Council of Elders Report – February 24–27, 2025

United Church of God, an International Association

Council of Elders Quarterly Meeting Report

Milford, Ohio

 

Monday, February 24, 2025

Chairman Tim Pebworth called the morning session to order at 9 a.m. Eastern. Paul Wasilkoff opened the meeting with a prayer. All twelve council members were present.

Mr. Pebworth began with a few personal opening comments. He then presented the February meeting minutes for approval, which were unanimously approved. He then reviewed the week’s agenda, which was also unanimously approved. Mr. Pebworth then turned the floor over to Rick Shabi for the President’s report.

President’s Report: Rick Shabi

Mr. Shabi began his report by mentioning a couple of scriptures that he said motivate him. The first was Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” He stated, “I think about this quite a bit. We are here in His Church. We have the opportunity to serve God in the ways He puts us to, and we must remember this. We all seek His will in what we do and focus on that with our eyes on the future. This helps unify us and reminds us of the reason we are here.”

The next scripture Mr. Shabi mentioned was Proverbs 27:23, “Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and attend to your herds.” He noted that from the beginning of his work as president, he knew that was what the process would be. It would be getting to know the Church and its needs to do the work worldwide. He stated that that goal has taken two years because although we may not have the largest numbers as far as members, we are a big church with many things going on and many people involved in that work. He noted that it has taken a few years to understand it, yet he knows there is still much more to learn about the state of our flocks and how to attend to our herds.

He emphasized that we need to care for those whom God calls, preach the gospel in all nations, and make disciples in those nations. Mr. Shabi mentioned that he has known those words since he was a child, but over the last couple of years, he has come to appreciate what they mean. He commented on the world’s condition, the changes we see taking place, and the fact that God has given us time to complete what He wants us to do.

Mr. Shabi then used a PowerPoint to update the Council on the following:

  • Regular responsibilities.
  • Strategic Planning and Budget.
  • PDP (Pastoral Development Program).
  • Media and web presence and effectiveness.
    • Mr. Shabi noted that we need to know how to reach all demographics, spend time learning the necessary technology, meet brethren where they live, understand what they face, and learn from their lives.

Mr. Shabi then gave an update on the international work. He began by stating, “We seek first to understand so that we can serve them the way they should be served, to reach them, to teach them, and to help them. It has been a tremendous opportunity.” He then covered the following items that have taken place over the last year:

  • New ministerial trainee hired in Canada (Starts in July).
  • The Philippines have published booklets in the Cebuano language, with plans to translate them into Tagalog.
  • Sir Lanka now has a full-time minister in place.
  • Work in Bangladesh and Pakistan continues to grow.
  • Contact with a minister in Nepal. He has ten churches and reported that he will begin teaching his members the Fundamental Beliefs of the Church of God.
  • Mexico and Central and South America have had their first regional training.
  • Thailand and Myanmar are showing signs of growth and development.
  • In December, a European conference was held. It was well attended. There was a feeling of unity, excitement, and a vision of what we needed to do.
  • New focus in Eastern Europe and the Baltics regions.
  • With the website, we now have the ability and opportunity to send the gospel message throughout Europe in a focused way. Mr. Shabi noted that Europe needs to hear a warning message concerning the coming Beast power.
  • He has met with the dedicated staff in London three times now. He noted their excitement and desire to engage with the preaching of the gospel.
  • In December, there was an open house Sabbath service with a Q&A session for all COGs in London. Over 100 attended, including 50-60 individuals from other groups. He stated that many small groups throughout Europe and Eastern Europe are looking for the truth and the opportunity to be together. They are seeking help and direction.
  • Mr. Shabi stated that a strategic plan needs to be put together for England as it is much needed. Our current Beyond Today is too Americanized and does not address or focus on the needs of Ephraim in prophecy.
  • The Church in Italy is full of members who believe the same thing, work together well, and are dedicated. He reported that they have been busy putting together a plan to preach the gospel in a way they have not done before. He also noted that the Feast of Tabernacles will return to Sabaudia in 2025.
  • He then gave a brief update on the 500 members in Mizoram (India). He reported that he and David Schreiber plan to visit this region this summer and learn more about its needs. It’s more than sending aid and subsidies; it’s education, teaching, and making disciples.
  • He mentioned that a marketing plan is being developed to preach the gospel in India. The plan will target areas with a more significant Christian population.
  • We are looking into possible opportunities to preach the gospel in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and South Korea. Mr. Shabi noted that there are many unknowns that need to be addressed, as the gospel has never been preached there before.
  • There is evidence that God is bringing people together in Burundi. A large group, around 440 people, kept the Feast of Tabernacles with us this year. He shared that Mr. Knudson reported that they know God and want to be there but need to be taught the gospel.

