District Secretary-Treasurer
Jay A Herndon
2021 Annual Business Report
It seems that we all stood in the shoes of the Prophet Jeremiah this past year. He witnessed the collapse of Jerusalem, the loss of key persons and loved ones, and the resulting chaos and bleakness that faced those that remained. But it was not by accident that he was in that time and place, Jeremiah was called to speak words of hope to a despondent, confused, and conflicted society. His situation is a clear parallel to our own, and we should take the lesson to heart: God has called us to speak words of faith and hope to people that desperately need it.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD,
thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
Despite the transitions, re-starts, and adjustments, the work continued, and God was active doing what He does: saving, healing, discipling, and calling people. God was busy building His Church!
Nevertheless, COVID (and the collateral issues) affected churches and ministers very unequally. Our District Leadership team has actively and substantially engaged in responding to the variety of emergencies and needs that have arisen. During the past two years, the District Resource Center has contributed to various ministers and churches with funds:
Benevolence Funds = $25,543
Counseling Funds = $17,800
DAC Emergency Repairs = $26,434
Disaster Relief = $57,138
Church Assist = $276,107
Total = $403,080
This does not include the many intangible ways that we have assisted. Particularly, there are a number of churches that have appealed for organizational assistance.
Finance
Our District Office finances were steady, with a small decline in tithes, but a larger increase in church contributions. The net balance in Administration was $74,902. All of our Departments ended in the black and the net for all Operations was $96,116.98. This surplus was mostly due to an unexpected estate gift and an unexpected increase from one of our donor churches, and therefore hides the fact that our budget was very tight this year.
Budget Report
Net General Admin = $74,902
Net Ministries = $21,214
Ministerial tithes = $2,231,684
One Fund income = $655, 985
Although we were scheduled to complete a full CPA audit this year, we could not find a CPA firm that was willing to provide this service. The common explanation was, “unprecedented staffing shortage.” Fortunately, Steve Chaney and Associates was willing to provide a Financial Review, and the Executive Presbytery approved to engage Chaney for the review and to put off the full audit until next year. One firm has already agreed to perform it. (Note: audit rules do not allow Chaney to perform a full audit for us, because they also perform the compilation for our DA churches.)
At the end of 2021, Jerry Hannay and John Kim swapped the Accounting Supervisor and Assist. Supervisor roles. Jerry Hannay served in the lead role for 25 years, and has earned the right to slow down! Nevertheless, Jerry has a wealth of knowledge and abundant energy, and he remains indispensable to us. So Jerry will remain at reduced hours, especially for consulting and special projects. It’s an honor to work alongside someone like Jerry, whose faith, ethics, positive outlook, and overall reliability are an example to us all.
We are doubly blessed to have John Kim ready to step up to the lead role—John’s competency, maturity, and devotion to the ministry is extremely valuable.
District Speaking Engagements and Minister’s Welcome
Key Items
Church Statistics: 454
We added 8 new churches, but closed 10. For a net loss of -2. The current number of churches is 454. Eight of the closed churches were PACs. One withdrew from our fellowship, and one transferred to a language district.
Minister Statistics: 1,408
Discounting transfers, we added 58 to the roster but subtracted 78. The transfer deficit was 2, and the overall net loss was 22. Our roster is now at 1408, which is 127 (9%) less than it was in 2017. The decline is due to several factors, the most obvious is that transfer deficit of 62 and a notable drop in new credential applicants in 2019 and 2020. However, our credential applications increased in 2021 so we may be seeing early signs of Spring on this matter. Let’s all pray that the Lord of the Harvest will send laborers our way!
Minister Statistics: 1,408
New: 48
Reinstated: 10
Subtotal Gain: 58
Resigned: -14
Deceased: -23
Lapsed: -36
Dismissed: -5
Not Renewed: 0
Subtotal Loss: -78
Net transfers: -2
Remote District Council Business Meeting
Missions Support:
In addition to resourcing local churches, our departments are also raising support for missions:
Women’s Ministries = $144,015
Student Ministries STL = $201,330
Children’s Ministries BGMC = $116,943
Men’s Ministries LFTL = $145,034
Total: $607,322
Minister’s Retreat
Scholarships:
Under 25 Education Assistance Program
Our district reimburses students under the age of 25, $100 for every course that satisfies credential requirements (regardless of the school). In 2021 we assisted 17 future ministers a total of $10,500. Many of our past scholarship recipients are now applying for credentials! I want to encourage pastors to take advantage of this program. Let’s raise up some spiritual heirs!
Bethany Legacy Scholarship
The balance in the Bethany Legacy Scholarship Endowment is now $603,443. In 2021, we awarded $11,210 to four AG students enrolling full-time at AG colleges.
Memoriam and Minister's Memorial Fund:
28 ministers and 16 spouses passed away this year. We paid a total of $20,500 to the families of these ministers, as an expression of our affection and respect.
DRC Board Training - First Hybrid Seminar
Personal Comments
In addition to my service as the Secretary Treasurer, the Executive Presbytery has asked me to go to Law School, and I am now in my third year. I am grateful to the Lord for so many things, chief among them are the loving (and patient!) support of my wife, and the opportunity to serve alongside two outstanding leaders, Superintendent Bret Allen and Assistant Superintendent Samuel Huddleston.
I also want to thank my team at the DRC and confess my reliance on a capable staff:
Sondra Miller, Executive Admin. Assistant
Credentials Team
Darryn Fisher, Credentialing Director
Erica Barrera, Credentials Admin. Assistant
Legal Team
Leanna Sheley, Legal Records Supervisor
Evelyn Ku, Database Assistant & Bethany Records
Rosal Galindo, Properties Administrator
Teri Herndon, Legal Records Admin. Assistant and Presbytery Meeting Hostess
Accounting Team
John Kim, Accounting Supervisor
Jerry Hannay, Accounting Supervisor
Karen Carstens, Accounting Assistant
Cathy Aleman, Accounting Assistant
Respectfully submitted,
Dr. Jay A. Herndon
District Secretary-Treasurer