Here are some things that others are saying about the Church of God of Prophecy:
I've been wanting to know more about the Church of God of Prophecy. My fiance grew up in this church but left when she was 16. Her parents are members and strong supporters. From my observations of her parents and other members, I see a controlling, exclusive, and manipulative attitude and environment that is domineering, emotionally damaging, and not Christ-like. Does anyone have information good or bad about this curiously small denomination? -schwenky84
I grew up in the COGOP and i would never take my family there. They are a cult. Their doctrines are not scriptural and once you are a member they will not hesitate to try and tell you how to live your life. If you have the gift of the set apart spirit of the Creator within you, you do not need man to tell you how to live. Man will deceive you and fail every time. Remember the words of the Messiah, take heed that no man deceive you. This cult still believes they are the only church. My family is still members and I pray for their veil to be lifted and the truth of Yahweh be received. I have never been treated so harsh and cold then by a member of that cult. Stay away from them if you can. -yhwhisone
I was raised in the Church Of God Of Prophecy, My father was a pastor in the churchs. I was abused and I stood up agaisnt the evil things my father did. The church leaders just moved him to other church when he began to have problems at that church. The leaders of the church did not help the children. We all were effected by this all our lives. I have written a book about my life and the abuse. I always said when I retired I would write a book about my life. I could have left home and stayed away but! I stuck it out to be there for my Mother and six brothers. I am 8 years older than the oldest boy. My Mother became ill and finally died. I still have been there for the brothers. I have two brothers that have became ministers in the Church Of God Of Prophecy and are mad at me for telling my life's story. They have turn against me and my husband. My husband has been a wonderful man to help me with all of this. I do not understand their defination of a christian. Life shows in our action, also in our Attitude.When some christians feel they are threatened they want to play dead like a possum. My book (By GOD'S GRACE) is for sell at Barnes&Noble at Universal publishing Company and on amazom.com BY Vivian McClaugherty My father lived a double life and just used the church for a way to make an easy living. I have one brother who told me " Mother did not raise no fool, I preach on Sunday and get paid for the whole week" I told him he might not be a fool but! the people that were giving him thier hard earned money were. It is all about the money. I could tell you a lot more, If you are interested just order the book and learn how you can be hurt when you are trying to help. God is a wonderful God, man makes thing so wrong in his name. Thank you for reading this and may God help us all. -eunice
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I grew up in the COGOP. My father was a pastor for them. And I will never go back. Actually to this day, I do not attend church at all, occasionally I attend a catholic church with my wife (I know huge difference right lol). But I refuse to go back to that church or any pentecostal church. The amount of emotional abuse I suffered, has really messed me up. We were taught that pretty much anything was a sin, when I grew up, chewing gum was considered a sin. Anyways, we were taught jewelry was a sin as well and other denominations were false and wrong, and they were all going to go to hell if they did not repent.
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't until the late 90's and early 2000's until I started to see things for my self and question a lot of things.
The COGOP said people could wear makeup and wear their jewelry. And wow people came out of the woodwork to display this stuff. So I questioned this, who decided this was no longer a sin? Did Jesus come down and have a meeting with the leaders of the church and declare this was no longer a sin (not saying this is imposable but highly unlikely), or did the leaders themselves decide what was in or out that year for sins (man making the decisions).
Then comes my parents switching denominations. They decided to go to another pentecostal church and pastor that. I wont name names, as I do not want to offend anyone. That's when I really started to question things. All along I was raised that other churches were wrong. But my parents would justify this as they believe the same things and so on and so on. So on they went, I really did not know what to believe anymore. One minute this is a sin and the next minute it is no longer a sin. (I don't have the time to explain all of that, but I think you get the picture).
Anyways I had to get out and get away from all of it, I finally had enough. Do I believe in God, yes I do, but I do not need an orginization telling me how to live my life.
As time passes I meet my wife and she wanted me to go attend church with her one Sunday morning, and she is catholic. All of these thoughts kept coming into my mind that I am going to go to Hell for stepping in this church. All of my childhood memory's are coming back and I didn't know what to do. So I attend church with her, nervous as all get out, and guess what, they were the exact opposite as what I was brainwashed into believing. Sure they do things a little differently but they didn't do anything that I was taught by the COGOP and brainwashed into thinking. As a matter of fact, the sermon was very similar to one I heard at a COGOP church, minus the hellfire and brimstone aspect and all of the shouting.
Anyways to make a long story short. I will never attend a COGOP church, or anyone like it every again. It is too weird. I had enough and finally decided to get out.
One of these days I would like to write a book about this stuff, but I don't know if anyone would read it.
Peace.
We'll I grew up in Catholic church, never joining. I believe they worship false gods. The read the same bible, but interpret it differently. When Jesus died on the cross for our sins, we no longer need the priest to go up before use for our sins. We can pray directly to Jesus. sometimes in life we want a religion that can fit our sin. There will be fire and brimstones if you do not accept Jesus as your personal savior. This is real. I not caught up in denominations. I am Christian. I was researching the COGOP religion because a c-worker invited me to one of their women conferences. I like reading about what I going to get myself into. According to the site, they believe in free will and that there is justification through Jesus Christ. I did really read about salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. I believe in the Trinity and Godhead, which is the Father Son and Holy Spirit as one. Any church you go to you need to be able to discern the wrong and the right teaching. No one gets it perfectly right.
DeleteHave a blessed day. Remember don't be deceived. Read your Bible. God will reveal it all to you through prayer.
I would read a book like that I was raised in the cogop however I converted to Catholicism best decision that I ever made.
DeleteLOL...you are too funny...don't want to name names...give me a break...you just slandered the COGOP and others...you need to repent...there are churches galore that have sexually and otherwise abused the people going there....a trip to the altar would do you a lot of good...when you find THAT PERFECT CHURCH...please write a book about that...the Catholics pray to Mary...you talk out of both sides of your mouth! Just an observation...lol
DeleteI will support the COGOP for as long as I live the most wonderful people I have ever met are there! You are blaming a church for the actions of people and now say you are more comfortable in a church where child molestation alcoholism and sex scandals between Nuns and Priests are the norm hmmmm.... you got issues !
Deletei was a member and liscened evangelist got divorcedchurch turned their back on me stuck their nose in my buisness they are a cult.
DeleteHi D. Griffin........this is the hurtful attitude that I grew up with in the COGOP. Christians don't go around stating that people have issues, they ask how we can make it better for them and make apologies. I was messed up for many years due to some teachings I was taught. I "couldn't" do a lot of things either...even chew gum. That is not being Free in Christ as he calls us to be in God's Word.
DeleteI came into a true relationship with Christ 7 years ago. I am a saved by grace Christ follower and God led me to a wonderful loving NON-denominational Christian church. I have discipleship - a wonderful mentor that walks beside me, teaching me the Christian walk by being obedient to scripture, dying to self, loving all WITHOUT pride and judgment. I did write a book on this. It's more my journey because of all the damage I had from growing up. It's called, A Walk into Grace!. Have a blessed day.
I understand everyone is looking for a perfect church, The only one would be an empty one. as long as we have people, their will be things not right within any church, I only know one thing for sure, Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. We must be on a personal relationship with HIM. that is the only way to heaven.
DeleteOne of the difficult questions academically is at what point does a churches teaching/practices become a cult. Have had some experience with COGOP. There were some individual who fit the worst examples and some who would have opposed.
DeleteAs far as "sin changing"... Theoretically, further examination of the relevant scriptures may have changed the thinking. Some (maybe not all) were honest enough to admit they had more to learn, which in my opinion at least, is a good thing.
Generally, my opinion, while not as harsh as some, is that the COGOP has a legalistic side borrowed from old Methodists that I oppose, but would not call the church as a whole a cult. That there were, and are, dishonest people in an organization isn't necessarily an indictment of the whole organization.
Can speak intelligently about what the COGOP would have done with a pastor exposed as the person starting this line talked about. I did know of a "pastor" whose wife was upset (never clear why) and the leadership essentially read the pastor the proverbial riot act. There were no accusations of sexual immorality or financial dishonesty, but he apparently was verbally rough on her. He left the ministry temporarily while he worked on their marriage.
Perfect? Of course not. Potential?
One of the difficult questions academically is at what point does a churches teaching/practices become a cult. Have had some experience with COGOP. There were some individual who fit the worst examples and some who would have opposed.
DeleteAs far as "sin changing"... Theoretically, further examination of the relevant scriptures may have changed the thinking. Some (maybe not all) were honest enough to admit they had more to learn, which in my opinion at least, is a good thing.
Generally, my opinion, while not as harsh as some, is that the COGOP has a legalistic side borrowed from old Methodists that I oppose, but would not call the church as a whole a cult. That there were, and are, dishonest people in an organization isn't necessarily an indictment of the whole organization.
Can speak intelligently about what the COGOP would have done with a pastor exposed as the person starting this line talked about. I did know of a "pastor" whose wife was upset (never clear why) and the leadership essentially read the pastor the proverbial riot act. There were no accusations of sexual immorality or financial dishonesty, but he apparently was verbally rough on her. He left the ministry temporarily while he worked on their marriage.
Perfect? Of course not. Potential?
Go ahead mention the names of those other messed up churches...like the Catholic Church isn't messed up with pedophiles...etc...get real...you need to repent and live for the Lord you have way too many issues...just repent and live right....its really that easy...stop blaming your parents and church for your bad choices...grow up...people on this site really need to find a true relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ...is the COGOP perfect NO...but neither is the other churches you refused to bash on here..hope you find the Lord before it is too late for you.
Deleteok..who are you attacking here?..me..I hope not as you would look foolish...If you are talking about the author of the book Vivian..well, then seriously think 1st as you are very cluless..what is sad is you are not man or woman or lgbtq or transgendered etc..if when attacked by the church and outright LIE...accusing me of resigning, you are probably a minister there..if not then what are you talking about as ...well, forget it...you would not care anyhow..so...allow the mental abuse continue...oh well..I admire the folks who post about the coGop as for far too long they have never helped a non member...member...or in my case..a PASTOR who resigned..well they said I did and I never did so..sam clements is a usuper to the throan as he stated when the last gen overseer left...after he said if offered it I will not serve....ok...guess what..yep..he is the new pope..so..you MUST REPENT as you are attacking the wrong people...praying you do!
DeleteI am a member of the COGOP and you all can't be talking about the same church. We are nothing like what you have described. Every teaching is Bible based and goes to the letter of God's word.
ReplyDeleteI am also a member of the COGOP. I was raise a baptist and found the baptist church to controlling. The freedom to worship in the spirit in a Pentecostal church has been very revealing to me. God wants ALL His people yo worship Him in spirit.
DeleteI myself grew up in The Church of God of Prophecy. For the most part my church life was good, I was taught good Christian values. There were however a few odd things about the Church. I'd never go back there, but that's because I'm now Eastern Orthodox, and I thank God with all my heart for leading me here. I do feel the COGOP is at lest border line cult.
DeleteStand up for what you believe in.
DeleteI am a member and a minister in the COGOP, I grew up in the COGOP and yes I remember growing up and the problems the Church has had I remember back in the early 90's and we was wrong and was not following the bible and the leaders had to repent It has been a long road since then and I believe in a positive way The church does not believe they are the only church going to heaven but all Christians( that believe in The bible is Gods true word and that Jesus was born died and raised for our sins) I believe that if you belive this and have repented ( asked Jesus for forgiveness then you are apart of Gods Church I am very sorry at the abuse and hardship of some of the posts I have read by supposed Men of God even leaders there is a song by DC talk called what if i stumble and the opening says " The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today
DeleteIs Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips Then walk out the door and deny him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable"
There was only one perfect person to ever walk on this Earth and that was Jesus
Too late pastor. And it continues even in 2014. Why did your Gen. Overseer wife divorce him. Why is he still a pastor and getting paid as GO.
DeleteSo THAT's what it mean to take care of "personal issues" with his family?
DeleteYou need to move on...maybe leave the COGOP....the Bible does have a strict standard of living if you can't measure up go where you can...why stay in something you so despise...its like America...love it or leave it!! Very simple solution for your seemingly HUGE problem!
DeleteWhere does it say in the Bible that you can't attend professional ball games or go to roller skating rinks? Everyone that says the COGOP's teaching are strictly by the Bible, I'd like to hear your response to that. The main teaching that I never heard while I attended the COGOP is on the topic of gluttony. I heard plenty on no jewelry, no makeup, don't cut your hair, no rock music, but not a word on gluttony. And yet, you say you take the whole Bible, rightly divided. It should say, (I'm speaking to a few select state office workers here), "We are a secretive organization, and we bring down jurisdiction as WE see fit. And we keep secrets better than the FBI or CIA ever thought of doing." Please tell me where I am wrong, because I know each of these statements to be correct, based on my life as a PK.
DeleteI go to ball games, I go roller skating, on Friday nights I still date my wife and go to dinner and a movie, As a CoGoP Pastor, I am so sorry this church has hurt so many people, Please forgive us, I believe the my faith is in Jesus and not a church, I can attend any church and make Heaven, I can attend any church and miss heaven, It's up to me to believe that God raise Christ from the dead and believe on the Son of God. It my relationship with Jesus that matters, not my relationship with the Church, Join any church you like, it still takes a personal relationship with Jesus.
