Communications Technology Committee. In a news bulletin in March, I informed you that the General Board assigned this committee the task of reviewing our Articles of Faith, Constitution, and Position Papers with regard to the use of current communications technologies. The reason is that our existing language about television and video is outdated and does not adequately address newer technologies such as online media, satellite and cable deliveries, DVDs, tablets, and smart phones. Moreover, we are seeing the merger of traditional television with technologies that we have already accepted. Our historic language may not communicate effectively and comprehensively to a new generation of believers, converts, and ministers.
This committee gave a comprehensive report to the Executive Board. After much discussion, the Executive Board unanimously agreed that the full report needs to be considered by the entire General Board with a view toward taking action as soon as possible and practical. The Executive Board further agreed that the first step should be the adoption of a Position Paper. The committee's proposed Position Paper was forwarded to an editorial committee to prepare for consideration by the General Board in its next meeting. In addition, should the General Board have any recommendations for adoption by the General Conference, it has the authority to submit a resolution this fall, or it can wait until 2013.
Review of Operations at World Evangelism Center. Collaborative Strategies Inc. has recommended that we centralize our accounting functions under a more robust Accounting Department, so we are working with division heads to discuss how this can be done. CSI has also recommended that we centralize and strengthen Human Resources, Communications, Publishing, and Purchasing. The process is being designed with the goal of helping us implement new Information Technology solutions. A report was made to the Executive Board, and a final report will be made to the General Board. The special Planning Team that is guiding this process reached a consensus on the actions to be taken. (This team includes the Executive Committee, division heads, chair of Budget Committee, and chair of Creative Planning Committee.) At this point, it appears that the major recommendations can be implemented this year by administrative realignments at WEC without structural changes involving amendments to the Manual.
Urshan College. Under the auspices of Urshan Graduate School of Theology, which is owned and operated by the UPCI, plans are in place to open our new undergraduate college in St. Louis this fall with programs in organizational leadership, Christian ministries, music, and general education. Recently, a crew of about 25 volunteer workers spent a week on campus to get it ready for opening. Our long-term goal is to obtain accreditation, and in the meantime we have a partnership with St. Louis Christian College whereby students can receive an accredited bachelor's degree through a blend program. We have hired qualified faculty and staff, who have master's and doctor's degrees in their respective fields and who are United Pentecostal ministers and members. All students must be Apostolic, attend a local UPCI or other Apostolic church (depending on their home church affiliation), and must follow our guidelines for behavior and dress. For more information, see our new website, www.urshancollege.org.
We are now accepting students for this fall. If you would like to apply for enrollment, contact Dave Molina at [email protected] or 314-838-8858. Some scholarships are still available, so you need to act now.
We also urgently need additional startup funds of about $100,000. We have two months of operation before we receive tuition income, so we need your help now. We are asking for one-time donations of $1,000, monthly pledges, and offerings of any amount. A short video presentation to assist in receiving an offering is available at www.urshancollege.org/giving.
You can also establish a perpetual scholarship for UGST or UC in honor or in memory of someone or in the name of your church, ministry, or business by an annual contribution of $1,000 or a one-time contribution of $25,000. On a personal note, my two sisters and I are in the process of establishing two perpetual scholarships in honor of our parents, pioneer home and foreign missionaries Elton and Loretta Bernard. Many pastors and preachers have come out of their ministry to Koreans, U.S. military personnel, and Hispanics, and many received a ministerial call in their missions services across North America. We would welcome your contribution toward two $25,000 perpetual scholarships in their honor.
To contribute to UGST or UC, contact Rick Hernandez at [email protected] or 314-838-8858. You may also contribute online at www.ugst.edu or www.urshancollege.org.
Manual and Directory. Mid-year updates of the UPCI Manual and Directory are now available at www.upciministers.com.
General Conference Registration
Registration is open for General Conference, which will be held in St. Louis on Tuesday night, October 2, through Friday night, October 5, 2012. It will follow the new format that emphasizes worship, prayer, preaching, and teaching. The business session will take place on Wednesday morning. The iChurch seminars will be expanded and are scheduled on Thursday and Friday. The theme is "ONE: One God, One Church, One Mission."
To register, make hotel reservations, and see the schedule of services and events, go towww.upcigc.com. Register now to lock in the pre-registraion rate. Search UPCI General Conference on Facebook and "like" our page or follow us on twitter.com/upcigc.
Sincerely in Christ,
David K. Bernard