the general overseer is the highest office in the church of god denomination and has primary responsibility for leading a membership of over 9 million members spanning 180 countries. as of 2016, dr raymond f culpepper is serving as 1st assistant general overseer of the church of god. he had previously served two terms as first assistant general overseer, and has been on the executive “council of 18” on three occasions. dr. culpepper served as administrative bishop of alabama from 2012-2016 and formally served as general overseer from 2008-2012 having been originally elected at the church of god general assembly in 2008. previously, he has been the church of god state youth and education director for northern california, nevada, indiana, and alabama.