One person, 5-year term
Responsibilities
The Annual Conference secretary serves as the official recorder and custodian of the Annual Conference and the Mission and Ministry Board. They are responsible for receiving and processing potential business items and creating the business agenda for Annual Conference (along with the other officers); recording the minutes of Annual Conference and preparing them for publication; serving as corporate secretary for the Church of the Brethren, Inc. and as an ex-officio member of the Mission and Ministry Board; maintaining an update the Manual of Organization and Polity; meeting with and support the Nominating Committee of Standing Committee; interpreting the minutes of Annual Conference as need arises; preparing assignment letters for Annual Conference business items delegated to various boards, organizations, and committees; participating in and serving as recorder for meetings of the Annual Conference officers, Program and Arrangements Committee, and the Interagency Forum.
Meeting Schedule
- August – in person meetings of Program and Arrangements Committee, Officers, and Leadership Team
- October – in person meetings of Mission and Ministry Board and Officers
- November – a series of virtual meetings of Program and Arrangements Committee
- January – in person meetings of Officers and Interagency Forum
- March – in person meetings of Mission and Ministry Board and Officers
- May – a series of virtual meetings of the Officers
- Late June/Early July – Standing Committee and Annual Conference
- Other virtual meetings as necessary
Eligibility
Any active member of the Church of the Brethren may serve as Annual Conference secretary. During their service, a secretary cannot be employed by or serve on the board of directors of Church of the Brethren, Inc. (aka the Mission and Ministry Board, except as required in their role as secretary) or of any agency reportable to Annual Conference. They are limited to two 5-year terms.
Qualifications
- Consecrated Christian living in home, church, and community.
- Faithful service in local church and district.
- Loyalty to the ideals and program of the Church of the Brethren.
- A working knowledge and understanding of the denomination’s structure, program, and dynamics.
- Ability to exercise mature judgment in the solution of the denomination’s problems.
- Familiarity with parliamentary procedures.
- Capacity to cultivate relationships.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Experience with and skill in taking minutes.
Procedure
The Nominating Committee of Standing Committee obtains nominations and presents two to four qualified nominees to Standing Committee, which votes to reduce the ballot to two nominees to present to Annual Conference.
Expenses
This is a volunteer position. Expenses for all meetings and role-related travel will be covered in consultation with the Annual Conference office.
To request a position description or more specific information about this position you may call the Annual Conference Office at (800) 323-8039.