as an AFF staffer, I need to add....

lets make sure this thread doesnt become a UPC-bashing fest.... keep your comments and observations objective....

I think they just need to raise the dues $25, and leave the show free.

Why is it a problem to pay a registration fee for a conference? Even small, local and district seminars have a fee to cover expenses.

Certainly in the secular world national convention registration is typical. For example I pay $350 per year for membership in a particular group, yet next month when I attend our four day national convention I will pay $410.00.

If the concern is about visitors, then perhaps there should be an evangelistic thrust for one particular night that is open to the unregistered public.

I think it is the principle that this is preaching, and many of us do not feel a price tag should be placed on it. If there are workshops and such, it is one thing. But the preaching of the W ord should not carry a price tag for attendance.

And then there are the preachers that feel their does are already high enough, and that they should be able to do business without having to pay more.

Overall, the GC really needs to be overhauled financially wise

It seems to me that there are outside auditors as a matter of course.
There also is a budget committee from the General Board that goes over every departments finances and reports their findings at each General Board meeting.
It is true the deficit is about 500k - if one were to look through their financial reports they may find some of the numbers. I don't have them although I would think any Sup't who wanted them could probably get them by asking.

That is a tough stand though. By it's very nature a church conference will be preaching and teaching from God's word. The facilities and expenses need to be paid... and if the offerings aren't doing it then a fee should be put in place to take care of it.

I don't see why non-members couldn't be exempted for that matter - and get a "guest" name tag.


Steve Hoover

The crusade service (Sunday PM), the songfest (or whatever they call it now) and the first business session are open without registration.

Why is it a problem?

I just sent in a $96.50 check for budget fee. That's nearly $400 a year.
Then we pay our tithes to the district.

Now they are wanting more. It is a crying shame to charge preacher and their family to come into service so that they can take up an offering for 3 hours.

Ah yes! I am with you there. Drop the offering entirely and raise the fee 5 bucks to save us all a little embarrassment!

This has been amended and "explained" as being a charge for heightened "security requirements".

Great xray machines at GC and a bin to throw away all the nail clippers and water bottles soon to come too?

I have had two messages on this- skip calling me and put THAT toward GC costs instead.