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Our Purpose: We are members of the Body of Christ, believing and living, going and growing, sharing and caring, as active witnesses of the Kingdom of God on earth. Our Vision: Becoming a Discipling Fellowship through Evangelism & Emancipation Our Values: VALUE #1 (Imitation): We model Jesus Christ in whom we believe and live through love. VALUE #2 (Evangelizaion): We spread the Good News of Jesus Christ everywhere to whomever we interact in our circles of influence beginning at home. VALUE #3 (Emancipation): We set persons free through the good news of Jesus Christ from that which limits them from fulfilling the purposes god has for their lives. VALUE #4 (Maturation): We grow and mature as disciples of Jesus Christ the rest of our lives. VALUE #5 (Contribution): We share our resources beginning with ourselves and give to the Lord’s work through the church and to those in need. Our 2024 Church Theme: THANK YOU, LORD, FOR OUR JOURNEY TOGETHER— YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER! Scriptural Foundation: I Corinthians 1:9; Genesis 12:1-4a; II Thessalonians 3:3-5; Hebrews 13:7-8 (New Revised Standard Version) Our Strategy: We love everybody. We grow individuals. We share Christ. We set people free.
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents....................................................................................................................................... 3 Scriptural Foundation .............................................................................................................................. 4 2024 Annual Business Meeting Agenda................................................................................................ 5 2023 Annual Meeting Minutes................................................................................................................ 6 Report and Recommendations of the Senior Pastor ........................................................................ 10 Report of the Governance Council ....................................................................................................... 16 Report of the Deacons Ministry ............................................................................................................ 17 Report of the Executive Director of Ministries.................................................................................. 18 Report of the Pastor of Family Life ...................................................................................................... 19 Report of the Pastor of Creative Director of Worship Arts ............................................................. 19 Report of the Pastor of Congregational Care ..................................................................................... 20 Report of the Pastor of Outreach and Justice .................................................................................... 22 Report of the Creative Director of Virtual and Multi-Media ........................................................... 25 Report of the Social Media Manager .................................................................................................... 26 Report of the Executive Director of Operations ................................................................................ 28 Sources and Use of Cash for 2023 ........................................................................................................ 30 2024 Proposed Operating Budget ....................................................................................................... 31 Report of the Broadway House............................................................................................................. 32 Report of the Executive Director of FIBCO Family Services, Inc. ................................................... 34 2024 Organizational Chart .................................................................................................................... 35
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Scriptural Foundation I Corinthians 1:9; Genesis 12:1-4a; II Thessalonians 3:3-5; Hebrews 13:7-8 (New Revised Standard Version) 9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the partnership of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” 4a So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. 3 But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you are doing and will go on doing the things that we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. 7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
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2024 Annual Business Meeting Agenda January 28, 2024 – 1:30 p.m. A G E N D A I.
Call to Order ....................................................... Pastor Warren H. Stewart, Sr., Moderator
II.
Opening Prayer ................................ Dr. Donta McGilvery, Pastor of Outreach and Justice
III.
Scripture Reading I Corinthians 1:9; Genesis 12:1-4a; II Thessalonians 3:3-5; Hebrews 13:7-8 (NRSVUE)
IV.
Approval of the Church Business Meeting Minutes, January 22, 2023
V.
Silent Roll Call ........................................................ Sister Nancy D. Hooper, Church Clerk
VI.
Old Business
VII.
New Business A. Annual Report and Recommendations of the Senior Pastor Pastor Warren H. Stewart, Sr. B. Annual Report of the Governance Council ........................ The Reverend Levada Coker C. Annual Report of the Deacons Ministry ........................................Deacon Arlean White D. Annual Report of the Executive Director of Ministries ............ Pastor John H. Talley III E. Annual Report of the Executive Director of Operations. ............. Brother Deangelo Hall
VIII.
General Comments and Announcements A. Installation of our 2024 Church Officers and Leaders, Sunday, February 4, 2024
IX.
Adjournment .......................................................................... Pastor Warren H. Stewart, Sr.
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2023 Annual Meeting Minutes MINUTES OF THE VIRTUAL ANNUAL MEETING FIRST INSTITUTIONAL BAPTIST CHURCH – PHOENIX, ARIZONA DR. WARREN H. STEWART, SR., SENIOR PASTOR January 22, 2023 The Annual Meeting of the membership of First Institutional Baptist Church was held on Sunday, January 22, 2023 by Zoom. The membership was welcomed by Pastor Warren H. Stewart, Sr., Senior Pastor and Moderator, who then called the meeting to order at 3:00 P.M. The Annual Report was sent to the membership electronically (by email) and was also available on the FIBC website as of today. It was motioned by Sis. Earnestine Harrison and seconded by the Rev. Levada Coker to approve the agenda for the meeting as printed. Motion Carried. The opening prayer was given by Pastor April Hawkins. The Theme Scriptures were not read aloud but were listed as follows: Matthew 6:31-33; John 5:1920, Luke 6:35-36; Acts 1:6-8 (CSB) Instructions were given to the membership about how to submit a question through the emergency phone line, the church website or in the chat to the hosts. It was motioned by the Rev. Levada Coker and seconded by Sis. Earnestine Harrison to receive the minutes of the previous annual meeting with any necessary corrections. Motion Carried. Zoom protocols were given by Pastor Karen Stewart. The silent roll call was taken by Sis. Nancy Hooper, Church Administrator/Clerk. There was a quorum present to conduct business. Old Business – None New Business – There will be five reports given and the other reports submitted will be for informational purposes as part of the official record. The 2022 Report of the Senior Pastor was given by Pastor Warren H. Stewart, Sr. His highlights were as follows: • Bringing us through the COVID-19 pandemic and celebrating his 45th pastoral anniversary. • The church is not the same because of the pandemic; however, we did not miss one Sunday.
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The staff reorganization which included staff who are no longer employed as well as new hires. (Please see a copy of the report for the full list of full and part-time staff.) The African church continues to meet on Sundays from 9:00-11:00 A.M. The list of organizations for which he provides leadership and major preaching invitations was given. He licensed the Rev. Iisha Graves, his 164th offspring in the ministry. There were at least 31 persons who answered our invitations to discipleship for membership and several baptisms were held. We will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Broadway House (FIBC low income apartments) in 2023. Sis. Chiquita Taylor was thanked for her service as Executive Director of FIBCO Family Services, Inc. He explained the vacant property at 24th Street and Broadway in Phoenix which was considered for affordable housing; however, the neighborhood did not want affordable housing rather healthy food and health care services. Our financial stewardship was $1,769,137.51 of which $1,520,615.53 was in tithes. The legacy endowment amount is $142,583.02. The list of ministries under his oversight were given as Deacons, Clergy Caucus, Elections Commission, Tithes and Offerings Tellers Committee, African Worship Service and the Broadway House Corporation (not a ministry but serves low-income residents in South Phoenix). He made approximately 84 pastoral visitations and delivered 20 eulogies. Jesus and Justice work continues as Pastor Barnwell and the AACCC were acknowledged as well as Dr. Donta McGilvery and Bro. Matthew Stewart with the AZ Dept of Child Safety. We have over 100 volunteers to host the Progressive National Baptist Convention in January. The FIBC 20/20 Vison Plan was included. The property at 1153 East Jefferson may have multi-purpose usage as a small meeting space and/or a location for small business entrepreneurs and a commercial kitchen by mid-2023. We need to revise/update the Pastoral Succession Plan and utilize the area now known as The Garden Workspace.