DeleteWell I was raised in the church pastored in the church but when they left the truth I left its not that going to these places in a sin it the environment you put yourself in me and my wife lost her son in a car wreck do this we backslide and but as a sinner I don't think u can live to close to the lord as for the ones that put on there gold they must of had it in there heart a very dear pastor that had a big hand in me and my wife coming to the lord his wife put the ring on not long after the assembly with Billy Murray approved it I was sitting there in shock as I called my District overseer overseer he said no I don't believe that was what was said I didn't he didn't understand what went on then he called State overseer not long after we pulled out I'm patching small churches working public jobs paying the bills raising my kids and have nowhere to go been to Church of god attended about 2 months no one calls to check on you to find out what's wrong seems like nobody cares and as far as a Church of God of Prophecy my mom and dad is buried there but there's things going on there that I could not attend me am my wife would like to have a place to call home but have no one or no church and as far as the advice to members it's advice as far as I'm concerned Pastor out to be an example to the flock if you don't believe in the advice to members and he don't believe that when jewelry is wrong and then he don't believe it all scripture is given reproof correction Doctrine so forth so on I'm sure there's a lot of great speakers out there but it takes more than being a great speaker to be a pastor I have sitting home poor little Dear Saint of God gathered her pennys up for missions two daughters take care of her the couch smell like urine but I visited often even prayed in the new year because she didn't get to come to church much I can't say what you're doing is right or wrong all I can say is people are going to hell and nobody cares maybe even me and my wife we hope not but we have nowhere to go and I know that they are son that's in it for the money I left not right I'm just glad that we have a mighty God that's an awesome judge and he'll and he'll judge Church of God the Church of God of Prophecy and The Church of God I just wish my momma had a church to go to
DeleteI was also raised in COGOP. I still attend regularly and am an active volunteer. Our church isn't like this, and it's not because I have a veil over my eyes or anything. Our pastor preaches on God's grace...His love, His mercy. We have an open arms policy in our church....you know, that Jesus Christ came for the broken, not the holy...so anyone who comes into our church is loved and cared for, no matter what their needs are. I think you guys may be talking about The Church of God, which was how the COGOP was ran, until they split in the 1950's. They are the no makeup, can't eat where alcohol is served, no bowling, no movie theaters, that kinda thing church. The COGOP today, at least where I'm from, is completely different. We wear wedding rings...we wear makeup and can cut our hair short. We have a doctrine that states we shouldn't judge others...like I said, Christ came for the broken. Without His grace, we are all sinners. We try to live our lives to the best of our ability, but we also must rely on God's strength to get us through. You have an open invitation to visit my church, so that you can see I'm not blowing smoke. We are real, we were once sinners, too, and we are committed to Christ's cause...reaching the lost. Bless you!
ReplyDeleteThe CoG and CoGoP split in the 30's. CoGoP and CoG are both from the same root. CoG, and later the CoGoP after the split, was founded as a cult of man worshippers who exallted A.J. Tomlinson into a possition of King of the Church which anyone who has ever read and understood that is a seat reserved for Christ alone. I'm not saying there haven't been good people in the CoGoP, or that they haven't ever done well, but on a whole they are worshippers of their own doctrines more then they are lovers of God. 29 teachings? Try 2, Love the Lord your God with all your heart, strenghth and mind, and secondly love your neighbor as yourself. Until they can start concistently teaching this and only this stay away from them...
DeleteThe two "splits" referred to in the above posts actually took place in 1923 and 1993. The factions in 1923 were "Church of God" and "The Church of God, over which A. J. Tomlinson was General Overseer". The factions in 1993 were "Church of God of Prophecy" and "The Church of God" ("The" is part of the name, as distinguished from "Church of God"). "The Church of God" preaches and teaches what the "Church of God of Prophecy" preached and taught before 1990. The less restrictive changes in the above posts (and more) have been made in the "Church of God of Prophecy" since 1989. These changes are in agreement with the larger group, "Church of God".
DeleteYou must not have been a member when I was a member of the COGOP. My father was a minister also in the COGOP and I was raised in a very strict and controlling home. I couldn't wear makeup, pants, jewelry, go to the fair in town, movies or even go to my prom or a dance. This was listed as "Sin" and I was to be an example to the other young people. I don't go to the COGOP any longer but I am a member of another Pentecostal church and active in it. I can remember when someone went to the alter and got saved; there was someone standing there to tell them immediately what they could and could not do. This is cultish. People that were married and divorced and re-married were treated as "friends of the church" but was never allowed to join. It is still that way today. Membership is taken behind closed doors; however, people that are re-married are now considered "member of the congregation." as one pastor I know called it. This is still being judgemental. Shame on the ministry that takes their money and lives on their tithes and doesn't allow these people to teach a Sunday School class, be a leader or anything else in the church. I know, because I am one of these people. I will never put my money into something I cannot be a part of. It has taken me 46 years to break the chains of mental and emotional abuse that was handed down out of the pulpit from ministers that had no business leading people. I started seeking things out for myself about 17 years ago and found out that God is forgiving of my past, present and future sins. He died once for all. Anyone that is considering this as a Church to be a member of ...stay away!
DeleteI found in Romans 3:24-25 "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;" (past sins) I find nowhere in the Bible where future sins are forgiven. If we sin, we have to be forgiven for that sin. God did not guarantee us a "once saved-always saved" salvation BUT we can be if we obey what Christ told the woman who was caught in the very act of adultery. He told her, 'Neither do I condemn thee, go and sin no more.' Basically, I'm not going to stone you but don't sin anymore.
DeleteOh my, how all of these comments bring back memories. I would never want to go back to the way I was raised by parents who were members of the COGOP. I love my husband so do not get me wrong, but he was the only man who would date a girl who could go no where that was considered a sin or ever looked sinfully made up. Once we moved too far from the COGOP for me to attend regularly, for which we were criticised, I found out there were other people I could serve the Lord with. I would still pull off my wedding ring because of criticisim when I did attend and I lost it. I would never do that again. My husband wasn't too happy. I once wore a necklace with a small cross and the pastor just happened to come to out to my relative's house. She later told my mother that she did not like me and wanted to turn me out. That was the last straw. I do not know if I was ever turned out and I do not care. I still surve the Lord and I can do that with makeup and jewelry on and I even danced at my son's wedding. Of course there are some things I was taught that I still hold on to. I sometime miss the things that I could have done when I was young, but I have a good life now. I know that my parents thought they were doing what was of God at the time. My mother married a man from another denomination and attends church there.
DeleteDear Sir: I was a pastor's daughter, caught up in the COGOP tomfoolery for nearly 22 years of my life. I attended their little tiny college in Cleveland and I assure you-COGOP was the denomination that made every thing taboo. From the wearing of shorts above the knee in mid-August heat (something I was forbidden to do, lest I offend a 'lesser brother') to dying my hair and wearing lip gloss. Really. As a child I was not allowed to bowl, roller skate, or wear shorts. I'm not talking about butt-cheek showing shorts, I'm talking about shorts that were appropriate. As a PK, that stopped for me at the age of eight. I have very vivid memories of my mom packing up all my short sets and telling me I was too old to wear them. I had to sneak into a movie theater at the age of sixteen and was so terrified someone would see me that my date that night insisted on getting me out of there, as I was on the verge of a panic attack. Seriously. Your COGOP had many people in a stranglehold. This was in the late 1980s, and early 1990s...this was not in the fifties or thirties. The way the leadership in this denomination controlled and manipulated the pastors, then the pastors their congregations was diabolical. I love the Lord, but as far as I am concerned, COGOP screwed up a huge chunk of my life, stole part of my childhood and nearly put my family in the loony bin. God forgive me if I am wrong to feel the way I do, but they owe a lot of people big apologies.
DeleteI was raised in the Church Of God Of Prophecy. Yes, from the time I was young, we were taught to the best of people's ability the 29 teachings...I believe that each individual has to make up their mind as to how they will live either in holiness or unholiness...As Moses asked for the 10 commandments to guide the Children of Israel, so we were guided by man...These bad things happens because people get their eyes off of Christ and listen to man's words...The organization is not a cult...each church is different because it is run by a different person (pastor). I remember after the church changed it's decision on jewelry, divorce & remarriage, make-up, etc...a pastor stood before the Assembly asking the General Overseer, "what do I tell my congregation?" the reply was, pray and ask God what message He wants you to deliver to your congregation...People for years did what the pastor said, handed down by the state, and general assembly...This was wrong, and the church has repented as a whole...We know believe in Grace, Love, and Instruction...I know that people have been hurt by the tongue of those that we trusted...Please know that Satan uses Christians as he uses other...It is a shame that Christians act as they do...that is in our world today...we must not allow the actions of people to persuade us and turn our hearts away from God Almighty, He loves you!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI got saved in COGOP; was very involved; left, many yrs. ago. I am married to a PK, her father was a Bishop in the church, he went to be w/the Lord.I understand what those hurt people went through and do not discount their experiences. I do, however, like your stated post. I have many friends and family, still attending and very much involved. Some of them are pastor, Bishops and leaders throughout. I respect and support them, they are true believers; just at a different place in their belief than myself...
DeleteHaving grown up 30+ years in it, I'd say The Church of God of Prophecy has cult like behaviors. The California area is the worst. Every church I've been to, but ESPECIALLY the Spanish side, have been incredibly hypocritical and fanatic like. I've visited them all, darn near every church in the state. From all the way up in Santa Barbara/Goleta and Anaheim (don't like woman wearing pants, but don't mind worship leaders shaking their butt while wearing skirts that accentuate their rear ends) to Riverside (creeper bald youth pastor who has all the youth girls call him "papi") to Ontario Campus (more of a business than a church, WEEKLY lectures on tithing EVERYTHING you have).
ReplyDeleteBut no. The worst one, by far, is COGOP Murrieta. Please avoid it.
The leadership there don't let people leave the church. They track them down and start bugging them at their house. They leave phone calls and emails about how you "deserted" God. Which is their church, in this case.
The pastor's a good guy, and so is the co-pastor, I feel pretty bad for them. Because holy hell...the people there are messed up.
Some of the leader's there hold gold cards at the local casino. No joke. I wouldn't care if the one time I went there, they preached about not going to the local casino. Hypocritical!
Lost 70% of it's membership in the last 3 years, according to a source within the church. Most of it because of their extremely prejudice views on how a Christian should act. The Assistant Youth Leader there goes to clubs, but no one talks about it, because she has the pastor under her finger.
Yet I saw a personal friend of mine, a young female with a fantastic voice, get turned down because she showed up to tryouts in pants. PANTS. And she technically blew the lead singer out the water, who sounds like a cat getting run over by a big rig in a thunder storm and then having a drunk throw up all over it. STOP SINGING. YOU CAN'T SING. You can't even play piano. Fuck, stop it already.
Drummer's good. Don't know him or one of the other guys playing up there. Rotating cast of members around the "cat" voice singer.
I wasn't surprised to find it has it's own Facebook page claiming how hard it "sucks." http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cogop-Murrieta-Sucks/464201463643553
The funny thing is I visited a COGOP location in Portland, and it was the exact opposite. I loved it, and I live there now.
AVOID COGOP CALIFORNIA.
-M.C. Sanders
Former Youth Leader for Perris here. The problems you describe at Murrieta also happened at Perris. It's why I left. The Church of God of Prophecy was different when I was growing up. It had class, it had grace, it had honor. Really questioning organized religion in general....
DeleteOh my GOD! I used to work at the bar across the street from this church. COULDNT STAND IT! They were so loud!!! Plus, one time they came and started harassing our customers with flyers about their events. I had to call in the manager to get them to leave!
DeleteOntario Campus is pretty bad too. You know, when you start preaching with a iPad, the douchebag level goes to a new high. It's off the charts, captain!
DeleteHaha, FUCK. I know who you are Sanders. You used to play sax there sometimes huh?
DeleteI frequent the Guitar Center near that church. These clowns would show up every once in a while. One of their guys (young guy, never got his name) was pretty cool, the rest of them were kinda dicks. They used to have a girl drummer...she was cool too. Haven't seen her in a while. Anyway..Maybe the word cult is a little too strong, but definitely a clique feeling with these people.
DeleteFunny story. I dropped by one sunday during their services to check out what was going on. No one was home. The church had no sign, no notice, no letter...nothing! They just up and canceled service and didn't tell anyone. Called my boy and he says that it's happens every others week and everyone is at the casino, beach, Disneyland, etc...basically anywhere but church. WUT.
This is about a church and God. There may have been problems and still are, but please do not use bad language. The word being used is still the worst word ever. I think everyone can express their view without that "f" word.
Delete@Anonymous August 5, 2014 at 10:44 AM
DeleteThis is the internet. If one or two fucks bother you, then goddamn, disconnect your modem and log off now.
wow,,,what a man you are using such grown up words...but, I would be ashamed living in mommys basement...grow up idiot!
Delete@Ken Wilson
DeleteFuck off with your Illuminati scare tactics, your church is a cancer to this community.
No matter where your at,the F word should not be in a child of Gods vocabulary.
DeleteNo matter where your at,the F word should not be in a child of Gods vocabulary.
Delete@Value Place Frustraded
DeletePlease be quiet, you fucking child. The adults are talking, go cover your ears and sweep more bullshit under the rug.
folks...men never get online curse folks out and then..because they are so tough never leave a name just Anonymous wow..what a man this idiot is..so...pease when you die and wake up in hell...please remember my name...and others here man enough they use a name...what a foolish....welfare crack kid you are..oh...not nice for a preacher too say..true never would say that to a real adult..ya jabronnie...lol
DeleteFor God"s sake each and every obe of u should be praying and crying out to God seeking your own salvation and stop this slandering Fot God is the only true judge here.this is not the way to behave read the wird if God veey well it will tell us that if we do not have the spirit of God we are none of His cause its the spirit of God in us that will lead and guide us into all truths not man did God call us to slander or to witness and help to establish His kingdom here in earth and what are we doing we are just trying to tear His kingdon down and give room for the enemy to build He that knoweth the will of God and doeth it not shal be beaten with many stripes if my peopke which is called by my Name says the Lord will humble themselves and pray and seek muy face then will i hear from heaven forgive their sins and heal their land why dosent the ones that know how to live show those that dosent know instead of slandering and bringing dishoner to God the word of God say do not think of ourselves as something when we are not but be very careful not to grieve the Holy spirit say anything about God or Jesus and it will be forgiven us but if we dare to speak against the Holy Spirit we will never ever be forgiven so we better take a resl reality check for we might very well have made that mistake already and will never be a part of Gods'kingdom .
DeleteInteresting. Found this page through Google. I too grew up in the church, and it wasn't until I got older that I realized how odd some of the things happening there were.
ReplyDeleteSomeone mentioned the pants issue, but us older folk remember the divorce issue which the church is constantly flip-flopping on.
Personally, I find myself attending non-denominational churches now.
@MC I've personally been to that church in Murrieta, and you are being way too easy on the drummer. I've played drums since I was a lad, and I'm 59 now. My two year old son could play better than that guy. He plays the same damn beat for every song. Plus, he dresses like a fucking tool. Couldn't stand him when I met him.
