B.R. Hicks and Christ Gospel International

[Bro. Robbins]

Let me say up front, I know very little about this lady, but from what I know of Sister Hicks, I don't agree with a lot of her teachings, and the strong level of control there seems to be in her organization.

That being said, everything I've ever read... as an outsider... of that org and group is that they are Oneness and believe Acts 2:38, even among all the other stranger doctrines they have.

However, a friend of mine alerted me today, that her org has now posted the actual statement of faith from the Assembly of God as their own teachings... and they are declaring they believe in the Trinity as well as baptism is only a sacrament.

Does anyone know anything about them? And why such a huge doctrinal change has happened in recent months?

http://www.christgospel.org/about-us/our-fundamental-truths.html

[Michael The Disciple]

I see no change in their doctrine. This is the same as what they believed in 1979 when I went to visit there. They have never been a Oneness group tho they baptize in Jesus name. I will say they SEEMED deeper than your average Christian back at that time.

They emphasized the doctrine of the bride in a pre trib rapture scenario. They were the hardest "shouting" Church you could imagine. They had the Holy Ghost "witness" as they called it. When Sis Hicks said something they thought was deep they all jerked at the same time.

I found them an interesting group but their foundation doctrine is to faulty.

[Steve Epley]

Bernice(Momma) Hicks has vacilated on her Godhead views for years. She has been Oneness, twoness, trinity and I heard her once say "God is one or three or as many as he wants to be."
I am somewhat shocked they have made it this clear but remember since she believe in current revelation this could change overnight as it has in years gone by. It could be since she is so close to death she is in her 90's maybe her underlings have convinced her to make this public so her group will be seen as mainstream which they certainly not. She has always baptized in Jesus Name but has never believed baptism remits sins.
All this is a smokescreen to decieve those who really don't know the absurd teachings of this group.
She has taught for decades that she alone has the 'word' witness which means she alone has the revelation of the scriptures a female form of Branham.

[Bro. Robbins]

I absolutely agree with my fellow posters that this is certainly a group with faulty doctrines for sure. Her diving into what I would call Jewish mysticism is also very strange to me. Here in the Nashville area, there are many folks who over the years left mainline Oneness groups and moved to Jeffersonville to be part of her group, and now I'm seeing another wave of folks starting to gain interest... folks that I thought were solid and rooted, somehow overlooking her absolute heretical teachings. For anyone who thinks a mainline Oneness church is cultish, aint seen nothing until they look at these churches. The absolute hold and control there is within this group reminds me of Jim Jones and his like to be honest.

[Steve Epley]

She has absolute control over her preachers and members. They have been in and out of the local news for years. They are nothing more than a cult. Her doctrines change with the wind. I knew personally several her main preachers that caused their group to grow in the 60's and 70's. Nearly every original church was a split where an evangelist out of her group preached a revival and split the church. The majority of her base at that time were Oneness folks. Dave Rich, Jimmy Turner, Leonard Conners, Johnie Geotss, John Brown build her movement NONE of them made it morally all of them failed and finally left her group. Never could understand how a woman could have that much control over a bunch of men?

[deltaguitar]

She has absolute control over her preachers and members. They have been in and out of the local news for years. They are nothing more than a cult. Her doctrines change with the wind. I knew personally several her main preachers that caused their group to grow in the 60's and 70's. Nearly every original church was a split where an evangelist out of her group preached a revival and split the church. The majority of her base at that time were Oneness folks. Dave Rich, Jimmy Turner, Leonard Conners, Johnie Geotss, John Brown build her movement NONE of them made it morally all of them failed and finally left her group. Never could understand how a woman could have that much control over a bunch of men?

Though I am not pentecostal anymore, I would love for an in depth documentation and study be done of the strong influence of women in the pentecostal movement. Fascinating.

I now go to a church that does not allow women pastors or elders and it is a church full of freedom in christ where men are involved and it isn't as feminine as most churches. Men lead the church and their families in a way that I never say growing up. I grew up in a church pastored by a strong man but the truth is that women really controlled the church at every spiritual level.

[Bro. Robbins]

There is much to be said about the appropriate role of women in the church and ministry. There are those that would run to say, in Christ there is no male or female. And that's true in regards to the freedom of the gift of salvation and God's ability to work a redemptive work in their lives.

