Category Archives: Denominational News

“In All Things” podcast episode 94 features Rosemary Lukens (Chairman of the NLT) and Victor Jones (Moderator-elect)

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Rosemary Lukens, Chairman of the National Leadership Team and Ruling Elder for Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church, and Victor Jones, Moderator-elect of the 43rd General Assembly and Ruling Elder for Westminster Presbyterian Church join host Dean Weaver, for this new episode of “In All Things”.

Dean and his guests discuss a variety of topics related to how God is working with the denomination at the National level.

Episodes are available on a variety of podcast platforms, including Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Podbean, Spotify, and others. Search “In All Things” on any of these services.

The audio recordings also are available on the EPC website at www.epc.org/inallthings.

EPC Disaster Relief Committee Response to the Wildfires in Maui and Hurricane Hilary

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Every disaster is a call to prayer.   That is where we start.

At this time, we are unsure of what is the best way to help in Maui or what the needs might be in the western part of the US after the hurricane and earthquake.

There are no EPC churches on Maui, so we are looking for the best avenues to assist the people affected by this tragedy.   The large relief agencies are there now, and we will be reaching out to them to see how we can connect with them and the people working there now providing services to those displaced.

Regarding the West Coast and Hurricane Hilary, we are waiting to hear back from the two EPC Presbyteries there to see what their congregations’ needs are. Once we know that, we can make decisions on how to assist there.

Many of you have emailed asking how your churches can support those in Maui or those that are affected by the West Coast hurricane. As we pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit on how best to use our resources, we would encourage you to give to the EPC Domestic Emergency Relief Fund. You can mark your donations Maui Wildfires or Hurricane Hilary if you desire.   You can give thru this link: https://epc.org/donate/emergencyrelief or thru the QR Code below.

We will keep you informed as we move forward.  Please join us in prayer for all of those whose lives have been torn apart by these disasters.

June 2023 EPC financial report: POI contributions conclude year above FY22

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At the June 30 close of the EPC’s fiscal year, contributions to Percentage of Income (POI) and Per Member Asking (PMA) received by the Office of the General Assembly totaled $2,411,985. The amount is $120,983 more than that total received in FY22 and only $39,879 (1.6 percent) less than the FY23 General Assembly operating budget of $2,451,864.

In addition, total fiscal year operating expenses were $16,350 under budget.

“I am beyond thankful that our churches supported the EPC so generously the past year,” said Stated Clerk Dean Weaver. “Because of their faithfulness and the careful stewardship of our staff at the Office of the General Assembly, we can look a future of expanding the impact of our Gospel Priorities and serving our churches and leaders in numerous other ways.”

Of the $2,411,985 received, $482,387 (20 percent) was contributed to EPC World Outreach.

In addition to PMA contributions, the Office of the General Assembly received $6,328,271 in designated gifts in FY23. This total was $458,590 (22.8 percent) less than the $6,786,861 in designated gifts received in FY22. Designated gifts include support for World Outreach global workers and projects, and contributions to EPC Special Projects such as Emergency Relief, church planting and revitalization initiatives, and the EPC’s holiday offerings.

Of the total, $6,013,671 was designated for World Outreach workers and projects, and $314,600 was designated for EPC projects. These amounts only reflect gifts received and distributed by the Office of the General Assembly, and do not reflect donations given directly to WO global workers or other projects.

Commissioners to the denomination’s 42nd General Assembly in June 2022 approved a transition from the Per Member Asking (PMA) funding formula to a Percentage of Income (POI) model. Under PMA, churches were asked to contribute $23 per member to the Office of the General Assembly. The POI model is a request for churches to support the national level of the EPC with 1 percent of income to the church’s general operating fund. The shift will phase in over the next three years, with full POI implementation expected at the start of FY26 in July 2025.

43rd General Assembly approves Disaster Relief Committee, Book of Government amendments, review of ordination process

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Commissioners to the EPC’s 43rd General Assembly approved the formation of a permanent Disaster Relief Committee 48 hours before a tornado tore through the area, disrupting the Assembly, uprooting trees and inflicting other damage, but causing no injuries. As tornado warning alarms went off throughout the Sanctuary of Assembly host Cherry Hills Community Church in Highlands Ranch, Colo., Stated Clerk Dean Weaver called the Thursday afternoon business session meeting into recess. Within a few minutes, attendees were sheltering and singing “Holy, Holy, Holy” and other favorite hymns in the church basement, inner hallways, and restrooms.

Following a pause of nearly an hour, Commissioners reconvened and proceeded with Assembly business.

While many present began dubbing the 43rd General Assembly / Gospel Priorities Summit as “the tornado Assembly,” much more transpired over the three-day gathering.

Numerous equipping sessions each day focused on the EPC’s four Gospel Priorities of Church Health (led by Bob Stauffer, EPC National Director of Church Health); Church Planting (led by Tom Ricks, National Director of Church Planting); Effective Biblical Leadership (led by Michael Davis, Assistant Stated Clerk); and Global Movement (led by Gabriel de Guia, Executive Director of EPC World Outreach).

In denominational business, Commissioners voted to approve more than 20 recommendations from the EPC’s permanent committees and boards.

Commissioners also elected Joe Kim as Moderator and Victor Jones as Moderator-Elect. Kim serves as Pastor of Hope Philly, an EPC church plant in Philadelphia, Pa., in the Presbytery of the East. Jones is a Ruling Elder for Westminster Presbyterian Church in Laurel, Miss., in the Presbytery of the Gulf South.

Joe Kim continued the tradition of “singing Moderators” by leading the Assembly in his original children’s song, “The Way, the Truth, and the Life.” (photo credit: Scott Wiest)

Nearly 750 individuals registered for the Assembly, including 417 Teaching Elders and 330 Ruling Elders who submitted voting credentials.

Book of Government

In matters related to the EPC Book of Government, Commissioners approved a recommendation to delete section 17-5 (Treasurer as an Officer of the Board of Deacons) and correspondingly amend sections 6-8D and 18-3H.

Bob Garment, EPC Chief Parliamentarian, told the Assembly that 17-5 “suggests in that section on Deacons that there is a required annual audit for every church in the EPC.”

He emphasized that the EPC is an accredited member of the Evangelical Council on Financial Accountability, and as such “we want to be transparent and good stewards and make sure our finances are in order. But in fact, we’ve never required an audit. And it strengthens the statement on the responsibility of the Session for all the financial planning and oversight in the local church.”

Commissioners also approved an amendment to the Book of Discipline, adding to the definition of church discipline in section 1-1 the statement, “Church discipline does not supersede or negate the legal responsibility to report cases of suspected abuse to civil authorities according to local and state requirements.”

Bob Garment, EPC Chief Parliamentarian, explains the rationale behind amending the Book of Government, section 17-5. (photo credit: Scott Wiest)

Annie Rose, Stated Clerk of the Rivers and Lakes, said the amendment is an effort to codify existing practice in the EPC “and to say that as we go through our discipline process as a Church, we also comply with our obligations to report to civil authorities.”

