General Overseer Announces Ministry Transition

On Wednesday, October 16, 2019, Bishop Sam Clements announced to a gathering of the general presbyters, International Offices’ staff, and International Assembly committees that he would be transitioning to another phase of ministry at the conclusion of his six-year term as General Overseer of the Church of God of Prophecy. Bishop Clements expressed his appreciation to his wife Linda, who was standing by his side during the announcement, for her “faithful and dedicated” companionship for 56 years of ministry.

“My goals from the beginning of my ministry have been to give my best for my Lord, to finish strong, and to finish with joy—and I intend to do just that,” said Clements.

Under Clements’ leadership, the Church has expanded to an additional six nations including Kiribati, Tuvalu, Nauru, Rabi Island, Suriname, and the Navajo Nation. The International Offices complex located in Cleveland underwent a complete remodel, with the Church’s former press operations building being repurposed into a state-of-the-art Ministry Training Center. Educational initiatives of the Church received focused attention with the creation of Accredited Ministries Development and the recent establishment of an institution of higher learning. In his role as general overseer, Clements traveled to more than 28 countries, many of them multiple times, meeting with ministry leaders and preaching powerful messages of hope and victory.

“I see nothing but victory ahead for this great Church. I appreciate all your love and support,” said Clements. “Be assured that I am not finished yet. I will be working until He comes or until He calls me home.” Bishop Clements concluded his remarks by playing a favorite family song that he said he listened to often throughout his term of service entitled, “Keep Me in Your Will” by Jessica King.

Bishop Clements was selected to serve as the sixth general overseer of the Church at the 98th International Assembly in July 2014. In the ensuing years, he provided stable guidance as a leader of leaders to the church’s global ministries. The next general overseer will be selected through a process prior to and during the 101st International Assembly being held July 2020 in Orlando, Florida.

Bishop Clements’ statement may be read here.