NACOG–North American Church of God (India) Fellowship



North American Church of God (India) Fellowship (NACOG)

The leaders of the Churches of God in North America, under the guidance of Pastor Abraham Varghese as the coordinator, started its first combined meetings of all COG churches in North America on March 29, 1993 at Queens Church of God, New York. The chairman of this special meeting was Pastor 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 (NACOG). 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 North 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 North America. 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 Pastor Mathai P Mathai and was known by the name Brooklyn Church of God. From its inception to the fifteenth 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. May God continue to bless our fellowship.

1ST CONFERENCE – NEW YORK (1995)
The first official conference of NACOG 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 Pastor T V George (Dallas), Vice President Pastor P Thomas (NY), Secretary Pastor C V Andrews (Georgia), Treasurer Pastor Samuel Varghese (NJ) and Youth Coordinator Pastor Philip Thomas (NY). Almighty God poured His blessings on this meetings and it was a great success. Ladies and youth ministry was also a blessing to all who attended.

2ND CONFERENCE – TENNESSEE (1997)
Second conference of the North American Church of God (India) Fellowship took place in Tennessee and the following executive officials were selected. Pastor K J Mathew (President), Pastor Abraham Varghese (Vice-President), Pastor Babu M John (Secretary), Pastor Samuel Varghese (Treasurer) and Pastor Nelson P John (Youth Coordinator). The conference was held at the Lee College (TN). The main speakers for this conference were Dr. Ray H. Hughes, Dr. Dennis McGuire and Evg. Suresh Babu. At this conference it was unanimously decided to have this fellowship every year. Ladies and youth ministry was also a blessing to all who attended.

3RD CONFERENCE – DALLAS, TEXAS (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. Pastor T V George served as the President for this Conference, Pastor C V Andrews (Vice President), Pastor Moni Mathew (Secretary), Bro. Benjamin George (Treasurer) and Pastor Philip Thomas (Youth Coordinator)made the executive committee. Pastor Fijoy Johnson submitted himself for the calling of God at this conference and is now pastoring a church in TN. Ladies and youth ministry was also a blessing to all who attended.

4TH CONFERENCE – PHILADELPHIA (1999)
This conference was initially supposed to take place in New Jersey, but due to certain circumstances it was moved to the city of Philadelphia, PA. It took place at Ebenezer Church of God Auditorium. The main speakers for these meetings were Dr. Dennis McGuire, Pastor T L Lowery and Pastor Andrew Binda. The executive officials were as follows, Pastor Abraham Varghese (President), Pastor Abraham Thomas (Vice President), Pastor P P Kurian (Secretary), Bro. Babu Iype (Treasurer) and Sushil Mathew (Youth Coordinator). For the first time in North American Church of God (India) Fellowship, a souvenir was published under the leadership of Pastor Abraham Varghese (Publisher), Bro. Babu Iype (Chief Editor), Pastor P P Kurian (Managing Editor). The editorial board included Pastor Abraham Thomas, Bro. Sushil Mathew, Pastor Abraham Chacko, Pastor Moni Mathew, Pastor Benjamin Thomas, Pastor Shaji Karakkal, Pastor Johnson Zachariah, Pastor John Thomas, Bro. Roy Mepral, Bro. Reji Philip and Bro. Leslie Varghese. The theme for this conference was “Pastorive us Again.” There was a mighty out pour of the Holy Spirit in all the meetings and true Pastorival was ignited at this conference. Ladies and youth ministry was also a blessing to all who attended.

5TH CONFERENCE – NEW YORK (2000)
This conference was held under the leadership of Pastor P Thomas, at Yonkers Church of God. The executive committee members were Pastor P Thomas (President), Pastor Baby Daniel (Vice President), Pastor Johnson Zachariah (Secretary), Bro. A V Daniel (Treasurer) and Bro. Mathew Joseph (Youth Coordinator). The main speakers for the conference were Pastor T V George and Pastor Joe Kurian. 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 attendees were blessed by the word and the fellowship of Holy Spirit was Pastoralent in all these meetings and could be visible through the events that took place. Ladies and youth ministry was also a blessing to all who attended.

6TH CONFERENCE – ATLANTA, GEORGIA (2001)
This conference was held under the leadership of Pastor C V Andrews. The executive officials were Pastor C V Andrews (President), Late. Pastor George Thomas (Vice-President), Pastor Samuel Varghese (Secretary), Bro. Philip Varghese (Treasurer) and Bro. Stanley Chacko (Youth Coordinator). The main speakers of this conference were Pastor John Colbaugh, Dr. Johnathan Ramsey and Dr. David Cooper. Pastor T V George, Pastor P Thomas and Late Pastor V C Itty. The National and Local committee worked eagerly to make this conference a blessing to all who attended. Ladies and youth ministry was also a blessing to all who attended.