The list of recommendations from the Senior Pastor were as follows: 1. That our 2023 Church Theme will be LET’S SHIFT TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE LORD’S “BUT”! The Scriptural Foundation is Matthew 6:31-33; John 5:19-20; Luke 6:35-36; Acts 1:6-8 (CSB). 2. That each leader, ministry, worker, pastoral staff member, committee and member will set goals and objectives how each of them will implement our 2023 Church Theme. 7|Page
3. That the Rev. Iisha Graves be licensed to preach in the Gospel Ministry, retroactive to December 21, 2022. 4. That the current term of service of each member of the Governance Council be extended for one year, beginning February 1, 2023. 5. That the following persons be elected and/or appointed to serve in the following positions, respectively: Church Moderator Pastor Warren H. Stewart, Sr. Church Clerk Sis. Nancy D. Hooper Chairperson of Tithes and Offerings Tellers Committee The Rev. Thelma Staten Church Historian Sis. Annette Smith-Willis Elections Commission Chair Sis. Deborah A. Long It was motioned by the Rev. Levada Coker and seconded by Sis. Earnestine Harrison to receive the report of the Senior Pastor and adopt his recommendations 1-5. Motion Carried. The report of the Governance Council was given by the Rev. Levada Coker. The several accomplishments of 2022 were highlighted. They were especially thankful for the tithes and offerings. The Council meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of the month and members are welcome to attend by notifying the chairperson or calling the office in advance. In the chat there was a concern raised that only two persons were making motions and that the meeting was not inclusive. Pastor Karen explained the challenges with mutes and unmutes in regard to the number of persons participating in the meeting. Anyone was welcome to make a motion. Report of the Deacons Ministry – Deacon Paul Ellis reported on behalf of Chair, Deacon Arlean White. The list of annual accomplishments and challenges for the ministry was reviewed. The report of the Executive Director of Ministries was given by Dr. Karen E. Stewart. She reported that the list of ministries may not remain as is. New leadership for the Women’s Ministry has been identified and the ministry should launch in the first quarter of 2023. We look to hire staff for the Family Life Ministry, the list of staff who transitioned from their responsibilities was given as well as those new staff members added. The Wildly Important Goals (WIG) results were given specifically as they pertain to the number of guests and transition of those guests to members. Ministry partnerships were listed for Arc Health and Black Votes Matter both of which resulted in additional church income. On the Horizon for 2023 includes gathering for altar prayer, greeting each other during worship services (G5G), moving the WERR Library to be more accessible to our students and providing for facelifts of spaces on the property.
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There was a question from the membership about Evangelism classes. Dr. McGilvery responded they are on the ministry grid for this year. Report of the Director of Operations – Bro. Deangelo Hall reported on the strong financial year and the good management of finances from a budget of nearly $1.8 million. Expenses were managed well; however, as the church ages, the need for repairs and replacements will be necessary. We are thankful for two trust fund gifts to the church. We are upgrading our technology for more efficient and up-to-date real-time financials. The budget for 2023 will be $1,740,000. The 2023 goals will include: shift to our digital document storage, reducing the amount of paper we use, rental usage of the campus, campus improvements and improving our space usage process. Online requisitions will be accessible to everyone by February 11, 2023. Dr. McGilvery responded to questions about Friday Outreach. He is looking for effective ways to accomplish this process and there is a need for 2-3 people to begin first Fridays. There is a need for heat in The Hope Center classrooms where space heaters are currently being used. Supply issues are preventing the repair of the central heating unit. Bro. Deangelo Hall was requested to consult with Sis. Sandra Kennedy regarding solar panels, other methods to reduce electrical usage and federal grants, rebates and other possibilities by the government to reduce costs and provide upgrades for houses of worship. Dr. McGilvery responded on the need to highlight evangelism more this year. We may keep some traditional methods however we need to see what we can do every day. By the beginning of March, we will talk about how ministries will operate together. It was motioned by the Rev. Delores Pickard and seconded by Sis. Jo Vredenburg to receive the five previous reports. Motion Carried. The budget was approved by the Governance Council on behalf of the church. The Installation of Officers and Leaders will be held on Sunday, February 5, 2023 at the 7:30 and 11:00 A.M., worship services. In response to a question asked, currently, there is no specific leader of the Prayer Ministry. It was motioned by Sis. Susan Rayford and seconded by Deacons Bennie and Annie Hargrove to accept all reports and to adjourn the meeting at 4:30 P.M. The closing prayer was given by Pastor Stewart. Nancy Hooper Church Clerk
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Report and Recommendations of the Senior Pastor Pastor Warren H. Stewart, Sr. Greetings in the name of our loving and liberating Lord Jesus Christ. God be praised for the work He was able to do through us in 2023, the year in which the COVID19 pandemic ended. However, its lingering effects are still very much present in most of what we do as a congregation. We trekked through last year under the FIBC Theme: LET’S SHIFT TO RIGHT SIDE OF THE LORD’S “BUT”! It arose out of the contravening conjunction “BUT” that changes the trajectory of what goes before it. In spite of all of the challenges that we faced in 2023 coming out of the pandemic, moving through FIBC Staff reorganization, and dealing with life, it became imperative that we shifted to the right side of the Lord’s “BUT”, knowing that the Lord would shift our direction from a negative to a positive to give us testimony after testimony. Thank you, FIBC members, workers and leaders, for having faith in our leadership through it all as well as praying, supporting and participating in the fulfilling of our Purpose, Vision, Values and Strategy with enthusiasm, effectiveness and excellence. SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF 2023 Although our Sunday morning worship services attendance still averages less than half of what it was prior to the COVID-19 pandemic which started very early in 2020, the Lord smiled upon this pastor and people. We were able to do strategic, transformative ministry through advocating and engaging in “JESUS AND JUSTICE” while providing compassionate congregational care to our members and others. •
We started last year with a FIBC Staff consisting of eight full-time persons and 15 parttime persons. Of those 23 persons, at least, 13 of them were new in 2023 or had joined us in 2022. By December 31, 2023, six of our staff had come to the end of their respective seasons with FIBC. Four of those who left our FIBC Staff in 2023, included Dr. Karen E. Stewart, our first Executive Director of Ministries, who ended 30 years of servant leadership as a FIBC or FIBCO Family Services, Inc. Staff member; Pastor April Hawkins who served as our first Pastor of Family Life for nearly two years; Dr. Maurice Terrell, our first Creative Director of Worship and Arts who completed one-year with us; and Sister Paulette Wilson, our Receptionist/Data Entry person who joined us in 2022. We welcome to our FIBC Staff over the last quarter of 2023, Pastor John H. Talley III, our Executive Director of Ministries, and Sister Aliyah Montanez, our new full-time Operations Administrative Assistant. Please pray for us as we prayerfully seek to fill our vacancies on the FIBC Staff and grow as a winning team.
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FIBC’s Deacons Ministry, Governance Council, Sunday Bible Studies, and ministries that provide invaluable leadership on Sunday mornings, homegoing celebrations and other special services and activities proved to be faithful, many doing their vital service to the Lord behind the scenes.
