Also read: Identifying Marks of an Exploitive, Abusive Group

History of PCG:

After Herbert W. Armstrong, founder of Worldwide Church of God, died at the age of 93 on January 16, 1986, Gerald Flurry (a minister in WCG since 1973) was one of those that disagreed with the new changes that Pastor General Joseph W. Tkach Sr. started making. Flurry refused to accept any change in the teachings of HWA and, as a result, he was disfellowshipped from the WCG December 7, 1989. 

On December 16, 1989, Gerald Flurry, along with John Amos (a WCG minister who was also disfellowshipped at the same time, but later died in 1993), founded the Philadelphia Church of God, headquartered in Edmond, Oklahoma, with 12 members, proclaiming to be the only church that holds fast to all the teachings of Herbert W. Armstrong. By 1996 PCG claimed to have over 6,000 members. By 2007 there were reports that they were down to 3000.

Who Were the Early Deacons and Elders in PCG?

Flurry uses the same fear tactics and mind control that Herbert W. Armstrong did, but is said to be much harsher and more abusive with the membership than HWA was. Former members have testified that this high demand, totalistic group has exploited them financially and abused them psychologically and spiritually.  Likewise, those who have loved ones or family inside PCG have written of the cruelty and total lack of empathy and love that they have experienced from PCG members. (See: Stories and Testimonies by Those Impacted by PCG.)

In 1990, Gerald Flurry wrote Malachi's Message stating that it was "a new vision from God and a new revelation"¹ concerning the "Worldwide Church of God falling away from the truth" and that HWA fulfilled the prophesied role of "God's end-time Elijah." ("Just as one John the Baptist prepared Christ’s way the first time, so one messenger [HWA] has prepared the way for Christ’s Second Coming." Malachi's Message, p. 8.) Flurry, along with stating that HWA was also "the modern Zerubabel," previously stated in this book that Joseph W. Tkach Sr. was "the Man of Sin" and HWA, until his death, "held him back." However, Flurry finds himself having to update MM every so often, as his predictions often don't come to pass; i. e., the fulfillment of "the Man of Sin" has now switched from Joseph W. Tkach Sr. to Joseph Tkach Jr., mainly because Sr. died, when he was "supposed to live on into the Great Tribulation and repent." 

By 1997 there were 5,000 members in PCG. (See Outsider's Inside Update Newsletter, Vol. 4, Pt. 2) By 2004 his membership figures started dropped. [Read: May 16, 2004 letter to ESN: "PCG Experiencing Drop in Membership"] Feast sites have been combined as members continue to leave. [Read: October 27, 2005 letter to ESN: "Numbers Down in PCG"] In 2006 Flurry stated there were "close to" 5000 members at the Feast. [Read: November 19, 2006 letter to ESN] Recent exiters of PCG have stated that there were always more members leaving than new members joining, so it is safe to say that the membership has been declining each year.

Flurry publishes The Philadelphia Trumpet, a free magazine, which is designed to look like a news magazine, but pulls others into his organization by the offer of more free booklets and certain articles. His inside magazine for members is Philadelphia News. He also has a TV Broadcast called The Key of David and a magazine for the youth entitled, True Education (now an online magazine only).

PCG has a Philadelphia Youth Camp for ages 13-19, which is patterned after Herbert Armstrong's Summer Educational Program camps (S.E.P.). [Read a letter to ESN regarding Gerald Flurry's 2004 sermon given at the Philadelphia Youth Camp.]

Ambassador Academy is PCG's elementary school.

PCG offers Herbert W. Armstrong College Bible Correspondence Course, which is basically an edited and revised Ambassador College Bible Correspondence Course formerly published by Worldwide Church of God. This free three year course is advertised as "no catch" but, unknowingly, readers will be subtly set up to be recruited into PCG's organization. (Read: How Did Herbert W. Armstrong Recruit People?)  A close examination of the lessons (based on a question and answer format) reveal that scriptures are taken out of context in order to "prove" what the author is saying.

