United Church of God, an International Association
General Conference of Elders Meeting Report
May 15, 2005 - Cincinnati, OH

The General Conference of Elders Annual Meeting drew 225 elders and 175 wives to Cincinnati, Ohio, May 14 to 16. The theme was "Seizing the Vision: The Next Decade and Beyond."

Associated with the GCE meetings were the international meetings May 13 and the special Sabbath services May 14, heard by an estimated 9,000 members through telephone and Internet connections. President Roy Holladay outlined the accomplishments of the first 10 years of United, and newly chosen next president Clyde Kilough stirred the Church to action with a message on capturing the zeal that motivated Jesus Christ.

Also Saturday night was a question-and-answer session with the authors of the amendments on the ballot. The meeting was chaired by Rick Avent, chair of Amendment Committee.

Business Meeting

Mr. Kilough, as chairman of the Council of Elders, called the meeting to order at 9 a.m., and asked Pablo Dimakis, pastor of the Mexico City, Mexico, congregation, to give the opening prayer.

Mr. Kilough then introduced the new elders. One was credentialed and 10 ordained since the last GCE meeting. They are, in alphabetical order: Mike and Becky Bennett, Fred and Sue Crow, Michael and Barbara Joseph, Randy and Kathy Love, Fred and Lidia Nance, Tim and Maryse Pebworth, Blaney and Linda Sproul, Gary and June Steeves, Vince and Carol Szymkowiak (credentialed and serving in the Rolla, Missouri, area), Lloyd and Helen Teetaert and Steve and Margaret Villaescusa.

Next came the balloting portion of the business meeting. Results of the balloting, announced at the end of the day, were as follows:

Ballot Results

At the end of the business session, Mr. Kilough announced the results of the balloting:

First, he gave thanks to Doug Horchak, who chose to step off the Council of Elders, for his years of service on the Council. The Council members chosen this year are Joel Meeker, Aaron Dean, Jim Franks and Larry Salyer.

The 2005-2006 Strategic Plan passed with 303 yes, 18 no.

The 2005-2006 Operation Plan passed with 301 yes, 18 no.

The 2005-2006 Budget passed with 293 yes, 28 no.

Amendment to the Constitution 5.1.1 passed with 279 yes, 24 no.

Amendment to the Bylaws 8.2.1 did not pass with 183 yes, 124 no.

Amendment to the Bylaws 12.2.2.6 passed with 260 yes, 32 no.

Amendment to the Bylaws 12.2.2.7 passed with 255 yes, 44 no.

Amendment to the Bylaws 12.2.2.8 appears to have passed (provisional results until the auditing firm recounts all the ballots and provides official results later this week) 202 yes, 101 no.

Amendment to Bylaws 12.2.2.12 passed with 253 yes, 49 no.

Amendment to the Bylaws 12.2.2.1-.12 passed with 286 yes, 19 no.

Keynote Speech From the New President

The keynote speaker was the incoming president, Clyde Kilough. He asked the elders to personally consider the questions asked of the presidential candidates. What is your vision for the Church, and what would you focus on for the next three to five years? All of the candidates had the same basic vision. We all want the Church to be a place where people come and grow, like "the Zone" at our summer camps. We want a Church that is ever more positive, zealous, fervent and upbeat—that is truly focused on the Kingdom of God.

How do we achieve this? Mr. Kilough said we must always be on a quest to better coordinate our resources. What can we do better, faster and stronger? He said we will waste nothing, seek to continually lift our standards of performance and establish a true spirit of reconciliation.

Mr. Kilough said some of the challenges we face in this quest are the need for manpower, especially in the international areas, and the question of, How we can stop being spread so thin? Wearing a lot of hats can get heavy, he said.

How can we improve the media? Mr. Kilough pointed out that the Council has drafted the Media Philosophy, and now we need to institutionalize it. How can we better reach the world? He talked about the globalization of our media efforts so that they are seen as a representation of the Kingdom of God, not of the United States. We must make decisions about the focus of our media efforts, he said. We want to be on the cutting edge of the Internet technology in the religious world.

