Board welcomes new class, give thanks for continued growth

“Holy innovation is getting on board with what God is doing…not telling God what we are going to do.”

This quote from United Methodist pastor Kenda Creasy Dean helped to frame the discussion for Tuesday’s meeting of the Board of Directors. It speaks of how the Foundation’s work is guided by a strategic vision – a Spirit-led blueprint to evolve and keep pace with changing realities.

Board members welcomed three new members, gave thanks for continued investment growth and previewed initiatives for the second half of the year. With many items to cover, there was also intentionality around listening for God’s call. Among the highlights from Tuesday’s meeting:

• New board members Rev. Dr. In-Yong Lee, Rev. Lory Beth Huffman and Dr. Irish Spencer will bring unique skills and professional backgrounds. In-Yong and Lory Beth join the board as ex officio members through their leadership roles with the Conference, while Irish fills a seat in the Class of 2025.
• Managed investment funds performed well for the first half of 2024. Returns were strong and continue to outpace benchmarks for the long-term, ranking in the top percentiles for their peer groups.
• Independent auditors at Foard and Company, PA have given the Foundation the highest rating (an unqualified opinion) for 2023 financial statements. This signifies that accounting of resources is done responsibly and with the utmost integrity, one of our Christ-centered core values.
• Noting a shift away from large-scale building projects toward more remodeling and adaptive re-use, the Foundation’s loan team has lowered the minimum loan amount to $50,000 (from the previous threshold of $100,000). The added flexibility is designed to meet a broader range of needs.
• Reynolds Ministries and Programs continues to invest in promising leaders and creative forms of ministry. This year, the Reynolds Ministry Fund awarded 33 grants totaling $445,000 for disciple-making projects in the local church. Fifty-two clergy and lay leaders attended pilot workshops on emotional intelligence. A grant-writing course welcomed 23 participants in partnership with WNCC African American/Black Church Growth and Vitality.
• Storytelling is the oldest form of education, vice president Jennifer Davis reminded the board. By sharing stories of fruitful ministry and impact, the Foundation hopes to inspire partners to look to the future with optimism. Recent communications have spotlighted the stories of scholarship recipients as well as alumni of the Reynolds Program in Church Leadership.

With the board adjourned until its next meeting in November, we give thanks for strong leadership and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.