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Members Church of God International
Members Church of God International (Portuguese: Membros da Igreja de Deus Internacional) (Spanish: Miembros de la Iglesia de Dios Internacional) | |
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![]() Official Seal | |
Abbreviation | MCGI |
Classification | Restorationism |
Theology | Nontrinitarianism |
Overall Servant | Daniel Razon (acting) |
Region | Worldwide |
Headquarters | ADD Convention Center, Sampaloc, Apalit, Pampanga, Philippines |
Separated from | Iglesia ng Dios kay Kristo Hesus Haligi at Suhay ng Katotohanan (Church of God in Christ Jesus the Pillar and Support of the Truth) |
Congregations | 1,360 as monitoring/coordinating centers[1] |
Aid organization | ADD Foundation International Kamanggagawa Foundation |
Tertiary institutions | La Verdad Christian College |
Official website | www.mcgi.org |
The Members Church of God International, abbreviated as MCGI, is an international Christian religious organization with headquarters in the Philippines. It started as a small group with less than a hundred believers. It is popularly known in the Philippines as Ang Dating Daan (English: The Old Path; abbreviated as ADD), the title of its flagship radio and television program and the longest-running religious program in the Philippines[2] which was hosted by Eli Soriano, MCGI's "Overall Servant" (former title: "Presiding Minister") until his death in 2021.[3]
The Members Church of God International believes that the Almighty God, the Father sent his begotten Son, Jesus Christ, instrumental in the establishment of the "Church of God", first planted in Jerusalem and preached by the apostles. They believe that Gentile nations, including the Philippines, are partakers of the promise of eternal life, through belief in Jesus Christ and the gospel and are not authorized by God to establish their own church, but were members associated with the same "body" or the church written in the gospel by accepting it and executing the doctrines written by the apostles.[4] Guided by this scriptural principle, the church's registered name contains descriptive words "ang mga kaanib" in Tagalog or "members" in English to emphasize the group's association today, as "members" of the "Church of God" that is already established long time ago and was written in the Bible.
In compliance with government regulations, Eli Soriano registered the group with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as Ang Mga Kaanib sa Iglesia ng Dios Kay Kristo Hesus, Haligi at Saligan ng Katotohan, sa Bansang Pilipinas (English: Members of the Church of God in Christ Jesus, Pillar and Ground of Truth in the Philippines). In 2004, its registered name was changed to "Members Church of God International" (Tagalog: Mga Kaanib sa Iglesia ng Dios Internasyonal) in line with the church's overseas expansion.[5][6]
For them, the church's primary objective, as commanded by Jesus Christ, is to propagate the gospel unto all nations until the consummation of the ages, convert sinners to believe and glorify God and to make them qualify for the eternal life in heaven.[4][7] Currently, MCGI is present in six inhabited continents of the world with more than 1,360 established local congregations.[8][9] Its flagship program Ang Dating Daan is being broadcast in more than 70 countries,[10] in five languages over terrestrial television, radio, internet and carried by at least seven satellites across the globe.[11]
They believe in God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit but they adopt a nontrinitarianism orientation, rejecting the Trinitarian concept that there is "one God in three co-equal persons", which for them is against the Bible. They believe that the Father is greater than all, greater than Jesus Christ as declared by Christ himself. They do not observe customs and traditions which they consider to have pagan origins incompatible with Christianity. MCGI members prefer themselves to be called and identified as plain "Christians".
MCGI is not related to the many Church of God groups that descended from the Barney Creek Meeting House revival of the late 19th century in the United States.
History
![]() | This section needs additional citations for verification. (April 2021) |
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4f/Addquiapo.jpg/220px-Addquiapo.jpg)
The Members Church of God International in the Philippines rooted from a similar denomination, the Iglesia ng Dios kay Kristo Hesus, Haligi at Suhay ng Katotohanan (Church of God in Christ Jesus, Pillar and Support of the Truth) which was first headed by Nicolas Antiporda Perez in Pulilan, Bulacan, Philippines in 1928.
Perez' leadership
On December 10, 1936, the church was registered with the Philippine government by Perez as Presiding Minister with a Central Office in Natividad St., Pasay (then part of Rizal). Since then, church workers were being sent to nearby provinces around Manila.
