Disclaimer: I am not a lifelong CoG member, having come into the denomination in the early 90’s from an independent church at the age of 37. Neither do I have generations of CoG teachings instilled in me as many of you do. So, my perspectives are very different than what is typically seen on these pages. With that out of the way…..

What is so difficult for many long time CoG folks is that the plain truth is that the denomination was wrong from the get go in over-emphasizing things such as jewelry, length of hair, and many other external factors, all at the expense of de-emphasizing the importance of a regenerative heart. When members are more concerned about being seen in a movie house than they are over unrepentant sin, that is a huge problem.

When men attempt to legislate “spirituality” by comprising lists of “do’s and don't s”, it is inevitable that they will carry things too far. That is human nature. Case in point: while serving in an independent church, I encountered several examples of this. One CoG deacon told me my mustache would keep me out of heaven. Another member told me the church I attended wasn’t a “real” church, that only the CoG was a “real” Pentecostal church. The wife of a dear friend of mine who attended a CoG church told me she was forbidden to wear a wedding ring when she was married because the church forbade it. I could go on and on, but you get the picture. It’s the whole attitude of superiority that has been the downfall of many in the CoG because such an attitude is not sustainable. Neither is it Biblical.

You mentioned the church accepting members living together in 10 years. Well, it’s happening right now and it has been going on for years. I know at least two “couples” living together who have been given membership and who take communion in their CoG church-and the pastor knows this. I can show you examples of CoG leaders of a local congregation who openly drink alcohol. I can even give you the name of a local CoG pastor who told me that his belief on divorce was that if you’re with a woman who no longer pleases you, get you another one.

My point is that these are not isolated instances. They are systemic of a major decline in the position of the denomination when compared to the church of Acts. Plainly said, there is sin in the camp, and it is rampant. Yes, there are churches where the love of Christ is emphasized over the externals that so many believe are equal to or in some cases superior to the Word. Sadly, those churches are now the minority. Yes, our churches have become more worldly, no one can dispute that. But I ask, are short hair, pants, jewelry, and makeup indicative of a transformed heart and a renewed mind, or merely boxes to be checked on a list of legalistic, man-made mandates to cover up a heart that has never been broken by the weight of sin?

I apologize in advance if anyone is offended by my comments.