As denominations attempt to change to meet the changing conditions of our society, a clear trend is to decentralize. In the Presbyterian Church that means the action moves further down the hierarchy. Our national offices are seriously downsizing in response to the reduced amount of funds available. At the same time, they are trying to send a message that they are focused on servicing the presbyteries and churches below. In some areas the work of synods has continued to play a role but in others areas their functions have become almost non-existent.
That brings us down to the presbyteries. Like many presbyteries, Salem Presbytey, where I am, has recently gone through a significant decentralization. As mentioned in earlier blogs, we have identified three neighborhoods of churches in three distinct areas of the presbytery. An important distinction in our effort is that we are also redirecting some of our funds towards those neighborhoods. In this first year we have set aside about $50,000 to be used in what is called “neighborhood initiatives.” Then, to increase the investment in this work, we have invited every clergy and DCE to make their own contribution of $100 to be used for neighborhood initiatives. This should add an additional 10 to 15 thousand to the fund. It also makes it a more personal project.
The idea is to encourage our connectionalism at the local level. If four or more churches come up with an idea for linked ministry, they can apply to their neighborhood for some of these funds. Those who were the commissioners to the last presbytery meeting, both lay and clergy, are asked for their approval of this project. Sixty percent of them must approve and then the funds are released. The projects can range from providing joint officer training within their churches to responding to the needs of the homeless in their area. Not only does this encourage the several local churches to work together but, because the other elders and clergy have to vote to approve the project, it keeps all of the churches in the neighborhood aware of what is going on. It will also be possible for the three neighborhoods to come up with a presbytery wide project that brings it all together.
Jesus used power but used it for the sake of others rather than to build himself up. In our society, money is power. The intention of this new direction is to empower the churches to work together for the sake of their common ministry. While decentralization is the trend, we want to do it in a way that does not sacrifice the value of our connectionalism.
