77th General Assembly Less Than a Year Away
Plans are already underway for the 77th Church of God International General Assembly, scheduled to take place less than one year from now on July 31 – August 3, 2018 in Orlando, Florida.
The 2018 General Assembly (GA18) is perhaps the most anticipated event of the denomination. Taking place every two years, it is where vital business of the church occurs, including election of top leaders and members of the General Council debate issues of polity and practice as presented by the Executive Council. At the end of the week, the International General Assembly, consisting of all registered members 16 years of age and older, debate and vote on final passage of business of the week.
The Assembly also includes a number of additional events which highlight the ministries of the Church of God. Several biennial recognitions have become traditions, such as presentation of the Distinguished Educator Award, and others hold pre-Assembly conferences for their constituents, such as a two-day gathering of Church of God chaplains and reunion gatherings of Church of God educational institutions. The General Assembly also attracts delegates from around the globe, culminating in a “Parade of Nations” of representatives from most of the 183 nations where the Church of God has a presence.
Plans are also underway for the popular L.E.A.D. Conference, a one-day event featuring speakers on a number of ministry leadership topics. Keynote speakers are still being finalized for the event, which will be held on Monday, July 30, a day prior to the official opening of GA18. Speakers for the evening services, as well as a theme for GA18 will be announced at a later date. In addition, a website dedicated to information regarding registration, events, schedule, and hotel accommodations, will also be released in the months ahead.
The General Assembly Cabinet is tasked with planning for GA18 and has met several times already this year. Members have traveled to the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), the site for GA18, preparing for the arrival of the expected 10,000+ delegates next year.
While the General Assembly has been held at the OCCC in Orlando three times in the past (2010, 2012, and 2014), this will be the first time the event will be held in the West Concourse, across International Drive from the previous location, the South Concourse.
