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Ministry Assignments & State Office Initiatives 2021

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Published by FLCOGOP, 2021-09-11 07:21:42

Ministry Assignments

Ministry Assignments & State Office Initiatives 2021

Ministry Assignments &
State Office Initiatives

2021

Florida Ministries

Church of God of Prophecy
6001 Monarch Blvd.

Leesburg, Florida 34748
352.323.1321

Equipping pastors to equip leaders for life

Encounter & Encourage, Equip & Empower

Equipping pastors to equip leaders for life 1|P a g e

Changes Prior to 2022

Regions & Regional Presbyters

South – Noward Dean
South Central – Danny Hurlburt
Central – Cornelius Williams
North – J.V. Sullivan

Northwest – William Nester

Liaisons to State Overseer and Regional Presbyters

Alex Lazo, Spanish
Raymond Simon, Haitian

District & District Presbyters
D1 Joshua Caley
D2 Arthur Wilson
D3 Jeffrey Webb
D4 Mike Bevis
D5 Alex Lazo
D6 Scott Creasy
D7 Cornelius Williams
D8 & D9 Samuel (Sandy) Gamble
D10 Thomas Harris – New Leader Discernment
D11 JV Sullivan – New Leader Discernment
D12 Billy Canterbury
D13 Lawrence Singleton
D14 William Nester – New Leader Discernment

The State, Regional, and District Bishops provide spiritual direction for the ministries of the
Florida Ministries. The State Bishop is directly accountable to the North American Presbyter.
The Regional Bishop is directly accountable to the State Bishop, and the District Bishop will
be directly accountable to the Regional Bishops. In collaboration, these teams ensure the
following Ministry Teams implement the mission and purpose of Florida Ministries as they
endeavor to resource the local churches effectively. In addition, Florida Ministries intends to
encounter & encourage while equipping & empowering pastors to equip leaders for life.
Therefore, a ministry description has been prepared to specify the expectations of these
functions of ministry.
State Ministry & Administrative Team

Equipping pastors to equip leaders for life 2|P a g e

Executive Secretary & Heart2Heart Ministry Brenda Gillum
State Treasurer & Office Manager Troy Vernon
Office Receptionist, Public Relations, Pastor Care Frankie Dotson
Office Assistant Heather Dotson
Camp Sonshine Manager & Caretaker Joe & Toni Martinez

Assistants to Caretaker Gabriel Martinez
Malachi Martinez
Summer Camping/Retreat Coordinator Joe & Heather Dotson
Ministerial Licensure & Certification
Scott Creasy, Chairman
Ministerial Review Board Noward Dean, Counselor
Leadership Development Joe Dotson
Online Connection Pastor Romeika Adderley/Elaine Love
Women’s Ministries Scott Creasy
Men’s Ministries Frankie Dotson
State Bishop Care Team Kay Osban
Intercessory Prayer Coordinator Kay Osban
State Evangelist Team Zachary Teasdale
Daniel Singh

Care4Pastor’s Children Ministry Team
Joshua Caley, Jr.
Alicia Caley
Jessi Caley
Reagan & Haylee Vernon
Maggie Vernon
Rachel Vernon

Student Ministries Team
TBD - Children Ministries
Rodney & Christina Bevis - Advisor
Scott & Shellie Creasy-Youth Camp
Joe & Heather Dotson-Youth Camp
Camille Heron - Advisor
Shelia Mathis - Northwest Regional Youth Leader
Brian & Vanessa Nulph-Youth Camp
Brandi Reyes - South Central Regional Youth Leader
Aaron & Angela Taylor-Youth Camp
Amy Quesinberry - Central Regional Youth
David & Gia Roberts - South Regional Youth & Leader of Leaders
Richard & Carrie Roberts -Youth Camp & North Central Regional Youth Leader
Kyle Westcott – Advisor

Grace Relations Team

Equipping pastors to equip leaders for life 3|P a g e

Zhivago Adderley Scott Gillum
Joshua Caley, Sr. Romeika Adderley
Joshua Caley, Jr. Harrold Daniels
Joe Dotson Noward Dean, Vice President
Noward Dean Danny Hurlburt
Sandy Gamble Libnis Lazo
Camille Heron Larry Miller
Wantworth Heron William Nester
Philip Hobbs JV. Sullivan
Danny Hurlburt Troy Vernon, Treasurer
Alex Lazo Cornelius Williams
Timothy Lightbourn Arthur Wilson
William Nester
David Roberts
Gia Roberts
Lawrence Singleton
JV Sullivan
Van Sullivan
Aaron Taylor
Troy Vernon
Reagan Vernon
Arthur Wilson, Jr.
Cornelius Williams

FL-COGOP INC. Board of Directors
President
Directors

Camp & Retreat Ministries 4|P a g e
Equipping pastors to equip leaders for life

Team Leader Joe & Heather Dotson
Directors
Regional Youth Leaders
Winter Retreat & Student Ministries Team
Scott Creasy
Men’s Retreats Romeika Adderley & Elaine Love
Ladies Retreats
Aaron & Angela Taylor
Senior (Ages 15-19) Brian & Vanessa Nulph
Junior (Ages 12-14) Richard & Carrie Roberts
Intermediate Shellie & Scott Creasy
Hot Shots (Ages 7-11)

Camp Sonshine

Board of Directors
The Florida COGOP INC Board of Directors agreed an LLC of the Florida COGOP INC would
be filed with the Florida Secretary of State.

