Dec. 9 Council Chairman Clyde Kilough opened the final series of meetings for 2004. The Council heard quarterly reports from the president and operation managers (see treasurer's report below and sidebars, pages 5 and 6).

The Council was also updated on the project of documenting the history of United, plans for the education program, the conclusions of the feasibility study on expansion of the Ambassador Bible Center and the final draft of the report by the Godly Leadership Task Force.

Dec. 10's session included an update on the status of Doctrine Committee projects and the "Evangelism" study paper. The Council also reviewed plans for the 2005 General Conference of Elders meetings and discussed five proposed amendments.

The Council completed the open session agenda Sunday, Dec. 12, discussing communications and public relations strategies and reviewing and approving a proposed retirement policy.

Documenting UCG History

Mr. Holladay updated the Council on progress toward documenting the history of United, as was discussed in the August meetings. Mr. Holladay and Council member Victor Kubik worked together to develop some initial suggestions.

First they dealt with the question, "What is the purpose of such a project?" There is a need to accurately reflect why and how United was formed. In addition, as time passes, events become hazy.

There is a great deal of documentation and many eyewitnesses and participants who can put the account together. For example, 12 of the 14 regional pastors came into United. They are in a unique position to document what took place from 1993-1995. Ten of the 14 couples who attended the original planning meetings at Indianapolis are still part of United. There are transcripts and video footage from the Indianapolis conference. The transitional board generated many documents as the organization was being formed. Jim Franks has already produced a presentation on how the Church's founding documents were developed. Mr. Kubik has collected a great deal of documentation and manuscripts that piece together the events of our early history.

Mr. Holladay suggested a six-part outline:

1. The history could begin with the establishing of the regional pastor structure in 1993. As doctrinal changes were introduced, it was the regional pastors who attempted to reconcile the differences with Church leadership and worked to find a way to maintain the integrity of God's truth.
2. The planning meetings at the Indianapolis Holiday Inn, drawing on the recollections and notes of those who participated.
3. The Indianapolis conference itself. The form of church government that was proposed; why two different ideas of church government came out of the conference.
4. The work of the transitional board.
5. The development of the Church's founding documents.
6. How central organization and local congregations were intended to relate and work together.

These chapters of the history of United could be developed in serial form and published in United News. It may take a couple of years to complete the series, which could eventually be published as a book.

Mr. Kilough suggested that interviews be videotaped for use in the future. Mr. Holladay commented that a video could be produced that would relate a short history of United and could be shown to visitors to the home office.

Mr. Kilough suggested that an accurate history is very meaningful and helpful, but a revisionist history is not. Mr. Holladay emphasized that this would be a positive way to communicate what United is about, what we stand for, who we are and that the Church came into existence based on biblical and ethical principles.

Mario Seiglie proposed a resolution for the Council to commission Victor Kubik to select a Council-approved team to collect, organize and record a chronology of events that led to the formation of UCG. The resolution was passed by unanimous consent.

Education Priorities

Mr. Holladay then gave the Council an update on the status of the Church's member and ministerial education program. He commented that an effort is underway to develop a five-year plan, which would be reviewed and updated annually. Mr. Holladay proposed that in the January-February time frame each year there be meetings or teleconferences with those who work in this area to determine the needs and set priorities for the coming year. That timing would allow for the education projects to be included in the budget-planning cycle.

Recent discussions have centered on the need to reach the hearts of members and to motivate them to further personal growth. As an organization, we tend to be good at putting out a great deal of information—but we need to reach members on a more personal level.

Mr. Holladay reviewed the four education modules and plans for each. The following list highlights some of the topics under consideration.

General Education:
• Schedule two or three seminars/educational videos on subjects such as marriage, covenants and the intertestamental years.
• Record audio of all major ABC classes and distribute to congregations.
• Schedule three education seminars for possible use at the Feast.
• Record special sermons addressing topics such as the calendar, observing the Sabbath and sacred names.
• Continue to work on issues identified by the Race Relations Committee.

Youth Education:
• Conduct one face-to-face youth education team conference each year and three teleconferences to discuss program needs and plans.
• Develop young adult education resources for regional and family weekends.

Ministerial Education:
• Continue developing the "Relevancy in Preaching Project" through Ministerial Quarterly articles and seminars on sermon preparation and delivery.
• Provide additional articles in Ministerial Quarterly on people skills.

Focused Education:
• The team is considering presentations on alcohol and substance abuse, homosexuality, physical/sexual/emotional abuse, dysfunctional marriage and family issues, addictive behaviors.

ABC Expansion Not Feasible at This Time

Mr. Thompson summarized a report by Gary Antion and Ralph Levy on the feasibility of expanding the Ambassador Bible Center program. Options that were considered include ABC becoming a two-year biblical studies program, a two-year junior college and a seminary program.

The conclusion of the study is that at this point none of those options is viable. ABC students commented that they could not take two years away from their other studies and careers for ABC. All of the options would require additional facilities and faculty, which are beyond the Church's financial resources. An accredited seminary program may require agreement to and teaching of certain mainstream Christian doctrines. In addition, accreditation is not offered to an institution such as ABC, which offers a diploma or certificate instead of a degree.

Dr. Levy commented that while it is not feasible at this time to expand the ABC program, we still have the fundamental problem that a seven-month program doesn't provide the kind of atmosphere and long-term learning experience that Ambassador College offered. He suggested that we should revisit the question of expanding ABC at some point in the future.

Godly Leadership Task Force

Mr. Thompson led the Council through a page-by-page review of the Godly Leadership Task Force report. Council members had received a copy of the report prior to the meetings. Mr. Thompson pointed out a few edits that had been offered by the Education and Ministerial Services Committee.

After discussing the document, Mr. Thompson presented a resolution, which was approved unanimously by the Council, which remanded the report proposals to the administration for implementation as it deems appropriate, and that the Godly Leadership Task Force continue to develop material as requested by the administration.

Doctrine Committee Update

Mr. Franks began by providing the Council with a four-page "Doctrinal Update" summarizing the committee's current activities and plans.

• Two study papers on the calendar have been reviewed. Each paper offers a different perspective on the question of how to determine the beginning of a month. Mr. Franks reviewed with the Council the papers and the letters of response to each. A third lengthy paper on the calendar has also been submitted. Mr. Franks will prepare a response and send a copy to the Doctrine Committee.
• The Doctrine Committee has reviewed the latest draft of the study paper on interracial marriage. Robert Dick will incorporate the final edits and prepare a draft for review and approval at the February meetings.
• The study paper on the nature of God and Christ is nearing completion. Bill Bradford has incorporated new material and the comments and edits from the last Council review and submitted a new draft, a summary of which was provided to the Council. Mr. Franks will prepare a final draft for Council approval at the February meetings.
• The Doctrine Committee has reviewed the latest draft of the study paper on the role of women in the Church of God, prepared by a task force appointed by Ministerial Services. The Council was provided a copy of the paper as it was submitted by the task force. The Doctrine Committee has suggested restructuring the paper by separating the doctrinal study from the executive summary and the recommendations. The committee plans to consider edits and suggestions from the Council review of the paper and provide a final draft for approval at the February meetings.
• The Doctrine Committee reviewed over 300 letters written by the Personal Correspondence Department and returned 16 to be rewritten to correct doctrinal issues and concerns. In addition, committee members will review two other new PCD letters (one on 2 Corinthians 6:14 and the other about the Septuagint) and make recommendations prior to the meetings in February.
• The Doctrine Committee was asked to consider whether it is appropriate to replace Sabbath services with seminars. Rather than writing a letter or statement on this specific matter, the committee recommended that this question should be included in a broader discussion on the appropriate observance of the Sabbath.
• The Doctrine Committee reviewed three papers on various prophetic topics and the calendar submitted by individuals who are not members of United. The committee has already responded to two of these individuals regarding papers they submitted previously. They do not accept our answers or explanations. The committee does not feel compelled to continue to take its time to address the same issue raised by people who simply want to argue their point of view.
• Committee member Mario Seiglie will respond to a question from a member on the subject of voting.

In response to a request made by several members of the General Conference, Mr. Franks put forward a Council resolution to allow additional time for input from elders before a study paper is approved in its final form. The resolution was passed unanimously.

Doctrine Committee member Leon Walker pointed out that the purpose of study papers is not to introduce doctrinal change, but to explain and provide further research on doctrines that are already current Church teachings. We don't anticipate the introduction of new doctrine through this process.

Evangelism Study Paper

Doug Horchak, Council member and chairman of the Evangelism Task Force, reviewed the status of the study paper. He pointed out that while evangelism may not initially appear to be a high profile topic, it has a great deal to do with the practical application of Jesus' mandate to the Church to "preach the gospel."

Some have expressed concern that we need to finish this study so we can get on with the work of the Church, assuming that if we're studying the subject, we must be confused about how to preach the gospel. In truth, the Church continues to evangelize, as it has done for decades. The Church today is the fruit of the evangelistic work of the Church. The purpose for this study came from the Council's desire to biblically establish our beliefs and practice of evangelism. This is the first time the Church has put an effort into a focused biblical study on this topic.

