W HERE A RE W E H EADED ? September 2015

2 O VERALL M EMBERSHIP IS D ECLINING

3 G IVING TO THE P RESBYTERY IS DOWN

4 I F CURRENT TRENDS CONTINUE …. Programs will be cut Staff will be cut Ministry to our churches will be diminished Giving to our mission partners will decrease Giving to denominational mission will decrease And we do not change how we operate as a presbytery -

5 B UT THERE IS HOPE FOR THE FUTURE ! God is faithful and has promised to provide all we need. “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.” Psalm 23:1 Our job is to seek to walk faithfully with God and trust his promises. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”Proverbs 3:5 And remember that God works all things for our good! “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

6 W E CAN INCREASE OUR MEMBERSHIP A 2% increase in membership annually for the next 5 years will significantly impact our income. Membership would increase from 6019 to Even at $43 per member, Basic Witness Support would increase $8,170 “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations. Baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 We must take the Great Commission seriously.

7 W E CAN CHANGE HOW WE GENERATE INCOME We can move to a graduated per capita system where smaller churches would pay less per member than larger churches. This would ease the per capita burden on our smaller churches. This would increase the assessed per capita on larger churches with more resources. “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

8 W E CAN CHANGE HOW WE GENERATE INCOME We can move to a system of pledges in place of Basic and Shared Witness Support A pledge-based budget will encourage us, as a Presbytery, to trust God to provide what we need to carry out the ministry He has called us to. When giving is voluntary and not mandatory it grows a sense of thankfulness for what we have been given. “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:7-8

9 W E CAN CHANGE THE WAY WE DO MINISTRY We can: consider different staffing structures. share staffing and resources with our neighboring Presbyteries. become more aware of and take advantage of the resources and ministry networks that are available through our Synod. transition giving to our mission partners to the congregations and use those resources for other ministry.

10 S OME QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER Are we willing to risk trying new ideas? Are we willing to graciously accept if an idea does not work and we need to try again? Can we live with the fact that the way forward is not clear cut and may be filled with trial and error? We may fail…or we may just discover an exciting, new way of ministry together!

11 W HICH DIRECTION WILL WE CHOOSE ? Continue to decline and diminish our ministry? Step out in faith and try a new path that may lead to exciting new ministry and growth? “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33