Committees and Study Groups

In addition to the formation of the Disaster Relief Committee, study groups were approved to review the EPC’s Position Paper on Domestic Abuse, Book of Discipline, and ordination process.

Brad Strait, Chairman of the National Leadership Team, said the review of the Position Paper on Domestic Abuse was to ensure the language was up to date.

“Some of the things that seemed to be very cutting edge when we wrote them 15 years ago could always stand to be reevaluated,” he said.

Regarding the Book of Discipline, creation of a Moderator-appointed task force was approved to “complete a thorough review of our Book of Discipline and associated Forms and consult with experts inside and outside of the EPC as needed and present recommendations to the 44th General Assembly.”

“Hopefully any other exposure we might have as a denomination will be addressed in that full review process,” said Mark Eshoff, Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of the Pacific Southwest.

Jerry Iamurri, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Ministerial Vocation, said the creation of an interim committee to review the EPC’s ordination standards and process occurs approximately every 10 years.

“It’s just making sure that our ordination requirements are consistent with the ethos of the EPC and consistent with what the seminaries are doing today,” Iamurri said. “We are going to make sure those things are in alignment by revisiting them as we normally do every decade or so.”

Ecumenical Matters

Commissioners voted to enter into a fraternal relationship with ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians.

Alan Trafford, Chairman of the permanent Fraternal Relations Committee, said the recommendation is in response to the 37th General Assembly asking the committee to explore the possibility.

“This means that we recognize our colleagues in ECO as co-laborers in the Reformed corner of the vineyard,” he noted, “But it also means that we recognize the value of some of the cooperative efforts that have already begun, for example in the training of Transitional Pastors, Church Planting assessments, evangelism training, and providing resources for smaller congregations.”

As part of the Fraternal Relations Committee report to the Assembly, attendees prayed for fraternal guests (from left) Guillermo Mac Kenzie from the St. Andrews Presbytery of Argentina and Samuel Sesay from the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Sierra Leone. (photo credit: Scott Wiest)

Trafford added that the opportunities for collaborative ministry and Great Commission mission “are endless in such a relationship.”

Commissioners also approved the EPC’s withdrawal from the World Communion of Reformed Churches. The motion was in response to the 42nd General Assembly’s approval for the permanent Theology Committee to study the EPC’s membership in the ecumenical organization.

Weaver said discussion of leaving the WCRC has been going “for a very long time … it goes back to the 90s. Its theological beliefs, its political beliefs—almost every belief—are not in alignment with the beliefs of the EPC.”

Weaver explained that membership in the WCRC provided an ecumenical bridge for congregations joining the EPC from the mainline denomination that had reversion clauses in their departure agreements.

“As those reversion clauses have since expired, there is no compelling reason for us to stay in the WCRC,” he said.

Weaver added that the EPC enjoys “a very deep level of involvement in the World Reformed Fellowship. It is a very good, biblical, Reformed, global body that we are contributing to and gaining from.”

Budget and Special Projects

Commissioners approved a Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24—July 2023 through June 2024) budget for EPC operating expenses of $3,507,727. This represents a 5.5 percent increase in projected spending over the FY23 budget.

Mike Moses, Lead Pastor of the Lake Forest family of churches in suburban Charlotte, N.C., co-led the Gospel Priorities Summit plenary session on Church Planting. (photo credit: Scott Wiest)

The FY24 budget includes $366,722 in direct funding of the four Gospel Priorities—$112,823 for Church Planting; $74,000 for Church Health; $35,349 for Global Movement; and $144,550 for Effective Biblical Leadership. In addition, 20 percent of contribution to the Office of the General Assembly though Percentage of Income (POI) support Global Movement in the form of funding the overall ministry of World Outreach. This is projected to be $496,890 through June 30, 2024.

The Assembly also approved a variety of Special Projects for FY24, which are ministry initiatives not supported by POI but to which soliciting contributions is approved.

In other administration-related business, Commissioners approved a recommendation that ordained ministers drawing retirement income from the EPC 403(b)(9) Defined Contribution Retirement Plan be allowed to designate up to 100 percent of their retirement income for housing allowance.

Bart Francescone, Executive Director of EPC Benefit Resources, Inc., said the annual action provides retired ministers with a readily available reference if asked by tax authorities.

Committee and Board Members

In addition to electing Kim as Moderator and Jones as Moderator-elect, the Assembly elected the following individuals to fill vacancies on the EPC’s permanent committees and boards as others complete their terms of service (TE denotes Teaching Elder. RE denotes Ruling Elder. * denotes second term.):

Benefit Resources, Inc., Board of Directors: RE Michael Busch, Presbytery of the Alleghenies; RE Bill Overcast, Presbytery of the Central South; Cathy Scott, Presbytery of the East. Busch was elected as Chairman.

Chaplains Work and Care Committee: RE Bruce Alexander, Presbytery of the New River; RE Kendra Bowers, Presbytery of the Central South; TE Marty Carpenter*, Presbytery of the Pacific Southwest; TE Scott Kennaugh, Presbytery of the Midwest; TE David Snyder, Presbytery of the Midwest.

Disaster Relief Committee: TE Whitney Alexander, Presbytery of the Gulf South; TE Bill Crawford, Presbytery of the Gulf South; Paul Gorny, At-Large; Toni Harris, At-Large; TE Cliff Mansley, Presbytery of the West; RE Hans Othmer, Presbytery of the Gulf South; Nancy Prott, At-Large; RE Dave Shanklin, Presbytery of the Central South; RE Jim Winter, Presbytery of Florida and the Caribbean.

Fraternal Relations Committee: TE David Galbraith*, Presbytery of the Midwest; RE Holly Lazzero, Presbytery of the East; Roger Rumer, Presbytery of the Alleghenies; RE Josh Shelley; Presbytery of the Central South; TE Stan Van Den Berg*, Presbytery of the Great Plains.

Ministerial Vocation Committee: RE Richard Gash*, Presbytery of the Alleghenies; TE Doug Resler*, Presbytery of the West; TE Scott Sealy, Presbytery of the Central South.

National Leadership Team: TE Greg Aydt, Presbytery of the West; RE Chris Danusiar, Presbytery of the Rivers and Lakes; TE Julie Hawkins, Presbytery of the Pacific Northwest; RE Joi Williams, Presbytery of the Coastal Mid-Atlantic.

Next Generation Ministries Council: Geraud Bumfield, Presbytery of the Pacific Southwest; TE Dan Kish, Presbytery of the Central South; Faith Reid*, Presbytery of the Central South; TE Joseph Stroup*, Presbytery of the Alleghenies; TE SirGregory Thornton, Presbytery of the Central South.

Nominating Committee: RE Mike Goolsby, Presbytery of the Great Plains; RE Kelli Marks, Presbytery of the Rivers and Lakes; TE Juan Rivera*, Presbytery of Florida and the Caribbean; TE Bob Vincent*, Presbytery of the Gulf South; TE S.J. Winter, Presbytery of the Midwest.

