Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith
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The Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith is an African-American Pentecostal organization organized in 1919.
The Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, as it is most commonly known, started in Columbus, Ohio in 1919, organized by Robert C. Lawson. Lawson moved to New York City later that year and founded another church. In chronological order, the presidents of the organization have been: Robert C. Lawson; H. J. Spencer; William L. Bonner; Gentle Groover; and James I. Clark, Jr.
In 1957, Apostle S. E. Williams led about 70 churches out of the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith to form the Bible Way Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
The doctrinal statement of the church professes belief in the oneness of God; that the Bible is the word of God and contains the keys to eternal life; that Spirit baptism and water baptism (by immersion) are necessary to salvation; and the premillennial return of Jesus. Governance of the church includes the Chief Apostle, the Board of Apostles, Bishops, Presbyters, the Exective Secretary and the General Council.
In 1998 the church had about 30,000 members in 450 churches in the United States. There are also congregations in Africa, the British West Indies, the Dominican Republic, England, Haiti, and the Philippines. Headquarters are located in New York City. The church operates William L. Bonner Bible College and the Church of Christ Bible Institute.
Mission Statement
"Our mission is to spread the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Apostles throughout the world. We endeavor to reach the lost and the destitute and bring them glad tidings of great joy."
External link
- Official Web Site (http://www.cooljc.org)
Reference
- Handbook of Denominations in the United States, by Frank S. Mead, Samuel S. Hill, and Craig D. Atwood