Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you’re new to our community or looking for specific information, this page is designed to help you quickly find answers to the most frequently asked questions.
How did you get the name “Church of God of Prophecy?”
The General Assembly of 1907 officially adopted the name Church of God. During the years that followed the disruption within the Church in 1923, much controversy ensued over which group had the legal right to that name. Several protracted legal proceedings failed to resolve the issue satisfactorily. For several years, we used the name “Church of God, over which A.J. Tomlinson is General Overseer,” but that did not fully settle the matter. Finally, in 1952, the issue was decided in the Chancery Court of Bradley County, Tennessee, when the judge decreed that the suffix “of Prophecy” be added to our name for use only in secular and business affairs to distinguish our organization from other organizations with similar names. We agreed to the ruling, in order to be in legal compliance, ad we continue to use the name in conducting our external affairs. For internal affairs, government, and worship we normally use our original name, Church of God.
What is the meaning and function of the Church covenant?
The church covenant is the means by which individuals fulfill their desire to become a member of the Church of God of Prophecy. It is a public affirmation of one’s willingness to follow all of the teachings of Christ. Jesus instructed His disciples that they were to fulfill His Great Commission by “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commended you . . .” (Matthew 28:20). The covenant is the means by which individuals acknowledged their personal commitment to the entire Word of God. This obligation, or covenant, is the basis upon which a local church accepts an individual into its fellowship.
What is represented by the Church flag?
The flag of the Church of God of Prophecy came into use in 1933 as an ensign to “…be displayed because of the truth” (Psalm 60:4). Because the Scripture teaches that Jesus Christ is “the Truth” (John 14:6), the various designs and colors of the flag represent His character and work—red, His blood; blue, His truth; and white, His purity. The purple scepter, star, and crown all represent His royalty or kingship. As was stated when the flag was introduced, its components “all point to our Christ.”
What is represented in the Church logo?
The logo is not a replacement of the church flag, but is an additional image that helps identify our church through digital and print media. As with the church flag, all the aspects of the church logo represent Jesus and our mission as His followers—The Cross and the World, The Church of God of Prophecy is commissioned by the Lord to preach the message of the cross to the entire world; The Red Flame, The message of Christ is to be preached under the anointing of the Holy Ghost fire, letting the people know there is power in the blood; The Blue in the Flame, the truth of God’s Word; The Gold Scepter, Star and Crown, We declare boldly to the world that Jesus is total power and authority; that He is our bright and morning Star; that He is our King of Kings; The White, the blood of Christ washes us white as snow; The Purple, This represents the kingship, royalty and authority of Christ.
Do you hold any other writings to be equal to the Bible?
No. The Church of God of Prophecy believes the Bible, alone, is the infallible, inerrant, inspired Word of God. Because it is God’s Word, it is the highest authority for belief and practice in all matters of faith.
Do you consider membership in the Church of God of Prophecy necessary to salvation?
No. Salvation comes only by grace through faith in the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Ephesians 2:8 says, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” Membership in the Church of God of Prophecy is extended to those who have already experienced salvation, but becoming a member of the church will not save an individual.
For more information, visit the “Membership” page under “About Us.”
What is the difference between the Church of God of Prophecy and the Church of God?
The Church of God of Prophecy and the Church of God (Cleveland, TN) share a common heritage, both tracing their roots to the late 19th-century revival in North Carolina and the 1903 gathering at Camp Creek, Tennessee. However, in 1923, a leadership dispute led to their division when A.J. Tomlinson was removed as general overseer of the Church of God, prompting his followers to form what later became the Church of God of Prophecy. While both movements uphold Pentecostal beliefs—including salvation through Christ, sanctification, the baptism of the Holy Spirit, divine healing, and premillennialism—the Church of God has a representative government with leadership decisions made collectively, whereas the Church of God of Prophecy historically maintained a strong hierarchical structure, though it has since moved toward collaborative leadership. Both remain headquartered in Cleveland, Tennessee and while they have operated separately for a century, in the early 2000s, the two formally established a Cooperative Initiative Commission (CIC). The CIC aimed to explore areas where the two movements could work together in ministry, missions, and leadership development while respecting their organizational distinctiveness. While no longer partnered through a formal initiative, both work together with mutual respect and gratitude for one another.
For more information, visit “Our History” under “About Us.”
What sets your church apart from all the other churches?
The Church of God of Prophecy (COGOP) stands apart from many other churches due to its distinct history, Pentecostal holiness heritage, commitment to global representation in leadership, racial diversity, and historical inclusion of women in ministry. Emerging from the 1923 division in the Church of God (Cleveland, TN), COGOP maintained a strong sense of prophetic identity, believing in a divine calling to be a model of New Testament Christianity.
COGOP is deeply Pentecostal, emphasizing the baptism of the Holy Spirit with speaking in tongues, divine healing, and a focus on holiness. Historically, its leadership structure was centralized, with a single general overseer viewed as a spiritual leader for the entire movement, though governance has evolved to be more collaborative through its plural leadership model.
A defining characteristic of COGOP is its racial and ethnic diversity. Unlike many denominations that struggled with racial integration during the 20th century, COGOP embraced a multiethnic identity early on. According to theologian Harold Hunter, “In some states, the Church of God of Prophecy may have been the first church to defy Jim Crow laws in their worship services.” The church intentionally fostered racial inclusion in leadership, worship, and local church life. Hunter continued, “This unprecedented approach distinguishes the Church of God of Prophecy not only among Classical Pentecostals but many denominations in the U.S.A. and serves as a model for the Pentecostal movement.”
Additionally, COGOP has been a pioneer in the inclusion of women in ministry. From its early days, women were recognized as preachers, evangelists, and leaders, often playing vital roles in the expansion of the church. While other Pentecostal and Holiness groups have debated or restricted women’s roles, COGOP has affirmed their spiritual authority and leadership capabilities, including in pastoral and administrative positions. Today, women continue to serve in various roles from local pastors to deaconesses to executive leadership.
This commitment to diversity and inclusion has shaped COGOP’s global emphasis—despite being a relatively smaller denomination (with about one million members in 130+ nations), it has an intensive focus on missions and international church planting, often in regions where Pentecostalism is rapidly growing. Unlike many other Pentecostal groups, COGOP also stresses interdependence among its churches worldwide, with a strong sense of unity and shared responsibility in advancing the Gospel.
A defining feature of the COGOP is its commitment to shared governance, ensuring that all members have a voice in the business of the Church. Unlike many hierarchical church structures, COGOP operates with a strong emphasis on collective decision-making, particularly through its International Assembly, held every two years. At this gathering, all covenant members—regardless of title or position—have an equal voice, meaning that pastors, lay members, and church leaders alike participate in discussions, vote on major decisions, and help shape the future direction of the movement. This model reflects the church’s deep belief in spiritual equality, recognizing that the Holy Spirit speaks through the entire body of Christ. The International Assembly serves not only as a governing body but also as a time of spiritual renewal, global fellowship, and reaffirmation of the Church’s mission to advance the Gospel.
To find a local church near you, visit the church locator on this website.
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Whether you’re new to our community or looking for specific information, this page is designed to help you quickly find answers to the most frequently asked questions.