Constitution & Bylaws with Minutes

193 Pages·2016·1.02 MB·English

MINUTES
of the
56th Session of
THE GENERAL COUNCIL
OF THE
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD
with revised
Constitution and Bylaws
56th GENERAL COUNCIL
Orlando, Florida
August 3–7, 2015
MINUTES
of the
56th Session of
THE GENERAL COUNCIL
OF THE
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD
Convened in Orlando, Florida
August 3–7, 2015
with
Revised Constitution and Bylaws
(Incorporated under the laws of the State of Missouri,
October 13, 1916; amended September 26, 1919,
September 7, 1965, and November 4, 1977)
Printed in U.S.A.

THE GENERAL COUNCIL OF THE
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
George O. Wood, General Superintendent
L. Alton Garrison, Assistant General Superintendent
James T. Bradford, General Secretary
Douglas E. Clay, General Treasurer
Gregory M. Mundis, Executive Director of AG World Missions
Zollie L. Smith, Jr., Executive Director of AG U.S. Missions
EXECUTIVE PRESBYTERY
George O. Wood, chairman
Dan C. Betzer Nam Soo Kim
James T. Bradford Rodney K. Loy
Warren D. Bullock John E. Maracle
Douglas E. Clay Jesse Miranda, Jr.
Wilfredo (Choco) De Jesus Gregory M. Mundis
Duane P. Durst T. Ray Rachels
L. Alton Garrison Brian C. Schmidgall
J. Don George Zollie L. Smith, Jr.
A. Elizabeth Grant Clarence W. St. John
Larry H. Griswold
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES
1445 N. Boonville Avenue
Springfield, Missouri 65802-1894
Telephone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]

FOREWORD
The 56th General Council convened in Orlando, Florida, August 3–7, 2015, with over
22,000 children, youth, and adults attending from around the nation.
The theme of this General Council was “SOAR”—abiding in the life of the Holy Spirit
and moving forward in His power.
General Superintendent George O. Wood opened the General Council on Tuesday
night by preaching on Elijah and Elisha, calling us to pass on the mantle of Spirit-anointed
leadership to the next generation. On Thursday night Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr.,
presiding bishop of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), preached from Daniel 11:32
on knowing God and doing exploits. The youth Fine Arts Festival Celebration Service
concluded the Council on Friday night with over 15,000 young people and adults in
attendance.
In the business sessions, L. Alton Garrison was reelected to a four-year term as
assistant general superintendent. James T. Bradford and Gregory M. Mundis were also
reelected to four-year terms as general secretary and executive director of Assemblies of
God World Missions, respectively.
During the 2013–2014 biennium, the United States Assemblies of God grew by
1.6 percent (1.6%) to nearly 3,147,000 adherents, representing 25 years of consecutive
growth. The biennium also ended with a record number of churches (12,849) and a
record number of credential holders (36,884) in the United States. We pray that God’s
Spirit will continue to take us forward and bring a spiritual awakening to our nation.
Our next General Council will be in Anaheim, California, August 7–11, 2017, should
the Lord tarry.
May the Lord bless you as we continue working together to build Christ’s kingdom!
James T. Bradford
General Secretary

