United Church of God, an International Association
Council of Elders Quarterly Meeting Report
Milford, Ohio
Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Chairman Tim Pebworth called the morning session to order at 9 a.m. Eastern. Aaron Dean opened the meeting with a prayer. All twelve council members were present. 
Mr. Pebworth 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 turned the floor over to Mario Seiglie to begin the Committee Reports.

Committee Chairmen Reports:

Doctrine Committee (DC)—Mario Seiglie

Mr. Seiglie presented the following items that have been assigned to DC and their status:

• DC has completed a question-and-answer topic on the use of beef tallow. This subject was researched, sent to the COE for edits or comments, and then sent to the Media and Communications Department to be used as a PCD letter.
• The Prophecy Advisory Committee (PAC) has completed its research on the topic of carrying guns at work and having leadership responsibilities at Church services, such as leading songs and speaking. The DC is now reviewing this. 
• New Project: A study paper on the “Eighth Day/Last Great Day.” The paper will be presented for discussion during these May meetings.
• The PAC is reviewing a new project concerning the United States and Great Britain in Bible prophecy.
• DC is discussing questions that were submitted by MMS concerning the timing of the Night To Be Much Observed meal.

Mr. Seiglie then opened the floor for any comments or questions.

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

Strategic Planning and Finance Committee (SPFC)—Darris McNeely

Mr. McNeely stated that the SPFC had held no formal meetings since the February meetings. He stated that the Members’ Survey was sent out, and they are now awaiting the results, which will be compiled by Nathan Ekama and Julie Brown. Mr. McNeely noted that the review of the results should be completed by the September meetings.

Mr. McNeely stated that one item of unfinished business will be presented later in the day: the Building Purchase Policy of Church Facilities for International Regions. Mr. McNeely then opened the floor for any questions.

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

Roles and Rules Committee (RRC)—Dan Dowd

Mr. Dowd reported that the RRC has a number of remanded items to address, however, he reported that the RRC has been focused on the process of selecting a new president. Mr. Dowd then presented the following items that the RRC will be involved in during these May meetings:

• Facilitating the discussion and process of balloting for the new president.
• Repopulating the Amendment Committee, the Doctrinal Advisory Committee, and the Prophecy Advisory Committee.
• Lead the discussion of populating the committees of the Council once the next Council is seated.

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

Media Committee (MC)—Paul Wasilkoff

Mr. Wasilkoff reported that due to time constraints, the Media Committee decided to forgo meeting before the GCE.

He then stated that during this quarter, the MC conducted its work via email, reviewing a report titled “Helpful or Harmful? Evangelicals and Social Media” produced by Grey Matter Research & Consulting in partnership with Infinity Concepts. He then explained that this report presents data from a 2024 survey of American evangelical Christians, specifically regarding their views on -- and the use of -- social media. He noted that this report highlighted a particularly poignant observation: “While a majority of respondents believe social media is more harmful than helpful, they continue to use it nonetheless.” Mr. Wasilkoff stated that this insight supports UCG’s ongoing presence on social media, both as a means of supporting our brethren and as an antidote to the potential harms of today’s online environment. Mr. Wasilkoff then opened the floor for any comments or questions.

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

Ethics Committee—Rex Sexton

Mr. Sexton began by reading the Ethics Committee’s scope and responsibilities. He then quoted Psalm 24:3-4, “Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitfully.” He then stated that one responsibility of the Ethics chairman is to review the Council’s code of Ethics with the Council at the beginning of each Council year and to ensure that all Council of Elders members have provided a signed copy of the Council’s code of Ethics to the Council Secretary.
Mr. Sexton then reported that the committee’s only business for this current session is a request concerning the Ministerial Forum. He stated that a decision will be made this week. Mr. Sexton then requested the Ethics Committee to meet this week to discuss social media posts by the ministry.

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

Chairman Pebworth then introduced Charles Melear for the next item on the agenda, Update and Feedback on General Conference of Elders (GCE). Mr. Melear began by presenting a handout with the following 2025 GCE statistics.

• Attendance 2025: 342
• Elders: 179
• Wives: 163
• International: 30 (included in above totals)
• Bible Study: 302
• Sabbath Service: 763
• Web Connections: Over 1,800
•  
• Sunday Session
• Women’s Discussion: 155
• Morning: 320
• Afternoon: 320
•  
• Monday Session:
• International Reports: 284
• Morning/Conclusion: 251

Mr. Melear then opened the floor for any comments or questions about the GCE.

Education Committee (EC)—John Elliott

Mr. Elliott began by reporting that the paper, “Keeping a Holy Convocation,” has been uploaded and is now available to pastors. He then noted that the EC is prepared to present the study paper “What the Bible Teaches About Marriage” during these May meetings.

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

Mr. Elliott then proceeded to present the study paper, “What the Bible Teaches About Marriage.” He noted that the floor was open for any comments, suggestions, or questions as the paper was read. As the paper was read in its entirety, an in-depth critique with many edits was made.

At 12:03 p.m., the Council took a break for lunch.

At 1:05 p.m., Chairman Pebworth called the Council to order, and Paul Wasilkoff opened with prayer. After a brief announcement concerning the afternoon’s agenda, Mr. Pebworth turned the floor over to John Elliott to continue the study paper presentation, “What the Bible Teaches About Marriage.”

Before presenting the paper’s next section, Mr. Elliott shared some personal thoughts and suggestions. After further discussion, the paper, along with the Council’s comments and suggested edits, was remanded back to the Education Committee for additional review to be presented at a later date.

