Keyboard Player, Leeds, AL

 

Name *	Rickey Bradford
Church *	Leeds Worship Center
Email *	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Phone Number *	(205) 699-8636
Location *	Leeds, AL
Position *	Keyboard Player
Position Details *	Person needed to play keyboard for Praise Team. Must have a passion and anointing for music. We practice on Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings and we do a blended style of music. If interested, please contact Pastor Rickey at 205.699.8636 or go to our web page.

 

Youth Pastor, Ridgeville, SC

 

Name *	Scott Wiggins
Church *	Ridgeville Church of God
Email *	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Phone Number *	(843) 615-5005
Location *	Ridgeville, SC
Position *	Youth Pastor
Position Details *	We are in need of a passionate person(s) for youth ministry. This position will oversee the total Student Ministries Program of Ridgeville Church of God from Junior High School through College. We need someone who has great leadership skills, energetic, self motivated and able to connect and communicate with students of all ages. This is a volunteer position at this time however; it is the Vision of the Pastor, & Church to see this become a Full Time position as God prospers Church.

 

Music & Youth Pastor, Appling County, GA

 

Name *	Mark Grimes
Church *	Big Oaks Church of God
Email *	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Phone Number *	(912) 367-7464
Location *	Appling County, GA
Position *	Music and Youth Pastor
Position Details *	Established, rural, church is seeking to enhance existing ministries through this staff addition. This church has transitioned towards the future and has been prepared to embrace this hire. In addition to the Scriptural requirements of a pastor in I Timothy 3: 1-7, he/she should have verifiable, full-time experience conducting the full range of music and youth ministries.This is a fully compensated position.Please send cover letter, resume, salary requirements and justification of same based on experience, and a one page synopsis of your theology of music and youth ministry.

 

Associate/Youth Pastor (Full Time), Beulah, ND

 

Name *	Caleb Crooms
Church *	Prairie View Church of God
Email *	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Phone Number *	(480) 773-1980
Location *	Beulah, ND
Position *	Associate/Youth Pastor (Full Time)
Position Details *
Prairie View COG is looking for a called and committed couple to foster the growth of our church in Beulah, ND. This position would be two-fold as Associate Pastor and Youth Pastor. The Associate Pastor responsibilities would include, but are not limited to, weekly pastoral duties as well as ministry opportunities to serve with the Pastor. The Youth Pastor responsibilities would include, but are not limited to, leading, teaching, and mentoring the youth (12 - 15 students currently) as well as holding weekly services. Musical abilities would be a major benefit. Qualified applicants only. Please email Pastor Caleb Crooms at the aforementioned email address.

 

Praise Team Musicians, Manassas, VA

 

Name *	Anton Brooks
Church *	CenterPoint Church of God
Email *	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Phone Number *	(703) 926-2292
Location *	Manassas, VA
Position *	Praise Team Musicians
Position Details *
Position: Seeking Guitar Players(Acoustic and Electric), Drummer. Bass Player, and Piano/Keyboard/Organ player for worship service. Position Details: If you are looking to be a part of a music ministry just seeking to praise the Lord, we need you!! Since we are growing church, all of the musician and church staff (including myself and the pastor) are non-paid volunteers for the Lord. We are a multi-cultural church looking to expand our music ministry. We are in need of solid Christian musicians that can play multiple styles of Christian music (preferably with a background in Gospel). Because our congregation is so diverse we have the luxury of playing several types of Christian music - everything from Traditional Gospel to Christian Rock to Contemporary Christian music. Currently we have rehearsals on most Wednesdays evenings (8pm to 9pm) and on Sunday morning prior to service (8:45am to 9:45am). Sunday morning service begins at 11am. I look forward to hearing from you!

 

Children’s Pastor, New Boston, TX

 

Name *	Ronnie Roberts
Church *	New Boston Church of God
Email *	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Phone Number *	(903) 809-9712
Location *	New Boston, Texas
Position *	Children's Pastor
Position Details *	This position will require building the department from the ground up. The youth and youth Pastor will work closely as a support team for the children's pastor. This is a volunteer position that will work into a paying position. Prefer a couple but will consider all applicants. We are looking for someone who will have a heart for the children of this area and be willing to build the children's church department. Contact Pastor Ronnie Roberts for more information.

 

Children’s Pastor (VOLUNTEER w/ Small Stipend), Savannah, GA

 

Name *	Jovan Timmon
Church *	The Inheritance Center
Email *	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Phone Number *	(912) 376-9626
Location *	Savannah GA
Position *	Children's Pastor (VOLUNTEER w/Small Stipend)
Position Details *
The Inheritance Center is in need of a new family member and team leader. Specifically we need a Children's Pastor who has a passion to teach and lead children in Savannah in the Kingdom Way. We are a Contemporary, Relevant, Spirit filled, Jesus Centered, Ministry. A diverse ethnicity ministry that focuses on LOVING PEOPLE thru GOD'S LOVE. We planted the church less than 1 year ago in September of 2012 by faith and we are growing fast. We have about 15 kids and counting ready for the right leader. Our kids are now the heart of our ministry. This is a VOLUNTEER position that will move to salary soon, but we do want to offer a LOVE STIPEND for now. Get to know us and our vision @ www.TheInheritanceCenter.com Call 912.376.9626

 

Piano Player/Praise & Worship Leader, Dayton, OH

 

Name *	Darin Bolden
Church *	Abundant Life Church of God
Email *	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Phone Number *	(937) 613-4213
Location *	Dayton,Ohio
Position *	Piano Player/Praise & Worship Leader
Position Details *	Abundant Life Church of God is looking for a Piano player/Praise & Worship Leader. We are looking for someone who can both play piano and sing to lead our praise and worship service. We are a small, but growing church!! If interested please contact Pastor Darin Bolden at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 937-387-6557. This is a part-time paid position (approx $400 monthly)

 

Worship Pastor, Tyler, TX

 

Name *	Trent Taylor
Church *	Southpoint Church Of God
Email *	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Phone Number *	(832) 316-7606
Location *	Tyler,TX
Position *	Worship Pastor
Position Details *	We are seeking a Worship Pastor who can lead a growing church into the future. This postion will be paid with the option to work outside the church as well. Please send resume to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

 

Keyboardist/Musicians, Mt. Sterling, KY

 

Name *	Frank Jones
Church *	City Life Church
Email *	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Phone Number *	(859) 404-9395
Location *	Mt. Sterling, Kentucky
Position *	Keyboardist/Musicians
Position Details *	We are looking for anointed and dedicated musicians: keyboard; percussion; guitar (bass; lead).

 

Kids Pastor, Mesquite, TX

 

Name *	Brandon Smith
Church *	Mesquite Church of God
Email *	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Phone Number *	(972) 217-9160
Location *	Mesquite, TX
Position *	Kids Pastor
Position Details *	We are looking for a Spirited leader for our kids department. It is a volunteer position currently with your gas reimbursed. Thank You!

 

Youth Pastor, Rocky Mount, NC

 

Name *	David Whitley
Church *	Ridgecrest Worship Center
Email *	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Phone Number *	(252) 446-6111
Location *	Rocky Mount, North Carolina
Position *	Youth Pastor
Position Details *	The Youth Pastor will work with the Youth Board in the areas of teaching, mentoring, and engaging in activities that impact youth both in the church and community. We would like the Youth Pastor to have a missional approach to ministry. The Youth Pastor will have access to a building dedicated to youth ministry as well as athletic fields.

 

Youth Leader, Baltimore, MD

 

Name *	Roger Locklear
Church *	Christian Fellowship Church of God
Email *	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Phone Number *	(410) 977-8025
Location *	Baltimore, MD
Position *	Youth Leader
Position Details *	This is a volunteer position. We are need of a passionate person(s) for youth ministry. Our group of youth are small and are currently being led by our Administrative Pastor. This is a great opportunity to get in on ground level and learn while leading.

 

Worship Leader & Youth Pastor, Brandon, FL

 

Name *	Don Horton
Church *	Brandon Church of God
Email *	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Phone Number *	(813) 784-0680
Location *	Brandon, Florida
Position *	Worship Leader & Youth Pastor
Position Details *	This is a dual role staff position. Worship leader who is sensitive to the Holy Spirit and can lead a congregation in worship. Need person who loves to minister to youth and will work and disciple to build a youth ministry as they reach out to our community. Call 813.784.0680 or email inquiries to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

 

 

Bass Guitar Player, Buchanan, GA

 

Name *	Tim Landmon
Church *	New Vision Church of God Buchanan, Ga
Email *	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Phone Number *	(404) 554-6076
Location *	Buchanan, GA
Position *	Bass Guitar Player
Position Details *	Bass Guitar Player

 

Praise Team & Band Members, New Carlisle, OH

 

Name *	James Ward
Church *	The Rock Worship Center
Email *	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Phone Number *	(513) 320-2696
Location *	New Carlisle, OH
Position *	Praise Team and Band members
Position Details *	TRWC is looking for spirit-filled vocalists, bass guitar, lead guitar, and drum players. Our goal is to lead people into worship not to entertain them.

 

Youth & Young Adult Pastor, Little Hocking, OH

 

Name *	Joshua French
Church *	Little Hocking Church of God
Email *	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Phone Number *	(740) 989-2303
Location *	Little Hocking, Ohio
Position *	Youth and Young Adult Pastor
Position Details *
We are looking for someone longing for something greater than a position or a title, but rather an opportunity to thrive in youth ministry and their calling! The applicant should be called, committed and compelled to work for the Lord, and qualified for youth ministry. Likewise the applicant should be one who walks after the Spirit, and is secure with their call, gifts and relationship in the Lord. The hireling need not apply! We at the Little Hocking Church of God are “Building Something Together” will you join us? So many great things have happened already, and God isn’t done yet! We are not just trying to build another church youth group, but rather a ministry that will reach the masses of this generation in the Mid-Ohio Valley and beyond. If you have a heart for youth and young adult ministry and the call that compels you to do something about it, then we have the opportunity for you to do more than just talk and dream about changing lives for Jesus Christ! We have a church ready to stand and hold your arms up as we reach the world for the Kingdom! If interested please contact Pastor French: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

 

Part Time Keyboardist, Mulberry, FL

 

Name *	Deron Daniel
Church *	Mulberry Church of God
Email *	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Phone Number *	(863) 425-1241
Location *	200 Dean St. Mulberry, FL. 33860
Position *	Keyboardist - Part time
Position Details *	Small, progressive church looking for better than average part time keyboardist; possibly to lead worship.

 

Praise Leader/Choir Director, Gadsden, AL

 

Name *	Tony Smith
Church *	North Gadsden C.O.G.
Email *	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Phone Number *	(256) 546-8569
Location *	Gadsden, AL
Position *	Praise Leader/Choir Director
Position Details *	We need someone who can lead a praise team and a choir and who is sensitive to the Spirit. Must be filled with the Holy Ghost and work in cooperation with the Pastor. Must be willing to do all styles of music so the younger and older generation can be ministered to.

 

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA

 

The recent decision by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) to admit openly homosexual young men to their membership ranks comes as a major disappointment to the leadership of the Church of God. This departure from the BSA’s policy of not allowing individuals who practice homosexuality to become members contributes to the already confusing message of sexual orientation being sent to young men.

 

The Boy Scouts of America has served as a beacon of affirmation for generations. The May 23 decision by BSA did not include admitting homosexual scout leaders. We applaud the BSA leadership for upholding this critical element of its policy and support future efforts to defend it from attacks by groups who will no doubt feel empowered to further advance their agenda.

 

According to figures released by BSA, more than 70 percent of scout troops are supported or housed in churches across the United States. The recent action will no doubt place a heavy burden upon these churches about whether or not to continue their relationship with the local chapter.

 

The change in BSA’s policy in no way alters the Practical Commitments of the Church of God, which states the following:

 

Glorifying God in Our Body

Our body is the temple of the Holy Ghost and we are to glorify God in our body

 

(Romans 12:1, 2; 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20; 10:31). We are to walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).

 

Examples of fleshly behavior which do not glorify God are noted in several passages of Scripture (Romans 1:24; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; Galatians 5:19-21; Revelation 21:8). Sinful practices which are made prominent and condemned in these scriptures includehomosexuality, adultery, worldly attitudes (such as hatred, envy, jealousy), corrupt communication (such as gossip, angry outbursts, filthy words), stealing, murder, drunkenness and witchcraft…

 

The Church of God recognizes the dilemma some local churches and scout leaders may face with severing a positive, long-term relationship with a Boy Scout troop, which may or may not be immediately affected. Should local churches choose to disband their relationship with BSA, the Church of God has had in place for many years a program that mirrors the standards and policies of Boy Scouts of America prior to last week’s decision. It is called Royal Rangers and is available with supporting resources through the Division of Discipleship.  Please visit www.royalrangerscog.org.

 

While the Church of God condemns the sin of homosexuality as defined in Scripture, individuals struggling with an alternate lifestyle will continue to be loved and discipled. As young people are constantly bombarded with one message from the church and another from culture, the Church of God is committed to those who may fall into this path to give counsel and to teach the forgiveness of Christ with the ultimate goal of redemption and restoration.

Music Leader, West Union, OH

 

Name *	Rick Ackerman
Church *	Soul Harbor Church of God
Email *	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Phone Number *	(937) 661-9794
Location *	West Union, OH
Position *	Music Leader
Position Details *	We are looking for a music leader who can minister in both contemporary and traditional worship. We are looking for an anointed individual who can take control of the music ministry and breath new life into the position. This is currently an unpaid position.

 

Piano Player, Red Level, AL

 

Name *	Nathan Headrick
Church *	South Church of God
Email *	.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Phone Number *	(423) 504-4233
Location *	Red Level, Al
Position *	Piano Player
Position Details *
The South Church of God in Red Level, Alabama is currently looking for a piano player. This is a volunteer position. Our worship, at this point, consists primarily of Church Hymnal "Red Back" style music with a blend of Bluegrass. However, we are very open to many different styles of music. We would like to go toward a "True Blend" of music with Hymns, Praise and Worship, and Bluegrass. We do currently have a song leader and the qualified candidate will need to work alongside the staff already in place. It would be helpful if the candidate could also help lead in worship, especially in the Praise and Worship styled songs. Interested parties should email Pastor Nathan Headrick with your contact information and a little about yourself, including abilities, style, and experience.

 

Divisions-new

Retired Widows and Ministers Conference

 

The Church of God International Executive Committee along with the Division of Care are pleased to announce a special event convening in Cleveland, Tennessee on the beautiful campus of Lee University.

On May 9-11, 2013, they will host the Retired Ministers and Widows Conference. President Paul Conn and Lee University have graciously provided their campus as the venue for this event. Delegates will be housed in the dormitories and services will be held at the Conn Center. Registration, housing on Lee campus, and meals, are all provided free to retired ministers/spouses and widows of ministers.

The theme for this conference will be “Witnesses to the Word,” and will coincide with the overall emphasis on the Word of God that has been launched throughout the Church of God this year.

The Care Ministries Division of the Church of God is led by Assistant General Overseer David Griffis and Donnie Smith, executive administrator.

Highlights of the conference will include Griffis, Annette Watson, and Church of God General Overseer Mark Williams, along with outstanding special music.

A letter of invitation and registration information has been mailed to all retired ministers and widows. To register online, click the following link: http://coghq.org/conference/conf2.php

For more information contact the SpiritCare office at P. O. Box 2430, Cleveland, Tennessee 37320, call (423) 478-7377 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

MARRIAGE AND FAMILY (2012)

 

IMMIGRATION (2012)

 

FINANCIAL INTERDEPENDENCE (2012)

 

BIBLICAL STEWARDSHIP (2012)

 

Faith Newscast Coming Back Soon

The Faith News webcast is on hiatus for a few weeks. Please obtain the latest of what’s happening in the Church of God by visiting www.faithnews.cc or clicking on the “Latest Church of God News” link on the Church of God home page.

 

Latest Church of God Stories

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SE APRUEBA RESOLUCIÓN SOBRE INMIGRACIÓN

 

Church of God Mobile Application

In a partnership with Church of God Communications, the webmaster of the Church of God, Winters Technology Group has develop the FIRST Church of God Mobile Application. Get access to the Church Locator, Ministry Opportunities, Special GA2012 Coverage and more from your mobile device.

You are the FIRST to get access. Type this link in your mobile device: www.churchofgod.org/mobile

Fill out this form to be notified when the iOS application is available in iTunes.  

 

Mobile Support

Please contact our technical support staff at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for problems related to the Church of God International iOS application available in iTunes. 

Statement on Marriage and Family

 

2012 Campmeeting Schedule

Right Click and choose "save link as" to download the PDF version of the campmeeting schedule. 

Divisions of the Church of God Videos

The following videos showcase the four divisions of the Church of God. The videos were first presented at the January 2012 meeting of the Church of God International Executive Council and are a compilation of WebCasts hosted by General Overseer Raymond F. Culpepper:

125th Anniversary of the Church of God - August 19, 2011

On August 19, 1886, a band of believers gathered at the Barney Creek Meeting House in Tennessee and formed what would eventually become the Church of God. Today, 125 years later, these humble beginnings have resulted in a movement of nearly 7 million members worldwide in 178 countries.

At the 73rd International General Assembly last summer, a resolution was passed recognizing the first 125 years of the Church of God.

Restoring God's Church Powerpoint

This PowerPoint presentation, “Restoring God’s Church,” can be used to teach a class on the early history of the Church of God.

 

Resolution of the 125th Anniversary of the Church of God:

WHEREAS, on August 19, 2011, the 125th anniversary of the birth of the Church of God will be observed; and,

WHEREAS, from the eight individuals who responded to Richard G. Spurling’s invitation “to take the New Testament . . . for your only rule of faith and practice . . . and to sit together as the Church of God” has increased to 6,748,354 members around the world, with 34,848 churches; and,

WHEREAS, this historical occasion provides an opportunity for the entire Church of God family to remember the past, rejoice in the present, and renew our commitment to the future;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that we remember our Pentecostal heritage, the faithful men and women who sacrificed and served to shape our Biblical values, and the flow of divine grace and gifts that formed the Church of God into a worldwide evangelistic force; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we rejoice for the guiding hand of our Lord on the Church of God, for establishing us as His blessed people, and for providing unlimited heavenly resources through prayer; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we renew our commitment to worship God in spirit and truth, to fulfill the missional mandate of the Great Commission, and to reflect a spirit of trust in every aspect of ministry; and,

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that we come together in a spirit of celebration and commitment on this 125th anniversary, that states/regions, and local churches  outline events toremember, rejoice, and renew, reflect honor and glory to the Lord, and inspire new avenues to support the mission and vision of the Church of God.125th Anniversary Article Series

 

125th Anniversary Article Series

 

In Memory Continued

 

 

Louis Wadis Hampton
Louis Wadis Hampton was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Baxley, Georgia. Louis passed away on Saturday, December 25, 2010.
Date Reported 1/3/2011

James Billie Grant
James Billie Grant was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Simpsonville, South Carolina. James passed away on Wednesday, December 15, 2010.
Date Reported 12/16/2010

Charles Paul Shustrick
Charles Paul Shustrick was a Pastor Ordained Minister living in New Bern, North Carolina. Charles passed away on Thursday, December 16, 2010.
Date Reported 12/16/2010

Eugene Hancock
Eugene Hancock was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Ninety Six, South Carolina. Eugene passed away on Friday, December 10, 2010.
Date Reported 12/14/2010

T.H. Turpin
T.H. Turpin was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Elizabethton, Tennessee. T.H. Turpin passed away on Friday, December 10, 2010.
Date Reported 12/13/2010

Greenwood R. Luster
Greenwood R. Luster was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Hermiston, Oregon. Greenwood passed away on Tuesday, December 7, 2010.
Date Reported 12/13/2010

Kathy Dianne Collins
Kathy Dianne Collins was a Retired Evangelist Ordained Minister living in Ranlo, North Carolina. Dianne passed away on Wednesday, December 8, 2010.
Date Reported 12/9/2010

Troy Bellomy 
Troy Bellomy was a Retired Exhorter living in Scottsboro, Alabama. Troy passed away on Wednesday, December 8, 2010.
Date Reported 12/8/2010

E.M. Shook
E.M. Shook was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Virginia. E.M. Shook passed away on Friday, November 19, 2010.
Date Reported 12/7/2010

Enrique Julio Miro
Enrique Julio Miro was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Sun City, California. Enrique passed away on Tuesday, November 2, 2010.
Date Reported 12/6/2010

Douglas Wayne Miles
Douglas Wayne Miles was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Salisbury, North Carolina. Douglas passed away on Friday, December 3, 2010.
Date Reported 12/6/2010

