NATIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM

SUMMARY OF WORK

1. Initiated a Moderator-appointed Task Force to review and update the Book of Discipline.

2. Initiated a Moderator-appointed Ad-Interim Committee to revise the Pastoral Letter on Domestic Abuse.

3. Initiated a Moderator-appointed Ad-Interim Committee to review the EPC Ordination Standards.

4. Formed the Permanent Committee on Disaster Relief.

5. Completed a diligently executed comprehensive 360 review of the Stated Clerk; collectively and unequivocally recommending the re-election for another three-year term. Also approved the re-appointment of Executive Director of World Outreach. 

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RECOMMENDATIONS

44-03 That the 44th General Assembly re-elect the Stated Clerk for a new three-year term

44-08 That the 44th General Assembly approve the FY25 Administration budget.

44-09 That the 44th General Assembly approve the FY25 Special Projects.

44-10 That the 44th General Assembly approve the Minutes of the 43rd General Assembly.

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WORK OF THE COMMITTEE

This past year NLT has overseen the incredible amount of work that takes place from our NLT Leadership Team, who are the necessary “feet on the ground” to move forward our Gospel Priorities. The NLT meets for one and one-half days, four times a year – twice virtually and twice in person.

The NLT standing committees are Personnel, Chair, Neil Smith; Finance, Chair, Earla Bethel and Strategic Planning, Chair, Chris Danusiar. Our twelve members are divided equally into these committees.

Our NLT meetings include our Gospel Priority Directors: Tom Ricks, Church Planting; Annie Rose, Ministerial Health; Bob Stauffer, Church Health/Evangelism; Gabriel de Guia, World Outreach. We continue to see the cooperative work between these leaders that utilize their expertise in a manner that also conserves our resources and provides a stronger benefit to the Kingdom. For example, Church Planting and World Outreach together are looking at planting churches in the refugee areas in the US. The “overseas” mission has come to our doorsteps. We are taking advantage of that for the evangelization of multiple people groups that may not have had access to the gospel.

Church Health is growing and meeting needs across the country. As the “Boomer” generation of pastors retires, we not only need to grow the “pipeline” but also provide the mentoring and coaching new pastors need, most especially if they are in rural and more remote areas. Last year at NLT we promoted a Pastoral Cohort led by TE’s Doug Resler and Rachel White. Over 60 pastors registered for this online cohort.

The NLT Personnel Team diligently executed a comprehensive 360 review of the Stated Clerk. Following a thorough analysis and extensive deliberation with the entire National Leadership Team, we collectively and unequivocally support the re-election of our Stated Clerk, endorsing this decision wholeheartedly. The NLT also approved the re-appointment of the Executive Director of World Outreach.

The NLT approved the Focus Group to delve into avenues for generating supplementary revenue to advance our Gospel Priorities. Additionally, the NLT is actively pursuing resources to augment the Medical Benevolence Fund which assists so many of our pastors.

These creative opportunities stretch us and cause us to rely more on Jesus – we simply cannot do this work unless Jesus is the focus, and provides the leadership courage, humility, grace, and commitment that is required of us to meet our Gospel Priorities for the sake of our LORD and SAVIOR – JESUS CHRIST.

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RECOMMENDATIONS (DETAILED)

RECOMMENDATION 44-03

The NLT recommends that the 44th General Assembly re-elect the Stated Clerk, TE Dean Weaver for another three-year term.

RECOMMENDATION 44-08

The NLT recommends that the 44th General Assembly approve the FY25 Administration budget.

RECOMMENDATION 44-09

The NLT recommends that the 44th General Assembly approve the FY25 Special Projects.

RECOMMENDATION 44-10

The NLT recommends that the 44th General Assembly approve the Minutes of the 43rd General Assembly.

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COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Earla Bethel
RE, Presbytery of Florida and the Caribbean

Michael Flake
TE, Presbytery of the Central Carolinas

John Ivy
RE, Presbytery of the Central South

Joi Williams
RE, Presbytery of Coastal Mid-Atlantic

Carolyn Poteet
TE, Presbytery of the Alleghenies

Greg Aydt
RE, Presbytery of the Central South

Chris Danusiar
RE, Presbytery of Rivers and Lakes

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MEETING DATES

August 23-24, 2023: Office of the General Assembly (Orlando, Florida)
October 30-31, 2023: Video Conference
January 16-17, 2024: Office of the General Assembly (Orlando, Florida)
April 16-17, 2024: Video Conference
May 14, 2024: Video Conference 

Respectfully submitted,

Rosemary Lukens, Chairman
June 2024

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