Church of God to Celebrate Black Members and Leaders Feb. 10

Since its inception in 1886, the Church of God has been focused on reaching all people groups. Multiple nationalities and races now comprise the nearly 7 million members in 179 nations. One of the earliest witnesses of diversity was in 1909, when a young couple of African descent, Edmund and Rebecca Barr, sailed from Florida to the Bahamas to establish the Church of God for the first time on non-U.S. soil.

Each year, the second Sunday in February has been designated Black Ministries Awareness Sunday in the Church of God. This year, the day to celebrate the many outstanding contributions and accomplishments of Church of God members and leaders of African descent will be Feb. 10.

Black members and ministers of African descent serve as pastors, missionaries, church planters, teachers and professors, field directors, national overseers, administrative bishops, national evangelists, and in many other leadership positions, including the International Executive Council and the International Executive Committee.

In addition to the Feb. 10 recognition, this year during the week of Feb. 12-14, the Pentecostal Theological Seminary has partnered with Black Ministries for a series of chapel services, lectures and a worship service recognizing the many contributions of Black ministries.

Please take time to visit the website at usamissions.com and peruse the attachments to learn more about Church of God Black Ministries. Some materials are suitable for posting on church bulletin boards.

Churches are encouraged to consider receiving a special offering on Black Ministries Awareness Sunday (or the Sunday of their choice). Designated offerings can be directed to Church of God Black Ministries, P. O. Box 2430, Cleveland, TN 37320 or credentialed ministers and church treasurers can designate it on their minister/church monthly report.