However, Scripture is plain that there is a distinct role between men and women. To say something is not equal does not by any means declare that one thing is inferior to the other. Oranges and Apples are by no means equal, and neither is one inferior to the other.

If men and women were equal in God's eyes, he would have just created another man for Adam. He created woman, because her role is a distinct compliment to man, and man to her role.

And the Scripture is plain to show that the role of men and women are distinct within the church. I currently am ordained with an organization started by a woman. We have some women pastors... and I can enumerate a plethora of issues that have come out of strong female presence in the leadership and a lack of Biblical male leadership. It has caused many issues.... and now we are reaping the consequences and trying to correct many of those ills.

Our current bishop believes as I do, it is not God's perfect will that women serve as bishops, or as pastors. They can have an annointing to minister, to encourage and even teach.... but they cannot serve in the same Spiritual authority as a man within the body... much less the home. God may have allowed some women pastors within his permissive will due to the lack of men having the backbone to step up to their calling, but it is far from his Perfect Will for the church.

I preach for some lady pastors, love them, pray for them, but they know where I stand on the issue. And I could never be a member under a lady pastor, or be accountable to a woman bishop/superintendent.... just doesn't fit God's framework.

[Steve Epley]

I don't believe in women pastors or preachers. But some are very humble women doing their best to serve the Lord, however this woman is a queen bee who rules like queens of old.

[Bro. Robbins]

I don't believe in women pastors or preachers. But some are very humble women doing their best to serve the Lord, however this woman is a queen bee who rules like queens of old.

Queen Bee is putting it lightly from what I've seen. And to think their weird mystic doctrines and other teachings will seem more normal if they align themselves somehow with a group like the AG is absolutely laughable.

[Michael The Disciple]

Queen Bee is putting it lightly from what I've seen. And to think their weird mystic doctrines and other teachings will seem more normal if they align themselves somehow with a group like the AG is absolutely laughable.

Dont worry the AOG would not take then in because they baptize in Jesus name.

[Bro. Robbins]

Dont worry the AOG would not take then in because they baptize in Jesus name.

Oh I know that... but since Christ Gospel is trying to manipulate the truth about who they are and what they believe, there are some that could be easily deceived to believe by that posting of Articles of Faith that they are somehow more mainline.

BTW, when abbreviating Assemblies of God, it's always AG, not AOG. Not sure why, but many of my Assemblies of God friends have corrected me on it, had my hand slapped many a time, lol. But for some reason, the abbreviation for Church of God is COG.... so go figure.

[Steve Epley]

Oh I know that... but since Christ Gospel is trying to manipulate the truth about who they are and what they believe, there are some that could be easily deceived to believe by that posting of Articles of Faith that they are somehow more mainline.

BTW, when abbreviating Assemblies of God, it's always AG, not AOG. Not sure why, but many of my Assemblies of God friends have corrected me on it, had my hand slapped many a time, lol. But for some reason, the abbreviation for Church of God is COG.... so go figure.

I understand their deceptive tatics the Oneness folks have their number they blindsighted them 50 years ago and caused much harm. Her evangelists preached for A. O. Holmes at Little Rock in revivals and spoke so highly of Bernice he invited her for a Camp day teacher. After the first day he shut her down and sent her packing. Her influence split the old Tulsa church. Bishop Martin at New Bethel shut down their noted evangelist Leonard Conners. So the Christ Gospel bunch has been considered among Oneness folks as hereticks for years now. They are trying to fish in a new hole. I wonder what will happen to them when she dies?

[kclee4jc]

What are their strange doctrines? Ya'll got me curious.

[Bro. Robbins]

I would imagine they'll treat her much like the Branhamites do him. They'll be playing over and over again her tapes, videos, etc.... reproducing her literature, etc.... visiting her grave etc. and she'll be raised to almost diety level in their minds. They'll never be able to go mainline, Trinitarian or Oneness.... too much history and too much baggage.

I have a very good friend of mine, he's much more conservative than I... and I'm pretty conservative... and I have a lot of confidence in him. He is really into her and doesn't seem to see the warning flags I see.

