain the traditional Sunday school, while others have adopted cell groups. Many churches conduct midweek classes for all ages, known as the Family Training Hour since 1990. Modeled after the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts organizations, the Church of God utilizes effective kids clubs. Boys ministries include Pioneers for Christ or Royal Rangers. Girls clubs first began in 1969 when the Women’s Ministries Department initiated Young Ladies Ministries (grades 7-12), obeying the scriptural admonition for older women to teach younger women (Titus 2:3-5). Eventually, clubs for younger girls were created—Joy Belles (grades 4-6) in 1974, Bluebelles (grades 1-3) in 1984, and Little Sweethearts (preschool) in 2002. Both boys and girls clubs complete workbook activities and service, by which they are awarded patches and advance in rank.
Youth Camps
One of our most successful youth discipleship programs is youth camp. Louisiana conducted the first camp in 1948 with Cecil B. Knight as speaker, and Washington followed in 1949. Most states and regions conduct camps annually for various ages. The structured Bible study, worship services, and recreation help young people focus on Christ and connect to the broader church. Since its inception, countless young people have accepted Christ or the call to ministry during youth camp.
YWEA
In 1957, O.W. Polen envisioned youth becoming more missions-minded and participating in world missions projects. He initiated Youth World Evangelism Appeal (now Youth World Evangelism Action, or YWEA), and young people were encouraged to pray for missionaries and help raise money for needed supplies. When Cecil Knight became the director of the National Sunday School and Youth (now Youth and Discipleship) Department in 1960, he created a more structured fundraising campaign focusing on a single project each year, beginning with building a church in Brasilia, Brazil. Since 1961, youth have raised millions for YWEA projects, which have helped build or fund churches, schools, seminaries, orphanages, and servicemen’s centers in more than 30 countries. Each year our youth find creative ways to help fulfill the Great Commission by raising funds for the designated YWEA project.
Teen Talent
Seeking to highlight and nurture the giftedness of our youth, the Church of God offers a talent showcase and competition every two years. Started in 1962, Teen Talent originally included divisions for music and Bible, and has expanded to include art, creative writing, drama, and multimedia. Initially coinciding with the General Assembly, Teen Talent has been held independently from the Assembly since 2011. The week-long competition and awards ceremony is hosted at Lee University and attracts almost 4,000 participants and guests internationally.
One of our most successful youth discipleship programs is youth camp. Louisiana conducted the first camp in 1948 with Cecil B. Knight as speaker, and Washington followed in 1949. Most states and regions conduct camps annually for various ages. The structured Bible study, worship services, and recreation help young people focus on Christ and connect to the broader church. Since its inception, countless young people have accepted Christ or the call to ministry during youth camp.
YWEA
In 1957, O.W. Polen envisioned youth becoming more missions-minded and participating in world missions projects. He initiated Youth World Evangelism Appeal (now Youth World Evangelism Action, or YWEA), and young people were encouraged to pray for missionaries and help raise money for needed supplies. When Cecil Knight became the director of the National Sunday School and Youth (now Youth and Discipleship) Department in 1960, he created a more structured fundraising campaign focusing on a single project each year, beginning with building a church in Brasilia, Brazil. Since 1961, youth have raised millions for YWEA projects, which have helped build or fund churches, schools, seminaries, orphanages, and servicemen’s centers in more than 30 countries. Each year our youth find creative ways to help fulfill the Great Commission by raising funds for the designated YWEA project.
Teen Talent
Seeking to highlight and nurture the giftedness of our youth, the Church of God offers a talent showcase and competition every two years. Started in 1962, Teen Talent originally included divisions for music and Bible, and has expanded to include art, creative writing, drama, and multimedia. Initially coinciding with the General Assembly, Teen Talent has been held independently from the Assembly since 2011. The week-long competition and awards ceremony is hosted at Lee University and attracts almost 4,000 participants and guests internationally.
Capacity crowds gather each year at the Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tennessee, for one of many Winterfests held around the world.
Winterfest
A breakfast conversation between two Tennessee youth pastors in October 1981 initiated one of the most energizing youth events in the Church of God. When Tom Madden (North Cleveland Church) and Randy Steele (Westmore Church) decided to combine their youth retreats, they invited other churches to participate. In February 1982, John Barrett (East Ridge, Tenn.), Bill Pratt (East Chattanooga, Tenn.), and Ray Looney (Roswell, Ga.) joined their youth groups with Madden’s and Steele’s for the first Winterfest. Some 279 individuals worshiped together in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, as W.A. “Dickie” Davis preached and James Ward ministered with music. The combined retreat was an immediate success and has become an annual event, where exciting speakers and musical groups share the Word of God relevantly to youth.
In 2000, the original Winterfest venue outgrew facilities in Gatlinburg and relocated to the 20,000-seat Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, where at-capacity crowds gather each year. Other venues have included: Indiana (Midwest), Texas (Frontier), Maryland (Premier), Alaska (Arcticfest), Missouri (Ozark), New York (Northeast), South Dakota (Wildwest), Oregon (Pacific Northwest), Colorado (Rocky Mountain), and Florida (Sonfest). Other countries host similar events, such as the Philippines (AsiaFest), Germany (EuroFest and WakeUP conferences), Africa, and the Caribbean. Winterfest is a major force for ministering to this generation, with an annual combined attendance of more than 40,000. Hundreds of youth are saved, healed, filled with the Holy Spirit, and called into ministry each year.
KidFest
Similarly, KidFest is a much anticipated children’s event. When Stephen Darnell was Youth and Discipleship director for Texas, he realized the need for a corporate worship experience for children like teenagers enjoy at Winterfest. His vision resulted in the first KidFest held in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, in 2002. Since then, additional venues have been added throughout the country and in other countries. Each year, children are saved and baptized in the Holy Spirit through this ministry.
Children’s Leaders Association
The Children’s Leaders Association helps equip and connect children’s ministry leaders. Formed in September 1994 when 27 children’s leaders met near Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, its first national conference was held the following May in Asheville, North Carolina, with 300 in attendance. The annual FOCUS Children’s Ministries Conference, which now includes middle school leaders, features workshops, training sessions, and worship services.
A breakfast conversation between two Tennessee youth pastors in October 1981 initiated one of the most energizing youth events in the Church of God. When Tom Madden (North Cleveland Church) and Randy Steele (Westmore Church) decided to combine their youth retreats, they invited other churches to participate. In February 1982, John Barrett (East Ridge, Tenn.), Bill Pratt (East Chattanooga, Tenn.), and Ray Looney (Roswell, Ga.) joined their youth groups with Madden’s and Steele’s for the first Winterfest. Some 279 individuals worshiped together in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, as W.A. “Dickie” Davis preached and James Ward ministered with music. The combined retreat was an immediate success and has become an annual event, where exciting speakers and musical groups share the Word of God relevantly to youth.
In 2000, the original Winterfest venue outgrew facilities in Gatlinburg and relocated to the 20,000-seat Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, where at-capacity crowds gather each year. Other venues have included: Indiana (Midwest), Texas (Frontier), Maryland (Premier), Alaska (Arcticfest), Missouri (Ozark), New York (Northeast), South Dakota (Wildwest), Oregon (Pacific Northwest), Colorado (Rocky Mountain), and Florida (Sonfest). Other countries host similar events, such as the Philippines (AsiaFest), Germany (EuroFest and WakeUP conferences), Africa, and the Caribbean. Winterfest is a major force for ministering to this generation, with an annual combined attendance of more than 40,000. Hundreds of youth are saved, healed, filled with the Holy Spirit, and called into ministry each year.
KidFest
Similarly, KidFest is a much anticipated children’s event. When Stephen Darnell was Youth and Discipleship director for Texas, he realized the need for a corporate worship experience for children like teenagers enjoy at Winterfest. His vision resulted in the first KidFest held in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, in 2002. Since then, additional venues have been added throughout the country and in other countries. Each year, children are saved and baptized in the Holy Spirit through this ministry.
Children’s Leaders Association
The Children’s Leaders Association helps equip and connect children’s ministry leaders. Formed in September 1994 when 27 children’s leaders met near Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, its first national conference was held the following May in Asheville, North Carolina, with 300 in attendance. The annual FOCUS Children’s Ministries Conference, which now includes middle school leaders, features workshops, training sessions, and worship services.
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The Port Salerno, Florida, Youth Choir sang at the 1976 General Assembly in Dallas.
Music and Discipleship Resources
Music is an integral component of Church of God ministry. Our founding pastor, R.G. Spurling, wrote and sang poems as a means of sharing the gospel. Other notable musicians were the Pentecostal World-wide Mission Band formed by A.J. Tomlinson in 1910, Eldorado Church Band organized in Illinois, D.R. Moreland family of Pennsylvania, and Atlanta orchestra leader D.N. Baldwin, who joined what is now Mount Paran in 1917 and began its first band. Baldwin’s daughter, Annie Heath, was a popular pianist at General Assemblies.
In our formative years, we used songbooks from other Holiness and Pentecostal groups, particularly those published by R.E. Winsett. In 1919, Efford Haynes and M.S. Lemons published the church’s first songbook, Church of God Songs: Tears With Joy, which used the shape-note tradition popular in the South. To teach songs in this and similar books, local churches held singing schools, where individuals learned music by singing the shape of the note (Do, Re, Mi, Fa, Sol, La, Ti). Many Church of God members were prominent shape-note singing school teachers throughout the South.
