Night Speakers Announced for Upcoming General Assembly
Keynote speakers for each of the evening services have been announced for the upcoming 79th Church of God International General Assembly, set to take place July 9-12, 2024, at the Indianapolis Convention Center.
Hundreds of church staff and leaders will begin arriving in the city of Indianapolis, Indiana, the previous weekend, setting up rooms and halls, preparing space for exhibits, registration, business sessions, worship services, and the dozens of special events surrounding the biennial convention. The Assembly officially begins on Tuesday morning, July 9, when the gavel opens the first session of the ordained bishop’s General Council, but several pre-Assembly events will have taken place by that time.
Hill
A highlight of the week’s events are the nightly services where delegates gather for a time of worship and celebration. On Tuesday, July 9, the opening worship session will feature the Gaither Vocal Band, led by world famous gospel artist and composer Bill Gaither. The group will precede a special “closing challenge” from outgoing General Overseer Tim Hill. Hill completes an eight-year tenure as the Church of God’s top leader, having been first elected to the post in 2016. Previously, Hill served as General Director of World Missions, Assistant General Overseer, Secretary General, evangelist, state overseer, and pastor.
Ramirez
On Wednesday, another outgoing member of the Church of God Executive Committee, Dr. David Ramirez, will deliver the keynote message. A former seminary president and field director of Latin America, Ramirez was elected third assistant general overseer in 2016 and has served the past eight years as liaison to the Division of Education, which includes oversight of such initiatives as DOE1, Certificate in Ministerial Studies (CAMS), and the Ministerial Internship Program (MIP).
Huggins
The traditional World Missions celebration service will take place Thursday evening, July 11 and be highlighted by the Parade of Nations. Selected to deliver the message that evening is Rev. Maurice “Mo” Huggins, Jr., current lead pastor of the Mountain West Church near Atlanta, Ga. A former student pastor and associate pastor, Huggins has an undergraduate degree in Pastoral Leadership, a Masters in Homiletics, and is completing his Doctor of Ministry in Biblical Preaching.
The final service of the week is Friday, July 12 and reserved for the newly elected Church of God General Overseer. He will have been nominated by the General Council earlier in the week and confirmed at the General Assembly that day. Following a commissioning ceremony, the new leader will deliver his inaugural address, after which the Assembly will be officially concluded. Earlier in the service, the traditional memorial tribute to ministers who have passed in the last two years will be presented.
The latest information on the 79th International General Assembly, including registration, accommodations, and schedule, is available by visiting ga24.org.