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Transition occurred within our African Pastoral Leadership Team (APLT), which for years consisted of Pastors Mbaya Barampunde, Jean Habineza and Solange Habineza. Pastor 10 | P a g e
Mbaya who has served in FIBC’s African Ministry for more than 10 years is no longer a member of the APLT, but he continues to serve as Social Service Coordinator for our outreach to our African members via FIBCO Family Services, Inc. We hold African worship services every Sunday, 9:00-11:00 a.m. After much prayer and advice from trusted colleagues, I appointed Pastor Solange Habineza as the Lead Pastor of our African Church, with the full support of her husband, Pastor Jean Claude Habineza. Since my appointment, the African Church attendance is steadily increasing. •
God continues to allow me to provide leadership in several organizations, including the following: Board of Directors of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.; Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc.; American Baptist Churches USA; Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention; Baptist World Alliance; A New Day Coalition for Equity for Black America; Paradise Missionary Baptist State Convention of Arizona, Inc.; Central District Missionary Baptist Association; and African American Christian Clergy Coalition.
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Of special note, FIBC hosted the Mid-Winter Board Meeting and Retreat of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc. (PNBC), under the leadership of Dr. David R. Peoples, President, January 16-18, 2023, at the Phoenix Convention Center. Members of PNBC, beginning with President Peoples, shared with many of our FIBC Host Committee and me that it was the best mid-winter board meeting hosting they had had in years. I praise God for over 100 FIBC and other volunteers who united to welcome the National Baptist Convention that was organized by the likes of Drs. Martin Luther King, Jr., Gardner C. Taylor, L. Venchael Booth and others in 1961. PNBC unapologetically advocates “JESUS AND JUSTICE” and women clergy in leadership.
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Pastor Karen and I take the slogan “Have Gospel Will Travel” enthusiastically and seriously as we traveled nationwide and internationally representing the Lord and FIBC. Almost unbelievable, in July 2023, we traveled to Norway for the Annual Gathering of the Baptist World Alliance where I was asked to preach the closing message to Baptist delegates from all over the world. We returned home and four days later made our way to Fellowship Sunday at the New Beginnings Christian Fellowship in Kent, Washington, a suburb of Seattle. We came back to the Valley and two days later traveled to Marrakech, Morocco, to attend and participate in the wedding of FIBC’s former Minister of Children, Youth and Young Adults, Dr. Keisha A. Agard-Williams. From hindsight, now I see why I became ill in Morocco and had to have three doctors to treat me in that North African country (my body never caught up with the changing time zones). Our next across-theworld journey was down and back up the continent of Africa leading the 2023 FIBC African Mission Trip to South Africa to visit FIBC of Soweto, S.A., on its 30th Anniversary since FIBC built the edifice; then to Kenya to partner with The Global Cathedral-Nairobi and Bishop Moses Turere; then to Rwanda to organize FIBC of Rwanda and install its Lead Pastor.
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OTHER HIGHLIGHTS OF 2023 In the areas of Evangelism and Emancipation, we thank God for 68 persons who answered our Invitations to Discipleship for membership from around the Valley of the Sun, across the nation and from the Motherland. Praise God, we baptized six new converts in 2023. We engaged in “The E & E Connection” as FIBC, FIBCO Family Services, Inc., whose new Executive Director is Sister Akilah Stewart, one of the Stewart daughters-in-law. FIBCO has fostered new partnerships with community organizations and granting entities while expanding its community outreach serving the disadvantaged, mentally ill and the community-at-large. We offer our thanks to FIBCO’s longtime Chair of the Board of Directors, Brother Ernest H. Urquhart, for his servant leadership. The Broadway House Apartments in South Phoenix celebrated a halfcentury of low-income housing on February 25, 2023. We are grateful to its Board of Directors and Sister Sandra Hollingsworth, a member of FIBC, who has overseen the operations of the Broadway House Corporation for many years. The east side of The Garden Workspace (TGW), formerly the 1153 E. Jefferson Street property that FIBC bought and paid for in full, has been renovated through a partnership with Local First Arizona (LFA) and its Executive Director, Kimber Lanning, who was recommended to us by Brother Matthew C. Stewart, Executive Director of Our Sister Our Brother. A total of approximately $85,000.00 has been utilized in creating a state-of-the art community kitchen and educational space for LFA, with $20,000.00 left to do other renovations to the interior. In recent discussions with Ms. Lanning, another $250,000.00 may be available to do exterior renovation to that historic property designed by Arizona’s first African American architect, the late Mr. Rushia G. Fellows, A.I.A. We had hoped to form a partnership with Our Sister Our Brother in renovating the west side of TGW to become a Family Resource Center prioritizing Black families, but that partnership did not become a reality. Our Discipleship activities continue to be experienced both in person and virtually. Pastor Sharmal Cannon, our Pastor of Congregational Care, has worked diligently to improve and restructure where necessary how we engage in discipling members and potential members of FIBC. We offer appreciation to Deacon Paul Ellis who was a key coordinator for our new members and baptismal candidates under the leadership of both Pastor Karen and Pastor Cannon, and we pray for him and his wife whose season is completed at FIBC. Our Financial Stewardship, our income from tithes, offerings and other sources was $2,138,563.17. Of the total income, we thank God for $1,531,842.26 designated as tithes. Our Fund For Missions giving totaled $173,799.56, a large portion of which was designated for FIBCO Family Services, Inc. and Deacons Benevolence. We received a generous gift from the Drs. Jack B. Kinsinger and Gladys Stiles Johnston in the amount of $157,479.32, which was divided equally with FIBC and FIBCO Family Services, Inc. Thank God, our FIBC Legacy Endowment is $194,836.19 .
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Ministries that are under my senior pastoral oversight will include: • Deacons Ministry • FIBC’s African Church • Elections Commission • Broadway House Corporation (serving low-income residents in South Phoenix) OUR WALKING THROUGH THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH In 2023, I attended 28 homegoing celebrations of our departed brothers and sisters. Of those services, I delivered 22 eulogies as blessings to the lives lived and their loved ones. In addition to that, it was my privilege to make approximately 113 pastoral visitations in hospitals, care centers, senior living residences, homes and apartments, which is 30 more than I did in 2022. The Lord has given me a special calling to shepherd our members who face health challenges, particularly those who are hospitalized and shut-in. OUR JESUS AND JUSTICE WORK FIBC was on the frontline fighting voter suppression and advocating voting rights through AACCC locally, Faiths United to Save Democracy and Black Voters Matter, nationally, and Arizona Democracy Resilience Network sponsored by The Carter Center in Georgia. Dr. Donta McGilvery, our Pastor of Outreach and Justice, and his Social Justice Ministry Team of FIBC volunteers made a significant difference for justice in the Valley of the Sun and Arizona through their work to get out the vote in various elections. THE FIBC 20/20 VISION PLAN The Senior Pastor, Governance Council, Deacons Ministry and Pastoral Leadership Team of FIBC have prayerfully and strategically come up with a vision of where FIBC needs to be by the year 2020 and beyond as a pastor and people. This collaborative, strategic and united effort will ultimately lead to our congregation fulfilling our purpose, vision and area for more progress as defined by our Senior Pastor. This is in progress even while facing challenges of the changing culture, aging membership and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Of high priority will be reaching and nurturing younger people and families. 1. To be a vibrant, sustaining, transgenerational, Christ-centered church ministering to the holistic needs of our members and others who enter our circles of influence locally, statewide, regionally, nationally and internationally. This is in progress even while facing challenges of the changing culture, aging membership and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Of high priority will be reaching and nurturing younger people and families. 2. To utilize the “dark space” on our FIBC campus for ongoing ministries and services to and for our community throughout the week, which will require upgraded campus space and marketing. We have made significant progress in this area by renting space in The Body Building to the Strong Family Learning Cooperative that provides collective learning for 13 | P a g e
children who are home schooled. I have already noted the partnership between Local First Arizona and FIBC utilizing The Garden Workspace. 3. To fund our FIBC Endowment Fund by, at least, $500,000.00 by 2020, and designating its purpose. We are thankful that the financial climate of 2023 began to look more favorable toward the end of the year. However, we need develop a strategy to increase donors for this fund, under the oversight of the Governance Council. At this time we have less than $200.000.00 in this fund. 4. To prayerfully identify God’s person who will become the Lead Pastor to shepherd FIBC at some point beyond 2020, succeeding the Senior Pastor, utilizing the Senior/Lead Pastor Succession Plan approved by FIBC. The Governance Council, Deacons Ministry and executive FIBC Staff members will review and revise our Senior/Lead Pastor Succession Plan as needed. I believe this will become a priority this year. 5. To acquire the vacant property adjacent to FIBC to the east of our campus, if it is still available, to negotiate to acquire the property owned by the City of Phoenix to the west of FIBC’s campus, if it becomes available, and to acquire property elsewhere as deemed appropriate. Pertaining to the property to the east of The Worship Center, we are currently partnering with Local First Arizona, and potentially the City of Phoenix to continue renovation of The Garden Workspace and hope to have it ready for multipurpose usage as a small meeting space, a location for small business entrepreneurs and a commercial kitchen, beginning in the first quarter of 2024. THREE 2024 GOALS THAT I HAVE GIVEN TO OUR EXECUTIVE STAFF TEAM (Senior Pastor, Executive Director of Ministries and Executive Director of Operations) ✓ That we encourage FIBC Ministries to increase in-person meetings and activities both on and off the FIBC Campus ✓ That we prioritize knowing and fulfilling our Purpose, Vision, Values and Strategy ✓ That we create and sustain a congregational culture that models Jesus Christ through unconditional love for and genuine hospitality extended to everyone
GOALS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 1. That our 2024 Church Theme will be THANK YOU, LORD, FOR OUR JOURNEY TOGETHER—YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER! The Scriptural Foundation is I Corinthians 1:9; Genesis 12:1-4a; II Thessalonians 3:3-5; Hebrews 13:7-8 (NRSV). 2. That each leader, ministry, worker, pastoral staff member, committee and member will set goals and objectives how each of them will implement our 2024 Church Theme. 14 | P a g e
3. That the terms of the Rev. Levada Coker, Brother George Haith, Brother Eddie Poindexter and Deacon Arlene White, whose three, one-year terms as Governance Council members ended a few years ago, be granted permission to serve another one-year term on the Governance Council through January 31, 2025. 4. That a committee of two Deacons, two Governance Council members, two FIBC membersat-large, and the Senior Pastor reviews and recommends any necessary revisions to the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the First Institutional Baptist Church of Phoenix, Arizona, especially with FIBC redefining FIBC membership in 2023. 5. That the following persons be elected and/or appointed to serve in the following positions, respectively: Church Moderator Pastor Warren H. Stewart, Sr. Church Clerk Sis. Nancy D. Hooper Chairperson of Tithes and Offerings Tellers Committee The Rev. Thelma Staten Vice Chairperson of Tithes and Offerings Tellers Committee (To be selected) Church Historian Sis. Annette Smith-Willis Elections Commission Chair Sis. Deborah A. Long CONCLUSION We, as a pastor and people, have so much for which we are grateful. FIBC is approaching our 120th Church Anniversary in less than two years and yours truly is just short of two and a half years short of serving a half century as your Senior Pastor. As I said in my first 2024 FIBC Theme message on Sunday, January 7, 2024, “Plus, your Senior Pastor has now made ‘holy history’ as the youngest, oldest and now longest-serving pastor of FIBC.” GOD IS FAITHFUL! Pastor Karen, my family and I are truly blessed by God through you in so many ways. For that, we say “much obliged”, as my grandparents’ generation used to say when they were thankful for something. With that being said, for the entire year of our Lord 2024, let us gracefully live out our theme for this year—THANK YOU, LORD, FOR OUR JOURNEY TOGETHER— YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER!
Growing in Grace,
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Report of the Governance Council The Reverend Levada Coker We, the Governance Council, thank God for blessing us to serve another year, challenging year, but we continued to lead with His love and guidance. It is a true blessing to have served the pastor and people of FIBC. 2023 Accomplishments • • • • • • • •
Conducted church business via monthly meetings (virtually and in person) Kept close observation on the budget, contributions, and expenses (thank you FIBC members and staff for being such good stewards, even with all the challenges, we were able to meet all the needs of the Church. Approved policies and procedures for Staff and Church Approved new position descriptions and modifications for staff Welcomed Rev. Delores Pickard as a new GC member Led the Harvest Sunday initiative. Approved renovations to the property at 1153 E. Jefferson. Approved dark space rental in the Body Building
As a member of First Institutional Baptist Church, you are welcome to attend the Governance Council meetings held on the fourth Tuesday of the month. We ask that you notify the GC chairperson or call the office in advance of your plan to attend. Rev. Levada S. Coker, Governance Council Chair Bro. Eddie Poindexter Bro George Haith Sister Arlean White Sister Earnestine Harrison Sister Myranette Robinson Sister Carol Grant Sellers Sis. Susan Hall Rev. Delores Pickard
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Report of the Deacons Ministry Deacon Arlean White A Prayer to Keep God First This New Year “O God, we thank You for new beginnings and fresh potentials that are waiting for us in the New Year. We know that any resolutions we make in the New Year may be gone long before the year ends, but Your promises are everlasting and Your mercy endures forever. We dedicate this coming year to You asking for the prosperity that You know is good for us as individuals, and for the Body of Christ. Amen and thank You, Lord.” Purpose The purpose of this ministry is to function as servants of our Lord Jesus Christ, serving in and through the church as partners with the Senior Pastor in enabling the church to fulfill its kingdom agenda. With the Lord’s help in 2023, He allowed us to accomplish the following: ✓ Held monthly Deacons meetings virtually and in-person. ✓ Continued to shepherd, to connect, and to visit with the sick and shut-ins, and the hospitalized whenever possible. ✓ Continued to distribute the FIBC’s Deacons’ Benevolence Fund to 52 persons in need of short-term financial assistance for a total amount of $34,170.14. (19 FIBC members and 33 non-members). The total number of contacts was 197. ✓ Served as Decision Counselors when needed in welcoming and registering persons joining FIBC. ✓ Created a proposal to establish a Youth Sports Scholarship to begin in 2024 that will provide financial assistance for children and youth desiring to participate in sports and other extracurricular activities. Our premise: we believe that organized, well-structured youth sports and physical exercises are good for the growing mind, body, and spirit. ✓ Developing a pre-training program to equip men, women, boys, and girls of all ages who might be interested in becoming a Deacon candidate.
