Metropolitan Community Churches

Board of Administration

 

 

Meeting

Sunshine Cathedral MCC, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA

26-28 August 2006

 

Present

 

Rev Jeff Miner (Chair)

Marsha Warren (Treasurer and Vice-Chair)

Stephen Harte (Secretary) (not present Monday 28th August)

John Vespa

Barb Crabtree

Julie Krueger

Marvin Bagwell (not present Monday 28th August)

 

 

In Attendance

 

Rev Dr Cindi Love (Executive Director)

Rev Elder Nancy Wilson, Moderator (except for Executive Director review)

Rev Elder Don Eastman, Vice-Moderator (except for Executive Director review)

Connie Meadows, Assistant to the Moderator (except for Executive Director review)

Rev Elder Lillie Brock (part attendance)

Rev Elder Darlene Garner (part attendance)

Rev Elder Diane Fisher (part attendance)

 

 

1.1        Prayers

 

The meeting opened in prayer.

 

1.2        Initial Board Discussions

 

            The Board spent some time with representatives of the Board of Elders to discuss budgetary      strategy.  Following this, the Board completed the review of the Executive Director and the    proceeded to a discussion of Board strategy.

 

1.3        Approval of Minutes

 

The Board approved the minutes of the Conference Call of 27 July 2006 and instructed they be circulated.

 

2.         Executive Director Review

 

The Board and the Executive Director spent time reviewing performance and progress of the Executive Director.  A 360° review had been conducted with the Executive Director’s colleagues as a development exercise and the Moderator and each Board member had submitted comments on the Executive Director’s performance to the Board Chair in advance.  The Chair stressed to the Executive Director the Board’s delight with her performance and the Board’s appreciation of God’s blessing on our work through her ministry amongst us.  The Board and the Executive Director reviewed and recommitted to her work plan priorities:

 

·         Finance

·         Operational Efficiency

·         Customer Service

·         Execution of Strategic Direction

·         Building Operational Capacity

 

and the Executive Director shared her thoughts progress in each of these areas.

 

3.         Presentation on Latin American Ministry

 

            Rev Elder Darlene Garner made a presentation to the Board on her strategic thinking on the future of        our ministry opportunities in the countries of Latin America.  The Board expressed its thanks and        appreciation to Rev Elder Garner and those involved in taking forward ministry within Latin America.

 

4.         Property Matters

 

            The Board discussed property matters, adjourning the discussion to later in the meeting after further        Elder presentations.

 

5.         Presentation on Eastern European Ministry

 

            Rev Elder Diane Fisher made a presentation to the Board on her proposals for our ministry          opportunities in the countries of Eastern Europe.  The Board expressed its thanks and appreciation   to Rev Elder Fisher and those involved in taking forward ministry within Eastern Europe.

 

6.         Presentation on Resource Development and Virtual Church Projects

 

            Rev Elder Lillie Brock made a presentation to the Board on the Resource Development and Virtual           Church Projects.  Rev Elder Brock reported substantial interest in the “Creating a Life that Matters”           course and the Drug Literacy programme at the Scottsdale Regional Conferences and expected          further interest at the remaining Regional Conferences.  The Board expressed its thanks and         appreciation to Rev Elder Brock and those involved in taking forward this important ministry.

 

7.         Property Matters

 

            The Board recommenced consideration of property matters.  The Board appointed Mssrs Miner, Warren and Bagwell (subject to their respective schedules) to represent the Board, together with the   Executive Director and the Moderator, in property discussion in Los Angeles to be scheduled in   September.

 

8.         Transition Costs

 

            The reviewed the financial consequences of the up coming resignations of two Elders and the     transition into office of two new Elders.  The Executive Director reported on legal advice received      that has formed the basis of resolution of departing Elder transition issues.  This matter has been   settled and the Executive Director will circulate the relevant legal advice so that the Board can     consider any possible policy or bylaw implications.  The Board authorised the Executive Director to        agree reasonable and affordable moving expenses with any incoming Elders once             appointments/elections have taken place. 

 

9.         2007 Budget

 

            The Executive Director presented the proposed 2007 budget.  After discussion, the Board approved the proposed budget by consent.

 

10.        Fund Development

 

            The Board discussed Fund Development, with a focus on developing a planned giving strategies.  The Board officially recognized the relationship with Merrill Lynch.

 

11.        Church Metrics Report

 

            The Board discussed the process for issuing the church metrics report on 2005 Tithes and Attendance.  The report will be issued to churches by the Executive Director and the Chair of the Board of Administration.

 

 

12.        International Banking

 

            The Board approved the Executive Director’s recommendation to replace employees’ current American Express cards, which are not accepted in many countries where we are now operating with a Merrill Lynch Visa Check/Debit card for employees in these countries.  This approach solves the process of accessing funds in these countries while daily transaction limits preserve appropriate levels of control on the account.   

 

13.        2007 Meeting Dates

 

            The Board of Administration discussed the meeting schedule for 2007.   Two meeting times are reserved in conjunction with BOE meetings: January 19 – 22 and September 13 – 17.  

 

14.        Prayers

 

The meeting closed with prayer.