Gerald Flurry purchased approximately 170 acres of land in Edmond, Oklahoma. He opened a college on this land in the fall of 2001, calling it Imperial College. In December 2005  the name of Imperial college was changed to Herbert W. Armstrong College. The college has 50 students (1/08). One of the objectives for the college is "to teach its students how to live" and "prepare pastors for their local congregations" (words similar to what HWA said about his Ambassador College in Pasadena, California²). The college is said to make use of mind control methods to train men for the ministry in PCG. [Read: May 2004 letter to ESN about Imperial College] Homes worth approximately $200,000 have been built on this land for the ministry. The grounds on the campus are furnished with security guards. The address is 14400 S. Bryant Ave, north of Waterloo in southern Logan County, Oklahoma. It is located two miles west of Interstate 35 off Waterloo Road, a few miles north of downtown Edmond, just outside of Oklahoma City.

PCG boasts of Armstrong International Cultural Foundation (AICF) (modeled after Herbert Armstrong's Ambassador International Cultural Foundation), which is on the grounds of Herbert W. Armstrong College. In January 2008 the Armstrong International Cultural Foundation broke ground for a $15 million auditorium (performing arts center called Armstrong Auditorium patterned after HWA's Ambassador Auditorium) which will seat 800. PCG and members refer to this auditorium as the "House for God." (Read: Gerald Flurry Plans to Build a "House for God") Gerald Flurry says this humanitarian effort goes to "national and international charitable and humanitarian projects deemed worthy by the Philadelphia Church of God."   

Philadelphia Church of God believes that the world can't fully understand what God's message is without Gerald Flurry's "revealed" writings and without believing Malachi's Message.

On March 7, 2003 Gerald Flurry bought the copyrights to Herbert W. Armstrong's literature, including Mystery of the Ages and 18 other books/booklets, from Worldwide Church of God for approximately $3 million dollars. [Read: Sold Copyrights to PCG]

In the summer of 2007 Gerald Furry spent time in Jerusalem with his son Stephen working on the "Jerusalem Dig." PCG students have been working with archeologist Eilat Mazar to unearth what they believe is King David's palace. Flurry calls it a "continuation of HWA's work."³

Gerald Flurry has stressed that before anyone is able to be baptized by PCG ministers, they must acknowledge that he is "that prophet" (one of several titles which he has assigned to himself), and that he is the man under God. He also makes members believe that "Christ is about to return." None of his prophecies have come to pass.

Others feel Flurry is becoming fanatical. Here are quotes from some of his booklets:

"As we get into more trouble, they will really think we are crazy! But we simply are giving ourselves passionately to God." Who is That Prophet? pp. 5, 88.

"They [the members] will stay with God even if it gets them killed." Ezekiel, the End-Time Prophet pp. 2, 116.

The May-June 2005 Royal Vision Editorial (p. 1-2) Flurry proclaims that PCG's emphasis has changed and it is now on "warning" and "prophecy" because "the time is short."  In this same issue he talked about PCG's new Hall of Administration on their Herbert W. Armstrong campus (i. e., AC College; formerly called Imperial College). This building is said to be a step in "finishing God's final warning work."

The following photo of it was taken in 2005 and sent to ESN (this is the back view):

For more info see our articles on Gerald Flurry.
 

Teachings and Beliefs of PCG:

	PCG claims to be "the only true church and God's Work on earth today4  and the "Philadelphia era of God's Church" (i. e., "the only church in the inner court").
	Herbert W. Armstrong is considered to have been the "end-time Elijah" and "Christ's end-time messenger" who prepared the way for the Second Coming of Christ, restoring the true gospel in 1934 (which had "not been preached since 69 AD" until HWA began preaching it). All their beliefs are based on what HWA taught. No one can attend PCG services unless they believe that HWA fulfilled the role of the end-time Elijah.5
	Gerald Flurry calls his position a type of Elisha's office6 and has recently proclaimed to his members that he is "That Prophet"7 mentioned in John 1:21, 25. He says he is in the role of "lawgiver to God's Church."8 and that God has worked with him the same way that God worked with HWA, even giving PCG new truth.9 [Read: Biblical Titles Flurry Has Appropriated for Himself]
	Members are not to question Gerald Flurry's teachings, or they will be disfellowshipped.
	Gerald Flurry is "the only Church of God leader who looks to Mr. Armstrong as our spiritual father."
	Other churches "in the world" are looked upon as Satan's counterfeits.
	PCG believes they are right and everyone else is wrong.10
	Malachi's Message is the centerpiece of PCG's literature (their whole message is built around it) and "PCG was commissioned by God to deliver Malachi's Message." Before one can become a member they must believe MM is the "little book" of Rev. 10.
	The Worldwide Church of God members are "Laodiceans" and the "Synagogue of Satan" and are being cursed because they have turned away from the doctrines of HWA.
	Most of the prophecies to occur in the Laodicean era have been "revealed to Gerald Flurry" (who is considered the "messenger to the Laodicean era).
	Flurry and his members have been "commanded by God" to get out the end-time message about God's law and soon coming government on earth, or else they will suffer in the Great Tribulation and/or end up in the Lake of Fire.
	Only those that are ruled "unconditionally" (i. e., by the government in PCG) can accomplish the "Work of God."
	Only a few being called now; those in PCG are considered "the elect."
	God works through the government (from the top down) in His church (PCG) and "if you question it, you are questioning God."
	Baptism by immersion, followed by laying on of hands by PCG ministers, is necessary as a condition for receiving the Holy Spirit. (Young children are not baptized.)
	There is no immortal soul, nor conscious existence until the first resurrection. Members do not believe in "going to heaven."
	"Born again" refers to a physical (1st) resurrection, not to spiritual birth; Jesus Christ was resurrected with a glorified spiritual body (members will have the same).
	Members "qualify" for the Kingdom by obedience to "the government of God." They are to keep the Ten Commandments (especially the seventh day Sabbath), the Old Testament feast days ("holy days") and clean and unclean meats (Leviticus 11).
	God is a "family" (not a Trinity). This "God Family" is comprised of the Father and the Son and members will born into it at the Resurrection.
	The Holy Spirit is not a Person, but only "the power of God and can be lost."
	Jesus was a "messenger" to bring the good news of the Kingdom of God. Christianity preaches a false gospel about Christ.
	The blood of Jesus "doesn't finally save any man."11
	Those who learn to be obedient to "the government" (i. e., Gerald Flurry) will assist Christ in ruling the earth in the Kingdom of God and will then rule the universe with Him.
	When you die, you are not conscience of anything until the the resurrection. ("soul sleep")
	There will be a "2nd resurrection" (a 100-year period after the thousand year reign on earth) when all those who "never had a chance to hear the gospel" (as taught by Gerald Flurry) will be resurrected from their graves and given their "first chance."
	There will be a "3rd resurrection" after the Millennium for those who had a chance and rejected the gospel (as taught by Flurry) and they will be annihilated in the Lake of Fire.
	Sunday, birthdays, Christmas, Easter, Valentine's Day, etc., are considered "pagan days" and are not to be observed. Only Thanksgiving and national holidays, such as Mother's Day, Father's Day, Fourth of July, and wedding anniversaries can be observed--as long as they aren't overdone.
	Use of the medical profession is strongly discouraged. It is considered being "weak in faith" to go to doctors, or to take medications. They are to be anointed by the elders and urged to look to God to heal them. Once they go to a doctor, they are not allowed to ask for anointing or prayers from the members. (Read: The PCG's Healing Doctrine)
	Members are not to vote.
	Members are not to take up arms in military service (conscientious objector). They must trust God for protection.
	Members are to give three tithes (3rd tithe given every third year), plus offerings are taken up during all the Old Testament feast days ("annual Sabbaths"). This is in addition to contributing to the building fund. Members travel to an assigned area for the Feast of Tabernacles in the fall, according to the Jewish calendar.
	Makeup is considered vanity and "a sin."
	Men cannot wear earrings.
	No nursery or classes are provided for the children during services; children are expected to sit and be quiet for two-hour services, or sleep on a pad beside the parent's feet.
	Women's dresses must be below the knees (even when sitting) and no low cut dresses.
	Members discipline their children according to the principles in the older Garner Ted Armstrong childrearing booklet: The Plain Truth About Child-Rearing (which sanctions spanking babies and harsh discipline of children).
	Divorce is considered "a sin." Members cannot remarry if they have been divorced before they joined PCG. They are forbidden to marry a non-member of PCG.
	Racist doctrine of British-Israelism/Anglo-Israelism (described in HWA's books, The United States and British Commonwealth in Prophecy and Mystery of the Ages), which states white Anglo-Saxons are "God's chosen race."
	Belief that they are living in the "last days" and "last hour"12 and the prophecies in the O.T. are for U.S., Britain and other English speaking nations today.
	The Great Tribulation (believed to be 3 l/2 years in duration) is imminent. A "United States of Europe" with Germany at its head, is to arise and attack the United States and other English-speaking nations.
	Anyone not in the PCG is considered Laodicean and they "must give up their lives to prove themselves to God."13 PCG members who are not obedient enough to be taken to the "place of safety" (which they have been taught is Petra)14 will go into captivity and either be martyred or suffer the seven last great plagues and the wrath of God.
	Disfellowshipping and marking is enforced.
	Those who leave PCG, or are disfellowshipped, are "considered Laodicean" and members are commanded to shun them, even if they are of their immediate family.15
	Belief that God prophesied the Worldwide Church of God would be destroyed by Satan after Herbert W. Armstrong died."16
	Flurry has hinted that the "last hour" could come on January 16, 2010 (figuring another 19-year time cycle from the "Elijah work"17)
	The great cardinal sin of the Laodiceans (WCG) is "rebelling against God the Father."
	The true gospel is the Kingdom of God. This Kingdom is "God's government administered by the family of God."
	Jesus Christ is not the central figure of the gospel; God the Father is.
	The most important book, next to the Bible, is Mystery of the Ages18 and the 3rd most important book is Malachi's Message. (MM is considered "the little book" of Rev. 10)
	Faith to be healed is the same as faith to be resurrected and they are to have the faith "of" Christ.19
	Belief that they are becoming like God and will be "co-Saviors."20
	Teaches members will "become God's family" (which is merely a re-wording of HWA's teaching which said they become a member of the God family; thereby becoming God.)
	Those who want to attend services must study PCG literature beforehand. Flurry feels they "just need a little more education first."21 Required reading for prospective members is: Mystery of the Ages, Malachi's Message, and That Prophet (in that order).22
	Much emphasis is placed on dates, especially the anniversary of HWA's death.23
	Teaches that one must keep "God's law" or they will not receive eternal salvation.24