Perez led the church from 1928 until the time of his death in May 1975, the church was then a small group with less than hundred congregants. In 1969, Perez gave Soriano an identification card bearing the "Minister" title.[12]
In 1975, Perez died without laying his hands onto a successor. After the death of Perez, Soriano outlined the topics being taught to the members, in order for them not to lose hope. The members thought Perez prepared those topics before he died but other workers in the church knew, however, that it was written by Soriano.[12]
On July 11, 1975, members of the Board of Trustees, including Soriano, allowed Levita Gugulan, the Secretary General, to act as "temporary" presiding officer until such time a new presiding officer is elected, in compliance to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).[12] However, Gugulan led the church permanently.
Schism and legal battle
Soriano and other members believe women are not allowed to rule over the church according to the Bible.[12] In their belief that the group formerly led by Perez already went astray in the teachings of God, Soriano left the group led by Gugulan, together with some members who testified that they have heard Perez preach that it is strictly prohibited in the Bible for a woman to rule over the Church of God.[12]
Soriano registered “Mga Kaanib sa Iglesia ng Dios kay Kristo Hesus Haligi at Saligan ng Katotohanan" (Members of the Church of God in Christ Jesus, the Pillar and Ground of Truth) with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Soriano used the word “saligan” (ground or foundation) in reference to the Greek word "ἑδραίωμα" (hedraióma), and not “suhay” (brace), which is used by Gugulan's group.[12]
Gugulan's group filed a petition with the SEC to compel Soriano to change the registered name of his group. During the pendency of the case, Soriano registered "Ang Mga Kaanib sa Iglesia ng Dios Kay Kristo Hesus, Haligi at Saligan ng Katotohanan sa Bansang Pilipinas" to comply with the SEC.[13] In 1996, the SEC En Banc favored Gugulan's petition and it was affirmed by the Court of Appeals in 1999. In December 2001, the Supreme Court First Division denied Soriano's appeal with finality.[13] Pending Supreme Court's decision, Soriano reserved a new corporate name in 1996 containing transliterated Hebrew words and have it finalized in 2004 with the current name.
Soriano's leadership
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c3/TOP_Channel_GlobeCast_WorldTV.jpg/220px-TOP_Channel_GlobeCast_WorldTV.jpg)
In the 1970s, missionary works started and was first done in the towns of Pampanga and then, the neighboring provinces of Bulacan, Rizal, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, and Metro Manila. In the last quarter of 1980, the church launched the radio program Ang Dating Daan. Through the local radio station DWWA 1206 kHz, the radio program was heard in many parts of the Philippines. The program became popular in the Philippines because of its live question and answer portion. In 1983, the program kicked off its national television appearance through IBC Channel 13. Ang Dating Daan as a program in radio made its stint in television through RJTV 29, PTV 4, SBN 21, and now UNTV.
In 2004, the church registered "Members Church of God International" as its corporate name in the SEC. On the same year, MCGI tapped GlobeCast for The Old Path (TOP) Channel satellite broadcast in the United States of America and Canada.
