At the start of the 2024 Triennial Business Meeting on July 11, 2024, the NAB Conference moderator, Rev. Dr. Dana Goodnough, shared from 2 Corinthians 13:11: “Be of one mind, live in peace and the God of peace will be with us.”
A major decision of the 2024 Business Meeting was the election of Governing Board Officers and Members at Large. After a report was given concerning the process of securing candidates, each of the candidates were introduced: Moderator – Tony Campos, Vice Moderator – George Johnson, Treasurer – Jackie Loewer, Past-Moderator – Dana Goodnough, Regional Minister – Terry Fossen, Regional Minister – Steve Weisenburger, and Members at Large – Susan Bowen, Adrienne Jang, Jen Woyke, Curtis Reimer, and Chris Gorman. Considered as a single ballot, the suggested candidates were overwhelmingly approved.
There were also a number of reports given. Both the Treasurer’s Report and a Financial Report gave evidence that the NAB is well managed and well resourced. A full audit is performed yearly, and no issues have surfaced. There were also reports given by the NAB cooperating organizations, Church Investors Fund and Kairos University. God is blessing the NAB cooperating organizations, and they are providing a valuable service to the NAB.
Additionally, there was a special report from the Japan Baptist Conference, presented by Kayoko Okura. In a letter from the JBC Executive Committee, appreciation was expressed for the partnership of the NAB and the JBC.
In one of his last roles as Moderator, Dana Goodnough presented a Governing Board report, where he stated that the Board has met regularly and with prayerful reflection provided leadership for the NAB. He shared that the Governing Board had received a resolution on biblical gender and sexuality from West Center Baptist Church in Madison, South Dakota. Per the NAB Constitution, the resolution was passed on to the Governing Board, which will review the resolution in the next Triennium. If the Governing Board agrees that this resolution be advanced, it will become part of the agenda at the 2027 Triennial Business Meeting. If the Governing Board chooses to not advance the resolution, those making the resolution have the option to present it directly to the delegates of the 2027 Triennial. For this to happen, before any debate or discussion, a two-thirds majority of the Triennial delegates must agree that the resolution be considered. Copies of the resolution were made available to those in attendance at the Business Meeting.
The concluding report was given by Executive Director Dr. Harry Kelm, where he announced the 2027 Triennial is to be in Medina, Ohio, at Heartland Community Church. Dr. Kelm expressed joyful anticipation in having the Triennial Conference moved into a local NAB church community. His report also expressed the joys and challenges we are facing as the NAB.
The Business Meeting was officially concluded with words of appreciation for the outgoing moderator Dana Goodnough and the 2021–2024 Governing Board. There was also a prayer of dedication for the 2024–2027 Governing Board and Harry Kelm as the NAB executive director. Overall, there was a great sense of unity in the 2024 Business Meeting and an appreciation for the grace and the goodness of God.