Chairman Pebworth then turned the floor over to Darris McNeely to present the SPFC’s request to create a Building Purchase Policy for Church Facilities in International Regions. Mr. McNeely gave a brief background on why a policy is needed. He then explained that the SPFC would gather information on the issues involved in buying a building in international areas, primarily in the developing world, which would need to occur before a policy is drafted. He noted that a proposed policy would be presented in September. Mr. McNeely then opened the floor for any questions and comments.

Len Martin then read a proposed resolution as requested. Scott Ashley moved to accept the resolution as presented. The resolution was unanimously accepted.

Whereas the Council of Elders recognizes the need for a policy on the funding of buildings in international areas;

And Whereas such policy does not currently exist,

Now, therefore, the Council remands to the Strategic Planning and Finance committee to prepare a policy and related matters on the construction and/or funding of buildings in international areas.

Chairman Pebworth then turned the floor over to Dan Dowd to present the next item on the day’s agenda: a review of the Presidential Selection Process. Mr. Dowd explained the process so that the procedure of selecting a new president would move smoothly tomorrow, Wednesday, May 7. A further discussion then took place to clarify any questions or concerns.

At 3:10 p.m., the Council went into a planned Executive Session to discuss the following:

• Ordination Requests
• Legal Update

At 6:09 p.m., the Executive Session ended, and the Council adjourned for the day.

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Chairman Tim Pebworth called the morning session to order at 8:17 a.m. Eastern. Mario Seiglie opened the meeting with a prayer. All twelve council members were present. The Council immediately went into a planned Executive Session to discuss and ballot for the next UCG president.

At 11:55 a.m., the Council took a break for lunch.

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

At 2:30 p.m., the Council paused the Executive Session to announce the next president of the United Church of God, AIA.

Chairman Pebworth announced that the Council selected John Elliott to serve as the next president. Mr. Elliott’s three-year term begins tomorrow, May 8. In addition, as Mr. Elliott is also a member of the Council, he is required to vacate his seat as per our governing documents. To fill his seat, Bylaw 8.5.3 Filling Vacancies states: “Vacancies on the Council shall be filled from the list of runners-up in the final ballot at the preceding meeting of the General Conference…” The Council runner-up this year is Peter Eddington, our current Media and Communications Services operation manager. He has accepted the Council seat and so he will step aside as operation manager as per our governing documents. Bylaw 9.2 Operation Manager states: “No operation manager (as defined in these Bylaws) may serve concurrently as a member of the Council.” Mr. Eddington will still run the day-to-day operations of the Media Department until a new Operation Manager is appointed.

At 3:30 p.m., the Council resumed the Executive Session.

At 6:10 p.m., the Council came out of Executive Session and adjourned for the day.

Thursday, May 8, 2025

Chairman Tim Pebworth called the morning session to order at 8:30 a.m. Eastern. Jorge de Campos opened the meeting with a prayer. All twelve council members were present. The Council immediately went into Executive Session.

At 9:45 a.m., the Executive Session ended.

Mr. Pebworth then turned the floor over to John Elliott to address the Council as the newly appointed president.

President Elliott began by expressing some personal thoughts on the honor of being given this opportunity to serve in this role. In his address, he quoted Ephesians 1:15-23; Matthew 28:19-20; and John 17:20-26. Mr. Elliott emphasized the true head of the Church (Jesus Christ) and where we fit in. He noted that we must let Him lead this Church, and we are to focus on the work He gives us. He also talked about the need to be at one with God, Jesus Christ and each other.

Mr. Elliott then mentioned a churchwide fast that will take place on Friday, May 30. He encouraged all to take the time to study, think, forgive, clean our minds, and refocus as we enter the fast, as well as the Sabbath and Pentecost. Mr. Elliott then concluded by saying, “I’m thankful to serve in this capacity and appreciate the prayers.”

Chairman Pebworth then discussed the dates for the February 2026 COE meetings.

He then asked for any final unfinished business for this COE session.

Chairman Pebworth then thanked Ryan Hall (Council Reporter), John Elliot (COE Member), Marty Tinkler (Food Service), and Mario Seiglie (20+ year Council Member) for their service.

At 10:25 a.m., the 2024-2025 COE meetings were adjourned, and Mario Seiglie closed in prayer.

At 10:30 a.m., Chairman Pebworth called the 2025-2026 COE meeting to order, and Len Martin opened with prayer.

Mr. Pebworth welcomed the new members and asked Rex Sexton to read the Code of Ethics. Mr. Sexton then read the document in its entirety, and the new members signed their copies.

Chairman Pebworth turned the floor over to Dan Dowd to lead a discussion concerning the population of committees. Mr. Dowd then proceeded with the process of repopulating the vacant spots. Each committee privately met to appoint a chair.

The following are the updated committees and their chairmen:

• Doctrine Committee: Jorge de Campos, Len Martin, Gary Petty and Rex Sexton (chair).
• Education Committee: Aaron Dean (chair), Peter Eddington, Darris McNeely, Gary Petty and Paul Wasilkoff.
• Ethics Committee: Scott Ashley, Dan Dowd, Peter Eddington, Victor Kubik (chair) and Rex Sexton.
• Executive Committee: Scott Ashley, Aaron Dean, Darris McNeely, Tim Pebworth (Chair) and Rex Sexton.
• Media and Communications Committee: Scott Ashley, Jorge de Campos (chair), Gary Petty and Paul Wasilkoff.
• Roles and Rules Committee: Scott Ashley, Dan Dowd (chair), Len Martin, and Paul Wasilkoff.
• Strategic Planning and Finance Committee: Aaron Dean, Peter Eddington, Victor Kubik, Len Martin and Darris McNeely (chair)

Mr. Dowd then turned the floor over to Chairman Pebworth.

At 10:55 a.m., Chairman Pebworth moved to go into Executive Session.  

At 11:45 a.m., the Executive Session ended, and Mr. Pebworth closed in prayer and adjourned the Council 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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