In its ongoing efforts to set the Presbyterian Mission Agency (PMA) on secure financial footing and minimize—although not entirely eliminate—anticipated reductions in force, the PMA Human Resources office recommended and the Leadership Cabinet approved on Dec. 7 to recommend to the Presbyterian Mission Agency Board (PMAB) that there be no salary increases for Presbyterian Mission Agency staff in 2016.
The PMA Leadership Cabinet is composed of Tony De La Rosa, interim executive director, the PMA deputy executive director, senior directors, the director of policy, administration and board support, and its ministry area directors.
PMA chief financial officer Earline Williams estimates that, if approved, the elimination of the annual pay increase for employees will save $460,067 in the 2016 budget. The exact amount of cuts needed to balance the PMA budget is still being studied.
As reported by the Presbyterian News Service (PNS) on Sept. 23, when De La Rosa was named interim executive director of the PMA effective Dec. 1, the agency is facing extreme financial challenges. He accepted the call with the full knowledge that he would be asked to make some difficult staffing determinations.
“As we strive to serve Christ in our daily tasks, we know that sacrifices are often required, yet at the same time we have faith that God is indeed in charge and will wisely and lovingly see us through this next phase of our ministry on behalf of those whom we serve,” De La Rosa said.
PNS previously reported on a world mission co-worker sending and support projected funding gap of $925,000 in 2016 that could widen to $4.5 million in 2017, resulting in the recall of approximately 40 of the 162 PC(USA) mission co-workers.
The PMA Leadership Cabinet recommendation will be considered by the PMAB Executive Committee at its scheduled meeting on Jan. 22, 2016. If approved, the recommendation will then be referred to the full PMAB for action at its Feb. 3-5, 2016, meeting.