General Conference

[StMark]

Originally Posted by PastorD

Only 4100 registered for GC this year. There are always no-shows but those that pay at the door would balance that out.

Yep...those 'real' numbers will get you every time.

That's the number all of my friends and relatives gave me too - around 4,000.

They put up black curtains to close off whole sections and also the entire top balcony

[StMark]

Originally Posted by rrford

Man, I knew attendance was low. Just not that low.

There are a lot of regional conferences that are drawing people now.
I think that is taking some of the crowd away. But there is still a lot they could do to draw a much larger crowd

[Jermyn Davidson]

Originally Posted by rrford

Man, I knew attendance was low. Just not that low.

I didn't know numbers were low in the first place.

Something has to change.

[Aquila]

A lot of it is the economy. I know dozens of people who would have gone but couldn't afford it.

[secretone]

Originally Posted by Innocuous

So you're saying it costs about a half mill to put on a GF? That's reasonable. The numbers I received, from a very well connected source, were much higher than that, in the seven figures.

Of course it cost more. That is what they have lost. They make money from selling books, registration, divisions pay a lot of money to have their services.

At one time PPH made enough money at GC and throughout the year to cover the cost. However, PPH had taken a downward spiral over the last few years, Therefore, they do not have the money to pick up the cost.

[secretone]

Originally Posted by Sam

Does anybody know and will/can anybody say what honorarium does a speaker at GC receive? Is there a monetary figure? and, if so, does the figure vary with the prominence or rank of the speaker and/or the importance of the specific meeting? Or, is being chosen to speak at GC honor enough without any financial reward?

I do not believe that speakers get paid. It is considered an honor to speak at GC. Choirs and people who sing and the like also must pay their way.

[secretone]

Originally Posted by rrford

My understanding is there are approximately that many each year.

There was under 10,000 this year. In previous years attendance one reached these levels. However, probably due to registration fees, other conferences, GC not changing and keeping up with the times, the crowds have shrunk.

They are currently looking into restructuring GC to minister more.

[2020Vision]

Originally Posted by Innocuous

???? I'm just asking a question. It concerns me that in times of economic uncertainty that money would be wasted like this. I'm not trying to start anything here. It's an honest, serious question. I was staggered by the figures I was given and want to know if others have heard the same thing. You're partially correct though, I'm definitely not insipid or pallid.

Dear Concerned,
Are you a UPCI constituent?

[2020Vision]

Originally Posted by StMark

Steve,

If one is a UPC member and/or a licensed preacher, why should they be charged to attend a business meeting?

Now, If I'm attending a conference with classes, intructors, seminars, that is different. I wouldn'y mind paying a registration. But to charge people to get into a nightly service is just OFF IMO

GC is obviously dying and it's ashamed to think about what it use to be. It was more than just a business meeting. that should be part of it too, but in years past, it was a gathering of believers, the saints, to re-affirm their faith, to fellowship, to see and be apart of the vision of the movement.

GC, needs to be a great gathering not only for preachers, but for the body and return, i believe the Lord would once again bless it and supply the needs of the business of the UPC.

Mark, those were the days. Family church atmosphere, not political alliance meetings.

[2020Vision]

Originally Posted by rrford

Man, I knew attendance was low. Just not that low.

It was sort of hushed I'm sure. Blame it on the economy though?