The CBC Executive Board met at the denominational headquarters in Fairmont, WV for their April 10-11 meeting and processed many items of important business. The meetings began with a meditation on Jesus’ resurrection followed by a discussion about the future of the Covenant Brethren Church. The Board highlighted its intention to hold solidly to God’s Word with accountability but recognized a need to continue to plan for where God wants to lead CBC. All CBC members and congregations are invited to join the Executive Board in asking God to continue to reveal His will.
The Board then approved the secretary’s minutes and the treasurer’s report and heard committee reports and regional updates. One of the highlights of the entire weekend was the unanimous approval of two new congregations to the CBC family. Cedar Bluff in Boones Mill, VA and Leake’s Chapel in Stanley, VA were both welcomed enthusiastically! These additions bring total CBC congregations to 220 located throughout 14 countries and four continents with the expectation of more coming soon.
The Board also appointed Sister Angela Painter of Melvin Hill CBC to be the Samaritan’s Purse Disaster Coordinator who will function as a liaison and pass along prayer needs as well as service opportunities. The Board also approved the Ministerial Credentialing Procedures and Polity Paper that will be shared with regional leaders in July and approved a budget for 2027 that will be presented to delegates at the Annual Meeting and Worship Conference (AMWC).
The AMWC Program Planning Committee gave updates on this July’s event and once again the Board approved Spanish translators. One major change in this year’s conference will be that, in addition to the Thursday evening CBC Celebration Offering for the General Fund, the Friday evening offering will be allocated entirely for CBC Mission work around the world! Delegates are encouraged to bring generous gifts from their congregations for both of these offerings. Plans were also discussed to enable greater involvement by our international congregations in the AMWC.
As always, one of the most exciting agenda items was to hear from CBC’s congregations outside the US. Brothers Grover Duling and Scott Kinnick reported on their visit to the Dominican Republic Regional Conference. Their enthusiasm regarding their experience was contagious and made all the Board thankful to be a part of what God is doing! A total of $4,400 was also approved to aid African CBC members, help complete a CBC church building in Uganda, and help with rent for another international congregation’s meeting space. In addition, $2,500 was allocated to help CBC register as a denomination in Panama.
The Ministerial Training Committee reported that plans are on track to have several more ministry training courses available by year end and Bro Matt Bernard reported to the Board on his work as IT Specialist. In addition, the Board heard about pending changes from Bro Nevin Dulabaum of Eder Financial.
As the meeting drew to a close on Saturday afternoon, Bro Grover offered some takeaways:
- Focus on Jesus regardless of what or where the topic is.
- Continue to grow in visioning for the future.
- Plan to include international CBC congregations.
- The unity of the Executive Board is precious and needs to be maintained.
Bro Larry Dentler encouraged the Board with I Corinthians 15:58 which assures us that our labor in the Lord is not in vain! He then closed the meetings with prayer before all members headed home. It was a very productive meeting of worship and business and the Executive Board is grateful for all who are praying for them as they continue to think God’s thoughts after Him in order to do His will.
Submitted by George Bowers, CBC Executive Board Secretary
