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Why did you have to surrender the license?Did someone ask for it?If the church was indie - why not keep COG credentials (unless the indie leadership didn't want you to) and let them know this was the only ministry door open to you - but you will keep following the COG teachings until such time you get another COG pastorate - and keep reporting to the COG - just not as a church - but as a COG minister without a COG appointment at this time.I just don't see why that couldn't happen

Darrell, I don't know the particulars, and I know there are two sides to every story, but I am bummed out that you were made to make such a decision. Assuming you are the wronged party (and I trust that to be the case), I truly hope this was from more local concerns rather than from Cleveland. And if it wasn't from Cleveland, I hope you will plead your case to Tim Hill et. al so that this matter might be resolved in a way that wins for everyone involved.

Darrell -- so many questions/thoughts here... 1. Why would the COG not allow your new church to come into the denomination? That seems like a slam dunk to me for all parties involved. 2. What made you decide to switch from your previous church to this one, and into an Associate role? 3. I'm having trouble understanding why you've been given a COG/my way or the highway only option... Anything you can add here? Seriously - praying for you. That's a lot of time in to be given such an ultimatum ---------My Facebook www.facebook.com/theB3

I want to be careful about how I answer this because I do not want to make accusations or insinuations about the AB. To state it simply, the AB felt like Pastor Keith Moore had broken fellowship with the COG (He was a COG Ordained Bishop himself) and had made statements that were anti-Church of God. I've asked for clarity as to what has been said, but I've never received a response. Based on those statements, the AB stated he could not and would not work with this church and therefore gave me the ultimatum to change my mind and leave this position or surrender my credentials. It was made clear that if I did neither, my credentials would be revoked.As to why the associate position. Keith planted this church a couple of years ago and asked me to come on board first and foremost to help them now, but also with the intention that in the near future, he will be stepping aside and I will assume the pastorate of this church.I too thought this would be an (as you said) slam dunk for all concerned. The church is only 2 years old but we are stable, growing and own a beautiful building, have a school operating and have a debt load of under $80,000. It would have cost the state/COG NOTHING to bring in a solid, strong church that adheres to identical teachings. Seemed like a logical move to make, but apparently not, so we move forward on our own.Here's a link to our FB page: (the website is still being built) www.facebook.com/CLCPekin/

Thanks. I guess I get it from what you're telling me. Too bad it has to be this way, but if this is what God is calling you to, then you will be blessed nonetheless ---------My Facebook www.facebook.com/theB3

Centralized government.The names change, the behavior remains the same.You will be fine.We have since 1989. Charles A. HutchinsSenior Pastor SPWCCongregational Church of Godwww.spwc.church

It bothers me that there was no more deep discussion on this. My word! Negative things about the COG being said? I hear credentialed minister within the denomination say 'dispariging things' concerning our COG.But as a member, and a PK as you, with a long history with the COG I am always amazed how at times leadership seem to 'hold a grudge' rather than seek peace and further the Kingdom.I read Henry Ford II (?)'s autobiography when he fired Iaccoca. He said, I told Lee, I know you have made us more money than we ever have. I also know I will never have this advantage again, BUT I JUST DON'T LIKE YOU!He was rich enough to make stupid decisions, our church and the Kingdom does not have that luxury!Sorry about a crazy situation my friend, but God is good, and you stick with the Lord and all will be well.Love from North CArolin Some facts but mostly just my [email protected]/

I'm sure the overseer would probably have some degree of justification for his decision, but I'm thinking that if YOU were likely going to assume the reins in two years, and had been a minister in good standing, it seems like it would have been worth bringing them in, then waiting for a pastor more loyal to the Church of God.In any case, no one lives forever, so there's that.

We begged the General Overseer in 1989 to look into what happened to us.He replied I do not interfere with the decisions of a State Overseer.Hey, maybe Tim Hill is different.Who knows? Charles A. HutchinsSenior Pastor SPWCCongregational Church of Godwww.spwc.church

I wish I could say I’m shocked to hear this, but it is just par for the course.