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Old Time Country Preacher

A Few Thoughts on the Current Context of the COG: Leadership, Elections, Etc...

Acts-pert Poster Posts: 15565 **5/17/16 12:34 am**

Anyone wishing to employ their research skills may search the 15+ years of Actscelerate archives (the length of time OTCP has been posting on Acts), and in particular, examine in detail every post made by OTCP. Not one post, other than those made in parody/jest/fun, will be found where the ole timer demeaned/maligned/berated this wonderful entity called the Church of God. OTCP is 4th gen Pentecostal, 3rd gen COG, and loves this movement with all his heart. That said, the following comments are in no way intended as a negative assessment of the COG, its leadership, polity, doctrine or structure. It is simply a personal observation and assessment of our present status/condition. The comments are in no particular order.

First, as an organization, we are extremely top heavy. For example, the SBC, ten times the size of the COG, has a president who is also a pastor. True, SBC polity and church structure is different than the COG, but still, we see what can be accomplished with far less full-time executive administrative positions. Our current paradigm is the fault of no one presently in leadership; rather, it is an organizational structure/system that has evolved ever so slowly into its current form. Many of the mechanisms currently in place were voted on and implemented in order to—at least theoretically—eliminate the possibility of dictatorial leadership. These mechanisms, while originally well intentioned, limit/curb/hinder even the most miniscule attempts at change. This is not a statement designed to expose or call out specific persons as though the fault of such a system could be placed at their feet. No, the fault/reason for our current model resides with the entire General Council/General Assembly and decades of additions/amendments to polity/by-laws.

Second, no person—regardless of how gifted—elected to executive/administrative office can produce the change that so many call/yearn for. This lesson should have been learned when Dr. Paul Walker was elected for two terms as Gen Overseer. I remember the sentiment as we left the assembly the year he was elected for the first term. Walker had done such a phenomenal job over the years at Mt. Paran, many were projecting a new day for the COG. Walker was christened by more than a few as a savior of sorts, who would lead the COG to the next level of effectiveness. However, when he assumed office, the existing organizational structure (i.e., the compilation of by-laws, processes, etc., that had to be negotiated) limited much of what Walker could (and probably would) have done. No reflection on Walker, I love the guy, but he had to operate within the system created by decades of Gen Council/Gen Assembly votes/rulings/etc.

That said, the cry for “new blood” to be voted on the EC or C-18, while in and of itself is not a bad thing, even if accomplished, will not, in and of itself, produce the kind of change so many desire. Nothing wrong with creative/innovative thinking, ideas, etc. But because our organizational paradigm requires so much time, so many hurdles that must be jumped, to get an idea/concept from the discussion/dialogue phase to implementation, change is not going to happen quickly. I share this with the hope that we will view change realistically, not through as set of fairy tale lens where a knight in shining armor is going to be elected and solve all our problems. Our current paradigm was created over decades. Our solutions will not occur overnight.

If, in Nashville, every man elected to the EC is under the age of 35, and if every member of the C-18 is also under the age of 35, yes, there will be creative/innovative ideas abounding. However, this hypothetical leadership team will have two choices: 1) Operate within the current paradigm to bring about change—painfully and excruciatingly slow; or 2) Circumvent the by-laws/polity set forth by the Gen Assembly and implement change(s) as desired. The same would be true if every man elected to the EC and C-18 is over 75 years of age. No one has the right to circumvent the minutes of the Gen Assembly. So, the issue isn’t necessarily about age as much as it is about our modus operandi. When this is amended, something that will occur painfully slow, perhaps then we can experience within a reasonable timeframe the kind of change some are calling for.

Third, while executive/administrative leadership is important and has its place in the overall schematic of an organization, genuine ministry occurs primarily via the local church, e.g., the pastorate, chaplaincy, para-church ministries, evangelists/evangelism, Christian schools/daycares, missions, outreach, etc. The local church is the front line of ministry. International, state, regional administrative offices/positions should exist to provide resources/networking that will increase the effectiveness of the local church, not to provide a self-sustaining number of administrative positions where every two years we play a game of musical chairs.

What’s the game plan? The ministers of the COG need to pray as never before for direction from God, be willing to make the sacrifices needed for the good of the movement, and above all, realize that God birthed the COG, he can certainly lead us through substantive and productive transition.

Eddie Robbins

Acts-pert Poster Posts: 16509 **5/17/16 6:19 am**

Truth!

Da Sheik

Acts Enthusiast Posts: 1860 **5/17/16 6:34 am**

Quiet Wyatt

[Insert Acts Pun Here] Posts: 12792 **5/17/16 1:59 pm**

The only thing that effectively can reduce top-heaviness would be cutting the mandatory funds required from the local church. Just as is true with Washington DC, as long as the money keeps flowing in, the government/leadership WILL keep the behemoth as well-fed and growing as possible.

