Symposium Presented on Cultural Diversity
Cleveland, TN—A group of church leaders appointed to research and report on issues related to cultural diversity in the church, presented a symposium to state administrative bishops and International Offices leaders.
The hour-long event took place via Zoom on Wednesday, October 27. Intended to be in two parts, a follow-up to the symposium is planned for January when additional presenters will offer more topics to the same audience, with a goal to eventually disseminate the information to the general church.
Church of God General Overseer Tim Hill welcomed the online audience touting the “wonderful participation.”
“This is a very worthy and needed Kingdom conversation,” Hill stated. “We are all forever learning…every day I wake up looking for opportunities to be a better leader and man of God.”
Four presenters from the Cultural Diversity Committee made brief presentations designed to stimulate and continue the ongoing conversation about how the church should and can be relevant in the current cultural climate.
Opening the session was Carlos Moran, director of Hispanic Ministries for the Church of God who defined general terms and concepts related to cultural diversity. Moran was followed by State Administrative Bishop of California/Nevada Sean O’Neal who presented an enlightening report on current diversity of leadership throughout the Church of God, primarily in North America.
Director of Ministerial Development Dr. Michael Reynolds briefed the virtual audience on how the church can continue to be on mission by valuing all people, removing barriers and restoring the image of God to culture with “the goal to look like Heaven.”
Concluding the session was Dr. Sang-Ehil Han, vice president at the Pentecostal Theological Seminary. All members of the International Executive Committee were present and participated throughout the event by offering introductions, prayers and commentary.
