203 - Chair of FMCNA Board of Administration

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Rejected

Comments

[Gerald Coates]

A point of clarification on the first 'whereas' in this resolution. In 1989 John Van Valin (an elder) was elected chair of the Board of Administration. This was the first time in the history of the church that a bishop was not the chair. When John Van Valin accepted the position of Publisher for the church he resigned from his position as chairman. Since then (17 years) the BOA has been chaired by a lay person.

[Curtis Turner]

How about selecting the individual, either lay or clergy, who is best qualified? It seems that by narrowing the choice to a lay person we may not be getting the best qualified individual.

[Michael Guthrie]

The selection and election of Bishops represent the most critical issue of the 2007 General Conference. Of course, there will be the usual attention to the tweaking of prepositions and adverbs in the Discipline and a few reactionary proposals submitted in response to some isolated local problem. But for the most part, we can thank God that we are not facing some major theological crisis. The real issue and focus for our consideration is the leadership of the church. We see this in resolutions regarding the number and role of Bishops and the Board of Administration.

Some might see the discussion of these particular resolutions (#100's,# 200's #409-411) as a simple prelude to the inevitable election. But in fact, the resolutions will set the stage for the election. Herein, is the potential flaw in our seemingly well ordered plan. How is it possible to put forth nominations for leadership, when we have not settled the issue of our expectations of leadership? Thus we have set forth in motion a search for “who we want” when we have not settled the primary question of “what we want.”

We have already put forth our nominees–good and godly people, everyone. Our minds are already thinking ahead as to “who” would make a good bishop or a BOA member. Regions are already banning together to support their favored candidates. And though politics surely never enter the thoughts of the sanctified-- voting blocks are emerging to promote and preserve their favored candidates. Of course our elected leaders will be good and godly, but is it possible that the real opportunity may be missed--again.

Please do not misunderstand what I am saying about the nominees or the current leadership of the church. These men and women are the influencers and joy of the church. This election has the opportunity to bring spiritual and social diversity to the leadership of the church. I applaud those who have enlarged their thinking about leadership. But just perhaps we could risk to enlarge it even further.

I have been struck recently be the account of the Matthias, the replacement Apostle for Judas in Acts 1:23-26. Arguably Matthias was a good, respected, and a close follower of Jesus. He was carefully chosen by the Apostles and then slipped into the silence of history.

Paul, on the other hand, was no one’s first choice for Apostle, he was the one “abnormally born” (1 Corinthians 15:8). Paul challenged the parochial attitudes of the church toward the Gentiles, took on the sinful attitudes of the saints, and generally caused a stir. He was controversial, stubborn, independent, passionate, and never would have made it on any list of nominees. We continue to debate his impact.

We can come together in Spring Arbor and carefully choose a leader and stick to our predetermined agendas. Or we can fling open our hearts and ask God to grant us an abnormal birth. We can entreat him to give us the courage and the wisdom to seek to be led in a way that will make us uncomfortable and productive.

Good people are praying about the leadership of the church, let them continue to do so in earnest.

One final “out of the box” idea to the nominees for bishop and the BOA. What might happen if prior to the vote for Bishop the nominees for bishop got together during General Conference on numerous private occasions. After all, these nominees have the confidence of the church to be chosen to serve in the highest positions, shouldn’t we encourage them to talk and pray about those positions with one another. Would it be possible that during prayer and discussion, they might further sort their own number out? Might some chose to withdraw from nomination or other names be added (even against the current process). The same could occur with the BOA. Yes this would be irregular and abnormal, but after all that is the point.

The adopted resolutions effecting leadership will tailor the position of Bishop and BOA in a unique way and thus have a direct effect on the list of nominees. The resolutions should cause some nominees to change their minds about serving. Thus the withdrawal of any nominee at any time must be viewed as a high expression of spiritual depth and love for the church.

I believe this General Conference provides the best opportunity for the change in direction that we have longed for and prayed about. Now may the Spirit of God grant us each the courage needed to follow through.