Church of the Brethren General Board October 12-15, 2002, Meeting Report

General Board chair Warren Eshbach of Thomasville, Pa., opened the fall 2002 General Board meetings with a worship message that emphasized the cycle of history. Many circumstances in the church and the world 40 years ago are appearing again today, he said, and difficult times both then and now require faithfulness and a belief in God's power.

"What we're about this weekend as a General Board is building," Eshbach said, drawing from Corinthians. "The foundations we lay in this time will be built on by others in the future."

The foundation-laying imagery also aptly described the short term, as much of the activity undertaken at the Oct. 12-15 meetings in Elgin, Ill., set the table for a pivotal meeting in March. When the board meets in New Windsor, Md., March 8-11 it is expected to approve a new comprehensive plan for the organization and call a new general secretary. Board members spent significant time on both of those processes at the October meeting.

Providing an uncertain backdrop for all those discussions was the General Board's financial picture. Finance and funding staff reported an operating deficit of nearly $800,000 through September, due in large part to significant drops in investment and bequest income. The plunge could eat away nearly a third of the agency's General Programs net asset reserves.

Treasurer Judy Keyser termed the financial situation for 2002 and coming years, when large deficits were already projected due to rising salary and benefit costs and other expenses, as "not a rosy picture."

The board did approve, with some abstentions, a $5,655,000 General Programs budget for 2003, not including self-funded programs. Some budget reductions and a $81,000 "patch" of one-time funds were needed to make ends meet, assuming income bounces back next year.

In light of those figures, the board turned to a "Reduced Resources Program Scenario" in constructing its comprehensive plan. Originally, the plan was to have scenarios for increased, stable, and reduced resources, but present realities forced consideration of just one option.
General secretary Judy Mills Reimer told board members they were "serving in a critical time in the life of our denomination" with "big decisions" ahead.

The board began to address those decisions, sharing with consultant Dennis Koehn the General Board ministries they most appreciated and those they felt could be cut back. While offering some suggestions, most board members expressed a reluctance to cut any ministries. They identified a need to work at the problem creatively and systemically while proceeding in faith. Board members were also challenged to help personally with increased fund-raising efforts.

Other highlights of the meeting included the following:

Iraq

The agenda called for reaffirming the General Board's 1998 statement on Iraq, but recent events led board members to request a rewrite and update specifically addressing current concerns. Brethren Witness director David Radcliff and Washington Office coordinator Greg Davidson Laszakovits worked with a team of interested people to draft a new statement, which was unanimously approved. It asks that "the government and people of the United States cultivate a deeper humility and accept more responsibility for the conflict with Iraq" and proposed "nonviolent alternatives" that lead to trust and peace. The full text of the statement, in English and Spanish, is at www.brethren.org/genbd/GBResolutions/2002Iraq.html.

Roof

Board members unanimously approved a request from Elgin Building & Grounds manager Dave Ingold for a new roof on the General Offices building, replacing one that had been installed in 1981. "Postponing this is an option," Ingold said, "but I don't think it's wise." The board approved expenditures of up to $1.4 million, to be paid from the Land, Buildings, and Equipment Fund. The work will be completed in summer 2003.

Search committee

The board heard an update on the general secretary search process as it met in closed session for about two hours. Mennonite consultant Kirk Stiffney is working with the search committee, chaired by Stafford Frederick. The committee said it hopes to call a candidate in time for consideration at the March meeting, allowing a new general secretary to begin in July.

Reports

The meetings began with a dozen brief updates on General Board ministries, ranging from Ministry Summer Service and the recent massive southern Africa response to Middle East dialog and numerous initiatives by the Congregational Life Teams, who also led a Saturday evening dinner celebration with skits and singing. Board members later saw the 35-minute National Youth Conference wrap-up video, enjoyed a humorous skit on the work of the Washington Office, learned of ongoing partnerships with Church World Service, and heard reports from the board's committees and ex officio representatives.

Appreciation

The board participated in the annual Elgin employee recognition reception for those who had reached tenure milestones. Archivist Ken Shaffer was recognized for 15 years of service to the General Board; Mariana Barriga, Ray Glick, and Glenn Timmons for 10 years; and Fletcher Farrar, Vicki Hoerchler, Julie Hostetter, and Jan Kensinger for 5 years. Citations were also given to departing staff Sue Grubb, Julie Garber, and Lester Boleyn.

Prayer and worship

In light of the Annual Conference call for a prayer emphasis in 2002-2003, board members, staff, and visitors signed up for periods throughout the meetings when they would hold the proceedings and the denomination in focused prayer. Staff also reported that a five-person, inter-agency committee had been formed to provide resources and ideas in response to the Conference query. Worship and devotions wove throughout the meetings with the theme "The love of Christ urges us on . . . " Eshbach and Harriet Finney led the opening worship, Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren pastor Joel Kline spoke Sunday morning, and board member J.D. Glick culminated the meetings in closing worship. The devotional periods included an inspirational video prepared by board member Dave Sollenberger.

Other business

Global Mission Partnerships director Merv Keeney said the board plans to request that its India recommendation to Annual Conference be taken off the table for 2003 and added to the agenda. A study packet is being prepared, and a forum will likely be held at Annual Conference. A board delegation hopes to participate in reconciliation meetings in India in early 2003. . . . A new committee will identify needs in board representation and propose a nominee(s) to the full board as the General Board begins periodically calling its own at-large members under new Annual Conference guidelines. Conference will be asked to affirm the person called. . . . The Human Resources office reported that the change to a new employee medical plan for 2003 will result in a savings of tens of thousands of dollars by shifting some costs to employees, eliminating fears of a major increase in premiums. . . . The Executive Committee approved 2007 meeting dates for the board. . . . Visitors at the meetings included five district visitors and a contingent of students and adjunct faculty from Bethany Theological Seminary, who each shared reflections on the meetings.

© 2008 Church of the Brethren General Board