First let me emphasize that these are my own experiences in and perceptions of the church I was in. None of what follows is intended as an indictment of the entire organization or of its members. It is an acknowledgment that not every place is for every body and that God our Heavenly Father is the ultimate judge of all things and all persons. There are many members of this organization that I love very much – but from a distance. In this world there are beautiful things and persons that are not to be possessed or admired up close – they can prove to be toxic, even dangerous. But they are nevertheless beautiful in their own right and are the property of the Creator God. In order to fully appreciate any one flower in God’s garden, it is helpful and indeed necessary to see that flower in relation to the many other equally beautiful and useful flowers in the entire garden.
I. The Beginning
During the spring and early summer of 1985, I became acquainted with the television program sponsored by the ‘Worldwide Church of God’ (WCG) featuring Herbert W. Armstrong. Having never heard anything like this, I was fascinated and even sent for the book ‘Mystery of The Ages’ along with other booklets and the Plain Truth Magazine. I was ripe for the picking since I had become completely disenchanted with my current ‘1st day church’ and had never received any really in-depth Biblical teaching, even though I was raised in the church, went to Sunday School – the whole 9 yards. But there was not the kind of teaching geared to truly understanding and defending the faith and protecting against the wolves. I read everything I received voraciously and had my Bible alongside – checking it all out. (A real Berean – ha ha) Too bad I didn’t realize how much I needed to include knowledgeable people in my checking!
Oh yes – after several months of reading I requested a visit from WCG and 2 ‘robots in black suits and white shirts’ came to my home. This was the strangest encounter I had ever had and the flags did go up but of course I dismissed the inner warnings. Even when they said I couldn’t just visit a service but had to go through some various procedures first, I just decided that I would continue reading and studying on my own. (My husband was appalled at these two and told me to proceed with extreme caution)
In early 1986, Mr. Armstrong died, but I continued my reading and studying. A few months into the year, I became acquainted with the Church of God International (CGI) and went to a meeting featuring Garner Ted Armstrong. Remember now – I was a complete ignoramus – knew absolutely nothing about the history of these churches and their leadership. I began attending the local church and was totally hooked! Now – I prided myself in being an intelligent person (which was mistake number one) but that was no defense against the ‘truth’ I was receiving. Even got baptized!!
This association lasted for several years until the early 1990’s when the rumors involving Garner Ted plus various other ‘issues’ involving the local congregation led me to withdraw from this organization. (My husband was glad of that.) A few of us former members tottered along together until we were introduced to the Christian Biblical Church of God (CBCG). For us, this was a Godsend and we formed a small fellowship that gathered every Sabbath to listen to their tapes. We went to their Feast of Tabernacles and used their literature for everything. But the teachings only reinforced the WCG/CGI booklets plus they led us in much more in-depth study of things that really blew our minds. They even taught about grace and the love of God! Now – let me say here that whatever else anyone might have to say about CBCG and their leader, he is a very sincere, smart and knowledgeable person and I came to regard him like a father, and my husband held nothing against him, even though he disagreed STRONGLY with most of the church teachings. He is not a dishonorable person and to this day I will not be negative towards him. But the eyes of my understanding were being opened as more and more he came under the influence of the research and writings of another prominent member and I knew that I had to part ways with CBCG. The emphasis shifted to always having to ‘prove’ theories and ideas and disprove what other offshoot churches were teaching – and it got ugly at times. I can only say to anyone involved in any COG group - OPEN YOUR EYES and let Christ be your teacher.
II. The Next Step
So now, here I am – alone again. Oh yes – did I forget to mention that we were a group of black Americans (I could have said African Americans, but if you were to really know all of our collective ancestry, we would look like a patchwork quilt, or a pot of ‘everything’ stew!). We were all pretty much fed up with this British-Israelism thing. I mean we were not totally stupid. So without exception, NONE of us remained with any COG group. Some went to 1st day churches and others went to Sabbath-keeping groups that were predominantly black - some Pentecostal and some Messianic. There are many hundreds of these groups in the USA and I am always amazed at how, without exception, they are nearly ALWAYS overlooked on every web site I have ever visited that deals in any way with Sabbath-keeping groups. They are always discounted! Most of these groups are Pentecostal and many are of the ‘Black Hebrew’ type. Many tend to be somewhat cultish because of their strict legalism and because they do tend to be spiritually abusive. In all of the above statements I am excluding the Seventh Day Adventist – there was no contact with this group by any of the COG people I knew – we were ‘too smart for that’ (ha ha).
