United Church of God, an International Association
Council of Elders Meeting Report

            The Council of Elders began its first set of meetings for the 2001-2002 fiscal year today in Cincinnati. They heard administration reports from the president, U.S. operation managers and one international presenter (regarding the British Isles), reviewed the possible addition of a new committee of the Council, and discussed a shared vision for the Church moderated by Les McCullough, president of UCGIA.

First Things First·

            Before the presidentâs comments and operation reports, Chairman Roy Holladay welcomed all to the first round of meetings in the current fiscal year, extending a special greeting to Clyde Kilough, the newest Council member. Mr. Holladay expressed his appreciation for Mr. Kiloughâs familiarity with Council work as he begins his term, citing his service for two years as council reporter (1997-1999). The chairman urged the Council to continue to sharpen its focus on its appointed task, which is to conduct its oversight of church operations in such a way that it works to translate the mission of the Church into programs that implement that mission most effectively. That mission is the most important and urgent one on earth, to preach the Gospel and feed the flock. The committee chairmen, he stated, should ask for task forces operating within their purview to share notes of their meetings as one way to more clearly emphasize this focus; the chairmen will then occasionally report details to the Council as a whole.

            Council approved the minutes of previous meetings, wrapped up loose ends of old business from the May meetings, and listened to Ethical Review/Roles and Process Committee chairman Gary Antion read the Council Code of Ethics (required at the first meeting of each fiscal year).

Administration Reports

            Mr. McCullough led the round of administrative reports with the presidentâs comments to the Council. He spoke of the encouragement in South Africa at the recent growth in the UCG congregations as they welcomed a number of Sabbatarians to our fellowship. Moving from international to very local (about ¹ mile from the current home office!), he reported the progress on construction of the new home office facility. While slowed by recent rains in Cincinnati, the builders still target completion by the end of 2001.

            Mr. McCullough listed some developments of the Churchâs work in the past fiscal year: 

á        The UCGâs flagship publication, the Good News, increased circulation by 27%, to over 362,000 copies, with only a 17% increase in the media budget for the year

á        Seven new booklet titles were produced

á        Print promotions (advertising) for the Good News were sent into three million homes

á        Total mail received increased by 83%

á        The volume of personal correspondence, including e-mail, has increased dramatically, and threatens to overwhelm the current staff of four field ministers who devote time to it as they can on a rotating schedule

á        ABC graduated 38 students in its second year of operation, with 60 applications already received for the 2002 year. Ongoing review will factor in the first ever student evaluations of the classes.

 

Peter Eddington, operation manager for Media and Communications, made his presentation next. Picking up where the president left off, he filled in more details on the past year:

á        In addition to the seven new titles (booklets), 14 existing titles had to be reprinted as stocks ran out (including some of those same new titles when stocks were exhausted almost immediately!)

á        98,000 copies of the Bible Study Course lessons had to be reprinted

á        Responses to the Good News radio program continued to increase steadily

á        Internet literature requests topped 17,300

á        Total incoming mail reached 345,000 pieces (83% increase over 2000-2001)

á        Average cost per response for all GN promotions in the year came to $5.55.

 

The media area went over its budget by 9.7% in the past year. As both Mr. Eddington and Mr. McCullough pointed out, it could have been kept within budget, but since God blessed the Church with more funds than budgeted for, there was enough to allow spending to be increased in proclaiming the message of the Kingdom. As Mr. McCullough said, ãThatâs why weâre here!ä 

            Mr. Holladay and Mr. Antion asked for information on Good News subscriptions generated from cable access TV productions. Mr. Eddington produced a report showing that 1,607 subscriptions have been added by this method in the last two years. 

            Two of the most cost-effective methods used were the local congregation brochure mailing promotion, and card deck advertising (with our literature offer included in a packet of advertising offers, targeted at specific audiences). Other vehicles will be evaluated and reviewed, such as the method of renewing waiting room subscriptions (spot surveys of nearly 300 waiting rooms on the program revealed only 32% actually displaying the magazine). Two new promotions are being tried this fall ö card deck promotions specifically designed for college students (one for young men, one for young women). 

            The message the Church proclaims is reaching new people. This is shown clearly by internet responses, indicating only 2% of those who request literature via this method knew of the United Church of God from their previous church affiliation. Mr. Antion asked a question in this vein, wondering if we had any way to know how people requesting material for the first time had heard of the Church. Only the current Internet questions asked of requesters gives any clue. 

