The holy fire that was ignited in our mother land had to be carried forth into the new land, to the coming generation and the perishing souls. The leaders of the Churches of God, under the guidance of Pr. Abraham Varghese as the coordinator, started its first combined meetings of all the churches in America on March 29, 1993 at Queens Church of God, New-York. The chairman of this special meeting was Pr. P. Thomas, and it was decided at this meeting that, this gathering was to be known as the North American Church of God (India) Fellowship. To pass the baton to the next generation, to worship our Lord in spirit and in truth, to have an eagerness for the younger generation for fellowship and also for believers from all across America to come together were few of the inspiring ideologies behind starting this great conference. An organization with a very humble beginning has now spread to different parts of America and Canada. All glory and honor goes to our Savior, the author and finisher of our faith.
As change of spirituality could be visible among believers, a group of people were eagerly waiting on the Lord to get holy and righteous. Despite circumstances, culture or outlook, a believer has to guard the quality and keep their lives blessed and acceptable in the eyes of God. Ideologies included were to not break the barriers set by our forefathers but to embrace them, not to mingle with the crowd but be unique and outstanding, holding on the faith and the love of Christ, and set apart for God without blemishing the quality. In 1973, the first Church Of God church was started under the leadership of Late Pr. Mathai. P. Mathai and was known by the name Brooklyn Church of God. From its inception to the fourteenth conference of the North American Church of God (India) this is just a glimpse of the main events that took place. Let us praise God for His blessings on this organization and thank His unconditional love towards us.
1st Conference – New-York (1995)
The first official conference of the North American Church of God (India) Fellowship took place in Francis Lewis High School Auditorium. The main speaker for this meeting was then overseer Dr. Lamar West. The officials for this conference were President Pr. T. V. George (Dallas), Vice President Pr. P. Thomas (NY), Secretary Pr. C. V. Andrews (Georgia), Treasurer Pr. Samuel Varghese (NJ) and Youth Coordinator Pr. Philip Thomas (NY). The ladies section was officiated by Sis. Gracy Abraham (NJ). Publicity and Media Coordinators were Pr. P. P. Kurian (NY) and Pr. Moni Mathew (NY) respectively. Almighty God poured His blessings on this meetings and it was a great success.
2nd Conference – Tennessee (1997 August)
At the first conference of the North American Church of God (India) Fellowship, it was decided that the second conference would take place in Tennessee and the officials were elected. Rev. Dr. K. J. Mathew (President), Pr. Abraham Varghese (Vice-President), Pr. Babu M. John (Secretary), Pr. Samuel Varghese (Treasurer) and Pr. Nelson P. John (Youth Coordinator). The ladies section was officiated by Sis. Kunjumol Mathew (Ladies Coordinator), Sis. Susan P. John (Rep.), Sis. Kunjamma Mathew (Rep.). The second conference of the North American Church of God (India) Fellowship was held at Lee College (TN), one of the colleges of the Church of God. The main speakers for this conference were Rev. Dr. Ray.H.Hughes, Dr. Dennis McGuire and Evg. Suresh Babu. At this conference it was unanimously decided to have this fellowship once every year and that the third conference would be held in Dallas, Texas.
3rd Conference – Dallas (1998)
“Behold I come quickly” was the theme of this meeting. Just like the theme said, the spirit of God moved in a mighty way and quickened the heart of the youngsters; around twenty-two young ones gave their lives for God’s ministry. Pr. T. V. George was the President of this meeting, Pr. C. V. Andrews (Vice President), Pr. Moni Mathew (Secretary), Br. Benjamin George (Treasurer) and Pr. Philip Thomas (Youth Coordinator). National Representatives were Pr. Thomas Zachariah, Pr. Samuel Varghese, Pr. T. C. Chacko and Pr. K. T. John. Ladies section was led by Sis. Susan B. John (President), Sis. Sumol Abraham (Secretary), Sis. Leelamma Varghese
(Treasurer). National Representatives were Sis. Thankamma Thomas and Sis. Kunjumol Mathew. The main speakers for these meetings were Dr. Dennis McGuire, Rev. Mark Nsreeth and Rev. Y. Zachariah. The talent demonstration on Saturday evening was presided by Pr. John Thomas. Youth meetings was presided by Dr. Ezhamkulam Samkutty, Sis. Nissy Kurian and Br. Benjamin Varghese spoke regarding various issues. At the worship service on Sunday morning, Pr. C. V. Andrews, spoke from the word, Pr. P. P. Kurian, spoke from the Psalm and Pr. T. V. George led the Lord’s supper. Ps. Fijoy Johnson submitted himself for the calling of God at this conference and is now pastoring a church in TN.
