Leadership & Heritage
Rooted in the Pentecostal-Holiness heritage of the Church of God in Christ, founded in 1897 by Bishop Charles Harrison Mason — carrying forward a legacy of Spirit-filled worship, holiness living, and compassionate service.
Our Heritage
Church of God in Christ — Since 1897
The Church of God in Christ (COGIC) was founded in 1897 by Bishop Charles Harrison Mason in Memphis, Tennessee. Born from the Pentecostal-Holiness movement, COGIC emphasizes the fullness of the Holy Spirit, holy living, and the power of God demonstrated through spiritual gifts. Today, COGIC has grown to become one of the largest Pentecostal denominations in the world, with over 6.5 million members across the globe.
In April of 2025, based upon the recommendation of the Presiding Bishop and the General Board of the Church of God in Christ, and ratified by the General Assembly, the Nigeria Kingdom Life Jurisdiction was created.
Core Tenets
- Salvation through Jesus Christ
- Sanctification as a second definite work of grace
- Baptism of the Holy Spirit with evidence of speaking in tongues
- Divine healing through faith
- The imminent return of Christ
OUR LEADERS
Spiritual Architecture & Global Vision
Our History
Key moments in the COGIC and Nigeria Kingdom Life story — a lineage of Spirit, obedience, and generational impact.
- 1897
Bishop Charles Harrison Mason founds the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) in Memphis, Tennessee.
- 2017
Dr. Earl L. Newton, Sr. begins leading Kingdom Life work in Nigeria.
- 2025
Nigeria Kingdom Life Jurisdiction formally created (April 2025) by recommendation of the Presiding Bishop and General Board, ratified by the General Assembly.
- 2025
25+ new church plants established across Nigeria alongside medical, education, and economic empowerment programs.
- 2026
Annual Holy Gathering — September 16–20, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria.
Want to meet the team?
We'd love to introduce you personally to Bishop Newton and our field leaders.
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