Marvin G. Newton
Marvin G. Newton was a Retired Exhorter living in Mooresville, North Carolina. Marvin passed away on Thursday, December 2, 2010.
Date Reported 12/3/2010

Thomas J. Jenkins
Thomas J. Jenkins was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Culpeper, Virginia. Thomas passed away on Saturday, December 4, 2010.
Date Reported 12/6/2010

Robert Mitchell Dawkins
Robert Mitchell Dawkins was a Retired Exhorter living in Troy, North Carolina. Robert passed away on Monday, October 18, 2010.
Date Reported 12/2/2010

Eddie Ray Courtney
Eddie Ray Courtney was an Exhorter living in Brandon, Mississippi. Eddie passed away on Tuesday, November 30, 2010.
Date Reported 12/2/2010

Johnny W. Westmoreland, Jr.
Johnny W. Westmoreland, Jr. was a Pastor Ordained Bishop living in Homerville, Georgia. Johnny passed away on Sunday, November 28, 2010.
Date Reported 12/1/2010

Fred Carlton Everly
Fred Carlton Everly was a retired Exhorter living in Monroe, Michigan. Fred passed away on Tuesday, November 16, 2010.
Date Reported 11/18/2010

Jackie Levon McGoveran
Jackie Levon McGoveran was a retired Ordained Minister living in Reeds Springs, Missouri. Jackie passed away on Friday, October 29, 2010.
Date Reported 11/9/2010

William S. Banks
William S. Banks was a retired Ordained Bishop living in Hamilton, Ohio. William passed away on Monday, November 8, 2010.
Date Reported 11/15/2010

Vivian Diane Pinkerton Miller
Vivian Diane Pinkerton Miller was a retired Exhorter living in Grayson, Kentucky. Vivian passed away on Wednesday, November 10, 2010.
Date Reported 11/11/2010

W.T. Pressley
W.T. Pressley was a retired Ordained Minister living in Wichita, Kansas. W.T. passed away on Saturday, October 30, 2010.
Date Reported 11/9/2010

J.B. Scott Paradise 
J.B. Scott Paradise was a retired Ordained Minister living in Scottsboro, Alabama. J.B. passed away on Monday, November 8, 2010.
Date Reported 11/9/2010

John Thomas Syner
John Thomas Syner was a retired Ordained Bishop living in Powellton, West Virginia. John passed away on Sunday, November 7, 2010.
Date Reported 11/9/2010

Amos A. Ledford
Amos A. Ledford was a retired Ordained Bishop living in Cleveland, Tennessee. Amos passed away on Monday, October 25, 2010.
Date Reported 10/28/2010

Thomas J. Offutt, Jr.
Thomas J. Offutt, Jr. was an Ordained Bishop living in Cleveland, Tennessee. Thomas passed away on Saturday, October 23, 2010.
Date Reported 10/26/2010

Tommy J. McCoy
Tommy J. McCoy was a Pastor Ordained Bishop living in Piedmont, Alabama. Tommy passed away on Tuesday, October 19, 2010.
Date Reported 10/20/2010

Minnie Wilson Looney
Minnie Wilson Looney was a retired Ordained Minister living in Eden, North Carolina. Minnie passed away on Thursday, October 14, 2010.
Date Reported 10/15/2010

O.W. Polen
O.W. Polen was a retired Ordained Bishop living in Cleveland, Tennessee. O.W. Polen passed away on Saturday, October 16, 2010.
Date Reported 10/18/2010

Ralph Leon Ramey
Ralph Leon Ramey was a retired Exhorter living in Nauvoo, Alabama. Ralph passed away on Saturday, October 16, 2010.
Date Reported 10/18/2010

James. M. Stancil
James M. Stancil was a retired Ordained Bishop living in Jacksonville, Alabama. James passed away on Wednesday, October 13, 2010.
Date Reported 10/14/2010

Paul Eugene Lambert
Paul Eugene Lambert was a retired Ordained Bishop living in Duluth, Georgia. Paul passed away on Wednesday, October 6, 2010.
Date Reported 10/7/2010

Lillian Viola Rahming
Lillian Viola Rahming was a retired Ordained Minister living in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Lillian passed away on Tuesday, October 12, 2010.
Date Reported 10/13/2010

William Arial McKee
William Arial McKee was a retired Ordained Bishop living in Easley, South Carolina. William passed away on Wednesday, October 6, 2010.
Date Reported 10/7/2010

Edward F. Thomas
Edward F. Thomas was a retired Exhorter living in Huber Heights, Ohio. Edward passed away on Wednesday, September 8, 2010.
Date Reported 10/4/2010

Raymond L. Anderson
Raymond L. Anderson was a Pastor Ordained Bishop living in Camden, Ohio. Raymond passed away on Wednesday, August 11, 2010.
Date Reported 10/4/2010

Earl Herman Bright
Earl Herman Bright was a retired Ordained Bishop living in Winter Haven, Florida. Earl passed away on Sunday, September 26, 2010.
Date Reported 9/28/2010

Cleo Watts
Cleo Watts was a retired Ordained Bishop living in Cleveland, Tennessee. Cleo passed away on Saturday, September 25, 2010.
Date Reported 9/27/2010

Joseph Emory Hayes 
Joseph Emory Hayes was a retired Ordained Bishop living in Laurinburg, North Carolina. Joseph passed away on Saturday, September 18, 2010.
Date Reported 9/21/2010

Irene J. Youngblood
Irene J. Youngblood was a retired Ordained Minister living in Russell Springs, Kentucky. Irene passed away on Wednesday, September 22, 2010.
Date Reported 9/24/2010

William Edward Smith
William Edward Smith was a retired Ordained Bishop living in Millbrook, AL. William passed away on Tuesday, September 21, 2010.
Date Reported 9/22/2010

George W. Harrison
George W. Harrison was a retired Ordained Bishop living in Abbeville, SC. George passed away on Wednesday, September 15, 2010.
Date Reported 9/15/2010

Alonzo Palmer
Alonzo Palmer was a Pastor Ordained Bishop living in West Palm Beach, Florida. Alonzo passed away on Thursday, September 2, 2010.
Date Reported 9/13/2010

Wallace Crowell Rampy
Wallace Crowell Rampy was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Minot, North Dakota. Wallace passed away on Thursday, September 2, 2010.
Date Reported 9/10/2010

Ralph Pressley
Ralph Pressley was a Pastor Ordained Minister living in Rosman, North Carolina. Ralph passed away on Friday, September 3, 2010.
Date Reported 9/7/2010

R.S. Newcomb
R.S. Newcomb was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Monroe, Virginia. R.S. Newcomb passed away on Sunday, September 5, 2010.
Date Reported 9/7/2010

Nathaniel Chester Jones
Nathaniel Chester Jones was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Gastonia, North Carolina. Nathaniel passed away on Thursday, July 8, 2010.
Date Reported 9/2/2010

James Herbert Laza, Jr. 
James Herbert Laza, Jr. was a Pastor Exhorter living in West Virginia. James passed away on Sunday, July 25, 2010.
Date Reported 9/2/2010

Marjorie Jay Rushton
Marjorie Jay Rushton was an Exhorter living in Graniteville, South Carolina. Marjorie passed away on Saturday, September 4, 2010.
Date Reported 9/7/2010

Thomas C. Mullins
Thomas C. Mullins was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Lexington, Kentucky. Thomas passed away on Wednesday, September 1, 2010.
Date Reported 9/1/2010

Rueben David Neale
Rueben David Neale was an Ordained Minister living in Hadienda Heights, California. Rueben passed away on Monday, August 30, 2010.
Date Reported 9/1/2010

Edward G. Gray, Jr.
Edward G. Gray, Jr. was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in North East, Maryland. Edward passed away on Saturday, August 28, 2010.
Date Reported 8/30/2010

James Wafer McNeese
James Wafer McNeese was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Iowa Park, Texas. James passed away on Wednesday, August 18, 2010.
Date Reported 8/26/2010

Daniel Santana
Daniel Santana was a Pastor Exhorter living in Granada Hills, California. Daniel passed away on Sunday, August 8, 2010.
Date Reported 8/24/2010

Jesse William Zornes 
Jesse William Zornes was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Marion, Ohio. Jesse passed away on Saturday, August 14, 2010.
Date Reported 8/23/2010

Clifford W. Elliott
Clifford W. Elliott was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Moore, Oklahoma. Clifford passed away on Wednesday, August 11, 2010.
Date Reported 8/23/2010

Don Matthews
Don Matthews was a Retired Exhorter living in Augusta, Georgia. Don passed away on Saturday, July 31, 2010.
Date Reported 8/10/2010

Jeanette O'Bannon
Jeanette O'Bannon was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Winter Park, Florida. Jeanette passed away on Thursday, August 5, 2010.
Date Reported 8/10/2010

Edward Wayne Turpin
Edward Wayne Turpin was a Pastor Exhorter living in Harrodsburg, Kentucky. Edward passed away on Saturday, July 24, 2010.
Date Reported 8/2/2010

Jeremiah Rolle
Jeremiah Rolle was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Nassau, Bahamas. Jeremiah passed away on Friday, July 9, 2010.
Date Reported 7/22/2010

Olin Leonard Martin
Olin Leonard Martin was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Mauldin, South Carolina. Olin passed away on Wednesday, July 21, 2010.
Date Reported 7/21/2010

Charles F. Carr
Charles F. Carr was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Crab Orchard, Kentucky. Charles passed away on Monday, July 19, 2010.
Date Reported 7/20/2010

William H. Shell
William H. Shell was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Cleburne, Texas. William passed away on Saturday, July 17, 2010.
Date Reported 7/20/2010

Leon Hugh Phillips
Leon Hugh Phillips was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Dalton, Georgia. Leon passed away on Saturday, July 17, 2010.
Date Reported 7/19/2010

Lettrice M. Bean
Lettrice M. Bean was a Retired Ordained Minister living in California. Lettrice passed away on Tuesday, July 6, 2010.
Date Reported 7/19/2010

Martin C. Radford
Martin C. Radford was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in North Georgia. Martin passed away on Saturday, July 10, 2010.
Date Reported 7/13/2010

David Henry Nickoles
David Henry Nickoles was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Cuthbert, Georgia. David passed away on Friday, May 21, 2010.
Date Reported 7/13/2010

Gerald Glenden Berg
Gerald Glenden Berg was a Pastor Ordained Bishop living in Moorfield, West Virginia. Gerald passed away on Sunday, June 27, 2010.
Date Reported 7/6/2010

Ettie O. Fortner
Ettie O. Fortner was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Inverness, Florida. Ettie passed away on Wednesday, July 7, 2010.
Date Reported 7/8/2010

Johnny Joe Henderson
Johnny Joe Henderson was a Pastor Ordained Bishop living in Danville, Illinois. Johnny passed away on Saturday, July 3, 2010.
Date Reported 7/6/2010

Gerald Glenden Berg
Gerald Glenden Berg was a Pastor Ordained Bishop living in Moorefield, West Virginia. Gerald passed away on Sunday, June 27, 2010.
Date Reported 7/6/2010

Forrest Ezzell Evans
Forrest Ezzell Evans was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Conover, North Carolina. Forrest passed away on Sunday, June 27, 2010.
Date Reported 6/30/2010

Deborah Jo White
Deborah Jo White was an Evangelist Exhorter living in Cullman, Alabama. Deborah passed away on Thursday, June 24, 2010.
Date Reported 6/29/2010

Earl Bass
Earl Bass was a Retired Exhorter living in Georgiana, Alabama. Earl passed away on Sunday, June 27, 2010.
Date Reported 6/29/2010

Darrell L. Lindsay
Darrell L. Lindsay was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Calgary, Canada. Darrell passed away on Friday, June 25, 2010.
Date Reported 6/29/2010

Jack Albert Smith
Jack Albert Smith was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. Jack passed away on Friday, June 25, 2010.
Date Reported 6/28/2010

Peter Andrew Merkes
Peter Andrew Merkes was a Pastor Ordained Bishop living in Kenai, Alaska. Peter passed away on Sunday, February 28, 2010.
Date Reported 6/28/2010

Burton Harkins
Burton Harkins was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in London, Kentucky. Burton passed away on Friday, June 25, 2010.
Date Reported 6/28/2010

Lee Wade Mintz
Lee Wade Mintz was a Pastor Ordained Bishop living in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Lee passed away on Thursday, June 17, 2010.
Date Reported 6/18/2010

Charles E. Bryant
Charles E. Bryant was a Pastor Exhorter living in Brunswick, Georgia. Charles passed away on Tuesday, June 15, 2010.
Date Reported 6/18/2010

Leamon Lee Cagle
Leamon Lee Cagle was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Simpsonville, South Carolina. Leamon passed away on Sunday, June 20, 2010.
Date Reported 6/21/2010

William Johnson
William Johnson was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Nassau, Bahamas. William passed away on Monday, May 31, 2010.
Date Reported 6/15/2010

Robert Earl Wilbourne
Robert Earl Wilbourne was a Pastor Ordained Bishop living in Stedman, North Carolina. Robert passed away on Sunday, June 13, 2010.
Date Reported 6/14/2010

Brenda S. Gunter
Brenda S. Gunter was an Exhorter living in Powder Springs, Georgia. Brenda passed away on Wednesday, June 9, 2010.
Date Reported 6/10/2010

Sixto Villegas
Sixto Villegas was a Retired Exhorter living in Boston, Massachusetts. Sixto passed away on Friday, May 28, 2010.
Date Reported 6/10/2010

Dean W. Baker
Dean W. Baker was a Pastor Exhorter living in Elkins, Arkansas. Dean passed away on Friday, June 4, 2010.
Date Reported 6/9/2010

Robert E. Mitzelfelt
Robert E. Mitzelfelt was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Danville, Virginia. Robert passed away on Wednesday, June 2, 2010.
Date Reported 6/4/2010

Finnabea Hughes
Finnabea Hughes was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Terrell, Texas. Finnabea passed away on Tuesday, June 1, 2010.
Date Reported 6/1/2010

Arthur D. Rhodes
Arthur D. Rhodes was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Magnolia, Mississippi. Arthur passed away on Saturday, May 22, 2010.
Date Reported 5/24/2010

Jerry Lebral Ware
Jerry Lebral Ware was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Cleveland, Tennessee. Jerry passed away on Sunday, May 30, 2010.
Date Reported 6/1/2010

Iva S. Crisler 
Iva S. Crisler was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Pangburn, Arkansas. Iva passed away on Friday, May 7, 2010.
Date Reported 6/1/2010

Ray Gilbert Turner
Ray Gilbert Turner was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Greensboro, North Carolina. Ray passed away on Thursday, May 27, 2010.
Date Reported 6/1/2010

Thelma Lee Anderson
Thelma Lee Anderson was a Retired Exhorter living in Stone Mountain, Georgia. Thelma passed away on Wednesday, March 17, 2010.
Date Reported 6/1/2010

Raymond O. Lankford
Raymond O. Lankford was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Hixson, Tennessee. Raymond passed away on Monday, May 17, 2010.
Date Reported 5/20/2010

Jack Andrew Simonds 
Jack Andrew Simonds was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Shady Andrews, North Carolina. Jack passed away on Friday, May 14, 2010.
Date Reported 5/20/2010

Warren K. Cregger 
Warren K. Cregger was a Retired Exhorter living in Shady Spring, West Virginia. Warren passed away on Wednesday, May 19, 2010.
Date Reported 5/20/2010

Charles Paul Till, Jr. 
Charles Paul Till, Jr. was an Associate Pastor Ordained Bishop living in Hutchinson, Kansas. Charles passed away on Sunday, May 16, 2010.
Date Reported 5/18/2010

David Leon Robinson
David Leon Robinson was a Pastor Ordained Bishop living in Montcalm, West Virginia. David passed away on Friday, May 14, 2010.
Date Reported 5/17/2010

Paul Weitmann
Paul Weitmann was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Kitchener Ontario. Paul passed away on Friday, March 26, 2010.
Date Reported 5/14/2010

Troy Alvin Hall
Troy Alvin Hall was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Stites, Idaho. Troy passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2010.
Date Reported 5/12/2010

David Leroy Shrable
David Leroy Shrable was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Ocala, Florida. David passed away on Saturday, May 9, 2010.
Date Reported 5/11/2010

Ernest W. Bean
Ernest W. Bean was a Retired Exhorter living in Ashland, Oregon. Ernest passed away on Tuesday, March 23, 2010.
Date Reported 5/5/2010

Eugene Zear Nicola
Eugene Zear Nicola was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Cleveland, Tennessee. Eugene passed away on Monday, April 26, 2010.
Date Reported 4/28/2010

W.G. Abney Sr.
W.G. Abney Sr. was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Buford, Georgia. W.G. Abney Sr. passed away on Tuesday, April 13, 2010.
Date Reported 4/28/2010

James Leeroy Tharp
James Leeroy Tharp was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Knoxville, Tennessee. James passed away on Tuesday, April 27, 2010.
Date Reported 4/29/2010

Amador Ramirez
Amador Ramirez was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Kissimee, Florida. Amador passed away on Wednesday, February 10, 2010.
Date Reported 4/28/2010

James Herman White
James Herman White was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Hartwell, Georgia. James passed away on Thursday, December 24, 2009.
Date Reported 4/26/2010

William F. Sullivan
William F. Sullivan was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Florida. William passed away on Friday, March 19, 2010.
Date Reported 4/27/2010

Ruben Martinez S.
Ruben Martinez S. was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Orlando, Florida. Ruben passed away on Sunday, April 11, 2010.
Date Reported 4/27/2010

Jose G. Jimenez
Jose G. Jimenez was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Lorain, Ohio. Jose passed away on Thursday, April 1, 2010.
Date Reported 4/29/2010

Denver C. Boyd
Denver C. Boyd was a Retired Exhorter living in Weirton, West Virginia. Denver passed away on Friday, April 23, 2010.
Date Reported 4/23/2010

James Thomas Abbott
James Thomas Abbott was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Warrior, Alabama. James passed away on Sunday, April 18, 2010.
Date Reported 4/19/2010

Randy Keith Bradham
Randy Keith Bradham was an Evangelist Exhorter living in Collins, Georgia. Randy passed away on Friday, April 2, 2010.
Date Reported 4/15/2010

James Lee Brotherton
James Lee Brotherton was a Disabled Ordained Bishop living in Lafollette, Tennessee. James passed away on Saturday, April 10, 2010.
Date Reported 4/13/2010

Timothy Dewayne Posey
Timothy Dewayne Posey was a Pastor Ordained Bishop living in North Platte, Nebraska. Timothy passed away on Thursday, March 25, 2010.
Date Reported 4/12/2010

Jettie Lee Helms
Jettie Lee Helms was a Retired Exhorter living in Charlotte, North Carolina. Jettie passed away on Monday, April 5, 2010.
Date Reported 4/6/2010

John E. Kelly, Jr.
John E. Kelly, Jr. was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Cleveland, Tennessee. John passed away on Tuesday, March 30, 2010.
Date Reported 4/7/2010

Charles R. Grizzle
Charles R. Grizzle was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Ashland, Kentucky. Charles passed away on Friday, March 26, 2010.
Date Reported 3/29/2010

Erskine Ramsey Mink
Erskine Ramsey Mink was a Retired Exhorter living in Tucker, Georgia. Erskine passed away on Thursday, January 21, 2010.
Date Reported 3/25/2010

Kenneth Keith Benjamin
Kenneth Keith Benjamin was a Pastor Ordained Bishop living in Toronto, Canada. Kenneth passed away on Thursday, March 11, 2010.
Date Reported 3/11/2010

Beulah Ethel Pack
Beulah Ethel Pack was a Retired Exhorter living in West Virginia. Beulah passed away on Monday, March 22, 2010.
Date Reported 3/24/2010

James Lewis Debord
James Lewis Debord was a Pastor Ordained Bishop living in Glade Spring, Virginia. James passed away on Sunday, March 21, 2010.
Date Reported 3/22/2010

Curtis Brigman
Curtis Brigman was a Retired Exhorter living in Philpot, Kentucky. Curtis passed away on Sunday, January 24, 2010.
Date Reported 3/16/2010

Kenneth Ray Lowe
Kenneth Ray Lowe was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Modesto, California. Kenneth passed away on Monday, December 7, 2009.
Date Reported 3/16/2010

Noble L. Smith
Noble L. Smith was a Retired Exhorter living in Somerville, Tennessee. Noble passed away on Monday, March 15, 2010.
Date Reported 3/16/2010

Jesse Daniel Coleman
Jesse Daniel Coleman was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Sun City Cen

Legal Services

 

Legal issues continue to be a growing area of church affairs, necessitating familiarity with and resources for proper risk management.

