Recap: Alliance of Baptists’ Annual Meeting

by Lisa Dunson

The Alliance of Baptists gathered virtually on Saturday, May 3, 2025, for our Annual Business Meeting, a sacred time of communal discernment, covenantal accountability, and ongoing commitment to justice, equity, and faithful governance. Though physically apart, we were spiritually united in our mission to embody a liberating and inclusive Baptist identity.

As President of the Board of Directors, I opened our meeting with a heartfelt welcome and a moment of prayerful grounding. To set the tone for our time together, I read aloud the Board of Directors’ Antiracism and Equity Policy, a bold and honest declaration of who we are and who we strive to be. This policy names our origins in white supremacy and affirms our ongoing, collective work to dismantle racism systemically, individually, and organizationally, as part of our deep commitment to equity in both governance and ministry.

Organizational Business Highlights

• Approval of 2024 Minutes: Secretary Melanie Nogalski facilitated the approval of last year’s minutes, ensuring transparent documentation of the Alliance’s activities.
• Financial Report: Treasurer Jody Joyner reviewed the Alliance’s financial standing, expressing gratitude for continued generosity and sound stewardship. He invited attendees to consider serving on the Finance Team, which is seeking 2–3 new members.
• Co-Directors’ Report: Carole Collins and Elijah Zehyoue shared updates on staff structure, the success and significance of the 2025 Annual Gathering (“I Met God and She’s a Black Woman”), progress on implementing recommendations from the 2021 Racial Justice Task Group, expanding partnerships, and the Thrive Grant initiative. Elijah also spoke to the possible impact of the current political environment on the work of the Alliance and that he, Carole and the staff are constantly monitoring the directives being put forth from the current administration and the impact on 401c3 organizations. 

Committee Reports

• Development Committee: Chair Sandy Washington read a letter from Brett Harris, highlighting donor engagement and the Alliance’s evolving visual and narrative identity.
• Audit Committee: Co-Director Carole Collins reported a successful audit nearing finalization. The completed report will be posted on the Alliance website.
• Nominating Committee: Chair Isabel Decampo presented a strong slate of new board members, Maria Carvalho, Michelle Nickens, and Rebeca Olmedo, and shared improvements made to streamline the nomination process. A reserve of qualified candidates has also been established.

Written Committee Reports
Submitted in advance, reports from the Development, Endorsement, Mission and Ministry Partnership, Finance, Personnel, and Nominating Committees reflect the collaborative, covenantal governance that sustains the Alliance’s vision and mission.

Justice and Advocacy Updates
Co-Director Elijah Zehyoue highlighted the Alliance’s ongoing commitments to antiracism, economic justice, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and gender equity. He acknowledged Carole Blythe’s work in curating timely statements and resources, ensuring the Alliance remains relevant and engaged in prophetic witness.

A spotlight was also given to the Sage-ing Initiative at Myers Park Baptist Church, which held a retreat titled “Moving from Senior to Elder” on April 26th. The event welcomed over 40 participants, including members from Binkley Baptist Church in Chapel Hill, and featured presenters Alliance Founder Mahan Siler and Jeanine Siler Jones. Additional resources on this topic are available on the Convergence website (Moving From Senior To Wise Elder: Convergence – Congregational Consulting)  and in the Elders Action Network newsletter.

The Justice in Palestine and Israel Community reaffirmed the Alliance’s commitment to global solidarity and human dignity. The group continues to support communities naming Israeli apartheid and celebrated the churches and organizations that signed the Apartheid-Free Pledge in 2024.

Closing Remarks

As the meeting concluded, I expressed heartfelt appreciation to our outgoing board members Rodney Macias and Aretha Flucker for their dedicated service. I also welcomed three new congregational partners:

• The Tabernacle Fellowship, Birmingham, AL – Rev. Taft Harris, Pastor
• Baptist Church of West Chester – Rev. Evan Duncan, Pastor
• Peace Cathedral, Tbilisi

Additionally, I shared that the Executive Committee had initiated a review of policies and processes in 2024 to ensure ongoing alignment with the Alliance’s vision and mission. This included a comprehensive Bylaws review in collaboration with the Co-Directors and Board of Directors at our Spring Board meeting, and it is the recommendation of the Executive Committee that this review be conducted annually during either the Spring or Fall Board meeting.

Finally, I shared my experiences visiting Alliance congregations in multiple states, highlighting the diversity and vibrancy present within the Alliance community.

On behalf of the entire Executive Committee, I closed our time together by offering heartfelt thanks to the staff and board for their steadfast dedication and meaningful contributions throughout 2024. The faithful work of our Co-Directors, committees, ministry partners, and board members continues to reflect the shared values and covenantal spirit that define who we are as the Alliance. Even in a virtual format, our 2025 Business Meeting was a powerful witness to the strength of a community grounded in justice, collaboration, and prophetic faith.

Respectfully submitted,

Rev. Lisa Dunson

President Board of Directors

Alliance of Baptists

The Reverend Lisa Dunson is the President of the Alliance of Baptists Executive Committee and is a member of the Ministerial Team at Covenant Baptist UCC. She also serves as Co-Chair of the African American Women in Ministry (AAWIM) Global Engagement Committee and on the Executive Committee for the Potomac Association AAWIM.