A church within the Oneness Pentecostalism movement, founded by Donald Abernathy in 1963, known for its faith healing practices and strict dress code.
Founding and Early Growth
The Apostolic Gospel Church of Jesus Christ was established in 1963 by Donald Abernathy in Bell Gardens, California. This church emerged as part of the Oneness Pentecostalism movement, which emphasizes a unique interpretation of the nature of God. Within just five years of its inception, the church experienced significant growth, expanding to include five congregations across the Los Angeles region of southern California.
The church’s rapid expansion was a testament to Abernathy’s leadership and the appeal of its teachings. Each congregation contributed to the formation of a new denomination, laying the groundwork for a broader religious movement that would soon face an unexpected challenge.
Divine Visions and Relocation
In 1968, a pivotal moment occurred in the history of the Apostolic Gospel Church of Jesus Christ. Founder Donald Abernathy reported experiencing a series of profound visions, including revelations of a catastrophic earthquake that would devastate the entire west coast of North America. The vivid imagery included crumbling buildings, buckling freeways, water gushing from cracks in the ground, and even volcanic eruptions in nearby mountains.
Abernathy shared his visions with the other congregations, seeking confirmation and guidance. In a remarkable turn of events, another pastor, Rev. Robert Theobold, reported having a similar vision, which seemed to validate Abernathy’s experience. This convergence of prophetic insights led to a momentous decision: the church would relocate its congregations to safer locations east of California.
The Great Exodus
The decision to relocate was not taken lightly, as it involved significant personal sacrifices for the church members. However, driven by their faith and the conviction that they were following divine will, nearly 600 members from half a dozen Pentecostal churches in California prepared for a mass exodus.
Abernathy himself led his congregation of 180 members to Atlanta, Georgia. Other congregations followed suit:
- The church from Avenal, California, relocated to Kennett, Missouri.
- The Porterville, California congregation moved to Independence, Missouri.
- The Port Hueneme church, led by Rev. Robert Theobold, planned to resettle in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
- The Lompoc, California congregation also migrated to Georgia.
This mass relocation was not just a physical move but a spiritual journey for the church members. They believed they were obeying God’s will and escaping an impending disaster. The exodus was completed before October 12, 1970, which Rev. Theobold claimed was the “deadline given by God for departure.”
Church Beliefs and Practices
The Apostolic Gospel Church of Jesus Christ adheres to several distinct beliefs and practices that set it apart from other Christian denominations:
Faith Healing and Medical Care: One of the most notable aspects of the church’s doctrine is its stance on healing. Adherents believe strongly in faith healing and do not approve of the use of medicine, physicians, or hospitals. This belief stems from their interpretation of scripture and their trust in divine intervention for physical ailments.
Pacifism: Members of the church are pacifists, rejecting violence and warfare. This commitment to peace is an integral part of their faith and influences their interactions with the broader society.
Dress and Grooming Code: The church maintains a strict dress and grooming code for both men and women. For women, this includes prohibitions on wearing bathing suits, slacks, shorts, tightly fitting or straight-cut skirts, and dresses with hemlines shorter than halfway between the knee and ankle. Jewelry and short hair for women are also not permitted. Men are prohibited from having long hair, wearing short sleeves, and donning tightly fitting pants.
Spiritual Practices: The church practices foot washing as part of its religious observances, a tradition rooted in biblical teachings. They also emphasize the manifestation of both the fruits and gifts of the Spirit, believing in the importance of spiritual growth and expression.
Evolution and Rebranding
After relocating to Stone Mountain, Georgia in 1968, the church underwent significant changes under Bishop Don Abernathy’s leadership. The church was renamed New Life Assembly, signaling a new chapter in its history. This change reflected not only the physical relocation but also a spiritual renewal for the congregation.
In subsequent years, leadership transitioned to Pastor Mark Abernathy, who steered the church towards a more community-oriented approach. Under his guidance, the church embraced a multicultural identity, welcoming members from various nations and backgrounds. This shift towards inclusivity and diversity marked a significant evolution in the church’s mission and outreach.
In 2010, the church underwent another transformation, rebranding itself as Connect Point Christian Center. This name change coincided with a shift towards a more contemporary worship experience. The rebranding effort aimed to better reflect the church’s evolving identity and its commitment to connecting people with their faith in a modern context.
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