has accepted the invitation to speak on Sunday night this year. It is very important internally as well as externally to expose our people to the broader ministry of the body of Christ and to acquaint other denominations of faith leaders to the Church of God in Christ, allowing them to witness and experience the strength of our church and this very powerful con- vocation. It is a reciprocal effort that allows both entities to be appreciative and sensitive of one another.


INSPIRATION TODAY: When I was a youth attending the Convocation, it was always important for me to find some way to engage in order to feel connected. What strategies have the leadership put into place to engage the minds and hearts of our young people for worship, fellowship, and involvement in the Convocation?


for many years and we certainly thank God for your years of commitment and service. What personal or ministerial changes have you had to make since becoming the First Assistant to the Presiding Bishop?


Bishop Brooks: I have had to make personal adjustments because the capacity in which I serve requires extensive travel. I have served the Church of God in Christ for many years and have worked very closely with every Presiding Bishop. Bishop J.O. Patterson appointed me to the position of Chief Adjutant. I have also served both as Assistant Secre- tary and as Secretary of the General Board. Bishop Blake honored me to serve as Second Assistant and six months later, honored me to serve as First Assistant. As a result, my role, pattern and style when serving leaders


has passed away, it was the vision of our Presiding Bishop to keep the seat vacant in honor of Bishop Chandler D. Owens, as a tribute to him. Bishop Owens was not only a member of the General Board, but he was also the senior member of the General Board and a former Presiding Bishop. So as a tribute to Bishop Owens, and for the first time, the Presiding Bishop left that seat vacant to remind the church of his legacy and to honor him until the next general election. I think that all of us can appreciate that kind of compassion and thoughtfulness of our Presiding Bishop.


INSPIRATION TODAY: What are some of the significant, relevant changes you have observed under the auspices of our Prelate, Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake’s leadership?


“In my conversations with the Presiding Bishop, I sense that his desire for reflection, repentance, and renewal.” —Bishop Brooks


Bishop Brooks: The Presid- ing Bishop has engaged some of the principle individuals from the AIM convention to assist in restructuring the worship experience to include the young people and allow them to have expressions regarding the theme of the Convocation. This is both exciting as well as innovative and this strategy is being replicated in jurisdictions across the nation. It provides an opportunity for us to involve the younger generation of high school and college students to the major services by allowing them to speak from their perspective on the theme. People who participate take ownership. If this historic church-- now a century plus old--is to make an impact on the next generation, we must involve them.


INSPIRATION TODAY: Bishop Brooks, you have served in an integral role in the Church of God in Christ


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is one of confidentiality, loyalty and availability at all times, [no matter the personal sacrifice].


INSPIRATION TODAY: The unexpected departure of our beloved former Presiding Bishop Chandler David Owens has left a void in our hearts and we are comforted in knowing that his legacy in the Church of God in Christ will live on for generations to come. While no one can fill his shoes, realistically, the work of the Lord must continue. What is the protocol for filling a vacancy on the General Board of Bishops?


Bishop Brooks: Constitution- ally, the established protocol states that in the event of the demise of a member of the General Board, the Presiding Bishop has the power and the authority to appoint someone to fill that vacancy until the next regular election. However, unlike other times when a member of the General Board


Bishop Brooks: First, the finances of the church have greatly improved. Secondly, the visionary leadership of Bishop Blake has resulted in improvement and enhancement of our Headquarters property. The buildings on that property were sitting empty, uninhabited, and uninhabitable, for that matter, for decades. Bishop Blake initiated an effort to have the building restructured, refurbished, and remodeled from the ground up. We now have offices for the General Assembly Chairman, Chairman of the Board of Bishops, and for the First and Second Presiding Bishops. Bishop Mason’s home on the campus has been remodeled as well, and it is a beautiful addition to the Headquar- ters campus property.


