We're Often Asked...

Frequently Asked Questions About Grace Communion International,
formerly known as the Worldwide Church of God
 

How is your denomination governed?

We have a hierarchical form of government. The denominational administration is led by the president, who is supported by a board of directors and an advisory council of elders. Each congregation is led by a pastor or pastoral team. Elders, deacons, deaconesses and lay members hold leadership roles under the pastor.

How is your church financed?

Members and interested supporters finance our gospel work through free-will tithes and offerings. In accordance with responsible Christian stewardship, our denomination uses an external, independent auditing firm.

Who can attend your services?

We welcome anyone who is interested in learning more about Jesus Christ and the good news of salvation through faith in him to attend our worship services. 

Do you have a congregation near me?

We have ordained ministers and local congregations throughout North America and many other parts of the world. We probably have a congregation near you. If you are interested in contacting a minister or in visiting one of our congregations, please feel free to write to us or contact us by telephone. Most of our congregations and pastors are listed on this web site. If you do not find one near you, please contact the nearest office.   

What do you teach about evolution?

We teach that the God of the Bible is the Creator. We believe in the inspired declaration of Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." We believe that God gave the scientific record for human instruction and knowledge and that there is no conflict between the Bible and scientific discovery. We believe that when the Bible and scientific discovery appear to conflict, that one or the other has been misunderstood. Therefore, we do not deny the evidence from science that indicates a long history of life on this planet, nor do we deny that God could have created an evolutionary process for the development of species. We believe that only God can create life, and that the Bible does not reveal exactly how he has done this. Therefore, if evolution is true, we believe God is the author of it. See articles on science.

What does your church teach on homosexuality?

The Bible teaches that the practice of homosexual behavior is a sin, as indicated by biblical prohibitions such as Romans 1:26-27 and 1 Corinthians 6:9. However, homosexual behavior is no more, or less, sinful than any other sin. All sinners are called to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Any sinner who comes to Christ finds repentance and forgiveness and is cleansed by the Holy Spirit of all his or her sins.

Under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, the converted homosexual moves away from the gay lifestyle and enters into the new life in Christ. This does not necessarily mean that the homosexual becomes heterosexual. Rather, it means that, by the grace and power of God, he or she no longer engages in homosexual acts.

Christians should accept redeemed homosexuals into fellowship just as they accept any forgiven sinner — thankful that God has extended his mercy and grace to all humans.

What is your position on the distribution of condoms for AIDS prevention?

We are in accord with the statement of the National Association of Evangelicals, reprinted here…

The NAE Statement of Clarification in the Global War Against HIV/AIDS.

Because evangelicals recognize the power of the human nature that resides within all human beings, we sympathize with those who have attempted to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS through condom distribution. However, we accept the disappointing reality that condoms, which have been a cornerstone of the worlds’ efforts to fight AIDS, have failed to produce a decline in AIDS-related deaths or the spread of the HIV infection. As Edward Green of the Harvard School of Public Health reported to the congressional House Committee on Energy and Commerce in March 2003, “focusing exclusively on condom use is not a panacea for HIV prevention . . . . AIDS prevention is largely a behavioral problem that requires a behavioral solution.” Thus, as we evangelicals celebrate the signing of the largest AIDS prevention effort in history, we stress that resources will not be best spent in simply limiting the consequences of unchanged behavior, but in encouraging people to embrace the biblical exhortations to find inner strength through the life-changing power of Christ, and adopt a lifestyle reflective of biblical marriage and sexual discipline.

Moreover, acknowledging that true, lasting behavioral alterations can come through the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the lives of those who submit to Jesus Christ, the National Association of Evangelicals emphasizes that our greatest hope in limiting the spread of HIV/AIDS lies in spreading the life-giving message of Jesus Christ. We believe that the most significant gains in the war against AIDS will be made as we help people embrace the mental and emotional cleansing and refreshing found in a personal relationship with God.

The NAE reminds all evangelical ministries that natural attempts to curb the effects of worldly living will be greatly limited, but that our primary message of life in Christ, the power of His Holy Spirit to change hearts, and the freedom that comes from obedience to His Word is irreplaceable, and it is the primary way we can demonstrate compassion to the suffering. Thus, we remind all evangelical ministries to express the utmost compassion and care for those who are trapped by the natural consequences of their actions. The NAE rejoices in joining with humanitarians worldwide in fighting this deadly disease, and we pledge to stand against HIV/AIDS and its consequences in families and communities throughout the world.

What leadership roles do women fulfill in your church?

The church encourages women to contribute in leadership roles of every kind, including ordained pastoral ministry. Click here to see our research on women in leadership.

What do you teach about abortion?

