1

Proceedings and Reports for the

150th General Association of

General Baptists

2

Table of Contents Agenda 150th Annual Session ....................................................................................................................................... 3

Council of Associations 2019 Budget ........................................................................................................................... 7

Moderator Appointments ............................................................................................................................................ 9

Current Board Members and Nominees .................................................................................................................... 10

Women’s Ministries ............................................................................................................................................... 10

General Baptist Investment Fund, Inc. ................................................................................................................... 11

Oakland City University Board of Trustees ............................................................................................................. 11

Stinson Press, Inc .................................................................................................................................................... 13

Reports ....................................................................................................................................................................... 13

Council of Associations Report ............................................................................................................................... 13

Petitions and Requests ........................................................................................................................................... 14

Finance and Minutes .............................................................................................................................................. 14

Resolutions ............................................................................................................................................................. 15

Nominating Committee Report .............................................................................................................................. 15

Social Issues Commission Report ............................................................................................................................. 4

Clerk/Treasurer’s Report 2019 ............................................................................................................................... 16

Elections of Officers.................................................................................................................................................... 17

Advance Nominations Received ............................................................................................................................. 18

Nomination Form ................................................................................................................................................... 20

3

The General Association of General Baptists 150th Annual Session

July 15-17, 2019 Collinsville, Illinois

Steve Dame, Moderator Danny Dunivan, Vice-Moderator Carol Lawrence, Clerk Kris Pratt, Assistant Clerk

150th Annual Session Meeting Minutes

Monday morning session

Moderator Stephen Dame welcomed everyone and referenced the report booklet as a guide to the business

sessions.

Because the Credentials Committee reviewed registration and determined that a quorum is present. Therefore,

the moderator declared that the 150th Annual Session of the General Association of General Baptists is now in

session.

In addition to the rules of order that govern religious assemblies our defining moments sessions necessitate some

other adaptations.

1. Committee reports by nature do not require a motion and second since they have been

prepared by at least two representatives.

2. Standing and Annual Committees have been organized. However , with no formal petitions or

request from our member bodies and with no known polity or doctrinal disputes and with no

proposed changes in our Social Principles, the Petitions and Requests, Polity and Doctrine and

Social Issues Commission understandably have nothing to report.

3. A nominating committee has prepared nominations for those offices assigned to it. Should you

wish to submit additional nominees please do so by completing the nominations form available at

the registration desk no later than 4 p.m. today.

4. Every year officers must be elected. A vice -moderator, clerk-treasurer and assistant clerk-

treasurer will be elected. Your booklet contains three nominations that were received in advance.

Should you wish to submit additional nominees please do so by completing the nominations form

available at the registration desk no later than 4 p.m. today.

5. Resolutions or other matters of business that might need to be considered should be written

and reported to the registration table by noon on Tuesday to allow time to schedule any needed

actions.

4

Executive Director’s report was affirmed by voice vote at the conclusion of the Monday morning session.

Monday evening session

Moderator Steve Dame called the delegates into business session.

By motion and second the delegates affirmed the Council of Associations Report (page 13)

The Nominations Committee report was presented. Additional nominations were not submitted. By motion and

second the Nominations report was approved and the nominees were elected. (page 15)

By motion and second the Finance and Minutes report was approved (page 14)

A report from the Social Issues Commission was disturbed and affirmed by voice vote.

Social Issues Commission Report

The Social Issues Commission has focused its attention on two projects in the past year. First, we are hosting two workshops at the 2019 Summit focusing on a Christian approach to dealing with addiction. Our presenter is Dr. Clifton Ruggs, LPC., CRAADC, MARS, CCHP. The first workshop is “Deliverance or Recovery” and the second is “The Faith-Based Response.” In the future, we hope to host additional workshops at the Summit focusing on this and other issues. Second, we are in the process of developing a curriculum for use in our General Baptist churches to help educate Christians on how to interact with people whose moral views are different than ours. There will be a more specific focus on conversations with those who affirm those living within the LGBTQIA communities. The curriculum will emphasize how to think about such issues, how to articulate our Biblical views clearly, and how to lovingly point others to Christ. A publication date for this curriculum has not been set, but when the materials are complete, an announcement will be shared with the General Baptist family. Dennis Powell, Chair Les Coomer Dorris Carter Eddie Fleming Andy Mathias Tim Ranz Report was distributed and affirmed A Resolution of Thanks was submitted and adopted by a standing vote.

