Our Leadership

Leading the Church with vision, integrity, and a global perspective.

Serving the Church

Our leaders prayerfully guide the Church with wisdom, integrity, and a commitment to God’s mission. Through their faithful service, they provide vision, support, and spiritual direction to equip our worldwide family.

Leadership Model

In 1994, our General Assembly adopted a plural leadership model, reflected in the collaboration between the Presiding Bishop and the General Presbyters. This approach ensures strong and shared leadership to guide the Church in its global mission.

The Presiding Bishop is selected by the International Presbytery and approved by the International Assembly. As the Church’s principal spiritual and administrative leader, he works closely with the General Presbyters to develop the Church’s vision and strategic plans.

The General Presbyters are leaders chosen for their divine calling and ability to guide the Church in its mission. Their responsibilities include:

  • Overseeing specific regions of the world.
  • Collaborating with the Presiding Bishop in strategic planning.
  • Ensuring the Church fulfills its mandate of global evangelization.

The General Presbytery, composed of the Presiding Bishop and the General Presbyters, meets twice a year or as needed to address administrative and strategic matters. This team is accountable to the International Presbytery and the International Assembly.

Current General Presbyters

Tim Coalter

President Bishop

E. James Kolawole

Africa

Tim McCaleb

Asia, Australia,
and Oceania

Clayton Martin

Caribbean & Atlantic
Ocean Islands

Benjamin Feliz

Central America

Brian Sutton

North America

Gabriel Vidal

South America

Clayton Endecott

Wider Europe and
Middle East

Organizational Structure

The organizational structure of the Church of God of Prophecy exists and operates at three inter-dependent levels: international, national/regional/state, and local.

The international level of the Church organization functions on a worldwide basis and provides a global network of support and interaction for the Church’s ministries in all 50 United States and more than 130 nations.

The national/regional/state level provides more focused leadership and support directly within the context of the nations and states where the Church is at work.

The local level is the heartbeat of the church. It is at that level that caring congregations are formed in thousands of cities, towns, and communities around the world where the church’s mission is ministered on a daily basis. These local bodies of believers form the framework within which the church primarily fulfills its mission of reconciling the world to Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.

At all levels of organization in the church, efforts are being made to be dynamic and flexible in order to avoid stagnation. In increasingly complex and ever-changing societies, we are aware that the ability to remain relevant to the needs of the people is dependent upon the ability to positively respond to societal changes without compromising the truth. We recognize that our God is dynamic, not static; He is a God who moves and acts in the affairs of humanity. We are committed to being a mobile and pilgrim people who move when He moves and who stop when He stops.

The International Assembly, a meeting open to all members, is the highest decision-making body in the Church of God of Prophecy. It currently convenes every two years. The presiding bishop, in consultation with the general presbyters of the church, establishes and moderates the Assembly program. During discussions of doctrinal and business matters, every adult member has an equal voice. Doctrinal decisions are made by “one accord,” and business decisions are made by “overwhelming consensus.” The Assembly also provides times of inspirational worship, preaching, teaching, and fellowship. It is during the International Assembly that the presiding bishop provides vision for the direction in which he believes God is leading the church.

At the international level of organization, the presiding bishop is selected by one accord in the International Assembly to serve for a term of six years. Along with the general presbyters, who are selected by the International Presbytery, he has a broad range of spiritual and administrative leadership responsibilities. The presiding bishop and general presbyters make the final selection of all international leaders, including the national/regional/state bishops, International Offices ministry leaders, and the standing Assembly committees. Furthermore, they constantly seek God for spiritual direction and cast vision for the worldwide outreach efforts of the church.

The International Presbytery consists of all national/regional/state bishops and bishops who are serving on the International Offices staff. Ministerial licensure and discipline rest in the hands of the International Presbytery.

