International Council in Session This Week
Cleveland, TN—The Church of God International Council, a group of global leaders that meets every two years, opened their 2023 session on Sunday, September 24, at the International Offices.
International Council members consist of Church of God World Missions leadership, including the general director, assistant director, and field directors of the five geographical regions around the world. The Council is also joined by the five members of the International Executive Committee, World Missions board chairman, Indonesian and South African overseers, Hispanic and African-American department leaders, and representative leaders from each region. Members of the Council of Eighteen, also in town for regularly scheduled meetings later this week, are participating in the gathering.
General Overseer Tim Hill opened the session on Sunday night, followed by greetings from each member of the Executive Committee. Hill presented a report on the Harvest ’24 initiative. On Monday, World Missions Director M.Thomas Propes gave an update on the 365 Challenge.
General Overseer Tim Hill stands in front of a screen with more than a dozen African leaders who joined the International Council session by Zoom (click photo to enlarge)
A highlight of the meeting thus far have been reports from each region, which include Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. For the first time during the International Council, Zoom technology has been employed in a significant fashion allowing targeted reports from leaders on the ground. Despite major time differences, more than a dozen have joined in the three reports that had been delivered as of Monday morning.
“The impact of having these leaders in the room with us for these meetings is immeasurable,” stated General Overseer Tim Hill. “While there have been challenges with time zones and connectivity, I am eternally grateful that we have been able to hear from these men and women who are on the field in ministry at this moment.”
The International Council is scheduled to continue through Tuesday, September 26. In addition to the regional reports, the session is set to conclude with a discussion and action on motions presented. Following the closing of the International Council, the International Executive Council will begin their regularly scheduled gathering, expected to run through Wednesday, September 27.
Members of the International Council and International Executive Council pose for a formal photo on September 24, 2023 (click photo to enlarge)