We teach that under ordinary circumstances abortion is not a legitimate biblical or ethical choice and constitutes sin. When a mother's life is at stake, however, abortion is considered a legitimate biblical choice by the church. Members' choices about abortion in other extraordinary circumstances, such as rape or incest, are not considered a test of fellowship. The church recognizes the broken spiritual condition of human beings, and calls all sinners to repentance, forgiveness and redemption in Jesus' blood.

Our church does not engage in political movements on this issue; the church’s goal is to lead people to Christ for repentance and salvation. If church members make a private decision to become involved in a political movement, they do not represent the church, and the church teaches that they should remain at all times Christian in their approach.

What do you teach about politics?

We teach that voting and involvement in political activities is a private and personal matter. As Christians, we acknowledge that "our citizenship is in heaven" (Philippians 3:20). Yet, even while we belong to the heavenly kingdom, and our allegiance remains there, we still live in this world and should conduct ourselves as responsible citizens. Exercising the right to vote is one way citizens in democratic countries can participate meaningfully in their civic responsibilities (Romans 13:1, 7).

Our denomination does not engage in politics. We believe Christians should respect the sensitivities, opinions and feelings of one another and therefore should not lobby within the church.

What do you teach about war?

We believe that war should always remain a last resort. Yet, in accord with the teachings of the apostle Paul (Romans 13:3-6), nations that take seriously the well being of their citizens must act in a timely and decisive manner to stop evildoers. Our church supports the decision of members who join the military, and it supports the decision of those who are conscientious objectors, as each individual must make his or her decision before God. We pray that God may guide the leaders of free nations everywhere to the end that all people may live peaceable and quiet lives (1 Timothy 2:2). For more on this topic, Click here for studies about war.

What do you teach about capital punishment?

God has placed responsibility for human government and justice into human hands, under his sovereign authority, and human government is to be exercised justly, honestly, fairly, ethically and responsibly (Genesis 9:6; Leviticus 19:15; Deuteronomy 16:18-20; 25:1; 2 Chronicles 19:6-7; Proverbs 24:23-25; 29:4, 14; 31:8; Isaiah 5:22-23; Zechariah 7:9-10; Romans 13:1). Therefore, capital punishment may or may not be appropriate, depending on its administration. The church teaches that all human government is ultimately responsible to God and will answer to God for all injustice (Psalm 2:10-11; 82:1-8). The church teaches criminal offenders to repent and come to Christ, and strives to help the grieving to find consolation in Jesus. Our goal is to lead people to Christ, where they find repentance and salvation.

How does your church view racial prejudice and discrimination?

Racial prejudice and discrimination are unchristian. Jesus Christ taught that one of the great commandments is to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. When asked, "Who is my neighbor?" Jesus answered with a parable illustrating that we are to be neighbors to all, without discrimination (Luke 10:29-37).

The apostle Peter said, "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts those from every nation who fear him and do what is right" (Acts 10:34-35). There is no racial prejudice with God; all are his beloved children in Christ. Paul said, "There is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all" (Colossians 3:11). God does not look at the outward appearance; he looks on the heart.

Christians must reject all forms of racism, bigotry, prejudice and hatred. Christians welcome the opportunity to live in harmony with all races. The Scriptures teach, "If anyone says, `I love God,' yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother" (1 John 4:20-21).

What do you teach about divorce and remarriage?

Our church upholds the sanctity of marriage and discourages divorce, but realizing that we live in a broken world, we also recognize the legal remarriages of divorced persons. Click here for an article about divorce.

How do you view glossolalia, or "speaking in tongues"?

The New Testament records instances in which God gave the gift of speaking in tongues to some people on certain occasions for the purpose of furthering the work of the gospel. In Acts 2, for example, the apostles "were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them" (verse 4). The tongues-speaking enabled the multinational crowd to hear the message of the gospel in their own native dialects (verses 6, 8, 11). Paul listed tongues and other spiritual gifts as being "the work of one and the same Spirit," which God gives "to each one, just as he determines" (1 Corinthians 12:11).

Some may ask, "Are those who speak in tongues more spiritual or closer to God than those who do not speak in tongues?" Not necessarily. If those who speak in tongues don't have love, Paul said, they are useless noisemakers — no matter what language they speak (1 Corinthians 13:1). The gift of tongues, or any other gift, is not a special mark of spirituality. All the gifts of the Spirit are given as God decides, and these gifts are to be used to serve others. No one, no matter what gift one has, has any reason to be proud or to look down on others.

Paul did not forbid tongue-speaking in the church, but cautioned that "everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way" (1 Corinthians 14:40). He told the Corinthians not to do it during their meetings unless someone could interpret. Even if interpreters were there, only one person was to speak at a time. Our church does not believe that every modern manifestation of glossolalia or ecstatic speech is inspired by the Holy Spirit. Click here to see articles about speaking in tongues.

What do you teach about baptism?

On the Day of Pentecost, Peter proclaimed: "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). Christians are to be baptized "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19).

