Letter from Robin Webber, Chairman
Dear fellow elders and members,
The Council of Elders of the United Church of God met in Cincinnati from Feb. 29 to March 3. The proposed agenda was full, but we were able to handle every listed item and still finish 15 minutes early on our last day. All of the items discussed and decisions made will affect every sector of the Church in the months to come, and I believe in a positive manner. We have much to be optimistic about. Christians by spiritual nature are optimists when we contemplate that we worship a God who makes life from dust, parts seas, makes the sun stand still, heals the sick, raises the dead, and promises to return to this earth to rescue humanity from itself, as He first rescued us, individually, from the penalty of sin. Yes, Christians by nature are optimistic, because we worship One greater than ourselves and follow the guidance of His Son, Jesus Christ, the living head of the Church and the Lord of our lives. Allow me to brief you about some of the matters we dealt with in this set of meetings.
1) I am pleased to announce that Victor Kubik was reaffirmed to continue serving as UCG president for another three-year term (2016-2019). I personally believe this enables an environment of stability to continue to mature in our relatively young organization. Let us all continue to remember both Victor and his wife Beverly in our prayers. This is truly a wonderful opportunity, but it is demanding by its very nature. They both certainly need spiritual insight and stamina from above.
2) We were able to finalize a proposed Strategic Plan, Operation Plan and Budget for the General Conference of Elders to consider in our annual GCE meetings in May. This process actually begins in our August meetings and intensifies as we approach February. These are three separate features, but at the same time they are interrelated. They allow us to move forward in faith, coupled with our Vision and Mission Statements to guide us as a spiritual GPS. With those in place we establish goals, objectives and strategies to enable the faithful prayers, tithes and donations of our members and coworkers to become reality on the ground in everyday lives. I’m pleased to mention there was intensive and cooperative give-and-take between the Council and the administration, allowing us to approve all three of these items by unanimous ballot (11 present, with one absent teaching). These plans are predicated on a 2.8 percent financial increase over last year’s income. It is a balanced budget based on current projections. Additionally, our reserves are fully in place as we approach a new fiscal year. This is all made possible by God’s blessings and the faithful donations of our members and coworkers. This now moves forward to the GCE for consideration and potential approval.
3) Another time sensitive matter was planning the GCE Conference in May. The theme of this year’s presentation is “Live the Word.” This is a natural and spiritual extension of last year’s theme of “Laboring in the Word.” This theme speaks to the admonition in James 1:22: “But be you doers of the word and not hearers only.” In other words, we must practice what we read in all circumstances before all people. This conference over 20 years has grown to incorporate not only business sessions for the GCE to exercise its responsibilities, but also time for educational seminars, Bible studies, and periods for fellowship and bonding to strengthen relationship among the ministry. The GCE invitational letter will be going out shortly, along with all the call-and-notice items to enable our GCE members to prepare.
4) We were also able to approve four ministerial ordinations. Additionally, we reviewed and approved the employment of four more ministerial trainees who are slated to come on board next autumn. Our thoughts and planning are continually focused towards future care of our membership.
5) The CoE supports a proposed amendment by two GCE members to go to the GCE in May related to our 20 Fundamental Beliefs. This amendment, if passed, would change the majorities required to amend or add to our Fundamental Beliefs from the present three quarters (¾) of all GCE members to three quarters (¾) of those GCE members who actually ballot (Constitution Article 5.1.1(1)). This seeks to remedy a growing challenge of non-participation in the balloting process where up to one third of GCE members no longer ballot for various reasons. This has meant nothing can be corrected (much less adding new truths) to those 20 Fundamental Beliefs—something never envisioned as a problem in 1995, when there was dynamic participation. Along with this proposed amendment are instructions and a separate ballot to allow the GCE to determine the level of GCE participation required to pass this amendment, since the Constitution is somewhat ambiguous in that regard, and clarity from the GCE is needed.
6) The GCE has 27 listed responsibilities for its oversight responsibilities of UCG. Frankly, some of these responsibilities have needed appropriate mechanisms to make them happen. I’m pleased to mention that a “Process for Calling Special Meetings for the General Conference of Elders” was approved and is being sent to the GCE for review and potential approval. We certainly do desire to hear from this body of elders. This proposed mechanism is deemed appropriate to give voice to a minority consideration, but balanced with appropriate majority consent to move a matter forward for entire GCE review.
7) There were extensive open sessions discussing women writing for our media efforts as well as reviewing a draft document titled “Voting and Holding Public Office.” There was a full, rich and lively exchange of thought and sharing Scripture and biblical examples and precedents regarding these subjects. You can review some the issues brought to the table by reading the CoE reports. Both discussions remain open as we move to the May meetings.
8) I’m pleased to mention that we had an inspiring report by Jorge de Campos regarding the Portuguese speaking Worldwide Church of God-Angola (separate organization) and their commitment of over 20 years to grow in a way of life with many doctrines and practices similar to ours. Mr. de Campos will be visiting them towards the end of this year’s Days of Unleavened Bread. I have written them a letter on behalf of the CoE, welcoming their communication and desire to maintain cordial ties.
Now as members of the Body of Christ, we move towards the festivals inspired by God to remind us of His incredible purpose (Isaiah 46:8-10) for those made after His image and likeness. During this season we remember and focus on the reality that “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish” (John 3:16). At this time we refocus our spiritual attention on “Jesus, the author and finisher our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2). It’s by God’s grace and favor exemplified by that voluntary sacrifice that allows us to appreciate the newness and realized hope that reverberates in our hearts during the Days of Unleavened Bread that “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). Let us live for our Heavenly Father and His Son. Let us live anew. Let us love as He first loved us. And let us rejoice!
May the God of all hope bless and keep you.
