Bishop Charles E. Blake

Amid the dark and disparaging days following the Civil War, a young man whose heart was set on pleasing God, rose out of obscurity and into prominence preaching a gospel message that was destined to change the world. This man sought to change the landscape of his nation and liberate the oppressed from the degradation of the day, with uplifting and God-inspired messages that saved the soul and challenged the faint at heart. This man was Bishop Charles H. Mason, former leader and founder of the internationally known Church of God in Christ (COGIC), a Pentecostal denominational church body; the largest of its kind in the U.S., with its world headquarters located right in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee.

Celebrating 100 years of spirit-filled ministry last month, the Church of God in Christ is poised again to set the pace for Pentecostal organizations around the globe in the next century. With a foundation established on holiness, and a spiritual heritage as rich as I’ve ever seen, the Church of God in Christ is sure to continue to make an indelible impact on our nations of today. With 6 million members and counting, COGIC to date has already established churches in 64 nations, including Japan, Germany, South Africa, Cuba, and Haiti.

Finding themselves with a newly elected leader at their helm, Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake of Los Angeles, CA, the Church of God in Christ will be sure to be a constructive influence in the years to come. Reminded of their glorious past......................................

ONE ON ONE with Bishop Charles E. Blake

(sneak peak)

AP: What are some missionary efforts you have planned for the Church of God in

Christ?

BB: As Presiding Bishop, I have several goals for the denomination and global missions is one of those priorities. In the next few years I would like to see the Church Of God In Christ effectively pursue mission opportunities throughout the world, especially in Africa......................

AP: How does it feel to walk in the footsteps behind legends such as Bishop G.E. Patterson and Bishop Mason?

BB: Bishop Mason is the apostolic father of the Church Of God In Christ so there is no greater honor than to serve in the leadership he began as the head of our church. Bishop Patterson and I were friends since our youth.........