Our doctrinal changes have caused us to reevaluate the role of our denominational headquarters. During the past year, we have been working to clarify how headquarters can best serve the congregations worldwide.
To help us focus our thoughts and to give consistency to our work, we have developed the following statement of headquarters mission, vision, values and goals.
As the international denominational administrative center for the Worldwide Church of God, Headquarters exists to help each congregation of the Worldwide Church of God attain its God-given potential by providing theological, doctrinal, administrative, financial and legal integrity and accountability to all its United States congregations and theological, doctrinal and spiritual leadership to all its non-U.S. Regional Offices.
Worldwide Church of God Headquarters exists to help each congregation of the Worldwide Church of God attain its God-given potential.
* Encourage and facilitate the clear proclamation of the gospel in word and deed in each congregation.
* Provide denominational identity for all Worldwide Church of God congregations.
* Maintain the Worldwide Church of God Statement of Beliefs and the theological and doctrinal integrity of the denomination.
* Provide denominational leadership characterized by humility, integrity, honesty and faithfulness to the Word of God.
* Provide effective biblical instructional materials and church news and information for members.
* Provide effective preparation, training, selection, continuing education and supervision of competent, Christ-centered, Spirit-led pastors for United States congregations.
* Provide skilled administrative, accounting and legal services for United States congregations.
* Provide active spiritual support and international coordination for all non-U.S. Regions.
* Administer the articles and bylaws of the Worldwide Church of God in the United States.
* Provide denominational outreach in the form of an inspirational and motivational Christian message aimed at the Christian world and/or the general public.
* Interact and partner with other churches at a denominational level for the purpose of furthering the kingdom of God.
* Maintain the official history, legacy and continuity of the Worldwide Church of God.
Servant leadership that is centered in:
* The humility and meekness of Jesus Christ (Matt. 11:25-30).
* A faithful and committed personal walk with Jesus Christ.
* Christian character and faithfulness.
* A grace orientation to life.
* A commitment to fairness and equality without favoritism.
* Financial responsibility and integrity.
* Trustworthiness and earned credibility.
* Bible-centered teaching and preaching.
* Responsible theological methods and exegesis of Scripture.
* World missions.
* Denominational unity.
* Regular communication with members.
* People are precious to God, and the needs of people are more important than programs.
* All people, without exception, are of equal value and spiritual potential.
* Respect for human cultural diversity.
* The interconnectedness of the Body of Christ and the command of Jesus that we love one another.
* Making visitors welcome.
* A staff that is committed to life long learning and personal excellence in skills, education and job performance.
* Maintain a church administration department that:
-Licenses all United States elders.
-Maintains and supervises a careful selection and training process for potential U.S. pastors.
-Appoints and supervises all U.S. pastors.
-Maintains effective in-service training program for all U.S. pastors.
-Maintains the office of Superintendent of Missions to coordinate non-U.S. regional offices.
* Maintain a financial affairs and planning department that:
-Accounts for and receipts all U.S. donations.
-Complies with all federal and state regulations regarding U.S. donations, church expenses and disbursements of funds.
-Provides accounting services for all U.S. pastoral salaries and congregational expenses.
-Provides accounting and legal services for all U.S. church business.
* Publish the doctrinal teachings and beliefs of the Worldwide Church of God in the Statement of Beliefs and in other denominational publications.
* Maintain a doctrinal advisory team that reports to the advisory council of elders and is responsible for researching the accuracy and theological integrity of the Statement of Beliefs and the doctrinal content of denominational literature and instructional materials.
* Provide administrative support for denominationally sponsored conferences, conventions and annual worship events.
* Establish, maintain and administer revised articles and bylaws for the Worldwide Church of God in the U.S. that ensure a high level of accountability and integrity of denominational leadership.
* Maintain the Worldwide Church of God U.S. web site and provide space for local church web sites on the internet.
* Produce denominational publications including The Statement of Beliefs, Cross Road, The Worldwide News and various other publications for the edification, instruction and personal support of pastors, their wives and members.
* Maintain a Church Relations office for official communications with news and other public agencies.
* Protect denominational interests through responsible legal counsel whenever warranted.
* Maintain a partnership with Ambassador Center at Azusa Pacific University to facilitate an accredited Christian education for Worldwide Church of God young people and to mentor a leadership base for Worldwide Church of God congregations.
* Maintain an adequate, economical, functional, safe, clean and attractive facility for Headquarters operations.
* Maintain membership in appropriate Christian organizations and partner with other denominations in denominational level initiatives aimed at strengthening unity in the Body of Christ and building the kingdom of God.
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 1999