Christ Gospel Church - rome - Rome Don Waln: Christ Gospel is a Pentecostal Church located in Rome, Georgia. They are a Christian group, and like most Christian denominations, it espouses a set of doctrines known as the Apostles Creed. Like most Pentecostal groups, the church believes in the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues, and Christ Gospel services are exuberant celebrations. People sing, shout, dance, clap, run, praise, and worship God with all their beings.
Yet at times the services are quiet enough to hear a pin drop as members study the Bible attentively. Christ Gospel churches believe that worshiping God embraces the use of all kinds of music and instruments.
At Christ Gospel Church of Rome, one will hear traditional church instruments -- piano, organ, drums, flute, electric and bass guitars, as well as traditional church instruments accompanying traditional church hymns, country gospel music, black gospel music, and as well as modern contemporary music.
The church emphasizes the importance of people being united in the love of Christ, regardless of nationality, race,sex, or creed. In fact, Christ Gospel churches were racially integrated long before the rest of society - not because the church was politically active, but merely because it strongly believed this was the right way for Christians to be.
Neither its leaders nor Christ Gospel Affiliated Churches believe that they are the only Christians going to heaven. In fact they maintain that Christians everywhere should rejoice whenever the name of Christ is upheld. Christ Gospel churches believe that their ministry is to help Christians discover a closer walk with God. Like other major religions in the world, Christ Gospel Churches believe that the ultimate experience of human beings is to achieve total oneness with the Divine; consequently, the churchs teachings involve helping Christians grow spiritually until Christ totally fills their lives.
Because they strive for perfect union with Christ, most church members renounce some activities that distract ones mind from God. These renunciations follow the standards of old-fashioned holiness. The women do not wear makeup nor cut their hair. All dress modestly. Their goal is to live full, complete lives while keeping Christ at the center of their thoughts and activities.
The church, however, teaches that there are different levels of commitment to God, which are a matter of individual conscience. Although the church has a strong sense of religious commitment, there are no rigid requirements of conformity for membership. People are encouraged to devote their lives to God, and to walk in the light of truth that God has given them personally. Most Christ Gospel members attend church, Bible study, or prayer groups several times a week. In all other respects they participate fully in all aspects of society. They believe in living full, wholesome lives, enjoying good, clean fun, marrying, rearing families, buying homes, going to school, college, developing careers, striving for excellence, and being responsible, moral citizens in all their actions.
