When Three Angels Broadcasting network and Amazing Facts announced in April that the two organizations planned to merge, there was much speculation about who would lead the organization and what it would mean. As of June 20, there were signs that the deal was in major trouble. Or, "dead in the water," as one official described it. Here, then, are ten facts that may explain why.

Ten. Amazing Facts is not truly an independent ministry. It is a supporting ministry of the Northern California Conference and Jim Pedersen, president of the NCC, chairs the Amazing Facts board. The assets of Amazing Facts cannot be transferred without the vote of the Northern California Conference Executive Committee, which is the constituency of Amazing Facts.

Nine. A letter from General Conference President Jan Paulsen and North American President Don Schneider to Amazing Facts and 3ABN listed concerns about the planned merger.

Eight. Employee credentialing may be a major deal breaker. The denomination would most likely decline to credential the employees of 3ABN. Credentialing of employees is one thing that the Northern California Conference does for Amazing Facts.

Seven. One deal breaker for the Northern California Conference would be any suggestion of a property transfer to an entity outside the denomination.

Six. Becoming a denominational entity could negatively affect the fund-raising efforts of 3ABN.

Five. Danny Shelton’s personal and legal problems present a major liability.

Four. Doug Batchelor’s responsibilities as senior pastor of the Sacramento Central Seventh-day Adventist Church need to be clarified.

Three. Control of the 3ABN programming could be another deal breaker.

Two. The more likely merger is Amazing Facts with Weimar Institute. That merger is on track to strengthen Amazing Facts College of Evangelism, Church Empowerment, and Health Programs, rather than broadcasting.

And the number one Amazing Fact about Amazing Facts is that Doug Batchelor’s mother-in-law is his secretary. (Perhaps if Danny Shelton had hired his mother-in-law he would not have the problems he is now experiencing and talks of a merger would have remained only a dream.)

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