Meeting Minutes List

Describe the item or answer the question so that site visitors who are interested get more information. You can emphasiFinance, Administration, & Benefits Commission
AGENDA NOTES – THURSDAY, October 22, 2026 – Approved 10/22/26 ATTENDING:
1 Harrison Bell
2 Sam Gregory
3 Vivian Kinnear
4 Bishop Auta (NT) OUT
5 Luvo Thwethwa (SAT)
6 Sung-Soo Kim
7 Jennifer Lineberry OUT
13 MEMBERS; 3 STAFF ATTENDING
8 Sherry Austin
9 Chris Akers
10 Jim Noble
11 Joy Perry OUT 12 Matt Seel
13 Rhonda Bourgeois 14 Richard Croll
15 Olandor Boyce (LT) 16 Lyndsey Clark STAFF:
1 Molly Williams
2 Mike Schafer
3 Matthew Conover
WELCOME AND PRAYER –HARRISON
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES FROM LAST MEETING – VIVIAN
Jim moved to approve the October 8 meeting minutes, and Richard seconded the motion. The motion carried, and the minutes were approved.
Richard moved to authorize Vivian to conduct an email vote to approve the October 22 meeting minutes. Jim seconded the motion, and the motion carried.
BENEFITS TASK FORCE CLARIFICATIONS
Mike provided context on the benefits legislation passed at General Conference and the resulting landscape for transition planning. Two pieces of legislation passed with different implementation timelines. The group discussed confusion arising from overlapping efforts between the commission’s approved task forces and Conference Superintendents who have begun organizing independently. Key points included:
• Some Conference Superintendents have organized their own efforts, while others are looking to the commission for direction.
• Conferences may pursue different approaches and timelines, including stipend models. The commission’s work should remain inclusive of these varying needs and options. • At General Conference, larger conferences supported the task force approach, while smaller conferences felt blindsided by the process.
• Mike confirmed that the Assembly of Bishops has not yet assigned Conference Superintendents to commissions.
Communication and Coordination
Chris identified the lack of communication with Conference Superintendents since General Conference as the central problem. Mike has described the commission’s extensive completed work during Conference Superintendent meetings, but concerns remain that some Conference Superintendents are unaware of that work.
• Harrison clarified that the commission has approved two task forces: one focused on global benefits, and one focused on the US benefits transition.
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• The group discussed the need to clarify roles and coordinate efforts, particularly because some Conference Superintendents have independently contacted vendors on behalf of the GMC, creating confusion among vendors.
• Matthew suggested that the commission’s role may need to focus more on administrative coordination than on plan design, recognizing that Conference Superintendents want to develop options themselves rather than simply receive options developed by the commission.
• Matt emphasized the importance of the task force providing a holistic perspective across the entire movement, rather than focusing exclusively on individual conferences. Conferences should be reminded that they are part of a larger connectional system.
• Vivian observed that many Conference Superintendents may prefer to gather their own information and evaluate alternatives independently. Allowing conferences to self-select their path forward may be more effective than distributing information they may not ultimately use.
January Atlanta Meeting
Lyndsey shared that she has been invited to attend a January 5–7 meeting in Atlanta organized by Conference Superintendents pursuing an independent effort. Jim confirmed he, too, was invited and that approximately 20 US Conference Superintendents received invitations.
• The group discussed the importance of seeking task force representation at this meeting to support collaboration and coordination.
• Rhonda emphasized the need to help smaller conferences navigate benefits transitions, particularly those with fewer resources to manage the process independently. She also noted that approximately 120–200 clergy transfers have already occurred this year. Because clergy move between conferences, differing conference-level approaches may have broader consequences across the connection.
• Richard cautioned that dividing the movement into smaller groups could result in less favorable benefits pricing because of reduced group size and less predictable claims experience. He also pointed out that the increase in premiums is based on the HSA4000 plan as the floor coverage for all pastors. Since that plan increased by 12%, the amount churches are expected to pay also increased by 12% regardless of the pastor's plan choice.
