Church of God General Assembly 2018 Agenda: Meaning and Usage of the Term “Bishop”

MOTION: 76TH INTERNATIONAL GENERAL COUNCIL/ASSEMBLY, 2016

After a detailed review by the International Executive Council of the meaning and usage of the term “bishop,” further study needs to be done that will better address whether it is necessary to change the current nomenclature in order to clarify and fulfill the intent of the International General Council with respect to the designation of the ministerial rank in the Church of God. We also recommend that the study include a detailed look at the title of “Ordained Bishop” and any effect it has on the legal and cultural issues of the international church and on the IRS (USA, Internal Revenue Service) rulings concerning the national church. Further, that the following issues and relatedness of these issues be part of this report:

1. Titles for all Ranks of Ministry
2. Qualifications of Ministry
3. Women in Ministry

That this study be brought back to the 2018 International General Council.