Ministerial Review & Leadership Development Team

Members Zhivago Adderley
Scott Creasy, Chairman
Noward Dean, RRC Counselor
Ernest Dupree
Marc Etienne

Wantworth Heron
Philip Hobbs
Yvette Leachman
Luc Loriston
Raymond Simon
Alvin Taylor
Hazel Williams

When a candidate comes before the Ministerial Review Team, the pastor, District & Regional
Bishop of the candidate will be invited to participate in the interview. When a licensed
minister is a candidate for Bishop's ordination, the Regional Bishop will participate in the
interview process.

Equipping pastors to equip leaders for life 5|P a g e

District 1
District Bishop – JOSHUA CALEY, SR. – Discerning an Assistant

GOULDS (TRIUMPHANT) JACINTH DOWNS
HOMESTEAD (HOUSE OF PRAYER) BYRON HUGHES
KEY WEST JEAN JEAN
MIAMI (#1) SAMUEL THOMPSON
MIAMI (CENTERVILLE) VINCENT RAMSAY
MIAMI (HAITIAN) MARIE PHILIPPE
MIAMI (PERRINE CENTER OF HOPE) KATURAH LEWIS
SOUTH MIAMI (HIGHER PRAISE & WORSHIP CENTER) JOSHUA CALEY, Sr.

District 2
District Bishop – ARTHUR WILSON, JR. – Discerning an Assistant

DEERFIELD BEACH FRANK CAPRON
FT. LAUDERDALE LEONARD ROBINSON
HALLANDALE WINSTON WILLIAMS
HOLLYWOOD KEITH WHITE
LAUDERDALE LAKES (HAITIAN) PIERRE SAINVIL
LAUDERHILL (GLORY TRAIN - MISSION) RAYE HUTCHINSON
MIAMI GARDENS (LOVE FELLOW. MIN.) CAMILLE HERON
Mentoring Pastors,
MIAMI GARDENS (19TH AVE) Joshua Caley, Sr. & Jacinth Downs
MIAMI (RIDGEWAY) ERROL CAMPBELL
MIAMI (MIRACLE DELIVERANCE HEALING REVIVAL CENTER) GERALD JONES
MIAMI GARDENS (HAITIAN-TABERNACLE OF HOLINESS) KEITH ROBINSON
SUNRISE (HIGHER GROUND) PELIXON FRANCOIS
SUNRISE (OAKLAND PARK BLVD.) MARIA EVERETT
TAMARAC (EAGLE’S WINGS) NOVEL WILSON
WEST PARK (SURE FOUNDATION) NICHOLAS FERGUSON
ARTHUR WILSON, JR.

Equipping pastors to equip leaders for life 6|P a g e

DISTRICT 3
District Bishop – JEFFREY WEBB – Discerning an Assistant

BELLE GLADE (AVE A, Merged with Wings of Love) LEONARD NEAL
BELLE GLADE (12TH STREET MIN) CLIFFORD MENARDY
BOYNTON BEACH (NEW VISION) CARMEN MCLEAN
CLEWISTON (UNITY) LUC LORISTON
PIERRE JOSEPH
DELRAY BEACH (HAITIAN) JEFFREY WEBB
FORT PIERCE (HAITIAN) WANDA PEREZ
GREENACRES (BROWARD AVE) LINNETTE CHRISTIAN
GREENACRES (SPANISH) TREVOR MCFARLANE
PAHOKEE (REST. CHRISTIAN LIFE) CLEVELAND SMITH
PALM BEACH GARDENS WINSTON JOHNSON
PALM BEACH LAKES (Outreach Church) HENRY DOUGLAS
PORT ST. LUCIE (UNITY) GODFREY BROWN
RIVIERA BEACH (WINGS OF LOVE) CLARICE LEITNER
WELLINGTON CENEQUE JULIEN
WEST PALM BEACH (DIVINE)
WEST PALM BEACH (HAITIAN) HENRY DOUGLAS
WEST PALM BEACH (NEW BEGINNING, Merged with Green Acres)
WEST PALM BEACH (ROYAL PALM)

OUTREACH CHURCH

Equipping pastors to equip leaders for life 7|P a g e

District 4
District Bishop – MIKE BEVIS – Discerning an Assistant

LORIDA CURTIS (Mike) HILL
PALM CITY MACK WILLIS
PORT ST. LUCIE (LIFELINE MIN.) DERRICK JACKSON
PORT ST. LUCIE (LIGHTHOUSE) THEODORE WALKER
OKEECHOBEE MIKE BEVIS
RIVIERA BEACH (AVE E) BARBARA LYNN

District 5
District Bishop – ALEX LAZO – Discerning an Assistant

ARCADIA DANNY HURLBURT
BOKEELIA TERRY HUNTER
FT. MYERS (GLORIOUS) RAYMOND SIMON
FT. MYERS (MARION ST. FAMILY WORSHIP CTR.) ALEX LAZO
FT. MYERS (MICHIGAN AVE) LAWFORD WHYTE
LEHIGH ACRES WANTWORTH HERON
LEHIGH ACRES (HAITIAN – OUTREACH CHURCH) JOHN LAFONTANT
MOOREHAVEN CHARITY MARTINEZ
NAPLES (HAITIAN)
NORTH PORT (MISSION) LONIC GERMAIN
ELAINE LOWERS
PUNTA GORDA Mentoring Pastor, Danny Hurlburt
DAN LOVE

OUTREACH CHURCH

Equipping pastors to equip leaders for life 8|P a g e

District 6
District Bishop – SCOTT CREASY – Discerning an Assistant

AUBURNDALE ALVIN TAYLOR

BRADENTON (7TH AVE) OLIVE ELDON
BRADENTON (HAITIAN) MARC ETIENNE

BRADENTON (IMPACT OF RESTORATION – OUTREACH CHURCH) JOSE RIVERA
LAKE WALES (LIVING WATERS) PAT LOPEZ

PALM HARBOR (CROSSROADS CHAPEL) SCOTT CREASY

TAMPA (HIGH PRAISE VICTORY CENTER) BRIAN NULPH
TAMPA (FOREST HILLS) ZHIVAGO ADDERLEY

TAMPA (HYDE PARK) NATHANIEL FORBES
TAMPA (CITY OF PRAISE INTERNATIONAL – UKRAINIAN MISSION) ANDREY SYRISKO

THONOTOSASSA (Inactive) JAMES PITTS
VALRICO (WORSHIP CENTER) CURTIS FREDERICK

District 7
District Bishop – CORNELIUS WILLIAMS – Discerning an Assistant

APOPKA (MISSION ONE CHAPEL) MARCO DOMINGUEZ
CLERMONT (HAITIAN) ESDRAS PETIT-HOMME
KISSIMMEE YVONNE DEANS
MINNEOLA (FAITH OUTREACH MIN.) RONALD MILLER
OCOEE RONALD BATES
ORLANDO (ALL NATIONS) YVETTE LEACHMAN
ORLANDO (LAST DAYS HAITIAN) ALTES LAGUERRE
ORLANDO (ORANGE CENTER) CORNELIUS WILLIAMS
ORLANDO (RESTORATION CENTER MINISTRIES) HUGH PALMER
OVIEDO (ALL NATIONS) VAN SULLIVAN
SANFORD (LAKE MARY MINISTRIES) LORETTA MILWOOD
WINTER GARDEN (BAY STREET – VICTORY) JAMES THOMAS
WINTER GARDEN (SOUTHSIDE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP) SHEL SULLIVAN

District 8
District Bishop – SAMUEL GAMBLE – Discerning an Assistant

BROOKSVILLE GREGORY BROWN
LEESBURG TROY VERNON

Equipping pastors to equip leaders for life 9|P a g e

MASCOTTE RICHARD WHITTEN
TAVARES SAMUEL GAMBLE

District 9
District Bishop – SAMUEL GAMBLE – Discerning an Assistant

COCOA (HAITIAN) JEAN GASPARD
COCOA (GOD’S LIGHTHOUSE) MARION BUMGARNER –
COCOA (SPANISH – OUTREACH CHURCH) MARIO VASQUEZ
MELBOURNE (OVERCOMER) WINFORD GRAHAM
PALM BAY (MISSION) JONATHAN ROLLE

OUTREACH CHURCH

Equipping pastors to equip leaders for life 10 | P a g e

DISTRICT 10
District Bishop – THOMAS HARRIS – Discerning a new District Bishop

CRESCENT CITY (ABUNDANT HARVEST MINISTRIES) PHILIP HOBBS
DAYTONA BEACH EDWARD MIRELEZ
DELAND (DAYSTAR MINISTRIES) DAVID DIXON
Mentoring Pastor, Thomas Harris
DELEON SPRINGS CHRIS MILLER
ORMOND BEACH (STRONG TOWER CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP) JAMES L. DAVIS, SR.
PIERSON LARRY MILLER
SANFORD (WHOLE WORLD GOSPEL CENTER) SHAWN HOUSE
SANFORD (PILLAR, GROUND & TRUTH) CARLTON JAMES
SANFORD (TRUE PRAISE & WORSHIP CENTER) HARROLD DANIELS

