Committee Reports
NATIONAL COUNCIL MEETING
IPEC – Las Vegas
October 30 – November 1, 2015
Committee Reports
October 31, 2015
1. FINANCE COMMITTEE
Summary of Report and Discussion:
Finance Committee members reviewed the financial statements sent by Dr. Jenkins to those who had signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement.
Though most of the financial support is through rental properties and businesses, we should work to be a church predominantly supported by our tithes and donations.
The national tithing system is, the local church tithes 10% to the district and the district tithes 10% to HQ.
Funds were raised by the members for IPEC. The goal is to commercially rent out this property in order to keep up the maintenance fees.
2. JUDICIAL COMMITTEE
Summary of Report and Discussion:
When complaints come up it is important that we can handle issues with the support of HQ.
Situations dealing with church employees, should be addressed to the HR Dept.
Situations with non-employee volunteers should go to the Local Pastor. If you don’t get a result, you can go to the District Pastor, and if you still don’t get a result, reach out to the NC Judicial Committee.
There are whistle blower policies set in place within HQ already, so what the committee is doing is not so new, but the Judiciary committee is working in conjunction with HQ policies and as a resource.
Judicial Committee Recommendations:
Recommend that a Council of Elders is available as a first responder to situations that arise and as a resource for Local Pastors.
Look at arbitration as an effective and cost effective solution to work out problems.
Inform members of whistleblower policies and conflict resolution steps.
Types of issues to come before the Judiciary Committee would be misuse of money, sexual harassment and things of that nature. Issues dealing with the Sanctuary Church, for example, are being handled by the national HQ.
A handbook is being put together that will make policies and steps toward resolution more clear.
3. CHARTER COMMITTEE
Summary of report and discussion:
Charter Committee reported on the series of webinars that were held for members in all districts to discuss the Charter. Twenty five people attended each webinar and it was a positive and valuable experience.
From the webinars, there were productive discussions and suggestions made for changes to the charter that would allow for more clarity in defining the purpose of the councils, elections, voting, qualifications, position descriptions, and overall best practices.
4. RECOMMENDATIONS COMMITTEE
Summary of report and discussion:
Committee Chairman, Noah Ross, reported about the Summit meeting held in July that was organized to discuss ideas to develop a new strategy for the growth and development of our church.
From a business and marketing perspective, questions were posed that focused on determining our unique product, goals, and the image we want to display to the world.
A strategy and plan was developed to move interested people through steps at their own pace; seeing from their viewpoint, and understanding what they are seeking.
From the discussion at the Summit, a clear chart for growth was developed, with 4 clear stages:
Public (open to everyone), 2. Beginner, 3. Committed Member and 4. Core Member. Each stage would have its own level of education and responsibilities.
The ultimate goal would be to bring people to the Blessing and ultimately Tribal Messiahship.
Summary of plans for church growth and tribal messiahship:
Short Term:
Revive and staff an education program
Create and staff tribal messiahship projects
Create and staff projects for church growth
Create and internet witnessing team
Long Term:
Hire professionals, develop our brand, develop a service component, and create leadership programs.
Develop strategic plan to measure progress
Mari Curry reported about a recent meeting held on the West Coast, where the following Mission Statement was developed: “Guiding America back to God through the Marriage Blessing of True Parents”. Some topics discussed were Blessing education, DP for Youth Ministry, and development of the Family Fed website for communication and ease of use.
Summary of Discussion:
These great resources and ideas need to be communicated and need support for implementation.
It would be great to hire a business analyst to tie it all together in one package.
Whatever we do, it needs to be a spectrum so it is not viewed as a campaign or a one-time event.
Cindy Pfeiffer reported about a FAQ page being developed on the Family Fed Website to help answer questions for both members and interested seekers, in a transparent and principled way. So far, there are 87 questions with only half with answers so far. Dr. Burgess stressed that the answers be well vetted before going live on the website.
5. GRANTS COMMITTEE
Summary of report and discussion:
Our first Grant Program has required quite a bit of work and effort, but progress is being made and it is hopeful.
Challenges that faced the program have been in areas of awarding the grants, oversight, funding, follow-up and follow through.
The grantees have done a really good job and they have used their grants with integrity.
A recommendation going forward is that a part-time professional be hired to oversee the grants program, if it’s to continue. This would help both the grantee, the National Council, and the HSA Board who awards the funds.
Suggestions were made to simply and streamline both the application to one page and the process of awarding the grants.
Successful grants should be able to be replicated in other areas of the country. We need to publicize the grant programs and offer more information that will encourage others.
Building restoration projects should be part of a different program.