Kruse Kronicle

A Fine Day at Presbytery

—

by

mwkruse
in

Yesterday I joined the fine folks of Missouri Union Presbytery for a presbytery meeting. I was part of a panel that included Synod Executive John Williams and GAC Executive Director John Detterick (by phone). We were there to talk about changes at the GAC. (I will have more about substance in a subsequent post.)

Denis Hancock, a friend and fellow blogger at the Reformed-Angler, snapped some pictures at the meeting. You can see a couple of them at A Fine Day at Presbytery. Denis says he will post more later. I will be curious to read about his take on what he heard.

Comments

2 responses to “A Fine Day at Presbytery”

  1. Denis Hancock Avatar
    Denis Hancock

    I have posted my impressions, and they are largely positive.
    My main quibble is the mixed message we are getting on evangelism and witness. I am also concerned about communications.
    [grin] But then you already knew that… [/grin]
    Seriously, I think many people are feeling better about the direction GAC is moving. Not everyone is going to be happy, but this kind of communication gave at least Missouri Union a clear picture of what GAC was thinking.
    Now if you and others can tell this story around the PC(USA)….

    Reply
  2. Michael Kruse Avatar
    Michael Kruse

    I think the big question is “What impact can GAC offices in Louisville have on improving evangelism across the denomination?” I think this is another one of those areas where what is most important for the health of the denomination may not be something to which the GAC can make a direct contribution. Our role is a supportive and nurturing for those who can most make an impact.
    As to mission folks outside the US, there may be different story. It is estimated that 55 positions will be eliminated although that comes mostly through attrition. As people’s terms expire or they retire, new mission folks will not be sent. Every effort is being made not to bring people home before their term expires.
    As John Detterick noted, this is a complex issue. Much mission personnel funding has been coming form restricted funds, especialy spendable endowments. These are endowments that were given with the intent that they would be spent down to nothing. These funds are drying up and new restricted money is not forthcoming. Clearly unrestricted money is on the decline as well. It is clearly creating a crunch but it is not a philosophical retreat from doing work with mission partners. It just may mean some radical rethinking about how we do this type of mission.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Discover more from Kruse Kronicle

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading