| Wow... just got word that Lamar Vest is resigning as president of the Pentecostal Seminary (COG Theological Seminary). See press release below.Any ideas on who might be the new president?//////////////The Administration, Faculty and Staff of PTS received the following communication from President R. Lamar Vest last week. We want to share it with you so that you will be aware of what is taking place. We will provide you updated information on the incomng President as soon as the Board of Trustees makes an announcement. Last week at the General Assembly in Nashville, a very comprehensive Contemporary Ministerial Development Committee Report was adopted. The report focuses on the development of a culture of learning to prepare every minister for the challenges and opportunities of ministry by mobilizing every agency and all available resources to invest in perpetual ministerial training. This, in my opinion, is one of the most substantive issues adopted by the General Assembly in many years. In keeping with the fulfillment of the adoption of this report, the newly elected International Executive Committee made the decision to bring the global educational efforts of the Church of God together and to ask the President of PTS to take on an expanded role in the administration of the new structure. Upon learning of this new direction, I informed the General Overseer and the Chair of the PTS Board that I did not feel that my current health condition would allow me to assume these expanded responsibilities. As most of you know, I am facing the possibility of spinal surgery within the next few weeks that will require an extended recovery period.When first confronted with the proposed changes in our expanded ministerial development initiatives, I affirmed that I believe that it was an idea long overdue. In fact, I have been among those who have advocated this for several years. It is a clear indication that the Bishops of the church are assuming a more active role in the theological and practical training of ministers. I shared with the Board that I felt like Moses standing on the precipice of the Promised Land but not being able to cross over. I will, however, be very supportive of whoever is chosen to lead this strategic and far-reaching endeavor. The process of presidential selection is presently under consideration of the PTS Board of Trustees.During these past two years, you all have provided unwavering support for Vickie and me, and through your encouragement and guidance we have been able to make obvious progress. We have shared a unique camaraderie, which will hopefully continue in the years to come. I now look forward to supporting and partnering with the new President of PTS to see even greater things for the future. |