103rd Annual Holy Convocation ~ Great God, Good Lord...Say What???

Listen to "COGIC-What Has The Church Become?" Pt. 2 to hear a personal message regarding our opportunity at the 103rd annual gathering. 

The 103 Annual Holy Convocation of the Church Of God in Christ will convene for the first time in St. Louis, MO.  Nov. 8th -16th 2010. This event is historic in many ways:

1- This is the first time in church history that the convocation has ever been held anywhere other than Memphis, TN.

It is said that the move from Memphis was not only about accommodations but also about saving money. Reportedly, the church will save well over $1 Million annually by moving the church away from Memphis. Secondly, the convenience of being able to have a single place for the meeting as opposed to various locations was overwhelmingly and logistically appealing. For sure there are bound to be many different and new faces in St. Louis as some of the old guard don't plan on attending.

2- Although there has been a call from our Presiding Bishop to fast and pray for the past month, unfortunately, that hasn't changed the fact that the featured or publicized speakers this year are either not part of the Church Of God In Christ or are some of the most liberal ideologues in the country.

Say What???

We'll simply look over  the assistant international music minister who wants to record with Prince, and try to stay focused.

Example1: Featured in this video is the Reverend Al Sharpton. Rev. Sharpton, certainly a son of the Church Of God In Christ, formerly known as "Wonderboy Preacher".  Rev. Al was ordained at the age of 10 in 1964 by the late great Bishop F. D. Washington of Brooklyn, New York. As a young man, Sharpton also toured with the late Mahalia Jackson, in contrast, became tour manager for the late James Brown. In his career, he was almost stabbed to death in a peaceful protest, ran for Senate, Mayor and President all unsuccessfully and stood against racial injustice even when there was none (Remember Tawana?).

Rev. Sharpton's credentials of being a community activist are without question. However, the problem stems from what he stands for and how that currently affects the Saints. Elder D. L. Foster of GCM Watch has taken liberty to list the causes for which Rev. Sharpton advocates some of those causes are notable while others are highly questionable. For instance Dr. Sharpton is not only a proponent of gay rights but also a proponent of gay marriage. For this the church should be concerned as he has openly stood against California Prop. 8, and even states the following about gay marital rights:

“I believe in equal human rights, before the law, for all human beings, and race, gender, disability, class or sexual orientation should not be a factor under the law. Even though we live under the law in a secular democratic society, religious groups must still be able to maintain their spiritual and moral option to either give or withhold a religious or sacred blessing to such unions. However, the government should not have that option. It must affirm the human and legal rights of everyone.”

I understand the sentiment. It is right in line with the gay right advocates interpretation of the establishment and equal protection clause of the Constitution; however, I wonder will any of the Saints be made aware of the Reverend's position on this important issue in advance of the Rev. hitting the platform? Further, I wonder what the Saints, (the real, true, died in the wool, COGIC Saints) thinks about being preached to by a man that co-mingles issues of civil rights with the issues of homosexual marital unions?  It certainly would not have been anything that his late pastor and Bishop would have stood for under any circumstance as confirmed by the video above.

So the question is, in this seemingly "New COGIC", does it really matter what the Saints think, believe or stand for? Or is it simply a forgone conclusion that anyone with a certain level of popularity, can believe and teach what they will and yet be welcomed in the highest seats at COGIC events and services, delivering their brand of doctrine to holy people without shame?

[Update 11/6/2010: Rev. Sharpton IS NOT listed as a featured speaker according to the lineup of speakers at COGIC.COM. What happened, or will there be a cameo appearance for a certain purpose? Maybe so, but as of today, he is NOT on the list. Rev. Sharpton IS however the featured speaker at the COGIC Charities Banquet Sat. 11/13/2010 at 3:00 PM. All one would have to do is pay $200 per individual or pay $20,000 per table for inclusion.]   

Good Lawd!!!

