Differences between AoG and CoG?

[JesusAddict333]

Is there any difference?

 

[stormdancer0]

Yes, there are, but they are no different than other denominational differences. I do not think there are that many serious differences. I've been told that CoG is Pentecostal, and AoG is Charismatic. Not sure there's any difference in those, though.

 

[dabro]

I have never been to a AoG that spoke in tongue's maybe they do but I haven't witnessed it. I was raised CoG. and my root's are there. I rememeber when I was like 5 or 6 I went to a AoG and I got a 5 dollar bill for my birthday and I had the convistion to give it to the church. I mean it amazes me that i felt that strongly about God at that age but as soon as I started to reach my early teen's I wondered off. But God alway's had a plan for me and I'm so thankful for Him.

 

[JesusAddict333]

The last AoG I went to spoke in tongues a lot, and I haven't really been a part of a CoG yet but that is what is closer to me but I feel more comfortable going to an Assembly of God.

 

[bushinoki]

The reason for the split was originally race. Both are Pentecostal denominations. As far as Charismatic goes, it's not really anything different than Pentecostal, just a later movement that went outside the walls of the traditional Pentecostal churches.

 

[Kadams7701]

Sanctification

COG- when you get saved.
AOG- work towards it after being saved.

COG- Saved Sanctified Filled With The Holy Spirit
AOG- Saved Filled With The Holy Spirit Sanctified

I lived in TN for 8 years, the COG of Cleveland TN is the largest COG assembly. I was a member on one of these Churches while living there, they preached the word of God and I got feed. The AOG is sparse in that area of the country, and the few I attended where not what I am use too. I am use to a very devoted AOG, preaching the whole Word of God, preaching the Holy Spirit, Fire of The Spirit, God Is Loving, and Hell is real. I know there are a lot of AOG and COG churches that do not preach the Word as God would have it preached. They are afraid of offending someone, or would have to change things in there own lives, these churches are dead.

That reason I say this, is because I do not like a ear-tickling church who will be sitting on the pews when the just are called up. There are many Spirit filled AOG and COG churches, but it's impossible to say all AOG or COG are in God's will.

 

[bushinoki]

kadams, it goes that way for most denominations really. Too many ministers start going for the full coffers instead of the full spirits. I personally don't see the need to really worry about the subtle differences between the two denominations, as the split really does center around the Pentecostal movement of the early 1900s being forced into line with the racial views of the day.

We've had way too many splits in Christianity in recent history. Time to stop focusing on minute differences, preserve the lines that are there so people can be effectively ministered to, and focus on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I don't see any reason why a Pentecostal and a Baptist can't share the Gospel side by side, and leave the petty disputes at home.

 

[stormdancer0]

I don't know, kaddams, I am a CoG pastor. We believe in instant sanctification, spiritually speaking, but ongoing sanctification practically speaking. Other than that, I guess your distinctions are correct.

 

[GomesDusty]

Excuse my ignorance, but what does CoG stand for? I am guessing it's Churches of God?

 

[bushinoki]

Gomes, yes. Church of God was a denominational split from the early 1900s, post Azusa, when the Assemblies of God stopped issuing ministerial credentials to African-American preachers. Afterward, the AA preachers formed their own denomination.

 

[ltwin]

I think there needs to be some clarification. The Church of God should not be confused with the Church of God in Christ.

It was the Church of God in Christ that originally gave ministerial credentials to white ministers who later formed the AG.

The Church of God in the United States has a predominantly white membership, but all races are welcomed.

 

[Kadams7701]

I don't know, kaddams, I am a CoG pastor. We believe in instant sanctification, spiritually speaking, but ongoing sanctification practically speaking. Other than that, I guess your distinctions are correct.

I had based my answer from discussions I have had with COG of Cleveland TN pastors. I might not have understood them correctly, of the three there beliefs varied between them.

 

[vitaminC]

I have been to both and there are some differences , but they are more differences of the history of being two different groups rather than being opposed to one another.

 

[seashale76]

Yes, there are, but they are no different than other denominational differences. I do not think there are that many serious differences. I've been told that CoG is Pentecostal, and AoG is Charismatic. Not sure there's any difference in those, though.

Both CoG and the AoG are Pentecostal. The entire charismatic movement (if we're sticking to original meanings and how it played out) was based on- essentially- bringing Pentecostal doctrines to mainline and Catholic churches. Read this book if you'd like to learn more about the origins of said movement: Father McCarthy smokes a pipe and speaks in tongues: Doug Wead: Amazon.com: Books

The big differences between the CoG and the AoG (besides the initial racial ones someone mentioned earlier) was in the view of sanctification. CoG- if I'm not mistaken holds to a Wesleyan version, while the AoG holds to the Finished Work version of sanctification. If this still holds true today- I don't know- but those were the original differences between the two. Both have speaking in tongues.

I grew up in the AoG (my grandfather was a minister and eventually the District Superintendent for our State)- went to lots of camp meetings, we'd frequently travel to go to General Council, and I went on an AIM trip, etcetera. So- I've seen lots of the 'falling out', 'slain in the spirit', speaking in tongues stuff in the AoG.

I was always told that A.J. Tomlinson founded both the Church of God of Prophecy and the Church of God (Cleveland). I'm also pretty sure he had an anti-medicine stance- and I have no idea of the current beliefs of either group he founded. I was also told that he founded it based on a vision he had that the true church was lost in 325 AD and then restored gradually beginning with the Protestant Reformation and ending with the church he decided to found. I don't know if that's true- but it's what I've been told.

 

[stormdancer0]

A.J. Tomlinson was our first General Overseer, but was not involved in the very beginnings of the formation of the Church of God. There were various reasons why they split with Mr. Tomlinson which are unimportant today.

I fail to see much difference in any of the denominations. Some speak in tongues, some don't. But we all pray to God, we all worship Christ as our Messiah. We should try to join together and not stay separate.