What is the Philadelphia Church of God?
| One of the most destructive offshoots of the Worldwide Church of God is the Philadelphia Church of God. The PCG boasts that they alone are the true church of God. Gerald Flurry proclaims that his literature and tapes are offered "free" for the "educational benefit of the public." While his program may appear quite sincere to the undiscerning, once deceived by this group, the individual finds him or herself becoming ensnared in a very exploitive and abusive organization which takes away freedom of thought and can destroy close family relationships. Read: Identifying Marks of an Exploitive, Abusive Group For info on the roots of PCG, read Worldwide Church of God. Recent sermons by Gerald Flurry can be listened to here. (posted by former PCG member) History of PCG: After Herbert W. Armstrong, founder of Worldwide Church of God, died at the age of 93 on January 16, 1986, Gerald Flurry (a minister in WCG since 19731), born April 12, 1935, was one of those that disagreed with the new changes that Pastor General Joseph W. Tkach Sr. started making. Flurry refused to accept any change in the teachings of HWA and, as a result, he was disfellowshipped from the WCG December 7, 1989. On December 16, 1989, Gerald Flurry, along with John Amos (a WCG minister who was also disfellowshipped at the same time, but later died in 1993), founded the Philadelphia Church of God, headquartered in Edmond, Oklahoma, with 12 members, proclaiming to be the only church that holds fast to all the teachings of Herbert W. Armstrong. By 1996 PCG claimed to have over 6,000 members. (See more on membership figures below.) Who Were the Early Deacons and Elders in PCG? Flurry uses the same fear tactics and mind control that Herbert W. Armstrong did, but is said to be much harsher and more abusive with the membership than HWA was. Former members have testified that this high demand, totalistic group has exploited them financially and abused them psychologically and spiritually. Likewise, those who have loved ones or family inside PCG have written of the cruelty and total lack of empathy and love that they have experienced from PCG members. (See: Stories and Testimonies by Those Impacted by PCG) Also read our info on Gerald Flurry's "no contact" ruling which has caused needless suffering. In 1990, Gerald Flurry wrote Malachi's Message stating that it was "a new vision from God and a new revelation"2 concerning the "Worldwide Church of God falling away from the truth" and that HWA fulfilled the prophesied role of "God's end-time Elijah." ("Just as one John the Baptist prepared Christ’s way the first time, so one messenger [HWA] has prepared the way for Christ's Second Coming." Malachi's Message, p. 8.) Flurry, along with stating that HWA was also "the modern Zerubbabel," previously stated in this book that Joseph W. Tkach Sr. was "the Man of Sin" and HWA, until his death, "held him back." However, Flurry finds himself having to update MM every so often, as his predictions often don't come to pass; i. e., the fulfillment of "the Man of Sin" has now switched from Joseph W. Tkach Sr. to Joseph Tkach Jr., mainly because Sr. died, when he was "supposed to live on into the Great Tribulation and repent." In 1997 there were 5,000 members in PCG. (See Outsider's Inside Update Newsletter, Vol. 4, Pt. 2) By 2004 his membership figures started dropped. Feast sites have been combined as members continue to leave. In September 2008, the PCG website said an updated version of the old hymnal by Dwight L. Armstrong had been reprinted and 4,300 copies were being mailed to the PCG feast sites. By 2009 there were reports that they were down to 3,800 baptized members, plus family members. (Read: January 23, 2009 letter to ESN: "Membership Down in PCG.") Recent exiters of PCG have stated that there were always more members leaving than new members joining, so it is safe to say that the membership has been declining each year. Flurry began publishing The Philadelphia Trumpet in 1990, a free magazine, which is designed to look like a news magazine, but pulls others into his organization by the offer of more free booklets and certain articles. His inside magazine for members is Philadelphia News. He also has a weekly TV Broadcast called The Key of David (began in 1993) and a magazine for the youth entitled, True Education (now an online magazine only). In 992 PCG started Philadelphia Youth Camp for ages 13-19, which is patterned after Herbert Armstrong's Summer Educational Program camps (S.E.P.). [Read a letter to ESN regarding Gerald Flurry's 2004 sermon given at the Philadelphia Youth Camp.] PCG offers Herbert W. Armstrong College Bible Correspondence Course to the