This week in Christian history: George Beverly Shea born; Pentecostal church holds first assembly; Pelagius

The Church of God holds first assembly – January 26, 1906

This week marks the anniversary of when The Church of God, a major Pentecostal denomination based in Cleveland, Tennessee, held their first general assembly.

The meeting took place at the home of J.C. and Melissa Murphy in Cherokee County, North Carolina, with 21 attendees in total, and it concluded the following day.

“Our first Assembly was far more significant than simply a memorable date on the calendar,” stated the Church in a later publication.

“Particularly important is the model the first Assembly set for our decision making. It introduced a process that raised questions, searched the Scriptures, and sought the will of God. It recognized the importance of respecting others’ voices, even when they differed, and trusted that God would speak to the Assembly through those voices.”

In the modern day, The Church of God boasts approximately 7 million members and 36,000 congregations across the world.