Always remember that the farther away activities of a church venture from traditional worship and Bible study, the more the likelihood of potential legal ramifications. Churches are being sued for such activities as selling chicken dinners, sponsoring athletic events, and many other activities. As the number of ministry opportunities increases, so does the possibility that someone will try to find a legal angle from which to attack the church.

Necessity of Frequent Contact with a Lawyer - Some of the best advice that can be given to a pastor is to acquaint himself with and form an ongoing relationship with a local, reputable attorney. This relationship is important because the pastor can avail himself of the lawyer's expertise, before making a mistake with legal ramifications. It is always better to think preventatively rather than retroactively, and major decisions should not be made regarding the church or its business, without first contacting a lawyer.

In the state overseer field, developing a close relationship with a good local attorney is important because it provides for continuity in dealings between the lawyer and the church, and it provides him with ability to be familiar with our procedures, for posterity. In particular, a good local attorney who has been representing the state office for years can serve as a valuable counselor to any successors in office at our state offices.

Keep a good lawyer close by, and call him before you make big decisions.

Iif you would like to contact someone in our Legal Services Department please Click Here.

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Site HelpFaith News Network is part of the Church of God’s effort to stay on the forefront of effect

 

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We're committed to helping you to experience this web site as fully as possible. This section is designed to help you make sure your computer is equipped to use the industry standard technologies employed by the Faith News Network web site.

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• Church of God Heritage
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  The Department of Hispanic Ministries is a resource center for Hispanics in the Church of God. One of its branches is Editorial Evangélica, which provides Sunday school literature and Christian educational materials in Spanish.
  
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  El Departamento de Ministerios Hispanos es un centro de recursos para los hispanos en la Iglesia de Dios. Una de sus oficinas es la Editorial Evangélica, la cual produce materiales en español de escuela dominical y educación cristiana.
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The following media files can be downloaded for use in bulletins, flyers, etc... Please remember that they are under copyright protection.

Under the copyright protection of the following logos, you may make single copies if they are solely for personal or individual church use, if you reserve the copyright and give proper credit. You may not reproduce or distribute copies to others, in whole or in part, whether or not for a charge, without prior permission from the Church of God Publishing House. For more information on copyright permission, call Pathway Press at (423) 478-7550.

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125th Anniversary of the Church of God - August 19, 2011

On August 19, 1886, a band of believers gathered at the Barney Creek Meeting House in Tennessee and formed what would eventually become the Church of God. Today, 125 years later, these humble beginnings have resulted in a movement of nearly 7 million members worldwide in 178 countries.

At the 73rd International General Assembly last summer, a resolution was passed recognizing the first 125 years of the Church of God.

 

Restoring God's Church Powerpoint

This PowerPoint presentation, “Restoring God’s Church,” can be used to teach a class on the early history of the Church of God.


Resolution of the 125th Anniversary of the Church of God:

WHEREAS, on August 19, 2011, the 125th anniversary of the birth of the Church of God will be observed; and,

WHEREAS, from the eight individuals who responded to Richard G. Spurling’s invitation “to take the New Testament . . . for your only rule of faith and practice . . . and to sit together as the Church of God” has increased to 6,748,354 members around the world, with 34,848 churches; and,

WHEREAS, this historical occasion provides an opportunity for the entire Church of God family to remember the past, rejoice in the present, and renew our commitment to the future;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that we remember our Pentecostal heritage, the faithful men and women who sacrificed and served to shape our Biblical values, and the flow of divine grace and gifts that formed the Church of God into a worldwide evangelistic force; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we rejoice for the guiding hand of our Lord on the Church of God, for establishing us as His blessed people, and for providing unlimited heavenly resources through prayer; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we renew our commitment to worship God in spirit and truth, to fulfill the missional mandate of the Great Commission, and to reflect a spirit of trust in every aspect of ministry; and,

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that we come together in a spirit of celebration and commitment on this 125th anniversary, that states/regions, and local churches  outline events to remember, rejoice, and renew, reflect honor and glory to the Lord, and inspire new avenues to support the mission and vision of the Church of God.

 

125th Anniversary Article Series

 

Pentecost Sunday: June 12, 2011

Power . . .
To Engage the Missional Mandate of Christ

"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come
upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and
in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (Acts
1:18 NKJV).

 

Our Heritage

The baptism of the Holy Spirit is interwoven in our heritage. The Church of God holds the distinction of being the first known group in the United States upon whom the Spirit fell in Pentecost fullness. The power of the Holy Spirit to fulfill the missional mandate of Christ has been a doctrinal emphasis since the outpouring of the Spirit fell in the early days of our denomination.

God has given to us a distinct and beautiful heritage; one that causes us to give glory, honor, and praise Him. It is by the power of the Holy Spirit that we can live victoriously and expand the kingdom of God on earth.

Our Opportunity

Pentecost Sunday, June 12, provides an excellent opportunity to stress the full meaning of the power of the Holy Spirit, the doctrine of the Spirit, and the fruit of the Spirit in the ministry of the church.

This emphasis on understanding the requirements and the results of receiving the promise and power of the Holy Spirit is designed to achieve several objectives:

1. To focus attention on the roots and richness of our Pentecostal heritage.
2. To study about the power of the Holy Spirit in the operation of the church.
3. To stimulate a fresh awareness of the fruit of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit.
4. To create a hunger in believers to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to walk in the power of the Spirit.
5. To provide an environment for church members to share about the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
6. To guide young people in understanding the baptism of the Holy Spirit, how to receive the Holy Spirit and the manifestations of the gifts of the Spirit.

These studies offer an extraordinary opportunity to help believers understand the full range of the power of the Holy Spirit in the ministry of the church and in their daily
life.

The Process

This action guide will give you ideas on outlining a Pentecost emphasis in your church. It does not giver detailed instructions but offers suggestions that can be
formulated to suit your local needs. Whatever approach you choose to take the central focus and goal is to lead your people into a deeper experience of the Holy Spirit baptism, the power it issues to live the abundant life in Christ, and the operation of spiritual gifts.

Five approaches or events to emphasize the power of Pentecost will be outlined. The particular items selected will have to be developed in regards to the size of the congregation, available leaders, and the spiritual needs of the local church.;

Wednesday Evening – Question and Answer Session

This will be a question and answer time for the entire congregation. There several ways to do this:

Utilize the book titled, Understanding the Holy Spirit, by Raymond F. Culpepper, general overseer. This book gives answers to all aspects of the power of the Holy Spirit and the operation of the Spirit in the church and in the life of believers.

Church members and friends have questions about the nature and work of the Holy Spirit but are often hesitant about seeking answers. The material in this book comes from the background of a church leader, our general overseer, who planted and pastored one church for 23 years. During this time he ministered to young converts who had no church background of understanding the work of the Holy Spirit. They had many questions that he answered from the Bible. Some of the questions/answers in the book
include:

1. Who is the Holy Spirit?

2. How does the Holy Spirit relate to the Holy Trinity.

3. What are the works of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life?

4. What is meant by the terms Pentecostal, Charismatic, Third Wave?

5. Was the Day of Pentecost the first appearance of the Holy Spirit on earth?

6. What is the baptism in the Holy Spirit?

7. Does a person receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit at conversion.

8. How does a person receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit?

9. How does the Bible deal with the subject of speaking in tongues?

10. Did the practice of tongues go out with the apostles only to be revived in the 21st century by fanatics?

Information about the book, Understanding the Holy Spirit, is available by clicking on the book cover below, which will take you to the online Pathway Bookstore.

Congregation Submits Questions: The Sunday before Pentecost Sunday the congregation is invited to submit questions about different aspects of the ministry of the Holy Spirit. All the questions will be addressed by the pastor during the following Wednesday evening Bible study. The pastor can elaborate on each of the questions, recommend study materials, and tell how the power of the Holy Spirit can be the foundation for both personal growth and spiritual growth.

Wednesday Evening Panel Discussion. The panel would consist of three or four individuals. Each panel member would present an eight-to-ten minute paper on one of the following subjects relating to the power of the Holy Spirit.

1. Power of the Holy Spirit to Share Jesus.
2. The Power of the Holy Spirit in Molding Family Life.
3. The Power of the Holy Spirit in Living Victoriously.
4. The Power of the Holy Spirit in Fulfilling the Great Commission.

This can be a unique way to get church members involved in Bible study about the
Holy Spirit.

Sunday Morning Service and Sermon

Worship Service. The format of the service could include scripture readings about the Holy Spirit, songs/hymns, testimonies, responsive reading, and drama. Exercise creativity in arranging the structure to feature praise, instructions on the Holy Spirit and the power of the Holy Spirit for developing as a mature disciple, resisting the advancing of Satan, and expanding the influence and outreach of the church.

Sermon. The Pentecost Sunday sermon should highlight the power of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers; how He ministers as the Comforter, the Communicator, an Intercessor, the Revelator, the Glorifier, and the Equipper. Consider distributing outlines or featuring the main points on a large projection screen or on a marker board. The sermon could be divided into two parts, Sunday morning and Sunday evening.

Friday Evening Prayer Time

This coming together can be a planned prayer time, a come-and-go event, or a time to pray to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Planned Prayer Time. The order of the service could include several segment of the power of the Holy Spirit in prayer—praying for city, community, nation, outreach of local church, parents, and children and youth. In between prayer segments there could be scripture reading and testimonies.

Come-and-Go Prayer Time. The church is open and members come and go after personal prayer for emphasizing the power of the Holy Spirit in the ministry of the
church.

Prayer Time to Receive the Holy Spirit. This would be a time for individuals to pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit. The prayer time should include instructions and seekers should be paired with a seasoned church member as a prayer/seeking partner. The service is loosely structured, personal in approach, with soft music in the background.

Saturday Morning Breakfast for Men

This will be a special timer for me to focus on power—the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives as a companion, a father, a leader in the church, and an influence in the community. Use several men to tell about how the Holy Spirit impacts and empowers them to be effective in serving the Lord.

Special Luncheon Tea for Ladies

The format would follow the same pattern as the men's breakfast. Ladies would share

about how the Holy Spirit has given them power to live victoriously as a housewife, mother, friend, and church member.

The Planning. The planning for the Pentecost events can be simple or very elaborate. Planning, however, is vital and necessary. There should be a Planning Team that would outline the entire emphasis. Individuals could be assigned to direct each of the five outlined approaches.

Make arrangements for involving the congregations, providing, promotion in the church bulletin, and follow-up of assignments and arrangements.

 

Resources

Click on the book cover below to take you to the Pathway Bookstore for information on ordering the new release Understanding the Holy Spirit by Raymond F. Culpepper.

Below is a powerpoint presentation which is intended to be used as a teaching tool combined with Understanding the Holy Spirit. This volume offers answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the Holy Spirit.

Download the Powerpoint Here

Several sermons can be downloaded from the Web site:

www.sermonsforsheperds.com.

Obituary - Ray H. Hughes Sr.

 

The Reverend Doctor Ray H. Hughes Sr., 87, former General Overseer of the Church of God and past president of Lee University, went to be with the Lord on April 4, 2011.

Dr. Hughes began his ministry in 1940 and served in many offices of distinction in the Church of God and interdenominational ministries.  His early ministry was as an evangelist, and he considered himself an evangelist no matter what office he was serving in.  Hughes gained national attention in 1948 when he preached an interdenominational youth rally at the Hollywood Bowl in California.  Sponsored by Pentecostal denominations and independent ministries, the event signaled a new day of cooperation among Pentecostals as well as his eventual leadership of the global Pentecostal movement. His pastoral ministry included the Church of God in Fairfield, Illinois, and the North Chattanooga Church of God.  Appointed offices in the Church of God included state overseer of Georgia and the region of Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia; the National Sunday School and Youth Board; and director of the General Board of Education.  He twice served as president of Lee College (1960-1966 and 1982-1984) and once as president of the Church of God Theological Seminary (1984-1986).

The Church of God elected Hughes as general director of Sunday School and Youth in 1952 where he served for four years, and to the International Executive Council in 1956 where he served for a total of thirty-six years.  He was first elected to the International Executive Committee in 1966 and served on the Executive Committee a total of twenty-two years including the offices of Third Assistant General Overseer, Second Assistant General Overseer, First Assistant General Overseer and General Overseer.  He is the only person to have served three tenures as General Overseer.

Along with his ministry in the Church of God, Hughes was frequently honored with leadership opportunities in interdenominational ministries.  He was a member of the board of administration, on the executive committee, and president of the National Association of Evangelicals; a member of the National Sunday School Association; chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of North America; a member of the advisory committee of the Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches of North America; a member of the presidium and advisory committee, vice chairman and chairman of the Pentecostal World Conference.  As chairman of the Pentecostal World Conference he led global meetings in Oslo, Norway, Jerusalem, and Seoul, Korea, where he preached to more than 108,000 people in a packed Olympic Stadium at the eighteenth Pentecostal World Conference.

Known for his powerful anointed preaching, Hughes was a popular speaker at camp meetings, ministers’ retreats, missions rallies, youth rallies, and other meetings.  He was speaker for the Church of God’s radio broadcast, Forward in Faith, from 1960 to 1963.  A prolific author, a partial list of his books includes Church of God Distinctives; Who Is the Holy Ghost?; Pentecostal Preaching; Religion on Fire; Lord, Show Us Thy Glory; The Cross, Love’s Necessity; and The Rapture and Revelation.

Dr. Hughes was preceded in death by his parents the Reverend J. H. and Emma Lou Cochran Hughes; his first wife, Marian Euverla Tidwell Hughes; and his brother-in-law, John Johnson.

He is survived by his wife Linda Redman Hughes; children, Janice Hughes of Nashville, Ray H. Hughes Jr., and his wife Anita, Donald Joseph Hughes, and his wife Maxine, all of Cleveland, and Anita Chamberlain, and her husband Jim, of Fernadina Beach, Florida; step-children, Jerry Redman, and his wife Jeanine, Greg Redman and his wife Debbi, and Kristi Armstrong and her husband Bob, all of Cleveland; grandchildren, Joe Hughes of Cleveland, Ray H. “Doc” Hughes III, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Cristen Chamberlain, and Craig Chamberlain and his wife Elisa, of Fernandina Beach, Florida; step-grand children, Jennifer Redman of Chattanooga, Lindsey Armstrong, and Christian Armstrong, both of Cleveland; two great- grandsons, Chase Chamberlain and Landon Chamberlain, both of Fernandina Beach, Florida.  He is also survived by his sisters, Helen Johnson of Huntsville, Alabama, and Jacqui Killebrew, and her husband Joe, of Bullhead, Arizona; brothers, Bill Hughes of Del Rio, Texas, and Dale Hughes, and his wife Brenda, of Cleveland; sister-in-law Florence Clawson, and her husband Rev. Paul Clawson, of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania; brothers-in-law U. D. “Bud” Tidwell Jr. and Marcus Tidwell; and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Thursday, April 7 at 11:00 a.m.at the North Cleveland Church of God main sanctuary with Dr. Raymond F. Culpepper, Dr. Mark Williams, Pastor Mitch Maloney and Dr. Ray Hughes Jr. officiating.  Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens with Rev. Ray Sanders and Dr. Gene Rice officiating.  Paul Duncan, Jerry Dixon,

Dr. Esdras Betancourt, Rev. Marlon K. Allers, Steve Land, Ken Jones, Rev. Julian Robinson, and Rev. Charles Hollifield will serve as pallbearers.  Honorary pallbearers will be the members of the Church of God Executive Council.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 6 from 3-8 p.m. at the North Cleveland Church of God Main Sanctuary.

Grissom Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements.  To send an online condolence to the family, please visit www.grissomfh.net.

Ray H. Hughes Video

Pentecostal Legend: Ray Harrison Hughes, Sr. – 1924 – 2011

Dr. Ray H. Hughes, Sr., was one of the most influential leaders within the Church of God of the past two generations. His life touched not just the Church of God, but the entire Evangelical and Pentecostal world as he led and ministered in numerous capacities. No single figure in the Church of God has cast a wider net of spiritual influence, educational leadership, or evangelical fervor.

Dr. Hughes passed away late in the evening on April 4th, 2011.  This Web site has been created as a tribute to the man and the person who so dedicated his life to the Kingdom of God. Browse the links below and get a sense of how this dedicated servant of God became such a global influence, yet remained a humble family man.

Faith of My Father - read a chapter on the life of Ray H. Hughes, Sr., from the from the 2010 book "Faith of Our Fathers" written from the unique family perspective of his son, Ray H. Hughes, Jr.

Well Done, Thou Good and Faithful Servant – the complete obituary of Ray H. Hughes

Still Going Strong - watch a 5-minute video compiled for the occasion of Dr. Hughes' 80^th birthday

Hughes' Leaves Educational Legacy in the Church of God -  Article in Faith News

Hughes At A Glance – read an amazing list of leadership posts, awards and accomplishments from the life and ministry of Dr. Hughes.

The Complete Ray Hughes – visit the Web site www.rayhhughes.com and browse through all aspects of Dr. Hughes’ ministry career: view photos, hear sermons, read quotes, buy resources, and sign the guestbook.

Engage Conference 2011

Watch the 2011 Engage Interview Video Here

Visit the Engage 2011 Website or Register Online Here

Engage Conference Interviews

73rd International General Assembly

The General Assembly took place July 27-30, 2010, in Orlando Florida.To visit the official website of the GA2010 please visit.

www.assemblynow.org

Pray for the victims of Tucson

On Saturday, January 8, as people were peaceably gathered to hear a speech from Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, a gunman opened fire on the crowd in Tucson, Arizona, killing six people and wounding many others.

Rep. Giffords was critically injured and clings to life with a bullet wound to her head. We join in prayer and sympathy for this public servant and we grieve with the families of the victims: John Roll, 63; Christina Taylor Green, 9; Gabe Zimmerman, 30; Phyllis Schneck, 79; Dorwin Stoddard, 76; and Dorothy Morris, 76.

There are 13 other victims who are recovering, including two of Rep. Giffords' staff, Ron Barber and Pam Simon. Please keep these who survived this tragedy in your prayers as well.

At this time I am reminded of the scripture from 1 Timothy 2:1-4 which says, "I exhort, therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth (KJV)."

--Raymond F. Culpepper

Reformation Sunday: Honoring the Aged Ministers and Widows

In 1992 the General Assembly declared one Sunday a year to focus on honoring those who have gone before us, blazing the trails of ministry through evangelism, pastoring and church planting. These saints of God are worthy of recognition and support and Reformation Sunday is the venue in which to do it. On October 31, 2010 every Church of God congregation is asked to designate a special love offering exclusively for aged ministers and widows.

In a recent letter to all pastors, Church of God General overseer Dr. Raymond Culpepper asked that this offering be given high priority this year, especially in light of the economic climate which has particularly affected aged and retired ministers. One-fourth of the offering will be used to help fund financial assistance to aged ministers with emergency needs. The remainder will be given as a special love gift from the church to retired ministers and widows at Christmas.

A special PowerPoint presentation has been developed for Reformation Sunday and is available for download on this page. Please feel free to use it as you promote this special day of commemoration for these warriors of the faith.

Download the PowerPoint Presentation

Overseers Message

Forward Together In Changing Times

The Year of the Great Commission Video

Raymond F. Culpepper, General Overseer, Download the video in English | Spanish

Forward Together in Changing Times

Visit the website

 

 

Haiti Earth Quake Relief Efforts

On February 5-7, 2010, a delegation of leaders including General Overseer Raymond Culpepper and Assistant General Overseer Tim Hill journeyed to the earthquake-ravaged country of Haiti. The following two videos give an account of the excursion and an update on what is happening with the aid and recovery for the Church of God and our people in Haiti. Please view the updates as Part 1 and Part 2.

 

 

 

International Executive Comittee Report

On January 26-29, 2010, the International Executive Council met in session at the International Offices in Cleveland, Tennessee where they reviewed and approved a report compiled from months of prayerful research. The report deals with decisions and recommendations regarding church finances and a re-structure of the ministries of the Church of God. The report, available in its entirety as presented to the Executive Council, is available for viewing and download, if desired. The report contains numerous charts, graphics and a look toward the future of the ministries of the Church of God  based on past, current and upcoming financial states. It is recommended that you first view the explanation of the report by General Overseer Raymond F. Culpepper in the video provided.

 

Official Report from the International Executive Council

Appendix 1 - Tithe Receipts

Apendix 2 - Reports Received

Appendix 3 - Funding for Mission-Borderline States

Appendix 4 - Report on States That May Become Mission-Borderline in 5 years

International Offices Restructure

 

Note: You will need Adobe Reader to view these files. If you do not have adobe reader you can download it here.

 

 

The Finish Line Summit

Live Stream

 

 

Launch Live Stream (Please make sure popup blockers are turned off)

Symposium on the Great Commission

ENGAGING THE MISSIONAL MANDATE!