Count me as another that found this page through Google. I live in Menifee and have two homes there....the church in Murrieta has been a pretty big pain in the rear for me for the past 5 years. We did some events on my land, but they haven't stopped harassing me since. It's like the whaddayacallit...herpes. like the kids say. it keeps coming back. stronger and more annoying each time!
DeleteFormer youth pastor here. We used to, and have recently, shared a rented venue with COGOP Murrieta on innovation ct. Probably the most unprofessional church I've ever worked with.
ReplyDeleteFuck em. They've made me lost faith in Christians.
Can't lose something you never had. Repent, Jesus loves you. and I've never been a member of COGOP. God is not going to change, so therefore, its okay if the church is being delivered. Amen! Whatever you do let it glorify God.
DeleteOctober 31st, way to come off like a real dick. Can't lose something you never had...bet your real fun at parties eh?
DeleteThe COGOP is going through a transitional phase. I am currently a member and a minister in this organization. I highly recommend that you go and look at our new teachings, they aren't as strict.
ReplyDeleteBut who decides the doctrine? My post is from December 16th 2012.
DeleteI grew up in the church from back in the 70's. The famous 29 teachings LOL, what a load of crap.
Maybe the things they are doing now is for the good and they have changed (doubt it), but growing up in the COGOP in the 70's, 80's and 90's, 2000's, (by now you can tell how old I am lol), there were a different set of rules. You were flat out told that other religions were wrong and those people were going to hell. Anyone remmber the COGOP pledge of allegiance? You turned around and raised your hand like Hitler and said it.
The old church I used to go to has 2 members in it and they can barely afford to keep the doors open. They lost everyone due to how they acted, most all the churches in that state are like that now.
The church teachings "aren't as strict." The HOLY BIBLE hasn't changed, it's just as strict as it ever was. Peace...
DeleteDear Lady:
DeleteA fair amount of what COGOP has taught in the past had nothing to do with the Bible, which you are correct, has not changed. You must understand that the "men" who made up the leadership (and the three generations of their sons who have dutifully and predictably followed them...as has always been the COGOP way) are the ones who were privileged enough to interpret the aforementioned Bible to its congregants. As a whole, members were not encouraged to pursue biblical studies on their own...that was to be done at the church with COGOP leaders presiding. God forbid one would pick up a Bible on one's own and discover that half of what they've been taught as "gospel" was utter hogwash. I credit COGOP and its stronghanded approach to controlling its members for my inability to make decisions confidently well into my 30's. When one is never allowed to think critically, how in the world can they be confident enough to make good decisions? They cannot. This is how COGOP seized onto folk back in the day...and the damage is felt for years and years afterward. I've lived it. I know.
Gods words never changed. If the cogop are now changing their doctrine, it means they never been inline with Gods words. Wow. Cant imagine the doctrinal abuse it caused to teenagers that afterwards got married. They never learned to be graceful or submissive to their own husbands. Basically they learned the ways of their parents and pastors to be controlling freaks and destroy marriages. It is nothing more than a cult.
DeleteSpanish side COGOP is pretty corrupt. This is a well-known fact, nation-wide. Interesting, I have found the English side to be much better than the Spanish side at "accepting" people. Like seriously? Are we going to argue about whether wearing jewelry is OK, or whether woman should be preaching? Is this what we are goign to waste our time and resources on? Spanish COGOP, get your act together.
ReplyDeleteI don't know where you're getting your facts. You might want to double check your source. It's very sad hearing people talk about their church like that. What needs to happen is for us to get down on our knees and ask God for guidance instead of wasting our time complaining about what's wrong with our church. Focus on what God has done in our lives, saving us and forgiving our sins, which is the most important thing in our lives (well, for me it is).
DeleteMy "source" is first hand experience. I grew up in the church. Nepotism is a huge problem in the Spanish side. I can name names if you want, but after seeing how COGOP attacks other posters on this page, I'm not sure that's wise.
DeleteNot every church, but yes a majority. California is really in a bad state. COGOP needs reform.
DeleteI am a COGOP member have been my intire life,im now 40 and my Grand mother Pastored for many years at COGOP.Yes back in the day.Yes a female pastor Talk about seeing Gods hand now there not to many denominations that give that privelidge to our sisters in Christ today.I am concern though about thoughs of you who were'nt shown the love that Christ commands of us and for that I am grieved.GOD BLESS
ReplyDeleteSad. I'm being harassed at work as a result of telling truth about COGOP. Blog owner, can you get rid of this entire post? I was doxed.
ReplyDelete-M.C. Sanders
wow I cant believe what some of you have gone through. its sad that people follow churches, people or family and can never find peace. hope you find what you need soon.
ReplyDeleteFormer member of COGOP Murrieta here. Can pretty much confirm everything that's been said about them so far. That dress code incident happened more than once with three different people.
ReplyDeleteNumerous other incidents happened that led me to leaving. But I'm not the type of person who likes to sling dirt over the internet.
You know, the best thing in this situation is just to ignore these guys. They CRAVE attention. Don't feed the trolls.
Another former member here. Maybe I know you? Played there for 6 months in late 2009.
DeleteI get phone calls every once in a while asking me to come back. They start promoting their church's supposed concerts (no one there can really play an instrument or sing properly anymore, that's one reason I left)...and I just laugh. Please, COGOP Murrieta, give up. 80% of your church is family, the other 10% are members at other church (Lake Elsinore First Assembly, watch out! Don't let these guys steal your members). Probably the last 10% is some drunk hobos who stumble in for the food and air conditioning.
Born into and raised in the Church of God of Prophecy. My dad was a pastor in the church for over 50 years. I attended until I was about 30 and then realized that I was in a cult. It was, and still is a cult. You can change the rules, beliefs, message, etc. to fit the needs of the times, but it is a cult. When I was young, we didn't chew gum, wear make-up, associate with other churches, no jewelry, no marrying outside the church, never divorce,and God only had one church, and it was us! That is a cult. The teachings were harsh, severe and hard to follow. My whole family had lasting effects from this way of growing up. It was religious child-abuse. I was always loved by my parents, but it was known that if you didn't stay within the church, you would go to hell because we were the only way to heaven. I know the church teachings have changed now and their was a split, but many of the same leaders are there and it is still based on those early teachings. I am so surprised to see so many of us former COGOP people here. Just reading these posts brings back so many memories from my past with the church. Love God and still pray, but haven't been able to find a church to attend due to the baggage that I have about churches. I have two friends who grew up in the church as PKs also and we all know now that we were raised in a cult. Seems so unreal to think back on the stuff they taught and believed that were totally crazy. Can't believe that was my life for so many years. Believe in Jesus and God, not man-made churches and read the bible yourselves. Stay away!
ReplyDeleteI thought I was the only one that carried the baggage from the things I was taught. I understand what you are saying about it being hard to accept another church because of what we were taught. I used to be a member of the COGOP and struggled with trying to live by the 29 teachings. Now, I am questioning everything I was taught. I attend a non-denominational church now. Still not sure I agree with everything they teach. So I read my Bible, pray and let God guide my heart. What is sad is the fact that I still cannot get past the "baggage". I look back now, and feel the COGOP was a cult. I do regret some of the things I missed out on due to the overly strict teachings. I think I am more messed up about what to believe and who to believe. I dated a PK and he was told to not have anything to do with me, even though I was a faithful member, because my family didn't attend church and my dad had been married once before. Also, many of the pastors who taught those strict teachings now attend different denominational churches, and several of our pastors of our church were caught committing adultery with their members of the COGOP!!!!!! ........yet divorce a remarriage was not acceptable. I don't regret being taught about being saved, but I do regret the mental anguish I endure and still endure, from the cultish behavior.
DeleteI know these posts are old, but I just found this website. I attended COGOP for about 3 years. The pastor and his wife were good people, they really helped me out during a difficult time. I left about 3 years ago and am realizing some stuff about me. I now realize how self-righteous I was becoming and not can't stand that but dang when the devil gets a hold of you with wrong teaching it is hard to untangle yourself from it. Ours was a little church, maybe 10 members, was told the reason why that was, was because COGOP was the only church that preached the truth and nobody wanted to hear the truth. A family there is very judgmental and self-righteous. Another member told me she felt convicted not to wear jewelry, make up or shorts when she went walking. Praise God I never ended up like that. Anyway got out of that church into another pentecostal church and started questioning some of their teachings. Long story short I am now attending a non denominational church and am still messed up by both of those church's teachings. I feel like everybody is going to hell for the littlest things. Glad I am out now but am very confused.
DeleteMy wife was raised in the Baptist Church I'm trying to get the jewelry off of her makeup off of her but it took god good enough God on the inside the paint peel off there were some great leaders in the Church of God of Prophecy brother Garcia's for 1 I'm not saying its the church I guess there r good and bad in all of them but brother Garcia was a great man
DeleteMy wife was raised in the Baptist Church I'm trying to get the jewelry off of her makeup off of her but it took god good enough God on the inside the paint peel off there were some great leaders in the Church of God of Prophecy brother Garcia's for 1 I'm not saying its the church I guess there r good and bad in all of them but brother Garcia was a great man
DeleteI also was raised in The Church of God of Prophecy by my adoptive parents(long story short I was adopted by my great grandparents as a baby) who were a part of this organization since the late 50s. They literally built the chur from the ground up, from tent services to a decent sized brick building, fellowship hall, and parsonage in South Carolina. My father and uncle are currently deacons and my godfather was the pastor for many years. Needless to say I was in church every time the doors opened, usually 3 times a week from the age of 2 weeks old until I was about 15.
ReplyDeleteI can attest to the mental/emotional trauma being raised by the "29" teachings. I would literally go around telling people they are going to burn in hell forever if they didn't change there sinful ways at the age of 5. As I matured I started realizing inconsistencies in the church. When I brought these things up to church members and my parents I was told the church was based on the word of God and the bible to the T, so I read and reread the bible taking notes of everything. I also found inconsistencies here...which was terrifying when you grow up being taught that to question God you commit blasphemy and will burn in hell for all eternity. So I again asked about these things and was told that the bible was written by man and as man is imperfect than so to shall be parts of the bible. I realized it was just one falsehood after another, one charade after another.
I soon turned to other sources on my quest for knowledge not only about the church and the bible, but religion as a whole. I am now an Atheist and after coming to this conclusion I felt the most profound sense of freedom. The Church of God of Prophecy is a secular cult they indoctrinate people with dangerous ideals, or at least some of their churches do, that are on the borderline of fanatic fundamentalist. I would not recommend anyone going to one of these churches especially if you have children.
God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost, who you were taught about, was, is, and will always be, no matter who believes it, or not. Jesus died for your sins and still loves you, whether you accept his love or not, but there will come a time that you, along with the rest of us, will face him and let's hope that you are saved before that time. Peace...
DeleteThe August 8th and September 1st posters, I wholeheartedly agree. My dad was a pastor in the COGOP, I was born into it, grew up all my life in the COGOP, attended Sunday Mornings, Sunday Nights, Wednesday Nights, and when a revival came in, you were there every night of the week. I remember not being able to chew gum because it was a sin. Sounds funny to people who have not been in the church that long, but yes, it was a sin. It was a sin to wear shorts. It was a sin to wear your wedding band, and seriously a wedding band? Yes it was a sin. My mom and dad never wore them, neither did anyone in the church. Only for years later saying it was ok to wear shorts, chew gum and decide it is ok to wear your wedding band, those were no longer sins. And who decided those were no longer sins? Did Jesus come to a general assembly in Cleveland TN and tell everyone in a closed door meeting to discus whats in and out for sins that year? I know it is certainly possible and not doubting Jesus could do something like that, but lets get real here. Man decided this. One day these were sins, the next day they were not sins, and the sheep just fell in line. As I got older and questioned these things, I too would get the run around. And how dare I question these things, you were not supposed to question church leaders. You either fell in line and did what you were told or you were going to hell, and if word got out you were questioning things, come next church service you had a circle of members around you all laying hands on you and praying for you because you were lost. Been there and done that. To this day I don't go to church anymore, too much baggage. I believe in God and Jesus and pray, but I cannot attend, I think for my self and use common sense and pray every day. I do not need a religious cult telling me what I can and cannot do. Reading these posts brings back lots and lots of memory's. The COGOP is a cult and they make up rules as they go along to better suit them. Don't be a sheep, start thinking for yourself, it is not a sin to question things and to seek answers.
ReplyDeleteDon't believe a word you are saying...I think you prefer the world to living a holy life...you sound miserable...you will reap what you sow.
DeleteYou know... it strikes me as funny that everyone here is bashing CoGoP, calling it a "cult" because they've had some controlling doctrines over the years, but my question is, "What church hasn't??" You name me one church (besides the extremist liberals) who has not had some form of "controlling" doctrine. Is the Church of God of Prophecy perfect? OF COURSE NOT! But neither is any other church.
ReplyDeleteI guess what pains me the most, and causes me the most grief in my spirit is that so many of you come on here to vent your frustrations and some of you are just outright slandering the ministry of this denomination and demonizing it. And instead of doing the Christ-like thing, which would be to PRAY for them and LOVE them no matter what, (you know, kind of like how Christ loves you no matter how bad you mess up?), instead you choose to expound and wallow in the hatred that Satan has put into your heart, until it festers like an infectious boil in your soul.
Shame on us.
Is the CoGoP perfect? Absolutely not. And like many of you, I too speak from experience. My Father was a Pastor, Bishop, and District Overseer for CoGoP for over thirty years. So I feel just as qualified as anyone else on this page to be making such statements. Yes--CoGoP still has some problems, but not as bad as they used to. And again, what church or denomination DOESN'T have problems?
Perhaps it is time for those of us that have been hurt by the Church to ask God that He would allow us to FORGIVE those that have hurt us, instead of verbally bashing them. Maybe we should start acting a little more like the Jesus we profess--A Jesus that loves people no matter what and never gives up on them.
I pray for all of you. I see your anger and frustration. Trust me when I say I've dealt with it too. It pains me beyond measure to see so many Christians, even youth pastors and different church leaders on this site, that have turned away from God because of the stupidity of a few people they used to go to church with.
