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'{{short description|Church based in Edmond, Oklahoma}} {{Other uses|Church of God (disambiguation)}} {{Infobox Christian denomination |icon = Philadelphia Church of God Wordmark.png |icon_alt = Philadelphia Church of God Wordmark.png |icon_width = 250px |caption = Wordmark |main_classification = [[Protestant]] |orientation=[[Restorationism]] |theology=[[Armstrongism]] |governance=Hierarchical polity |leader_title=Pastor General |leader = [[Gerald Flurry|Gerald R. Flurry]] |headquarters = [[Edmond, Oklahoma]] |founder =Gerald R. Flurry |founded_date = December 7, 1989 |founded_place = [[Edmond, Oklahoma]] |separated_from = [[Worldwide Church of God]] |area = International |separations = {{ubl|Church of God's Faithful|Church of God Scattered Faithful|Faithful Church of God in Laodicea|The Church of God|Armstrong Remembrancers|Keepers of God's Covenant}} |congregations = |members=Approximately 5,000 |website=https://pcg.church/ }} The '''Philadelphia Church of God''' (PCG) is a [[Nontrinitarianism|non-trinitarian]], [[Sabbatarianism|sabbatarian]] church based in [[Edmond, Oklahoma]], US. The PCG is one of several offshoots of the [[Worldwide Church of God]] (WCG), founded by [[Herbert W. Armstrong]] (1892–1986). The PCG was established by Gerald Flurry with the stated purpose of continuing Armstrong's teachings, which were re-evaluated and subsequently rejected by the WCG after Armstrong's death,<ref name="wman">{{citation |url= http://www.watchman.org/profile/pcgpro.htm |title= The Philadelphia Church of God |publisher= [[Watchman Fellowship]] |work= Profiles |volume= 17 |issue= 2 |first= Tim |last= Martin |year= 2000}}</ref> as it came to accept orthodox Christian teachings, such as the [[Trinity]] (the triune nature of God as one Being in three distinct Persons). Armstrong had rejected the Trinity doctrine in favor of the view that God is not one but two separate God-beings (i.e., the God Family or the Family of God) into which Family, according to Armstrong, "humans upon true conversion and spiritual growth, may be born."<ref>[https://www.thetrumpet.com/literature/read/13.6.0.6/how- How God Planned to Reproduce Himself!]</ref><ref>Cottrell, Jack "What the Bible Says About God the Redeemer" Wipf and Stock (2000) p. 139</ref> The PCG asserts that it is carrying on Armstrong's legacy after the doctrinal changes made by the new WCG leaders, namely [[Joseph W. Tkach]] and his son, [[Joseph Tkach Jr.]], and also teaches new revelation that Flurry claims has been shown by God from the Bible since Armstrong's death. ==Founder== Gerald Flurry is Pastor General of the Philadelphia Church of God and Editor-in-Chief of ''[[The Philadelphia Trumpet]]'' magazine. He is also founder and chairman of the 'Armstrong International Cultural Foundation' and founder and Chancellor of 'Herbert W. Armstrong College' in Edmond, Oklahoma, USA. He was ordained as a minister in 1973, and formerly served as a pastor in the Worldwide Church of God, from which he was disfellowshipped ([[excommunication#Christianity|excommunicated]]) on December 7, 1989, "for resisting sweeping doctrinal changes." He had alerted the WCG ministry and members of those changes via his booklet ''[[Malachi]]'s Message'', after which he and his assistant, John Amos, were fired.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcog.org/about/gerald-flurry|title = Home Page &#124; Philadelphia Church of God}}</ref> Flurry then immediately founded his own organization, the Philadelphia Church of God. == History == The PCG teaches they are the one and original true Church of God<ref>{{Cite web |last=Heerma |first=Wik |date=May 2018 |title=Why One True Church |url=https://pcg.church/articles/4845/why-one-true-church |website=Philadelphia Church of God}}</ref><ref name=":21">{{Cite web |last=Heerma |first=Wik |date=Apr 13, 2019 |title=Where Is God's True Church Today? |url=https://pcg.church/articles/5538/where-is-god-s-true-church-today |website=Philadelphia Church of God}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |title=The True History of God's True Church |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=2020 |location=United States of America |pages=13–15, 72, 94, 178–179, 202–205, 2019–220, 224}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |title=Malachi's Message |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=2021 |location=United States of America |pages=5, 28–29, 62–63}}</ref> and all other churches are apostate or counterfeit.<ref name=":21" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Heerma |first=Wik |date=November 2013 |title=A Mark and a Sign |url=https://pcg.church/articles/3732/a-mark-and-a-sign |website=Philadelphia Church of God}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |title=The True History of God's True Church |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=2020 |location=United States of America |pages=22–23, 27–28, 30, 40, 61, 88, 99, 119–120, 146, 160–161, 178–179}}</ref> Based on the [[Herbert W. Armstrong|doctrine of seven church eras]], Flurry believes the [[Seven churches of Asia|seven churches in the book of Revelation]] are descriptive of seven successive eras of God's church<ref>{{Cite web |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |date=Feb 12, 2021 |title=Seven Churches |url=https://pcg.church/articles/6238/seven-churches |website=Philadelphia Church of God}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |date=Feb 17, 2018 |title=A Prophecy About God's Church |url=https://pcg.church/articles/4590/a-prophecy-about-god-s-church |website=Philadelphia Church of God}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |title=The True History God's True Church |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=2020 |location=United States of America |pages=iii, 4–8, 77, 85–86, 102, 151, 207, 211}}</ref> from the original apostolic church until the final church that [[Bride of Christ|Christ returns to marry]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Eric |date=May 2003 |title=Christ's Bride: Adorned in the Gold of Ophir |url=https://pcg.church/articles/1206/christ-s-bride-adorned-in-the-gold-of-ophir |website=Philadelphia Church of God}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Malone |first=Ryan |date=May 2010 |title=The Bride of Light |url=https://pcg.church/articles/468/the-bride-of-light |website=Philadelphia Church of God}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |title=Ruth - Becoming the Bride of Christ |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=2019 |location=Canada |pages=2–5, 9–12, 19–24, 27, 36, 42, 44–51, 55–57, 62–64}}</ref> In his book, ''The True History of God's True Church and it's 2000-Year War with the Great False Church'', he attempts to trace his church's history back to the first century church through the [[Grace Communion International|Worldwide Church of God]], [[Church of God (Seventh-Day)|Church of God (Seventh Day)]], [[Seventh Day Baptists]], [[Waldensians]], [[Petrobrusians]], [[Paulicianism|Paulicians]] and [[Bogomilism|Bogomils]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |title=The True History of God's True Church |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=2020 |location=United States of America |pages=1–2, 101, 112–115, 123–125, 130–132, 135–140, 156–157, 160–162, 166–172, 180–184, 189–190, 202, 211–212}}</ref> [[Herbert W. Armstrong]] founded the Worldwide Church of God in 1934<ref>{{Cite book |last=Armstrong |first=Herbert |title=Autobiography of Herbert W. Arstrong |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=2016 |location=United States of America |pages=349, 437, 440–441, 457, 478, 506, 562, 600, 763}}</ref> and led it until his death in 1986.