In the past four months Mr. Horchak stated he has received substantive input from several members of the Council and others have offered more general comments. He said he looks forward to a review of the paper by the GCE, per the resolution passed earlier. Mr. Horchak emphasized that it's more important to do the paper carefully than to produce it quickly, and that continuing to develop it is not causing the Church to delay any of its work of preaching the gospel.

Mr. Horchak reviewed definitions of terms and suggested use of terminology that resulted from the conclusions of the paper.

He requested that Council members complete their review of the paper so there can be agreement on the paper's conclusions and the understanding of scriptures cited. Clyde Kilough volunteered to incorporate comments from Council members and write the final draft of the paper for review by the Doctrine Committee. The plan is for the paper to be in its final form for Council approval at the February 2005 meetings. It would then be available for all elders to review and give their input before it is released in final form.

2005 GCE Planning

Following lunch, Robert Dick chaired a discussion on planning details for the 2005 Annual Meeting of the General Conference of Elders, scheduled for May 14-16, 2005. Dave Register, chairman of the GCE meeting planning task force, joined the Council meeting via telephone. On behalf of the task force, Mr. Register was seeking Council approval of workshop topics and the selection of the keynote speaker for the conference.

The task force provided a list of four men for Council consideration for keynote speaker. The Council decided to take up the matter in executive session and will communicate the decision to Mr. Register.

The task force also presented a list of 10 90-minute workshop subjects and presenters for each. The Council was asked to reduce this list to eight, each of which would be offered twice during the day on May 16. The Council reduced the list to nine and suggested that the task force select two of those nine to be scheduled one time, instead of twice.

Mr. Walker asked the Council to consider a change in the order of events on Sunday, May 15. He suggested that the balloting take place in the morning rather than in the afternoon. The rest of the presentations would then follow, as originally scheduled. The Council agreed that this change would not impact elders who ballot by mail and would not make it more difficult for elders who listen via telephone connections in different time zones to hear the rest of the presentations.

Balloting early in the day would also make it possible to select from a wider range of men to make presentations, since it is Council policy to not have a man who is up for Council election make a presentation before the voting takes place.

The decision to make the change in the schedule was approved by the Council in an opinion poll, in which seven agreed they would like to see the order changed and five expressed no preference either way.

Joel Meeker suggested that an additional question-and-answer session be added to the program. He pointed out that in the interest of staying connected to our roots and maintaining a sense of Church history, there be a Q&A session with senior pastors—men who have served in the ministry for many decades. Mr. Register responded that the idea seemed workable and he will discuss it with the task force in their next teleconference.

On another scheduling matter, Peter Eddington pointed out that since there will not be an all-day editorial meeting preceding the conference, the meeting of international elders could be scheduled on May 13 instead of May 12, saving one day of lodging and meal expense. Mr. Kilough agreed, and asked Mr. Walker to coordinate the meetings and agenda for the international representatives.

In its final action of the day, the Council turned its attention to five amendments to the constitution and bylaws proposed to be voted on by the GCE in the May 2005 annual meeting. Three of these dealt with amendments to the amendment process itself. For details of the Council action, see the full reports for Dec. 10 and the teleconferences Dec. 20 and 31 on the Web at www.ucg.org/about/council/updates.htm.

Refining the Communications Strategy

Mr. Holladay reviewed a Council resolution passed on May 17, 1999, which stated that the president is the official primary spokesman for the Church and that a public relations consultant would be hired to assist the Council in formulating a public relations strategy. Mr. Snyder, of the MEK Group in Indianapolis, Indiana, has been contracted to serve as a public relations consultant. Over the last couple of months Mr. Snyder has met several times with Mr. Holladay, Mr. Kubik, Mr. Pinelli, Mr. Eddington and Matthew Fenchel to provide assistance in developing an approach and strategy for communications both within and outside of the Church.

In his presentation Mr. Snyder advised the Council on various aspects of communications and public relations. He emphasized that the Council should develop more specific overall communications policies and empower the administration to carry them out. Mr. Snyder's presentation focused on the Church's efforts to communicate its message to the public as well as communications with members so that critical information can be distributed in a timely and honest way.

In regard to communicating the gospel message, Mr. Snyder suggested that the Church's message needs to be presented in a way that is relevant and practical rather than abstract. The Church, he said, needs to understand the market segments—particularly how people want to receive information—and the media that are effective in communicating with each, tailoring the message content to each audience segment so that they receive it in a way they prefer and thus can better potentially understand it.