On January 7, 2006, the first live Bible exposition in the United States was held in Los Angeles, California. In 2008, Bible Expositions were conducted in the continent of Oceania bringing forth the first congregation in Papua New Guinea. In the same year, congregations were established in Ghana, West Africa as a result of a series of Bible studies in Africa. The early months of 2009 saw the Church introduced in Latin America.[14]
Organization and administration
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bf/ADD_Convention_Center_2016.jpg/200px-ADD_Convention_Center_2016.jpg)
The organization is managed by the MCGI Central Administration under the MCGI Workers Ministry. It is composed of the Overall Servants (Tagalog: Mga Lingkod Pangkalahatan), council of Helpers of the Ministry (Tagalog: Mga Katulong ng Pangangasiwa abbreviated as "KNP") and Church Workers (Tagalog: Mga Manggagawa).[15]
Overall Servants
![]() | This section needs to be updated.(August 2021) |
List of Overall Servants | |
---|---|
Name | Date |
Nicolas Perez[a] | 1928 – 1975 |
Eli Soriano | 1977 – 2021 |
Currently, Eli Soriano is the Overall Servant (Tagalog: Lingkod Pangkalahatan) to MCGI (formerly called as presiding minister or Tagapangasiwang Pangkalahatan in Tagalog) and his deputy, Daniel Razon is the Assistant Overall Servant (Tagalog: Pangalawang Lingkod Pangkalahatan, formerly called as vice presiding minister or Pangalawang Tagapangasiwang Pangkalahatan in Tagalog).[21]
They supervise the entire organization, implement policies and projects, teach the helpers of the ministry (formerly called as assistants to the administration, ministers-in-charge, abbreviated as "MIC" and officers-in-charge, abbreviated as "OIC") and church workers all the doctrines of Christ and oversee rightful execution of duties and responsibilities assigned to them, including other officials in various church ministries and organizations.[15] The overall servant prepares the outline of biblical topics (Tagalog: paksa) and preach sermons.[22] A part of it will be delivered and discussed by his deputy. Preaching of biblical topic is done by the Overall Servants, either live or recorded, which is being aired in all MCGI local congregations. They also personally take time to resolve spiritual and personal problems of members every Thanksgiving gathering, during the consultation period.[22]
Helpers of the ministry and workers
Helpers of the ministry supervise a church "Division" (Tagalog: Dibisyon) referring to a geographical region in the Philippines or group of countries in a continent such as Asia Oceania.[23] Area Servants (Tagalog: Lingkod Pampook, formerly called as Tagapangasiwang Pampook and abbreviated as "TP") oversee a church "District" (Tagalog: Distrito) referring to one Philippine province.[15] Assigned Church Workers administer various church services such as Prayer Meetings, Worship Services, Indoctrination Sessions, Bible Studies, Bible Expositions, and Thanksgiving in local congregations.[15] They are allowed to communicate official memorandum signed by the Overall Servants and preside over matters and activities concerning the local church. Brethren can personally seek spiritual or personal advice from Workers, who were trained during ministerial classes, in giving Biblical advice and recommendations.[citation needed]
Geographic distribution and membership
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/95/MCGI_Presence_Map_2015v2.jpg/360px-MCGI_Presence_Map_2015v2.jpg)
As of 2015, Members Church of God International has established more than 1,360[24] congregations in the Philippines and abroad, up from a total of 1,280 locales reported in 2014.[25]
Congregations are grouped into geographical divisions mainly the Philippines, South America,[25] North America and Canada,[26] Asia Oceania,[27] Middle East[28] and Europe, Israel and Africa Division.[29] The official website of the church reported its presence in 46 countries and territories as of 2010.[30]
Since its arrival in South America in 2009, MCGI sees a growing number of locales in the continent. As of 2015, it reported 237 established locales in Brazil, including those in Curitiba, Porto Alegre, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Florianópolis.[31]
MCGI keeps a formal number of members but does not openly reveal it. In 2015, the church gained more than 20,000 new members through regular and mass baptisms.[31]
Propagation and evangelism
They believe that an important duty and obligation of the members of the church is to propagate the gospel on earth until the consummation of the ages.[4] Eli Soriano began his nightly town-to-town preaching in the 1970s but eventually realized that his lifetime is not enough to reach the entire Philippines. In the 1980s he decided to use emerging media such as radio and television.[citation needed]
