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, May 28, 2026
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
11 MEMBERS; 3 STAFF ATTENDING
8 Sherry Austin
9 Chris Akers
10 Jim Noble
11 Joy Perry
12 Matt Seel
13 Rhonda Bourgeois OUT 14 Richard Croll
15 Olandor Boyce (LT) OUT STAFF:
1 Molly Williams
2 Mike Schafer
3 Matt Conover
WELCOME AND PRAYER –HARRISON
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES FROM LAST MEETING – VIVIAN
O The Commission moved and approved the May 14th meeting minutes as edited. CONNECTIONAL COUNCIL UPDATE – SAM
o The Executive Director for Church Planting position remains under development, with its structure, responsibilities, and funding still being discussed by the Connectional Council. The process has slowed to incorporate broader feedback and collaboration from multiple task forces. Once a direction is finalized, the commission will participate in the budget development process related to the position.
o Harrison is developing a commission self-evaluation survey through Jotform, which is expected to be distributed within the next 30 days. The survey is designed to assist the Connectional Council in evaluating the effectiveness of commission work and to help future commissions operate more proactively and productively.
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW-MATTHEW & MOLLY
o April financials reflect income at 111% of budget, driven primarily by the 90% budgeting rule, with expenses running approximately $140,000 under budget. Total assets remain steady at $12 million. Cash flow remains strong, and no withdrawals from money markets have been necessary to date; however, upcoming General Conference expenses may require drawing on those funds.
o Deferred revenue has exceeded $1 million, marking the highest level on record and significantly surpassing the same period last year. Current projections indicate revenue is likely to continue exceeding budget expectations.
o Rising airfare costs are impacting the General Conference budget line item, though contingency reserves are expected to offset these increases and maintain stability.
o The litigation/legal expense fund released $65,000. A separate $70,000 wire transfer has been returned twice due to transfer issues and remains pending resolution.
o The commission approved the April financials pending final closeout. Molly will distribute the finalized report by Friday.
o The 2027 Budget Plan will be developed by the Finance sub-team and presented at the July meeting.
INSURANCE SURVEY FOR CONFERENCE LEADERS – JOY
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o The health insurance survey was reviewed, with 19 responses received to date. Results indicate a supermajority preference for health insurance to be managed at the national level, with nearly half of respondents expressing a preference for GuideStone. The survey will be finalized after five additional conference submissions are received. Notably, self-insurance also received meaningful support. Mike cautioned that prior denominational experience with self-insurance may present implementation challenges not fully reflected in current survey responses.
o Chris has a meeting scheduled with Cody from GuideStone next Thursday. The discussion will include detailed questions regarding available plan options, accommodations for multi-clergy appointments, differences between lay and clergy coverage, and whether GuideStone could continue providing life and disability products in the event of a health plan transition.
o Richard outlined a potential self-insurance model utilizing a Third-Party Administrator (TPA). Under this structure, the TPA would collect premiums, process claims, and manage billing to local churches. A stop-loss carrier would cover claims exceeding a predetermined threshold. The model would also involve the organization maintaining a growing cash reserve used to pay claims on a weekly basis.
o Harrison recommended that survey results be shared with conference superintendents once responses are received from the remaining five non-responding conferences. GMC FOUNDATION NOMINATIONS – HARRISON
o An email letter has been drafted to conference superintendents requesting names of individuals with relevant expertise to go out, and Mike will mention to conference superintendents in the monthly call meeting today
MEETING DATES FOR THE REST OF THE TERM – HARRISON
o No June meeting, allowing time for sub-teams to meet and then report back at the next meeting in July.
CLOSING PRAYER - JIM
Next meeting: July 23, 2026, at 7 AM Central Time (Daylight Savings Time)
FAPBC SUB-TEAM Finance to meet on June 12, at 10 AM Central Time.
FAPBC SUB-TEAM Insurance to meet on June 18th at 8 AM Central Time.
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