He is so impressed with their outward standards (which I admit are impressive and more in line with what the Bible teaches) and the fact that she has built this great, large network of churches.... that both of these somehow put some seal of approval on her. And neither, to my knowledge are lithmus tests of God's approval on doctrine overall.

[Steve Epley]

I would imagine they'll treat her much like the Branhamites do him. They'll be playing over and over again her tapes, videos, etc.... reproducing her literature, etc.... visiting her grave etc. and she'll be raised to almost diety level in their minds. They'll never be able to go mainline, Trinitarian or Oneness.... too much history and too much baggage.

I have a very good friend of mine, he's much more conservative than I... and I'm pretty conservative... and I have a lot of confidence in him. He is really into her and doesn't seem to see the warning flags I see.

He is so impressed with their outward standards (which I admit are impressive and more in line with what the Bible teaches) and the fact that she has built this great, large network of churches.... that both of these somehow put some seal of approval on her. And neither, to my knowledge are lithmus tests of God's approval on doctrine overall.
I must confess she has done a great job holing on to the outward standards of dress in her movement though immorality has been rampant.
My confusion is how can a man ever think a woman can Biblically have this authority? She orders them men around like they were little boys.

[AreYouReady?]

Simple...they gave her the authority to order them around. She could not otherwise have any authority if people do not give their consent.

[Steve Epley]

Simple...they gave her the authority to order them around. She could not otherwise have any authority if people do not give their consent.

Yep.

[trialedbyfire]

There is much to be said about the appropriate role of women in the church and ministry. There are those that would run to say, in Christ there is no male or female. And that's true in regards to the freedom of the gift of salvation and God's ability to work a redemptive work in their lives.

However, Scripture is plain that there is a distinct role between men and women. To say something is not equal does not by any means declare that one thing is inferior to the other. Oranges and Apples are by no means equal, and neither is one inferior to the other.

If men and women were equal in God's eyes, he would have just created another man for Adam. He created woman, because her role is a distinct compliment to man, and man to her role.

And the Scripture is plain to show that the role of men and women are distinct within the church. I currently am ordained with an organization started by a woman. We have some women pastors... and I can enumerate a plethora of issues that have come out of strong female presence in the leadership and a lack of Biblical male leadership. It has caused many issues.... and now we are reaping the consequences and trying to correct many of those ills.

Our current bishop believes as I do, it is not God's perfect will that women serve as bishops, or as pastors. They can have an annointing to minister, to encourage and even teach.... but they cannot serve in the same Spiritual authority as a man within the body... much less the home. God may have allowed some women pastors within his permissive will due to the lack of men having the backbone to step up to their calling, but it is far from his Perfect Will for the church.

I preach for some lady pastors, love them, pray for them, but they know where I stand on the issue. And I could never be a member under a lady pastor, or be accountable to a woman bishop/superintendent.... just doesn't fit God's framework.

What org is this if you don't mind me asking? This was largely the direction the PAW was going back when I first got saved, in my district that is. I believe in women preachers and teachers, not pastors however.

[Bro. Robbins]

What org is this if you don't mind me asking? This was largely the direction the PAW was going back when I first got saved, in my district that is. I believe in women preachers and teachers, not pastors however.

The one with the false teachings being discussed is Christ Gospel Church International, headed by B.R. Hicks.

The organization I am ordained with is Emmanuel Churches of Christ (Pentecostal).

[KeptByTheWord]

It is my experience that women pastors are unbiblical. There were women teachers, and perhaps even preachers of the gospel, but a women's place was never meant to supersede those of her husband.

I see what Sis. Alvear is doing as a perfect example of a woman in ministry. She preaches and teaches, but ultimately she is under the leadership of her husband. She lives the great example of how a woman should have a role in ministry, I think.

I have seen women pastors who have churches full of sissified men, and it is sickening. I have seen woman pastors who have caused so much destruction and turmoil because they have not stayed within the guidelines, and boundaries set up by the early church. We never see a woman in a leadership role, but you do see Aquila and Priscilla mentioned as leaders in the church, but never do you see Priscilla mentioned alone, she is always mentioned with her husband. We see Chloe who was a deaconness, which would be like a teaching/preaching position perhaps today in our culture, but we do not ever see a woman named to be a bishop, presiding over a group of men.