Radio and television
The 30-minute AM radio program of Ang Dating Daan began in 1980 followed by its television debut 1983 on IBC-13. Later, it was transferred to RJTV-29, PTV-4 and SBN-21. In 1999, the program was heard nationwide through DZRH, RMN and 100 Radyo Natin stations. In 2004, UNTV-37 became its permanent home. UNTV 37 is a free-to-air network and also carried by major cable networks and direct-to-home providers. In 2012, UNTV Radio La Verdad 1350 kHz was launched covering Mega Manila.[citation needed]
TV Verdade (lit: Truth TV) was launched in 2009. It primarily airs O Caminho Antigo, the Portuguese version of Ang Dating Daan through local free television channels in Brazil. Currently, the program airs in Minas Gerais, the second most populous state in Brazil, Paraná, Cornélio Procópio. In 2012, the church launched TV La Verdad (lit: Truth TV), its broadcast channel for Spanish-speaking countries airing the 24/7 broadcast of El Camino Antiguo in El Salvador.[citation needed]
Between 2010 and 2011, the church reached the airwaves of India, Uruguay, Argentina, Bolivia and Portugal by acquiring timeslots in local television channels. To further boost viewership, it acquired a 30-minute slot in Fox Channel which is carried by 50 cable networks in Central America and South America. Later, the church acquired timeslots in Chile, Paraguay, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Honduras, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Guatemala. In 2013, the program was aired in Mexico via Gala TV. It was followed by broadcasts in Dominican Republic, Spain, Equatorial Guinea and soon in Cuba.[citation needed]
In December 2016, TV Verdade HD was launched in high definition (HD) format (1080p) for households in South and Central America and some parts of North America via SES-6.[32]
Satellite broadcast
In 2004, MCGI tapped GlobeCast to air the TOP Channel in United States and Canada via a direct-to-home satellite broadcast. In 2010, it was aired in the Philippines via Dream Satellite TV. Currently, MCGI programs reach more than 70 countries in six inhabited continents via TV Verdade, TV La Verdad, The Truth Channel and UNTV using the services of at least seven satellite providers.[33][34]
MCGI Worldwide Satellite TV Broadcast | ||||||||||||||||||||
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1 |
SES NSS 806 (SES 6)
North America | South America | Europe | North Africa | |||||||||||||||||||
2 |
Galaxy 19
North America USA • Canada • Mexico • Saint Pierre & Miquelon Greenland | Central America Guatemala • Belize, Costa Rica • El Salvador Honduras • Nicaragua Panama • Caribbean • Antigua & Barbuda • Cuba Bahamas • Barbados • Dominican Republic • Dominica • Grenada • Haiti • Saint Kitts & Nevis Saint Lucia • Jamaica • Saint Vincent & The Grenadines • Aruba • Trinidad • Tobago, Anguilla • Bermuda Bonaire • Martinique Monsterrat • Saba • Navassa Island • Puerto Rico | |||||||||||||||||||
3 |
Eutelsat Hotbird 13D (Hotbird 6/8/9)
North America Morocco • Algeria • Western Sahara • Tunisia • Libya • Egypt | Western Asia Israel • Lebanon • Syria • Jordan • Turkey • Iraq • Saudi Arabia • U.A.E. • Bahrain • Qatar • Armenia • Azerbaijan • Georgia • Kuwait | Central Asia | South Asia | Europe | Western Russia | Northwestern China | |||||||||||||||||||
4 |
Thaicom 5
Asia | Europe | Australia | Africa | |||||||||||||||||||
5 |
Star One C2
South America Argentina • Bolivia • Brazil • Chile • Colombia • Ecuador • Guyana • Paraguay • Peru • Suriname • Uruguay • Venezuela & The Territories of Falkland Islands • French Guiana • South Georgia • South Sandwich Islands | |||||||||||||||||||
6 |
Measat 3A Global
Asia | Australia | Middle East | Europe | Africa |
Online media
In 1999, the church joined the world wide web when it launched a website with video streaming feature. Its English version went online in 2004.[35] The international website of the church went online in 2009.[35] In 2007, Eliseo Soriano published his official blogsite and another blog in 2014.[36] CX is an expository blog, in five languages, which tackles issues about religion. It has more than 4.5 million page views As of May 2016. In 2014, the church introduced the "MCGI Broadcast App."[37]
Print media
The church distributes print and digital materials for free. It publishes the "TOP Magazine", "Believer Newsmagazine" and a newspaper called "Magandang Balita" (English: Good News). Soriano's online blogs are also compiled and printed as "The Blog Magazine". The church has also been acknowledged by the Philippine Bible Society as a regular donor and major distribution partner of Tagalog Bibles. Copies of full-length Ang Dating Daan episodes are also distributed in DVD format.[citation needed]