The New Testament principle of plural leadership was adopted in 1994 by the International Assembly. Plurality of leadership extends around the globe through seven general presbyters who serve in various geographical areas of the world. According to their gifting by God, the general presbyters are selected by the International Presbytery to give direction to the worldwide church in accomplishing its mission. They work directly with the general overseer to provide shared leadership in carrying out the functions of that office on a global basis.

The Church of God of Prophecy International Offices seeks to encourage inspirational leadership and to deliver essential support services that significantly increase the Church’s gospel witness and promote its mission. The presiding bishop selects executive ministry directors of the International Offices, in consultation with the general presbyters. Ministry directors are selected by their respective executive ministry director and work together to carry out the worldwide mandate of ministry as given by God to the church.

National/regional/state bishops are selected by their respective general presbyter and each function as the presiding bishop in his territory.

It is the responsibility of each national/regional/state bishop to select, equip, and appoint an administrative staff, as well as a pastor for each local church in his area. The national/regional/state bishop plans and moderates periodic conventions in and for his particular territory. The meetings are open to all members and consist of a time of worship, fellowship, and business. They also provide an opportunity for the bishop to give direction for the many outreach programs operating in his area.

The Great Commission, as given by Christ to the church, is carried out most directly through the various local-level ministries. The local church is where people are won to Christ, baptized, covenanted into church fellowship, and discipled in victorious Christian living. The pastor, who, in consultation with the local church, is appointed by the respective area bishop, serves as the spiritual and administrative leader. As he/she prays and seeks God’s direction for shepherding the flock and sharing the gospel with the local community, he/she selects and equips numerous lay leaders to share in those endeavors.

Normally, the local church offers specialized ministries for the spiritual development of children, youth, women, and men. The Church of God of Prophecy recognizes the unique needs of its people and the urgency to develop them to full maturity in Christ.

Each local church should conduct a quarterly business conference for the purpose of providing information to the membership and making spiritual and business decisions. The conference may also exercise church discipline in matters of wayward members; however, this should always be done with one goal in mind—restoring and reconciling the fallen brother or sister. All adult members, who are in good standing with the local church, have an equal voice in matters brought before the local conference.

International Presbytery

The International Presbytery is composed of the presiding bishop, general presbyters, national/regional/state bishops, International Offices executive directors, and translocal ministers. It convenes during the International Assembly and as needed to provide counsel, recommendations, and decisions on Church-wide matters.

The International Presbytery comprises the presiding bishop, general presbyters, national/regional/state bishops, International Offices executive directors, and translocal ministers. It convenes at the International Assembly and as needed for counsel, recommendations, and decisions on Church-wide matters per its Assembly mandates. Observers or speakers may be invited as necessary (Revised Governance Document, July 2016)

  • Licensing and ordaining ministers (36th Assembly Minutes 1941, 92; 88th Assembly Minutes 1994, 153).

  • Disciplining ministers (82nd Assembly Minutes 1987, 56; 54th Assembly Minutes 1959, 128, 256).

  • Disbanding churches (71st Assembly Minutes 1976, 134).

  • Restoring ministers (82nd Assembly Minutes 1987, 47).

  • Addressing ministers who preach contrary doctrine (54th Assembly Minutes 1959, 128) or usurp authority (58th Assembly Minutes 1963, 126).

  • Handling marriage-related matters (78th Assembly Minutes 1983, 137; 80th Assembly Minutes 1985, 139).

  • Establishing ministerial licensing policies (88th Assembly Minutes 1994, 153).

National/regional/state bishops appoint pastors, considering the needs of both pastors and congregations to ensure growth and maturity. Alongside ministerial review boards, they implement a fair, orderly, and effective pastoral evaluation process. Regular evaluations promote accountability, self-improvement, and informed decision-making, forming the basis for four-year reviews. The ministry’s purpose to equip the saints requires time to support both ministers’ and congregations’ maturity.

