2018 ANNUAL FUND CONNECTING THE PCA Serving together
STRENGTHENING THE CHURCH TOGETHER
Just before his crucifixion, Jesus prayed for unity in the church. In the Upper Room, in that momentous and perilous hour with his disciples present, the peace, purity, and progress of the church was one of our Savior s primary concerns. that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you John 17:21a And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Eccl. 4:12 If that was Christ s concern then, how can it be any less of a concern now? Within the PCA, every member is called to the seek unity, harmony, and the good of the denomination as a whole. But someone must build and maintain the infrastructure that enables these servants to serve and ministers to minister. That s where the Administrative Committee comes in. We serve the church through essential tasks of administration that build the framework for a healthy, growing, and ministering church. Our background work may seem ordinary, but it s essential for making us a church that is connected... that is unified... and that is stronger together. 2 3
ONE MINISTRY CONNECTING US ALL Through more than 1,800 churches, 10,000 field workers, and 350,000 members, the PCA engages in mercy ministries, plants churches, ministers to its own flock, and extends God s offer of grace in Christ to others. By all measures, our church is healthy and growing. Naturally, this is what usually comes to mind when people think of our denomination. They think of missions, church planting, campus ministry, and the work of local churches. But all of this amazing, powerful ministry taking place in every corner of the world rests on a few key assumptions. We assume empty pulpits will be filled in a timely manner, with the right candidates. We assume disputes will be mediated justly. We assume legal matters will be handled with care. We assume good records will be kept. We assume important information will be shared and distributed. We assume that everyone in the church will be unified on basic matters of theology, doctrine, and polity. One main reason these are assumptions rather than worries is the vital work the AC does to carry out functions that support ministry. And in occupying ourselves with these things, we serve those who serve. The AC builds a framework for ministry and helps build a church that s oriented outward toward what God is doing in the world, rather than being inwardly concerned with our own functioning. To enable those on the frontlines of ministry, we stay in the background. The AC helps fill pulpits through Pastor Search. We mediate disputes. We handle legal matters. We keep and maintain vital records and act as the repository for the denomination s history. We disseminate information through byfaith magazine, byfaithonline.com, and other denominational publications. And, through venues like General Assembly, and simply acting as a resource to churches and ministries, the AC helps ensure unity in theology, doctrine, and polity. As local churches act as the body of Christ in particular communities, a denomination that functions well acts as the body of Christ in a larger arena. The AC acts as a frame for the body so the feet can travel to the places of greatest need and the arms can reach out in love. By taking responsibility for key church functions, the Administrative Committee provides a framework for churches and denominational agencies to engage together in life-changing ministry. We are a stronger church when we all work together. 4
Those Served by the AC PCA PASTORS 4900+ PCA CHURCHES 1800+ PRESBYTERIES, PRESBYTERY CLERKS 85 STANDING JUDICIAL COMMISSION STUDY COMMITTEES GENERAL ASSEMBLY GA HOST COMMITTEES NOMINATING COMMITTEE REVIEW OF PRESBYTERY RECORDS COMMITTEE ON CONSTITUTIONAL BUSINESS THEOLOGICAL EXAMINING COMMITTEE COOPERATIVE MINISTRIES COMMITTEE CTS NAPARC CDM MNA WORLD REFORMED FELLOWSHIP INTERCHURCH RELATIONS CC ALL OTHER GA MINISTRIES MTW RH PCAF NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF EVANGELCALS RBI RUF ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE AC Organizational Chart BYFAITH OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE BYFAITH MAGAZINE EDITOR WEB / NEWS WRITER ACCOUNTING, BUDGETING & FINANCE (OUTSOURCED) RPR/BYFAITH STATS AND EIN ASST TO STATED CLERK PLACEMENT DIRECTOR CHURCH RELATIONS OFFICER STATED CLERK L. ROY TAYLOR BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR CHURCH & PRESBYTERY RELATIONS REP OPERATIONS MANAGER FINANCIAL MEETING PLANNER MEETING PLANNER PCA BUILDING COMMITTEE PLACEMENT AND CHURCH CONSULTANT DOCUMENTS MANAGER SJC HISTORICAL CENTER DIRECTOR DATABASE SECRETARY ADVISORY BOARD HISTORICAL CENTER KOREAN RELATIONS REP 6 7