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Herbert W. Armstrong, Church Founder, Dies at 93 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1986/01/17/herbert-w-armstrong-church-founder-dies-at-93/be77d3a8-ddcb-4441-ba67-fc3eea885d42/ |newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref> His chosen successor, [[Joseph W. Tkach|Joseph Tkach]] introduced significant doctrinal changes and began to withdraw Armstrong's literature from circulation.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |title=TRANSFORMED BY CHRIST: A BRIEF... |url=https://www.gci.org/articles/a-short-history-of-grace-communion-international/ |website=Grace Communion International}}</ref><ref name=":17">{{Cite book |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |title=Malachi's Message |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=2021 |location=United States of America |pages=vii-ix, 7, 18–19, 22–27, 72, 74, 95–96, 99, 101, 106–107, 109, 113, 118, 125, 128, 147}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Flurry |first=Stephen |title=Raising the Ruins |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=2019 |isbn=978-0-9745507-1-8 |location=Canada |pages=xiv-xv, 8, 10–12, 17–19, 35, 72, 84, 89, 94–98, 103–105, 110, 113–114, 117, 132–136, 143–148, 152–158, 161–163, 167–168, 171–173, 201–208, 271–272, 328, 331–332}}</ref> He took the church into a more orthodox direction, focusing on Jesus Christ and grace, instead of prophecy and [[Millennialism|the millennium]].<ref name=":13" /><ref>{{Cite book |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |title=Malachi's Message |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=2021 |location=United States of America |pages=vii, ix, xiii, 10, 18, 22, 27–29, 31, 36, 67, 72–73, 77, 89–90, 101, 114, 117–119, 122, 127, 133, 137}}</ref> Disturbed by these changes, local minister Gerald Flurry and his assistant, John Amos "seriously questioned WCG leaders' doctrinal changes", resulting in their termination and excommunication.<ref name=":16">{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Eric |date=February 2002 |title=This Is the Philadelphia Church of God |url=https://www.thetrumpet.com/574-this-is-the-philadelphia-church-of-god |website=theTrumpet}}</ref><ref name=":14">{{Cite web |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |date=Dec 7, 2018 |title=December 7: Remembering Why I Was Fired |url=https://pcg.church/articles/5284/december-7-remembering-why-i-was-fired |website=Philadelphia Church of God}}</ref> Flurry went on to establish the Philadelphia Church of God in Oklahoma in 1989.<ref name=":16" /><ref>{{Cite book |last=Flurry |first=Stephen |title=Raising the Ruins |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=2019 |isbn=978-0-9745507-1-8 |location=United States of America |pages=xiv, 219, 237, 303}}</ref> === Malachi's Message === In 1990, Flurry published and started distributing ''Malachi's Message'' to the members of the WCG.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |title=Isaiah's End-Time Vision |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=2018 |location=United States of America |pages=103}}</ref> He claims this book was delivered to him by a "mighty angel"<ref name=":18">{{Cite web |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |date=Nov 8, 2015 |title=The Malachi's Message Warning |url=https://www.thetrumpet.com/13255-the-malachis-message-warning |website=theTrumpet}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{Cite book |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |title=The Little Book |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=2019 |location=United States of America |pages=1–3, 6–7, 9–10, 25–26}}</ref> and is the prophesied ''Little Book'' found in [[Revelation 10]].<ref name=":19" /><ref name=":20">{{Cite web |last=Stough |first=Bill |title=Philadelphia official responds |url=http://www.thejournal.org/articles/issue17/pcg.html |access-date=June 12, 2022 |website=The Journal: News of the Churches of God}}</ref> He teaches his followers that it is revelation from God<ref>{{Cite web |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |date=Mar 9, 2022 |title=Robber's Cave and New Revelation |url=https://pcg.church/articles/6723/robber-s-cave-and-new-revelation |website=Philadelphia Church of God}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |title=Malachi's Message |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=2021 |location=United States of America |pages=83–84, 100, 104–105, 133, 145}}</ref><ref name=":5"/> and the centerpiece of God's revelation after Armstrong's death.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |title=The Little Book |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=2019 |location=United States of America |pages=27}}</ref> According to Flurry, the Old Testament prophet [[Malachi]], prophesied over 2,000 years ago that the WCG leadership would make these changes<ref>{{Cite book |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |title=Malachi's Message |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=2021 |location=United States of America |pages=xiii, 9–10, 28, 30–31, 93, 96, 122, 127, 139, 143, 146}}</ref> and those who don't follow him are destined for the "[[Great Tribulation]]".<ref>{{Cite book |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |title=Malachi's Message |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=2021 |location=United States of America |pages=xiii, 9, 28, 122, 127, 137–139, 143–146}}</ref> He brands those that won't follow him out of the WCG for being ''Laodicean''<ref>{{Cite book |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |title=Malachi's Message |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=2021 |location=United States of America |pages=xi-xii, 1–2, 6, 9–10, 11, 32–33, 42–44, 46, 48, 50, 57, 60–61, 70–71, 77–78, 80, 91, 95, 103–104, 109, 119, 127–128, 132–133, 139}}</ref> - a pejorative he uses to describe their "lukewarm attitude",<ref>{{Cite book |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |title=Malachi's Message |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=2021 |location=United States of America |pages=1–2, 31, 35, 39, 103, 119, 140}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=Mar 18, 2020 |title=What Is a Laodicean |url=https://pcg.church/articles/5933/what-is-a-laodicean |website=Philadelphia Church of God}}</ref> and warns them of the "nuclear holocaust" that awaits them.