User:Dewandré Fritz

The Church of God International was founded in 1886 upon the principles of Christ as they are revealed in the Bible, the Word of God. The Full Gospel Church of God in South Africa, its doctrine and memorandum of agreement relevant to the amalgamation of 1951 with the Church of God in the United States of America is hereby confirmed.

The Full Gospel Church of God has its foundation of faith and practice in the Scriptures and the vital experience of its constituents is scripturally oriented.

CHRISTIAN First and foremost, the Church of God is a determinedly Christian church. It is built upon the person of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The doctrines and practices of the church are based upon His teachings. The denomination stands firmly for justification by faith, the priesthood of believers, the authority of the Bible, religious freedom, and the separation of church and state.

FOUNDATIONAL The Church of God subscribes to the following five foundational Christian doctrines: 1. The inerrancy and infallibility of the Bible. 2. The virgin birth and complete deity of Christ. 3. The atoning sacrifice of Christ's death for the sins of the world. 4. The literal resurrection of the body. 5. Christ's second coming in bodily form to earth. EVANGELICAL Evangelical is the term used to describe those who affirm the primary doctrines revealed in the Scriptures. These doctrines include the inspiration and authority of the Word of God; the Trinity; the deity and virgin birth of Jesus Christ; salvation by faith in the atoning death of Christ; His bodily resurrection and ascension to the right hand of the Father; the ministry of the Holy Spirit; the second coming of Christ; and the spiritual unity of believers in Jesus Christ.

PENTECOSTAL We believe in the Pentecostal experience, an enrichment of the Christian life through the power of the Holy Spirit that empowers believers to be effective witnesses of Christ. The principle distinctive of the Full Gospel Church of God in SA as a Pentecostal organization is its belief in speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance and that this is the initial evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

CHARISMATIC The charismata (Gk.) or gifts of the Spirit appeared early in the life and ministry of the Full Gospel Church of God. The gifts can be divided into three categories: the gifts of revelation, the gifts of power and the gifts of utterance or inspiration. The gifts of revelation are the gifts of the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge and the discerning of spirits. The gifts of power are faith, miracles, and gifts of healing. The gifts of utterance and inspiration are prophecy, tongues and interpretation. The Holy Spirit bestows these gifts and those who accept the validity of these gifts are called charismatic.

EVANGELISTIC From its inception the Full Gospel Church of God has been a revival movement. Evangelism has been in the forefront of all its activities. The church has maintained an aggressive effort to take the message of Christ throughout the world by all means and methods. Every program of the church reflects an evangelistic attitude: revivalism, conferences, worship services, teaching, preaching and its missionary efforts.

ORGANIZED The magnitude of the Great Commission requires a united effort. This united endeavour is efficiently served by guidance, support, resources and leadership from a common centre. The Full Gospel Church of God is centrally organized. Centralized church government is administration from the national office, with regional councils to lead on local levels. It helps facilitate the fulfilment of the mission of the church. Benefits of centralized government include the following: uniformity of doctrine and practice; principles that bind together local churches in the same manner; membership commitments in all churches; expansion and extension of fellowship; accountability; cooperative decision-making; and united efforts in evangelism and world outreach.

MINISTERS AND LAITY There are different levels of ministry through this profession of faith, commitment to the church, training, and fulfilment of credential are required. The Full Gospel Church of God in SA emphasizes the doctrinal position of the priest-hood of all believers and encourages laity to assume a Biblical role in local church ministry.

EDUCATION Emphasis upon education and training is a priority for the Full Gospel Church of God in SA. Educational opportunities are provided from local congregations through institutions of higher learning at the national level of the church.