Permanent Judicial Commission: RE Jeff Hollingsworth*, Presbytery of the Southeast; TE Zach Hopkins, Presbytery of the Rivers and Lakes; TE Barton Kimbro, Presbytery of the Central South; TE Ed McCallum, Presbytery of the West; RE Tom Werner, Presbytery of Mid-America.

Presbytery Review Committee: RE Ron Bengelink*, Presbytery of the Pacific Northwest; Jim Connors*, Presbytery of the Pacific Southwest; TE Jason Steele*, Presbytery of the Midwest.

Theology Committee: RE David Buschart, Presbytery of the West; TE Luke Johnston, Presbytery of the Great Plains.

World Outreach Committee: TE Whitney Alexander*, Presbytery of the Gulf South; TE Waring Porter*, Presbytery of the Central South.

Other Business Items

A T-shirt commemorating the “Tornado Assembly” is available in a variety of colors in the EPC Merchandise Store, www.epc.org/merchandise.

Commissioners also approved a variety of other business items:

  • Adopting the Minutes of the 42nd General Assembly.
  • Approving exceptions requiring a response as found in the 2022 Minutes of 14 of the 16 Presbyteries (Presbytery of the New River and Presbytery of the Rivers and Lakes had no exceptions requiring response).
  • Approving the responses from the Presbyteries to exceptions issued by the 42nd General Assembly.
  • Accepting the invitation from Hope Church in Cordova, Tenn., to host the 44th General Assembly in June 2024.

In closing the Assembly, Weaver quipped to Commissioners that they “would be pleased to know that the work of this General Assembly is already at play—you approved earlier a permanent committee on Disaster Relief.”

“This has been a General Assembly I will never forget,” Weaver said. “But what I’ll never forget about it is the amazing way the Cherry Hills staff and volunteers served us. The way you went into the basement and started singing ‘Holy, holy, holy.’ That you were passing out water bottles to each other, the way you were loving one another. Because that’s what family does. And in my view, the EPC is not a denomination; the EPC is a family. And you have demonstrated that.”

The Cherry Hills Community Church staff and volunteers earned a well-deserved ovation at the conclusion of the Assembly. (photo credit: Scott Wiest)

#epc2023ga

May 2023 EPC financial report: POI support continues strong

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Contributions to Percentage of Income (POI) and Per Member Asking (PMA) received by the Office of the General Assembly in fiscal year 2023 (FY23) through May 31 total $2,211,919. May POI/PMA support was $143,725.

With one month left in the fiscal year, the total is only $3,275 less than the $2,215,194 FY23 support projection to fund the EPC’s overall mission, vision, and Gospel Priorities of church health, church planting, effective biblical leadership, and global movement. FY23 contributions continue to outpace the FY22 year-to-date total of $2,072,726 by $139,193 (6.7 percent). The 12-month rolling average of POI/PMA contributions is $212,516—6.3 percent above the rolling average as of May 3, 2022.

“I say it every month: I am so grateful for the trust and generosity of our churches to support POI so faithfully,” said Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk. “I am also very thankful for the excellent stewardship of our staff at the Office of the General Assembly. Our total operating expenses are more $5,300 under budget through May 31.”

Of the $2,211,919 received, $442,384 (20 percent) was contributed to EPC World Outreach.

In addition to PMA/POI contributions, $5,750,437 in designated gifts were received through May 31. This total is $515,883 (8.2 percent) lower than the $6,266,320 in designated gifts received in the same period in FY22. The entire difference is attributed to significant donations in 2022 to the Domestic Emergency Relief Fund in response to Hurricane Ida and the International Disaster Relief Fund in response to the Ukraine crisis.

Of the total, $5,445,476 was designated for World Outreach workers and projects, and $304,962 was designated for EPC projects. These amounts only reflect gifts received and distributed by the Office of the General Assembly, and do not reflect donations given directly to WO global workers or other projects.

Designated gifts include support for World Outreach global workers and projects, and contributions to EPC Special Projects such as Emergency Relief, church planting and revitalization initiatives, and the EPC’s Thanksgiving and Christmas offerings.

Commissioners to the denomination’s 42nd General Assembly in June 2022 approved a transition from the Per Member Asking (PMA) funding formula to a Percentage of Income (POI) model. Under PMA, churches were asked to contribute $23 per member to the Office of the General Assembly. The POI model is a request for churches to support the national level of the EPC with 1 percent of income to the church’s general operating fund. The shift will phase in over the next three years, with full POI implementation expected at the start of FY26 in July 2025.

EPC Merchandise Store launches with branded items to enhance ‘engaged together’ vision

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Display your connection to the EPC with polo shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, T-shirts, socks, coffee mugs, sports bottles, bumper stickers, mousepads, golf balls, and more at the EPC’s Merchandise Store.

EPC Merchandise debuts on June 15 at www.epc.org/merchandise. Dozens of items are available, and clothing items come in a variety of colors and styles, all EPC-branded. In addition, each shirt is available in numerous creative designs based on the EPC’s motto of “In Essentials, Unity … In Non-Essentials, Liberty … In All Things, Charity.”

“I am excited about this new way to spread the word about the EPC,” said Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk. “I have been asked many times if we had any way for our pastors and others to promote their connection to the EPC with branded gear. Well, now they can!”

Commissioners to the 43rd General Assembly, June 20-22 at Cherry Hills Community Church in Highlands Ranch, Colo., will be able to see product samples in the exhibitor area of the Cherry Hills Main Lobby.

To browse the store and purchase items, go to www.epc.org/merchandise.

For more information about the 43rd General Assembly / Gospel Priorities Summit, including daily schedules, worship service preachers, GA business items, and more, see www.epc.org/ga2023.

#epc2023ga

Commissioner’s Handbook, committee reports available for 43rd General Assembly

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The 43rd General Assembly / Gospel Priorities Summit Commissioner’s Handbook and reports from the EPC’s permanent and interim committees to the Assembly are now available for download in PDF format at www.epc.org/ga2023documents. The Handbook is available in its entirety as well by individual sections.

The Assembly will be held June 20-22 at Cherry Hills Community Church in Highlands Ranch, Colo.

“Every Commissioner should take time between now and the Assembly to familiarize themselves with the Recommendations we will act on,” said Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk. “Our committees have done their homework and each of their recommendations deserve prayerful consideration.”

Other documents available include the 2022 Annual Church Report; Auditor’s reports of the EPC’s Combined Financial Statements and Benefit Resources, Inc, (BRI) Benefits Plan and Retirement Plan financial statements; Churches Received, Dismissed, and Dissolved in 2022-2023; Provisional Minutes of the 42nd General Assembly, and more.

In addition, assignments for the Standing Committees on Administration, Fraternal Relations, Memorials and Appreciation, Theology, and World Outreach are available. Commissioners will participate in Standing Committees on Wednesday, June 21.

#epc2023ga

Variety of fall 2023 gatherings planned for EPC pastors, spouses, church leaders

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Retreats and gatherings designed to support and encourage EPC pastors, their spouses, church planters, and other leaders are scheduled for October and November 2023.

“We want our pastors and their spouses to thrive in both life and ministry,” said Annie Rose, EPC Director of Ministerial Support and Development. “The events we have planned for this fall are designed to not only bless those who attend, but also have a lasting impact on their families, congregations, and communities.”

Church Planter Retreat

  • Date and Location: October 16-19, Cheyenne Mountain Resort in Colorado Springs, Colo.
  • Theme: “Sustain”
  • Designed for: All active EPC Church Planters and spouses, as well as local church, Presbytery, and Church Planting Network leaders.
  • Synopsis: We will explore ongoing spiritual health and well-being for church plants and church planters. Teaching and discussion groups will cover topics related to active church planters, as well as specific helps for church leaders wanting to begin or grow church planting in their local church, Presbytery, or region.

XP/Administrators Gathering

  • Dates and Locations: October 19-20, DoubleTree Phoenix-Tempe, Phoenix, Ariz.; and November 9-10, EPC Office of the General Assembly in Orlando, Fla.
  • Designed for: Executive Pastors, Executive Directors, Business Adminstrators, and others in local church operational leadership.
  • Guest speaker: David Fletcher, founder of XPastor.org.
  • Synopsis: Fletcher will conduct the Thursday morning session. The Thursday afternoon and Friday morning sessions will be roundtable discussions among peers to exchange ideas and offer solutions to current issues.

Pastor-Spouse Retreat

  • Date and Location: October 23-27, Glen Eyrie Castle & Colorado Conference Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.
  • Designed for: EPC pastors and their spouses.
  • Synopsis: Many pastors are feeling the wear and tear of what leadership has required over the past few years. The goal of this retreat is to provide time and space for participants to rest, connect with others, and receive encouragement from the Lord. We will be led by the excellent Colorado-based staff from PastorServe, who will facilitate our morning large-group sessions and provide care and coaching in the afternoons. Attendees will be together in the mornings but have free time each afternoon. Come be refreshed by the Lord in a beautiful place!

ECO/EPC Small Church Summit

  • Date and Location: November 7-9, First Presbyterian Church of San Antonio in San Antonio, Texas.
  • Theme: “Lead in Community”
  • Synopsis: Those who pastor smaller flocks can feel isolated from other leaders, but we know that the Lord has placed each of us in His body as one of many members. Let’s come together for a time of encouragement and equipping, learning how we can raise up leaders in our churches, and experiencing the grace of doing ministry in community. The summit is free to participants. Cover your transportation and hotel, and we will take care of the rest!

“Registration for these events will open later this summer and be communicated through our normal channels,” Rose said. “Please save the dates for the event that best fits you and your ministry!”

April 2023 EPC financial report: POI support ahead of 2023 budget

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Contributions to Percentage of Income (POI) and Per Member Asking (PMA) received by the Office of the General Assembly in fiscal year 2023 (FY23) through April 30 total $2,068,194. April POI/PMA support was $237,495.

The year-to-date total is $6,992 (0.3 percent) more than the $2,061,202 FY23 support projection to fund the EPC’s overall mission, vision, and Gospel Priorities of church planting, church health, effective biblical leadership, and global movement. FY23 contributions are $122,042 (6.3 percent) more than the amount received in the same period in FY22.

“I praise God for His undeserved goodness to us,” said Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk. “In addition to POI exceeding the budget, our expenses are more than $23,000 under budget and most of the line items are at or below the projected spending level.”

Of the $2,068,194 received, $413,639 (20 percent) was contributed to EPC World Outreach.

In addition to PMA/POI contributions, $5,265,272 in designated gifts were received through April 30. This total is $159,222 (2.8 percent) lower than the $5,708,990 in designated gifts received in the same period in FY22. Nearly all ($141,707) of the difference is attributed to donations to the Domestic Emergency Relief Fund in response to Hurricane Ida.

Designated gifts include support for World Outreach global workers and projects, and contributions to EPC Special Projects such as Emergency Relief, church planting and revitalization initiatives, and the EPC’s Thanksgiving and Christmas offerings.

Of the total, $4,982,594 was designated for World Outreach workers and projects, and $282,677 was designated for EPC projects. These amounts only reflect gifts received and distributed by the Office of the General Assembly, and do not reflect donations given directly to WO global workers or other projects.

Commissioners to the denomination’s 42nd General Assembly in June 2022 approved a transition from the Per Member Asking (PMA) funding formula to a Percentage of Income (POI) model. Under PMA, churches were asked to contribute $23 per member to the Office of the General Assembly. The POI model is a request for churches to support the national level of the EPC with 1 percent of income to the church’s general operating fund. The shift will phase in over the next three years, with full POI implementation expected at the start of FY26 in July 2025.

March 2023 EPC financial report: POI/PMA support continues strong, above FY22

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As of March 31, Percentage of Income (POI) contributions received by the Office of the General Assembly since the July 1 start of the EPC’s fiscal year total $1,830,699. The amount is $68,389 (3.9 percent) more than PMA at the same point last year, yet $21,443 (1.2 percent) less than the $1,852,142 budgeted support projection to fund the EPC’s overall mission, vision, and Gospel Priorities of church planting, church health, effective biblical leadership, and global movement.

March PMA contributions were $228,084.

“As we enter the last quarter of our fiscal year, I am thankful that the financial support from our churches remains strong,” said Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk. “To be nearly four percent above last year is testimony to God’s gracious provision. Our OGA staff also continues their excellent stewardship—we are almost $80,000 under budget in our spending.”

Of the $1,830,699 received, $366,140 (20 percent) was contributed to EPC World Outreach.

In addition to PMA contributions, $4,761,586 in designated gifts were received through March 31. This total is $150,661 (3 percent) less than the $5,029,142 in designated gifts received in FY22. Designated gifts include support for World Outreach global workers and projects, and contributions to EPC Special Projects such as the Domestic Emergency Relief Fund, church health and church planting initiatives, and the EPC’s holiday offerings.

Of the total, $4,487,631 was designated for World Outreach workers and projects, and $273,954 was designated for EPC projects. These amounts only reflect gifts received and distributed by the Office of the General Assembly, and do not reflect donations given directly to WO global workers or other projects.

Commissioners to the denomination’s 42nd General Assembly in June 2022 approved a transition from the Per Member Asking (PMA) funding formula to a Percentage of Income (POI) model. Under PMA, churches were asked to contribute $23 per member to the Office of the General Assembly. The POI model is a request for churches to support the national level of the EPC with 1 percent of income to the church’s general operating fund. The shift will phase in over the next three years, with full POI implementation expected at the start of FY26 in July 2025.

National Leadership Team prays for outgoing members

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Members of the National Leadership Team pray for outgoing Chairman Brad Strait (third from right) and outgoing member Patrick King (fourth from right). Not pictured is a third member rotating off the committee, Dave Strunk.

At their final in-person meeting of 2022-2023 on April 19, members of the EPC’s National Leadership Team concluded the gathering by praying for outgoing members Brad Strait, Patrick King, and Dave Strunk. Strait serves as Lead Pastor of Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church in Englewood, Colo. King serves as Pastor of Covenant Church in San Diego, Calif. Strunk is the Planting Pastor of Church of the Redeemer in Maryville, Tenn.

El Libro de Orden 2022-23 ahora disponible en Español

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El Libro de Orden de EPC 2022-23 en español ya está disponible en formato PDF descargable en www.epc.org/recursosenespanol.

“Esta edición actualizada de nuestro Libro de Orden incluye todas las decisiones ratificadas por la 42.ª Asamblea General en Ward Church en junio pasado”, dijo Dean Weaver, Secretario Delegado de EPC. “Esa Asamblea aprobó tres enmiendas al Libro de Gobierno y dos revisiones al Libro de Culto, así como una serie de artículos señalados como Actas de la Asamblea. Además, verificamos cuidadosamente cada referencia de página, nota al pie e índice para verificar su precisión. Esta es la primera actualización de nuestro Libro de Orden en dos años, por lo que debería estar en el estante de cada Anciano Docente y Secretario de Sesión”.

El libro de 253 páginas es el Volumen 1 de la Constitución de EPC y está compuesto por el Libro de Gobierno, el Libro de Disciplina (que incluye Formularios de Disciplina), el Libro de Culto, las Reglas para la Asamblea, las Actas de Asamblea y un índice completo. La edición de este año incluye enmiendas al Libro de Orden y Reglas para la Asamblea ratificadas a través de la 42.ª Asamblea General (2022), así como las Actas de la 42.ª Asamblea General.

La Constitución de la EPC consiste en el Libro de Orden, la Confesión de Fe de Westminster (incluidos los Catecismos Mayor y Menor) y el documento “Fundamentos de nuestra fe”. Todos estos están subordinados a la Escritura, que es “la autoridad suprema y final en todos los asuntos sobre los que habla”.

Los recursos adicionales descargables en español incluyen la Guía de Capacitación de Liderazgo de EPC, el Manual de Procedimientos para los Comités Ministeriales y de Candidatos, y Caminando con Jesús: Un Devocional Familiar escrito por Héctor Reynoso, Pastor de la Iglesia Presbiteriana Génesis en Mercedes, Texas.

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2022-23 Book of Order now available in Spanish

The Spanish-language 2022-23 EPC Book of Order is now available in downloadable PDF format at www.epc.org/recursosenespanol.

“This updated edition of our Book of Order includes all the decisions ratified by the 42nd General Assembly at Ward Church last June,” said Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk. “That Assembly approved three amendments to the Book of Government and two revisions to the Book of Worship, as well as a number of items noted as Acts of the Assembly. In addition, we carefully checked every page reference, footnote, and index for accuracy. This is the first update to our Book of Order in two years, so it should be on every Teaching Elder and Clerk of Session’s shelf.”

The 253-page book is Volume 1 of the EPC Constitution and is comprised of the Book of Government, Book of Discipline (including Forms for Discipline), Book of Worship, Rules for Assembly, Acts of Assembly, and a full index. This year’s edition includes amendments to the Book of Order and Rules for Assembly ratified through the 42nd General Assembly (2022), as well as Acts of the 42nd General Assembly.

The Constitution of the EPC consists of the Book of Order, the Westminster Confession of Faith (including the Larger and Shorter Catechisms), and the document “Essentials of Our Faith.” All these are subordinate to Scripture, which is “the supreme and final authority on all matters on which it speaks.”

Additional downloadable Spanish resources include the EPC Leadership Training Guide, the Procedure Manual for Ministerial and Candidates Committees, and Walking with Jesus: A Family Devotional written by Hector Reynoso, Pastor of Genesis Presbyterian Church in Mercedes, Texas.

February 2023 EPC financial report: PMA/POI support continues ahead of 2022 pace, behind 2023 budget

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Contributions to Per Member Asking (PMA) and Percentage of Income (POI) received by the Office of the General Assembly in fiscal year 2023 (FY23) through February 28 total $1,602,615. February PMA/POI support was $158,198.

The year-to-date total is $45,269 (2.9 percent) more than the amount received in the same period in FY22 but $29,647 (1.8 percent) under the $1,632,262 FY23 PMA/POI support projection to fund the EPC’s overall mission, vision, and Gospel Priorities of church planting, church health, effective biblical leadership, and global movement.

“I continue to be thankful for the faithfulness of our churches in financially supporting the larger work of the EPC,” said Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk. “I also want to thank our staff at the Office of the General Assembly. They serve our churches and presbyteries in so many ways, but especially in their stewardship of resources. We are under budget in spending and that is a direct result of their careful stewardship.”

Of the $1,602,615 received, $320,523 (20 percent) was contributed to EPC World Outreach.

In addition to PMA/POI contributions, $4,201,558 in designated gifts were received through February 28. This total is $178,299 (4.2 percent) lower than the $4,265,978 in designated gifts received in the same period in FY22. More than $136,000 of the difference is attributed to donations to the Domestic Emergency Relief Fund in response to Hurricane Ida.

Designated gifts include support for World Outreach global workers and projects, and contributions to EPC Special Projects such as Emergency Relief, church planting and revitalization initiatives, and the EPC’s Thanksgiving and Christmas offerings.

Of the total, $3,973,833 was designated for World Outreach workers and projects, and $227,674 was designated for EPC projects. These amounts only reflect gifts received and distributed by the Office of the General Assembly, and do not reflect donations given directly to WO global workers or other projects.

Commissioners to the denomination’s 42nd General Assembly in June 2022 approved a transition from the Per Member Asking (PMA) funding formula to a Percentage of Income (POI) model. Under PMA, churches were asked to contribute $23 per member to the Office of the General Assembly. The POI model is a request for churches to support the national level of the EPC with 1 percent of income to the church’s general operating fund. The shift will phase in over the next three years, with full POI implementation expected at the start of FY26 in July 2025.

January 2023 EPC financial report: PMA/POI support closes FY23 budget gap, above FY22

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Contributions to Per Member Asking (PMA) and Percentage of Income (POI) received by the Office of the General Assembly in fiscal year 2023 (FY23) through January 31 total $1,444,417. January PMA/POI support was $227,465.

The year-to-date total is $22,438 (1.6 percent) more than the amount received in the same period in FY22 and only $16,131 (1.1 percent) less than the $1,460,548 FY23 PMA/POI support projection to fund the EPC’s overall mission, vision, and strategic priorities.

“I praise God that our churches are so faithful and our POI contributions have caught up,” said Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk. “I pray that God continues to bless our congregations financially so that they can continue to reach their communities for Christ.”

Of the $1,444,417 received in FY23, $288,883 (20 percent) was contributed to EPC World Outreach.