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |title=Malachi's Message |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=2021 |location=United States of America |pages=111, 122–123}}</ref> He calls those that heed his warning ''Philadelphians<ref>{{Cite book |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |title=Malachi's Message |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=2021 |location=United States of America |pages=34, 37, 39, 129–130, 135, 137–138}}</ref>'' and the "very elect" - those that cannot be deceived,<ref>{{Cite book |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |title=Malachi's Message |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=2021 |location=United States of America |pages=xii-xiii, 10–11, 60, 90, 94, 97}}</ref> promising them a "headquarters position of rulership" in God's Kingdom.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |title=Malachi's Message |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=2021 |location=United States of America |pages=1, 33, 38, 45, 141}}</ref> He assures his followers refuge during the "worst time of suffering" - the Great Tribulation<ref>{{Cite book |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |title=Malachi's Message |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=2021 |pages=33–34, 40, 42, 48, 116, 130–135, 141–142, 146}}</ref> and claims his book, ''Malachi's Message'', is the "ticket to a place of safety".<ref>{{Cite book |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |title=Malachi's Message |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=2021 |location=Canada |pages=2, 11, 30, 34, 37–48, 51, 65, 72, 84, 87, 90, 111–112, 116–120, 122, 126, 130–132, 134–135, 137–139, 141, 146}}</ref> === Mystery of the Ages === In August 1985, Armstrong's final work, ''Mystery of the Ages'', was published. The WCG described it as a "synopsis of the Bible in the most plain and understandable language". By 1987, the WCG ceased printing the book, citing "biblical discrepancies".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Feazell |first=J. Michael |title=GCI: Overview of Doctrinal Errors in Herbert Armstrong's Mystery of the Ages |url=https://archive.gci.org/articles/overview-of-doctrinal-errors-in-herbert-armstrongs-mystery-of-the-ages/ |website=Grace Communion International}}</ref> In 1997, the PCG decided to reprint Mystery of the Ages and a six-year legal battle over its copyright ensued.<ref name="Flurry 2019 xiv">{{Cite book |last=Flurry |first=Stephen |title=Raising the Ruins |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=2019 |isbn=978-0-9745507-1-8 |location=Canada |pages=xiv}}</ref><ref name=":23">{{Cite web |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |date=Dec 13, 2018 |title=Two Dramatic Signs of the Last Hour |url=https://pcg.church/articles/5298/two-dramatic-signs-of-the-last-hour |website=Philadelphia Church of God}}</ref> While the WCG believed that it was their "Christian duty" to keep Mystery of the Ages out of print,<ref>{{Cite book |last=Tkach |first=Joseph |title=Transformed by Truth |publisher=Multnomah Pub |year=1997 |isbn=978-1576731819}}</ref> the PCG claimed that God had commissioned them to get the book out to the "largest audience possible".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |date=March 1999 |title=Why Mystery of the Ages Is Important |url=https://pcg.church/articles/4583/why-mystery-of-the-ages-is-important |website=Philadelphia Church of God}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |date=February 1997 |title=The Largest Audience Possible |work=The Philadelphia Trumpet |url=https://www.thetrumpet.com/776-the-largest-audience-possible}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |date=May 2003 |title=Miracle Victory and What It Means |work=The Philadelphia Trumpet |url=https://www.thetrumpet.com/775-miracle-victory-and-what-it-means}}</ref> In 1999, the District court ruled in favor of the PCG, but was reversed later by the Ninth Circuit Court in 2000.<ref name=":32">{{Cite book |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |title=Habakkuk |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=2021 |location=United States of America |pages=52–53}}</ref> With an injunction to stop printing Mystery of the Ages issued, Flurry appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court and reassured his followers that his court case will be heard before the Supreme Court.<ref name=":42">{{Cite web |last=Flurry |first=Stephen |date=2021 |title=Victory Prophesied |url=https://www.thetrumpet.com/literature/read/1289-habakkuk/189 |website=theTrumpet}}</ref> A few weeks later, the Supreme Court declined to hear their petition.<ref name=":32" /> During the same year, the PCG made different offers to license or purchase some or all of Armstrong's literary works, resulting in an out of court settlement of $3 million for ''Mystery of the Ages'' and 18 other works.<ref name="Flurry 2021 65">{{Cite book |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |title=Habakkuk |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=2021 |location=United States of America |pages=65}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{Cite news |last=Allen |first=Marshall |date=Jul 1, 2003 |title=Church Sells Armstrong's Works |work=Christianity Today |url=https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2003/july/45.23.html}}</ref> == Prophecies == Gerald Flurry is a self-declared prophet (as written in his book ''Who Is That Prophet''<ref>{{Cite web|title=Who Is 'That Prophet'|url=https://www.thetrumpet.com/literature/books_and_booklets/266|website=TheTrumpet}}</ref>). Over three decades, he has made several prophecies, including Donald Trump remaining president,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Flurry|first=Gerald|date=January 2021|title=Why Donald Trump Will Remain America's President|url=https://www.thetrumpet.com/23193-why-donald-trump-will-remain-americas-president|website=TheTrumpet}}</ref> the Supreme Court overturning the 2020 U.S. Election,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Flurry|first=Stephen|date=December 9, 2020|title=The Communist Chinese Infiltration of America|url=https://www.thetrumpet.com/23271-the-communist-chinese-infiltration-of-america}}</ref> [[Barack Obama]] as the last president of the United States,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Gerald Flurry's False Prophecy About Trump and Jeroboam|date=8 November 2020 |url=https://exitsupportnetwork.com/gerald-flurrys-false-prophecy-about-trump-and-jeroboam/}}</ref> Pope Benedict XVI will resurrect the Holy Roman Empire,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sell|first=Eric|date=February 12, 2013|title=This Old Pope|url=https://armstrongdelusion.wordpress.com/2013/02/12/this-old-pope/#more-2913}}</ref> the PCG would acquire the Bricketwood Estate in the UK,<ref>{{Cite web|date=October 12, 2012|title=Bricket Wood, England Campus For Sale (Again)|url=https://armstrongismlibrary.blogspot.com/2012/10/bricket-wood-england-campus-for-sale.html}}</ref> and Jesus Christ will return.<ref>{{Cite web|date=December 8, 2020|title=What Happened to the 3-Year Hebrews Prophecy|url=https://pcgwatch.com/grf/prophecy/2020/12/08/what-happened-to-hebrews.html|website=PCG Watch}}</ref> === Gerald Flurry as That Prophet === In 1999, Gerald Flurry declared himself a prophet, specifically the unnamed prophet from John 1:21.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Who is That Prophet (Part 1)|website = [[YouTube]]|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyRp5ZPP7B8 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/MyRp5ZPP7B8 |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=The Plain Truth About Malachi's Message and That Prophet|url=http://www.pcog.info/ptmmtp.htm}}</ref> He claims to speak for God, receiving new revelation from him and even hearing his voice.<ref name=":6">{{Cite book|last=Flurry|first=Gerald|title=Who is "THAT PROPHET"?|publisher=Philadelphia Church of God|year=2001|location=USA|pages=20–22}}</ref><ref name="Flurry 2018 1">{{Cite book|last=Flurry|first=Gerald|title=The New Throne of David|publisher=Philadelphia Church of God|year=2018|location=USA|pages=1}}</ref> === Donald Trump as King Jeroboam === According to his "Great Again" booklet, Flurry claims that [[2016 United States elections|Donald Trump's victory in 2016]] was prophesied in the Bible and designates him as [[Jeroboam II|King Jeroboam]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Gerald Flurry's False Prophecy about Trump and Jeroboam|date=8 November 2020 |url=https://exitsupportnetwork.com/gerald-flurrys-false-prophecy-about-trump-and-jeroboam/}}</ref> He wrote that God revealed to him "that we are in the prophesied 'Jeroboam' end", and there would be "unparalleled carnage and destruction on Earth like never in history!"<ref>{{Cite book|last=Flurry|first=Gerald|url=https://media.thetrumpet.com/Literature/EN/THRONE_EN_E01.pdf#page=131|title=2018|publisher=Philadelphia Church of God|year=2018|location=USA|pages=124}}</ref> He also prophesied that [[Donald Trump]] would be "taken out by the sword",<ref>{{Cite book|last=Flurry|first=Gerald|url=https://media.thetrumpet.com/Literature/EN/THRONE_EN_E01.pdf#page=131|title=2018|publisher=Philadelphia Church of God|year=2018|location=USA|pages=24}}</ref> and that Tkach Jr. would conspire with Trump to send the PCG into exile.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Flurry|first=Gerald|title=Great Again|publisher=Philadelphia Church of God|year=2017|location=USA|pages=10}}</ref> He also claimed that this is the reason why Trump appointed so many Conservative Supreme Court justices during his term.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Flurry|first=Gerald|title=Is America's Supreme Court in Bible Prophecy?|url=https://www.thetrumpet.com/17949-is-americas-supreme-court-in-bible-prophecy}}</ref> Due to none of the events occurring during his term as president, Flurry was confident that [[2020 United States presidential election|Joe Biden winning the 2020 U.S. election]] was [[Attempts to overturn the 2020 United States presidential election|against Bible prophecy]]<ref>{{Cite web|last=Flurry|first=Gerald|title=Donald Trump is Going to Win This Election|url=https://www.thetrumpet.com/23137-donald-trump-is-going-to-win-this-election}}</ref> and that Trump would RETURN as president.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Flurry|first=Gerald|title=Donald Trump Will Remain America's President|url=https://www.thetrumpet.com/23193-why-donald-trump-will-remain-americas-president}}</ref> Flurry later stated that "Jereboam's greatest sin was rejecting David's throne".<ref>{{Cite book|last=Flurry|first=Gerald|url=https://media.thetrumpet.com/Literature/EN/THRONE_EN_E01.pdf#page=23|title=The New Throne of David|publisher=Philadelphia Church of God|year=2018|location=USA|pages=73–74}}</ref> === Gerald Flurry sits on King David's Throne === In his book ''The New Throne of David'', Flurry claims he heard a strong voice that said "There is a new [[Stone of Scone|stone of destiny]] and a new [[David|throne of David]]."<ref name="Flurry 2018 1" /> One of the beliefs of the PCG is that [[Elizabeth II|Queen Elizabeth II]] is the reigning monarch over David's Throne.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Armstrong|first=Herbert|title=The United States and Britain in PROPHECY|publisher=Philadelphia Church of God|year=2009|location=USA|pages=106}}</ref> He now believes "in January 2017 that all changed, that throne is no longer in Britain",<ref name="The New Throne of David">{{Cite web|title=The New Throne of David|website = [[YouTube]]|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPGIXtVz36w}}</ref> claiming that "God has to have a king in this Church who is a descendant of David".<ref>{{Cite book|last=Flurry|first=Gerald|title=The New Throne of David|publisher=Philadelphia Church of God|year=2018|location=USA|pages=22}}</ref> === Place of Safety === Flurry wrote in 2018 that the PCG must be "prepared to go to the [[Cave of Adullum]], the place of safety. Make this part of your thinking." and explained that there, "a 'converted apostle' in the PCG", claimed to be a descendant of [[King David]], "will sit as a king on a throne".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetrumpet.com/literature/read/17248-the-new-throne-of-david/2003|title = World News, Economics and Analysis Based on Bible Prophecy}}</ref> == Criticisms == The Philadelphia Church of God has been criticized by the media, religious groups and cult information networks for their unorthodox beliefs. === Doomsday Cult === Recognized by World Religions and Spirituality Project, Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry and Watchman Fellowship<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Philadelphia Church of God |url=https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/philadelphiachurchofgodprofile.pdf |access-date=June 12, 2022 |website=Watchman Fellowship}}</ref> as a non-Christian cult which perverts the Bible to its own end.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wayne |first=Luke |date=Sep 28, 2017 |title=Philadelphia Church of God |url=https://carm.org/philadelphia-church-of-god/philadelphia-church-of-god/ |access-date=June 12, 2022 |website=CARM}}</ref> Gerald Flurry is noted as displaying "typical cult-leader arrogance" and creates a "seclusionary atmosphere" for his followers.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Philadelphia Church of God |url=https://wrldrels.org/2016/10/08/philadelphia-church-of-god/ |access-date=June 12, 2022 |website=WRSP}}</ref> Flurry's approach to church government has been criticized for being "totalitarian, dictatorial, heavy-handed and tyrannical".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dankenbring |first=William |date=January 2018 |title=Flossing Flurry's Flaws - "Malachi's Message" or Malachi's MADNESS? |url=http://triumphpropheticministries.com/Malachis-Message-or-Malachis-Madness.pdf}}</ref> Ex-members of the PCG claim that Flurry uses his power to "command absolute obedience" of church members, and threatens their salvation for disobedience.<ref name=":1" /> Some members fell into poverty due to the financial demands placed on them and many, including children have died due to inadequate medical treatment.<ref name=":1" /> The group was also featured on the podcast The Cult Vault where an ex-member speaks of how members devote their entire lives to their leader Gerald Flurry.