Good News for Colorado Baptists!

I spent a very productive morning yesterday at the Colorado Baptist General Convention office meeting with four others, as part of a Task Force, discussing the form and function of our CBGC Executive Board. After more than three hours of discussion, I made the journey home from Denver feeling very energized and excited about the future of our state convention. Be encouraged Colorado Baptists--we have glorious future before us!

The Task Force was put together to take a look at the possible need to reorganize our Executive Board for better stewardship and effectivness. We currently have 46 board members who meet three times a year at a cost $28,237.30. We have one of the largest boards of any of the state conventions in the West. Keep in mind that many of our board members have to drive more than a days journey just to be at the meetings. The convention provides mileage, housing, and food for the board members during the meetings. Are we making the best use of convention dollars in terms of effectiveness? Probably not. Is the time of our board members being used effectively? Probably not.

The Task Force is working on an extremely positive recommendation that will be brought to the Executive Board in September and then on the state convention in October. Work is still being done on the recommendation but "right-sizing" the board (a Navy term for downsizing) is very likely to be included as well as transitioning into a "Carver model". The idea is for the board to focus on the big picture (ends) and to allow the staff to focus on the details (means). You can read a brief overview of the Carver model here: http://www.carvergovernance.com/model.htm. It actually provides higher accountability for the state staff than we currently have (eliminates rubber-stamping) and brings true function to the board. Ok...I can see that your eyes are starting to glaze over...

One of the most exciting aspects of the reorganization that we discussed is the possibility of having the elected convention officers serve as officers of the Executive Board. Currently the conventions officers are hardly more than figure-heads with little authority. Wouldn't it be great if the President of the convention actually led the convention? I don't want to say too much because we don't have a final recommendation yet. Just be encouraged that some great ideas are being discussed.

Please feel free to post a question or make a comment. The Task Force is very interested in the thoughts of Colorado Baptists.