Lake Region—One year into the three-year leadership term, the Lake Region Conference (LRC) found itself in the midst of testing and transition. Facing a number of financial challenges, the conference executive committee began the work of analyzing data. At the committee's request, Lake Union Conference leadership is providing support and resources to ensure that generally accepted accounting principles and denominational policies are followed.
George C. Bryant, executive secretary and acting president, is working with the conference executive committee to set the conference on a course guided by a strategic plan to address operational issues and refocus the conference constituency on an evangelistic mission. One of the most important steps being taken is regular and inclusive communication with conference membership. Timely information is being distributed through LRC UPDATE, an on-line news and information service to pastors, staff, and members. Meetings with department directors and staff, and a retreat with the executive committee sponsored by the Lake Union Conference, have taken place. Town hall meetings will be scheduled throughout the conference territory. In various conference regions, special times are being set aside for prayer and fasting for the Holy Spirit, as new leadership is sought.
Technology is playing a pivotal role in the timely communication of critical information. To provide a real-time connection with the conference at-large, Ray Young, Lake Region communication director, arranged and produced a live Internet broadcast with Bryant. Trailblazing new territory, the Ypsilanti (Mich.) Church is believed to be the first to use live Internet video streaming for a conference leader to communicate with his membership.
Hosted at the Ypsilanti Church, its platform was transformed into a studio set. Debbie Young interviewed Bryant as he addressed issues of concern, discussed the strategic plan development process, and responded to questions e-mailed from conference members before the broadcast. Speaking candidly about the state of the conference, Bryant emphasized that strategies have been implemented to assure adherence to the Constitution and By-laws, which govern conference activities. He also spoke of plans to speak more in-depth with the membership, giving opportunity for feedback on the strategic plan.
The live broadcast was well-received by many on-line viewers. In addition to those who tuned in for the live Internet broadcast, over 500 Lake Region members have since downloaded the archived presentation for viewing. To view the broadcast, visit www.lakeregionsda.org.
Each member of the Lake Region Conference recognizes radical changes must be made on all levels. But most important, the Holy Spirit must consume each member and override personal agendas to bring members, pastors, staff, and administrators to a spirit of unity and dependence on God. To this end, we petition the Lake Union family to join Lake Region in the supplication of God’s healing and direction for the future of the Lake Region family. We trust God will oversee the proceedings of the Constituency Meeting scheduled for July 24, 2005, and that His name will be glorified by the outcome of prayerful deliberations.
Lake Region Conference news release
