By Jessica Taylor, Cheryl Sanders, and Efrain Cirilo

Editor’s note—Views expressed in the following op-ed do not necessarily reflect those of Church of God Ministries, Inc., or its affiliates (in this case, we offer an enthusiastic Amen! to the spirit of this article in support of General Assembly participation). We publish op-ed features to provoke thought, stimulate healthy discussion, and inspire us to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did. We’ve asked to hear from a diverse range of voices across the Church of God movement. This op-ed features three of these voices.

Jessica Taylor

I am eager to be together at the General Assembly this year because of the need for the body of Christ to be in proximity to experience reconciliation and unity. As we gather, I’m looking forward to hearing from one another and from the Spirit of God about our unique role in the bright future of the kingdom of God.

Cheryl Sanders

Over the years, the General Assembly has been, for me, a highlight of the Church of God Convention experience. It is much more than papers, procedures, reports, and resolutions; rather it is an opportunity to be engaged in collective discourses of vision, accountability, testimony, and commitment. I have many treasured memories of General Assembly meetings in the past. Devotional messages offered at the beginning of each session have often been brimming with insight and inspiration. Unforgettable utterances of insight and challenge have been shared from the podium and from the floor.

It is my prayer that we will gather in Tampa with an openness to participation in necessary conversations about our Movement, and with a willingness to keep our best resources and energies fully focused on achieving purposeful holiness and visible unity.

Efrain Cirilo

The Church of God Convention and General Assembly has always been a wonderful opportunity for my family and I to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. The worship experience is inspiring, and the messages bring practical truths that are applicable for daily life and ministry.

It has always been a bonding time for my family and me, as well. Since our children were very little, they have always come with us in order for them to see that God is moving across the globe. It opens a door for my wife and me to share with our children about the mission of God in the local church and beyond, as well an opportunity to introduce them to leaders and church planters across the globe that are on the ground level advancing God’s kingdom.

The General Assembly should matter to you because it gives us the opportunity to see and hear what God is doing and encourages us to engage in the mission even more.

Jessica Taylor serves on the Ministries Council of the Church of God and is the newly appointed interim president of the Multnomah University in Portland, Oregon. Cheryl Sanders serves as vice presiding elder of the National Association of the Church of God and senior pastor of Third Street Church of God in Washington, D.C. Efrain Cirilo serves as vice chair of the General Assembly of the Church of God and lead pastor of ministry and multiplication at Wake Church in Conroe, Texas.

“He’s got the whole world in his hands.” What an encouraging reality! Be inspired by it, be challenged by it, and experience it firsthand at Convention 2023 and General Assembly, June 22–25 in Tampa, Florida. Learn more and register at www.chogconvention.org.

Feature (top) photo: General Assembly 2017 in Wichita, Kansas.