Former General Overseer Honored with Commendation
Former Church of God General Overseer Robert White was honored February 5 with a “Resolution of Commendation,” presented by current General Overseer Tim Hill. The presentation took place during the winter prayer conference for the state of Texas.
Portions of a formal resolution signed by members of the Church of God Executive Committee were read by Hill as he paid tribute to his one-time predecessor. White has served the Church of God for 67 years in a number of key ministry roles in his lifetime.
General Overseer Tim Hill (at podium) presents a Resolution of Commendation to Robert White (second from right). Joining in the presentation are (from left) Terry Hart, Toby Morgan, Diana Morgan, Paula Hill, Adelia White, Alisa White, Robert White and Tim Hill (click photo to enlarge)
Beginning his ministry at the age of 19, White served at his first pastorate in Petal, Mississippi followed by three in Texas before he was tapped by the Church of God to serve as state overseer in Montana/Wyoming in 1964. It was the first of four overseer appointments. Other states included Arizona, West Virginia, and Alabama.
White, who holds educational degrees from Rocky Mountain College (B.A.), Arizona State University (M.A.), and a D. Min. from Hamma School of Theology, was appointed to numerous educational boards, including Northwest and West Coast Bible Colleges, the General Board of Education and Director of General Education from 1974-1976. He also served as president of the Church of God School of Theology from 1986-1988.
White’s diverse and influential ministry was further demonstrated when he was elected to serve as Assistant Director and Director of Church of God World Missions.
Robert White reached the pinnacle of leadership in the Church of God when he was elected by his ministerial peers to serve as Second Assistant General Overseer in 1982, First Assistant General Overseer in 1990, and then as its top leader, General Overseer, in 1994. Following service as general overseer, White continued his distinguished leadership with election to the Executive Council and serving as National and International Evangelist, and then returning to his roots as a pastor. He now lives with his wife, Adelia, on the Church of God campground in Weatherford, Texas.
“I, along with the Church of God International Executive Committee, express unmatched appreciation to Robert White for his exceptional leadership and accomplishments,” Hill said in presenting the resolution. “He is to be commended for commitment and devotion to Spirit-empowered influence and leadership excellence in the Church of God across many areas and around the world. Dr. White’s lifetime of ministry leadership, contributions, and accomplishments have, and will continue to impact the Church of God for generations to come.”
Paula Hill joined her husband in making the presentation, along with Texas State Overseer Toby Morgan, Executive Council representative Terry Hart, and remarks by White’s daughter, Dr. Alisa White, president of Austin Peay University.
