Does the Philadelphia Church of God have a humanitarian work?
First, let’s define our terms. Merriam-Webster defines humanitarian as “a person promoting human welfare and social reform.”
Visit the PCG website, and at the bottom you’ll see an image with the word “Humanitarianism” superimposed over it. Click on that and you’re introduced to the wonderful world of PCG humanitarianism, all of which is framed under their “Armstrong International Cultural Foundation” and Armstrong Auditorium.
The PCG gives the following context to their lofty humanitarian activities under the foundation:
“The two-pronged concept behind all of the foundation’s goals and activities is: 1) that man is a unique being, possessing vast mental, physical and spiritual potentials—the development of which should be aided and encouraged, and 2) that it is the responsibility of all men to attend to and care for the needs of their fellow men, a precept professed by the vast majority of religions of the world—appropriately summed up in three biblical words: ‘Love thy neighbor.’”
One wonders about all spiritual AND physical aid and help they’ve provided to the impoverished, needy, homeless, widows and orphans! Let’s dig in to see how they are serving their community.
Quick refresher: the PCG headquarters is in Edmond, Oklahoma, in the United States.
Surprisingly, a quick review of the page is startlingly bereft of humanitarian efforts for actual neighbors. Here’s some highlights:
- they did some archeological excavations in… Jerusalem
- they refurbished a Liberty Bell in… Jerusalem
- ah yes, back in 1996 they helped some handicapped children in… Jordan
- they “lent support” to the Petra National Trust (whatever that means) also in… Jordan
You have to keep reading for the real juicy humanitarian efforts, though:
- in 1998, (wait for it) they sponsored a small concert series that attracted tens of thousands of guests
- in 2004 they “obtained some of the treasures” from an old auditorium (you read that correctly)
- in 2010 they completed construction of a new auditorium to house these treasures!
Let’s check back in at the top of the page where they quote Mark 21:31 (which they didn’t bother to cite).
They incompletely quote this passage: “ ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
Absent in this “humanitarian” endeavor is mention of a single dollar, outreach program, or volunteer effort that serves the physically needy who comprise the actual Edmond-based neighbors of the PCG. That’s because they don’t actually do any of that. They don’t donate to food pantries, visit the elderly or sick, provide for those impacted by floods or storms, etc. They don’t help the homeless, victims of domestic violence, or the widows and children of dead soldiers. They give away a LOT of printed propaganda, but they don’t even give away FREE bibles. I know, because I used to be a member.
Perhaps they didn’t read James 2:16:
“And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?”
The entire PCG humanitarian “work” is a facade for building their own fame and reputation. Sure, they host a lot of high-class, quality musical performances, but not for free. You have to buy a ticket. And those performances don’t fill hungry bellies, provide shelter from cold and rain, or pay the rent of recently widowed mothers.
Even based on their own standard, the PCG is failing to live up to the biblical principle of “love thy neighbor.”
They are the same as every other grifting church, transferring wealth from the rank and file members to the elites of their gated Edmond compound under the guise of ‘good works’, and even invoking the Bible to do so.
I can only imagine what Christ actually thinks about the PCG.
By Ivan (former PCG member)
July 17, 2025
Recommended Letter:
Third-Tithe and PCG’s Treatment of Poor Widows
Mike’s Enlightenment Page (Info on PCG & GF)