Church Of God, Cleveland, Tennessee

The Church of God, Cleveland, places foremost emphasis on the ministry of the Holy Spirit and does not regard the ordinances as special signs of God's presence. Three ordinances-baptism, the Lord's Supper, and footwashing-are practiced, but other actions such as dedication, ordination, and installation are observed by many congregations. The Pentecostal doctrine and practice of the Church of God (Cleveland) cause a constant emphasis on the presence of God through the active ministry of the Holy Spirit. Regardless of the activity in the worship service, his presence is believed to be there. It may be experienced personally and corporately. God's presence is felt within the individual believer's heart through the worship experience. However, dramatic interventions of his supernatural presence through the gifts of the Spirit are both expected and desired. Theologically no variance of God's presence or significance is seen in either the ordinances or any other ceremonial acts. This is …