            Mario Seiglie asked what portion of the entire Church budget was now devoted to Media efforts. Mr. Eddington stated that it stands at about 17% for the current year, up from around 10% only five years ago. 

            Mr. Holladay asked what progress was being made on the concept of a review of the Churchâs web site by professionals in the field, including those who are members of the Church. Elder Dan Deininger offered to head up such an effort. Mr. Eddington and Victor Kubik (Council Media/Communications committee chairman) asked for Council input, which was positive. Mr. Kubik was asked to contact Mr. Deininger to move the project forward. 

            Mr. McCullough then spoke once again, giving the Ministerial Services update (operation manager Richard Pinelli is currently conducting a regional conference in Milwaukee, WI). In support of its goal of facilitating, coordinating and managing the work of the ministry, Ministerial Services tackled these projects in 2000-2001:

á        Team teleconference once a month

á        Two MS team meetings per year face-to-face

á        Regular problem conflict resolution

á        Ministerial conferences

á        Ministerial assignments, including 10 transfers and 18 church circuit changes

á        Regional church visits by MS team members

á        Regional church visits by Regional Pastors

á        Administration of 228 congregations with average church attendance of 12,358 and 335 elders (98 of whom are pastors)

á        Personal correspondence department

á        Festival administration

á        Education program (general, youth, ministerial and focused education areas). 

Treasurer Tom Kirkpatrick gave his annual report, covering details of the past yearâs income and expense with the Council. Total income for the year topped $16.6 million (against $15.7 million budgeted), with expenditures being allowed to rise to over  $16.3 million (from the $15.7 million budget). The four main areas of increased spending were new office building costs temporarily assigned to current expenditures ($317,000), Media/Communications budget overrun due to increased literature production ($215,000), a modest end-of-year bonus for all employees ($80,000), and higher than projected local congregation subsidy requests ($75,000). The net result was that income still exceeded expenditures by about $227,000. 

            Mr. Kirkpatrick gave updates on some equipment recently purchased in the home office, cutting time required for various procedures. Taking advantage of postal procedures saves the Church money against the increasing cost of postage. The coworker and donor files are slowly increasing as others join Church members to share the cost of fulfilling the Churchâs mission. 

            Talk turned to planning ahead for future General Conferences of Elders, and ways to communicate more financial information to all elders to help them evaluate prospective budgets. Aaron Dean suggested sending a summary of the previous fiscal yearâs report to show how the Administration is managing the funds. Mr. Holladay stated his desire to see summaries of the proposed budgets in more detail in advance. Mr. Kirkpatrick saw no problem in providing this information if the Council wished it to be done that way. 

            John Jewell inaugurated what may become a regular feature of future Council meetings ö a report from national councils outside the United States on their method of operation in other areas of the world. 

            Handing out copies of the UCG ö British Isles Constitution, he explained the basic structure of the Churchâs operations in the United Kingdom, where it is registered under the Charities Acts of 1992 and 1993 as required by British law. The required annual general meeting of all members of the Charity (all church members who have opted to participate) is held at present at the Feast of Tabernacles. The National Council itself consists of three voting executive ministerial members, two voting executive lay members, and three non-voting non-executive lay members. As currently conducted, the Churchâs work in the British Isles makes extensive use of volunteer effort on the part of many members. 

Committees of the Council 

            Two areas needed to be dealt with in this area. New Council member Clyde Kilough was asked which Council committees he would prefer to serve on. He chose the Education Committee, the Doctrine Committee, and the Ethical Review/Roles and Process Committee. Some alterations in other membersâ assignments may be made; Council members were asked to consider any changes they might wish to make at this time. 

The more lengthy area concerned a proposal originally made by Leon Walker two years ago, which was not adopted at that time. Mr. Antion renewed the suggestion for this meeting. Since there are three areas defined as ãoperationsä for the Church, and the Council has committees to interface with two of them (media and finance), should there be another committee of the Council, a pastoral committee, to interface with the third area of operations (Ministerial Services)? 

            Mr. Kubik stated his belief that a committee of this sort could be a tool to improve unity by facilitating communication and cooperation between the Council and Ministerial Services in areas such as research, studies and choice of personnel for various functions. Richard Thompson would like a Council member to check with operation manager Richard Pinelli first. ãI would like a little bit more definition,ä he said. ãWhat would it be able to provide that is not being provided now? What information is needed by the Council that is not being provided by Ministerial Services, that perhaps this committee would be able to help [provide]?ä 

            Mr. Seiglie expressed his concern that we not add another tier to the operation if it works well now, and asked for Mr. McCulloughâs thoughts, since he works with Mr. Pinelli closely. ãI agree with Dick [Thompson]· something should be presented to Richard Pinelli first,ä Mr. McCullough said. 