7TH CONFERENCE – NEW JERSEY (2002)
The seventh conference was held at Has Brough Heights Hilton in New Jersey from July 25th to 28th 2002. The executive officials for this conference were Pastor Abraham Varghese (President), Pastor Johnson Zachariah (Vice President), Bro. Viju P Thomas (Secretary), Bro. Sajan Thomas (Treasurer) and Bro. Leslie Varghese (Youth-Coordinator). The National and Local committee worked together for the blessing of this conference. The main speakers of this conference were Dr. Jonathan Ramsey, Dr. Mark Williams, Pastor Sean Teal, Pastor K C John, Pastor K M Thankachen, Pastor A Mathai and Pastor T V George. The theme for this conference was Revelation 21:3. Ladies and youth ministry was also a blessing to all who attended.

8TH CONFERENCE – TENNESSEE (2003)
The eighth NACOG conference was held in Chattanooga, TN under the leadership of Pastor K J Mathew. Pastor P P Kurian (Vice President), Bro. K K Paul (Secretary, Bro. Varghese Joseph (Treasurer), Bro. Philip Varghese (Youth Coordinator), Bro. Sajan Thomas (Local Coordinator) served in the executive committee. The National and Local committees served a great role in making this conference a success. The main speakers for this meeting were Pastor John Childers, Pastor Kevin Wallace, Pastor Larry Timmerman, Pastor Dennis McGuire and Pastor Mike Chapman. Colossians 3:1, 2 was the theme for this conference. Ladies and youth ministry was also a blessing to all who attended.

9TH CONFERENCE – DALLAS, TEXAS (2004)
The ninth NACOG conference was held in Dallas, Texas under the leadership of Pastor T V George, along with Pastor Moni Mathew (Vice President), Bro. Sajan Thomas (Secretary), Bro. David Kuruvilla (Treasurer) and Bro. Josen Thomas (Youth Coordinator) served in the executive committee. The main speakers for this conference were Dr. Paul Walker, Pastor Kelvin Colbaris and Pastor Allan Mathura. The conference 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 and Local committee played an important role in making this conference a success. Ladies and youth ministry was also a blessing to all who attended.

10TH CONFERENCE – FLORIDA (2005)
Under the guidance of Pastor 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 executive committee for this convention was Pastor Babu M John (President), Pastor John Thomas (Vice President), Bro. Varghese Varghese (Secretary), Bro. Joseph Mathew (Treasurer) and Evg. Happy Alexander (Youth Coordinator). The National and Local played an important role in making this conference success. The main speakers for this meeting were Dr. Lamar West, Pastor Gary Don Childress and Sis. Vicki West. Many pastors from India and from different parts of North America spoke at different sessions throughout the conference. Ladies and youth ministry was also a blessing to all who attended.

11TH CONFERENCE – NEW YORK (2006)
The eleventh NACOG conference was held under the leadership of Pastor Moni Mathew. Along with Pastor Moni Mathew, Pastor Thomas Mathew (Vice President), Bro. Abraham Thomas (Secretary), Bro. Jose Varghese (Treasurer) and Pastor Mathew George (Youth Coordinator) served in the executive committee. The National and Local committee worked very earnestly to make this conference a blessing. The main speakers for these meetings were Pastor Kevin Wallace, Pastor Andrew Binda, Pastor P J James, Pastor P R Baby, Pastor P A V Sam, Late Pastor George Thomas and Pastor Jacob Mathew. “Perfecting holiness in the fear of God” was the theme for this conference. Ladies and youth ministry was also a blessing to all who attended.

12TH CONFERENCE – HOUSTON (2007)
The 12th NACOG conference was held in Houston under the leadership of Pastor John Thomas. Along with Pastor John Thomas the following members served in the executive committee Pastor T C Chacko (Vice President), Bro. Varghese Joseph (Secretary), Bro. Thomas George (Treasurer) and Pastor Fijoy Johnson (Youth Coordinator). The National and Local committee worked hand in hand to make this conference a success. “For us to come back, bring us back” was the theme for this conference. The main speakers for this conference were Dr. Tim Hill, Pastor P J James, Pastor P C Cherian and Pastor David Blair. Ladies and youth ministry was also a blessing to all who attended.

