Council of Elders Meeting Report - February 26, 2014

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Council of Elders Meeting

United Church of God, an International Association

Milford, Ohio

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Chairman Robin Webber called the day’s meeting to order and asked church legal counsel Larry Darden to open the meeting with prayer. He pointed out to the Council that cards were ready for them to sign for fellow elders Herb Vierra and Peter McNair and a church member.

Prior to the beginning of morning’s main discussion, Peter Eddington announced that he had received word that UCG New Zealand has just signed a contract to air Beyond Today in that nation, and Gerhard Marx also contacted him that UCG British Isles had just placed an ad for “Why Suffering.” Mr. Marx had asked that we pray for the success of the ad.

Doctrine Committee Discussion—John Elliott

  • Project: “Baptized in the Name of”

This discussion was led by committee member Darris McNeely about Matthew:28:19. A member had asked if the reference to the Holy Spirit is a trinitarian construct, since our baptism ceremony concludes with “…in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.” The committee has not found this passage to be used as a proof text for trinitarian teaching. This passage appears as stated in all valid New Testament manuscripts, thus we accept that Christ did speak the passage.

Some on the committee know of some who had a conscience problem with using the passage wording in baptism ceremony, and thus the discussion has been brought to the full Council for discussion. Some new converts from a formerly trinitarian background have expressed a problem with being baptized in the name of the Holy Spirit.

Mario Seiglie and Victor Kubik both cited the extensive research we have done on this passage for many decades. As written in our Is God a Trinity? Booklet, the passage is fully sound and valid. Carmelo Anastasi explained that some in Italy—formerly Catholic prospective members—have concerns that the phrasing sounds like the Trinity. Mark Mickelson also expressed a similar concern. Roy Holladay explained our historical use of the ceremony as is because we saw it as part of the Scripture, and therefore we used it. He pointed out that we have seen very many people who were truly converted after baptism according to the ceremony. He also pointed out that “in the name of” means “by the authority of.” Having done considerable research in writing Is God a Trinity? Scott Ashley found that Matthew:28:19 is definitely part of Scripture.

Roc Corbett and Don Ward both mentioned that the Doctrine Committee has discussed this point extensively and have had access to considerable research on it as well. They both suggested that the whole Council will need to review all that research before rendering a decision. Mr. McNeely agreed, pointing out that this discussion was meant to involve the whole Council and that a final decision was not expected at this meeting. Robin Webber, Rex Sexton, and Rainer Salomaa all commented on taking sufficient and thorough time to explain to prospective members before baptism the meaning of the various words, concepts and scriptures mentioned by the minister in the baptism ceremony.

Bill Bradford described that we are baptized in the name of Jesus (as contrasted to being baptized in the name of some other Jewish rabbi of the time) and that the wording cites the Holy Spirit as the power by which the Father and the Son choose to live in us after conversion. Dr. Ward pointed out that we baptize people with the Holy Spirit as contrasted to previous baptism in John the Baptist’s day, which was merely with water. He also commented that that baptism itself doesn’t give us the Holy Spirit because it is conferred by the ceremony of the laying on of hands after baptism.

Mr. Elliott pointed out that although there is a lot of historical chatter about the passage, none of it disproves the validity of the verse. Mr. Sexton pointed out that word “name” in the passage is singular—as in the third commandment to not take God’s “name” in vain, the point being that it is not in the “names” of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Mr. McNeely commented that he has always baptized people using the passage as stated while explaining its fuller meaning and clarifying that it does not teach or support the false trinity doctrine.

Committee chairman John Elliott summarized the discussion and that the committee had desired to widen the discussion by involving for the whole Council. Mark Mickelson commented that we believe that Matthew:28:19 is in the Bible, and we should continue to move forward on that.

  • Project: Doctrine Paper (2002) “Last Great Day”—John Elliott

Mr. Elliott read statements in the paper that pointed out that its purpose was to explain the biblical name of the “Eighth Day” and to elucidate the chronology of John 7. Since a letter questioning the paper was received, the committee is having this discussion. He then asked Bill Bradford to conduct the discussion.