I believe there is a place for women in ministry, but it should be a place where their role complements their husband, but never detracts, subtracts or divides.

[Steve Epley]

Women in the ministry and Bernice are two different subjects. She is a cult leader not a godly lady who might be mistaken.

[AreYouReady?]

It is my experience that women pastors are unbiblical. There were women teachers, and perhaps even preachers of the gospel, but a women's place was never meant to supersede those of her husband.

I see what Sis. Alvear is doing as a perfect example of a woman in ministry. She preaches and teaches, but ultimately she is under the leadership of her husband. She lives the great example of how a woman should have a role in ministry, I think.

I have seen women pastors who have churches full of sissified men, and it is sickening. I have seen woman pastors who have caused so much destruction and turmoil because they have not stayed within the guidelines, and boundaries set up by the early church. We never see a woman in a leadership role, but you do see Aquila and Priscilla mentioned as leaders in the church, but never do you see Priscilla mentioned alone, she is always mentioned with her husband. We see Chloe who was a deaconness, which would be like a teaching/preaching position perhaps today in our culture, but we do not ever see a woman named to be a bishop, presiding over a group of men.

I believe there is a place for women in ministry, but it should be a place where their role complements their husband, but never detracts, subtracts or divides.

I agree with this.
Sometimes I would rather have a woman to minister to me under certain circumstances. But never pastor over me in the sense of what pastors do in today's culture.

[RandyWayne]

I agree with this.
Sometimes I would rather have a woman to minister to me under certain circumstances. But never pastor over me in the sense of what pastors do in today's culture.

I won't even let a MAN pastor over me like so many have in the past. In fact in some ways if a pastor is going to be a tyrant I would rather it be a lady, then I can just complement her for "being pretty today!" and get her off my back.

[KeptByTheWord]

I won't even let a MAN pastor over me like so many have in the past. In fact in some ways if a pastor is going to be a tyrant I would rather it be a lady, then I can just complement her for "being pretty today!" and get her off my back.


So true RW! The only "man" biblically over me is my husband, and any other ministry biblically should come through him first, not circumvent my husband and come to me.

That is another biblical concept completely lost in the OP churches that I was a part of anyway. They would counsel women without their husbands present, and tell them to line up to the preacher, no matter what their husbands thought.

My mother is still in that position today, and is as miserable as she can possibly be. My dad left to attend another pentecostal church in town, but the pastor of the church she attends has scared her so bad, she won't go to church with my dad to a "lesser" church... when that "lesser" church believes the very same doctrine - oneness, holiness living, Acts 2 salvation and so on... but because the pastor has scared my mother so bad, she won't leave him because she believes she will be saved under the pastor's leadership rather than her husband's. This is the mentality that saddens me, and that is so wrong.

So thankful that I know that it is my husband I answer to first, before any other man... and I need not come under any other leadership except through my husband... and that is Bible. 1 Cor. 11:3 "The head of every man is Christ: and the head of the woman is the man, and the head of Christ is God."

[KeptByTheWord]

I agree with this.
Sometimes I would rather have a woman to minister to me under certain circumstances. But never pastor over me in the sense of what pastors do in today's culture.

I agree. A woman's role in ministry can be very powerful... but easily misused and when it goes outside the boundaries of what we see in the early church, we see only devastation left in its wake.

Yet we see a woman with a humble heart working beside her husband, teaching, preaching the gospel, ministering, and teaching to others.... it is there you can see the way God intended women to minister.... I am thinking of our sweet Sis. Alvear when I say this...

[AreYouReady?]

I won't even let a MAN pastor over me like so many have in the past. In fact in some ways if a pastor is going to be a tyrant I would rather it be a lady, then I can just complement her for "being pretty today!" and get her off my back.

Women can be as much as a tyrant as a man can be...probably more so.

Just the fact that a compliment of being pretty can get her off your back alone is why she would make a lousy pastor. :heeheehee

[Scott Hutchinson]

I could be wrong but I think this group believes in universalism.

[Michael The Disciple]

I could be wrong but I think this group believes in universalism.

Hmmm I am not aware of that. If its true we need to know.