Mr. Shabi then discussed how his travels and meetings with the brethren over the last few years have been eye-opening and interesting. He stated, “Now we know what is needed. It’s time to do that work—what God wants and expects of us.”

He mentioned the need to expand the number of writers for our publications with an additional focus on the international perspective to produce content that our international readers can relate to.

Mr. Shabi then gave a brief update on the U.S. Media efforts and a few statistics from 2024. He noted how this has been, and will be, a collective effort, not just one face. We have progressed on Facebook, Instagram, “Shorts,” Biblical Worldview, ABC Classes, and Magnified. He mentioned our efforts to be more visible on YouTube and ucg.org. He also noted that the media department is looking into creating documentaries, podcasts, timely articles, and online newsletters that appeal to various age groups and demographics. He said that although we get views, we need to develop a process for what to do once they view our material, including how to reach and teach them.

Mr. Shabi then discussed the effectiveness of our web efforts, stating that this requires considerable focus. Updating our website came with issues that need to be addressed, and we are taking the opportunity to address and improve the website. We are utilizing talent from the Church and looking at local initiatives. We need to know what’s working and what’s not, and then we can make those adjustments. Our goal is to reach people, engage them, help them grow and inspire them.

As he concluded his report, Mr. Shabi referenced last year’s theme for the ministry, “Speaking the Same Thing.” He stated, “We all need to strive for this and be focused on what God desires us to do. We grow in this. It’s His Bible, His way of life. It’s what we believe and teach. Without this, divisions result.” He ended by reporting that a monthly newsletter for pastors has been launched with this focus.

Mr. Shabi then opened the floor for any further questions and comments before turning the floor back over to Chairman Pebworth.

Chairman Pebworth then turned the floor over to the Operational Managers for their reports.

 

Operation Manager Reports:

 

Ministerial and Member Services (MMS)—Steve Myers

Mr. Myers began by quoting a scripture that he felt was the theme of his report: Hebrews 10:23, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” He then shared some personal thoughts about that verse. Mr. Myers then presented several events that have taken place since our last meeting, fulfilling key aspects of the Congregational Care strategic directives.

  • Three Regional Family Weekends (spiritual/educational/social/opportunities):
    • Tulsa, OK
    • Houston, TX
    • East Texas
  • Northwest Family Weekend – The event was well attended.
  • WFW Cincinnati
    • 1,104 total registrations.
    • 1,000 plus attended Sabbath services.
  • Winter Camp (Lake Geneva, WI)
    • 107 campers
    • 60 staff
    • Eight mini campers
  • European Leadership Conference
    • December 22 through December 26, 2024, in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Over 65 ministers, wives, and leaders from five European countries were in attendance.
  • Pastoral Development Program
    • January 17 through January 23, 2025, with 20 attendees (11 men and their wives).
  • Women’s Enrichment Weekend (Orange County, CA)
    • January 24 through January 26, 2025.
  • Wamatochick Young Adult Weekend
    • February 14 through February 17, 2025.
    • 55 young adults in attendance (18-32, married and single).
  • New Ministerial Training Resource
    • The Education and Training Link is now active with the first class: “Embracing Visitors While Upholding Truth.”

