The General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission

The responsibilities of the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission (GAPJC) are described in the Rules of Discipline section of the Book of Order. Members of the GAPJC shall have experience in interpreting the constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Experience with the Rules of Discipline and the normal functioning of church governing bodies is helpful. The GAPJC shall have an equal number (as nearly so as possible) of minister and elder members with one member at-large elected from each synod for a six-year term. No person shall serve on the GAPJC who is a member of any other commission, committee, agency, or council of the General Assembly, until that person shall have resigned such membership. The Moderator, Stated Clerk, or any member of the staff of the General Assembly or any of its entities shall not serve on its Permanent Judicial Commission.

Skills & Expertise Needed: Strong writing skills and analytical ability. Computer literate, ability to use word processing software helpful background: current or former stated clerk work, volunteer on Presbytery or Synod PJC and/or advocacy within PC(USA).

Time Requirement: Ten to fifteen days away from home. Meetings usually last four days and normally are held three times each year. Advance preparation must be made for each meeting. This requires an additional eight to twelve days per year. A total of 32 days per year may be required.

Nominated by GANC: 16 from among persons proposed by synods: one from each synod - Over six-year period.

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Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People

The National Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People (SDOP) provides the opportunity for the members of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and non-members to help establish partnerships with economically poor, oppressed, and disadvantaged people in the United States and around the world, which helps them to develop toward their own potential, self-determination, and human dignity. (People who are not Presbyterian may be nominated, elected, and serve). The National Committee shares this ministry with middle governing body Committees, as the focal point of the Church's efforts to promote the self-development concept and cause. The Committee membership is 31 persons. Each person may be considered to serve up to two four-year terms.

Time requirement: Approximately 20-25 days per year. It is important that persons considering service on the National Committee are aware of the great demand on their time and energy. Annually, there is a minimum of three National Committee meetings, three task force meetings, and standing committee meetings, as well as several required site-visits to communities from which applications come. Every other year (non General Assembly year) one of the three National SDOP meetings is a retreat for the National, Synod and Presbytery SDOP Committees in a specific region.

Nominated by GANC: 22 At-Large, 3 persons proposed by synods rotation and 6 persons proposed by presbyteries rotation - Over four-year period.

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Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Foundation

Since 1799. the Presbyterian Foundation has been committed to strengthening congregations, presbyteries, synods, the General Assembly and other agencies of the Church by developing gifts and managing funds on their behalf. The Foundation follows a faith-based, balanced investment approach and diligently meets its fiduciary responsibilities to invest, safeguard and distribute funds according to the instructions of the donors. The Foundation's mission statement is as follows: "A vital part of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the Foundation cultivates, attracts, and manages financial resources of individuals and institutions to serve Christ's mission."

The Foundation is governed by a Board of Trustees. The permanent complement consists of 19 Presbyterian men and women nominated by GANC and elected by the General Assembly to serve a designated term. The Stated Clerk of the General Assembly and the Executive Director of the General Assembly Mission Council are ex officio Trustees. An elected Trustee shall be eligible to serve two full or partial terms, for up to a total of eight (8) years.

Board Composition: Due to the nature of the Foundation’s work, the composition of the Board must reflect expertise and experience in each of the following areas: Accounting, Banking/Trust, Clergy, Development, Human Resources, Legal, Investment Management, Marketing, and Investments.

Time Requirement: There are three official board meetings per year, two days each; some committees may require an additional meeting.

Trustee Attendance: Trustees are expected to attend all board meetings. There may be a need for an occasional excused absence. However, the absence of one or two Trustees can truly hamper the board’s ability to conduct business, since only three to five Trustees are assigned to each standing committee. Trustee attendance will be monitored to maximize the effectiveness of the board.

Trustee Duties and Responsibilities:  Trustees are to carry out the fiduciary responsibilities of the corporation. As the fiduciary, this body is legally appointed and authorized to hold assets in trust and manage the assets for the benefit of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), governing bodies, local churches and other related entities. Trustees’ responsibilities also include understanding the Foundation’s mission, evaluating current business opportunities and threats, and providing the Foundation’s CEO and organization with clear strategic direction. 