In addition to PMA/POI contributions, $3,733,479 in designated gifts were received through January 31. The total is $93,284 (12.1 percent) lower than the $3,826,763 in designated gifts received in the same period in FY22.

Designated gifts include support for World Outreach global workers and projects, and contributions to EPC Special Projects such as Emergency Relief, church planting and revitalization initiatives, and the EPC’s Thanksgiving and Christmas offerings.

Of the total, $3,517,980 was designated for World Outreach workers and projects, and $215,499 was designated for EPC projects. These amounts only reflect gifts received and distributed by the Office of the General Assembly, and do not reflect donations given directly to WO global workers or other projects.

Commissioners to the denomination’s 42nd General Assembly in June 2022 approved a transition from the Per Member Asking (PMA) funding formula to a Percentage of Income (POI) model. Under PMA, churches were asked to contribute $23 per member to the Office of the General Assembly. The POI model is a request for churches to support the national level of the EPC with 1 percent of undesignated receipts. The shift will phase in over the next three years, with full POI implementation expected at the start of FY26 in July 2025.

World Outreach to use three-prong approach for disaster relief donations following Turkey/Syria earthquake 

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A destroyed building leans on a house in the Turkish seaport city of Samandag, which in New Testament times was the port for Antioch and the place from which the Apostle Paul launched his first voyage to Tarsus. (photo credit: AP/Emrah Gurel)

Following a series of devastating earthquakes in southeastern Turkey and northern Syria in February, donations to the EPC’s International Disaster Relief Fund will be distributed among global workers in the region and ministry partners in both countries.

Gabriel de Guia, Executive Director of EPC World Outreach, said the three avenues for disbursements are based on long-standing ministry partnerships.

“Our global workers in Turkey have been diligently assessing ways for us to engage,” de Guia said. “God is using the relationships they have built over the years for His glory and for the relief of many, many hurting people.”

Donations also will be sent to World Outreach ministry partners Timothy Two Project International and The Outreach Foundation.

“Timothy Two is an Approved Mission Agency of the EPC, and their international director Steve Curtis also co-chairs the Commission on Evangelism and Missions for the World Reformed Fellowship,” de Guia said. “The Outreach Foundation has a network of churches in Syria and have the relationships to help in areas that are hard for outsiders to get to. Our confidence in these two organizations could not be higher for reaching those affected by the earthquake with both physical needs and with the saving knowledge of the gospel.”

Mike Kuhn, Director of EPC World Outreach’s International Theological Education Network (ITEN), has worked in Syria with The Outreach Foundation.

“I can attest that their relationship with the historic Presbyterian churches of Syria is deep and authentic,” Kuhn said. “I have personally met Pastor Ibrahim Nseir, the pastor of the Evangelical Church of Aleppo, who is overseeing the distribution of these donations. This relationship with Pastor Ibrahim allows the body of Christ to assist believers and others in a place where very little aid is getting through in the aftermath of devastating earthquakes.”

Secure online donations can be made at www.epc.org/donate/internationaldisasterrelief, which also includes instructions for donating by check and text-to-give.

As of February 23, government officials have placed the death toll at more than 47,000 with more than 164,000 structures collapsed or damaged to the point that they need to be demolished.

Gospel Priorities Team champions church health, church planting, global movement, effective biblical leadership

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The EPC’s Gospel Priorities Team: (from left) Bob Stauffer, Tom Ricks, Gabriel de Guia, and Michael Davis.

Four members of the Office of the General Assembly staff are collaborating as the EPC’s Gospel Priorities Team to shepherd the denominations four strategic priorities of church planting, church health, global movement, and effective biblical leadership. With the formation of the team, the priorities have been officially renamed “Gospel Priorities.”

The quartet, under the leadership of Assistant Stated Clerk Michael Davis, includes Gabriel de Guia, Executive Director of EPC World Outreach; Tom Ricks, National Director of Church Planting; and Bob Stauffer, National Director of Church Health.

“The Gospel Priorities Team was developed from the vision of the EPC,” said Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk. “It is our desire to carry out the mission of God as the people of God. This team will achieve that goal by equipping and resourcing Teaching and Ruling Elders to build the Kingdom of God for the glory of God.”

Davis noted that ongoing collaboration between World Outreach and the Church Planting Team is an example of how the group is fostering teamwork across the various ministry efforts of the EPC.

“The synergy between World Outreach and the Church Planting Team is a growing endeavor to see our global church planters and domestic church planters collaborate on serving immigrant communities,” he said. “And our Church Health and Effective Biblical Leadership teams are collaborating to assess the health, viability, and needs of our churches and pastors through surveys and other assessment tools.”

Ricks agreed that the group’s purpose is to help create a culture that matches the EPC’s mission and vision.

“We are trying to be who we say we are,” he said. “The four Gospel Priorities are how we are going to tackle those opportunities and tell people about Jesus. My heart is that the EPC would habitually be planting churches that become multiplying churches—churches planting churches planting churches.”

Stauffer noted that healthy churches and healthy pastors are closely associated.

“I am really excited about what the Lord is doing in the EPC,” Stauffer said. “Healthy churches lead to healthy pastors, which in turn lead to healthy churches. I look forward to collaborating with Michael, Tom, and Gabriel to develop and implement strategies to reach our communities and the world for Christ.”

“It’s exciting that we are approaching the Gospel Priorities with unprecedented unity,” de Guia said. “We are working together to make each other more effective and stronger as we pursue the Great Commission. It’s motivating to collaborate with my brothers Tom, Bob, and Michael in seeing how we can be of one mind, one spirit, and one purpose.”

Davis added that he is “excited to see the Gospel Priorities Team facilitate a pathway that the family of churches in EPC will flourish to benefit their local context and for generations to come.”

For more information about the EPC’s Gospel Priorities, see www.epc.org/gospelpriorities.

2022-23 Book of Order now available

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The spiral-bound, printed edition of the 2022-23 Book of Order is now available for purchase through EPC Resources. The cost per book is $15.43 plus shipping.

“This updated edition of our Book of Order includes all the decisions ratified by the 42nd General Assembly at Ward Church last June,” said Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk. “That Assembly approved three amendments to the Book of Government and two revisions to the Book of Worship, as well as a number of items noted as Acts of the Assembly. In addition, we carefully checked every page reference, footnote, and index for accuracy. This is the first update to our Book of Order in two years, so it should be on every Teaching Elder and Clerk of Session’s shelf.”

The 253-page book is Volume 1 of the EPC Constitution and is comprised of the Book of Government, Book of Discipline (including Forms for Discipline), Book of Worship, Rules for Assembly, Acts of Assembly, and a full index. This year’s edition includes amendments to the Book of Order and Rules for Assembly ratified through the 42nd General Assembly (2022), as well as Acts of the 42nd General Assembly.

The Constitution of the EPC consists of the Book of Order, the Westminster Confession of Faith (including the Larger and Shorter Catechisms), and the document “Essentials of Our Faith.” All these are subordinate to Scripture, which is “the supreme and final authority on all matters on which it speaks.”

