The IPHC’s Council of Bishops held its July meeting, one of three scheduled for this year, last week using Zoom. This occasion marks the first time the group has held a meeting entirely online.
Presiding Bishop Dr. Doug Beacham called the event ‘historic.’ “We’re adapting to a new situation,” he said, “just as many of our pastors have done in recent months.”
The Council of Bishops meets online July 15-17, 2020. The Executive Committee met in Springer Conference Room. L to R: Bishop Tommy McGhee, Bishop Doug Beacham, Rev. Terry Fowler, Bishop Garry Bryant, Bishop Talmadge Gardner.
The Council of Bishops (COB) functions as the governing body of the IPHC when the General Conference is not in session. The COB meets three times a year and includes the superintendents of each US conference, the General Superintendent of the Pentecostal Holiness Church of Canada, and the members of the Executive Committee who head the IPHC’s four primary ministries—the General Superintendent’s Office, Discipleship Ministries, World Missions Ministries, and Evangelism USA.
Despite the unusual venue, the July meeting’s agenda was typical. The Council received ministry reports from the Executive Committee, which included updates on the IPHC’s activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The IPHC’s Bylaws Committee also updated the bishops on its work, which will be presented at the 29th General Conference. And Scott Joyner, new president of the IPH Foundation, shared vision and plans for the Foundation’s future. The bishops finished on Friday with training sessions led by Josh Hannah, national director of Healthy, Growing, Multiplying Churches.
“The IPHC needs the COB’s leadership during this turbulent time,” Dr. Beacham said. “particularly as we continue our commitment to making disciples and planting churches as a part of the church’s Arise 2033 emphasis. I am grateful for the technology that allows us to continue our work virtually.”
If circumstances permit, the COB will hold its October 2020 meeting in Oklahoma City.
