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PASTOR GENERAL'S
REPORT
TO THE MINISTRY OF THE
WORLDWIDE CHURCH OF GOD
VOL.3, N0.11
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA
ADVISORY COUNCIL OF ELDERS FORMED
by
Herbert W. Armstrong
MARCH 13, 19 81
In the organizational pattern of God's Church an ADVISORY COUNCIL
OF ELDERS has been formed. It is not a legal board of directors.
Actually the Worldwide Church of God is a spiritual organism,
created by GOD--not a legal corporate organization created by this
world's laws. But, in order to function IN the world in an organiza
tional manner, the Church of God has needed to be incorporated accord
ing to state laws. The members of the Church are NOT members of the
''Worldwide Church of God, Inc.," a California corporation, nor of
"Herbert W. Armstrong, a corporation sole," under which our financial
operations currently are functioning (since the massive lawsuit by the
State of California).
The California corporation, "Worldwide Church of God, Inc.," does
require a board of directors. The corporation sole does not.
But, regardless, the GOVERNMENT in God's Church, a spiritual
organism, is government from the top down. God is Head over all--even
over Christ. Christ is Head of the Church. He directs and operates
the Church through His chosen apostle. In such office I have to appoint
managers or directors of various operations under me.
God says through Solomon that in multitude of counselors there is
safety. We are told not to put our trust in a man, but there is safety
in a number of counselors. I have always followed that admonition.
Beside prayer and looking to God through Christ for guidance, I have
always counseled with those I consider best qualified to advise in the
subject at hand.
This ADVISORY COUNCIL OF ELDERS, therefore, is a safety valve, in
addition to relying on guidance from God.
For this Council I have chosen from among our older, tried and
proven loyal ministers--men whose fruits show the guidance and leader
ship of the Holy Spirit, men of spiritual wisdom and balance. In order
that we may meet frequently, or on quick notice when necessary, I have
chosen men located in or near Pasadena. They are not the only ones
qualified. I may add others later as conditions require.
The Council of Eld�rs, as of now, consists of Dibar Apartian, Dean
Blackwell, Robert Fahey, Ellis LaRavia, Raymond McNair, Leroy Neff,
Joseph Tkach, Leon Walker, and, as Adviser to the Council, Ralph Helge.