Hill Releases Next Installment in Series
The latest installment in the “Let’s Talk About It” series has been released by Church of God General Overseer Timothy M. Hill. In this latest release, the general overseer addresses the awarding of “Honorary Doctorates.”
Hill began the series in late 2017 with two documents, followed by a release of four others earlier this year during the January 2018 meeting of the International Executive Council. Hill stated the series originated as a way to share his heart about topics which seem to frequently arise in the Church of God.
“As your general overseer,” Hill said, “my hope is that everyone who reads these documents will do so with an open mind and heart toward reconciling some issues which have at times in the past sparked debate. The topics are an attempt to clarify our denominational position and/or cast a vision for the future.”
The series is housed on a link at the Church of God website, churchofgod.org. Previous releases address topics such as church planting, the tithe of tithes, “systems,” financial transparency, and the General Assembly. Others include such creative titles as Broom Trees, Caves, and the Real Truth and What Was I Thinking?
In the latest release on honorary doctorates, Hill addresses the practice of bestowing the titles through a personal story when he received the honor in 2006 from the Pentecostal Theological Seminary:
“I stood behind the podium and looked into the faces of men and women who had ‘earned’ doctorates, in the sense that is typically recognized. Those good folks also had ‘earned’ school bills that tipped the scales anywhere from $60,000 to $100,000, depending upon their unique experiences…I remember saying that night, and almost to the very word, ‘thank you, President Land and faculty. I am indeed honored and certainly feel affirmed…I don’t take this lightly but I assure you, I receive this honor for what it is. You have honored me and I am deeply moved. However, I commit to those of you that have walked these halls, set at these desks and spent countless hours in research and years in study, I will not abuse this privilege by loosely touting the nomenclature of ‘Doctor.’”
The full document, as well as the complete “Let’s Talk About It” series is available online by visiting www.churchofgod.org/lets-talk-about-it. Pathway Press is maintaining a supply of each title for those who wish to order hard copies for distribution. Please contact David Ray at [email protected] to order.