Submitted by Arlean White, Chair Deacons’ Ministry
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Report of the Executive Director of Ministries The Reverend John H. Talley III On October 8th, 2023, I began my tenure at First Institutional Baptist Church as the new Executive Director of Ministries. I am thankful to Dr. Karen E. Stewart, my predecessor, for graciously passing the baton to me. In addition, I am grateful to God, the Pastor and People of FIBC, and our staff and volunteers for their support and encouragement of me in this new role. STAFFING: 2023 was a year of transition. We are thankful for the ministries of Dr. Maurice Terrell, Creative Director of Worship Arts, and The Rev. April Hawkins, Pastor of Family Life. The newest addition to the EDOM staff is myself as the Executive Director of Ministries. The transition has been an eye-opening adventure. I believe the Lord brought me to this church for his ultimate purposes. Following my report are summaries from the staff pastors and directors; Dr. Donta McGilvery, Pastor of Outreach & Justice, The Rev. Sharmal Cannon, Pastor of Congregational Care, Bro. Maarcus Hall, Creative Director of Virtual and Multi-Media, and Sis. Tracy Lewis, Social Media Manager, April Hawkins, Pastor of Family Life, and Dr. Maurice Terrell, Creative Director of Worship & Arts. ON THE HORIZON FOR 2024: 2024 is going to be a pivotal year for FIBC. The theme is “Thank You, Lord, For Our Journey Together: Yesterday, Today, And Forever. Here are some of the elements we seek to press into in 2024: ✓ Investment in our EDOM staff (spiritually, relationally, and professionally) ✓ Hiring among our EDOM staff (Pastor of Family Life, Creative Director of Worship Arts, etc.) ✓ Increasing in-person gatherings ✓ Prioritizing our purpose, vision, values, and strategy ✓ Cultivating a hospitable culture in our church and beyond Make no mistake, there is a lot of work to do, but praise the Lord we get to do it! Respectfully submitted,
John H. Talley III Executive Director of Ministries
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Report of the Pastor of Family Life Children and Youth (Student Ministries) The Children and Youth ministry met on Sundays for the 2nd service and went through a biblical curriculum instructing our children in the ways of the Lord. In addition, we organized the Fall Festival which, was a success with over 500 people that were on FIBC’s campus for games, activities, and the annual trunk or treat. It was a great way to connect with the community around us. Young Adults The Young Adults ministry met weekly on Sundays between serves and embarked on a journey in the evangelistic video series called, Alpha. It was a good way to exercise the discipline of listening versus responding right away. In addition, they learned more about Christian doctrine. Library The Library Ministry continued to host Kitabu virtually and added in-person Kitabu. 2024 Plans Considering, the transition of The Rev. April Hawkins, we will transition to a shared leadership model that will pull on the God-given strengths of the various leaders who faithfully serve each week until we can hire our new Pastor of Family Life. Moreover, we will seek to build on the foundation of the CY ministry and add more faithful volunteers to serve our kids and assist our parents.
Report of the Pastor of Creative Director of Worship Arts Worship Arts The Worship Arts ministry continued with singing and preparing the congregation for worship on Sunday mornings. Prayer The prayer ministry met periodically throughout the year on Tuesdays via Zoom to pray. 2024 Plans Considering, the transition of Dr. Maurice Terrell, we will transition to a shared leadership model that will pull on the God-given strengths of the various leaders who faithfully serve each week until we can hire our new Creative Director of Worship Arts, Moreover, we will seek to build on the foundation of the worship ministry and add more faithful volunteers to serve to the glory of God.
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Report of the Pastor of Congregational Care The Reverend Sharmal Cannon The congregational care arm of FIBC is designated to serve the overall needs of this local body. In combination with ministries who care deeply about God's people, we were able to experience a year of revival! Our aim was to see God bring life, strength and vitality back to ministries that was needing the resurgence. Our H.E.L.P.S. ministry revived itself by adding a much-needed service of journeying with families who experienced loss by calling and offering support throughout the year. Sunday Bible Study saw a sustained increase in attendance for both in person and online participants. In addition, we added both temporary and permanent new class options for the body to choose from while enlivening the learning with the introduction of more teachers. Counseling successfully provided us with education on domestic violence and grief around the holidays. Aiding us in maintaining an awareness for those in our community and abroad. The congregational care department extends her hands for service with calls, ministry of presence, visits, serving of meals, and sending of cards to a variety of persons such as the sick, hurting, bereaved and even towards members whose attendance has waned. Ministries such as, Shepherding, Home Alone and General Missions have been instrumental in the encouragement and sustenance of many individuals and families in our congregation and community alike. Indeed, foundational acts aimed to provide service by methods of both in-reach and out-reach! Perhaps, one of the greatest revivals was witnessed is our ministry towards new members. Centering on the goal of seeing more persons becoming planted after uniting with Christ and this local body; the increase is appraisable. We revived the intake process to include three stages: onboarding, orientation and acclimation. These stages, designed to journey with the new members, have allowed us to witness a measurable increase in persons attending new members class online and having a consistent flow of persons to become baptized. These tasks were implemented by a newly created congregational care team, who serve the new members with diligence. In addition, we introduced the New Members Celebration featuring Pastor Stewart with an expressed intention of fostering relationships with their pastor and other new members of the body. Also, publicly rewarding certificates of completion to new members for finishing their class was revived and seems to have proven to be an incentive for them. Above all, I hail that the greatest success has been the remaining fruit! John 15:16 says, "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should remain..." Many of the persons who joined this year, went through the new members process are now a part of ministries-and that speaks loudly to the increase of His kingdom! Revival yet abounded in the Marriage Ministry. It transitioned from being only a marriage class during Sunday Bible Study, to a viable ministry with a team approach to leadership. Kicking off their season by adding teachers to their class, engaging the body and hosting events to help bring the beauty and importance of marriage to the forefront. 20 | P a g e
Lastly; but certainly not least, was the revival of the Women's Ministry. Under their new leadership, they spent the year developing their new class during Sunday Bible Study, moreover their core team! Spending time in prayer, study and fellowship with one another with an intention to become developed in order to develop. They successfully completed their first Woman's Sunday and are slated to unite and serve the women of this body. The life, strength and vitality experienced this year may seem small to the naked eye, but I do believe it is the rutter that can turn the entire ship towards a revitalizing change! God be praised for the revival He has so far granted. Respectfully submitted, Pastor Sharmal Cannon
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Report of the Pastor of Outreach and Justice Dr. Dontá McGilvery Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! We praise God for leading the Outreach & Social Justice (OSJ) ministry of F.I.B.C. through our second year of existence. What makes the OSJ ministry unique is the fact that we welcome members and non-members to the ministry, and we invite potential members to bring their trade, occupation, or passions to the ministry with them. The purpose of the OSJ ministry is to educate the public on evangelism and justice opportunities, plan events for others to be a part of, and to distribute information about evangelism and justice events and opportunities held at F.I.B.C. and beyond. Listed below are a few highlights of the OSJ ministry in 2023: • January – December: Be the Bridge Race Reconciliation. All year long, six members of the Outreach & Social Justice committee met twice a month (Thursdays from 6:30pm 8:30pm) in The Hope Center Community Room at FIBC. The group of 20 were made of three different churches FIBC (a predominantly Black church, Grace Community Church in Tempe (a predominantly White church) and Peace Lutheran Church (a predominantly White church in Peoria). The Be the Bridge program focuses on race reconciliation discussions/dialogue to help participant see and hear one another. •
January: hosted a table, handed out bibles and FIBC information and prayed for people at the MLK Day celebration at Margaret Hance Park.