Water baptism signifies a believer's repentance and acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Baptism signifies a commitment to a new way of life in response to God, the example of Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Our practice is to baptize by immersion, but we accept the previous baptisms of new members, whether or not they were immersed. Click here for an article about baptism.

What do you teach about Communion?

At our Lord's Supper services, believers participate in the union and communion of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and of all believers as we partake of bread and wine (or grape juice) in remembrance of our Savior. Children and members of other denominations may participate if they have faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Our ceremony occasionally includes the washing of feet. Click here for articles about Communion.

Do you teach universalism?

No. Universalism is a biblically unsound doctrine, which says that in the end all souls, whether human, angelic or demonic, will be saved by God’s grace. Some Universalists argue that repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ are irrelevant. Universalists typically deny the doctrine of the Trinity, and many Universalists are Unitarians.

Contrary to universalism, the Bible teaches that there is salvation only in Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). In Jesus Christ, who is God’s elect for our sakes, all humanity is elect, but that does not necessarily mean that all humans will ultimately accept God’s free gift. God desires that all come to repentance, and he has created and redeemed humanity for true fellowship with him, but true fellowship can never constitute a forced relationship. We believe that in Christ, God makes gracious and just provision for all, even for those who at death appear not to have yet believed the gospel, but all who remain hostile to God remain unsaved by their own choice.

Do you believe in miracles?

We believe that God still works miracles such as physical healings and intervention in physical circumstances.

What are angels?

Angels are created ministering spirits who serve God as messengers and agents. They are appointed to attend to those who will obtain salvation, and will accompany Christ at his return. The disobedient angels are called demons, evil spirits, and unclean spirits (Hebrews 1:14; Revelation 1:1; 22:6; Matthew 25:31; 2 Peter 2:4; Mark 1:23; Matthew 10:1). Click here for an article about angels.

Who is Satan?

Satan is a fallen angel who heads the evil forces in the spirit realm. The Bible refers to him with such terms as the devil, adversary, evil one, murderer, liar, thief, tempter, accuser of the brethren, prince of demons, and god of this world. He is in constant rebellion against God. Through his influence, Satan generates discord, deception, and disobedience among human beings. In Christ, Satan is already defeated, and his dominion and influence as god of this world will cease at Christ’s return (Luke 10:18; Revelation 12:9; 1 Peter 5:8; John 8:44; Job 1:6-12; Zechariah 3:1-2; Revelation 12:10; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 20:1-3; Hebrews 2:14; 1 John 3:8). Click here for an article about Satan.

How can I know for sure that I’m saved?

The Bible affirms that all whose faith remains in Jesus Christ will be saved, and that nothing "can snatch them out of his hand." The Bible emphasizes the infinite faithfulness of the Lord, the total sufficiency of Jesus Christ for our salvation, the dynamic love of God for all peoples, and the gospel as the power of God for the salvation of all who believe. Having such assurance of salvation, believers are urged to remain firm in the faith and to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (John 10:27-29; 2 Corinthians 1:20-22; 2 Timothy 1:9; 1 Corinthians 15:2; Hebrews 6:4-6; John 3:16; Romans 1:16; Hebrews 4:14; 2 Peter 3:18). Click here for an article about eternal security.

Are Christians supposed to keep the Sabbath command?

The Christian Sabbath is life in Jesus Christ, in whom every believer finds true rest. The weekly seventh-day Sabbath, which was enjoined upon Israel in the Ten Commandments, was a shadow that prefigured the true Reality to whom it pointed – our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is not required for Christians (Hebrews 4:3, 8-10; Matthew 11:28-30; Exodus 20:8-11; Colossians 2:16-17). Click here to see articles about the Sabbath.

What is justification?

Justification is God's gracious act in and through Jesus Christ to pronounce and establish a believer as righteous in his sight. Thus, humanity experiences through faith in Jesus Christ divine forgiveness and peace with its Savior and Lord (Romans 3:21-31; 4:1-8; 5:1, 9; Galatians 2:16). Click here for an article about justification.

What is sanctification?

Sanctification is God’s gracious act of accounting and imparting the righteousness and holiness of Jesus Christ to the believer. It is experienced through faith in Jesus Christ and accomplished through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit (Romans 6:11; 1 John 1:8-9; Romans 6:22; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Galatians 5:22-23). Click here for articles about sanctification.

What is worship?

Worship is the divinely created response to the glory of God. It is motivated by divine love and springs from God’s revelation of himself in communion with his creation. In worship, believers commune with God the Father through Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit. Worship involves humbly and joyfully giving God priority in all things and is expressed in such actions and attitudes as prayer, praise, celebration, generosity, acts of mercy, and repentance (John 4:23; 1 John 4:19; Philippians 2:5-11; 1 Peter 2:9-10; Ephesians 5:18-20; Colossians 3:16-17; Romans 5:8-11; 12:1; Hebrews 12:28; 13:15-16). Click here for articles about worship.