Mr. Kilough encouraged the audience to follow the example of Nehemiah. Nehemiah 4 talks about the people rallying when they hear the sound of a trumpet, and "our God will fight for us." Mr. Kilough asked, Is there anyone who can't hear the trumpet blowing for the Church of God? Nehemiah had unwavering faith. We need to be Nehemiahs, he said.

Mr. Kilough pointed out that the strengths of the Church are spiritual in nature. The exercise of godliness has benefits in the future and now. We are not called to focus on our local congregations or nations, but the great work of God.

Mr. Kilough asked the audience to focus on their calling. What gave them meaning in life? He mentioned that he never gave the final heart-to-heart speech in Spokesman Club, but that he gave a heart-to-heart to the Council in the presidential selection process. He told about how he learned the truths of the Bible and was called by God.

He explained that real zeal and enthusiasm bring emotion, but should not be fueled by emotion. We shouldn't rely on an emotional spiritual caffeine jolt, but have a steadily burning inner zeal that drives us daily.

He explained how the fear of nuclear war caused his parents to consider moving to Australia, Latin America and a 500-acre farm in the Ozarks. But all of these plans fell through, and then his parents heard the distinctive voice of Herbert Armstrong on the radio. They started getting the literature and "fighting" over who could read it first. He learned the purpose of his life early from the booklet Why Were You Born?

Coming into the Church of God meant big changes for his family. At age 13, in 1965, he attended the first camp in Orr, Minnesota, and was gone from home for eight weeks. He was convinced then he wanted to go to Ambassador College—given a sense even as a youth that we were called to be part of something big.

Mr. Kilough quoted Paul's instructions to Titus giving specifics to help him focus on helping every person, to attend to their needs. Mr. Kilough encouraged the elders to put their shoulders to the work and to speak from the heart more than ever.

According to a study his wife read, the most contagious thing in the world is mood. Dean Wilson, a minister who died earlier this year, was a man of infectious optimism. Stir up one another to love and good works, Mr. Kilough said.

He mentioned that the fast he called for June 4 is between Passover/Unleavened Bread and Pentecost, and that we should focus on the themes of both seasons. He said we would hope that if members of the first-century Church could see us now, they would not only recognize us as having the same doctrines, but recognize us as having the same spirit and zeal.

International Reports

After a break, six ministers gave international reports.

First was Rainer Salomaa, reporting on the work of the Church in Canada. Mr. Salomaa said that Canada has served as a training ground for future presidents—three of the four UCG presidents have served in Canada!

He mentioned that on the national scene, right now Canada is facing the biggest governmental scandal in its history, and same-sex marriage legislation is in the works. Also, four RCMP officers were shot recently, causing great trauma in the nation.

Mr. Salomaa gave an update about the Church in Canada. He mentioned that there are 23 members of the Canadian National Conference and nine members on the National Council. He showed photos of the office staff: Ed van Pelt, Kevin Ford, Linda Wasilkoff and Wayne Liu.

United News Canada is now handled by Graemme Marshall and Canada's Ministerial Services team is made up of Bob Berendt, Glen White and Rainer Salomaa. The media team is coordinated by David Palmer, and the Web master is Paul Wasilkoff. Canada has 21 elders; five are salaried and one is a half-time trainee. Herb Teitgen from the United States helps with the Winnipeg, Manitoba, congregation. He also mentioned that they are alternating summer camps between eastern and western Canada.

Peter Hawkins then reported on the British Isles. He said so many people in Britain live lives that are without meaning.

The Good News is going into 40 countries from the British Isles. Since the Internet is without boundaries, we are hearing from groups in countries such as Spain and Norway, receiving visit requests from Turkey, etc. There were 5,680 copies of the March/April GN sent out (20 percent of them to Europe, with postage about three times as costly as those sent to the United Kingdom).

Mr. Hawkins gave a list of the British ministers and the areas they serve. He mentioned that four new church services started in the last two years and that the Church moved offices. Two new elders and three deacons and deaconesses were ordained. Nine members also give split sermons. None of the ministers are full-time pastors.