International Offices

The work at the International Offices is carried out in four inter-related ministry divisions. These ministries work together across organizational lines to better serve the needs of the Church at large. Each area is led by an executive ministry director who selects and employs appropriate middle– management personnel and support staff. The ministry divisions and their responsibilities are as follows: 

This ministry area provides spiritual oversight, vision, and direction to the Church as a whole. Responsibility for credentialing and ministerial discipline rests with this ministry. It also provides the arrangements necessary for conducting the International Assembly. This area consists of the presiding bishop and the general presbyters. 

The Office of the Presiding Bishop is recognized within the Church of God of Prophecy as one that provides, to the membership in general and the leadership in particular, God-given direction to accomplish the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20) given by the Lord Jesus Christ. The presiding bishop, selected (without ethnic preference) by and accountable to the International Assembly, should have the freedom to exercise his spiritual giftedness and realize the potential for ministering as the Holy Spirit directs. His selection is in accordance with the one-accord principle.

The Division of Global Communications of the Church of God of Prophecy is dedicated to advancing the Church’s mission by connecting, inspiring, and equipping its global community. Entrusted with proclaiming the wonderful works of God to all nations, the division unites the editorial, art, digital magazine, information technology, translation, web, and media services of the International Offices under a single leadership structure to enhance collaboration, strategic planning, and accountability. Committed to crossing cultural and linguistic barriers, the division ensures that the Church’s message is accessible and impactful in diverse contexts around the world. Clear communication and intentional partnerships bridge the Church’s global vision with every ministry level, ensuring that members, ministers, and local churches have the tools they need for evangelism, spiritual growth, engagement, and impactful ministry. This effort is further strengthened by a dynamic network of national, regional, and state communication liaisons, extending the division’s impact at every level. 

Leadership Development and Discipleship Ministries consists of five distinct but unified departments. Accredited Ministry Development (AMD), Center for Biblical Leadership (CBL), Children’s Ministries (CM),  Spirit and Life Seminary (SLS), and Youth Ministries (YM). 

Leadership Development and Discipleship Ministries exists to engage and develop leaders so that they are equipped to make disciples. The ministries of Leadership Development and Discipleship provide leadership and discipleship resources and training opportunities for the Church of God of Prophecy globally.  

Finance and Administrative Services is responsible for the management of financial, administrative, and publishing functions. This division integrates administrative services and ministries through accounting, managing properties, promoting stewardship, and operating the Global Missions Ministries. 