Should I worry about Bible prophecy?

No. Bible prophecy reveals God and his will and purpose for humanity. In Bible prophecy, God declares that human sinfulness is forgiven through repentance and faith in the saving work of Jesus Christ. Prophecy proclaims God as Sovereign Creator and Judge of all, assures humanity of his love, mercy, and faithfulness, and motivates the believer to live a godly life in Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 46:9-11; Luke 24:44-48; Daniel 4:17; Jude 14-15; 2 Peter 3:14) Click here for articles about prophecy.

What is hell?

Hell is the spiritual alienation from God chosen by incorrigible sinners. In the New Testament, hell is referred to by the terms "lake of fire," "darkness," and Gehenna (a gorge outside Jerusalem where garbage was burned). Hell is characterized by punishment, torment, anguish, weeping and gnashing of teeth, and eternal destruction. The biblical terms Sheol and Hades, often translated "hell" or "the grave," refer to the realm of the dead (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9; Matthew 10:28; 25:41, 46; Revelation 20:14-15; 21:8; Matthew 13:42; Psalm 49:14-15). Click here for an article about hell.

What is heaven?

Heaven is a biblical term applied to the chosen dwelling place of God. To be in heaven is to be in Christ in the presence of God. Believers are even now with Christ in “heavenly places.” When Christ returns, he will bring the new heaven and new earth, characterized by everlasting joy, blessed peace, and the righteousness of God, and where death, mourning, crying, and pain will be no more. At that time, heaven will be on earth (1 Kings 8:27-30; Deuteronomy 26:15; Matthew 6:9; Acts 7:55-56; John 14:2-3; Ephesians 2:5-7; Revelation 21:3-4; 22:1-5; 2 Peter 3:13). Click here for an article about heaven.

Are the dead conscious or unconscious prior to the return of Christ and the resurrection of the body?

Christians vary in their interpretation of the relevant biblical passages, and our members are no exception. Some passages seem to suggest an unconscious state (see Psalms 6:5; 13:3; 146:3-4; Ecclesiastes 3:19-21; John 11:11-14; Acts 13:36;), but the Scriptural evidence for some form of a conscious state is strong (see Philippians 1:21-24; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, Revelation 6:9-11). Certainly, the body dies and decays, but these passages indicate that the spirit, or soul, of believers is consciously present with God. Whichever view is correct, the one thing we can know for certain is that the dead are safe in God’s hands, awaiting the resurrection. Click here for an article about the intermediate state.

What do you teach about the Millennium?

The Millennium is the time span described in the book of Revelation during which Christian martyrs reign with Jesus Christ. After the Millennium, when all enemies have been put under his feet, and all things made subject to him, Christ will deliver the kingdom to God the Father, and heaven and earth will be made new. Some Christian traditions interpret the Millennium as a literal 1000 years to precede (pre-millennialism) or follow (post-millennialism) the return of Jesus, while most Christians believe that the scriptural evidence points to a figurative interpretation (amillennialism): an indeterminate time span that began with Jesus' resurrection and will conclude with his return (Revelation 20:1-15; 21:1, 5; Acts 3:19-21; Revelation 11:15; 1 Corinthians 15:24-25). Click here for an article about the Millennium.

What is the inheritance of believers?

The inheritance of believers is salvation and eternal life in Christ as children of God in communion with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Father conveys believers even now into the kingdom of his Son, and their inheritance is reserved in heaven to be bestowed fully at the second coming of Christ. The resurrected saints reign with Christ in the kingdom of God (1 John 3:1-2; 1 John 2:25; Romans 8:16-21; Colossians 1:13; Daniel 7:27; 1 Peter 1:3-5; Revelation 5:10). Click here for an article about the rewards of following Christ.

What do you teach about the end of the world?

At his second coming, Jesus Christ will bring judgment to the nations and end the present age of human suffering and confusion. He will usher in the new heavens and new earth and inaugurate the glorious age of eternal peace and happiness. Click here for articles about the second coming.

Do Christians need to belong to a church and go to church services?

God calls sinners into the fellowship of the saints, which is the body of Christ. Regardless of denomination or choice of Christian congregation, the spiritual nurture of fellow Christians is essential for a faithful life in Christ. It is from Christ that "the whole body [is] joined and held together by every supporting ligament . . . as each part does its work" (Ephesians 4:16).

Speaking of the importance of the church in the lives of Christians, Paul wrote: "It was [Christ] who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" (verses 11-13).

The church provides the necessary framework for the nurture of each member of the body of Christ. By working together in unity, the church can fulfill its responsibility to Christ of spreading the gospel and making disciples. Most of our congregations and pastors are listed on this web site. If you do not find one near you, please contact the nearest office. 

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