Pastoral Search Committees

[Pastor Bill]

I thought the 2-year thing was done away with recently? i know there are supposed to be reviews every other year or so, but that is more of a performance review/gap analysis/professional development kind of thing.

Don't have my assembly minutes here with me, but it seemed like that was a recent change.

I don't know how "official" that is or is not, some states may still operate on the 2 year assignments, but most SOs I think are not pushing the 2 year changes, many pastors are staying longer than the 2 years, some overseers still "renew" the appointment every 2 years or confirm it, but I don't think many are pushing a change every 2 years.

[Pastor Bill]

That's how our overseer has put it as well, in fact we're not really pushing appointments at convention, but as he's put it, if God is leading you to a change in ministry, or there is a need in a church, then a change would happen, not neccesarily at the 2 year mark or coinciding with convention, but as God leads.

Seems to be much more appropriate to me than the 2 year shuffle I've heard used to happen.

[stevenson]

The state overseers have absolute control. They pick the pastor and the church has no say. If the church doesn't want the pastor...their stuck!

Most denominations are letting their churches put together search committees and interview pastors. Then when they have narrowed it down, they send their recommendations to the state overseer. COGOP has not adopted this plan yet. Pastors in COGOP can be moved any time the overseer wants to move them. Again, doesn't matter what the church wants.

[Dr. Ron]

I have lived under the "strong arm" of the overseer. I know what it is like to sit in a convention and hearing a man call my dad's name out and I knew my life was changing....no pre notice, no concern for the famliy, no concern for the financial effects (except for his family).

I grew up and became a state overseer. I always asked my pastors in our first meeting..."how many feel you are where God wants you?" They would mostly all raise their hands and I would say..."then don't worry about me moving you".....and most of them would make an appointment with me to tell me they would be happy to move to a larger church.....

The system feeds itself. Men who have ability to build, usually get sent to do just that.....then the "gleaners" follow them around ....picking at the spoils...and destroying the previous work. I speak from a lifetime of experience.

When I founded Cedar Ridge Church I submitted a contract with my church that I will never leave. My commitment to them is for life.....and their commitment to me is for life.

I have selected my successor and we are in a 12 year mentoring program. He will succeed me. If a man has no successor, he was not a success. I will become "pastor emeritus" and he will ascend to Sr. Pastor.

A pastor who will not commit his entire life to a location, congregation, and community, will only be a hirling. No bishop is capable of finding the will of God for another man.....this is an exercise in futility...and we only fool one another with this method. Maintanence suffocates ministry.

"

[DGBrock]

(CGP 2008 Ministry Policy Manual, page 21) "Those who serve as overseers are responsible for the appointment of pastors. Overseers who have this responsibility should fully consider the needs and desires of both the pastor and local church to ensure their maturing and growth."

(CGP 2008 Ministry Policy Manual, page 30) "The office of overseer has a broad base of responsibility and authority within the nation/region/state assigned by appointment. The “servant-leader” (overseer) should use power and authority with restraint and be very careful not to abuse either the authority or the influence of his office. Also, he must be careful not to promise people more than he can deliver."

(CGP 2008 Ministry Policy Manual, page 31) "The overseer must maintain a “servant” relationship, as he directly supervises the national/regional/state office staff, programs, and ministers."

(CGP 2008 Ministry Policy Manual, page 33) "To appoint pastors in consultation with the local church and minister."

(CGP 2008 Ministry Policy Manual, page 36) "Is sensitive to local church needs." "Shows consideration for differing opinions and ideas."

(CGP 2008 Ministry Policy Manual, page 72) "If at all possible, a mutual agreement should be reached between the overseer, pastor, and the local church about a pastoral appointment or change."

[RamboPreacher]

(CGP 2008 Ministry Policy Manual, page 21) "Those who serve as overseers are responsible for the appointment of pastors. Overseers who have this responsibility should fully consider the needs and desires of both the pastor and local church to ensure their maturing and growth."

(CGP 2008 Ministry Policy Manual, page 30) "The office of overseer has a broad base of responsibility and authority within the nation/region/state assigned by appointment. The “servant-leader” (overseer) should use power and authority with restraint and be very careful not to abuse either the authority or the influence of his office. Also, he must be careful not to promise people more than he can deliver."

(CGP 2008 Ministry Policy Manual, page 31) "The overseer must maintain a “servant” relationship, as he directly supervises the national/regional/state office staff, programs, and ministers."