Board responsibilities as a corporate body are to:

• Review, evaluate and approve objectives, strategies and major policies for Foundation services, annual forecast of income and expenses, and capital expenditures.
• Ensure compliance with the reporting requirements of the General Assembly.
• Understand the risks and liabilities of board membership and recognize the factors involved in managing the risks and liabilities of the Foundation.
• Provide feedback to the Board Development and Human Resources Committee on methods to improve board/committee meetings, proceedings, and performance of the Foundation’s leadership.
• Provide personal financial support of the Foundation and serious consideration of the personal use of the Foundation’s services.
• Assist in acquiring new gifts from Presbyterian entities and individuals by networking with the staff and other resources to identify potential donors and gifts.
• Promote the Foundation’s services in the home synod, presbytery and the session.
• Volunteer for board/committee assignments especially in the areas of personal expertise or interest.
• Clearly define the direction and articulate the expected quantitative and qualitative results.
• Provide strategic direction to the business affairs of the Foundation.
• Establish reporting mechanisms and key indicators to identify and measure organizational results.
• Lend assistance, guidance, and support to the CEO and leadership of the Foundation.
• Endorse and promote the Foundation's business activities.
• Elect all officers of the Board of Trustees and the Foundation’s leadership.
• Encourage Presbyterians' participation in Christian stewardship and investment of resources according to the social witness principles of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Standing Committees: The Board of Trustees possesses the full power to conduct, manage, and direct the business and affairs of the Foundation. The Board’s work is conducted through five standing committees which provide leadership, guidance, and decisions on policy and strategic initiatives. Board members are to approach key areas of committee responsibility with emphasis on generative, creative, and forward thinking. This includes anticipating the future business environment and directing the Foundation through strategic plans and initiatives to enhance business opportunities and minimize potential business threats. The five committees include:

1. Audit & Corporate Compliance Committee

1. Audit and fiscal responsibility
2. Bylaw revisions and maintenance
3. Legal issues
4. Tax issues
5. Systems
6. Gift administration

2. Investments Committee

1. Relationship with investment advisor
2. Creative investments
3. Asset allocation
4. Investment responsibility

3. Board Development & Human Resources Committee

1. Maximizing the role of current and former trustees
2. Nominations
3. Ongoing trustee training and new member orientation
4. CEO performance review and board self-assessment
5. HR policy and issues
6. Structure and location of board meetings

4. Vision & Outreach

1. Funds development
2. Marketing direction
3. Partnerships
4. Advancing the relationships with New Covenant Trust Company, N.A.

5. Executive Committee (Board Officers & Committee Chairs)

1. Exercise of authority of the full board in emergencies with the exception of actions excluded in the By-laws 

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Presbyteries' Cooperative Committee on Examination for Candidates

This Committee prepares and administers the written examinations which comprise one of the requirements for ordination to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA). (See G-14.0310c., d., and e.). The Committee has twenty-four (24) members. Twelve (12) members of the Committee are elected (on a rotating basis) by the six regional Reading Groups, which meet annually to grade exams. The other twelve members are elected by the General Assembly. Of those elected by the General Assembly, five are to be seminary faculty representatives, rotated among the Presbyterian seminaries. Each seminary faculty representative must have expertise in one of the four areas. The areas tested by the four standard ordination examinations: Biblical Exegesis (including use of biblical texts in their original languages), Theological Competence (with special emphasis on Reformed theology), Church Polity, and Worship and Sacraments. Seven members of the Committee are elected from the church-at-large.

The focus of the four written ordination examinations is to determine one’s entry-level readiness for ministry in the Presbyterian Church (USA). The exams present pastoral challenges whereby candidates may demonstrate how they integrate their faith and theological education in practical ministry.

Skills & Expertise Needed: The members of the Committee are expected to have training/expertise and/or significant practical experience in at least one of the four areas of examination. Members must have the ability to write resource papers to be used for preparation by the reading groups and give presentations on the examinations as a part of training for readers. Physical stamina and the ability to read and assess someone else’s work without imposing one’s own point of view are critical. The work of the PPC is greatly facilitated by members who are bilingual in Korean/English or Spanish/English.

Time Requirement: Annual Meeting of six days in April; Reading Groups (four days each in October and March); preparation of resource papers, questions and presentations for training of readers (seven to ten days.)