public, which is basically an edited and revised Ambassador College Bible Correspondence Course formerly published by Worldwide Church of God. This free three year course is advertised as "no catch" but, unknowingly, readers will be subtly set up to be recruited into PCG's deceptive organization. (Read: How Did Herbert W. Armstrong Recruit People?) A close examination of the lessons (based on a question and answer format) reveal that scriptures are taken out of context in order to "prove" what the author is saying. Gerald Flurry purchased approximately 170 acres of land in Edmond, Oklahoma. He opened a college on this land in the fall of 2001, calling it Imperial College. In December 2005 the name of Imperial college was changed to Herbert W. Armstrong College. The college has 50 students (1/08). One of the objectives for the college is "to teach its students how to live" and "prepare pastors for their local congregations" (words similar to what HWA said about his Ambassador College in Pasadena, California3). The college is said to make use of mind control methods to train men for the ministry in PCG. [Read: May 2004 letter to ESN about Imperial College] Homes worth approximately $200,000 have been built on this land for the ministry. The grounds on the campus are furnished with security guards. The address is 14400 S. Bryant Ave, north of Waterloo in southern Logan County, Oklahoma. It is located two miles west of Interstate 35 off Waterloo Road, a few miles north of downtown Edmond, just outside of Oklahoma City. Imperial Academy is their school for kindergarten through 12 grade. It opened August 14, 2008. On March 7, 2003 Gerald Flurry bought the copyrights to Herbert W. Armstrong's literature, including Mystery of the Ages and 18 other books/booklets, from Worldwide Church of God for approximately $3 million dollars. [Read: Sold Copyrights to PCG] Philadelphia Church of God believes that the world can't fully understand what God's message is without Gerald Flurry's "revealed" writings and without believing Malachi's Message. The May-June 2005 Royal Vision Editorial (p. 1-2) Flurry proclaims that PCG's emphasis has changed and it is now on "warning" and "prophecy" because "the time is short." In this same issue he talked about PCG's new Hall of Administration on their Herbert W. Armstrong campus (i. e., Armstrong College or "AC"; formerly called Imperial College). This building is said to be a step in "finishing God's final warning work." The following photo of it was taken in 2005 and sent to ESN (this is the back view):
PCG boasts of Armstrong International Cultural Foundation (AICF) (modeled after Herbert Armstrong's Ambassador International Cultural Foundation), which is on the grounds of Herbert W. Armstrong College. In January 2008 the Armstrong International Cultural Foundation broke ground for a $15 million auditorium (Performing Arts Center called Armstrong Auditorium patterned after HWA's Ambassador Auditorium) which will seat 800. PCG and members refer to this auditorium as the "House for God." (Read: Gerald Flurry Plans to Build a "House for God") Gerald Flurry says this humanitarian effort goes to "national and international charitable and humanitarian projects deemed worthy by the Philadelphia Church of God." In the summer of 2007 Gerald Flurry spent time in Jerusalem with his son Stephen working on the "Jerusalem Dig." PCG students have been working with archeologist Eilat Mazar to unearth what they believe is King David's palace. Flurry calls it a "continuation of HWA's work."4 Gerald Flurry has stressed that before anyone is able to be baptized by PCG ministers, they must acknowledge that he is "that prophet" (one of several titles which he has assigned to himself), and that he is the man under God who speaks for God. He also makes members believe that "Christ is about to return." None of his prophecies have come to pass. Others feel Flurry is becoming fanatical. Here are quotes from some of his booklets:
For more info, see our articles on Gerald Flurry. Teachings and Beliefs of PCG:
Gerald Flurry continues to proclaim to his members that God is giving him "new revelation."27 Instructions to ministers on how to conduct "proper and effective in-home visits" are in Gerald Flurry's November 5, 2004 Pastor General Report, p. 5-9. This is revealing in how it shows PCG determines who is ready to attend services. Their 2004 to 2006 Pastor General Reports can be read online. (See the December 10, 2005 Pastor General Report for the "no contact" ruling and the "CD and Tape Policy"). According to informants with inside info, PCG is becoming more exclusive and paranoid. (Read: November 2006 letter to ESN: "Raising the Ruins and Other Evil Happenings in PCG") For further understanding of high demand, exploitive groups, be sure and see our articles under Understanding Mind Control and Exploitive Groups and our Booklist. To understand how PCG affects innocent children inside see our section: Children Raised in Worldwide Church of God, Philadelphia Church of God & Controlling Offshoots. Info compiled by Exit & Support Network™ To understand more about the breakaway groups, we recommend reading the Outsider's Inside Update Newsletters which looks behind the scenes at the real activities and associations pertaining to the "transformation" of the WCG; shows how doctrine was used as a massive propaganda tool. Footnotes: 1 "Then, in 1973, I was ordained a local church elder." (Jude - The Most Urgent Prophecy Yet for This End Time! Gerald Flurry, 2005, p. 35) 3 "Regarding AMBASSADOR COLLEGE, all of you know that the purpose for which it was founded is to provide a trained ministry for the Church of God to assist Mr. Armstrong in this world-wide work. We carefully screen applicants for the College -- because not all young people are potential candidates for the ministry." (Good News, March 1958, "Who May Attend Our Schools?") 4 Ambassador College was involved in the "Jerusalem dig" from 1968 to 1976. HWA told members they were "cleaning off the rubble" where David's throne was in order to prepare for Christ's return. After claiming it was "the most important archaeological excavation of our time" he ended up spending thousands of dollars for nothing. More is covered in "AC's Participation In Jerusalem Dig Ends" (AR 2, 1977). 5 "Actually, we are God's only true representative on this earth!..."(Philadelphia Trumpet, p. 19 March, 1994) “...that truth is in only one church today, God's church. Only God's Philadelphia Church has retained God's Law in this end time." (Philadelphia Trumpet , p.5 March 1994). 6 "Elijah Has Come Already and 'They Knew Him Not'" by Stephen Flurry, Philadelphia Trumpet, July 1995; "Herbert Armstrong was Christ's end-time messenger." (The Key of David, Gerald Flurry, chap. 2) "Mr. Armstrong’s writings are the foundation of all that we believe." (Personal, "Miracle Victory! And What it Means," Philadelphia Trumpet, March-April 2003, Gerald Flurry) "When prospective members come to the PCG, the first and perhaps most important question we ask them is, 'Do you believe Mr. Armstrong fulfilled the role of the end-time Elijah?' If they don't believe this then we don't invite them." (Philadelphia Trumpet, January 1993, p. 15) 7 That Prophet: Part Five, "The Elisha Work," Gerald Flurry 8 PCG's ministerial conference, June, 1999 9 "Mr. Armstrong had to establish God's law and government. He was the Elijah who restored all things just before Christ's return. I have continued the same law and government that he taught. ... Mr. Armstrong and I each have been used to fill the role of lawgiver to God's Church and the world." (That Prophet: Part Four, Gerald Flurry, p.21) 10 "Mr. Armstrong was not a prophet in the sense that God spoke to him like He did with the prophets of old. God spoke to Mr. Armstrong THROUGH THE PAGES OF THE Bible. ... God has worked with me in the same way. He has not spoken to me directly in vision, But He has given me all kinds of new revelation from the Bible--new revelation that you can prove." (That Prophet: Part One, Gerald Flurry, p.8) "And--most importantly--God has continued to bless us, as He did Mr. Armstrong, with new revelation." (An Open Letter to the Churches of God, Gerald Flurry, February 2006) 11 "After all we are right, God is with us, and everybody else is wrong and they're going to have to see that." ("The Mantle of Elijah," 3-8-03, Sermon by Gerald Flurry, Pt. 2, Tape 2, Side 1) 12 "The blood of Christ does not finally save any man." (All About Water Baptism, Herbert Armstrong, 1972, pp. 1-3.) "People want to believe we are simply saved by our faith in Christ's blood. As Mr. Armstrong said, that 'is nothing but a dead faith--and a dead faith never will save one soul!'" (Philadelphia Trumpet, Gerald Flurry, May 1994, p. 15). HWA often contradicted himself, so we will find him saying such things as: "The blood of Jesus Christ was so precious it paid for ALL OF OUR SINS!" (1979 co-worker letter from Herbert Armstrong); we are "justified by the blood of Christ" and acceptance of Christ is "for remission of sins" (Just What Do You Mean Salvation?) However, in his typical Scripture twisting manner, HWA (the same as Gerald Flurry) turned around and said that Romans 3:25 meant we only have remission of sins that are "past." (Pagan Holidays—or God’s Holy Days—Which?) 