Mr. Myers then shared the following Ministerial manpower statistics since the December meetings:

  • Deceased elders
    • Bill Brown (Atlanta, GA)
    • Gerald Knochel (Central Illinois)
    • Ken Pulliam (Cincinnati East, OH)
    • Ralph Teele (Northern Arizona)
  • Deceased wives of elders
    • Nancy Peyton (widow of George Peyton, San Antonio, TX)
  • Ordinations
    • Moisés Cruz (Mexico City, Mexico)
    • Bob Orosz (Tampa, FL)
    • Derek Strauss (Fort Worth, TX)
    • Stephen Tuck (Phoenix East, AZ)
  • Retirements
    • Nelson Arnold (Terre Haute, IN)
    • Mitch Knapp (Omaha, NE)
    • Gary Smith (Houston, TX)
    • Randy Stiver (Rapid City, SD)
    • Greg Thomas (Cleveland, OH)
  • Baptisms
    • In 2024 we had 170 in the US; With the addition of some of our International areas, the total reported is 220.

Mr. Myers mentioned that the attendance in the US has held steady. He then ended by referencing the scripture with which he began his presentation, Hebrews 10:23, and sharing a few personal thoughts inspired by this scripture. He then opened the floor for questions or comments.

 

Treasurer’s Report—Barry Korthuis

Mr. Korthuis began his presentation by passing out the financial report. He made a few personal comments and shared some thoughts concerning UCG’s efforts, as stated in Proverbs 27:23, “Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and attend to your herds.” Mr. Korthuis noted that he will be presenting the budget in greater detail during a presentation later that afternoon. As Mr. Korthuis began, he stated, “God continues to bless the Church financially, both in expenses and revenue.” He also commented that it’s humbling to witness what He is doing. Mr. Korthuis answered various questions as the financial report was presented. He then opened the floor for any additional comments and questions.

 

Media and Communications Services—Peter Eddington

Mr. Eddington began by passing out a Media and Communications Services report. He shared some personal thoughts of what is written in Mark 16:14-15, Jesus told the disciples to get to work. He noted that we had been given the same task. He stated, “We have a rather large task, but we as UCG are doing what we can as commanded in fulfilling our part in that commission.” He then presented the following media results since the December meetings.

  • 2024-2025 Operation Plan Metrics
    • UCG.org website redesign completed (Drupal 10 upgrade and CiviCRM implemented).
    • ABC classes recorded (Daniel and Corinthians).
    • Unique UCG.org users per month (375,000).
    • UCG.org annual returning visitors (640,000).
    • Magnified - videos and shorts average views/month (10,798).
    • Roku video views per year (39,923).
    • BT TV YouTube and Roku views per year (4,389,826).
    • Number of volunteers/man hours (three people, 50 hours).

 

  • Indicators of Reader and Viewer Engagement
    • Insert card responses (93,781).
    • Internet hard-copy literature requests (285,483).
    • Beyond Today magazines printed (2.2 million).
    • Home office mailroom outgoing mail (226,837).
    • Donation mail pieces (48,945).

 

  • Advertising Costs and Results for the Past 12 Months (2024)
    • YouTube advertising via Google AdWords
      • Beyond Today TV (30 Sec Spot Ads): $130,551 (171,954 Clicks) & 1,610,419 YouTube Views
      • Biblical Worldview: $42,791 (10,076 Clicks) & 991,321 YouTube Views
    • U.S. Google advertising
      • Beyond Today Magazine: $15,639 (23,063 clicks).
    • Ifficient and Subtech display advertising
      • Beyond Today Magazine: $110,502 (211,509 subscriptions).
    • Print advertising 2023-2024 fiscal year
      • Newspaper Inserts: $247,876 (205.7 million ads).
    • The WORD Network 2023-2024 fiscal year
      • Airtime cost: $194,250 (potential audience: 200 countries/93 million U.S. homes).
    • Subscriber development letters
      • All-subscriber: 408,164 sent, 11,620 responses, $60,399 received.
      • Coworker/donor: 25,491 sent, 3,182 Responses, $79,411 received.

 

  • Roku advertising figures for the past 12 months
    • Our cost per advertising impression is currently 1.5 cents
    • 9.3 million advertising impressions
    • 49,857 advertising clicks
    • 37,522 channel installs
    • 84,944 unique viewers
    • 119,663 channel sessions
    • 39,923 videos watched
    • 60 average minutes on channel last 12 months

Mr. Eddington also reported that 24,795 special-request hard-copy pieces of literature were mailed from the home office mailroom in January. He then shared a few statistics on booklets viewed online and PDFs downloaded.

