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Council of Elders Meeting Report - February 27, 2013
United Church of God, an International Association
Council of Elders Quarterly Meeting
Cincinnati, Ohio
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Chairman Robin Webber called the morning session to order, and after opening prayer, presented Council member Scott Ashley to address the subject of spiritual gifts in preparation for the GCE in May.
Discussion of Spiritual Gifts in Preparation for the GCE—Scott Ashley
Mr. Ashley said that he had heard only one sermon about spiritual gifts in all his years in the Church. He reflected that 13 years ago he had been a part of a committee to research what the Bible says about spiritual gifts. At that time he wrote the resulting study paper and distributed it to the Council for review. Reading from the paper, he cited the middle section of Article 3.2 of the UCG Constitution, which says of God that Father, “He has given us gifts that differ according to His will and has entrusted His Spirit to each of us that we might exercise those gifts with humility, gentleness and patience in submission, first to Jesus Christ, and then to one another.”
Darris McNeely reported on his Winter Family Weekend presentation about spiritual gifts. Some of his material came from a recent book on the subject, and he explained the difference between talents, skills and gifts. He sensed from giving the presentation that there was a definite interest for this subject among the brethren. Victor Kubik added that he found the presentation very balanced and that in our past the idea of “gifts” was thought of only as for the ministry.
Gary Antion asked if it will be presented to the GCE as doctrine when the paper itself says that we have never made a definitive decision about spiritual gifts. Mr. Ashley explained that for that reason it was important that the Council take this time in session to address this point. Mark Mickelson suggested that we don’t need a doctrinal review unless it’s something that we disagree on. This subject is biblical, but we simply haven’t systematically thought it through.
Mr. Ashley continued reading the study paper citing three key things we need to know about spiritual gifts:
- We are told to be knowledgeable of them (1 Corinthians:12:1Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.).
- We are expected to use them (1 Timothy:1:6-7[6]From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;[7]Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.; 1 Timothy:4:14Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.; 2 Timothy:1:6-7[6]Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.[7]For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.; 2 Timothy:4:5But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.).
- We are accountable for the use of our gifts as stewards (1 Peter:4:10As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.; Matthew:25:14-30[14]For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.[15]And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.[16]Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.[17]And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.[18]But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.[19]After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.[20]And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.[21]His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.[22]He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.[23]His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.[24]Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:[25]And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.[26]His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:[27]Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.[28]Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.[29]For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.[30]And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.).
His paper then asked the question, “Why does God give spiritual gifts?”
- Spiritual gifts are given to prepare God’s people for service (Ephesians:4:7-8[7]But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.[8]Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men., Ephesians:4:11-12[11]And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;[12]For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:; Ephesians:2:20And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;).
- Spiritual gifts are given to build the Body of Christ (Ephesians:4:1-16[1]I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,[2]With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;[3]Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.[4]There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;[5]One Lord, one faith, one baptism,[6]One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.[7]But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.[8]Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.[9](Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?[10]He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)[11]And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;[12]For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:[13]Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:[14]That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;[15]But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:[16]From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.; 1 Peter:4:10As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.; Galatians:6:10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.).
- Spiritual gifts are given because God loves us (Matthew:7:9-11[9]Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?[10]Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?[11]If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?).
Several discussed when God begins to give spiritual gifts. Some said that it may well be prior to baptism (like Apollos in Acts 18, or our children), when God begins to work with a person. Roy Holladay pointed out that gifts can be enhanced physical skills at times to (as Bezalel in Exodus:35:30-31[30]And Moses said unto the children of Israel, See, the LORD hath called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah;[31]And he hath filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship;). Carmelo Anastasi pointed out that God gives gifts to people as part of His broader grace.
Mr. Ashley moved then to another point about to whom gifts are distributed. The paper comments about 1 Peter:4:10-11[10]As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.[11]If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. that “ministry titles indicate general roles; spiritual gifts indicate specific functions…” The apostles took it for granted that spiritual gifts are spread widely throughout the Church (Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12). Paul says to earnestly desire the best gifts (1 Corinthians:12:31But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.). In essence, God gives His gifts to whom, how and when He chooses.
How we desire spiritual gifts was addressed by Mr. Mickelson, as he emphasized being balanced and humble in our approach. Mr. Anastasi commented no one should think of who has which gift and who doesn’t as some sort of competition, which it certainly is not.
Dr. Ward stated that spiritual gifts in Scripture are specifically supernatural gifts of God—as distinguished from the natural gifts God gives us through our family background or birth itself. They overlap somewhat and complement each other.
Mr. Antion said that every time it says “spiritual gifts,” it means God’s specific, supernatural gifts. He raised a key question: “Who determines who has which spiritual gifts?”
Mr. Ashley offered in response 1 Corinthians:12:31But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.: “But I show you a better way,” which was genuine love. Mr. Kubik talked about how there is also structure in the Church, plus humility and service. Robin Webber commented that a gift given by God will be discernible in the person by others—if it divides people and especially the Body of Christ, then it is not of God—it has to build up and not divide people. Mr. Ashley also added from the study paper that it appears from Paul’s writings that when “gifts” were used for contention, God withdrew them.
Can gifts be developed? The parable of the talents shows that they can be increased, but never left unused, as indicated in Hebrew 5:12. How many in God’s Church in our time remain or remained as students when the Bible encouraged us to become teachers of God’s truth?
Identifying gifts (as with aptitudes) can take time and service to come to light. If we are hearers only, how will we know where we have been given gifts to serve? Sometimes there is overlap between spiritual gifts and commands. God is not so concerned about our being able to list our gifts, rather He want us to obey, love and serve Him most of all. All gifts must be bound to the fruit of the Spirit.
