On August 19, 1886 the Christan Union was formed. This Sunday we celebrate 125 years of ministry of the Church of God at Donaldson. I am 3rd generation COG, credentialed since I was 18 years old, and still amazed at how far we have traveled away from the roots of our forefathers who established our movement.
When the Christian Union/Holiness Church at Camp Creek/Church of God was formed there was a purpose behind it that has long since been forgotten. Our forefathers after 2 years of study of the Bible and prayer came to the conclusion that God wanted a church that would not conform to a creed or traditional basis, but be guided by the Word of God. Our forefathers broke away from the Landmark Baptist movement that said the Baptist church was the only way to heaven and that all other churches were just societies. Richard Spurling and his son, R.G. Spurling believed that the church was not inclusive to just one denomination, but should be open and available for all that believe and are hungry for a relationship with God.
Our early pioneers believed that the way of holiness was the Biblical way we should live and that we should be governed by God's Word and the Great Commandment-to love the Lord with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength, and our neighbor as ourselves. Yet even though our founding fathers had a great plan, we as a church have become more influenced by the world and the era in which we have lived in every aspect of thinking, even our belief in holiness.
Case in point-I remember when I first grew a mustache I was told I was going to hell because it was a sin. Yet the person that told me that didn't know that both Richard and R. G. Spurling, our founding fathers, had one a whole lot bigger than I could grow. It wasn't because it was wrong, it was because that era of society viewed it worldly, rather than prove it scripturally. I can remember so many things in my lifetime that we left unproven or unsaid just because it was considered worldly without any scripture base for it. And even today as a pastor I am having to deal with a generation that thinks change is compromise or evil because of their upbringing.
So here is my prayer and hope for the future of our movement:
-That we will remember the original purpose for which our church was established.
-That we will always live holy according to the Bible and not the whims or fashions of the world or the time period that we live in.
-That we will remember and accept all people regardless of creed or color as canidates for salvation and seek fellowship with all believers in Christ.
-That we will be Biblical in all aspects of our lives, not just the ones that we want to accept, but in all areas.
Like a mighty army moves the Church of God. I still believe it and am happy about it.
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