[Steve Epley]

Hmmm I am not aware of that. If its true we need to know.

I do know at one time she was teaching that at least for a season however it is very difficult to nail down anything she teaches because she is always getting new revelations that contradict her last revelations.

[kclee4jc]

Universalism as in?

[Steve Epley]

Universalism as in?

Everyone including the devil will be saved eventually.

[JustDan]

I have been associated with Christ Gospel since 1966 and assure you that it is neither cultic nor misleading. I have in my possesion the teaching back to 1960 on reel to reel tape along with most of the published books. I also have an extensive library in regard to major cult organization (ie the mormons and Witnesses). I have completed numerous courses from the CGC bible school along with extensive education in other mainstream Christian Colleges. Christ Gospel will just take you to places in the LORD that most people are not willing to venture. When some walk the most narrow path, others tend to ridicule when they don't understand. There is nothing mystic or weird about depth in the word. Rev Hicks has been accused of much, weathered every storm and continues on the straight and narrow unscathed. She is probably 97 and still teaches twice weekly. I do not attend a Christ Gospel Church but agree with and assure you that people come and go as they please, without any mysticism or mind control. She will be tirst to tell you she is not perfect, only human. I do enjoy attending their summer convention when opportunity presents.I am active in the ministry and find it to be refreshing each time.
It's all about growth in the LORD Jesus Christ and His mercy. I have read many blogs and other online critics of which most are former CGC attendees with an ax to grind.

[Michael The Disciple]

I have been associated with Christ Gospel since 1966 and assure you that it is neither cultic nor misleading. I have in my possesion the teaching back to 1960 on reel to reel tape along with most of the published books. I also have an extensive library in regard to major cult organization (ie the mormons and Witnesses). I have completed numerous courses from the CGC bible school along with extensive education in other mainstream Christian Colleges. Christ Gospel will just take you to places in the LORD that most people are not willing to venture. When some walk the most narrow path, others tend to ridicule when they don't understand. There is nothing mystic or weird about depth in the word. Rev Hicks has been accused of much, weathered every storm and continues on the straight and narrow unscathed. She is probably 97 and still teaches twice weekly. I do not attend a Christ Gospel Church but agree with and assure you that people come and go as they please, without any mysticism or mind control. She will be tirst to tell you she is not perfect, only human. I do enjoy attending their summer convention when opportunity presents.I am active in the ministry and find it to be refreshing each time.
It's all about growth in the LORD Jesus Christ and His mercy. I have read many blogs and other online critics of which most are former CGC attendees with an ax to grind.

I like the baptism in Jesus name and the fervent prayer. Is the charge of "Univeralism true?

[Abiding Now]

Sista Hicks. Hmmmmm wacky doctrine comes to mind.

[Steve Epley]

Sista Hicks. Hmmmmm wacky doctrine comes to mind.

Yes and it is forever changing because she believes in continual revelation.

[Esaias]

So... do these people have the Holy Ghost or not?

[Michael The Disciple]

So... do these people have the Holy Ghost or not?

They believe tongues is the initial evidence as in "one step" teaching.

[Esaias]

They believe tongues is the initial evidence as in "one step" teaching.

Yeah, but I was asking do they actually have the Spirit of God?

[Michael The Disciple]

Yeah, but I was asking do they actually have the Spirit of God?

That's a huge question. It could be asked about almost anyone. I assume people who speak in tongues have the spirit....unless they give me reason to believe otherwise.

[Esaias]

That's a huge question. It could be asked about almost anyone. I assume people who speak in tongues have the spirit....unless they give me reason to believe otherwise.

Is going off the deep end into cultic deceptions and false doctrine a 'reason to believe otherwise'?

I do not know these people, never heard of them before, but I am just wondering... how is it so many people 'have the Spirit' and yet are so divided on SERIOUS, fundamental doctrinal issues, including 'Who is Jesus' and 'Who is God' and 'How do you get saved'?

Is God just in the business of giving people a religious thrill ride and not leading them into the Truth?

I honestly don't get it.

[Michael The Disciple]

Is going off the deep end into cultic deceptions and false doctrine a 'reason to believe otherwise'?

