On Monday, the process of redefining how ministry will be conducted within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s new temporary unified body became a little clearer. Plans were announced to reorganize several programs affecting the Ministry of Theology, Education and Evangelism, Compassion, Peace and Justice Ministries, the Presbyterian Historical Society, and Communications.
Over the past year, Pastor Oh Ji-hyun (currently the Executive Director and Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States) has gathered with leaders including Rev. Bronwen Boswell, Acting Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), and Pastor Diane Moffett, Representative and Executive Director of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to discuss the budget approved by the 2025-26 General Assembly. We discussed our core mission and ministry priorities and worked to support mid-council support, leadership development, reparations justice, life in the faith community, and strategic partnerships and operations.
“This decision is part of a long process to align the mission and ministries of both synodal agencies with the needs of today’s church, society, and our denomination. The center of gravity of the global church has shifted toward the global south. The current structure is confirmed. Compared to when we were together, we are at most half the size of our community, and now, with neighbors from all over the world coming into our community, the global village has become a region and the general assembly organizations have become a global village. Ministry for the challenges and opportunities of discipleship training “How can we best support our partners?” said Pastor Oh. “By working with leaders from previous agencies and administrative services groups and following the guidance of the Unified Council, we are moving toward a sustainable service that better aligns with our vision, values, and mission and ministry priorities.”
The following are planned:
peace increase program reconstruction: This ministry has been a regular ministry of the Presbyterian Mission Bureau for many years. As a single ministry, this program will be discontinued, but the plan is to continue the work that this program did by integrating with other existing ministries. As part of this, the gun violence prevention ministry will be transferred to the Office of Public Policy and Mission.
church activate Program and 1001 bird worship community integration: This integrated ministry will focus its resources on expanding its work to nurture existing churches and start new worshiping communities. This phase also includes integration with staff from Racial Equality and Women’s Multicultural Ministry (RE&WIM).
Department of Theology worship office reconstruction: Integrate work into existing ministries and place a new focus on leadership development for all ages and diverse representations of the church.
committee/council examine: The Presbyterian Historical Association Board of Directors, the Educator Certification Committee, and the ‘Great Practice of Sharing’ Special Offering Advisory Committee (Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Program, Community Building Support Committee, and Hunger Eradication Program Advisory Committee) will suspend face-to-face meetings in 2025, and the integrated committee will be formed. Responsible for review of all committees related to the temporary consolidation agency.
Presbyterian Church Historical Association’s ‘Presbyterian Church history ‘Journal’ reorganize: This journal will be discontinued as an academic-themed publication after 2025 and will be replaced by an online edition focused on the church.
This change will achieve a sustainable and balanced 2025-26 budget, including a $5 million reduction over two years approved at the 226th General Assembly, as well as staff reductions in affected areas.
Pastor Oh said, “We have shared information with the World Mission staff as well as partners around the world that there will be a big change in the way we cooperate in the future, and we are reviewing how to structure the organization in 2025.” “Once this process is completed, we expect to see staff reductions in 2025 as well.”
Pastor Oh Ji-hyeon encouraged any questions or comments to be submitted by email (feedback@pcusa.org).