District 11
District Bishop – JV Sullivan – Discerning an Assistant

BROOKER (LIGHTHOUSE) CHUCK HOUSE
GAINESVILLE (HAWTHORNE RD.) JOE MARTINEZ
GAINESVILLE (WESTSIDE) MICHAEL POPP
OCALA JV. SULLIVAN
PALATKA ALLEN BAGGETT

District 12
District Bishop – BILLY CANTERBURY – Discerning an Assistant

FERNANDINA BEACH SCOTT LOCKWOOD
JACKSONVILLE (21st Street) JOHN WILLIS

JACKSONVILLE (BUCKMAN ST.) ROSIE ANDERSON

JACKSONVILLE (LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP) DALE HUTCHINSON
JACKSONVILLE (CLAY HILL) BILLY CANTERBURY

JACKSONVILLE (EASTSIDE) – Merged with Jacksonville 21st Street DONALD GRUNDY
JACKSONVILLE (MANDARIN HARVEST FELLOWSHIP)

JACKSONVILLE (OAKWOOD VILLA) CHARLES TUCKER
JACKSONVILLE (SOUTHSIDE) – Merged with Lighthouse Christian Fellowship

JACKSONVILLE (WESTSIDE INT’L) DALE HILE

ST. AUGUSTINE (NEW BEGINNING FULL GOSPEL) CURTIS REGISTER

Equipping pastors to equip leaders for life 11 | P a g e

District 13
District Bishop – LAWRENCE SINGLETON – Discerning an Assistant

BRISTOL ROSETTA BAKER
CAPITOLA REBECCA ROSS
HAVANA DAISY MORRIS
MIDWAY DARRYL FORBES
MONTICELLO LEE GREEN
PERRY (GLORIOUS RAIN) TOMMY HUGHES
PERRY (HAMPTON SPRINGS) CONNIE MOTE
PERRY (NEW HOPE, Inactive)
QUINCY LAWRENCE SINGLETON
TALLAHASSEE (DADE ST.) WAYNE HALL
Mentoring Pastor, L. Singleton
TALLAHASSEE (MICCOSUKEE) ALMANDO MULLINGS
TALLAHASSEE (WESTWAY RD.) LEWELLYN MULLINGS

District 14
District Bishop – WILLIAM NESTER – Discerning an Assistant

BONIFAY (KANSAS AVE.) BILLY TINSLEY
BONIFAY (NEW BAYVIEW) SYLVIA FOSKEY
CHIPLEY ERNEST DUPREE
MILTON FRED MOULTRIE
NICEVILLE (WORSHIP CENTER) WILLIAM NESTER
PANAMA CITY (GRACE FELLOWSHIP) MAXIE BEAUCHAMP
PANAMA CITY (ST. ANDREWS) TBD

Equipping pastors to equip leaders for life 12 | P a g e

HEALTH & REVITALIZATION

Since the ministry of the State Office is to "equip pastors to equip leaders for
life," we have entered into a strategic partnership with David Ferguson and the
Great Commandment Network. This partnership will provide an opportunity at no
cost to the pastor for a pastor/spouse retreat. The retreat, accommodations, meals,
and all materials are a gift. More than 15,000 ministry couples from around the
world have participated in these life-changing, marriage-enriching, ministry-
impacting retreats!

The retreat content is drawn from Dr. David and Teresa Ferguson's acclaimed
book, The Great Commandment Principle, which has been provided to every
pastor in Florida with additional resources to be provided at the retreat. The
expected outcomes of this initiative are:

• Affirm your significance, value, and worth to the

One who has called you!

: • Encounters with Christ to revitalize your
intimacy with Him

• Encouragement from His Word to enrich and renew your marriage

and other relationships ◼

• Equipping you to equip others◼for life
• Empowered for Great Comma◼ndment Great Commission Living



Every pastor needs the prayer support of a team of intercessors. Therefore, we will endeavor to
provide resources to each pastor to assist them in equipping a team of intercessors for his family
and ministry. These books are available through the State Office.

Equipping pastors to equip leaders for life 13 | P a g e

The Pastoral Care Line is a free, confidential, dedicated helpline for pastors. Trained
professional counselors are available every day from 8 am – 10 pm (EST). Need care?
Call 1-844-PASTOR1 (1-844-727-8671).
The Family Help Center ensures confidentiality.Care4Pastors is a collaborative initiative of
these distinguished partners. We love pastors and have aligned our ministries to serve you
more effectively.

