I know that this board is slow. I drop in occasionally and post very little anymore, but I thought I would keep the tradition going.Before anyone drops the condemnation for being political, the reality is that this discussion is happening all over the Church of God right now, so we might as well have it here out in the open.
I’ll stay away from naming names. I’m more concerned that the COG is seemingly forever entrenched in the mindset that says unless you’re Caucasian and have gray/silver/white hair you will not be part of any high level decision making in the denomination. I want to see diversity at the highest levels of CoG leadership, and not just an occasional token. For what it’s worth, my pastor sees Tim Hill as the Pentecostal equivalent to the pope, and unless he’s re-elected the denomination will succumb to a wave of liberalism________________“Hell will be filled with people that didn’t cuss, didn’t drink, and may even have been baptized. Why? Because none of those things makes someone a Christian.”
I smile at the ‘liberalism’ thing. Most pastors today cannot remember the church I was in in the 1940-50 era. Compared to that time the COG is already more liberal than many Baptist/Pentecostal groups.That is time changes things. HOwever I do agree that the top level of leadership needs diversity. ________________Some facts but mostly just my [email protected]/
I think your pastor may be right! The COG is at a critical place where we have to get it righ on our leadership. I also believe in diversity, but not just for the sake of diversity. For instance, liberation theology is infiltrating our Latin American seminaries. I don’t want to place someone in our leadership who adheres to that worldview, just to create diversity.I don’t have a full list of names yet, but I don’t mind sharing some that I am voting for:Executive CommitteeTim HillGary LewisTom MaddenTony StewartJohn ChildersCouncilMelvin ShulerBill LeeScott SheppardDavid SmithJason DaughdrillJoe DobbinsEdwin Lipsey
Yep it seems to work great for Congress… ________________Some facts but mostly just my [email protected]/
Based on the proposal concerning the Council of 18, it is entirely possible that we will be selecting a full new council to serve for this next tenure. It is interesting the dynamics that come into play when the requirement of the minutes is balanced against not having a 2020 General Assembly. On one side, they served their tenure, which by all rights is complete. On the other is the challenge of a totally new council with no continuity of voice and experience in the ongoing matters that have been discussed and dealt with for the past four years.
Yep it seems to work great for Congress… [/quoteExcept in Congress they never get retirement age.
Just to clarify, I am not wanting diversity for the sake of diversity. I want diversity in order to have new thoughts, ideas, and perspectives brought to the CoG. I am a very biblically conservative Christian, and I recognize that culture is changing at warp speed. Yes, don’t change the message, but the denomination must have a plan in place to reach those who don’t resemble its current leadership. Or not, if the old guard continues to have its way________________“Hell will be filled with people that didn’t cuss, didn’t drink, and may even have been baptized. Why? Because none of those things makes someone a Christian.”
The old guard…
I’m responding to this part of your response, if the old guard continues to have its way.I honestly don’t see a strong connection between those who sit in the 5 offices in Cleveland and the diversity of the church at the local level. While I honor our leadership, and am thankful for the roles they fill in leading our church, I haven’t seen how diversity in those offices has affected how I do ministry at the church I pastor. I’m not against diversity in leadership, and I do feel that some shifting at the top is good, as it brings fresh ideas, gifts and abilities to the forefront of our movement. If we want genuine change in our movement, our younger pastors and ministers need to stop making excuses for why they don’t, and show up at the General Assembly. Go through the process, get credentialed as an Ordained Bishop, sit in the meetings, speak and vote. Yes, vote for who you feel should lead us. And vote for the principles and doctrines that you feel should define and direct us. But at home, where you pastor, reach and reflect the community in your diversity.
“I hear rumors that some preachers are stirring stuff up on the internet”.
“I hear rumors that some preachers are stirring stuff up on the internet”.If your interpretation of “some preachers” on the “internet” includes members of the Executive Council and the overwhelming majority of COG ministers, General Assembly motions addressing the issues, and the COG repossesing their acadamies, then yes, that is what it is.
“I hear rumors that some preachers are stirring stuff up on the internet”.If your interpretation of “some preachers” on the “internet” includes members of the Executive Council and the overwhelming majority of COG ministers, General Assembly motions addressing the issues, and the COG repossesing their acadamies, then yes, that is what it is.
“I hear rumors that some preachers are stirring stuff up on the internet”.If your interpretation of “some preachers” on the “internet” includes members of the Executive Council and the overwhelming majority of COG ministers, General Assembly motions addressing the issues, and the COG repossesing their acadamies, then yes, that is what it is. Thank you! I have only heard about some preachers on the internet. I am not a COG preacher nor a member so I don’t have access to what is going on. I appreciate you replying but you didn’t share what the deal is. Neither did they. That’s why I call it a rumor. Again, can you tell me what the issue is?
“I hear rumors that some preachers are stirring stuff up on the internet”.If your interpretation of “some preachers” on the “internet” includes members of the Executive Council and the overwhelming majority of COG ministers, General Assembly motions addressing the issues, and the COG repossesing their acadamies, then yes, that is what it is. Thank you! I have only heard about some preachers on the internet. I am not a COG preacher nor a member so I don’t have access to what is going on. I appreciate you replying but you didn’t share what the deal is. Neither did they. That’s why I call it a rumor. Again, can you tell me what the issue is? One issue is professors at our University and Seminary who teach doctrine that contradicts COG Theology. The push is that all bible related professors should be COG in faith and practice, therefore teaching theology that aligns with our movement. These are COG institutions, and should not be teaching theology that contradicts us. This is the practice of the AOG with their higher learning institutions, and should be ours as well IMO.
“I hear rumors that some preachers are stirring stuff up on the internet”.If your interpretation of “some preachers” on the “internet” includes members of the Executive Council and the overwhelming majority of COG ministers, General Assembly motions addressing the issues, and the COG repossesing their acadamies, then yes, that is what it is. Thank you! I have only heard about some preachers on the internet. I am not a COG preacher nor a member so I don’t have access to what is going on. I appreciate you replying but you didn’t share what the deal is. Neither did they. That’s why I call it a rumor. Again, can you tell me what the issue is? One issue is professors at our University and Seminary who teach doctrine that contradicts COG Theology. The push is that all bible related professors should be COG in faith and practice, therefore teaching theology that aligns with our movement. These are COG institutions, and should not be teaching theology that contradicts us. This is the practice of the AOG with their higher learning institutions, and should be ours as well IMO. Good luck with that.