Whereas Dr. Ray Barber has served faithfully as President of Oakland City University

And whereas he has indicated his intention to retire from the Presidency of Oakland City University

And whereas the Trustees of the University have formally agreed to his intentions,

Now therefore be it resolved that we offer a standing vote of thanks in recognition of his years of faithful

service and that we pledge our prayers for the Lord’s blessings to remain with Dr. and Mrs. Barber as they

begin the next chapter in life and ministry.

5

Recognition by Executive Director Clint Cook, Trustee Ron Black, and Oakland City University Provost Danny

Dunivan

Wednesday afternoon session

Election of officers. Additional nominees were not submitted. Those nominated for office were introduced.

Vice-moderator – Stewart Allen Clark

Clerk – Carol Lawrence

Assistant Clerk – Kris Pratt

By motion and second the slate of officers was elected

A motion and second was presented to accept the Clerk/Treasurer’s Report accepted (page 16) Motion carried.

Nominations to the board of Subsidiary Reports and Sister Corporations all but Oakland City University (pp 10-13)

were presented and the slate was elected

Additional nominations were presented for the positions of Trustees of Oakland city University.

Brother Moderator,

In order that the Board Trustees of Oakland City University fulfill the requirement of being comprised of a 2/3

majority of “General Baptist is good standing with the denomination” and within the parameters of having at

least 15 members and no more than 24 members, I move that the following individuals be added to the slate of

nominations for Oakland City University’s Board of Trustees and that the full slate be elected by this body.

Oren Alcorn

Ava General Baptist Church

White River Association

Steve Dame

Mt Gilead General Baptist Church

Union Association

Barry Cullen

Providence General Baptist Church

Union Association

Josh Carpenter

Grace United General Baptist Church

MOARK Association

6

The motion add nominees to the Oakland City University slate was seconded and agreed to by voice vote.

By voice vote of the delegates elected the expanded slate of trustees.

Wednesday evening session

No new business submitted

The gavel was presented to incoming Moderator Danny Dunivan.

Motion was made to adjourn the 150th session of General Association of General Baptist to meet again July 20-22,

2020 at the Caribe Royal in Orlando, Florida. Motion accepted.

7

Council of Associations 2019 Budget Council of Associations, Inc. Budget

Fiscal Year 2019

8

If you would like a detailed line item budget please sign up for a copy at the Financial Office booth 102

9

Moderator Appointments Credentials Committee

1. Chair - Barry Cullen 2. Jim Rudolph 3. Phil Warren 4. Tyler Feller 5. Carl Masters 6. Keith Wilcox

Petitions and Requests Committee

1. Chair – Jason Rakestraw 2. Joe Knight 3. Cody Glascoe 4. Kevin Mann 5. Dustin Thompson 6. Sydney Kendall

Finance and Minutes Committee

1. Chair – David Johnson 2. David Evans 3. Johnny Gipson 4. Ken Slater 5. Judith Rakestraw 6. Logan Hensley

Nominating Committee

1. Danny Dunivan 2. D. Joey Graves 3. Bob Comer 4. Mike Brady 5. Alec Hensley 6. Johnny Hibbs

Parliamentarian – Jim Rudolph

10

Current Board Members and Nominees Institutional Ministries and Subsidiary Corporations

Women’s Ministries

2019-2020 Executive Committee Nominees

President: Bonnie Rowe 1st Vice President: Sheryl Livesay 2nd Vice President: Virginia Watson Secretary: Megan Dame Assistant Secretary: Pamela Hodge

2019-2020 Board Member Nominees Pauletta Yarbrough Little Zion Madisonville KY Mindy Pinckney Life Church Ava, MO Wendy Long Fellowship Poplar Bluff, MO Megan Dame Mt Gilead Slaughters, KY Charity Julian Spurgeon Lynnville, IN Lori Thompson South Side Osceola, IN

2019-2020 Board Members Bonnie Rowe Dorris Carter Wendy Long West Side Lifepoint Fellowship Term Exp. 2021 Term Exp. 2020 Term Exp. 2026 Sheryl Livesay Pamela Hodge Megan Dame Johnson Rd Rockford United Mt. Gilead Term Exp. 2025 Term Exp. 2023 Term Exp. 2026 Pauletta Yarbrough Ibett Perez Lori Thompson Little Zion Ministerios De Dios South Side Term Exp. 2025 Term Exp. 2023 Term Exp. 2028 Mindy Pinckney Life Church Term Exp. 2025