EPC a denominational partner of ‘He Gets Us’ campaign

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Jesus is in the Super Bowl.

That’s the plan for the “He Gets Us” campaign, an evangelistic marketing effort sponsored by several major benefactors in cooperation with the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College, led by Ed Stetzer. Launched in 2021, He Gets Us invites spiritual seekers to consider the personal nature of Jesus and see Him as someone who not only understands their struggles but also endured many of the same battles they face. The objective is to connect them with local churches for evangelism, counseling, meeting physical needs, or other means of care.

The EPC is one of several denominational partners for the campaign.

Two ads will air during Super Bowl LVII on February 12. The spots invite viewers to visit www.hegetsus.com, where they can learn more, start a Bible study, or connect with someone in their area.

“Ed Stetzer introduced the He Gets Us campaign at our 42nd General Assembly last June at Ward Church,” said Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk. “I hope our churches will participate in this gospel partnership and take advantage of the opportunity for free resources, and to connect with people in their community who are looking for help.”

For more information about He Gets Us, see www.hegetsus.com.

“In All Things” episode 63 features Earla Bethel, NLT Finance Committee Chair

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Earla Bethel, Ruling Elder for St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Kirk in Nassau, Bahamas, is the guest for episode 63 of the EPC’s podcast, “In All Things.” She is a member of the National Leadership Team and serves as Chair of the Finance Committee.

Host Dean Weaver and Bethel discuss her faith journey, as well as how St. Andrew’s and Lucaya Presbyterian Church in Freeport, Bahamas, came to the EPC from the Church of Scotland. Bethel also describes how she applies the principle of Luke 12:48 as a business owner. The two also discuss the background behind the EPC funding formula conversion from Per Member Asking (PMA) to Percentage of Income (POI), and how the Office of the General Assembly stewards those resources.

Episodes are available on a variety of podcast platforms, including Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Podbean, Spotify, and others. Search “In All Things” on any of these services.

The audio recordings also are available on the EPC website at www.epc.org/inallthings.

Annie Rose named Director of Ministerial Support and Development

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Rev. Annie Rose

EPC Teaching Elder Annie Rose has been named to a new part-time staff position at the Office of the General Assembly, Director of Ministerial Support and Development. Rose also serves as Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of the Rivers and Lakes, and previously served as Discipleship Pastor and Executive Pastor at Saddlerock EPC in Wenatchee, Wash.

Her responsibilities include developing and implementing strategies for ministerial health and wholeness in collaboration with the Ministerial Vocation Committee, Presbytery leadership, and others; working with seminaries and other collaborative partners focused on equipping pastors for sustainable ministry; and coordinating resources and support for EPC Teaching Elders. Rose also will aid in crises involving Teaching Elders and their families.

“The EPC has been my church family for 16 years, and I’m thrilled to contribute to a culture of healthy and biblical leadership in our churches,” Rose said. “It is a blessing and an honor to be in a position to support and strengthen our pastors and their families.”

“Annie’s role is tremendously important,” said Michael Davis, EPC Assistant Stated Clerk. “In a time where pastors are unhealthy and on the verge of burnout, Annie will provide proactive care in this critical moment.”

Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk, said Rose “will help us gain traction on leading in the vital area of pastoral preparation, care, and development—how we think about pipeline, discipleship, ending well, the whole scope of how we care for our pastors. The effects of the pandemic aren’t over—even though many of us have moved on from it—and that reality dramatically affects our pastors.”

World Outreach names three to staff positions

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World Outreach (WO), the international missions arm of the EPC, has named three individuals to staff positions at the Office of the General Assembly in Orlando.

Jordin Greer is the new Assistant Director of World Outreach; Torres Kearney joins the staff as Executive Assistant to Gabriel de Guia, Executive Director of World Outreach; and Carla Cora will serve World Outreach as Accounting Analyst.

Jordin Greer

Greer comes to WO from Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Wichita, Kan., where she served as a Pastoral Resident. She also served as an adjunct professor at Sterling College in Sterling, Kan., teaching undergraduate students in New Testament and basic Christian doctrine.

Her responsibilities at Eastminster included preaching, pastoral care, and developing and implemented a membership discipleship plan. A Kansas native, she is a graduate of Sterling College and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Greer is an ordained Teaching Elder in the Presbytery of the Great Plains with ministry experience in Guatemala, Albania, Macedonia, the Philippines, Spain, and numerous domestic mission projects.

“Missions has been a part of my life since my call to ministry in 2013,” Greer said. “I believe God is the great initiator of mission and has invited us to partner with Him. I am excited, humbled, and extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve World Outreach in whatever way I can.”

Torres Kearney

Kearney joins the WO staff from First Presbyterian Church of Orlando, Fla., where she served as Mission and Discipleship Coordinator. She was a member of FPCO’s Orlando Heart of the City Fellows Program from 2020-2021 and also served at Third Millennium Ministries, an EPC Approved Mission Agency, as an Assistant Project Manager.

A native of Dublin, Ohio, Kearney is a graduate of Grove City College in Grove City, Pa., where she received the prestigious “Senior Woman of the Year” recognition in 2020.

“I am so excited to join the World Outreach team,” Kearney said. “Over the years the Lord has grown my heart for the world and blessed me with different opportunities to pursue this passion. I am grateful for his provision of a position at World Outreach.”

Carla Cora

Cora serves both WO and the EPC Finance Department led by CFO Pat Coelho. She and her family immigrated to the United States from Brazil in 2022, where she was a Managing Partner for D.F.C. Manutenção de Equipamentos Médicos, a medical equipment maintenance company, and served as an Elder at Bola de Neve Church in São Paulo. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Toledo University Center (Unitoledo) in São Paulo.

“I remember once praying and saying, ‘Father, I just want to serve you, please always prepare an opportunity for me. And here I am!’” Cora said. “I love seeing the gospel moving forward and being able to be a part of that in some way cheers up my heart so much!”

“In bringing Carla, Torres, and Jordin onto our team, the Lord has answered a multitude of prayers, and generously provided,” de Guia said. “I’m excited for their passion for the mission and the giftings they each bring to their roles with EPC World Outreach.”

December 2022 EPC financial report: PMA/POI support trails budget

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Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) Per Member Asking (PMA) and Percentage of Income (POI) contributions received through December 31 by the Office of the General Assembly total $1,216,952. The amount is $78,070 (6.0 percent) less than the $1,295,022 FY23 PMA/POI support projection to fund the EPC’s overall mission, vision, and strategic priorities.

The year-to-date total is $23,334 (1.9 percent) less than the amount received in the same period in FY22. December PMA/POI support was $300,628—51,389 less than the budgeted projection. Total operating expenses are $94,296 under budget and $11,900 less than the same period in FY22, offsetting the lower support totals.

“Our numbers are somewhat disappointing, but we know that some are end-of-year timing issues and some reflect the larger reality of our current economy,” said Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk. “I know many of our churches are struggling, and I praise God for their faithful support of our mission and vision during difficult times.”

