Transformation of Worldwide Church of God sparks split and shift to orthodox faith
The Worldwide Church of God, once labeled a cult, abandoned legalistic Old Covenant practices and moved toward evangelical Christianity under Joseph Tkach. Membership dropped sharply from about 89,000 in the US to 49,000 nationwide, with many families split over the doctrinal changes. Local Cedar Rapids and Davenport congregations revisioned as Family of Faith Community Church and faced mixed reactions as adherents adapt to a broader Christian community.
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Tkach
Cedar Rapids
Family of Faith Community Church
Bailey
WCG
King
Clergyman helps open World Church of God in Cedar Rapids
Sue Davis Smith profiles 62 year old pastor John Bailey who leads The Family of Faith Community Church in Cedar Rapids after 31 years with the Worldwide Church of God The church once practiced secrecy under Herbert Armstrong but has shifted toward open evangelism Bailey describes a harsh past where believers avoided doctors canceled holidays and after his reassessment he rebuilt the congregation now meeting at Time Check Recreation Center and inviting guests to grow.
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Armstrong
Joseph Tkach
Tkach
Jesus Christ
Bailey
Mason City
Church of God
Davenport
Cedar Rapids
WCG
Todd
Jane Wardenburg
Williamsburg
Family of Faith Community Church
Worldwide
Time Check Recreation Center
Jeremy Bushlack
Bushlack
Worldwide Church of God
Marion
Ambassador College
California
Enroth
Dwight Bozeman
University of Iowa
Sue Smith
Sues
Fyiowa
Sue Davis Smith
Azette
John Bailey
Herbert Armstrong
World Tomorrow
The
Plain Truth
Karen
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Ronald Enroth
Westmont College
Santa Barbara
Calif
United States
Iowa
Bob Campbell
Stout
Grundy County
Cedar Falls
Christ
Campbell
Darlene
New Covenant
Joe Rehor
Rehor
Monticello
George
Judy
Gazette
Jim Slosiarek
O Worldwide Church of
Vau
16Th Ave
S.W
Turkey
Friendship Force
Ankara
Cappadocia
Ephesus
Istanbul
Shirley Messer
ST. Louis
Flags
Great Holiday Inn
Holiday Inn
Six Flags
South County
St. Louis Cardinals
Freedom Festival
Inter
Gale Mall
All Han
Wells Fargo
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