“And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly” (Acts 21:17).
The Church of God is not a church by countries, states, or districts; the Church is the Church everywhere. Since The Church of God is a universal, worldwide organization, it is absolutely necessary that the administrative procedures and total program come from one centralized Headquarters. General Headquarters has the responsibility and authority to enforce all official orders and rulings that come from the General Assembly for the universal good of the Body of Christ. Knowing that we are teaching the doctrine as approved by the Assembly ensures the unity of the Church, both in faith and practice.
Headquarters and the local churches share the same commission. The local church and Headquarters cannot operate successfully without one another. The Body of Christ is singular in nature and is not divided. The local churches cannot work independently of General Headquarters, or of each other, and yet be in one accord. Jesus Christ stated that a “…house divided against itself shall not stand…”(Matthew 12:25). There must be unity in the connection of the Assembly and Headquarters, and likewise of Headquarters and the ministry and local churches everywhere.
General Headquarters is responsible for the receipt, allocation, and distribution of funds as recommended by the Assembly. Additionally, the publication of literature and informational materials, such as correspondence, The Evening Light, tracts, and Sunday School literature, are printed and distributed. These approved materials help to ensure the maintenance of sound doctrine and protect the members against heresy. Additionally, the World Missions Department, Records Department, and Media Department are all housed at General Headquarters.
The Bible provides evidence of Church government and shows the security that it provides. Without a strong central government, it would be impossible to fulfill the Great Commission of evangelizing the world and bringing together in one the children of God that are scattered abroad into one fold. The prophecy, “…that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad” (John 11:52), remains secure. General Headquarters exists to serve the Body of Christ as a whole and perform its unique role in facilitating the gathering of God’s people.
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