Enter the church I 'joined' - a Hebrew Pentecostal group. A friend who had been with our little ex-COG group visited the local congregation and told me about them. I visited a couple of times and ended up remaining with them for nearly eight years. The hunger and desire to worship with my own people was much stronger than I had realized, and I really felt good for the first couple of years. Looking back, I cannot believe how vulnerable and stupid I was and how willing to accept whatever was said or done. This is a ‘Oneness Pentecostal’ group and even though their beliefs are similar to the COG doctrine, there are some major differences.
They have a hierarchical structure that they cling to and almost idolize. At the very top there is the Chief Apostle – who serves for life. Then there is the Assistant Chief Apostle who replaces the Chief Apostle at his death. Then there is the Junior Bishop who replaces the Assistant Chief Apostle at his death. At that time, a new Junior Bishop is appointed. All of these positions are for life or until promotion. Then there are various governing boards, all of which are accountable to the Chief Apostle. And there is a General Mother to whom all of the women are eventually accountable through various organizations – the Mother’s Board, and the Prayer Warriors, etc.
Now comes the individual levels of ‘distinction’. There are the male-only offices: Bishops, Vicar Bishops, Elders, and Deacons. Then the male-female offices: Pastors, Evangelists and Ministers. Then the female-only offices: Elect Lady, Mothers, Missionaries (though I think there have been male missionaries). Oh – the spouses of the ‘titled’ enjoy the corresponding benefits of their titled spouses (which usually means being served first at meals and having the good seats in the meetings and all the other trappings of deference.) Then there are the grunts, otherwise known as ‘bench-members’ (this was where I fell). I may have left someone out but not intentionally. The important thing is to remember where you are in the pecking order and don’t forget it! Everything happens in this order at all times. And long-time members always take precedence to newer members in matters of credibility or when manual labor is required. (i.e. cooking, cleaning, etc.)
This organization observes all of the feast days in Leviticus 23, along with the laws of clean/un-clean foods. These Holy Day observations differ from the COG groups in that they are usually similar to revival meetings with guest speakers, special music and presentations, and much to-do. And there is always a potluck meal afterward. In fact, the congregation I attended had feeding groups that were responsible for feeding everyone every Sabbath Day after services. There is always a service on Sabbath Eve – every Friday night – with an offering. A normal Sabbath Day begins at 9:00 am with the Prayer Warriors assembly. Sabbath School is at 10:30 (offering here). Then Jr. Church is held for the young people at 12:00, but everyone attends (another offering here). Now, sometimes there is a break after Jr. Church when the members are fed. Then afternoon service is held (tithes and offerings here). But sometimes, there is no break – if the Spirit is high (remember this is a Pentecostal Holiness church) – and services can continue on into the early evening and dinner is served afterward. But tithes and offerings are always taken.
This organization believes in absolutely NO consumption of alcohol. Therefore at Passover, water is substituted for wine. They do the footwashing ceremony, but members to not wash each others feet. The deacons do this and the pastor washes the deacons feet. There is an elaborate and lively re-enactment of the Exodus from Egypt called the Passover March. It really is something to see – and to participate in. Also, Passover and Unleavened Bread are combined for a seven day feast. The difference is that they consider the 14th of Nisan to be included as an ULB day. The season ends at the beginning of Nisan 21 (sundown of Nisan 20). Services are held every night of the season and special offerings are taken each night.
The Feast of Tabernacles is held at the local church and is also a very festive time. The sanctuary is decorated with fall decorations and a decorated ‘booth’ is erected near the front where members go in to pray as they come into the service. Services are also held every night of the Feast and on the day part of the Last Great Day. There is always a large table in the front of the sanctuary where members place various fruits every night. At the end of the service there is a ‘Fruit March’ where each member goes to the table (of course in the proper hierarchical order unless the pastor lets the children go first) and takes whatever they wish for their own consumption. Special offerings are taken throughout the Feast and there is a meal on the first day and on the Last Great Day.
Pentecost is on Sivan 6 so that there is never an association with Sunday! They are adamant about that. Special offering is taken and there is a meal.
The Feast of Trumpets is observed with a service, special offering and a meal.
The Day of Atonement is a ‘shut-in’ period for 24 hours. Total fasting is observed for all members – children through elderly. Infants can be fed if required. ALL members spend the entire 24 hours at the church, sleeping on benches and on the floor until time for prayer. Special prayers are offered at sundown, 9:00 pm, 12 midnight 3:00 am, 6:00 am, 9:00 am, 12:00 pm, 3:00 pm, 6:00 pm, and at sundown. Then soup and sandwiches are served.