Beliefs and fundamental doctrines
God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit
The Almighty God is also called as "God of Israel" citing Exod 5:1, the creator of the universe (Acts 14:15),[4][38] with his Son, Jesus Christ (John 1:1–14). God cannot lie.[39] God is not omniscient[40] (he does not know ahead of time all future human actions and choices), and God is not omnipresent (he created hell but is not there).[citation needed]
Jesus Christ is the Father's only Begotten Son[4] (in Romanized Greek: Monogenēs theos) as mentioned in John 1:18. For them, Christ is the Wonderful, Counselor, a true and Mighty God,[4] Prince of Peace referred in Isa 9:6. He is the only savior of mankind and the only way to the kingdom of God in heaven (Acts 14:15, 1 Cor 8:5–7, John 14:6; 14:1).[4] He is recognized as the Apostle, High Priest (Heb 3:1) and Mediator (1 Tim 2:5) of the church. They believe that Christ descended on earth from the bosom of the Father, suffered for the redemption of sin, died on the cross, resurrected after three days, ascended to heaven and sat on the right side of God.[41]
The Holy Spirit is the "comforter" citing John 14:26, sent by the Father and Christ, to give spiritual happiness and to help the brethren in his or her weaknesses, and to console a believer in times of persecution and trials (Rom 8:26).[38]
Prayer
Prayer is a basic doctrine in MCGI. All church gatherings, either spiritual or socio-civic, begin and end with prayers. The church believes that it is a commandment of God to live a prayerful life based on 1 Thes 5:17.[42] To encourage its members to pray, MCGI launched an exclusive 24/7 prayer service website on March 6, 2011, enabling access to continuous singing of praises and hourly community prayer to God.[43] They believe that it is prohibited to pray in public just to be seen (Matt 6:5). As a discipline, they refrain from showing the act of praying on their television broadcasts, either live or recorded, in public. In November 2013, MCGI launched a community prayer service on UNTV and Radyo La Verdad 1350 AM. However, only the audio of the community prayer is being aired, to encourage non-brethren to join and participate in praying to God, without necessarily being seen publicly.[44]
Bible
MCGI believes that only the Bible or the Holy Scriptures, composed of 66 inspired books of the Protestant canon, teaches the full wisdom of God for the salvation of man and that no other books should be used as basis for serving God and Jesus Christ.[4]
The Church of God in the Bible
They believe that God is "calling" those people with determination to serve him, bringing them in his fold (1 Pet 1:15–16, 1 Cor 1:9; 1:2), teaching them righteousness after baptism, for their sins to be covered by the priceless blood of Christ poured in Mount Calvary, for the redemption of sin, to make them qualify for life eternal in heaven (Phil 1:27, Eph 2:10; 4:1; 4:10; 4:14).[7][41]
The church mission
The MCGI believes that Jesus Christ delegated the task of preaching the Word of God, on a global scale, to his apostles based on Matt 28:19–20 and fulfilling this commandment is their primary objective.[45] MCGI aims to propagate the gospel on earth until the consummation of the ages. They believe that only the church can teach the wisdom of God for the salvation of mankind citing Luke 8:1–3, Eph 3:10 and 2 Tim 3:14–17.[4] They believe that this effort is geared towards converting sinners to believe and glorify God (Acts 2:38).[citation needed]
Membership
Baptism is a key part in their doctrines. Membership is conferred through immersion baptism of adults.[citation needed]
Indoctrination classes are required prior to joining the organization. The classes are composed of nine lessons concerning church doctrines prepared by the Overall Servant, Eliseo Soriano. Indoctrinees must fully accept the doctrines taught during the indoctrination before they can be baptized.[46]
The church rejects infant baptism. Members not living in accordance with the church's teachings may be excommunicated, or expelled, from the Church.[47]
Members are required to be modest in dress and grooming. Women are prohibited from cutting their hair and wearing expensive jewelry and denim pants, and men are prohibited from having long hair. They are strictly prohibited from drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, using drugs, and gambling.[citation needed]
Church gatherings and events
The congregation meets at least three sessions each week regularly. Gatherings are held in Ang Dating Daan convention centers and monitoring centers, which are typically functional in character, and do not contain religious symbols except for the church logo and reminders for non-members that are prominently displayed.[citation needed]
