Board of Administration
The Board of Administration (BOA) acts as the conference’s standing administrative committee between Annual Conference sessions. Their primary focus is to develop and manage policies for the entire conference within the constraints of the Book of Discipline. In line with Free Methodist Church leadership principles, the board consists of an equal number of ministerial and lay (non-ordained) leaders.
Alvarez, Soo Ji
Bishop, Sharon
Coleman, Janelle
Draughan, Shemika
Garcia, George
Hurley-Bates, Colleen
Luna, Ruben
Masters, Brett
Piedrasanta, Alejandra
Ramirez, Irene
Sato, Jon
Seyfert, Wendy
Song, Edward
Board Report
As we approach the end of another year, the Board of Administration (BOA) is pleased to share an overview of our activities and decisions since the last Annual Conference. This report is a testament to the dedication, unity, and strategic vision that has guided our efforts to serve the Free Methodist Church of Southern California.
Starting Strong with a BOA Retreat
Our journey began last year with a pivotal BOA retreat, where we laid the groundwork for a productive and purposeful year. This retreat allowed us to establish common knowledge, clarify expectations, and set the direction for the board. Importantly, we also focused on team building, fostering the relationships and trust necessary for effective collaboration.
Strategic Planning Session
In September, we held a strategic planning session facilitated by Randy Goetz. This marked a significant step in our ongoing efforts to transition from an administrative operational board to a strategic leadership board. By focusing on long-term vision and strategic initiatives, we aim to position our conference for sustainable growth and impact.
Detailed Meeting Reports
Throughout the year, we have provided detailed reports following each BOA meeting. These reports, available for your reference, cover a wide range of topics and decisions, including:
- Changes in BOA membership and leadership roles
- Kingdom Multiplication Group (KMG) updates and budget approvals
- Plans for Annual Conference 2024 in collaboration with the Pacific Coast Japanese Conference (PCJC)
- Strategic planning subcommittee updates on leadership development, value alignment, growth/expansion, and vision casting
- 2024 budget approval and financial discussions
- Superintendent’s reports and key conference dates
- Executive session outcomes and personnel committee updates
- Local church loan approvals and support
- Voting procedures and standing rules for Annual Conference 2024
- Policy discussions on CMCs serving on boards and committees
We encourage you to refer to these individual reports for more details on any specific meeting or topic.
Farewell to Colleen Hurley-Bates
As we reflect on the progress made, we want to express our deepest gratitude to Colleen Hurley-Bates, who has served as our Board Chair and is now terming off the board. Colleen’s leadership, wisdom, and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in the significant strides we have made during this past season. Her contributions will have a lasting impact on our conference, and we are immensely grateful for her service.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, we remain committed to our mission of equipping and empowering local churches to make disciples and transform communities. We will continue to prioritize strategic leadership, seeking God’s wisdom and guidance as we navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead.
We covet your prayers and partnership in this journey. Together, as a united conference, we can continue to advance God’s Kingdom in Southern California and beyond.