History

OUR BEGINNING

The Church of God (Seventh Day) grew from the efforts of dedicated followers of Christ living in western Michigan in 1858. Joined by a church in Marion, Iowa, in 1863, the influence of the Church of God (Seventh Day) began to expand into the eastern and central United States, due in large part to The Hope of Israel. This publication created interest in the Church’s distinct doctrines: the authority of the Bible alone for Christian faith and practice, the second advent of Christ, and observance of the seventh-day Sabbath.

Unified around these unique doctrines, the General Conference of the Church of God (Seventh Day) was officially organized in 1884 and incorporated in Missouri in 1899. Its offices were located in Stanberry, Missouri, until 1950, when they were moved to Denver, Colorado.

Over the years, The Hope of Israel moved from Michigan to Iowa, then to Missouri, and eventually to Colorado. After several name changes, it is now known as the Bible Advocate. After more than 160 years, this flagship publication of the Church continues today. It also appears online at baonline.org.

PRESENT DAY

Today, the General Conference consists of approximately 235 local congregations throughout the United States and Canada. Affiliated conferences and churches in 40 countries have a worldwide fellowship of more than 200,000 members. Each national church is considered autonomous and regarded as a sister conference. Fellowship, dialogue, evangelism, and doctrinal unity among worldwide members are coordinated through the Church’s International Federation.