Mr. Hawkins commented on the encouraging growth in Good News circulation and an exceptional 41 percent increase in offerings for Unleavened Bread. He also mentioned that the British Isles summer camp is attended by a number of Church of God groups.

Carmelo Anastasi reported on the work of the Church in Italy. He mentioned that 97 percent of Italians are Roman Catholic. The Church of God is legally free to proclaim the gospel now, but time is fleeting. There are very little financial resources and little time.

There are 21 members in the north, 16 in Sicily and other members scattered across the country. Total attendance is 62, including children.

The Italian Good News had dropped from 6,000 to about 1,500, but with advertising in several magazines they have attracted 1,500 new subscribers, so now they are up to about 3,000 subscribers.

Mr. Anastasi said they have now purchased a one-room national office, which also serves as a meeting hall and has other uses. He said the Italian brethren feel so isolated and welcome visitors.

Melvin Rhodes reported on Ghana. He mentioned that we were hoping to have two Ghanaian pastors at the GCE, but the U.S. officials didn't schedule their interview for travel documents until tomorrow! He said he hopes they can come next year.

Mr. Rhodes said Ghana is stable and prospering compared to its troubled neighbors. He expressed appreciation for the Good Works projects that have helped build church buildings and buy a van for the Church in Ghana. He mentioned that there are four meetings of the Ghana National Council each year when he visits.

Mr. Rhodes talked about the Ghana Children's Home that members in Lansing, Michigan, help with. He also told the story of a young man who had typhoid fever for months since he didn't have the $6.25 for the medicine. When Mr. Rhodes found out on his last trip, he bought the medicine for him. Mr. Rhodes described the summer camp in Ghana and mentioned that they are looking for Youth Corps volunteers.

Kingsley Mather then reported on the many different countries in the Caribbean region. The first UCG service was in Freeport, Bahamas (where 17 attend). Nassau, Bahamas, has 18 in attendance.

Jamaica has the largest group, with 54 baptized members in two congregations. Now a group of six people in Montego Bay want to become part of UCG. Leeford Burke, an elder from Jamaica, has tried twice to come to the GCE but has been turned down by U.S. authorities.

Barbados used to be "the Church of God of women," but now has eight men along with the 20 baptized women, with a total attendance of 40. We began airing GN radio programs in February.

In Guyana, our members are from Amerindian groups in the interior. There have been challenges getting tapes to them.

In St. Kitts there is an attendance of six. They have a GN radio broadcast there, as well as a brochure and newsstand program.

In St. Lucia, they have 15 attending and have brochure and newsstand programs.

In Trinidad, they now have 13 attending and recently incorporated the Church there.

Mr. Mather also discussed the Caribbean Leadership Training group and the youth camp in Jamaica. There are 10,800 Good News magazines being sent into the region, and GN radio programs air in three areas. Now about 250 people are being served in the Caribbean, while there were only two when Mr. Mather first came to the GCE.

David Baker reported on the work in the Far East. He mentioned there has been steady growth in the Philippines—there are now 22 congregations with 571 attending. They have three Feast sites. Though they wish they could all get together at just one site, transportation is too expensive. In 2001 the Philippines had 3,860 GN subscribers, and now has 8,263. Mr. Baker mentioned that one of the Philippine ministers, Mr. Siopan, has to travel for five days to reach one congregation! The Philippines also has a summer camp, which expects 36 campers later this month.

In Hong Kong there are five members. Many have been praying about Sophia Ma who had leukemia. Her cancer has gone into remission. Her brother will be going to the United Youth Camp in Texas this year.

In Sri Lanka there are 49 Good News subscribers and 15 members just south of the capital, Colombo. Mr. Baker baptized two people on a recent trip. We are hoping to establish a Feast site in Sri Lanka.

In India, there are 1,176 Good News subscribers and one member. The group in eastern India is still interested in our literature and is using our booklets for adult Bible classes. The group is very zealous—they have four services on the Sabbath! The children are able to recite long passages of Scripture. Mr. Baker was also visited by a man in India who serves a group of 100 attendees. He just heard about us and came all the way across India to meet Mr. Baker. The man also requested 1,000 GN brochures for distribution in his area!

