The Life and Mission Agency discussed financial cuts, grants structures and Presbyterians Sharing.
As the Presbyterian Church makes challenging decisions, the main thing we’re asking ourselves is, “What do we believe?” said Rev. Daniel Cho, convener of the Life and Mission Agency in his opening remarks at the November meeting. “What’s our vision? How can we continue to do what God has called us to do?”
Reports presented by the church’s national mission agencies included questions about their focus and future as they adapt to best meet the needs and desires of congregations, and examined plans for financial cuts to be made within the next three years.
Canada Ministries Reports Successful Rural Ministry Pilot Project, Tweaks Grants Committee
Canada Ministries reported a successful pilot project meant to encourage new ministers to consider rural and remote charges. A student from Presbyterian College spent the summer working with the congregation in Geraldon, Ont. The local church covered the costs of transportation, stipend, and room and board; Canada Ministries provided a grant at the end of the summer intended to help pay for tuition and books for the coming academic year.
The agency is considering expanding the project to offer up to four such grants each year for the next five years, following consultation with the Presbyterian colleges and the creation of appropriate guidelines for the program.
To cut travel costs, Canada Ministries’ yearly grants budget will be determined at an advisory committee meeting. Synod and national native ministries conveners will join via teleconference.
The advisory committee is drawn from seven people in one region of Canada, rotating the location and members each six years. It meets at least three times yearly.
LMA also approved guidelines for Canada Ministries’ capital fund for renewing ministries. Grants drawn from this fund are limited to $200,000 and are intended for major building projects or renovations that are “clearly part of a greater plan for renewal.”
The Vine Will Continue to Grow
The Vine resource network received good reviews in an evaluation of the two-year pilot project. Although the report indicated the service was not yet “well-known or used by the majority of congregations, especially by lay people,” those who used it had high praise for the staff and prompt responses to their enquiries.
LMA endorsed the committee’s recommendation that the Vine continue beyond its two-year trial period. Tori Smit has recently replaced Vine head Dorothy Henderson.
Presbyterians Sharing Remains a Unified Budget
LMA members rejected the idea of allowing congregations to designate how their Presbyterians Sharing contributions will be used. Legally, donations with designations attached must be used only for the designated purpose. Members felt designated giving would create competition among the missions supported by Presbyterians Sharing, and would increase administrative costs substantially.
LMA Discusses the Future of International Missions
The church’s three international mission offices proposed a vision for the future of international mission work at the national level. In a draft paper, they suggested the departments “must work closely together to focus our mission activities” and concentrate human and financial resources “in strategic areas.”
The three offices will shift their focus to five countries where the church has strong ties and invested resources: Malawi, Ghana, Guatemala, India and Eastern Europe. Although they will not abandon their work in other areas of the world, the bulk of their time and resources will be used to back programs and partner organizations in these countries.
The paper was intended to probe the will of the LMA and was approved in principle.