Nominated by GANC: 7 At-Large; 5 At-Large Seminary Professors (Rotated Among Seminaries) - Over four-year period.

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Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Investment and Loan Program, Inc.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Investment and Loan Program, Inc. provides the opportunity for individual Presbyterians, congregations, presbyteries and synods with financial resources to become partners with growing congregations in financing capital projects. The Program provides low cost loans to congregations, presbyteries, and Presbyterian entities for building and remodeling physical space, or for refinancing existing debt. Whether it is a new kitchen, a classroom or new worship space, a loan from the Program is available at the right time, with the right terms and the right mission focus for your leadership team.

The Program raises the funds for lending by selling investments. Each investor becomes a part of the mission of building churches. Investors become more engaged in their congregations and increase their ownership of the church's mission. The Program encourages stewardship of accumulated resources.

The Board of Directors consists of fifteen (15) members: six (6) At-Large members; two (2) members nominated by the GAMC’S Nominating Committee from the membership of the GAMC; two (2) members nominated by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Foundation; three (3) members by the Board of Directors of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Investment and Loan Program; one (1) nominated from among the synods of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.); and one (1) member nominated from among the presbyteries of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The Investment and Loan Program is a nonprofit Pennsylvania corporation whose sole member is the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), a Corporation.

Skills & Expertise Needed: The Program seeks people with financial skills, governing body, banking or brokerage experience, and knowledge of loan operations and marketing strategy. If you are committed to seeing the church grow and would like to use your skills and experience in assisting growing congregations come join us.

Time Requirement: The Investment and Loan Program's Board of Directors meets four times per year, usually in Cincinnati. Three meetings begin at 8:30 am on Saturday and conclude by 4:00 pm on Saturday. The July meeting begins on Friday evening and concludes by 4:00 PM on Saturday.

All nominees are presented to the GAMC for election. Nine (9) are nominated by the GANC: six (6) At-large, three (3) by the PILP Board, one (1) from the synods and one (1) from the presbyteries. Two (2) are nominated by the GAMC’S Nominating Committee from among the membership of the GAMC. Two (2) are nominated by the Board of Directors of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Foundation. All terms are for four years and begin at the conclusion of the annual meeting in March. Nominees are eligible to be elected for two terms, full or partial.

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Committee on Theological Education

The Committee on Theological Education (COTE) has General Assembly-mandated responsibility for developing and maintaining a comprehensive, denomination-wide plan for theological education. COTE seeks to identify, develop and propose strategies for a systemic approach to theological education within the PC(USA).

COTE serves as an advocate for theological education, seeking to support our Presbyterian seminaries (both financially and in other ways) and to strengthen them for their mission to the whole church. It is the body through which the seminaries report and are accountable to the denomination. COTE also serves as a two-way communication link between the denomination and graduate theological institutions.

COTE reports to the Executive Committee of the General Assembly Mission Council and directly to the General Assembly.

Twenty-three (23) voting members: 11 church-at-large, 2 from the General Assembly Mission Council, 10 representatives of the denomination's theological schools. Length of term: 4-year term. Members at-large may NOT be Trustees, Staff, or Faculty of Presbyterian Seminaries. Nominated by GANC: 11 At-Large – for four year terms.

Skills & Expertise Needed: Persons who have a keen interest in theological education, church leadership development and expertise and experience in processes related to ministry formation in the PC(USA).

Time Requirement: Annual Fall meeting from Tuesday to Thursday during the week after Labor Day, and bi-annually in the Spring (odd numbered years only) on Tuesday through Thursday during the third week of March. Task Force and Committee meetings in between and usually by conference call about once every few months.

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Advocacy Committee on Racial Ethnic Concerns

The Advocacy Committee for Racial Ethnic Concerns (ACREC) works with the General Assembly, the General Assembly Mission Council, the Office of the General Assembly, General Assembly Mission Council staff, and other entities related to the General Assembly to keep a strong prophetic voice for racial ethnic concerns before the church. The committee has direct access to the General Assembly Council and to the General Assembly to which it reports. The committee has two functions: 1) The committee is an advocate within the church to maintain an active witness for racial justice in public policy matters. It may address any issue that significantly impacts the quality of life for people of color, such areas as civil rights, housing, employment, healthcare, public education, affirmative action, environmental racism, economic justice, criminal justice and immigration policy; and 2) The committee recommends new policy and timely revisions to existing policies to the Assembly and monitors the implementation of policies adopted by the church to identify practices that adversely impact the quality of life and full participation for people of color in the life of the church.

