Executive Council Conducts First Meeting of 2012
The International Executive Council recently held their first meeting of the new year, beginning the process toward the 74th International General Assembly.
By H. Lynn Stone, D.Min., Administrative Liaison to the General Overseer
The highlight of the January, 2012, International Executive Council Meeting was the presentation by General Overseer Raymond F. Culpepper. Traditionally, this presentation is referred to as the “State of the Church” address. But this year Dr. Culpepper chose a unique approach. The Communications Ministry was asked to prepare a series of five-minute video clips that would highlight the ministry of each division of the church.
After many hours of skilled labor, the personnel in communications were able to present four excellent videos that highlighted one by one the ministries of the Divisions of World Evangelization, Care, Discipleship, and Education. Afterwards, the Executive Committee director of each division was given the opportunity to make additional comments pertaining to his division. The members of the council were highly appreciative of this innovative overview of the present ministries of the church.
As is customary at its January meeting preceding a General Assembly, the Church of God Executive Council focused the majority of its time and attention on the motions that have been submitted by constituents. This is always an arduous task that demands intense concentration, diligent work, and dedicated zeal. By the time of this year’s January meeting, 77 different recommendations had already been presented for consideration for the agenda of the 2012 International General Assembly in Orlando.
Church of God ministers and laity should know that this is a responsibility that the Executive Council does not take lightly. Every item that is properly submitted—that is, each motion must be mailed to the general overseer and signed by the author—is considered in a step-by-step process that includes: (1) an initial review of each item by the office of the General Overseer; (2) a review and proper classification of all items by the General Council Agenda Committee; (3) a review of all items by the International Executive Committee; (4) consideration of all items by the General Council Agenda Committee with recommendations for the Executive Council; (5) an item-by-item review of the GCAC recommendations by the International Executive Committee; and, (6) a consideration of every item by the International Executive Council.
This process must be finalized by the conclusion of the January meeting each Assembly year. This enables the proper disposition of items requiring previous notice to ministers and laity as directed by the Bylaws of the Church of God. At its April meeting, the Council will consider additional items that do not require previous notice and complete the process that will prepare the final agenda for the General Assembly. At this time, it is premature to discuss specific items being considered because changes may yet occur at the April meeting. But every Church of God member and minister should be thankful for the dedication and commitment of each one of the members of the International Executive Council.
