The Administrative Council of the CGGC met this week to do the business of the church, to share reports from our regions and churches, and to set the agenda for our office for the next 6 months until the Ad Council meets again in March of 2027.
One of the most consequential things to come out of this Ad Council was the formal adoption of an AI Policy for the CGGC office and staff, which lays out acceptable use of AI tools in the office, setting clear limits on appropriate use of data. It’s of the utmost importance to the CGGC office to protect and secure the data of our churches, pastors, and donors. This policy will be routinely revised as new tools with new capabilities are released and available, helping to ensure sensitive data remains secure with the CGGC.
The Ad Council has also tasked the CGGC office with providing churches and regions with informational material about best practices and ethical principles of using AI both in and out of the church, and platforming experts who can speak to this evolving issue.
Part of every Ad Council session are the reports shared the ministry directors at the CGGC office, regional directors, and reports form auxiliary organizations like Churches of God, Women’s Ministry, Archives Museum, Winebrenner Theological Seminary, and the University of Findlay. These reports sometimes take the form of data and statistics from the region or in the form of stories about how God is moving in the churches.
Below is a list of some highlights from this round of reports:
Pastor Kendall Hughes, Director of the Western Region spoke excitedly about one incredible story where, after performing multiple baptisms, and changing back into his dry clothes, someone knocked on his church office door and asked if they could also be baptized. Pastor Kendall changed back into his wet clothes and baptized this man. Immediately following came another knock at his door, after which Pastoral Kendall was again asked if he would baptize someone. He did. Finally, after changing back into his clothes for the third time, Pastor Kendall stepped into his fellowship hall to see a man proposing to his girlfriend. He started to wonder… is he going to have to do a funeral today too?
Pastor Victor Glover, Director of the Southeast Region spoke about his time spent this spring working with Germantown Church of God, helping to train this church to do prison ministry, which has really taken off. Likewise, Pastor Victor spoke about his time in the Midwest Region with Mt. Carroll Church of God, where a group of older women expressed interest in starting their own group to do prison ministry, called Grandma's on the Move!
Both the Midwest Region Director Travis Bodden, and Allegheny Region Director Phil Scott spoke about their respective regions’ partnership with Fresh Expressions, and how they are seeing their churches and pastors get on board with new ways of doing church.
In keeping with this, at their annual conference, the Allegheny Region provided each church with demographic and statistical data about their local community. The idea was to help each church consider what needs are in the community, and how the church can meet those needs. A better understanding of the town or village these churches live in can reshape how they think about service and what opportunities there are to bless people.
The largest region in the CGGC, the Eastern Regional Conference, spoke more broadly about the journey the region has been on to reshape their discipleship culture, which takes a patient posture. Pastor Nate Buck, Eastern Region Executive Director believes they are making considerable progress.
Recognizing our Staff
During the dinner on Tuesday, a few members of the CGGC office staff were also recognized for their years of service. CGGC Executive Director Lance Finley spoke about each of those recognized, about their time, and shared both inspiring and humorous stories of their character. Lance did this for all except himself, and instead a few of his close colleagues and friends spoke to his inspiring and humorous characteristics as well. Those recognized were: Darlene Mattox (Pensions Assistant) for 25 years, Lance Finley 20 years, our custodian (who asked not to be on the website) for 15 years, and Brandon Kelly (Mobilizing Coordinator) for 5 years.
Our office is grateful for all of these individuals, and for their daily contributions, their wonderful personalities, and their leadership and comradery through difficult seasons.
CGGC eNews—Vol. 20, No. 39
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