Executive Committee meets on historic day for Georgia Baptists

John Swain

Dignitaries and pastors from around the state joined Georgia Baptist Convention employees outside the main entrance of the Missions and Ministry Center. The ribbon cutting ceremony was held in conjunction with the state Executive Committee meeting.

DULUTH — On Sept. 12, a host of people gathered at 6405 Sugarloaf Parkway for the dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony of the new Georgia Baptist Missions and Ministry Center. Georgia Baptist Convention Executive Director J. Robert White proclaimed, “It was truly a day to remember. I can say that I will remember it as long as I live. The participation of Governor Sonny Perdue, an outstanding Georgia Baptist, and the many other dignitaries and guests honored us and made the day a great moment in Georgia Baptist history.”

The 9 a.m. ribbon cutting ceremony in front of the new facility was marked by beautiful blue skies accented by a few cumulus clouds, a late summer breeze with a hint of the coming fall season, and convivial fellowship. White commented, “We cut the ribbon; we celebrated; we enjoyed fellowship; and we initiated a new era in the history of our Convention.”

White added, “You can imagine how pleased I was to hear so many glowing remarks about the Missions and Ministry Center from Executive Committee members and guests. It truly is a beautiful and functional building.”

John Swain

Governor Sonny Perdue speaks to the crowd at the ribbon cutting ceremony held Sept. 12 at the Georgia Baptist Missions and Ministry Center. Perdue is a member of First Baptist Church in Woodstock.

It was obvious the day had great significance for all in attendance. The executive director continued, “The ribbon cutting ceremony was followed by one of the finest Executive Committee meetings in my 14 years with the Convention. Actions taken by the Executive Committee strengthened relationships with our institutions, cast the vision for a new CIEP, and properly secured CIEP funds for Convention ownership and use, approved the largest budget in our history, and approved mission partnerships with Canada and the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. It was a great day.”

Indeed, the Executive Committee, chaired by Mike Everson, pastor of Prays Mill Baptist Church in Douglasville, unanimously approved the recommendation of the 2007 Cooperative Program budget in the amount of $52,000,000.

Commenting on this, White remarked, “This is the largest budget in the history of the Convention and clearly reflects the faithfulness of God’s people. At the present time, Cooperative Program receipts from our churches are at an all time high. This record growth makes it possible for the Convention to move forward with profound gratitude and confidence.”

John Swain

J. Robert White, executive director of the Georgia Baptist Convention, expresses his thanks to visitors and GBC employees prior to Governor Sonny Perdue taking the podium.

The 2007 budget carries a line item for Mercer University which some have questioned. White explained, “When the separation agreement was finalized with Mercer University, Georgia Baptist financial support for Mercer was approved for continuance throughout 2007 by the Executive Committee and the Convention in annual session. This support will be provided at the same formula rate as would have been customarily paid.” In order to conform to constitutional requirements the Convention will take a final vote to separate from Mercer at the annual meeting in November.

Retirement recommendations

“The reason this was a part of the agreement was the desire of Georgia Baptists to fulfill our financial commitment to the students who were counting on this support,” added White. “We are interested in the well being of the students and did not wish to create a financial hardship for them. All financial support for Mercer University from the Georgia Baptist Convention will conclude with the 2007 budget year.”

The Executive Committee also considered a recommendation from the Administration Committee regarding state Convention matching retirement contributions. Due to the return of investments to more normal investment profits, GuideStone Financial Resources has announced that they are no longer able to provide a credit to the Georgia Baptist Convention for the protection benefits cost. The financial credit that GuideStone provided to the GBC has allowed the Convention to continue providing both matching contributions and protection benefits.

Joe Westbury/Index

Mike Everson, chairman of the Executive Committee, addresses fellow Executive Committee members in the group’s initial meeting in the new Georgia Baptist Missions and Ministry Center off Sugarloaf Parkway in Gwinnett County.

Because of the financial burden this places upon the Convention, the Executive Committee voted to eliminate the State Convention Matching Retirement Contribution, but agreed to preserve the Protection Section for all eligible employees and unanimously approved a recommendation that the Georgia Baptist Convention begin absorbing one-half the cost of the Protection Section, at 10 percent increments, over a five-year period beginning in 2007. Also, the Convention will begin offering new church retirement plan participants a one-time financial grant as an incentive to open a retirement account at Guidestone.

This decision will allow the GBC to continue its long-standing tradition of providing survivor protection benefits of up to $100,000 and up to $500 in monthly disability income benefits for eligible church retirement plan participants.

The Executive Committee approved a recommendation to recognize a new association, the Lanier Baptist Association, consisting of 16 churches located in Dawson and Forsyth counties in north central Georgia. In 2005 these churches contributed $4,406,481 to the Cooperative Program and $63,434 to their local associations. The associational missionary (area missionary) for this association is Richard Poe. Constitutional guidelines will be followed as this application to constitute a new association is forwarded to the November annual session for final approval.