The Executive Board held its third quarterly meeting on August 16, 2024, at the Hawaii Baptist Academy Administrative Offices, 1848 Nu’uanu Avenue. President Brian Frable called the meeting to order at 6 p.m., followed by a Scripture reading from Ezra 7:10 and an opening prayer by Chris Eyre.

The board’s first action of the evening was to celebrate Dr. Craig Webb’s first anniversary as Executive Director-Treasurer. Craig and Barbara were presented leis and gifts from the board members expressing appreciation for the year of service. After a prayer of dedication, Craig expressed his deep gratitude to all the board members and the joy of serving the churches of the HPBC.

In his report to the Board, Dr. Craig Webb, Executive Director/Treasurer, updated the board on the 2024 Annual Meeting at Hawaii Baptist Academy on November 7, 8. The theme will be Contending Together from Philippians 1:17-28, highlighting church planters, Pu’u Kahea, and Hawaii Baptist Academy. Dr. Adam Groza, newly installed president at Gateway Seminary, will be the keynote speaker.

During the financial report, the Cooperative Program giving for the quarter was 6.5% higher than projected and had increased 9.5% from the same period last year. Our expenses for the second quarter were $239,715, which was almost 19% less than the budgeted expenses of $292,154. This was mainly the case because of an additional staff vacancy and contract work that was not filled, reducing personnel expenses for salary, benefits, and travel. The Board also received reports from Hawaii Baptist Foundation president Matt Sanders and the Hawaii Baptist Academy president Ron Shiira.

The 2025 Calendar of HPBC events and proposed 2025 HPBC Budget was approved to be sent to the floor of the Annual Meeting for full approval.

The Communications committee is working diligently to complete the SBC Sexual Abuse Task Force (SATF) recommendations for the state conventions. These include having a list of certified biblical counselors available to the churches for assistance and a trained staff or point person that churches of the HPBC can contact for support regarding the issue of sexual abuse.

The Programs Committee recommended six full-time students and one part-time student for consideration for scholarships. The board approved the renewal of all scholarships for these recipients who attend a SBC Seminary and serve HPBC churches on O’ahu, Big Island, and in Asia. 

No further action was taken after an executive session, and the meeting was adjourned. The next Executive Board Meeting will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, November 9, 2024.

It has been a privilege to serve the churches of the HPBC as officers of the Board for
2024. We look forward to seeing everyone in November at the Annual Meeting at HBA.

Mahalo, 
Brian Frable, president 
Larry Hale, 1st vice president
Naomi Ashman, 2nd vice president
Grace Poei, recording secretary 
Dr. Craig Webb, executive director-treasurer