2012 INTERNATIONAL GENERAL COUNCIL

AGENDA

Church of God 74th International General Assembly July 24–27, 2012 Orlando, Florida

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74th International General Assembly International General Council Agenda SCHEDULE Tuesday, July 24 8:30 a.m.– Noon 2:00 p.m.– 4:30 p.m.* 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 25 8:30 a.m.– Noon 2:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.

*If the Special Order of the Day prevails, a General Assembly Business Meeting will convene at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday. Thursday, July 26 8:30 a.m.– Noon 2:00 p.m.– 4:30 p.m.

Friday, July 27 8:30 a.m.– 11:30 a.m. 2:00 p.m.– 4:30 p.m. (General Assembly Business Session)

Check the Monday edition of GA Today for schedule of International General Council prayer meetings.

OFFICIAL OPENING INSTRUCTIONS TO DELEGATES APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES Usher Motions Teller Parliamentarians Sergeant-at-Arms NOMINATIONS OF INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 1. General Overseer 2. First Assistant General Overseer 3. Second Assistant General Overseer 4. Third Assistant General Overseer 5. Secretary General SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY “Elected Positions”

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Page 61, S2. BYLAWS OF THE CHURCH OF GOD, ARTICLE VI. GOVERNING BODIES, 1. International General Assembly, Elections: The International General Assembly shall elect the general overseer, the assistant general overseers, the secretary general, the director of Youth and Discipleship, the assistant director of Youth and Discipleship, the director of World Missions, and the assistant director of World Missions.

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OTHER NOMINATIONS 6. 7. 8. 9.

Director of Youth and Discipleship Assistant Director of Youth and Discipleship* Director of World Missions Assistant Director of World Missions*

*If the Special Order of the Day prevails in the International General Council and in the International General Assembly, no nomination will be made for this position.

ELECTION OF COUNCIL OF EIGHTEEN 1. SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY – ELECTED POSITIONS Note: If adopted by the International General Council and the International General Assembly, these motions will terminate the two positions identified and remove them from the list of nominations by the International General Council on page 62 of the Minutes. We recommend: 1) That we amend page 61, S2. BYLAWS OF THE CHURCH OF GOD, ARTICLE VI. GOVERNING BODIES, 1. International General Assembly, Elections by striking the words, “the assistant director of Youth and Discipleship.” 2) That we amend page 61, S2. BYLAWS OF THE CHURCH OF GOD, ARTICLE VI. GOVERNING BODIES, 1. International General Assembly, Elections by striking the words, “the assistant director of World Missions.” 3) That other references to these positions in the Minutes be amended to reflect these motions (page 62, S2., VI. 2., 5; page 67, S4., II., 2; page 78, S10., II.; page 82, S12., II, B., 2.; pages 83, 84, S12., IV.). (Continued on page 7) 5

Pages 137, 138, S49. AFFILIATION WITH CHURCH OF GOD: [1994] When a church or association of churches desires to become affiliated with the Church of God, thus becoming part of the International General Assembly, the church or association must follow the established procedure for acceptance into the Church of God as set forth by the International General Assembly. Appropriate forms of organization, with resolutions to unite with the church, must be processed in a legal business meeting to show acceptance of the faith, government, polity, and practices of the Church of God, and the willingness to abide by the actions of the International General Assembly. All of the necessary forms pertaining thereto, including deeds, shall be submitted not more than five (5) years after the date of the affiliation/organization meeting, renewable at the request of the local church and with the approval of the administrative bishop.

Page 106, Section S27. STATE EVANGELISM AND MISSIONS DIRECTOR (USA MISSIONS), I. SELECTION, paragraph 1: 1. The state overseer shall submit to the State Council the names of nominees for state Evangelism and Missions director for election prior to the International General Assembly. Ordained bishops (where practical) shall be used to fill the office.

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2. AFFILIATION WITH CHURCH OF GOD We recommend: That we amend pages 137, 138, S49. AFFILIATION WITH CHURCH OF GOD, by substituting the following: That non-Church of God churches that wish to affiliate with the Church of God be allowed to join as associate churches. They shall be able to retain ownership of their properties. They shall make monthly reports to the state/regional and general offices with the same financial accountability as International General Assembly congregations. The pastor shall submit to a background check and he/she shall secure Church of God ministerial credentials in accordance with the denomination’s polity.

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An associate church can remove its associate status by placing the church properties on a Church of God warranty deed with the approval of the administrative bishop and the state/regional council.

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3. STATE EVANGELISM AND MISSIONS DIRECTOR We recommend: 1) That on page 106, Section S27. STATE EVANGELISM AND MISSIONS DIRECTOR (USA MISSIONS), I. SELECTION, paragraph 1. be amended by striking the word shall, and inserting the word may, so as to read:

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Page 107, Section S27. STATE EVANGELISM AND MISSIONS DIRECTOR (USA MISSIONS), II. DUTIES AND AUTHORITIES: II. Duties and Authorities The state Evangelism and Missions director shall: 1. Be responsible for the state missions program in the state as directed by the state overseer. 2. With the state Evangelism Board, draft a state program under the supervision of the state overseer that will implement the program and policies of evangelism and missions as recommended by the USA Missions Board. This would include the establishing of Pioneers for Christ; Men’s Fellowships; senior adult, child evangelism, and tract ministries in each local church; and the implementation of all other recommended evangelism and state missions programs as provided. 3. Provide leadership and guidance in the establishing of new churches. 4. Visit the churches in his state to preach the Word and conduct seminars and conferences on evangelism and personal soulwinning. 5. Counsel with pastors and local church staffs in all phases of the general and state Evangelism programs (55th A., 1974, p. 57). 6. Work to enhance the status of the evangelists in his state and assist them in problems that are peculiar to their ministries. 7. Create ways and means to enhance evangelistic outreach in the state (54th A., 1972, pp. 55, 56).

Page 106, S26. STATE YOUTH AND DISCIPLESHIP DIRECTOR, II. DUTIES AND AUTHORITIES: II. Duties and Authorities The state Youth and Discipleship director shall: 1. Work under the supervision of the state overseer. (Continued on page 10) 8

1. The state overseer shall may submit to the State Council the names of nominees for state Evangelism and Missions director for election prior to the International General Assembly. Ordained bishops (where practical) shall be used to fill the office.

2) That on page 107, Section S27. STATE EVANGELISM AND MISSIONS DIRECTOR (USA MISSIONS), II. DUTIES AND AUTHORITIES be deleted.

4. STATE YOUTH AND DISCIPLESHIP DIRECTOR We recommend: That we amend page 106, S26. STATE YOUTH AND DISCIPLESHIP DIRECTOR, II. DUTIES AND AUTHORITIES, by substituting the following paragraph: The State Youth and Discipleship director shall work under the supervision of the state overseer and the duties and authorities of the Youth and Discipleship director are to be defined by the state overseer and state council.

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Duties and Authorities con’t: 2. Draft a state program under the supervision of the state overseer that will implement programs and policies of Christian education and discipleship. This would include, the establishment of the Sunday school in each local church, the establishment of Family Training Hour and/or YPE in each local church, and the implementation of all other recommended Christian education and discipleship ministries. 3. Stimulate interest in behalf of Bible schools, colleges, and home and foreign missions. 4. Visit the churches in his state, ministering the Word, conducting seminars and workers conferences, and consulting with the pastor and his staff in areas of Christian education and discipleship. 5. Plan for and promote the general interest of the Home for Children. 6. Appoint, with the district overseer, a district Youth and Discipleship director on each district. Each state shall formulate its own plan for district directors’ travel expense.

Page 68, S4. INTERNATIONAL GENERAL COUNCIL, IV. INTERNATIONAL GENERAL COUNCIL MOTIONS COMMITTEE: All new motions and resolutions that are to claim the attention of the International General Council shall be written and given a place on the agenda, and to serve this purpose we recommend the appointment, by the chair, of a motions committee of five, who shall receive, classify, and place on the agenda such motions and resolutions. (This committee is to function during the time that the International General Council is in session.) 10

5. REPORT – MISSIONS 2.0

6. MOTIONS COMMITTEE We recommend: That we amend page 68, S4. INTERNATIONAL GENERAL COUNCIL, IV. INTERNATIONAL GENERAL COUNCIL MOTIONS COMMITTEE, by adding the following paragraph: Previous notice shall be required for any motion which greatly alters the organizational structure of the Church of God. When motions are presented to the Motions Committee, the following guidelines will be followed: 1. Each motion will be processed and prioritized by the Motions Committee according to the guidelines of the General Assembly Minutes. 2. The Motions Committee will initially determine if the motion would “greatly alter the organizational structure of the Church of God.” 3. If in the opinion of the moderator the motion would “greatly alter the organizational structure of the Church of God,” the motion will be read to the body by the chairman of the Motions Committee at the direction of the moderator with the notation that it is a motion that will require previous notice before final disposition. 4. The moderator will explain that if the motion passes in the present International General Council, it will be placed on the agenda of the following International General Council in order to fulfill the requirement of previous notice. 5. The item will then be open for full debate on the presently-convening International General Council floor.

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Pages 181, 182, S72. AGED MINISTERS’ PENSIONING PLAN: [Enrollments in the Aged Ministers’ Pensioning Plan ceased as of December 31, 1982. Applications for benefits from this plan ceased as of August 31, 1992. As of that date, the contributions of eligible ministers enrolled in the plan, who had not as yet applied for a pension, were either (1) applied toward the purchase of a guaranteed annuity for the minister, or (2) rolled over into the Church of God Ministers’ Retirement Plan in the name of the minister. For a more detailed description of this plan, see the Supplement of the 1992 Minutes of the International General Assembly, S65.]

Page 67, S4. INTERNATIONAL GENERAL COUNCIL, III. INTERNATIONAL GENERAL COUNCIL AGENDA : Inasmuch as the official agenda, which is to claim the attention of the International General Council, is mailed to the ordained bishops at least thirty (30) days prior to the opening of the International General Council, all recommendations must be received by the International Executive Council in time for consideration at its April session in order to appear on the Assembly agenda.

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6. If the motion does not receive a majority vote, it falls to the floor. 7. If the motion receives a majority vote, it is committed to the International Executive Council with the mandate that it be placed on the agenda for the next International General Council in a manner that fulfills the requirements of previous notice.

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7. AGED MINISTERS FUND We recommend: That we amend pages 181, 182, S72. AGED MINISTERS’ PENSIONING PLAN, by adding the following paragraph: Based upon actuarial studies, the Aged Ministers’ Pension Fund, Disabled Ministers’ Pension Fund, and the Ministers Widows’ Fund shall be adjusted by the International Executive Council according to the needs of the funds.

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8. CONCLUDED AND DECIDED AGENDA ITEMS We recommend: That we amend pages 67, 68, S4. INTERNATIONAL G E N E R A L C O U N C I L , I I I . I N T E R N AT I O N A L GENERAL COUNCIL AGENDA, by adding the following: Furthermore, no agenda item concluded and decided by the International General Council and/or concluded and decided by the International General Assembly is to be included on the published agenda for the next International General Council unless approved by a two-thirds majority of the International Executive Council. This does not apply to items of previous notice or informational reports. (Continued on page 15) 13

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Pages 149, 150, S56. ORDAINED BISHOP, II. QUALIFICATIONS OF ORDAINED BISHOPS, pargraph 2: 2. An applicant for ordination as bishop may be ordained when he is twenty-five (25) years of age, provided he has at least eight (8) years of active ministry, or when he is thirty (30) years of age, provided he has had at least five (5) years of active ministry, if he is otherwise qualified. In those cases in which a ministerial applicant has had verifiable active ministerial experience prior to receiving credentials, exceptions to the age qualifications can be made upon recommendation by the ministerial applicant’s administrative bishop and with the approval of the Executive Council.

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9. QUALIFICATIONS OF ORDAINED BISHOPS We recommend: That we amend pages 149, 150, S56. ORDAINED BISHOP, II. QUALIFICATIONS OF ORDAINED BISHOPS, paragraph 2., by striking the words, “provided he has had at least eight (8) years of active ministry, or when he is thirty (30) years of age.” 10. CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION We recommend: That we amend page 66, S3. INTERNATIONAL ASSEMBLY, II. PROCEDURES, by adding the following paragraph: 5. The International General Assembly authorizes the International Executive Council to call a constitutional convention to review all aspects of Church of God polity (with the exception of doctrine, mission, vision, core values, and scriptural principles of ministry), and bring back recommendations to the International General Council.

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11. STATE OVERSEERS We recommend: 1) That we amend page 101, S21. STATE OVERSEERS, VI. DUTIES AND AUTHORITIES, by adding the following paragraph: “21. Provide formal training and guidance to pastors in the following areas: Preparing and managing an annual local church budget; dealing with local church conflict resolution; and impacting the local community.” (Continued on page 17) 15

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Page 101, S21. STATE OVERSEERS, VI. DUTIES AND AUTHORITIES, paragraph 20: 20. Live in the state or province over which he is made overseer.

Page 157, S63. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR MINISTERS, paragraph 8: 8. No Church of God minister shall be required to violate a confidence, when such has been entrusted to him/her in the performance of his/her professional duties or in the course of his/her care of souls, except with the express permission of the person who has confided in him/her or in order to prevent a crime.

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2) That we amend page 101, S21. STATE OVERSEER VI. DUTIES AND AUTHORITIES, paragraph 20, by adding, Exceptions may be granted by the International Executive Committee in cases where a mission state/ regional overseer simultaneously serves as a pastor of a church in another area or as an overseer of another state/ region,” so as to read:

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20. Live in the state or province over which he is made overseer. Exceptions may be granted by the International Executive Committee in cases where a mission state/regional overseer simultaneously serves as a pastor of a church in another area or as an overseer of another state/region. 12. VIOLATION OF CONFIDENCES We recommend: That we amend page 157, S63. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR MINISTERS, paragraph 8., by adding, “This 1 provision shall not preempt any applicable state or other re- 2 3 quired reporting laws,” so as to read: 8. No Church of God minister shall be required to violate a confidence, when such has been entrusted to him/her in the performance of his/her professional duties or in the course of his/her care of souls, except with the express permission of the person who has confided in him/her or in order to prevent a crime. This provision shall not preempt any applicable state or other required reporting laws (51st A., 1966, p. 77).

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Page 164, S65. OFFENDING MINISTERS, I. MINISTERIAL DISCIPLINE, Trial Procedures and Appeals for Church of God Ministers: Inasmuch as Church of God hearings and/or trials of its ministers or members are ecclesiastical rather than civil in nature, and concern matters within the Christian brotherhood, to be judged by the guidelines of Holy Scripture rather than civil law, the ministers and members of the Church of God do hereby agree that defense attorneys may not attend or participate in those proceedings.

Page 122, S40. PASTOR, IV. ASSISTANT PASTOR, paragraph 2: 2. The pastor’s wife shall be considered ineligible for appointment as his assistant.

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13. TRIAL BOARD PROCEDURES We recommend: That we amend page 164, S65. OFFENDING MINISTERS. I. MINISTERIAL DISCIPLINE, Trial Procedures and Appeals for Church of God Ministers, by deleting “defense attorneys” and inserting “legal counsel,” so as to read: Inasmuch as Church of God hearings and/or trials of its ministers or members are ecclesiastical rather than civil in nature, and concern matters within the Christian brotherhood, to be judged by the guidelines of Holy Scripture rather than civil law, the ministers and members of the Church of God do hereby agree that defense attorneys legal counsel may not attend or participate in those proceedings. 14. REPORT – CHURCH PLANTING This report will be given as a special order of the day on Thursday morning, July 26 at 10:00-10:30 a.m. 15. WOMEN IN MINISTRY 1) PASTOR’S SPOUSE ELIGIBLE TO SERVE AS HIS/ HER ASSISTANT We recommend: That on page 122, S40. PASTOR, IV. ASSISTANT PASTOR, paragraph 2 be deleted. 2. The pastor’s wife shall be considered ineligible for appointment as his assistant. (Continued on page 21) 19

Page 118, S38. MEMBERSHIP, V. PROCEDURE IN DEALING WITH MEMBER: If a member who is not a minister shall be charged with any offense which makes it necessary to deal with the member, formal charges in writing shall be given to the member not less than three days (when practical) prior to the time and place of the meeting. The member shall have a right to be heard and offer corroborating testimony at the meeting. Further, the charges shall be heard and a decision rendered by the local church and pastor’s council or (if a church does not have a pastor’s council or board of elders) by the male members who are present at the meeting and in good standing with the church. Disciplinary options include but are not limited to: official reprimand, restitution, censure, restrictions, and, where necessary, excommunication.

Page 94, S20. MINISTRY OF PUBLICATIONS, I. MINISTRY OF PUBLICATIONS BOARD, A. Selection: The Ministry of Publications Board shall consist of seven men appointed biennially by the International Executive Committee.

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2) WOMEN SERVING ON CONGREGATIONAL TRIAL BOARD We recommend: That we amend page 118, S38. MEMBERSHIP, V. PROCEDURE IN DEALING WITH MEMBER, by striking the word “male,” so as to read: If a member who is not a minister shall be charged with any offense which makes it necessary to deal with the member, formal charges in writing shall be given to the member not less than three days (when practical) prior to the time and place of the meeting. The member shall have a right to be heard and offer corroborating testimony at the meeting. Further, the charges shall be heard and a decision rendered by the local church and pastor’s council or (if a church does not have a pastor’s council or board of elders) by the male members who are present at the meeting and in good standing with the church. Disciplinary options include but are not limited to: official reprimand, restitution, censure, restrictions, and, where necessary, excommunication. 3) WOMEN SERVING ON THE PUBLICATIONS BOARD We recommend: That we amend page 94, S20. MINISTRY OF PUBLICATIONS, I. MINISTRY OF PUBLICATIONS BOARD, A. Selection, by striking the word “men” and inserting the word “members,” so as to read: The Ministry of Publications Board shall consist of seven men members appointed biennially by the International Executive Committee. (Continued on page 23) 21

Page 79, S11. MINISTRY OF USA MISSIONS, I. USA MISSIONS BOARD, A. Selection: The USA Missions Board shall consist of not less than five men who shall be appointed biennially by the International Executive Committee.

Page 81, S12. MINISTRY OF WORLD MISSIONS, I. WORLD MISSIONS BOARD, B. Duties and Authorities: 5. To appoint all [World Missions] overseers, missionaries, educational coordinators, and presidents/directors of all educational institutions.

Page 168, S65. OFFENDING MINISTERS, I. MINISTERIAL DISCIPLINE, B. Trial Procedures, 7. Notification of Decision, b: b. The trial board’s decision will become a part of the defendant’s or complainant’s record at the state office. In case of conviction, the record will also be filed at International Offices.

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4) WOMEN SERVING ON THE USA MISSIONS BOARD We recommend: That we amend page page 79, S11. MINISTRY OF USA MISSIONS, I. USA MISSIONS BOARD, A. Selection, by striking the word “men” and inserting the word “members,” so as to read: The USA Missions Board shall consist of not less than five men members who shall be appointed biennially by the International Executive Committee. 16. TENURE OF NATIONAL/TERRITORIAL OVERSEERS We recommend: That we amend page 81, S12. MINISTRY OF WORLD MISSIONS, I. WORLD MISSIONS BOARD, B. Duties and Authorities, paragraph 5. by adding, “Where practical, the tenure of national/territorial overseers of World Missions areas is for two years with a maximum tenure of twelve consecutive years in office.”

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17. PERMANENT RECORDS OF TRIAL BOARD DECISIONS We recommend: That we amend page 168, S65. OFFENDING MINISTERS, I. MINISTERIAL DISCIPLINE, B. Trial Procedures, 7. Notification of Decision, b., by substituting the following paragraph, “The trial board’s decision will become part of 1 the defendant’s permanent record at the state office and will 2 also be filed at International Offices.” 3 (Continued on page 25) 23

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18. RESPONSIBLE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA We recommend: That we amend pages 156, 157, S63. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR MINISTERS, by adding the following: 10. Responsible Use of Social Media Christians are exhorted by Scripture to speak the truth in 1 love (Ephesians 4:15), to provide things honest in the sight of 2 all persons (Romans 12:17), and to do all things for the 3 edification of others (Romans 15:2). The use of social 4 media (such as MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, blogs, websites, 5 and so forth) by believers should conform to these and other 6 biblical standards. 7 Church of God ministers, as examples of believers in speech, 8 life, faith, and purity (1 Timothy 4:12), shall at all times agree: 9 a. To write and post only under their own name. 10 b. To not attack fellow ministers or members of the Church 11 of God. One may disagree with others, provided the tone 12 is respectful and does not become a personal attack. 13 c. To not disclose any sensitive, confidential, or financial 14 information about the church, its ministers, or its members, 15 other than what is publically available. 16 d. To not post any material that is defamatory, libelous, 17 threatening, harassing, abusive, or embarrassing to any 18 person or entity. 19 e. To uphold the doctrine of the Church of God by not 20 writing or posting anything contrary to the accepted 21 doctrine of the Church of God. 22 Failure to follow these guidelines on the use of social media 23 shall result in the offending minister being subject to discipline 24 for unbecoming ministerial conduct. 25 (Continued on page 27) 25

Page 45, COMISSION ON ORGANIZATION REPORT, DISTRICT, paragraph 5: 5. That the general church leadership meet with the district overseers at least every two years for the purpose of discussing the ministry of the church at the district level.

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19. NATIONAL DISTRICT OVERSEERS MEETING We recommend: That on page 45, COMISSION ON ORGANIZATION REPORT, DISTRICT, paragraph 5. be deleted. 5. That the general church leadership meet with the district overseers at least every two years for the purpose of discussing the ministry of the church at the district level.

20. RESOLUTIONS The chairman of the Resolutions Committee will give a report of recommended resolutions.

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Supplemental Notes 1. SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY, ELECTED POSITIONS—As part of the continued restructuring process in response to the reallocation of resources to the International Offices, the Executive Council recommends the deletion of these two positions. There is no intent to appoint replacements to these two offices. The savings realized will enhance the effectiveness of these ministries along with the other strategic realignments being implemented at the International Offices. The rationale can be summarized as follows: Reality—it is a budgetary issue with total savings of $408,000 per year; Resources—this will provide additional funds for ministry; and, Responsibility—the leadership of the church is continuing the restructuring process in response to the reallocation of resources. If the recommendations prevail in the Church of God International General Council as a Special Order of the Day on Tuesday morning, July 24, 2012, a special business session of the International General Assembly will convene at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday afternoon, July 24, 2012. 2. AFFILIATION WITH CHURCH OF GOD—A similar motion was passionately debated at the 2010 International General Assembly. This motion endeavors to address the negatives expressed at that time by: (a) requiring all associate churches to make monthly reports with the same financial accountability as all other local Church of God congregations; (b) requiring all pastors to submit to a background check and secure ministerial credentials in accordance with the denomination’s polity; and, (c) requiring all associate churches who desire to become full members in the International General Assembly to place the church properties on a Church of God warranty deed with the approval of the administrative bishop and the state/regional council. 29

3. STATE EVANGELISM AND MISSIONS DIRECTOR This motion allows states/regions which desire to do so to continue to have a state Evangelism and Missions director without mandating specific duties and responsibilities. 4. STATE YOUTH AND DISCIPLESHIP DIRECTOR States and regions vary greatly in size, economy, ethnicity, culture, and geography. Therefore, it is felt that each state and region should set the parameters of the duties and authorities of the state Youth and Discipleship director and he/she should work directly under the supervision of the state overseer. 5. REPORT: MISSIONS 2.0—The Missions 2.0 initiative began many months ago as a research committee in World Missions. A Global Leadership Survey was sent to national overseers, two missionary surveys were sent to full-time career missionaries, consultations were held with World Missions field directors and superintendents, questions were discussed with the International Council in the fall of 2011, and conferences were conducted with current and former general directors of World Missions. After officially receiving the initial Missions 2.0 Committee Report, the International Executive Council directed, “that this committee continue working on the development of this report as well as identifying items for possible inclusion on the International General Council Agenda.” This report fulfills that directive. World Evangelization is a core value, or “essential DNA,” of the Church of God, and every true Church of God congregation—whether it is found in Cleveland, Tennessee, or Krakow, Poland. At the dawn of a new century of Church of God World Missions and a renewed emphasis on the Great Commission, now is the time for this Mighty international Army to move as one to reach the 30

lost. “Missions 2.0” begins with this assumption, and sees a global missions initiative where borders are not barriers, departments are no demarcations, and efficient, effective making of disciples trumps every other consideration. Only a global missions initiative can reach a global harvest. In order to implement that vision, major shifts are needed in our organizational structure that might be compared to the rewriting of a computer software program. The name “Missions 2.0” invokes the useful software metaphor, but it is also a way to focus on the most essential “two points” which require us to rewrite our existing program. Even as we celebrate 100 years of World Missions, we must also recognize that both the “World” and “Missions” have changed. The World for which the existing program was written is radically different than the world today. The most dramatic changes, to which even the most recent “patches” fail to respond, are Globalization and retribalization; Globalization as in the dissipation of geographical/national boundaries and retribalization as in the rise of tribal identity over assimilation as people groups move across the globe. The original Missions program was written in a time of fixed borders and mass societies. The question is no longer where, but who. While viewing Missions as originating from the United States is completely consistent with the initiation of the program 100 years ago, today national churches around the world are sending missionaries and supporting missions. Further, missions has “come home” as we now need the partnership of national churches to reach emigrant people groups. Only by being woven together as a net may we contain the great harvest the Lord has prepared—our individual fishing lines will not do. It is time to acknowledge, celebrate, and unite the missions endeavors of the Church of God as a global initiative. 31

“World” and “Missions” have changed. “World Missions” must change to meet the challenges and opportunities this presents. “Missions 2.0” marks the passing from the first century of missions in the Church of God into a new, second century—full of fresh possibilities. Now, more than ever, Church of God congregations around the world who are committed to missions need a vision which captures their prophetic imaginations even as they are challenged with the realities of economic downturns and budget reductions. Missions 2.0 celebrates and builds upon the past century of World Missions by “upgrading” from a national Missions program to a Global Missions Initiative. It is time to ask, not what is, but what if. 6. MOTIONS COMMITTEE—The Motions Committee has served the General Council since 1956. From time to time, its effectiveness has been hampered by a prevailing sense of fear that a measure might be adopted in haste without due consideration of its practical implications. In 1962, the General Assembly adopted a measure which required previous notice for any motion which would alter a doctrine of the Church of God (Minutes, 1962, p. 34). In 1970, the Bylaws of the General Assembly and the General Council were adopted (Minutes, 1970, pages 27, 28). By their nature, these require previous notice (Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, pages 580, 581). However, these measures do not protect the church from hasty decisions which would greatly alter the organizational structure of the church. While such motions might eventually prevail, it is felt that the entire church should be notified of such changes, that sufficient time should be provided for proper consideration, and that adequate plans could and should be provided for practical implementation. This measure addresses those needs by establishing a process whereby the motion can be immediately debated but if adopted will require previous notice and be brought back to the next General Council. 32

7. AGED MINISTERS FUND—The reduction in the number of participants receiving a pension from the Aged Ministers’ Fund, the Disabled Ministers’ Fund, and the Widows’ fund; the longevity of the original measure (1962); the governmental projected mortality rates; and the requirement that the security and solvency of the program be safe according to all actuarial studies, are all used together as the rationale for the passage of this measure. 8. CONCLUDED AND DECIDED AGENDA ITEMS From time to time, an item will be concluded and decided in the International General Council and/or International General Assembly which might merit further debate at the following General Assembly. While this motion does not automatically forbid such action, it does require that the International Executive Council be in high agreement with at least a two-thirds majority vote before bringing a measure back to the next International General Assembly after it has been concluded and decided in the previous Assembly. 9. QUALIFICATIONS OF ORDAINED BISHOPS—This measure simply enables qualified candidates to be ordained as bishops at the age of twenty-five (25) or older with at least five (5) years of active ministry. 10. CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION—For several years, the church has endeavored to keep its polity practical and relevant in an ever-changing world. This has become increasingly difficult as local churches have grown and the international church has matured. Therefore, it seems that the calling of a constitutional convention could greatly facilitate a more up-to-date process designed to keep our church entities viable in an ever-changing world. The details for such a meeting will be designed by the International Executive Council. Recommendations from the convention will be brought back to the International General Council. 33

11. STATE OVERSEERS—In 2011, the churchwide survey of Church of God senior pastors indicated three specific areas of need: 48 percent of local Church of God congregations operate without an annual budget; 34 percent of local Church of God congregations have experienced disruptive conflict in the last year; and 75 percent of churches felt they had not made a strong impact in either one of the seven areas considered strategic for impacting a local community. Part 1 of this motion gives direction for state overseers to address these weaknesses by providing formal training and guidance to pastors in these three areas of need. Part 2 of this motion allows the International Executive Committee to grant exceptions to mission state/regional overseers to allow them to live in another state or area when they are serving in a dual role of ministry. 12. VIOLATION OF CONFIDENCES—This motion comes to the International General Council as a recommendation from our Church of God Legal Counsel. It simply clarifies that there is no intent for church polity to violate applicable state or required reporting laws in the name of violation of confidences. 13. TRIAL BOARD PROCEDURES—Since the phrase “legal counsel” is used elsewhere in this section on “OFFENDING MINISTERS” (item h. on page 166), it is felt it would be more consistent to use the term here as well. 14. REPORT: “NATIONAL CHURCH PLANTING STRATEGY”—The Church of God has a long and successful history in the planting of new churches. It is rooted in our DNA, established by hundreds of pioneer preachers within the early moments of our movement. Throughout unbelievable circumstances and many untold stories of persecution, they established the foundation for our seven million-member family, located in 178 countries. All of our 34

