Church Conference Meeting Minutes
July 22, 2026
Opening
The meeting was opened with prayer.
Scripture was read from Proverbs 2:1–15, emphasizing wisdom, understanding, discretion, and the guidance of the Lord.
Approval of Previous Minutes
The minutes from the April 1, 2026 Leadership Committee meeting were presented. Because the church had been without an official church clerk, the previous meeting had been recorded and summarized using AI. Jennifer Chandler read the summary aloud to the church.
Several spelling and name corrections were noted.
Regina Russell moved to approve the previous minutes with the necessary corrections.
Judy Jenkins offered an amendment specifying that the church was approving the summary of the minutes.
Seconded By: Lamona
Election of Church Clerk
The Leadership Committee reported that Jennifer Chandler had been serving in an acting capacity as church clerk. Her name was formally placed before the church for election as Church Clerk.
Nomination Made By: Thomas
Seconded By: Regina Russell
A vote was taken, and the nomination was approved.
Jennifer Chandler was declared the official Church Clerk of Mount Olivet Baptist Church effective July 22, 2026.
It was clarified that the regular nomination and election process for church officers will take place again in October 2026.
Leadership Committee Report
The Chairman of the Leadership Committee presented a report of matters discussed by the committee.
The church’s roof insurance matter remains in progress. Regina Russell is preparing correspondence to the insurance company regarding the roof claim.
The church playground will remain closed until sufficient funds are available to address the necessary work.
Discussion was held concerning Friendship Day. It was clarified that funding for the event had already been included in the approved budget. The church expressed support for carrying out the event within the amount already budgeted.
The Leadership Committee recommended making a $200 donation to Phyllis Norris. During discussion, the balance of the Benevolence Fund was reported as $1,613.31.
Replacement of the exterior door was discussed. Quotes had been received beginning at approximately $3,300, with some substantially higher. The replacement will be placed on hold until a suitable cost can be determined. Brother Rob was expected to work on the glass.
The committee also noted the previously discussed QuickBooks update. The proposed desktop/update option was described as considerably less expensive than paying approximately $150 per month for the online version and would include necessary upgrades.
Regina Russell moved to approve the Leadership Committee Chairman’s report.
Seconded By: Rob
Vote: Approved by voice vote.
Sunday School Report
The Sunday School reported an average attendance of approximately 18 members per Sunday during the quarter.
New Business — WMU
Discussion was held concerning the reactivation of the Women’s Missionary Union (WMU) at Mount Olivet.
Information concerning the purpose and work of the WMU was distributed and discussed. The primary mission of the WMU was clarified as supporting and encouraging missions, including mission education, involvement in missions, and support for efforts such as the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering and Annie Armstrong Easter Offering.
It was also clarified that other ministries, such as visiting the sick and various service projects within the church, may operate separately from the WMU.
All women who are members of the church were described as members of the WMU and will be invited to participate. The women will meet to organize the ministry, elect officers, and determine future activities.
Lamona will assist in reestablishing the ministry and organizing an initial meeting.
No separate vote was taken to create the WMU because the ministry already exists within the church and is being reactivated/reconstituted rather than newly established.
Old Business
An update was provided concerning online giving. After further review, the MP Group option was determined not to be a better financial choice than the church’s current provider. The church will therefore remain with its current online giving arrangement for the time being. Stripe may be considered in the future if changing the church website and payment system would result in meaningful savings.
The parking lot work has been completed and paid for. Some remaining cracks may need to be filled, but the condition of the parking lot has substantially improved.
The previous issue concerning garbage collection has also been addressed. The garbage service arrangement and containers have been corrected. The garbage will need to be placed out each Friday for collection.
Further discussion was held concerning Friendship Day. It was requested that upcoming church announcements explain the purpose of Friendship Day so that members understand the event and can begin promoting it. Friendship Day was described as an outreach opportunity to invite members of the surrounding community to the church for fellowship, food, and an opportunity to get acquainted with the congregation.
Finance Committee Report
The Finance Committee presented a report covering January 1 through July 22, 2026.
- Total Revenue: Approximately $51,752.00
- Total Expenditures: $42,765.09
- Net Revenues: $8,886.91
It was clarified that this particular report reflected the calendar year to date, although the church’s fiscal year runs from October 1 through September 30.
The following reconciled account balances were reported as of July 22, 2026:
- Sunday School Fund: $1,229.22
- General Fund: $25,760.82
- Benevolence Fund: $1,613.31
- Building Fund: $4,487.98
- WMU Fund: $1,154.65
The balances had been reconciled through the end of June.
It was also reported that the church had not reached its $1,500 Annie Armstrong offering goal.
Deacon Platt moved to accept the financial report as presented, with necessary corrections.
Seconded By: Chase Chandler
Vote: Approved by voice vote.
The financial report was accepted as presented with necessary corrections.
Adjournment
Deacon Platt moved to adjourn the meeting.
Seconded By: Lamona
The meeting was adjourned at 7:13 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Chandler
Church Clerk