Remember that while a lot of Christians don't act like Christ, that this isn't Jesus' fault, and He still loves you and wants you no matter what. Jesus told us the two greatest commandments were to "Love the Lord Your God..." and to "Love your neighbor as yourself". But it's kind of hard to do that when we get on sites like this to backbite and gossip about the people that hurt us. You know what? When you take part in something like that, it makes you no better than the very people that hurt you. You sink to their level.
I, for one, choose to rise above that, and love my Jesus no matter what others have done to me, said to me, or treated me. I was raised in this denomination and I KNOW what they are capable of as far as hurting people with their man-made doctrines, but the CoGoP is changing for the better. They have new, younger leadership that is forging new ground. And this once fledgling denomination is starting to come back with a new hope and a new fire and a new ministry that reaches out with the love of Jesus.
Trust me, I would never have gone back to them if I didn't truly believe that. Yes, they've made some mistakes. Yes, they've hurt people. But they're also seeing the disastrous results of nearly a century of the "old teachings" and are making great strides to correct those mistakes.
I am sorry that so many of you were hurt by them. But let me tell you that your stories are not specific. You'll hear stories like this coming for any denomination. You know why? Because church leadership is not perfect. They're human and they make mistakes just like YOU do. And so if Jesus is so quick to forgive us for OUR mistakes, perhaps we should be just as quick to forgive the Church and others of theirs...
Sincerely,
Evangelist EP
Nice try, COGOP Murrieta.
DeleteGod forbid people actually talk about what happened their church. Let's just pretend it never happened, because that's fixes the problem, right? What, EP, did your church get exposed here and now your pissed? Actually, your post reads like a press release from the COGOP Facebook. You on the payroll, can't handle the criticism?
DeleteI know you mean well (at least, I hope so) but take a look at how many people have left or been kicked out of the church on this page for dress code. DRESS CODE.
Jesus wore a robe, but shorts are suddenly not good enough to praise him? He walked hundreds of miles in blistering heat, and his hair was probably long, but we have a problem with metal heads in the worship band and tee-shirts? I call BS. Who decided this code? Why does it change every 5 years, (good on the poster from July 23rd, 2013 for catching that) when trends change. We are already seeing COGOP loosen the reins to catch the Hillsong crowds in tee-shirts, jeans and a faux-hawk. Why is this acceptable wear now when it wasn't 10 years ago? Our pastors dress like this, so it's OK right? So is it the pastor who makes these rules? If not, who? God? Because I thought God never changes.
Hypocrites.
No one's asking for perfection from a church. What we are asking for is accountability, which the COGOP does NOT have.
DeleteYou talk about new leadership. You mean the sons and daughters of the leaders who got us into this mess into the first place? What has changed? Nothing. The poster above is right, nepotism is running this organization into the group. Too many wannabe rock star Pastors and Musicians who have their noses so far up the overseer's butt that their nostrils are literally fill of shit.
Oh and if it "strikes you as funny," then you are not really turning the other cheek, are you? Jesus Christ, your post is full of it.
DeleteSince when is telling the truth equal to "backbite and gossip?" LOL. See, that's the problem with COGOP. You disagree with them, and they try to call you a troublemaker. That's how they try to control you. If you had any accountability, why didn't you post your full name and what church you go to? That's right. You are just another cronie from COGOP. A medium fish in a small pond. You aren't original. You are supposed to be 'not of this world," but your bands have been copping The Edge's style for the last 20 years. And now, how many church worship groups are growing beards and pretending they are Kings of Leon, Mumford and Sons, or The Lumineers?
DeleteYou make a sound argument EP, but the church has NOT changed, and people are still getting hurt. This is far from over. We need REFORM and CHANGE (not that Obama kind of change either). This culture of shaming people who leave churches needs to stop if we are ever going to get along as a society!
DeleteAnonymousSeptember 28, 2013 at 11:42 PM:
DeleteYou said, "If you had any accountability, why didn't you post your full name and what church you go to?" My name is E. Roger Ammons and I am a minister in "The Church of God. Now, if you do not want to tell us who you are and what church you go to, I respect that, as evidently this board does not require it.
Agreed. I have grown up in COGOP since I was a baby and I will be 27. It really hurts when people come on here and call us a cult, and the majority of it being because they want to pick and choose what part of the Bible they want to live by. Do I agree with everything in COGOP? No. But, I'm sure not going to cut it down either. As far as other COGOPs in other states, all I'm going to say is don't let a few rotten tomatoes ruin the whole garden!
DeleteIt hurts because it's true, bro.
DeleteEP
DeleteThe truth will set you free. The reason you see many people on the site is because it is the truth. You can not hide it behind your I want to get up in the organizational so I will just compromise and kiss Ass. Sorry but the truth hurts. Sincere people have been hurt talked about wrongly accused. Called witches ( I thought that went out during the Salem trials?) Any way God almighty know everything. He knows everything that actually happens. The rotten tomatoes might be the ones that were actually the good ones and left the decayed ones still rotting in the garden. And let me say this with no fruit. Because you can not bear good fruit if you hurting innocent people. How do you people sleep at night? It's beyond me heaven help you
We sleep very well...you on the other hand I am sure cannot sleep because of your foul mouth and ugly attitude...if you don't want to live a holy life that is fine...that is your choice...but leave those alone who wish to live a holy life...everyone does not have the issues you have...hope you can find some peace before you die..you are one miserable person...and there is NO ONE TO BLAME BUT YOU...yes you...grow up clean up that mouth...your a joke.
DeleteTo the Responders of My Last Post:
ReplyDeleteI obviously hit a nerve with some of you, to which allow me to apologize if I hurt you. That was never my intention. The whole premise to my post was simply that, yes-the CoGoP has problems, but so does every church out there. And you'll never be able to find a "perfect" church, I don't care how hard you look.
Secondly, my post was intended to challenge those who visit here to forgive those that had hurt them. And while I know that is often a very difficult thing to do, it is something that Jesus commands us to do, nonetheless. Jesus even went as far as saying that if we don't forgive others of their sins against us, that He will not forgive us of our sins against Him (Matthew 6:15).
So, while I apologize if I hurt some of you, I cannot apologize for bringing to light some of the hateful, vengeful spirits that paint so many of the posts on this website. Jesus taught us to forgive, not live in contempt.
Thirdly, and quickly as possible, allow me to respond to some of you who had responded to my original post. I will have to use only the time and date of the post as reference, since names are rarely used here.
To AnonymousSeptember 27, 2013 at 12:02 AM
--No, I am not from that church. Never been there.
AnonymousSeptember 27, 2013 at 1:02 AM
God forbid people actually talk about what happened their church. Let's just pretend it never happened, because that's fixes the problem, right? What, EP, did your church get exposed here and now your pissed? Actually, your post reads like a press release from the COGOP Facebook. You on the payroll, can't handle the criticism?
--Ok, once again, it's one thing to discuss what's hapened to you in your church. That's understandable and even emotionally healthy. But, again, if you're doing it in the wrong spirit, that's something different altogether. Furthermore, my church did not get exposed and now I'm "pissed", as you say. I was very up front in my original post that I was very well aware that the CoGoP has problems and even confirmed that I've been a victim of their teachings, like so many of you have. And just to clarify, no--I am not on their payroll, and my ministry over the years has far exceeded the boundaries of the CoGoP.
Also, you try to make an argument about the Church changing things in their teachings, most pointedly, their teaching about what kind of clothing is acceptable. Then you go on to call the Church "hypocrites" because they changed their stance on what is acceptable and what isn't. Let me explain this... Every church who has wanted to reach out to the next generation has done the exact same thing. Twenty or thirty years ago, you would've been asked to leave ANY church if you walked in with a mohawk and ripped blue jeans, but people change, and churches change. All CoGoP is doing is trying to get up to the times like everyone else. So why is it okay for every other denomination to do it, but when CoGoP tries, they're labeled "hypocrites?" It really doesn't make sense to me, but that's just my two cents on the matter. Take it for what you think it's worth.
(continued below)
You forgot to mention rap music and praise dancing ,and I'm not even apart of COCOP.
DeleteYou absolutely correct. Preach....These are people who are not looking for Jesus, but for an excuse to sin. God Bless you sister. I will be going with a friend to one of the women conferences this weekend.
Stop blaming everyone else for your own messed up life...there is no church no person nothing that can keep you from serving God IF YOU WANT TO...you are such a cry baby..grow up and get over yourself repent and live right ... get a personal relationship with the Lord and you will be able to handle anything that has happened to you.
DeleteAnonymousSeptember 28, 2013 at 11:42 PM
ReplyDeleteSince when is telling the truth equal to "backbite and gossip?" LOL. See, that's the problem with COGOP. You disagree with them, and they try to call you a troublemaker. That's how they try to control you. If you had any accountability, why didn't you post your full name and what church you go to? That's right. You are just another cronie from COGOP.
--Poster, gossip is gossip whether it is true or not. It still hurts people and still turns people away. I understand this website's mission, which is to expose fault in the CoGoP, and you know what? Everyone is entitled to their opinion and their ability to make their voice heard. I am not condemning people for doing that. What I AM DOING, however, is trying to challenge people who have been hurt by the CoGoP to allow the Holy Spirit to heal the wounds in their hearts that were made by this organization. Again, I am in the same camp that you are. I turned away from the Church for a long time, despite the fact that I was raised in it. But there comes a time in our lives when we mature and learn the true value and freedom that lies in forgiveness. Hatred and bitterness only hurts one person--YOU. You think the CoGoP is going to fall apart because this site exists? No, it's not. What I'm trying to say is that whenever you refuse to forgive people, it doesn't effect THEM, it effects YOU.
And furthermore, Poster, I notice you didn't bother giving your name out either. I really don't see how giving my name or any of my personal information gives credence to, or takes away from, the validity of my statements and opinions.
AnonymousSeptember 29, 2013 at 12:04 AM
You make a sound argument EP, but the church has NOT changed, and people are still getting hurt. This is far from over. We need REFORM and CHANGE (not that Obama kind of change either). This culture of shaming people who leave churches needs to stop if we are ever going to get along as a society!
--I completely agree with you! The Church does need reform and change, just like a lot of churches and denominations out there do. But one thing I can vouch for, is that there are sections of the CoGoP that are actually trying to make a difference and change for the better. That was what I was trying to say in my last post, not that the CoGoP as a whole was changing. That would be nearly impossible. It's a world-wide organization after all. However, if you look at the churches on a local level and even some on a state/regional level, you'll find some much-welcomed and much needed changes.
So once again, the whole premise of my last post was to challenge us to learn how to forgive and love people with the same all-consuming, unconditional love that Jesus shows to us. To be sure, Jesus Himself could start a blog page outlining every rotten, hurtful thing we've done against Him and be justified in doing so. But He doesn't do that, does He? No. He forgives us, even when we don't deserve it. And He shows us a love and acceptance that we could never earn on our own. And He asks us to do the same thing. I don't believe that's too much to ask.
Thank you, if you made it this far through my post. I know it is extremely long, but just wanted to get some things cleared up. I love you all in Christ's love and pray for you every day.
~Eric (EP)
Who in the right mind would write this much about a church they don't attend. I got no clue, but I got a feeling your name starts with a B instead of a E.
DeleteFair points. But as long as it's done respectfully, I don't see a problem with people sharing their horror stories about COGOP. For some people, it's a way of dealing with it. A lot of these churches shame them into not talking about what happened, as if they did something wrong. Perhaps it's part of some of these people's healing process. I think we're not always all on the same level spiritually (and I'm not implying that you or I are on a higher or more righteous level than the people posting these stories) and we all have different morals, beliefs, etc even inside the same church.
DeleteThere are no horror stories...lol...what planet do you reside on? Grow up...yes grow up...you have had your say....I don't care what has happened you can change your life by accepting Jesus as your Savior and Lord...Jesus can be the Psychiatric healing you so desperately need...I am not going to baby and coddle you because you had a bad experience there are people in all denominations who have face things that have thrown them for a loop....but there comes a time you grow up and get over yourself...you are one messed up person and by what I have read...you are easy to understand...you love the world and all that is in it...better live it up this will be your heaven...nothing you have said makes a dent in what I believe...you are so pitiful...try getting a life and living it according to the Word of God...you will find peace, joy and love even for those horrible COGOP people...lol
DeleteCOGOP is a good church in general, of course there's wolves dressed in sheep's clothing, why wouldn't the devil want to attack what is of God? Also Jesus said there are wheats and tares, must grow together until the Lord's harvest time. If u left COGOP and joined another Christ-centered church, that's great, but if u left and are a lone ranger, those are the ones the fall easier into the enemy's traps, come back to the flock of The Great Sheppard Jesus, whether it be COGOP or not but as long as it's the church of Christ!
ReplyDeleteTotally agreed...
DeleteJesus is the only way to heaven. Not the church. It's completely fine for someone not to go to church, because in the end, they will still go to heaven as long as they have a relationship with Jesus. You do understand that the whole "come back to the flock" thing comes off very cult-y, right?
DeleteP.S. Stop replying to yourself to make it seem like people agree, jesus.
"but if u left and are a lone ranger, those are the ones the fall easier into the enemy's traps..."
DeleteWhere's the biblical support for this?
Honestly, I'm not making fun of you (although you clearly don't understand the wheat and tare passage you quoted, read it again and try using some comprehension skills). Your opinion is one thing, but it doesn't make sense with the text you quoted.
Hello, I am the person that wrote the comment you replied to, first I would like to point out that you accusing me of replying to myself is a false accusation, I say that to say this, who is the accuser of God's children?! I know the spirit that lies behind those lies, ending your comment by using my Lord's name in vain, very clear that you are of your father the devil.
DeleteREPENT FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS NEAR!!!
"Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." -Hebrews 10:25
January 31st poster,
DeleteI regret to inform you that I am not, unfortunately, the spawn of Satan. Not now, nor have I ever been in the past.
However, I will try harder next time.
...Jesus!
LOL. How the fuck is COGOP Murrieta getting this much attention. Former member here, I didn't even know we had this many people that hated the church like me. But I guess we do. It's not even a proper church, it's a fucking mission full of family members that pretends they are hot shit. So much corruption, it's why I left. I saw a 15 year old chick get felt up during a practice by a dude with the last name Hernandez, and that was it for me. I was out dude.
