The Church of God International (CGI) was founded in 1978 as an offshoot of the Worldwide Church of God (WCG), founded by Herbert W. Armstrong, and emerged after internal disagreements over doctrine and governance.
The CGI’s creation followed the excommunication of Garner Ted Armstrong (1930-2003), Herbert Armstrong’s son, from the WCG. After his dismissal, Garner Ted Armstrong and several former WCG members founded the new organization in Tyler, Texas, along with the Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association.
The church adopted a logo based on a suit of armor given to Garner Ted by his father, symbolizing the “armor of God” from Ephesians 6:11-17. Its founders aimed to promote a collaborative style of leadership, contrasting what they viewed as the WCG’s top-down hierarchy. Despite this, Armstrong retained a strong leadership role during his tenure.
Armstrong led the CGI until 1998. In 1995, he was asked to resign after allegations of sexual misconduct, though no charges were filed. That same year, minister Ronald L. Dart left to form Christian Educational Ministries. After his departure, Armstrong founded the Intercontinental Church of God, while CGI reorganized under a board of directors with rotating leadership. Charles Groce served as chief executive officer until 2015, succeeded by Vance Stinson.
CGI retains several teachings from the WCG, including observance of the seventh-day Sabbath and annual biblical festivals. It emphasizes moral obedience and personal growth as expressions of faith while rejecting certain mainstream Christian doctrines such as the immortality of the soul.
The church maintains an active media presence through programs like Armor of God, Prevail Magazine, and The International News. Since 2013, it has expanded its outreach through a multimedia website, YouTube channel, and Roku platform, and sponsors a youth program called Infuse. It has congregations in the United States, Canada, Jamaica, Ireland, Australia, and the Philippines.
Key Sources:
Garner, T. (1998, January 1). Armstrong, Church of God International parting, regrouping. The Journal: News of the Churches of God.
White, W. (2011, May 1). Over the years, Church of God International moved away from authoritarianism. The Journal: News of the Churches of God.
Encyclopedia of Cults, Sects, and New Religious Movements 