The Name of God’s Church

On the night of His betrayal, Christ prayed for the Church: “Holy Father, keep through your own name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one, as We are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in your name.”

In twelve separate places, the New Testament records that the true Church has been kept in the name of the Father—God. Each uses the term “Churches of God.” This is the name of God’s Church!

This Church recognizes the importance of its name. Just as the name was important in the age of the original apostles, it is also important today. There were times in the New Testament when the name “Church of God” was joined to a descriptive term. For example, “unto the church of God which is at Corinth.”

In the modern age, for corporate reasons, the Church may use an additional descriptive name to distinguish itself from other “Churches of God.” We chose the name The Restored Church of God.

Christ is the Head of His Church. Yet, His Church is not a physical place but rather a spiritual body composed of many begotten children. Filled with the Holy Spirit, having the name of God, and led by Christ, the Church and its Work exploded after its inception in A.D. 31.

The apostles were dedicated to the Work of God, as is The Restored Church of God today.

The Work Falters

Under the apostles’ leadership, the initial growth of the Church was dramatic (3,000 baptisms on the first day). But almost immediately after the first generation of the Church, the Work began to falter. It lost momentum due to Roman persecution and pressures from the rise of a different church.

Throughout the Middles Ages, the work ebbed and its warning to the world grew faint. But it never died. Christ promised that His Church would never die! By the early twentieth century, as the vitality of the Church and Work was waning, a new era arrived. The time had come for God’s end-time message to go around the world.

A New Era—A New Life

In the fall of 1926, God called, and soon began to use, a man named Herbert W. Armstrong (1892-1986). He led the Church of God for 52 years, beginning in 1934, when he established the Radio Church of God (later named the Worldwide Church of God).

With the arrival of the twentieth century, the time had come for Christ’s message to go to the entire world. Under Mr. Armstrong’s leadership, a new era emerged, resembling the first century Church. It was an era that had vitality, experienced tremendous growth throughout the world, and focused on living and sharing the way of give. Empowered by God’s Holy Spirit, the living Jesus Christ was its active Head. Over time, God restored to the Church all the teachings that had been lost through the centuries. With these teachings was the all-important true gospel message.

This message, suppressed for centuries, was now revived!

The Roots of the Worldwide Church of God

The Worldwide Church of God traces its history to the Sabbatarian Church established in America by Steven Mumford in 1664. Mumford was an associate of the Stennett family of England who had led the Sabbatarian movement there throughout the 1600s. The English Sabbatarians traced their roots to the Netherland-based Lollards. The Lollards, in turn, derived from the Sabbatarian Waldenses, who date prior to the 11th century in the Alpine regions of France and Italy.

The following quote attests to the antiquity and creed of the Waldenses: “The method which Allix has pursued in his History of the Churches of Piedmont, is to show that in the ecclesiastical history of every century, from the fourth, which he considers a period early enough for the enquirer after apostolic purity of doctrine, there are clear proofs that doctrines…were maintained by theologians of the north of Italy down to the period when the Waldenses first came into notice. Consequently the opinions of the Waldenses were not new to Europe in the eleventh or twelfth centuries, and there is nothing improbable in the tradition, that the Subalpine Church persevered in its integrity in an uninterrupted course from the first preaching of the Gospel in the valleys” (Gilly, Waldensian Researches, pp. 118-119).

Worldwide Church of God

The Work of God exploded. Doors opened before the Church as it diligently strove to spread Christ’s gospel message.

The Worldwide Church of God averaged 30% growth each year for the first 35 years—1934 through 1968. This allowed God’s message to boom forth all over the world.

In 1934, The World Tomorrow broadcast went on the air for the first time. Starting very small, on only a single 100-watt radio station, the program eventually grew to 400 radio and television stations, with an estimated 250 million listeners!

The Plain Truth—a free magazine of understanding—was published for the first time in February 1934. This magazine dealt with world issues, family values, health and proper education. Again, this also started small, with only 250 copies printed. Yet, Christ’s voice was behind the message of The Plain Truth and the magazine grew to a subscription of 8.27 million worldwide, with an estimated 25 million readers.

In 1947, the Church founded a college. This was needed to provide God’s ever-expanding Work with an educated ministry. In time, the Church had established three colleges, focused on making a difference in the lives of their students—teaching them how to live, not just how to earn a living.

Booklets about dating, marriage, smoking, drugs, managing personal finances, the laws of success, true conversion and others were given freely to a great many people. Readers were taught how to live!

As the Worldwide Church of God expanded, many lives were touched. Millions read and heard the truth of God’s way of life. They began to understand that there is another way—a life of giving—a God-centered way of life. Many outside the Church experienced the benefits of this wonderful education.

Yet, just as the Work faltered a generation after the first-century Church began, it also faltered after the death of Mr. Armstrong.

Recent Church History

In a truly historic move, the leaders who succeeded Mr. Armstrong eventually changed all of his teachings. As time passed, it became clear that the Worldwide Church of God was no longer growing, but rather shrinking. The magnitude and influence of God’s clear, powerful message faded.