11

General Baptist Investment Fund, Inc. Board of Directors (Five-year terms) Nominated to fulfill Allan Linson’s unexpired term that will expire December 31, 2020 Debby Linson, 301 Lear Road, Portland, TN 37148, 615-767-9770, Deborah.linson@outlook.com Nominated for a Five-year term to expire December 31, 2024 Joe Everette, PO Box 875, Portland, TN 37148, 615-207-7304, joe@designconst.net Wanda Britt, 617 N. Main St., Clarkton, MO 63837, 573-448-5175 wanda.britt@att.net (2019) Jack Boyer, 6977 Boyer Dr., Newburgh, IN 47630, 812-853-3963 jckbyr@aol.com (2021) Jamie Inman, 2447 Hwy. Z, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901, 573-718-0516 djinman@yrless.net (2022) Trent Holcomb, PO Box 297, Piggott, AR 72454, 870-598-5792 ltholcombinc@centurytel.net (2023)

Oakland City University Board of Trustees Re-elect to a three-year term expiring 2022 Dr. W. Harold Calloway, 11241 Blue Grass Road, Evansville, IN 47725 Rev. James Sanders, P.O. Box 596, Fisk, MO, 63940-0596 Mr. Frank J. Schultheis, 7 Riverbend Court, Newburgh, IN 47630 Resigned from the Board of Trustees – May 2019 Mrs. Brenda Nash, 18385 South 551 Road, Tahlequah, OK 74464-Resigned in November 2019 Current Board of Trustee Members Name & Address Term

Dr. Ronnie D. Black, 3491 Normandy Road Term Expires 2021 Poplar Bluff, MO 63901

Mr. Bill Blackburn 1610 86th Court NW Term Expires 2020 Bradenton, FL 34209

Dr. Edna M. Brumfield 19215 La Serena Drive Term Expires 2020 Fort Myers, FL 33967

Rev. Joshua H. Carpenter 1307 Stafford Street Term Expires 2020 Paragould, AR 72450

Mr. Jonas J. Cueche 5910 Apple Grove Road Term Expires 2020 Evansville, IN 47711

12

Name & Address Term

Mr. Wally Duncan 3480 Normandy Road Term Expires 2020 Poplar Bluff, MO 63901-8755

Dr. H. Dean Jaggers 12436 Forrest Highlands Drive Term Expires 2020 Dade City, FL 33525-8755

Mrs. Eddi Marie Julian 2017 Dickens Drive Term Expires 2020 Modesto, CA 95350

Mr. Gerald McCormick 147 Caldwell Drive Term Expires 2021 Hendersonville, TN 37075

Rev. William G. McMillen 1500 Calming Water Drive, Unit 2301 Term Expires 2021 Fleming Island, FL 32003

Mr. Alan Nass P.O. Box 35 Term Expires 2020 615 Parkview Drive Huntingburg, IN 47542-0035

Mr. Andrew P. Shockley 64 Oak Meadow Road Term Expires 2020 Evansville, IN 47725

13

Stinson Press, Inc Nominated for a Term to expire in 2021:

Don Key (2nd term ends)

Lance Johnson (1st term ends)

Denver Wade (1st term ends)

Term to expire in 2020: Brian Brown (1st term ends) Tyler Feller (1st term ends) Eddie Fleming (1st term ends) Term to expire in 2022: Adam Fear to be elected to 1st full term Chris Vaught to be elected to 1st full term Kevin Dobbs to be elected to a 1st term

Reports

Council of Associations Report Rev. Joey Rupard, Chairman

Let me begin by welcoming you to Summit 2019. The Council of Associations continues to serve as your

“eyes and ears” in the denomination, and we are always working closely with the leadership team of

General Baptist. This year, in cooperation with the Executive Council and the leadership team, we have

welcomed a new staff member, Jeff Smith.

Jeff Smith serves as our Communications Liaison for the denomination. He will be working closely with

the C of A, Executive Council, and the Leadership Team to make sure that the wonderful things that are

happening in our denomination are communicated clearly to our churches.

We have come to realize how important it is to communicate and connect with the churches in our

denomination. On behalf of the C of A, I would like to thank you for helping us make the connection by

attending this week’s event. I think you will find that myself and any C of A member would be glad to

assist you with any questions you may have about the business aspect of the denomination. The

leadership team, C of A, and Executive Council are ready to stand beside you as we (together with you)

strive to fulfill the Great Commission.

I would like to take this opportunity to encourage you to take advantage of the variety of connections,

resources, and relationships that are available. Some of these include: National Youth Conference,

Pastors Conference, Summit, Camp Meeting Days/Senior Adult Retreats, mission trips, internships, and

through our new initiative of recruiting and training 200 new, young leaders in the denomination. I

14

assure you that whether you participate in one, two, or all of these activities, you will make new

connections that will be of life-long relationships, valuable resources, partners in the ministry, and/or

support when ministry gets difficult.

I hope that 2019 will be one of the best years that General Baptists have ever had, and that we will

continue to work together to support each other and the mission of General Baptists here and around

the world.

