A Brief Sketch of the Origin, Growth, and Distinctive Doctrine of the Church of God Reformation Movement

For more than forty years a religious movement, unique in many respects, has been gradually extending itself over the world. So quiet has been its development that for years the masses have been unaware of its presence. Now, however, it is coming to the front more rapidly and the name “Church of God,” or “Reformation,” as it is frequently called, is heard almost everywhere. Many persons upon hearing of the movement or seeing a copy of the Gospel Trumpet, one of its leading English periodicals, are inquiring concerning this work—whence it came, what are its doctrines, and what is its ultimate purpose. It is to answer such inquiries as these that this booklet has been written.

It is obvious that complete information can not be given within the limits of a small booklet. So we have endeavored in the following pages to present such general information as an inquirer would most likely desire first. But we believe that the movement itself is worthy of the closest investigation, and this we invite. This booklet is therefore only a brief introduction. We trust that we may thereby form a more intimate acquaintance with many. It may be appropriate at this time to state that the Church of God reformation movement is not to be confused with the Winebrennarian Church of God, with Mormonism, Adventism, nor with the Pentecostal, or “tongues’ movement,” whose congregations are sometimes known by the name “Church of God.” The following pages will describe briefly what this reformation movement really is.