The Church of God General Conference denies the traditional Trinitarian reading of John 1:1. The COGC interprets 'the Word was God' not as affirming a distinct divine person (the Son), but as describing the Word as God's active power or agent. The Word (Logos) is divine power proceeding from God, but not a distinct person co-equal with the Father.

The COGC reads John 1:1 in light of its non-Trinitarian theology: God is one person (the Father), and the Son is a distinct creation through whom God acts. This interpretation emphasizes the instrumental role of Christ without affirming personal divinity or co-equality with the Father. The Word 'was God' in function and authority but not in personhood.