4TH Conference - Philadelphia (1999) June 24th - 27th
This conference was initially supposed to take place in New Jersey, but due to some circumstances it was moved to the city of Philadelphia. It took place at Ebenezer Church of God Auditorium. The main speakers for these meetings were Dr. Dennis McGuire, Rev. T. L. Lowery and Rev. Andrew Binda. The officials were as follows, Pr. Abraham Varghese (President), Pr. Abraham Thomas (V.P), Pr. P.P.Kurian (Secretary), Br. Babu Iype (Treasurer) and Br. Sushil Mathew (Youth Coordinator). The national representatives were Pr. C.V.Andrews, Pr. John Thomas, Pr. Johnson Zachariah, Pr. Kurian George, Pr. George Varghese, Bro. A.V.Daniel, Bro. George.P.Mathew and Bro. K.K.Paul. Pr. Moni Mathew served as the media coordinator. The officials for the ladies section are as follows – Sis. Mini Mathew (President), Sis. Rachel Joseph (Secretary), Sis. Leelamma Kurian (Treasurer). Sis. Thankamma Andrews and Sis. Gracy Paul did their part diligently as committee members. Local coordinators were Pr.Baby Daniel and Pr. Abraham Chacko. For the first time in North American Church of God (India) Fellowship, a souvenir was published under the leadership of Pr. Abraham Varghese (Publisher), Br. Babu Iype (Chief Editor), Pr.P.P.Kurian (Managing Editor). The editorial board included Pr. Abraham Thomas, Evg. Susheel Mathew, Pr. Abraham Chacko, Pr. Moni Mathew, Pr. Benjamin Thomas, Pr. Shaji Karakkal, Pr. Johson Zachariah, Pr. John Thomas, Bro. Roy Mepral, Bro. Raju Philip and Bro. Leslie Verghese. A great souvenir was published because of their hard work. The theme for this conference was “revive us again.” There was a mighty outpour of the Holy Spirit in all the meetings and true revival was ignited at this conference. The general body decided that the fifth conference would take place in New York and the committee for the next year was elected.
5th Conference – New-York (2000) August 3rd-6th
This conference was held under the leadership of Pr. P. Thomas, at Yonkers Church of God. The committee members were Pr. P. Thomas (President), Pr. Baby Daniel (Vice President), Pr. Johnson Zachariah (Secretary), Bro. A. V. Daniel (Treasurer) and Bro. Mathew Joseph (Youth Coordinator). Ladies section was led by Sis. Kunjamma Mathew (President), Sis. Sosamma Daniel (Secretary), Sis. Glory Varughese (Treasurer), Sis.Annie John (Natl. Rep) and Sis. Thankamma Thomas (Natl. Rep). The main speaker for this conference was Rev. Samuel Santhana. Pr. P.P.Kurian was the local coordinator. Pr.T.V.George and Pr. Joe Kurian spoke from the word at these meetings. The theme of this conference was
“ And that knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.” Romans 13:11. The audience was blessed by the word and the fellowship of Holy Spirit was prevalent in all these meetings and could be visible through the events that took place. Nationals Representatives were Rev. Dr. K. J. Mathew, Pr. T. V. George, Pr. Samuel Varghese, Pr. T. Thomas, Pr. T. C. Chacko, Pr. Babu M. John, Pr. George Varghese, Pr. Moni Mathew, Bro. Reji Philip was the media coordinator.
6th Conference – Atlanta (2001)August
This conference was held under the leadership of Pr. C. V. Andrews. The officials were Pr. C. V. Andrews (President), Late. Pr. George Thomas (Vice-President), Pr. Samuel Varghese (Secretary), Bro. Philip Varghese (Treasurer) and Bro. Stanley Chacko (Youth Coordinator). Local coordinator was Pr. Thampy Mathew and media coordinator was Bro. Roy Mepral. The ladies section was officiated by Sis. Saramma Mathew (President), Sis. Jainamma Philipose (Secretary), Sis. Mariamma Andrews (Treasurer). The national representatives were Sis. Molly Iype and Sis. Santhamma Mathai. The main speakers of this conference were Rev. John Colbaugh, Rev. Dr. Johnathan Ramsey and Rev. Dr. David Cooper. Pr. T. V. George, Pr. P. Thomas and Late Pr. V. C. Itty spoke in Malayalam. It was decided for the next conference to be held in New Jersey and the officials were elected.