Musicians brought whatever instruments they owned into the local church to play while singing, which often erupted into spontaneous praise as worshipers rejoiced while singing heartfelt lyrics about heaven, Christ’s love, and victory over sin. Such energetic music and sincere worship often attracted people to our services and continues to be a hallmark of the Church of God.
In 1931, Tennessee Music and Printing Company was created through the efforts of Otis L. McCoy, the music teacher at Bible Training School (now Lee University). Three years later, McCoy was named as the church’s first music editor and was followed by esteemed musicians Vep Ellis, Alonzo Burroughs, Connor Hall, Delton Alford, and Charles Towler. Convention songs became popular during this era. Beginning with Radiant Gems in 1931, each year a new songbook was introduced at camp meetings or conventions, from which members sang and then purchased to use in their local churches.
Desiring a printed collection of the most popular convention songs and other favorites, Tennessee Music and Printing Company published the Church Hymnal in 1951. Best known as the “Red-back Hymnal” because its original cover was maroon, the Church Hymnal continues to be the church’s best-selling book with more than 7 million copies sold. In 1969, we published Hymns of the Spirit to include a broader genre of music, and our churches in other countries have published songbooks in their own languages.
In 1976, the church formed a music committee which, in 1994, became the Music Ministries Department. Since 1992, SpiritSound serves as the publishing imprint for all music publications, recordings, and copyright acquisitions for the Church of God, while also administering more than 15,000 music copyrights, including one of largest existing catalogs of gospel music. It offers gospel, choral, and worship music through recordings, soundtracks, split tracks, choral books, songbooks, sheet music, and digital files. The Church of God is widely known for its musical contributions, is at the forefront of contemporary music, and many of our musicians have earned international acclaim.
Music is an integral component of Church of God ministry. Our founding pastor, R.G. Spurling, wrote and sang poems as a means of sharing the gospel. Other notable musicians were the Pentecostal World-wide Mission Band formed by A.J. Tomlinson in 1910, Eldorado Church Band organized in Illinois, D.R. Moreland family of Pennsylvania, and Atlanta orchestra leader D.N. Baldwin, who joined what is now Mount Paran in 1917 and began its first band. Baldwin’s daughter, Annie Heath, was a popular pianist at General Assemblies.
In our formative years, we used songbooks from other Holiness and Pentecostal groups, particularly those published by R.E. Winsett. In 1919, Efford Haynes and M.S. Lemons published the church’s first songbook, Church of God Songs: Tears With Joy, which used the shape-note tradition popular in the South. To teach songs in this and similar books, local churches held singing schools, where individuals learned music by singing the shape of the note (Do, Re, Mi, Fa, Sol, La, Ti). Many Church of God members were prominent shape-note singing school teachers throughout the South.
Musicians brought whatever instruments they owned into the local church to play while singing, which often erupted into spontaneous praise as worshipers rejoiced while singing heartfelt lyrics about heaven, Christ’s love, and victory over sin. Such energetic music and sincere worship often attracted people to our services and continues to be a hallmark of the Church of God.
In 1931, Tennessee Music and Printing Company was created through the efforts of Otis L. McCoy, the music teacher at Bible Training School (now Lee University). Three years later, McCoy was named as the church’s first music editor and was followed by esteemed musicians Vep Ellis, Alonzo Burroughs, Connor Hall, Delton Alford, and Charles Towler. Convention songs became popular during this era. Beginning with Radiant Gems in 1931, each year a new songbook was introduced at camp meetings or conventions, from which members sang and then purchased to use in their local churches.
Desiring a printed collection of the most popular convention songs and other favorites, Tennessee Music and Printing Company published the Church Hymnal in 1951. Best known as the “Red-back Hymnal” because its original cover was maroon, the Church Hymnal continues to be the church’s best-selling book with more than 7 million copies sold. In 1969, we published Hymns of the Spirit to include a broader genre of music, and our churches in other countries have published songbooks in their own languages.
In 1976, the church formed a music committee which, in 1994, became the Music Ministries Department. Since 1992, SpiritSound serves as the publishing imprint for all music publications, recordings, and copyright acquisitions for the Church of God, while also administering more than 15,000 music copyrights, including one of largest existing catalogs of gospel music. It offers gospel, choral, and worship music through recordings, soundtracks, split tracks, choral books, songbooks, sheet music, and digital files. The Church of God is widely known for its musical contributions, is at the forefront of contemporary music, and many of our musicians have earned international acclaim.
Men’s Discipleship
Although there was no formal men’s ministry for much of our history, male members sometimes enjoyed fellowship through church breakfasts, fishing trips, or other activities. In 1985, the church initiated “Manpower for the Hour” to help train men to be better husbands, fathers, and followers of Christ. By 1995, more than 2,200 local churches reported active men’s ministries, which have since evolved into LifeBuilders men’s ministries, providing men with local and state events for fellowship, spiritual development, and evangelism.