  • YouTube video views for Biblical Worldview (all time) – 1,859,167
  • YouTube video views for Beyond Today TV (April 2023-March 2024) – 298,347
  • YouTube video views for Magnified (top 12) – 26,212
  • YouTube “shorts” views for Magnified (top 12) – 57,713
  • End of January Church Media Statistics:
    • U.S. Beyond Today magazine subscribers for the March/April issue is at 353,749.
    • February 2025 coworker/donor letter from Rick Shabi was mailed to 12,111 subscribers.
    • U.S. database as members, youth, and those who consider themselves associated with the United Church of God stands at 11,962.
    • United News circulation stands at 19,205.
    • The coworker count is at 6,564.
    • The donor list now includes 6,334 people.
    • Since 2006, the Beyond Today YouTube channel has had 25.66 million video views and 89,460 subscribers. In 2024, 4.35 million videos were watched, with 235,200 hours of watch time.
    • The Sermon YouTube channel has had 2 million video views and 10,510 subscribers. In 2024, 684,800 sermons were watched for a total of 109,800 hours.

After presenting the latest statistics, Mr. Eddington opened the floor for comments or questions before turning it back to the chairman.

 

Committee Chairmen Reports:

 

Doctrine Committee (DC)—Mario Seiglie

Mr. Seiglie reported on the following projects submitted to the DC since the December COE meetings:

  • Completed the review of the submitted paper on Fundamental Belief 14 (Military Services and War). After review, the DC unanimously did not support the paper and followed the process of reporting the result.
  • One pending project in review – Members carrying guns at work and serving at church services.
  • Two new projects
    • Eighth Day study paper (will be presented to Council later this week).
    • Paper on the United States and Britain in Prophecy – sent to Prophecy Advisory Committee.

He then opened the floor for any comments or questions.

Members of the DC: Jorge de Campos, John Elliott, Mario Seiglie (chair), and Rex Sexton.

 

Media Committee (MC)—Paul Wasilkoff

Mr. Wasilkoff began by passing out a document with the MC’s scope and responsibilities and reviewing certain aspects of the document for the context of his report. He then reported that the MC has held two meetings since the December council meetings. He then shared the following, which outlined what was discussed at the meetings:

  • How does the MC operate as a focus group for the Administration during the development of the Strategic Plan?
  • How can we be effective and efficient in this process?

He then opened the floor for any comments or questions.

Members of the Media Committee (MC): Scott Ashley, Jorge de Campos, Len Martin, Victor Kubik, and Paul Wasilkoff (chair).

 

Roles and Rules Committee (RRC)—Dan Dowd

Mr. Dowd reported that the RRC is currently assigned five projects. He noted that only two of these items would directly involve the RRC for this week’s council meetings, and neither required a meeting before these council meetings.

  • Review of Policy 4.4.3: Sexual Misconduct Policy and Related Policies.
  • Review and propose changes to Policy 1.7.6: Admittance of an Elder to the GCE.

Mr. Dowd then reported that RRC was also directed to look at the following three items:

  • Point Twelve in Elder Recommendation (4.5.1.1).
  • A review of all policies pertaining to posting and removal of website content (1.8.5).
  • Propose updates to our Bylaws to reconcile all approved GCE and COE resolutions. 

Mr. Dowd reported that since these three items will not be covered during these COE meetings, the RRC did not have any meetings this past quarter. He then discussed the items that the RRC will be directly involved in during these council meetings: 

  • Discussion on reaffirming a three-year term of the President
  • Discussion on reaffirming a three-year term of the Secretary

 

Mr. Dowd then gave a brief update on the Nomination Committee’s work and the need for its direction. He then opened the floor for comments or questions.

Members of the RRC: Scott Ashley, Dan Dowd (chair), and Len Martin.

 

Ethics Committee—Rex Sexton

Mr. Sexton began by reading the Ethics Committee’s scope and responsibilities. He then stated that no new items had been remanded to the Ethics Committee. He then mentioned that one item had been placed on hold at the request of the Strategic Planning and Finance Committee: The proposal to review and possibly change the scope and responsibilities of the Media Committee.