13TH CONFERENCE – OKLAHOMA (2008)
Under the leadership of Pastor James Richard, the thirteenth NACOG conference was held at the Biltmore Hotel from July 17 – 20, 2008. The executive officials were Pastor James Richard (President), Pastor P V Mathew (Vice President), Bro. Finoy Johnson (Secretary), Bro. Sam Cherian (Treasurer) and Evg. George Varghese (Youth Coordinator). The National and Local worked real hard to make this conference a success. The main speakers for this conference were Dr. Orvil Hager, Pastor Glen Badonsky, Pastor P C Cherian, Pastor P J James and Pastor P G Mathews. “Go and bear fruit” was the theme for this conference. Ladies and youth ministry was also a blessing to all who attended.

14TH CONFERENCE – PHILADELPHIA (2009)
The Fourteenth Conference of NACOG was held at Valley Forge Convention Center in Philadelphia from August 6 – 9th 2009 under the leadership of Pastor Baby Daniel. Along with Pastor Baby Daniel the Executive committee which consisted of Pastor Sunny Thazhompallom (Vice President), Bro. Sajee Mathew (Secretary), Bro. Jolly Thomas(Treasurer) and Bro. Shajan Alexander (Youth Coordinator). Along with the executive committee, the national committee and the local committee work hard to make this conference success and a blessing for all who attended. The main speakers for this conference were Dr. Raymond Culpepper (General Overseer), Pastor Douglas Small, Dr. Mark Walker, Evg. Glenn Badonsky, Pastor M Kunjappy (CGI Kerala State Overseer) Evg. P I Abraham (Kanam Achen) and Sister Susan Daniel. “Watch and pray” Luke 21:36 was the theme for this conference. Ladies and youth ministry was also a blessing to all who attended.

15TH NACOG CONFERENCE, TOCCOA, GA(2010)
Under the guidance and leadership of National President Pastor Thampy Mathew, Executive and National Committees along with the Local committee worked hard to make the 15th conference a great success and blessing. “Watch your life and doctrine closely” was the theme selected for this conference based on 1 Tim.4:16. A number of anointed servants of God spoke during this conference. The conference is held in a Christian Retreat Centre. The atmosphere, the location and the sanctity of the location was a great advantage in every respect. Not only spiritual nourishment, but relaxing and fellowship were considered very important during the conference. Dr. Eric Brown (England), Pastor Donald Walker (USA), Pastor David Blair (USA), Pastor M. Kunjappy (India), Pastor Benison Mathai (Qatar) ministered in the main sessions. Other ministers from the USA, India and the Persian Gulf also ministered during the conference in various times. Ladies ministry and youth ministry was also a blessing to all who attended.

16TH NACOG CONFERENCE IN DALLAS, TEXAS (2011)
The 16th NACOG conference was held in Dallas, Texas under the leadership of Pastor Satish Kumar. During the General Body of the 15th conference, the national committee was selected for this conference. The executive committee members who will be working along with the President are Pastor Sunny B Mathew (Vice President), Evg. Sushil Mathew (Secretary), Evg. Abraham Thomas (Treasurer) and Bro. Tomy Abraham (Youth Coordinator). Along with the executive committee, the national committee and the local committee work hard to make this conference success and a blessing for all who attended. The main speakers for this conference were Dr. Tim Hill(First Assistant General Overseer), Dr. Robert Cook Jr.(Grandson of Pastor Robert Cook), Pastor T Wayne Dority (Texas Administrative Bishop), Pastor M. Kunjappy (CGI Kerala State Overseer) Pastor P C Cherian (Church Growth Director), Pastor Ken Anderson (Director Church of God World Missions), Pastor Michael Mathew. “We will serve the Lord” – Joshua 24:15 was the theme for this conference. Ladies, Youth ministry and Children’s ministry was also a blessing to all who attended.

17TH NACOG CONFERENCE IN PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSERY (2012)
The 17th NACOG conference was held in Piscataway, New Jersery under the leadership of Pastor P V Mathew. During the General Body of the 16th conference, the national committee was selected for this conference. The executive committee members who will be working along with the President are Pastor C A Joseph (Vice President), Finoy Lindsay Johnson (Secretary), Varghese Varghese (Treasurer) and Pastor Santhosh Podimala (Youth Coordinator). Along with the executive committee, the national committee and the local committee work hard to make this conference success and a blessing for all who attended. The main speakers for this conference were Pastor Chris Moody, Pastor P J James (COG Kerala State Overseer Elect), Pastor Benison Mathai, Pastor Zack Cherian, Pastor A Pratapsingh, Pastor P A V Sam. “Prepare to meet thy Lord” Amos 4:12 was the theme for this conference. Ladies and youth ministry was also a blessing to all who attended.