Although there was no formal men’s ministry for much of our history, male members sometimes enjoyed fellowship through church breakfasts, fishing trips, or other activities. In 1985, the church initiated “Manpower for the Hour” to help train men to be better husbands, fathers, and followers of Christ. By 1995, more than 2,200 local churches reported active men’s ministries, which have since evolved into LifeBuilders men’s ministries, providing men with local and state events for fellowship, spiritual development, and evangelism.
Known as the Ladies Willing Workers Band, the earliest women’s discipleship program began in Electra, Texas, in 1929.
Women’s Discipleship
The International Women’s Discipleship program first began as a local church ministry in Electra, Texas, in November 1929, when Johnnie Belle Wood organized a “Ladies Willing Workers Band” with 16 women. In 1952, Shirley Wallace organized the National Black Ladies Ministries program, and the International Women’s Ministries Department was created in 1964 with Ellen French as executive secretary. Throughout our history, our women’s ministries has funded many projects—local church buildings, missionary efforts, and church ministries—by selling doughnuts, peanut brittle, fried pies, and other merchandise. One successful campaign is “Women With A Mission,” an offering collected among women’s ministries from local churches to sponsor missions projects. Spiritually and financially, Church of God women have contributed much to the success and effectiveness of our churches through their prayers and faithfulness.
The International Women’s Discipleship program first began as a local church ministry in Electra, Texas, in November 1929, when Johnnie Belle Wood organized a “Ladies Willing Workers Band” with 16 women. In 1952, Shirley Wallace organized the National Black Ladies Ministries program, and the International Women’s Ministries Department was created in 1964 with Ellen French as executive secretary. Throughout our history, our women’s ministries has funded many projects—local church buildings, missionary efforts, and church ministries—by selling doughnuts, peanut brittle, fried pies, and other merchandise. One successful campaign is “Women With A Mission,” an offering collected among women’s ministries from local churches to sponsor missions projects. Spiritually and financially, Church of God women have contributed much to the success and effectiveness of our churches through their prayers and faithfulness.
Bible Study and Christian Community
Bible study as a means of discipleship has become easier through a recent Inductive Bible Study initiative led by David and Lorna Gosnell and the partnership of men’s and women’s discipleship into the combined ministry of Adult Discipleship. This initiative encourages individuals to become more engaged in Bible study as a regular part of their lives. In July 2011, the first conference was held in Tennessee to train participants how to study the Bible using a book-by-book inductive approach and how to develop skills in leading small group Bible study.
Since 1998, “The Mission” has provided a full-time, residential, collegiate ministry to students willing to devote a year of their lives living within an authentic Christian community. This discipleship program equips students as ministry leaders through character formation and practical application of biblical principles. Through a partnership with Lee University’s online program, students can earn college credit while experiencing hands-on ministry. Initiated by W.A. “Dickie” Davis, Tom Madden, and Stephen Lester, “The Mission” began in California, and Mark Swank was its first director.
Since our beginning, the Church of God has been a movement of people dedicated to fulfilling the Great Commission by seeking to live the Word in Christian community. Our general programs often have been the result of effective ministries created in local churches as men and women obeyed the Holy Spirit’s guidance. God has blessed our efforts and continues to reveal among us innovative ways to obey Christ’s mandate in each generation. Together, our Church of God family continues to live out the mission of making disciples.
Bible study as a means of discipleship has become easier through a recent Inductive Bible Study initiative led by David and Lorna Gosnell and the partnership of men’s and women’s discipleship into the combined ministry of Adult Discipleship. This initiative encourages individuals to become more engaged in Bible study as a regular part of their lives. In July 2011, the first conference was held in Tennessee to train participants how to study the Bible using a book-by-book inductive approach and how to develop skills in leading small group Bible study.
Since 1998, “The Mission” has provided a full-time, residential, collegiate ministry to students willing to devote a year of their lives living within an authentic Christian community. This discipleship program equips students as ministry leaders through character formation and practical application of biblical principles. Through a partnership with Lee University’s online program, students can earn college credit while experiencing hands-on ministry. Initiated by W.A. “Dickie” Davis, Tom Madden, and Stephen Lester, “The Mission” began in California, and Mark Swank was its first director.
Since our beginning, the Church of God has been a movement of people dedicated to fulfilling the Great Commission by seeking to live the Word in Christian community. Our general programs often have been the result of effective ministries created in local churches as men and women obeyed the Holy Spirit’s guidance. God has blessed our efforts and continues to reveal among us innovative ways to obey Christ’s mandate in each generation. Together, our Church of God family continues to live out the mission of making disciples.
Louis F. Morgan, Ph.D., is professor and director of Library Services at Lee University.