FLORIDA CONFERENCE OFFICERS RE-ELECTED
by Gladys Neigel
Mike Cauley was re-elected president of Florida Conference, October 7, 2012, at the 70th Regular Constituency Meeting held on the campus of Forest Lake Academy, Apopka, Fla. Cauley, who has served in this position since 2003, is known for his passion for making disciples, “bringing believers to spiritual maturity.” The president’s report reflected ways in which members around the Conference are reaching out to their communities.
Part of the administrative team since 2006, Carmen Rodriguez was re-elected as executive secretary. “Florida Conference has been intentional in growing and revitalizing its churches,” says Rodriguez. “As a result, God has expanded our territory.” There are 248 churches and companies that now comprise the Florida Conference sisterhood of churches. During the past triennium, membership has grown from 58,844 to 61,234.
Re-elected as treasurer was Duane Rollins who has served in this capacity since 2008. “While tithe and offerings have shown some decline, both are on an upswing, which is a huge blessing to the churches,” says Rollins, “and, of course, the Conference is simply the sum of the churches.” He gives “praise to God for His leading the Florida Conference family through this yet incomplete recession.”
One of the most anticipated recommendations brought to the floor by this past triennial Constitution and Bylaws Committee was to consider moving from a triennial to a quadrennial session. Delegates voted in favor of a quadrennial session, recognizing that it would facilitate a more prudent use of time, money, and resources.
Positioning For Vibrant Mission, the Constituency Session theme, was introduced this summer in a special Florida Focus Triennial Report given to delegates at regional meetings and mailed to Conference members. The theme was carried over into the session in the officer’s reports.
Special guests of the Constituency Session included North American Division President Dan Jackson who presented the devotional, and Southern Union Conference President Ron Smith who brought the Nominating Committee report to the floor.
Special recognition was given to those individuals who retired from Florida Conference employ during the triennial period.