ReplyDeleteTechnically, this did happen. I saw it first hand as well, if I remember correctly it was before a church service when everyone was still setting up or maybe it was a practice day.
DeleteRegardless, here's where the debate comes in. I saw the dude reach his hands over the girl playing drums as if he was trying to teach her to play a beat...and then his hands kind of wandered down, if you get my drift. Totally my opinion, that's what just what I saw. I was about 15 feet away from the drumkit.
However, the guy claims he didn't do it. The girl drummer claims he didn't do it either. Yes, she was 15, and a bit on the naive side, so let's take that into account as well. Rumor was she was pressured into writing a letter or something saying he didn't do it by the man and his wife (who, again just in my opinion, were very odd people).
Now. For what it's worth, I do not or have not ever been a member at that church. I worked at the liquor store across the street during the summer, and I dropped in to speak to some members of the worship team when this happened. I know some of the band on a semi-personal basis, but I don't live in Murrieta anymore. I don't keep in contact with them.
Just to add some clarity on this discussion...though I totally agree with you, I was pretty appalled as well.
LOL...with all your foul-mouthed and ugly posts...I can see why you named this the UN-COGOP...you don't belong..you serve the devil your master!
DeleteFact is they teach A DIFFERENT Messiah than the one is Scriptures... They twist Paul's words in ignorance! They practice the kundalini spirit and lead people down the wide path to destruction! Working HARD to get my parents OUT before it is too late. EVIL!
ReplyDeleteI agree with what the poster said about forgiving, I have done that. But are we not allowed to talk about it with others who have been hurt? I also agree with you on the perfect church, there isn't one. I am curious how long you were in the COGOP. Do you remember the 29 teachings? I do. I grew up with that nonsense on a daily basis in the 70's, 80's, & 90's. I don't know if the COGOP still uses that crap or not and frankly do not care. I have moved on. Yes I have been hurt, and yes there is no perfect church. What I do not like is how easy the COGOP judges people when it is not their place to do so. Who cares if you are a catholic, a Baptist, a Methodist, another COG type church, a non denominational and so on? Everyone's denominations goal is to get to heaven correct? Am I wrong in saying that? I grew up with the mindset that all other churches were wrong, they were lost, going to hell, and the only people who were going to go heaven were members of the COGOP. I heard it every week of every year. But if I am praying to Jesus in a COGOP church and another person who is praying to Jesus in a Baptist church, who is right and who is wrong? There both praying to Jesus. The COGOP would have you believe the Baptist was wrong, and lost. I'm sorry I just don't buy that. As I got older I asked those questions. We would listen to the Christian Radio station all the time, but those people didn’t attend the COGOP, so why would we listen to them? Are we not being led down the wrong path? Because I was taught we were to only listen to the leaders of the COGOP, that was gospel and they could do no wrong. These were the questions I was asking people as I got older, and all I would get from people was that I needed prayer and they would pray for me, that was their answer because they knew they were caught, I started to think for myself, and quickly was labeled a trouble maker, because how dare I question the COGOP authority, and all I was doing was asking honest questions because I was confused and I wanted answers.
ReplyDeleteI lived in an era of the COGOP where everything was a sin. Could not chew gum, it was a sin. Could not wear shorts, it was in the 29 teachings, it was a sin. Could not go bowling or an establishment that might serve alcohol, it was a sin. Could not attend movies, it was a sin, and the whole movie thing was a joke. Again asking questions got me in trouble. What was the difference if I waited and watched the movie on TV? That supposedly was ok, but do not go the theater and watch it, which is not ok. Could not wear wedding bands, was considered outward adornment, it was a sin. And the thing that cracks me up is for the COGOP to change the rules as they see fit. Now it’s ok to wear your wedding band? WOW really, your wedding band one day was a sin and the next it’s not. Un freaking believable. We were also taught that divorce and remarriage was a sin, supposedly that’s not a sin anymore, the COGOP changed that. WOW, that was one of the biggest no no’s. Also supposedly if you were divorced, you could not receive the Holy Spirit, you could only be saved and sanctified. I would listen to an elder of the church say to a lady “now so an so, we have been over this, you simply cannot receive the holy spirit, so quit trying, your divorced”. WOW again un believable.
As I got older I got out. I decided to think for myself. I do not need ANY religious organization to micro manage my life and tell me what I can and cannot do. I pray every day and that’s good enough for me, judge me if you want, which I am sure the COGOP members reading this will do, but who cares. I am free from your oppression. You will never be free as long as you continue to hurt people, oppress them, and judge them, and preying on their emotions.
A Sunday School teacher at one of the COGOP's my father pastored was married to an insanely abusive man. She was MY Sunday school teacher. I know for a fact that the man raped her and beat her on a regular basis. He was not a leader in the church, but he attended his 3 weekly services like clockwork. Now, when I was a teenager and we'd taken a new pastorate, this woman finally left her cur of a husband...and was promptly informed that she could no longer lead as a Sunday School teacher. She was welcome to attend services, but it would be best for her to keep her interactions with the congregation to a minimum, lest she corrupt the young people who were impressionable and may begin to believe that divorce was acceptable. (This was prior to the decision handed down in the late '90s by the Bishops and Presbyters). She was an amazing woman. I still remember lessons she taught us. I also recall how her cur of a husband spoke to her and put her down in the parking lot nearly every service, loud enough for all of us to hear. She lived to marry a wonderful, Godly man and raise her children in home founded on love and mutual respect. However, if COGOP had their way about it she would have stayed with the cur. There was also an incident at another church we pastored where a couple began attending and they were wonderful people. The husband and my dad had great conversations and struck up a sort of friendship. After getting to know him pretty well, my dad asked him to become a bible study teacher, as his knowledge of the Word was excellent and he had a wonderful spirit about him. The man accepted. Within the week one of the members of the "Big Family" within the church (almost every COGOP congregation is centered around a Leading Family...it's the COGOP way...they run the entire show, whether the Pastor asks them to or not...) came to my dad and told him, "This man cannot teach. He is divorced and this woman is his second wife. If you put him in the position, we will find some place else for you to pastor." So, Dad had to withdraw his request and those folks quit attending much later on. We pastored that church for a mere 11 months. It felt like 11 years. It was one of the most manipulative churches we ever pastored. It was horrid!
DeleteAs a former preacher's child, I feel your pain. And your are correct that just about each congregation had one of these "leading families" who ran the show. They were usually directly related to someone high up in the organization or related by marriage. Their relative was usually under general appointment or had been before they retired and they used that to remind you of their power. If the church started to grow, they would resist and have the pastored "moved". They ensured the "standard was in place" and no new people were given any responsibilities or power.
DeleteThe problem is accountability. Sweeping things under a carpet can never be good for any church. Forgiviness is one thing being down right foolish in another thing. People think of you let everyone get away with everything your a christian....no your a fool. Accountability and that is what is wrong. Christian social network not going out of your own circle when didn't Christ tell us to go out and reach the world? There is defintely problem in our Christian society lets face the problem and not sweep it under the rug in the name of love. Because it's not true love when you let someone do something wrong in your organization when you know the truth. Take courage people to tell the truth but most importantly stand by it.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for the hurt that the Church of God of Prophecy has caused each and every one of you. I was raised in the church. My father was a pastor for 26 years of the first 29 years of my life. I am a pastor now. I believe what I read on this site because I have seen it with my one eyes. I have experienced it. For a period of over 13 years, I left the church (well was actually kicked out under false accusations) and said that I would never step foot in the COGOP again. However God has sent me back. This time I am not brain washed and I don't agree with everything that is going on neither do I agree with everything that went on in the past. Please allow me to tell you my view. I went back to be a positive change in the church. I preach love, compassion, and the bible without adding or taking away from it. I don't preach man made rules. My church is growing and God has blessed it. But please understand this, in the past many (really majority) of the pastors were uneducated. they did not have internet, commentary, and most didn't have a high school education. I love my father dearly. I believe he did what he thought was right. However I know it wasn't right. He preached what he heard from the assembly, and the conventions and other preachers. He could barely read. He did his best if he was right or wrong. The church has done a lot of good. It has done a lot of wrong. Personally, I would like to see the Church of God of Prophecy meet at the General Assembly in 2014 in Orlando and REPENT. I mean a true 4 days of repentance for every idle word, every time they hurt someone, and for acting as if they are sitting on the judgement seat of GOD. There is only one found worthy in all of heaven to open the book of life on the great judgement day. That is JESUS. So no human is going to let anyone of us in or turn us away from the gates of heaven. The church needs to repent. Stop acting like the Pharisees in the new testament. The pharisees were so hung up on man made traditions and rules that they didn't know who Jesus was and he was walking among them. Then I think the church should come out with some public apology to all the people who has been falsely accused, judged and condemned by the church. I have started to do this in my local church and the results are unbelievable. Who am I to judge? I am a sinner saved by grace. I am no better than any alcoholic, drug dealer, crack head, street walker, or any body else The only difference is I have been washed by the blood of the lamb and My sins are forgiven. Yes, I can love them and hug them and help them without condemning them. Jesus said the GREATEST commandment of all was to LOVE one another. It is amazing what LOVE will do. I don't believe the church will be successful until we get a leader that will take us to repentance and admit to GOD and the world the mistakes that we have made in the past. Where is Samuel? Where is Paul? Where is Peter? There are men and women of GOD in the church and it is time we stop following along and STAND up for what is right like Samuel, Paul and Peter.
ReplyDeleteI was also raised in the Church of God of Prophecy and both of my parents were ministers; my daddy pastored and my mother had an evangelist's license. I had my name taken off the church membership roll because I don't believe in some of their 'changes,' and I stopped attending services after the local church started "enacting" one of those changes. I still believe in a lot of what USED to be taught.
DeleteTrue, God is love and it's not his will that any should perish but that all should come to repentance, but God's love is not just health and prosperity; spoiling us until we get to heaven; like some in different churches may be being led to believe, but there are still tests and trials for God's children, and if we fail HIS test, there is judgment and hell.
Going on past that, you mentioned Peter. The first time I found Peter's name in the Bible was in Matthew 4:18, when Jesus saw him and his brother, Andrew, casting a net into the sea. I'm not saying that Peter didn't have any formal education, for I don't know, but Jesus called whom he would and I don't KNOW it if it took a formal education to be a fisherman. There are times that education MAY help a person, but God can use people like Moses with speech problems, which a lot of the people today might think shouldn't be used in the ministry. The world may look for the "highly educated," but we're told in I Corinthians 1:26-27: "For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;" (Might could read more: I Corinthians 1:20-31) It's now how much education a person has but are they saved, and do they believe, and preach, the truth of God's WORD, rightly divided? When people are looking for someone to help them on the road to life eternal, it's not necessarily the "educated" ones that will steer them in the right direction, but it needs to be someone, educated or uneducated, who KNOWS the Lord more than someone who just knows ABOUT the LORD. Peace... :)
Nicely put but there are concern not being brainwashed this time...so there was some kind of brain washing the first time? I commend you for your sincere intentions may God bless you. There need to be change in the leadership. Also it saddens me years ago thousand were turned away because of wedding rings along with many other man made rules. When there is an exclusive thing like we are the only ones..this seems to follow in the cult behavior so caution and prayer needs to be taken. I think if a person is sincere the Holy Spirit will lead him to the truth. And the truth will make you free. COGOP needs to get out of the bubble and go to the streets and reach the community. The people who are really hurting not just their own members and forget what who Jesus really ministered to. He came to save the lost and hurting. So saying that I think they need to stop thinking they are better and the only ones that God hears. I think you make some excellent points but sadly to say COGOP has many modern day pharisees.
ReplyDeletewhat I meant by brain washing the first time, is I too was told that the COGOP was the only church The leaders were right and we should just do as they say and not question them. I knew nothing but the COGOP and the 29 teachings until they threw me out. I grew up in the COGOP when the members kids could have TV but the pastors could not have TV in their homes. I remember the No chewing gum, no shorts, no movies, no ball games. I was even called in and talked to by the VLB leader that told me I was going to hell for wearing Blue Jeans. She told me that my Blue Jeans were too tight. I asked her why was she looking to see how tight my Blue Jeans were? But after being thrown out of the COGOP because someone lied on me and said they saw me at a bar and I had never stepped foot in a bar in my life, I discovered a whole different world. When I came back to the COGOP, I came back a different person. I came back with a better understanding of GOD and his word. I came back to be part of the change that I believe needs to take place in the COGOP.
DeleteBe the change you wish to see in this world. Gundi
ReplyDeleteWe all have to answer to God for ourselves, we are to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling (ref Philippians 2:12,) but God sees who is not fearing and trembling enough, allowing themselves to be deceived into believing that sin is not sin; whether it be "remarriage," while their spouse is still living, lying, stealing, lusting, or any other sin. Sin is STILL sin, no matter what "society" or churches call it and it will end up costing the vast majority of mankind their soul.
ReplyDeleteEcclesiastes 12:13-14 "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil."
I was raised in the Church of God of Prophecy, but no longer attend there, but I still believe a lot of what they USED to teach! A church or an individual redefining a word doesn't mean that God has redefined it and he is the One that we will answer to and we need to be EXTREMELY careful what we define as okay. We do not need to "EVOLVE" into thinking that sin is no longer sin. NOTHING or NO ONE is worth missing out on eternal life with Jesus Christ! Peace... Linda
Please give me a scripture for not wearing blue jeans. Please give me a scripture for not chewing gum. On remarriage, (even though I am not in a remarriage situation), please give me a scripture that says if a person marries someone who has been married that they have the right to go marry someone else, but if neither one of you have been married then it is until death do you part. The COGOP definition for adultery is just that, the COGOP definition. It is not the bible. Paul said that he wished all was like him and remain single however it is better to marry again then to burn. The COGOP took the bible and preach man made laws from the scriptures. They did it out of ignorance. Yes God can use anyone. Education is helpful but not mandatory. However, Education helps you understand more about the true meaning of the scriptures by researching what was going on during the time the scripture was written. Education will help keep you from taking the scripture out context. Even the church leaders said that it was a clearer understanding of the scripture that caused them to change the teachings. This is the same thing the Pharisees did with the Law of Moses. God only gave Moses the 10 commandments. After years of Man adding to it and changing it as they felt "led by GOD", did it turn into the Law of Moses followed by the Pharisees. We should preach the word of God. We should never skip scriptures or soften scriptures. There is a Hell. It is an everlasting burning lake of fire. However, you or I or anyone else but JESUS will open the book of life to see whose name is written it in. God knows the heart. Man looketh on the outward appearance. The final judge knows our thoughts and every evil thing man has done. The scripture says judge not. It is just as wrong for me to judge you or anyone else as it is for me to go smoke cocaine. So we self righteous church members need to be just as careful about judging others as those who don't serve GOD, in order to make it to heaven.
