Church of the Brethren General Board July 5, 2003, Meeting Report

The Church of the Brethren General Board met July 5 in Boise, immediately prior to Annual Conference.

Much of the business focused on financial information, looking at the past year, the current situation, and future projections. The news was troubling, with a total loss of $2.5 million in the General Board's net worth in 2002, due to a sharp decline in investments, a continuing gradual decline in congregational giving, and rising costs.

The 2003 General Ministries budget, which supports most of the agency's ongoing programs, has already been reduced by $384,000 via staff cuts and other reductions. An ever smaller balanced budget was brought for 2004, but only via a $194,000 "patch" from one-time designated funds.

With that patch in place, board members approved a $5,226,000 budget parameter for the General Ministries fund for 2004, not including self-funding programs such as Brethren Press and Emergency Response. Board chair Warren Eshbach said there "must be new creative options" for the future as deficits totaling more than $750,000 were projected for 2005 and 2006.

Several ministry areas gave updates on new initiatives and special events, and citations were given to General Board members who finished their five-year term and to departing staff members David Radcliff, Russ Matteson, and Howard Royer. Retiring general secretary Judy Mills Reimer was honored with a slide presentation showing highlights from her five years as head of the denomination's main program and administrative arm.

Staff and board members then moved to the General Board exhibit, touring its features and dedicating it in prayer.

In a reorganizational meeting two days later, board members called Donna Shumate of Southeastern District as chair for the coming year and Glenn Mitchell of Middle Pennsylvania as vice chair. Others called to the executive committee were J.D. Glick, Carol Kussart, Doug Price, and David Sollenberger.

© 2008 Church of the Brethren General Board