Readers of The Church of God in Christ in the Lone Star State: A Lasting Legacy are invited into a rich historical journey alongside the pioneering leaders of Texas COGIC, whose clarity of mission and spiritual fervor shaped the movement’s early expansion. Beginning with the introduction of the message of Holy Ghost baptism by women in 1910, Pentecostal fire spread rapidly across Texas. Under the visionary leadership of Bishop E. M. Page—whose initiatives included the formation of districts, the organization of Ministers’ and Workers’ Convocations, and the founding of the Page Normal Industrial and Bible Institute in 1927—the church cultivated a legacy marked by innovation, creativity, and spiritual vitality.
This book examines the ongoing debate over the ordination of women within the Church of God in Christ (COGIC). Although restrictions on women’s ordination are common across Christian traditions, COGIC’s history underscores the vital role women have played in its growth and ministry impact. The book argues that COGIC stands at a critical juncture and can renew its witness and effectiveness by embracing the full enfranchisement of women in ministry. Engaging womanist theology as a constructive dialogue partner, it explores historical and contemporary dimensions of this issue through diverse sources and methods. Central to the study is the identification of a “motherline” that highlights Black women’s theological contributions, offering a pathway toward a more inclusive, relevant, and faithful future for the church.
In The Holy Ghost: God’s Gift, researcher Dr. Patricia Wells offers a biblically grounded exploration of the Holy Spirit, addressing key theological questions central to Christian faith and practice. The book is organized in two parts. Part One engages frequently asked questions related to holiness, sanctification, and Pentecostalism, with particular attention to the experiences and teachings of the African American church.
Drawing upon the tradition commonly known as lectio divina, Dr. Owens’ book addresses the challenge of sustaining spiritual focus amid the distractions of contemporary life, particularly in an age shaped by constant digital engagement. Written for everyday Christians across cultural contexts—with particular attentiveness to African American Pentecostal believers—it offers a practical and accessible approach to deepening one’s relationship with God through Scripture.
A Spirituality Suited for Our Times is a curated collection of selected articles from The Advocate, the annual newsletter of the COGIC Scholars Fellowship. As a premier publication, it brings together scholarly and pastoral reflections addressing social, educational, biblical, and theological issues within the Black Church, particularly the Church of God in Christ (COGIC). The volume includes essays, book reviews, and historical studies that document key aspects of COGIC’s legacy, including the life and influence of Bishop C. H. Mason, the role of women in ministry, church music, and the contributions of prominent bishops.
Baptism of Experience explores how life’s seasons of joy, pain, love, leadership, and loss function as formative “baptisms” that shape purpose and deepen faith. Drawing from his personal journey, Bishop Carl A. Pierce, Sr. reflects on profound experiences—including pastoral responsibility and the grief of losing his wife—to offer a theology of endurance grounded in lived reality. Through narrative reflection and practical insight, the book presents lessons of survival, resilience, and spiritual growth, emphasizing God’s sustaining presence in life’s most challenging moments.
