A relatively new ministry within the walls of the Church of God International Offices is Amalgamations and Affiliations under the umbrella of USA Missions.
Leading the initiative is Rev. Bill Claypoole, who states that the office is about relationship and a covering covenant, which is deeper than just fellowship. “It’s merging people of like faith and doctrine together,” he says. “It states in Ecclesiastes 4:9 that ,’two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.’ Then in Proverbs 11:14 it says, ‘Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.’ Finally, I Corinthians 12:25 says, ‘That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.’ These scriptures set the basis for how we operate within this initiative.”
Claypoole was one of four guests interviewed during General Overseer Raymond Culpepper’s monthly webcast, which was broadcast live on May 8. The interview can be viewed by logging on to www.churchofgod.org and clicking on the webcast link.
The office of A&A offers a Kingdom connection, which Claypoole says, “We don’t compete we complete…there is a covering; an accountability and protection and being a part of something that outlives you.”
Claypoole stated during the interview that some of the typical independent pastors he encounters are those who are heading toward retirement with no apparent successor. The question must be asked, “What will happen to the church when I am no longer here?” The A&A office exists to help rectify these kinds of dilemmas of independent congregations.
Claypoole says A&A was birthed through a transitional change in his life, where in 2000 the Holy Spirit spoke to him saying, “I will make you a gate opener.” Apostolic networking became a lifestyle, with connecting and residual giftings. Claypoole credits a brokenness, flow, favor with administrative leadership, and Spiritual perception, in addition to years of nurturing relationships.
When asked where the Church of God independent churches that desire to amalgamate, Claypoole said, “I find the churches through contacts, the computer, and others that we have networked with. Inquiries come through the websites of International Offices and USA Missions, preaching engagements, and word of mouth, such as from Church of God pastors’ independent friends.”
The process for amalgamation includes working with the pastor on a timeline, but varies widely. A typical process includes contact with the (Church of God) state administrative bishop and state USA missions director.
By nature of the initiative, Claypoole is the primary contact through the process.
“Typically, I’ll keep in touch through weekly text messages,” Claypoole said. “We’ll network the license process, set up a meeting at the International offices and state offices and with the respective leaders. Many times we’ll set up for a Church of God minister to preach at the church prior to the amalgamation.”
Since the Church of God founded the A&A office, nearly 70 independent churches have amalgamated with the denomination, bringing with them members, educational knowledge, state and international tithes, and a new covenant of fellowship.