Destructive Methods of Mind Control:

	Fear: Fear to question, doubt or read literature that is critical of the group; fear to leave the group; fear of losing salvation; fear of the Tribulation; fear of the "Lake of Fire"; fear of being "cursed"; fear of demons and/or becoming demon possessed.
	False guilt: Blamed for things they did not do in order to break them down and cause them to submit more fully to the leadership; feeling guilty over not measuring up.
	Shame: Sins are dwelt on in sermons, literature and counseling sessions; shame at their imperfections.
	Secrecy: Taught to keep their core beliefs a secret,  as "outsiders will not understand." Meeting places are kept secret. As of 2005, tape libraries have been shut down and tapes/CDs of sermons from headquarters are destroyed after being played to members.
	Unquestioning submission: Must obey their leaders without question or doubt.
	Control: Control of every aspect of members' lives, including their thoughts.
	Isolation: All those on the outside ("the world") are influenced by Satan. Flurry now has a "no contact" rule which is causing members to cut off from family. [See: Exposing Satan (partial transcript of Flurry's December 3, 2005 sermon, which includes at end: A Letter to Flurry (from one impacted by the "no contact ruling")]

Gerald Flurry continues to proclaim to his members that God is giving him "new revelation."²⁵

Instructions to ministers on how to conduct "proper and effective in-home visits" is in Gerald Flurry's November 5, 2004 Pastor General Report, p. 5-9. This is revealing in showing how PCG determines who is ready to attend services. Many of PCG's PGRs can be read online. (Click on "Pastor's Reports" in left pane, towards bottom.)

According to informants with inside info, PCG is becoming more exclusive and paranoid. (Read: November 2006 letter to ESN: "Raising the Ruins and Other Evil Happenings in PCG")

For further understanding of high demand, exploitive groups, be sure and see our articles under Understanding Mind Control and Exploitive Groups and our Booklist.