•
February: The Theatre ministry presented an African American Storytelling production at F.I.B.C. The intergenerational cast was made up of members and non-members. There were between 30-40 people in attendance at the presentation.
•
February: The Theatre ministry presented a short Black history story/lesson each Sunday in February for the African American Heritage Month.
•
April: The Theatre ministry performed an Easter Production entitled “That Towering Cross” on Easter Sunday. The production was well received.
•
June: Scholarship Convocation was held in the Fellowship Hall of F.I.B.C. The ceremony included a song duet performed by Améiah and Tiffani McGilvery and the Keynote speaker was Olivia Bukuru. The first non-member, community scholarship was also awarded at the convocation. The Scholarship ministry is led by the Chair, La Tonia Greene.
•
June: Christian Nationalism: Policy, Theology, and Practical Engagement. The Guest Speaker was, Amanda Tyler, who serves as the Executive Director of Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty. The moderator for this event was FIBC’s Pastor of Outreach & Justice, the Rev. Dr. Dontá McGilvery. There were about 100 people on attendance and some online. The conversation took place on: Thursday, June 15th from 6:30pm-8:30pm at Central United Methodist Church located on Central Ave. 22 | P a g e
•
August: For both, Women’s Day event (in August) and Men's weekend event (in October), the OSJ ministry provided both ministries Community Volunteer Day they could render service at as a ministry.
•
August: The ministry participated in letter writing advocacy wrote a letter to protest the 24th Street Family Dollar who is Applying for a Liquor License (8/1/23).
•
August: Led by Jordan Hampton, the OSJ ministry began planning for Literacy Impact: African American Literature courses (via zoom) for the new year (2024).
•
September: Suicide Prevention & Awareness event took place in the Hope Center gym on Saturday, September 16th from 10:00am-11:30am. The speakers included the Rev. Iisha Graves (Outreach and Social Justice member) and Chaplain Sherrie Ward.
•
September-December: Evangelism classes were held during Sunday Bible School hour (from September 3rd-December 10th). Led by Dontá McGilvery
•
October: Pregnancy Loss Recognition moment occurred on Sunday, 10/15. The prayer moment included names of church members and community members who experienced the pregnancy or infant loss.
•
October: The F.I.B.C. Theatre of Evangelism and Emancipation ministry (T.H.E.E. ) performed in a community event entitled Sacred Earth: Common Ground. This was an ecumenical storytelling event regarding commonalities between faith groups. The event, attended by 70 people, was open to the public.
•
October: Prison Ministry Virtual Interest Meeting. There were about 10 people present for the meeting which was led by Dr. Eugene Stevens.
•
October: The Men’s ministry held a “Fishing, Food, and Fellowship” event at Chaparral Park. The event was attended by an intergenerational group of about 20-25 brothers, and it was a great success.
•
October: The men’s ministry successfully led the service for the Church Anniversary month. Brother Keenan Stokes presented the short talk for the 7:30am service and the Rev. Jordan Hampton led the short talk for the 11:00 am service. The theme for the Men’s Day event was “The MAN date for Today’s Climate” from I Corinthians 12:31-32.
•
October – December: FIBC’s collaboration with supporting Black ASU football players. Proposal drafted and sent to ASU’s Head football coach. The overall goal is to provide a community of supporters for the ASU football players. This would be an ongoing partnership.
•
November: FIBC hosted a Black Community Meeting about Merger of Fry’s and Safeway. The Attorney General, Kris Mayes, was the speaker and many community members around the city attended and spoke out against the merger. There were about 50 community members present in the meeting. 23 | P a g e
•
November: We held an Interfaith Prayer Vigil for Secure, Fair and Safe Elections (11/5). Held at FIBC and in partnership with Arizona Faith Network, FIBC hosted an interfaith Prayer Vigil in the sanctuary of FIBC on Sunday, 11/5. There were 75 people in attendance and another 30 online watching via Zoom. Faith leaders prayed for the elections one year in advance.
•
December: Prison ministry has seen four people committee to the Prison Ministry and are continuing to welcome others who are interested.
Celebrations • We welcomed Sherrie Scott to the Outreach and Social Justice Committee. Sherrie hit the ground running and has contributed excellent ideas and energy already. •
The Prison Ministry was able to host its first Interest Meeting
Challenges • Several members of the Outreach and Social Justice (OSJ) committee experienced the loss of a loved ones in 2023. We continue to keep all families experiencing bereavement, lifted in prayer. •
There was a lack of participation in the evangelism class which was held from SeptemberDecember. One of the challenges appear to be the fact that the class is held during the Sunday School hour.
Goals for 2024 • Become more visible by sharing the work we do with the congregation and public. To do this, we will have more pictures taken at OSJ events and we utilize our OSJ newsletter as a reflecting point, and we will also share opportunities on social media. •
Become more intentional about hosting/doing events and activities outside the church building and into the community. We will meet in-person quarterly to build team cohesion and plan activities for the congregations and the general community.
•
Solidify the name that our ministry will be called: We are the Outreach & Social Justice committee (OSJ). We plan to create shirts and a logo to help make our ministry more recognizable.
We look forward to continuing the work of the kingdom through outreach and social justice.