The committee is composed of twelve (12) members who may serve not more than two four (4) year terms. Members consist of two representatives from each of the following constituency groups: African American, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino American, Middle Eastern, and Native American. Five members are nominated by the racial ethnic caucuses for the constituency groups represented in ACREC; one member is appointed by the General Assembly Mission Council Executive Committee (GAC-EX); and six members are nominated at-large by the General Assembly Nominating Committee (GANC), insuring geographic, racial, and gender diversity.

Skills & Expertise Needed: A demonstrated commitment to social and economic justice as an expression of Christian discipleship and faith; an understanding of the systemic and structural nature of racism; a willingness to work collectively to articulate a theological understanding of racial justice and combat racism both in the church and in the world; familiarity with the church's public policy witness, knowledge and expertise in a wide range of social justice issues, skills in social analysis, writing ability.

Time Requirement: The committee meets three times in a non-Assembly year, four times in an Assembly year. Committee members may serve as liaisons to other entities and/or serve on a task force or subcommittee requiring additional travel. The total time commitment may range from an average of 15 to 25 days per year.

Nominated by GANC: Five (5) At-large persons from designated racial ethnic categories; and one (1) At-Large person, race and ethnicity unspecified, for balance and diversity within the committee, are nominated to serve on ACREC for a term of four-years, renewable, not to exceed two terms.

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Advocacy Committee for Women's Concerns

The Advocacy Committee for Women’s Concerns (ACWC) is called by General Assembly to be a voice of justice and advocacy for women in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and around the world; in order to give full expression to the rich diversity within its membership (Book of Order, G-4.0403). ACWC advocates for full inclusiveness and equity. “Does not wisdom call, and does not understanding raise her voice?” Proverbs 8:1.

ACWC is a function of the General Assembly Mission Council Executive Administrator’s Office and provides its staff support. ACWC has direct access to the General Assembly Mission Council and the General Assembly. ACWC's three primary responsibilities include serving as a voice of advocacy on existing and emerging issues of justice both within the church and society; evaluating and monitoring policies, procedures, programs and resources regarding the way in which they impact the status and position of women; and giving the General Assembly and the General Assembly Mission Council advice and counsel on overtures, resolutions, reports and actions recommending policy direction or action on issues of justice. The committee carries out these advocacy and monitoring functions in collaboration with the Advocacy Committee for Racial Ethnic Concerns and Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy. One ACWC member serves on the Committee on Mission Responsibility Through Investment. ACWC is not programmatic.

ACWC's membership is twelve (12) members which includes two clergy women, one female church lay employee, the Presbyterian Women Church-wide Coordinating Team Vice Moderator for Justice and Peace, one GAMC Executive Committee member, and seven at-large members chosen to balance the committee geographically, racially and ethnically, and with persons of diverse ages and varied expertise. At least four members will be racial ethnic, and at least two, not more than three, will be men. Members may serve up to two four-year terms.

Skills & Expertise Needed: Critical faith perspective on sexism and gender justice, advocacy experience, skills in social analysis, knowledge in women's issues, policy insights, and writing ability.

Time Requirement: Meets three times annually for three days each meeting. Few members will attend additional Advice and Counsel meetings in April and at the General Assembly. Additional committee and task group assignments plus travel time can bring the total to 12-20 days per year.

Nominated by GANC: 10 At-Large (7 At-Large; 3 At-Large from designated categories) - Over four-year period.

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Presbyterian Council for Chaplains and Military Personnel

Needed: Presbyterians with passion to support ministry in the U.S Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Four Presbyterian denominations elect members to the Council. The Constitution of the Council sets forth 10 specific responsibilities: 1) inform the church that its mission is carried into unique and difficult areas through Chaplains' ministries; 2) procure, screen, and endorse clergy to serve as chaplains to the military, both active and reserve status; to the Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, both full and part-time; to the Civil Air Patrol; and to the services' Candidacy Seminarian programs; 3) provide ecclesiastical supervision and support; 4) keep chaplains and governing bodies aware of mutual responsibilities and foster live and supportive relationships; 5) provide a unified influential voice in speaking to the government on matters relating to military personnel; 6) develop effective programs of ministry to military personnel; 7) encourage and enable local congregations in support of their members in the military services; 8) cooperate with other similar ecclesiastical bodies; 9) give representation to denominational agencies and ecumenical bodies in concerns with matters relating to military personnel and VA Hospital patients; and 10) consider other matters as referred by member denominations. Eight (8) at-large-members and 1 GAMC member to represent the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) on the Council.