DeleteI might send this in two posts because it was too long for one.
Delete1. I don’t know anywhere in the BIBLE where it says that it’s not okay to wear jeans. I do believe that individuals have their “own” ideas/opinions and may have taught, and continue to teach, them as truth, which I guess could happen in any church.
2. I used to want to chew gum, too, and I can’t quote a scripture that says, “Don’t chew gum.” but I, personally, choose not to chew it because of one of the ingredients in it. Even in “society,” it might not seem the “proper” thing to do but, of course, I don’t want to go by society’s rules on everything.
3. The scripture used for a single person having “married” someone who has already been married being able to divorce and remarry, is found in Matthew 5:32 and Matthew 19:9, where it tells of being able to do that for the cause of fornication. Fornication, if they had someone else’s spouse, instead of their own.
4. ‘til death do us part can go with Matthew 19:6 and Mark 10:9, where we’re told not to let man put asunder what God has joined together. Once God makes them one flesh, we’re not to put it asunder.
5. I don’t know all of the facts about Paul, but some believe that to be in the position he was that he had to have been married, so it‘s believed that he was a widower, which would have made him unmarried. When
he was speaking to the people in I Corinthians 7:8, he was speaking to the unmarried and widows, who were also unmarried since their husbands had died; telling them it was better to marry than to burn. It’s in 1 Corinthians 7:10 where he addresses those who are married.
6. People are allowed to be “educated,” then preach and teach whatever they choose, as long as God permits it, but in II Timothy 3:7, we’re told about people “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” We’re also told in I Corinthians 3:18-20: “Let no man deceive himself. If any many among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.”
Second part of Reply:
Delete7. Yes, there is scripture that says, “Judge not” but Jesus also said, in John 7:24 “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.“
It looks like it may be referring to false prophets, but we’re told in Matthew 7:20: “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” Then, it was the church of the Thessalonians that was being addressed when they were being told in II Thessalonians 3:14-15: “And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.”
None of us can live for the other person but a child of God is to set an example and those over us in the Lord are supposed to care for souls, love us enough to warn us if we’re doing wrong. Yes, it is an individual matter and we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ for ourselves, and one thing about it, I want to be welcomed into heaven, rather than being told to depart. I don’t want to let any little, or big, thing in this life cause me to miss out on heaven; being with the Lord will be worth any sacrifice I need to make down here. I pray for God to help me to love him more and, I believe, the more we love him, the less the things of this life can mean to us.
Don’t know that I’ve answered all your questions to your satisfaction, but I did try to find scripture for most of it.
I might guess that you and I left the Church of God of Prophecy for different reasons, but I do believe that God can help both of us to know and live his truth, if we have a sincere heart.
I don’t know you, well at least I don’t know who you are, but may God help both of us to know the truth of his WORD, to live it to the end of our days, and to make it HOME!
Peace, and yours for Christ, Linda
You anonymous are the most judgmental person so far on this page...lol...you have falsely judged a church by your simple-minded self..heres some scripture for you...Matthew 15.17-20-17 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?
Delete18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.
17 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?
18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.
and Matthew 19.1-9-Matthew 19King James Version (KJV)
19 And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan;
2 And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there.
3 The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?
4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?
8 He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.
9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.
The Bible is full of scripture read it...you are a joke...you just want to talk down a church because they believe in living according to the word of God...this is my last post to you...you are hopeless and I believe when you come to the end of your life...it will be revealed to you...so sad..but I do not think you want help...you have sold out to your master...I choose to serve the Lord...good luck..you are going to need it.
I too was once a member of the COGOP but under the leadership and direction of the Holy Spirit I left because it vexed my soul to teach a doctrine that was not spiritually biblical. It was very hard to leave because I was the third generation in my family and at the age of 33. I still have the booklet with the 29 teachings and agree that though they are taken from scripture, their the interpretation was through the flesh for control of the congregation. If one controls the congregation through fear and intimidation, they also control their resources. This is the downfall, not only the COGOP and the COG, but many other churches and evangelist. Greed, all in the name of Jesus. One more thing before I go, let us not forget the nepotism. The leadership needs to get these two things under the blood first before change can come. I wish I had more time, but I must go for now. JAH
ReplyDeleteI understand. I left at age 26 and was too a 3rd generation to attend
DeleteMy wife and I just recently joined Pearl River Church of God of Prophecy (in Louisiana), it's a small congregation of around 20ish.
ReplyDeleteLast night (Tuesday night 7-8-14) we attended the weekly service, and the preaching was anointed ...and full of the Holy Ghost (guest speaker Pastor Shirley of Hammond, La church).
Everyone in the church freely moved in the Holy Ghost during the service, ...and the gifts were present.
During the beginning of the service, one of the ladies of the church (Sis. Lisa) was led by the Spirit to anoint me with oil and pray (in tongues)... and when she did, I felt (within me) the Holy Ghost begin to serge up out of my belly.
Then a quaking within my body, it was the same quaking as when I first was born again in Sept. 1979. .... And the same through my walk with the Lord Jesus!
Thank You COGOP members for letting the Spirit of God have His way in the services....and thank you members for believing and living the Word....and thank you for wanting to be conformed to the Word.....and not the world....and for want to have His touch...
All I want to do is.... follow Him, ....live holy, ....and tell others about His promise.
KB. Wichterich, Chaplain at TA truck stop - Slidell, La
Hi Kerry
ReplyDeleteMay God Bless you and your wife
What is posted regarded the hurt and compromise
COGOP has done is truth. That is the facts. Many of us you were praising and worshiping God but when someone asks you to fellow man you know something is wrong. When they ask you to cover up it is wrong. When they abuse when you leave because you want to please God and not man they call you a heretic. When you have a car accident and your child dies they say it was because God punished you for leaving the organization. Any place that puts these cult tendencies with mind control with fear is a cult plain and simple. That is the honest truth. Religion does not work. Christianity was never meant to be a a religion but a relationship with God.
Someone raised in COGOP, like I was, posted this on facebook. Many or us were abused by a parent but I don't think blaming it on the church is the answer. COGOP was what is was, and I think should/ can be different now. The times have changed. What happens in ANY CHURCH that makes it bad is legalism, hiding sin and justifying wrong doings. I still have a copy of the 29 teachings. What a hoot! Nothing but legalism disguised as godliness. BTW- my dad was a pastor in East Texas in COGOP. I am now a Catholic, by choice and church research. I am as charismatic as I ever was and run a YWAM ministry for Catholics. Life is good but forgiveness is key.
ReplyDeleteAny church is hard to attend when you love the world and the sin that it offers...prayers...enjoy it while you can.
DeleteAmen...they love the world more than they love the Lord...the teachings were not and are not legalistic...it is the very Word of God.
DeleteNehemiah prayed (Neh chapter 2) for God to forgive him of his sins. Then Nehemiah prayed for God to forgive the leaders of his people for their sins and allow him to restore Jerusalem. I have started to teach this at the COGOP that I pastor. God forgive me for any wrong doing, anyone I may have hurt or hindered from serving you. God, forgive our church leaders for any wrong doing. God help me that I may be able to rebuild my local church.
ReplyDeleteYes, I have been hurt by the COGOP like many others but I also know there comes a time in life when you just have to forgive and move on. I still feel a part of this group. It was a major part of my life for many years. The culture within the group was unique and "one of a kind." While I have moved on, it's part of me, part of my heritage and I will always feel part of that little church that pledged to a church flag among other peculiar customs. We were unique! COGOP, you are forgiven. The hurt you caused was not intentional. You were simply following the path others had laid down before you many years ago. All is forgiven. I've moved on but there is still some COGOP culture deep down and it will always be there.
ReplyDeletePray...get a life and move on...it really is that simple.
DeleteRead many posts tonight and would love to share my journey as a Christian after having been raised in the COGOP. I could literally write volumes of books about this issue and my experiences, while very similar to many that I have read, go much much deeper and involves hundreds of pastors and church hierarchy. Suffice it to say:
ReplyDelete1) COGOP, while not a cult, is very close to being one.
2) The whole story of the Tomlinsons is complete hogwash.
3) While the COGOP says it is a Bible believing entity, and every member INSISTS that they and their church truly ARE Bible-Believing, the COGOP does not preach the Gospel without an addendum,
4) The COGOP was a scam from the beginning - anyone who questions that needs to do some serious reading and fact-checking into the first 4-5 years the denomination was started. (it's easier to research than most would think.)
5) The indoctrination of their church theology, "advice", and 'Truths", on people and especially children will produce later in life grown, educated men constantly questioning what they believe and what they know to be true.
I thank the Lord every day he opened my eyes. I pray that someone reading this will also check the Bible, in its entirety, against every thing they hear or have heard. Nothing should be added to the Bible or to the Gospel, yet people are blinded by the very light they think is leading them down the correct path.
I wish you all Godspeed and pray that the Lord brings you to salvation.
I checked the Bible and researched...you are completely wrong...their teachings are Bible based with many scriptures to back it up...now what sins are you indulging in...that has gotten you so upset...get a life and move on...it is that simple.
DeleteI have never read so much complaining in all my life.Things that have been told, like chewing gum, wearing shorts and the language used on some post, will not be allowed in a court of law.The judge would have you removed or find you in contempt.You do your complaining here.Why don't you man up and tell the truth.You have backslid on God and so has cogop.Sounds like all have the same song, woe is me.You would have called Jesus and his 12 a cult. A warning to all that have found new freedoms and to those in the cogop.Jesus still says it is a straight and narrow way and few there be that find it.After being around the cog and cogop all my 71 yrs. I STILL THINK GOOD ADVICE A is invaluable and THAT WE WILL BE JUDGED BY GOD'S WORD.A member of the church of God and glad of it.
ReplyDeleteThe truth is not complaining. "A warning?
DeleteSounds like COGOP alright scare tactics.. There is not condemnation to those truly in Christ>>Especially for telling the truth. Hate not but yes tell the truth. I am glad you glad but I do detect a hint of pride..careful... or that is what cogop would tell you not I. So saying this please spare us with the self righteous. If we all were " good enough": we would nt have needed to die for all us . Sinners that we ALL are
Jesus Christ came to die for us all of us. We all were guilty of sin. Follow God and his word and you will find the truth not what man or an organization says.
Delete71 years glad of it, and you too are anonymous...just sayin'
DeleteJudged by Gods word, yep - LOVE. His love never fails. Righteous other than His is filthy rags. My works show my love for my savior Jesus. Broad is the way of works for salvation, narrow and hard is the way trusting Jesus alone. Bet you will be surprised who is and is not in heaven...well maybe not?
Im sure you will be shocked
Deletesome sanity and truth in an insane world...you know the truth...I have read the comments too and came to the same conclusion...they want the world more than they want God. Stay the course the Lord is soon coming.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteDoubt if anyone will read down this far. Seems to be a good place to vent. Great idea. Ministered in cogop for years. The excesses in legalism(Jesus and 29) was rampant. The original intent of the truths made prominent were to be a guide for holy living. Years later it was used as a test for membership, and a validation of ones salvation. The later generations saw the truths as salvational (maintain your salvation). The bible teaching were good advice, as the advice to members. Unfortunately they were used and elevated equal to or above the saving work of Jesus. Their wrongful application is evident in the anger and hurt I have read on this blog. Please understand this was not of God, but man wanting to control. They have listened to God and made corrective steps. Love God, love people. Our family now attends, ministers, and support the local CMA church. They helped and loved us out of the hurt. Listen, if the church you attend is not preaching Jesus alone for salvation, don't walk, but run to one who is. -in the sincere love of Jesus Christ!
ReplyDeleteAgreed. I agree with your words above how they took "advice to members" and made it LAW.
DeleteThanks for your wonderful words. I am glad they have taken corrective steps. There were MANY hurt through these teachings.
Wrong again....you also want a loose lifestyle...then live it...the church teachings were all biblical...born again...are you against salvation? Restitution...do you not believe that either? Sancitification? Holy Ghost? what do you believe?....I would say little or nothing....grab hold and the world...you will find out just how miserable life can really be...here some advice...whether you ever attend the COGOP ever again...read the Bible..live by everything it teaches and repent...life will be good again...move on...life goes on....only people hurt by the teachings were those who want the world and Jesus too...doesn't work that way...you will find that out as you read the Word of God...all the Word of God...not just one or two verses you chose to live by...good luck....prayers
DeleteI grew up in COGOP with a dad as pastor and who was very controlling. I know with his church there were 30 plus people ran off when he couldn't control them. When my wife and I switched churches was told would go to hell for attending another church and can't get to heaven attending another church. With that, I will never step foot in their doors
ReplyDeleteHey bro just keep praising God . Don't worry about what people think. Those free in Jesus are free indeed. I guess people are getting all bent out of shape because people are now starting to ask questions. Keep you eyes on Christ because in these days we are living in that is all that counts.
