Anderson, IN—Church of God Ministries announces that Rev. James Martin, director of Resource and Linking Ministries, plans to retire effective June 30, 2004. The Resource and Linking Ministries team of Church of God Ministries primarily provides support services to the Outreach and Congregational Ministries teams.

Reflecting on his years in ministry at the national level of the Church of God, Anderson, IN, Martin said, "It has been an extraordinary privilege to serve the national church, first as executive secretary of the Mass Communications Board and now as director of Resource and Linking Ministries. I have great confidence in the concept, the direction, and the leadership of Church of God Ministries, and anticipate great accomplishments for our Lord and his church as they move into the future."

Responding to Martin's retirement, Dr. Ronald V. Duncan, general director of Church of God Ministries, stated, "I have appreciated the immense contribution Jim has made in the early stages of the development of Church of God Ministries. The workload borne by Jim during these times has far exceeded the normal burdens of work." Duncan also shared that a transitional strategy has been implemented.

A graduate of Anderson College (now University), Martin spent his early years in ministry providing leadership in music and worship with Church of God congregations in Texas and Indiana. He holds two master's degrees in music, from Butler University and Christian Theological Seminary. He eventually assumed full-time administrative positions at Anderson University and then Park Place Church of God in Anderson, IN. Prior to the creation of Church of God Ministries, Martin spent four years as the executive secretary/treasurer of the Mass Communications Board of the Church of God. He is certified by the National Association of Church Business Administration as a fellow in church business administration (FCBA).

Church of God Ministries exists to strengthen and enhance the work of the local church. Its mission is accomplished in partnership with local congregations, pastors, lay leadership, state and area assemblies, national organizations, and other ministries within and beyond the Church of God.

Church of God Ministries functions under the oversight of the Ministries Council, whose twenty-four members are drawn from six regions covering the United States and Canada. They reflect a balanced representation of geographic, ethnic, and grassroots constituencies of the Church of God, Anderson, IN. Council members are ratified by the General Assembly of the Church of God of North America.

Questions and comments regarding this news release can be addressed to Stephen R. Lewis, Communications & Publishing, Church of God Ministries, by e-mail at news@chog.org or by calling 1-800-848-2464, ext 2198.