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Cult Vault |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GHhPDeOsd4 |access-date=June 12, 2022 |website=YouTube}}</ref> Flurry stated "I sometimes feel real good when I'm called a cult..." in a sermon from 1990.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mike's Page |url=https://exitsupportnetwork.com/mikes-page/ |access-date=June 12, 2022 |website=Exit Support Network|date=29 September 2019 }}</ref> The Philadelphia Church of God plans to flee the country in the near future.<ref name=":1" /> The PCG claims that "we are entering the most tumultuous period in world history, the terrible time period prophesied to occur just before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Understand prophecy |url=https://pcg.church/understand-prophecy |website=Philadelphia Church of God}}</ref> Flurry believes that God continues to give him new revelations, such as warning [[Armstrongism|Laodiceans]], the United States, the nations of the British Commonwealth and Israel of their impending destruction through his ''Key of David'' program and various publications.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |title=The Key of David |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=2019 |location=United States of America |pages=4, 8, 80, 107, 117, 155, 161, 163, 168, 173}}</ref> He claims that "God is pleading with mankind and that those who don't respond to his message will experience the worst time of suffering ever on this planet!"<ref>{{Cite book |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |title=Malachi's Message To God's Church Today |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=2021 |location=United States of America |pages=34, 130, 134, 141–142, 146}}</ref> [[KOKH-TV]] conducted a news report aired November 24, 2008 on the PCG, examining their apocalyptic message and comparing them to [[David Koresh]] and the [[Branch Davidians]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Special News Report on Philadelphia Church of God |url=https://exitsupportnetwork.com/special-news-report-on-philadelphia-church-of-god/ |website=Exit & Support Network|date=19 December 2019 }}</ref> Stephen Flurry later held a press conference in response to the news report, claiming the report was "based on innuendo, dishonest, and just disgraceful."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Church responds to TV news report |url=https://exitsupportnetwork.com/special-news-report-on-philadelphia-church-of-god/#Related |website=Exit & Support Network|date=19 December 2019 }}</ref> Amid the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], the ''[[Daily Express]]'' noted that religious organizations such as the Philadelphia Church of God have flooded social media with fear-mongering prophecies.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Kettley |first=Sebastian |date=Apr 20, 2020 |title=Coronavirus: Fears Fourth Seal of Apocalypse broken as Bible warning of pestilence unfolds |url=https://www.express.co.uk/news/weird/1244611/Coronavirus-fourth-seal-apocalypse-Bible-Book-of-Revelation-pestilence-coronavirus-news |website=Express}}</ref> In another 2020 article, the ''Express'' criticized Gerald Flurry for falsely predicting that according to [[Bible Prophecy (Eschatology)|Bible prophecy]], Donald Trump will overturn the election and remain in office.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kettley |first=Sebastian |date=Dec 4, 2020 |title=Donald Trump prophecy: Bible preacher claims Trump 'will remain President' |url=https://www.express.co.uk/news/weird/1367602/donald-trump-prophecy-bible-trump-remain-president-evg |website=Express}}</ref> === ''Malachi's Message'' === ''Malachi's Message'' is Flurry's explanation of the WCG's departure from Armstrong's teachings.<ref name=":17" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite book |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |title=The Little Book |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=2019 |location=United States of America |pages=26}}</ref> Flurry claims that his book was revealed to him in 1989 as new revelation and a vision from God. Despite these claims, Flurry has released several editions of ''Malachi's Message''<ref>{{Cite book |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |title=Malachi's Message To God's Church Today |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=2021 |location=United States of America |pages=ii}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Philadelphia Church of God Info |url=https://exitsupportnetwork.com/philadelphia-church-of-god-info/#2 |website=Exit & Support Network|date=7 October 2019 }}</ref> with countless edits since its first release in January 1990 - at least five times by the end of 1991.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=April 2020 |title=The Plain Truth About Malachi's Message And That Prophet |url=https://www.pcog.info/ptmmtp.htm |website=PCG Info}}</ref> Flurry has significantly expanded the book over the years from 83 pages in 1989 to 156 pages.<ref name=":15">{{Cite web |last=Flurry |first=Stephen |date=February 2010 |title=Keeping an Eye on January 16 and 17 |url=https://pcg.church/articles/1113/keeping-an-eye-on-january-16-and-17 |website=Philadelphia Church of God}}</ref> In this book, he states that Armstrong fulfilled the prophesied role of "God's end-time Elijah", and the role of "the Man of Sin" was by Joseph Tkach Sr., and after his death, this was changed to Joseph Tkach Jr. Earlier editions indicated that Tkach Sr. will remain alive at the return of Jesus Christ<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 1994 |title=Gerald Flurry's Ambassador Report File |url=https://gavinru.tripod.com/flurry2.htm |website=The Ambassador Files}}</ref> and will be "plucked out of the Great Tribulation".<ref>{{Cite book |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |title=Malachi's Message to God's Church Today |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=1995 |location=United States of America |pages=66–68}}</ref> This was later changed to Tkach Jr. after his father's death.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |title=Philadelphia Church of God Info |url=https://exitsupportnetwork.com/philadelphia-church-of-god-info/ |website=Exit & Support Network|date=7 October 2019 }}</ref> The term ''elect'' was change to the ''very elect''<ref name=":2" /> and references to the Laodicean messenger have been excluded from the book since the 1999 edition.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |title=Malachi's Message to God's Church Today |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=1995 |location=United States of America |pages=35–36}}</ref> [[Jules Dervaes]] challenged Flurry's copyright on September 26, 1990, citing Flurry's "ideas are a direct and clear plagiarism" of his work ''The Letter to Laodicea'', which was published in stages between 1986 and 1988.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Dervaes |first=Jules |title=The Hidden Years |year=1998 |edition=1st |location=United States of America |pages=283–286}}</ref> Both works identifies the Laodicean era, discusses Zerubbabel and Joshua, the betrayal of Zerubbabel, and the man of sin.