Highlights of ABC-MI Annual Business Meeting

Delegates gathered Saturday afternoon, October 23 at First Baptist Church of Charlotte for the joint Annual Business Meeting of the American Baptist Churches of Michigan (ABC-MI) and Michigan Baptist Convention (MBC). Highlights of the meeting included:

• Report of the President: The Rev. Erica Van Brakle extended her appreciation to members of the Executive Committee and Region Board for their dedication and service over the past year. She also provided delegates an update on the Future Search Initiatives, the work of the Camp Task Force (see Camp Task Force report inadvertently left out of the Annual Report Booklet), and spoke to the proposed Bylaw Revisions. Click here for Camp Task Force Report.
• Proposed Bylaw Revisions: The proposed Bylaw Revisions, mailed to churches in July, sought to make changes in the way the current annual budget and nomination process is handled. Specifically, the proposed revisions, coming as recommendations from the Executive Committee and Region Board, sought to shift from the Annual Meeting delegates to the Region Board the tasks of: (1) Election of Officers and Board members; (2) Adopting the Annual Region Budget; (3) Amending Bylaws. Under the proposed Bylaws, the mechanism for Special-called meetings would have remained in place as well as the term limits and nominating process for Officers and Board members. After much discussion, a ballot vote, requiring a two-thirds majority for passage, was taken with the proposed Bylaw revisions failing by six votes (62 Yes, 42 No, 0 Abstentions, 1 Spoiled) .
• Presentation of Annual Reports: Dr. Williams presented to the Rev. Erica Van Brakle the Annual Report Booklet for adoption. The delegates unanimously approved the adoption of the reports. Click here for Annual Report Booklet
• Report of the Nominating Committee: The Rev. Heidi DeMott Shanes, Immediate Past President and Chair of the Nominating Committee presented the nominating committee’s recommended slate of officers and candidates to serve the various Region ministry teams and committees. The delegates unanimously approved the nominating committee report. New ABC-MI officers include: Ms. Mary Ivey, President; Mr. Mark Stephenson, Vice-President; Rev. David Leisman, Secretary.
• Report of the Treasurer: Mr. Edwin Ritzler, Region Treasurer presented the 2010 financial report including projected revenues of $639,639 compared to the 2010 budgeted revenues of $709,494. The projected 2010 expenses are $626,342 compared to budgeted expenses of $708,225. This leaves a projected surplus of $13,297 for 2010. Mr. Ritzler noted the anticipated surplus is primarily due to savings in consulting expenses.

Mr. Ritzler presented the proposed 2011 budget including revenues of $581,003 and expenses of $592,225 or a deficit budget of $11,222. The reduction of anticipated revenue for 2011 is based upon: (1) a decrease of $78,000 from the General Endowment Fund and other Endowment Fund sources; (2) Total United Mission giving for 2011 of $170,000. The 2010 projected United Mission giving (based on trends in the first nine months of 2010 giving) is $170,000 or $40,000 below the 2010-budgeted amount of $210,000. The Executive Committee and Region Board, in submitting the proposed budget, outlined the following staff model if the proposed budget is adopted:

• Support staff would remain at three persons for 2011 with salary remaining at the 2010 level;
• Professional staff would remain at the same staffing level as 2010 from January 1, 2011 to May 31, 2011 with salary at the 2010 level;
• Executive Minister’s salary cut 5% beginning June 1, 2011;
• Consultant for Leadership (Hernandez) and Consultant for Congregational Health (Cary) positions would move to 20 hours per week each beginning June 1, 2011 and follow the model currently used with the Consultant for Transitioning Ministries (Gunneman);
• Consultant for Stewardship and Discipleship (Nichols) would be unchanged as funding for this position is budget neutral. Special gifts have been provided by the First Baptist Church of Royal Oak Mission Fund, Genesis the Church, and the American Baptist Foundation for this position through 2012.

By making these changes in the professional staffing model, there would be a savings in the professional staff salaries of $83,000 and travel cost savings of $15,000. The only place where it was determined savings could be realized outside of the salary portion of the budget is $20,000 in savings from the Ministry Leadership Groups as a result of ABCUSA Minister’s Council TIM grants for 2011. The savings ($83,000 + $15,000 + $20,000) would total $118,000 of the $128,491 projected income reduction therefore a recommended deficit budget of $11,222. After much discussion, a ballot vote, requiring a simple majority, was taken with the proposed budget passing. (59 Yes, 39 No, 4 Abstentions, 2 Spoiled).

Other Actions: Dr. Williams presented a plaque to the Rev. Erica Van Brakle, recognizing her for her year of service as Region president. Dr. Williams also recognized members of the Region staff expressing appreciation for their contributions to our life together. On behalf of Trina Knox, Office Manager/Bookkeeper, he expressed her appreciation for the many cards, e-mails, and calls of concern/care she has received since her emergency surgery August 1. She has recovered from surgery and is now undergoing chemotherapy treatments. She is back working though some of her work is being done from home on days following chemotherapy treatments. Dr. Williams asked for continued prayer for her as she continues her treatments.

The Annual Meeting was brought to conclusion by the Rev. Erica Van Brakle.