Council of Elders Meeting Report

United Church of God, an International Association

Council of Elders Quarterly Meeting Report

Milford, Ohio

Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Chairman Don Ward called the morning session to order at 9 a.m. Eastern, and the meeting was opened with prayer. Eleven Council of Elders (Council) members were present. Scott Ashley joined after lunch because he was teaching an ABC class.

Doctrinal Accuracy Discussion

Len Martin presented the topic and led the discussion of what is the process for correcting mistakes in our publications in order to maintain doctrinal accuracy. Mr. Martin began by mentioning that we have faithful and diligent members who have gone through the events in the early to mid-1990’s who continue to stay true to God’s Word. The members learned to be very attentive to what is printed in our publications and spoken in sermon messages. In more recent years, false accusations were made by people who left us stating UCG was going to change doctrine with “subtle little changes” in articles, letters or sermons. Thus it is imperative that we do all we can to be as correct as possible in our publications.

We always desire to maintain doctrinal accuracy and strive to be diligent to not allow errors in, but at times they occur. Mr. Martin mentioned two examples as well as the eight doctrinally incorrect personal correspondence department (PCD) letters that have now been corrected. He asked for input on how this could be avoided and corrected in the future, and what is the best way to recommend edits or corrections when doctrinal errors appear in our UCGIA publications.

John Elliott mentioned that doctrinal integrity is always under attack. By the mid-1970’s so much permissiveness had crept into the Church that in 1979 Mr. Armstrong worked to “put the Church back on track.” After his death doctrinal error swept away most members, necessitating the formation of UCGIA. The next generations have grown up in a value-neutral society promoting tolerance for spiritual lawlessness. What will become of the Church if its leaders and members do not retain a vigilance for doctrinal accuracy and correcting any errors as they occur?

Randy Stiver commented that we have to be careful of doctrinal drift and also historical drift. We can drift from historical positions and forget where we have been. The next generation has to learn Church history and not forget our past.

Dan Dowd emphasized the importance of the ministry to learn from the senior pastors. Those with a long history in the Church who have wisdom help to pass that history and wisdom onto others. Bob Fahey was such an individual. We have a rich history to continue to learn from and we must not forget that history. When we do make a misstep it is important that we own up to it and correct it publicly as well.

Mr. Martin asked who reviews our articles for doctrinal accuracy and what the current review process is.

Peter Eddington said the article review process, as well as the individual reviewers for each of our publications, was approved by the Council. There are a minimum of three ministers for each publication that have been approved. The managing editors send doctrinal articles to those ministers for review. All the ministers have to agree. If any of them raises a question then we have to look closer at it.

Darris McNeely thought it was encouraging to see that people are reading carefully what is put out with a discerning mind. When they have questions we want input so we can clarify and be careful about what we print and say in our sermons. We want to be careful to do our job by reviewing and editing carefully. We are all concerned about maintaining our doctrinal integrity.

Chairman Ward explained that the Council doesn’t see many things before they are published.

Mr. Martin asked how to continue to maintain doctrinal accuracy. What is the process as we proceed forward knowing that the Council is the governing body?

Tony Wasilkoff was thankful for this discussion. We need to be extra vigilant when it comes to doctrine. Incorrect doctrine is in some of the PCD letters, like the one on tattoos for example that had to be corrected. Somehow it had changed. Mr. Wasilkoff asked Mr. Eddington who should be contacted when someone has a concern.

Mr. Eddington recommended any concerns be directed to the editor of the publication and to carbon-copy himself as well as Mario Seiglie (chair of the DC) and also Mark Welch (Operation Manager for MMS). He also said that the articles online can easily be edited and there could be a correction column when it is needed in our print publications.

Jorge de Campos appreciated this topic being covered. It is really important that we are concerned with doctrinal accuracy. It is important to know we have a great adversary. We are in a spiritual battle. Some may think they can just stay home and watch a webcast on the Sabbath when God actually calls us to a holy convocation. Satan is so subtle. We need to be careful to stay close to God.

Chris Rowland also mentioned it is good to explain misstatements in our Ministerial Journal publication to help the newer ministers understand the correct doctrine and to learn from it.

Gerald Seelig mentioned it can be difficult at times to know what is doctrine and what is tradition. It is important to know the difference.