<ref name=":2" /> All ministers, deacons and writers of the WCG were sent a copy of ''The Letter to Laodicea'' in 1987 - including Flurry.<ref>{{Cite web |title=These 237 knew! |url=https://www.pcog.info/Ministers.htm |website=PCG Info}}</ref> === Mystery of the Ages === During Flurry's firing in 1989, then Church Administrator, Tkach Jr. told him that ''Mystery of the Ages'' was discontinued because it was "riddled with error".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Flurry |first=Stephen |date=April 2007 |title=Riddled With Error |url=https://www.thetrumpet.com/3416-riddled-with-error |website=theTrumpet}}</ref> In 1997, the PCG decided to reprint ''Mystery of the Ages'' and a six-year legal battle over its copyright ensued.<ref name="Flurry 2019 xiv"/><ref name=":23" /> Based on the "mystery had to be finished" reference found in Revelation 10 and the "legal language" used in Habakkuk 1, Flurry claimed that victory in court was revealed and prophesied and that Jesus Christ would make a "personal appearance<ref>{{Cite book |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |title=The New Throne of David |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=2021 |location=United States of America |pages=45–46}}</ref> in the middle of the court case."<ref>{{Cite book |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |title=Habakkuk |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=2021 |location=United States of America |pages=i, iv, 2–9, 36–37}}</ref> He also claimed in That Prophet booklet that he would not lose the court case.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |title=Habakkuk |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=2021 |location=United States of America |pages=56}}</ref> In 1999, the District court ruled in favor of the PCG, but was reversed later by the Ninth Circuit Court in 2000.<ref>{{Cite web |date=Sep 18, 2000 |title=WORLDWIDE CHURCH OF GOD V PHILADELPHIA CHURCH OF GOD |url=https://www.pcog.info/WCGvPCG%20Appeal%20Ruling.htm}}</ref><ref name=":32"/> With an injunction to stop printing Mystery of the Ages issued, Flurry appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.<ref name=":42"/> A few weeks later, the Supreme Court declined to hear their petition.<ref name=":32"/> In September 2002, during a Feast of Tabernacles sermon, Flurry stated "the court case is a battle with the devil" and "he would not make a deal with such an evil force - he will only fight."<ref name=":2" /> Starting in April 2002, the PCG made different offers to the WCG,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Flurry |first=Stephen |date=May 2003 |title=(C) Philadelphia Church of God - Part 1 |url=https://www.thetrumpet.com/765-c-philadelphia-church-of-god-part-one |website=theTrumpet}}</ref> and reaching an out of court settlement by January 2003, for 19 of Armstrong's works for $3 million.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Flurry |first=Stephen |title=Raising the Ruins |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=2019 |isbn=978-0-9745507-1-8 |location=Canada |pages=355–356}}</ref><ref name="Flurry 2021 65"/><ref name=":24" /> The PCG has been criticized for misleading their members about the details of the court case to fit their prophetic narrative<ref name=":2" /> and caved into making a deal to secure their victory.<ref name=":42"/><ref>{{Cite web |title=Letters from Those Impact by the Philadelphia Church of God 2007 |url=https://exitsupportnetwork.com/letters-from-those-impacted-by-philadelphia-church-of-god-2007/#Victory |website=Exit & Support Network|date=27 December 2019 }}</ref> The PCG believes that Mystery of the Ages is "God's inspired words",<ref>{{Cite book |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |title=Malachi's Message |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=1995 |location=United States of America |pages=129}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |date=Jan 21, 1997 |title=Co-worker Letter}}</ref> that Armstrong was merely a scribe with "God pouring those words into his mind."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cartwright |first=Dixon |title=Why is 'Mystery' important? |url=http://www.thejournal.org/articles/issue25/pcg2.html |website=The Journal}}</ref><ref name=":23" /> They built their court case around its text being divinely inspired<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bravin |first=Jess |date=Feb 21, 2001 |title=Crying Copyright Violation, Church Demands Money Donated to Splinter |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB982709041447575214 |website=The Wall Street Journal}}</ref> and "central to their religious beliefs".<ref>{{Cite book |last=Flurry |first=Stephen |title=Raising the Ruins |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=2019 |isbn=978-0-9745507-1-8 |location=United States of America |pages=286, 292–293, 306}}</ref> Despite criticizing the WCG for revising Mystery of the Ages,<ref>{{Cite book |last=Flurry |first=Stephen |title=Raising the Ruins |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=2019 |isbn=978-0-9745507-1-8 |location=United States of America |pages=107–109, 119–120}}</ref> they have removed several statements inferring that there are no prophets in the New Testament Church<ref>{{Cite web |title=PCG's Changes to the Mystery of the Ages |url=https://www.cogwriter.com/news/cog-news/pcgs-changes-to-the-mystery-of-the-ages/ |website=COG Writer}}</ref> to reconcile the book with their new teaching on the subject.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Flurry |first=Stephen |date=Oct 21, 2004 |title=Changes to Mystery Of The Ages |url=http://www.pcog.info/PGR/PGR%202004-10-21.pdf |journal=Pastor General's Report |volume=1 |issue=6 |pages=3–4}}</ref> Mystery of the Ages has been updated at least four times since its first release in 1985.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Armstrong |first=Herbert |title=Mystery Of The Ages |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=2020 |location=Canada |pages=iv}}</ref><ref name=":2" /> ==Media projects== The PCG sponsors media projects (including television shows and regular publications) to preach their message and attract new followers to support their organization. ===''The Key of David''=== ''The Key of David'' is a weekly religious television program hosted by Gerald Flurry, in which he discusses world events and issues from his interpretation of bible prophecies.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |title=Get to know the Philadelphia Trumpet |url=https://www.thetrumpet.com/about |website=theTrumpet}}</ref> The program was named out of the Revelation 3:7 and other scriptures<ref>{{Cite web |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |date=Aug 2013 |title=What Is the 'Key of David'? |url=https://pcg.church/articles/4223/what-is-the-key-of-david |website=Philadelphia Church of God}}</ref> connecting it to the letter to the church at Philadelphia.