Garvin and Sandee Greene
PASADENA--The church has decided to restructure the U.S. districts for logistical, administrative, financial and congregational needs, according to Dan Rogers, superintendent of ministers.
"We have been prayerfully discussing the need for district superintendents to devote themselves to that job on a full-time basis, rather than also serving as church pastors," Mr. Rogers said.
The church plans that in the future district superintendents will carry more administrative responsibilities and travel a good deal.
In most cases the church has been unable to hire new pastors or to move pastors into churches where district superintendents are located. The reduction in the number of district superintendents will mean increasing the workload for some, while balancing it out for others.
The church has asked several district superintendents to transition from being both a district superintendent and pastor to devote their full energies to pastoring their congregations.
"While all of us will miss having these folks in the district superintendent role, the good news is that these men and their wives are some of the best pastors we have," Mr. Rogers said. "As they devote their energy and resources to full-time pastoring, I think we will see even more good fruit in their congregations and in their communities."
Mr. Rogers noted that the former district superintendents will continue to aid and offer counsel to the district superintendents and Church Administration, to mentor and guide other pastors, and to perform administrative assignments from time to time.
Those making this transition are Garvin and Sandee Greene, Rand and Beth Holm, Ray and Carol Meyer, Fran and Elfie Ricchi and Mike and Sandy Swagerty.
"We thank these men and their wives for the wonderful contributions they have made to the denomination and its pastoral ministry as district superintendents," said Pastor General Joseph Tkach.
"We also want to thank all of them for the graciousness they have shown in making this transition. They are truly servants of Christ."
Garvin and Sandee Greene
Rand and Beth Holm
Ray and Carol Meyer
Fran and Elfie Ricchi
Mike and Sandy Swagerty
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2000