District Secretary-Treasurer
Jay A Herndon
2021 Annual Business Report
I’ve thought long about how to begin this annual report for 2020. I find that I can do no better than beginning with the words of Charles Dickenson,
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”
Dickenson’s words anticipate the contradictions of challenges and opportunities that we have experienced this past year. And while we suppose that it is easier to identify the “worst” examples the “best” examples are there too.
Best: Only one of our ministers passed away from COVID.
Worst: That minister was Pastor Rick Baldwin, one of our best-loved ministers who was at the height of his effectiveness. We will be honoring him in our Memorial at District Council.
Worst: Most of our churches were prevented from physically gathering for worship for most of the year.
Best: Most of these churches brilliantly pivoted and adapted, finding other ways to minister to people. While not ideal, it allowed the church to minister to the saints. Some churches experienced increased outreach and membership. Some of the lessons and tools learned during this season will be retained and implemented even after this crisis passes.
Worst: Most sudden financial recession in our nation’s history.
Best: Church members continued to support their church and missions. Many churches experienced financial increases that defied expectations. Other churches saw declines, but far less severe than might have been expected. Early reports indicate that the missions giving was remarkably strong, that giving declined by only 2%, which is pretty good compared to national GDP which declined by 3.5%.
Worst: The people of our nation and communities experienced historic levels of turmoil and fear.
Best: Our pastors and churches ministered peace and hope to troubled and frightened people.
Worst: This has been the most challenging season for leadership that most of us have ever experienced.
Best: We found that Biblical Leadership really works. Despite the disorder and commotion that surrounds us, the Biblical lessons for leaders are reachable, understandable, and they bring strength and health when implemented.
As believers, we are not afraid of the worst, for scripture tells us that best often arises from the worst.
Where sin abounded, grace much more abounded. Romans 5:20
For my strength is made perfect in weakness. 2 Cor. 12:9
It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. 1 Cor. 15:43
Thanks be to God!
Finance
The DRC finished the year in the black financially!
Net General Admin = $200,872
Net Ministries = $11,397
Ministerial tithes = $2,417,872 a 1.7% decrease from 2019
One Fund income = $616,916 a 3.4% increase
Surviving and Thriving COVID:
The DRC did not participate in the government’s PP loan program.
We successfully conducted a District Council business meeting online! No, it was not ideal, but it was necessary, and we learned some important lessons.
We devoted much attention to advising churches and ministers during a chaotic and challenging season. We think we did pretty well to overcome the challenges and avoid the traps.
We have added two new staff: Rev. Darryn Fisher to assume the role of Credentials Director and Rev. John Kim to assume the role of Assistant Accounting Supervisor position.
Key Items
Church Statistics: 456
We added 11 new churches and removed 4 for a net gain of 7. The current number is 456. We did not close any churches due to COVID.
Minister Statistics: 1,430
We added 77 ministers and removed 127, for a net loss of 50. The largest decreases are the result of ministers: lapsing (net loss of 30) and moving away (net loss of 30). Transfer Outs doubled in 2020. This is the fourth year in a row that we have had a large transfer deficit (it appears that our roster is mirroring the exodus of California).
Remote District Council Business Meeting
Missions Support:
In addition to resourcing local churches, our departments are also raising support for missions:
Women’s Ministries = $114,000.00
Student Ministries STL = $125,160.40
Children’s Ministries BGMC = $116,642.03
Men’s Ministries LFTL = $144,340.88
Total: $500,143.31
Scholarships:
Under 25 Education Assistance Program
Our district reimburses students under the age of 25, $100 for every course that satisfies credential requirements (regardless of the school). In 2020 we assisted 27 future ministers a total of $11,100 for an average of 5 courses each. Some of our past scholarship recipients are now applying for credentials! I want to encourage pastors to take advantage of this program. And, if possible, host a cohort with SUM, or start a Berean Study Center. Let’s raise up some spiritual heirs!
Bethany Legacy Scholarship
The balance in the Bethany Legacy Scholarship Endowment is now $577,730. In 2019, we launched the awarding of $4,283 to three AG students enrolling full-time at AG colleges.
Memoriam and Minister's Memorial Fund:
21 ministers and 6 spouses passed away this year. We paid a total of $28,500 to the families of these ministers, as an expression of our affection and respect.
Credentialed Ministers:
Iakopo T. Ilasa, Judy Santiago, Robert W. Combs, Jr., Daniel E. Albrecht, Bob L. Curtright, John A. Cosby, Jerry D. Stroup, Linda L. Baker, Charles T. Crabtree, Charles A. Hartman, John T. Duran, Francisco X. Velasquez, Tinsley C. Stetson, Rick A. Baldwin, Grady C. Windham, Raymond A. Schiek, Felicidad S. Dizon, Rufino D. Hipol, Bernis J. Stringer, Bradford J. Ashley and Yolanda Raman.
Credentialed Minister’s Spouses:
Mary Ann Richardson, Dallas A. Phillips, Judy Belamino, Rosemary Withers, Lois E. Wilson and Jeanne Dea.
Personal Comments
I am grateful to the Lord for his miraculous provision this year, and to the loving (and patient!) support of my wife. I am blessed to serve with two outstanding leaders, Superintendent Bret Allen and Assistant Superintendent Samuel Huddleston.
I confess my reliance on a capable staff:
Sondra Miller, Executive Admin. Assistant
Credentials Team
Doug Haggard/Darryn Fisher, Director
Erica Barrera, Credentials Admin. Assistant
Legal Team
Leanna Sheley, Legal Records Supervisor
Evelyn Ku, Database Assistant & Bethany Records
Rosal Galindo, Properties Administrator
Teri Herndon, Legal Records Administrative Assistant and Presbytery Meeting Hostess
Accounting Team
Jerry Hannay, Accounting Supervisor
Gladis Sotelo/John Kim, Assistant Accounting Supervisor
Karen Carstens, Accounting Assistant
Cathy Aleman, Accounting Assistant
Respectfully submitted,
Dr. Jay A. Herndon
District Secretary-Treasurer