VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 12/06/07) - The General Executive Council (GEC) of the American Baptist Churches USA met for two days, December 2-4, in Kansas City to advance its deliberations on a proposed ABC structure and its representative process. The gathered group reviewed and further developed points of consensus on the proposed model. Large and small group discussions, interspersed by moments of prayer and reflection, were essential ingredients of the time the group spent together.
The group advanced work on its concept of the Mission Table, the work of the National Staff Leadership Council, and the structure and role of the Board of General Ministries. Critical to the discussions was a commitment to the spiritual vitality and health of the local church and to the reduction of costs as compared to the current structure. This work will now go back to the Writing Team for drafting.
In addition, the GEC authorized the formation of a transition team. This team will have four tasks: 1) describe the proposed structure in bylaw language, 2) plan an educational process for the General Board and for the general constituency, 3) devise scenarios that move us from "where we are now" to "where we are going", and 4) look for possible contradictions or holes in the procedures of implementation.
The team will be composed of the president of ABCUSA, a representative from each of National Ministries (NM), International Ministries (IM), The Ministers and Missionaries Benefit Board (MMBB), and the Regional Executive Ministers Council together with the General Secretary, the Associate General Secretary for Regional Ministries and legal counsel.
From earlier deliberations, it had already been reported out to the
General Board and at the Biennial that basic premises underlying the design were: 1) the federation model of organization which honors our commitment to both autonomy and interdependence, 2) the formation of separate boards for General Ministries (OGS), National Ministries and International Ministries without overlapping directors as is now the case, 3) the boards of directors will be smaller to enhance effectiveness and stewardship while reflecting our diversity, and 4) legally guaranteeing the ABC identity and governance of the boards.
Recommendations are to be presented to the General Board in June and November 2008. The General Board will make final recommendations for the consideration of delegates at the 2009 Biennial in Pasadena, CA. The next meeting of the GEC is scheduled for April, 2008.
Andrew C. Jayne American Baptist Churches USA Mission Resource Development http://www.abc-usa.org/