Meeting Minutes List

Describe the item or answer the question so that site visitors who are interested get more information. You can emphasiCommission on Finance, Administration, Pension, & Benefits AGENDA NOTES – THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025
ATTENDING:
Harrison Bell
Sam Gregory
Vivian Kinnear
Bishop Auta (NT) OUT Luvo Thwethwa (SAT) OUT
Sung-Soo Kim
Jennifer Lineberry OUT Sherry Austin
Chris Akers
Jim Nobel
Mike Schafer
Matt Conover Herman Dick
Matt Seel
Rhonda Bourgeois Molly Williams Richard Croll
Olandor Boyce(LT)
WELCOME AND PRAYER – Harrison invited Mike to open the meeting with prayer.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES AND NEW METHOD OF MINUTES MOVING FORWARD – Vivian explained that the minutes being voted on will also be the minutes placed in TEAMS archive and on the website, and will be more concise, following an executive summary format. Previous November 20 and December 4 were approved for distribution with the addition of a note about ongoing budget work.
CONNECTIONAL COUNCIL (CC) UPDATE – Sam reported that after General Conference 2026, the new commissions will begin their work on November 1. The CC approved the Operating Reserve Policy as recommended.
CURRENT FINANCIALS OVERVIEW AND BUDGET UPDATE -Matthew and Molly reported that November was another record-breaking month for income, attributing it to large donations coming from IRAs. Expenses were under budget across all categories. More funds were allocated to GuideStone for investment purposes. Clarification regarding the content of specific budget line items was provided. The 2026 Budget is nearly complete, waiting for the final 2025 connectional funding numbers and follow-up with the Episcopal Committee regarding their revised AR amounts.
GRAIN COAST CONFERENCE LEGAL COST REIMBURSEMENTS – Mike explained that this request of $78,000 is similar to those in Nigeria for court cases over property issues. Olandor clarified that these are ongoing legal costs, not reimbursement for past expenses. He also explained that Liberia and Nigeria are the main conferences in Africa facing property disputes such as these. Matthew and Mike also reminded the commission that the $100,000 for Nigeria’s request has not been funded for 2026. Jim made a motion to support the request by creating a $200,000 Professional Fees Fund to be managed by the CC to fund both requests. Chris seconded. Discussion ensued both for and against the motion. The motion passed with one opposed.
MINISTERIAL TRAINING FUND FUNDING – Mike and Matthew were asked by Harrison to work together to bring a proposal to the January 8 meeting. This funding is required by the BDD. The Higher Education Commission is working on how to structure the fund.
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SECURITY FOR AFRICAN BISHOPS REQUEST FOR 2026 BUDGET – Harrison and Mike explained the request from our African Bishops. After discussion, it was concluded that the best way to account for this cost is to receive a revised Accountable Reimbursement budget from the Episcopacy Committee for 2026.
IN PERSON MEETING UPDATE – Harrison confirmed hotels have been arranged, and a preliminary agenda will be presented at the January 8 meeting.
OTHER BUSINESS – Olandor requested his recommendation for connectional funding be considered at the January 8 meeting. Harrison asked him to resubmit his request. Vivian asked Richard to take notes at the January 8 meeting in her absence.
Closing Prayer - Sam
Next meeting: JANUARY 8, 2026 - 7 AM CT – 8 AM ET; 1 PM NIGERIAN TIME; NOON LIBERIAN TIME; 2 PM SOUTH AFRICAN TIME
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