The Church of God (Cleveland) permits military service and does not teach pacifism or conscientious objector status as mandatory. The Church affirms that secular government has the responsibility to maintain order and protect citizens, and that military service can be a legitimate vocational calling for believers. The Church does not teach nonresistance as a requirement for all believers, though individual conscience is respected.

While the Church emphasizes Christian virtues of peace and love, it does not prohibit defense or warfare when conducted for just purposes by legitimate authority. Believers are encouraged to be law-abiding citizens and to respect governmental authority. The doctrine of just war is implicitly affirmed, and Christians in the military are not viewed as compromised in their faith if they serve with integrity.