Bob Dick commented that vocabulary is also very important. There are times when terminology is used that is not consistent with how we express ourselves. Why are we explaining it in a way that is not how it was done in the past? How we express and say things is not to be overlooked.

Mr. Martin concluded with a reminder that if there is a question to bring it to the attention of the editor of that publication and also that a correction column is a good idea to correct any doctrinal errors.

Dr. Ward agreed that we should start by bringing it to the attention of those with direct oversight of the publications. Mr. Eddington also agreed.

The Council went into executive session at 9:53 a.m.

The Council came into open session at 9:58 a.m.

Doctrine Committee Projects Update

Mario Seiglie, chair of the Doctrine Committee (DC), presented three doctrinal projects to the Council. None of these projects received any support from the DC or their sub-committees. Presenting these projects follows the guidelines for the DC to inform the Council of their completion and the authors were informed there was no support. Those three projects were: #11 Passover/NTBMO being on the same day, #32 the year of Christ’s death, and #47 on the saint’s millennial timeline. Many of the proposed projects that were submitted are based on speculation and personal views. When they can’t be backed up with specific scriptures, then they can’t proceed forward.

Also, in a review process of the Born Again study paper, a technical mistake was found which needed to be corrected. The proposed edits to the Born Again study paper were presented to the Council with discussion. A quorum of the Council unanimously approved the following resolution:

Whereas, the Council wishes to amend the “Born Again” paper with regard to Job:14:14 which states the following:

An example of the second event or “regeneration” is found in the Old Testament, in Job:14:14, “If a man die, shall he live again [palingenesia in the Greek Septuagint]?” Here, the scripture clearly refers to what happens to a man after death when he is to “live again” (be restored to life, offered a new beginning).

Now therefore, it is hereby resolved that, the above-referenced paragraph is replaced with the following two (2) paragraphs:

An example of the second event or “regeneration” is found in the Old Testament, in Job:14:14, which in the King James Version reads: “If a man die, shall he live again? All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.” Here, the scripture clearly refers to what happens to a man after death when he is to live again—be restored to life and offered a new beginning. Where the verse here has “change,” the Greek Septuagint uses the words palin genomai, referring to being born again.

As noted earlier regarding the Greek term palingenesia, the word palin means “again, back, once more, a second time” (Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible). And related to genesia, “the Greek genomai is defined as ‘1. of persons, things, occurrences, to come into being, be born, arise, come on: John:1:15; John:8:58; 1 Corinthians:15:37’” (Abbott-Smith Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament). The Greek scholar Johann Cook translates latter part of the verse, which is written in the Septuagint as “ὑπομενῶ, ἕως ἂν πάλιν γένωμαι,” as “I would endure until I would be born again” (“The Profile and Some Theological Aspects of the Old Greek of Job—Resurrection and Life after Death as Points in Case,” Old Testament Essays, 2011, p. 336). So it is apparent that those who produced the Septuagint regarded the coming change at the resurrection to be a new birth.

Mr. Seiglie then had Len Martin present the concluding review of the Personal Correspondence Department (PCD) letters which included editing the last four. The four completed were on the topics of the “Isaiah:7:14,” “Encouragement – Prisoner,” “Encouragement – Faith” and “Galatians:5:3.” All four were reviewed, edited and approved by the Council. They will be posted on the Ministerial Resource Site. When new PCD letters are written, they will now go to the DC for approval before being posted.

Mr. Seiglie concluded his remarks by mentioning the current projects being reviewed and thanking the DC and its subcommittees for all their work. Chairman Ward also thanked Mr. Seiglie and the DC for their work.

Upcoming Dates for Council Meetings: Aug. 19-22, 2019 at the home office.

UCG Tone and Voice Chart and Jeremiah

In the February meetings, the Council was given a directive during an executive session to create a task force to look into the current tone and voice chart and compare it to the message of Jeremiah. The task force is comprised of Rex Sexton, Dan Dowd, Jorge deCampos, Peter Eddington and Scott Ashley. The tone and voice chart is used by the media department to explain how our publications and BT programs approach preaching the gospel message.

Mr. Kubik explained this topic requires a lot of work. He felt it would be better for the media committee to go through it. He gave an explanation of his work on it and then asked for Darris McNeely to give his input on this subject since he was on the media committee when the tone chart was developed.

