History

SERF History

Church of God Southeast Regional Fellowship Bylaws and Operations Guidelines

Revised/ 4/2/2016

The Southeast Regional fellowship originated at a meeting on December 18, 1993 at 9:00 a.m. in the activity building of the South Georgia Church of God campground under the leadership of State Overseer Junus Fulbright,

The meeting was chaired by Dr. Joseph E. Jackson, Director of Black Ministry, Church of God, Cleveland, Tennessee. Dr. Jackson acting as moderator, opened the meeting with song, “Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” and read the scripture from Psalm 133, after which, Rev. Kenneth L. Hill led the ministers in prayer.

Dr. Jackson apologized for the absence of Dr. Robert White, 1st Assistant General Overseer, Church of God Cleveland, Tennessee, due to an emergency meeting. Dr. Jackson made comments as to “the need for Blacks to be an integral part of the church. In order to present them to the General Church, we need to create a platform where talents can be made known to the church.” He shared information about the Northeast Regional Fellowship, with over three thousand in attendance.

Rev. Asbury Sellers, National Evangelist, Church of God, Cleveland, Tennessee was introduced and stated that the Fellowship will include eight states: Western and Eastern North Carolina, South and North Georgia , Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina and the possibility of West Virginia. The fellowship will be used as a platform for our people to exercise their gifts and skills that are rarely seen or recognized in the Church of God. During the December 18, 1993 meeting, the ministers at this meeting elected Rev. Asbury Sellers, President; Rev. Kenneth L. Hill, Vice President and Evangelist Mary Henderson, Secretary- Treasurer. The executive board appointed the following ministers to represent their state as State Directors: Rev Andre Evans (AL), Bishop Arthur Dawson (S-GA), Rev. J.L. Hickson (N-GA), Rev. William Golden (MS), Rev. James C. Monroe (E-NC), Rev. R.L. Kennedy (W-NC), Rev. David Short (SC), and Dr. C. C. Pratt (TN). . A recommendation was presented to Dr. Robert White, 1st Assistant General Overseer of the Church of God for approval. Approval was granted December 1993.

Purpose:

The purpose of COGSERF Convention is to bring fellowship, unity, growth and a platform for training. The convention with its government would strengthen small churches; provide leadership and encouragement for the existing Church of God of African descent and the opportunity for non-denominational churches of African descent to join the Church of God.

Mission:

The mission of COGSERF IS TO:

To promote spiritual growth among laity and leaders within the COGSERF corridor.
To provide encouragement, support and resources that will build self-esteem and self-worth of all who attend COGSERF.
To promote and provide godly character as a way of life for laity who are entering into the ministry.
To provide a platform for training and resourcing laity and leadership at COGSERF Conferences.
To encourage and facilitate female and youth ministers to continue the ministerial credentialing process to obtain the highest level of credentials available within the Church of God movement.
To provide resources and information that will better inform communities within the COGSERF corridor of the benefits and opportunities within the Church of God.
To promote a spirit of friendship and fellowship towards non-Church of God churches who are considering membership with the movement. (4/2/2016)