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What does the Worldwide Church of God believe? Is it a Cult?

by Chad Ressler

 

The Worldwide Church of God changed its name to Grace Communion International in April of 2009.  Visiting their website, I found their beliefs conform to orthodox Christian doctrine.  In the past, under the direction of Herbert Armstrong, the WCG did subscribe to heretical doctrine.  Following his death, Armstrong's successor, Joseph Tkach, Sr., made the necessary doctrinal changes to conform the WCG to orthodox Christian beliefs.  As a result, the WCG was recognized by the National Association of Evangelicals on May 7, 1977.1 Their website had many informative articles and booklets that could be read online.  One other note is that, while they affirm the infallibility of Scripture, they appear to stop short in affirming inerrancy.

Here is a brief listing of some of their doctrinal beliefs:2

Orthodox

  1. Monotheistic
  2. Affirms Trinity
  3. Affirms deity of Christ
  4. Affirms salvation by grace through faith
  5. Affirms Virgin birth

Unorthodox

  1. Allows for the ordination of women as Pastors

Unclear

  1. No official statement affirming inerrancy
  1. 1. http://www.wcg.org/lit/aboutus/media/nae.htm. Accessed 12 August, 2009.
  2. 2. http://www.wcg.org/lit/aboutus/beliefs/default.htm#Scriptures. Accessed 12 August, 2009.