missions, educational institutions, orphanages, benevolence endeavors, publications, and churches began from the seed of a planted church. And it was the continual planting of churches that gave us the momentum and resources to go into all nations of the world. The Church Planting Task Force believes that all of the elements needed to build a highly successful church planting movement are truly within our reach. You will find those elements contained in this strategic plan. We believe to accomplish this goal, we must create a new level of interdependency—a place for buy-in on all levels and relevant resourcing to the state and local level. Further, we believe that an effective denominational vision for church planting empowers the body with simple vision, creates connectivity within each division, and expands the resources and commitment of our grassroots. The Church of God Department of Evangelism and Home Missions has traditionally held the responsibility of church planting. In the early days of our movement, state overseers lead the charge into previously unpioneered fields. First in 1916, a fund “to send ministers where they ought to go” was established. Soon the giving to work within our own cultural context exploded, and T. S. Payne in the 1919 General Assembly was appointed as secretarytreasurer to care for the work of home missions. National programs such as A Church a Day, The Pioneer Spirit, the district approach, Double in a Decade, and Mission America have served the Church of God over the years as we have endeavored to plant new churches. On November 4, 2010, a new Church Planting Task Force was appointed by the International Executive Committee with the assignment to prepare a strategic plan that would discover and implement the needed elements required for the Church of God to become a church planting movement. A primary objective is to recommend the 35

process providing a full-service national church planting network for the Church of God, thus meeting the needs of our movement in resourcing every level of leadership. The idea of church planting mandates a clear spiritual passion that cannot be created by the designs of man. God alone places this passion within a person, division, or ministry. The Church Planting Task Force embraces the concept that there are five basic values that must be found in every division, partner, or component of our new strategy: (1) calling, (2) commitment, (3) passion, (4) empowerment, and (5) values. The Church Planting Task Force believes these values will lead us effectively into truly fulfilling the Great Commission. 15. WOMEN IN MINISTRY—All four of these items reflect the sentiment and spirit that have been expressed in motions passed by the General Assembly during the last few years. Item 1 deletes a paragraph that was originally passed sixty years ago. In today’s world, it is felt that pastors’ wives/husbands often can serve very effectively as an assistant pastor as long as proper selection/appointment procedures are followed. This motion removes the prohibition against spouses serving as a pastor’s assistant when a congregation, pastor, spouse, and state overseer agree that such a selection/appointment can be a positive ministry in the church. Item 2 allows female members in a local congregation to also serve as part of a congregational trial board when a local church does not have a Church and Pastor’s Council. Items 3 and 4 will allow women to serve on the Ministry of Publications Board and the USA Missions Board in the same manner that they currently serve on many other general boards including the Care Division Board of Directors, Discipleship Divisional Board, Division of Education Board of Directors, and the World Missions Board. 36

16. TENURE OF NATIONAL/TERRITORIAL OVERSEERS—In many parts of the world, the tenure of national/ territorial overseers follows the same general pattern as state/regional overseers in the USA/Canada. The International Advisory Council feels it would be prudent to adopt the tenure limitations as a policy in all World Missions areas where it is practical. 17. PERMANENT RECORDS OF TRIAL BOARD DECISIONS—It is felt that this motion will be more consistent with the need to ensure that permanent records are maintained for all trial board decisions at both the state/regional office and the International Offices. 18. RESPONSIBLE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA—The proper use of social media offers an excellent opportunity for ministers and laity to present the gospel to the whole world. At the same time, irresponsible messaging by credentialed Church of God ministers tarnishes the witness of the entire church. This motion places the same type of moral and ethical responsibility for online communication on each minister as that which is required in his/her daily life and in the pulpit and classroom. 19. NATIONAL DISTRICT OVERSEERS MEETING While this motion does not forbid general church leadership from having a national meeting with the district overseers at least every two years, it allows the leadership to consider all of the logistics and responsibilities required for convening such a meeting on a biennial basis. 20. RESOLUTIONS—Resolutions for appreciation and regarding current issues will be presented.

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