Brighton First Administrative Board Reviews Its Purpose

There are three primary purposes of the Administrative Body of Brighton First. The most essential purpose is to guide the church, holding all programs, ministries, missions of the church accountable to the mission and vision of our church, "Know God. Love God. Serve God". Two other purposes of the board are to act on behalf of the Church Conference (meeting of all church members) when it is not in session and to approve the annual financial budget of the church.

As the name implies, the Administrative Board, is called to do administrative work. It votes to fill church officer positions when the church conference is not in session. It reviews a monthly treasurer's report and adjusts budget when necessary. The Administrative Board, which meets 9 to 10 times per year, also hears reports from chairs of committees and boards, as well as the lead pastor.

If not careful, the Administrative Board can lose sight of its primary task, and spend the majority of time during meetings hearing reports of what has happened and what is planned in the near future. This does not leave time and energy for the group to thoughtfully consider the church's mission and to hold church ministries and missions accountable to it.

Over the last few months, John Phillips, the Administrative Board chairman, has been asking church officers to submit written reports for the review of the board before the meeting. In theory, this will cut down on the time given to reports during the Administrative Board meetings. There is time on the agenda for clarifying questions and for the required actions of the Administrative Board, but the majority of the time can be given to accountability to mission and vision.

At the March meeting of the Administrative Board, its members discussed a format for making sure our church is accountable to its mission, its primary function for each meeting. It is only when we join together in clearly pursuing one goal, to make disciples for Jesus Christ through knowing God, loving God and serving God, that we will move forward as a unified, vital church.

Essentially, the Administrative Board will be moving for an administrative body that hears reports of the current work of the church, to a body that reviews progress through measurable goals and expects long term goals and accomplishments to share one vision and bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to our community and beyond. Please pray for the Administrative Board as it makes this transition.