The Presbyterian Mission Agency Board approved the Presbyterian Mission Agency 2015-16 budgets at its meeting in Louisville, April 23-25, 2014. The 2015 budget is $74.5M and the 2016 is $79M.
In addition, the board approved a revised 2014 budget of $79.9M, down from the previously approved $82.5M.
“Because we concluded 2013 with actual expenses of $76.5M, we asked our ministries to continue the good stewardship they applied last year to this year’s budget,” said Linda Valentine, Executive Director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency.
The budgets for 2015 and 2016 were reached by evaluating the impact of programs and their alignment with the agency’s Mission Work Plan and goals. The Mission Work Plan continues the focus of inspiring, equipping and connecting the church for Christ’s mission in six directional goals: leadership, discipleship, young adults, the movement to start 1001 new worshiping communities, General Assembly engagement and organizational integrity.
The budgets incorporate several known factors for 2015-2016:
In light of continued declines in unrestricted giving and endowment earnings, investments are being made in funds development for priority ministries to help sustain those ministries for the future.
As a result of projected decline in per capita, some expenses formerly paid with per capita are in the mission budget for 2015-16.
Other additional costs include 3% annual increases in the salary pool and increased health care costs.
Seven full time positions, out of a full-time workforce of 300 are being eliminated as part of this recommended budget. The 2015–16 budget will be forwarded to the General Assembly for approval when it meets this summer in Detroit.
The Presbyterian Mission Agency is the mission agency of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) comprises approximately 1.8 million members in more than 10,000 congregations, answering Christ’s call to mission and ministry throughout the United States and the world.