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, April 30, 2026
ATTENDING:
1 Harrison Bell
2 Sam Gregory
3 Vivian Kinnear
4 Bishop Auta (NT)
5 Luvo Thwethwa (SAT) OUT
6 Sung-Soo Kim OUT
7 Jennifer Lineberry OUT
12 MEMBERS; 2 STAFF ATTENDING
8 Sherry Austin
9 Chris Akers
10 Jim Noble
11 Joy Perry
12 Matt Seel
13 Rhonda Bourgeois 14 Richard Croll
15 Olandor Boyce (LT) STAFF:
1 Molly Williams OUT 2 Mike Schafer
3 Matt Conover
WELCOME AND PRAYER –HARRISON
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES FROM LAST MEETING – VIVIAN
O The Commission approved April 16th meeting minutes with edits.
O Vivian is following up to correct a website posting where an incorrect title was selected from the pull-down menu.
Financial Update – Matthew
o March year-to-date financial reports indicate overall expenses are under budget, though a few commissions are currently overspent. These variances are attributed to timing differences and are expected to be self-corrected by year-end.
o Discussion was held regarding the establishment of formal policies for budget overages and reporting requirements; however, no policy changes were adopted at this time. o Matthew will continue monitoring. If overspending continues without correction, use of the six month operating reserve may be required.
International Financial Training Request - Matthew
o During two previous webinars, a request was made for financial training for international conferences, particularly for treasury staff; however, specific needs remain unclear. o Rhonda will explore the availability of TechSoup outside the US and related licensing options to determine the feasibility of offering QuickBooks training and licenses internationally. o Bishop Auta raised concerns regarding accountability systems for funds distributed to international conferences. Mike and Matthew noted that funds are currently routed through Conference Superintendents or Bishops, but additional processes are needed to ensure proper audit trails.
o The Commission agreed that a clearer designation of responsible parties within each conference is needed for receiving and monitoring funds.
Administration / Benefits
Health Insurance Survey for Conference Leaders – Joy
o Joy presented a draft survey to gather input from US conference leadership on health insurance options.
o The proposed release date is May 14, following the next FAPBC meeting with a one-week response window. Results would be available for the May 28th FAPBC meeting.
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o Mike indicated broad agreement that this matter should be addressed by FPBC and the Connectional Council rather than going to General Conference. If legislation is proposed, it is expected to be handled before the General Conference to avoid floor debate. However, a report is in order.
o Jim inquired about the timeline for the next GuideStone negotiations. Matthew indicated negotiations begin in June. Mike clarified that the current arrangements extend through 2027, with any change taking effect in 2028.
Ministry Safe Contract – Chris
o Chris reported that the Ministry Safe contract expires at year-end. Future negotiations may include exploring Tithely as a potential funding partner.
o Consideration must balance cost savings with any financial impact to churches through platform fees. Comparative analysis of fee structures and overall cost is ongoing. o The contract must be renegotiated within the next six months. Chris will follow up with Mike and Matthew.
Scouting America Update – Chris
o Chris provided an update noting that discussions with Scouting America are progressing slowly.
o A follow-up call will be scheduled to review options in light of their recent response. Nominations for GMC Foundation – Deferred to May 14 meeting
o Sam deferred this agenda item to the May 14 meeting and encouraged members to begin considering potential nominees.
o The board will require representation from various constituencies, including specific talents, clergy and laity, and both US and non-US members.
o The final board size is expected to be an odd number and to be kept to a manageable size. Other Business - None
CLOSING PRAYER - VIVIAN
Next meeting: May 14, 2026, at 7 AM Central Time (Daylight Savings Time)
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