What is the United Church of God?

Historical Background

The United Church of God (UCG) emerged in 1995 as a Sabbatarian Christian group whose roots trace back to the Worldwide Church of God, formerly led by Herbert W. Armstrong. When the Worldwide Church of God altered several of its doctrinal positions in the mid-1990s, a number of members and leaders chose to form a new fellowship. This new church sought to retain many teachings that emphasize observing biblical holy days and focusing on a literal interpretation of Scripture. Though distinct in its organizational structure and certain theological stances, the UCG views itself as upholding principles they believe were central to the early Church.

Doctrinal Emphases

The UCG holds a broad framework of beliefs centered on Scripture. They affirm creation by God, the authority of the Bible, and the saving work of Jesus Christ. The church’s doctrines include:

1. Holy Day Observances

The UCG believes that the biblical feasts outlined in Leviticus 23—and referenced throughout the Old and New Testaments—remain relevant and meaningful for Christians. They encourage observance of the weekly seventh-day Sabbath (from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset) and annual feasts such as Passover and the Feast of Tabernacles. Citing scriptural passages like Leviticus 23:2 – “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘These are My appointed feasts, the appointed feasts of the LORD that you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies.’” – the UCG holds that these observances highlight God’s plan for humanity.

2. Non-Trinitarian View of the Holy Spirit

Whereas many mainstream denominations affirm a Trinitarian understanding of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the UCG holds that the Holy Spirit is the power of God at work rather than a separate Person within the Godhead. Therefore, while accepting God the Father and Jesus Christ as distinct divine Beings, they maintain a unique perspective on the role of the Holy Spirit.

3. Focus on the Gospel of the Kingdom

The church emphasizes what they term “the gospel of the Kingdom of God,” explaining that Christ proclaimed a future era marked by divine rulership and peace. They see this message as central to Jesus’s earthly ministry, pointing to passages such as Matthew 24:14 – “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”

4. Salvation Through Christ

The UCG teaches that eternal salvation is possible exclusively through accepting Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, affirming His death and resurrection as vital for redemption. They also emphasize the importance of repentance, baptism by immersion, and living a converted life guided by God’s commandments.

Distinctive Practices

1. Seventh-Day Sabbath

The UCG continues to observe the Sabbath from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, believing it is a God-ordained time set apart based on the fourth commandment (Exodus 20:8–11). They understand Sabbath-keeping as both an act of devotion and a reminder of God’s creative authority.

2. Annual Festivals

Following the legacy of their previous tradition, the UCG holds regular services and assemblies for biblical festivals like the Days of Unleavened Bread, Pentecost, the Day of Atonement, the Feast of Tabernacles, and the Last Great Day. They view these annual convocations as prophetic milestones that foreshadow God’s plan of redemption and ultimate restoration.

3. Biblical Dietary Instructions

Many within the UCG also keep the dietary guidelines found in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14, abstaining from foods considered “unclean.” While these food laws are not a mainstream Christian practice, UCG members uphold them as continuing relevance from Scripture.

Organizational Structure

1. Council of Elders

The UCG is governed by a Council of Elders elected from among its ordained ministry. This body sets policy, provides doctrinal oversight, and works to maintain unity among congregations.

2. Local Congregations

Congregations gather worldwide for weekly Sabbath services and for festivals. Local pastors and elders conduct services, Bible studies, and other educational programs. These congregations often have a close-knit community aspect, emphasizing fellowship and mutual encouragement.

3. Publications and Outreach

The UCG publishes print and online materials like its magazine “Beyond Today” and various Bible study aids, covering topics on prophecy, Christian living, and doctrinal beliefs. Media outreach includes television programs and online broadcasts to disseminate their message.

Relationship to Broader Christianity

Because the UCG retains particular doctrines—such as continued holy day observance and a non-traditional view of the Holy Spirit—it occupies a unique place on the Christian spectrum. While it upholds the divinity of Jesus Christ and relies on the Bible, its distinct position on sabbatarianism and holy days leads many to classify it in a particular branch sometimes described as “Churches of God” or “Sabbatarian Churches.”

Points of Historical and Archaeological Connection

Members of the UCG commonly appeal to archaeological discoveries that affirm the transmission of Old Testament texts, drawing attention to how the Dead Sea Scrolls, for example, align with modern Hebrew manuscripts. Such evidence is used to illustrate that the foundational Scriptures they follow have been reliably preserved over centuries. Historical references to first-century Christian communities that gathered on the seventh day (Acts 13:14, 16:13) are also cited in support of sabbatarian practice.

Potential Topics of Discussion

1. Christian Unity

While the UCG highlights many old covenant festivals, they seek to maintain dialogue with other Christian churches. However, the differences in worship days and doctrinal nuances can present challenges in interdenominational relationships.

2. Holy Spirit’s Role

The UCG’s view of the Holy Spirit as the power of God rather than a co-equal Person leads to significant theological distinctions. Mainstream Christians often question how this position affects the church’s understanding of God’s nature, sanctification, and spiritual gifts.

3. Biblical Interpretation

The UCG generally reads Scripture more literally, accepting the Genesis account as historical and upholding many instructions often associated with the Old Testament. Proponents of this approach claim it fosters consistency and faithfulness to God’s revealed word, while critics question whether certain ancient practices remain binding today.

Conclusion

The United Church of God seeks to maintain a set of doctrines and practices they believe emphasize fidelity to biblical instruction and the original faith of the early disciples. Arising from the Worldwide Church of God, they have established their own governance, publications, and global ministry. They worship on the seventh-day Sabbath, observe the biblical feast days, and hold Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection as central to salvation.

When asking about the UCG, one should note its historical context, distinct doctrinal markers, and emphasis on living in accordance with scriptural convictions. Their unique combination of Sabbath observance, non-traditional understanding of the Holy Spirit, and the observance of biblical feasts sets them apart within the larger Christian world, even as they continue to affirm the Bible as their ultimate authority.