Example 2: Bishop T.D. Jakes is a prolific speaker and a money maker everywhere he goes. He was an admirer of the late Bishop G.E. Patterson and even spoke at the Convocation in 2008. What is interesting about Bishop Jakes is that he has not felt compelled to clarify his position on what he believes the bible teaches about homosexuality. He has previously taught this: 

“Ruth turns to Naomi and says “I shall not leave thee.” She makes her statement to this woman…that sounds somewhat, somewhere in between poetry, intimacy, and borders on lesbianism. People don’t even know how to explain what Ruth said to Naomi. It makes them uncomfortable. They’re afraid to talk about it. They don’t want to teach on it. Same thing with David and Jonathan…where there were same-sex relationships getting too close, people don’t even know what to say.” ~ [Bishop T.D. Jakes, "Nothing Just Happens" 2001 Woman Thou Art Loosed Conference]

Now, to imply, infer or whatever you want to call it, that Ruth, the daughter in law of Naomi had some sort of sexual feeling or inclination toward her mother-in-law is beyond sick...not to mention the suggestion that David and Jonathan were also so freaky that they too had a homosexual relationship on the DL in front of God and the people without experiencing any sort of condemnation. In his world, according to his rubric. God would chastise David for an affair with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of her husband, while the same God would be silent about a gay relationship with Jonathan??? I would like to see the study guide on that one.  

God Help Us!

It was reported that after Bishop C.H. Mason returned from Azusa St. in 1908 that he went to Halls Ferry, Virginia. There he preached on the streets and in the churches until taverns and bars closed, anointing people, casting out devils and converting souls to Christ. There was a report that thousands came to faith in a very short time at his preaching and prayer ministry. It was also reported that he went to certain places in Texas, praying in the streets against the protests of clansmen. It is said that the Bishop prayed so fervently, until the racists that were there to oppose him either ran away or took off their sheets, crying, sobbing, repenting and confessing unto salvation. Many churches were founded as a result of his visits in both places, because the Bishop not only was the vehicle God used to save the lost souls, but he also mentored and ordained many pastors, leaders and elders proliferating the gospel. He was one of the first black pastors and leaders to commission white ministers, which was unheard of during his day and time.

Bishop Mason Praise break:

Conclusion

Since this seemingly simple but joyous time, we should ask, WHAT HAS THE CHURCH BECOME? We understand what it is to progress and we should do that. However, when we open ourselves up to secularism and ungodly ideas and practices we will become ungodly. I'm convinced that the scripture is still right:

1 Corinthians 15:33 ~ "Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners."

Now, please don't get me wrong...I'm not a singular dimension pastor or leader. God uses great people outside of the COGIC to deliver some wonderfully and powerful blessed ministry and service to God. However, we should ask, what obligation do the leaders of our church have to the spiritual well being and edification of it's members? and Is this the type of ministry, service and association that the "New and Modern" Church Of God In Christ values?

Many of us may never have a church of 20,000 or 30,000 but are the voices, spiritual communion and needs of the handful of "little people" (such as myself) any less significant than that of those who command great crowds and wealth? I would ask to whom is our commitment? To God, holiness and the change that he brings in life, or to men and how we feel when we receive their attention and accolades?

I recently heard about a Pastor who wanted wanted to establish some common ground with some of his  members. They wanted to honor his office by putting up their alcohol and liquor when the pastor arrived at a certain event. (Yes, some church folk drink, and we wonder where the power has gone in many churches) Instead of the pastor encouraging the people to honor both him and the presence of God, he took the opportunity to become the chief beer distributor and began to hand out the beer and coolers to individuals while saying and declaring "it's all right".

It is sad when in effort to be all things to all men, we become many things that God hasn't called us to be...

I'm sure the Saints will have a "good time" at this historic event and many things will be accomplished. Let's see what happens. Be sure to check the comments section as I will give updates, impressions and thoughts of various events. Believe me, there is much to be said, but right now, I've said more than enough. 

Blessed!

Please See New Article:

Is There Yet Another Church Emerging Out Of The Church Of God In Christ?