United Church of God


The United Church of God, an International Association is a Christian religious denomination based in the United States.
UCG calls itself "The United Church of God, an International Association", with the last three words italicized in order to differentiate UCG from local congregations and denominations which bear similar names. UCG holds doctrines and beliefs similar to those taught by Herbert W. Armstrong and the former Worldwide Church of God.

Government

UCG is governed by a 12-man board called the "Council of Elders" that is elected by the church's paid and lay ministers, which form the "General Conference of Elders." The General Conference of Elders meets once a year in May to perform tasks including budget approval, operational planning, strategic planning, electing members of the church council, and participation in seminars. The council acts as the governing body for the international association and is responsible for forming policy and doctrine for the Church. The council meets four times a year.
UCG's international headquarters is referred to as the "Home Office" and is located in Milford, Ohio. This office is headed by UCG's President, who is the church's official spokesperson and is charged with administrative responsibility over day-to-day functions, such as managing the church's paid ministry and producing literature or other publications. The president is appointed by the Council of Elders and can be removed from his appointment by the COE. The COE must remain in the confidence of the General Conference of Elders, and COE members serve on a rotating system of election wherein four of twelve men are up for re-election or replacement in any given year.

Fundamental Beliefs

The UCG follows and believes in many of the basic doctrinal principles shared by other Christian churches such as the inspiration of the scriptures, Christ's bodily resurrection, and the three ordinances of baptism, and agrees with Protestant theology regarding the tenets of sola scriptura and that Justification is a gift given freely by God. However, its teachings differ from mainstream Catholic and Protestant theology in a number of key areas: The fundamental beliefs of the United Church of God are as follows: God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. The Word of God. Satan the Devil. Humanity. Sin and God’s Law. The Sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Three Days and Three Nights. Repentance. Water Baptism. The Sabbath Day. The Passover. The Festivals of God. God’s Food Laws. Military Service and War. Promises to Abraham. God's Purpose for Mankind. The Church. Tithing. The Resurrections. Jesus Christ's Return.
Ambassador Bible College is an intensive nine-month educational program focusing on the Bible, Christian living and the fundamental doctrines of the United Church of God. The program seeks to prepare young adults for leadership and service, and to begin preparing them for the duty of teaching future generations. The curriculum thoroughly examines doctrine and leads students systematically through the books of the Bible.

Mission and media

UCG states: "The mission of the Church of God is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God in all the world, make disciples in all nations and care for those disciples." Emphasis is consequently placed on the proclamation of "The Kingdom of God" to the general public, which is accomplished through various media, ranging from Twitter and YouTube to more traditional forms such as radio, print and television.
UCG publishes and produces the following:
In addition to the above publications, the UCG has produced 33 booklets on various biblical topics, a 12-lesson Bible study course, a monthly systematic Bible reading program with commentary, various article reprints, local public-access television programs, and a website. A series of presentations called the Kingdom of God Bible seminars began in September 2011 and are held at different locations around the world.