This caused several groups to separate from that church. But all groups that left had accepted some of the doctrinal changes taught by the new Worldwide Church of God leadership.

Those who realized the need to hold fast to the full, original teachings, to fully follow God’s Law of Love (I John 5:3; Rom. 13:10), saw that all groups had accepted some changes. Desiring to keep intact the entire formula, which, again, yields such wonderful peace, happiness and abundance, The Restored Church of God was formed. Those holding to the full truth continued to be led by Christ, allowing them to successfully carry on the magnificent, enriching Work of God.

Pastor General of the Church, "http://rcg.org/books/dcp-bio.html">David C. Pack, ordained in the Worldwide Church of God, and serving in the ministry since 1970, came to realize that no leader or organization was upholding all the original doctrines taught by Mr. Armstrong. Having been personally trained by Mr. Armstrong, Mr. Pack understood the need to continue the mission as he had been taught and to reach the entire world with the same gospel message. Under his leadership, The Restored Church of God was born.

Brief History of The Restored Church of God

This reorganization of the Church of God began in May of 1999, established not as an offshoot of the Worldwide Church of God, but rather as the continuation of the Church as originally founded—carrying on the original apostles’ ministry and teachings.

The Restored Church of God started on the basic premise of the need to teach the good news—thegospel—of the soon-coming kingdom of Almighty God. Our beliefs are the same faith that was “once delivered unto the saints.” Christ never changes, nor do the teachings of His Church!

The first several years of The Restored Church of God’s existence were primarily preparatory to the continuation of the Work that Mr. Armstrong had started. While never neglecting to feed the flock, all the tools that the Church once used—free books and booklets, Bible lessons, articles, short-answer Q&A’s, magazines and broadcasts, with distribution programs—were put into place.

This Church is devoted to God’s way of life and dedicated to the First Commission—reaching the world with Christ’s gospel—teaching the right way, much different from the world’s get way.

The Work of God in the 21st Century

Like the first-century Church, this Church has neither millions of members nor any political or religious power or clout.
Yet, we understand the need to spread God’s message—to reach out to a struggling, suffering world. While the legacy began with the original apostles, the Worldwide Church of God followed in their footsteps, and The Restored Church of God continues this today. The message and goal are the same—only the methods differ.

Website of The Restored Church of God ("http://rcg.org/home.html" title="The Restored Church of God">rcg.org): The Restored Church of God has the largest biblically based websites on Earth, carrying a vast and ever-expanding array of published tools to guide people seeking to live God’s way of life. Yet, unlike most other religious organizations, there is nothing to buy or pay for. It is all free of charge.

The power of the Internet is astonishing, allowing us to now reach over 220 countries and territories, with virtually none left to reach, except in greater force and impact. The potential number of people we can—and will—reach is truly staggering. This has been of great encouragement to those who support this Work.

The World to Come Program ("http://worldtocome.org/home.html" title="The World to Come">worldtocome.org): Broadcast via the Internet, this program answers questions such as: Where is the world going? Why is it filled with problems, troubles, evils and ills, causing unhappiness, confusion and misery of every kind? What lies ahead? In an age of fear, confusion and hopelessness, The World to Come is a voice of truth, providing answers, and proclaiming hope for humanity!

In 1934, when The World Tomorrow program was first broadcast, it could only begin on a single small station. Today, The World to Come is instantly available around the world!

The Real Truth Magazine ("http://realtruth.org/home.html" title="The Real Truth">realtruth.org): We also publish a magazine that continues the message of The Plain Truth. The The Real Truth magazine carries articles explaining the cause of war, what’s wrong with the weather, can science eradicate pollution, the meaning of events in Europe, why earthquakes are increasing, the complete failure of science to bring the utopian world that all long for, how racial bigotry will eventually disappear, where the world economy is going, what lies ahead for the nations of the world, the value of right ethics—and the definition of true character, the real cause of the moral crisis in the West, what’s wrong with modern education, why so many seek escape and pleasure, and the definition of true success.

We explain the world’s lack of great leaders and what will replace them, and how peace will come in our time, how to build strong families—rearing happy productive children—how to end your financial worries, why new diseases are appearing and older ones are re-appearing—stronger than before—and whether the United Nations is really mankind’s ultimate answer.

We explain why there are thousands of differing—and disagreeing—forms of Christianity, why religion has not solved the world’s great problems, how to understand real faith, how to identify the realChrist of the Bible, the way of “give” vs. “get,” the law of cause and effect, the origin of human nature, principles of healthful living, and a great many other subjects. It brings plain understanding of the insoluble problems now overwhelming mankind, and points to the lasting peace of the world to come, just over the horizon.

With all of these tools and more, The Restored Church of God is helping people now drowning in a sea of problems. Many are finding answers, and they are learning to make their lives happy and productive.

How Is It All Supported?

The Restored Church of God never solicits the general public for financial support.

We are dedicated to this mission of love—of outgoing concern for all people worldwide. All of our activities are supported by dedicated, giving people. Following Christ’s instruction, “Freely you have received, freely give,” we offer everything free of charge.