Every pastor needs people who will value them based on who they are and not only what they do.
Therefore, we will endeavor to provide resources to each pastor to assist them in equipping people
to facilitate appreciation and affirmation.

We believe the primary function of the State Office is to "equip pastors to equip leaders for life,"
realizing Jesus equipped His disciples relationally, we will establish relational centers where
pastors and leaders can connect in closer proximity to one another. These centers will provide
opportunities for relevant networking resulting in a collaborative work of equipping one
another for ministry. In addition, a teaching/equipping team will facilitate opportunities for
pastors and leaders to encounter Jesus and His word. The desired outcome of this initiative
will be to encourage, equip, and empower pastors to encounter, encourage, equip, and
empower leaders for the work of ministry. Paul outlines such in Ephesians 4.

◼ Encounters with Christ and other pastors for personal spiritual health and
healthy church function in life and ministry.

◼ Encouragement from the Word of God and strategic principles for healthy
personal, church, and ministry life.

◼ Equipped with tools, systems, resources, and relationships for healthy church
and ministry.

◼ Empowered by the encounters with Holy Spirit and others to serve from a
posture of health and wholeness in life and ministry.

A NEW PASTOR WITH A MENTORING PASTOR

Every (new) pastor assigned will have a mentoring pastor to connect them with an experienced
Mentoring Pastor for a two-year term. The goal of this mentoring relationship is another step
toward equipping pastors to equip leaders for life.

Equipping pastors to equip leaders for life 14 | P a g e

While having the direct responsibility of the spiritual and administrative life of the local church to
which they have been assigned, the New Pastor will be accountable first to the assigned Mentoring
Pastor. Both the New Pastor and the Mentoring Pastor will be given a ministry description and
must agree with the responsibilities and accountability of such an assignment. After the first 12
months, the Mentoring Pastor, Regional and State Bishop, will review the New Pastor in dialogue
with the local church.

Traditionally, our office provides support to pastors through development and resource
opportunities. We intend to encounter, encourage, equip, and empower pastors to encounter,
encourage, equip, and empower leaders for life. The State Office ministry starts in the home of the
pastor. Our present ministry is designed to care for the pastor and their spouse. Regional Relational
Centers are for the pastor, and the Heart2Heart Ministries is the vehicle for ministry to the spouse
of a pastor. The Care4Pastors' Children initiative will complete this pastoral family emphasis. We
cannot forget the care of the children of the pastor. We intend to provide a team of young leaders
who are pastor's children to guide our initiatives alongside these children in significant ways. The
Care4Pastors'Children team will develop and facilitate encounters and encouragement, equipping
and empowering opportunities for the children of pastors to live as mature followers of Jesus both
now and when they leave the covering of the home.

Paul writes,
"at that time, you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and
strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But
now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of

separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments
contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making
peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby

putting to death the enmity."

Paul told the Ephesians recorded in Chapter 4, EACH OF US ARE A PART OF one body BY
one spirit WITH one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God & Father of ALL

• Christians are NOT distinguished by country, culture, customs, language, traditions, or
ethnicity. They do not inhabit cities of their kind or use a unique form of speech.

Equipping pastors to equip leaders for life 15 | P a g e

• Christians have not developed a philosophical program or plan that defines the Christian
code of conduct.

• Christians inhabit cities of every nation according to the circumstances in which they find
themselves.

• Christians follow the customs of their culture: in respect of clothing, food, and the rest of
their ordinary conduct, all in submission to the culture of a heavenly kingdom.

Florida Ministries has intentionally designed a Grace Relations team to seek to bring greater
understanding to the pastors and leaders of this Movement. We are committed to the ministry of
reconciliation and will, as Paul said, "endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of
peace" (Ephesians 4:3). We will do so as Paul instructed in verses 1 and 2, "I, therefore, the
prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2
with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love"
(Ephesians 4).

MOTHERING CHURCHES

A smaller struggling congregation can be nurtured, encouraged, and
enriched by a larger, healthy congregation. The Mothering Church vision
would include reaching other communities by serving a smaller church.
This initiative would seek healthy churches with pastors who desire to broaden
their ministry service by serving a congregation geographically close to their
location. Under the direction of the pastor and leadership team, the Mothering Church would
begin to serve the smaller congregation by teaching, preaching, developing leaders, leading
outreach efforts, conducting revivals, etc. This initiative aims to see the smaller church become
healthy and able to support a bi-vocational pasto

MISSION CHURCH

While the State Office will "equip pastors to equip leaders for life"; the life that
permeates each city, county, region, state, nation, and the world, will encourage
healthy pastors and congregations to consider a Mission Church prayerfully.
In addition, we will equip pastors to broaden their base of leadership by
planting new congregations that would extend the local church ministry in other
locations close to the mother church.

