Dec. 10, after presenting additional ways to invest funds in the work of the Church this year (see page 1), UCGIA President Clyde Kilough then led the Council into a consideration of larger and long-term issues. He asked the Council to consider where it would be best to invest and focus the Church's financial resources in the future. He pointed out that this discussion isn't about managing resources on-hand, but a matter of looking to the future in a way the Council has not had the opportunity to do previously, based on the potential of a stronger income track.

Mr. Dick took the podium briefly to remind the Council of its previous discussion on strategic planning, during which a number of strategic issues were identified. He emphasized that this is the opportunity for the Council to engage in what is truly strategic thinking and planning. He stated that the Council has an advantage over boards of directors of other organizations, in that each member of this Council is intimately involved with and has decades of personal history in the Church. Mr. Dick pointed out that we have matured as an organization and now have cash reserves available. He encouraged the Council to think differently and more on a strategic level than in past discussions.

Mr. Dick asked Mr. Kilough to resume leading the discussion, while Mr. Dick noted Council suggestions on the whiteboard at the front of the room. Mr. Kilough summarized the four major areas of strategic importance that the Council identified in its August 2006 discussion. In that meeting the Council identified the need to:

1. Strengthen the Church spiritually.

2. Train and develop manpower for the full-time ministry.

3. Expand the preaching of the gospel in media efforts.

4. Establish better relationships among different groups that came from the same mother Church (i.e., other Church of God organizations).

The following bulleted list summarizes comments that were made in the ensuing discussion. The numbered list at the conclusion of these bullets is the summary of the comments that Mr. Dick recorded on the whiteboard.

• Peter Eddington: Over the next 10 to 12 years, as income continues to improve, the Church should make an effort to commit a greater percentage of income (possibly 50 or 60 percent of income) specifically to media efforts.

• Larry Salyer: It is absolutely necessary to develop a subscriber base and bring new members into the Church. But it's a trap to decide that a percentage of income goes into any particular effort. Media should be our highest priority in the next three to five to 10 years, but we should remain flexible depending on what is needed.

• Jim Franks: The priority has to be media. But it's not just coincidental that the Church grew rapidly starting in the 1950s when it provided an educated and professional ministry. We need to continue to work to develop a way to provide a trained, educated ministry, which is necessary to support a solid membership that will provide financial support for the Church.

• Richard Pinelli: There needs to be a balance between preaching the gospel and providing a ministry to serve the Church. Without media efforts we are nothing, but without a ministry we cannot serve the members.

• Richard Thompson: When United first formed, it faced survival on two levels: maintaining the truth and continuing to do a work that God can use. Now United faces a growth issue. We have an educated ministry and converted, mature members—and we need both. One reason Herbert Armstrong was so successful was that his message was unique. We need to be distinct and unique in preaching the gospel.

• Les McCullough: In the 1950s Herbert Armstrong and Garner Ted Armstrong were unique. But now many have picked up on what they taught, so people aren't generally surprised at our teachings about prophecy. People in general aren't as worried about world conditions as they were in the past. Somehow we have to reestablish the uniqueness of our message.

• Mr. Kilough: During the recent war in Lebanon there was a spike in activity at UCG Web sites. We need to be positioned to take advantage when something startling happens.

• Joel Meeker: How can we keep our teens and young adults excited about and engaged in the work of the Church? We should get people involved in the official work of the Church at a younger age. Some of us were in our 20s when we came into the ministry. There are some disadvantages due to immaturity, but they can gain experience and there is an advantage to their energy and enthusiasm.

• Mr. Dick: Children who were born when United started are 11 years old. They have no awareness of what happened in 1994. Their whole focus is United. We've done a good job of working with the youth of the Church, but need to do even better.

• Mr. Salyer: We need to look at younger people and give them opportunities to train for leadership positions in the Church.

• Mr. Kilough: Pastors have been reminded of the importance of working with younger members. When young people see other young members being used to serve in the Church, it will encourage them to look for opportunities to do so too.

• Mr. Meeker: We could encourage talented writers in the Church to produce children's books about Bible characters.

• Victor Kubik: Some efforts don't require money. Organizations have grown because their leaders exuded vision and enthusiasm. We have young adults who have distinct views and ideas for the Church; we need to harness their vision and enthusiasm. The Church is in a positive, noncrisis position, but still needs three Cs: Content (repackaging and reprioritizing what we teach), creativity (using people with imagination) and courage (stepping out bravely with our message).

Summary of Strategic Issues:

1. How to increase the percentage of income allocated to media?

2. How do we provide an educated (future) ministry?

3. How do we distinguish ourselves in a world full of gospel messengers?

4. How do we retain our youth—those who are born to us into the Church?

5. How do we involve and stimulate our young adults to stay involved?

6. How do we present an arresting message?