There exists much confusion within the Church of God regarding the observance of Pentecost, particularly in years like 2005 when Passover falls on a weekly Sabbath, leading to disagreements on the proper counting method. This results in various groups observing Pentecost one week apart. Unlike other festivals listed in Leviticus 23 with specific dates, Pentecost does not have a fixed date and must be counted each year, beginning the day after the weekly Sabbath that falls within the Days of Unleavened Bread. This counting method, rooted in the Hebrew inclusive counting tradition, ensures that Pentecost always falls on a Sunday, the 50th day from Wavesheaf Day. The day Passover falls on determines the date to begin counting, as the weekly Sabbath's date changes accordingly, reinforcing the necessity to count annually. Thus, the count to Pentecost consistently starts on a Sunday, following the weekly Sabbath, and culminates on a Sunday, marking Pentecost as a significant observance tied to the harvest celebration initiated by Wavesheaf Day.

In 1974, the Worldwide Church of God made a significant change in how it counted to Pentecost, shifting from a Monday observance to a Sunday Pentecost. This adjustment was openly announced and explained to the church members, ensuring transparency about the new practice. Although not everyone agreed with this change, it was clearly communicated, marking a notable shift in the church's approach to determining the date of Pentecost.

God has set Pentecost apart from other holy days by requiring a specific count, seemingly to test who will live by every word without adding to or subtracting from His instructions. In Christ's time, the Pharisees failed this test by fixing Pentecost to a calendar date, disregarding the command to count and rendering God's Word of no effect. Herbert Armstrong, after preaching a Monday Pentecost for nearly forty years, changed to observing it on a Sunday upon realizing he had misunderstood the Hebrew meaning of the word "from," choosing to believe the Bible over his long-held tradition. Some, however, rejected this change and clung to the Monday tradition, failing to honor the importance of every word. Pentecost serves as a recurring test for the firstfruits, revealing who will adhere strictly to God's commands. Leviticus 23:14-15 emphasizes that every individual in the body must personally count the days to Pentecost, a requirement undermined by relying on a calendar. Additionally, when Passover falls on a weekly Sabbath, the count should still begin the day after the Sabbath during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, as the Sadducees practiced, without deviation or added exceptions not found in Scripture. Pentecost may be a test to identify who among God's firstfruits will remain steadfast, living by His pure, unadulterated Word.