Equipping pastors to equip leaders for life 16 | P a g e

OUTREACH CHURCH/MISSION

An Outreach Church has been a self-governed (independent) church without
peripheral covering. Therefore, such a congregation desiring to progress toward
uniting with the Church of God of Prophecy will be called an Outreach Church.
This being the first of many steps to transition them from alone to becoming a
fully functional part of the family of COGOP in Florida. This effort would require the
involvement of many from a healthy congregation close to the Outreach Church.

EVANGELIST’S TEAM

Florida Ministries intends to raise the function of evangelist to the level of
equipping leaders in local churches for life. Paul instructs that each function of
ministry is for the encouragement and increase of the body and is necessary for
the church to mature into the full measure and stature of Christ. Therefore, we
recommend that each local church raise the function of evangelist and the work

of evangelism that reaches people with the Gospel in order
for lives to be transformed.

The work of evangelism can occur but not limited to the following:
1) Revival

a. City Wide
b. Local Church
2) Relationship Evangelism
3) Personal Discipleship

We endorse and recommend gifted evangelists for your prayerful consideration for city-
wide and local church evangelistic engagements.

The International Bible Doctrine and Polity Committee of the Church of
God of Prophecy provided the following for the 2018 International Assembly:

The Church of God of Prophecy has never adopted a congregational form of
government. Referring to our Minutes of the 94th General Assembly of 2006,
we would like to restate our position. "From the inception of this Church body
at the beginning of the twentieth century, our pioneering fathers realized the powerful
dynamics of recognizing that in all ministerial and spiritual operations that we were to pattern
ourselves after the theocratic principles of the Bible. At the same time, the wisdom of early
church Assemblies also realized the critical need to develop a system of hierarchical government

Equipping pastors to equip leaders for life 17 | P a g e

in all matters of business about property, monetary operations, and legal matters. This dynamic
requires us as ministers and members to confess that this important balance would be needed to
function in a secularized society that did not often reflect a belief in a "direct rule of God through
Spirit-filled leaders." Therefore, we hereby declare this Church to be a body striving to operate
under theocratic principles in all spiritual, ministerial, and inspirational areas, but to recognize
that we also function as a hierarchical government to maintain proper order and discipline in all
areas pertaining to business and management of our organization. While this statement is being
given to clarify our present type of government, this position has been reflected by past
Assembly decisions and court rulings throughout our history" (Minutes of the 94th General
Assembly (2006), 177).

The Church has made it clear that it attempts to operate within the principles of a theocracy
while exercising a hierarchical form of government. With that said, the Assembly Minutes
stipulates that the State Bishop, 'in consultation with the local church,' determines a process of
selecting a pastor. After a time of consultation, which would include prayer and deliberation, a
selection is made. It is the State Bishop, functioning in his administrative and apostolic duties,
which makes the final decision, consequently making the official appointment of the local pastor.
The local congregation does not select their respective pastor.

The State Bishop's appointive duties are as follows according to the 2016 Ministry Policy
Manual, p.31:

• To appoint pastors in consultation with the local Church and minister.*
• To appoint national/regional/state staff
• To appoint a national/regional/state ministerial review board.
• To appoint national/regional/state boards and committees as needed.
• To appoint district overseers and any other personnel necessary to administrate the

national/regional/ state programs.

As was requested during the business session of the 100th International Assembly, the Biblical
Doctrine and Polity Committee offers the following definition: "In consultation with" does not
require that an overseer physically or digitally visits with the entire congregation, a pastoral
committee, initiate a survey, or conduct a vote or expression. In consultation with may include
any one of the following:

• Conversation with a key leader or key leaders via in person, by phone, letter, email, or
some other similar venue.

• Extending the opportunity to individuals who would like to convey thoughts to the
State Bishop in his selection of a pastor.

State Bishops are not required to engage in all of the above. "In consultation with" is a very
broad provision. The State Bishop has the latitude to be creative in the method and modality of
consultation and is thereby not limited to the above suggestions. While "in consultation with" is
preferred, there may be certain situations that make it uniquely difficult for, if not altogether,
precluding the Bishop from consulting with members of the local congregation. In these
instances, the State Bishop could consult either with the general presbyter or his plurality team.
Ultimately, the pastoral appointment is at the discretion of the overseer.

Equipping pastors to equip leaders for life 18 | P a g e

Based on what is written above taken from the 2018 Business Acts of the 100th International
Assembly, Florida Ministries will implement the following regarding assignments made by the
office of the State Bishop.