MINUTES OF THE 56th GENERAL COUNCIL
OF THE ASSEMBLIES OF GOD
CONVENED IN ORLANDO, FLORIDA
AUGUST 3–7, 2015
The General Council Influence Conference convened on Monday and Tuesday,
August 3–4. Speakers for this conference included Rice Broocks, Christine Caine, Ted
Cunningham, Ted Dekker, Joseph Gordon, and John Hannah. A Young Influence Award
was presented to Scott A. Hagan, pastor of Real Life Church in Sacramento, California.
A Lifetime Influencer Award was presented to Ellen K. Blackwell, pastor of Mount Zion
Assembly of God in Charles Town, West Virginia.
TUESDAY EVENING—AUGUST 4
The 56th General Council began with a 7 p.m. service at the Orange County
Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, with George O. Wood, general superintendent,
as the keynote speaker.
General Superintendent George O. Wood opened the service with a welcome to
everyone and called for everyone to SOAR, by abiding in the Spirit as one, carrying the
fragrance of God, and soaring beyond hope’s end. The Influence Worship Band—Clayton
Brooks, The Oaks Fellowship, Red Oak, Texas; Elmer Cañas, Cornerstone Church,
Nashville, Tennessee; Zachary Steven Loomis, Journey Community Church, Fairview
Park, Ohio; and Chase Jordan Wagner, Southeastern University, Lakeland, Florida—led
a time of praise and worship. Doug Clay, general treasurer, offered prayer.
Assistant General Superintendent L. Alton Garrison welcomed all attendees. A video
about vision was shown announcing the Transform America project and encouraging
everyone to participate in giving to this project to help plant new churches and strengthen
existing churches. An offering was received for AG Trust.
Prior to the message, General Secretary James T. Bradford held an interview
with Heath Adamson, senior ministry business director for Youth Ministries, about “Our
Schools Matter,” encouraging churches to reach out to local schools in their areas.
The keynote message for the 56th General Council was brought by General
Superintendent George O. Wood and was entitled Stay Here?—2 Kings 2:1–25. Using
accounts of Old Testament prophets Elijah and Elisha as background, he expressed
confidence in the capabilities of the upcoming generation of ministerial leaders. He urged
the audience not to be content with memories of the past or the status quo. The walk with
Elijah and Elisha has a lot to teach us about generational transfer of spiritual authority
and power. Just as the Lord had a plan for one generation, so He has a plan for the next
one. Wood encouraged pastors to always be on the lookout for young people who have
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GENERAL COUNCIL MINUTES
leadership qualities. He stressed that we must spend the time and resources to make
sure we effectively mentor the next generation, just as Elijah did with Elisha. The general
superintendent stressed that we must keep walking in the Spirit, praying in the Spirit, and
being empowered by the Spirit, so that we have the spiritual discernment and authority
to deal with the poison in our culture. He urged those gathered not to fall prey to the
prevailing attitudes of culture. As one generation steps off the stage, another comes on,
and there will be a successful handoff to the next Pentecostal generation if that generation
desires as earnestly as Elisha a double portion of the Spirit’s power. He concluded his
message by calling those who are zealous for a move of God’s Spirit to come forward
for prayer. An extended time of prayer followed as the general superintendent called for
lead pastors, pastors, and students to come and be anointed with oil by members of the
General Presbytery.
WEDNESDAY MORNING—AUGUST 5
Business Session
The first business session of the 56th General Council of the Assemblies of God
convened at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, Wednesday,
August 5, at 8:30 a.m. General Superintendent George O. Wood welcomed everyone
and read from 1 Peter 5, giving a brief devotional about being a shepherd of God’s flock.
He offered an opening prayer. The business session was called to order at 8:35 a.m.
Introduction of Executive Leadership Team
and Executive Presbytery
Chairman Wood recognized the executive presbyters: Dan C. Betzer, Southeast
Area; Warren D. Bullock, Northwest Area; J. Don George, South Central Area;
Saturnino Gonzalez, Language Area—East Spanish; A. Elizabeth Grant; Additional
Representative—Ordained Female Minister; Larry H. Griswold, Great Lakes Area; Nam
Soo Kim, Language Area—Other; Rodney K. Loy, Gulf Area; John E. Maracle, Ethnic
Fellowships; Jesse Miranda, Jr., Language Area—West Spanish; T. Ray Rachels,
Southwest Area; H. Robert Rhoden, Northeast Area; Brian C. Schmidgall, Additional
Representative—Ordained Minister under 40 Years of Age; Clarence W. St. John, North
Central Area.
He recognized the Executive Leadership Team: L. Alton Garrison, assistant
general superintendent; James T. Bradford, general secretary; Doug Clay, general
treasurer; Gregory M. Mundis, executive director of Assemblies of God World Missions;
Zollie L. Smith, Jr., executive director of Assemblies of God U.S. Missions.
Introduction of Retired Executive Presbyters and Officers
Chairman Wood expressed appreciation to the retired executive officers and
presbyters: Almon M. Bartholomew, former executive presbyter, Northwest Area;
L. John Bueno, former executive director of Assemblies of God World Missions; Charles
T. Crabtree, former assistant general superintendent; Richard Dresselhaus, former
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GENERAL COUNCIL MINUTES
executive presbyter, Southwest Area; Charles E. Hackett, former executive director of
Assemblies of God U.S. Missions; J. Foy Johnson, former executive presbyter, Southeast
Area; Everett R. Stenhouse, former assistant general superintendent; Thomas E. Trask,
former general superintendent; Loren Triplett, former executive director of Assemblies of
God World Missions. The chairman expressed special appreciation for Thomas E. Trask,
former general superintendent.
Appreciation to Thomas E. Trask
Chairman Wood brought greetings on behalf of Thomas E. Trask, former general
superintendent, as he is unable to be present at this General Council due to the recent
hospitalization and health problems of his wife, Shirley. This is the first General Council
that the former general superintendent has missed in 50 years.
A motion was moved, seconded, and carried to express love and appreciation to
former General Superintendent Thomas E. and Shirley Trask.
Fraternal Delegates
The general superintendent announced that an appreciation dinner is scheduled
to be held on Thursday evening for visiting fraternal delegates from other Pentecostal
denominations who will be in attendance at this General Council.
Expression of Appreciation
to the City of Orlando, Florida
Appreciation was expressed to the City of Orlando, Florida, Mayor John Hugh
Buddy Dyer, and the Orange County Convention Services for their hospitality shown to
the General Council delegates.
Expression of Appreciation
to Orange County, Florida
Appreciation was expressed to Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs and to Orange
County, Florida.
Expression of Appreciation to
Governor of the State of Florida
The chairman expressed appreciation to Governor Rick Scott and to the State of
Florida.
Expression of Appreciation to
Host Districts
The chairman expressed appreciation to the Brazilian District Council and
Superintendent Joel F. Costa, the Peninsular Florida District Council and Superintendent
Terrell R. Raburn, the Florida Multicultural District Council and Superintendent Saturnino
Gonzalez, the West Florida District Council and Superintendent Thomas L. Moore for
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