GC Business Continues with Presentation of Resolutions, Reports, and Awards

In the second day of business, the General Council voted on several resolutions and amendments, received legal and financial reports, and honored outstanding educators, administrators, and students from Assemblies of God schools.

RESOLUTIONS
The first resolution presented, Resolution 4, proposed adjusting the nominating process for the offices of general secretary and general treasurer. The resolution suggested allowing nominations from the floor of the General Council, replacing the existing process of allowing the General Presbytery to select nominees and present them for election to the General Council body. Discussions were held as to the benefits and drawbacks of the resolution, eventually resulting in the resolution failing.

Resolution 2 proposed a language change in the Assemblies of God’s Organizational Manual by replacing the “tier 1 leadership” with “corporate senior leadership” in order to align the manual with the constitution and bylaws. The resolution passed.

Resolution 5 proposed mandatory mentoring for new ministers. The resolution would have required five years of mandatory district-implemented mentoring for all newly credentialed ministers as well as ongoing training for mentors. After some debate, the resolution failed.

Another resolution proposed a change to the way vacancies of executive offices are filled. Resolution 3 proposed that in the event any of the executive offices of the General Council becomes vacant through death or other cause the filling of the office would be by election of the General Presbytery. The current bylaw process is by appointment of the Executive Presbytery. After some debate, with those speaking against the change citing the success of the current process, the resolution failed.

Two final resolutions approved gave honorary general presbytery roles to Stephen L. Harris and Roy “Bill” Welch. Harris, a 1974 Central Bible College graduate and former Arizona district superintendent, and Welch, graduate of Central Bible College and former Alaska Ministry Network superintendent.

REPORTS
Two reports were offered: a legal report and update by Kristen Waggoner and the AG finance report brought by General Treasurer Rick Ross.

Waggoner shared about recent encouraging legal decisions in support of the freedom of religious expression and protections for religious expression. “The truth is a liberating master,” she said, “and the church should be leading.”

She offered updates from recent Supreme Court decisions that upheld state laws barring children from being given hormones for gender transition and wins for the religious liberties of families seeking refuge from indoctrination by schools that were in direct contrast to their faith and values.

Waggoner ended her report by sharing important considerations for pastors and churches, such as the importance of child abuse protection policies, religious employment practices and safeguards, the implementation of appropriate security measures, and the significance of understanding confidentiality when it comes to the use of AI (artificial intelligence).

Ross presented an abbreviated version of the complete AG finance report, highlighting positive trends. He also noted a record-giving year for Light for the Lost and a growth of 65% in the AG Women’s missions efforts. “To God be the glory and praise the Lord,” he said.

Thursday’s business also featured a series of distinguished educator awards presented by Paul Alexander, president of Trinity Bible College & Graduate School and of the Alliance for AG Higher Education.