In Myanmar, Mr. Baker gave a man an old Strong's Concordance. The man was very thankful and said there was not another book like it in his country.

Tribute to Deceased Elders/Wives

Ken Giese led a tribute to 14 elders and wives, with photos, tributes from family and friends and a printed brochure. Those remembered were:

• Robert Ashland
• Garry Barber
• Janet Borton
• Christine Carter
• Elsie Conley
• Teresa Dimakis
• Rosene Hegna
• Willie Johnson
• Sherry Koon
• Mary McCarble
• Gene Nielander
• George Peyton
• Mary Whetson
• Dean Wilson

Mr. Giese thanked George and Ann Foshee for producing the brochure and his wife for creating the slide show.

The afternoon was started with a prayer by Don Waterhouse.

President's Address

Roy Holladay reported on the last 10 years of United and well as growth in the last three years. In 1995 there were 11,726 attending on Pentecost and 17,458 at the Feast. In 2004 we had 55 Feast sites, and attendance has grown 30 percent over the last six years.

He reported that over the last three years we have added over a million dollars to reserves. Two years ago $430,000 were added to reserves, and $460,000 were added last year. This year another $200,000 is projected to be added.

Mr. Holladay also mentioned the big increase in donors and coworkers and the 464,000 pieces sent out from the home office mail room. He reported that World News and Prophecy has grown from 18,000 to 30,000, and we anticipate it growing to 50,000.

Mr. Holladay also highlighted the growth of the United Church of God Web site. In 2002 we had a high of 120,000 visitors a month. Now we've had 353,000 for the highest month, and we're shooting for a half million this year. We've almost tripled the number of daily hits. Mr. Holladay said he was excited about the new media center.

Mr. Holladay also mentioned the Good Works program and the meeting held last year to help coordinate the education programs of the Church.

Three opportunities Mr. Holladay highlighted were the development of our children and teenagers, advancement of the Internet and growth in international areas. He also listed challenges in handling difficulties among people in a way that promotes growth, focusing our proclamation efforts and transitioning responsibilities from the aging to the younger generation.

After Mr. Holladay's address, Mr. Kilough presented a gift and flowers to Roy and Norma Holladay to warm applause.

Treasurer's Address

Tom Kirkpatrick said that God has been good and generous in supplying our needs and then some. He has given us stability following the "earthquake" of the 1990s. Dr. Kirkpatrick said that maybe we have had seven fat years since 1998, during which we have stored reserves to help in future lean years, if God allows that to come.

He said the "train wreck" of 1998 has morphed into financial stability. Today's balance sheet expresses commitment to the longer term. Dr. Kirkpatrick stressed that God gets all the credit.

But to put things in perspective, he pointed out that one professional baseball player earns more each year than the entire income of the Church. He urged everyone not to give in to the temptation to say, "We are rich and increased in goods."

He mentioned that the salary ranges hadn't changed, and that last year's financial statements were printed in the September/October 2004 United News. He handed out a Summary Financial Indicators sheet that highlighted the tremendous change in financial position from 1997 to 2004.

Dr. Kirkpatrick pointed out that the trend to the end of the fiscal year shows income about 1 percent above budget.

Ministerial Services

Richard Pinelli, Ministerial Services operation manager, said this year has been a very good year overall, with a few glitches. Ministerial Services has fulfilled most of what was in the Operation Plan from last year. A few things in educational areas were not done since the ministers are wearing so many hats.

Why was U.S. Holy Day attendance down a little? He said he doesn't know, but he tries to look at the trends for the whole year. One factor is that the Church is getting older, and it is harder for many to travel to services.

Mr. Pinelli reported that there were 176 baptisms and two new congregations started last year. For the first time, new contacts without a Sabbatarian background (73 per month) were higher than the number of Sabbatarians (69 per month) who contacted our ministers.

Mr. Pinelli also reported that the final hardback hymnal will be ready in two years or less, and we hope to print copies for members who want to buy them for about $3.50.

