Midwest Regional Convention Business Report   -  Passed in the Convention on July 19, 2009

As a newly formed region within our church body, we must clearly see that there are no geographical boundaries that separate us in our purpose and our efforts. Our vision must expand beyond state lines and territorial boundaries. As a newly formed region we must operate accordingly with the best interest of the region as a whole to be the premise of all that we do as a region.

Our report is given with sincerity and without dissimulation addressing several needs that exist within this newly formed region relating to financial support for the Regional Office and ministries, continued education of both our leadership and laity, securing of our properties throughout the region and the use of funds from the sale of disbanded church properties.

So then, we the Regional Convention Business Committee do make the following recommendations to the Midwest Regional Convention.

1. We recommend that the proceeds of the sale of all Regional church properties, where the local church had been disbanded be utilized to assist existing churches in building, repairing or purchasing properties as well as assisting in the establishing of new works and existing missions. The amounts distributed would be determined by the Regional Overseer, State Presbyters and the Regional Finance Committee. This recommendation refers to properties that are sold from this point going forward, not the properties sold in the past that have certain restrictions or stipulations.

2. We recommend that every local church send in 2% of the total tithe or its equivalent in support of the Regional Expense. Every pastor along with every member needs to see the urgency of supporting the financial needs of the Regional Office. This amount to be sent in with the local church treasurer’s report.

3. We recommend that every local church send in $2.00 a month per active member in support of AIM (Assisting In Ministry) / Home Missions. This amount to be sent in with the local church treasurer’s report.

4. We recommend that every local church establish a Harvest and Leadership Development Offering to be received monthly in accordance with the recent ruling of the church in General Assembly. These funds would finance outreach efforts coordinated by the Regional Office and be used exclusively for evangelization, discipleship, leadership training, church planting, outreach, etc., in their respective areas of ministry. This amount to be sent in with the local church treasurer’s report. (This replaces the Church Ministries Support Offerings - 1/3 State, 1/3 Region, 1/3 Local)

5. At the request of the Regional Overseer, we recommend that all Ministers pursue a higher level of education be it, CBL, LDI, Gordon Conwell, Online classes at the Biblical Institution of your choice. This will enhance, equip and bring relevancy to the Pastor / Minister to lead his local church in this 21st century. With the increasing education level of our membership there is a great need for our Ministers to be relevant and challenging in their approach as they deliver the Word of God.

We also recommend that every pastor begin a training regimen to equip local church leadership and laity as well.

6. We recommend that every local church in the Region update the deed to all properties owned by the local church, This includes the church facility, the parsonage (if applicable), any and or all properties acquired by the local church. A copy of said deed(s) be sent to the Regional Office for their records.

Humbly submitted,

Regional Convention Business Committee

Ronald Acker – Chairman,  Donald Franks, Michael Obert, George Jones, Jeff Bell, Dennis Ellenberger, Neal Daley, Javier Romero