What is the LBA?  LBA stands for Local Board of Administration.  It is the governing church board which has the responsibility of carrying out the will of the Local Church Conference (LCC). The LCC meets on a yearly basis to manage the day-to-day business of the church.  Currently we have a six member board with Pastor Chris sitting on the board as Chairman.

Over the last few months the LBA has wrestled with its structure as we look to the future.  There are a lot of positive things happening in Laurentian for which we are thankful. Our church is growing, attendance is increasing, more people are becoming members of the church, we are financially secure, and we are having a greater impact on our community and beyond.  Praise God!  Yet, Laurentian is also facing a major challenge.  As part of The Wesleyan Church, Laurentian follows the directives found in The Discipline Of The Wesleyan Church which include directives on the structure of our LBA.  Those directives are very clear that only covenant members may hold certain positions on the Board such as Treasurer or Trustee. However, Laurentian currently has a very low number of covenant members within the church, and it is becoming more and more challenging to fill the open positions on the board.

The LBA has recommended unanimously that members of Laurentian at the 2010 Local Church Conference consider a proposal that reduces the five covenant member board to a three covenant member board with two non-voting advisors. The non-voting advisors could be covenant members, community members, or adherents.

We are grateful to all the people who have and are currently are sitting on the LBA.  Without their willingness to serve and to give of their time and energy Laurentian would not be able to function.  However, due to the low number of covenant members within our church many people sit on the board for long periods of time.

By accepting this recommendation it is hoped that the demands put on the few covenant members who are able to sit on the LBA will be lightened. At the same time this proposal will open the LBA to new and fresh ideas from those within our church who are not covenant members.

Rev. Don Hodgins, our District Superintendent, has given us his blessing in proceeding with this recommendation if the LCC so chooses.

The 2010-2011 LBA Nominating Committee will be given the task of bringing forth names for the two scenarios.  They will be responsible for recommending names for a five covenant member LBA (the structure that we currently have); and for a three covenant member and two advisor LBA (the structure that the current LBA is recommending).  At our Local Church Conference the proposal will be discussed and brought forth as a vote.  If at that time this recommendation does not pass then we will continue to maintain a five covenant member LBA.  If the recommendation passes we will proceed with the three covenant member and two advisor LBA.  I ask that you please pray for our church as we deal with this issue.                          

God bless,    Pastor Chris