The Church of God began on August 19, 1886, in Monroe County, Tennessee, near the North Carolina border, when Richard Green Spurling preached in a millhouse along Barney Creek. Eight persons formed a Christian Union to follow the New Testament as their rule of faith and practice — giving each other equal rights to interpret Scripture and sit together as the church of God.
Twenty-one years later, the growing movement formally adopted the name Church of God. Today, its international headquarters stands at Cleveland, Tennessee, USA — overseeing a Holiness Pentecostal movement present in 173 countries around the world, making it the leading Pentecostal Holiness organisation on earth.
In 1936, Rev. Robert Felix Cook's Kerala work united with the Church of God International, bringing this Indian Pentecostal flame into communion with a global family. Today, Kerala State boasts over 1,200 local churches and 1,500+ ministers, spanning all 14 revenue districts and 63 taluks of the state, proclaiming the Gospel to over 337 lakh people.
1886
Richard Green Spurling preaches at Barney Creek millhouse. Eight persons form the Christian Union — the seed of the Church of God movement.
1896
A revival at the Shearer Schoolhouse in Camp Creek, North Carolina introduces the doctrine of sanctification, sparking intense revival and Holy Spirit outpouring.
1907
The growing movement formally adopts the name "Church of God" at its first General Assembly in Cleveland, Tennessee.
1923
The first General Convention of Pentecostal Churches in India convenes on the banks of river Pampa at Arattupuzha — uniting all Pentecostal missionaries and native ministers.
1936
Golden Jubilee World Tour connects India's Pentecostal movement with the Church of God International — uniting Kerala's faithful with a global mission.
Present
From a humble millhouse to 173 nations — the Church of God remains the leading Pentecostal Holiness organisation in the world, with Kerala as a shining beacon.
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