How Church of Jesus Christ Differs from the LDS (Josh Gehly)

Rick B (host of Gospel Tangents and LDS Faith Journeys) interviews Josh Gehly, an Evangelist for The Church of Jesus Christ (historically known as the Bickertonites), during Josh’s visit to Salt Lake City. Josh reveals that The Church of Jesus Christ has a small but growing domestic presence, including a mission in Salt Lake City. The church reports significant international growth, particularly in Africa, while noting that the domestic church maintains a close-knit, “lowarchy” structure where leaders are servants rather than prophets. The conversation highlights significant theological divergences between the “Bickertonite” church and the mainstream LDS Church. Josh clarifies that his church is strictly anti-polygamy, viewing the practice as a sin, though they welcome members with varying historical views on whether Joseph Smith actually practiced it. They also reject the LDS concepts of eternal marriage, becoming gods (exaltation), and a Heavenly Mother, adhering instead to a more traditional view of the Godhead and the Bible/Book of Mormon. However, they are a “charismatic” faith, believing in and practicing spiritual gifts such as speaking in tongues, visions, and miracles. Throughout the Q&A with the live audience, we addressed sensitive topics including LGBTQ+ issues—which Josh’s church views as sinful—and the challenges of maintaining faith in a secular world. Despite these differences, the dialogue emphasizes mutual respect, the centrality of Jesus Christ, and the value of interfaith friendship. https://youtu.be/Y-9jR1lEqYs Don’t miss our other Tangent Trips! https://gospeltangents.com/denominations/bickertonites Copyright © 2026 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Growth and Identity While the church maintains a modest domestic presence of about 3,000 members, it has seen substantial international growth, with current global numbers estimated well above 30,000. Recently, the church has established a small but active mission in Salt Lake City, holding meetings in locations ranging from hotel conference rooms to a local ninja gym. Josh clarified that although they revere the Book of Mormon, they do not identify as “Mormon,” preferring to be known strictly as The Church of Jesus Christ to emphasize their foundation in Christ rather than in any man. A Strict Stance on Polygamy One of the most significant distinctions between The Church of Jesus Christ and the LDS Church is their historic and unwavering opposition to polygamy. Josh explained that they view polygamy as a sin and have held this stance since the days of William Bickerton. Interestingly, the church remains a “refuge” for those with differing historical views; Josh noted that their “pews are open” to everyone, whether they believe Joseph Smith practiced polygamy or not, because their faith is contingent on Jesus Christ, not the actions of Joseph Smith. Church Structure and Spiritual Gifts The church’s organization consists of 12 living apostles and 70 evangelists, as well as elders, teachers, and deacons. Notably, they also ordain deaconesses, a role they support through New Testament precedents. A hallmark of their worship is a “radical belief in the ministry of the spirit,” which includes the active presence of spiritual gifts such as prophecy, dreams, and the gift of tongues. Josh shared that while these manifestations do not necessarily happen every Sunday, they are a vital, living part of their “charismatic” tradition. Scripture: Inspired but Not Inerrant Regarding scripture, the church utilizes the King James Version of the Bible and the Book of Mormon. Their view on these texts is that they are “inspired but not inerrant,” acknowledging that while the revelations are divine, they are recorded by “imperfect people” and may contain the “mistakes of men.” They do not utilize the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible, preferring to stick to the King James Version for the sake of unity. A Simple, Core Faith Ultimately, the church prides itself on a “simple core truth” and a “lowarchy” leadership style focused on humble service rather than titles. Whether meeting in established buildings or temporary hotel spaces, their goal is to provide a spiritual home where the “pure living water” of the gospel is accessible to all. Don’t miss our other Tangent Trips! https://gospeltangents.com/denominations/bickertonites Copyright © 2026 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved