COGIC Holds 76th Women's International Convention in San Antonio
The Church of God in Christ held its 76th Women's International Convention in San Antonio, Texas, from May 25 to 29, 2026. The event, led by General Supervisor Mother Barbara McCoo Lewis, drew thousands of delegates for training, worship, and ministry development.
The Church of God in Christ held its 76th Women's International Convention in San Antonio, Texas, from May 25 to 29, 2026. The annual gathering, organized by the International Department of Women, drew thousands of delegates from across the denomination.
General Supervisor Mother Barbara McCoo Lewis led the convention. She oversees the largest department within COGIC, which includes auxiliaries, missionary units, and training programs for women across the church.
The convention focused on leadership development, doctrinal training, and community service. Sessions covered missionary training, church history, protocol, and spiritual development. The department also highlighted its ongoing work in senior housing and social advocacy, with Mother Lewis recently involved in a senior housing project in April 2026.
COGIC's Women's Department was founded in 1911 by Bishop Charles Harrison Mason. The department has historically been central to the denomination's growth, establishing schools, foreign missions, and local congregations across the country.
Women in COGIC ministry are recognized as missionaries, either as Deaconess Missionaries or Evangelist Missionaries. They are licensed to teach the gospel and may oversee local congregations on a temporary basis. The church does not officially ordain women to the offices of elder, pastor, or bishop, a policy that continues to generate discussion within the denomination.
The convention comes as Black denominations across the country are examining the role of women in leadership. The Rev. Boise Kimber, president of the National Baptist Convention USA, published a book earlier this year calling for the dismantling of barriers to women in ministry. The Rev. W. Franklyn Richardson, chair of the Conference of National Black Churches, has also called for expanding leadership to include women's voices.
COGIC's 2026 leadership conference registration is also open, with the denomination emphasizing youth ministry and community development as priorities for the year ahead.