I do not know these people, never heard of them before, but I am just wondering... how is it so many people 'have the Spirit' and yet are so divided on SERIOUS, fundamental doctrinal issues, including 'Who is Jesus' and 'Who is God' and 'How do you get saved'?

Is God just in the business of giving people a religious thrill ride and not leading them into the Truth?

I honestly don't get it.

I understand perfectly. My limited experience with Christ Gospel was in the 70's. My perception of them was they SEEMED like a holy people striving far more for holiness than many.

If SINCERITY was our standard I have seen various groups I have truly esteemed.

And YET if they really are sincere why not believe in the Apostles doctrine?

In the end all we have to test the spirits is the word of God. It will have to be enough.

[Abiding Now]

Is going off the deep end into cultic deceptions and false doctrine a 'reason to believe otherwise'?

I do not know these people, never heard of them before, but I am just wondering... how is it so many people 'have the Spirit' and yet are so divided on SERIOUS, fundamental doctrinal issues, including 'Who is Jesus' and 'Who is God' and 'How do you get saved'?
Is God just in the business of giving people a religious thrill ride and not leading them into the Truth?

I honestly don't get it.

I believe that some folks receive the Spirit (born again experience), but never develop beyond that initial experience, never allow the Spirit to lead them.

Rom 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

[JustDan]

I like the baptism in Jesus name and the fervent prayer. Is the charge of "Univeralism true?

No on Universalism. Most of the attacks on Christ Gospel have been lodged by people that wanted a greater position in the church and did not measure up, some I attended the church with years ago. Sister Hicks was financially comfortable before the church was started and has never profited from the organization at anytime. I was in Louisville during the great scandals of the 70's and they were nothing but witch hunts in the aftermath of Jim Jones. The organization has without question emerged from each and every supposed scandal faultless.
I find it very disheartening that professed children of the LORD and Saviour Jesus Christ want too tear each other to pieces. Our purpose is to lift up The Name of Jesus with all humility and let Him be in charge.
Anyone that has spent nearly 70 years spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ and teaching others how to be more like Him is okay in my book and I thank the LORD that my path crossed hers so many years ago. I am a blessed man.

[Michael The Disciple]

No on Universalism. Most of the attacks on Christ Gospel have been lodged by people that wanted a greater position in the church and did not measure up, some I attended the church with years ago. Sister Hicks was financially comfortable before the church was started and has never profited from the organization at anytime. I was in Louisville during the great scandals of the 70's and they were nothing but witch hunts in the aftermath of Jim Jones. The organization has without question emerged from each and every supposed scandal faultless.
I find it very disheartening that professed children of the LORD and Saviour Jesus Christ want too tear each other to pieces. Our purpose is to lift up The Name of Jesus with all humility and let Him be in charge.
Anyone that has spent nearly 70 years spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ and teaching others how to be more like Him is okay in my book and I thank the LORD that my path crossed hers so many years ago. I am a blessed man.

I was impressed by their stress on holiness. My problem with them is foundation doctrine.

[Abiding Now]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0088D5LD2/?tag=alcyon-20

[GuyChristian]

I do know a lot about them, as I go to her sermons every week. She is closer to God than any other person alive on this Earth, and if you're so interested, why don't you join us?

[Abiding Now]

I do know a lot about them, as I go to her sermons every week. She is closer to God than any other person alive on this Earth, and if you're so interested, why don't you join us?

Is there a website where one could listen to someone that is "is closer to God than any other person alive on this Earth"?

[Steve Epley]

Years ago while John Brown was a preacher in her group told me she was teaching univeralism. I had hear it and asked him personally. Of course as often as she changes she might not be teaching it now.

[Abiding Now]

Years ago while John Brown was a preacher in her group told me she was teaching univeralism. I had hear it and asked him personally. Of course as often as she changes she might not be teaching it now.

What has B.R. Hicks changed? Her teaching, doctrine, dress?

[Steve Epley]

What has B.R. Hicks changed? Her teaching, doctrine, dress?

She teaching continual revelation thus it is always changing or was 25 years ago. It was hard to keep up with. She changed her mind on the Godhead several times.

[Abiding Now]

She teaching continual revelation thus it is always changing or was 25 years ago. It was hard to keep up with. She changed her mind on the Godhead several times.

Amazing.