Respectfully submitted,
Pastor Dontá McGilvery
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Report of the Creative Director of Virtual and Multi-Media Brother Maarcus Hall For 2024 the Media Ministry is hoping to take the Media to a high and new level with our Sound, Camera, and Lighting Sound for FIBC: • All New Cables and Microphones in the Sanctuary. • New Speakers and Monitors should be arriving in April • All New Speakers, Cables, and Microphones in Chapel Camera for FIBC: • New Cameras for Main Sanctuary • New Cameras for Chapel • New Cameras for Studio • All Around Mobile Camera for the FIBC Campus Media Lighting for FIBC: • New Sanctuary Lighting and Lighting Console • New Lighting should be arriving in April
Respectfully submitted,
Maarcus Hall
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Report of the Social Media Manager Sister Tracy N. Lewis In 2023 the social media engines of FIBC continued at a strong pace with vibrance and growth, and I continue to applaud the changes made to date, knowing that more work still lies ahead. A concerted amount of effort was put into expanding online reach and engagement following the mixed results delivered in 2023. The social media goal remained, “an increase in engagement across all FIBC’s current platforms by 20%.” Results Analysis • The average number of people watching a worship service live when we were live (average live views), remained consistent throughout the year, with increases toward the beginning and end of the year. The lower numbers continue to follow a historic attendance trend. The higher numbers speak to engagement and paid online placements around events like “One Service Sundays” and the end-of-the-year campaign. • Despite strong online content and a robust social media calendar, engagement was strongest in Q2 and Q4, and lowest during the summer. Paid placements and engaging campaign creation during the spring and winter yielded opportunities for engagement. A lot of the content generated does drive engagement, but does not necessarily need a response from the user. This is a growth point as we look to 2024 and beyond. • The smallest audience growth continues to be seen on Facebook, which is considered a legacy platform, where our audience is older and more established. • The largest audience growth continues to be on Instagram and YouTube, which is considered our emerging platform, where we are seeing new audience trends and attracting more non-members, with unique content. • Paid placement advertising throughout the year provided boosts at points in time to views and engagement but did not necessarily provide long-term growth. This speaks to the need to have more beyond the event for someone responding to an event advertisement. Recommendations • Strong ideas and content creation across all platforms, including paid placement netted results. Continue strategically planning content, but target on each platform. What works on Facebook, will not work on Instagram. • Seek growth opportunities and paid placement opportunities on platforms like Instagram and TikTok where younger individuals are engaging with content creators. • Generate new content sources that speak to current social media trends, wants and needs, including influencer-style content. • Shorten the length of social media campaigns and content, recognizing the average user spends less than 30-seconds reading a post or watching a video. • Provide more paid placement advertising opportunities that speak to overall church growth and not just specific events and/or services. Overall, our social media content is vibrant, robust and saw high engagement for a church of our size and congregation age. Our greatest strengths include idea creation and execution and a collective understanding of the importance of a strong online presence. Our greatest weakness 26 | P a g e
remains the age of our congregation and content sources that do not speak to current online trends. Our greatest opportunities include the use of more emerging platforms that speak to a younger demographic and the creation of influencer-style content. All of these areas played a key role in the growth that we did see this year in our online content. As long as we continue to function with a growth mindset, be willing to try new ideas and concepts, with the understanding that not all are going to work, and not allow complacency or a lack of movement in some channels to deter us, we will continue to see growth gains in our online content and engagement. It is always my goal to be a servant-ministry to FIBC and the community, supporting and assisting in any way possible; "Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10: 43-45 (NIV) Humbly Submitted | January 28, 2024
Tracy Nicolle Lewis Social Media Manager “The best marketing in the world, doesn’t feel like marketing at all.”
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Report of the Executive Director of Operations Brother Deangelo Hall Dear Faithful Members and Supporters of First Institutional Baptist Church, It is with immense joy and gratitude that I present to you the Annual Church Report for the year 2023. As the Executive Director of Operations, I am proud to share the remarkable achievements, capital improvement projects, and the impactful contributions we have made to our community. Accomplishments: 1. Employee Retention Tax Credit: I am pleased to report that we applied for the Employee Retention Tax Credit, and as a result, we received a refund from the IRS totaling $216,805. This financial support has significantly bolstered our resources for ongoing and future endeavors. 2. Gift from Glady's Trust: We received a generous gift from Glady's Trust, and in accordance with Pastor Stewart's direction, a portion of the gift—$78,739.66—was allocated to First Institutional Baptist Church. This contribution has further strengthened our financial position. 3. Transition to LED Lighting: In our commitment to sustainability and cost-effectiveness, we initiated the conversion of our light bulbs to LED. This not only contributes to environmental responsibility but also helps in reducing our utility costs. 4. New Accounting System: We successfully completed our first full year in the new accounting system, resulting in improved operations related to record-keeping, check approval, and processing. Additionally, this transition has enabled us to significantly reduce our paper usage. 5. Upcoming Sound and Media Equipment Upgrade: A significant capital improvement project on the horizon is the update of sound and media equipment in the Worship Center. This project, with an estimated cost of $205,000, will enhance the worship experience for our congregation. Completed Capital Improvement Projects: 1. Parking Lot Resurface: The parking lot resurfacing project was successfully completed, providing a safer and more welcoming environment for our members and visitors. 2. Exterior Doors, Ramps, and Walkways Painting: The exterior doors, ramps, and walkways received a fresh coat of paint, enhancing the overall aesthetics and longevity of these essential areas. 3. Fire Alarm Equipment Update: We upgraded the fire alarm equipment across our facilities, ensuring the safety and security of everyone within our premises.
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4. New Work Computers and Screens: A vital infrastructure upgrade included the installation of new work computers and screens, facilitating smoother operations and increased efficiency for our staff. Financial and Operational Goals for 2024: 1. Church Management System Transition: We are in the process of transitioning to a new church management system, Planning Center, which is expected to be complete by the end of the first quarter. This transition is projected to save the church $15,000 annually. 2. Revenue Generation Initiatives: In the coming year, we aim to rent out our available space on campus and focus on additional campus improvements. The goal is to generate revenue and further support the financial sustainability of our church. 3. Garden Workspace Rental: To diversify our revenue streams, we plan to rent out the Garden Workspace on the west side, creating additional opportunities for income. In closing, I express my heartfelt appreciation to each member, volunteer, and supporter who has contributed to the success of First Institutional Baptist Church in 2023. Together, we have achieved remarkable milestones, and I am confident that, with your continued support, we will reach even greater heights in the years to come.
Respectfully submitted, Deangelo Hall
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Sources and Use of Cash for 2023 INCOME Tithes Offerings Grants Miscellaneous Offerings Missions Giving Benevolence Giving Bookstore/Ms. Jessie’s Place Interest Facility Use Income (net) Asset Change in value (General Fund) Other Noncontribution Income Events and Fundraising
$ 1,531,842.26 $ 218,283.15 $ 4,035.00 $ 10,053.00 $ 17,823.25 $ 13,328.00 $ 5,356.63 $ 3,213.03 $ 33,813.85 $ 5,283.20 $ 291,746.80 $
3,785.00
Total Operating Income
$ 2,138,563.17
EXPENSES EDOO/Administration Worship & Arts Congregational Care EDOM Family Life Multi Media Outreach & Justice Senior Pastor Missions Churchwide Special Events
$(1,004,173.65) $ (115,881.72) $ (51,382.26) $ (108,556.96) $ (81,764.72) $ (88,928.15) $ $ $
(37,717.76) (266,174.15) (40,426.46)
Total Operating Expenses
$(1,979,836.01)
NET INCOME/(EXPENSE) Operating
$
158,727.16
$
23,152.49
$
194,836.19
$
32,151.14
$
249,607.11
