Back to Volume 6, Part 1 and contents

OIU Newsletters

1996 Ecumenical Timeline
The WCG Goes Public With New Agenda

Chuck Colson's Prison Fellowship Ministries
"The idea for an in-prison ministry was proposed by Philip Rice, pastor of the Lancaster church."

"Prison Fellowship was started by Chuck Colson. Mr. Colson, who served in the administration of President Richard Nixon and spent time in prison for a Watergate-related crime, founded the outreach program for inmates in 1976 after his release."

"Its mission is 'to exhort, assist and equip the church in it ministry to prisoners, ex-prisoners, victims and their families, and in its advancement of biblical standards of justice.' "

"Prison Fellowship with the help of thousands of volunteers, now ministers to inmates at most U.S. prisons. The organization also helps volunteers in other countries to provide a similar service."
"The 20 hours of training Prison Fellowship requires of volunteers before entering a prison consists primarily of familiarizing participants with various rules and regulations of prisons, various teaching methods and how to deal with inmates."
"For more information about Prison Ministries contact Prison Fellowship Ministries General Headquarters, 1856 Old Reston Ave., Reston, Virginia, 22090." [WWN Jan. 4]

Gene Hogberg, former Plain Truth news editor and church writer of 34 years, retired in March 1995, was interviewed by Neil Earle
"I appreciate the confidence both Mr. Armstrong and Mr. Tkach showed in me over the years. I will always remember the occasion in December 1993, when Mr. Tkach invited my wife and me to accompany him to the Kennedy Center honors ceremony in Washington D.C." [WWN March 16]

US Regional Pastors meet for Pasadena Conference
"The regional pastors were asked to read two books before the conference: The New Reformation: Returning the Ministry to the People of God by Greg Ogden, and, In Name Only: Tackling the Problem of Nominal Christianity, by Eddie Gibbs."

"Godfried Fritz, a management consultant from South Africa, gave a day and a half presentation on developing effective strategies."

"Godfried Fritz is an organizational psychologist from South Africa who has helped numerous corporations restructure and renew." [Joseph Tkach, WWN Feb. 27]

"Earl Grant, professor of Practical and Intercultural Studies at Azusa Pacific University, spoke on Ministry for the 21st Century.

"Earl Grant, who has done extensive work in church renewal spoke to us about church goals and involving all the members in the ministry (that of service), each according to his or her gifts." [WWN Feb. 27]

Prayer meeting leads to greater ties with Christian community
"Group prayer forms closeness with people, but it also pleases God as he sees us share our deepest convictions with one another."

"They [those at the meeting] represent the Southern Baptist, Assembly of God, Nazarene, Christian, United Methodist, American Missionary Fellowship and community churches."

"Not long ago I was talking with leaders in our own congregations about the things that would need to happen for our church to reach out to the unchurched of the community. The first thing we had to do, they felt, was to shed the cult label. We talked about ways to do that but made no decision."

"I've been invited to put our church services on radio for four weeks running each year. I can submit articles for the religion page of the newspaper."

"We've sponsored a Prison Fellowship training class for all churches."

"Some ministers have discussed our changes with their churches. The governor of Wyoming was present when a Lutheran pastor asked his fellowship to welcome our members into the household of faith. Our cult status in this small town? It seems that God has largely taken care of it. It's wonderful to be part of the Christian community."

"Christ's prayer for unity has so much meaning. I see that he is speaking of unity that will bridge denominational walls, a unity that is nothing short of a miracle. And the success of the gospel depends on it: 'May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me' " [WWN Feb. 13]

"Joe and Larry Omasta, manager of Electronic Media, attended the National Religious Broadcasters convention Feb. 3 to 6 in Indiana to make contacts with other Christian radio producers and managers of stations…." [NRB is a major arm of the NAE]

Ministers attend Promise Keepers convention
"Forty-three WCG ministers attended Promise Keepers clergy convention at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Feb 13-15."
"In spite of differences in doctrine and practice these 40,000 voices were singing in true unity because they all agreed on who their Savior is and what he has done for us."

"Bill McCartney, former coach of the University of Colorado football team, and founder of Promise Keepers, in casting the vision for this historic event, said that this convention was a clear invitation to leaders to send a strong trumpet blast for biblical unity. McCartney said that division in the church was the cause of this nation's problems-that it was time to repair the breach. He portrayed two giants that needed to be slain: racial discrimination and denominational discrimination."

"Speakers Tony Evans, Phillip Porter, Jack Hayford, John Maxell and others encouraged pastors to remember their calling from God…."

"One of the most moving sessions for me was the one led by Chuck Swindoll, host of radio program Insight for Living."

"Max Lucado asked, 'If unity creates belief, could it be that unity is the key to reaching the world?'"

Mr. Tkach summarizes church's transition in university address.
"Pastor General Joseph Tkach gave a presentation title 'From Jerusalem to Antioch' at Azusa Pacific University's president's Luncheon Feb. 28."

"In his address, Mr. Tkach summarized the church's transition from an unorthodox group, with doctrines reminiscent of Judaism, toward orthodox evangelical Christianity."

"Mr. Tkach explained that most of the church's erroneous doctrines originate from within Protestant circles, although they were typically unpopular minority views that were discredited at various times in church history."

"On Feb 29, Mr. Tkach and J. M. Feazell, director of Church Administration, appeared on the Los Angeles area radio program Christian Commentary. The host of the program is Pastor Helms of the Angeles Temple Church, headquarters of the International Church of the Four Square Gospel." [WWN March 12]

New requirements for youth volunteers
"Most congregations have instituted a children's ministry."

"We have decided that we should standardize our volunteer selection process based on appropriate concern for parents and youths of the church."

"The screening process involves the two following procedures: 1) Completing a Youth Volunteer Application form requiring applicant signature granting permission for the church pastor, or his representative, to check references. 2) Fingerprinting the applicant."

"Fingerprinting can be done at your local police department. Some police departments will come to your group and do everyone at once. The cost is generally around $30 for processing." [WWN April 16]

Regional office staffer, Roger Griffiths comments on Promise Keepers In Australia
"We are having two Promise Keepers conferences in Australia over the next few weeks, and I'm booked to go to one of them. Anticipation is building and I'm encouraging all to go. It seems to me to be a route to revival."

U.S. churches honor God in National Day of Prayer
"In Pasadena 515 people attended a prayer service in the Ambassador Auditorium. The keynote speaker was Les Blank, dean of the school of theology at Azusa Pacific University."

[Update: Azusa Pacific University is a member of Willow Creek Association and is considered a theologically liberal institution. Read: Willow Creek Hegelian Dialectic & the New World Order.]

[Others attending: Kent Puls, pastor of Canoga Park Lutheran Church; Charles Yuill, a major in the Salvation Army; Garner Scott Odell of Westminster Presbyterian Church; Father Efstathios Mylonas of the St. Anthony Greek Orthodox church]"

"Mr. Lapacka said: 'This service was a much-needed step for the Worldwide Church of God in becoming a part of the local Christian Community.' "
"That morning several headquarters employees attended the annual Mayor's Prayer Breakfast at the Pasadena Civic Center.

"Dave Smith, director of computer Information Systems for the church, attended a ceremony near City Hall, dedicating a prayer monument."

"A. Ebeling, pastor of the Boston, Massachusetts, church took part in a public prayer session on the steps of city hall in Boston. That evening Protestant and Catholic clergy met for a prayer banquet." [WWN April]

Big Sandy church participates in resurrection celebration
Don Mears:
"I joined the Gladewater Ministerial Alliance in January and received a warm welcome from those pastors who form the active core of the Alliance."

"We were hosts for the March lunch meeting of the Alliance at the Church Administration Building on the Ambassador University campus."

"During that meeting I was invited to participate in two multi-denominational services sponsored by the Ministerial Alliance…"

Building Bridges
"The March 31 service was at Gladewater Methodist Church. It was a Service of Tenebrae, or darkness, a traditional format going back to medieval times. Sixteen readers, from five denominations, read passages…" [WWN May 21]

87 attend ministerial conference in Europe
"AIX-LES-BAINS, France-Taking advantage of the English Channel tunnel, the church brought British and continental ministers together for a joint European ministerial conference in the French alpine spa Aix-les-Bains, April 29, to May 2."

"Eighty-seven attendees from 15 European, Middle Eastern and African countries took part. In addition to ministers and wives, administrative personnel from the British and German offices and the French sub-office attended."

"Those present from Pasadena were Pastor General Joseph Tkach and his wife, Tammy; Randal Dick, assistant director of Church Administration International, and his wife, Susie; and Charles Albrecht, international operations manager in Church Administration, and his wife, Susi."

"On Tuesday morning, Mr. Tkach answered questions for the participants before leaving with Mr. Dick for Washington, D.C. to attend a Mission America Conference."

[Update: WCG is listed on The Mission America Coalition as one of the churches endorsing the 40 days of Purpose initiative and also the Passion of the Christ. (Note: At present this list is posted on the internet. In case it is moved again, a mirror of the original list may be viewed here.)] The Worldwide News, 1999, gave a report on a Mission America meeting in which WCG attended: "Dan Rogers, superintendent of ministers, and his wife, Barbara, represented the WCG Jan. 21 at Mission America's annual meeting in San Francisco." ("Mission America: Sharing Christ by the end of 2000")]

"They returned to Europe for the weekend to honor commitments made before the Washington opportunity came up, including a board meeting in Britain." [nothing mentioned about the expense involved] [WWN May 21]

South African conference
"CAPE TOWN, South Africa-forty-seven ministers and wives from Southern African region gathered at the regional office April 22 to 25 for a regional ministerial conference."

"Godfried Fritz, a consulting psychologist form Cape Town, gave a lecture on the second day of the conference entitled 'Career Management and Development of Pastors.' Mr. Fritz said that we often need to go outside our comfort zone to get results."

"A video by H.B. London of Focus on the Family on the subject of accountability was shown to the men. They were shown two videos. The first, by Tammy Tkach, was on women's ministries, and the other, by Ruth Tucker, author of various books on women's issues, was on, 'Tough Choices.' " [WWN May 21]

Regional pastors meet in Pasadena
"…the regional pastors heard Robin Webber, a professor of theology at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois talk about blending contemporary and traditional worship styles.

" …Earl Grant, a professor in the school of theology at Azusa Pacific University, spoke about how the pastors can move from a dependency model to an interdependent model of being a pastor.

Mr. Tkach's address:
"He recommended two books about our identity: Victory Over the Darkness, by Neil Anderson, and Christ-Esteem, by Don Matzat. He also recommended two tapes by Hank Hanegraaff of the Christian Research Institute entitled Christianity in Crisis, in which Mr. Hanegraaff uses audio recordings of ministers' own words to expose their heresies.

"George Mather, a Lutheran scholar, told me, 'I'm jealous of your Christian journey, because it is nearly identical to the first century Christians,' " [WWN May 21]

Church of God leaders seek common ground
"Representatives of the Church of God (Seventh-Day), the parent organization of the Worldwide Church of God, visited Ambassador campus April 11-14 to become better acquainted with the university and to seek common ground between the two church organizations."

" 'It was inspiring to see that the people of our two churches can forgive and reconcile,' said Benjamin Martinez.

" ' It seems like there are a lot of Christ-centered churches out there, including us, that want to reconcile with all the other churches that cling to Christ as Savior and Lord.'"
[WWN May 21]

Plain Truth Ministries Launched
"Plain Truth Ministries Worldwide (PTM) was formed in May as an affiliated corporation of the Worldwide Church of God."

"PTM plans to focus its media efforts on encouraging believers and nonbelievers to rise above the issues that often separate Christians. This will be done through the Plain Truth Magazine, booklets, videos and radio program."

" 'Media has always been an important part of the Worldwide Church of God,' Mr. Feazell said. 'Expertise in media is, I believe, a gift God has given our church, and one that we can and should put to good use in his service. Something else God has recently given us,' he continued, 'and something much needed in the Christian world, is recognition of the need for unity in the faith and in the work of the gospel.'"
[Comment: Did God actually give the WCG the gift of media expertise to spread heresy and deception throughout the Christian world for sixty years causing death and destruction of thousands of lives???]

" 'Because of our recent history, we have a heightened sense of the need for Christians of all denominations to rally around the vital, core doctrines of biblical Christianity-the gospel essentials-while respecting one another's nonessential, or peripheral, interpretations or traditions.' "

"Mr. Albrecht said: 'PTM, as a transdenominational ministry, will be a strong voice for breaking down the artificial walls Christians so often erect between themselves and for standing together in proclaiming the gospel to the world, reaching out to nominal Christians, or Christians in name only, as well as strengthening committed Christians, will be the hallmark of Plain Truth Ministries.' "

"The Worldwide church of God provides financial subsidy to PTM, as well as general administrative support, while PTM responds in serving the church by handling mail processing, some video services, proofreading, printing and mailing of receipts and letters."

" 'Consultants have informed us, and findings from a survey conducted by The Barna Research Group show that people who benefit from our ministry efforts and want to help us share the gospel will be more inclined to donate to a ministry rather than to a church they do not attend,' Mr. Wolverton said." [WWN June 18]

Commencement exercises were held on the Ambassador Campus May 20
"Dr. Les Blank, dean of the C. P. Haggard graduate school of theology at Azusa Pacific University, gave the commencement address exhorting students to build their lives on Jesus Christ: 'Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.' "

Hanegraaff lecture
"Before the inauguration ceremony Hendrik 'Hank' Hanegraaff…conducted a lecture entitled 'Back to Basics: Essentials of Christianity.' His message focused on preparing Christians to communicate what they believe, why they believe it, and where non-Christians and pseudo-Christians deviate from historic Christianity." [WWN June 18]

Pasadena Church members participate in MARCH FOR JESUS May 25

International Directors conference: diversity within Unity
By Joseph Tkach Jr.
" 'Diversity within unity' emerged as a key theme of the international directories conference in Palm Springs, California, June 10-13." [WWN July 23]

WCG and Seventh-day Adventist Church officials meet
"Silver Spring, Maryland-Leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and the Worldwide Church of God met for the first time at the Adventist church World Headquarters in Silver Spring, June 26.

"The historic meeting came about because of interest on the part of the leadership of both denominations to discuss their mutual beliefs in light of doctrinal changes in the Worldwide Church of God."

"Robert S. Folkenbur, Seventh-day Adventist Church world president, and Pastor General Joseph Tkach led the delegations, which included representatives of both church's departments and administrative staff. Attending with Mr. Tkach were Greg Albrecht, executive director of Plain Truth Ministries; Randal Dick, assistant director of Church Administration International, and Tom Lapacka, manager of church relations."

"In welcoming guests, Pastor Folkenbuerg said: 'It's with a great deal of Christian compassion that I view what the Worldwide Church of God has gone through.' "

"We've always thought of the Seventh-day Adventists as spiritual cousins, Mr. Tkach said, but now we see you as brothers. We share a mutual church history and we have been so very appreciative of the welcome and the fellowship we have had with you."

"The one-day meeting included several presentations by representatives of the two churches covering issues of theology, mission and organization." [WWN July 23]

Ralph Woodrow: author of Babylon Mystery Religion
"Pastor General Tkach joined Greg Albrecht, Tom Lapacka on April 19, to talk with Ralph Woodrow, author of Babylon Mystery Religion-Ancient and Modern, a book that was once read and studied by the WCG." [Comment: The WWN relates how Woodrow made many changes to his book about pagan origins. Ralph Woodrow's revision of pagan understanding aligns him ecumenically with other New Age proponents.] [WWN July 23]

Christianity Today article features Worldwide Church of God
"The article was written by Ruth Tucker, a visiting professor at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Dr. Tucker wrote: 'The changes-as they are referred to by insiders-are truly historic. Never before in the history of Christianity has there been such a complete move to orthodox Christianity by an unorthodox fringe church.' " [Comment: see back issues of OIU regarding Ruth Tucker's secretive association with David Hulme, current president of the United Church of God.] [WWN July 23]

[UPDATE: lengthy exposé article on Christianity Today and also how Christianity Today has turned to promoting contemplative spirituality and the New Age.]

Pastor speaks to Croatian Adventists
"Munich, Germany-Wilhelm Mandel, WCG pastor of the Nuremberg and Munich Germany, and Salzburg and Vienna, Austria churches spoke to Seventh-day Adventist church in Slavonski-Brod, Vroatia, during Unleavened Bread."

"Mr. Mandel was invited to speak by Pastor Duvhjak, who is acquainted with the church's doctrines through The Plain Truth and his visits to the Salzburg church." [WWN July 23]

News From Plain Truth Ministries
Greg Albrecht -"The audience, as you know, was never asked for money, and they simply continued to receive the magazine and booklets, and the television program, free of charge. We are in the process of converting this group of people into paid subscribers and product buyers." [refer to previous OIUs regarding planned financial agenda for doctrine changes]

"We also feel that we have both experience and gifts in the mass media. God has blessed us with human resources as well as background in both electronic and print media. We are zealous to use this gift and experience for his glory and to lift up our Lord and Savior."
[Comment: How does God bless HERESY and BLASPHEMY, DECEPTION, MANIPULATION and FINANCIAL, EMOTIONAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL, PHYSICAL and SPIRITUAL CORRUPTION?]

"As you know, Plain Truth Ministries is a transdenominational ministry. We exist to bring people to Christ, and to bring people who already enjoy a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior into a closer walk with him. Therefore, we minister across denominational barriers, and do not exist to bring members into one denomination opposed to another."

"…We are building bridges to believers and nonbelievers alike, helping them focus on the life-changing gospel of our Lord and Savior."

Press release distributed by Plain Truth Ministry

"We are delighted to announce the formation of Plain Truth Ministries Worldwide. PTM will proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ through the mass media-challenging nonbelievers to investigate the claim of Christianity and leading nominal Christians toward a closer walk with their Savior, while distributing inspirational Christian resources of value to all believers."

"A transdenominational ministry, Plain Truth Ministries will emphasize the historic, core beliefs of Christianity. Affiliated with the Worldwide Church of God, a church that has recently undergone a miraculous transformation by the grace of God, PTM will not promote any denomination over another. PTM will offer a variety of Christian products, including books and booklets, as well as audio and video cassettes."

"Reflecting its historic transformation and fresh vision for faithful Christian ministry, the church has launched PTM as a semi-autonomous media ministry. Please refer to the seven-page article, "From the Fringe to the Fold," by Ruth Tucker in the July 15 issue of Christianity Today."

"PTM is a member of the Evangelical Press Association (EPA) and the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA)" [written by Greg Albrecht - WWN Aug 27]

Racial healing for all
"We are planning to publish and interview with Tom Claus, president of CHIEF Inc., in Phoenix, Arizona."

"Tom is a Native American pastor to native American pastors. He believes that the best way to reach Native Americans with the gospel is through the tribal leadership."

"Tom is becoming known because of his work with Promise Keepers. At the Promise Keepers Clergy conference in Atlanta in February, more than 90 Native American tribes were represented." [WWN Aug. 27]

Carl George--In an Aug. 17 session, church consultant Carl George (author of: Prepare Your Church for the Future) said that each movement is chastened so it can do more. He said that it is through adversity that God makes us able and competent ministers.

Ruth Tucker teaches at Ambassador University
"Ruth A. Tucker a visiting professor at Trinity Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois, taught History of Christianity at Ambassador July 28 to Aug. 2."
"…she has taught at Calvin College, Fuller Theological Seminary (Pasadena) and Moffat College of Bible in Kenya." [WWN Aug. 27]

Good Will Tour--Plain Truth Ministry was invited to meet with Four Square Gospel personnel July 25
[Tkach Jr. was Pastor Helm's guest on radio in Feb. `96 and was guest speaker at the Pentecostal tongue-speaking church in April `97. This visit was never publicized to the ministry, but for those interested in hearing Joseph Tkach speak to the Four Square members during the tongue-speaking services.]

Promise Keepers: life-changing experience
By George Kuo
"Having read reports from our ministers who have attended Promise Keepers conferences, I would like to share the following comments about the Promise Keepers conference I attended May 24 and 25 in Washington, D.C."

"I felt uncomfortable in the beginning with the open expression of worship such as standing up and clapping hands as we sang worship music, or people raising one hand or two hands during prayers. Since I couldn't see anything wrong with this kind of worship, I joined the fun and learned to enjoy it totally."

"One thing that was refreshing for me was the fact that even after one whole day of participating in the conference, I was not tired or energy-drained at all. Instead, I was excited, inspired and energized. These kinds of worship service involve our total being, including our heads, our minds, our spirits and our emotions. Maybe we can learn something from these types of worship services and incorporate some of them into ours." [WWN Aug. 27]

Lunch Meeting-church officials meet with Paul Cedar, director of Mission America, Aug. 23. Shown in picture on back page of WWN -- Randal Dick, superintendent of missions; Mr. Cedar; Greg Albrecht, director of Media Services; and Pastor General Joseph Tkach Jr. [WWN Sept. 17] [Comment: Mission America, like the National Religious Broadcasters is a division of National Association of Evangelicals (NAE). Ruth Tucker and Trinity Divinity are associates with the NAE.]

Feast of Tabernacles:
"In Rotorua, New Zealand, Monte Ohio, one of New Zealand's foremost Maori Christian leaders, spoke of God's guidance in the planned World Christian Gathering of Indigenous People to take place in Rotorua Nov. 10-17. Mr. Ohia, strategy manager for the Qualifications Authority of New Zealand, and co-chair of Vision New Zealand, a congress of Christian leaders from throughout the nation to meet in January-shared his vision of all people being able to come to God through Jesus Christ not as white men, but as themselves worshipping him in all their languages, dances, cultural forms, dress and crafts."

"In Lake Tahoe: Dr. and Mrs. Ron Jenson conducted a two-day seminar on family relationships. The Jensons are featured presenters with Family Life Ministries Weekend to Remember seminar. Dr. Jenson is a leadership trainer for Promise Keepers. [WWN Oct. 29]

Prayer breakfast: testimony to what God can do
"More than 200 Los Angeles area ministers of various denominations met in the Ambassador Auditorium Nov. 5 to pray at the quarterly meeting of LOVE LA."

"Love LA is a group of pastors who meet regularly to pray for the city at various host churches."

"One of the co-founders of the group is Jack Hayford, pastor of The Church on the Way in Van Nuys, California."

"Harold Helms, senior pastor of the Angeles Temple in Los Angeles, introduced Pastor General Joseph Tkach."

"Pastor Helms said that the changes the church has made have 'blessed us as a Christian community. We are absolutely delighted that you would call us brothers now.' "

Joseph Tkach: "It grieves my spirit that the picture that Christianity has presented, especially in Western society, is one of division. I think the Holy Spirit is starting to deal with that. I think the Holy Spirit is moving in many people to bring a new spirit of unity that I think has been lost in the church for too long a time. But praise God that he is starting to bring it about." [WWN Nov. 19] [Both pastors listed are Pentecostal. Hayford is on the board of Promise Keepers.]

PTM: Helping to bring people to Christ
"The church uses Plain Truth Ministries as a major vehicle for providing doctrinal and Christian-living instruction for members of the CG. All doctrinal positions proclaimed by PTM are those of the WCG. Even though The Plain Truth is transdenominational, leading readers to Jesus Christ first and foremost and not promoting one church or denomination over another, the Plain Truth is nevertheless an educational and instructional tool for promoting the fundamental doctrinal position of the WCG, which is historical biblical Christian faith in the evangelical tradition. [WWN Nov. 19] 

Plain Truth Ministries Advertisements
"…Plain Truth Ministries placed ads in a variety of publications. The advertisement for the creation-evolution video appears in Christianity Today, Sunday Parade supplement and Group (a magazine for Christian teens). Advertisements for subscriptions to the Plain Truth appear in Saturday Evening Post, Charisma and New Man, while the just-released video Babylon-Past, Present and Future is advertised in Biblical Archeology Review." [WWN Nov. 19] [Comment: The New Man is Promise Keeper's publication and published by Stephen Strang of Charisma magazine. Strang has been exposed for occult and New Age writings.]
 

A demonstration of Christian co-existence
"Grand Bay, Dominica-Wednesday, June 19, marked a magnificent demonstration of Christian co-existence in Dominica. The occasion that brought this about was the burial of Lambert Henderson, deputy principal of the Grand Bay Secondary School. Mr. Henderson was a member of the Worldwide Church of God for 22 years until his battle with abdominal cancer ended June 13, at age 42. Simply put, Henderson was an exceptional Christian man, whose life was dedicated to the service of God and fellow humans. These qualities were so visible that Jerome Moody of the Roman Catholic Church offered the facilities of his church and cemetery for the burial service and interment in the event of Mr. Henderson's death."

"This offer could only have been accepted today because of our understanding that there are Christians in other churches." [WWN Nov. 19]

The Church is a priesthood of believers
"In the opening session Mr. Tkach noted that 40,000 former members of the WCG are not attending anywhere. They have not joined one of the splinter groups." [This is the first introduction of this myth. Embellishing the member count helps support and substantiates the $200,000,000 (average) a year income from 1987 to early 1990s] [ESN covered this under Myth 1 and 2 from OIU 6, Part 1]

Church officials attend Bible Society meeting
"NEW YORK, ??Pastor General Joseph Tkach and Greg Albrecht, Plain Truth editor, were invited to attend the annual American Bible Society (ABS) National Church Advisory Council (NAC) meeting in New York City Dec. 3 and 4. The council addressed the challenges facing denominational and ministry leaders as they proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ."

"Mr. Tkach and Mr. Albrecht addressed the council, explaining the historic changes in the Worldwide Church of God."

"Mr. Tkach said: "The American Bible Society does the godly work of spreading the Word of God to people of various languages. They are the largest translators of Scripture, and it is our joy to become associated with their work of making Bibles available to people in all the world."

"Denominational leaders, pastors and representatives attended the conference from the following churches: African Methodist Episcopal Church; Armenian Orthodox Church; Assemblies of God."

"Church of God, Anderson, Indiana; Christian Methodist Episcopal Church; Church of the Nazarene; Evangelical Congregational Church; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America."

"Free Methodist Church; Greek Orthodox Church; International Church of the Foursquare Gospel; Lutheran Church/Missouri Synod; Mennonite Brethren; Moravian Church; National Baptist Convention."

"North American Baptist Conference; Pentecostal Church of God; Presbyterian Church (USA); Reform Church in America; Roman Catholic Church; Seventh-day Adventists; Southern Baptist Convention; United Brethren in Christ; United Methodist Church; and the Wesleyan Church."

Mr. Tkach, Mr. Albrecht attend church council
"BEAVER CREEK, Colorado. Pastor General Joseph Tkach and Plain Truth editor Greg Albrecht attended the North American Ministerial Council of the Church of God (Seventh Day) in Beaver Creek, Nov. 11-15."
"Mr. Tkach said that 'the invitation to attend as observers is yet another positive cooperative development between our two fellowships.' Mr. Albrecht commented: 'We attended all-day meetings that discussed doctrine and teaching. In addition, we were invited to join in worship and praise services, as well as a concert of prayer.' "

" 'Not only do we know these fine people as friends, we know many of them personally, as brothers and sisters in the Lord.'"

"Mr. Tkach and Mr. Albrecht had several lunch and dinner meetings with Church of God (Seventh Day) officials, including Whaid Rose, chairman of the board of directors; Calvin Burrell, president of the General Conference; Jerry Griffin, director of the Summit School of Theology; and Robert Coulter, coordinator of the Southeastern District, member of the board of directors, and past president of the General Conference."

"Worldwide News readers may remember that Mr. Rose spoke at the Worldwide Church of God fall festival in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina."
"Both fellowships plan to continue to meet and explore future cooperative projects. [WWN Dec.17] [Comment: The reader should be aware that counter-cult evangelicals such as Lorri MacGregor speak strongly against Adventists, while highly supporting the Tkach propaganda cover-up!]

1,000-voice choir praises God
"The Worldwide Church of God headquarters choir, with director Ella Marie Schatz, united with 19 other church choirs to form a 1,000 voice choir at Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena, Nov. 24. This event marked the 100th anniversary of the Lake Avenue Church. [Dec. 17 `96]

1996 Regional News from Canada

Regional News is targeted to Canadians in the WCG. Members from the US are not privy to this publication. US members are briefed minimally on any Canadian activities. Joseph Tkach Jr. is president of the Canadian board. Refer to Canadian update for WCG developments with real estate, investments and reorganization.

Bill Hall appears on Vision TV
Canadian editor answers questions on church's doctrinal changes.
" 'Some members were shocked,' said Mr. Hall. 'But the thing that Mr. Tkach (Jr.) and the church have been trying to do is to inform members. As the church is changing he has tried to educate members where we're going and not leave anything unsaid.' "

"Mr. Opneer noted the WCG has been considered a cult by Christian leaders, including Walter Martin in his book The Kingdom of the Cults."

" 'We practiced isolationism, we had a strong leader who was charismatic and also in some respects we were very intolerant to other believers. And these things do tend to have us labeled a cultish practice'"

"Mr. Hall stressed the church's current teaching that 'Christians are those who have God's Holy Spirit. It's not the denomination that you belong to.'"

"Noting the WCG's 'enthusiasm and tremendous skill in communication,' Mr. Opmeer asked if the church is going to throw its weight behind evangelicals' efforts to preach the gospel to the world." [Regional News- Canada Feb. `96]

Building a better Canada
"Liberal Member of Parliament (MP) thanked Neil Earle for ideas he submitted for a government discussion paper on national pride. A non-partisan group of MPs plan to publish a discussion paper containing 40-50 ideas submitted by Canadians. The paper would then be circulated to all Members of Parliament." [Feb. `96]

Brownies savor awards
Vancouver-
"The Religion in Life program is open to all Girl Guides and Boy Scouts in Canada. The program encourages the spiritual growth of children within the context of their own religious denomination." [Feb. `96]

Youthquake` 96 rocks Saskatchewan town
"Imagine a chapel filled with 3,500 Christian teens all bursting with energy and anxious to enjoy a 48-hour retreat with ministry, youth workers and each other."

"Youthquake `96 Christian Teen Retreat was the culmination of 10 months of planning. Buses rolled in from Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Yukon Territories, Northwest Territories, Newfoundland and all across the United States."

"Our teen's words best describe their first experience at a multi-denominational Christian retreat."

"After registration we walked into the main chapel and saw about 5,000 people, mostly teens. There was an illusionist on stage and he was talking about what was real and what was an illusion. He told us that Christ and his works were real and not a cheap magic trick."

"Saturday and Sunday followed with lots of church services and Bible studies plus great Christian rock bands like PFR, Sixpence, None the Richer, and the Kry."

"On the last day we had a massive prayer meeting and a couple of minutes of silence…"

"The one thing that we all had in common was our Christianity."

"There were so many activities to choose from: garage bands, a comedy hour, and Operation Underground, which is an activity where you are taken and placed in a setting from the past-for example, Hitler persecuting the Jews-to show what it was like years ago not to have religious freedom."

"Sight for Blind Eyes was the motto for the weekend. We learned how to help others understand what we are all about, to show them why we are special and to make them aware of what we believe and why we believe it." [Regional News, May `96]

Neil Earle presents paper in Seattle
"At the Association for Canadian Studies in the United States (ACSUS) biennial conference in Seattle Nov. 16, Plain Truth international editor Neil Earle presented a paper entitled 'Three Stories, two visions: the West and the building of the CPR in Canadian culture.' "

"The paper looked at Canada as a complete nation from the point of view of three Canadians."

" 'We as Christians must come out of our cocoon and engage the culture,' Mr. Earle said. [Regional News, May 1,`96]

Canada-MARCH FOR JESUS `96
Brampton: Sunshine, banners, music and prayer
"Joy is contagious at this assembly of Christians from churches of many denominations."

"All along the route the air is ringing with the joyous voices of Christians of many denominations singing the praises of Jesus with sounds of music emanating from the speakers atop our vans."

"With cheers, clapping, whistling and waving of banners from the marchers, the leaders say: 'The Lord has prepared a feast of welcome for all who will come. Let's take the invitation to the ends of earth.' "

Pedestrians do about-face; join 4,500 at march in Ottawa

"Attendance was approximately 4,500 with 145 church groups registered from various denominations."

"Every denomination walked in their assigned order, under homemade banners declaring Jesus as Lord and Savior. Some had dancers in costume-with flags, tambourines, etc. who performed along the route."

"After arriving at Parliament Hill for a celebration service, the March music was played until every group had arrived, at about 3 p.m."

"Over the next two hours, we enjoyed praise and worship groups from two Ottawa churches leading us in songs giving glory to Christ, moving testimonials, prayers and scripture readings, and a time for group prayer."

"All over the Hill, strangers formed circles and prayed spontaneously for our political leaders, national unity, world peace, and freedom to worship, and thanked God for Christ the Savior of the World, for whom we gathered to honor that day as a witness to our community." [Regional News, Oct. `96]

We're not the only ones going through change
By Kevin Armstrong (pastor of the Montreal English congregation):
"It's understandable enough, but you may be surprised to know that ours is not the only denomination experiencing change-and I'm talking change with a capital C."

"I first noticed this in recent issues of Faith Today, the national magazine of Canadian evangelicals."

"Many of their recent cover stories mirror our own progression, such as 'Retooling the Pastor' and 'Marketing the Church,' both of which dealt with the church's need to rejuvenate the way it engages society in this present age."

"Michael Green, in his book Evangelism Through the Local Church, sums up the net effect this way" 'We Christians have become very settled in our ways and those ways no longer reach out effectively to society.' "

"He points out that only those churches that are able to change to meet the needs of the 21st century will survive. Cell groups, discipleship training, contemporary worship services-all are part of the same movement or change within those churches that desire to be God's messengers in the future."

"It's true that our journey has also included sweeping doctrinal changes; but I believe that those must be seen in light of this other, greater change, which is the redefining of the Church in the Western cultures."

Cornwall hosts worship concert, 650 attend
"Some 650 Christians stood shoulder to shoulder and hand in hand, launching Cornwall's first Concert of Praise on Oct. 11."

"The free event… was organized by Christians from many denominations, including Roman Catholic, Baptist, Pentecostal, Anglican, Christian Reformed, United Church of Canada, Presbyterian, Wesleyan, Salvation Army, Worldwide Church of God, and other independents."

"It was the inspiration of key organizer Bernie Fortier, a Pentecostal, who got the idea after participating in Cornwall's third annual March for Jesus earlier this year."

"The concert brought together some 20 community churches which have likewise been stirred to re-open to Christ's call for unity within the body of believers."

"We prayed that the many denominations represented… would unite in proclaiming Jesus Christ and his gospel of love and salvation for all humankind." [Regional News, Dec. `96]

Sheridans attend evangelism conference
"More than 600 pastors and wives from 55 denominations, eight provinces and 33 states shared four days focusing on our Lord's command to 'go make disciples.'"

"The intensive training focused on the spiritual and physical preparation necessary for evangelization and the appropriate discipling of those who put their faith in Christ."

"Some of the statistics given were staggering! Last April, Billy Graham's global telecast to 200 countries in 20 languages was watched by 2.5 billion people! This is the actual audience, not the potential audience of five billion."

"A recent crusade at a new football stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, attracted 75,000 each night with another 13,000 watching on a giant screen outside!'

"Over the four nights, 22,249 people walked down the aisle to make a commitment for Jesus."

"The gifted speakers included: Dr. Joseph Aldrich, President of Multnomah School of the Bible and author of Lifestyle Evangelism; Dr. H. Eddie Fox, world director of evangelism for the World Methodist Council."

"A personal highlight was the message given by Franklin Graham, oldest son of Billy Graham. He is president of Samaritan's Purse, an international Christian relief organization that meets emergency needs around the world."

"Just as our Pastor General Joseph Tkach succeeded his father, so Franklin Graham is slated to take over when his father, now 78 and suffering from Parkinson's Disease, chooses to step down."

"Overall it was a thrilling and spiritually exciting time of personal renewal. The opportunity to spend time with those from other denominations, ranging from conservative to charismatic, was priceless." [Regional News, Dec. `96]

1997-FULL BLOWN ECUMENICISM

In effort to bring readers up to date with the WCG planned agenda, we will now bullet the organizational changes that coincide with the WCG partnership with the Catholic/Protestant Ecumenical one world religion and unification goals of the United Nations.

The key factors surrounding the WCG division, fragmentation and propagandized transformation are:

• Business--
• Financial--
• Political--
• United Religion-unification of all religions and leaders by 2000 AD

Some reasons for the WCG restructure, reorganization and downsizing are (not conclusive or in any order of priority):

• The WCG's mass Marxist message was declining since 1969--
• The exposure and exposé of cults drew media and public attention since the Jonestown Massacre--
• The WCG leaders were widely exposed for financial, sexual, and criminal charges starting from the early 1970s--
• The corruption with televangelists drew acute awareness of duplicities and religious frauds with other TV ministries into the public eye--
• The international bankers, elite, and governmental agencies behind the WCG's multimillion-dollar conglomerate, modified investment, political and global strategies--
• The WCG non-profit church corporation embraced the New Age religious global mission in preparation for the coming millennium.
• All cults modify after their leader dies--
• The failing WCG, with less than 40,000 members at the time of Herbert Armstrong's death, plotted the downsize operation and distribution of the financial empire. An operation, such as this, takes keen planning using propaganda, distraction, decoy, manipulation, deception, diversion, flanking, along with surprise attacks on different fronts or skirmishes. Any and all tactics of war are used to subvert the real story behind the event. The WCG perpetrators have used a plethora of these tactics to liquidate assets and redistribute WCG financial holdings of the fraudulently acquired multimillion-dollar enterprise as it prepares for its New Age agenda.
• Switching from "destructive cult" status with aberrant religious teachings (considered by Catholic and Protestant markets to be "satanic"), into the widely growing, prosperous, United Nations supported, ecumenical, inter-denominational, New Age, evangelical and Catholic Churches (all of which support the World Council of Churches) propels the (tax-free) WCG financial and political agenda to prosper in many ways. [Note: Read: The World Council of Churches, the Cup of the Lord or the Cup of Devils? ] The new WCG image has paved the way for acceptance and penetration into countries once barring any WCG associations. Now the banking and investing opportunities are endless. While the "Armstrong cult" had zero products to sell, the New Age ecumenical package is a gold mine that can serve many associations. And as far as membership in the "Armstrong cult" was concerned, few passed the stringent mind-control test of initiation; now, however, the new global ideology of "collectivism" cemented by New Age emotionalism, and enforced by auto-suggestion and hypnosis through prayer, could manipulate thousands into the everlasting web of the WCG. And just think about all the FREE PR. 
• Last but not least--the WCG controllers were given new orders from their superiors!!!

As the WCG corporate empire, along with its latest corporate entity, Plain Truth Ministries, functions behind the guise of a "church," it's necessary to embrace the ecumenical, New Age, occultic religious game plan which encompasses Catholic, Protestant and Jewish denominations along with various sects, such as Mormons, Unification Church (Moonies), Seventh-day Adventists, Reformed Churches (such as Robert Schuller) and thousands of other belief systems. The Ecumenical strategy aims to incorporate a global ideology of submission, mission, and mass control of the populace. Ecumenism sells itself under the guise of "love" and "Jesus Christ." That dear readers, is a BIG LIE! As you will soon see, sweeping emotionalism, Charismatic Pentecostalism and new mass movements such as Promise Keepers, will replace the Christian church of the 20th Century. The development and historical account of the post 1950 cults serves as an excellent declaration to the mind control techniques currently targeting the entire society under the guise of "reconciliation and unity."

[Update: Willow Creek - Hegelian Dialectic & The New World Order (Covers the new church growth movement and its agenda; includes Willow Creek Community Church and Saddleback Church.)]

1997 Ecumenical Timeline

As we continue the WCG ecumenical timeline, chronology of events is added for discernment. Excerpts are taken from the WWN.

JANUARY

Pastor General set goals for church in 1997--

Excerpts by Joseph Tkach Jr:
To increase small groups to 25 percent of church.
"We hope to see at least 25 percent of every congregation actively involved in a successful and meaningful small group by the end of next year."

To increase circulation of The Plain Truth to 150,000.
"Our goal is that next year Plain Truth circulation will be 150,00, and I pray it will be more. It will be more if we work together to support it."

"I pray that by the end of 1997 everyone will know his or her spiritual giftedness and begin learning how they can use their gift-mix to serve the work of God and how he has placed them in the body."

For everyone to discover his or her spiritual gifts.
"God wants to use us as instruments in his hand, so I urge you to commit yourself to God, like you never have before, with your new hearts."

"For all members to be actively involved in some kind of ministry."

"Pray for the sale of the campus property. Our goal is that it will be sold by the end of 1997."

Our worldwide family.
"We have about 8,000 members in 122 congregations in 20 countries in Africa."

"God is performing a miracle there with what is known as a people movement. More than 4,000 have joined us in the last 18 months."

"In Australia and Asia we have more than 4,600 members in 65 congregations in 10 countries."

"In the Caribbean and Spanish-speaking areas we are in 31 countries with 74 congregations."

"We're 81,434 people in the WCG. Now given a week as a sample, you might find that attendance would be about two thirds of that." [Comment: OIU readers, if you believe the above, contact the ESN for excellent deals on land in Florida!]

Our core values:
Repentance,
"…we have made doctrinal changes to repent of errors of the past. God has done something in our church that is unprecedented in the history of Christianity. He has chosen us, and that is an incredible thing to consider. What an honor."
[Comment: Ex-members may recall the same words being used when they entered into Armstrong teaching. Members needed to repent from their Catholic and Protestant backgrounds. Now they need to repent from the teachings of Armstrong's ministers so they may embrace Catholicism, Protestantism and New Age occultism.]

[Read: Catholicism: Should We Embrace it? (Explores RCC dogma)]

Reaching,
"We all have a goal of serving to spread the gospel, and according to our spiritual gifts, and to do that in harmony."

"Now, we don't want to abandon the gift God has given us. God has blessed us with experience in publishing."

"Our international areas are free now to publish the Plain Truth magazine, although they are going to use names that are more culturally appropriate in their countries."

"In the United Kingdom the magazine is already the No. 1 Christian magazine with only a circulation in the mid-30, 000s. I hope to see them double that, and I hope all our regions will promote Christ in their literature."

Reconciliation,
"Christ's atoning work has reconciled us to God, and he has given us the ministry of reconciliation. He commissioned us to preach that gospel. And sharing the gospel can be done in part through our preaching and publishing efforts, but the most effective way that people of God are evangelized is through personal evangelism, friend to friend. Friends inviting friends. Person to person contact."

"The first step to giving that message of reconciliation is spiritual renewal for ourselves. We need to express to others what we believe and feel, and you can't express love for Jesus if you don't feel it and believe it."
[Comment: Insiders relate to the gospel as being "the kingdom of God." We recently interviewed several current members of the WCG, not one related the gospel as "salvation by grace from Jesus Christ. The trendy method of "church" recruiting is replicated by the multi-level marketing or "party plan" method of recruiting new sales people.]

Relationships,
"Miracles happen when people pray together. We have just over 1,000 small prayer groups in the United States in our fellowship."

"We have just over 200 prayer groups in South Africa and more than 200 in Canada."

[The following is excerpted from the WWN in length as an excellent example of the current spin control, mind control and manipulation toward the WCG insiders.]

Doing God's bidding
Joseph Tkach Jr.
"God has given me his love for all of you. You are my family. I pray that he give you that same love for each other and for me."

"God is pleased when his people respond in obedience and faith. That's what the Worldwide Church of God has done, in doing something unprecedented in all of church history. And you're a part of that. Every one of you is a part of that, and it is to God's glory."

"Through what God has done here, he is moving other churches to take the word of God more seriously. To submit themselves to his will. To reexamine how they are doing."

"I have heard from hundreds of pastors and denominational leaders across the country and internationally who say what the WCG has done has been encouraging to Christians everywhere. It has given them hope."

"We are honored that God used us in this way. God has touched the hearts of pastors to say that their churches need to grow that way too."

"God is active here, brethren. What an inspiration to know that he has used us in such a way, because we are so unworthy of it. What a blessing to know that he loves us so much."

"On Jesus' behalf I thank all of you for what you've been doing. For following God's lead in the church. I thank you for staying, for praying, for donating. For giving your treasures."

"God has acted on our behalf with glory and power. But now how are we going to respond to his love? Partially or totally?"

"God has used us in a way that is good for all of Christianity. That's wonderful, but now what are we going to do? Will we allow God to continue to use us in a profound spiritual way?

"We just had a national election where US citizens voted for a president, voted for congress and voted for certain issues."

"I ask you to vote today for the kingdom of God. I ask you to vote with your mind to determine for yourself that God wants you to preach the gospel. I urge you to commit yourself to God with your new hearts like you never have before. Let's commit to working together. Let's stop worrying about our individual disagreements and views about how we think the church should be run and let's commit to work together."

"I ask you to vote with your hands and feet. We don't want people to just pay and pray. We want people to pray and pay, yes, but we want them to participate as well. We all need each other to promote and advance the kingdom of God."

"I ask you to vote with your checkbook. You are a steward of your time, your talent, your treasure, your energy and your health. If your heart is in doing God's work then you will manage your treasures to properly support these goals for the next year."

"Until we sell the Pasadena property I ask every member who is able to commit to giving $10.00 more a paycheck to the church. I know everyone can't do that, but I ask you to commit to what you can give beyond what you normally give."

"If you can't do that, don't feel guilty. You don't have to write me. Dozens of people on fixed-incomes write to me and tell me they feel so guilty, they want to do more. But I am impressed with those widows who do make sacrifices and give. We're going to see them in the kingdom of God when it comes in its fullness and they will be the brighter lights and surprise us all."

Ambassador University Closes
Tkach: "In recent years, we have all begun to see that a church-owned and operated university is not absolutely necessary for the church to be used by God. As an accredited university, Ambassador was not church-owned and operated, though it did rely on the church for the major part of its funding, and the majority of its students were and are church members or children of church members."

"…I can certainly say that I believe God directs our paths and knows our situation and our needs. I know he is with us, and that when he closes one door, he opens another."

"We will be investigating ways of partnering with other accredited Christian institutions to create a place where WCG young people can come together who want to get a Christian education while being mentored by WCG professors and ministers." [note below: AU combines with Azusa]

"This would provide an opportunity for our young people to share their university experience with other WCG youths and be prepared for Christian service in our church without the church having to bear the cost of operating its own university. I would appreciate your prayers that God will open whatever door is according to his will."

Russell Duke: " Several alumni have asked me why this decision was made so abruptly, sending such a shock wave through the church, especially since it comes on the heels of my letter in Dec. 17 Worldwide News, which held out hope for the independence of Ambassador. Let me rehearse the major difficulties of the past two years, and then address what has happened since my last letter was written."

"As church members know, the defections from our church have greatly impacted the income to the church, limiting its ability to sustain financial support for auxiliary functions."

"Ambassador Foundations had to be closed in 1995, then Imperial Schools in 1996. Many employees in Pasadena had to be terminated in significant downsizing measures."

"Subsidy to Ambassador began to diminish in significant proportion in 1994, falling from $8 million cash support in `1994-95 to $5 million cash support in the 1995-96 academic year."

"Continued decreases in income to the church led the church board to eventually discontinue our cash subsidy for the 1996-97 academic year."

While the publicity surrounding the "sudden" decision to close the Ambassador University (AU) focused on losses due to doctrinal changes, other factors point to the closing as another well-planned event in liquidating the conglomerate under false pretenses. Notice how Duke points out that the Pasadena subsidy began to diminish significantly in 1994. This was one year prior to the Tkach "New Covenant" sermon which culminated with the expedient development of the United Church of God under David Hulme. Refer to past OIUs for the many downsizing accounts that occurred prior to insiders' knowledge of any "doctrinal changes." In the case of AU, the following must be noted:

• The Tkach regime pushed for accreditation and made the required changes in effort to pass accreditation. Shortly after receiving an accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges, all former Ambassador College graduates were eligible to replace their "lost diplomas" by sending a payment of $25.00 to the WCG at which time all would receive a replacement diploma stating that Ambassador was an accredited institution. Deceptive as that is, many benefited from the lie.

• One of the accreditation stipulations was that the college could not be subsidized or owned by the church. The WCG was on a subsidies cutting program due to accreditation requirements.

• The deceptive "transformation" PR agenda to the evangelical cult ministries was implemented as early as 1987. Certainly the architects knew the AU would be affected after the new evangelical marketing plan was in effect.

• Following the 1995 formation of the United Church of God, and departure of 400 ministers and 17,000 members to follow David Hulme, Tkach leaders created division within the student body by threatening to remove any student who did not adhere to "the new teachings." If the future and welfare of the AU were important in any degree, sabotaging the student body with confusion and duress would not have occurred. The AU lost many UCG students due to the abusive management.

• Little, if any, recruiting measures for enrollment increase were pursued by Russell Duke during his appointment.

• While the AU received government grants to build a "men's dormitory," the corporation derived additional income from cutting, logging, and selling the vast acreage of pine trees on the Big Sandy grounds. They never told the members they were destroying the beautiful age-old pines, nor have they reported the substantial income from such a profitable sale.

• AU did not have an endowment, nor did it receive needed donations from Alumni. The WCG leaders knew a college future would not be self-sustaining without adequate tuition revenue.

• The closing of AU was no surprise to WCG's wealth benefactors. Neither was the fact that AU was going to lose its accreditation by 1997 due to a failure in complying with accreditation criteria. As Duke states: "Either the church had to reduce or eliminate Ambassador's financial shortfall and at the same time change the composition of Ambassador's board (to have a majority of non-WCG members), or it had to grant much of the Big Sandy property fully to the university to allow its freedom to realign the board and move to a broader constituency in the student body. The latter move was viewed as one that would severely undermine the assets of the church, so the church chose to review its commitment to education through the university structure." [the Articles of Incorporation state Joseph Tkach as the sole asset holder]

• The AU stopped advertising in the YOUTH `96 magazine (while the magazine was still a WCG entity). While the YOUTH magazine advertised other schools, we found no advertising in any form for AU throughout 1996.

There is so much more detail describing the events pertaining to the AU during the past ten years; it's a report in itself. The ESN has tracked the many events with lawsuits, campus controversies, key figures and repercussions following the WCG marketing strategy. The story behind Ambassador Farms, the agricultural department, the fertilizer business, Buck Hammer, and the entire history of the Big Sandy development is another part to the massive web of the Worldwide Church of God. The closing of AU was just another moneymaking deception heaped onto the unsuspecting supporters. And for our Canadian readers, the request for donations for a hockey field was another deception. According to an inside employee at that time, there were no plans for a hockey project. Could it be the deceivers know Canadians love their hockey and would support any measure attached to the word?

[Update 2003: Buck Hammer, son of Roy Hammer, died of a heart attack at age 81 on November 15, 2003. He was an elder in the Radio Church of God/WCG and later in United Church of God. Two of his sisters were Shirley Armstrong (Garner Ted Armstrong's wife) and Molly Antion (wife of David Antion). Roy Hammer was one of HWA's largest financial contributors in the 1950's.

[Update on Ambassador College Big Sandy campus: In March 2000 WCG sold the AC Big Sandy campus to Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., who leased the campus to Bill Gothard, president of Institute in Basic Life Principles. Gothard bought all the property in the buildings. (Calvary Contender, May 15, 2000) For an in-depth exposé on Bill Gothard and his pharisaical, cultic "system," read: Bill Gothard.]

Ambassador University joins Azusa Pacific
Within a few weeks of the closing announcement, new plans for an Ambassador Center in conjunction with Azusa College were announced.

[Update on Russell Duke and Azusa Pacific University:

An informant who phoned Azusa Pacific in 2005 related the following to ESN:

"Dr. Russell Duke (member of WCG and former Ambassador University President) works full time at Azusa in their Theology department. He is responsible for putting together training courses for WCG ministers. He also gave the idea that they like their ministers to receive additional training in WCG doctrines. 

"I found it interesting this guy is the head honcho in training ministers at this college that I've never heard of AND also belongs to the WCG." (email with ESN)

WCG said Russell Duke was moved from Azusa Pacific University to full-time work in Ambassador College of Christian Ministry. (May-June 2006 Together) The website of Azusa Pacific University currently lists Russell Duke as the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the Haggard Graduate School of Theology (HGST is connected with APU).

Timeline continued:

Churches combine for service in Huntsville
"Alabama-The Huntsville congregation of the Worldwide Church of God was host for combined worship services with the Church of God (Seventh Day) Dec. 28."

"Five hundred people from 13 church areas attended the service, which took place at the Space Center Marriott Hotel in Huntsville. Guest speakers were Calvin Burrell, president of the General Conference of the Church of God (Seventh Day) in Denver, Colorado and Joseph Tkach, pastor general of the Worldwide Church of God.

"Mr. Burrell expounded on the doctrinal, social and moral test of Christianity described in 1st John, and Mr. Tkach told the story of a father who chose to sacrifice the life of his son in order to save the lives of many other people."

[Comment: The Church of God (Seventh Day) does not espouse "orthodox doctrine." Herbert Armstrong was removed from this denomination due to his pursuit in British-Israelism and for taking money from church accounts. The new partnerships and relationship between the WCG and COGSD, pose serious awareness of conflict of interest.]

Patterns of deception 

Paid Ministers replace "LAY" ministers
Jan. 1997 Worldwide News introduced many of the planned strategies for the reorganization of the "it doesn't work anymore" WCG, to the trendy ecumenical format most ecumenical denominations are incorporating. When the WCG was highly financed, the church entity hobbled along year after year as the reclusive, polarized cult it was. While many business corporations started their downsizing process in the early 1980s, the WCG found itself way behind the times. Its church--non-profit--status had to be protected and that could have caused some delays in restructuring the WCG money tree. Nonetheless, plenty of documentation establishes early collusion of leaders to convert the Armstrong entity into an acceptable Christian religious business shell by the hands of its ecumenical allies. Earlier OIUs listed the changes the ESN expected to see within the coming months and years. As we look back on these "predictions," we find we were right on! The WCG has been re-indoctrinating members into the new "evangelism" multi-level methods. Those methods consist of the tactic, "work smarter, not harder," for the leaders, along with "work harder with no pay," for the members.

Lay pastors equipped in intensive sessions
" 'We hope to train you, to equip you, to work with you and to help you so that you in turn can help your congregations to preach the gospel to the whole world,' Dan Rogers, superintendent of ministers, told 31 lay pastors (not employed by the church) and wives meeting in Pasadena Dec. 26 to 31."

"Mr. Feazell encouraged the lay pastors to read two books, The Spirit of the Disciplines: How God Changes Lives, by Dallas Willard and Celebration of Discipline, by Richard J. Foster."

[Update: Read more about Richard J. Foster and Renovaré as a mystical movement. WCG has accepted New Ager, Richard J. Foster from Renovaré. They have quoted from him and endorsed his book Celebration of Discipline. See ESN article: Worldwide Church of God: New Changes, Ecumenical & New Age Connections. Also refer to the exposé articles: Richard Foster - General Teachings and Activities and A Critique on the Ministry of Richard Foster. For more on Dallas Willard, including his connections and endorsements, see: Dallas Willard - Promoting Contemplative Prayer and Mysticism Through Spiritual Formation.]

"Thursday afternoon, Dan Rogers, superintendent of ministers, spoke about The Pastor's Ministry."

"Mr. Rogers said that there are no bench-warmers in the Worldwide Church of God anymore. Everyone participates."

" 'Don't sit on the sidelines cheering, get in the game,' Mr. Rogers encouraged pastors and members."

" 'We are working toward headquarters being a support facility that takes care of the needs of the pastors, who take care of the needs of the members, who do the gospel work,' said Mr. Rogers."

" 'Headquarters equips, trains and develops the pastoral ministry,' he said. 'This does not mean that church government has changed.' He then noted the three types of church government in the New Testament: Episcopal (government by the hierarchy), Presbyterian (government by a board of elders) and congregational (government by the congregation).

" 'We have an Episcopal government. The churches that are growing the fastest tend to be those that can make quick decisions in an ever-changing, technologically advancing world.' "

" 'The function of the leaders of the church is to serve the church. And that's how Mr. Tkach and all of us at headquarters see our roles.' "

" 'This model for church government is given in Ephesians 4:7, 11-15. When Christ ascended into heaven 'he gave gifts to his people.' 'The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers to equip the saints for the work of ministry.' "

Bernie Schnippert: " 'Membership has declined, but members are still scattered over wide areas. What was an inefficient model (to have full-time pastors serve widely scattered members) from a financial perspective is now more inefficient. The solution is to have lay pastors.' "

"Under the media church model it took $40,000 in the United States to bring someone to become a Plain Truth subscriber and become a member of the church.' In Italy it cost $400,000, added evangelist Carn Catherwood." [Comment: About that Florida land deal???] [Update: Carn Catherwood retired in 2005 after 45 yrs in WCG, but continued as a member of the council of elders.]

Greg Albrecht, director of Church Relations:
"He related that sharing the miraculous reformation that God has worked in our fellowship has helped many pastors to find churches that will lease their buildings to us for worship."

" 'The growth that God has given PTM these past seven months has been remarkable, and members of the church have every reason to be excited and proud about this work in which we are all involved,' Mr. Albrecht said." [The WCG, prior to its "transformation," was literally despised in many avenues. It encountered much difficulty renting space for "Sabbaths." Although many areas met in MASONIC buildings, others relied on schools and local rental facilities. Now that the architects have incorporated a new acceptable religious product to sell, the opportunities for registering in other countries, selling religious products, getting free PR, etc., have opened up to the non-profit/tax free business enterprise.]

S.Y. Tan, "…. a world class psychologist who is director of the doctor of psychology program at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena. Dr. Tan spoke about referral counseling, about when and to whom to refer counselees to professional help." [WWN, Jan. `97]

FEBRUARY 1997

WCG: THE ONE GLOBAL MISSION
PENETRATES ECUMENICAL WORLD

Personal from Joseph Tkach
Local churches to benefit from evangelical associations

"I want to share some important news with you that will directly benefit your local congregation! The Worldwide Church of God is now a partner denomination of the American Bible Society and Mission America and has been invited to join the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE)."

"The NAE, founded in 1942, is a voluntary fellowship of theologically conservative denominations, churches, organizations, institutions and individuals."

"The association is comprised of about 42,500 congregations nationwide from 47 member denominations, individual congregations from an additional 30 denominations and fellowships, and several hundred independent churches."

"The membership of the association includes more than 250 parachurch ministries and educational institutions. Through the cooperative ministry of these members, NAE directly and indirectly benefits more than a million people."

"The ministries represent a broad range of theological traditions (including those as diverse as Calvinist, Arminian, Wesleyan, Anabaptist and Charismatic), but all describe to the distinctly evangelical NAE Statement of Faith."

"The association is a nationally recognized entity by the public sector with a reputation for integrity and effective service. The NAE demonstration of the unity of believers is Jesus Christ."

"A great scandal of Christianity is the division, the factions, the gossip, and general disobedience to Jesus' command between denominations and traditions in the Christian church. The NAE is committed to bringing Christians of all traditions together in cooperation without compromising the basic truths of their faith."

[Note: Read: Letter to NAE and other concerned Christians. In addition, the NCC (National Council of Churches) and WCC (World Council of Churches) can now join the NAE (National Association of Evangelicals).]

*******

This WWN issue dedicates several pages describing the NAE's goals, beliefs and mission. To clearly understand why the NAE is considered destructive and apostate by many conservative and fundamental evangelicals, the reader must embark on a deeper research than the OIU can offer. Understanding the Tkach/Albrecht/WCG newly formed partnerships is imperative to understanding the thick layers of deceit within all the WCG leadership and all its extension off-shoots such as: the United Church of God, David Hulme; the Global Church of God, Rod Meredith [Update: Rod Meredith left Global in 1998 and formed Living Church of God]; and Philadelphia Church of God, Gerald Flurry. We must even consider the immense propaganda deception permeated into the In Transition by John Robinson [son of David Robinson, author of Herbert Armstrong's Tangled Web], the Servant's News and the Ambassador Report. None of these publications attempted to report the reasons behind the events, or the real issues behind the multimillion-dollar "one world religion conglomerate."

[Update: John Robinson died from complications of prostate cancer at age 60 in an Austin, Texas hospital on January 5, 2006.]

OIU FIVE offers an outline of historical development and introduction to the ecumenical web. It is not inclusive but offers an overview. The researcher must scrutinize the overlapping associations and key supporters of the WCG hypocrisy to understand that the main mission is to consolidate and unite with the global United Churches by 2000 A.D. Please expound on the references offered to further educate your awareness on this vital subject.

The historic document called, The Evangelicals and Catholics Together, was signed by 20 Catholic leaders and 20 Evangelical leaders including Dr. Bill Bright of Campus Crusade for Christ, Pat Robertson, President of CBN, J.I Packer of Christianity Today, Richard Land and Larry Lewis of the Southern Baptist Convention, Jesse Miranda of Assemblies of God, Dr. John White of the National Association of Evangelicals and President of Geneva College, Os Guinness of Trinity Forum and Dr. Mark Noll of Wheaton College.

For additional information on the NAE, contact: National Association of Evangelicals, PO Box 28, Wheaton, IL 60189, (630) 665-0500, or http://www.nae.net

The association maintains its national offices in Carol Stream, IL and an office for governmental affairs in the nation's capital.

For critical research and investigative information use the references provided below, or contact the ESN for additional references.

Tkach continues:
"NAE brings Christians from all traditions together."
"The National Association of Evangelicals is now producing a daily, 60-second radio release to encourage evangelicals with reports of ongoing revival. These concise radio spots, called Fanning the Flames, feature revival updates from Don Argue, aired on the USA Radio Network, potentially reaching 1,200 media affiliates and evangelicals across the country (from NAE leadership Alert-Nov. 15, 1996).

"Along with the church board of directors, I believe the goals, values and work of the NAE are in keeping with Jesus' teaching and commission to his church, For that reason, we are pleased and excited that the WCG has been invited to become a denominational member of the association."

"Charisma magazine recently carried an ad by Plain Truth Ministries. In letter to the editor, one reader complained that the magazine should not include ads for the Plain Truth.

"The editors responded: 'The WCG has made a dramatic shift away from heresy since the death of its founder, Herbert W. Armstrong in 1986.'"

[Charisma magazine, along with New Man (Promise Keepers publication), is published by Stephen Strang. Strang is highly criticized in numerous Christian research documents as heretical and New Age.]

Tkach:
"I am also pleased to announce that the WCG was invited to join and is now a partner denomination of Mission America. Mission America is also a coalition of local churches, denominations, ministry networks and ministries, committed to working together for the renewal of the church and the evangelization of the United States. Mission America is a member of the Evangelical Council on Financial Accountability."

"Paul Cedar is the chairperson of Mission America. Bill Bright, John Perkins and Billy Graham are honorary chairpersons."

"In addition, the WCG is now a partner denomination of the American Bible Society (ABS).

[Mission America and American Bible Society are united with Catholic denominations as well as evangelical and are fully ecumenical.]

PTM welcomed with open arms at NRB convention.
"Plain Truth Ministries was host to a breakfast at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) annual convention Jan. 27 at the Anaheim Hilton."

"Mr. Tkach related that under his father's direction one of the duties he performed, along with Plain Truth editor Greg Albrecht and Mike Feazell, director of church Administration, was to answer questions that came into church headquarters challenging the doctrinal teaching of Mr. Armstrong."

" 'As we assumed these roles, Mr. Tkach said, 'new questions were coming in. Challenges were being made with questions that had never been posed to us before.' "

" 'We were doing our own individual study, and at first we were afraid to talk to each other about what our discoveries were.' "

" 'Eventually we began to share notes and found that we were all on the same page. With each new explanation of what was wrong with our previous teachings it was like an earthquake would occur, which resulted in three major denominational splits.' "

[Comment: This spin propaganda blatantly insults hundreds of Christians who witnessed and confronted the WCG leadership for decades. Hundreds of papers and books exposed the WCG heresies. The WCG literature of the past serves as proof text that the above statement is false. On one recorded meeting with ministers, Tkach claims his father was inspired with all the changes and requested that Tkach Jr. and Feazell research the "inspirations." Also read: Worldwide Church of God History.]

COMING SOON IN THE PLAIN TRUTH

"Mar-Apr cover story: In an exclusive interview with evangelist Billy Graham, The Plain Truth shares insights on Dr. Graham's family, his ministry and his dedication to proclaiming the gospel to all corners of the world."

"Off the Air With the Bible Answer Man: Hank Hanegraaff's 'Bible Answer Man' broadcast is heard daily around the world. He explores the importance of apologetics (defense of Christianity) in a Christian's life." [WWN Feb. 18]

What you do to the least of these, you do to Christ
Mike Feazell

"Some of us in the WCG have for so long been content and even thrilled to be part of a work that sent out magazines 'into all the world' and broadcast television and radio programs 'into all the world,' yet never called on ourselves as the people of God to go personally 'into all the world' to minister the grace of God in the face of Jesus Christ."

"As you know, our church is struggling for identity, for our niche in the 'Christian marketplace.' Many of our members are looking for what this church can give them, what the return is 'on their investment.' "

"Just like any good `90s consumer, we want to put our time and energy and money where they will get us the most return. Is it possible that is not the right goals?"

"Pastor General Tkach has focused on our new identity in Christ. This new identity isn't like other identities, because with Christ, it's all or nothing."

"What will Christ ultimately do with our church? What trails will he use us to blaze? What blazes of the Spirit will he use our little sparks to ignite?"

"One thing is for sure. Whatever his plan for us, he wants all of us. He wants all of all of us. All of you. All of me. All of all of us. Nothing less will do."

"It means there are sacrifices ahead I haven't thought of yet. It means I have to die to self so I can live for him. I'm not sure I'm ready for that. I'm not sure I even know what that really means yet."

"Mr. Tkach has developed a habit of measuring the potential of the worldwide church by the number of active small groups. That's because he knows that when God's people pray, mighty things happen. And when God's people don't pray, things take their natural downward spiral."

Glendora celebrates Martin Luther King Jr.
"Glendora, California-the Jan. 18 worship service here commemorated the birthday of the late civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr. Visitors from the community and other congregations swelled Glendora's usual attendance from 160 to 262." [UPDATE: In November 2004 the Worldwide Church of God moved its headquarters from Pasadena to Glendora, California. (Pasadena Star-News, October 25, 2004) Read letter to ESN concerning this. By May 2006 all their offices were moved to Glendora. (Together May-June 2006).]

"In a sermon entitled Perspectives on Racial Healing, Herman Hoeh said: 'We need to understand the behavior and cultural differences of others. We need to try to do whatever we can to reach out to other groups.' "
[WWN Feb. 18] [Update: Herman Hoeh died 11-21-04]

[Comment: Neil Earle, International Editor of the Plain Truth, also Pastors this local congregation. Services have been held at the Glendora Masonic Temple for the past 25 years.]  [Update: WCG moved all their offices to Glendora, California the end of April, 2006.]

Acquire the Fire: every teen should attend
"Longview Texas-Ten young people and two adults from the Longview and Lufkin churches attended an Acquire the Fire (ATF) teen convention in Dallas, Texas, Jan. 10 and 11."

"The building was filled beyond capacity with more than 3,500 teens eager to learn more about their Father, their Savior and their Comforter and to commit to recommit their lives to following God."

The convention included alter calls, where the teens were encouraged to acknowledge their need for Jesus and affirm a commitment to following his way of life."

"Ron Luce, president of Teen Mania Ministries, the organization that presents the conventions, explained the purpose of ATF teen conventions: 'God is doing something profound in the lives of young people in our generation.' "

"The teens were challenged to become world changers, and they were motivated to make a difference in their lives and the lives of others."

"Cheri Ray, who was leery about attending, called it a life-changing experience. Others said they would never look at things in life the way they had before."
[WWN Feb. 18]

Give me the heart of a world changer
"Long Beach, CA-Twenty-one teens from the Pasadena churches locked arms with more than 3,000 other youths at an Acquire the Fire teen convention at the Long Beach Convention Center."

"Energy filled the air as young believers joined in spirit-filled worship. These teens, from many churches, poured their hearts out in praise toward the Savior."

"Hundreds, including most in our group, made life-changing commitments, taking up the Acquire the Fire challenge to be world changers."

"Our group experienced a reconciliation, bonding and renewal that can only be explained as the powerful working of the Holy Spirit."

"Relationships skits, live upbeats music and videos interspersed the sessions. Words were on overhead projection screens, which was great for interactive worship."

[Comment: Acquire the Fire conventions target interdenominational teens for the purpose of pushing the interfaith agenda. Attendance requires ticket charges and travel expenses. The programs are highly emotional and charged by open praying, singing, bands or videos, and altar calls. This endeavor is the teen's equivalent to Promise Keepers.]

Our Children: a major part of the body of Christ
"Children ministry is touching children's hearts with the good news of who Jesus is and what he has done for them. It's helping them to get to know their Best Friend for life."
"Children are not merely a resource for the future. They are a major part of the body of Christ now. They need to be nurtured in the gospel as do teens and adults, and, given age-appropriate opportunity for spreading the good news to others."
[WWN Feb. 97] [Comment: Who was it that said, "Give me a child before the age of five, and he will be a Catholic for the rest of his life." Was it the Pope?]

Church officials on Christian talk show
"Rancho Santa Margarita, CA-Pastor General Joseph Tkach and Greg Albrecht, Plain Truth editor, were interviewed on Hank Hanegraaff's 'Bible Answer Man' Christian talk radio
Feb. 7."

[COMMENT: Despite Hank Hanegraaff's grave financial difficulties due to the many allegations surrounding corruptive behavior starting in 1994, Hanegraaff has acquired a new building as CRI headquarters. Several have asked ESN about how Hanegraaff found the money to move into a new building. The ESN is puzzled about this, too, and upon visiting the location early in 1997 we found it odd that:

1. A telephone number was not listed

2. There were no signs directing to CRI location, nor were there any visible signs on the building stating it was Christian Research Institute and 

3. The building is located in an industrial type park. Our visit left many more questions surrounding Hank Hanegraaff's real purpose and agenda along with his involvement with WCG, so the ESN will continue to explore and report.]

Northwest members join in fast
"Spokane, Washington-Inland Northwest churches are participating in a 4 day fast this spring. The idea for the fast, launched by Bill Bright of Campus Crusade for Christ, is for Christians to humble themselves in repentance and reconciliation so God can restore, refresh and empower the people of God."
"A few years ago Mr. Bright went on a 40-day fast and felt moved by God to call America to fast. He and others felt moved to ask two million people to do a 40-day fast by the turn of the century. They hope to have 100,000 participate this spring." [WWN Feb. 18]
[Comment: Bill Bright's Campus Crusade for Christ ministry is listed on the top five non-profit fund-raisers in the US] Note: ESN has a tape on Bill Bright.

Promise Keepers at Ambassador--Promise Keepers conducted a Keyman-Ambassador Wake-Up Call at the Ambassador Auditorium Feb. 9."
[Comment: Dave Wardell, cofounder of Promise Keepers along with Luis Madrigal, a field representative for Promise Keepers attended.]

*************

1997 WCG Ecumenical Timeline,
To Be Continued in OIU SEVEN 

Tune in to the amazing developments with WCG and the apostate Promise Keepers. Learn what is happening in Canada region. Read for yourself how Tkach/Albrecht/ Feazell/Schnippert slowly transformed the Armstrong multimillion-dollar corporate empire into the Ecumenical multimillion-dollar machine. Find out why over 400 hundred ministers and evangelists passively abandoned their "one true church" as they gave it away to the Global ecumenical associations. Discover why the WCG architects are not challenged or confronted for their transgressions. Find out the reasons behind the events.

Past Present and Future

As the Tkach/Albrecht, et al. team, gear up for another exciting year of "transformation" developments, we can only imagine what is in store. In just ten short years the WCG developers and advancers implemented a stratagem that deceived thousands, inside and outside the Christian arena.

The "little flock":

• Lost Herbert Armstrong as God's earthly representative

• Adjusted to Joseph Tkach Sr.

• Endured approximately eight years of contradictions duplicity, distortions, and confusion over doctrinal issues

• Was subjected to abusive, destructive, authoritarian pastoring

• Was intentionally, psychologically coerced into cognitive dissonance causing emotional, psychological trauma and related illnesses such as, severe depression, and for some, suicide

• Was victim to the divide and conquer plan of church fragmentation with Global and United Church of God