Assembly Committees

  • The Biblical Doctrine and Polity Committee (hereafter BDP) is appointed by the presiding bishop to serve the Church by preparing an exposition for dialogue on universal matters of biblical doctrine, theology, ethics, and polity for Assembly consideration.
  • The BDP should reflect the international constituency of the Church (as much as possible). As a standing committee, the BDP members  should interact with the international Church in the process of report development.
  • The BDP is to prepare a preliminary expositional report that should be distributed to the Church no later than 90 days before the ensuing Assembly for their consideration. Additional expositional matters not included in the report should not be considered in that Assembly but in the following Assembly after a document is introduced and distributed; however, urgent matters may appear. This does not preclude any dynamic moving of the Spirit to give direction.
  • Matters of biblical doctrine, theology, ethics, and polity for Assembly consideration should be directed to the BDP Committee. The general moderator (presiding bishop), in consultation with the Assembly counselors (general presbyters) and the BDP Committee, may introduce matters of an emergency nature not included in the Assembly Report (88th Assembly Minutes 1994, 150–151).
  • In the interest of maintaining clarity and efficiency, it would seem wise for matters requiring biblical exposition to be solely dealt with by the BDP Committee (90th Assembly Minutes 1998, 89).
  • In order to give further clarification to the Church’s decision-making process, reports concerning policies, procedures, and finances presented by Assembly standing committees should be accepted by overwhelming consensus. All matters of a doctrinal nature must be accepted by “one accord” (93rd Assembly Minutes 2004, 333).
  • The intent of the expositional process is to provide each Assembly with a report(s) for decision and distribution to facilitate study, prayer, and meditation until the next Assembly, when it would be presented for decision (93rd Assembly Minutes 2004, 111).
  • The BDP,  upon request of the general presbyters,  made a clarifying statement concerning the Church’s position on Church government which recognizes the delicate balance between the Church’s theological/ecclesiastical make-up and the business structure that we must maintain for legal purposes (94th Assembly Minutes 2006, 176–177).
  • Further, the BDP is to serve the Church by continually revisiting the Word of God to assure that we are walking in the light of truth.  The BDP should not only bring matters to the Assembly for their consideration but also meet with the leadership and other committees as deemed necessary by the presiding bishop and general presbyters to provide counsel in areas of doctrine and polity. They should also assist in the editing of the Assembly Journals and the Ministry Policy Manual to ensure that decisions made by the Assembly pertaining to doctrine and polity are accurately recorded.
  • It has been the practice of this body that subjects brought to the BDP for study or resolution come through the presiding bishop and general presbyters, by an Assembly official decision, or if a matter has an overwhelming importance and concern to the global Church.
  • Expenses to attend meetings shall be reimbursed or provided as with other Assembly standing committees. (95th Assembly Minutes 2008, 47).
  • The Finance and Stewardship Committee (hereafter F&S) is appointed by the presiding bishop to serve the Church by formulating and articulating biblically based and globally oriented financial plans and stewardship principles for Assembly consideration.
  • The F&S should reflect the international constituency of the Church (as much as possible). As a standing committee, it should interact with the international Church in the process of report development.
  • The F&S is to prepare a preliminary report that should be distributed to the Church no later than 90 days prior to the ensuing Assembly for their consideration. Any biblically based recommendation should be accompanied by scriptural references; any practical stewardship matters should include appropriate rationale. Additional matters not included in the report should not be considered in that Assembly; however, urgent matters may appear. This does not preclude any dynamic moving of the Spirit to give direction.
  • Matters related to  finance and stewardship for Assembly consideration should be directed to the F&S. The general moderator (presiding bishop), in consultation with the Assembly counselors (general presbyters) and the F&S, may introduce matters of an emergency nature not included in the Assembly Report.
  • The presiding bishop or International Assembly may utilize this Committee to assist in providing accountability and policy formulation in financial administrative processes (88th Assembly Minutes 1994, 149–151).
  • The F&S is to focus on practical matters, including promotional and fund-raising projects. Thus, when determining the Assembly’s expression, overwhelming consensus will determine all matters presented by the F&S.
  • It is the responsibility of the F&S to establish and annually review the  salary and benefits of the presiding bishop, general presbyters, and executive ministry directors  and to develop an investment policy for the International Office funds (87th Assembly Minutes 1992, 61 and 95th Assembly Minutes 2008, 47-51 ). Salaries and benefits of the other IO appointees (trans-locals) are determined by their respective Executive Director.
  • All of the above stated duties have been recognized so that the F&S may serve this Church in providing better accountability of all Church finances. Furthermore, this includes the use of the F&S to provide accountability in policy formulation in the financial administrative process and in setting salaries for the presiding bishop and general presbyters. Their counsel to the  BoD is essential by providing broader insight and external review of all financial decisions.
  • Expenses to attend meetings shall be reimbursed or provided as with other Assembly standing committees. (95th Assembly Minutes 2008, 47 ).

Biblical Doctrine and Polity Committee

Philip Pruitt, Chairman, Rahadames Matos, Daryl R. Clark, Elias Rodriguez, Timothy Harper, Sophia Pringle, Doreen Makaya, Nelson Torres

E-mail BD&P Committee

Finance and Stewardship Committee

Scott Gillum, Chairman, Nathaniel Beneby, Ryan Napalo, Clint Knowles, Rupert Neblett (Not Pictured), Cynthia Lawrence, Paulette Wilbanks

Email F&S Committee