Stewardship Development Association Annual Meeting July 18-20 2011 Hood River Oregon
SDA Business Session July 20, 2011 The morning session began with a devotional time led by David Sundeen of Minnesota. He used Matthew 1:18 f.f. to highlight some of the ways in which Joseph dealt with his personal struggles. David pointed out that Joseph moved from his problem with Mary’s pregnancy to accepting it as the fulfillment of God’s will. (Stan gave appreciation for David Sundeen and Archer Thorpe for providing devotional thoughts and for Cecil Sims for serving as a tremendous host for the annual meeting and for his special apple presentation on Monday night and his decades of service to the Lord.) Brandon Pickett of Virginia presented the newest Cooperative Program promotion videos as part of the Cooperative Program strategy being developed between SDA and the state conventions. Stan Smith led a brief time of conversation concerning some of the “best” practices being used for Cp promotion in the work in various states. Stan Smith called the group to order and into a business session. Stan reviewed the 5 purposes of SDA as stated in the Constitution & Bylaws: ARTICLE II – Purpose 1. To provide a forum for Christian Stewardship leaders to uphold the Biblical vitality of stewardship and to: 2. Provide an opportunity for discussion of common interests and needs; 3. Prioritize, coordinate, and develop stewardship, and Cooperative Program, resources which are necessary for strengthening churches to accomplish the Great Commission; 4. Develop the professional skills of its members; 5. Enrich the personal fellowship of its members.
Stan Smith called on Gary Anderson who presented the financial report, after a brief time of discussion concerning the budget a motion was made by Gary that the budget for 2011-2012 be approved, the motion passed without dissent. Stan Smith brought a recommendation concerning a 10 year Cooperative Program plan. SDA would take the initiative by Stan Smith as president of SDA writing a letter to Dr. Frank Page with a copy to Dr. Emil Turner to endorse the concept of a meeting with representation of Dr. Frank Pages staff, state Executive Directors, national entity leadership and from SDA to discuss a 10 year plan for Cooperative Program development and support. The motion was seconded by Jerry Mixon and passed without dissent. Stan Smith asked the group to break into small groups of 4 or 5 to deal with two questions that he proposed. The first question to be answered was How are we (SDA) doing? He mentioned examples like: Are we going to fast or too slow? Where are there gaps in our work? What are we missing in what we are doing?