Mr. McNeely stated that Jeremiah’s prophecy is different from our preaching of the gospel today. He expressed his feelings that we are not an Old Testament (OT) prophetic ministry. We are not OT prophets. We are not New Testament (NT) apostles either. We build upon that foundation of the apostles and the prophets from Ephesians:2:20. We are a NT ministry and church that does have a message to the nations and to Israel and the lost tribes at the end of the age that builds on all of that with the unique perspective of history and experience and where God is in His plan. And he feels that lifts us into a different category for us to consider to be bold and honest and have a fuller discussion.

Dr. Ward agreed this topic needs a deeper and wider discussion and that is why the task force was created to review the topic and bring forth recommendations. He then asked the other members of the task force to give a summary of what they had come up with.

There were no meetings of the task force due to time constraints. But there were email exchanges between Rex Sexton, Dan Dowd and Jorge de Campos. Each mentioned things they would like to see on the tone and voice chart. Mr. Sexton listed four points: Acts:4:29—boldness; Acts:17:22-23—challenging; Acts:17:30-31—urgency; Ezekiel:3:8-9—courageous. Mr. Sexton said that modern media ideas have to be kept fresh and up to date.

Dan Dowd stated that regular emphasis on God’s plan of salvation and purpose for mankind by God’s calling to repentance (Acts:2:38), and how we define that through God’s commandments should be added to the list (1 John:2:3) And that we should regularly trumpet the gospel message as Christ did (Mark:1:14-15) and the faith and belief in God that needs to be developed (Hebrews:11:6).

Jorge de Campos mentioned the men preaching the gospel now are doing an outstanding job. His view was to preach with a sense of urgency. We live in very difficult times with probably very little time left. Mr. de Campos feels there needs to be an increase of intensity and urgency. He believes it is being done but it should be increased and be at the forefront of our minds. We need to continue to preach the word and preach the truth with more enthusiasm and intensity. The current presenters are doing a tremendous job but need to continually improve with more intensity.

Chairman Ward clarified the intent of this discussion was not to only look at the BT program but all of our public proclamation and in our preaching in the local church congregations. We should increase our intensity and set our congregations on fire with this urgency. These discussions go back to 1999 when Dr. Ward presented to the Council the definitions of the word translated “preach” in the NT. The Greek word kerusso translated “preach” means “to herald and proclaim.” It also connotes preaching with formality and gravity and authority which must be listened to.

We want to increase the fervor in all areas of what goes out to the public. This is something we want to all get behind and all be excited about. He further encouraged all of us to increase the intensity and urgency in our preaching. And to really preach a compelling and convicting message, lifting up our voice, crying-aloud and sparing not.

Chairman Ward then opened up the floor for more input and discussion.

Mr. Sexton’s comments dealt with tone and Mr. Dowd emphasized the importance of the message. The tone and voice chart doesn’t include the message.

Peter Eddington noted the importance of tone and voice. He voiced his appreciation for the discussion including everything we do in the Church. The media department is open to input and ideas to help make the message more effective.

Dr. Ward said that both tone and voice are together and are not to be separated. They go together.

Mr. Sexton emphasized this discussion is not to be criticism, but how we can all improve. We are always looking for ways to improve. Our current website is three years old and it is important to refresh it every year.

Randy Stiver felt there is a need to harvest our historical voice from Mr. Armstrong. He was captivating in his writing all through his life. We don’t copy it, but we reinterpret it for this time we live in. He used different styles and this wasn’t always through the exclamation marks. He engaged the audience with unusual clarity which was from God. He engaged the audience with an infectious enthusiasm and a positive upbeat encouragement.

Steve Myers agreed that we must be bold. It is God’s authority that will convict people. We have many different personalities. We can preach the word from different perspectives and it can reach different people in the world. It is a strength and also a challenge we continue to improve.

Mr. McNeely commented that the tone and voice chart can be misunderstood. The reason it was created was to create one voice with all the different voices. On the council there are 12 men working to have one voice and come to a consensus.

Dr. Ward mentioned the importance of God’s truth that separates us from all the religions of this world. Questions from our past still have relevance today like, what do you mean salvation? And why were you born? It gets people to evaluate themselves. We know God’s truth. We need to emphasize it and be fired up about it. And preach it to the world.