In the last three years of Leadership Workshops, 54 have attended and five have been ordained. There have been seven hires, and two hires are pending to balance the two pastors who are retiring.

There will be a Feast in Jordan this year, and Mr. Pinelli encouraged everyone to pray for peace in the Middle East. He mentioned that last year two Feast sites were spared the hurricanes (Panama City Beach, Florida, and Jekyll Island, Georgia).

There have been three-day regional conferences in six areas so far, and there has been good feedback so far.

Mr. Pinelli concluded with some lessons learned during the last 10 years, as reported by those at the three-day conferences: You do what is right because it is the right thing to do, regardless of the cost. We have seen peace grow. We have a God of peace, but He fights for His people (Romans:16:20). Righteousness leads to quietness (Isaiah:32:17). Mr. Pinelli encouraged everyone not to let down after 10 years. Satan will have war with the Church. Being comfortable is good, he said, except when it leads to complacency.

Media and Communications Services Report

Peter Eddington, operation manager, reported many key statistics in the growth of the media efforts, and highlighted the potential of the new Internet technologies that the Church is positioned to use even more effectively.

• Although the Good News print run remains fairly constant, individual subscriptions continue to grow. They are now at 312,000, for a 9 percent increase for the year.
• After several mentions in The Good News, World News and Prophecy subscriptions are rising very sharply, now nearing 35,000.
• There has been a 14 percent increase in donors, and a 15 percent increase in coworkers. Together they make up 8 percent of Church income.
• 40,000 mailings go out of the home office mail room every month, a 150 percent increase over 2002.
• A new e-mail initiative, called "This Is the Way," will go out to the 20,000 people who have signed up for e-mail updates from the Church. The hope is that these short, interesting and helpful messages will be passed along to friends to reach a growing number of people.
• A press release about the Church's observance of Unleavened Bread was sent out to newspapers in 20 areas, including the local pastors' contact information. We also plan to test a press release about Pentecost as well.
• Print advertising is getting excellent results. There will be a record high of 9 million total impressions this year, and we expect 70,000 responses.
• There has been encouraging growth through the Web sites, with up to 350,000 visitors every month. We had about 300 visitors a day when we moved the office to Cincinnati; now there are over 11,000 a day. The Good News site has had a 418 percent increase.
• Internet keyword search advertising exposed 11.5 million people to our listings, and 2,619 Google users and 5,305 Yahoo searchers clicked through in April. Altogether, the Internet drew 20,000 responses in April.

Mr. Eddington said the Church has been increasing Internet advertising, while cutting back a little on print advertising. He also talked about the media center and the development of a multimedia Web site. Over the years the Church has capitalized on print, radio—the new technologies of the time. The seeds we are sowing will bear fruit at the right time.

Address From the Chairman

Clyde Kilough then gave the Council chairman's report. He asked, How has the Council developed in the last 10 years? To answer that question, he interviewed Bob Dick and Vic Kubik, the two men who have served on the Council continuously since the beginning of United.

They said the Council began with a clear focus and great zeal, but as many boards do in the beginning, out of necessity they became involved in management in order to organize. Over the years the Council has evolved into the body originally envisioned, focused on the governance issues of vision and strategic planning, and the administration has focused on managing.

Mr. Kilough then gave the rest of his time for a special presentation.

50-Year Tribute for McNairs and Meekers

Richard Pinelli then presented a tribute to Mr. and Mrs. Burk McNair and Mr. and Mrs. George Meeker. Both men were ordained in January 1955 and were celebrating 50 years in the ministry of the Church of God. An audiovisual presentation included photos from the past 50 years and video clips from the honorees.

Mr. McNair encouraged young people to do what is right—do unto others as you would have them do to you. Mr. Meeker advised spending time getting very familiar with the Bible, following what the Bible says. He said that's what people did in the early years, and they would pattern their lives on what they learned.

The couples received plaques in honor of the occasion and received a standing ovation from the General Conference of Elders.

The meeting concluded with prayer by Don Ward.

© 2005 United Church of God, an International Association