Exciting Times

The three AZ Conference officers returned today from their North American Division (NAD) year-end meetings in Washington, D.C., Silver Spring, Maryland to be exact.  Major votes on women’s ordination and locally funded employees were among two of the significant votes taken.  The first, at least for the time being, places the NAD out of compliance with the General Conference policy.  There are people in this division who feel very strongly about this issue and the contingent has voted to go out on a limb so to speak.  I am sure the vote was not without painful discussion on both sides of the issue, since even the NAD is not monolithic in its position on ordination as it pertains to the women of the church.

On a personal note it was nice to see the officers back—at least two of them, today.  The third one had a secondary appointment that kept him from being in the office. 

A major meeting also took place between the GC auditors, the AAF leadership, TAA administration, and AZ Conference officials—yours truly included.  It was one of those moments when you know history is taking place.  As you may know TAA and the conference office has entered into a partnership with AAF (Alumni Awards Foundation) to provide management and funding to TAA as they work to make it a model school.  Today was one of those days that was bound to take place sooner or later as the reality of the partnership becomes cemented into the day to day operations. 

In this case the need for clarification of roles and processes became necessary due to a recent General Conference yearly audit of TAA.  It became apparent to all present during the audit exit interview that GCAS (General Conference Auditing Services) was not familiar at all with the new governance paradigm in place between the entities that participate in the new governance format.  It was a stimulating and at times tense discussion as roles and definitions of the Memorandum of Understanding were vetted out and clarified for the sake of the auditors.  In the end it was a great meeting with all parties feeling better about having taken the time to bring the group together, if for no other reason than to ensure future audits are implemented with the new paradigm in place and clearly understood by all parties.

It is exciting to be part of something new and innovative.  I do not know where it will lead.  A lot of prayer and thought has gone into it, but we are in uncharted waters.  It will require a lot more of both prayer and thought in the future as well.  Good night!