There is a strict dress code – white is worn at all feast day meetings, all funerals, and every Sabbath from Passover until right after Tabernacles. Between Tabernacles and Passover, the color is navy blue. DO NOT – I repeat – DO NOT get caught wearing the wrong color – EVER! You will be singled out from the pulpit for STRONG reproach in front of the entire congregation – regardless of your reason. Women are not allowed to cut their hair (although they do). No earrings, no makeup or nail polish of any kind. Necklaces, bracelets, and rings are allowed (go figure!!). Women may not wear pants – the men’s apparel thing. Males and females may not swim together. And no one wears swim suits alone – LONG t-shirts must cover at least to the knees (so when everything is wet who can’t see everything!). Women MUST wear a head covering in all services and whenever praying. You don’t want to ever get called out for not being covered!! Dresses must be a reasonable length – preferably to the ankles and full enough not to ‘ride up’ when sitting. Otherwise, someone will quickly cover your lap and legs with a large napkin. Men must not wear tight pants or shorts. I think long shorts – Bermudas are allowed for men.
Absolutely no decisions are made in a congregation contrary to the wishes of the pastor. It does not matter what is at stake. Therefore, the primary concern of those who are charged with the administration of the local congregation is to spend much time courting the favor of the pastor in order to influence his/her decisions regarding all matters – especially financial. Politicking becomes the rule! Members are required to tithe in addition to all other feast offerings – which can really add up quickly on a normal weekend and during feast seasons. Then there are special anniversary and birthday offerings for pastors – to augment their salaries. Much of the tithes and offerings must be sent to the organization headquarters. However, the local churches do manage to keep what they need to operate. But remember, the average member of this organization is by no means affluent. In fact many receive public assistance. But there are those who do have deep pockets – most of whom manage to hold the higher offices. (Hummmmm…).
III. Control
OK – aside from the restrictions on women noted above, here is where I have the most serious issues with this organization. And these things seem to result mostly from a member’s inability to keep their business to themselves. You know the old saying: ‘Loose Lips Sink Ships’. (I probably seriously dated myself) Anyway, I will just list these.
If you have come into a sum of money for any reason (including the Lottery which is frowned upon), keep it to yourself or be prepared to hand over 10% cash to the pastor (not as a tithe in the regular offering and no personal checks please).
If you are contemplating any life changing decision – job change, divorce, buying a new house, a new car, etc. – you MUST first consult with the pastor and follow the advice given. Big time demerits for not doing this.
Always be prepared to be singled out in the service for any minor infraction at the whim of the pastor. Humiliation is the rule of the day. Children are especially vulnerable to these ‘attacks’. I always hated it when a child had to suffer for absolutely nothing!
Do not let it be known that you socialize with any members outside of church activities. You are marked as being after their spouse (regardless of sex), or you are after a hapless single person. (You dog you!!!)
Don’t cross any of the older members in any way – always defer to them in all things, regardless. Just agree to everything they say and go your way because if you take issue with anything you are ‘talking back’ and you will be reported.
Don’t counsel with the pastor about any personal issue unless you are prepared to be ‘preached on’ in the near future. And make no mistake – everyone will know who is being taken to the woodshed and for what!
DO NOT disagree with ANYTHING taught in Bible study or Sabbath school or during any Q/A session. You will be labeled as a rebellious trouble-maker and soundly chastised. Just listen and agree and be ready for the offering.
Always be alert to the seating scheme and don’t mess up. You will be asked to move, even if you are a visitor.
There is no provision for new-member training. Most of the ‘rules’ are learned by trial and error and by the time you are in that deeply it is too late. Just be ready to be humiliated – again.
Learning how to ‘read’ people is an asset in this group. You never know what frame of mind the leaders are in and it is good to be able to anticipate ‘swings’ and act accordingly.
Also, you must learn to be a good peace-maker. You never know the frame of mind of the congregation, and at any given time some one is more than willing to start some kind of campaign against you for something if they should be feeling insecure. Remember, everyone is under the same pressure to ‘perform’.
Always, Always show the appropriate enthusiasm in all services at all times. This is a Pentecostal Holiness church and that means dancing, clapping, shouting, falling out, speaking in tongues at all the proper times. You don’t want anyone to get the idea that you are not saved.
I could go on and on, but I believe you get my point. Now, there are some members I left behind that I truly miss and care about. But I don’t interfere in their lives because that would make things difficult for them and because they are not able to hear anything not reinforced by their leadership. Also, I have made these issues general so as to not create any unnecessary confusion with anyone. They are still there and until they decide (under the guidance of the Holy Spirit) to be free, I am bound to respect their choices and not make life any more difficult for them. I thank God for my freedom in Christ. If a person wants to live their life under these restrictions – particularly women – then go ahead. I just have too many areas of disagreement – many of which I have not included in this note. There is just no point.
I now attend church (Lutheran) on Sunday with my husband. Thankfully, my life is not subject to the whims of man but to the rule of Christ and I am more than satisfied to leave it there. What I do, when I do, how I do, and why I do – all of these are between God the Father and His Son and me – under the direction of the Holy Spirit. I am so grateful for the love and grace and mercy of God.
