On April 8, the PCA Administrative Committee (AC), comprised of 11 teaching and ruling elders, along with nine representatives from PCA committees and boards, unanimously approved the “PCA Strategic Plan.” The Plan was commissioned by the Cooperative Ministries Committee (CMC) to evaluate slowed growth within the denomination and a shifting cultural landscape. Since byFaith’s online announcement of the AC’s approval, a number of issues have been raised. We asked Rev. John Robertson, the AC business administrator, about three of them.

One online reader expressed uncertainty about whether the Strategic Plan is biblical. That would obviously be a major concern.

In Scripture, God gives us principles to shape our thoughts about how to manage the gifts of His people. This Plan aims to apply them as carefully as possible. Here are a few principles that I think are relevant.

First of all, we know that Paul encouraged the churches to give from the heart, cheerfully and sacrificially. We see this in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 and in Philippians 1 and 4. So, encouraging our people to give with gratitude is the starting point for funding our PCA ministries, and in this case, the AC.

Secondly, we see in 1 Corinthians 12:28 that administration is given by God for the building up of His body, the Church. Flip over to 2 Corinthians 8 and 9; there, Paul talks about “administering” the gifts of the Macedonians. We see Paul planning, arranging, communicating, delegating, traveling, coordinating, and coaching. Undoubtedly, all this required funding, but it seems clear that Paul viewed these services as an integral part of the mission, not separate from it.

The AC, through its administrative functions, connects and supports PCA churches, presbyteries, teaching and ruling elders, lay workers, and ministries. Additional services and ministries are often assigned to the AC by the General Assembly. It seems right, I think, that those who assign the tasks bear some responsibility to fund them. Likewise, it’s reasonable that those who receive the benefits would help cover the costs—even gladly.

This plan is biblical for a third reason: When needs are neglected, they need to be addressed. The present funding system for PCA ministries works well for church planting, missions, and mercy. The system is failing, however, on the cause of connecting our denomination. And the Plan's proposed solution is, relatively speaking, such a minor cost. With this Plan we believe the CMC has addressed a neglected need with a fair and affordable solution.

Finally, God’s servants should receive financial support so they can concentrate on service. The proposed AC funding model saves money and delivers more service by cutting development costs and freeing staff to deliver needed services. As one elder told me, “If we are asking the staff of GA to support the work of our denomination, it’s right for us to ensure their support in that work."

One comment suggested that the Plan isn’t “grass roots.” What’s that about?

In the formative years of the PCA the term “grass roots” meant that power would flow from the bottom up; that it would come through elders from the local churches. This was a dramatic change. In the old denomination power flowed from the top down. The 2010 Strategic Plan actually broadens grass-roots participation.

Here’s what I mean: The power exercised by the presbyteries and the General Assembly is sourced in those who attend—who are chosen at the “grass-roots” level. No one is dictating from above who attends. Pastors have the right to come. Likewise, the sessions elect the ruling elders who attend. Therefore, the PCA possesses a grass-roots power structure.

The Strategic Plan deepens this characteristic of our denomination. Take the first theme for example: "Safe Places." The Plan recommends the creation of environments where theology can be debated informally by the broadest spectrum of those who have questions. The second theme: "More Seats at the Table," enables a much wider range of voices to participate in the mission and ministry of our churches. These are steps to broaden grass-roots involvement.

The third theme deals with our participation in “God's Global Mission.” This challenges us to become involved in discipleship and mentoring. It encourages us, in expansive terms, to move the gospel forward. It’s a community-wide expression of our grass-roots principles.

We’ve already talked about the funding change. The Plan proposes that the AC, which exists to connect the PCA ecclesiastically and to provide the church with a civil entity, be funded by an annual church registration fee of one-third of one percent of tithes and offerings—this excludes capital campaigns—and an annual registration fee for pastors of $100. Many churches will actually save money because their annual fee will be less than what they now pay to register for General Assembly.

Someone suggested that if a church doesn’t participate it will be penalized. Is this true?

If churches and pastors don’t pay the annual registration fee they’re not permitted to vote at the General Assembly. But under the current system they have to pay the registration fee to vote. I don’t see a big difference there principally. This does require a financial commitment of pastors and elders to secure our ecclesiastical operation, and to help provide the connecting infrastructure of the church. 
 
A church may remain in the PCA and never pay anything. However, the Plan proposes—as an informal discipline of encouragement—that non-paying churches be reported first to the PCA AC and then, in the second year, to the General Assembly.

For a more thorough FAQ section please visit: pcaac.org/2010StrategicPlanDocuments/FrequentlyAskedQuestions.htm.