Greetings to the Pastors and Elders of the Church of God in Christ,

My prayer is that you and your families are all well, as we are all navigating through this unprecedented COVID-19
Pandemic.

Let me begin by commending the consistent actions of our Presiding Bishop, Charles E. Blake Sr. He has effectively
and conscientiously exercised courageous and bold leadership to make the decisions, which exemplify an
appropriate Christian witness which must be both biblical and responsible. Immediately upon our nation being
alerted of this devastating pandemic, Bishop Blake convened the members of the General Board and the numerous
representative leaders of our national organization, to deliberate the feasibility of convening our many national
gatherings. It was immediately decided to postpone the Spring Call Meeting which was to be held in Memphis, TN
in April 2020. Following that decision, the heads of the Men’s Conference, Women’s Convention and AIM
Convention announced the cancellation of their meetings. It is the consensus of all that care and concern for the
constituents far outweigh a requirement to confer or convene.

As Chairman of the General Council of Pastors and Elders (GCPE), Church of God in Christ, I am announcing today
that the 2020 Shepherds Conference and Elders Academy, which was to convene in Grand Rapids, MI is
OFFICIALLY CANCELLED. It is the consensus of the elected officials, appointed vice-chairmen, regional
chairmen and members of the executive committee that priority be given to the health and safety of our constituents.
The cancellation will deny the opportunity for a physical interaction for instruction, inspiration and access to
resources, but creates an ideal moment for innovative thinking and action. Therefore, planning efforts have already
been initiated for a ONE DAY VIRTUAL SHEPHERDS CONFERENCE AND ELDERS ACADEMY. Full details
of the selected social media network, date, scheduled sessions, presenters and cost are being finalized. With this in
mind, the GCPE is offering 2 options to those who have pre-registered: 1) All Pre-paid registrants to the 2020
conference will receive the difference of the original registration fee over the discounted fee for the Virtual
Conference as a refund, or 2) Pre-registration fees paid can be applied to the 2021 conference with all the amenities
applicable to one’s level of registration. Please refer to the GCPE FAQ page for details. More information for the
2020 VIRTUAL CONFERENCE is forthcoming.

Please know, that the prayers of our Executive Tier leadership team is being constantly extended to our Presiding
Bishop, General Board Members, General Supervisor, Chairmen of the General Assembly & Board of Bishops,
National Officers, Department Heads and the esteemed Pastors and Elders of the Church of God in Christ, that
God’s favor and protection be extended to you all for continued health and safety.

I leave you with this, … BE BLESSED…BE ENCOURAGED…BE STILL…and know that I am God, I will be
exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth, The Lord of Hosts is with us, The God of Jacob is our
refuge. Selah. Psalms 46:10-11

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Superintendent Michael Eaddy, Chairman
General Council of Pastors and Elders
Church of God in Christ, Incorporated