7th Conference – New Jersey (2002) July 25th -28th
The seventh conference was held at Hasbrough Heights Hilton in New Jersey from July 25th to 28th 2002. The officials for this conference were Pr. Abraham Varghese (President), Pr. Johnson Zachariah (Vice President), Bro. Viju.P.Thomas (Secretary), Bro. Sajan Thomas (Treasurer) and Bro. Leslie Verghese (Youth-Coordinator). Media coordinator was Bro. Shaji Vennikulam and Auditor was Bro. Roy Mepral. Ladies section was presided by Sis. Mercy Thomas (President), Sis.Kunjumol Mathew (Secretary) and Sis. Ammini Mathew (Treasurer). Sis. Leelamma Kurian and Sis. Annie Nelson served as national representatives. Pr. Samuel Varghese served as the local coordinator. The main speakers of this conference were Rev. Dr. Jonathan Ramsey, Rev. Dr. Mark Williams, Bishop Sean Teal, Rev. K. C. John, Rev. K. M. Thankachen, Rev. A. Mathai and Rev. T. V. George. National Representatives included, Pr. P.P.Kurian, Pr. Baby Daniel, Pr. P. V. Mathew, Bro. Sony M. Koshy, Bro. A. C. Thomas, Bro. Varghese Joseph and Bro. P.M.Mathew. The theme for this conference was Rev 21:3.
8th Conference – Tennessee 2003
At the seventh conference, the committee for the eight conference was elected. Rev. Dr. K. J. Mathew (President), Pr. P. P. Kurian (Vice President), Bro. K.K Paul (Secretary), Bro. Varghese Joseph (Treasurer), Bro. Philip Varghese (Youth Coordinator), Bro. Sajan Thomas (Local Coordinator), Bro. Shaji Vennikulam (Media Coordinator) and Bro. Roy Mepral as auditor. The national representatives were Pr. Jones Mathen, Bro. David Kuruvilla, Pr. Rajan Skariah, Pr. Johnnykutty P. John, Bro. Rajan Chacko, Pr. T. C. Chacko, Bro. Varghese Varghese, Pr. James Richard, Bro. Shaji John, and Pr. Babu M. John. Ladies ministry was presided by Sis. Annamma Skariah (President), Sis. Kunjumol Mathew (Secretary), Sis. Susan B. John (Treasurer). National representatives for the ladies included Sis. Annie P. John and Sis. Sosamma Daniel. The main speakers for this meeting were Rev. John Childers, Rev. Kevin Wallace, Rev. Larry Timmerman, Rev. Dennis McGuire and Rev. Mike Chapman. New decisions were made during these meetings. Colossians 3:1,2 was the theme for this conference.
9th Conference – Dallas 2004 (July 29 – August 1)
At the eight conference, the officials for the ninth conference was elected and it was decided to have the conference at Dallas. Pr. T. V. George (President), Pr. Moni Mathew (Vice President), Bro. Sajan Thomas (Secretary), Bro. David Kuruvilla (Treasurer) and Bro. Josen Thomas (Youth Coordinator).
Local coordinator was Pr. Johnson Zachariah. Ladies section was officiated by Sis. Achamma Chacko (President), Sis. Ammini Thankachan (Secretary), Sis. Solly Rajan (Treasurer), Sis. Ponnama Thomas (Rep. South-West Region), Sis. Ammini Mathew (Rep. North-East Region). Sis. Lillykutty Johnson served as the local coordinator for the ladies. The main speakers for this conference were Rev. Dr. Paul Walker, Rev. Kelvin Colbaris and Rev. Allan Mathura. The convention was held at Hampton Inn Convention Center. The theme for this conference was Isaiah 6:8 “Whom shall I send, who will go for me?” The national representatives were Pr. Jose V. Anicattu, Pr. Johnykutty P. John, Pr. Thomas Koshy, Pr. Abraham Philip, Pr. Zack Varghese, Pr. Abraham Thomas, Pr. Babu M. John, Pr. Sunny Thazhompallam, Pr. Jospeh Mathew, Bro. Finoy Johnson and Pr. Tom Zachariah.
