Welcome, we’re glad you’re here!

We are always delighted to welcome new faces to our church family. Whether you learned about us through your family and friends, the Internet, or our weekly Armor of God program, we joyfully invite you into our "home" and fellowship. Our local congregation may be small compared to some, but we embrace the close-knit, family feel it allows for and are proud to be part of the larger body of Christ.

Our Shreveport-Bossier City congregation is officially chartered by the Church of God International (CGI) of Tyler, Texas. Incorporated in 1978, CGI has ministers and congregations scattered throughout the United States and Canada . We also have churches in the United Kingdom, Australia, the Philippines, Jamaica, Kenya, and a growing number of countries around the world. Our mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world (Matthew 28:19).

are there any requirements for church attendance?

We are an open church and do not have any specific requirements for attendance. We have people attending who are new in the faith. Some will not always keep each of God's laws as they should, and some will not believe everything we teach. We pray that all may be strengthened through the services we render and come to a closer walk with God. We request that you neither be judgmental nor base your standard for obedience on what you see your brother do. Christ is our standard, not weak and sinful men. Always remember that you will be judged for what you do, not what others do.

ON WHICH DAY DO You MEET?

The Church of God International observes Saturday as the Sabbath. There are seven days in the calendar week. The week begins with Sunday (first day) and ends with Saturday (seventh day). A day begins in the evening and ends the following evening. When this knowledge is applied to our calendar we see that the Sabbath actually begins Friday evening and ends Saturday evening. Friday night is welcomed as time to slow down, a chance to be with the family or maybe catch up on some reading. Saturday brings a chance to sleep in, worship as a family, study, and devote a little extra time to prayer and meditation. The church does not legislate do's and don'ts for resting on the Sabbath other than emphasizing the statements in Scripture and the example of Jesus (see Mark 2:27-28 and Isaiah 58:13-14)  

BESIDES THE SABBATH, WHAT OTHER days DO You OBSERVE?

The CGI observes the annual Biblical festivals (holy days) revealed by God in the Old Testament and upheld by the apostles and disciples of the New Testament church. The festivals are: the Christian Passover, Feast of Unleavened Bread, Day of Pentecost, Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, Feast of Tabernacles, and the Last Great Day. Observing these festivals reminds us of God's plan of salvation for mankind and point us directly to our Savior, Jesus Christ. You can see the current Holy Day calendar on our WORSHIP WITH US page. 

HOW ARE Your SERVICES CONDUCTED?

Our worship service usually consists of a few hymns and opening prayer, announcements, an occasional sermonette (a 10 to 15 minute message) or special music, a sermon (45 to 60 minutes long), and then a closing hymn and prayer.  On Sabbaths when a minister is not available, a pre-recorded message or live webcast may be offered. There is no altar call or offering taken during the weekly service. If you come from a church with a highly formal service, you will find our liturgy more relaxed, edifying, and intimate. The teaching of the Bible and the preaching of the Word are vital to Christian growth and are central to our services. We encourage everyone to bring a Bible and follow along with the message.

DO you TAKE UP OFFERINGS?

Tithing and giving offerings are personal expressions of worship-- how one goes about giving is up to the individual. Our primary focus in the CGI is to spread the gospel message to the world. With that in mind, tithes and offerings may be mailed directly to the home office at 3900 Timms Street, Tyler, TX 75701, or they may be submitted Online. Tithes and offerings are also used for "feeding the flock," providing congregational support to our group for such things as building rent and ministerial expenses. No collections are taken during regular weekly Sabbath services. However, since there are commanded offerings associated with annual festival observance, offerings are collected on the high days during the year. Those wishing to give small donations locally to help with day-to-day expenses are welcome to do so.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

The CGI does not have a dress code per se. We recommend that whatever is worn should reflect attention to cleanliness, neatness, and modesty. With old and young meeting together, variety is expected and encouraged.  Many church families do attend services wearing what traditionally are known as "church clothes"-- suits and ties for the men and dresses for the women. Others, perhaps influenced by contemporary leanings, prefer to come more casual.  God will be pleased if you wear the "best that you have" as you worship the best that you can.

Besides sabbath services, what other programs are available?

We normally have a Bible Study prior to services which is open to all who wish to attend (these may be suspended on Holy Days or other special occasions). Currently, we are reading a few Bible chapters aloud each week and then opening up for discussion or questions. In addition, the CGI Digital Network App is available 24 hours a day/7 days a week! This app includes live Bible study webcasts which are presented during the week, including the Prove All Things program airing on Tuesdays. You can access all of this content on the CGI.ORG website or on mobile devices through the CGI APP. Both platforms have a vast library of online sermons, Bible studies, and literature available.

Do you have YOUTH PROGRAMS?

We have a number of educational opportunities available for our youth. The SPARKS program is designed for our youngest members and offers two class levels (ages 3-7 and ages 7-12) where children participate in a brief Bible lesson and take-home craft. Teens (ages 13-18) advance to our IGNITE program, where the focus is on engaging our teens and helping them ignite a passion for Christ and for service. Young Adults (ages 18-30) can continue their studies and find real world advice and application through our INFUSE program, which focuses on developing and applying the principles of servant-leadership and Christian living. We encourage parents and the congregation to become involved in the implementation of these programs in our local group.

Are there other opportunities for fellowship?

A number of our brethren travel many miles to attend church with us so we usually "arrive early and stay late" to allow for fellowship with one another. To promote spending extra time together on the Sabbath we also conduct fellowship meals. These are announced in advance to coincide with ministerial visits or holy day observances. Please note that  we observe the dietary laws God gave to His people as recorded in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14. These chapters describe creatures "that you shall eat" and those you shall not eat because they are "unclean." Among the unclean meats are such items as pork, shrimp, lobster, and catfish. On Sabbaths when no meal is planned, many of the brethren find that meeting at a restaurant is an excellent opportunity for further fellowship. Opportunities for group social events and outings during the week are also encouraged.

We Look Forward To Meeting You!

For time and location of services go to our WORSHIP WITH US page. If you have further questions or need more information, go to our CONTACT US page.

You may also request a copy of the booklet Welcome to the Church of God International. It is available from our FREE STORE, or you may read the PDF now.