Claims Data Confidentiality
Chris emphasized the importance of protecting the confidentiality of claims data. Matthew clarified that Gallagher, as the broker, had been granted access to the data; access had not been granted to individuals in their personal capacities.
Scope of Benefits and Financial Implications
Matthew reminded the group that benefits extend beyond healthcare to include retirement plans (403(b)), disability, and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D).
The group raised the following question for further clarification:
• If conferences leave the plan and the GMC’s invested assets fall below the $200 million threshold for lower fees, how will GuideStone’s fee structure change?
Action Items
Harrison will:
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• Reach out to key Conference Superintendents before communicating with all US Conference Superintendents.
• Draft an email to all US Conference Superintendents explaining the commission’s work to date and inviting collaboration.
• Obtain a list of US Conference Superintendent email addresses from Kat.
The Commission will:
• Seek representation from the US benefits transition task force at the January 5–7 Atlanta meeting.
Path Forward
The two approved task forces remain the commission’s intended path forward. In response to the independent organizing efforts of Conference Superintendents, the commission will clarify the role of the US benefits transition task force and prioritize communication, collaboration, and coordination across the connection.
REVIEW OF PAST TWO YEARS AND LOOKING FORWARD – HARRISON
What went well over the past two years?
• Matt: Praised the positive spirit of the group, assumption of positive intent, holistic perspective gained, and the volume of work accomplished. Noted the main gap is communicating that work externally.
• Rhonda Bourgeois: Highlighted outstanding financial management, transparency, strong team composition, well-run meetings, and Vivian's contributions to organization and minutes. • Luvo: Commended financial management, meeting deadlines, the subcommittee structure, and the commission's effort to address global — not just U.S. — issues.
• Chris Akers: Praised Harrison's non-anxious, wise leadership and Vivian’s attention to detail in minutes.
• Olandor: Noted strong attendance rates, the significance of the commission's financial stewardship role for the entire denomination, and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to connectional funding efforts in Africa.
• Sung-Soo Kim expressed appreciation for the team’s dedication, the January in-person meeting, and the subcommittee structure. He recommended moving from biweekly to monthly commission meetings, with additional sessions scheduled as needed.
• Matthew: Highlighted the early establishment of financial values (transparency, local church focus, accountability, lean footprint) as a foundational achievement, and praised the staff team. • Harrison: Thanked all members, acknowledged the growth from the pre-Costa Rica transitional period to the present, and specifically recognized Matthew and Molly for their staff leadership. • Sam: Expressed honor in serving alongside the group and appreciation for their commitment to the church and the Great Commission.
What are our growing edges and recommendations for the next team?
• Matt: Suggested scheduling future in-person meetings to avoid weather disruptions (referencing being stranded during an ice storm in Houston). Also noted per diem gaps for unexpected extended stays.
• Chris Akers: Urged better communication with Conference Superintendents on U.S.-centric issues such as MinistrySafe compliance and property/casualty insurance matters. • Rhonda Bourgeois identified records and statistics as an area the commission has not yet addressed. She also cited the 501(c)(3) group exemption process and other administrative
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matters that do not consistently reach the commission. She recommended broadening the commission’s scope beyond strictly financial matters.
• Jim: Echoed Rhonda's points. Noted that Atlas is not moving fast enough for some conferences (his conference is moving to Ministry Platform). Highlighted ongoing confusion around group exemption status and the need for better clergy compensation education.
• Sam: Noted that both the Connectional Council and this commission have been largely reactive rather than proactive. Emphasized the need for improved external communication — minutes posted on the website are not being read. Called for better coordination with other commissions, which is a Connectional Council goal.
• Matthew: Recommended expanding the end-of-year financial update to cover all commission activities, potentially quarterly, as a communication vehicle.
• Harrison: Agreed on the need to move from reactive to proactive. Mentioned archives as an area not yet addressed. Expressed confidence that in six years, the foundation laid now will result in a significantly stronger organization.
CLOSING PRAYER – SAM
NEXT MEETING: New Commission: November 5, 2026 at 7 AM.
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