Bill Bradford questioned the emphasis on trying to “discover” our gifts as being a preoccupation. Dr. Ward added that spiritual gifts are something that God specifically gives for the service of edifying—building up the Church.
Mr. Webber then asked Mr. Ashley to wrap up the discussion with regards to planning for the GCE. He cited 12 summary points at the end of the paper.
1. We are not placed in the Body of Christ randomly or by chance (1 Corinthians:12:18But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.).
2. Remember that the purpose of our gift(s) is to strengthen and build up the body (1 Corinthians:14:12Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.; Ephesians:4:16From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.).
3. Though we are all in the same body, we all have different functions and gifts according to the grace given to us (Romans:12:5-8[5]So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.[6]Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;[7]Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;[8]Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.).
4. Spiritual gifts are not the same as talents.
5. We are expected to stir up the gifts that are in us—both the gift of God’s Holy Spirit as well as individual spiritual gifts (2 Timothy:1:6Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.; Romans 12: 6-8).
6. Recognize, appreciate and encourage the use of others’ spiritual gifts (Hebrews:10:24And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:; 1 Peter:4:10As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.).
7. Exercise godly humility as we use our gifts (Romans:15:1We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.).
8. The overriding motivation for the use of all gifts and talents whether spiritual or physical should always be love (1 Corinthians:13:1-13[1]Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.[2]And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.[3]And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.[4]Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,[5]Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;[6]Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;[7]Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.[8]Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.[9]For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.[10]But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.[11]When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.[12]For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.[13]And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.).
9. God sets a very high standard (Romans:15:1-3[1]We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.[2]Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.[3]For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.).
10. While efforts should be made to confirm the best fit for members’ gifts, considering their interests and abilities, the fundamental needs of the Body as a whole are most important.
11. The primary role of the ministry is to prepare the Body for works of service and to build and bring unity to the Body (Revelation:20:4, Revelation:20:6).
12. As we all work together to learn where God has placed us in His Body, we must pray for guidance as we come to understand and appreciate one another.
Mr. Antion commented on an additional statement for the paper: “Whoever receives spiritual gifts is God’s decision, but the thrust of this article is to emphasize how church members are able to benefit the Church.” Mr. Mickelson suggested that more time for discussion is needed on this topic.
Final Preparations for the GCE—Peter Eddington
During this segment Mr. Eddington reviewed the GCE weekend schedule from a handout. When he concluded, the Council entered executive session to discuss and plan the list of speakers for the GCE weekend.
Question-and-Answer Meeting With ABC Students and Home Office Employees
After the lunch break the Council held a meeting with the home office employees and ABC students, at which time Mr. Webber read the new letter from the president on behalf of Dennis Luker, who was in the hospital undergoing tests for a serious health concern. This was the letter in which Mr. Luker informed the Council that he is happy to have served as president of UCG for the past three years, but due to his worsening health condition he has asked the Council to not consider him to serve as president for another term of office.
A few questions were asked, but all were very concerned for Mr. Luker health. Mr. Webber outlined for everyone exactly how United’s systematic process for selecting a new president takes place, thus reassuring the students who were unfamiliar with the process that this is not a crisis for us, but in fact a thoughtful and prayerful routine.
Roles and Rules Committee Business—Gary Antion
When the Council reconvened for their regular afternoon session Mr. Webber gave Gary Antion, Chairman of the Roles and Rules Committee, the floor to lead a discussion about changing the Council of Elders nomination process to something similar to what it was originally. As Mr. Antion read the letter introducing the proposal, the Council helped polish the wording. The reason for proposing a change was due to the current process producing an insufficient number of Council nominees. The proposal passed 10 to 2.
Mr. Antion reported that he had e-mailed former Council member Bill Eddington (who continues to consult for Roles and Rules Committee processes) about Mr. Luker’s withdrawal from being considered for another presidential term. That was so Mr. Eddington could produce the assessment questions for new presidential nominees.
Mr. Antion then asked Committee member Roc Corbett to present two proposed amendments for Article 3.1 of the Constitution (about the “Purpose for the Church”). One was submitted by Vince Szymkowiak and the other by the Council. There was hesitance to approve either as currently written. Consensus was that the Council should table the discussion while the wording was revised and then renew discussion and consideration later in this meeting.
Mr. Antion next introduced Dan Dowd, who is the chairman of the GCE Responsibilities Advisory Committee (GRAC) to conduct the presentation and discussion. The Committee serves only as an advisory committee and has found three recommendations for the Council to consider.
The Advisory Committee recommended processes regarding Bylaws Articles 7.2.1, 7.9.2, 7.9.2.1 which pertain to the calling of special meetings. Each of these would provide a specific process for the GCE to fulfill functions designated in the governing documents as their responsibility.
Darris McNeely expressed concern about generating processes that could have potentially negative, unintended consequences. A discussion ensued that emphasized the point that the Secretary and Chairman of the Council of Elders are also the Secretary and Chairman of the GCE. Secretary Seelig then reread the pertinent Bylaw that already requires the Chairman to be part of the process of written notice of all meetings.
After discussion the consensus was that proposals for 7.9.2 and 7.9.2.1 (which provide the process for adding an item to a meeting agenda) with certain wording changes could go forward for the Roles and Rules Committee to recommend to the Council.
Committee chairman Gary Antion clarified the recommendation of the GRAC and put the official proposal up for discussion. Legal counsel recommended tabling the item until the next morning for the final ballot. The Council agreed.
The Council then returned to the discussion of the proposed amendments to the Constitution that would define the “Purpose for the Church.” They considered wording refinements by Don Ward and Robin Webber. Both versions were finally set aside for decisions the following morning.
At approximately 4:00 p.m. the Council entered executive session for the remainder of the evening.
-end-
Randy Stiver
Council Reporter
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