Executive Director Search Committee Updates VLC at May Meeting

CMBA

The CMBA Visionary Leadership Community (VLC) met Tuesday, May 17, at New Heights Church to conduct business and share ministry updates. Pastor Richard Fleming welcomed the group along with member Doug Barnett, who was previewed in CMBA’s VLC Member Spotlight last week.

Of note, VLC members heard an update from the Executive Director Search Committee working to name a successor to the position following George Bullard’s official retirement on June 30. The committee is currently in discussions with three candidates and anticipates endorsing one of them to VLC in the coming weeks for their election. VLC will schedule a called meeting to be introduced to the candidate before voting. Then a gathering of the Missional Leadership Community (Executive Board) will be called for formal election of the new Executive Director.

VLC members heard Team Huddle reports from its subgroups regarding ongoing work with CMBA churches. These targeted ministry area reports included updates on new congregational expressions, Impacting Communities work and recent Our Family Stories.

Bullard updated members on the Denominee Journey, including the team’s continued work to identify CMBA’s Vision Frame which will include mission, measurements, vision and strategies. He also highlighted CMBA’s support of Lesley and JJ Joseph’s work to start BCM groups at Allen University and Benedict College, which has included a podcast interview with the couple and announced an informational gathering Saturday, June 4, at Temple Zion for potential ministry partners. VLC members heard a report from the recent Mission Local: Woodfield Park session and information on the June 2 event for potential partners.

VLC heard and approved recommendations to renew a $2,400 grant for a second year for City of Refuge Church and to award a $500 scholarship to Sam Smithson, a church planter and campus pastor with Alice Drive Baptist, pursuing a seminary degree.

On behalf of the Bylaws Revision Team, Bullard reported the group anticipates having a draft ready in June so that a new Executive Director could review and present to VLC for approval prior to presenting to messengers to vote during the Annual Meeting in October.

Treasurer Brenda Sheets reported on CMBA’s continued financial stability during the meeting, saying the association was “in good shape.”

VLC will reconvene June 21 at Mt. Elon.

About the author 

Julia Bell