The CMBA Visionary Leadership Community (VLC) conducted business and shared ministry updates virtually on Tuesday, September 21. They also worked to finalize plans related to the upcoming CMBA Annual Meeting to be held Thursday, October 7, at 6 p.m. at Cedar Creek Baptist in Blythewood.
During the meeting VLC members heard Team Huddle reports from its subgroups regarding ongoing work with CMBA churches through Our One Priority to “start and strengthen congregations to serve as vital and vibrant missional communities.” These targeted ministry areas include ongoing relationships with congregations, telling the stories of how God is at work throughout CMBA, work toward building a leadership pipeline and a new related partnership with Columbia International University, as well as progress in CMBA’s vision to see new congregational expressions.
VLC approved several recommendations:
- A $500 grant was approved for Spring Valley Baptist for a Harvest Pack food packaging project on October 9, during Love Cola week. The church anticipates assembling 85,000 meals that are shared within the local community, including through CMBA.
- To receive Lykesland First Baptist as a Church Network Connection. Lykesland has already inquired about contributing to CMBA, South Carolina Baptist Convention and the Southern Baptist Convention.
- To affirm the sale of Good Hope Baptist’s parsonage land.
In other news, recommendations for vacant VLC 2022 positions and officers were discussed. Current Vice Moderator Craig Bailey will serve as 2022 Moderator. Chair Jacob Helsley shared an early report of the work of the Executive Director search committee. The group has met with Robert Winburn, a previous search committee chair, as they assemble their process to move forward.
VLC members voted to approve the 2022 Budget proposal to be presented and voted on at the 2021 Annual Meeting on, Oct. 7. Immediately following the business session held in the sanctuary at Cedar Creek Baptist, attendees are invited to join a retirement celebration honoring Cathy Locklear in the church’s fellowship hall.
Treasurer Brenda Sheets reported CMBA continues to be “in good shape” financially.
VLC will reconvene October 19.