Woman’s Missionary Union of North Carolina (WMU NC) and the Baptist State Convention have moved a step closer to resolving issues raised by WMU NC’s plan to relocate the organization’s offices from the Baptist State Convention (BSC) building in Cary and to assume responsibility for its own human resources policies and payroll. The BSC Executive Committee held a called meeting Sept. 10 to address the matter.
WMU NC’s Executive Board approved the moves Aug. 16, emphasizing the group’s continued commitment to serving the churches of the BSC as a primary resource for missions education and fund-raising while expressing a desire to become less dependent on the BSC.
In a meeting with BSC executive director Milton Hollifield Aug. 21, WMU NC representatives requested continued support during a transition period of up to nine months, and sought confirmation that eligible employees could retire from the BSC with benefits to which they are already entitled.
The organization also expressed a desire to remain an active participant in promoting and receiving funds through the North Carolina Missions Offering (NCMO), an annual state-wide offering that supports WMU NC, North Carolina Baptist Men, church planting, and a variety of other projects.
During the Sept. 10 meeting, the BSC Executive Committee acknowledged that the 2007 NCMO budget is already set, and that WMU NC will receive its designated percentage of receipts for the year. WMU NC is slated to receive 33.6 percent of the offering, which has a $2.53 million goal.
The Committee said it would discuss plans for apportioning future NCMO offerings at its next meeting, scheduled for Sept. 25. The BSC budget committee is to make its recommendations for the 2008-2009 budget cycle at that meeting.
The Executive Committee agreed to provide retirement benefits for WMU employees who meet the standard BSC qualifications stated in the BSC employee policy manual, and voted to allow employees who drive fleet cars to purchase them at fair market value, if they wish, provided they notify the Convention by Nov. 16.
Executive director Ruby Fulbright, leadership development and training specialist Jan High, and adult specialist Margaret Harding meet the policy guidelines, based on age and experience, for retirement with benefits. They now have the option of taking retirement through the current system and continuing to work for WMU NC under a contract arrangement.
Regarding the requested transition time of up to nine months, the Executive Committee said all financial arrangements for staff, including retirements, should be completed by Dec. 31, 2007, with WMU NC becoming self-supporting by that time. If the organization is unable to complete its physical move from the building by the end of the year, WMU NC can remain through May 2008 at a cost of $2,000 per month, beginning in January, the Committee determined.
The Executive Committee also approved a statement affirming Hollifield’s position that ultimate responsibility for hiring WMU NC employees has always rested with the BSC’s executive director, and charged Hollifield “to lead the Convention toward full compliance” with its policies and with the laws of the state of North Carolina.
Fulbright expressed appreciation for the Executive Committee’s cooperation. “I am very grateful for the kindness and generosity of the Executive Committee of the BSCNC in responding to WMU NC’s proposal for a smooth transition of staff and relocation of our offices,” she said. “These benefits will help WMU NC honor the work and commitment of a very capable and dedicated staff and will aid us in continuing to be supportive of the churches.”
WMU NC’s commitment to Christ, to the churches, and to missions is unwavering, Fulbright said: “This same staff and the organization of WMU NC is committed to a continuing relationship of brothers and sisters working together and being faithful to our responsibility of being worthy vessels through which the love of Christ is extended to a hurting and lost world. We wish to continue to do that as co-laborers with the individuals, churches and associations that make up the Baptist State Convention. WMU is still committed to our purposes of missions support, missions educations, missions involvement and spiritual development towards a missions lifestyle. The BSCNC has been strengthened by WMU NC’s commitment to these principles.”
Fulbright acknowledged that some persons have been troubled by the action, but defended it as necessary. “These last months have been difficult for all of us. I, personally, want to apologize for any grief, sadness and confusion that strained relationships with BSC leadership and WMU NC may have caused. Our move has been necessary for us to maintain the freedom to follow the will of God as we understand it. It is my hope that this new working relationship will allow us to return our focus to God’s purposes for us and to new joy in ministry.”
The BSC has posted a lengthy article detailing Convention officials’ perception of the issues at www.ncbaptist.org.