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Let's talk about this.We have lost good people to the movement because they chose to pastor outside the denomination or wouldn't bring their mission/church into the movement.Isn't it time we license/ordain our people for ministry with fewer restrictions. For example, is a COG preacher is asked to pastor an independent work that has sound doctrine, shouldn't he be allowed to do so?No, I've never been asked (No one wants me). But if a minister has an opportunity to further the kingdom and he doesn't preach anything contrary to church doctrine, shouldn't we wish him Godspeed?What is your opinion

From the Bylaws Article IXSection 9. Ministry in a Non-Assemblies of God ChurchMinisters shall not be limited or restrained from entering open doors to preach this Pentecostal message, so long as they retain Assemblies of God doctrine, standards of holiness, proper attitudes, and proper ministerial conduct without compromise. Inasmuch as unity is a vital principle for growth and spiritual development of the Assemblies of God Fellowship, it is essential that we recognize our relationship to each other and that we practice Christian cooperation in all our pastoral, evangelistic, missionary, and local church work. We recommend therefore that our ministers confer with district council officials before engaging in ministry in any church group or organization not affiliated with the Assemblies of God so as to ascertain whether such ministry might result in confusion or misunderstandings.If the minister does not have district approval, he or she shall be expected to refrain from conducting services for the church. Ministers who violate this principle shall be subject to discipline.We can minister in non AG churches (even COG

That is a great point.So how do we deal with the negative arguement, We have our own churches needing pastors. So why should we allow people to pastor outside of the movement?

Does he? I wonder if he holds both Congregational Holiness and COG papers. I had a conversation with a CH denominational official last year. He said that Free Chapel was CH and that brother Jentezen was good about making sure that all the staff got CH ordination

I agree with the thoughts stated in the original post. Good points have been made in the first few comments. I think the 'foot soldiers' in our church agree with the post also.One of our biggest problems in the COG comes when a 'VERY senior' individual bends/breaks certain rules and standards, and it is ignored but When brother 'little guy' does the same he is 'CALLED on the carpet'. If you have been around over 10-15 years you can see a couple of examples. Some facts but mostly just my [email protected]/

We just licensed and ordained our first at large Elder.He is pastor of an Independent work in Demopolis, AL and is doing great.I have always instructed our ministers to preach wherever they are invited.Works for us. Charles A. HutchinsSenior Pastor SPWCCongregational Church of Godwww.spwc.church

Does he? I wonder if he holds both Congregational Holiness and COG papers. I had a conversation with a CH denominational official last year. He said that Free Chapel was CH and that brother Jentezen was good about making sure that all the staff got CH ordination.

From what I gather from reading the New Testament:The apostles Paul and Barnabas were 'separated' for ministry by the laying on of hands, and their apostolic ministry was not limited to a certain church.These apostles ordained elders of local assemblies. Their eldership/overseership was connected to a particular assembly.It would seem the seven, if they were deacons, were ordained for a local assembly. Phoebe was a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea. I see evangelist and prophet, and teacher as gifts that individuals can operate in without being ordained through the laying on of hands.Most denomination ordinations I am familiar with do not really exactly correspond with any of these

I've hoped for some time that we would adopt a model closer to the SBC, with churches being autonomous and leadership comprised of pastors still pastoring a church rather than leaving a church for an executive position [Jesus] will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. - Nicene Creed