The glue that binds believers together in changing times is the Great Commission given directly by Christ. It is about not being just “mission-minded” but about being “missional”; it is about engaging the divine directive. This directive of Christ is the missional mandate of the church.

At the 2008 International General Assembly, General Overseer Dr. Raymond Culpepper called the church to three core initiatives. One of these is how the church can rally to a new engaging vision of the Great Commission. An integral part of this initiative was the convening of two Great Commission Symposiums—East and West which took place on September 14-15, and September 17-18, 2009.

The Symposium Indluded the Following Speakers

Raymond F. Culpepper has a life-long commitment and devotion to living out the Great Commission in his ministry. Elected general overseer of the Church of God in 2008, he immediately launched a three-pronged campaign featuring Prayer, the Great Commission and a Quest for Trust. He will share his passion for the lost as one of the featured speakers at both east and west venues.

 

Niko Njotorahardjo of Indonesia is senior pastor of one of the largest Church of God congregations with 125,000 members. He started his ministry in 1985 as God called him in restoration ministry of Praise and Worship. Presently, he is involved in “Healing Movement Ministry” having conducted more than 100 crusades in the past three years. His local church sponsors their own Bible School in Jakarta.

 

Ana Ruth Díaz is the founder and principal pastor of the Church of God Oasis of Love with more than 6,000 people attending each week. Located in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Ana Ruth began her ministry at the age of 20 and today is well known for her passion and energy and is a frequent international speaker to leadership, church growth and healing conferences.

 

 

Loran Livingston is the senior pastor of the Central Church of God in Charlotte, N.C. Central Church was chartered in 1977 and Pastor Livingston became pastor just four months later. Beginning with a dedicated group of 19, today the church has grown to its present membership of over 7,000. Pastor Livingston’s ministry is well known throughout America for his powerful delivery of the gospel. He also serves as the voice of Forward In Faith, the international radio ministry of the Church of God.

Reallocation of Resources Meeting Set

 

“Document adopted unanimously by the Church of God International Executive Council on April 30, 2009. Click here to read. Click here to download the document in its entirety.”

 

A meeting of the Committee of Action for the Reallocation of Resources has been set for April 30-May 1. The meeting is in response to action taken at the 72^nd Church of God International Assembly last year in San Antonio, Texas.

Following debate on what was Item #3 of the Assembly agenda, the General Council at the Assembly referred the measure to the Executive Committee and International Executive Council.  The result was the formation of a Committee of Action (COA) to address the impact of realignment and reallocation of church resources. Since the General Assembly, a steering committee has conducted numerous meetings, gathering data and information on all aspects of the International Offices, including structure, personnel and capital assets.

The Committee of Action consists of every Church of God Administrative Bishop in North America and the first elected member of each state or region's council. It also includes the International Executive Council, and sub-committees from the Reallocation of Resources Steering Committee. Sub-committees include 1) Impact on World Missions (World Missions Board), 2) Impact on the International Offices (Budget Review Committee) and 3) Impact on States/Regions. The group of nearly 150 leaders is slated to gather at the Dixon Center on the Lee University campus in Cleveland, Tennessee where they will hear results and recommendations from the impact studies. The Executive Council will hear results from the steering committee earlier in the week at the International Offices during their regularly scheduled April session.

Although the two-day meeting will be closed to spectators other than the Committee of Action, Church of God Communications and Lee University will be broadcasting the proceedings via live video stream. To view the sessions live in progress, click on the link below at the appropriate session times which are:

Session One: Thursday, April 30, 2:00 - 4:30 p.m.

Session Two: 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.

Session Three: Friday, May 1, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Session Four: 1:30 - 4:00 p.m. (if necessary)

All times are Eastern Standard Time (EST).

There is no cost to view the broadcast, but download of flash video player may be required.

Watch live here.

Church of God Minister’s Monthly Reporting

Click Here to Go to the Online Reporting Website

On-Line Reporting the Choice of Many Church of God Ministers

On-line reporting debuted October 1, 2004 on the Church of God Web site. For the thousands of Church of God ministers who submit monthly reports on their ministerial activity, the process has been much easier and more convenient.

In its first year of operation, the Department of Business and Records received more than 45,000 reports with more than 5,500 reports being submitted for the month of August, 2005 alone. The excellent response to this new method of reporting for ministers is clearly an indication of their acceptance of Church of God on-line reporting. Every minister who has the capability of reporting on-line is encouraged to do so.

Julian B. Robinson, director of the Church of God's Department of Business and Records, announced the launch of electronic reporting to the International Offices beginning with the September, 2004 Minister's Report.

"This is a milestone for the Church of God and a service we have been eager to provide," Robinson stated. "The Computer Services personnel have worked very diligently on this project and we are excited about the possibility of many Church of God ministers using internet technology for reporting."

Robinson explained that a link for the on-line reporting service is displayed on the Church of God Web site, and any minister who wishes to report will simply click on the minister's reporting link which will be prominently displayed on the site. The link will take users to the home page of ministers reporting where instructions will be given.

"Both money and no-money reports can be submitted and will be sent to the international and state offices," Robinson continued. "However, when submitting a money report, it will be necessary to print a receipt to be mailed with the check or money order to the international or state offices, whichever is applicable."

Data for ministers who report on-line and whose state offices are using the Regional Office Program by Suran Systems, Inc, will also be sent to the state offices electronically from the international offices, Robinson explained. Suran's software has been revised to interface with the new software for on-line reporting. Those offices that are not on the Suran System will be provided the data from the reports processed at the international offices and plans are being finalized to ensure that accurate data is provided to all state and regional offices.

"As might be expected, this venture requires patience and cooperation from everyone," Robinson stated. "We want to make certain that on-line reporting functions properly and we will have personnel available to assist anyone with questions."

For inquiries or information about on-line reporting, please call Mrs. Sharon Hobbs at (423) 478-7149 who is coordinating on-line reporting for ministers in the Department of Business and Records. In addition, a 'feedback' button is also available on the Web site where questions can be e-mailed. As an added option, ministers can edit reports the day they are submitted if corrections are needed.

Contact

Church of God International Offices

2490 Keith Street P.O. Box 2430 Cleveland, TN 37320-2430

Phone: (423) 472-3361 Fax: (423) 478-7066

Education

Church of God Educational Institutions

Since the founding of the Church of God, educational training has been a standard for the denomination. Below is an alphabetical list of educational institutions and entities of the Church of God. Should you need further assistance in locating a particular educational resource, please use the FaithSearch option or contact the Church of God.

 

• Asian Seminary of Christian Ministries
  Marcos Ligero, D.D., Interim President
  102 Valero St., Salcedo Village
  
  Tel: (632) 819-0697
  Fax: (632) 813-1313
  Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
• Bethel Bible College
  Roy L. Notice, M.A., Principal
  7 Patrick Road
  P.O. 1694
  Mandeville, Manchester
  Jamaica, West Indies
  
  Fax: 876-962-2869
  Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
• Centro de Educacion Teológica
  Adolfo Sequeira, Education Director
  Apartado Postal 2330
  Managua, Nicaragua
  
  Tel: 505-279-8958
  Fax: 505-268-9203
• Seminario Ministerial Sudamericano (SEMISUD)
  Francisco Jiménez, President
  Apdo. 17, 17-1439
  Quito, Ecuador
  
  Tel/Fax: 011-593-22872-511
  Tel:593-22872-316
  Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
• Bulgarian Theological College
  Tom Rossen, Ph.D., Director
  G. Rakovski #21
  Stara Zagara, 6000
  
  Tel: + 359-42-605042
  Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
• Pentecostal Theological Seminary
  Steven J. Land, Ph.D., President
  900 Walker Street NE
  P. O. Box 3330
  Cleveland, TN 37320-3330
  
  Tel: 423-478-1131
  Fax: 423-478-7711
  Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
• Eurasian Theological Seminary
  Moscow, Russia
  Thomas Rosson, Ph.D., President
  
  Tel: 011-7-095-325-5712
  Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
• European Theological Seminary (ETS)
  Paul Schmidgall, Ph.D., President
  72250 Freudenstadt-Kniebis
  GERMANY
  
  Tel: 011-49-7442-490557
  Fax: 011-49-7442-490544
  Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
• Facultatea de Teologie "Betania"
  Pavel Rivis-Tipei, President
  Str. ION Budai-Deleanu 75
  RO-2900 Arad,
  ROMANIA
  
  Tel: 011-40-57-25-3977
  Fax: 011-40-57-28-1398
  Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
• Institutul Teologic Penticostal
  Dr. Corneliu Constantineanu, Rector/President
  B-dul Uverturii, nr. 210-220
  Sect. 6 Bucuresti
  060946 ROMANIA
  
  Tel: +4021.434.16.23
  Fax: +4021.434.75.15
  Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
• Latvian School of Christian Ministries
  Agris Ozolinkevich, M. Div., Director
  J. Asara St. 8
  LV-3001 Jelgava, LATVIA
  
  Tel: 011-371-308-1415
  Fax: 011-371-308-1401
  Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
• Lee University
  Paul Conn, Ph.D., President
  1120 North Ocoee Street
  P.O. Box 3450
  Cleveland, TN 37320-3450
  
  Tel: 423-614-8000
  Fax: 423-614-8016
• Universidad Teológica del Caribe
  Francisco Ortiz, M.Div., President
  P.O. Box 901
  St Just, Puerto Rico 00978-0901
  
  Tel: 787-761-0640
  Fax: 787-748-9220
• Ministerial Development/School of Ministry
  2492 Keith Street P.O. Box 2430
  Cleveland, TN 37320-2430
  
  Tel: 423-478-7011
  Tel: 877-344-0488
  Fax: 423-478-7012
  Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
• USA Hispanic Educational Ministries
  Enrique A. De Jesús, Ed.D., Director
  P.O. Box 2430
  Cleveland, TN 37320-2430 UNITED STATES
  
  Tel: 423-478-7231
  Fax: 423-478-7895
  Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

BYLAWS OF THE CHURCH OF GOD

(53rd A., 1970, p. 27, 28; 67th A., 1998, p. 54; 68th A., 2000, pp. 83-86)

ARTICLE I

Name

The official name shall be Church of God (1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 1: 1).

 

ARTICLE II

Temporal Nature

The Church of God is incorporated in the state of Tennessee (U.S.A.) as a not-for-profit organization and is recognized as a 501 (c) (3) corporation under the Internal Revenue Code (U.S.A.) or the corresponding sections of any prior or future Internal Revenue Code (U.S.A.).

 

ARTICLE III

Governance

The current edition of the Minutes of the Church of God General Assembly contains a Journal of the most recent meeting of the International General Assembly and a Supplement that includes updated church polity statements, rules of church order and discipline, and these bylaws.

 

ARTICLE IV

Mission Statement

The mission of the Church of God is to communicate the full gospel of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19, 20) in the Spirit and power of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4, 6, 13-18)(71st A., 2006, p. 44).

 

ARTICLE V

Members

The membership of the Church of God shall be composed of Christians who have accepted the teachings, doctrines, and government of the Church of God, and who have been formally received into its fellowship pursuant to the guidelines established by the International General Assembly. Procedures for excluding members shall be set by the International General Assembly upon recommendation of the International General Council.

 

ARTICLE VI

Governing Bodies

1. International General Assembly

Members

The International General Assembly is composed of all members and ministers of the Church of God 16 years of age and above. Members and ministers of the Church of God present and registered at the International General Assembly shall comprise its voting constituency (64th A., 1992, p. 73; 65th A., 1994, Item 1, p. 78).

Meeting

The International General Assembly shall meet biennially to consider all recommendations from the International General Council.

Parliamentary Authority

Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised shall serve as the official guide for the business of the International General Assembly in all matters to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the bylaws of the International General Assembly.

Elections

The International General Assembly shall elect the general overseer, the assistant general overseers, the secretary general, the general Youth and Christian Education director, the assistant general Youth and Christian Education director, the Evangelism and Home Missions director, the assistant Evangelism and Home Missions director, the director of World Missions, and the assistant director of World Missions (58th A., 1980, pp. 29-32, (1-4).

Officers, Committees

The officers of the International General Assembly shall consist of the moderator and a secretary. The general overseer shall preside as moderator. He shall also appoint parliamentarians to serve during the International General Assembly meetings. He shall also appoint members of committees called for by the International General Assembly.

The secretary general shall serve the Assembly as secretary. He shall be responsible for recording actions by the Assembly and shall be the custodian of the records of the Assembly.

Parliamentary Procedure

Debate on all motions shall be governed by the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised. Each member has the right to speak on every question. However, he cannot make a second speech on the same question as long as any member who has not spoken on the question desires the floor (Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised). It is the prerogative of the moderator to recognize each speaker and to determine a balance of negative and affirmative speeches.

Debate may be limited by a proper motion (Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised).

2. International General Council

Members

The International General Council is composed of all ordained bishops of the Church of God, who shall comprise its voting constituency.

Agenda

1. The International General Council shall meet biennially to consider all recommendations from the International Executive Council. The International General Council agenda shall be mailed to the ordained bishops at least thirty (30) days prior to the International General Council. (Minutes of the July 1966, International Executive Council, page 93)

2. The International General Council shall consider and prepare such recommendations as are Scriptural and proper in matters pertaining to the welfare of the church. Such recommendations are to be presented to the International General Assembly for final disposition.

3. The current edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised shall serve as the official guide for the business of the International General Council in all matters to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the bylaws of the International General Council. As a guide for the order of business, the agenda presented by the International Executive Council shall claim the attention of the Council first.

4. Any new business shall be presented to the chairman of the motions committee, which committee shall receive, classify, clarify, eliminate duplication, and dispatch for placement on the agenda following the completion of the printed agenda. Any new business presented to the motions committee shall be presented in typewritten form not later than 2 p.m. of the third day of the International General Council.

5. The International General Council shall nominate to the International General Assembly the general overseer, the assistant general overseers, the secretary general, the general Youth and Christian Education director, the assistant general Youth and Christian Education director, the Evangelism and Home Missions director, the assistant Evangelism and Home Missions director, the director of World Missions, and the assistant director of World Missions.

6. The International General Council shall elect the Council of Eighteen ([1972]; 58th A., 1980, pp. 29-32 (1-4).

Officers and Committees

1. The officers of the International General Council shall consist of the moderator and a secretary. The general overseer shall preside as moderator. He shall also appoint parliamentarians to serve during the International General Council meetings. He shall also appoint members of committees called for by the International General Council.

2. The secretary general shall serve the Council as secretary. He shall be responsible for recording actions by the Council and shall be the custodian of the records of the Council.

Parliamentary Procedure and Authority

1. The names of all persons on the nomination ballots receiving twenty-five (25) or less votes for an elected office shall be posted in an appropriate designated place in lieu of reading those names to the International General Council.

2. Debate on all motions shall be governed by the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised. Each member has the right to speak on every question. However, he cannot make a second speech on the same question as long as any member who has not spoken on the question desires the floor (Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised). It is the prerogative of the moderator to recognize each speaker and to determine a balance of negative and affirmative speeches.

3. Debate may be limited by a proper motion (Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised).

3. International Executive Council

Authority

This council shall consider and act upon any and all matters pertaining to the general interest and welfare of the Church of God.

Members

The general overseer, his assistants, the secretary general, and eighteen councilors [the Council of Eighteen] elected by the International General Council shall constitute the International Executive Council of the church.

Meeting

At a time set by the general overseer, the International Executive Council shall meet and adopt recommendations to be brought before the International General Council.

Duties and Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of the International Executive Council shall be set by the International General Assembly upon recommendation by the International General Council.

 

ARTICLE VII

Executive Board

International Executive Committee—The executive officers of the Church of God shall be the general overseer, three assistant general overseers, and the secretary general. These shall constitute the International Executive Committee. Their tenure in office, manner of selection, duties and authorities, and procedure for filling vacancies shall be decided by the International General Assembly upon recommendation from the International General Council

 

ARTICLE VIII

Committees

Standing Boards and Committees—Standing boards and committees as called for by the International General Assembly or International General Council shall be appointed by the International Executive Committee. The general overseer shall be an ex officio member of all standing boards and committees.

 

ARTICLE IX

Parliamentary Authority

The latest edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised shall serve as the official parliamentary guide for conducting the business of the church.

 

ARTICLE X

Amendment of Bylaws

Amendment

The power to alter, amend, or repeal these bylaws shall be vested in the International General Assembly and exercised only by a two-thirds vote of the International General Assembly upon recommendation of a two-thirds vote of the International General Council.

Previous Notice

In order to amend, alter or repeal these bylaws, previous notice will be considered fulfilled if the following guidelines to notify the constituency are observed:

(1) Mail to ministers whose addresses are on record at the Church of God International Offices in Cleveland, Tennessee, U.S.A., including national and territorial leaders, the notice and copies of the proposed change(s) to the Bylaws of the Church of God to be considered by the International General Council not later than 90 days prior to the opening of the International General Council. Pastors should make this notice available by public announcement and/or posting to their congregations.

(2) Include the notice and a copy of the proposed change(s) to the Bylaws of the Church of God to be considered by the International General Council in at least two issues of the Church of God Evangel preceding the opening of the International General Council.

(3) Post the notice and a copy of the proposed change(s) on the church's Internet web site.

(4) The proposed change(s) may be amended, but cannot be amended beyond the scope of the notice. Any change of the bylaws approved by the International General Assembly will go into effect immediately upon its adoption, unless the motion to adopt specifies another time for its becoming effective.

Spiritual Renewal

Below you will find the varying sections contained in the Spiritual Renewal Resource Manual. If you need assistance in accessing the following documents, please refer to our help section.

• Section 1: Solemn Assembly
• Section 2: Renewal Within The Family
• Section 3: Taking a Closer Look at Church Renewal
• Section 4: Leadership in the Church
• Section 5: Hampton Roads Renewal Story
• Section 6: Houses of Prayer Everywhere
• Section 7: Prayer Summits
• Section 8: Speakers' Notes

Related Links:

• Center for Spiritual Renewal Website
• Solemn Assembly Website

Note: To view PDF documents on this page you will need free Adobe Reader. Click here to download.

Other Interesting Links

These are other resources related to the history of the Pentecostal movement, the preservation of records or to the writing of church history.

Asian Journal of Pentecostal Studies

Pentecostal-Charismatic Resources
This web site provides links to a variety of Pentecostal and Charismatic denominations and churches as well as to articles related to the movements.

Pentecostal-Charismatic Theological Inquiry International
This is one of the most comprehensive web sites for news, churches and resources related to the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements. It includes the Cyberjournal for Pentecostal-Charismatic Research.

Church of God History and Heritage

This publication of the Hal Bernard Dixon Jr. Pentecostal Research Center features articles about the Church of God movement.

Subscribe to Church of God History and Heritage by sending $5.00 for four issues to: Church of God History and Heritage, Hal Bernard Dixon Jr. Pentecostal Research Center, 260 11th Street NE, Cleveland, Tennessee, 37311.

Writing New Chapters

These are resources for the local church interested in preserving church documents, records and photographs as well as writing the history of their congregation.

General Commission on Archives and History of The United Methodist Church
This web site includes a manual for managing local church records, archival leaflets for the care and preservation of photographs, oral history and encapsulation, along with information on ordering videos for local church historians.

Southern Baptist Historical Library and Archives
This web site includes a series of articles related to archives and records management in the local church.

Preservation of Library and Archival Material
The Northeast Document Conservation Center provides this excellent online manual for the preservation of records, documents and photographs.

Historical Links

These resources include histories of departments, agencies and local Churches of God. They are generally part of larger web sites related to that department, agency or local church.

• Asian Seminary of Christian Ministries

• Church of God Chaplains Commission

• Pathway Press Heritage
  This is a brief history of Pathway Press.

• Patten University

Church of God ministries are invited to submit links to their heritage page for inclusion here.

Telling the Story

These resources are a collection of contemporary histories of the Church of God or some aspect of the Church of God movement.

Like a Mighty Army: A History of the Church of God, Definitive Edition, 1886-1995 (Cleveland, Tenn.: Pathway Press, 1996) is the official history of the Church of God. Written by church historian Charles W. Conn, it can be purchased from Pathway Press.

"Restorationism and a Vision for World Harvest: A Brief History of the Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee)"
Written by David G. Roebuck, Ph.D., director of the Hal Bernard Dixon Jr. Pentecostal Research Center, this history was originally prepared for publication in The Acts of Pentecost, ed. Yung-Chul Han (Seoul, Korea: Han Young Theological University, 1998). The Acts of Pentecost was published in conjunction with the 18th Pentecostal World Conference.