Members of the Ethics Committee: Aaron Dean, Dan Dowd, Mario Seiglie, and Rex Sexton (chair).

 

Education Committee (EC)—John Elliott

Mr. Elliott began by reporting on the EC’s current project, a study paper titled “What the Bible Teaches About Marriage.” Mr. Elliott stated that the EC is ready to present the final draft and publish the study paper when the Council approves it.

He mentioned that the EC was responsible for working with MMS to ensure that the content of the previously approved Study Paper, “Keeping a Holy Convocation,” is used in U.S. pastorates.

Members of the EC: Aaron Dean, Jorge de Campos, John Elliott (chair), Darris McNeely, and Paul Wasilkoff.

 

At 12 p.m., the Council took a break for lunch.

 

Chairman Pebworth called the Council to order at 1:00 p.m., and John Elliott opened with prayer. He then introduced Darris McNeely to present the next item on the agenda, the Strategic Planning and Finance Committee report.

 

Strategic Planning and Finance Committee (SPFC)—Darris McNeely

Mr. McNeely stated that the Council had remanded one item to SPFC during the December meeting: a proposal for a Compensation Committee. He reported that this has been completed, and their recommendation will be presented on Tuesday morning. The other ongoing item they are working on with Nathan Ekama and Julie Brown is reviewing the upcoming members’ survey. He requested that the Council review the documents and give their comments and suggestions.

Members of the SPFC: Scott Ashley, Aaron Dean, Len Martin, Darris McNeely (chair), and Victor Kubik

After completing the SPFC report, Mr. McNeely presented the next item on the agenda: a review of the Strategic Plan, Operation Plan and Budget.

Mr. McNeely began by stating that the current strategic plan will stand as is. The Operation Plan has been adjusted, and those changes were passed out and reviewed. The Budget is complete and will be presented for input this week. Mr. McNeely then turned the floor over to President Shabi to begin the presentation and lead a discussion of the changes to the Operation Plan.

Mr. Shabi then presented a handout with the proposed Organizational Stewardship section of the Operation Plan. Before reviewing the document, he summarized it and shared a few personal thoughts. He then said he welcomed any questions or comments as he presented the proposed plan.

Mr. Shabi then turned the floor over to Steve Myers, who would present the Congregational Care section of the Operation Plan. Before he began, Mr. Myers handed out a copy of the proposed Congregational Care document. He then reviewed each section and answered the Council’s comments and questions.

Mr. Pebworth introduced Peter Eddington to present the Public Proclamation section of the Operation Plan; Mr. Eddington began by handing out the proposed document and explaining its layout before reviewing it. He then led the review of the proposed Public Proclamation plan, opening the floor for any questions or comments during the discussion. He then turned the floor over to Chairman Pebworth.

Chainman Pebworth introduced Barry Korthuis, who presented the next section, the proposed Budget. Mr. Korthuis began by handing out a document containing the proposed Budget Analysis and briefly explaining what would be discussed. He then presented the proposed Budget and opened the floor for questions or comments. Mr. Korthuis then turned the floor back over to Chairman Pebworth.

At 5 p.m., the Council went into the planned Executive Session.

At 6:15 p.m., the Council took a break for dinner.

At 7 p.m., the Council resumed their Executive Session.

At 9:15 p.m., the Executive Session ended, and the Council adjourned for the day.

 

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Chairman Tim Pebworth called the morning session to order at 8 a.m. Eastern. Len Martin opened the meeting with a prayer. All twelve council members were present.

Mr. Pebworth then turned the floor over to Darris McNeely to present the first item on the agenda: the results for a proposed Compensation Committee that had been remanded to the SPFC during the December meetings. He briefly described what this proposed Committee would entail and the background of the process that has taken place since this was remanded to the SPFC. After presenting each document thoroughly, Mr. McNeely opened the floor for any comments and/or questions. Mr. McNeely then introduced HR Manager Joe Greene to assist in presenting HR’s edits to the proposal. After further discussion, it was determined that this needed to be addressed in an executive session before a decision was made.

