INDIANAPOLIS – Disciples Church Extension Fund (DCEF) Board of Directors heard progress on the financial ministry’s three-year strategic plan, which is designed to “evaluate” the function of the ministry and “evolve” as needed in a changing context for ministry. The 14-member board gathered in Plainfield, Ind., Nov. 5 – Nov. 7.
“We are encouraged by the progress of DCEF as the staff live into the new strategic plan,” said Jeff Champeau, board chair from Norman, Okla. “With the landscape for ministry changing, DCEF is positioning itself to meet emerging needs of our congregations. This plan is a great start on what will be an important journey.”
The three-year plan seeks to embody DCEF’s new vision “To be the catalyst for change for the renewal and rebirth of our congregations.”
The plan includes positioning DCEF as a guide for congregations in any stage of their lifecycle and affirming an anti-racism/pro-reconciliation approach that “ensures equity in processes and outcomes.”
The board approved an $11.65M operating budget, up from $8.67M to $11.65M, an increase to accommodate the cost of implementing the strategic plan.
In other news, the 14-member board elected to three-year terms Andy Mangum, Regional Minister, Christian Church of the Southwest Region; and Eric Newman, Brownsburg, Ind., Regional Vice President and Independent Agency Owner of Primerica Financial Services. Both had filled a partial term.
New members elected include Candyce Black-Wells, for a two-year term, Snellville, Ga., BAE Systems Talent Acquisition and DEI Partner; Christopher Chesnutt, Mooresville, N.C., Associate Head of DEI at Google; and Laura Jennison Reed, Oak Park, Ill., a student at Loyola University, Chicago.
They elected Rev. Martha Brown, Fort Washington, Md., as Board Chairperson and Marian Hamlett, Flower Mound, Texas as Vice Chairperson for 2024.
Outgoing members are Jeff Champeau, Norman, Okla., John Powell, Danville, Ky., and Lonora Graves, Sacramento, Calif.
The board also
- Reviewed the bylaws of the organization, clarifying the role of the board in approval of staff officers, among other minor modifications.
- Set a March 25-26, 2024 virtual meeting as the next gathering.
- Left a decision to the Executive Committee regarding remaining meeting dates for 2024.
- Approved changes to the DCEF employee handbook, updating policies to a pandemic-informed context, including hybrid office hours; increasing bereavement leave, and shifting from sabbatical leave for select staff to a “special leave” policy for all staff.
We are a struggling congregation so a rural town in Oklahoma. The Miami congregation usually averages 25 in Sunday morning services of that number between 6 and 15 are men from a drug rehab. We we established a ministry at the drug rehab when one our member made contact and began a bible study at the facility about 8 years ago. 15 men men have given their confession s of faith and have been baptized in this year. We have a pulpit supply. He is a retired minister from Missouri. He has been with us about 2 years. I expound how our congregation is spreading the gospel in our community. Is there any help from the nation level that can help small. Congregations that are struggling?
Good morning Mike and thank you for your message. There is definitely help that general ministries like ours can provide you! Please contact your regional Building and Capital Services Advisor Rosario Ibarra at 317.635.6500 Ext. 2547 or ribarra@disciplescef.org.