The Church of God (Cleveland) does not recognize the Shepherd of Hermas as canonical Scripture. While this early Christian writing (2nd century) is historically interesting and reflects early Church practice and theology, it is not accepted as divinely inspired or as having the authority of Scripture.

The Church affirms that the 66-book canon is complete and sufficient. The Shepherd of Hermas was rejected from the canon in antiquity because it was recognized as post-apostolic and not authored by an apostle or close associate of the apostles. Early Church tradition valued it but did not include it in the authoritative canon of Scripture.