September 25, 2003 - Election Results

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UPCI Election Results - 2003
By Kent d Curry
September 25, 2003

(Editor's Note: This is a very condensed version of the elections for General Superintendent and all division heads of the United Pentecostal Church International, as well as some official business. It is not intended to be a comprehensive report of the day.)

The General Superintendent Kenneth Haney received a boost today and a new Youth President was elected to the United Pentecostal Church.

There had been considerable hubbub of late, with ministers sending each other letters and preaching tapes about various doctrinal and organization issues and whether the national leadership was embracing television.

After finishing the official business (reading of the minutes and letters, voting on the order of the day, etc.), Bro. Jerry Jones, General Secretary of the UPCI, read a resolution from the General Board concerning the divisive "Divine Flesh" doctrine. There were some motions on the floor that were turned aside for being out of order, then the first vote was for General Superintendent. Once the total was given to Assistant Superintendent Randy Keyes, who presided over this portion of the meeting, he walked to the podium and said, "Will you please stand?" Everyone did.
"You have reelected Bro. Kenneth Haney as General Superintendent."

Enthusiastic clapping ensued.

Bro. Haney stepped to the podium, said he had no speech prepared as he was "not that presumptuous." He said it wasn't his organization, then thanked the ministers for buying into his vision, then - like any good preacher - warmed to the task." Nothing has changed. You're looking at the same man who was elected 2 years ago." He said the organization was on target. "And that is why the Trinitarian needs to hear this message. No backing down." He then listed many other groups, religious, ethnic and otherwise, that need to hear this message.
Haney ended with, "Thank you. I will do my best to give you leadership that is pleasing to God. Love you."

The ministers responded with a standing ovation.

While all the incumbents were easily reinstated, the General Youth Division was in need of a leader. In perhaps the first time in the GYD's history, the Youth Secretary (Travis Miller), who most often wins the Youth President's office, was ineligible due to age requirements. Though Promotions and Publications Director Todd Gaddy was considered the favorite, there was still an air of the unknown about this result. The air was unnecessary.
On the nominating ballot, Gaddy outdistanced both Nathan Keating and David Elms, but didn't receive enough votes to prevent a run-off. However, Bros. Keating and Elms both withdrew their names and Gaddy became the new Youth President of the UPCI.

ninetyandnine.com

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Kent d Curry is an executive editor of ninetyandnine.com.