Holy Convocations

[Joseph Gill]

Psalm 50:5 "Gather my saints together unto me;
those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice."

Convocations were called principally to raise material
support for the national and jurisdictional levels of
the the church. The first national meetings were held
for 21 days, from late November to mid-December.
According to the Senior YPWW's "COGIC History Series,"
"the reason for calling the meeting at this time of the
year was the fact that practically all of the community
of the faith at that time lived in the farming districts
of Mississippi, Tennessee, and Arkansas. By that time
[on the calendar] their crops were all harvested and
enough finance and other provisions were available
which enabled them to attend and support a national
meeting."

Convocations also served as opportunities for other
church business to be conducted, like the ordination
of elders, the appointment of overseers, and the
organization of auxiliaries. They also evolved into
opportunities for training and spiritual enrichment,
and for the personal development of the saints.

I think it's too bad we as church members seem so
impatient with the "business" side of these meetings.
And its rather a shame that they have to have more
spectacle and glitter to get us to attend. Why do
professional recording artists have to be featured
in the pre-musicals? Why do popular preachers have
to be invited for the nightly services? So much
money is being up-fronted now--in lining up the
attractions--that some convocations are becoming
a net monetary loss for the jurisdictions.

When I attend the jurisdictional meetings, I always
hear a lament that "it's about money, rather than
souls." I really think this is short-sighted. The
meetings SHOULD be about business--and raising funds
is part of business. So is making a detailed financial
accounting to the members. We should leave convocation
with a clear picture of how last year's finances were
allocated. It really is a shame when year in and year
out the books remain effectively closed to us.

Is anybody still giving districts superintendents the
space to make reports about their district's activities that
year? Any missions and outreach ministries given a
platform to testify about their work? Nah, we'd rather make
room for a couple of out-of-state bishops and a celebrated
evangelist to preach (and carry home large honorariums)
than learn more about what's happening in our own
jurisdiction.

I don't know... maybe I'm wrong, but it just seems
the perspective is all screwy.

[Evg Tan]

Well I have to disagree with you concerning the Jurisdictional activities. For one Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake is my Jurisdictional Prelate of Southern California First and we have some marvelous meetings which include, childrens ministry, youth ministry, evangelism, womens department, global outreach, transitonal housing, drug and alcohol ministry, prayer ministry and the list goes on. Supt. and local Pastors are given the opportunity to speak and are recognized for their work in the community. The financial part plays a major role to help support the National Church but we are the largest jurisdiction with the greatest leader in the COGIC, none other than Bishop Charles E. Blake.

[Joseph Gill]

Evangelist Foster, do you mean that at your jurisdictional convocation the state Youth, Evangelism, and Women's Departments--as well as the other ministries you mentioned--make reports of their activities? Are those ministries even given space at the nightly meetings (when most of the saints are available to hear their reports)?

[James D. Yarbrough]

I AGREE THAT PART OF THE REASON WE SHOULD COME TO THE CONVOCATION IS FOR BUSINESS, BUT WE SHOULD ALSO COME TO WORSHIP AND PRAISE GOD. IT IS A CHANCE FOR US TO FELLOWSHIP WITH OTHER BELIEVERS. I BELIEVE THE MAIN PERSPECTIVE SHOULD BE CHRIST AND REACHING SINNERS FOR HIM.
I ALSO FEEL THAT THERE IS A LOT OF WORK THAT IS BEING DONE IN THE CHURCH LOCALLY THAT WILL NOT MAKE NATIONAL NEWS, BUT I FEEL AS LONG AS WE ARE DOING OUR PART, WE ARE SUPPORTING THE VISION AS A WHOLE AND WHAT IS DONE IN SECRET GOD WILL REWARD OPENLY. SO LET'S BE ENCOURAGED CHURCH! LET US CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR OUR NATIONAL LEADERS AND DO THE WORK GOD HAS CALLED US TO DO!