MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The last week of October marked the start of preparations for the Church of God in Christ's annual Holy Convocation.

Their convocation brings more than 30,000 people to the Memphis area every year. But, it's not a guarantee that the tradition will continue in the Bluff City.

The reason behind the questions concerning the future of COGIC’S Holy Convocation remaining in Memphis centers around the issue of hotel space and updated hotels.

Memphis is the headquarters for COGIC, the largest African American Pentecostal denomination in the world. In early October, the City of Memphis announced they bought the Sheraton Hotel to protect their $200 million investment into the renovations of the convention center.

Bishop Brandon Porter, a member of COGIC’S General Board, said that move came as good news to the leaders of GOGIC, but he wonders if will it be good enough to keep the convocation in Memphis.

“Well, they've been really meaningful and we're excited. The general board and the church is excited that the city has decided to purchase the Sheraton Hotel, because that's that could be a game changer for us if that hotel is up to par and of course, is meeting the needs that we have with our to be a convention hotel. But we need more space downtown,” Porter said.

Memphis' economy typically sees around $35 million a year from COGIC's Holy Convocation and it's 30,000 attendees. Porter said the cost of hotels in Memphis is also a concern COGIC leaders have brought to city leaders attention.

“The peak season for Memphis is April through July, not November. That's when we were not here. It was not peak. So rooms go from 139 to 199 or 299 or 399 in some cases. And we must be more considerate of our people that are traveling and coming here as they do each year,” Porter said.

Porter said that Memphis must get this right this year and next because several cities have expressed interest in being the new location for the convocation.

“So we have a strong union, but our presiding bishop wants to stay in Memphis. And many of our officials and even, of course, Mayor Young wants us to be here,” Porter said.

On Saturday, November 1, COGIC will host a community event at Greater Community Temple Church on Winchester. They call it "Christmas in November," when COGIC representatives will provide resources and jobs to those in need.