{{citation needed|date=July 2022}} Flurry claims that the ''Key of David'' is the "profound understanding Christ wants all of us to have",<ref>{{Cite book |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |title=The Key of David |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=2019 |location=United States of America |pages=13}}</ref> which will lead to "special positions of authority in New Jerusalem".<ref>{{Cite book |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |title=The Key of David |publisher=Philadelphia Church of God |year=2019 |location=United States of America |pages=14}}</ref> The [[infomercial|commercial-free program]] is used to promote their literature and is the primary method for attracting new subscribers to their magazine ''The Philadelphia Trumpet''.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Nice |first=Philip |date=Nov 17, 2018 |title=2018 Key of David Season Yields More Responses |url=https://pcg.church/articles/5242/2018-key-of-david-season-yields-more-responses |website=Philadelphia Church of God}}</ref> Since 1993, Flurry has produced more than 26 seasons with over 820 episodes recorded.<ref name=":12" /> The program is aired in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and the Philippines.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Key of David |url=https://www.thetrumpet.com/programs/key-of-david/stations |website=theTrumpet}}</ref> ===''The Philadelphia Trumpet''=== ''[[The Philadelphia Trumpet]]'' is the PCG's flagship magazine, published ten times a year and paid for by the tithes and offerings of their members.<ref name=":11" /> They claim to "accurately forecast" global events and trends<ref name=":11" /> and position the magazine as the successor to [[the Plain Truth]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=Nov 22, 2017 |title=What Happened to the Plain Truth? |url=https://www.thetrumpet.com/16560-what-happened-to-the-plain-truth |website=theTrumpet}}</ref> It serves as their recruitment magazine<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 26, 2015 |title=Does PCG's Philadelphia Trumpet Alone See the Truth? |url=https://livingarmstrongism.blogspot.com/2015/05/does-pcgs-philadelphia-trumpet-alone.html |website=Living Armstrongism}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=Oct 2, 2021 |title=You Simply Can't Trust the Philadelphia Trumpet |url=https://armstrongism-ultimate-guide.blogspot.com/2021/10/you-simply-cant-trust-philadelphia.html |website=Armstrongism - The Ultimate Guide}}</ref> that is designed to look like a credible news magazine.<ref name=":10" /> It is filled with news stories selected and written to fit their prophetic narrative and used to promote their religious ideology.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Underwood |first=Kieren |date=Jul 1, 2021 |title=Why I Left the Philadelphia Church of God |url=https://agnostichistory.com/cult/pcg/2021/07/01/why-i-left-the-pcg.html |website=Agnostic History}}</ref> First published in February 1990, the magazine's circulation peaked at 458,700 in 2007<ref>{{Cite journal |title=Circulation |url=https://www.thetrumpet.com/media/W1siZiIsIjIwMjEvMDUvMTEvOW96ZGo4Ym5hM18yMTgxMGZjc280X1BUMjAwNzExX0VOLnBkZiJdXQ/f980b16597179741.pdf?name=november-december-2007 |journal=The Philadelphia Trumpet |volume=15 |issue=10 |pages=ii}}</ref> and dropped to 262,346 by 2018<ref>{{Cite journal |date=Sep 2018 |title=Circulation |url=https://www.thetrumpet.com/media/W1siZiIsIjIwMjEvMDUvMTEvNzdqcG9kM3VwNV83bzVxMzg1ejExX1BUMjAxODA5X0VOX3NtYWxsLmNvbXByZXNzZWQucGRmIl1d/7ec3b37debfabfff.pdf?name=september-2018 |journal=The Philadelphia Trumpet |volume=29 |issue=8 |pages=ii}}</ref> (of which 168,835 was sent out to waiting rooms to attract new readers<ref>{{Cite web |date=Aug 10, 2018 |title=Australasia Increasing Trumpet Distribution Through Waiting Room Program |url=https://pcg.church/articles/5054/australasia-increasing-trumpet-distribution-through-waiting-room-program |website=Philadelphia Church of God}}</ref>). ===''The Trumpet Daily''=== ''The Trumpet Daily'' radio show hosted by the executive editor of ''The Philadelphia Trumpet'' Stephen Flurry, speaking on a range of topics including politics, principles of living and bible prophecy.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Trumpet Radio |url=https://www.thetrumpet.com/radio/shows |website=theTrumpet}}</ref> Similar to ''The Philadelphia Trumpet'', this radio program links news events to the PCG's prophetic beliefs.<ref name=":10" /> The show premiered on May 9, 2011, and is available through their website, their radio station KPCG and SoundCloud. Previously available on YouTube but restricted since January 2021<ref>{{Cite web |date=Jan 18, 2021 |title=theTrumpet.com on Twitter |url=https://twitter.com/thetrumpet_com/status/1351128571440472070 |website=Twitter}}</ref> due to YouTube's stance.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Flurry |first=Stephen |date=Jan 18, 2021 |title=Unusual Times |url=https://www.thetrumpet.com/stephen-flurry/23444-unusual-times |website=theTrumpet}}</ref> === ''Celtic Throne'' === Their latest dance production follows the millennia-long journey of [[David|King David's throne]] from [[Kingdom of Judah|Judah]] to [[British Isles|the British Isles]] and eventually, [[United States|the United States]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=About|url=https://celticthrone.com/about}}</ref> Created and produced by Herbert W. Armstrong College and Armstrong Dance, with original new music from Golden Globe nominated composer Brian Byrne.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Music|url=https://celticthrone.com/music}}</ref> In his sermon, Brad Macdonald (PCG minister) states that "''Celtic Throne'' is the [[United States in Prophecy|United States and Britain in Prophecy]] performed as a dance show."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Gerald Flurry's Insanity With the New Throne of David|date=16 July 2020 |url=https://exitsupportnetwork.com/gerald-flurrys-insanity-with-the-new-throne-of-david/}}</ref> ==Education programs== The PCG offer three education programs to members and their children, with curricular based on their world view and doctrinal teachings. ===Herbert W. Armstrong College (AC)=== The PCG runs a small unaccredited theology [[college]], Herbert W. Armstrong College, from their headquarters compound in Edmond, Oklahoma.<ref>{{cite web |title=Herbert W. Armstrong College {{!}} Academics |url=https://www.hwacollege.org/academics |website=www.hwacollege.org |access-date=7 September 2020}}</ref> AC offers their church members two-year and four-year liberal arts programs with the objective of teaching students "how to live",<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Armstrong |url=https://www.hwacollege.org/armstrong |website=Herbert W. Armstrong College}}</ref> heavily focusing on theology and prophecy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Simpson |first=Susan |date=Jan 13, 2007 |title=Godly living is stressed Educational institute and church that backs it couldn't survive without help of each other. |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/religion/2007/01/13/living-stressedbrspan-classhl2educational-institute-church-backs-couldnt-survive-without-otherspan/61825602007/ |website=The Oklahoman}}</ref> The college acts as a seminary to provide ministers and a pool of entry-level workers for the church's operations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Statement of Purpose |url=https://www.hwacollege.org/armstrong/statement_of_purpose |website=Herbert W. Armstrong College}}</ref> The college was established in 2001 as "Imperial College of Edmond," but was renamed after objections by [[Imperial College London]].