The Board of Directors of the Arkansas Baptist Foundation (ABF) held its regularly scheduled Quarterly Board Meeting on Thursday, Nov. 13, at the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC).
Mark Dance, ABSC executive director, opened with a devotional from Acts 20, emphasizing stewardship, financial planning, and the importance of finishing well in ministry. He encouraged the board to continue supporting pastors and churches through financial literacy and planning.
Highlights of the Board Meeting included:
- Institutional report from Dr. Ben Sells, president of Ouachita Baptist University, highlighting record enrollment, new academic programs such as nursing and cybersecurity, expanded scholarship opportunities, and continued partnership with ABF for endowment management.
- Church/pastor profile from Laramie LeQuieu, pastor of Harvest Baptist Church, sharing his ministry journey and the impact of ABF’s guidance on estate gifts that funded scholarships, missions, and major church projects.
- Approval of 2026 Ezra Amos distributions and review of how this fund has supported mission work in Israel and among the Israelite people.
- Approval of the Foundation’s 2026 operating budget.
- Approval of the Executive Committee’s motion to continue to use Landmark PLC as the Foundation’s auditor. As well as approval of 2026 officers, which will include Natalie Johnson as chair, John McMorran as vice chair, Jay Shell as secretary, Bobby Thomas as president, Dillon McClain as vice president, and Eric Davis as treasurer.
- Recognition of Mark Conine for his service as Board chair, Paul Williams for his advisory role, and Noyl Houston for completing 19 years of board service.
- Introduction of new staff members: Heather Skinner (administrative assistant), Jackson Muse (finance coordinator), and Debbie Moore (ministry/support assistant).