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An Open Letter from Bishop Robert J. Pruitt
General Overseer; Dated: 10/11/05
TO: State Overseers/Coordinators/Pastors (Pastors please read to congregations)
FROM: General Overseer, Robert J. Pruitt
SUBJECT: General Overseer’s Statement
DATE: October 11, 2005
Greetings to each and everyone in Jesus’ precious and holy name. I am writing concerning a matter that has come to my attention. There are some who are not willing to accept the theocratic leadership of appointments made by the General Overseer as well as other underlying situations. Some have found themselves in a very dangerous place of standing against the established ordained government of God’s Church. Unless these heed wise counsel and repent, they are heading toward destruction.
It is my prayer and aim that the enclosed document will be received in love and meekness and that this document will give a clear understanding of the resolve that I have to protect The Church of God. It is true, as always, that it is the enemy of our souls who continually causes division and discord among the brethren. We must ever be on guard against his devices and not allow him entrance into our individual souls as well as The Church of God.
Please read the enclosed document prayerfully and carefully, taking it to heart, asking the Lord to settle these issues in your spirit.
The enemy at times can confuse us into believing that we are standing for truth, when in reality we are opposing Him. Some have said to me personally, "Brother Pruitt, we’re behind you 100%, we believe you are our General Overseer." It’s now time Church of God member and minister to follow me as I follow Christ. If you have been guilty of forsaking the government or the Church, repent and turn around. Some have made the statement "we will slide out of the Church and then when things go our way, we will slide back in again", but let me remind you church membership does not save us, but the covenant that we break with God will condemn us.
I trust that as I give my resolve toward these issues, this will be settled in your heart. Dear one, allow this disorderly conduct and division to cease from among us NOW. This has no place in the Body of Christ. Let us begin this day to walk in unity of the Spirit, putting away all wrath and clamor and evil speaking. Let us walk in the Spirit.
Yours for Christ and The Church of God,
Robert J. Pruitt
General Overseer
RJP/gb
cc: James C. Nabors
Herman D. Ard
Kevin D. Workheiser
Otis W. Daniel
Sharon Griffin
Enclosure
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The Church of God
Robert J. Pruitt, General Overseer
PO Box 450, Charleston, TN 37310
GENERAL OVERSEER’S STATEMENT
Greetings to each and everyone in Jesus precious and holy name. To all the members and friends of The Church of God – I salute you. I have chosen this forum to address some very serious concerns and allegations that have been made toward the government of The Church of God, the theocratic principle, which governs this Body, the office of General Overseer as well as my Administrative Assistant and the General Headquarters staff. Let me be clear, I do not believe that this is the general view of the church, but held only by a certain few. The following is my statement and my resolve concerning these matters.
All too often we forget where we have come from and where we are going. I have heard some speak that we are once again on the same road as in 1991, 1992 and 1993. Is our memory so vague that we so soon forget just how bad it was then? Have we also forgotten the smell and taste of the garlic and leeks? Have we forgotten the "traces of heresy and false teachings which finally became mature and dominant in the preaching and practices of liberal sensuous minded ministers and laity who were attracted toward these erroneous activities, until they were openly expressed?" Have we forgotten about the statement by the General Overseer in the General Assembly of 1991, where he stated: "it was acceptable to receive members into the Church wearing wedding bands in contradiction to the 26th teaching?" Have we forgotten the "disregard for the theocratic process by not allowing the Questions and Subjects Committee to make it’s report open for discussion by the General Assembly to accept or reject the matters pertinent to the Church?" These departures my friends were real!!! You can be certain that the devil will not stop his evil work, even in our time until the power of the Holy Ghost rises up within you and I in the Body to say enough is enough, and my friend I say and declare as your General Overseer that enough is enough! These loose remarks of saying that we are on the same road of 1991, 1992 and 1993 are meant only by a certain few to frighten some into abandoning what they know to be right and sure. It’s true, anyone can scare and coerce the weak and frightened to follow them by painting such a bleak and undesirable picture, but I challenge you to remember the garlic and leeks.
One has said "ministers which have given their whole lives for The Church of God are being taken out of office because they are willing to stand up for what we have always stood for". I challenge this statement to be proved where anyone has been removed unjustly from office. I as your General Overseer refuse to allow leadership to continue to work who are operating outside the General Assembly guidelines. I refuse as your General Overseer to appoint men to positions who are hungry for power and who are greedy. As your General Overseer, I refuse to be intimidated by men who say, "I will work in a leadership roll only if you, Brother Pruitt, meet my demands."
If I am wrong to stop those, who so easily rebel against government then I am in good company with the Apostle Peter who stated in 2 Peter 2:10, "But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities."
My friend, we talk about theocracy but theocracy is not man rule or the majority or minority rule but it is "what thus saith the Lord", and "what saith the Lord", may leave us at times scratching our heads in bewilderment but if it is God, I choose to stand with God. The Old Testament writer is clear in Isaiah 59: 13-15, "In transgressing and lying against the LORD, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood. And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment." Judgment must begin in the house of God.
