WILD WORLD 
OF RELIGION Field Guide to the

Who’s Who Digest

of the

Wild World of Religion

The listing on this webpage is part of a multi-page collection of 125+ influential individuals, along with groups and ministries, in the Wild World of Religion. For an explanation of this listing, and an index of all the individual and group names, go to the Introduction to the Who’s Who Digest.

 

Names that are underlined in the list at the left below can be clicked to go to more extensive profiles or more related information elsewhere in the Field Guide. Within the mini-profiles, terms or names underlined can be clicked to go to entries elsewhere.

The Ministries, Churches, and Groups listed on this page have a certain amount of influence in the wider Wild World of Religion because of aggressive outreach via media and the Internet. Many smaller groups, with a narrow field of influence, are mentioned in various sections of this Field Guide. If you are interested in a group that is not listed on this page, try a Search on this site to see if the group is included elsewhere on the site.

 

Ministries  

 

Amazing Facts radio broadcast

An outreach of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination.

 

Christian Research Institute (CRI)

 Ministry founded by the late Walter Martin, now headed by Hank Hanegraaff.

 

Church of God Evangelistic Association

Outreach of David J Smith

 

Church of God, International

Church organization founded by the late radio and TV evangelist Garner Ted Armstrong in 1978. Armstrong was removed from the CGI in 1997 and founded the Intercontinental Church of God, now headed by his son Mark Armstrong. The CGI is no longer affiliated in any way with the Armstrong legacy.

 

Dawn Bible Students

A religious group based on the teachings of Charles Taze Russell, but not affiliated with the Jehovah's Witness denomination. Several splits in Russell's organization after his death led to a number of such groups, with the Dawn Bible Students being the largest which is still active.

 

Grace Communion International

The new name, taken in 2009, by the denomination formerly known as the Worldwide Church of God, after its new leadership dropped all the unique doctrines of WCG founder Herbert Armstrong. The WCG was labeled a unorthodox cult by many mainstream religious observers. After all the changes, the newly-named group was welcomed into the National Association of Evangelicals.

 

Intercontinental Church of God

Church organization founded by the late radio and TV evangelist Garner Ted Armstrong in 1998 which provided the primary support for his radio and television outreach. Since his death in 2003, the ICG supports his family's efforts to continue his ministry via old audio and video tapes.

 

Lion and Lamb Ministries

Outreach of Monte Judah.

 

Living Church of God

Church organization founded in 1998 by former Worldwide Church of God minister Roderick C Meredith.

 

Philadelphia Church of God

Church organization founded in 1989 by former Worldwide Church of God minister Gerald R. Flurry.

 

Restored Church of God: RCG   

Church organization founded in 1999 by former Worldwide Church of God minister David C Pack.

 

Review and Herald Publishing

The primary publishing arm for many years of the Seventh Day Adventist denomination. Many Adventist writings do not openly mention the connection of the writer to the SDAs. But if a reader notes that a book or other material is published by Review and Herald, it is safe to assume the content is approved by the leadership of the denomination as in line with the doctrinal beliefs of the organization ... and not contrary in any way to the writings of SDA prophetess Ellen G White.

 

Trinity Broadcast Network (TBN)

Largest and most successful Christian TV cable and satellite network. Founded by Paul and Jan Crouch. Primarily promotes hyper-charismatic and Word Faith teachings, along with prophetic speculations. Claims currently to air on 2500 television stations, 17 satellites, thousands of cable systems around the world.

 

United Church of God  

Church organization founded in 1995 by a group of former Worldwide Church of God ministers.

 

Watchtower Bible and Tract Society

The organization providing the formal leadership for the group known as Jehovah's Witnesses.

 

Worldwide Church of God

Church denomination founded by Herbert W Armstrong. Originally named the Radio Church of God until 1967. After Armstrong's death in 1996, his successors introduced an extreme revision of the basic foundational doctrines of Armstrong, and as a result, tens of thousands of members left to form rival organizations.

 

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