Members Church of God International

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, Rizal (now Pasay City). 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.[9]

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.[9]

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).[9] However, Gugulan led the church permanently.

Soriano and other members believe women are not allowed to rule over the church according to the Bible.[9] 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.[9]

On March 30, 1977, 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, Inc.) with the SEC. 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.[9]

In 1979, 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.[10] 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.[10] 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.

MCGI began its satellite broadcast in North America in 2004.

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.[11]

Currently, Eliseo 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 vice overall servant (Tagalog: Pangalawang Lingkod Pangkalahatan, formerly called as vice presiding minister or Pangalawang Tagapangasiwang Pangkalahatan in Tagalog).[13] 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.[12] The overall servant prepares the outline of biblical topics (Tagalog: paksa) and preach sermons.[14] 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.[14]

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.[15] 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.[12] Assigned Church Workers administer various church services such as Prayer Meetings, Worship Services, Indoctrination Sessions, Bible Studies, Bible Expositions, and Thanksgiving in local congregations.[12] 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.

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.

TV Verdade (English: 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 (English: Truth TV), its broadcast channel for Spanish-speaking countries airing the 24/7 broadcast of El Camino Antiguo in El Salvador.

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.

In December 2016, TV Verdade HD was launched in high definition (HD) format (1080p) for households in South America including Central America and some parts of North America via SES-6.[24]

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.

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.[25] The international website of the church went online in 2009.[25] In 2007, Eliseo Soriano published his official blogsite and another blog in 2014.[26] 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."[27]

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.

The Almighty God is also called as "God of Israel" citing Exod 5:1, the creator of the universe (Acts 14:15),[3][28] with his Son, Jesus Christ (John 1:1–14). God cannot lie.[29] God is not omniscient[30] (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).

Jesus Christ is the Father's only Begotten Son[3] (in Romanized Greek: Monogenēs theos) as mentioned in John 1:18. For them, Christ is the Wonderful, Counselor, a true and Mighty God,[3] 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).[3] 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.[31]

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).[28]

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.[32] 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.[33] 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.[34]

MCGI believes that only the Bible or the Holy Scriptures, composed of 66 inspired books, 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.[3]

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).[4][31]

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.[35] 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.[3] They believe that this effort is geared towards converting sinners to believe and glorify God (Acts 2:38).

Baptism is a key part in their doctrines. Membership is conferred through immersion baptism of adults.

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.[36]

The church rejects infant baptism. Members not living in accordance with the church's teachings may be excommunicated, or expelled, from the Church.[37]

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.

Worship service at MCGI locale in São Paulo, Brazil

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).

Once a month, the members gather for a special prayer meeting, where a Biblical topic is discussed in full. It is held live at 5:30 p.m. (Philippine time) every first Tuesday of the month.

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.[14]

Once in every quarter, the church combines Prayer Meeting and Worship Service in preparation for a three-day International Thanksgiving of the members.[38]

The church offers a weekly "Thanksgiving of God's People", also 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 local church (a monitoring 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. During break time for an hour or two, a consultation with Bro. Eli Soriano for any members (including guests and visitors) who wish to consult on any topic.[14] Also, member may also attend for viewing purposes (replay) the recently concluded Thanksgiving Day 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).

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.[14]

In 2014, South America served as the host country of the church's quarterly event.[17]

The church celebrates Christian New Year with a special thanksgiving every first of Nisan, using the Hebrew calendar, which falls between March and April.[39]

The church also commemorates the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ every 13th of Nisan.[39] This is held annually.[40]

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.[41] 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.[42] On November 24, 2019, MCGI held another feast event to culminate the celebration of Ang Dating Daan’s 39th year anniversary on airwaves.[43]

The 10-hectare Ang Dating Daan (ADD) compound in Apalit, Pampanga is MCGI's headquarters in the Philippines.[44] 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.

There are also other convention centers located in Batangas, Laguna including Brazil.

MCGI has established more than a 1,360 local congregations.[16] 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.[45] A bus transformed into a cozy venue with roof, chairs, television screen and satellite receiver, can accommodate guests in remote areas during Bible Expositions.

MCGI Largest Gospel Choir recital at Smart Araneta Coliseum in 2015.

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.[46][47] The official video of the performance was published in The Old Path YouTube channel with 1.6 million views as of December 2020.

Guinness adjudicator Fortuna Burke Melhem witnessed the recital of 8,688 singers at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.[46] 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.”[48]

MCGI donated more than three million pesos for people with disabilities (PWD) who were invited as main guests during the event.[46][48] Beneficiaries were government-accredited charitable institutions and federations for PWDs and more than 1,700 PWD guests and their families.[48]

It surpassed the previous 4,745-singer record achieved by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) in 2014.[49] However on May 22, 2016, the INC regained the record with 21,262 singers at the Philippine Arena.[50]

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.[51][52][53][54]

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.[55] 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.[56] MCGI donated the most among all participants with 5,801 blood bags given to the Philippine Blood Center in 2019.[55] In 2018, MCGI received the same award with 6,710 donated blood bags.[57]

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.[54][58]

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.[59]

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.[60]