Council of Elders Meeting in Milford, OH

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United Church of God, an International Association
Council of Elders Meeting Report
Feb. 24, 2010—Cincinnati, Ohio

Chairman Roy Holladay called the meeting to order at approximately 9 a.m. by calling on Bill Eddington for prayer. All of the members of the Council, some of the wives of the Council members and a few guests were present.

Member Survey Analysis

David Register stated that in 2008 we entered into a new 360-degree evaluation process for the Church. He commented that our strategic planning consultant, Michael Wilkinson, suggested we conduct a member survey, and we did that in 2008, which enabled us to establish benchmarks. The intent was that two years later we would take another survey and measure our progress by those 2008 benchmarks.

The survey was posted online for four weeks in December 2009. David Register said that he suggested that this would be a good time to have Julie Zutz present this information, considering that she is a professional with expertise in the field. He stated that he believes this is a true reflection of the members’ comments. For the previous survey there were 900 pages of verbatim comments; this time we have around 1,500 pages. He then introduced Julie Zutz.

Julie Zutz started by saying that to her, the survey is the “household of faith” talking to us, and that is a huge responsibility. She distributed the manual “Member Survey Results” along with a CD “2010 UCG Attendee Survey Results.” She mentioned that there are certain constraints with the results, such as it is in English only, is available online, etc. Also, there were a few members who provided comments and information after the survey closed, and we were able to incorporate their comments but not their data. She also commented that there were several responses received from Chile.

Julie Zutz reported that there are over 40,000 verbatim comments. She said that she was assisted by Linda Register, Dee Kilough and Diane Bailey in compiling the thousands of individual member comments.

In most areas, she mentioned, there has not been much change statistically, but the “internal communications” area changed by deleting the previous questions (in 2008) regarding the home office relocation.

She commented that nearly 15 percent of the members participated, a very good number, and that 34 percent of the elders participated. There was great concern that the younger people were underrepresented in the first survey, and there was some progress made on that issue. Further, she mentioned that the survey is anonymous and it is not mandated that demographic information be filled in by the respondent.

Roy Holladay asked if two years is long enough to make significant changes in areas that were rated low. There should be some incremental changes, Julie Zutz said. She said that five years would be a bit too long to wait to see if your programs are working.

She then said that, when the “preparing a people” satisfaction approval rating is 53 percent, half the members think we’re doing a good job. Preaching the gospel, she mentioned, was slightly higher, but, when these are core missions, there is room for improvement.

They started counting in the verbatim comments to see about trends, said Julie Zutz, but one of the risks in reading the verbatim comments is that it is easy to read your own personal perspective into the comments.

Julie Zutz mentioned that, with regard to church services, members expressed a need for stronger and meatier sermons, but there is a feeling that people are getting little from sermonettes. With regard to the Bible Reading Program, members wanted to have it reinstated and considered it a part of Church education programs rather than media. It is significant that 10 percent of people asked for a program that has not been offered in a couple of years.

She mentioned that the respondents were sometimes confused about the material—looking for greater depth of information in items that are really first-contact information. Members asked for Bible studies in the local areas, as Bible studies in the local area are seen as educational matters. Additionally, members expressed appreciation for both the Ambassador Bible Center Continuing Education seminars and the World News and Prophecy seminars.

In the area of education, she reported that the scores are greatly related to how familiar the respondent is with the programs, for example, the Youth Corps. She said that scores in this category are fairly strong among those who are familiar with the programs.

Members responded very positively about Feast sites where seminars were offered. There was a request for more and smaller sites because elderly members are concerned they may not be able to travel long distances because of both their health and finances. There were positive comments about those Feast sites that had webcasts of the sermons.

With regard to media, many members linked their response about television to what was happening in the 1980s and want to see more television within media. Julie Zutz pointed out that these comments were mainly from baby boomers. The younger generations want to see the emphasis taken off television and placed on the Internet. Melvin Rhodes made the observation that in his experience, those who get all their news from the Internet really do not know what is going on in the world as opposed to those who read major national and international publications or get their news from sources like the BBC.

Dave Baker asked what comments about “speak the truth” mean. Julie Zutz responded that it basically says our tone in delivery is not passionate enough. These respondents remember the passion and zeal of Herbert W. Armstrong.

Julie Zutz mentioned that members responded that there is not much good news in The Good News magazine.

Members appreciated having a local congregation to attend, having brethren to visit with, and they appreciated the hard work of the ministry.

The big issue in the first survey was “unity,” and that is still a theme with the second survey. Lack of unity is the most important concern expressed in this survey, but it has gotten more specific.

Succession (replacing retiring pastors) dropped back a little in concern for the respondents.

In terms of the personal challenges they face, members expressed a concern about wanting to do what is right, but having a hard time doing what is right. She said that this was the driving force behind wanting meatier sermons every Sabbath and at the Feast of Tabernacles.

Only 2.9 percent of the respondents said that they were unemployed, and almost 19 percent said they are retired. Finances are a concern among the membership. They are especially concerned that the Church’s income will fall off because of the large number of members retiring in the future.

Members are concerned that they are not seeing new members—growth—in their local congregations.

Under the category “Interpersonal Relationship with Pastor,” pastors believe that they are doing a good job, but the youth do not.

Julie Zutz observed that the bottom line with the members is: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” They want to be in the Kingdom; they want us all to do the right thing so that good will come to the Church.

