The largest Pentecostal denomination in the United States and one of the largest historically Black denominations, emphasizing Spirit baptism, holiness, and vibrant worship.
The Church of God in Christ was founded in 1897 by Bishop Charles Harrison Mason in Mississippi, making it one of the oldest Pentecostal denominations in the world. After Mason attended the Azusa Street Revival in 1907 and received the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues, he returned to Memphis and reorganized COGIC as a fully Pentecostal body. Today it is the largest Pentecostal denomination in the United States, with an estimated 6.5 million members and over 12,000 congregations.
COGIC stands in the Wesleyan-Pentecostal stream, meaning it teaches entire sanctification as a definite second work of grace before Spirit baptism — a three-stage ordo salutis of justification, sanctification, and Spirit baptism. This distinguishes it from Assemblies of God churches, which hold the 'Finished Work' position. COGIC places a strong emphasis on holiness of life, and historically maintained strict standards of dress and conduct, particularly for women.
COGIC churches are known for some of the most vibrant worship in American Christianity — extended praise and worship, spontaneous prayer, the gifts of the Spirit, and deeply expressive congregational participation. The denomination's annual Holy Convocation in Memphis draws tens of thousands of members each year.
COGIC is the largest Pentecostal denomination in the U.S. and one of the most significant historically Black denominations. Its three-stage theology (justification, sanctification, Spirit baptism) distinguishes it from Assemblies of God. Its worship culture — expressive, Spirit-led, deeply musical — has profoundly influenced American gospel music and broader Pentecostal worship.
Highly expressive and participatory — extended praise and worship, gospel music, spontaneous prayer, and the gifts of the Spirit. COGIC worship is widely recognized as some of the most vibrant in American Christianity.
Mississippi, 1897; reorganized as Pentecostal body 1907.
Being the largest Pentecostal denomination in the U.S., its profound influence on American gospel music, and its historic role in the Black church tradition.