Published May 16, 2023
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – CSBC Board members gathered for their annual May meeting at Journey Christian Fellowship Church in San Luis Obispo, May 11-12, where 3 significant votes occurred. Two new staff members were elected to replace two outgoing convention team members, and the membership subcommittee, chaired by Dale Garland, pastor of Hope in the Valley Baptist Church in Hemet, submitted three churches to be approved for membership who had completed the membership application and passed the review process.
Several churches were submitted for membership into the California Southern Baptist Convention, and 3 were approved. Fort Bragg Grace Community Church of Fort Bragg, The Hills Community Church of San Marcos, and Echo Church Orange County of Anaheim were all accepted as convention churches. Two additional churches were considered and discussed; however, the status of their acceptance is pending due to clerical modifications in their governing documents. The names of those churches will be released when their applications are fully completed.
Effective May 15, Jason Robertson will serve as the new Church Matters Initiative Team Leader, replacing Ralph Neighbour III, who is transitioning out at the end of June. Robertson will continue giving leadership at Huntington Beach Baptist Church in Huntington Beach, California. Pete Ramirez, CSBC’s Executive Director, said, “Jason is a leader who understands multi-ethnic church. He understands how church in general works and he has even gone through the process of revitalizing his own church. Because he has gone through Ralph’s training to become a certified coach and Count the Cost consultant, I am confident that Jason will be able to use what he has learned from Ralph to take Church Matters to the next level. He thinks outside the box and will be vital in walking alongside California pastors, so they won’t feel alone.”
Board members also voted in favor of Kendrick Neal serving as the new Director for California Disaster Relief. Mike Bivins will continue to give leadership until the end of 2023, and Neal and Bivins will work in tandem, ensuring a smooth transition. Neal has served as a Blue Cap for years in Disaster Relief with Chaplaincy and Clean Up and Recovery ministries. He is also well-versed and has strong working relationships with our friends at Send Relief. When asked about the future of Disaster Relief under the leadership of Kendrick Neal, Ramirez said, “It’s exciting to know that the new staff have worked closely with their predecessors. Disaster Relief has had an impactful ministry under Mike’s leadership. Now, we will see Kendrick take DR to the next level using his own unique strategy, engaging leaders around our state and beyond.”
Upon reflection on the transition of staff, Shawn Beaty, Pastor of Clovis Hills Community Church and Chairman of the Executive Board, said, “With these two additions, I am grateful for all of the men and women who have served Jesus through the CSBC over the years. Their service and sacrifice have paved the way for a new generation of leaders who are uniquely gifted and shaped to help our local churches toward the task of the Great Commission.”
The next board meeting will be in Fresno, September 13-15.
