Church History: Brief

The Papua New Guinea Church of God (PNG COG) was established in 1995 in Lae, Morobe Province, beginning as a small family fellowship. What started as a humble gathering of believers soon grew into a community dedicated to worship, prayer, and the study of God’s Word. As weeks and months passed, the group continued to expand, with more people joining in pursuit of spiritual growth and fellowship.  

During this formative period, God revealed the church’s name in a vision to Mrs. Noami Pokoi, the wife of the founding pastor, Bishop Aiya Pokoi. This divine revelation marked the beginning of a new movement, one that would soon take root and spread across different regions of Papua New Guinea.  

By 1998, Bishop Aiya Pokoi recognized the need for broader spiritual guidance, mentorship, and organizational structure for the growing church. He reached out to the International Church of God in Washington, D.C., USA, seeking affiliation and partnership. This request was then referred to the Church of God World Headquarters in Cleveland, Tennessee, USA, a globally recognized Pentecostal denomination with a strong missionary presence.  

After years of prayer, preparation, and discussions, the Papua New Guinea Church of God officially received its certificate of affiliation with the Church of God World Missions on August 5, 2001. The late Bishop Peter Openshaw, who was then serving as the Superintendent to Oceania, personally presented the certificate of affiliation at Speedway Church of God in Lae. This historic event marked PNG COG’s entry into the global Church of God family, connecting it with a vast international network of churches, ministries, and mission organizations.  

Following the affiliation, missionaries from the Church of God Headquarters in the United States began visiting Papua New Guinea to strengthen and equip the church. One of the earliest and most influential missionaries was Dr. Manning Thorton, who arrived in 2002 to minister the Word of God and provide pastoral training.  

As the church grew, more missionaries visited PNG to support its development. Among them was the late Bishop Thomas J. Sands, who, alongside Dr. Thorton, traveled across the country, ministering, conducting leadership training, and providing encouragement to the growing body of believers. Their annual visits for over a decade played a crucial role in shaping the church’s vision, leadership, and doctrinal foundation.  

Through the dedication of missionaries, local pastors, and believers, the Papua New Guinea Church of God experienced remarkable growth. What began as a small family fellowship in Lae had, by the mid-2010s, expanded into multiple provinces. Today, the church has 17 local church centers spread across five (5) different provinces:  

1. Morobe Province (the birthplace of PNG COG)  

2. Southern Highlands Province  

3. Jiwaka Province  

4. Western Highlands Province  

5. National Capital District (NCD)  

Each church center serves as a spiritual hub for its community, fostering discipleship, evangelism, and outreach. PNG COG’s impact is not only measured in numbers but also in the transformation of lives through the power of the Gospel. 

The growth and success of the Papua New Guinea Church of God are a testament to God’s divine plan, faithfulness, and provision. From its humble beginnings in 1995 to its affiliation with the global Church of God in 2001, the church has overcome challenges, embraced new opportunities, and remained steadfast in its mission.  

As PNG COG continues to expand, it is committed to:  

- Strengthening its local churches through leadership development, training, and discipleship.  

- Expanding its reach into new provinces and communities where the Gospel has yet to be heard.  

- Building a strong foundation for future generations, ensuring that the church remains a beacon of hope and salvation in Papua New Guinea.  

To God be all glory, honor, and praise.  

Amen.