After nearly 250,000 miles (two-thirds added since coming here) it was time to get a different set of wheels. While a succession of three minivans has served us well over the last fifteen years, we no longer chauffer Suzanne and her friends around; we don’t haul a dozen kids to swim meets; and we aren’t carrying church kids all over town. My driving habits have changed. Now I am usually the only passenger—sometimes one other adult joins me. I may drive four hours at Interstate speeds (more or less) for a thirty-minute meeting. High-speed safety is more a concern. I am still a big guy, and my back is older and more arthritic. Weather that was an inconvenience in town is now an unavoidable hazard on the road. A civilized, midsize SUV better suits my needs today.

Times change. Circumstances change. Needs change. The same is true for the organizational structure of the Board of Managers for the Great Rivers Region. Six years ago, the Board commissioned a task force to study the Region and possible future patterns of organization. Since that time, the question has bounced from task force, to staff, to Executive Committee, to Board of Managers.

Through all that study, certain findings have remained constant: First, our present structure is over 30 years old, and does not meet the needs for the 21st Century. Second, our present department/committee structure requires more people than are elected to an already-large Board. Third, our structure has evolved into one that cannot be adequately staffed by the present number of ministerial staff. Fourth, our present organization rigidly (and sometimes arbitrarily) compartmentalizes some activities that should be coordinated and integrated, while other activities are not covered at all because they don’t “fit” the structure. Fifth, our present structure does not allow for creative and timely responses to opportunities or contextual changes.

The Board has grappled with these and has voted to present a proposal for consideration by our constituent churches. This Spring will see opportunities for discussions, questions, and suggestions. Based on that input, the Board anticipates completing a proposed Bylaw change, which will be published, and subject to approval at the Annual Meeting in Decatur (October 11-13).

The proposal does not change the final source of authority in regional structure—it remains with the constituent churches. It does not change the fundamental purpose of the Region. And it does not change our covenant relationship with ABC/USA.

The challenge was to maintain accountability while maximizing flexibility with minimal red-tape. The proposal includes a lean and focused Board which exercises its essential stewardship role: defining goals, hiring staff, and creating councils, task forces, and commissions as needed. Staff persons are assigned responsibility for regional programming, while the Board retains its oversight through policies and resource allocation.

There would be several consequences:

Through all this, our purpose remains the same: to challenge, empower, assist, and represent American Baptist faith communities as we live out our ministry together. Our vision is also the same: healthy congregations and institutions engaged in effective Christian ministry locally and globally.

I look forward to talking with you about how a “different set of wheels” is needed, and how this proposal serves the same regional purpose and vision in a changed context.

Every January I share my reading list for the previous year with the ministerial staff of the Region. It is part of my accountability to my colleagues as well as an opportunity to share good things. In that spirit, I suggest the top six books from my 2001 reading list that I think would be helpful to pastors:

Kennon Callahan Small, Strong Congregations: Creating Strengths and Healthy for Your Congregation Jossey-Bass: San Francisco, 2000.

Beth Ann Gaede (ed.) Size Transitions in Congregations Alban: Bethesda, 2001.

David Hansen The Power of Loving Your Church: Leading Through Acceptance and Grace Bethany House: Minneapolis, 1998.

Kirk Byron Jones Rest in the Storm: Self-Care Strategies for Clergy and Other Care Givers Judson: Valley Forge, 2001.

Jim Herrington et al Leading Congregational Change: A Practical Guide for the Transformational Journey Jossey-Bass: San Francisco, 2000.

Jeff Woods Better Than Success: 8 Principles of Faithful Leadership Judson: Valley Forge, 2001.