Petitions and Requests No formal petitions or requests from our member bodies have been received.

Finance and Minutes Committee met and approved report from prior year.

2018 Finance and Minutes Committee

We, your committee on finance and minutes, make the following recommendations:

1. That the clerk of the General Association be paid $2,000 per year. 2. That the assistant clerk of the General Association be paid $350 per year, and that in the event

that the assistant clerk fulfills the job of the clerk, or in the event that responsibilities be shared by these two officers, that our administrative office adjust the combined stipends accordingly.

3. That we leave it to the discretion of the office of the Executive Director to print an adequate amount of General Association minutes to be distributed as needed. (Printed copies available at the Executive Director’s booth 101)

4. That each church maintains a copy of the General Association minutes on file for future reference.

5. That each local association and direct member church pay 75 cents per member, per year, as association dues to the General Association.

6. That the registration fee be used to defray the expenses incurred by the General Association and the host committee.

7. That the travel expenses of the moderator when he/she serves as a member of the program committee be borne by the General Association treasury, and that the lodging expenses of the officers of the General Association (moderator, vice-moderator, clerk, and assistant clerk), be borne by the General Association treasury when complimentary rooms are not available through the contract of the hosting convention center.

8. That the General Association Moderator be paid $1,550. 9. That we reaffirm our participation in the National Association of Evangelicals and the Baptist

World Alliance with an annual contribution to $4,000.00 as funds are available and in consultation with our Executive Director.

15

Resolutions Suggested resolutions should be submitted to the registration desk by noon on Tuesday.

Nominating Committee Report

Social Issues Commission

Nominations: Ed Fleming, 1575 Manitou Road, Manitou, KY 42436, 270-875-1839, eddiedlhf@gmail.com (2022) Andy Mathias, 102 W Longview Drive, Portland, TN 37148-1639, 615-478-1973, andymathias@bellsouth.net (2022) Committee Members: Dorris Carter, #30 Shawnee Lane, Florissant, MO 63033, 314-831-2294, dorrislea@charter.com , (2021) Les Coomer, 607 Pope Street, Athens, TN 37303, 812-604-8190, les_cppi@hotmail.com (2021) Tim Ranz, 1009 Mandy Lane, New Baden, IL 62265, 618-806-8856, timr@skyline.church (2020) **Dennis Powell, 163 Nelson Street, Clay, KY 42404, 501-206-6568, dennis.powell@sbcglobal.net (2020) Church Polity and Doctrine Commission

Nominations: Gary Underwood, 1118 Saddlebrook Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863-2453, 618-263-3477, ggu1@frontier.com (2022) John Comer, 323 E Glenwood, Springfield, MO 65807, 417-886-7089, pjbibs@gmail.com (2022) Committee Members: Oren Alcorn, PO Box 116, Ava, MO 65608-0116, 417-543-0102, oalcorn@centurylink.net (2021) Phil Warren, 3529 Wismer, Saint Ann, MO 63074, 314-496-4254, radrev1@gmail.com (2020) Lance Johnson, 854 Saybrook Falls Drive, Fairview Heights, IL 62208, 618-420-8599, lance@skyline.church (2020) Resolutions Committee

Nominations: Kirk Bodem, 5254 Mill Wheel Drive, Grand Blanc, MI 48439, 810-259-7323, kirk@firstflint.com (2022) Kenny Sullivan, 736 Stovall Road, Scottsville, KY 42164-8615, 270-622-6758, chelby@nctc.com (2022)

16

Committee Members: Dean Esarey, 8980 US Hwy 41A North, Sebree, KY 42455, 270-639-5576, creativepaint101@aol.com (2021) Mat Murphy, 1611 E Indiana Street, Evansville, IN 47711, 812-677-1293, m.murphy@garvinwoodchurch.org (2021) Justin Benefiel, 186 County Road 4421, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901, 812-564-0761, jbenefiel617@gmail.com (2020) Taylor Landers, 468 Stovall Road, Scottsville, KY 42164, 270-622-1517, tlanders7707@gmail.com (2020)

Clerk/Treasurer’s Report 2019

Jan - July

19

Income

2018 Association Dues 15,410.55

2017 Association Dues 3,238.50

Other 299.69

Summit Income

Child Registration 110.00

Exhibitors 1,620.00

Student Registration 110.00

Summit Adult/Group Registration 10,059.00

Summit Income - Other 675.00

Total Summit Income 12,574.00

Total Income 31,522.74

Gross Profit 31,522.74

Expense

Summit 2021 1,500.00

Summit 2019 642.97

GA Travel Expenses 164.32

Postage 1,179.44

Salaries 2,350.00

Service Charge 5.00

Summit Expenses

Keynote Speakers

Thom Rainer 1,500.00

Total Keynote Speakers 1,500.00

Worship

CCLI 747.00

Total Worship 747.00

17

Summit Expenses - Other 1,942.81

Total Summit Expenses 4,189.81

Total Expense 10,031.54

Subtotal 21,491.20

Summit 2014-2018 30,773.78

Net Income (9,282.58)