Mr. Bradford summarized the questions about the 2002 paper in the letter received. The question is that if we do not consider the “Last Great Day” paper to be conclusive (based on the wording in the paper itself), then it should be clarified. Mr. Elliott and Mario Seiglie commented that the Eighth Day referred to in Scripture seems to be a reference related to timing rather than a title for a day. Mr. McNeely cautioned referencing the Eighth Day as merely a part of the Feast of Tabernacles and that it was a separate, distinct festival. Mr. Bradford pointed out that there are references to Tabernacles that are in application referring to the Eighth Day as well. His conclusion was that it was a separate and distinct holy day without a distinct name.

Mr. Seiglie added that there was a ceremonial water-pouring done—according to Pharisaic tradition—on the Eighth Day as well as the other days of Feast of Tabernacles. He further commented on the word “megas,” which was drawn from the Old Testament term “high” as in high day.

Don Ward commented from some historical research that he had done that he concludes the use of “Eighth Day” was an appropriate term to title this festival.

Roc Corbett asks where the nomenclature came from—“the Last Great Day.” Dr. Ward says that it appears to be an in-house term from the early days of WCG. Mr. Bradford says the paper introduces the Eighth Day terminology and that it has been used more and more since that paper came out. Mr. McNeely states that he is not in favor of rescinding the current paper, but would rather have it edited so there is still something in our repertoire and not create a vacuum.

Mr. Bradford stated that he does not need a paper to tell him that he can use the name Eighth Day. Victor Kubik said that the thing to keep in mind is relationships between the ministry and among the membership. The session ended with an executive session concerning original authorship matters of the paper. The Council afterward passed the following resolution:

Whereas, in 2002 the Council approved a study paper titled “The Last Great Day,”

And Whereas, that paper has also been labeled as a doctrinal paper

Now therefore, it is hereby resolved, that the study paper titled “The Last Great Day” is confirmed to be a study paper, not a doctrinal paper, and is remanded to the Doctrine Committee for further review of both its content and title.

*(Further discussion on this matter is shared in Thursday morning’s report.)

When open session resumed, chairman Webber introduced Charles Melear to discuss plans for the annual meeting of the General Conference of Elders (GCE) in May.

Preparation for the General Conference of Elders Meeting—Charles Melear

Mr. Melear outlined the proposed scheduling of events during the annual GCE meeting here in the Cincinnati area over the weekend of May 3-5.

Friday will contain the international meetings for elders and pastor from or responsible for service in the various regions outside the U.S. That evening the annual fellowship time with a dessert reception is planned in the hotel.

Sabbath morning features the group breakfast for those who choose to sign up for it, home office tours and two special presentations.

Sabbath services will commence at the usual 2:00 p.m. After dinner that evening beginning at 7:30 will be another dessert reception and fellowship time. At 8:00 chairman Robin Webber will officially welcome everyone to the annual meeting of the GCE. That will be followed by a question-and-answer session with the Council of Elders.

The Council discussed the question-and-answer period extensively. A proposal was made to questions to be written and submitted ahead of time so fuller answers can be given. Some wondered if an annual question-and-answer session is needed. Several commented especially favorably about seeking questions written in advance. The general consensus was that the Council/GCE chairman should be the moderator. After answering the pre-written questions, the Council would field verbal questions coming from the floor. There will be specific time limits for all comments coming from the floor. The Council will also strive to expedite the answers in a timely fashion to keep the meeting moving and meaningful.

Sunday morning the group breakfast will begin at 7:30, and the balloting packages will be distributed beginning about 8:00. At 9:00 Council secretary Gerald Seelig will call the business portion of the annual meeting to order. The reason that chairman Robin Webber will be not be chairing the balloting portion is because his current three-year term on the Council is up for balloting. When the balloting is complete, then president Victor Kubik will deliver the keynote address to the GCE from 10:00 to 10:45. At 11:00 the tribute to deceased elders and wives will commence, followed by a tribute to our 50-year elders and employees. The lunch break will run from 12:10 to 1:30 to allow for several working luncheons like that of the UYC camp directors.

