July News—Letter from Moderator Mark Byers

June 20, 2024

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As you know, Dr. Joe Gardner has retired after serving Metro Peoria Baptist Association for 27 years. While we hated to see him go, we are happy for him as he steps into this next season of life. God’s hand and blessing were clearly seen in many aspects of this transition for him.

His retirement left the Administrative Team with many decisions about how to proceed. Joe gave helpful input before leaving and Scott Foshie from IBSA has also been a valuable resource in our discussions. There has been great unity among the Administrative Team as we have collaborated on this. It has truly been a team effort.

The included page of job descriptions is what we believe is the best path forward based on our circumstances and finances. Instead of trying to have one “full-time” Associational Mission Strategist, we are dividing the responsibilities into three “part-time” roles. The two “Strategist” positions should be someone with pastoral experience. The “Administrator” position can be anyone with clerical or organizational abilities.

We are starting by seeking to fulfill these positions from within our own association. Applicants should submit resumes to the address at the top of this letter by August 15. The Administrative Team will review applications and hopes to present candidates for approval at the Annual Meeting at Temple Baptist Church in Canton on Sunday, October 6th at 2pm.

Please share this information with your church and please keep these matters in prayer as we seek to fulfill the mission of the Metro Peoria Baptist Association.

Prayerfully,

The Administrative Team

Mark Byars

Mark Davis

Will Ferguson

Noah Lee

Aaron Lipe

Joel Newton

Judy Rinkenberger

Kathy Stanford