He commented that when people come into contact with United, every experience should be positive, with a real basis in fact. They should feel "invited" and welcome. Their response to the Church should bring an immediate "reward"—such as highly relevant literature, a personalized letter or e-mail or a personal note from a minister thanking them for attending services—the reward ultimately being that the information they receive and the relationship they may form with United actually improves their quality of life.

Mr. Snyder urged that United News should be filled with positive news about events and activities in the Church and how it is directly fulfilling its mission. He said that reading accounts about positive and factual achievements validates membership and rewards commitment. If there is "bad news," members expect to be informed. Members look to the leaders to deal with the issues and to be proactive, timely and honest in addressing critical issues, good or bad.

Mr. Snyder stated he would be sending Mr. Holladay a written report and analysis and would be available for further consultation. The Council members expressed their appreciation to Mr. Snyder and their desire to have further discussion with him on these subjects after they have had time to consider his presentation and report.

U.S. Employee Retirement Policy

Mr. Holladay introduced a document that specifies a proposed retirement policy for U.S. employees. The purposes of the document are to summarize the philosophy, approach and procedures for transition into retirement and to provide employees with information about retirement benefits.

The policy statement is based on the work completed by the Retirement Task Force, commissioned by Mr. Holladay and chaired by Britt Taylor. The policy incorporates the task force's recommendations and was developed by Mr. Holladay, Mr. Pinelli, Dr. Kirkpatrick, Mr. Fenchel, Larry Darden and Chris Anderson.

Mr. Holladay emphasized, and the policy itself makes it clear, that this is not a defined benefit program. The policy is not a guarantee of benefits, but reflects the Church's intent to provide assistance for retired employees. The policy spells out the responsibilities of the Church and the employee who is planning for retirement and procedures leading to retirement. It also specifies the financial responsibility of the employee in preparing for retirement and the Church's willingness to provide financial assistance where there is need. It also details health and life insurance benefits.
After reviewing the policy statement, the Council prepared a resolution for its adoption, which passed unanimously.

Feast Video Plans

Mr. Eddington reported that feedback from members on the video sermon shown at this year's Feast of Tabernacles has been favorable.

The initial plan for next year is to highlight the Church in South Africa, Malawi and Zambia. Mr. Eddington asked Council members to consider the theme of the message and who the speaker(s) will be for the 2005 Feast message. Plans will be finalized and presented to the Council in the February 2005 meetings.

After executive sessions Sunday afternoon and Monday morning, the meeting officially adjourned Dec. 13.

For full Council reports, see www.ucg.org/about/council/updates.htm on the Church's Web site. UN

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President Gives Growth Statistics and Home Office Update

Mr. Holladay cited several statistics that show the growth and impact of the Church's work. He reported that the fall Holy Day offerings showed a 3.8 percent increase over last year. He also pointed out that in the last three years there has been an 87 percent increase in donors (from 3,249 to 6,047) and a 79 percent increase in coworkers (from 1,476 to 2,635).

In addition, the Church's primary Web site has shown a strong and steady increase in traffic. There were about:

• 212,000 visitors in June.
• 244,000 in August.
• 278,000 in September.
• 283,300 in October.
• 303,000 in November.

Efforts to communicate electronically with readers, subscribers and members continue. E-mail updates are sent periodically to 11,009 Good News subscribers. In addition 9,682 receive e-mails that provide information on Web site updates. The member update e-mail subscription list stands at 8,130.

In the last 12 months the mail room staff has sent 425,568 pieces of literature from the home office, a 27 percent increase over last year.

Five newly produced advertising brochures will soon be available for supermarket displays and distribution by membership. Each brochure advertises a booklet and also offers a Good News subscription. The brochures are inexpensive to print and are short, easy to read and designed to stimulate interest on a particular subject—following the concept of "first-contact" literature. Samples have been sent to pastors.

Mr. Holladay reported that the youth camp team met at the home office at the end of October. Last summer marked our 10th year of United Youth Camps. In 2004 there were more than 800 campers, supported by nearly 400 staff members.

One of the major topics of discussion at the meetings was how to better serve and train our young adults and keep them involved in the Church. With that in mind, Challenger II camp in Arizona is being offered for the first time this winter. The camp uses the venue of rock-climbing to help our young adults grow in confidence and skills, while also using the experience to encourage personal and spiritual growth.

Mr. Holladay discussed the possibility of including an Ambassador Bible Center scholarship fund in next fiscal year's budget to assist international students in attending the program. He pointed out that the need for trained leaders is just as urgent in international areas as in the United States and that ABC can help provide training.

As of the time of the Council meetings, 43 students had been accepted for the 2005 ABC session. The theme for this year will be "Living the Truth"—with emphasis on not only learning, but applying the truth of God's way to life.

