Leadership Board Recap: September 2026
The Leadership Board met on September 28 and renewed the church's insurance, refined the structure of the endowment fund, and took a first look at this year's goals. Brad Mears opened with the prayer President Eisenhower offered at his 1953 inauguration, a prayer for faithful service, discernment, concern for all people, and cooperation across difference. His takeaway: leadership begins on bowed knees and then rises to serve.
Insurance Renewed for 2026-2027
The board approved the 2026-2027 property and liability insurance renewals, including the wind and hail deductible buy-back. The policies renewed October 1. The cost rises about $3,500 for the same coverage, and the renewal now lists the workers' compensation coverage the church already carries.
The board also approved 2027 clergy compensation for submission to the district.
Refining the Endowment Fund
Board members reviewed proposed amendments to the Endowment Fund Policy. Children's, youth, and building and grounds funds would join the main fund. The fund would hold two sections: an available section with an emergency reserve the board can reach when needs arise, and an endowed section saved for generations. Each year the endowed section's 4% distribution would move to the available side. Board members spoke well of the structure and agreed to strike the three-year timeline for restoring the emergency reserve after it is used. The board took no vote this month. Both endowment motions, the policy amendments and a separate motion setting the endowed sections' opening balances, return for a vote on October 19, and the policy then goes to the Church Conference on November 22.
Growing Engagement
The board heard a first look at objectives under Grow Engagement, the goals our church will submit for the coming year. Two ways anyone can help: join the text prayer team, and find a place in a Grace Group. Children's ministry attendance, age four through fifth grade, is up this fall.
Continuing The Advantage
Board members finished their reading of Patrick Lencioni's The Advantage with its chapters on great meetings and revisited the third of its six questions: what do we do? Our answers are still a work in progress. The board canceled the October 3 planning retreat and will take up the rallying cry and strategic anchors in regular meetings instead.
Looking Ahead
The next Leadership Board meeting is Monday, October 19 at 6:00 PM, and the Church Conference meets November 22 at McPherson First. Please keep the people who serve our congregation in leadership in your prayers.