This post originally appeared at BGAV.org.
Committee Recommends New Governance Structure
Governance. Budgets. Councils.
If it sounds like your church’s business meeting, you might be right.
This year at the Annual Meeting, BGAV messengers will consider a recommendation from the Governance Committee seeking to streamline and update the structure of the BGAV and bring continue to provide “effective, efficient leadership for the BGAV.” Making the business of the BGAV stronger will provide for long-term growth in the core mission of the association.
After months of reflection, meetings and research, the committee proposes a two-body governance structure:
- Virginia Baptist Mission Council
The larger body would consist of 110-120 members and would be characterized by broad representation from across Virginia Baptist life. - Virginia Baptist Executive Board
The smaller body, would consist of 20 members (15 rotating members, the BGAV President and the two Vice Presidents, the Executive Director, and the Treasurer) and would be characterized by competence in oversight.
The Mission Council will serve as the “sounding board” of the Virginia Baptist family, providing the Executive Board with timely insight and providing two-way communication with churches and partners throughout the BGAV territory.
The Executive Board “would combine strategically the strengths of the present Executive and Budget Committees,” providing strategic and funding oversight to Mission Board staff and initiatives of the BGAV.
The Governance Committee will make their report during Executive Director John Upton’s Report on Tuesday morning in the 8:30a.m. session. The vote will take place on Wednesday morning during the 8:30 a.m. session.
Read the 10-page report before the Annual Meeting and make plans to join the discussion during Breakout Session 1 or 2 on Tuesday in Ballroom D.
Breakout Session #1: 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Breakout Session #2: 3:15 p.m.–4:15 p.m.
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Nomination for BGAV Treasurer
When Eddie Stratton assumed the role of BGAV/VBMB Treasurer, BGAV Executive Director John Upton says he brought new hope.
With the announcement of Eddie’s retirement at the end of 2013, a search began for his successor. With the Mission Board’s approval of the nomination, David Washburn will be presented to the BGAV as the nominee to replace Stratton as Treasurer.
Currently pastor of First Baptist Church, Waynesboro, David is also a former banker, having risen to the role of Assistant Vice President of First Union National Bank in Cary and Wilmington, NC, from 1989 to 1995. David has also served as chair of the BGAV Budget Committee for the past two years.
He shared with the board, “This process has been a continual affirmation for me and my family. I’m excited about this next step in our lives together.”
Eddie won’t be going far. He will oversee the VBMB’s endowment as Chief Development Officer after December 31.
David Washburn’s nomination as BGAV Treasurer will be formally announced to the association during the 8:30-10:00am business session and will be considered for vote immediately following the presentation.
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Religious Herald merger
Trustees of the Religious Herald voted unanimously Oct. 7 to merge with Associated Baptist Press, creating a new print and online media platform aimed at enhancing the mission and heritage of both organizations.
For 185 years, the Religious Herald has provided news and updates on Virginia Baptist life, including a partnership since 2006 with the Associated Baptist Press and partners in Missouri and Texas to include shared content.
In the new year, the Herald reported on October 7, publication “will move to magazine format co-branded and co-marketed with ABPnews.” The full-color, bi-monthly magazine will include 16-24 pages in addition to online content.
“This agreement has emerged from a shared commitment to be Baptist in heritage, ecumenical in spirit and global in reach,” ABP executive David Wilkinson said in the Herald article. “It lays the groundwork for future conversations with other potential partners both within and beyond Baptist life in America.”
Fire up your questions and get answers at a Q&A with Religious Herald Trustees and Staff in Meeting Room 3 during Breakout Sessions 1 or 2 on Tuesday.
Breakout Session #1: 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Breakout Session #2: 3:15 p.m.–4:15 p.m.
