Inter-Agency Forum holds 'successful and gratifying meeting.'

The Inter-Agency Forum (IAF) held its ninth annual meeting Feb. 2-3 in Daytona Beach, Fla. Annual Conference officers and executive director, a representative from the Council of District Executives (CODE), and executives and board chairs of the five Conference agencies were present. Chris Bowman, immediate past Conference moderator, led the meeting.

Collaboration and economization of resources by sharing common tasks was a dominant theme. One member commented that the desire to work together was more evident now than he had seen in more than 30 years' association with the denomination.

A major item of discussion was how agencies can collaborate to provide a more effective and comprehensive report to district conferences. The discussion began in a CODE meeting on the eve of the IAF meeting. A proposal was presented to designate representatives from two of the agencies to give a video presentation of the work of all the agencies, and then briefly talk in more detail about the work of their own agencies. Representatives of two other agencies would visit that district conference the following year, and the final agency would be represented the next year, with all agencies to be represented each three years. Exhibits would reflect a collaborative effort to present the entire work of the denomination.

District executives cautioned that each district conference is unique in its agenda and time allotment, but gave a warm reception to the idea, especially as it demonstrates an effort to show unity and creativity in denominational reporting. Members of IAF developed the idea in more detail and commissioned the communications staffs of the agencies to propose a design, beginning with the 2005 district conference season.

Other arenas in which a more unified purpose can be presented include Annual Conference, the annual consultation with Standing Committee, and the memorial time for church leaders observed at Conference.

The IAF also examined some issues of critical nature for the denomination: providing a medical plan for pastors and church workers, promoting deferred giving to denominational agencies, the study of the stewardship of denominational properties, pros and cons of dispersed staff, and how IAF members should be involved in and informed about issues that divide the denomination and alienate segments of the membership. Annual Conference, CODE, and the agencies reported their activities, financial status, and concerns as the IAF concluded what was called its most successful and gratifying meeting, reported Fred Swartz, Annual Conference secretary.

Source: Newsline 3/16/05
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