All gatherings of the church are opened with congregational singing of an opening song, followed by hymns led by the choir and then an opening prayer.[22] After prayer, it follows a reading of chapter or two of the Bible. The subject matter (topic) for most meetings is the same worldwide. After the topic has been delivered, brethren kneel down for closing prayers followed by a doxology and basbas (blessing). When guests or visitors are invited or wish to attend these church gatherings, they are free to stay in their seats.[22]
The members believe that christians should always attend religious gatherings regularly.[4]
In 2011, a Bible-reading segment was added where a chapter or two of the Bible is being read. Meetings are devoted to the study of a Biblical topic, divided in portions, and will be continued in succeeding meetings.[22]
Prayer meeting
Prayer meetings are held every Wednesday and Thursday arranged by batches to accommodate all members including visitors. Earliest batch is 4:30 a.m. (Philippine time).[citation needed]
Worship service
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1d/MCGI_Worship_Service_Sao_Paolo_2016.jpg/200px-MCGI_Worship_Service_Sao_Paolo_2016.jpg)
Worship services are held during weekend also arranged by batches (every Saturdays and Sunday). The earliest batch is 4:30 a.m. (Philippine time) Unlike prayer meeting, the worship service includes voluntary contributions which is open for members only while suspended members including guests and visitors are strictly prohibited to participate in monetary contributions.[22]
Once in every quarter, the church combines Prayer Meeting and Worship Service in preparation for a three-day International Thanksgiving of the members.[48]
Thanksgiving of God's People
Weekly Thanksgiving
The church offers a weekly "Thanksgiving of God's People", formerly known as "Thanksgiving to God" (Tagalog: "Pasalamat sa Dios"). Brethren who have prepared themselves to offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving will be singing songs of praises live on stage at the ADD Convention Center or at the nearest church local (a coordinating center). Like the worship service, a monetary contribution is conducted voluntarily for members only in the form of hain and gugol. A Biblical topic is delivered in full by the overall servants.[22] The members may also attend replay for viewing purposes the recently concluded Thanksgiving on Sundays (two batches, 6:00 a.m and 5:30 p.m. in Philippine time), Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays (all at 8:30 a.m. in Philippine time).[citation needed]
Quarterly thanksgiving
Every quarter of each year, the congregation gather for a three-day "International Thanksgiving of God's People" or "Special Pasalamat ng Buong Bayan ng Dios (SPBB)" in Tagalog, formerly called as "International Thanksgiving to God (ITG)" and "Pasalamat ng Katawan (PNK)" (English: "Thanksgiving of the Body"). It has a similar format with the weekly thanksgiving except it allows more time for the Biblical topic and the spiritual consultation.[22]
In 2014, South America served as the host country of the church's quarterly event.[25]
Christian New Year
The church celebrates Christian New Year with a special thanksgiving every first of Nisan, using the Hebrew calendar, which falls between March and April.[49]
Lord's supper
The church also commemorates the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ every 13th of Nisan.[49] This is held annually.[50]
Feast dedicated to God
The Fiesta ng Dios (Feast Dedicated to God) or simply Ang Dating Daan People's Day is recently launched by the church on February 24, 2019.[51] Church members and visitors, especially the poor and the disabled, who are the feast’s special guests, are treated to free sumptuous meals, entertainment, and fun activities. The celebration aims to spread God’s love through the joyous occasion.[52] On November 24, 2019, MCGI held another feast event to culminate the celebration of Ang Dating Daan’s 39th year anniversary on airwaves.[53][54][55]
Places of worship
Convention centers
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2f/MCGI_chapel_and_multi-purpose_hall.jpg/220px-MCGI_chapel_and_multi-purpose_hall.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/58/ADD_Convention_Center_Pampanga.jpg/220px-ADD_Convention_Center_Pampanga.jpg)
The 10-hectare Ang Dating Daan (ADD) compound in Apalit, Pampanga is MCGI's headquarters in the Philippines.[56] It houses the ADD Convention Center where major church gatherings are held and the chapel, a multipurpose venue for the community prayer, indoctrination sessions, prayer meetings and worship services. Other structures inside the compound include the baptistry, administration office, museum, transient home, orphanages, mini-hospital, dormitories for church officers and volunteers, houses for church ministers and workers and school buildings of La Verdad Christian College.[citation needed]
