The COG closed West Coast Bible College located in Fresno, CA (Center of State), in 1992. A School of Ministry opened in 1992 and closed around 1996.Decisions have long-range results. How has the decision to close West Coast Bible played out for the COG in California and other Western states? In your opinion, has it been a positive or negative on the COG in the West?Most people do not realize how ripe and fruitful California is to the Gospel and to Pentecost. It is possible California has MORE Pentecostal churches than any other U.S. state. The media mostly focuses on Hollywood and San Francisco. However, the largest Bible-believing church in America is where Rick Warren is pastor. It is located in Southern California, which is politically very liberal. Before COVID it had a weekly attendance of over 23,000.The Assembly of God has over 1,200 churches in California and many of their churches are massive. In what is known as The Central Valley, where Fresno is located and one-third of the world’s fruit is grown, the VERY conservative United Pentecostals, have a strong presence. At one time, their church in Stockton ran several thousand.California politics is the pits, but SO IT WAS in Israel throughout the New Testament. In spite of politics, many Californians are open to the Gospel. That does not mean every person is open, but California now has over 30 around 40 MILLION people.WHEN APOSTLE PAUL was deciding where to focus his ministry, he headed for the population areas________________
Thx for the post Doyle, very timely & hopefully helpful.West Coast Christian College (formerly known as West Coast Bible College) closed in May of 1992. My dad & several other precious men of God helped to secure the property & situate the original buildings back in the mid 1950’s. CoG School of Western Ministries opened in Sept. 1992 & closed around 2006/2007.About a week ago I spoke with a former AB (not a Calif AB) who was on the board that had to close West Coast & he told me this,