10th Conference – Florida 2005 (July 28-31)
Under the guidance from heaven and the leadership of Pr. Babu M. John, this conference was held in the Marriot Hotel at Coral Springs. “Get up and build” was the theme for this conference. The officials for this convention were Pr. Babu M. John (President), Pr. John Thomas (Vice President), Bro Varghese Varghese (Secretary), Bro. Joseph Mathew (Treasurer) and Evg. Happy Alexander (Youth Coordinator). Bro. Finoy Johnson served as the media coordinator. The ladies section was officiated by Sis.Jolly Joseph (President), Sis. Kunjamma Mathew (Secretary), Glory Joseph (Treasurer), Sis. Aleyamma Abraham (Rep South-West Region), Sis.Glory Varghese (Rep North-East Region), Sis Susan.B.John served as the local coordinator for the ladies. National Representatives included, Bro. Aby Philip Thomas, Pr.A.M.Varghese, Bro. Jose Varghese, Bro. Mathew.P.Mathew, Pr.P.P.Kurian, Pr.Samuel Varghese, Pr.Thomas Mathew, Bro. Varghese Joseph, Evg. Susheel Mathew, Bro. Varghese Thomas, Bro. Finoy Johnson, Bro. John Jacob served as the local coordinator. The main speakers for this meeting were Rev.Dr. Lamar West, Rev. Dr.Gary Don Childress and Sis.Vicki West. Many pastors from India and from different parts of America spoke at different sessions throughout the conference.
11th Conference – New York 2006 (August 3rd – 6th)
The eleventh conference was held under the leadership of Pr. Moni Mathew (President), Pr. Thomas Mathew (Vice President), Bro. Abraham Thomas (Secretary), Bro. Jose Varghese (Treasurer) and Pr. Mathew George (Youth Coordinator). Ladies section was officiated by Sis.Glory Varghese (President), Sis.Kunjumol Mathew (Secretary), Sis. Ammini Thankachan (Treasurer), Sis. Sosamma Daniel (Rep North-East Region), Sis. Laly Samkutty (Rep South-West Region). Pr. Thankachan Thomas served as the local coordinator and publicity coordinator was Bro. Roy Mepral. The national representatives were Bro. Thankachan Joseph, Bro. Shaji Vennikulam, Pr. Joy John, Pr. Stephen Benjamin, Pr.Benjamin Thomas, Bro. David Kuruvilla, Pr. P. P. Kurian, Pr. James Richard, Pr. Sunny Baby, Bro. Thomas Chacko, Bro. Sam Cherian and Pr. Sunny Thazhampallom. Sis. Annamma Zachariah served as the ladies local coordinator. The main speakers for these meetings were Rev. Kevin Wallace, Rev. Andrew Binda, Rev. P. J. James, Rev. P. R. Baby and Rev. Jacob Mathew. “Perfecting holiness in the fear of God” was the theme for this conference.
12th Conference - Houston 2007 (August 2-5 )
The officials for the twelfth national conference were Pr. John Thomas (President), Pr. T.C.Chacko (Vice President), Bro. Varghese Joseph (Secretary), Bro. Thomas George (Treasurer) and Pr. Fijoy Johnson (Youth Coordinator). Pr. Abraham Thomas served as the local coordinator. Ladies section was officiated by Sis. Kunjumol Mathew (President), Sis. Valsamma Thomas (Secretary), Sis. Rosamma Richard (Treasurer). National representatives were Sis. Gracy Mathew and Sis. Susamma David. Publicity was Bro. Shaji Vennikulam, publication by Pr. P. P. Kurian and Bro. Roy Mepral served as the auditor. “For us to come back, bring us back” was the theme for this conference. The main speakers for this conference were Rev. Tim Hill. The national committee members were Bro. Wilson Varghese, Bro. Viju Thomas, Bro. A. V. Daniel, Pr. C. V. Andrews, Pr. Babu M. John, Pr. P. P. Kurian, Pr. James Richard, Pr. Philip Thomas, Pr. James Abraham, Pr. Rajan Skariah, Pr. Mammen Mathew and Bro. George Thomas. At the general body meeting on Friday it was decided that the next conference would be held in Oklahoma and the officials were elected.