"The First Twenty-One Years of the Church of God"
Written by James M. Beaty, Ph.D., this is a brief account of Church of God history from the founding of the Christian Union on August 19, 186 to the adoption of the name "Church of God" at the second annual assembly in 1907.

Church of God Heritage

These pages provide resources related to the history and heritage of the Church of God. From these pages one is able to read about the history of the Church of God, research some of the early documents of the movement, and learn how to preserve church records and write the history of one's own congregation.

In Their Own Words
These resources include documents and histories from the beginning of the Church of God movement.

Telling the Story
These resources are a collection of contemporary histories of the Church of God or some aspect of the Church of God movement.

Historical Links
These resources include histories of departments, agencies and local Churches of God. They are generally part of larger web sites related to that department, agency or local church.

Church of God History and Heritage
This publication of the Hal Bernard Dixon Jr. Pentecostal Research Center features articles about the Church of God movement.

Hal Bernard Dixon Jr. Pentecostal Research Center
The Hal Bernard Dixon Jr. Pentecostal Research Center holds the official archives of the Church of God as well as a special collection related to the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements. Its web site includes listings of its archival and library holdings.

Writing New Chapters
These are resources for the local church interested in preserving church documents, records and photographs as well as writing the history of their congregation.

Other Interesting Links
These are other resources related to the history of the Pentecostal movement, the preservation of records or to the writing of church history.

Note: To view PDF documents on this page you will need free Adobe Reader. Click here to download.

In Memory

 

Names of deceased Church of God ministers as reported to the Business and Records office of the Church of God International Offices in Cleveland, Tennessee. (Information will be posted for 30 days following the report to Business and Records).

Robert A. Cherry
Robert A. Cherry was a Pastor Ordained Bishop living in Bowie, Maryland. Robert passed away on Saturday, June 8, 2013.
Date Reported 6/11/2013

Bert F. Ford
Bert F. Ford was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Lakeland, Florida. Bert passed away on Friday, May 17, 2013.
Date Reported 6/10/2013

Belton Lamar Roberson
Belton Lamar Roberson was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Albertville, Alabama. Belton passed away on Sunday, June 9, 2013.
Date Reported 6/11/2013

Robert A. Glasspoole 
Robert A. Glasspoole was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Lovington, New Mexico. Robert passed away on Wednesday, June 6, 2012.
Date Reported 5/30/2013

Lee Duane Sparre
Lee Duane Sparre was a Pastor Ordained Bishop living in Hazel Park, Michigan. Lee passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2013.
Date Reported 5/28/2013

Bobby Gene Napier
Bobby Gene Napier was a Pastor Ordained Bishop living in Del Rio, Tennessee. Bobby passed away on Wednesday, May 29, 2013.
Date Reported 5/30/2013

Ellen Joyce Clement
Ellen Joyce Clement was a Retired Exhorter living in Augusta, Maine. Ellen passed away on Thursday, March 28, 2013.
Date Reported 5/28/2013

Glenn Taylor Smith
Glenn Taylor Smith was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Knoxville, Tennessee. Glenn passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2013.
Date Reported 5/22/2013

Fred Rumler
Fred Rumler was a Retired Exhorter living in Wimauma, Florida. Fred passed away on Friday, May 17, 2013.
Date Reported 5/20/2013

Billy Leon Olds
Billy Leon Olds was an Ordained Bishop living in North Bend, Oregon. Billy passed away on Monday, April 29, 2013.
Date Reported 5/20/2013

Wesley Moreland
Wesley Moreland was an Ordained Minister living in North Georgia. Wesley passed away on Sunday, January 13, 2013.
Date Reported 5/17/2013

George W. Bostic
George W. Bostic was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Beckley, West Virginia. George passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2013.
Date Reported 5/17/2013

Henry James Justice
Henry James Justice was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Ickesburg, Pennsylvania. Henry passed away on Saturday, May 11, 2013.
Date Reported 5/15/2013

Godfrey Clarke
Godfrey Clarke was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Nassau, Bahamas. Godfrey passed away on Monday, April 29, 2013.
Date Reported 5/10/2013

James J. Poindexter
James J. Poindexter was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in East Bend, North Carolina. James passed away on Wednesday, May 8, 2013.
Date Reported 5/8/2013

Benedict Forrest Goodrich
Benedict Forrest Goodrich was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Greer, South Carolina. Benedict passed away on Thursday, May 2, 2013.
Date Reported 5/8/2013

Paul Seagraves
Paul Seagraves was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Havre, Montana. Paul passed away on Friday, April 26, 2013.
Date Reported 5/7/2013

Antonio Resto Mijol 
Antonio Resto Mijol was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Winter Haven, Florida. Antonio passed away on Tuesday, September 25, 2012.
Date Reported 5/1/2013

Jose Luis Miranda
Jose Luis Miranda was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Puerto Rico. Jose passed away on Sunday, April 14, 2013.
Date Reported 5/2/2013

Gloria Moreira
Gloria Moreira was an Evangelist Ordained Minister living in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Gloria passed away on Monday, April 15, 2013.
Date Reported 5/2/2013

Eugenio Pizarro
Eugenio Pizarro was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Puerto Rico. Eugenio passed away on Monday, October 15, 2012.
Date Reported 5/2/2013

Francisco Comocho
Francisco Comocho was an Exhorter living in Puerto Rico. Francisco passed away on Wednesday, April 3, 2013.
Date Reported 4/22/2013

Charles E. Sanders
Charles E. Sanders was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Mansfield, Ohio. Charles passed away on Wednesday, April 17, 2013.
Date Reported 4/26/2013

Billy Hugh Jordan
Billy Hugh Jordan was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Paris, Texas. Billy passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2013.
Date Reported 4/25/2013

Carrol Ray Parker
Carrol Ray Parker was a Retired Bishop living in Walls, Mississippi. Carrol passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2013.
Date Reported 4/25/2013

Charlotte McKenzie
Charlotte McKenzie was a Retired Exhorter living in Nassau, Bahamas. Charlotte passed away on Thursday, March 21, 2013.
Date Reported 4/22/2013

James J. Carter
James J. Carter was a Pastor Ordained Minister living in Iva, South Carolina. James passed away on Friday, April 19, 2013.
Date Reported 4/24/2013

Paul Kenneth Grigg
Paul Kenneth Grigg was an Evangelist Ordained Bishop living in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. Paul passed away on Thursday, November 1, 2012.
Date Reported 4/17/2013

Donald Edward Wiggins
Donald Edward Wiggins was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Fountain Inn, South Carolina. Donald passed away on Friday, April 12, 2013.
Date Reported 4/17/2013

Jim Burchell
Jim Burchell was a Pastor Ordained Bishop living in Lafayette, Indiana. Jim passed away on Monday, April 15, 2013.
Date Reported 4/16/2013

William Stanley Synan
William Stanley Synan was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Princeton, West Virginia. William passed away on Monday, April 15, 2013.
Date Reported 4/15/2013

Gary L. Jarrell
Gary L. Jarrell was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Jeffrey, West Virginia. Gary passed away on Friday, December 28, 2012.
Date Reported 4/15/2013

Maynard Junior Sisk
Maynard Junior Sisk was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Pipestem, West Virginia. Maynard passed away on Thursday, March, 2013.
Date Reported 4/15/2013

Clyde Ray Clark
Clyde Ray Clark was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Cleveland, Tennessee. Clyde passed away on Monday, April 15, 2013.
Date Reported 4/16/2013

John Ashcroft Lombard
John Ashcroft Lombard was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Fayette, Alabama. John passed away on Friday, April 12, 2013.
Date Reported 4/15/2013

Rafael Hernandez
Rafael Hernandez was a Retired Exhorter living in Miami, Florida. Rafael passed away on Friday, July 27, 2012.
Date Reported 4/1/2013

Sarah Marjorie Nessler
Sarah Marjorie Nessler was a Retired Exhorter living in Independence, Kentucky. Sarah passed away on Friday, April 5, 2013.
Date Reported 4/9/2013

Charles R. Gulley
Charles R. Gulley was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Independence, Kentucky. Charles passed away on Sunday, March 3, 2013.
Date Reported 4/3/2013

Perry Doyle Rose
Perry Doyle Rose was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Perry passed away on Wednesday, March 27, 2013.
Date Reported 4/2/2013

Charles Reece Escoe
Charles Reece Escoe was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Sevierville, Tennessee. Charles passed away on Tuesday, March 26, 2013.
Date Reported 3/28/2013

Thomas Furman Howell
Thomas Furman Howell was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Elgin, South Carolina. Thomas passed away on Thursday, March 28, 2013.
Date Reported 3/28/2013

J.C. Coleman
J.C. Coleman was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Lake Jackson, Texas. J.C. passed away on Wednesday, March 20, 2013.
Date Reported 3/22/2013

Jerry Coley
Jerry Coley was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Rome, Georgia. Jerry passed away on Thursday, March 28, 2013.
Date Reported 3/28/2013

Paul H. Lauster
Paul H. Lauster was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Cleveland, Tennessee. Paul passed away on Thursday, February 7, 2013.
Date Reported 3/21/2013

Thomas Ray Collins
Thomas Ray Collins was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Bastrop, Louisiana. Thomas passed away on Sunday, March 3, 2013.
Date Reported 3/5/2013

Allan J. Whittaker
Allan J. Whittaker was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Jamaica. Allan passed away on Monday, December 17, 2012.
Date Reported 3/13/2013

Ruben Adkins, Jr.
Ruben Adkins, Jr. was a Retired Exhorter living in Belleview, Florida. Ruben passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2013.
Date Reported 3/13/2013

Wilbur Ladue Barlow
Wilbur Ladue Barlow was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Newberry, Florida. Wilbur passed away on Wednesday, February 20, 2013.
Date Reported 3/13/2013

Ronald Caudill 
Ronald Caudill was a Retired Exhorter living in Columbus, Ohio. Ronald passed away on Sunday, February 10, 2013.
Date Reported 3/8/2013

Simona Pizarro 
Simona Pizarro was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Burlingame, California. Simona passed away on Saturday, February 23, 2013.
Date Reported 3/4/2013

Marion Ray Shaw 
Marion Ray Shaw was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Timmonsville, South Carolina. Marion passed away on Tuesday, March 5, 2013.
Date Reported 3/5/2013

Mark Dwayne Geary 
Mark Dwayne Geary was a Pastor Ordained Bishop living in Central City, Kentucky. Mark passed away on Saturday, March 2, 2013.
Date Reported 3/4/2013

Lister Francisco Williams  
Lister Francisco Williams was a Pastor Ordained Minister living in Wheatley Heights, New York. Lister passed away on Thursday, February 21, 2013.
Date Reported 2/28/2013

John W. Timms 
John W. Timms was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Rock Spring, Georgia. John passed away on Wednesday, February 6, 2013.
Date Reported 2/28/2013

Lillie Mae Mooney 
Lillie Mae Mooney was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Brewton, Alabama. Lillie passed away on Friday, February 22, 2013.
Date Reported 2/25/2013

Willie Joe Banes  
Willie Joe Banes was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Boaz, Alabama. Willie passed away on Wednesday, February 20, 2013.
Date Reported 2/21/2013

Reginald Bailey 
Reginald Bailey was a Pastor Ordained Bishop living in Buffalo, New York. Reginald passed away on Tuesday, February 19, 2013.
Date Reported 2/20/2013

Wayne S. Proctor 
Wayne S. Proctor was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Bakersfield, California. Wayne passed away on Monday, February 18, 2013.
Date Reported 2/20/2013

George H. Lytle 
George H. Lytle was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Springfield, Ohio. George passed away on Wednesday, February 13, 2013.
Date Reported 2/19/2013

Nicanor Estremera 
Nicanor Estremera was a Disabled Ordained Minister living in Puerto Rico. Nicanor passed away on Monday, February 6, 2012.
Date Reported 2/14/2013

Donnie R. Snipes
Donnie R. Snipes was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Lancaster, South Carolina. Donnie passed away on Wednesday, February 13, 2013.
Date Reported 2/13/2013

Bettie I. Holcomb
Bettie I. Holcomb was a Retired Exhorter living in Ansted, West Virginia. Bettie passed away on Saturday, September 29, 2012.
Date Reported 2/15/2013

Donald L. Coleman
Donald L. Coleman was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Northport, Alabama. Donald passed away on Saturday, February 9, 2013.
Date Reported 2/11/2013

Clara Patrick Kirksey
Clara Patrick Kirksey was a Retired Exhorter living in North Carolina. Clara passed away on Thursday, January 31, 2013.
Date Reported 2/12/2013

Cruz Ramirez M.
Cruz Ramirez M. was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Tolleson, Arizona. Cruz passed away on Monday, February 4, 2013.
Date Reported 2/8/2013

Jasper C. Moody, Jr.
Jasper C. Moody, Jr. was a Disabled Ordained Bishop living in Greer, South Carolina. Jasper passed away on Tuesday, February 5, 2013.
Date Reported 2/7/2013

Phillip Jerry Hammond
Phillip Jerry Hammond was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Canton, Georgia. Phillip passed away on Thursday, December 20, 2012.
Date Reported 2/6/2013

Bobby L. Frier, Sr.
Bobby L. Frier, Sr. was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Lake Park, Georgia. Bobby passed away on Monday, January 21, 2013.
Date Reported 2/6/2013

Charles Daniel Lamb
Charles Daniel Lamb was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Perry, Georgia. Charles passed away on Tuesday, February 5, 2013.
Date Reported 2/6/2013

Lena Deloris Dawkins
Lena Deloris Dawkins was an Evangelist Ordained Minister living in Orange, New Jersey. Lena passed away on Wednesday, January 23, 2013.
Date Reported 2/4/2013

Jose Rivera Figueroa
Jose Rivera Figueroa was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Deltona, Florida. Jose passed away on Saturday, January 12, 2013.
Date Reported 2/4/2013

Franklin Strickland II
Franklin Strickland II was a Pastor Exhorter living in Saint Pauls, North Carolina. Franklin passed away on Saturday, February 2, 2013.
Date Reported 2/4/2013

Abraham Jackson Davis
Abraham Jackson Davis was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Los Angeles, California. Abraham passed away on Thursday, October 18, 2012.
Date Reported 2/1/2013

Arlie Clarence Starn
Arlie Clarence Starn was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Fountain Valley, California. Arlie passed away on Friday, November 9, 2012.
Date Reported 2/1/2013

Franklyn Velazquez
Franklyn Velazquez was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Sparks, Nevada. Franklyn passed away on Thursday, October 18, 2012.
Date Reported 2/1/2013

George W. Galis
George W. Galis was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Chicago, Illinois. George passed away on Monday, November 14, 2011.
Date Reported 1/31/2013

Irene D. Stokes
Irene D. Stokes was a Pastor Exhorter living in Anchorage, Alaska. Irene passed away on Saturday, January 26, 2013.
Date Reported 1/29/2013

Leon Worley
Leon Worley was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. Leon passed away on Friday, January 25, 2013.
Date Reported 1/28/2013

Kenol N. Joseph
Kenol N. Joseph was a Pastor Ordained Bishop living in Nyack, New York. Kenol passed away on Saturday, January 19, 2013.
Date Reported 1/23/2013

Arnold Ross Whitson
Arnold Ross Whitson was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Heiskell, Tennessee. Arnold passed away on Thursday, January 24, 2013.
Date Reported 1/24/2013

Ethelred Kelly Wright
Ethelred Kelly Wright was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Eastern Canada. Ethelred passed away on Monday, January 21, 2013.
Date Reported 1/24/2013

Leslie Cecil Howard
Leslie Cecil Howard was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Cookeville, Tennessee. Leslie passed away on Friday, July 13, 2012.
Date Reported 1/23/2013

Nelson E. Feldman
Nelson E. Feldman was an Evangelist Exhorter living in Greenville, South Carolina. Nelson passed away on Saturday, January 19, 2013.
Date Reported 1/22/2013

Jack Alonzo Hayes
Jack Alonzo Hayes was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Anderson, South Carolina. Jack passed away on Wednesday, November 21, 2012.
Date Reported 1/22/2013

John Vernon Jacks
John Vernon Jacks was a Pastor Ordained Bishop living in Calera, Alabama. John passed away on Tuesday, January 15, 2013.
Date Reported 1/18/2013

William Dexter Walker
William Dexter Walker was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Cleveland, Tennessee. William passed away on Tuesday, January 15, 2013.
Date Reported 1/18/2013

Dessie Mae McMahan
Dessie Mae McMahan was a Retired Ordained Minister living in North Carolina. Dessie passed away on Monday, January 14, 2013.
Date Reported 1/18/2013

Toxie Ladale Carroll, Jr.
Toxie Ladale Carroll, Jr. was a Pastor Exhorter living in Bowdon, Georgia. Toxie passed away on Tuesday, January 15, 2013.
Date Reported 1/16/2013

Lewis Edward Dixon
Lewis Edward Dixon was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Wiggins, Mississippi. Lewis passed away on Saturday, January 12, 2013.
Date Reported 1/15/2013

Rosemary Moore
Rosemary Moore was a Retired Exhorter living in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Rosemary passed away on Sunday, November 4, 2012.
Date Reported 1/14/2013

Kenneth Baxter
Kenneth Baxter was an Exhorter living in Rosalyn, Pennsylvania. Kenneth passed away on Monday, December 17, 2012.
Date Reported 1/14/2013

Rayburn Hicks Tomlin
Rayburn Hicks Tomlin was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Troup, Texas. Rayburn passed away on Saturday, January 12, 2013.
Date Reported 1/14/2013

James R. Hensley
James R. Hensley was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Spring City, Tennessee. James passed away on Wednesday, January 9, 2013.
Date Reported 1/10/2013

Fred Porter
Fred Porter was a Retired Exhorter living in Cleveland, Ohio. Fred passed away on Monday, December 17, 2012.
Date Reported 1/10/2013

Griel Dempsie Smith  
Griel Dempsie Smith was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Hartford, Alabama. Griel passed away on Sunday, January 6, 2013.
Date Reported 1/8/2013

Jones K. Mathen  
Jones K. Mathen was a Ordained Bishop living in Hollis, New York. Jones passed away on Thursday, January 3, 2013.
Date Reported 1/9/2013

Marie Paulette Benoit 
Marie Paulette Benoit was a Retired Exhorter living in West Babylon, New York. Marie passed away on Tuesday, October 16, 2012.
Date Reported 1/9/2013

Henry L. McDonald 
Henry L. McDonald was a Retired Exhorter living in The Villages, Florida. Henry passed away on Thursday, March 1, 2012.
Date Reported 1/9/2013

William Michael Ratliff 
William Michael Ratliff was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Dayton, Ohio. William passed away on Thursday, December 27, 2012.
Date Reported 1/7/2013

Julius J. Marshall
Julius J. Marshall was an Evangelist Ordained Minister living in Douglas, Georgia. Julius passed away on Friday, December 28, 2012.
Date Reported 1/3/2013

William Larry Williams
William Larry Williams was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Fayetteville, Tennessee. William passed away on Wednesday, July 25, 2012.
Date Reported 1/4/2013

David M. Maney
David M. Maney was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Franklin, North Carolina. David passed away on Thursday, January 3, 2013.
Date Reported 1/3/2013

Earl Hobert Hungate
Earl Hobert Hungate was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Lakeland, Florida. Earl passed away on Sunday, December 30, 2012.
Date Reported 1/3/2013

Homer Fagues
Homer Fagues was a Retired Exhorter living in Bulan, Kentucky. Homer passed away on Wednesday, December 19, 2012.
Date Reported 1/3/2013

John Thomas Foster
John Thomas Foster was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in York, Pennsylvania. John passed away on Tuesday, December 18, 2012.
Date Reported 12/18/2012

Billy Lee Smith
Billy Lee Smith was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Stony Point, North Carolina. Billy passed away on Saturday, December 22, 2012.
Date Reported 12/24/2012

Robert Pearson Carter
Robert Pearson Carter was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Fayettevlle, North Carolina. Robert passed away on Tuesday, December 18, 2012.
Date Reported 12/18/2012

James Howard Gipson
James Howard Gipson was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Decherd, Tennessee. James passed away on Thursday, December 13, 2012.
Date Reported 12/13/2012

Jackielyn Williston
Jackielyn Williston was a Pastor Ordained Minister living in St. Ann, Jamaica. Jackielyn passed away on Monday, July 30, 2012.
Date Reported 12/17/2012

Harry Van White
Harry Van White was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Healdton, Oklahoma. Harry passed away in July 2012.
Date Reported 12/2012

Willis Thurman
Willis Thurman was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Longview, Washington. Willis passed away on Sunday, November 11, 2012.
Date Reported 12/5/2012