<ref>[http://www.hwacollege.org/org-hwacollege-www/en/docs/News/ Imperial College of Edmond Changes Name] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070907044237/http://www.hwacollege.org/org-hwacollege-www/en/docs/News/ |date=2007-09-07 }}, Herbert W. Armstrong College news, December 5, 2005</ref> Armstrong College graduated its first class in 2006.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Weekend Web - January 6, 2008|url=http://www.thetrumpet.com/?q=4661.2918.0.0|work=The Trumpet|publisher=Philadelphia Church of God|access-date=16 May 2012}}</ref> In 2015, the PCG opened a second campus at their Edstone mansion in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Turgeon |first=Grant |date=February 2015 |title=Introducing Edstone |url=https://www.thetrumpet.com/12323-introducing-edstone |website=theTrumpet}}</ref> ===Imperial Academy (IA)=== In August 2008, Flurry founded Imperial Academy, a primary and secondary school for the children of church members patterned after the WCG's Imperial Schools.<ref>{{cite web|title=Foundational Education|url=http://www.pcog.org/academy.php|work=Imperial Academy|publisher=Philadelphia Church of God|access-date=16 May 2012}}</ref> As an unregistered educational institution, Imperial Academy operates independently from local government oversight, providing K-12 education using the A-Beka home schooling curriculum.<ref name="Imperial Academy">{{Cite web |title=Imperial Academy |url=https://pcg.church/about/our-work/ia |access-date=June 12, 2022 |website=Philadelphia Church of God}}</ref> The church claims that "Imperial teaches young people how to base their learning and thinking on the Holy Bible."<ref name="Imperial Academy"/> ===Summer Educational Program (SEP)=== Formerly known as Philadelphia Youth Camp (PYC), the PCG sponsors a yearly summer camp modeled after the WCG's Summer Educational Program. Held in Edmond Oklahoma, Edstone England, Australia and the Philippines, campers participate in athletic activities, Bible studies and a wide variety of social and educational activities during the two to three-week camp. It is billeted as an outreach program, exclusive to the teenagers of the church, with the goal of instilling church doctrines and developing unity amongst the teenage membership.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cocomise |first=Michael |date=July 2, 2015 |title=What is Philadelphia Youth Camp? |url=https://pcg.church/articles/1788/what-is-philadelphia-youth-camp |access-date=June 12, 2022 |website=Philadelphia Church of God}}</ref> According to Flurry, SEP is a "vision of how God will correct the problems of the entire world", and claims to "help their young people turn to God" and to prepare them for "the return of Christ".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |date=July 11, 2020 |title=Why We Have the Summer Educational Program |url=https://pcg.church/articles/6052/why-we-have-the-summer-educational-program |access-date=June 12, 2022 |website=Philadelphia Church of God}}</ref> == Outreach activities == The PCG runs various outreach activities aimed at improving their public image and promoting Flurry's teachings across the world. ===Armstrong International Cultural Foundation (AICF)=== Armstrong International Cultural Foundation was established in 1996 as The Philadelphia Foundation. The AICF sponsors a performing arts concert series and archaeological digs in Israel. Armstrong Auditorium, located on the Herbert W. Armstrong College campus in Edmond, opened in September 2010. Armstrong Auditorium hosts the AICF's performing arts concert series and occasionally, archaeological exhibits. === Armstrong Institute of Biblical Archaeology (AIBA) === Founded in January 2022, Armstrong Institute of Biblical Archaeology is the church's archaeological institution based in Jerusalem, Israel.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Us |url=https://armstronginstitute.org/about |website=Armstrong Institute of Biblical Archaeology}}</ref> With a stated mission to showcase [[biblical archaeology]] to the world, AIBA sponsors and participates in archaeological excavations in the [[City of David (archaeological site)|City of David]] and on the [[Ophel]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Our Mission |url=https://armstronginstitute.org/our-mission |website=Armstrong Institute of Biblical Archaeology}}</ref> Initially, Flurry planned to name the institution the Armstrong-Mazar Institute of Biblical Archaeology in honour of Herbert W. Armstrong and archaeologists Professor [[Benjamin Mazar]], and granddaughter Dr. [[Eilat Mazar]].<ref name=":22">{{Cite journal |last=Flurry |first=Gerald |date=Nov 1, 2021 |title=Co-worker Letter |url=https://exitsupportnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/211101-CWL_Jerusalem_compressed.pdf |journal=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=Jan 12, 2022 |title=Launching a New Institute of Biblical Archaeology, and More |url=https://www.thetrumpet.com/radio/trumpet-hour/episodes/662-launching-a-new-institute-of-biblical-archaeology-and-more |website=theTrumpet}}</ref> The PCG has been involved in several phases of Dr. Mazar's excavations in Jerusalem since 2006.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jaffe-Hoffman |first=Maayan |date=Jun 22, 2018 |title=The untold story of Americans unearthing Israeli archaeology |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/florida-jewish-journal/fl-jjps-archaeology-0627-20180621-story.html |website=South Florida Sun Sentinel}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wrong |first=NT |date=Jan 2, 2009 |title=Eilat Mazar Uses Fundamentalist Christian Cult to Link Archaeological Finds to 'King David' |url=https://ntwrong.wordpress.com/2009/01/02/eilat-w-mazar-biblical-archaeology/ |website=N.T.Wrong}}</ref> == See also == *[[Armstrongism]] *[[Herbert W. Armstrong]] *[[Grace Communion International]] *[[Church of God (Seventh-Day)|Church of God (Seventh Day)]] ==References== {{reflist|2}}{{Sabbath-Keeping Churches}}{{New Religious Movements}} == External links == * {{official website|url=https://pcg.church/|name=Official Website}} * {{official website|url=https://www.thetrumpet.com/|name=The Philadelphia Trumpet}} * {{official website|url=https://www.hwacollege.org/|name=Herbert W. Armstrong College}} * {{official website|url=https://armstronginstitute.org/|name=Armstrong Institute}} * {{official website|url=https://armstrong.foundation/|name=Armstrong International Cultural Foundation}} [[Category:Church of God (Armstrong)]] [[Category:Church of God denominations]] [[Category:Edmond, Oklahoma]] [[Category:Schools using the Abeka curriculum]]'