A major staff reorganization plan was approved by the Kentucky Baptist Convention Mission Board in their May 2012 meeting. Many have asked if it affects Kentucky WMU. The answer is yes and no. Yes, in that it affects the KBC missions priorities and who we will work with in the days ahead. No, in that Kentucky WMU is an auxiliary to the KBC and determine our own staff and finances.
The new vision for KBC was presented to answer three questions – Why? What? How? You can download all of the presentation materials and see a video of Dr. Chitwood explaining the reasons and the plan at www.kybaptist.org/relaunch.
The most important question he answered was the first: Why do we have a Kentucky Baptist Convention? Everything else flows from the answer: The KBC was created by churches, for churches, to help churches reach Kentucky and the world for Christ.
Dr. Chitwood outlined many things that the KBC does to fulfill this vision. Kentucky WMU has been and will continue to be a partner in these things which include:
– Comprehensive ministry consulting for churches.
– Facilitating training and networking opportunities.
– Facilitating missions partnerships and church planting.
– Facilitating relationships between churches and Kentucky Baptist agencies and institutions.
– Promoting Cooperative Program giving to assist churches in Great Commission obedience.
– Mobilizing Kentucky Baptist churches to influence society with Christian principles of righteousness, truth, and brotherly love.
The new KBC staff structure includes five teams:
– Administrative/Executive Office
– Finances & Business Services
– Evangelism & Church Planting
– Church Consulting and Revitalization
– Missions Mobilization Team
While Kentucky WMU relates to all of the teams in various ways, our closest ties will be with the Missions Mobilization and the Evangelism/Church Planting teams. We will also work with the Church Consulting and Revitalization Team in overall church consulting and leadership development. We welcome new staff to KBC and pledge our support and assistance in this time of transition and implementation of a new vision .
The biggest change in KBC strategy in the days ahead will include fewer events and more time for consultants to be out in the state working with church and association leaders directly. All of us struggle with the best use of our time. Is it better for us to have many events and try to provide services to large groups OR is it more productive to spend time with leaders individually or in small groups so that discussion and consulting can be tailored to particular needs and situations?
I would like to hear from you. What would you prefer? We cannot do as many events if we increase the time that staff spends on the road in consulting work with small groups or individuals. But if more individual time will reap greater benefits, then we are open to change. Your comments will help us plan for the future. Write me a letter or email: [email protected].
For more information about KBC Reorganization and Kentucky WMU, please read my earlier blog on this topic: http://www.discoverjoy.org/2012/05/09/kbc-reorganization-and-kentucky-wmu.