The Restored Church of God receives financial support from the voluntary tithes paid by its members. They recognize the abundant blessings promised by God to all who obey His law of tithing. One side benefit of practicing just this extraordinary law is that it helps people manage their personal finances. In the end, both the Church and its people prosper from practicing this proven law from God’s Word. (There are others who contribute regularly as co-workers and donors, also wishing to share with others what they have received.)

Where Do We Fit in the World?

Christ did not come to earth begging people to become converted, but rather with theannouncement described earlier. He taught a way of life that the world had rejected and forgotten. He did not come to save the world of His day. He came to announce a future time when the world would be saved. We follow His example.

Christ’s example, and that of the apostles, shows that Christians do not proselytize. The Restored Church of God also follows this principle. We are not trying to convert or fix this world, but rather continuing Christ’s announcement message. The Restored Church of God explains what is wrong with this world without preaching “at” people or condemning them. We offer hope, showing how mankind’s worst problems and woes will be solved. We bring urgency and vitality to the topics on people’s minds today—explaining the reason for the explosion of problems around the globe. We teach “cause and effect,” not band aides masking the problems.

Many are amazed that the problems and challenges they have in their lives—some seemingly unsolvable—can be solved by following God’s way of life. By putting God first in everything, lives can be straightened out and become fulfilling.

The Restored Church of God offers no political opinions. Again, it does not involve itself with any political movement or agenda. Rather, it teaches love—outgoing concern—for all peoples of the world.

While the Christian’s first priority is always to the government and instruction of God, the Bible teaches the need to properly submit to the governments of men. We strongly adhere to this teaching.

Astonishing Growth

The original apostles were a tiny group who eventually had a profound impact on the world of their time. The Worldwide Church of God also started very small and, within half a century, had enormous impact on the nations of the world. Called an Ambassador for World Peace, Herbert W. Armstrong personally visited one-third of the heads of state—kings, queens, presidents and prime ministers—of his time.

While also beginning small, and still not large by men’s standards, The Restored Church of God is also experiencing steady growth and impact around the world. And with the same pattern of growth that the Worldwide Church of God experienced, The Restored Church of God will continue to grow and to reach out farther, helping more people with vital spiritual knowledge, and affecting positive change in the lives of ever greater numbers.

Christ commanded His disciples to go forth into the entire world. We are doing exactly that! Bringing the message of God’s way of life even to far-flung countries like Zimbabwe, Iceland, China, Chile, New Zealand, Egypt, India and all over Europe. This has not stopped—and we are now consistently reaching all nations on earth!

Many thousands visit our website daily. People are being taught sound, true principles of a productive way of life. They are now armed with knowledge that can help them grow to become better examples—and better citizens—in their local communities.

The Restored Church of God is offering hope. Tools such as broadcasts, three magazines, books, booklets, brochures, articles and Bible lessons (youth and adult) are affecting lives around the world. Thousands are learning God exists and that there is real hope for the world! The number of people learning the way to vitality and abundance—pure joyful happiness—has been steadily compoundingweekly. We are focused on helping and giving, for the betterment of individual lives.

Impact and Change

The original apostles strove to make a difference. The Worldwide Church of God made a difference in millions of lives. The Restored Church of God is fired with that same drive—that same hope—to set a positive example and thereby have a positive impact on the world. It is also making a real difference.

Vast multitudes were exposed to the sound teachings of the Church of God under Herbert W. Armstrong. This same message continues today—and the fruits of the Work of God are evident!

Through the Internet and our worldwide Newsstand Distribution Program, thousands are being reached. A great many families are being taught the principles that produce a happy marriage, and are learning how to raise children in a world that has lost such basic knowledge. People are also learning of laws that produce real, lasting success. Lives are changing—people are being affected in positive ways.

The power of God’s Spirit is replacing discouragement with energy and hope. It is bringing zeal to accomplish, and removing confusion and indifference. It is taking shattered dreams and shriveled feelings, and expanding them to marvelous new horizons—and inspiring an expectation of success. It is taking stress and turning it into productivity and fulfilling accomplishment.

Almost no one understands what Christianity really is. Most have no idea that it can bring them supreme happiness, beyond imagination. They have no concept that it represents fullness, richness, pleasures and overflowing with plenty, both physically and spiritually.

Christ said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).

The excitement, joy, thrill and enormous contentment that flow from this understanding dwarfs every trial, difficulty, hurdle, obstacle and problem one could face. Truly grasping this leads to whyJesus said that His way represents a life more wonderful—more abundant—than most could ever imagine!

Many are living lives filled with zeal, vigor, enthusiasm and drive—and led by hope and faith—as though final success depends on their conduct every day.

These are just a small number of the fruits growing in the lives of people who are striving to live byevery word of God (<Matt. 4:4; Luke 4:4).

Members of the Church are dedicated to letting their light shine in a “modern” world that so desperately needs light! In a world yearning for peace, whose inhabitants dream of a prosperous life, we offer hope to all who listen—a deep inner confidence, derived from understanding that genuinely radiant, happy lives can be a reality, and that a wonderful world is soon to come.
Here is The Restored Church of God!