2010 Annual Meeting of the General Conference of Elders

Peter Eddington conducted the next portion of the meeting with regard to the upcoming Annual Meeting of the General Conference of Elders. He started by stating that the international meetings begin on Friday, April 30. He reported that the international elders who responded asked for international meetings on counseling (baptism, marriage, abuse, substance abuse, etc.) and discussions with regard to challenges facing the international areas.

On Friday evening, April 30, a welcome reception, with cash bar, soft drinks, water and light refreshments, is scheduled from 7:30 to 11 p.m.

For the Sabbath, May 1, the Council approved split sermons by President Clyde Kilough and Darris McNeely. If Chairman Holladay is not on the ballot for the Council of Elders, Darris McNeely will relinquish to Roy Holladay.

Saturday evening, 8 to 11 p.m., will be an international exposition—up to 25 countries or regions will have tables or booths around the meeting room. Elders from these areas and regions can provide handouts, pictures, facts and figures regarding their areas. Some regions may even be able to supply samples of food or other items about their culture. The expected results are:

  • A better understanding on the personal level for each elder of the work being done around the world.
  • A better understanding of the needs/challenges and opportunities/strengths for each area of the world.
  • Elders made aware of possible “service opportunities” in other areas of the world.

 

For Sunday, May 2, various names were proposed to give the keynote address in the morning. Roy Holladay mentioned that it needs to be someone with passion about “going into all the world.” Bill Eddington and Darris McNeely recommended Victor Kubik, who was approved by the Council.

For the international reports, those currently scheduled are Nigeria, Portugal, New Zealand and the South Pacific, Canada and Kenya, with the alternate being the British Isles.

With regard to the tribute to deceased elders/elders’ wives, a couple of GCE Planning Committee members recommended that Gary Antion be the presenter this year. Robin Webber agreed and said that it would “spice things up,” and Scott Ashley pointed out that it would be a saving on travel budget since Gary Antion is local. The Council of Elders agreed to have Gary Antion make the presentation this year.

A question-and-answer session is planned immediately after the business meeting concludes. Bill Bradford will coordinate this session.

Sunday evening, an “Ambassador Reception”—ministerial/Ambassador Bible Center Mixer—is planned, with about 45 minutes of entertainment by the ABC class and alumni.

On Monday, May 3, there will be education seminars from the following areas: East Africa, Ghana and West Africa, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Islam, Asia and the French-speaking areas, plus two seminars given by minister’s wives about their international experiences. Each seminar would be conducted twice. Bill Eddington questioned the need for the seminars to run 90 minutes. Peter Eddington responded that the hope was to have feedback from the audience.

(The session on the subject of branding was not reported on.)

Roles and Rules Committee Issues

Bill Eddington, Roles and Rules Committee chairman, presented Jack Hendren’s appeal of the Council’s decision that Jim Franks’ and David Baker’s Council seats should be confirmed by the General Conference at the May 2010 Annual Meeting of the GCE. Legal counsel advised that precedent be adhered to, and GCE confirmation of their appointment should go forward.

Larry Darden and Mark Rorem each gave legal counsel and said that the Council has the prerogative to go with precedent on this matter. Mr. Rorem said that interpretation of the bylaw in question could lean toward confirmation not being required, except where, in the case of a tie, the Council had selected an elder to fill the vacant position on the Council.

Discussion followed to see if any Council members wished to change their previous decision to require confirmation of Jim Franks’ and David Baker’s Council seats. No Council members wished to change the previous decision. A letter from the Council will be sent to Jack Hendren explaining that, based on legal counsel, the Council will have the May GCE agenda contain a confirmation ballot item for both seats.

Secondly, Bill Eddington proposed to form a group to thoroughly analyze our governing documents for inconsistencies, poor construction and ambiguity. The interpretation of just this one bylaw in question by Jack Hendren is an example of the review now needed after 14 years of operation. This will include our Constitution, Bylaws and Rules of Association.

He suggested a timeline that would enable all suggested amendments to our governing documents to be prepared for ballot and approval at the 2011 General Conference of Elders. It would be a tight schedule but still possible.

The Roles and Rules Committee then proposed a two-stage process to begin the examination of our governing documents. The Council unanimously approved that such a committee or team be formed.

Bill Eddington then proposed amendments to the Outside Speaking Guidelines document. The paragraph to be amended is below, with the edited section in italics.

When an invitation to speak in another organization is received, an elder must carefully consider guidelines 1.1 to 1.11 and consult with his supervisory elder (or international equivalent) and the pastor in the affected area, to seek appropriate advice relevant to the nature of the invitation and the inviting organization, and agree to a course of action with his supervisory elder (or international equivalent) and the pastor in the affected area. If agreement is not reached at either level, the invited elder may refer the invitation to the Chairman of the Council of Elders. The Chairman of the Council will consult with at least two other members of the Council to review the invitation, make a final decision, and advise the full Council of that decision.

Aaron Dean expressed concern that overly restricting where elders are allowed to speak may be contrary to Scripture and the responsibility of Christ’s ministry. He said that he has had upwards of 70 people contact him with this concern about the outside speaking document.

Bill Eddington then asked for the amended paragraph in the Outside Speakers Guidelines to be approved. The amendment to the policy was not accepted by a majority of the Council.

-end-

Gerald Seelig
Council Reporter

© 2010 United Church of God, an International Association