Rather than slow, tedious policy adjustments to our organization, another major trimming back of the mandated percentages sent in by local churches into the denomination is the only way the top-heaviness will ever be significantly reduced.

Change Agent

Acts Enthusiast Posts: 1449 **5/17/16 2:47 pm**

OTCP, You and I don't agree very often. It about time you are leading instead of calling out error. You nailed it. Surprised

sheepdogandy

Hon. Dr. in Acts-celeratology Posts: 7298 **5/17/16 8:47 pm**

Centralized government.

You gotta love it! Laughing

_________________
Charles A. Hutchins
Senior Pastor SPWC
Congregational Church of God

www.spwc.church

Old Time Country Preacher

Acts-pert Poster Posts: 15565 **5/18/16 1:40 am**

bonnie knox

[Insert Acts Pun Here] Posts: 14803 **5/18/16 6:57 am**

wayne

Acts Enthusiast Posts: 1274 **5/18/16 7:50 am**

bonnie knox

[Insert Acts Pun Here] Posts: 14803 **5/18/16 8:15 am**

Ole Timer, I feel compelled to say you made an impressive post (even more impressive than your other impressive posts, lol). I hope your post generates some healthy dialogue.
Idea

sheepdogandy

Hon. Dr. in Acts-celeratology Posts: 7298 **5/18/16 9:11 am**

Nope, I never loved it.

Besides you folks are the ones crying about it now.

You have supported this system, now feed it.
_________________
Charles A. Hutchins
Senior Pastor SPWC
Congregational Church of God

www.spwc.church

Old Time Country Preacher

Acts-pert Poster Posts: 15565 **5/18/16 12:53 pm**

sheepdogandy

Hon. Dr. in Acts-celeratology Posts: 7298 **5/18/16 2:24 pm**

Your fishing again Ol Timer.

I never "worked" the system.

I had no issues with it, until it bit me (and many others whom I love).

You really don't want a re-telling of the events of 1989, do you?

With specifics, including names.

I am but one of many who have experienced the "dark side" of Church of God government.

It amuses me to read the observations of those who would crucify me because of my convictions, yet themselves reveal the same short comings, and reach the same conclusions.

All the smoke screens and attempted diversions cannot change the truth.

Read your own post.

It is what it is.
_________________
Charles A. Hutchins
Senior Pastor SPWC
Congregational Church of God

www.spwc.church

Old Time Country Preacher

Acts-pert Poster Posts: 15565 **5/18/16 4:45 pm**

sheepdogandy

Hon. Dr. in Acts-celeratology Posts: 7298 **5/18/16 5:19 pm**

Hey, I am getting old.

Aren't I? Shocked

_________________
Charles A. Hutchins
Senior Pastor SPWC
Congregational Church of God

www.spwc.church

Old Time Country Preacher

Acts-pert Poster Posts: 15565 **5/18/16 9:34 pm**

sheepdogandy

Hon. Dr. in Acts-celeratology Posts: 7298 **5/20/16 12:45 pm**

I used to be 100% Church of God.

Now I am a hybird of Church of God, Assemblies of God and Congregationalist.

They tell me I'm bigger and better than ever! Laughing

_________________
Charles A. Hutchins
Senior Pastor SPWC
Congregational Church of God

www.spwc.church

Clint Wills

Hon. Dr. in Acts-celeratology Posts: 5163 **5/25/16 10:27 am**

This year I think I recognize why younger leadership is important. I think, too, that it's worth noting the word "younger" is not the same as "young". Younger than 70 is anyone under 70. When I think of, "young" on the other hand, I think about my 10 year old son. A 40 year old man is not young...believe me - I'm getting close!!
I think, however, that we need people that are young enough to see change through. In most cases a 60 year old pastor will behave differently than a 40 year old pastor. At 60 you're thinking about the end more than the beginning. That's a generalization, but I think it's mostly accurate. I look at 60 year old people around me and they are in (or near) retirement mode.
At the denominational level I would love to have leaders who can see change through. This is a big reason I am in favor of removing AB tenure limitations. Finding ABs in their 40's is rough because they know they'll be out of a job in their 50's. Also...if an AB is at a state for 2-4 (or even 6) years, they could theoretically just continually pass the buck on to the next guy without ever having the opportunity to make tough decisions and see things through.

georgiapath

Acts-dicted Posts: 7587 **5/25/16 10:51 am**

OTCP, I don't think anybody believes you are an otcp living in Pikeville, Ky. I think you are really one of the big shots in Cleveland. Care to tell me I'm wrong. Laughing

Old Time Country Preacher

Acts-pert Poster Posts: 15565 **5/25/16 11:04 am**