Bob Dick agreed that these similar questions still have an impact today. Another Sabbatarian group commented in 1997 that Mr. Armstrong did more in the 20th century to put a light on the truth of the Sabbath than anyone else. Mr. Armstrong did more than we realize. He filled the radio waves. Other groups take up pieces of what he taught, but we must find where our voice is still unique. Some of the things in the past that were unique at that time are no longer unique.

Dr. Ward said God’s truth should excite us. It is difficult to reach people until we challenge their belief system, challenge them with God’s truth.

Tony Wasilkoff mentioned another area Mr. Armstrong challenged people with was where they were at. He would mention Babylon in prophecy, but also where the United States is in prophecy.

Aaron Dean agreed that Mr. Armstrong challenged personal truths people had and pointed them to God’s Word to show them the truth on the subject. Gary Petty has done this in mentioning prophecy and that what happens is a choice you make.

Mario Seiglie commented that the times when Mr. Armstrong preached and now are very different. It is difficult to compare the two times. We have a different audience and must present the gospel message in a different way to reach them.

John Elliott compared three eras of gospel preaching. The audience of Mr. Armstrong was religious, but reaching it was hampered by low technology. The results were about 150,000 members. Our audience is mostly secular, but our reach is greater though our use of the Internet. The results are about 15,000 members. At the return of Christ, the audience will be hostile, but an angel will preach the gospel to everyone (Revelation:14:6-7). The result will include men blaspheming God and warring to kill Christ. So, while God’s gospel is preached in every era, the effectiveness of the effort cannot necessarily be quantified by positive responses.

Mr. Eddington thanked everyone for the comments. It does help to direct the message and look at areas to improve.

Chairman Ward said they would look at this in more detail in the August meetings by going through the tone and voice chart line by line and how it can be improved. Mr. Eddington agreed it could be put on the screen and gone through.

Mr. McNeely also asked if the media guiding principles could be examined since he looks at that more than the tone and voice chart. Chairman Ward agreed they would both be reviewed.

Chairman Ward concluded the session asking for more articles from the Council to be written on these topics. Also with the UN being sent to more co-workers it would be a good place to write articles to the co-workers and members to remind them of God’s truth. We do live in an apathetic society and we need to continue to preach the gospel message to them with conviction.

The Council went into executive session at 2:40 p.m.

The 2018-2019 Council adjourned at 3:12 p.m.

The newly seated Council convened on Thursday at 3:13 p.m. with Darris McNeely and Randy Stiver added to the roster.

Chairman Ward apprised the Council of the process for populating the committees of the Council and selecting their respective chairs.

The following are the updated committees and their chairmen:

Doctrine Committee: Scott Ashley, Jorge de Campos, Dan Dowd, Len Martin and Mario Seiglie (chair).
Education Committee: Aaron Dean (chair), Rainer Salomaa, Randy Stiver and Tony Wasilkoff.
Ethics Committee: Dan Dowd (chair), Bob Dick, Darris McNeely, Mario Seiglie and Tony Wasilkoff.
Executive Committee: Scott Ashley, Aaron Dean, Darris McNeely and Don Ward (chair).
Media and Communications Committee: Scott Ashley (chair), Jorge de Campos, Darris McNeely, Randy Stiver and Tony Wasilkoff.
Roles and Rules Committee: Jorge de Campos, Len Martin, Rainer Salomaa (chair) and Randy Stiver.
Strategic Planning and Finance Committee: Aaron Dean, Bob Dick (chair), Len Martin and Darris McNeely.

The Council adjourned at 3:33 p.m.

Honoring Outgoing Council Member

Mementos of appreciation were presented to the two outgoing members of the Council and also the outgoing secretary:

John Elliott

Rex Sexton

Gerald Seelig

Chairman Ward expressed the Council’s appreciation for the service they had all rendered, which was followed by personal comments by each of those receiving the honors.

-end-

Council Reporter

Shawn Cortelyou

[These are not the official minutes from the Council meeting. Elders can find those at the Home Office with the Council Secretary. Video recordings made on Wednesday are posted on the UCG ministerial Sharepoint site.]

Council of Elders Meeting Report - May 8, 2019