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Fresno, Calif.
US MB Conference tightens belt


Leaders of the US MB Conference are dealing with a $65,000 deficit in last year’s budget.

Conference executive committee members, district representatives, ministry chairs and Conference staff met June 29–30 for Board of Church Ministry meetings in Fresno, Calif., to discuss the budget situation.

While contributions from MB churches were higher than the previous year and ministries actually spent under their projected budgets, income from churches and board fundraising for the 2001–02 budget year was lower than expected.

Only $189,777 of $467,230 projected board fundraising and $410,484 of $486,370 expected church contributions were received. While ministries and Conference spending was only $634,177 of the $953,600 budget, the Conference was still left with a $65,041 deficit in operating funds even with other gifts and income included.

The 2000–01 budget was set at $953,600, $333,340 higher than the previous year’s total budget of $620,260. The 1999–00 budget, however, reflected decreased spending.

To take care of last year’s deficit, Conference leaders are asking ministries to trim back this year’s $1.1 million budget, and they have also solicited funds from the MB Foundation, a stewardship ministry that has contributed funds towards year-end deficits in the past.

Interim executive director

Loyal Funk has been appointed interim executive director of the Conference. Salary for this position was part of the 2000–01 budget. His position is an annual assignment. His responsibilities include increasing fundraising efforts, articulating the vision of the Conference, assisting leadership in framing long-range plans, and managing denominational tasks including board meetings and convention planning.

Other reports

Board of Communications: Christian Leader editor Carmen Andres is moving to Alabama for next year; the national web site is preparing to be launched in fall. MBBS: The Seminary has made materials on leadership development available to churches. MB Foundation: This stewardship ministry celebrated its 10th anniversary last year and had a record year in contributions of $2.5 million. It administers a loan program to churches and distributed $1.1 million in gifts to MB organizations and missions. MBMS International: Executive director Harold Ens reported on office and staff changes, year-end income, expanding programs and worldwide efforts. Mission USA: The church planting and renewal ministry reported on church renewal, internship and church planting programs. Future church plants are being considered for the San Francisco, Oklahoma City and Phoenix areas. Peace Commission: A Basic Institute in Conflict Management and Mediation seminar designed for churches and Christian organizations will be held Mar. 4–8, 2002. The report also included the issue of volunteer service among MBs, a value the Commission believes should be promoted. Status of MBBS, Historical Commission and Board of Resource Ministries: Plans for the Historical Commission and Board of Resource Ministries are expected to be worked out by early September. The plan for the divestiture of the Seminary is continuing. All are General MB Conference ministries being transferred to national conference ownership.

Reports from MCC, Mennonite Mutual Aid and Mennonite Health Services were also presented.

 – from reports in The Christian Leader

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Last modified October 29, 2001.

© 2001 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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