Joel Jehu Stubbs
Joel Jehu Stubbs was a Pastor Ordained Bishop living in Nassau, Bahamas. Joel passed away on Saturday, October 27, 2012.
Date Reported 12/11/2012

Jesse Allen Hathaway
Jesse Allen Hathaway was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Tifton, Georgia. Jesse passed away on Wednesday, December 5, 2012.
Date Reported 12/11/2012

Lutrell Marcus Yutzy
Lutrell Marcus Yutzy was a Pastor Ordained Bishop living in Plain City, Ohio. Lutrell passed away on Sunday, December 2, 2012.
Date Reported 12/6/2012

Trinidad Beltran
Trinidad Beltran was a Pastor Exhorter living in Irving, Texas. Trinidad passed away on Friday, September 7, 2012.
Date Reported 12/03/2012

Dewey Davis
Dewey Davis was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Sidney, Ohio. Dewey passed away on Friday, November 23, 2012.
Date Reported 11/29/2012

Honorio Palocios
Honorio Palocios was a Pastor Ordained Bishop living in Argentina. Honorio passed away on Monday, July 2, 2012.
Date Reported 11/29/2012

Neil Parker Smith
Neil Parker Smith was an Ordained Bishop living in Zephyrhills, Florida. Neil passed away on Friday, November 30, 2012.
Date Reported 12/03/2012

Katherine L. Crews
Katherine L. Crews was a Retired Exhorter living in Melbourne, Florida. Katherine passed away on Thursday, November 22, 2012.
Date Reported 11/27/2012

Dorothy Jean Jones
Dorothy Jean Jones was an Exhorter living in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Dorothy passed away on Sunday, February 12, 2012.
Date Reported 11/28/2012

Claude Shatto
Claude Shatto was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Wenatchee, Washington. Claude passed away on Wednesday, October 3, 2012.
Date Reported 11/28/2012

James Dwight Small
James Dwight Small was a Pastor Ordained Bishop living in Russell Springs, Kentucky. James passed away on Sunday, November 18, 2012.
Date Reported 11/19/2012

Joseph Lee Sikes
Joseph Lee Sikes was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Bushnell, Florida. Joseph passed away on Thursday, November 15, 2012.
Date Reported 11/19/2012

Elias Stefanoff
Elias Stefanoff was a Pastor Ordained Bishop living in Argentina. Elias passed away on Sunday, April 22, 2012.
Date Reported 11/20/2012

Harold Horace Moran
Harold Horace Moran was a Retired Exhorter living in Adger, Alabama. Harold passed away on Thursday, November 22, 2012.
Date Reported 11/26/2012

Alethia Mae Alexander
Alethia Mae Alexander was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Eustis, Florida. Alethia passed away on Sunday, November 11, 2012.
Date Reported 11/14/2012

C. Dwain Wagnon
C. Dwain Wagnon was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Georgiana, Alabama. C. Dwain passed away on Monday, November 12, 2012.
Date Reported 11/13/2012

Mary Evelyn Rehmel
Mary Evelyn Rehmel was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Veedersburg, Indiana. Mary passed away on Thursday, November 15, 2012.
Date Reported 11/15/2012

Yvonne M. Morrison
Yvonne M. Morrison was a Retired Exhorter living in Mobile, Alabama. Yvonne passed away on Wednesday, November 14, 2012.
Date Reported 11/15/2012

Vertie Irene Harkins
Vertie Irene Harkins was a Retired Exhorter living in Cleveland, Tennessee. Vertie passed away on Tuesday, November 13, 2012.
Date Reported 11/13/2012

John Sprouse
John Sprouse was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in East Bank, West Virginia. John passed away on Thursday, November 8, 2012.
Date Reported 11/09/2012

Robert Marschell Smith
Robert Marschell Smith was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Wheelersburg, Ohio. Robert passed away on Friday, November 2, 2012.
Date Reported 11/09/2012

Foye E. Eagerton
Foye E. Eagerton was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Andrews, South Carolina. Foye passed away on Wednesday, November 7, 2012.
Date Reported 11/08/2012

Alois M. Swiger
Alois M. Swiger was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Cleveland, Tennessee. Alois passed away on Monday, November 5, 2012.
Date Reported 11/07/2012

Alson Ray Jones
Alson Ray Jones was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Prattville, Alabama. Alson passed away on Monday, November 5, 2012.
Date Reported 11/07/2012

Luther Strickland, Jr. 
Luther Strickland, Jr. was a Pastor Ordained Bishop living in Macon, Georgia. Luther passed away on Wednesday, October 31, 2012.
Date Reported 11/05/2012

Janet J. Jackson
Janet J. Jackson was an Evangelist Ordained Minister living in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. Janet passed away on Tuesday, June 12, 2012.
Date Reported 11/05/2012

Donald Lee Thorpe
Donald Lee Thorpe was an Ordained Bishop living in Etters, Pennsylvania. Donald passed away on Sunday, November 4, 2012.
Date Reported 11/06/2012

Annie Ruth Eaton
Annie Ruth Eaton was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Orlando, Florida. Annie passed away on Monday, September 24, 2012.
Date Reported 10/31/2012

Phil Edward Combs
Phil Edward Combs was a Pastor Ordained Bishop living in Alderson, West Virginia. Phil passed away on Tuesday, October 30, 2012.
Date Reported 11/02/2012

Jose M. Reyes O. 
Jose M. Reyes O. was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. Jose passed away on Tuesday, October 23, 2012.
Date Reported 10/25/2012

Venerable Armstrong
Venerable Armstrong was a Pastor Ordained Bishop living in Grandin, Florida. Venerable passed away on Sunday, October 21, 2012.
Date Reported 10/31/2012

Charles Henry McKay
Charles Henry McKay was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Bartow, Florida. Charles passed away on Tuesday, October 30, 2012.
Date Reported 10/30/2012

Jacob T. Hutchison
Jacob T. Hutchison was a Pastor Ordained Minister living in Saulsbury, Tennessee. Jacob passed away on Thursday, October 25, 2012.
Date Reported 10/26/2012

R. J. Anderson
R. J. Anderson was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Abingdon, Virginia. R. J. passed away on Friday, October 26, 2012.
Date Reported 10/26/2012

Willis A. Pendergrass
Willis A. Pendergrass was a Pastor Ordained Bishop living in Newport, Tennessee. Willis passed away on Friday, October 19, 2012.
Date Reported 10/23/2012

Wesley Jewel Barnett
Wesley Jewel Barnett was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Fyffe, Alabama. Wesley passed away on Friday, October 26, 2012.
Date Reported 10/29/2012

Dan Day Durham
Dan Day Durham was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. Dan passed away on Wednesday, October 3, 2012.
Date Reported 10/17/2012

Lloyd Eugene Chipman
Lloyd Eugene Chipman was a Retired Exhorter living in Marysville, Ohio. Lloyd passed away on Tuesday, July 3, 2012.
Date Reported 10/16/2012

Fay Myron Small
Fay Myron Small was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Weatherford, Texas. Fay passed away on Friday, October 12, 2012.
Date Reported 10/12/2012

Bonnie Eileen Davis
Bonnie Eileen Davis was an Evangelist Exhorter living in New Philadephia, Ohio. Bonnie passed away on Tuesday, October 9, 2012.
Date Reported 10/12/2012

Noah Edgar Taylor
Noah Edgar Taylor was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Okeechobee, Florida. Noah passed away on Thursday, October 4, 2012.
Date Reported 10/11/2012

Willie Clyde Green
Willie Clyde Green was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Prattville, Alabama. Willie passed away on Tuesday, October 9, 2012.
Date Reported 10/11/2012

Oswald Riley 
Oswald Riley was a Retired Exhorter living in Stone Mountain, Georgia. Oswald passed away on Friday, October 5, 2012.
Date Reported 10/11/2012

Leroy Hutton
Leroy Hutton was a Retired Exhorter living in Marion, Alabama. Leroy passed away on Saturday, October 6, 2012.
Date Reported 10/11/2012

William A. Ralston
William A. Ralston was a Pastor Ordained Bishop living in Independence, Missouri. William passed away on Wednesday, October 3, 2012.
Date Reported 10/9/2012

Beryl Wayne Darnell
Beryl Wayne Darnell was a Pastor Ordained Bishop living in Chillicothe, Missouri. Beryl passed away on Saturday, September 22, 2012.
Date Reported 10/9/2012

William Robert Baker
William Robert Baker was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Louisville, Kentucky. William passed away on Saturday, October 6, 2012.
Date Reported 10/8/2012

Carl Dennis Noland
Carl Dennis Noland was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Lancaster, Ohio. Carl passed away on Saturday, September 29, 2012.
Date Reported 10/3/2012

Cecil Lee Grant
Cecil Lee Grant was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Simpsonville, South Carolina. Cecil passed away on Friday, September 28, 2012.
Date Reported 10/1/2012

Walter Evan Acre, Sr.
Walter Evan Acre, Sr. was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Deatsville, Alabama. Walter passed away on Wednesday, October 3, 2012.
Date Reported 10/3/2012

Eddie Talmadge Altman
Eddie Talmadge Altman was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Conway, South Carolina. Eddie passed away on Wednesday, September 26, 2012.
Date Reported 9/27/2012

Carrie E. Johnson
Carrie E. Johnson was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Union Grove, North Carolina. Carrie passed away on Tuesday, September 25, 2012.
Date Reported 9/25/2012

Marie Willis
Marie Willis was a Pastor Exhorter living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Marie passed away on Wednesday, September 19, 2012.
Date Reported 9/25/2012

Larry Wayne Atwood
Larry Wayne Atwood was an Ordained Minister living in Cincinnati, Ohio. Larry passed away on Wednesday, September 19, 2012.
Date Reported 9/24/2012

Shirley Ann Ford
Shirley Ann Ford was a Pastor Ordained Minister living in Lincoln, Arkansas. Shirley passed away on Sunday, September 16, 2012.
Date Reported 9/18/2012

William D. Patterson 
William D. Patterson was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Ten Mile, Tennessee. William passed away on Monday, September 17, 2012.
Date Reported 9/18/2012

J.W. Northcutt
J.W. Northcutt was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Albion, Michigan. J.W. passed away on Thursday, May 3, 2012.
Date Reported 9/17/2012

Wesley Stephen Ray  
Wesley Stephen Ray was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Greycliff, Montana. Wesley passed away on Thursday, August 30, 2012.
Date Reported 9/6/2012

John Morgan  
John Morgan was a Pastor Ordained Minister living in Westover, West Virginia. John passed away on Saturday, September 8, 2012.
Date Reported 9/10/2012

William R. McCall
William R. McCall was a Retired Missionary Ordained Bishop living in Cleveland, Tennessee. William passed away on Saturday, September 8, 2012.
Date Reported 9/10/2012

Millard W. Maynard 
Millard W. Maynard was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Hickory, North Carolina. Millard passed away on Wednesday, September 5, 2012.
Date Reported 9/5/2012

Horace Lawrence Shipman
Horace Lawrence Shipman was a Pastor Ordained Bishop living in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Horace passed away on Wednesday, September 5, 2012.
Date Reported 9/5/2012

Jim Phelps, Jr.
Jim Phelps, Jr. was an Ordained Bishop living in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Jim passed away on Saturday, September 1, 2012.
Date Reported 9/5/2012

James Alford Qualls
James Alford Qualls was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Grand Chain, Illinois. James passed away on Tuesday, September 4, 2012.
Date Reported 9/5/2012

Albert Franklin Conn
Albert Franklin Conn was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Atlanta, Georgia. Albert passed away on Monday, August 27, 2012.
Date Reported 8/29/2012

David Merle Ash
David Merle Ash was a Pastor Ordained Bishop living in White Oak, Texas. David passed away on Monday, September 3, 2012.
Date Reported 9/4/2012

Frances Anderson
Frances Anderson was a Retired Exhorter living in Hayesville, North Carolina. Frances passed away on Sunday, September 2, 2012.
Date Reported 9/4/2012

Austin E. Underwood
Austin E. Underwood was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Smithville, Tennessee. Austin passed away on Tuesday, August 28, 2012.
Date Reported 8/31/2012

Rafaela Martinez
Rafaela Martinez was a Retired Exhorter living in Orlando, Florida. Rafaela passed away on Monday, August 27, 2012.
Date Reported 8/31/2012

John Marvin Maggard
John Marvin Maggard was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Hillsboro, Ohio. John passed away on Tuesday, August 21, 2012.
Date Reported 8/23/2012

Dewey Preston Corn
Dewey Preston Corn was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Mt. Airy, North Carolina. Dewey passed away on Monday, August 20, 2012.
Date Reported 8/21/2012

Harry Lee Payne
Harry Lee Payne was a Retired Exhorter living in Fort Valley, Georgia. Harry passed away on Monday, August 20, 2012.
Date Reported 8/22/2012

Robert B. McDonald
Robert B. McDonald was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Festus, Missouri. Robert passed away on Thursday, August 16, 2012.
Date Reported 8/20/2012

Yohanan Zacharia
Yohanan Zacharia was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Garland, Texas. Yohanan passed away on Friday, August 10, 2012.
Date Reported 8/16/2012

Leon J. Burns
Leon J. Burns was a Pastor Exhorter living in Mountain View, Arkansas. Leon passed away on Tuesday, August 14, 2012.
Date Reported 8/14/2012

Wanda June Ploss
Wanda June Ploss was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Romney, West Virginia. Wanda passed away on Tuesday, August 14, 2012.
Date Reported 8/15/2012

Steven Rusty Cole
Steven Rusty Cole was an Exhorter living in Yakima, Washington. Steven passed away on Saturday, August 4, 2012.
Date Reported 8/10/2012

Jack Allen Ropp
Jack Allen Ropp was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Woodinville, Washington. Jack passed away on Tuesday, June 5, 2012.
Date Reported 8/10/2012

Michael Neil May
Michael Neil May was a Pastor Ordained Bishop living in Jal, New Mexico. Michael passed away on Friday, August 10, 2012.
Date Reported 8/13/2012

Cecil H. Jones, Jr.
Cecil H. Jones, Jr. was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Higginson, Arkansas. Cecil passed away on Saturday, July 21, 2012.
Date Reported 8/13/2012

James Rosell Hughes, Sr.
James Rosell Hughes, Sr. was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Camby, Indiana. James passed away on Friday, August 3, 2012.
Date Reported 8/6/2012

Richard Lee Case
Richard Lee Case was a Pastor Exhorter living in Cleveland, South Carolina. Richard passed away on Thursday, July 19, 2012.
Date Reported 7/19/2012

Grover Byard
Grover Byard was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Jacksonville, Florida. Grover passed away on Thursday, July 5, 2012.
Date Reported 7/19/2012

F. M. Henderson 
F. M. Henderson was a Pastor Ordained Bishop living in Lyons, Georgia. F. M. passed away on Thursday, July 19, 2012.
Date Reported 7/31/2012

Edgar Rawlins, Jr.
Edgar Rawlins, Jr. was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Kokomo, Indiana. Edgar passed away on Monday, July 30, 2012.
Date Reported 7/30/2012

David R. Gant
David R. Gant was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Melbourne, FL. David passed away on Saturday, July 29, 2012.
Date Reported 7/31/2012

Kyle L. Baber, Sr.
Kyle L. Baber, Sr. was a Pastor Ordained Bishop living in Winder, Georgia. Kyle passed away on Tuesday, July 17, 2012.
Date Reported 7/17/2012

Charles H. Duffy
Charles H. Duffy was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Newburg, Pennsylvania. Charles passed away on Saturday, July 14, 2012.
Date Reported 7/16/2012

O'Neal Norman Franks
O'Neal Norman Franks was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Snead, Alabama. O'Neal passed away on Wednesday, July 11, 2012.
Date Reported 7/11/2012

Robert Chandler Gibson
Robert Chandler Gibson was a Chaplain Ordained Minister living in Rock Hall, Maryland. Robert passed away on Sunday, July 1, 2012.
Date Reported 7/11/2012

Leuomon Stewart
Leuomon Stewart was a Disabled Ordained Minister living in Portsmouth, Ohio. Leuomon passed away on Monday, July 9, 2012.
Date Reported 7/12/2012

Charles Andrew Forgey
Charles Andrew Forgey was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Cleveland, Tennessee. Charles passed away on Monday, July 9, 2012.
Date Reported 7/9/2012

Paul Haskell Farley
Paul Haskell Farley was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Huntington, West Virginia. Paul passed away on Sunday, July 8, 2012.
Date Reported 7/9/2012

Matthew Forteno
Matthew Forteno was a Pastor Ordained Bishop living in Warners, New York. Matthew passed away on Thursday, April 22, 2010.
Date Reported 7/10/2012

Phillip Wayne Akin
Phillip Wayne Akin was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Tulare, California. Phillip passed away on Wednesday, July 4, 2012.
Date Reported 7/9/2012

Fred W. Petrea 
Fred W. Petrea was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Salisbury, North Carolina. Fred passed away on Sunday, June 24, 2012.
Date Reported 6/25/2012

Francis F. Thomas
Francis F. Thomas was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Pensacola, Florida. Francis passed away on Sunday, June 24, 2012.
Date Reported 6/26/2012

James Edward Costello
James Edward Costello was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Cleveland, Tennessee. James passed away on Saturday, June 23, 2012.
Date Reported 6/26/2012

James N. Morrow
James N. Morrow was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Charleston, Tennessee. James passed away on Thursday, June 21, 2012.
Date Reported 6/26/2012

Bill Lyle Hardy
Bill Lyle Hardy was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Van Wert, Ohio. Bill passed away on Saturday, June 23, 2012.
Date Reported 6/28/2012

James D. Fain
James D. Fain was a Retired Ordained Minister living in Jonesboro, Georgia. James passed away on Thursday, June 14, 2012.
Date Reported 6/21/2012

Ivian H. Rhoades
Ivian H. Rhoades was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Stockbridge, Georgia. Ivian passed away on Friday, June 15, 2012.
Date Reported 6/21/2012

Leonard W. Sealey
Leonard W. Sealey was an Ordained Minister living in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. Leonard passed away on Sunday, May 6, 2012.
Date Reported 6/19/2012

Esmie Hall
Esmie Hall was an Ordained Minister living in London, England. Esmie passed away on Friday, June 1, 2012.
Date Reported 6/19/2012

John Daniel Grey
John Daniel Grey was an Ordained Minister living in Birmingham, United Kingdom John passed away on Friday, May 18, 2012.
Date Reported 6/19/2012

Giuseppe Sarritzu
Giuseppe Sarritzu was an Ordained Bishop living in Quartu Sant'Elena, Ca, Italy. Giuseppe passed away on Tuesday, May 29, 2012.
Date Reported 6/18/2012

David Scott Pruitt
David Scott Pruitt was an Exhorter living in New Market, Tennessee. David passed away on Saturday, June 9, 2012.
Date Reported 6/11/2012 

Mildred Inez Horton
Mildred Inez Horton was a Pastor Exhorter living in Rainsville, Alabama. Mildred passed away on Friday, June 8, 2012.
Date Reported 6/12/2012 

Charles Edward Dean
Charles Edward Dean was an Ordained Bishop living in Nassau, Bahamas. Charles passed away on Friday, June 1, 2012.
Date Reported 6/11/2012 

Napoleon Ayers Kennedy 
Napoleon Ayers Kennedy was an Ordained Minister living in Mechanicsville, Virginia. Napoleon passed away on Friday, June 1, 2012.
Date Reported 6/6/2012 

Lawrence Ousley
Lawrence Ousley was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in West Virginia. Lawrence passed away on Sunday, May 27, 2012.
Date Reported 6/4/2012 

Evelyn Irene Armstrong 
Evelyn Irene Armstrong was an Evangelist Ordained Minister living in Zion, Illinois. Evelyn passed away on Tuesday, May 29, 2012.
Date Reported 6/5/2012 

Larry McKinley Busby
Larry McKinley Busby was a Pastor Ordained Bishop living in Bridgeview, Illinois. Larry passed away on Sunday, June 3, 2012.
Date Reported 6/5/2012 

Clarence Collins
Clarence Collins was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Jesup, Georgia. Clarence passed away on Sunday, May 13, 2012.
Date Reported 5/30/2012 

Melvin Ray Pace
Melvin Ray Pace was an Evangelist Exhorter living in Fyffe, Alabama. Melvin passed away on Thursday, May 10, 2012.
Date Reported 5/30/2012 

Melvin R. Fuller
Melvin R. Fuller was an Ordained Minister living in Texas City, Texas. Melvin passed away on Thursday, December 15, 2011.
Date Reported 5/24/2012 

Ruben Ace L.
Ruben Ace L. was an Ordained Bishop living in Manati, Puerto Rico. Ruben passed away on Friday, March 16, 2012.
Date Reported 5/23/2012 

Alice Olavarria
Alice Olavarria was a Retired Exhorter living in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico. Alice passed away on Friday, April 23, 2010.
Date Reported 5/23/2012 

Garland H. Grooms, Jr.
Garland H. Grooms, Jr. was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in Valdese, North Carolina. Garland passed away on Tuesday, May 22, 2012.
Date Reported 5/23/2012 

Lionel T. Blackman
Lionel T. Blackman was a Retired Ordained Bishop living in St. Philip, Barbados. Lionel passed away on Sunday, May 6, 2012.
Date Reported 5/21/2012 

Louise Albertine Joseph
Louise Albertine Joseph was an Ordained Minister living in Bridgetown, Barbados. Louise passed away on Monday, July 4, 2011.
Date Reported 5/21/2012 

Annie Juanita Weech
Annie Juanita Weech was a Retired Exhorter living in Florida. Annie passed away on Friday, April 27, 2012.
Date Reported 5/16/2012 

In Their Own Words

These resources include documents and histories from the beginning of the Church of God movement.

