This page is a resource for Pastors and Elders to find information and to ask questions on the Judicial Process, the purpose for the General Council of Pastors and Elders and your concerns.
If you have a question concerning the rights of Pastors and Elders, or judicial procedures, we will do our best to answer them for you.
Here are a few questions which have been submitted, we will answer them by using the Pastors and Elders Manual and if applicable the constitution.
- What is purpose for General Council, why was it created.
- What is the role of General Council Chairman.
- What is the role of the Jurisdictional Chairman.
- How is the Jurisdictional Chairman elected.
We will start with the role of the Chairman. This information is found in the General Council of Pastors and Elders Official Handbook. Click this link to view the information. Section IV Chairman
To clarify who can bring charges against a Pastor. Only the members of the Pastors or Elders church can bring charges against them. The bishop cannot bring charges, if he does, he can have charges brought against him.
Procedures and Offenses which can be cause for a trial.
Offenses for which a Church may be tried; Article VIII, Section A
The only way, a Church of God in Christ Pastor can be involuntarily removed, is by following the procedures found in the manual. You can find the procedures by opening the document below.
Offenses for which a Pastor may be tried; Article VIII, Section B
Trials of Jurisdictional Officers; Article VIII, Section C*
- The Trial of Jurisdictional Officers, except Jurisdictional Bishops, shall be the same in all respects as that of a Pastor The decision of the Jurisdictional Assembly shall be final. (*As found in the Official Manual)
This is contrary to what is believed, most believe the bishop can remove them at will. This is not true, Article IV, paragraph.
5. Each Jurisdictional Bishop shall have the right to appoint and or remove District Superintendents. Departmental heads and all other State officials in his Ecclesiastical jurisdiction, unless otherwise provided for by this constitution.
Offenses for which a Bishop may be tried; Article VIII, Section D
Procedures to follow if charges are filed against a Bishop, if the correct procedure and form is not followed it can be thrown out. (PROCEDURES)
Let us know what content you would like to see here, what do you want to see?
What are the reasons to remove a pastor and who has the authority in doing so?
The ONLY way to remove a COGIC Pastor involuntarily, is through the process found in Article VIII. No one, not even the Presiding Bishop has the authority to summarily remove him without a trial. All pastors and elders should become experts on Article VIII and what their rights are.
To Whom this may concern. Please receive this letter and attached documents as the final step in the process outlined in the COGIC handbook. We have submitted the documentation to the board of elders and was advised that they made a determination. The determination has not been moved on by local leadership or Bishop Jimmy Williams. We have been advised that appealing to you is the next and final step to request the reinstatement of membership for Mother Pearl Jordan and a written retraction of the letter of expulsion involving her and her family. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
There are no documents attached with this message. This site is not run by the Church of God in Christ. If you email your documentation, perhaps we can advise if charges can be brought against the bishop.
Hello. I appreciate this site. I have downloaded the PDFs of the manuals. It has been much appreciated. I do have a question. I have been reading through the manuals to find answers to different situations in our church. My question is about our Pastor. He is incapacitated. He was given status of “Emeritus” a few years ago. I have read in the Green & White Book, page 81, under the heading “Status of Emeritus”, paragraph 6, that the an Emeritus can receive compensation. The footnote states that it was passed. This being the case, my pastor should have been receiving compensation? He is elderly and being cared for at home, the funds would help with his care. If he is eligible, what steps would be needed to initiate this process? Thank you in advance for your time.
That is misleading and makes it appear as if the National Church will provide the funds. That is not correct, any funds would come from the body they served, in this case your local congregation.
I see. Thank you for that clarification. ??
I hate to bother you… But the pastor was also the superintendent (I’m still new to all the cogic hierarchy). Would that make a difference?
That would not make a difference.