TOGETHER: Board made the responsible decision

Posted: 9/29/07

TOGETHER:
Board made the responsible decision

The BGCT Executive Board faced the challenge this past week of dealing with a decrease in funds available next year to support our work together. To meet our 2008 budget, changes in benefits, spending and staff reductions must be addressed. The board did not want to approve a budget where 25 to 30 staff positions would be affected by those reductions. But after a great deal of very open discussion, they reluctantly—but responsibly—voted to recommend the budget to the annual meeting in Amarillo.

Executive Director BGCT Executive Board

The finance subcommittee had been working with and examining options since August, and the Administration Support Committee met prior to the full board meeting. Both groups believe the way in which the budget addresses the reduction is the most appropriate option.

Some staff responsibilities will be reassigned, some tasks and roles combined and some jobs eliminated. Some employees will be eligible to retire, and some will be eligible for various benefit payouts per current policies. Everyone affected will receive a severance. As some begin searching for new opportunities, our human resources department will provide outplacement services to assist with resumes, Internet and job search access, and search strategies. The transition assistance being provided still does not make this task any easier for anyone involved, but it allows us to show how much we care and how much we appreciate their service.

We believe the end result of the changes will make us even move effective in using the missions and ministry dollars given by the churches which support the critical work of our staff with churches and the amazing work of our ministry and educational institutions.

The Executive Board acted to make the best decisions they could in providing for the urgent needs of all of our work together. I felt for them as they struggled to find the best solution, and I was proud for and of them as they made their way, painfully and prayerfully, to the decision to approve the budget. You will receive in the next Baptist Standard a report of the personnel decisions made and a careful explanation of the proposed budget.

I appeal to all of you and to all of our churches to realize that it makes a difference for time and eternity what you do about your Cooperative Program giving. Our giving system is totally voluntary; there are no assessments. Many churches will be making decisions soon about their Cooperative Program giving for 2008. You’re touching Texas and the world in ways you cannot do alone when you give generously through the BGCT Cooperative Program.

I appreciate Bob Fowler, whose term as chairman of the Executive Board will end at the conclusion of the annual meeting. He has provided wise, strong and respected guidance to the board for these past two years.

Texas Baptists are blessed by the availability of wonderful women and men who serve us on behalf of kingdom advance.

I am blessed to be part of all this. We are loved.

Charles Wade is executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Board.