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 + Email vote – THURSDAY, August 6, 2026
ATTENDING:
1 Harrison Bell
2 Sam Gregory
3 Vivian Kinnear
4 Bishop Auta (NT)
5 Luvo Thwethwa (SAT) OUT
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
12 Matt Seel
13 Rhonda Bourgeois 14 Richard Croll
15 Olandor Boyce (LT) STAFF:
1 Molly Williams
2 Mike Schafer
3 Matt Conover
WELCOME AND PRAYER –HARRISON
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES FROM LAST MEETING – VIVIAN
Jim moved to approve, and Rhonda seconded to approve the July 23rd meeting minutes and executive summary without additional corrections.
TRADEMARK USE AGREEMENT DISCUSSION - TERESA MARCUS
Teresa Marcus presented a draft Trademark Use Agreement (TUA) framework designed to establish stewardship and clear guardrails for use of the GMC brand. She emphasized that the primary purpose is brand protection rather than revenue generation. A formal agreement would demonstrate the GMC’s active efforts to control and protect its trademarks, particularly as vendors are currently using the marks with or without authorization.
The draft is a two-page framework intended as a starting point for negotiations with external vendors. Key provisions include prior approval of designs, retention of GMC ownership of all marks, and the right to revoke permission. Attorney review is estimated at $800–$1,200 to strengthen the language. The group discussed whether provisions addressing damages, cease-and-desist procedures, and prohibited sub-licensing should be added.
The discussion clarified the distinction between local church use and external vendor use. Local churches have an implicit license under the GMC branding policy to use the marks for official church business and may sell branded merchandise within their congregation for purposes such as mission trip fundraising. However, they may not sell merchandise to the general public. Vendors used by local churches for a specific order do not receive ongoing trademark rights. The group suggested referencing both the local church guidance document and the GMC brand book within the vendor agreement to avoid confusion.
International use was also discussed. Because U.S. trademark protections do not provide enforcement in all countries, the current approach for international use is primarily communication, collaboration, and distribution of GMC branding standards. Teresa noted that updated branding standards and the
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brand book have been distributed to all 55 conferences, including the new DRC conferences. Information regarding international trademark registration options may also be explored.
The group discussed the process for reviewing vendor requests, including who would negotiate agreements and provide final approval when a request falls outside the standard framework. Teresa offered to handle initial inquiries and bring matters back to the group as needed, estimating approximately three to five requests annually.
The discussion concluded with a recommendation to restructure the current document from a contract framework into a guidelines/policy format before it is brought forward for consideration. Mike offered to work with Teresa and Matt to revise the document to incorporate the additions and clarifications discussed.
HEALTH INSURANCE RENEWAL DISCUSSION - CHRIS AND MATTHEW
The commission held a detailed discussion regarding the 2027 health insurance renewal with GuideStone, including the proposed premium increase, plan structure, potential alternatives, and the compressed decision timeline. Under the Book of Doctrine and Discipline, the commission is responsible for recommending health insurance plans and the clergy-church cost split to the Connectional Council.
GuideStone has proposed a year-over-year increase in U.S. premiums. Matthew’s analysis raised questions about the underlying claims-to-premiums calculation, noting that GuideStone appears to have understated premiums received by approximately $300,000 for the July–June period. When corrected, and with prescription drug rebates considered, the effective increase may be lower than proposed, with the adjusted claims-to-premiums ratio estimated at approximately 99%. Matthew presented current and proposed rate tables, including comparisons of the existing $914.38 monthly church contribution floor with potential 90/10 and 85/15 percentage-based cost-sharing models.
Several alternatives were discussed, including a $2,000 deductible plan, which could reduce the effective increase over current rates. The group also discussed the possibility of self-insurance, with an informational session scheduled for the following day. The potential General Conference action to transfer benefits administration to annual conferences was another significant consideration. Because General Conference legislation could substantially change the GMC’s role in health insurance administration beginning January 1, 2027, the commission agreed that many details should remain at a conceptual level until the outcome of General Conference is known. A one-year delay to 2028 was suggested if such legislation passes, allowing adequate time for planning and transition.
The discussion also addressed the clergy-church cost split, noting that GuideStone currently bills churches directly and there is no mechanism to enforce the prescribed split. The GMC’s substantial pension assets held with GuideStone were identified as a potential consideration in negotiations. At the same time, the compressed timeline—GuideStone is seeking a signed contract by mid-September for October–November open enrollment and January 1, 2027, implementation—limits the commission’s negotiating window. The Connectional Council is scheduled to meet September 28, requiring the commission to finalize recommendations by approximately September 21.
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No decision was made regarding the 2027 health insurance plan. Further discussion is scheduled for the next meeting on August 20. In the interim, Matthew will continue analyzing the rate data and prepare updated tables, while Chris will explore alternative plan options with GuideStone.
FOUNDATION BOARD NOMINATIONS - HARRISON
Clergy Nominated: Todd Chancey (MidSouth), Chris Akers (Florida), Bishop Scott Jones Laity Nominated: Suzanne Jones (Alabama - Emerald Coast), YTD, YTD
To Consider: Leona Isa (Lay - Northern Nigeria)
By email vote post-meeting, Tom Mulkey (Lay – West Plains) was elected.
The commission revisited the nomination of Leona Isa, a layperson from Northern Nigeria, for appointment to the inaugural GMC Foundation Board. Harrison reported that Bishop Auta had followed up regarding Isa, and Matthew had received an additional reference from the Conference Superintendent. Both references were highly positive, particularly regarding her expertise and experience.
Approval of the nomination would bring the proposed board composition to two laypersons and three clergy. Harrison expressed the desire to have a preliminary board established before General Conference.
The commission also received an update on preliminary work to establish the GMC Foundation. Matthew reported that he, Mike, and Bishop Moore had been consulting with an attorney who previously established a similar foundation for the Wesleyan Church. The proposed foundation would provide a structure for facilitating and managing funding to India, Vietnam, Russia, and other regions while addressing the significant compliance requirements associated with international financial transfers. Jim noted that one mission organization currently spends approximately $150,000 annually on international compliance.
Jim moved to nominate Leona Isa, with Rhonda Bourgeois seconding the motion. The commission approved the nomination by a show of hands for recommendation to the Connectional Council for appointment to the inaugural GMC Foundation Board.
Harrison will prepare a one-page document identifying all nominees and outlining the purpose of the Foundation Board and will send it to Cat and Mike for the upcoming Connectional Council meeting.
CONNECTIONAL FUNDING – AGENDA REQUEST
Olandor requested that connectional funding be added to the agenda for the August 20 meeting. He asked for an overview of the commission’s current work related to connectional funding, including efforts to increase income-generating capacity across areas and plans to engage bishops following General Conference.
Rhonda Bourgeois seconded the request and noted that work has already begun on informational materials, including a flyer/brochure, to help communicate the purpose and importance of connectional funding. Matthew clarified whether the discussion concerned a financial report on funds
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received; Rhonda confirmed that the request instead relates to the connectional funding awareness materials being developed by her and Olandor.
Connectional funding will be added to the agenda for the August 20 meeting. CLOSING PRAYER - MIKE
Next meeting: August 20, 2026, at 7 AM Central Time (Daylight Saving Time)
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