PASTORS

The office of State Bishop in Florida has selected and assigned Regional Bishops as a plurality
team for decisions incumbent upon him. These men have been thoroughly vetted and lead with
integrity and the skillfulness of their hands (Ref. Psalm 78:70-72). They also serve as permanent
members of the Florida Church of God of Prophecy, Board of Directors, by virtue of their
position. The Regional Bishop is authorized by the State Bishop and will speak on behalf of the
State Bishop in matters relative to pastors and local churches in their respective regions. In
addition, this group of Bishops meet regularly for encouragement, counsel, and equipping.

For all practical purposes, the interaction with the local church for this process will be with their
Board of Directors &/or the Leadership Team. A meeting with the entire church may be required
if a stalemate exists at that level. However, the "Leadership Team" is encouraged to provide the
local church with updates as agreed with the Plurality Team.

It is not the local church's responsibility to select a pastor. Their role is simply to make
suggestions since the State Bishop reserves the right, based on knowledge outside of the purview
of the local church and the need to assign individuals based on statewide strategic planning.
When the appointment of a new pastor in a church becomes necessary, the following steps will
be taken.

1) The State Bishop will discuss this need with the Regional Bishops.

2) Once a vacancy has been established, the State Bishop/Regional/ District Bishop advises
the Church of the vacancy, outlining the tentative process to be followed to fill the
vacancy. This letter should detail the reasons for the vacancy, the projected date to fill the
position, instructions on local church input, and the projected date for the Plurality Team
to meet with local church leadership. The Board/Leadership team shall have the
responsibility of guiding the process of the local church's internal consultation,
considering the following:

• Fasting/prayer as an integral part of discernment

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• Review their list of possible prospects and arrive at suggestions to the
State Bishop and his team.

• No more than two names meeting the requisite character and competence
• No vetting of anyone should be done at this point.

3) The Regional Bishop will schedule a meeting with the Church Leadership Team. The
State Bishop and Regional Bishop will attend or be authorized by the State Bishop to
conduct a meeting on his behalf. This meeting will be held to gather information about
the present needs of the congregation and the type of pastor they discern is needed for
their congregation. At this meeting, the Board/Leadership Team will present the name(s)
of any suggestion for a replacement. Let it be understood, the Church does not select their
pastor, but the team of Regional Bishops will prayerfully consider their recommendations
with the State Bishop.

4) The State and Regional Bishop will also provide names of available ministers whom they
may discern with character and competence that may be available at the time.

5) After the meeting is held, the State Bishop will discuss the recommendations made by the
congregation through its Board & Leadership Team with the Regional Bishops and
review the candidates' files in the Florida Ministries Office.

6) After determining the recommended person has been tithing and report to Florida
Ministries as required, the names will be submitted to the entire group of Regional
Bishops for prayerful consideration.

7) Once the State & Regional Bishops have discerned the candidate's viability, a Ministry
Description will be sent to the candidate for their consideration for service as pastor.

8) After discussion and ample time for prayer and discernment, the Regional Bishops will
meet again to confer regarding their discernment. Once a candidate has been selected, the
Regional Bishop will conduct a discussion with the local church Board of Directors or the
assigned leadership team of the congregation regarding the decision of the State Bishop
and Regional Bishops.

9) The Regional Bishop will communicate with the candidate and allow the Church and the
candidate to meet and share their vision for ministry. A meeting as such will only be
necessary should the candidate be unknown to the congregation. A meeting is not an
interview but a time of personal conversation where people become better acquainted to
discern if this opportunity is Holy Spirit's work.

10) After the meeting, the Regional Bishop or State Bishop will communicate with a board or
Ministry Team representative to reflect on the candidates' visit.

11) Should the local church leaders have no issue with the choice, an announcement will be
read to the congregation during a service held by the Regional Bishop.

12) The incoming Pastor will be provided with a formal letter of appointment/. This letter
should be accompanied by a Ministry Description for the position for their signature. The

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local church Board of Directors should be provided with a copy of this letter of
appointment. Additionally, the Board should be provided with guidance on the pastor's
remuneration package to minimize misunderstanding.

DIRECTORS of the BOARD

The Board of Directors has seven positions that are filled based on their appointed role.

1) State Bishop
2) South Regional Bishop
3) South Central Bishop
4) Central Bishop
5) North Central Bishop
6) Northwest Bishop
7) State Treasurer

The number of Directors will be determined by the acting Board of Directors and may vary from
time to time based on circumstances.

1) When a vacancy occurs or a need to add persons, the chairman or vice-chairman will ask
for recommendations from the acting directors.

2) Once nominations cease and nominees are fully vetted, a letter that includes the ministry
description asking the candidate to consider serving on the Board, the candidate will be
asked to read the materials provided. The material should inform the candidate of the
responsibility incumbent upon them as a Director.

3) When the candidates are notified of the opportunity to serve, a response date will be
given to make the chairman or vice-chairman aware of their decision.

