Leadership Conference
2009 Leadership Conference Promotes Fiscal Responsibility
NASHVILLE, TN—One hundred twenty leaders from 21 states gathered at Nashville Airport Marriott Hotel, December 7-8, to promote good stewardship and greater fiscal responsibility. Workshops tackled a list of related topics, such as “Ensuring Financial Integrity,” “To Cut [Staff] or Not to Cut,” and “Compensation Issues: Setting Staff Salaries.”
Keynote speaker Will Harmon (AR) encouraged listeners to “think biblically about money,” as he presented a comprehensive scriptural view of financial accountability. The Oklahoma native pastors Cavanaugh FWB Church in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. Recently, the church was honored for reaching $1 million in cooperative giving. “He [Harmon] was infinitely practical,” said one conference attendee. “His messages convicted me and encouraged me to return to my church and put what I’ve learned into practice.”
Conference services featured music provided by Free Will Baptist Bible College, including performances by the College Choir and New Mercy trio, all under the direction of Dr. James Stevens. Jan Clay of Indianapolis, Indiana, led congregational worship.
A full slate of workshops featured a variety of presenters including: Keith Burden (TN), Tim Eaton (OK), Larry Howlett (KY), Bill Evans (KY), and David Williford (TN). One highlight of the Tuesday morning schedule was the seminar featuring Certified Public Accountant, Larry C. Howlett. Drawing on 30 years of experience with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Howlett specializes in helping churches and ministries become more financially effective.
All workshops were received enthusiastically. “Talking about money is never easy,” said Ryan Lewis, conference coordinator. “But Scripture makes it clear that it is also a very important topic. This conference provided a wealth of information for church leaders—information they will use daily in their ministry.”
Denominational officers and board members handled a lengthy slate of business in conjunction with the meeting. The Nominating Committee of the National Association of Free Will Baptists met to recommend individuals for board and commission vacancies to be filled at the 2010 convention in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Mark McCraney (AL) chairs the seven-person committee.
Other national boards and committees that held meetings include the Executive Committee, Home Missions Board, International Missions Board, Board of the Free Will Baptist Foundation, Board of Retirement and Insurance, Randall House Publications Board, Free Will Baptist Bible College Board, and the executive committee of Women Nationally Active for Christ.
Keith Burden, executive secretary of the National Association, summed up the conference: “I can’t think of a meeting when the subject matter was more relevant. Across the board, the speakers were high caliber, and their messages ‘hit us where we live.’ I encourage all Free Will Baptist leaders to make plans to attend next year’s meeting.”
The 2010 Leadership Conference will meet December 6-7, at the Nashville Airport Marriott Hotel, Nashville, Tennessee.