By Lonnie Wilkey
lwilkey@tnbaptist.org
FRANKLIN — The board of directors of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board met via Zoom on Nov. 11 to adopt a $35 million Cooperative Program allocation budget for 2020-21.
The cancelation of Summit 2020 due to COVID-19 forced the directors to act as Convention ad interim, in accordance of the Tennessee Baptist Convention’s Constitution and Bylaws.
Constitution Bylaw VI.A determines that “TBMB is responsible for conducting all activities on behalf of the Convention between the meetings of the Convention. The corporation shall discharge the powers and authority delegated to it by the Convention and the specific ministry responsibilities which the convention assigns to it by resolution, covenant, and by provisions in the Convention’s Constitution and Bylaws and Financial Plan.”
The budget includes an allocation of 47.5 percent to the SBC and 52.5 percent to the TBC. Due to the uncertain economy, the budget will have three stages.
For the first $25 million in Cooperative Program receipts, 40 percent will be sent to fund Southern Baptist causes while 60 percent will remain in Tennessee for TBC missions and ministries.
In the second stage, $5 million will be distributed 50/50 percent between SBC and TBC causes and in the final stage, the last $5 million will be distributed with 81.3 percent being sent to SBC causes and 18.7 percent remaining in state for TBC ministries.
In addition to being printed and explained in the Oct. 7 issue of the Baptist and Reflector the budget also was explained during a video produced for the Virtual Summit on Nov. 10.
“We have thoroughly communicated the budget with our constituency, especially with the stages approach,” Davis affirmed.
He noted he is optimistic Tennessee Baptists will meet the $35 million goal next year, but “if there is a downturn, we are prepared to meet it.”
The directors affirmed the budget by a vote of 63-0 with two abstentions, Board members also approved reports of the Committee on Committees and the Committee on Boards without any dissenting votes. The board of directors cannot vote for their successors so current board members will serve an additional year.
Glenn Metts, pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church, Seymour, was recognized as the incoming chair of the board of directors, succeeding Clay Hallmark, pastor of First Baptist Church, Lexington.
Davis affirmed the service of David Cross who died recently. He was pastor of First Baptist Church, Charleston. Davis noted that Cross served as a director with enthusiasm and was engaged. “His insight made us better,” Davis said. He encouraged the board to continue to pray for Cross’ wife, Karen, and his family in the days ahead.
Davis also recognized board member Frank Bowling of First Baptist Church, Medina, who is resigning to accept a pastorate in Alabama.
Hallmark and the TBMB staff welcome questions and comments about the budget. Questions can be sent to Response@tnbaptist.org. B&R