J. Frank and Kohatha Culpepper Honored with Hall of Prophets Induction
Cleveland, TN–Former Church of God Assistant General Overseer J. Frank Culpepper was inducted into the prestigious Hall of Prophets at the Pentecostal Theological Seminary on Thursday, April 15, 2010. Family, friends and church leaders paid tribute to Rev. Culpepper who passed away in 1984. Honor was also bestowed on Kohatha Culpepper who has forged her own ministerial legacy over the last 26 years following her husband’s passing. The Culpeppers are the parents of current Church of God General Overseer Raymond F. Culpepper.
Seminary president Dr. Steve Land (right) presents the Hall of Prophets honor to Kohatha Culpepper. Looking on are her children Darlene Haas and Raymond F. Culpepper.
The ceremony took place at the Pentecostal Theological Seminary Cross Chapel where a host of family and friends spoke as part of the occasion. Among the speakers was grandson Raymond F. Culpepper II, daughter Darlene Haas, son Raymond Culpepper, Evelyn Knight, Russell Brinson, Larry J. Timmerman, Jan Timmerman, Orville Hagan, T.L. Lowery and Ray H. Hughes. All spoke from varying perspectives on the ministry of Frank and Kohatha, including being mentored by them, working with them or as ministry colleagues.
“The Culpeppers were committed to the cause,” stated former General Overseer Ray H. Hughes, who served with Frank Culpepper on the Executive Committee of the Church of God. “They were ‘colorful’ leaders, but had an unconditional surrender to the call of God.”
Speaking from a perspective of women in ministry, Jan Timmerman said Kohatha Culpepper was, “ a beautiful personal mentor to me…she taught me to pray until the answer comes; it was not an option, but a necessity.” Evelyn Knight, former International President of Church of God Women’s Ministries said, “Kohatha, you kept us focused…you brought the heartbeat of the women on the field.”
Frank and Kohatha Culpepper’s daughter Darlene Haas shared personal stories of growing up in a minister’s home and the lessons her parents taught. Joined at the end of her presentation by her older brother Raymond, Darlene stated, “They taught us (Raymond and Darlene) to be independent, but they were also a team; she gave to him and he gave to her.”
“When I think of growing up with mom and dad I find that there are many defining moments,” General Overseer Culpepper said of his parents. “Learning scripture, hard work…and when it came to the choice of the Kingdom or the family, it was not one or the other; it was both.”
Presenting a plaque to Kohatha Culpepper which will hang in the Hall of Prophets was Seminary President Dr. Steven Jack Land. Along with the honor comes the establishment of a scholarship fund to aid ministers attending the seminary.
“I’m thrilled to know that this honor will go toward training young men and women to preach the gospel,” Kohatha Culpepper said. “Frank’s life was about an encounter with Jesus Christ…God is looking for preachers to have an encounter with Jesus!”
J. Frank and Kohatha Culpepper ministered together in the Church of God for 34 years. They served as pastor at eight churches across the states of Tennessee, Florida and Georgia. They were appointed overseer of the states of Oregon, Mississippi, South Carolina and North Georgia. From 1974-1982, J. Frank Culpepper was an elected member of the Church of God Executive Committee serving as third assistant (1974-76), second assistant (1976-78) and first assistant general overseer (1978-82).
–Cameron Fisher, Church of God Communications
