"Making Connections" in North Georgia and Alabama

Fourteen Church of God ministers from North Georgia and Alabama came together at the North Georgia campground on July 18 to prepare for a covenant-making process aimed at promoting connectivity and excellence among pastors. Under the direction of Dr. James Bowers and Dr. Milton Carter of the Center for Pentecostal Leadership and Care, these leaders received orientation for this fall's launching of twelve new Pastoral Covenant Groups.

Steve Brown of North Georgia and Carl Maynard of Alabama are serving as State Coordinators for their respective regions. Regarding the training retreat, Carl Maynard remarked, "At this retreat we have received the tools and the training necessary to become effective in our own individual groups."

One participant conveyed his assessment with three simple words: "Time well spent." Another commented, "This new approach gives me a great deal of renewed hope for the pastor, local church and the denomination."

This "Making Connections" Covenant Pastoral Leadership Development Initiative is an extension of the Lilly Endowment funded project that began at the Church of God Theological Seminary in 2003. To date, at least nineteen regions have committed to varying levels of participation in this endeavor. It is projected that by the end of 2005, as many as 800 pastors will be involved in the covenant-making process.