Brief History of the Church that is Now Recognized as the Church of God
This is the first known history of the Church of God. It was written by the first General Overseer, A.J. Tomlinson, and included in his book The Last Great Conflict (Cleveland, Tenn.: Press of W.E. Rodgers, 1913), 184-98.

Selected Writings of R. G. Spurling
R.G. Spurling and his father Richard Spurling founded the Christian Union on August 19, 1886. R.G. Spurling became the first pastor of this fledgling congregation, which is considered to be the first Church of God. James M. Beaty, Ph.D, compiled these writings.

Note: To view PDF documents on this page you will need free Adobe Reader. Click here to download.

Prayerborne Ministry

Prayerborne Ministry is an active and vital ministry at the Church of God International Offices and has been in effect for several years. Prayerborne is a group of retired Church of God ministers or spouses which has a sole purpose: intercessory prayer for the Church of God and its constituency.

Prayerborne meets each Wednesday at the International Offices of the Church of God, in Cleveland, Tennessee, and prays for many different types of prayer requests. Prayer is always offered up for the ministry of the Church of God and its leadership. Prayerborne receives many different types of prayer requests from all around the world.

It is exciting to hear seasoned "prayer warriors" taking serious matters of concern to the throne of God in prayer! You are welcome to access this ministry by sending your prayer requests to Prayerborne, care of the International Offices. We will do our best to intercede for you and to take your requests to God in prayer!

Spiritual Help

Jesus calls everyone to accept Him as Lord and Savior of their life. The life in Christ is a new life, a changed life, because you have learned to walk daily with Jesus in a new dimension of love and understanding. The life in Christ is an abundant life in the Spirit; it is a daily walk with Christ.

This section of the Church of God web site provides spiritual help and resources in the daily Christian walk. If you are seeking to know Christ in His fullness, click on the link Jesus Saves.cc to discover how to find hope for your life through the "good news" of Jesus Christ. In addition, "Spiritual Help" provides inspirational resources for the Christian believer.

Prayer is the channel through which all good flows from God to man: forgiveness, healing, power and love. It is a way of knowing God. If you would like to submit a prayer request, simply click on the button "Submit A Prayer Request." Your prayer need will be shared immediately with the Prayer Borne Ministry of the Church of God.

JesusSaves.cc
Find hope for your life through the Gospel of Jesus Christ; prayer, salvation, healing and deliverance.

Submit A Prayer Request
Need someone to pray for you or your need? Simply submit a prayer request on-line.

Prayerborne Ministry (Submit A Prayer Request)
Prayerborne Ministry is a group of retired Church of God ministers or spouses which has a sole purpose intercessory prayer for the Church of God and its constituency.

Ministry Opportunities

Opportunities Go Here

Featured Websites

The following links to ministry and organization websites are listed to assist the minister and layperson. To submit a suggested website which has been helpful to you, send an email to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

• American Bible Society
  The American Bible Society has distributed more than six billion Bibles in the USA and around the world. Its mission is to provide a Bible to everyone in a language and form easily understood and at an economical price. Among the many features of the website is the scripture reading guide available in five different versions of the Bible, both in English and Spanish.
   
• The Assemblies of God is a fraternal Pentecostal denomination with headquarters located in Springfield, MO.
   
• The Center for Spiritual Renewal seeks to bring before the Church on a continuing basis the primary need for revival and renewal, both personal and corporate. The Center seeks to accomplish this purpose through the conducting of research, the development of material, the facilitating of special meetings, and the sponsorship of an academic chair.
   
• The Church of God of Prophecy is a fraternal Pentecostal denomination with headquarters located in Cleveland, TN.
   
• Derek Press
  Publish and advertise your book at an affordable price and at low quantities through Derek Press.
   
• Evangel Online
  Church of God Evangel - The world's oldest continuing Pentecostal Magazine.....
   
• Crosswalk.com
  The leading web portal for Christians. With news, feature articles, reviews and a filtered search engine, Crosswalk.com aims to stand at the intersection of faith and life.
   
• Global Pastors Network
  Global Pastors Networks goal is to help plant five million new churches for a one billion soul harvest, by offering world class training resources and building the premiere community of successful pastors.
   
• ForMinistry.com
  A ministry of the American Bible Society that provides every Christian church in North America with a free, editable web site, gathered into a comprehensive serchable database.
   
• Indian Ministries of North America
  IMNA is a non-profit organization allied with the Church of God that is dedicated to reaching Indian tribes within the United States with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
   
• The National Association of Evangelicals seeks to unite para-church and religious bodies together for the purpose of proclaiming the Evangelical message.
   
• Pathway Bookstore
  Your resource for all of your Christian material needs: now online and at specially-discounted prices.
   
• Pathway Printing
  Our Church of God graphics, printing, and mail center is available to serve your publication needs.
   
• Peniel Residential Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center is a community-based program that offers help to both men and women, eighteen years of age and older who are suffering from the effects of substance abuse.
•  
• Strang Communications produces many pertinent Christian resources including Charisma magazine, New Man, Spirit-led Woman, Christian Retailing and Charisma Mens' Service.
   
• VIMM (Volunteers In Medical Missions) is a team of Christian Doctors, nurses, and many other volunteers that minister to the physical & spiritual needs of children & adults in developing countries throughout the world.
   

Church & Pastor Resources

• ENGAGE Magazine
  ENGAGE is a quarterly journal for pastors and the staff of a local church. Each issue is filled with pertinent articles and reviews to benefit all phases and levels of ministry.  It is available online by visitng www.cogengage.org. At the site are current and archived issues back to the release of the journal in January 2009.
• Church of God Benefits Board
  Official retirement plan for ministers and church-related employees.
• Legal Matters
  Tips and features regarding legal matters pertinent to the local church and its constituents.
• Sermon Resources
  Sermon outlines and resources

Forms & Brochures

Brochure:

Incorporation of Local Churches

Forms:

Church of God Warranty Deed
(State/Regional)

Church of God Warranty Deed
(Incorporated Local Church)

Church of God Warranty Deed
(Unincorporated Local Church)

Application for Incorporation
(Evangelistic Association or Individual)

Application for Incorporation
(Local Church)

Youth Liability Medical Release Form (18 Year Age of Maturity)

Youth Liability Medical Release Form (21 Year Age of Maturity)

 

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Education / Seminars

Education

Bethel Bible College

Pentecostal Theological Seminary

European Theological Seminary

Han Young Theological Seminary

Hispanic Institue of Ministry

International Bible College

International Studies

Lee University

Ministerial Development

Patten University

Puerto Rico Bible College

School of Ministry

South American Seminary

Western School of Christian Ministry

Child Care & Safety

Child Care & Safety on Church Premises

In the not-too-distant past, I have written two Profiles articles on the subject of child abuse and its relation to churches. This continues to be a very important topic, and I have reproduced these articles for your review. Please note the sources I mention in the articles, because they continue to be the leading sources for you in understanding the legal aspects of this very important issue.

• "Care and Safety of Children on Church Premises" (Part 1)
  Author: Dennis Watkins
  Format: PDF
  Posted: February 17, 2000

• "Care and Safety of Children on Church Premises" (Part 2)
  Author: Dennis Watkins
  Format: PDF
  Posted: February 17, 2000

Note: To view PDF documents on this page you will need free Adobe Reader. Click here to download.

Property Issues

On the issue of property, be sure to verify that all properties involving our churches are in the proper Church of God form. I have the form Church of God Warranty Deed, and I regularly work with attorneys around the country, educating them as to our policies and procedures regarding property and providing them with forms.

Our method of property ownership not only benefits the denomination, but also provides advantages to the local church, because many local churches seek assistance through our MRP program, and other various business aspects, and these services cannot be provided, without the property being placed in the correct forms.

Motor Carrier Regulations

On January 1, 1995, a federal act came into effect, which applies to church-owned or leased vans or buses used for interstate church-related functions. In particular, this would apply when your churches use church-owned or leased vehicles to cross state lines on church activities.

The act states that the vehicle must carry over sixteen (16) passengers including the driver or have a gross weight of over 10,001 pounds in order to apply.

There are numerous requirements under the act, including qualified drivers with commercial driver's licenses. Certain amounts of insurance must be maintained, and certain methods of operation must be used to operate the vehicle. The vehicle must have certain markings and certain parts and accessories. The driver may only drive certain designated numbers of hours of services, and the vehicle must have regular inspections, repair and maintenance.

The bottom line is that you should be careful when sponsoring an out-of-state church-related trip, to ensure that the vehicle meets these detailed specifications. If you need a telephone number for the United State Department of Transportation in your state, which will provide you with copies of these regulations, please contact me, and I will be glad to share same with you.

Church Financing Programs

Application of Securities Law to Church Bond and Financing Programs

This is a new area of church law, which may continue to be more prevalent.

Under these rules, securities laws are enforced against churches or ministers, in the same way that they are enforced against corporations for fraudulent stock issues. In some cases, ministers have been held to be criminally and civilly liable.

In general, there should not be a material omission of financial information about the church or its financing or its building program. Material misrepresentations of the financial strength of condition of a church can lead to problems. There should not be false predictions of success or pay-back probabilities on these programs. Also, unfounded guarantees can result in problems.

Undue Influences

Advise your ministers to be careful about receiving gifts from elderly persons or persons who may appear to be susceptible to the undue influence of a minister or church.

Any time such a person desires to give or will something to you or one of your ministers or a church, be sure that person gets independent legal advice, which means sending him or her to his or her lawyer, or a lawyer not connected with the church. This will remove the taint of undue influence.

Defamation

Defamation is defined as the speaking and publishing of false, distorted and misleading information about another, in a way that harms that person's reputation. Libel is written or published information, and slander is oral or verbal defamation.

Advise your pastors not to use the background stories or experiences of others in illustrations, without obtaining the consent of the person involved.

Be careful to advise your ministers not to violate confidences shared with them in a ministerial setting.

Church Employment

This area is certainly a hot trend topic for church law. If you have a day care or a church school with a number of employees, you certainly need to know these rules.

In former years, employees were terminable at will, meaning that persons could be relieved of employment at any time and for any reason. Also, employees could end their employment at any time, at will. However, in recent years, state and federal laws have come into place which change this picture.

If you have a church policy handbook or an employee handbook, it should contain a clause which says, "This document does not constitute a contract of employment..."

Also, there is a litany of federal statutes that exist, which, if they apply, may result in serious consequences regarding termination of employees. They are, among others:

1. Title VII Civil Rights Act of 1964 This Act covers discrimination because of sexual harassment, racial or ethnic discrimination, and other areas of protection. The Act covers hiring, firing, and many things in between.

2. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978.

3. The Age Discrimination Employment Act (ADEA).

4. American with Disabilities Act (ADA).

5. Fair Labor Standards Act which covers minimum wages.

6. Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (if applicable).

There is an excellent labor law firm in the Atlanta area, Postic and Babb, made up of Church of God-affiliated attorneys, who are experts in this field. One of the members of this firm has written a treatise on this subject entitled, Wrongful Termination. This is a very helpful book. Another helpful source is a book entitled, The Church Guide to Employment Law, by Julie L. Bloss. This book can be ordered through Christian Ministry Resources (see above).

Also, be sure that your church carries proper worker's compensation insurance. This can be a very problematic area if you do not carry it.

In short, be very careful about labor relations and termination of employees. This is a new area of law that can be very troublesome for the unwary minister or church.

Counseling

The counseling area is a persistently problematic area, and there are surprising statistics of admitted improprieties by ministers in a counseling setting.

Be sure to note that the term counseling has been given broad definition by some courts, including, but not limited to, a telephone call, tarrying after church, talking to a minister, or a young person talking to a youth pastor.

Be sure that you study some good sources on counseling, to understand some boundaries about counseling.

The main point that should be made about counseling is that our ministers must make their counseling spiritual, unless the minister is a licensed professional. Spiritual counseling is defined as based on an understanding of scripture, and not rooted in psychotherapeutic principles.

Be sure that the person you are counseling with understands that you may have to disclose certain facts told to you, such as commission of crimes or a child abuse. Also, counseling should be done only during church hours, with others there. Sessions for counseling should not last over 45 minutes, and the number of sessions a year should be limited.

If one of your ministers sees that he is over his head in a counseling relationship, he should get out of that relationship as soon as possible and refer that person to a qualified and trained professional.

Insurance Information

Insurance Issues

Insurance is without a doubt the most important issue we can cover, because a church that "thinks" it is insured but is not insured or is under-insured, is going to face some serious problems. Particularly, insurance is valuable because most policies cover for defense costs, which can range in the thousands of dollars, even for a frivolous case.

The following questions are very important in determining your insurance:

1. Who is your carrier? Does this carrier routinely insure churches, on a broad scale?

2. In case of a fire loss, is your building insured for full replacement costs? In the alternative, in the event of a fire loss, is your church insured to value?

3. In case of a fire loss, does your church's policy have a co-insurance penalty? Most policies state that in the event of a fire loss, if your building is not insured at least up to a certain percentage (usually 80-90%) of the fair market value or actual replacement value of your building, at the time of the loss, there may be a penalty involved. This means that you may have less insurance coverage than you think in the event of catastrophic fire loss.

4. Does your church's policy have non-owned and hired auto/vehicle coverage for your church? This coverage allows a person who is on church business or in the furtherance of church activities, who is driving a vehicle not owned by the church, to have insurance coverage in the event of an accident. However, you must have the right clause in your policy.

5. Does your church's insurance policy have a sexual misconduct endorsement?

6. If you have employees, have you complied with state laws regarding workers compensation insurance? This includes church schools and day cares.

We cannot stress enough how important it is that you understand what type of liability and other insurance coverage that you have available to your church. Be sure to ask your agent what exclusions apply to your policy.

Child Abuse / Molestation

This area is of course a very fertile area for lawsuits against churches in our day. The very best materials on this subject, in my opinion, are provided under the name Reducing the Risk – Keeping Your Ministry Safe from Child Sexual Abuse and are marketed by Christianity Today International, 465 Gundersen Drive, Carol Stream, IL 60188; toll free number: 877-247-4787; website: www.reducingtherisk.com.

The above course points out the four basic areas of need in preventing problems in this area:

1. Screening for paid and volunteer workers. Remember, apply a six-month rule for all workers.

2. Supervision Make sure two adults are in classrooms with children, at all times, and that your
church has windows in all doors and other areas.

3. Reporting This is a very major issue for many ministers confronted with certain news or
information about alleged abuse. It is very important to know if your state has a rule limiting
a certain period of time in which you must report an allegation of sexual abuse. If you are not
aware of same, or if an allegation arises in your church, please contact us, so that we can refer
you to an attorney to provide you assistance in this area. Not reporting an alleged incident of
child abuse in your state can result in serious penalties against you or the church.

4. Responding properly to an allegation of child sexual abuse is also very important.

Once again, the Reducing the Risk seminar contains an excellent video, as well as written
materials and sample forms for dealing with this issue.

Attorney Listings

ATTORNEYS
Church of God Legal Services

Alabama

Blake A. Payne, Esq. Attorney at Law Bankhead-Byars
Building 1816 3rd Avenue S, Suite 101
P.O. Box 3134
Jasper, AL 35502-3134
Phone: (205) 221-4660
Fax: (205) 221-4652

Daniel S. Wolter, Esquire
Gaines, Wolter & Kinney, PC
3500 Blue Lake Drive
Suite 425
Birmingham, AL 35243

John M. Lassiter Jr., Esquire
2500 Dauphin Street
Mobile, AL 36606
Phone: 251-433-6464
Fax: 251-479-3575
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Joseph C. Denison, Sr. and Candace E. Winter Denison
Denison & Denison, PC
1621 Deer Tract Road
Opelika, AL 36801

Floyd L. Likins, Esquire
214 North College Street
Auburn, AL 36860

L.D. Holt, Esquire
PO Box 27
Minette, AL 36507
Phone: 251-937-4111
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Alaska

Thomas P. Amodio
Amodio Stanley & Reeves, LLC
500 L Street, Suite 300
Anchorage, AK 99501
Phone: 907-222-7100
Fax: 907-222-7199

California

Michael J. Woodruff, Esquire
205 Carrillo Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Connecticut

Wendi J. Kemp, Attorney
McCarter & English, LLP
CityPlace I
185 Asylum Street. 36th Floor
Hartford, CT 06103-3495
Phone: 860-275-6744
Fax: 860-724-3397

DC

G. Daniel Miller, Esquire
Conner & Winter, PC
1627 I Street, NW
Suite 900
Washington, DC 20006
Phone: 202-887-5711
Fax: 202-887-6999

Florida

F. Robert Radel, II, Esquire
Butler Pappas, LLP
One Harbour Place
777 S. Harbour Island Blvd, Suite 500
Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: 813-281-1900
Fax: 813-281-0900

Robert J. Angerer, Esquire
PO Box 10468
Tallahassee, FL 32302-2468
Phone: 850-576-5982
Fax: 850-476-1342

John B. White, Esquire
1921 Ascott Road
N. Palm Beach, FL 33408Phone: 772-341-3388
Fax: 772-325-5754
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

 

Georgia

Jon V. Forehand, Esquire
Allen, Forehand & Adams, LLP
PO Box 1687
Moultrie, GA 31776-1687
Phone:  (229) 985-3912
Fax:  (229) 890-3341
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Lee B. Perkins, Esquire
305 Buckhead Avenue, Suite 201
Atlanta, GA 30305
Phone: 404-231-9229
Fax: 404-264-1149

Lynwood A. Maddox, Jr., Esquire
Maddox and Maddox
1455 Lincoln Pkwy East
Suite 300
Atlanta, GA 30346-2209
Phone: 770-563-9318

Wendell R. Bird, Esquire
Bird & Loechl, LLC
3414 Peachtree Road, NE
1150 Monarch Plaza
Atlanta, GA 30326
Phone: 404-264-9400
Fax: 404-365-9731

Daniel Deems, Esquire
PO Box 2943
Cartersville, GA 30120-1700
Phone: 770-382-6144
Fax: 770-382-6193

Thomas Williams, Esquire
305 W. Crogan Street
Lawrenceville, GA 30245
Phone: 404-963-0900

Stan D. Babb, Esquire
Postic & Babb, LLC
707 Whitlock Avenue
Whitlock Park Center, Suite D-31
Marietta, GA 30064-3033
Phone: 770-795-9003
Fax: 770-795-1730

Lionel J. Postic, Esquire
Postic & Babb, LLC
707 Whitlock Avenue
Whitlock Park Center, Suite D-31
Marietta, GA 30064-3033
Phone: 770-795-9003
Fax: 770-795-1730

Jon V. Forehand, Esquire
Allen & Forehand
622 2nd Street, SE
PO Box 1687
Moultrie, GA 31776-1687
Phone: 229-985-3912
Fax: 229-890-3341

Christian Coomer, Esquire
PO Box 3574
Cartersville, GA 30120
Phone: 770-383-9171
Fax: 770-383-9170

Richard B. Herzog, Jr., Esquire
Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP
999 Peachtree Street, NE
Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30309-3964
Phone: 404-817-6152
Fax: 404-817-6095

Illinois

Ward P. Fisher, Esquire
1033 N. Euclid
Oak Park, IL 60302
Phone: 708-383-5899

Douglas Chartrand, Esquire
2055 Orchard Lake Road
Pontiac, MI 48320
Phone: 248-332-8900
Fax: 248-332-7487

Kentucky

Brien G. Freeman, Esquire
Freeman, Copeland & Childers
201 S. Main Street
Corbin, KY 40701
Phone: 606-528-1222

Richard V. Murphy, Esquire
250 W. Main Street, Suite 301
Lexington, KY 40507
Phone: 859-281-5641
Fax: 859-281-5644

