At the July 28 Regional Board meeting several important issues were addressed for the future of regional operations. These include naming of the search committee for calling a new Regional Minister, two new staff positions, and selecting a bookkeeping service.
Regional Minister Search Committee
Nominations were put forth and approved for the Regional Minister Search Committee. The search committee is:
- Stephanie Switzky, Chair, Topeka FCC
- Greg Barlow, Wichita Hillside CC
- Ruby Brower, Moderator Elect, Manhattan FCC
- Danny Ginn, Oxford CC
- Rodney Hopper, Scott City FCC
- Avalene James, Wichita North Heights CC
- Parker Kottman, Atchison FCC
- Josh Leu, Great Bend FCC
- Diane Watkins, Parsons FCC
- Ex-officio – Laurie Lewis, Moderator
- Ex-officio – Ken Marston, Regional Minister
The committee had their initial meeting and were first introduced at the Disciples Connect and Equip event on
August 14 at Tawakoni.
Regional Youth Coordinator
To bridge the gap between Steve Martin’s retirement and the calling of a new Regional Minster, a temporary Regional Youth Coordinator position was created.
This position will oversee and coordinate the work of the KCYF and regional youth events. Travis Smith McKee, pastor at Trinity United Christian Church, Cheney, was appointed to fill the position.
The job description for this resource position was approved for an eight-month timeframe: August 2021 through March 2022.
New Bookkeeping Service
To address the departure of CCK bookkeeper Kelli Graham, the staff reviewed options of hiring a new bookkeeper, using a local CPA firm, or using the services of an outside firm, Treasury Services, which is housed in the office of the DOC General Minister and President.
The staff recommended the use of Treasury Services, who manage the books for 20-plus other regions from their Indianapolis offices. The combination of experience with other Disciples regions, the full-service portfolio and the affordability of the fee, slightly less than the current budgeted expense for the full-time bookkeeper position, led to a contract with Treasury Services effective September 2021.
This new arrangement necessitates someone on CCK staff to provide communications to and receive communications from Treasury Services. To that end, a new position of Part-time Liaison was established, and Kelli Graham has agreed to serve in that capacity.
Congregations will continue to remit offerings as usual. The Region will continue to have total responsibility and control over all regional funds.