Those who would dare "to stand up and be counted among the number of those like Gideon’s three hundred, to face any opposition, to endure any persecution, to bear any consequences, and to dare to walk in the ‘old paths’ and stand unapologetic and uncompromising for eternal truth will make ‘themselves a prey’". I had rather be on God’s side above all others.
For those who say that "General Headquarters is too harsh, too heavy handed", I say it is only those who are in rebellion and get caught up in the government of the Lord that makes these statements. For the sheep follow the shepherd and another voice they will not follow. Jesus also describes in Matthew 21:42-44, "Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes? Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder." I would rather be in God’s favor – how about you?
None of us are infallible, only He who is the Head of the Church is infallible. Most, if not all of our problems that we face in the Church today are from within. Many it seems (possibly due to my age and me being a little slower) want to question me or my staff on every decision made, but dear friend until God tells me to choose you or God chooses to release me from this great responsibility, I will continue to perform my duties to the best of my ability. I’m sure the same was true with Bishop A.J. Tomlinson and Bishop M.A. Tomlinson – many wanted to tell them what to do or whom to choose and it might be nice at times for this burden to be upon others, but dear one, this is my responsibility and I do not take it lightly. To suggest that others have made my appointments is wrong and demeaning to my office. I take this appointmental responsibility very seriously; in fact, I began seeking the Lord soon after the assembly so I may be sure of what He wants. I worked closely with Bishop M.A. Tomlinson for several years, and would from time to time counsel with him as would others when they would be asked by him, but when it came time for the final appointments to be made, those decisions were left solely to the General Overseer and God. I think this is important that we all understand that this responsibility is the General Overseer and what the Holy Ghost directs me to do. Brother Nabors, my Administrative Assistant works very closely with me, in fact if he did not, he would be dilatory in performing his job responsibilities that I have given him. He stays in close contact with me when on the field to find out my desires on each matter. Brother Nabors does not work independently on his own, but again he works with me, and follows my direction. My other General Staff does not work independently of me but closely with me – and to say that I can or cannot call someone into General Appointment or to release someone from service is wrong. Each one of the General Staff work at my pleasure as the Holy Ghost directs.
Dear one, take another look at what theocracy is. Look again to General Assembly guidelines and see who has this responsibility. I’m sure others might be able to do a better job but allow me to quote my predecessor, "brethren, I’m not dead yet". It seems that some continually want to share their ideas on how I should do my job, but I learned a long time ago, it is better for me and my ministry to obey God. That’s still safe ground today. You may not always agree with my decisions, but be assured; I’m trying my best to listen to God.
Church of God, it’s time that we get on with the business of The Church of God. It’s time for division to cease; it’s time for "better than thou" attitudes to end. It’s time for us to be mature Christians. We have found ourselves in a new era in The Church of God, the age of perfection. The purging time has begun, the old song says, "will you be among the Bride or will you not". Let me refer you back to the Solemn Assembly, to the time that we all shouted together. Listen to those words, "Heresy will be dealt with swiftly and resolutely according to the biblical definition and discipline. Heretics will be rejected". In light of these words from the Solemn Assembly, let us look at that word Heresy. Heresy arises when a party develops around a particular leader (self-willed and possibly self-appointed) whose opinion opposes some common practice, doctrine or teaching of the Church.
Church of God, anytime anyone would direct any individual to stop paying their tithes to the proper storehouse, in this case (General Headquarters), or to go against God’s government by securing all funds that rightfully belong to the Church or to hide these funds…then it can be said these individuals are walking in heresy. Anyone who would challenge the theocratic process of the appointmental authority of the General Overseers office by walking in the spirit of rebellion and encourage others to rebel with them against God ordained government must remember that the scripture declares: "…rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft…", is walking in the deception of heresy. Far too many have listened to or participated in gossip through letters, telephone calls or hear say, which is very damaging to listen to or to participate in and especially to pass on to others. Evidently, many have self-appointed themselves to be Saviour of the Body, thinking what they are doing is all right or correct but there is just one with the title – Saviour, and His name is Jesus. He does not need any of us to place our hands on the Body. Uzzah tried this and we know the end results. Obedience and submission is still the rule of the House in The Church of God, and is still sound biblical doctrine.
CONCLUSION
My friend, I appeal to each of you, for all of us to work in unity. Many have said, "Bishop Pruitt, I love you, I respect you, I’m behind you and support you as my General Overseer" but dear ones, some of your actions betray your feelings to be otherwise. Let me be clearly understood – those that rebel and go against the established teachings and government of the Church will be dealt with "swiftly". If you have been caught up in heresy, repent, make restitution and get in line with the Word of God, the General Assembly, and The Church of God.
It is my prayer and hope that you will listen to me in this statement that I have shared with you today, as the General Overseer of The Church of God. Victory is just in sight; it is my prayer that God will bless you and your family as well as the entire membership of The Church of God.
God bless you!
Robert J. Pruitt
General Overseer, The Church of God
RJP/dn
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State of Tennessee)
County of Bradley)
U.S.A.)
Be it known that Robert J. Pruitt, General Overseer of The Church of God, did sign and execute this document for the purpose therein expressed.
Gayle L. Brooks
Notary Public
My commission expires: December 3, 2008
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