Church of God General Overseer Raymond Culpepper has announced the first Sunday of the New Year as “Declaration of Faith Sunday.”
In 1948 the Declaration of Faith was adopted by the Church of God as the official expression of beliefs for the denomination. Five years ago the International executive Committee adopted a resolution establishing the first Sunday of the New Year (after New Year’s Day) as a time set aside to recognize the important document.
“Biblical truths need to be emphasized by the teaching of our statements of faith,” Culpepper stated in a recent letter to all Church of God pastors. “Such teaching encourages members to model life-style Christianity (holiness), to be good stewards of their possessions, and to be actively involved in witnessing to unbelievers. These elements are crucial to being a relevant witness for Christ in this post-modern world. The Great Commission is a compelling mandate.”
Culpepper has asked Church of God congregations to consider celebrating Declaration of Faith Sunday. Many resources related to the document are available through Pathway Press. Pathway offers many options for displaying and proclaiming the Declaration of Faith, including flyers, cloth banners, desktop displays, and matted, framed and unframed reproductions. Items can be ordered by calling 1-800-553-8506 or visiting www.pathwaybookstore.com.
The Church of God believes the whole Bible to be completely and equally inspired and that it is the written Word of God. It can be read in its entirety by visiting www.churchofgod.org and clicking on the Beliefs tab.