| Regional Board Votes Set New
Direction
At its regular meeting on May 9th at Ray of
Hope Christian Church, led by Moderator Elect Vinnetta Golphin-Wilkerson,
the regional board took several actions which begin to set a new
direction for the region. A proposal to initiate a program of Regional
Elders was given a first reading by the board. Specific proposals for
implementing this new ministry designed to increase pastoral care of
churches and interpret the work and ministry of the Christian Church in
Georgia will be brought to the board at its September meeting, along
with nominations for the eight elder positions.
Responding to a significant drop in giving from churches in Georgia,
the board wrestled with income figures which have been declining for the
last four years. This decline in giving has brought the region
perilously close to insolvency. In order to carry on a complete regional
program, the region has borrowed more than $110,000 during this four
year period. In that time, we have also deferred the payment of some
$33,000 in mission funding owed to the general church in 2005, and have
delayed sending a month’s mission giving from 2008. The latter is being
repaid over the course of 2009, but the mission funding from 2005
remains an outstanding debt to the general church. In addition, some
$49,000 in current bills remained unpaid as of the date of our meeting,
most less than 30 days overdue. The balance in the checking account
would cover only a small fraction of this current short-term debt, since
much of what is in the bank is from funds that have been given for
causes like Week of Compassion and others which are restricted.
Because of the concern for the ongoing ministries such
as youth and women’s ministries, the board will encourage the
development of contract positions to assist with these ministries. A
proposal from the executive committee was adopted by the board by
a vote of 10-1. It changes the Director of Women’s Ministries to a
contract position attached to a specific program duty, such as fall
women’s conference. The position of the Associate Regional minister for
Youth and Young Adults will be replaced by a half-time camp and
conference director. A contract person is to be hired to help prepare
the annual youth assembly. These changes are due to take place by June
30th.
These changes in staffing are necessitated by the past
four years of debt accumulation plus the unsustainability of paying
these ongoing salaries with reduced support by the churches. With the
economic recession, a number of congregations have reported increased
financial difficulties themselves which have been manifested in
different ways such as reduced staff compensation, staff layoffs and
concern over unmet budget items.
The board agreed to plans to publish on the web site the
names of all
officers and members of the board so that feedback on their decisions
can be given by individuals. One church has already written the board to
express their concern about this decision. They are also planning to
give regular updates to the churches through the Messenger, emails and the
web site on the budget progress for the remainder of 2009. It is
important for all churches to send their DMF giving regularly to the
regional office and consider increasing this giving if possible.
In other action, the board received a new Hispanic congregation in
Valdosta as a congregation "in formation." The board also took action to
form an audit committee to review the 2008 and 2009 accounting records
of the region.
Dr. Ray Miles, Regional Minister, has prepared a
pastoral letter
which will be sent to all the churches. Individuals who would like to
give to the region to help retire some of our past obligations would be
most appreciated. Mark your check for the Christian Church in Georgia.
The ministry of our region is needed and appreciated by churches and
individuals who benefit from help with search committees, camp and
conference programs, men’s, women’s and youth programs.
Click here to:
Send E-mail to Board Officers |