4) Once the decision is made, the Board will conduct a meeting where those who have
agreed to serve will be discussed and discerned who will serve based on the number of
spaces vacant at the time.

5) After the Board of directors' decision is made, the candidate(s) chosen will be notified of
the next scheduled meeting.

The standard process for directors to transition is in the State Convention year. A public
announcement at the biennial event will occur.

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE TEAM

EXISTING OFFICE MEMBERS

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1) Should an existing office position become vacant, the State Bishop collaborates with the
Regional Bishops to consider candidates for service in the Florida Ministries
administrative offices.

2) The candidate will be notified and asked to consider the possibility of filling the position
prayerfully. A ministry description will be provided for their consideration. A deadline
date will be communicated.

3) Should there be more than one candidate, the State and Regional Bishops will discern one
that can be presented to the Board of Directors for prayerful consideration and approval.

4) The candidates will be presented to the Board of Directors for prayerful discernment and
approval.

5) Once candidates for the vacant position have been determined, they will be notified of
their approval and when they will be expected to begin work.

NEW POSITION SELECTION:

1) The State Bishop will prepare a ministry description for the position and a pay scale and
impact on the annual budget.

2) The information will be provided to the Regional Bishops for discussion and
discernment.

3) Once it has been determined there is a legitimate need for the position and the impact on
the budget is sustainable, the State Bishop will provide the Regional Bishop with the
names of a candidate or candidates for prayerful discernment.

4) Once a candidate's character and competence have been adequately discussed, the group
will be given time to pray through their decision with a date determined when to call
another meeting.

5) Once a candidate is discerned to be the right fit, the State Bishop will provide this name
and the ministry description to the Board of Directors to approve budget sustainability.

6) The Board of Directors will be allowed to vote on the matter. Once a candidate has been
determined suitable for the ministry role, the candidate will be notified and given a time
frame to decide on their service.

If created between State Conventions, a new position will be announced by way of Florida
Ministries communication. If in a State Convention year, a formal assignment will be made
public in such an event.

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FLORIDA MINISTRIES TEAMS

Various ministries have been structured to provide opportunities for people to encounter Jesus,
times for encouragement, become better equipped, and empowered to serve in their God-given
design and passion. When a vacancy in any of the Florida Ministries teams occurs

1) The team will be notified by the State Bishop of the vacancy and asked to consider a
replacement prayerfully

2) The State Bishop, in collaboration with the team leader, will meet with the team to
discuss the vacancy.

3) Opportunities for recommendations will be received and vetted by the Regional and
District Bishops for discernment and approval.

4) A ministry description will be provided to a candidate, along with a date for them to
respond.

5) The Regional Bishops and ministry team will be notified regarding the response of the
candidate.

6) If there are multiple candidates, the ministry team collaborating with the
State/Regional/District Bishops will determine who will be asked to serve. If only one is
considered, then that State Bishop will notify the team and the Regional and District
Bishops.

REGIONAL BISHOPS

The Regional Bishops will be chosen based on character and competence in line with the
ministry description for this service provided at the time of consideration. When a new Regional
Bishop is necessary:

1) The State Bishop will, in collaboration with the Regional Bishops, meet to discuss
candidates.

2) The pastors in the region will be notified and requested to submit names for prayerful
discernment.

3) Once candidates are determined to be qualified in character and competence, the State
Bishop will provide a ministry description for the candidate and discuss the ministry
opportunity. A scheduled time for him to respond with his decision will be given in that
discussion.

4) Once he has responded, the State Bishop will notify the remaining Regional Bishops who
should fill the vacancy. If there is more than one candidate, the Regional Bishops in a

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meeting will discern the appropriate candidate. Finally, the State Bishop will notify the
candidate of the Regional Bishops' choice.

5) The State Bishop will notify the pastors in the region by way of Florida Ministries
communication.

DISTRICT BISHOPS

The District Bishops will be chosen based on character and competence in line with the ministry
description for this service provided at the time of consideration. When a new District Bishop is
necessary:

1) The State Bishop will, in collaboration with the Regional Bishops, meet to discuss
candidates.

2) The pastors in the region will be notified to submit names for prayerful discernment.

3) Once candidates are determined to be qualified in character and competence, the State
Bishop will provide a ministry description for the candidate and discuss the ministry
opportunity. A scheduled time for him to respond with his decision will be given in that
discussion.

4) Once he has responded, the State Bishop will notify the remaining Regional Bishops who
should fill the vacancy. If there is more than one candidate, the Regional Bishops, in a
meeting, will discern the appropriate candidate, and the State Bishop will notify the
candidate of the Regional Bishops' choice.

5) The State Bishop will notify the pastors in the district by way of Florida Ministries
communication.

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