ReplyDeleteI grew up in COGOP, and God did some amazing things in my life. He was giving me visions of things and told me if no one hears what he had sent me to say that SATAN would destroy the Church. Sadly no one listened because they don't want to hear Truth. I don't know about all the churches, but if your Pastor is using RICK WARRENS....THE PURPOSE DRIVEN CHURCH look into this Rick Warren is NEW AGE! New Age is SATANISM! The Pastor, and the Prespituer both said you can be a Christian if you CUSS, and LIE this is a straight up Lie.I feel a lot of the cconfusion is using any Bible. The one, and only Bible that will lead you to eternity with JESUS is only THE KING JAMES VERSION BIBLE. Check out the other Bibles you will find the lies scriptures missing and added. Satan is deceiving the most Elect don't let him deceive you. They will sometime soon make the ONE WORLD RELIGION Bible. JESUS told me to follow his law not mans. So follow the correct Bible and you will be safe. I pray that GOD will show people the TRUTH before time runs out. I no longer attend the COGOP GOD told me to get out! I'm much happier knowing I'm on my way to HEAVEN. I pray that many more see the lies and get out! GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
ReplyDeleteI thank God for a praying mother who knew how to raise us in the COGOP. She used wisdom, prayer, common sense. She lived the life in front of us. No one was faithful like her. There are seven of us kids the oldest 90 and youngest 76. All but one serve the Lord, one is Baptist and he is a Christian like no one else. We weren't taught all the fanatics things you talk about. As I said she had wisdom. Would not trade my bringing up for anything. Love what the church stands for, may not like the changes but it's something that is still sweet to me. Thank God for a mother with wisdom.
ReplyDeleteI was shocked to hear that a known Homosexual was ordained this past Sunday in the Church of God of Prophecy in Tennessee. He is the minister of music at the church and his boyfriend is the pastor. They had lived together for over 20 years and everyone knows the connection between the two. They use to travel together as an evangelistic team until the pastors figured out just how "friendly" they were and stopped allowing them to hold revivals in the Tennessee Churches. Then they left the COGOP and tried to start their own church. It failed. So now they are back in the COGOP and the church is letting them be ordained ministers. This is a sad day for the COGOP. The COGOP must really be hurting for pastors in Tennessee.
ReplyDeleteI guess after the last post people were left speechless. No ore posts since December 2014?
ReplyDeleteOkay, now let's be truthful: IF there is a gay couple pastoring in TN, it's not the first. FL had a lesbian couple who pastored together, evangelized, and were state secretaries for many years. I won't mention names but come on, people, they were obviously lesbians and no one talked about it. Of course, they were fine because they followed in public the 29 teachings and advice to members. But who is kidding who? If this has happened recently in TN, it was happening in FL in the 1960's and 1970's. If you are from FL you know exactly what I'm referencing.
ReplyDeleteI rebuke you in the name of Jesus! I know EXACTLY who you are referring to and they WERE NOT lesbian! Just because two women, sing, evangelize and spread the good news does NOT make them lesbian. You WILL stand before God for your judgement of K/B and your words of untruth may keep you from the kingdom of heaven.
DeleteInteresting. You rebuke me and in later emails you talk about knowing "...who the gay couples are..." Then you use initials of whom you think I am referring to. You are quite a self-righteous individual and then rebuking me "in the name of Jesus." Wow! You are something else. But I do agree that members of the COGOP have been cruel to pastors. I've seen that with my own eyes and agree with your statements. I've not seen that from other churches but maybe that's true too.
DeleteThe reason no one is responding is every one from TN knows who it is and where they pastor.
ReplyDeleteWhich are the names please...
DeleteThank you for all your comments. This was seriously like a therapy session for me. All comments from the bitching and moaning to the fanatical Jesus stuff really put me on the road to heal. I had a negative experience in this church and I thought I was the only one that dealt with some of the issues that were repeated time and time again in this little blog. Thanks again. This made my day. Happy Easter!!!
ReplyDeleteI am so sickened by all the bashing and condemnations I accidently stumbled on this page and it is NOT of God! To bash any Christian (or Jewish) faith goes against what the bible teaches! Christ himself said Leave them alone, if they not be against us, they are for us! I too was raised in the COGOP and although they have their faults Ye without sin cast the first stone! Many reference the 29 teachings and yes there were errors in them, but the original intent was to establish and maintain a Holy nation, a Royal Priesthood! My father was a licensed minister in the COGOP and I left, not because of the teaching, or advice to members...but because of the disrespect and abuse that the members cause to the pastors! No pastor is without sin (as is no human) nor are they without mistake....but the members devour their pastor one minute and call them in the middle of the night to come to the hospital with a sick or dying family member and they go.....they all speak a PERFECT pastor but should focus more on being a PERFECT member. I have went to baptist churches, was a member of the Catholic church have attended Methodist, Nazarene, Weslyn, Luthern and many others...only to find the same to be true in all.....members are cruel! Let's stop tearing down and try to find some solid ground to build our Christianity on! I'm sorry for all the hurt pain and bitterness I see here. I was sexually molested at age 4 by my grandfather who was a deacon in a Weslyn church....does that mean the whole church was satanic? God forbid! I was raped by a man that was a Methodist does that condemn the entire church? God forbid! I have overcame my battles through the blood healing and salvation of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! God says touch not His annointed and who are we to decide who is Gods annointed. David was a murderer, adulterer and disobedient to God yet was called a man after Gods own heart! Forgiveness with sincerity is the key...not hatred, bitterness and strife! Sounds like a ton of people need to pull out the seed of bitterness from your hearts before you find yourself in a state of unfavor in front of The Lord!
ReplyDeleteThe truth is the truth. When it is the truth it is not bashing. Please tell me where in the Bible we are told to not tell the truth. There has to be truth to these stories because so many of them are the same. The Church is wrong for the pain it has caused the people. They know that they know that Pastors are committing sins and sill allow them to continue to sweep it under the rug. They sweep it under the rug due to the fact that they are family members of the leaders or past leaders of the church. Why didnt Randy Howell get kicked out? Instead they made him a pastor of a local church in Tennessee. He was not worthy to be General Overseer anymore....but he is worthy to be pastor. If the COGOP would Stop acting and Start living what they preach and the people will stop pointing out the faults of the church.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI have not seen anything concerning Omar Lawson. I have known Omar Lawson all of my life. He was a close friend of my parents. He was a great man of God. Where did you get anyone was talking about Bro Omar Lawson?
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI'm not bashing. I am stating what happened to me. FACTS! We all need the Lord's mercy and Grace.
DeleteI need the names of the gay couples...Please...
ReplyDeleteJulio Olivares I am unsure why you are so intrigued to know who the gay couples are? Please send me a private message and I will try to answer your question if your concern is legitimate. You can email me at scottnpennyhenny@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful that the Lord led me to this blog so I could see the confirmation that I heard Him correctly regarding the "wolf in sheep's clothing" I almost married who apparently now attends this cultish church COGOP in North Dakota. He was part of another cult for 28 years prior and wrote a blasphemous antichrist book parroting the cult leaders false teachings that horribly spiritually abuse hundreds of people just like seems to have happened to so many in this so called "church". He horribly emotionally, mentally and sexually abused me for years. He has a many year porn addiction and tried to manipulate me to have sex with him to get "rid" of his sex addiction and to marry him to get "rid" of his sex addiction. He would make many unreasonable demands on me while abusing me and claim God told him to abuse me so I would "submit". When I dared to say "No" to anything in a very timid way, He called me names constantly Jezebel, and lesbian, and strange-wife, etc. if I dared to have my own opinion and to actually dare to ask for a need to be met. He lives a double life. He plays at pretending to be a "Christian" but Christ is not in him and he is a false teacher. He thinks he's a god himself and demands to be glorified and worshiped and any woman who disagrees with him and doesn't glorify him and pay constant attention to him the way he demands will pay and pay and pay. He has abused every woman he's ever been with including his wife who died. He comes across with such a false humility you would never imagine he's a "wolf in sheep's clothing". My friends, family and church tried to help me see his abuse for a long time, but I really started to see it when the Lord led me to begin confronting him in letters. I gave him and ultimatum that he must accept help to overcome his addictions to porn, hatred of women and addiction to cults if he wanted me to have anything more to do with him and he never did anything to make things right with me, but loves to preach at every one else. I pray for his soul, but I did all I could to help him see the truth before it's too late for him and to ask him to make restitution for the harm he caused me in God's name but he refused. I prayed for release from him for years and now I finally have it thanks to those brave ones who dared to share their pain on this blog. God loves us so much that He send His only Son Jesus to take our place to save us from condemnation for our sin. Jesus came to bring grace and truth. You can't separate them, when you do, you will always end up in a ditch and be led astray into apostasy and not even know it. Be careful that you do not deceive yourselves what ever we sow we do reap. And what is hidden in darkness will eventually be exposed to the light of Jesus by God's design. I also pray for his other victims because he is an abuser seeking his next victim to abuse and dominate and control to glorify him as he says. He will be very charming until you dare to say "No", then watch out. You can tell there is something "off" about him but you really don't want to believe it's what you think it is, at least that is how it was for me, and for other women I know of who he has tried to con and get to marry him. He will face Jesus someday and then he will have no one left to blame and victimize and no where to run and hide anymore. I pray for the victims of this COGOP cult as well. These stories are almost identical to the stories of the victims in the cult this man was part of for so many years. God bless you all, and be with you to give you discernment.
ReplyDeleteI have seen forums such as this one about growing up in all kinds of churches - Oneness, Apostolic Faith, AG, Holiness, Fundamentalist Baptist (you should read the stories about Bob Jones U.), etc. While the COGOP had its extremes, this can be said of many church organizations.
ReplyDeleteClearly some on this forum had parents who were not perfect and used the COGOP as a substitute for good parenting. Others may feel a since of rejection because of a problem they suffered and the inability of the local church to meet their needs.
There are some "sweeping" statements on this forum that make all members of the COGOP responsible for the sins on individuals or the failures of particular local churches. If that is the case then it would be best to give names, dates and locations of such "wrong doing" that we as a body may investigate the facts. I am concerned that in one case it was said that the crimes of kidding lapping, false imprisonment and sex trafficking/forced marriage took place. If this is the case this needs to be reported to law enforcement and many on this forum are mandatory reporters for such crimes.
Coming to terms with you upbringing can be difficult. There are so many people who have issues with their parents that were not raised in the COGOP that if would be foolish to assume that everybody's childhood would have been perfect if only the COGOP was not in their lives.
Perhaps you could encourage your parents to join you in family counseling.
This is delusional logic, I'm sorry. My parents and I have an excellent relationship. In fact, they raised me up the way right, to question everything, even my own church and my own beliefs. To, God forbid, read into the Bible myself and find my own path. That is the way the church should work.
DeleteThe reason no one is naming names is because the church is actively threatening people who post on this page, going as so far to guess who people are based on their post content.
Perhaps you could stop making "sweeping" statements about people here, hypocrite.
So your parents raised you up the right way, which is to question everything, yet they were so "brain-washed" they raised you in the COGOP? Amazing! I can not tell which it is, in one post the COGOP is un-Biblically strict and rejects people who have problems, yet another post says they are controlling and you can not escape their "grasp". Is the COGOP a prison keeping people in or a private club keeping people out? There comes a point in life where you have to take personal responsibility for your anger and unhappiness. Forgiveness is a good start.
DeleteIt was not the parents. At least in most cases on this blog. It was the people of the church and how they treated others. While the COGOP is changing. I might add for the good........it is very difficult to correct the damage that has been done. I have said several times on this blog, we must forgive and we need to set an example for others to follow. I often quote Gundi, "Be the change you wish to see in this world",
DeleteIt's a shame to try and blame our parents. Our parents were only trying to abide within a system which was all they knew. Most of us are probably third generation plus COGOP. My dad was a pastor and was scared. And he had good reasons to be scared. He could have easily lost his minister's license. If not, he could have been sent to a much less desirable congregation. His salary was low enough but have easily been appointed to a smaller church we would have had to live on even less. So don't try and blame the parents. And don't act like the fear wasn't real. I was at a State Convention around 1969 and the State Overseer flat out said to pastors, "If you have members wearing wedding rings in your church and you don't turn them out, I will take away your license and then I will turn you out." I also wonder how much fear that State Overseer had because if he had let rings be worn by members in his state he would have also been in trouble and sent to a smaller state. There was fear within the COGOP that drove us to abide by the rules "or else". Yes, I forgive them because even people in high leadership roles were afraid. But that doesn't mean that these things are not true. And if you were in the COGOP during this time you know I am telling the truth.
DeleteAgain, there is a certain willingness to "deflect" blame on the "other" church members or on the leadership of the time. No doubt there is abuse in churches that should not take place, however, if you come from a ministry family there may be people that feel your father, who was their pastor, abused them. I have often heard pastor's children complain about how stick their parents were in comparison to the higher-ups families. In many cases there needs to be recognition of the fact that some pastors felt the church was not strict enough and they went beyond the "guidelines" of the general church. Overly strict parents (controlling parents) are not just a problem inside churches. If there is past abuse it needs to be confronted; if it is a current problem it needs to be reported; if you are having repercussion from your childhood now, instead of living a life of blame, get some help for yourself. I will say, many pastor in the past and many today, should have never been given the opportunity to be a minister/pastor. They were not called, nor were they equipped, and their families and churches suffered for it.
DeleteYou are typical COGOP, blaming the pastors. I'm sure there were abusive parents within the COGOP and probably some were pastors. I didn't suffer, thank God, with abusive parents. My parents stayed within the guidelines of the church and were careful but didn't go over-board at all. My dad never preached the radical stuff that came out of Cleveland. He was balanced and raised his children to follow the Bible. In other words, he wasn't "churchey" like many were. I am glad I had God-fearing, Bible-believing parents who taught us about love. You can blame the pastors all you want, but you need to look to Cleveland, TN and the radical ideas that came out of HQ and the State Overseers who dictated these things. Do you not remember State Overseers standing up at the end of every convention reading off churches names and then deciding who was going there. There were many instances where they used this power and the pastor didn't now what church or city he was living in until the appointment was read. That was the structure within which we lived. I realize they have come a long way and made improvements. Good for them. I hear pastors are not threatened like they were in the past. Great to hear. But that doesn't mean these things didn't happen. They did.
DeleteWow...this site has a bunch of people who need to see a pyschiatrist...get a life...pray and move on...you are blowing it all out of proportion with no evidence to even prove any statements made...people reading this I suppose are to take your word as the truth...you not convinced me of anything but that you are lovers of the world and the pleasures it has to offer instead of lovers of God...no one can cause you to stop loving God or backslide...that is a personal choice..sounds like a lot of whining to me.
DeleteHow rude. The person posting under "A Word of Truth" saying if you dare to speak the truth you are in need of a psychiatrist. Simply ignorance and arrogance and acting like these things didn't happen. All people are saying here is that they were hurt and then "A Word of Truth" says see a psychiatrist.
