Congratulations to the newly elected 2016-18 Alabama COG State Council: Ryan Bristow, Doug Baker, Paul Lett, Randy Smith, Rick Bradley, Kevin McGlamery, Mike Cleckler, Freddie Edwards, Keith Owensby, Kirk Walters, Doug Click, and Benjamin Young. 1st Alternate-Ken Stroup, 2nd Alternate-Brian Gilpi________________God-HonoringChrist-CenteredBible-BasedSpirit-Led
Re: Alabama Council Elected
RE: Alabama Council Elected
Re: RE: Alabama Council Elected
I can’t understand that logic. Is the Church of God in Alabama a part of the Church of God or are they their own denomination?I do not know about the process at Pathway, but I do know for an absolute fact that there were Alabama men presented at Sumiton and Oak Park. Those local churches chose who they wanted to be their pastor. All three of the men that I mentioned are capable of pastoring at any church in our movement. They all three have had extraordinary success. Could it possibly be that God and the local church have a lot to do with this. Are you saying that Alabama should practice affirmative action by giving preference to in state men, regardless of the local church preference or the individual’s qualification?
You need to help me process some of these perceptions.You say, It is that political entitlement you speak of that motivated some of these moves.One of the North Georgia men spent 16 years at his first church. It grew from less than a dozen people to one of the largest churches in the region. He moved to his last church to a church that was in financial distress and turned it around in less than five years. He is well loved in North Georgia, served on the State Council, and would have inevitably been a state overseer in two years if he had stayed in North Georgia. He put that opportunity on the shelf to move to Alabama. Alabama has sent out at least 6 men to be state overseers in the last 15 years. 0 have come from North Georgia in the last 15 years. The executive committee will not be taking men from Alabama as State Overseers for a long time. They will certainly not pull two men in a row from the same church. By the way, a non North Georgia man is going to his former church. The other North Georgia man spent 18 years at the same church. With the help of the Lord, he grew his church exponentially, purchased a huge complex, and relocated his congregation into one of the fastest growing areas of Metro Atlanta. He is also very respected in North Georgia, has served on the State Council, and has served in state administration in other states. His North Georgia church was much larger with less debt than the Alabama church that he is going to. If an Alabama man would like to go to North Georgia, I am confident that Tom Madden would be more than happy to include a qualified person in the mix.The Florida pastor was elected to the council of 18 because his peers recognized the extraordinary job that he has done in South Florida. Like the other two gentlemen that I mentioned, he is well respected in Florida and was elected to the council in Florida. He is an excellent leader who will do a great job in his new assignment.I know each of these men well enough to tell you that they have enough integrity that they will not get caught up in the political posturing that is Alabama. They will show up, be supportive, and be engaged. However, they are each confident enough in who they are that they will not give any energy in trying to fit into to the political structure. I can almost guarantee that their three churches will grow and thrive under their leadership and that they will all be there a long time. I have talked to both of the men from North Georgia (Who are both originally from Alabama, btw). They have both told me that they hope to finish their ministry where they are assigned now.
Re: Alabama Council Elected
It is interesting that Travis Johnson, David Smith, and Victor Massey were all significant and well respected voices on the Florida and North Georgia councils and not elected to any boards in Alabama. Alabama is a territorial group. From what I hear, they are ready to build a wall like Trump to keep people from crossing the state line! 😂
We moved into our house the day before Minister’s Meeting. I wanted to be there in ,Birmingham but, couldn’t make it this time. On a personal level, I look forward to being involved with state functions. I don’t have an expectation of anything but good friendships. A lot of pastors in the state have reached out making us feel at home…really thankful for that.
But none of this matters, because God’s will can only work within state lines. You’ve obviously circumvented that, ruined fate and the course of history, and broken the timeline. You have personally ruined the multi-verse. Someone send in the Avengers, or The Flash, or Dr. Strange! ________________———My Facebook http://www.facebook.com/theB3
I grew up in Northeast Alabama. I attended high school at Ider, Alabama. I met my wife at the Pleasent View COG in Dutton. I was saved and called into ministry at the Fairview COG. I married my wife, dedicated my children to the Lord, and preached my first sermon at Fairview. My exhorter certificate was signed by Donald Pemberton after taking my test in Alabama. I have been a lifetime Alabama Crimson Tide fan, even during the 5 years that I lived in Athens, GA. When I pastored in Trenton, GA for 16 years, over 3/4 of our congregation lived in Alabama. Although I enjoyed our 21 years in North Georgia, I feel like I am back home.Like Travis, I have received a warm welcome from the minister’s of this state. I am excited to have the opportunity to serve at Oak Park. The previous pastor here has been a great friend for almost 30 years. We are building upon a great legacy. I have asked God to allow me to finish my ministry here. We are purchasing a home and plan to dig deep roots. Likewise, my only ambition is to serve the congregation at Oak Park with all of my abilities. While it has been my honor to serve on various boards through the years, I am frankly enjoying the opportunity to fully dedicate my time to the people at OPC. I have many wonderful friends here in Alabama. I will show up, be engaged, and serve in the ways that I can contribute. There are great leaders in this state! I was honored to be at the state minister’s meeting and have the privilege of voting for many of my friends. Roll Tide!
Well, OK Travis is the newbie.Welcome back and welcome Travis Johnson too
Who in their right mind would move from N. Ga to Ala? haha Just kidding.