There are also other convention centers located in Batangas, Laguna and Brazil.[citation needed]
Coordinating centers
MCGI has established more than a 1,360 local congregations.[24] These venues are also called the Ang Dating Daan Coordinating Centers or MCGI Satellite Monitoring Centers. It is where the brethren meet to attend church gatherings and host indoctrination sessions. Most of the sites are rented spaces in urban and rural communities in the Philippines and abroad. These centers are equipped with C-band satellite dish antenna and high-speed broadband connection, these sites are able to receive real-time broadcast feeds emanating from the headquarters. Assigned church workers and officers oversee activities at locale chapters and receive queries regarding membership in the church. In 2012, a mobile coordinating center was launched including livelihood academy.[57] A bus transformed into a cozy venue with roof, chairs, television screen and satellite receiver, can accommodate guests in remote areas during Bible Expositions.[58]
Records
Largest gospel choir
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/70/MCGI_Largest_Gospel_Choir_2015.jpg/220px-MCGI_Largest_Gospel_Choir_2015.jpg)
On October 12, 2015, Members Church of God International set the Guinness World Record as the "Largest Gospel Choir" in the world, as part of the 35th anniversary celebration of the Ang Dating Daan (The Old Path) religious program in radio and television broadcasting.[59][60] The official video of the performance was published in The Old Path YouTube channel with 1.6 million views as of December 2020.[citation needed]
Guinness adjudicator Fortuna Burke Melhem witnessed the recital of 8,688 singers at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.[59] The Ang Dating Daan Chorale performed a 15-minute medley of original MCGI Christian praise music compositions, entitled “Stand Up,” “Praise the Name,” “Hallelujah, Amen,” and “Enrich the Spirit.”[61]
MCGI donated more than three million pesos for people with disabilities (PWD) who were invited as main guests during the event.[59][61] Beneficiaries were government-accredited charitable institutions and federations for PWDs and more than 1,700 PWD guests and their families.[61]
It surpassed the previous 4,745-singer record achieved by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) in 2014.[62] However on May 22, 2016, the INC regained the record with 21,262 singers at the Philippine Arena.[63]
Top blood donor
MCGI partnered with government agencies such as the Philippine Blood Center and New Zealand Blood Service and humanitarian organizations including Philippine Red Cross and Singapore Red Cross.[64][65][66][67]
For eight consecutive year, MCGI received "Jose Rizal Award" (Gawad Jose Rizal) from the Philippine Blood Center and the Department of Health (DOH) during the Dugong Bayani Awards 2019.[68] It is the highest recognition given by the DOH to an organization that conducted mobile blood donation activities and accumulated more than 2,000 blood units.[69] MCGI donated the most among all participants with 5,801 blood bags given to the Philippine Blood Center in 2019.[68] In 2018, MCGI received the same award with 6,710 donated blood bags.[70]
On June 29, 2019, Singapore Red Cross has accorded MCGI with its third Gold Award as one of its blood-mobile organization partner, for sharing a total of 500 blood units in 2018, during Blood Donors Recognition Ceremony held at Downtown East.[67][71]
In 2014, MCGI was recognized by Philippine Red Cross as top donor under religious groups category held at La Parilla Hotel, in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija.[72]
In June 2012, included in the list of recipients from MCGI live donors was the late Rodolfo Vera Quizon Sr., popularly known as the Philippines' "Comedy King" Dolphy where a member with B+ blood type donated blood and plasma.[73]
Notes
References
- ^ "From the Philippines to Brazil: MCGI's Last Quarter of 2014's Big Events and Recognitions". MCGI. Retrieved 16 February 2015.
- ^ "Ang Dating Daan". angdatingdaan.org. Archived from the original on 2 February 2015. Retrieved 5 February 2015.
- ^ "Bro. Eli Soriano Rests: 56 Years of Serving God". Retrieved February 11, 2021.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h i j "MCGI Church General Declaration and Doctrines (Section 1 to 8)". Mcgi.org (Wayback Machine). Archived from the original on August 30, 2009. Retrieved 25 February 2016.CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
- ^ "History of the Church".
- ^ "About Bro. Eli". EliSoriano.com. Retrieved 2021-03-06.