DeleteI grew up in the cogop. I cant believe some of this stuff. Yes they were strict on somethings. but some of the things people on here are saying are ridiculous. We could wear pants just not a church. We could cut our hair. chewing gum wasn't a sin! We went and saw the Braves games in Atlanta every time they were in town. We wore makeup. We weren't tought that we were the only church going to heaven.
ReplyDeleteThe church i went to had caring and loving members. Its not a CULT!! and why are people hiding their names? Is the Gestapo going to come get you?
Actually, that's quite accurate.
DeleteFormer COGOP Murrieta member here. I have been contacted by their alleged "PR Director" about how there would be legal repercussions if I kept posting here.
...except this is literally the first time I've visited this page, go figure.
Dear Sis Chambers:
DeleteGo get a 1985 or before General Assembly minutes of the COGOP. Please read the advice to members. You will find advice against chewing gum and many other teachings that was used to discipline members. I advise you read it before making comments that it was not true. It is true. I read it. I lived it. I was condemned for some of it.
Then you went to the wrong COGOP..I have chewed gum all my life...wore pants..went to ballgames...wore makeup etc...never had any bad experiece with anyone...my dad was a Pastor for years in the COGOP.
DeleteI grew up in the cogop. I cant believe some of this stuff. Yes they were strict on somethings. but some of the things people on here are saying are ridiculous. We could wear pants just not a church. We could cut our hair. chewing gum wasn't a sin! We went and saw the Braves games in Atlanta every time they were in town. We wore makeup. We weren't tought that we were the only church going to heaven.
ReplyDeleteThe church i went to had caring and loving members. Its not a CULT!! and why are people hiding their names? Is the Gestapo going to come get you?
I'd also like to weigh-in on this conversation. I don't think people here are trying to promote blame. I think this is a forum where people are trying to come to grips with pains that resulted. To state it's the pastors' fault, the parents' fault, the local churches' fault, or "Cleveland's" fault will not benefit anyone. The fact to the matter is that hurt has been caused. We all have to forgive and move on but part of the healing process can be expressing one's views in a form of this nature. Telling people it's the parents' fault and to get counseling is not helpful.
ReplyDeleteLet's place the blame where it really belongs...it is the devil's fault because he has blinded people and caused them to want the world more than God...that's where the blame goes...pray and move on.
DeleteI have read through most of the post here. I see and understand the hurt here. I was taken to COGOP from an infant and joined the church when I was 15. I held various positions in my local church as well as teaching and preaching. Yes, the teachings were strict, but we must understand that the church had its roots in the holiness movement and not only COGOP but many other holiness churches had strict beliefs. Brother A J Tomlinson had a revelation from God concerning the restoration of the Church of God, the continuation of the Church Christ set in order while here on earth. A J followed that revelation to the best if his understanding. He further explained that revelation in The Covering Removed, saying that we are uncovering the Church that Christ built rather than building a new one. I agree with Brother Tomlinson on this revelation. We are still today uncovering the Church that Christ built while on earth. I believe that with all the fighting and list making and name calling and exclusions that we as men and women have not only hurt people and ran people off, but have also counted many people out which God has counted in, and there caused the the Church that Christ set in order to remain covered in some areas; and to be recovered over again by more man made teachings. We must all first seek God, and pray for the true revelation of His Church and how we as individuals and as a group of believers in Christ can complete the work. We all must wake up and realize it is almost time to go home, but we all have much work to accomplish together for our Lord Jesus Christ. A standard shall be lifted up which is the truth, and that Truth is Jesus Christ and we shall follow Him in all things. -Rob
ReplyDeleteConcerning the post above wasn't the COGOP first called the COG before the split? Also hasn't the COGOO split one or two more times since then and all these splits came from government and financial issues. Covering remove? New revelation? What greater revelation has there ever been of the Church than that of Peter when Christ told him flesh and blood did not reveal to him who He (Christ) was but His Father (God) in Heaven. The Church is made up of people who have a revelation or understanding of who Christ is. It's not a government of a denomination and/or non-denominational rules and regulations. The government is Christ. If there is to be an uncovering or revelation, it is the sin that is in ones life as one hears, reads and studies the word of God by His Spirit (Holy Ghost). A J Tomlinson come from a Quaker background and some of their beliefs were imbedded in him just as yours and mine. Don't get me wrong, A J had a good heart and love God, but was faced the same thing the Apostle Paul was, SIN in the congregation. Strict rules of government does not make a congregation of believers holy. If it did we would still be under the law of Moses, but it is a change of heart that is brought about by Faith in Christ and the Grace of God. There will never be a perfect church, no not my mans standard, and there is no church nor person with a new divine relation. Remember what Christ said "...upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." He didn't say we or you or me, but He would do it. I'm well familiar with the COGOP, my family has been members for three generations. I will sum it up this way. Quit trying to control and bring people up to the "COGOP Standard", and let the Holy Ghost do His perfect work through the power of conviction. If you are a member of the COGOP, don't be afraid to voice your opinion and change old man made doctrine that came by the way of ignorance and dominance. Love one another and forgive one another. If you can't do this, find another congregation to be a part of. Are we not all saved by the blood of Christ? JAH
DeleteWow....I've read so much of the comments, and what I've suspected has been confirmed. There are some COGOP members whom I dearly love and believe to be good God-loving folks, but many others are simply cogs in the machine, so to speak, (and no pun intended). It (and some recent experiences) further solidify a decision I've considered for a while.
ReplyDeleteSatan goes to EVERY church! That's where he does his best work. I also grew up in the CoGop. Found out after I grew up, that our pastor was sexually abusing his own children - and preaching in the pulpit every Sunday. The pastor that married me was found out later to be sexually active with several women in his congregation. Does this mean that God doesn't still love them. Absolutely not. EPH. 6 reminds us that we, as Christians, do not wrestle flesh and blood. Our enemy is the Spirit of darkness of this world. Satan and his angels, attend church - everywhere - regularly. Through all of the "mess" I've mentioned above, the Holy Spirit still convicted me of sin at an early age while I attended the CoGop and I was saved. I no longer attend this church...I am now attending another denomination. Just reminds me that God is bigger than all of this.
ReplyDeleteYou know,it is sad to read some of these comments and some of the personal experience.For one, I apologize to you for the behaviour of my brothers and sisters in Christ. I must give it up to all Christians worldwide though, for continued effort to align themselves with God's standards with the daily struggles and struggles as such as some of these above mention.
ReplyDeleteTwo, don't be confuse about the church, why because you are the church declares 1 Corinth chapter 6 (read). This whole process or journey is for you to personally get it right with God. Look He sent His son to die for sins you and I have committed just so we can have a place in His eternal Glory.Get it right with God first and when that happens you will see how important it is to get right with others( meaning to love and live peaceable with all men)the first and second commandment explains it all and if may i add the prayer that Jesus taught the disciples is there not just to recite but to edify, forgiven others is so important, wait not just important but vital because according to this prayer we receive forgiveness according to how we forgive others.please spend time in God's word.So for those persons who are holding on to all that bitterness and unforgiveness do yourself a favour and let it go.
Three, really don't worry so much about the four walls we go into to worship for the word of God declares that where two or three are gather in my name I am in the midst....(matt 18:20) Then Jesus declared that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. the church has everything to do with the people and not the four walls. So if you want to find a perfect church go first and find a perfect people.
And four I'm personally tired of this on going debate about religions. I don't remember reading anything about Christ bring with Him or leaving here on earth a RELIGION did you? He left on record His testimonies, commandments, laws, percepts and statues, no religion. He left a pathway that you and I can walk to receive the adoption, His persecution and suffering etc and you here debate about religion, you get it right and allow the Lord to use you to help someone to get it right through your testimony. You worried about chewing gum in church, we were disciplined for chewing gum in the classrooms I can almost guarantee you didn't make so much of a problem with that? Lets spend more time in pray and seeking the face of God than bashing people and ignorance.the bible has an ending for this world and the people, so chose today whom you will serve, chose whether you are going to let people behaviour detour you from serving God or as mention above looking for "the perfect church" at the end of the day its ON YOU and NOT the OTHER MAN.
When there a wolves in your congregation ...your a fool not to protect the fold. Truth will always prevail. Im not talking a bout a "perfect church" that is what COGOP preaches. "They are the one" the only and only one. "the perfect one" I know all the lingo brotha so don't cover it up under the rung
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI came across this today. All I will say is this. As an active pastor in my late 40's I absolutely love the Church of God of Prophecy. I did read some of the articles written and it saddens me to know that people within this church did such things. Speaking on my behalf, this is my home till I am called to my heavenly home. Also as a student of Church of God history I find many disturbing facts from the past and into the end in 1990 or so. I also have been told by so many that have left the COGOP and joined other church from the same fold and feel they have done a justice. But I disagree, we are all brothers and sisters all from the original vine. I refuse to the absent myself from the old landmark. Everyone is free to choose, oh what a privilege to do so. But I support and love my heritage and teach the Bible rightly-divided. Holiness is the key people need to know that their way of living must line-up with the Cross.
ReplyDeleteSo you know the history? Goody for you! Then you know what the statements are facts. Let me ask you? Do you think the COGOP is the only church? Answer that my friend. Or have they changed their mind again....year ago member were turn away for " wedding rings" Members who were divorced and remarried made to leave their current spouse and children. Yes I saw it happened...so my question they keep changing their minds...NO my friend keep you eyes on Jesus and his world. Anyone and I mean anyone can take out scriptures and make a religion. For that is what COGOP is a legalistic religion. I'm not by any means saying to be a sloppy christian yes follow holiness by all means but remember it through Christ Jesus we are saved...not an organization...Have you answered my question yet???Do you think COGOP is the only church? ah huh ...I thought so.
DeleteCogop is the most corrupt organization I personally know. They have ruined my life and my Dad's as well. When my father was a teenager a youth minister in cogop raped him on multiple occasions and they just swept it under the rug and moved the pedophile to a different church. Later my father was sued for bull shit allogations that I don't want to get into but I can say that the pastor that testified against my father lied to everyone in court and even though I won't go into details I can just say that the lying scumbag said he never saw or took part of a certain event, which was a complete lie as I was even there and saw him participate in said event. As a result my father has had his pastor's license revoked and hasn't been the same since. My family was torn apart as my dad become so distraught over the whole thing as cogop brought him to court over "damages" when they are the ones who let one of their own mollest him and get away with it. I am not a religious man anymore so I can say with all my heart a lot of these people are scum and deserve the worst
ReplyDeleteNever heard of such a case related to the COGOP. Perhaps you could tell us when and what state this took place in. Some details would give more believably to your words. If this is the case, there must be court records.
ReplyDeleteLet me say this. When we follow man things always go wrong. Google it search the history. Here is a link first overseer was impeached. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambrose_Jessup_Tomlinson Now when someone says ," I had a vision" beware. Red flag...keep you eyes on Jesus look for truth in the bible. Only God and the people who these horrific things happened to know if it is truth or not. All I can say for myself before God almighty they happen. I'm not trying to convince anyone. If you want to bury your head in the sand like an ostrich so be it. But I KNOW it happen to me. They are very much like Scientology in the sense of brain washing. I wish that on no one. They say the are " the only church" and treat other christians like outsiders like Scientology. That my friend is the truth. Find a balance church that know the bible and doesn't try to part scriptures to control you. God bless everyone
ReplyDeleteAmen. That's so true. People saying these things didn't happen are simply "burying the head in the sand." I too know what happened to me and that's the truth and the defense found on this page is simply ridiculous. Rediculous. Wake up
DeleteHere you go ...you want names for sexual misconduct
ReplyDeletehttp://uncogop.blogspot.com/2009/05/more-about-pastor-perv-from-salt-lake.html
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletewow...love has left the building..
ReplyDeletewho ever posts here and are such idiots and ashamed at their idiocy they don't use there name..so..to the man saying blahblahblah..well,,that is what I read as it is not a man or woman..but a homosexual liberal idiot who need to stop working to make heaven and accept it by faith..sad..
ReplyDeleteI'm speechless with the last post. I am just simply left speechless.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIm a pastor in this denomination, raised in it, and I will be exiting soon. The churches average age ministers are in their mid-late 70's and there are very little young ministers growing in their ranks. Why, you may ask, it is because this denomination is hung up on legalism and misinterpretations of scripture. Young Pastors cannot make an effective change or move towards God because of 3 thoughts. 1. We have never tried it this way. 2. We are the "BRIDE" (come on give me a friggin break) (most misunderstood and misinterpreted doctrine I have ever encountered) 3. Well we want the "good old glory days back or the way it used to be (let me say this, the so called good ole days that are referred to here, are the days when men had no education on scripture, thought that the KJV was the only real translation or most accurate and believed everything they heard was from the HOLY GHOST!) All of these things represent to me a dying and imploding denomination that will see its end in the next 20-45 years. Why? because educated COGOP individuals realize that there is freedom outside of this denomination, we are tired of being brow beaten and cut off at every turn.. so we move on to greater denomination like COG or Methodist (yes each has its problems) but comparing them against the COGOP is like comparing a dying animal with one who has a few splinters in the foot... splinters are easy to remove but the one on life support that is a vegetable, well you get my point... have fun any minister trying to debate me with your high school education to back you up and your "oh so spirit led" exegetical skills of scriptural research because guess what, you, yes you reading this, just had to stop and go look up what exegesis is and now your going to use eisegesis to explain your view of how "your so right", I am a heathen, or i need the love of Jesus in me. No, I am not offended, nor do I hold bitterness in my heart. The truth hurts for those who are unwilling to look into the light of scripture and grow, the COGOP calls itself "holiness pentecostal" and relates itself to a Wesleyian/Arian theology but in reality or in conduct it is way more Calavin in its superiority and authoritarian conduct.... "drop mic"
ReplyDeleteI was in the church a few years ago and the popular phrase was "dont question the church". This is VERY cultish activity. I WILL question the church, and when it doesnt match up with the Bible, the church doctrine will be discarded. This church at the core still believes it is the exclusive body of christ, and still has that silly flag that gives me the creeps.
ReplyDelete