Sunday afternoon will start with 30-minute addresses by the chairman, the president (their addresses will focus on the conference theme), and each of the three operations managers. After a break, there will be instruction about local church websites. At 4:15 p.m. secretary Seelig will announce the balloting results. Then after another short break everyone will be able to circulate through the various booths of our International Exchange until 6:00. This will feature all the nations where we have UCG brethren (including the United States).

After dinner there will be two hours (from 8:00 until 10:00) of additional fellowship time with snacks provided in the main hotel atrium.

After the optional group breakfast at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, the plenary message will be delivered from 9:00 to 10:00 focusing on the theme “Creating an Environment for Growth.” From 10:30 a.m. through the rest of the day various workshops will be presented in various meeting rooms. At 3:30 p.m. Mr. Webber will offer concluding comments and the 2014 meeting of the General Conference of Elders will end with a closing prayer and a hymn.

At this point the Council entered executive session to discuss the speaking and teaching assignments for the annual GCE meeting.

GRAC Recommendation—Roc Corbett

GRAC stands for General Conference of Elders Responsibilities Advisory Committee and is made up of members of the GCE. The chairman of the GRAC is Dan Dowd, who joined the Council meeting with GRAC member Jerold Aust via Web video connection. Lonnie Johnson, Ed Dowd, Scott Moss and Walt Tannert are the other GRAC members.

Mr. Corbett explained the history and purpose for the committee. Mr. Dowd explained that the committee identified Bylaw 7.7.1 about calling an emergency meeting of the GCE, but provides no mechanism for doing so. After consultation with GCE/Council secretary Seelig and legal counsel Larry Darden, the GRAC has decided to review their proposal some more before presenting it to the CoE for discussion and balloting.

Mr. Webber thanked Mr. Dowd and Mr. Aust for their time and then moved to another proposal for the Council by Rex Sexton.

Council of Elders Performance Evaluation by the GCE—Rex Sexton

The proposal is to have a once-a-year survey of the GCE about the performance of the Council. This would provide some regular input from the GCE, increasing communication and decreasing frustration.

Mr. Sexton described the stages of divorce—which starts with a breakdown in communication. We know that as pastors the benefits to a marriage when husband and wife have very regular, healthy communication. He explained that the proposed survey would go to the entire GCE via Survey Monkey, which allows for suggestions as well as answers to survey questions. In many ways the proposed survey is designed to tap the thinking of the elders of the GCE.

Rainer Salomaa suggested that the title should be altered from “Performance Survey” to “Input” or something similar. The desire is to actively and regularly seek input and insight from the elders at large. John Elliott expressed agreement with the survey idea, but suggested that it be planned for circulation in late spring so the results can feed into strategic planning.

Several Council members thought the annual survey would be beneficial. Darris McNeely and Robin Webber suggested that we have sufficient surveys already, especially with the extensive three-year Strategic Planning Survey that is sent out in three categories: 1) pastors/employees, 2) non-salaried elders, and 3) the general membership. Mr. Salomaa suggested making it a “periodic” survey. Mario Seiglie commented on the value of having more rather than less surveyed input from the eldership.

Mr. Seelig suggested rewording some of the questions to a more neutral wording. Other suggestions focused on wording the questions to provide useful information for the Council to use. Mr. Webber suggested that it be remanded to the Strategic Planning and Finance Committee for further work and preparation. Mr. Sexton agreed with that suggestion.

Chairman of the Strategic Planning and Finance Committee Bill Bradford noted that the sample survey was asking for review on Council performance and input on issues that Council members need to hear.

The day’s meetings drew to a close at about 7:00 p.m.

-end-

Randy Stiver

Council Reporter

© 2014 United Church of God, an International Association