Presiding Bishop Tim Coalter announced a restructuring of the Church of God of Prophecy’s Standing Assembly Committees during the appointments presented in the closing session of the 103rd International Assembly. Under the new structure, the responsibilities previously assigned to the Biblical Doctrine and Polity Committee will be divided between two separate standing committees, the Biblical Doctrine Committee and the Polity Committee.
Bishop Coalter emphasized that the restructuring should not be interpreted as dissatisfaction with the previous committee structure, which has served the Church well. Rather, the change reflects the continued growth and expanding needs of a global movement now ministering in nearly 140 nations.
“As the general presbyters and I have reflected on the growth of our global church, it has become increasingly clear to us that the responsibilities assigned to the Biblical Doctrine and Polity Committee have grown beyond what was envisioned when that structure was first established,” Coalter said.
The Biblical Doctrine Committee will be responsible for matters relating to biblical doctrine and theology. The Polity Committee will assume responsibility for matters involving Church business, governance, policies, and organizational practices.
“Doctrine asks, ‘What do the Scriptures teach?’ Polity asks, ‘How do we order the life and ministry of the Church in a way that supports and reflects those biblical convictions?’” Coalter explained. “Both deserve careful attention.”
The restructuring is intended to provide sufficient time and focused consideration for important theological and governance matters before they are presented to the International Assembly. It also recognizes the increasingly diverse cultural, linguistic, legal, and ministry contexts in which the Church of God of Prophecy serves.
Coalter described the change as a natural progression rather than a major departure from the Church’s past. Referencing the examples of Moses in Exodus 18 and the apostles in Acts 6, he noted that God’s people have historically adjusted their organizational structures as the work of ministry expanded. “Organization is never the mission; its purpose is to serve the mission,” Coalter said.
With the establishment of the Polity Committee, all responsibilities pertaining to business, governance, and polity previously assigned to the Biblical Doctrine and Polity Committee will now be assumed by the Polity Committee. References within the Assembly Journal, Ministry Policy Manual, International Presbytery Governance Document, and other official governing or administrative documents will be understood accordingly.
The Biblical Doctrine Committee will assume responsibility for all matters relating to biblical doctrine and theology previously assigned to the combined committee.
Those appointed to serve are:
Biblical Doctrine Committee
Daryl Clark, Chairman,
Doreen Makaya
, Jonathan Olavarria,
Sophia Pringle
, Richard Ramsey
, Simon Rock
Polity Committee
Joshua Lynn, Chairman
Asma Gann
,Edison Mooketsane,
Hunter Roberts
, Andrew Stone
, Duke Stone
Presiding Bishop Coalter said the restructuring represents the shared conviction of the presiding bishop and general presbyters that this adjustment will enable the Church to fulfill its mission more effectively and efficiently in the years ahead.
The Church of God of Prophecy remains committed to Reconciling the World to Christ Through the Power of the Holy Spirit.