(CGP 2008 Ministry Policy Manual, page 33) "To appoint pastors in consultation with the local church and minister."

(CGP 2008 Ministry Policy Manual, page 36) "Is sensitive to local church needs." "Shows consideration for differing opinions and ideas."

(CGP 2008 Ministry Policy Manual, page 72) "If at all possible, a mutual agreement should be reached between the overseer, pastor, and the local church about a pastoral appointment or change."

yup - beat me to my manuals for some quotes. thanks!!

I think the until further notice has become prevelant, with considerations as mentioned above. also many states and regions still have the appointments in ther conventions every other year. some out of formality, and some out of need. a good time to recognize the pasators as a whole.

[Mountie12]

One more manual quote,

The Overseer's Appointive Duties are:
1. To appoint pastors in consultation with the local church and minister.(Section H, Line 1, p. 339).

If the pastor and church have not been included in the appointment process it could be that the overseer, pastor and local church are not aware of the fact that we agreed at the General Assembly that this would be the process. This procedure is not suggestive or relative to a geographical area. It was basically clear that we agreed that there would be no set limits to pastoral tenure and the pastor and local church would be included in the appointment process.

[Dr. Ron]

One last note on this process that was so eloquently quoted by "manual"...

This process takes the responsibility off the pastor to seek the "will" of God for himself. I didn't like that as an overseer.....

I had a pastor who asked me to move him, then told his congregation who wanted him to stay, that he had no say in it....he told them that it was my idea......so I left him out completely.....I don't appoint liar...unlike some people I know.

[one love]

A overseer could move or appoint me but if I did not feel it is of the lord I would have to decline. I would pray over the such appointment and I would have to have peace about it. I have been asked to pastor many churches but I have to feel good about it as well. If I was asked now to pastor I would have to pray and fast over that. My appointment this year as regional S.S. coordinator I will have to pray over as well before i accept it again.....

There needs to be prayer on both sides...

[paul]

One last note on this process that was so eloquently quoted by "manual"...

This process takes the responsibility off the pastor to seek the "will" of God for himself. I didn't like that as an overseer.....

I had a pastor who asked me to move him, then told his congregation who wanted him to stay, that he had no say in it....he told them that it was my idea......so I left him out completely.....I don't appoint liar...unlike some people I know.

Very well said.

As far as all the manual talk.....it just manuals, means very little unless the SO has the heart and mind of Christ and is free from any personal agendas.....

[PastorDaniel]

But I still thought that the Appointments were re-affirmed at the State Convention every two years...our State Convention is coming up and there is time slotted for Pastoral Appointments...

I think each state/area, and each Overseer has a lot of latitude in how these matters are carried out. My pastors are appointed "until further notice."

gotcha...I definitly recognize the latitude...appreciate it too!

[soulsearcher]

My pastor, Dr. Gary Smith, founded City of Life Church in 1986 and has been the Senior Pastor ever since. Like Dr. Ron, he, too, is committed for life, already has a successor as co-pastor, and the church is alive and continues to grow (from 35 to 3,500+).


"A pastor who will not commit his entire life to a location, congregation, and community, will only be a hirling. No bishop is capable of finding the will of God for another man.....this is an exercise in futility...and we only fool one another with this method." - Dr. Ron

Amen.

[PastorP]

I think each state/area, and each Overseer has a lot of latitude in how these matters are carried out. My pastors are appointed "until further notice."

My understanding is that Pastor's are appointed for an undetermined time, with a review every 4 years. Changes or appointments are made after consultation of the overseer, minister(s) and the local church.

The last two churches that I have been appointed to was done after I interviewed with the local church and they then consulted with the overseer and asked for me to be appointed. Both times I received the appointment. This worked very well for me and gave me a chance to also state my feelings about the appointment.

[paul]

Question?

Are your national directors appointed or choosen by a national board of directors.

Do these countries ever become their own organization? Such as COGOP/ Philippines Inc. Setting up their organization but still falling under the umbrella of the Parent organization. COGOP International.

[Pastor Gary]

Question?

Are your national directors appointed or choosen by a national board of directors.

Do these countries ever become their own organization? Such as COGOP/ Philippines Inc. Setting up their organization but still falling under the umbrella of the Parent organization. COGOP International.

National Overseers are appointed by Area Presbyters (Asia, Europe, Africa, etc.) -- sort of Continental General Overseers -- and more than 80-85% are indigenous nationals. I can't speak for all areas, but at least in hours we, as a group of leaders, have some input into the appointment and continued service of our peers.