Of the $1,216,952 received, $243,390 (20 percent) was contributed to EPC World Outreach.

In addition to PMA/POI contributions, $3,123,261 in designated gifts were received through December 31. This total was $257,980 (8.3 percent) lower than the $3,381,241 in designated gifts received in the same period in FY22.

Designated gifts include support for World Outreach global workers and projects, and contributions to EPC Special Projects such as Emergency Relief, church planting and revitalization initiatives, and the EPC’s Thanksgiving and Christmas offerings.

Of the total, $2,963,295 was designated for World Outreach workers and projects, and $159,966 was designated for EPC projects. These amounts only reflect gifts received and distributed by the Office of the General Assembly, and do not reflect donations given directly to WO global workers or other projects.

Commissioners to the denomination’s 42nd General Assembly in June 2022 approved a transition from the Per Member Asking (PMA) funding formula to a Percentage of Income (POI) model. Under PMA, churches were asked to contribute $23 per member to the Office of the General Assembly. The POI model is a request for churches to support the national level of the EPC with 1 percent of undesignated receipts. The shift will phase in over the next three years, with full POI implementation expected at the start of FY26 in July 2025.

November 2022 EPC financial report: PMA/POI support above FY22, behind FY23 budget

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Contributions to Per Member Asking (PMA) and Percentage of Income (POI) received by the Office of the General Assembly in fiscal year 2023 (FY23) through November 30 total $916,324. November PMA/POI support was $144,206.

The year-to-date total is $27,386 (3.1 percent) more than the amount received in the same period in FY22 but $26,681 (2.8 percent) less than the $943,005 FY23 PMA/POI support projection to fund the EPC’s overall mission, vision, and strategic priorities.

“While we never like to fall behind our budget, I am thankful once again that our churches support the EPC so faithfully in this difficult economic climate,” said Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk. “Support is above last year’s level, so I am optimistic that God will continue to bless our churches financially and our budget gap will close in the coming months.”

Of the $916,324 received, $183,265 (20 percent) was contributed to EPC World Outreach.

In addition to PMA/POI contributions, $432,492 in designated gifts were received through November 30. This total was $59,781 (12.1 percent) lower than the $492,272 in designated gifts received in the same period in FY22.

“As we have seen over the past few months, much of the difference in restricted giving can be attributed to three funds that received substantial donations last year: our Emergency Relief Fund following Hurricane Ida, the Syrian Refugee Relief Fund, and our World Outreach ministry in Lebanon,” Weaver said. “If we set those three funds aside, giving to EPC ministries and causes is more than $8,000 ahead of last year’s total.”

Designated gifts include support for World Outreach global workers and projects, and contributions to EPC Special Projects such as Emergency Relief, church planting and revitalization initiatives, and the EPC’s Thanksgiving and Christmas offerings.

Of the total, $372,179 was designated for World Outreach workers and projects, and $60,313 was designated for EPC projects. These amounts only reflect gifts received and distributed by the Office of the General Assembly, and do not reflect donations given directly to WO global workers or other projects.

Commissioners to the denomination’s 42nd General Assembly in June 2022 approved a transition from the Per Member Asking (PMA) funding formula to a Percentage of Income (POI) model. Under PMA, churches were asked to contribute $23 per member to the Office of the General Assembly. The POI model is a request for churches to support the national level of the EPC with 1 percent of undesignated receipts. The shift will phase in over the next three years, with full POI implementation expected at the start of FY26 in July 2025.

October 2022 EPC financial report: PMA/POI support rebounds, within 1 percent of budget

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Contributions to Per Member Asking (PMA) and Percentage of Income (POI) received by the Office of the General Assembly in October were $251,636. The amount surpassed the October budget of $216,833 and raised the 12-month rolling average for monthly contributions to $193,154—2.1 percent less than the rolling average as of October 31, 2021.

PMA/POI contributions in fiscal year 2023 (FY23) through October 31 total $772,118. The amount is $7,397 (0.9 percent) less than the $779,515 FY23 PMA/POI support projection to fund the EPC’s overall mission, vision, and strategic priorities. The year-to-date total is $26,846 (3.6 percent) more than the amount received in the same period in FY22.

“As we celebrate Thanksgiving this month, I am especially grateful that financial support of the EPC rebounded so strongly last month,” said Dean Weaver, EPC Stated Clerk. “With all the challenges our churches are facing this fall, I do not take that for granted.”

Of the $772,118 received, $154,424 (20 percent) was contributed to EPC World Outreach.

In addition to PMA/POI contributions, $1,941,797 in designated gifts were received through October 31. This total was $138,056 (6.6 percent) lower than the $2,079,853 in designated gifts received in the same period in FY22. Most of the difference is attributed to more than $83,000 donated in October 2021 to the Emergency Relief Fund in response to Hurricane Ida.

Designated gifts include support for World Outreach global workers and projects, and contributions to EPC Special Projects such as Emergency Relief, church planting and revitalization initiatives, and the EPC’s Thanksgiving and Christmas offerings.

Of the total, $1,873,023 was designated for World Outreach workers and projects, and $88,774 was designated for EPC projects. These amounts only reflect gifts received and distributed by the Office of the General Assembly, and do not reflect donations given directly to WO global workers or other projects.

Commissioners to the denomination’s 42nd General Assembly in June 2022 approved a transition from the Per Member Asking (PMA) funding formula to a Percentage of Income (POI) model. Under PMA, churches were asked to contribute $23 per member to the Office of the General Assembly. The POI model is a request for churches to support the national level of the EPC with 1 percent of income to the church’s general operating fund. The shift will phase in over the next three years, with full POI implementation expected at the start of FY26 in July 2025.

Thanksgiving offering to support church planter care and counseling

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Donations to the 2022 EPC Thanksgiving Offering will help provide ongoing church planter care by way of a fund to support counseling for planters and spouses.

“We had licensed counselors at this year’s Church Planters Retreat, and their time slots were completely booked,” said Tom Ricks, EPC National Director of Church Planting. “Planting a new church can be lonely and difficult. And while most of our planting pastors have other pastors they can talk to, the challenges specific to church planting are often outside the wheelhouse of pastors of established churches. This is where the Church Planters Care and Counseling Fund comes in. We want to provide this resource throughout the year—not just at our annual October retreat.”

Secure online donations to the Thanksgiving Offering can be made at www.epc.org/donate/thanksgivingoffering. Individuals also can utilize text-to-give by texting “epcthanksgivingoffering” to 50155 from any smart device. Donors who prefer to send a check should put “Thanksgiving Offering (041)” on the memo line and send to:

Evangelical Presbyterian Church
Attn: Finance Office
5850 T.G. Lee Blvd., Suite 510
Orlando, FL 32822

For more information about church planting in the EPC, including how churches can be a Parent, Partner, or Patron of EPC church planting, see www.epc.org/churchplanting.