Modern Church History

Instructor: Doug Johnson

Type: Lecture/Discussion

Description

This course explores the “trail” of the Church of God from the early 19th century to the present, following the path that culminates in the current fellowship of the Church of God, a Worldwide Association (the sponsor of Foundation Institute). This period of roughly 200 years is introduced by a brief background look to give context to the core material. The course has special emphasis on the inception of the Radio Church of God in 1934 and its subsequent growth (with its name change to “Worldwide Church of God” in 1968), decline and eventual departure from its foundational doctrinal beliefs in the mid-1990s. This crisis changed its focus, outlook and even its name. An overview of Church of God history since 1995, as well as an analysis of current challenges and forward prophetic imperatives, complete the course.

Required Texts

The Holy Bible (New King James Version)

Educational Bio

Doug Johnson graduated from Ambassador College in Pasadena, California, in 1973 with a bachelor of arts in theology. He served in pastoral ministry in Canada for 16 years, and continued that service in his native United States with his transfer to Ohio in 1989. Working with church youth camp programs for 24 years, he served for 11 years as director of the teen camp program at Camp Heritage, Pennsylvania. Current responsibilities include service on the Doctrine Committee, senior pastor for Canada and pastor of congregations in Ohio and Pennsylvania.