Mr. Holladay listed a number of projects under way at the home office:

• The writing of job descriptions and performance evaluations of office staff is under way and will be completed by May.
• Several meetings were conducted to develop a retirement policy.
• A communication and public relations strategy is being developed and a public relations firm has been selected.
• The Winter Family Weekend in Louisville, Kentucky, promises to be a great success. At that point members had reserved more than 500 hotel rooms. The month of December offers quite a variety of opportunities for young adults and families, including not only the Louisville Family Weekend but also the Northwest Weekend in Oregon, the winter camp in Wisconsin and the Challenger camp in Arizona.
• The special fund for development of a media center at the home office has reached its goal of $150,000. Construction can begin in January, assuming that an analysis determines that income, expense and budget projections are stable.
• An Editorial Review Board was established by Council resolution in August 1999. We are considering how to utilize the review board. On Jan. 19, 2005, managing editors for The Good News and several other publications will meet at the home office to coordinate their efforts and the editorial direction of our publications.
• There is a need for continued development of the process for reconciliation of conflicts within the Church. Effort will be made to improve our efforts and add further steps to help make conflict resolution and reconciliation more successful.

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Ministerial Services Reports Increasing Attendance, Surveys Challenges

Richard Pinelli's report focused on this year's Feast of Tabernacles. He commented that God blessed us just before and during the Feast by steering two hurricanes away from our sites in Panama City Beach, Florida, and Jekyll Island, Georgia.

Mr. Pinelli summarized that the total of the number of shut-ins who received audiotapes plus those who attended a Feast site was a record 20,487—a 3.7 percent increase over 2003. This reflects a 30 percent increase in attendance over the last six years. He stated that some of this year's increase came from those who attended the UCG sites because nearby non-UCG sites were damaged by the storms. He also mentioned other reports that some from other organizations were attending a United Feast site for the first time. For example, a non-UCG congregation of about 35, for the first time, attended the Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, site.

A replacement site for Hagerstown, Maryland, will be announced within the next several weeks.

He also pointed out that there is a slow but steady and healthy growth in Sabbath and Holy Day attendance.

At the regional pastors meeting, held earlier in December, plans were finalized for three-day regional elders conferences, which will begin in March 2005.

The regional pastors also discussed issues that challenge both the membership and elders. In a poll taken just before the meetings, pastors identified the following as the major issues challenging the Church:

• Members with an independent spirit or philosophy.
• Doctrinal differences within the Church and membership.
• Members with a "lukewarm attitude."
• Members trusting information they find on the Internet more than what they hear from the Church.
• Members who have difficulty with Church government.
• Evangelism and who should evangelize.
• Poor health and aging congregations.
• Church attendance and those who "float" between organizations.

The top issues among pastors were identified as training of future pastors, how United is or should be governed, pastoral workloads, pastoral transfers, morale of the ministry and in the Church, health issues and retirement concerns.

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Media and Communications Services Report Shows Growth, Opportunities

Peter Eddington provided the Council with a review of some of the ongoing efforts of the media and communications activities. He opened his presentation by distributing samples of two new collections of reprint articles bound in a magazine format. These reprints on "Marriage and Family" and "Successful Parenting" are available in this format since they are requested frequently. He pointed out that dozens of reprints are available for download on the Web at www.ucg.org/reprints.

He shared with the Council the exciting news about airing Good News radio on XM satellite radio (see article in "News at a Glance"). He pointed out that we are now printing over 30,000 copies of World News and Prophecy and 17,000 copies of Vertical Thought (up 240 percent in one year!). See more statistics in "News at a Glance," "Good News Circulation Around the World" and "2004 Statistics at a Glance."

Mr. Eddington reported that best-selling author Hope Egan has asked permission to publish United's list of clean and unclean meats in her new book titled Holy Cow! What the Bible Says About Eating Meat. She also asked David Treybig, UCG pastor and author of the Church's booklet What Does the Bible Teach About Clean and Unclean Meats?, to write a back-cover endorsement for the book. After reading the manuscript, Mr. Treybig agreed to do so.

Beginning in February 2005, the Church will send audio sermons on CDs in MP3 format rather than cassette tapes. Those receiving the tapes were sent a letter explaining the change. Members who don't already have a CD player that plays both regular CDs and MP3 CDs will need to purchase one. Ambassador Bible Center classes on the General Epistles and the books of Daniel and Revelation will be sent this week to church libraries on MP3 CD instead of audiotape. In addition, within the next year or so sermons videotapes will be produced and distributed on DVD. These new processes will significantly reduce both duplicating and mailing costs, and will increase the quality. UN