Info compiled by Exit & Support Network™
August 14, 2000
Last updated February 2, 2008

NOTE: It is alleged that many groups known as "cults" are fronts for a hidden agenda and work together to create a passive people. Is it any wonder they have similar methods of deception, manipulation, abuse, and related goals? Author Alex Constantine has stated: "That cults are dangerous has been proven time and again. That they are often fronts for intelligence activity is indisputable (as anyone who has dug into researching CIA mind control experimentation knows full well)." Read more about this and WCG / HWA activities from OIU Newsletter #6.

To understand more about the breakaway groups, we recommend reading the Outsider's Inside Update Newsletters which looks behind the scenes at the real activities and associations pertaining to the "transformation" of the WCG; shows how doctrine was used as a massive propaganda tool.

Footnotes:

¹ "Malachi's Message was revealed to me in 1989. GOD REVEALED IT! There was no reason for God to do so if a few already understood the message! I hope all of us would challenge such statements. Malachi's Message is a new vision from God. It's a NEW REVELATION-- not something somebody already knew!" (The Little Book, Gerald Flurry, 1995)

^{2 "}Regarding AMBASSADOR COLLEGE, all of you know that the purpose for which it was founded is to provide a trained ministry for the Church of God to assist Mr. Armstrong in this world-wide work. We carefully screen applicants for the College -- because not all young people are potential candidates for the ministry." (Good News, March 1958, "Who May Attend Our Schools?")

³ Ambassador College was involved in the "Jerusalem dig" from 1968 to 1976. HWA told members they were "cleaning off the rubble" where David's throne was in order to prepare for Christ's return. After claiming it was "the most important archaeological excavation of our time" he ended up spending thousands of dollars for nothing. More is covered in "AC's Participation In Jerusalem Dig Ends" (AR 2, 1977).

⁴ "Actually, we are God's only true representative on this earth!..."(Philadelphia Trumpet, p. 19 March, 1994) “...that truth is in only one church today, God's church. Only God's Philadelphia Church has retained God's Law in this end time." (Philadelphia Trumpet , p.5 March 1994).

⁵ "Herbert Armstrong was Christ's end-time messenger." (The Key of David, Gerald Flurry, chap. 2) "Mr. Armstrong’s writings are the foundation of all that we believe." (Personal, "Miracle Victory! And What it Means," Philadelphia Trumpet, March-April 2003, Gerald Flurry) "When prospective members come to the PCG, the first and perhaps most important question we ask them is, 'Do you believe Mr. Armstrong fulfilled the role of the end-time Elijah?' If they don't believe this then we don't invite them." (Philadelphia Trumpet, January 1993, p. 15)

⁶ That Prophet: Part Five, "The Elisha Work," Gerald Flurry

⁷ PCG's ministerial conference, June, 1999

⁸ "Mr. Armstrong had to establish God's law and government. He was the Elijah who restored all things just before Christ's return. I have continued the same law and government that he taught. ... Mr. Armstrong and I each have been used to fill the role of lawgiver to God's Church and the world." (That Prophet: Part Four, Gerald Flurry, p.21)

⁹ "Mr. Armstrong was not a prophet in the sense that God spoke to him like He did with the prophets of old. God spoke to Mr. Armstrong THROUGH THE PAGES OF THE Bible. ... God has worked with me in the same way. He has not spoken to me directly in vision, But He has given me all kinds of new revelation from the Bible--new revelation that you can prove." (That Prophet: Part One, Gerald Flurry, p.8) "And--most importantly--God has continued to bless us, as He did Mr. Armstrong, with new revelation." (An Open Letter to the Churches of God, Gerald Furry, February 2006)

¹⁰ "After all we are right, God is with us, and everybody else is wrong and they're going to have to see that." ("The Mantle of Elijah," 3-8-03, Sermon by Gerald Flurry, Pt. 2, Tape 2, Side 1)

¹¹ "The blood of Christ does not finally save any man." (All About Water Baptism, Herbert Armstrong, 1972, pp. 1-3.) "People want to believe we are simply saved by our faith in Christ's blood. As Mr. Armstrong said, that 'is nothing but a dead faith--and a dead faith never will save one soul!'" (Philadelphia Trumpet, Gerald Flurry, May 1994, p. 15). HWA often contradicted himself, so we will find him saying such things as: "The blood of Jesus Christ was so precious it paid for ALL OF OUR SINS!" (1979 co-worker letter from Herbert Armstrong); we are "justified by the blood of Christ" and acceptance of Christ is "for remission of sins" (Just What Do You Mean Salvation?) However, in his typical Scripture twisting manner, HWA (the same as Gerald Flurry) turned around and said that Romans 3:25 meant we only have remission of sins that are "past." (Pagan Holidays—or God’s Holy Days—Which?)

