Letter from the Chairman
United Church of God
an International Association
Clyde Kilough
Chairman
Roy Holladay
President
Letter From the Chairman
February 28, 2005
Dear Brethren,
Greetings from San Antonio, where the Council of Elders has convened for its quarterly meeting. We never cease to appreciate the encouragement you give to us, the dedication you have for God's work, and your love for one another. This special letter is being sent to inform you of a significant decision we made earlier today.
Choosing and supporting the president of the United Church of God, an International Association, is one of the most important tasks of the Council of Elders. As established when we organized nearly a decade ago, the Council is charged with setting the vision and overseeing the direction of the Church. The Council must ensure that we are always effectively focused on fulfilling our primary mission: "preaching the Gospel and preparing a people."
For many months now the Council has been systematically looking at how the Church has developed for the last 10 years, analyzing the lessons learned from both our successes and mistakes, evaluating where we currently stand in fulfilling the Church's mission, and, most importantly, where we need to go in the years ahead. You may recall hearing, in the early days of our development, the description of the four natural stages of organizational growth: "forming, storming, norming and performing." We have been working our way through those steps, and although each new phase has presented unique challenges and occasional setbacks, overall our path has been one of growth.
Now, as we near the 10-year mark in the history of United, we have a prevailing sense that we are at a significant moment, and that we stand on the threshold of "performing" in a more effective way than ever. But we also have a sense that rising to that next level will require a certain type of innovation and implementation of fresh ideas.
As part of our commitment to positive change, we as a Council are redefining what we—and the Church at large—expect of a president in the coming years. As a relatively young organization seeking to discern, reflect and do the will of God, this change is good.
Accordingly, today when the Council addressed the affirmation of President Roy Holladay, as required by our governing documents, the Council chose to make a change in the presidency. As further dictated in Bylaw 9.1, the Council will also determine the remaining time of his service until the transition is effected.
The selection and retention of any president is a complex process. Following much discussion and earnest interchange, the Council decided that the president should be chosen according to redefined expectations, which are different than they were three years ago.
All of us on the Council possess high regard for Mr. Holladay. His integrity, diligent work ethic, humility, dedication to God's people and the serving heart of a pastor all speak well of him and his achievements. He has been a steady hand at the helm of United for three years. As a testimony to his character and with our gratitude, Mr. Holladay has gracefully accepted the decision of the Council and will help ensure a smooth transition. We collectively thank God for the dedicated service Mr. Holladay and his wife, Norma, have provided—and will continue to provide—for the people of God.
An important task for the Council lies ahead. We must prayerfully consider and select a new president. The challenges facing the president are numerous and the demands are high. We are not making this decision hastily, and we ask you to join us in heartfelt prayer and fasting for God's guidance and that His will be done.
We must urgently be about our Father's business. More than ever, all humanity desperately needs the hope of the gospel. Together, we will all achieve what we are commissioned to do: proclaim a divine and powerful message to a blinded and deceived world.
In Christ's service, on behalf of the Council of Elders,
Clyde Kilough
