UCG Down 143+ Elders/Ministers

Laodicea has many ineffective structures

The AC (“Abigail Cartwright”) site reported last night that UCG had lost 143 ministers and elders. Here are ten more since my last detailed report:

Mr. John Richard Seiver, (Local Elder, Houston S., TX), January 5, 2011, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Frank Pierce, (Local Elder, Houston S., TX), January 5, 2011, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. David McCarble, (Local Elder, Houston S., TX), January 5, 2011, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Dave DeHart, (Local Elder, Houston, TX), January 5, 2011, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Dave Pavlik, (Local Elder, Akron, OH), January 2, 2011, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Steve Moody, January 3, 2011, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. John Perry (Local Elder, Houston), January 3, 2011, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Barry Korthuis (Local Elder, Denver, CO), January 3, 2011, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Scott Lord, January 3, 2011, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Tom Clark (Minneapolis, MN), January 3, 2011, resigned from UCG ministry

The reason my headline says 143+ is that I thought there were one or two names missing from the above, and the names of the South Africans who apparently left do not seem to be on the list of 143 that I looked at.

(Note: LCG’s Steve Moody wants everyone to realize, “I would like to point out, the “Steve Moody” listed in this report is NOT me. I am a different Steve Moody, a faithful member of LCG and servant of the great God.” UCG had someone else with the same name.)

As reported earlier, John Carmack (UCG member until quite recently) posted that UCG may have already lost nearly 60% of its elders/ministers in this crisis. It is possible that this crisis may spread to other international areas of UCG as well. For example, in addition to their USA roles, Tim Waddle was removed by UCG from the ministry in East Africa and Tom Clark from the UCG ministry in Ghana.

Last night, UCG itself posted the following from its President (Dennis Luker) and Chairman (Melvin Rhodes):

The Council of Elders and the home office administration would like to express their heartfelt appreciation for your love and support during this time of challenge we are collectively navigating in the United Church of God. Words alone cannot express the spiritual encouragement that has come from your prayers and messages of support. We deeply appreciate our devoted elders standing in the gap to hold our congregations together.

Your love and courage is reminiscent of the opening chapter of the United Church of God in 1995 when pastors, elders and members stood together to move forward with the precious truths of God.

The last statement above seems somewhat odd as those that have left UCG seem to be trying to start over like UCG started. Not the other way around. As I have repeatedly stated, I do not believe that the governmental structure of UCG ever would be effective in proclaiming the gospel to fulfill Matthew 24:14–nor do I believe that those who broke off and will become part of COGaWA or other such groups will as well. I have been right about UCG since it first started because it rejected a key doctrine (governance) and always has had a lukewarm focus (overall, some with it had other views) towards proclaiming the gospel.

If you are or were part of UCG and are confused about what to do, please pray, fast, and study the Bible about this. Decide if you wish to follow the lukewarm or those that Jesus Christ has truly been using to do the work–those who have had the same basic governing principles for over 40 years.

It is my view that those affected by this crisis who wish to support a more effective gospel-proclaiming organization will consider checking out LCG, as it has stood for proper church governance and the work since its foundation (which preceded its formation). It’s decision time for those who have been affiliated with UCG.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Roderick C. Meredith on Church Government What form of governance did the early church have? Was it hierarchical? Which form of governance would one expect to have in the Philadelphia remnant? The people decide and/or committee forms, odd dictatorships, or the same type that the Philadelphia era itself had?
Unity: Which COG for You? Why so many groups? Why is there lack of unity in the Churches of God? Has it always been this way? What can/should be done about it?
Differences between the Living Church of God and United Church of God This article provides quotes information from the two largest groups which had their origins in WCG as well as commentary.
There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to more easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG/GCI members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from evangelists?
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. These are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.