Founding and Name (1958)

On August 20, 1958, a Pentecostal fellowship formed by Grady R. Kent out of the Church of God of Prophecy formally adopted the name “The Church of God of All Nations.” In a world marked by Cold War suspicions, racial tensions, and hard borders, the phrase “All Nations” read like a public confession that the kingdom of God is larger than any flag. The name lifted the church’s eyes beyond local concerns to Christ’s worldwide claim and compassionate call.

The decision also signaled a resolve to order their shared life for worship, holiness, witness, and Spirit-empowered service. Pentecostal believers have often testified that the Spirit’s gifts are not given for show, but for mission—strength to love, courage to speak truth, and power to endure hardship with joy.

Grady R. Kent

Grady R. Kent’s leadership is remembered for clarity of conviction and pastoral steadiness. Forming a fellowship required more than administration; it required moral courage. Early leaders faced the heroism of ordinary faith: gathering scattered believers, shouldering criticism, providing oversight, and insisting that repentance and new life in Christ are for every person without favoritism.

Kent and those with him emphasized that the church does not create its own message; it receives and proclaims the gospel entrusted once for all—calling sinners to forgiveness through the cross and to a changed life by the Spirit.

Scriptural Vision

The chosen name echoes Scripture’s insistence that God gathers a people from every background: “After this I looked and saw a multitude too large to count, from every nation and tribe and people and tongue, standing before the throne and before the Lamb” (Revelation 7:9). It also aligns with Christ’s commission: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).

Headquarters and Continuing Legacy

Headquartered today in Cleveland, Tennessee, the name still points outward. It calls congregations to pray beyond their own needs, to support missions, to welcome the stranger, and to pursue unity without surrendering biblical truth. The enduring testimony is simple: Jesus Christ is Lord of all, and His church is sent in humble, mission-minded love.