- ^ Jump up to: a b "MCGI Mission and Discipline". Mcgi.org (Wayback Machine). Archived from the original on August 30, 2009. Retrieved 25 February 2016.CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
- ^ "Worldwide Synchronized Prayers for MCGI Starts - Members Church of God International (MCGI)". Mcgi.org. 7 March 2011. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
- ^ "MCGI Kicks off 2016 with International Thanksgiving to God Celebration - Members Church of God International (MCGI)". Mcgi.org. 8 January 2016. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
- ^ "Television - Members Church of God International". Mcgi.org. Archived from the original on 14 September 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
- ^ "Satellite - Members Church of God International (MCGI)". Mcgi.org. Archived from the original on 7 May 2016. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
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- ^ Monton, Inoh Francis (September 24, 2017). "Brethren from the time of the late Bro. Nicolas Perez, former MCGI Overall Servant, fill the ADD Convention stage to sing their humble song of praise to God. They are all thankful to God for His decades of love and protection for each and everyone of them. (Photo: Bro. Inoh Francis Monton / Photoville International)".
- ^ Wilson, Domingo (March 13, 2017). "Sis. Luz Cruz happily interviews old members from the time of Bro. Nicolas Perez for their testimonies of faith through decades of service to God. (Photo Courtesy of MCGI/Photoville International - Bro. Wilson Domingo)".
- ^ Lumiares, Rodel Acuvera (September 9, 2016). "Brethren that were baptized during the time of Bro. Nicolas Perez offer a song of gratitude to the Almighty during the weekly Thanksgiving to God event of MCGI last September 4, 2016 at the Ang Dating Daan Convention Center in Apalit, Pampanga. (Photo courtesy of MCGI/Photoville International - Rodel Acuvera Lumiares)".
- ^ Policarpio, Jeffrey (March 13, 2017). "Bro. Armando Policarpio, a worker from the time of Bro. Nicolas Perez, gives his testimony all the way from the Locale of San Francisco Bay, USA to impart his experiences of serving to God through the years with brethren. (Photo Courtesy of MCGI/Photoville International - Bro. Jeffrey Policarpio)".
- ^ Grana, Rhia (February 13, 201). "The making of a preacher: How Dating Daan's Bro. Eli took the path no one thought he would take".
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- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2012-11-10. Retrieved 2012-11-12.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
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- ^ "Truthcasting through the Airwaves: 39 Years of Ang Dating Daan and Bro. Eli Soriano". November 26, 2019. Retrieved December 19, 2020.
- ^ "Tag Archive for "Fiesta Ng Dios"". UNTV News. Retrieved 2021-03-06.
- ^ Kauna-unahang Fiesta ng Dios trending sa social media, retrieved 2021-03-06
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- ^ Jump up to: a b c "Listen to the largest gospel choir's record-breaking performance in the Philippines". www.guinnessworldrecords.com. Guinness World Records. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
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- ^ "MCGI collaborates with Philippine Blood Center for mass blood donation drive". UNTV News and Rescue via Yahoo! News. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
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- ^ "Team Red Listings". New Zealand Blood Service Official Website. Retrieved December 20, 2020.
- ^ Jump up to: a b "MCGI receives third Gold Award from Singapore Red Cross". UNTV News and Rescue. Retrieved December 20, 2020.
- ^ Jump up to: a b "For Eight Consecutive Years, MCGI Receives Gawad Jose Rizal Award 2019". Members Church of God International. Retrieved February 15, 2020.
- ^ "DOH awards Muntinlupa for outstanding blood donation services". Philippine Information Agency. Retrieved December 20, 2020.
- ^ "MCGI, muling pinarangalan ng Jose Rizal Award ng Philippine Blood Center". UNTV News and Rescue. Retrieved December 20, 2020.
- ^ "World Blood Donor Day 2019". Singapore Red Cross. Retrieved June 30, 2019.
- ^ "MCGI Receives Philippine Red Cross Blood Donor Award, Testimonial Plaque". Members Church of God International. Retrieved August 17, 2014.
- ^ "2012: A Fruitful Year for ADD Foundation's Mass Bloodletting Drives". Members Church of God International. Retrieved December 20, 2019.
External links
- Members Church of God International
- Christian denominations founded in the Philippines
- Nontrinitarian denominations