Metropolitan Community Churches

Board of Administration Conference Call

December 28, 2007

 

 

Present:

Rev Jeff Miner (Chair)

Julie Krueger (Secretary)

Barb Crabtree

Marvin Bagwell

John Vespa

Marsha Warren (Treasurer and Vice-Chair) (Called in late)

 

In Attendance:

Rev. Dr. Cindi Love, Executive Director

 

1.         Opening Prayers and Sharing

 

The meeting was opened in prayer, and the attendees shared what has been happening in their lives.

 

2.         Minutes of Previous Meeting

 

Julie circulated the October 5, October 19 and December 7 meeting minutes, which were unanimously approved by the Board.

 

ACTION ITEM:  Julie to distribute the remaining minutes for prior meetings for approval at the next Board meeting.

 

3.         Segmentation Working Group Update

 

Connie Meadows distributed an analysis comparing 2006 and 2007 adjusted gross income and attendance of the largest 15 churches. Although attendance is down across most of the churches, tithing is down in only approximately half.  The Executive Director mentioned that for larger churches, giving typically increases when a new pastor arrives.  If a pastor or senior staff member leaves, then giving typically decreases.  Based on this discussion, the Board will evaluate the stability of leadership at the top 40 churches as another way to gauge the stability of the current 2008 and upcoming 2009 budgets.

 

ACTION ITEM: The Leadership Team will review this analysis in their upcoming January meeting, including next steps and the resources required from the Board and Elders to discuss segmentation productively at their joint meeting in March 08.

 

4.         Fund Development and Accounting Personnel Update

 

Based on recent interviews, the Executive Director has narrowed the field to two candidates for the fund development position.  A discussion was held regarding the skills and experience of each of the candidates.  A second interview will be held with each candidate.  The Executive Director anticipates that an offer will be made by the February 1st, and it is her goal that the person start no later than March 2008.  No viable candidate has yet applied for the accounting position; the search continues.

 

5.         2008 Board Face-to-Face Meeting Schedule

Connie Meadows will circulate a revised 2008 Board/Elder face-to-face meeting schedule. The Board will definitely meet with the Elders the second week of March in Texas, and the Board provided input on available dates for a second meeting in August.

Action Item: Connie Meadows to distribute a revised meeting schedule once the August meeting dates are set.

6.         Financial Update

 

The Executive Director provided a brief overview of the financial situation, with no significant changes to report.  Churches continue to submit their 2008 pledges as their congregational meetings permit.

We will have a much better idea of the 13% tithe impact in the January/February timeframe.

 

7.         Appointment of New Board Member

 

Jeff reported that the Moderator has requested feedback from the Board regarding what qualities we want the Elders to consider when selecting a new Board member.  This agenda item will be discussed at our January meeting.

 

8.         Executive Director Performance Review – Executive Session

 

The Board entered into executive session at the close of the meeting to review Jeff’s draft of the Executive Director’s evaluation.  Jeff will incorporate the additional edits given and then share the document with the Executive Director in January, with follow-up discussion to be scheduled for the next Board meeting.

 

9.         Meeting Adjourned

 

The meeting was closed in prayer and adjourned.