STRENGTH THROUGH CONNECTIONAL MINISTRY The work the AC does takes many forms, but all of it has one primary goal in common the peace, purity, and progress of the church. This isn t so the church can be peaceful, pure, and advancing for its own sake, but so we can honor our Father and serve a world that desperately needs to hear the gospel. PCA COLLABORATION The Administrative Committee itself illustrates clearly the connectional nature of our ecclesiology. PCA policies are developed collaboratively, and the AC provides a forum where all Committees and Agencies participate together in policy decisions. DENOMINATIONAL PUBLICATIONS The AC is responsible for byfaith, byfaithonline.com and other denominational publications. With a wealth of ministries at the local, presbytery, and General Assembly levels, the PCA needs a medium where all these ministries can be seen working together to expand Christ s kingdom. ByFaith, that medium, helps PCA people as they disciple and minister to each other. In addition, the Minutes of the General Assembly are published after each General Assembly, and the PCA Yearbook (2 volume) gives biographical information on teaching elders as well as church and presbytery statistics and other information. The PCA Directory gives contact information for churches and their pastors, as well as chaplains, campus ministers, and other denominational leaders. PASTOR SEARCH The AC works to connect churches searching for pastors with pastors seeking a call. We are continually working to strengthen the system in place so we may provide counsel more effectively to churches and to individuals seeking a church. GENERAL ASSEMBLY Responsibility for planning and executing the General Assemblies of the PCA is mandated to the AC. About a four-year process, this multi-faceted task involves every single member of the AC staff, working closely with host presbyteries. General Assembly is the one occasion annually when ruling elders, teaching elders, and other PCA members gather together to worship, conduct the business of the church, and renew and strengthen relationships with brothers and sisters from across the denomination. PRESBYTERY CLERK SUPPORT Presbytery clerks maintain records of the churches, teaching elders, candidates for the ministry, licentiates, and proceedings for their presbyteries. The AC serves these faithful clerks by publishing the Clerks Handbook, facilitating the annual Clerks Conference, and giving requested advice on church polity. Presbytery clerks form a strong link in the connectivity within the PCA. HISTORICAL CENTER Preserving our PCA history and heritage, the Historical Center connects us with the saints who went before us, who in their own right labored to establish the peace, purity, and progress of our denomination and other branches of Christ s church. A wealth of information is available at pcahistory.org. INTERPRETING AND GUARDING OUR CONSTITUTION The AC is responsible to maintain and assure the availability of the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms, and The Book of Church Order. The Stated Clerk s office counsels pastors and sessions in practical matters of polity and doctrine. The AC publishes yearly the Assembly-adopted changes to The Book of Church Order. MANAGING PCA LEGAL ENTITIES The AC is the board for the PCA legal entity as a denomination, the Presbyterian Church in America (A Corporation). The Stated Clerk represents the PCA corporation in civil legal disputes. This part of our ministry is crucial because legal judgments can have far-reaching effects on the welfare of the PCA. STANDING COMMITTEES The AC ensures that these committees have everything they need to function properly. We re also tasked with facilitating the work of the Standing Judicial Commission, which prayerfully brings resolution to crises in presbyteries and in the lives of PCA members. 8 9