At 9:45 a.m., the Council went into the planned Executive Session.

At 12:15 p.m., the Council took a break for lunch.

At 1:10 p.m., the Council resumed their Executive Session.

At 5:45 p.m., the Council took a break for dinner.

At 6:15 p.m., the Council resumed their Executive Session.

At 7:54 p.m., the Council came out of Executive Session and adjourned for the day.

 

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Chairman Tim Pebworth called the morning session to order at 8 a.m. Eastern. Rex Sexton opened the meeting with a prayer. All twelve council members were present.

The Council immediately went into a planned Executive Session.

At 12 p.m., the Council took a break for lunch.

At 1:45 p.m., the Executive Session ended.

Chairman Pebworth then presented the Council’s decision concerning reaffirming the president and secretary for another three-year term. It was determined that Rick Shabi would not be reaffirmed and that the administration would transition to a new president. The Council did reaffirm Frank Dunkle as secretary for another three-year term.

At 2:35 p.m., the Council went back into Executive Session.

At 5:45 p.m., the Council adjourned for the day.

 

Thursday, February 27, 2025

Chairman Tim Pebworth called the morning session to order at 8 a.m. Eastern. Jorge de Campos opened the meeting with a prayer. Eleven council members were present. Paul Wasilkoff arrived later in the morning.

The Council immediately went into scheduled Executive Session.

At 8:15 a.m., the Executive Session ended.

Steve Myers then presented the next item on the agenda, the proposed update to Policy 4.5.1.1 (Elder Ordination Process) and Policy 4.5.1.3 (Criteria for an Elder to be in “Good Standing”).

Mr. Myers began by presenting the proposed update for Policy 4.5.1.1. He then opened the floor for questions or comments. He then presented the proposed changes to Policy 4.5.1.3. After further discussion, it was decided to present Policy 4.5.1.1 and Policy 4.5.1.3 with the suggested edits later in the day for approval.

Chairman Pebworth then presented the next item on the agenda: balloting for the Strategic Plan, Operation Plan and Budget. Chairman Pebworth then moved to approve the Strategic Plan, which was approved. He then moved to approve the Operation Plan, which was approved. Chairman Pebworth then moved to approve the Budget. The results were ten yes and one abstained (one absent). The Budget was approved.

Rex Sexton then presented the next item on the agenda: a Recommendation for an MMS training program. He began by briefly explaining why this program is needed and its benefits. He then presented the proposed program using PowerPoint. He then opened the floor for comments, suggestions, or questions. It was determined that this should be remanded to MMS as it is already part of the approved Operation Plan.

He then presented a proposed checklist for use before ordaining an elder. He shared his experience and thoughts on why this tool is needed. After presenting the checklist, he opened the floor for questions, comments, and suggestions. It was determined that this be forwarded to MMS for development and use.

Charles Melear then presented the next item on the agenda: updates on the 2025 GCE annual meeting plans. Mr. Melear joined the meetings via Zoom. After presenting the tentative schedule, he opened the floor for questions, suggestions, or comments. Chairman Pebworth then shared some thoughts about the plans and offered suggestions for consideration. Chairman Pebworth moved that the business portion of the GCE plans be approved with the suggested updates, which was unanimously approved.

Chairman Pebworth then turned the floor over to Steve Myers to present the updated proposal to Policy 4.5.1.1 and Policy 4.5.1.3 for approval. After further discussion and additional edits, Chairman Pebworth moved to approve the proposed updates to Policy 4.5.1.1, which was unanimously approved. Chairman Pebworth moved to approve the proposed updates to Policy 4.5.1.3, which was unanimously approved.

At 10:25 a.m., the Council went into Executive Session.

At 12:15 p.m., the Council broke for lunch.

At 12:45 p.m., Council resumed their Executive Session.

At 3:05 p.m., the Executive Session ended, and the Council adjourned the COE meetings.

 

-end-

Council Reporter

Ryan Hall

[These are not the official minutes from the council meeting. Elders can find those at the Home Office with the Council Secretary. Video recordings are posted for the elders on the UCG Ministerial Resource Site.]

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