Friends,
Think back to when you were first ordained. No matter when that was, the PCUSA is changing fast enough that for all of us the organizational structure of the church looks somewhat different. A few of us may have been ordained before the structural shift in the 1970’s when there were small presbyteries, many of which had no staff except for a stated clerk who might or might not have been remunerated.
We have since become accustomed to presbyteries that were created in order to be big enough to afford a full-time, professional executive to coordinate and, in some ways, oversee the work of Presbyterians within a certain geography. That is a world that is fading away in many parts of the country.
What will the PCUSA look like in 10 years? No one seems to know, except that most could agree that it will not be organized for mission and ministry in the same way that it is now.
Who has the best view of what is happening both at the denominational level and at the local congregational level? Those of us who spend our days in middle governing body ministry have a pretty good view of both.
In order to capitalize on that unique place in the system, the steering committee of AEPS is recommending a radical change in our organization. Instead of serving as a support group for those who serve in executive roles in presbyteries, the recommendation is that we form a learning community to benefit the whole church as we ride the wave of the change of structure in the church. As you look at the attached bylaws, you will see that all middle governing bodies will be asked to join this learning community by paying dues and then sending at least one representative to an annual event at which we will spend time together in pursuit of God’s direction moving forward.
There will be time at the annual meeting of AEPS in Minneapolis to talk about this document and its implications. For now, think about the possibilities of setting a new course for our work and worship together and our encouragement of one another and the whole church as we bring hope into peoples’ lives by responding to the good news in Jesus Christ.
Susan D. Krummel
General Presbyter
Presbytery of Great Rivers
AEPS -- PURPOSE We believe God gathers middle governing body leaders who are at the church’s fulcrum point, and who serve as connectors between congregations and the larger church, to be a learning community that resources and supports both each other and the church as a whole. Through scripture, prayer and dialogue we seek to discern a way forward amid the pressing issues and opportunities of the Presbyterian Church (USA). This community offers its unique perspective to the church in order to challenge and inspire us to a more faithful and fervent witness to our Lord Jesus Christ.