FINANCIALS AC Annual Fund for 2018 EXPENDITURES HISTORY OF CONTRIBUTIONS $1,352,343 2018 BUDGETED COMPARISON OF PROGRAM AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES Programs: Standing Committees $ 294,750 7.5% Administration General Assembly 630,300 $1,166,762 Historical Center 146,620 News Office (incl. byfaith Magazine) 523,890 $1,093,457 $1,086,230 $1,113,879 Committees & Agencies 109,100 Churches & Presbyteries 592,350 Statistics & Publications 262,040 92.5% Program Programs Total $ 2,559,050 Administration: Management & General $ 118,360 PERCENT OF 2018 BUDGET Fundraising 92,690 IN EACH COST CENTER Administration Total $ 211,050 TOTAL OPERATIONS EXPENSE $ 2,770,100 Proposed Operating Surplus for cash flow needs 49,400 3.3% Fundraising 4.2% Management & General 9.3% Statistics & Publications 10.5% Standing Committees TOTAL AC BUDGET $ 2,819,500 INCOME SOURCES 1.8% Surplus for Operational Cash Flow 22.4% General Assembly Contributions $ 1,721,000 Earned 1,098,500 21.0% Churches & Presbyteries 5.2% Historical Center TOTAL AC BUDGET $ 2,819,500 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 10 11 3.9% Committees & Agencies 18.6% News Office (incl. byfaith Magazine)
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE STAFF WORKING HAND-IN-HAND TO BUILD THE CHURCH Will you help us realize the power of connection? We need your help to build a foundation for ministry. Behind-the-scenes work is something that appeals to those who are far-sighted, mature, and able to grasp the importance of building the infrastructure that enables more visible forms of ministry. Obviously, more visible forms of ministry We ask that, if possible, churches contribute 0.35% of their annual tithes and offerings to the Administrative Committee. Or, if you prefer to give on a per capita basis, please contribute $7 per communicant member. are important, but we know that For 2018, we building the foundation for those The return is immense. An investment are depending ministries requires a very thoughtful in the AC enables not just its work, but on the Lord s donor. everything the PCA does in ministry. people for And we believe that thoughtful donor is you. a total of $1,721,000 to carry out the Please prayerfully consider moving your church toward this level of giving. Even the smallest gift from the smallest The bottom line is that the AC depends on the gifts of God s people ated. Please give as you reasonably can. church is needed and deeply appreci- work we have as individuals and as churches to planned. fund the tasks mandated to us by the General Assembly and grasp the opportunities God has laid before us. We believe the goal is attainable but only with the full help and support of the churches and many individuals in the PCA. With your help we can truly become stronger together connecting and supporting PCA people, churches, and ministries, to carry out the Great Commission and cultivate the peace, purity, and progress of Christ s church. Class of 2020 RE Danny McDaniel, Houston Metro RE Jack L. Watkins, Nashville TE David V. Silvernail Jr., Potomac Class of 2019 RE W. Todd Carlisle, Evangel TE Steven Jeantet, Suncoast Florida TE Timothy LeCroy, Missouri Class of 2018 RE Brad Bradley, North Texas TE Rod Mays, Calvary RE Timothy Persons, Chesapeake Class of 2017 TE Robert F. Brunson, Suncoast Florida RE Jon Ford, Central Indiana Alternates TE Sean M. Lucas, Covenant RE William Hatcher, Savannah River Committee on Discipleship Ministries TE David L. Stewart, Suncoast Florida Covenant College RE Martin A. Moore, Georgia Foothills Covenant Theological Seminary RE Dwight Jones, Central Georgia Mission to North America TE Douglas Domin, Northern New England Mission to the World TE William E. Dempsey, Mississippi Valley PCA Foundation RE Robbin W. Morton, Central Georgia PCA Retirement and Benefits, Inc. TE Jonathan Medlock, Northern California Reformed University Fellowship RE Will Huss, Calvary Ridge Haven TE Richard O. Smith Jr., Susquehanna Valley Senior Staff L. Roy Taylor, Stated Clerk John W. Robertson, Business Administrator Management Staff Richard Doster, Editor, byfaith Magazine Sherry Eschenberg, Meeting Planner Wayne Herring, Church Relations Officer Robert Hornick, Assistant to the Stated Clerk Priscilla Lowrey, Documents Manager Angela Nantz, Operations Manager Wayne Sparkman, Director, Historical Center Support Staff Amanda Burton, Meeting Planner Admin. Asst. Karen Cook, Placement Director Erika Derr, Stats and EIN Admin. Asst. Anna Eubanks, Financial Admin. Asst. Larry Hoop, Churches and Presbyteries Relations Representative Monica Johnston, Database Secretary Paul Kooistra, Placement and Church Relations Consultant Margie Mallow, RPR/byFaith Admin. Asst. Billy Park, Korean Relations Representative Lauren Potter, Standing Judicial Commission Admin. Asst. Visit pcaac.org for essential tools for your ministry. 12
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