Designated/Restricted Accounts Designated Gifts Received Designated Accounts – Change in Value Designated Gifts Disbursed
$ $ $
99,346.49 1,767.32 (77,961.32)
NET DESIGNATED INCOME/(EXPENSE) FIBC Endowment Fund Balance as of January 1, 2023 Donations received Change in Value
$ $ $
142,583.02 27,007.08 25,246.09
DEACONS BENEVOLENCE Assistance Provided in 2024 CASH BALANCES Operating Cash at beginning of 2023 Operating Cash as of December 31, 2023 NET CHANGE FOR 2023
$ $
744,792.56 994,399.67
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2024 Proposed Operating Budget INCOME Tithes Offerings Non-contribution income TOTAL INCOME
$ 1,500,000.00 $ 160,000.00 $ 135,000.00 $ 1,795,000.00
EXPENSES Missions Home & Foreign Missions Education Social Services Ministries FIBCO Family Services, Inc. Regular Donations Special Donations
$ 40,700.00 $ 20,800.00 $ 3,600.00 $ 45,900.00 $ 61,200.00 $ 6,500.00 $ 178,700.00
Ministry (program and staffing) Printing & Advertising Events Meals Other Ministry Ministry Staff
$ 29,800.00 $ 66,925.00 $ 26,600.00 $ 28,238.24 $ 733,984.95 $ 888,548.19
Maintenance (support) Property Maintenance Professional Fees Office Supplies & Equipment Administrative Staff
$ 256.081.96 $ 92.219.04 $ 59.854.25 $ 319.596.53 $ 727,751.81
TOTAL EXPENSES
$ 1,795,000.00
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Report of the Broadway House Board Summary: Greetings in the name of our loving and liberating Lord Jesus Christ. This report comprises the activities and concerns of the Broadway House Apartments, located at 2201 E. Broadway Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85040, for the fiscal year July 2022 through June 30, 2023. Broadway House Apartments is an 80- unit community that provides affordable housing to families and elderly individuals who meet the HUD eligibility criteria. The property has maintained a 99% occupied during the past fiscal year. The Broadway House board of Directors sponsored and hosted the50th Anniversary Celebration for the Broadway House Community. Several community leaders, representative from HUD (Housing & Urban Development), representatives from the Phoenix Police Department and the Arizona Department of Housing were in attendance. Dr. Lottie Lecian gave a brief history regarding the Broadway House Apartments. A representative from HUD spoke of the progress and changes that have occurred over the past 50 years in the apartments and the community. HUD commended the Broadway House Board of Directors and Management on the exemplary work that has been done on the property and in the community. The event was filled with various activities for the children, games, music and good food. Effective, December 1, 2022, the property received a HUD approved rental increase. The increase did not affect the portion of rent the residents paid. The property received an increase in HUD subsidy payment. The increase resulted in $19.00 per unit increase on the one- bedroom units and a $24.00 per unit increase on the two- bedroom units. The monthly Reserve for Replacement deposit increased effective 12/01/22 from $3,433.00 per month to $3,597.00. The property ended the fiscal year with surplus cash in the amount of $64,350. Those funds were deposited into the owner/entity account. The balance in the Reserve for Replacement account at the end of the fiscal year was $428,186.14. FIBC received the Incentive Performance fee in the amount of $23,156.00 for the fiscal year that ended on 6/30/23 per the restructure agreement. The final Capital Recovery Payment in the amount of $1,879.83 was paid to FIBC in December 2022 for capital contributions made as a part of the restructure transaction. There is 449,542.59 in the owner entity account at the end of the fiscal year. During the past fiscal year, the following items were replaced. Three ADA toilets, five new refrigerators, four new range hoods, one bath vanity and four new ranges were installed. Wood vinyl flooring was installed in two units. One bathtub and surround was replaced in a unit. The exterior wrought iron fencing, railings and security doors were painted. The semi-annual cleaning of the roofs and gutters was completed. The annual fire extinguisher and gas inspections were completed. There were not any deficiencies noted on the annual inspection reports. Management and staff attended the Arizona Corporation Commission Small Gas Operators Training. Attendees were provided an updated Small Gas Operators Manual and forms that are required to be used for
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inspections and reporting purposes. Routine and Preventative maintenance is performed in the units and on the property. Residents continue to be provided activity workbooks for children, and fresh fruits and vegetables from Gregory’s Food Market. Books were donated and provided to families. Backpacks and school supplies were provided to children. Residents were provided via flyers of resources in the community that were available to them. Residents continue to be assisted with a variety of services on an individual basis, including resource development, parenting, continued support for computer education, job search, resume and interviewing skills, family support, and life skills. In person resident services have resumed. Service Coordinator •
During the past fiscal year, the property served 189 residents-33% under 18, 28% aged 1861, 12% aged 62-80 & 27% 81-95.
•
The Service Coordinator provides activities for the residents and the community daily. Ongoing programs for children and youth include homework help, computer classes, tutor/mentoring, life skills, intervention programs, volunteer & scholarship opportunities.
•
A monthly newsletter was published with many resources for resident self-help referrals. Movie Day, Arts & Crafts, GED classes, monthly birthday parties, bingo/games, wellness events, crime free social events, holiday celebrations and the Love Thy Neighbor award were hosted on the property prior to the pandemic.
•
Adults and community members were helped with a variety of services including resource development, parenting skills, support for sobriety, food boxes, computer education, job search/resume writing, interviewing help, counseling, emergency food/utilities/rental assistance insurance /healthcare referrals, GED study/testing support, peer, and crisis counseling.
•
Residents were provided information regarding activities that were scheduled on FIBC’s Campus.
Growing in Grace,
Dr. Warren H. Stewart, Sr., Chair Broadway House Corporation Board of Directors
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Report of the Executive Director of FIBCO Family Services, Inc. “Our mission is to provide people with knowledge, skills and support to transform and empower their lives.” FIBCO Service Pillars: • Quality Food • Quality Clothing • Quality Affordable Housing • Preserving our African/African American Connections (PAAACs) • Health and Healthcare Services Report
Mobile Food Distribution
8,897 Volunteers continue to build and fill food individuals served boxes that are delivered to the community. In 2023, 3,213 food boxes were delivered to people in need, decreasing barriers to accessibility.
LADS Lunches
6,819 lunches served
PAAAC’s
644 Services include transportation, Family individuals served Reunification, employment and benefit assistance, Benevolence assistance, and immigration support.
Quality Clothing
2,902 individual served
Lunch bags continue to be served out of the Hope Center to those in need on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
In 2023, 7,749 articles of clothing and other essential items were distributed to the community.
Board Updates We are pleased to announce that effective January 1st, 2024 the following changes/additions to the FIBCO Board of Directors • Shareé Hurts has served as the Vice Chair since January 2023 and was elected as the FIBCO Board chair effective January 2024. • Ernest Urquhart has served as the FIBCO Board Chair since 2018 was appointed immediate past Chair. • Christa L. Saddler was elected a member of the Board of Directors. • Keenan A. Stokes was elected as a member and Treasurer of the Board of Directors. \ Respectfully submitted, Akilah Stewart Executive Director FIBCO Family Services, Inc. 34 | P a g e
2024 FIBC Organizational Chart
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First Institutional Baptist Church 1141 East Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85034 Telephone 602-258-1998 — Fax: 602-256-2957 Website: www.fibcaz.org — Email: info@fibcaz.org Note: After listening to the message, please dial “1” before entering the extension number. ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE HOURS: Tuesday - Friday: 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. SUNDAY WORSHIP TIMES: Sunday Worship Services at 7:30 & 11:00 a.m. Sunday African Worship at 9:30 a.m. Sunday Bible Studies at 9:30 a.m. Children & Youth Ministry at 9:00 a.m. Senior Pastor Dr. Warren H. Stewart, Sr.
Ext. 2210
Executive Director of Ministries The Rev. John H. Talley, III
Ext. 2211
kstewart@fibcaz.org
Executive Director of Operations Bro. Deangelo D. Hall
Ext. 2205
dhall@fibcaz.org
Pastor of Outreach and Justice Dr. Dontá McGilvery
Ext. 2207
dmcgilvery@fibcaz.org
Pastor of Congregational Care The Rev. Sharmal Cannon
Ext. 2228
scannon@fibcaz.org
Creative Director of Virtual and Multi-Media Bro. Maarcus Hall Ext. 2208
mhall@fibcaz.org
Minister of Pastoral Counseling Dr. Carolyn Watson
Ext. 2227
cwatson@fibcaz.org
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