Church of God Executive Council Review – Lee University
International Executive Committee
Since its beginning, the Church of God has been identified as a movement committed to the authority of Holy Scripture for faith and direction with the Great Commission as our mandate. We are a church that is Christ-centered, people-oriented, and need-sensitive in all its programs and ministries. Church of God doctrinal affirmation states that we are a church that stands for the whole Bible rightly divided, and for the New Testament as the only rule of faith and practice. The Church of God Declaration of Faith and Doctrinal Commitments remain the definitive statements of our beliefs and core values.
As we witness a changing world, there are profound challenges that we face. Challenges of compromise run rampant throughout society. Core values are eroding and significant issues can create fragmentation within churches and denominations. The importance of commitments and doctrine are being deluded by cultural alienation, secularization and government influence. Signs of the times indicate that in society today there is a distrust of authority including the authority of Christ and Scripture.
The convergence of numerous issues are demonstrating significant impact upon society and the church. These include a global pandemic, cultural shifts, secularization, polarization of values, and a new normal of how we manifest church. When in March of 2021, a non-faculty speaker in a Lee University chapel service failed to include in his message the need of God’s redemptive power for anyone in a LGBTQ+ lifestyle, there was a response of significant concern among Church of God constituents. The International Executive Committee responded immediately to the compromising encroachment upon Church of God doctrine. With cooperation of Lee University leadership, the Executive Committee initiated immediate action addressing issues of marriage and sexuality predicated upon a sound Biblical perspective and church doctrine. The beliefs and commitments of the Church of God are non-negotiables and should be clearly taught based upon the authority of Scripture.
This event began a process of review with the Executive Committee, Council of 18, and Lee University leadership to address the matter. The purpose was to affect any clarifications and necessary modifications to affirm the Biblical foundation of Lee University and the Church of God regarding our opposition to homosexuality. Our commitment is to the Word of God and in its clear prohibition of LGBTQ+ lifestyle.
Recently, the Lee University Board of Directors in their November 5 meeting unanimously adopted and documented in their minutes a motion of affirmation to Church of God doctrine. “It was moved, seconded and carried that the Lee University Board of Directors unanimously affirms Lee University’s commitment to the statement of faith and the doctrines of the Church of God.”
The attached document entitled REVIEW: Church of God Executive Council—Lee University articulates the process and proactive steps taken to address the issues and affirm our commitment to Church of God core doctrine, commitments, and values. These are stated in the latest edition of the Minutes of the Church of God General Assembly—the Church of God Book of Discipline, Church Order, and Governance.
As we move forward with this review process, our commitment to Christian higher education must be founded upon Biblical authority, doctrinal integrity, and academic excellence. Together, we join hearts and hands to be “The Church on Mission!”
To access the REVIEW document adopted by the Executive Council, click the button below.
|