In addition, Bishop Blake has implemented the COGIC Urban Initiatives, which allows our local churches across the nation to be involved in the community in assisting families and individuals in the areas of education,


economic development, addressing crime in the cities, family and encouraging men to be heads of their households, and financial literacy. The COGIC Urban Initiatives’ efforts in the local church give us credibility in the community because we are not only involved in spiritual work, but we are also involved in the practical aspect of improving the quality of life for the people in the community. Recently, I was contacted by the President of the NAACP here in Detroit, which is the largest and richest NAACP chapter in America. Much to our delight, the President of the NAACP requested that Bishop Blake speak during their Freedom Week. Freedom Week is an interde- nominational, ecumenical gathering of faith leaders across the full spectrum of the community and they have outstanding individuals speak during


ers of the Churches of God which in Judea are in Christ Jesus. For ye have suffered like things of your own coun- trymen even as they have of the Jews.” How do the Prelate, Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake and the General Board of Bishops make sure that we do not lose sight of Bishop Mason’s vision and God’s agenda for the church?


Bishop Brooks: There is no question that Bishop Blake has been selected by God to lead this church. Recently, Bishop Blake convened the “Calling Elijah” symposium at the Bishop Mason seminary in Atlanta. During that symposium, there were speakers who gave us a greater insight into the history of the Church of God in Christ and of Bishop Mason’s leadership posture. Dr. Robert Franklin, President of Morehouse College,


issues facing the Church of God in Christ?


is that the church looks inwardly and [utilizes this time]


[that week]. Bishop Blake was scheduled to travel to Africa and Japan and could not attend, but he recommended Pastor Edwin C. Bass. Pastor Bass serves as the President of COGIC Urban Initiatives. Pastor Bass came and spoke during their Freedom Week, and those in attendance were excited about the information regarding COGIC Urban Initiatives that he presented to them. Dr. Wendell Anthony, the President of the NAACP, was so impressed that the theme he adopted for this year’s Freedom Week was centered around implementing urban initiatives. Is this not a credit to Bishop Blake and the Church of God in Christ?


INSPIRATION TODAY: I’d like direct the remainder of the interview to the future of our church. The Church of God in Christ was founded by Bishop Charles Harrison Mason, based on the scripture in 1 Thessalonians 2:14, which reads, “For ye brethren became follow-


shared with us that Bishop Mason was a spiritually prophetic individual who also had a keen sense of social justice. Dr. Franklin shared with us the position that Bishop Mason took even in those early days, when African Americans were not being treated fairly. Bishop Mason was somewhat militant when it came to social justice. We must adopt that same posture if we are to keep his vision alive. There must be a holistic approach that includes addressing the social justice component, as well as remaining ferverent in spirit.


INSPIRATION TODAY: When I think about the future of our church, I always think about our Presiding Bishop’s quote, “I see you in the future and you look much better than you do right now.” In 2007, COGIC celebrated 100 years of influence on the church and the world. Looking forward to the next 100 years, what do you see as the most challenging


Bishop Brooks: Perhaps the most challenging issue is remaining biblically sound and living up to the spirit and essence of our holiness faith. The challenge is to be who we say we are; it is not about just saying --it is about being. The founding fathers lived such a holy life, and as a result, we are recognized as a church comprised of a group of people who embrace the desire to live a holy life. And that is why we are effective today. If we are to remain effective in outreach, then we must be authentic and true to holiness. We must not allow the events that are occurring in our environment, in society, and in the world distract us from what God has called us to be. We must maintain a holy lifestyle. A holy lifestyle will give us moral authority and respect.


INSPIRATION TODAY: Bishop Brooks, I certainly


thank you for taking time out to speak with me and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this interview. God Bless you in all that you are doing to assist our Presiding Bishop. Is there anything else you’d like to add?


Bishop Brooks: I would just like to say that Bishop Blake’s leader- ship challenges all of us to embrace and strive for excellence. His whole ministry and leadership is one of excellence and serves as an example for us all.


Evangelist-Missionary Joyce A. Graham is a member of the Empowered Church, COGIC in St. Louis Missouri. Her Pastor is Edwin C. Bass who is also President of COGIC Urban Initiatives.


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