Greetings brethren around the world,

It seems impossible that more than a month has passed since the Council of Elders’ last letter to you. It is our desire to maintain regular contact with you and to keep everyone updated on the state of the Church and the Council’s activities. One exciting development that took place in the last few weeks was the ordination of 11 elders in Ghana. We welcome these men and their congregations into the United Church of God.

The next round of Council meetings is fast approaching with committee meetings scheduled for February 25 and 26 and the official meetings from Wednesday, February 27 to Tuesday, March 5. There are many important issues that the Council will be considering. We will be approving the Strategic Plan, the Operation Plan, the 2002–2003 budget, as well as the selection of the president. These decisions will impact how effectively we care for the Church and preach the gospel in the years to come. Other major discussions will focus on doctrine, the upcoming General Conference of Elders meetings, committees of the Council interfacing with operations and reports from two international areas.

We solicit your prayers for God’s guidance in all our discussions and decisions. We ask that, if possible, you set aside a day of fasting prior to the next Council meetings and beseech God to guide all the discussions and decisions that are before us. In Isaiah 58:5–12 God instructs us to humble ourselves with fasting. If we as the Church humble ourselves before God and truly seek His will, He will guide and bless us. Notice verse 9: "Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’" Observe Proverbs 3:5–6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths" (emphasis added).

In our system of governance in the United Church of God, an International Association, decisions are delegated to various groups and entities. We seek to provide everyone with more opportunities to serve and to develop leadership abilities. If we are going to be kings and priests in the world tomorrow, we need to be learning today how to lead and make wise decisions. To this end the local congregations and pastors are given opportunities to participate in our governing process. Various advisory committees make recommendations to the administration and Council about important issues. The administration is delegated the responsibility of carrying out the directives of the Council and providing daily oversight of Church operations.

The Constitution and Bylaws assign the Council of Elders and the General Conference of Elders various responsibilities including policymaking, approval of various polices and procedures, along with ecclesiastical oversight. Of course, many decisions are made in cooperation with various groups. For example, the administration proposes the annual Operation Plan and budget for Council review. After the Council approves it, it is sent to the General Conference of Elders for final ratification. As you can see, our administration is multifaceted and healthy. The Council and the General Conference of Elders very much appreciate the solid and consistent support and participation that the members have given our system of governance. Thanks to that support and God’s blessings, this method of administration has worked very well in United’s seven-year history.

One responsibility of the Council is to provide the oversight for the Church, which includes selecting and reaffirming the officers of the corporation. The Council will be exercising its responsibility in this regard at the upcoming meetings by selecting a president. While the final decision will be made at these meetings, the Council has actually spent the last 11 months considering candidates, their qualifications, needs of the Church, biblical criteria for leadership positions, recommendations for the candidates and the selection process itself. By all standards, the Council has performed its responsibility prayerfully, thoroughly and deliberately. God has blessed the process, and we are confident He will guide the Council in making the right decision. We will be choosing from a final list of five men: Richard Pinelli, Leslie McCullough, Dennis Luker, Clyde Kilough and Roy Holladay.

A number of elders have written to the Council expressing their thanks for the careful and deliberate process we have followed in selecting the president. Paul Kieffer, chairman of UCG-Germany, wrote:

When a president is selected, how will that affect the operation of the Church? Regardless of who is chosen we are confident that the work will move forward. We will continue preaching the gospel through the Good News magazine, GN radio programs, the Internet and our large stock of literature. Caring for the congregations is an equally important priority and it is the firm commitment of the Council to see that every congregation is being properly pastored, meets in good halls for Sabbath services and has enough funds to operate effectively. The Council is committed to being wise stewards of the Church’s resources in order to fulfill the biblical commission for the Church. It is the responsibility of the president and his staff to follow the policies and oversight of the Council in carrying out the day-to-day operations of the organization. The Council is dedicated to continuing to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of all programs currently in operation. 

Of course, initially, any change in personnel, whether the Council of Elders, administration or even your local pastor, has the potential for anxiety. However, there have been several changes in responsibilities in our short seven-year history. Seven Council members have stepped down or not been reaffirmed by the GCE, and new ones have replaced them. There have been changes in pastors and a few administrators. In the summer of 2000, a change was made in the chairman of the Council. Robert Dick, the outgoing chairman, graciously transitioned out of that responsibility and provided the new chairman with every assistance and support. These changes took place in a spirit of peace and harmony—thanks to the help and positive support of the ministry and membership.

By far the most important point to remember, though, is that Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, the Great Shepherd and the Chief Cornerstone (Ephesians 1:22; 2:20; Hebrews 13:20). It is to Him we look to lead, guide and direct the Church according to the will of the Father. Our focus is on Him and the work He has given us to do—and not on any man or group of men. He places us in the Body as it pleases Him (1 Corinthians 12:18). During the entire history of Israel and the New Testament Church, human leaders came and went—but the Father and Jesus Christ were always there, always constant (1 Corinthians 12:4–11). Our responsibility is to maintain faith and unity, walking in humility and love, knowing that God is on His throne and He will guide us (Romans 8:28–39; Ephesians 4:1–6).

Brethren, thank you for your involvement and support in doing the work God has given us. We are all a part of the Body, working together to do the will of God.