History of God Glorified C.O.G.I.C.

Pastor Joseph E. Gray yielded to God’s call to pastor, after it was confirmed through a second prophecy during the Auxiliaries in Missions Conference, July 2004, in Los Angeles, California.  Following the leading of God, Pastor Gray ventured into the multi-cultured area of Takoma Park to start a church for the express purpose of winning souls into the kingdom of God.  Elder Gray shared his vision for the church with everyone who asked him.  He named the church God Glorified so that it will be a constant reminder that Jesus Christ gets the glory for everything that is accomplished there.

On Sunday, September 26, 2004, God Glorified Church of God in Christ held its official opening at the Piney Branch Elementary School, 7510 Maple Avenue in Takoma Park, Maryland.  Pastor Gray pronounced a prayer mantel on the ministry and set God’s house in order with kneeling prayer at that service and every service since.  People came from as far as North Carolina and Detroit, Michigan and filled the auditorium until there was standing room only. 

God’s approval was upon the church from day one when Elder Gray declared his vision for a ministry of healing and understanding of God’s Word for the God Glorified church family and all those who will come and hear.  Pastor Gray informed us that this ministry is about God and only God.  It is not going to be church as usual and that we will experience freedom in this house to praise and magnify the Lord as the Spirit wills.  What a glorious service it was.  For the record, Mother Dorothy Gray was the first one to dance in the church.  It was a dance of freedom.

On that day, God blessed the ministry with an unprecedented membership in the first service.  Approximately 75 members embraced the ministry.  Pastor Gray asked the saints to go on 40 day Daniel fast commencing the next day (September 27, 2004), and encouraged them to read Isaiah, chapter 58 during the fast.  At the end of the fast, Pastor Gray launched PHASE I of the ministry into the community known as a “Pray Walk”.  The pastor and many members walked through the residential streets praying and claming souls for the kingdom of God.  A second 40 day fast went into affect prior to implementing PHASE II of the ministry, where the saints went door-to-door introducing the God Glorified ministry to the community and taking prayer requests. 

Phase II concluded September 11, 2005, where the ministry was further introduced to the community during the Takoma Park Community Festival.

All during the year of 2006, Pastor Gray taught from the “Purpose Drive Life” book by Rick Warren.  Bible study is a very informal setting, where the word of God is made practical for everyday living.  The teaching has been a tremendous blessing to all.    

 One year went so quickly; and we have had a good time rejoicing and magnifying the Lord.  The membership is yet growing and souls are being birthed into the kingdom of God.  Pastor and Lady Gray’s home has been “the meeting place” for ministry meetings, rehearsals, cook outs, stuffing door-to-door handouts, packing boxes for Hurricane Katrina victims, etc.   We appreciate their generosity, hospitality, love and kindness.