Louisiana

Leroy A. Hartley, Esquire
1805 Esplanade Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70116
Phone: 504-943-8046

Gary M. Peltier, Esquire
Attorney at Law
15828 Professional Plaza
Hammond, LA 70403
Phone: 504-345-8981
Fax: 504-345-8983

T. Allen Usry, Esquire
Usry, Weeks & Matthews
1615 Poydras Street
Suite 1250
New Orleans, LA 70112

Patricia A. Garcia, Attorney at Law
PO Box 24098
New Orleans, LA 70184-4098

Maryland

Bryan Hyre, Esquire
Lessans, Praley, & McCormick
7419 Baltimore-Annapolis Blvd.
Glen Burnie, MD 29160-3592
Phone: 410-760-5000

Massachusetts

David Raish, Esquire
Ropes & Gray, LLP
One International Place
Boston, MA 02110
Phone: 617-951-7000
Fax: 617-951-7050

Michigan

Witold Sztykiel, Esquire
Bigler, Berry, Johnston, Sztykiel & Hunt
1301 West Long Lake Road, Suite 250
Troy, MI 48098
Phone: 248-641-1800
Fax: 248-641-3845

Robert L. Loesch, Esquire
32279 Cross Bow
Birmingham, MI 48025

Minnesota

Hubert V. Forcier, Esquire
Faegre & Benson, LLP
2200 Wells Fargo Center
90 South Seventh Street
Minneapolis, MN 55402-3901
Phone: 612-766-7000
Fax: 612-766-1600

Mississippi

Gregory L. Harper, Esquire
Sanford & Harper
3 Country Place
Pearl, MS 39208-6662
Phone: 601-420-2211
Fax: 601-420-2222

Michael W. Boyd, Esquire
809 Main Street
Greenville, MS 38702

Missouri

Richard Hammar, Esquire
Legal Counsel
The General Counsel of the Assemblies of God
1445 Boonville Avenue
Springfield, MO 65802
Phone: 417-862-9445
Fax: 417-863-6614

J. Michael Riehn, Esquire
Law Offices of J. Michael Riehn, PC
301 West 8th
Cassville, MO 65625

Montana

Mike Milodragovich, Esquire
Milodragovich, Dale, Steinbrenner & Binney, PC
PO Box 4947
Missoula, MT 49806-4947
Phone: 406-728-1455
Fax: 406-549-7077

Michael J. Lilly, Esquire
Berg, Lilly & Tollefsen
1 West Main
Bozeman, MT 59715

New Jersey

Gary M. Jeffas, Esquire
20 Davis Avenue
Kearny, NJ 07032
Phone: 201-998-2211

Nicholas T. Menas, Esquire
Cooper Levenson April Niedelman & Wagenheim, PA
1125 Atlantic Avenue
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Phone: 609-344-3161
Fax: 609-344-0939

New York

Peter C. Cotelidis, Esquire
Attorney at Law
200 Old Country Road, Suite 190
Mineola, NY 11501
Phone: 516-484-3111
Fax: 516-484-0201

North Carolina

Edward E. Hollowell, Esquire
5511 Capital Center Drive
Suite 104
Raleigh, NC 27606
Phone: 866-878-8806
Fax: 919-852-2233

Frank A. Hirsch, Esquire
Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP
GlenLake One, Suite 200
4140 Parklake Avenue
Raleigh, NC 27612
Phone: 919-329-3853
Fax: 919-329-3898

New York

Stephen A. Humsjo, Esquire
8 Greenwood Avenue
PO Box 479
East Islip, NY 11730
Phone: 516-581-6777
Fax: 516-581-6784

Ohio

James B. Hadden, Esquire
Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, LLP
41 South High Street
Columbus, OH 43215-6194
Phone: 800-533-2794
Fax: 614-227-2100

Bill W. Cummins, Esquire
Law Office of Bill W. Cummins Co.
105 Court Stret
Suite 204
Hamilton, OH 45011
Phone: 513-868-9985

J. Jeffrey McNealey, Esquire
Porter, Wright, Morris & Arthur
41 South High Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-227-2074
Fax: 614-227-2100

Oklahoma

Robert E. Cowan, Esquire
Gibbs Armstrong Borochoff
500 Petroleum Club Building
601 South Boulder Avenue
Tulsa, OK 74119
Phone: 918-587-3939
Fax: 918-582-5504

Gary E. Payne, Esquire
Gary E. Payne, Inc.
11212 N. May, Suite 205
Oklahoma City, OK 73113-0578

South Carolina

Carol B. Ervin, Attorney
Young Clements Rivers, LLP
PO Box 993
Charleston, SC 29401-0993
Phone: 843-577-4000
Fax: 843-724-6600

Thomas A. Bright, Esquire
Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, PC
PO Box 2757
Greenville, SC 29602
Phone: 864-240-8352
Fax: 864-235-4754

J. Kevin Crain, Esquire
Young, Clement, Rivers & Tisdale, LLP
28 Broad Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: 843-577-4000
Fax: 843-724-6600

David E. Simpson, Esquire
125 Hampton Street, Suite 102
Rock Hill, SC 29730-3595
Phone: 803-324-2738

Ronnie J. Treadwell, Esquire
510 E. Calhoun Street
Anderson, SC 29621-5805

Stephanie Holmes Burton, Attorney
Gibbes Burton, LLC
308 East St. John Street
Spartanburg, SC 29302
Phone: 864-327-5000
Fax: 864-327-5001

James W. Logan, Jr., Esquire
Logan Jolly & Smith, LLP
1805 North Blvd.
Anderson, SC 29621
Phone: 864-226-1910
Fax: 864-226-1931

Tennessee

Harvey L. Sproul, Esquire
Sproul & Hinton
205 East Broadway
Lenoir City, TN 37771
Phone: 865-986-8054
Fax: 864-986-8706

Josiah Baker, Esquire
W. Joseph Hollis, Jr., Esquire
Baker, Kinsman, Hollis, Clelland & Winer, PC
1500 First Tennessee Building
701 Market Street
Chattanooga, TN 37402-4825
Phone: 423-756-3333
Fax: 423-756-3337

Michael E. Callaway, Esquire
Bell & Associates, PC
PO Box 1169
Cleveland, TN 37364-1169
Phone: 423-476-8541
Fax: 423-339-3510

Jimmy W. Bilbo, Esquire
Logan, Thompson, Miller, Bilbo & Thompson
PO Box 191
Cleveland, TN 37364
Phone: 423-476-2251
Fax: 423-472-0211

Rick Pemberton, Esquire
PO Box 5243
Sevierville, TN 37862
Phone: 423-428-5787

Dennis W. Watkins, Legal Counsel
Church of God International Offices
PO Box 2430
Cleveland, TN 37320-2430
Phone: 423-478-7056
Fax: 423-478-7922

James F. Logan, Esquire
Logan, Thompson, Miller, Bilbo & Thompson
30 Second Street
PO Box 191
Cleveland, TN 37364-0191
Phone: 423-476-2251
Fax: 423-472-0211

John R. Bode, Esquire
Miller & Martin
Suite 1000 Volunteer Bldg.
832 Georgia Avenue
Chattanooga, TN 37402-2289
Phone: 423-785-8320
Fax: 423-785-8480

Willard W. (Bill) Watts, Esquire
PO Box 2982
Cleveland, TN 37320

J. Dewayne Bunch, Esquire
443 Worth Street, NW
Cleveland, TN 37311
Phone: 423-479-2157

J. Michael Sharp, Esquire
Varnell, Burns & Sharp, PC
175 Spring St. NW
Cleveland, TN 37311
Phone: 423-339-0529
Fax: 423-478-2308

Texas

J. Shelby Sharpe, Esquire
Sharpe Tillman & Melton
6100 Western Place, Suite 1000
Fort Worth, TX 76107
Phone: 817-338-4900
Fax: 817-332-6818

Earl R. King, Esquire
2110 Fort Worth Highway
Weatherford, TX 76086

Julie L. Bloss, Legal Counsel
Southern Baptist Annuity Board
2401 Cedar Springs
PO Box 2190
Dallas, TX 75221-2190
Phone: 214-720-0511
Fax: 214-720-4666

Gary S. Nash, Esquire
Attorney at Law
7557 Rambler Road
Suite 1340
Dallas, TX 75231
Phone: 214-373-4200
Fax: 214-691-2861

Paul H. Williamson, Esquire
Burdett, Morgan, Williamson & Boykin, LLP
3423 S. Soncy Road, Suite 300
Amarillo, TX 79119
Phone: 806-358-8116
Fax: 806-358-1901

L. Darlene Mitchell
Attorney at Law
Burt Barr & Associates, LLP
203 East Colorado Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75203
Phone: 214-943-0012
Fax: 214-943-0048

Listing of the attorneys above does not constitute an endorsement or warranty as to their services. If you as a Church of God constituent or minister have any experience, positive or negative with any of the above attorneys, and you think that we should know about it, please advise.

WOMEN OF THE CHURCH OF GOD (2010)

WHEREAS, the women of the Church of God have been a major influence on the stability and
growth of the church worldwide; and

WHEREAS, today women are a mighty force in fulfilling the Great Commission through prayer,
teaching, making disciples, and setting a godly example for the youth of the church; and

WHEREAS, the role women in the ministry of the Kingdom of God, the local church, and the
General Assembly has been discolored by the remarks of some speakers during general
council sessions; therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED, that we reaffirm the value and the historical contribution of women in the
life of the Church of God; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that more leadership opportunities be offered for women in
leadership in light of their spiritual gifts and to establish a foundation for the future
involvement, training and recognition of young women growing up in the church; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we commend them for their crucial involvement in the total
scope of the ministry in the Church of God today; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we set in motion methods to highlight their dedication and
to honor them for their loyalty, leadership, and love for the Lord and the Church of God.

Legal Services

Legal issues continue to be a growing area of church affairs, necessitating familiarity with and resources for proper risk management.

Always remember that the farther away activities of a church venture from traditional worship and Bible study, the more the likelihood of potential legal ramifications. Churches are being sued for such activities as selling chicken dinners, sponsoring athletic events, and many other activities. As the number of ministry opportunities increases, so does the possibility that someone will try to find a legal angle from which to attack the church.

Necessity of Frequent Contact with a Lawyer - Some of the best advice that can be given to a pastor is to acquaint himself with and form an ongoing relationship with a local, reputable attorney. This relationship is important because the pastor can avail himself of the lawyer's expertise, before making a mistake with legal ramifications. It is always better to think preventatively rather than retroactively, and major decisions should not be made regarding the church or its business, without first contacting a lawyer.

In the state overseer field, developing a close relationship with a good local attorney is important because it provides for continuity in dealings between the lawyer and the church, and it provides him with ability to be familiar with our procedures, for posterity. In particular, a good local attorney who has been representing the state office for years can serve as a valuable counselor to any successors in office at our state offices.

Keep a good lawyer close by, and call him before you make big decisions.

Iif you would like to contact someone in our Legal Services Department please Click Here.

Helpful Information
Attorney Listings	Church Financing Programs
Insurance Information	Motor Carrier Regulations
Child Abuse / Molestation	Property Issues
Church Employment	Education / Seminars
Counseling	Child Care & Safety
Defamation	Incorporation of Local Churches (PDF)
Undue Influences	Forms & Brochures

Note: To view PDF documents on this page you will need free Adobe Reader. Click here to download.

Church Planting (2010)

WHEREAS there is a critical need to plant churches within the Church of God because it honors
God and spreads His fame among the nations; and

WHEREAS one of the urgent needs of today within the Church of God is to reach the harvest
and our periods of greatest numerical growth have corresponded with direct efforts in
church planting; and

WHEREAS church planting translates God’s love into the heart language of people groups all
over the world and we must rise to the challenge and establish new, vibrant congregations
among all cultural groups; and

WHEREAS new churches are essential to God’s strategy to reach unreached people who have no
near-neighbor to tell them the story of Jesus’ love; and

WHEREAS the goal of church planting is to extend the Kingdom of God into territory
previously occupied by the enemy; and

WHEREAS in order for a new church to survive and flourish it is essential that the church
planter receives supervision, support, and accountability.

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED:

THAT the Church of God focus its efforts on the task of planting new churches.
Our commission has never been clearer, more urgent, or more hopeful.

QUEST FOR TRUST (2010)

WHEREAS, the biblical injunction, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on
your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight
your paths” (Proverbs 3:4 ESV), is a lifestyle pattern to please God and to conform to His
will and purposes; and

WHEREAS, the quality of pastoral and congregational trust can be expanded through
understanding biblical roles, open dialogue about Christ-exalting ministry, and a
commitment of scriptural loyalty to each other; and

WHEREAS, a renewed emphasis on creating a stronger degree of trust in the community toward
the Church can be achieved through love-based service, social projects, and life-enriching
activities and projects; therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED, that we come together in a covenant of trust that will shape our faith and
form a foundation for new experiences in serving God, serving each other, and serving
the community; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we make a united commitment to the formula of
Prayer—the heartbeat of the Church, the Great Commission—the solution, and the
Quest for Trust—the anchor for the future, to guide us in fulfilling our mission and
vision.

GLOBAL POVERTY (2010)

Whereas, global poverty has reached alarming proportions, with 1.2 billion people living
on less that US $1.25 a day with little or no access to the basic services of nutrition,
health, and education; and,

Whereas, in 2000 the leaders of the governments of the world made promises to halve
extreme poverty by 2015; and,

Whereas, Holy Scripture is comprehensive and compelling in its mandate to “do justice,
love mercy and walk humbly with God” (Micah 6:8); and,

Whereas, a partnership of Evangelical and Pentecostal churches has set the goal of uniting
100 million Christians in prayer and action on global poverty;

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED:

That we reaffirm our intention to follow the supreme example of Jesus, Lord of the Church,
who proclaimed, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me
to preach the good news to the poor…to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and
recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of God’s
favor” (Luke 4:18-29); and,

Be It Further Resolved That, we call upon the governments of the nations represented by
the international constituents of the Church of God to honor their promise to halve
extreme global poverty by 2015, holding them accountable to act with integrity and
justice on behalf of the poor.

PRAYER (2010)

WHEREAS, prayer was a foundational pillar in the very beginning of the Church of God and
has undergirded our mission and message throughout the years; and

WHEREAS, our churches have been characterized as houses of prayer for all nations and all
peoples to experience the fullness of God’s divine favor and his protective oversight and
leadership; and

WHEREAS, through prayer we are issued the sustaining resources to be effective in fulfilling
the Great Commission, making disciples, and worshipping in spirit and truth; therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED, that we make prayer the central focus in maintaining unity and harmony in
the body of Christ to fulfill God’s perfect will for His people; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we continue to emphasize that prayer is the power of
the Church for the advancement of the kingdom of God with compassion and authority;
prayer equips believers to live God-honoring lives, to model the virtues of Christ-
likeness, and to give effective witness to the saving grace of Jesus Christ through the
power of the Holy Spirit.is

GREAT COMMISSION (2010)

WHEREAS, the parting charge of Jesus Christ to the Church embodies going into all the world,
sharing the redemptive message of God’s love, baptizing converts, and guiding believers
in biblical maturity; and

WHEREAS, visionary, obedient involvement in the Great Commission represents the lifeline of
the church, the flow of supernatural manifestations, and the enriching, transforming fruit
of the Holy Spirit; and

WHEREAS, every local Church of God has the capacity to influence the life of the community,
touch the unchurched with the love of Christ, and minister with tenderness to the helpless
and hopeless; therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED, that the entire Church of God family reaffirm our total, unreserved
commitment to understanding the scope of the Great Commission and the essential
structure necessary for superior evangelism performance; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that every local church embrace a comprehensive plan to
guide adults and youth in personal soulwinning, to sponsor life-related outreach events to
impact unchurched families, and to form a love-circle to mentor believers in following in
the steps of Jesus Christ, our Savior and sustainer.

Pastoral Covenant Group Initiative (2010)

WHEREAS the Pastoral Covenant Group Initiative, sponsored by the Pentecostal Theological
Seminary’s Center for Pentecostal Leadership and Care, has made a significant, positive
impact on hundreds of Church of God pastors; and,

WHEREAS the excellent program of care, support, and development available to Church of
God pastors through the Pastoral Covenant Group Initiative has been described by Lilly
Endowment officers as “the shining star” of its similar grant-supported projects; and,

WHEREAS the pivotal point of the Pastoral Covenant Group Initiative is to honor and develop
the pastor by providing ongoing supportive relationships in a group context that
empowers the pastor to be open and supportive of other pastors by sharing his or her
own experience rather than always looking to “experts;” and,

WHEREAS research funded by Lilly Endowment concluded Church of God pastors involved
in the Pastoral Covenant Group Initiative lead congregations that are more missional,
more active in their communities, more participatory in nature, have more vital youth
ministries, and report 61% growth over the last five years; and,

WHEREAS Church of God pastors identified the Pastoral Covenant Group Initiative in
the recent “Listening Tour” forums as one of “the most positive programs in the
denomination;” and,

WHEREAS the Church of God has demonstrated denominational support for the Pastoral
Covenant Group Initiative by investing in the psychological health, emotional well-being,
spiritual renewal, and continued growth of Church of God pastors and their spouses; and,

WHEREAS the Pastoral Covenant Group Initiative is in its eighth year of implementation,
making it one of the longest-running Lilly Endowment-funded projects of its kind; and,

WHEREAS approximately 1,000 U.S. Church of God pastors are currently meeting monthly in
Pastoral Covenant Groups; and,

WHEREAS the first sixteen Pastoral Covenant Group Facilitators have been trained for eight
South American countries this past year;

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED THAT we applaud the visionary leadership and creative
program development of the Pastoral Covenant Group Initiative, and offer continuing
support for the Center for Pentecostal Leadership and Care staff of the Pentecostal
Theological Seminary; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Pastoral Covenant Group Initiative be continued and
expanded to provide value for pastors, congregations, state leadership, and the mission of
the Church of God, and positive efforts made to sustain this ministry for the present and
future welfare of the church.

Ministerial Care by the Local Church (2010)

WHEREAS the word “church” (ekklesia), by definition, primarily refers to the local
congregation of “called-out” believers; and,

WHEREAS one of the great gifts of Christ to the church is the pastor—the shepherd of the sheep
who compose the local congregation of believers; and,

WHEREAS Jesus warned that Satan, as a “ravening wolf” disguised in “sheep’s clothing”
(Matthew 7:15), will intentionally strive to destroy the work of the shepherd by coming
as a thief “to steal, and to kill, and to destroy” (John 10:10); and,

WHEREAS Jesus told His disciples, “A new commandment I give unto you, That you love one
another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another” (John 13:34); and,

WHEREAS the New Testament in several other passages specifically instructs the members of
the body of Christ, His church, to “love one another;”

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED THAT we reaffirm our commitment to the challenge of being
a church that genuinely cares for one another and to our priority statement that, “The
Church of God recognizes the local church as the foundation of all ministry activities and
will renew efforts to acknowledge, affirm, strengthen, and support the central importance
of the ministry of the local church;” and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT leadership at all levels of the church encourage and teach
local congregations how to provide quality support and care for their pastor and his/her
family by providing comfortable housing, adequate compensation, periods of rest and
relaxation, and retirement security.

Multi-Cultural Ministry (2010)

WHEREAS God has called us to be a mosaic of God’s creation that enables us to embrace racial,
cultural, and linguistic differences; and,

WHEREAS Scripture explicitly states that there is no distinction between Greek and Jew,
circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, and freeman, but Christ is all,
and in all (Colossians 3:11); and,

WHEREAS God’s people are ultimately not citizens of any one nation or country but of a king--
Jesus and a kingdom—the Kingdom of God; and,

WHEREAS the word of God embraces and encourages racial reconciliation and the healing and
forgiveness of past sins and hurts; and,

WHEREAS the promise of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit was to all flesh, all races, and all
ages; and,

WHEREAS the Pentecostal experience introduced possibilities for the formation of a new
community that was to be multi-racial, multi-cultural, and multi-lingual; and,

WHEREAS every part of the body of Christ is just as important as the other parts and are
ordained by God to have a place at the table, a voice in the conversation, and a hand in
the action; and,

WHEREAS the Church of God has experienced phenomenal growth in other nations and among
other cultures both inside and outside of the United;

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED THAT we commit ourselves globally to continue to
intentionally build cross cultural relationships and continue to seek and embrace inter-
racial inclusiveness; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT we manifest multi-cultural awareness and unity in
concrete policies and behaviors that seek to provide ecclesiastical structures that reflect
multi-cultural leadership and provide multi-cultural, multi-language resources, so that the
body of Christ can participate in and be enriched by the contributions of each cultural and
ministry group.