13th Conference – Oklahoma 2008 (July17-20)
Under the leadership of Pr. James Richard the thirteenth conference was held at the Biltmore Hotel from July 17 – 20 (2008). The officials were Pr. James Richard (President), Pr. P. V. Mathew (Vice President), Bro. Finoy Johnson (Secretary), Bro. Sam Cherian (Treasurer) and Evg. George Varghese (Youth Coordinator). Ladies section was presided by Sis. Kunjamma Mathew (President), Sis. Mercy Jose (Secretary), Sis. Jolly Joseph (Treasurer), Sis. Omana Roy (Rep North-East Region), Sis. Annamma Benjamin (Rep South-West Region). The national representatives were Pr. Abraham Thomas, Pr. Babu M. John, Bro. Jojo Daniel, Pr. Rajan P. Skariah, Pr. A. M. Varghese, Pr. Thankachan Thomas, Pr. P. P. Kurian, Bro. Shaji Vennikulam, Pr. P. M. George, Pr. Wilson John, Pr. Chacko Abraham, Pr. Thomas Chacko and Pr. Wilson Varghese. Bro. Roy Mepral was the media coordinator, Bro. Abraham Thomas auditor and Bro. V. C. Joseph served as the local coordinator. The main speakers for this conference were Rev. Dr. Orvil Hager, Rev. Glen Badonsky, Pr. P. C. Cherian, Pr. P. J. James and Pr. P. G. Mathews. “Go and bear fruit” was the theme for this conference.
14th Conference – Philadelphia 2009 (August 6th -9th)
If the coming of the Lord tarries, the fourteenth conference of the Church of God will be held at Valley Forge Convention Center in Philadelphia from August 6 – 9th 2009. The officials for these meetings are Pr. Baby Daniel (President), Pr. Sunny Thazhompallom (Vice President), Bro. Sajee Mathew (Secretary) Bro. Jolly Thomas(Treasurer) and Bro. Shajan Alexander (Youth Coordinator). Pr. P. P. Kurian will serve as media and publication coordinator, Bro. Roy Mepral will be local coordinator, Pr. Johnykutty P. John will be the local convener. National representatives are Pr. Rajan Skariah, Pr. C. C. Thomas, Pr. Babu M. John, Pr. Thampy Mathew, Pr .Moni Mathew, Pr. Johnson Zachariah, Pr. John Thomas, Pr. Sunny Mathew, Bro. Wilson Varghese, Bro .Koshy Varghese and Bro. Abraham T. Jose. Rev. Dr. K. J. Mathew is serving as the Church growth coordinator and Bro. Varghese Joseph is the auditor. Ladies section is officiated by Sis. Anita Satish (President), Sis. Ammini Mathew (Vice President), Sis. Susan.B.John (Secretary), Sis. Glory Joseph (Treasurer), Sis. Beena Thomas and Sis. Ponnama Thomas are national representatives. The main speakers for this conference are Rev. Dr. Raymond Culpepper (General Overseer), Rev. Douglas Small, Rev. Dr. Mark Walker, Evg. Glenn Badonsky, Rev M. Kunjappy ( COG Kerala State Overseer) Evg. P. I. Abraham(Kanam Achen)and Sister Susan Daniel. Under the leadership of Pr. Baby Daniel , the national and local committee along with all the churches around the U.S are working hard to make this conference a blessed one. Luke 21:36 “Watch and pray” is the theme for this conference. May this conference be a blessing for everyone who attends. A ministry that started with a small group has grown into a large gathering and is the pride and joy of the Churches of God.
15th Conference- Atlanta (2010)
If the coming of our Lord tarries, the 15th national conference of the Church of God is scheduled to be held in Atlanta, GA in 2010 under the leadership of Pr. Thampy Mathew. The 15th NACOG family conference will be held in Toccoa Baptist Conference Center from July 22-25. This center is situated in the most beautiful country side with a 900 acre lakefront facility. A 1000 seat state of the art auditorium and 42 other meeting rooms are available for the conference attendees. The two hotels attached to the conference center is just walking distance.
300 seat lakefront cafeteria caters the needs of the attendees with buffet style breakfast, lunch and dinner. This 900 acre facility have arrangements for boat ride, walking trail, basket ball court and all other necessary amenities.
If your group is planning for a family re-union before or after the conference, please contact Pastor Thampy Mathew to see the possibility of such arrangement.