Elections of Officers Every year officers must be elected. A vice-moderator, clerk-treasurer and assistant clerk-treasurer

will be elected. Your booklet contains three nominations that were received in advance. Should you

wish to submit additional nominees please do so by completing the nominations form available at the

registration desk no later than 4 p.m. Monday.

Job descriptions for elected positions.

Moderator and Program Committee Guidelines

The GA constitution (V-B) identifies the moderator’s role as “The moderator shall preside at the

annual meeting of the General Association, shall be chairman of the Program Committee for the annual

meeting, and shall be an ex officio member of the Council of Associations”

The GA bylaws (V-A-3) identify the program committee’s role to “plan the entire program for the

General Association meeting, including schedule, guest speakers, and other participants.”

While the moderator must preside at the business session other hosting responsibilities shall be

undertaken at the direction of the program committee. Other participants invited by the program

committee may include session hosts who will assist as master of ceremonies.

The program committee shall consist of the moderator and vice-moderator of the General

Association, clerk of the General Association, Leadership Team, chairperson of the Council of

Associations and the chairperson of the Executive Council.

On behalf of the program committee, the moderator will “submit a tentative program to the

Council of Associations at its first regular meeting of the year.”

The clerk shall record the proceedings of the General Association meeting, suitable for printing

within 90 days following the meeting. In the event the clerk is unable or unwilling to fulfill his/her

assignment, the assistant clerk shall assume full responsibility. Otherwise, the assistant shall function at

the discretion of the clerk. Neither the clerk nor assistant shall be eligible for reelection to this

respective office after having served five consecutive years. Other duties are set forth in Article II of the

bylaws.

18

The clerk and assistant clerk of the General Association shall be at the place of meeting one day

before each annual session convenes to enroll delegates and members who present proper credentials

from their respective churches and associations. Any questions about seating delegates shall be referred

to a committee on credentials, which shall report its findings and make recommendations to the

General Association.

Advance Nominations Received

Advance Nomination

Position: __Vice Moderator___

Nominee:___ Stewart Allen Clark__

Nominee Contact Information: __611 Barrett Dr

Malden MO 63863

What qualifications would this person bring to the office?

Stewart currently serves as pastor of the First General Baptist of Malden, Missouri. He is a graduate of

the Freewill Baptist Bible College (Welch University). He and his wife Melinda have three children.

Under his leadership the church has seen renewed growth and continues to make a positive impact in

the area.

A native of Canada, Stewart brings an inside/outside look at our denomination. He knows us well from

the inside since has served among us for several years. He sees us also from the perspective of one from

the outside since no one every completely draws away from his family of origin.

Is this individual willing to serve if elected? Yes

Nominated by:__Clint Cook, executive director__

19

Advance Nomination

Position: __Clerk__________________________

Nominee:___Carol Lawrence___________

Nominee Contact Information: 100 Stinson Drive, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901

What qualifications would this person bring to the office?

Carol is now completing the first year of service as the clerk of the General Association. The bylaws

allow the clerk to serve for 5 consecutive terms. As Administrative Assistant for Church Relations Carol

stays well connected both with our churches and our denominational life.

Is this individual willing to serve if elected? yes

Nominated by:_Clint Cook__

Advance Nomination

Position: ___Assistant Clerk-Treasurer____

Nominee:__Kris Pratt___

Nominee Contact Information: _100 Stinson Drive, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901__

What qualifications would this person bring to the office? Kris is now completing the first year of here

term as assistant clerk-treasurer and is eligible to serve 5 consecutive years. Kris currently serves as

administrative assistant for Women’s Ministries. This places her in close connection to our churches.

Since both she and Carol work in the same building communication and task sharing are more easily

done.

Is this individual willing to serve if elected? yes

Nominated by:__Clint Cook___

20

Nomination Form Please use this form if you wish to submit additional nominations other than those presented in the

report booklet. All nominations should be reported to the registration desk no later than 4 p.m.

Monday.

Position: ______________________

Nominee:______________________

Nominee Contact Information: ______________________

What qualifications would this person bring to the office?_________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

Is this individual willing to serve if elected? _____

Nominated by:__________________