            Don Ward referred the Council back to the Bylaws. He recalled that the Council is to have ecclesiastical oversight. ãI think itâs wise to discuss it with Richard [Pinelli] and get his input, but I donât think the decision should rest on whether Richard thinks it would help. It seems there needs to be some kind of vehicle for this oversight, which we currently do not have.ä 

            Mr. Holladay raised the issue of confidentiality (of the issues dealt with by Ministerial Services). Mr. Antion stated his belief that a committee as proposed could be briefed on situations by Ministerial Services, and communicate as needed to the entire Council, in executive session if necessary. As he pointed out, the nature of confidentiality involves the ability to seek professional assistance ãup the lineä as needed; knowing that those so informed are also bound by confidentiality in their dealings.           

            Mr. Holladay summed up discussion by proposing discussion with Mr. Pinelli, and investigating the idea once more. Mr. Seiglie wondered whether an existing committee (such as the Education Committee) could undertake the task if asked to do so. The Council consensus without resolution was to have the chairman discuss it with the operation manager for Ministerial Services before further deliberation. 

Shared Vision for the Church

             Mr. McCullough moderated talk about the vision we hold for the Church. Citing our vision and mission statements, he asked if all share a common concept regarding how to accomplish those goals. He recalled a point made by author Harold Cook in his book Historical Drift, to the effect that itâs rare for a second generation in any endeavor to hold convictions with the same fervor as those who first began that effort. ãRags to riches to ragsä is a common theme in the human story. Do these things have an effect on us in Godâs Church as well?

             Our mission is what we are. Our vision is where weâre going. In asking earlier for input from the Council, Mr. McCullough gleaned a few comments from his fellow Council members. One such comment indicated the desire to more fully use the expertise of the people God has called, in diverse areas. The growing use of the Internet provides one avenue. How to use more individuals? How many? What branches do we want to cultivate on the gospel-preaching tree? More radio? More cable access TV? Central TV production? Expanded Internet presence? Where to go? What about the job of evangelizing as a concept? Central? Local? A blend? What blend? The questions are many. What are the answers?

             Mr. McCullough expressed a common belief ö that God has blessed the work of the United Church of God. We have an especially strong presence in literature. But we have limited development in the TV field, for example (other groups have plunged more extensively into this particular medium). What other areas do we need to consider? The president opened the floor for comments from the Council members. Some shared thoughts:

á        Mr. Kubik pointed out that we have more than enough ãproductsä for doing the work. Instead, we need more excitement and enthusiasm for our mission. He recalled how Herbert Armstrong effectively evangelized by constantly talking about the Kingdom of God and Christâs return. What we need now, he stated, is to put heart into what we do and make it compelling and interesting. When people see us being excited about what we do, they will take notice.

á        Mr. McCullough concurred with the need to be enthusiastic about whatever aspect of the Churchâs work we are individually doing. In fact, he said, ãIâm going to say something here that Vic wonât like! In the media meeting the other day, he was talking about the Internet· and he has all this enthusiasm for the Internet and getting various ones involved. I personally think Vic ought to be doing this. He has more knowledge than any of us. He has contacts with others who are more expert than he is· I think we could do far worse than to tell Vic, ÎYouâre in charge of the Internet.âä But, he pointed out, it would mean he wouldnât be able to wear so many hats in order to focus on this area of his great enthusiasm. ãIf Iâm wrong, Iâll apologize! But who else among us gets excited about the Internet? The answer is, nobody!· Hereâs a guy who gets excited about it·. Iâm just expressing my opinion. Somewhere we have to start in breaking some of the barriers. We have to start in getting some of the men who have real interest in certain areas into that area and let them use their interest to fire them up! Because we do need some fire·ä

á        Mr. Seiglie commented that ãIâm so excited about things· because weâre adjusting to reality, not just going off with the same [approach].ä Sadly, he said, ãsome have lost their vision, lost their bearings.ä

á        Dr. Ward recalled the setting up of an editorial board two years ago, which he stated has not functioned as intended. ãI recall some of the most wonderful ideas in some of our meetings, which fell to the ground like lead balloons· so the editorial board has floundered· in effect, it is non-existent· I remember one word, one key word, that Bob Dick brought forth in our discussion. It was Îfocusâ in our efforts. Also in that meeting, we passed the statement about preaching the gospel. Itâs going to reflect the urgency of the times, the gravity· itâs going to have a warning component· We revived [the statement] when we had the media committee in January. We said that our literature was really going to reflect that statement·another thing we talked about was the shorter, Îpunchierâ booklets, with focus, directed toward evangelism· to me, if were to use one word, with regard to our efforts, itâs Îfocusâ·ä

