Jerry Daly, chairman of the Administration Support Committee, is presenting the proposed BGCT budget for 2008. The recommendation is for a $50.1 million budget. The Texas Cooperative Program portion will be $43.3 million.
Second, it calls for the percentage allotment of the adopted budget to continue at 79% BGCT, 21% worldwide, with each church selecting the recipient(s) of the worldwide portion.
Charles Wade is now speaking to this proposal.
Paraphrase of CW: We have had to face the fact that we cannot maintain the staff level that we have enjoyed the last few years. That is painful. This has been a difficult process. … About $1.6 million dollars had to be made up, which translates to 25-30 staff positions being eliminated. … Our staff needs your prayers. Those who will continue to have jobs will have the pain of losing some of their good friends who have been faithful and excellent. … I will not tell you we can lose the people and not be affected in what we do. … Where we could combine some tasks, we’re headed in that direction. … The severance will be generous… placement help available. … There are going to be some efficiencies affected here. Some things are going to be improved. … There are positions that need to be filled; where we can we’re going to wait for the new executive director to fill those. … We can’t postpone dealing with these financial issues. … In regard to missions and ministry. That board committee feels like you took the brunt of the hit. Your area has more to it, so more comes from it. … Next time you hear anyone disparage our work, you ought not join in that criticism. … I’m reminding you that this work is major, complex, difficult; but there is no work anywhere I would rather be a part of. … God is at work in this convention. Our vision is right. We need churches to begin to recognize they have a larger ministry and need to fall in love again with the idea that together we can do more.
Discussion is beginning.
September 25, 2007 at 8:01 pm |
I am deeply grieved that another RIF is taking place and that my wonderful collegues on the missions and ministries teams appear to be taking the brunt of the “hit” once again. (Baptist Standard) The perceived message that continues to be communicated is that “missions” appears to no longer be a priority. I dread to hear the news of who the human and ministry casualities are going to be this time. May God help these committed men and women to find a way to continue to fulfill their God-given calling during this difficult and devastating time.
September 30, 2007 at 8:18 pm |
That this line is in this paragraph:
“Next time you hear anyone disparage our work, you ought not join in that criticism.”
I can only assume that the departments getting the largest cuts are those considered most disloyal. This is saddening, and highly unchristian. Budget cuts shouldn’t be a form of punishment. And people wonder why the younger generations keep leaving the denomination? Take a look and see why. This is a prime example.
Tim Dahl
October 3, 2007 at 8:25 am |
[...] of the BGCT on everything. You can read other’s take on the budgetary situation here here and here. Also you can see how other issues, such as partnerships, are being questioned here and [...]
October 10, 2007 at 2:31 pm |
[...] Charles Wade of cutting particular staff positions in order to get revenge. They base it on this post from this [...]