Skills and Expertise: Some knowledge of military/VA chaplaincy would be most helpful. Members would normally be retired, reserve or former chaplains or spouses, or have extensive military experience. As our work deals often with the middle and upper courts of the church, persons with past or current experience in elected or staff positions would be helpful.

Time Requirement: One annual meeting in November requires two full days. If elected to Executive or Interview Committee an additional two to four interspersed days during year. Visits/calls are made to active duty chaplains serving in local area.

Nominated by GANC: 8 At-Large; 1 membership from GAMC - Over two four-year periods

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Review Committee on General Assembly Agencies

Annually, the General Assembly Nominating Committee nominates to the General Assembly for election a committee and its moderator to review the work of one of the agencies of the General Assembly based on a six-year schedule. In 2010-2012 it is anticipated that the Review Committee will review the work of the Board of Pensions and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Foundation. The Review Committee’s responsibility is to provide an objective report to the General Assembly as to the agencies’ compliance to the standards of review and the quality and acceptability of the agencies’ self-study. The committee may provide advice on areas of program improvement. The committee’s role will be to examine the agencies’ church relations, its policies and practice and its program effectiveness. The committee will review the agencies’ self study report and other documents. It will visit the agency and talk personally with leadership staff and the governing board or committee. The governing board of the agency is responsible for the internal management of the agency and its operational details. The Review Committee will report to the General Assembly through the General Assembly committee to which the agency annually reports.

Composition: The committee is composed of twelve (12) members: four (4) commissioners from the previous six assemblies, four (4) who have previously served on the board of a General Assembly agency (i.e., Board of Pensions, Committee on the Office of the General Assembly, General Assembly Mission Council, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Foundation, Presbyterian Investment & Loan Program, Presbyterian Publishing Corporation) other than one being reviewed and four (4) at-large. The at large members may include ecumenical partners.

Skills & Expertise Desired: 1) The ability to offer objective perspective on the work of a General Assembly agency; 2) experience in the area of work of that agency or service as an agency board member or commissioner to General Assembly. It is expected that the Review Committees reporting to the 219th General Assembly will review the work of the Board of Pensions and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Foundation.

Time Requirement: The review committee members will need to be prepared to attend and participate in at least 3 meetings (approximately 10 days total) beginning in the Fall after the meeting of the General Assembly.

Nominated by GANC: 12 persons: 4 at-large, 4 former members of the board of a General Assembly agency, and 4 former commissioners over a one-year period.

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Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Mortgage Corporation

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Mortgage Corporation is a special purpose corporation with a narrowly defined mission. In order to increase the availability of church loan funds it may be necessary, from time to time, to raise funds through the securitization of loans originated by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Investment and Loan Program, Inc. Therefore, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Mortgage Corporation may purchase and accept the transfer of loans from the Investment & Loan Program and/or Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) middle governing body corporations. Once purchased and transferred, the Mortgage Corporation shall service the loans, while simultaneously selling to a financial institution the right to receive revenues from such purchased loans.

The Board of Directors consists of three (3) members: two (2) members nominated by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Investment and Loan Program, Inc., and one (1) at large member nominated by the General Assembly Nominating Committee. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Mortgage Corporation is a Pennsylvania corporation whose sole member is the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), A Corporation.

Skills & Expertise Needed: The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Mortgage Corporation seeks people with financial skills, banking or brokering experience, credit analysis and risk management, and loan operations.

Time Requirement: The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Mortgage Corporation’s Board of Directors meets once each year, typically in conjunction with meetings of the Investment & Loan Program’s Board of Directors. Additional meetings are held, often via the phone, as required by the business.

Nominated by GANC: 1 At-Large member nominated to the General Assembly Mission Council for election up to 2 four-year terms.

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