á        Mr. Eddington said ãIâd like to follow up on some of the things Dr. Ward has said. I would hope, if we analyze the last few months of the Good News magazine, I think we would see a shift in focus, especially since that meeting in January. There is more a focus more on what that proclamation statement says· as far a message of repentance and warning· I think youâll start to see more of that in there. I think it is getting that way· and it seems to me that weâve started to head in the right direction as far as that focus [the magazine] goes.ä

á        Mr. Holladay found that ãIâve written the same thing down here. I caught on to what Don [Ward] was saying, that we have a message that separates us. Thatâs something that we donât have clearly yet. That message is the Kingdom of God, in all [its] different facets· when we have a stronger message, with cause and effect· Îwhen you sin, this is what is going to happen·â And then, to show how the Kingdom of God is going to resolve these problems, what the Kingdom of God is all about. I think that would excite people. Go back to the book of Acts. Look where Paul went and preached. He went before kings. He talked about mercy, judgment, Godâs intervention. He convicted people. They were moved. I appreciate the things Julie Zutz brought us about the different generations. But I think itâs a fallacy to fall into [the approach] Îthis is the way it is, therefore we canât expect anything to happenâ· I think that if we powerfully preach the message the Bible has, we show the consequences of going the opposite way, I think there will be fruits, that God will produce something.ä

á        Secretary Gerald Seelig pointed out the decline of values, perhaps tied in to seemingly never-ending good times ö  ãHow do you get the attention of young people who have no idea what suffering really is? · I donât know that answer.ä

á        Richard Thompson expanded the scope by stating ãThe kingdom of Satan is at hand too. Itâs just as real, if not more, than it was then [when Christ began to preach]. I think that our message should emphasize the fact that there is a real kingdom, and to address what Gerald has said, it has very real values, there are rights and wrongs, and based on whether or not you keep these laws, whether or not you obey the God Who is your Creator· itâs going to be very much a matter of whether you want to be a part of the Kingdom of God or remain a part of the kingdom of Satan. There are two kingdoms that weâre always dealing with. We need to emphasize and focus clearly on the fact that there is a better Kingdom coming, and this [the message] is the standard of that Kingdom·ä 

Mr. McCullough called for some specifics, asking if there were a few areas that we could ãzero in onä and get to work directly on. Mr. Antion asked about the editorial board Dr. Ward had referred to; Mr. Kubik pointed out that it met in May at the General Conference of Elders and asked if the Council wanted it to meet again right away. Dr. Ward asked for a direct assessment to keep the editorial effort on track toward our goal. Mr. Eddington pointed to the last two issues of the Good News, with changed cover articles and features, showing the ãtrack shiftä already underway. Mr. Kubik agreed, stressing that each issue had articles with strong prophetic focus on the Kingdom. Mr. Dean concurred. 

            Mr. Jewell asked that the media committee draft a directive for all contributors to our publications to help keep the focus moving in the desired direction. 

            At this point, Robert Dick stated that he didnât see the discussion moving in a parallel direction with the mission and vision statements. Pressed for an explanation, he said ãwe read the vision statement, then we create a new one· this conversation weâve had does not parallel with the one sitting in front of me on the [computer] screen from the approved Strategic Plan for 2001-2002.ä Mr. Eddington asked if he saw it as paralleling the mission statement. Mr. Dick responded ãNo, it doesnât parallel either one of them.ä He believed the vision and mission statements focused on ãbringing many sons to glory,ä and that todayâs discussion centered on witnessing and warning. Mr. Antion disagreed, asking, ãWhen you prepare a people, what do you prepare them for?ä His answer: ãA life of glory.ä He stated that he saw the concept of witnessing and warning as laying a foundation for the life of glory to come. ãWe canât build a Church,ä he stated. ãOnly God can. But we must do what we can.ä He stressed the many positive accomplishments visible to date in the Churchâs work, illustrating how the Church is accomplishing its mission. 

            Mr. McCullough thanked all for their input, adding that he wanted to get a common focus on what weâre about, with a few specifics to give the Administration a clear idea of what the Council wishes to pursue as we implement our goals.  

-Doug Johnson

© 2001 United Church of God, an International Association