United Church of God: Shabi Out? Already?

 

A reader here made this comment today:

I just recently watched UCGs "The Red Heifer and the Third Temple" short video from Mr. Shabi. I thought it was average or decent. But what he fails to do is mention that Christians have the temple within them through the Holy Spirit, and that Christ is ultimate sacrifice and our High Priest. Making a distinction between what is Christian and the practice of Judaism which has not accepted Christ. 

 

Instead the focus is on fulfilled prophecy. I am so glad that the bible gives us Paul's writings, which shows a man who was steeped in Judaism and we can see "somewhat" of his transformation into Christianity. The video just wants to show prophecy and doesn't make effort into or emphasis on Christ and His role now. Or how that old system/covenant is gone.
Tank

This was one of the comments to the above comment: 

"That may be Rick Shabi's last video. UCG Council of Elders scuttled him as President this past week."

If this is true, this sure didn't take long! He was named President in May of 2022, he succeeded Vic Kubik's oligarchy.

It might not be hard to see why, based on his comments from last December's Council of Elders meeting, 

Shabi and so many other COG leaders act like they are just now discovering that things are not healthy in their church. Seriously guys, you have had since 1995 to get your act together and you still can't.

Milford, Ohio

Monday, December 9, 2024

Chairman Tim Pebworth called the morning session to order at 9 a.m. Eastern. Paul Wasilkoff opened the meeting with a prayer. Eleven council members were present, and John Elliott joined via Zoom.

Mr. Pebworth began with a few personal opening comments. He then presented the August meeting minutes for approval, which were unanimously approved. He then reviewed the week’s agenda, which was also unanimously approved. Mr. Pebworth then turned the floor over to Rick Shabi for the President’s report.

President’s Report: Rick Shabi

Mr. Shabi opened his report by sharing some personal thoughts and several scriptures that he felt perfectly framed his experiences over the last two years in his current position and what he will discuss in his presentation.

Attend your herds! Members get called a lot of things by leaders and ministers, but this is a new one. 

• Proverbs 27:23, “Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and attend to your herds.”
• Proverbs 24:27, “Prepare your outside work… and afterward build your house.”
• Psalm 127:1, “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it…”
• Ecclesiastes 9:10, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might…”
• Ephesians 4:16, “from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.”
• Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
• Matthew 28:19-20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…”

As Mr. Shabi read each scripture, he commented on the value these biblical principles bring to the Church and the time it takes to implement them as God desires. He said there is much to learn; even though we are a small Church we have a significant, worldwide work. He mentioned that he has learned much from the travels that he, Steve Myers, and Darris McNeely have made through the many different environments worldwide, seeing firsthand where the brethren live, their needs, strengths, and challenges.

Thirty years of wandering around slapping each other on the back as if they were doing some mighty work. Division and discontent are their hallmarks. Just ask COGWA. Never mind though, they are still learning. They are learning to be humble and submissive.

Mr. Shabi mentioned that many things have already been accomplished, but in these travels, they have learned that there are many more areas of concern that we need to address. He noted that it’s apparent that we are still learning, but we know that God will teach and guide us in how He wants this work done. He commented that the only way to know where God wants us to focus our efforts is to let Him lead. In return, we must keep that humble spirit, submit to His will, and always trust Him.