18TH NACOG CONFERENCE IN NOVI, DETROIT, MICHIGAN (2013)
The 18th NACOG conference was held in Novi, Detroit (MI)(2013) under the leadership of Pastor Joy John. During the General Body of the 17th conference, the national committee was selected for this conference. The executive committee members who will be working along with the President are Pastor A M Varghese (Vice President), Bro. Wilson Varghese (Secretary), Jolly Thomas (Treasurer) and Pastor Benjamin Varghese (Youth Coordinator). The main speakers for this conference were Dr. Ken Anderson, Pastor Benji Mathew, Pastor Samkutty Varghese, Pastor P J James (CGI Kerala State Overseer), Pastor P C Cherian, Pastor Cecil Mathew, Dr. James Cossy and Sis. Mercy Thomas.

19TH NACOG CONFERENCE IN ATLANTA, GEORGIA (2014)
The 19th NACOG conference was held in Atlanta, Georgia on July 24 – 27, 2014 under the leadership of Dr. Shibu Thomas – Senior Pastor of Calvary Assembly, Atlanta. During the General Body of the 18th Conference, the National Committee was selected for this conference. The details of National Representatives and other related informations are in our website. The Theme for this conference is “The Power of Pentecost” based on Acts. 1:8. The main Preachers for this conference are Dr. Michael Baker, Dr. Ishmael Charls, Pastor Chris Moody, Pastor V O Varghese, Sis. Sreelekha, Pastor Joseph Mathew, Pastor P J James and many others from different parts of the world. Requesting your prayers for the success and blessing of this conference.

20TH NACOG CONFERENCE – NEW YORK (2015)
The 20th NACOG Conference was held at Stamford, CT on behalf of Churches of God in NY On July 9th To 12th 2015, under the leadership of Pastor Moni Mathew, Senior Pastor of First Church of God, New York. During the General body of the 19th Conference, The National Committee was selected for this Conference. Along with President, Pastor Rajan Skaria, NJ (Vice President), Bro. Philip Varughese, PA (Secretary), Bro. Varghese Varghese, TX(Treasurer), Pastor Stanley George, PA (Youth Coordinator) were elected to serve. A vibrant Local Committee has also been selected to serve and work together with National Representatives. The theme for this Conference was “Behold I Come Quickly” based on Rev. 3:11. This was a Conference where we prepared ourselves for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

21ST NACOG CONFERENCE IN TORONTO, CANADA (2016)
Our 21st NACOG Conference was held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on July 14th to 17th 2016 at Holiday Inn Toronto International Airport, under the leadership of Pastor Samkutty Varghese, Senior Pastor of Kerala Church of God, Toronto. The National Executive Team made up of Pastor Santhosh Podimala (Vice-President), Samkutty Mathew (Secretary), Joshua Joseph (Treasurer), and Pastor Cecil Mathew (Youth Coordinator) were elected to serve with the President. A well-organized local leadership team was selected to serve under the leadership Bro. Wilson Varughese in Toronto. The theme chosen for the conference was “Contend for the Faith” based on Jude 1. The main speakers invited were Pastor Jacques Houle, Pastor Benison Mathai, Pastor Joe Kurian, Pastor P. J. James, Evg. Linson Daniel, Josh & Kate Richter, and Sis Annamma Ninan.

22nd NACOG CONFERENCE IN Houston, Texas (2017)
Our 22nd NACOG Conference was held in Houston, Texas on July 13th to 16th 2017 at Hilton Houston North, under the leadership of Pastor Mathew K. Philip, Senior Pastor of Houston Full Gospel Church of God. The National Executive Team made up of Pastor Benjamin Thomas (Vice-President), Biju Thomas (Secretary), Binoy Mathew (Treasurer), and Robin Raju (Youth Coordinator) were elected to serve with the President. Local support for the conference was led by Pastor Sunny Thazhampullum and the local committee. The theme chosen for the conference was “Lift up Your Eyes” based on John 4:35. The main speakers invited for the Malayalam section were Dr. Tim Hill, Evg. P. I. Abraham, Pastor Anish Elappara, Pastor P. R. Baby, Pastor M. Kunjappy, and Pastor Benison Mathai. The speakers for the English section were the second generation youth ministers of the North American Church of God community: Evg. Linson Daniel, Pastor Cecil Mathew, Jerin Thomas, Renny Cherian, Prakash Mathews, and Sam Thomas.

23nd NACOG Conference in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (2018)

24th NACOG Conference in Chattanooga, Tennessee (2019)

25th NACOG Conference in Dallas, Texas (2022)

26th NACOG Conference in Atlanta, Georgia (2023)

MGM Ministries-Article Source: nacog.net/history.htm – (Accessed in September 2011, edited yearly from 2016)