COGOP Leadership Transition

[Rob]

As an outsider now, I'm surprised that more things change the more they stay the same.

Having walked through family issues that Randy is now walking in, the COGOP has prepared to look forward instead of in my opinion to see what it's greatest need is right now, that of restoration.

Where is the ministry of reconciliation? No, the COGOP has chosen to throw out names to see who will be the next in line. No wonder God has and continues to call this body to repentance.

I hope someone will throw a life line to Randy and Bess and not simply discard them in their hour of need!

Just my .02 cents worth.

[paul]

I am not aquainted with many of the leaders of today in cogop. To many years have past since I left. But with family and friends I still have a tiny connection.

Anyone on this board that knows me, Knows that I am all about missions and reaching the world and the remotest areas of the world with the gospel message and training. I know that cogop has made a tremendous impact globally over the past several years. I would not want to see that decrease. BUT, from my observation if the organization and the one at the helm does not focus more on the American COGOP not much will be left to reach the rest of the world.

I recently had a conversation with a deacon in the church (cogop) where Nancy and I both came to the Lord and where I started my ministry. The pastor is leaving and I asked the deacon did they have a replacement..His comment was that they will probably close the door, no one cares about the church. Now I realize that their is always two side to every story..but it points to a desperate need in cogop and other organizations concerning the American Church.

[Pastor Gary]

As an outsider now, I'm surprised that more things change the more they stay the same.

Having walked through family issues that Randy is now walking in, the COGOP has prepared to look forward instead of in my opinion to see what it's greatest need is right now, that of restoration.

Where is the ministry of reconciliation? No, the COGOP has chosen to throw out names to see who will be the next in line. No wonder God has and continues to call this body to repentance.

I hope someone will throw a life line to Randy and Bess and not simply discard them in their hour of need!

Just my .02 cents worth.

And I find myself wondering why you have jumped to the (erroneous) conclusion that the Howards are being thrown under the bus. Randy submitted his resignation for the good of the organization and the good of his family, feeling that whether his situation ends in resolution or dissolution either will be better done out of the glare of the public spotlight. I agree. Add to that the travel expectations of those in senior leadership in any international organization, which amplifies any family problems that might exist, and it's a recipe for troubled homes.

Randy and Bess both have the support of their local church, their pastor, their friends at the International Office, a team of intercessors and extended family.

[scooter]

As an outsider now, I'm surprised that more things change the more they stay the same.

Having walked through family issues that Randy is now walking in, the COGOP has prepared to look forward instead of in my opinion to see what it's greatest need is right now, that of restoration.

Where is the ministry of reconciliation? No, the COGOP has chosen to throw out names to see who will be the next in line. No wonder God has and continues to call this body to repentance.

I hope someone will throw a life line to Randy and Bess and not simply discard them in their hour of need!

Just my .02 cents worth.

And I find myself wondering why you have jumped to the (erroneous) conclusion that the Howards are being thrown under the bus. Randy submitted his resignation for the good of the organization and the good of his family, feeling that whether his situation ends in resolution or dissolution either will be better done out of the glare of the public spotlight. I agree. Add to that the travel expectations of those in senior leadership in any international organization, which amplifies any family problems that might exist, and it's a recipe for troubled homes.

Randy and Bess both have the support of their local church, their pastor, their friends at the International Office, a team of intercessors and extended family.

Response: I thought the same thing.

[PastorP]

I think Tim Coalter would be great in that spot.

LEAVE OUR OVERSEER ALONE! Now that I have quit shouting, there is no one that I feel would be better, but I don't want to lose a good overseer.

[free]

Sorry it took something like this to "revive" Jude2 but glad to still have a place for healthy debate!

[Rascal]

I must agree with Paul. Somehow, COGOP has let the infrastructure of the church almost collapse. The Southeast U.S. is the rock of support for most fundamental Christian churches. Southern Baptist, COG, COGOP,and on. The next Overseer must restore this support or the church is going to collapse. It is wonderful to reach souls anywhere, but you can't do it without finances.

Our prayers are with the Howard family. They both are wonderful people. The devil is seeking whom he may devour and that includes those in leadership. Sometimes they are the one's he attacks the hardest.

I would not be suprised if the next overseer is from outside the U.S. I am not sure that would be good at this point as I believe considerable work is needed here in the U. S. church.

[free]

I guess I just don't get how a General Overseer--whoever he or she (did you like that new twist?) may be has little if any impact on any local church. We do not look to Cleveland any long for inspiration on how to operate our churches.

If our American organization is collapsing it is not the fault of the General Overseer--it is the fault of the men and women on the "field" who have no vision for their churches.

God bless the man (or woman) who gets this position--IMHO you'd have to be a fool to actually want it!

[dolfan]

This whole thing makes me very afraid. I have seen so many homes fall as prey to various pressures in the past year. I am mad and feel so vulnerable. My brother. Friends at church. People I know or knew long ago. It is epidemic, and the causes vary. They are all spiritual. My wife lies asleep next to me now. Before she drifted off, we prayed for the Howard's, but we prayed for the Sheltons. That we might not become in any way less than vigilant in our own spirits, less than loving in our treatment of one another. These things seem to come from nowhere, but they are not from nowhere. They are from somewhere that, perhaps, we live unguardedly about. And, with all of the distractions and besetting sidetracks to which we all are prone, staying on guard has to become priority, doesn't it? Lord, help me. Help my wife. Help your children to see You and to remain so close to You. We need you every moment.

[scooter]

I think Tim Coalter would be great in that spot.

LEAVE OUR OVERSEER ALONE! Now that I have quit shouting, there is no one that I feel would be better, but I don't want to lose a good overseer.

Response: The way you keep him is not SHOUTING about how good he is. lol

[paul]

This whole thing makes me very afraid. I have seen so many homes fall as prey to various pressures in the past year. I am mad and feel so vulnerable. My brother. Friends at church. People I know or knew long ago. It is epidemic, and the causes vary. They are all spiritual. My wife lies asleep next to me now. Before she drifted off, we prayed for the Howard's, but we prayed for the Sheltons. That we might not become in any way less than vigilant in our own spirits, less than loving in our treatment of one another. These things seem to come from nowhere, but they are not from nowhere. They are from somewhere that, perhaps, we live unguardedly about. And, with all of the distractions and besetting sidetracks to which we all are prone, staying on guard has to become priority, doesn't it? Lord, help me. Help my wife. Help your children to see You and to remain so close to You. We need you every moment.

Amen and Amen. Thank you for this timely post

[PastorEddie]

amen Bro. Paul

[PastorP]

I think Tim Coalter would be great in that spot.

LEAVE OUR OVERSEER ALONE! Now that I have quit shouting, there is no one that I feel would be better, but I don't want to lose a good overseer.

Response: The way you keep him is not SHOUTING about how good he is. lol

Beg your pardon? I did not shout about how good our overseer is but the fact that I wanted him to be left alone. I fail to understand the logic of your post.

[scooter]

I think Tim Coalter would be great in that spot.

LEAVE OUR OVERSEER ALONE! Now that I have quit shouting, there is no one that I feel would be better, but I don't want to lose a good overseer.

Response: The way you keep him is not SHOUTING about how good he is. lol

Beg your pardon? I did not shout about how good our overseer is but the fact that I wanted him to be left alone. I fail to understand the logic of your post.

Response: It's complex.

The less people know how well he is loved the more likely it will be that you get to keep him.

BTW you shout when you type CAPS and you were saying he's a good overseer. If you want to keep him I wouldn't let anyone know how good he is. Now do you understand? No need for the drama.

Would you like a steam iron for your underwear?

[PastorP]

I think Tim Coalter would be great in that spot.

LEAVE OUR OVERSEER ALONE! Now that I have quit shouting, there is no one that I feel would be better, but I don't want to lose a good overseer.

Response: The way you keep him is not SHOUTING about how good he is. lol

Beg your pardon? I did not shout about how good our overseer is but the fact that I wanted him to be left alone. I fail to understand the logic of your post.

Response: It's complex.

The less people know how well he is loved the more likely it will be that you get to keep him.

BTW you shout when you type CAPS and you were saying he's a good overseer. If you want to keep him I wouldn't let anyone know how good he is. Now do you understand? No need for the drama.

Would you like a steam iron for your underwear?

Please notice that I did not "shout" about how good an overseer he is, only to say to leave him alone. I then stated that I had quit shouting. I hardly need instruction on what all caps mean. Sorry if I offended you, but that is what I wrote.