Report of the President of the Board of Directors

Dear Metropolitan Association,

I am writing this letter as my tenure as the President of the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Association draws to a close. During the past three years a lot has occurred on a Global, National, and Conference level. Major changes have also taken place within our beloved Association and within many of our local congregations. We live in a rapidly changing and ever evolving world. A major paradigm shift called, "Transformation" has gripped us and in some cases, unexpectedly. While in other cases some have opted to change with the times.

As a Servant Leader, I have tried to empower the Board of Directors to adopt and live by a simple and yet profound concept "Sound Business Practices". As an Association we have not always dealt with the delicate balance between compassion and business. However, the Board of Directors has endeavored to lead by example. Leading by example does not always lead to popularity. As a matter of fact, we know that our decisions were not always popular. In particular a 30% cut across the board in all expenses met with a lot of resistance. However, this critical decision and other vital decisions will ensure the vitality and longevity of our beloved Metropolitan Association for many years.

The past three years for me have had times of great joy as well as times of great pain. In May 2005, I earned a Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary, Dayton , Ohio . In September 2005, I was promoted to Captain in the United States Navy. I have shared the milestones in my professional and personal life as a way of emphasizing my value for, as well as use of, time. In the midst of a challenging schedule, I have willingly made the sacrifice and commitment of time to the vision and mission of the Metro Association. In the span of ten months, I lost both of my mothers: on Monday, June 27, 2005 , Sara Culp Bolden died, and on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 , Marie Wells died. I owe a debt of gratitude to my "Same Gender Loving People" friends who have provided me with both the courage and language to proclaim, "I have two mothers and no father". I mentioned this profound loss as a way of communicating my capacity to be transparent. This is how I have led the board for the past three years. I willingly took on the responsibility of being your president for the past three years not because I did not have anything better to do with my time but rather because I love the Metropolitan Association. I also have a great deal of confidence in the visionary leadership of the Rev. Michael Caine.

As a preacher, I challenge this Association to always endeavor to select and elect leaders who are willing to serve. This Association has been richly blessed by God with many resources and I also challenge you to be Good Stewards of these resources.

Again, thank you for electing me to be your president. I have served you to the best of my ability and I leave to you a board that is better than I found it. To God Be the Glory!!!

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