¹² According to Flurry, the "last hour" began on May 5, 2001. He later claimed that the last half of the last hour began on June 4, 2005. (The Last Hour, 2004; Dear Brethren and co-workers in Christ, 2/2/04; Jude, 2005, PCG sermon by Wayne Turgeon, 12/24/05, etc)

¹³ The Lion Has Roared, Gerald Flurry, "Laodiceans face death," 1991, 1992, 2006.

¹⁴ Flurry has talked about Petra being the possible "place of safety." (Philadelphia Trumpet, "The Place of Safety," July 1995; Nov./Dec. 1998 issue of Royal Vision.) Read: "Philadelphia Church of God and the Place of Safety.

¹⁵ December 3, 2005 sermon by G. Flurry to members. Refer the partial transcript on our site.

¹⁶ Flurry said America, Britain and Israel were "about to enter into the Great Tribulation." (Philadelphia Trumpet, July 1995, "The Place of Safety." Ezekiel, The End-Time Prophet," pp. 87-88. Ezekiel--The end-time prophet, Gerald Flurry, 2002, p. 142; Royal Vision, July/August 2003, "The Mantel of Elijah.") A few years ago he was figuring another 19 year cycle from Jan. 16,1991, which means he is suggesting January 16, 2010 as a target year. January 16 is the month and day that Herbert W. Armstrong died and Flurry has placed great emphasis on it. (see footnote #18)

¹⁷ Ezekiel-The End Time Prophet, Gerald Flurry, 2002, pp. 87-88.

¹⁸ "I candidly feel it may be the most important book since the Bible." (Dear Brethren & Co-Worker letter, September 1985, by Herbert W. Armstrong.) After a long court battle, Worldwide Church of God sold the copyrights to nineteen of Herbert Armstrong's works (including MOA) to PCG for $3 million (March 7, 2003). In his Royal Vision, July/August 2003, p.7, Gerald Flurry used the verse "Buy the truth and sell it not..." (Prov. 23:23) to justify his buying Herbert Armstrong's literature from the WCG. Also read: Selling the "Truth."

¹⁹ Feast of Tabernacle Sermon, Gerald Flurry, October 6, 2004. Read parts from this sermon, including ESN's comments.

²⁰ "We have a Savior, and He is teaching us to be co-saviors. God is teaching us how to save people today and during the Millennium. We are becoming like the Savior God!"

²¹ Pastor General's Report, Vol. 2, No. 4, February 12, 2005, p. 7.

²² Pastor General's Report, Vol. 1, No. 8, November 5, 2005, p. 3, 6.

²³ "Malachi’s Message was first received by many people on Jan. 16, 1990, the very day of the anniversary of Mr. Armstrong’s death (Jan. 16, 1986). ... You are going to see the date of Mr. Armstrong’s death take on more significance as time goes on. ... The number 40 is significant in the Bible. The third 19-year time cycle of the work of the WCG ended in January of 1991—the same month as the fifth anniversary of Mr. Armstrong’s death. ... The Persian Gulf War began on Jan. 16, 1991! God considers the date of Mr. Armstrong’s death to be very significant." (Malachi's Message and Chapter 6, Isaiah's End-Time Vision, by Gerald Flurry)

²⁴ Read: What Does Saved By Grace Really Mean? (A critique of Stephen Flurry's article, "You Are Saved by Grace!"

²⁵ "God has continued to bless us, as He did Mr. Armstrong, with new revelation. The living God did not stop speaking to His people when Mr. Armstrong died." (Philadelphia Trumpet, February 2006, "From the Editor: An Open Letter to the Churches of God" by Gerald Flurry)

If You Have a Loved One in a Deceptive, Exploitive Group

Identifying Marks of an Exploitive, Abusive Group

My Nightmare in Philadelphia Church of God (testimony by former PCG member)

Back to Mike's Enlightenment Page (Info on Philadelphia Church of God)

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