13 According to Flurry, the "last hour" began on May 5, 2001. He later claimed that the last half of the last hour began on June 4, 2005. (The Last Hour, 2004; Dear Brethren and co-workers in Christ, 2/2/04; Jude, 2005, PCG sermon by Wayne Turgeon, 12/24/05, etc) In 2006 he denied that he was preaching the last hour. 14 The Lion Has Roared, Gerald Flurry, "Laodiceans face death," 1991, 1992, 2006. 15 Flurry has talked about Petra being the possible "place of safety." (Philadelphia Trumpet, "The Place of Safety," July 1995; Nov./Dec. 1998 issue of Royal Vision.) Read: "Philadelphia Church of God and the Place of Safety. 16 December 3, 2005 sermon by G. Flurry to members. Refer the partial transcript on our site. 17 Flurry said America, Britain and Israel were "about to enter into the Great Tribulation." (Philadelphia Trumpet, July 1995, "The Place of Safety." Ezekiel, The End-Time Prophet," pp. 87-88. Ezekiel--The end-time prophet, Gerald Flurry, 2002, p. 142; Royal Vision, July/August 2003, "The Mantel of Elijah.") A few years ago he was figuring another 19 year cycle from Jan. 16,1991, which means he is suggesting January 16, 2010 as a target year. January 16 is the month and day that Herbert W. Armstrong died and Flurry has placed great emphasis on it. (see footnote #18) 18 Ezekiel-The End Time Prophet, Gerald Flurry, 2002, pp. 87-88. Also see: Philadelphia Church of God and the Place of Safety. 19 "I candidly feel it may be the most important book since the Bible." (Dear Brethren & Co-Worker letter, September 1985, by Herbert W. Armstrong.) After a long court battle, Worldwide Church of God sold the copyrights to nineteen of Herbert Armstrong's works (including MOA) to PCG for $3 million (March 7, 2003). In his Royal Vision, July/August 2003, p.7, Gerald Flurry used the verse "Buy the truth and sell it not..." (Prov. 23:23) to justify his buying Herbert Armstrong's literature from the WCG. Also read: Selling the "Truth." 20 Feast of Tabernacle sermon, Gerald Flurry, October 6, 2004. Read parts from this sermon, including ESN's comments. 21 "We have a Savior, and He is teaching us to be co-saviors. God is teaching us how to save people today and during the Millennium. We are becoming like the Savior God!" 22 Pastor General's Report, Vol. 2, No. 4, February 12, 2005, p. 7. 23 Pastor General's Report, Vol. 1, No. 8, November 5, 2005, p. 3, 6. 24 "Malachi’s Message was first received by many people on Jan. 16, 1990, the very day of the anniversary of Mr. Armstrong’s death (Jan. 16, 1986). ... You are going to see the date of Mr. Armstrong’s death take on more significance as time goes on. ... The number 40 is significant in the Bible. The third 19-year time cycle of the work of the WCG ended in January of 1991—the same month as the fifth anniversary of Mr. Armstrong’s death. ... The Persian Gulf War began on Jan. 16, 1991! God considers the date of Mr. Armstrong’s death to be very significant." (Malachi's Message and Chapter 6, Isaiah's End-Time Vision, by Gerald Flurry) 25 Read: What Does Saved By Grace Really Mean? (A critique of Stephen Flurry's article, "You Are Saved by Grace!" 26 Letters to ESN: June 4, 2009, August 14, 2009, August 17, 2009 (last letter says Gerald Flurry stated, "Christ is not our Savior.") 27 "God has continued to bless us, as He did Mr. Armstrong, with new revelation. The living God did not stop speaking to His people when Mr. Armstrong died." (Philadelphia Trumpet, February 2006, "From the Editor: An Open Letter to the Churches of God" by Gerald Flurry)
Identifying Marks of an Exploitive, Abusive Group My Nightmare in Philadelphia Church of God (testimony by former PCG member) Special News Report on Philadelphia Church of God (Includes pertinent comments by ESN) (Transcript of the news story that aired in November 2008) Historical and Revealing Background Info on Worldwide Church of God & Herbert Armstrong Outsider's Inside Update Newsletters (Shows how doctrine was used as a massive propaganda tool. OIU FIVE and SIX are detailed reports surrounding the Ecumenical Movement (EC) and the current EC strategy involving the Worldwide Church of God conglomerate. Those interested in researching the "reasons behind the events" and activities of the Worldwide Church of God and its extension groups; i. e., United Church of God, Global Church of God (today the Living Church of God), Philadelphia Church of God and other splinters, will find these two Volumes helpful, thought-inspiring and possibly shocking. The OIU looks behind the scenes at the real activities and associations pertaining to the "transformation" of the WCG.) Questioning Herbert W. Armstrong (was he who he said he was?) (many articles) If You Have a Loved One in a Deceptive, Exploitive Group Back to Mike's Enlightenment Page (Info on Philadelphia Church of God) |