2013 Minutes of theof the General Assembly2013 MINUTES OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Cumberland Presbyterian Church

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

2013 MINUTES
General Assembly
Cumberland Presbyterian Church

ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY-THIRD MEETINGMURFREESBORO, TENNESSEE***********

NEXT MEETING - CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEEJUNE 16 - 20, 2014***********

1

2

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Vision of Ministry
Biblically-based and Christ-centeredborn out of a specific sense of mission,
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church strives to be true to its heritage:
to be open to God’s reforming spirit,
to work cooperatively with the larger Body of Christ,
and to nurture the connectional bonds that make us one.
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church seeks—to be the hands and feet of
Christ  in witness and service to the world and, above all, the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church lives out the love of God to the glory of Jesus Christ.

2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

3

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Vision of Ministry and Priority Goals...............................................................................................Title Page
Program...........................................................................................................................................................4
Commissioners................................................................................................................................................6
Youth Advisory Delegates..............................................................................................................................7
Committees and Abbreviations.......................................................................................................................7
Committee Meeting Rooms............................................................................................................................7
Committee Assignments.................................................................................................................................8
Assembly Meetings and Officers....................................................................................................................9
By Laws of General Assembly Corporation.................................................................................................12
Memorial Roll of Ministers..........................................................................................................................22
Living General Assembly Moderators..........................................................................................................23
Membership of Boards and Agencies...........................................................................................................24
Reports
Moderator...............................................................................................................................................32
Stated Clerk............................................................................................................................................33
Ministry Council Report One.................................................................................................................40
Ministry Council Report Two...............................................................................................................121
Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits..................................................................................197
Board of Trustees of Memphis Theological Seminary.........................................................................224
Board of the Historical Foundation......................................................................................................246
OUO Committee...................................................................................................................................254
Commission on Chaplains and Military Personnel..............................................................................256
Permanent Judiciary Committee..........................................................................................................258
Joint Committee on Amendments........................................................................................................261
Nominating Committee........................................................................................................................262
Place of Meeting Committee................................................................................................................264
Unified Committee on Theology and Social Concerns........................................................................266
Evaluation Committee..........................................................................................................................268
Unification Task Force.........................................................................................................................273
Board of Trustees of the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home.................................................274
Board of Trustees of Bethel University................................................................................................280
Memorials
From Red River Presbytery Concerning Congregations Who Secure Loans......................................282
From Grace Presbytery Concerning The Distinction Between Christianity and Islam..............................282
Resolution
From Grace Presbytery Concerning The Sacrament of Baptism.........................................................283
Agency Budgets..........................................................................................................................................285
Audits .......................................................................................................................................................294
Minutes.......................................................................................................................................................438
Appendices..................................................................................................................................................448
Church Calendar................................................................................................................. Inside Back Cover

4

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Assembly Meetings:
			General Assembly Office:		
Women’s Ministry Office:		
Retiring Moderator:
			
Host:
			
Pastor Host:					Worship Director			Music Director:			

Murfreesboro Embassy Suites Hotel & Convention Center
Wynthorpe Room in the Convention Center
Churchill Board Room in the Convention Center
The Reverend Robert Rush, Trinity Presbytery
Murfreesboro Presbytery
The Reverend Jeff Clark, pastor at Joywood CPC in Murfreesboro, Tennessee
The Reverend Lisa Scott, Missouri Presbytery
The Reverend Lanny Johnson, Murfreesboro Presbytery

SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013
Location			

Time		Event

Convention Center   2:00 p.m. Setup displaysHallways			  3:00 p.m. Orientation for Commissioners & Youth Advisory Delegates Mirabella B & C								Orientation for Committee Chairs and Co-Chairs
Wynthorpe(Commissioner/YAD packets may be picked up before or after the orientation session.)				 7:00 p.m Praise Gathering/Singing, Hosted by Murfreesboro Presbytery Mirabella E & F								Special Music includes Bethel University’s Vocal Authority

FIRST DAY - MONDAY, JUNE 17, 2013
Convention Center  8:30 a.m. Registration for Commissioners and Youth Advisory Delegates(for those who did not register on Sunday)
Wynthorpe
  9:00 a.m. Women’s Ministry Registration (open until 5:00 p.m.)(Registration Desk near Mirabella A )  9:00 a.m. Pre-Assembly Workshops
(Mirabella, G, H, I, J	
Cambridge B, Broadlands A & B)			
10:15 a.m. Break
10:30 a.m. Pre-Assembly Workshops
(Mirabella, G, H, I, J				
Cambridge B, Broadlands A & B)
				11:45 a.m. Break
2:00 p.m. Opening Worship
Mirabella E & F
				The Retiring Moderator: The Reverend Robert Rush,   Trinity Presbytery
Worship Director: The Reverend Lisa Scott, Missouri Presbytery  3:00 p.m. Break for Commissioners and YADs to move to Commissioners								Section for business session
  3:15 p.m. Constitution of the General Assembly
Adoption of the Agenda
Report of the Credentials Committee								Election of Moderator								Election of Vice-Moderator
Presentation by the Stated Clerk
Communications
Corrections to preliminary minutes
Committee Appointments and Referrals to Committees
Welcome, Pastor Host, Local Officials, CPCA Representative
Introduction of Board and Agency Representatives
  4:30 p.m. General Assembly Committees meet(Mirabella, G, H, I, J	
Cambridge B, Broadlands A & B)  4:30 p.m. Women’s Ministry Regional Council Meeting and Dinner
Mirabella D			  5:30 p.m. Break for Dinner

EVENING PROGRAM
Convention Center   7:00 p.m. Moderator’s Reception honoring the Moderator and
Oakleigh B & C						 Vice-Moderator of the General Assembly,
the Immediate Past Moderator, the President-Elect and
the President of the Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

5

SECOND DAY - TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 2013
Convention Center

		

			
			

  8:30 a.m. Devotional, The Reverend Wilfrido Quinonez, Cauca Valley Presbytery
Mirabella E & F  9:00 a.m. Women’s Ministry Convention
Mirabella B, C, D
  9:00 a.m. General Assembly business session
Presentation by the Commission on Chaplains
Presentation by the Our United Outreach Committee
Presentation by Memphis Theological Seminary
Presentation by Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home
Resolutions by Commissioners
Adjourn for Committee Meetings
10:30 a.m. Committee Meetings
(Mirabella G, H, I, J
Cambridge B, Broadlands A & B)
12:00 p.m. Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home Luncheon
Oakleigh B & C
  1:30 p.m. Committee Meetings
(Mirabella G, H, I, J
Cambridge B, Broadlands A & B)  2:00 p.m. Women’s Ministry Convention Reconvenes
Mirabella B,C,D
  5:30 p.m. Bethel University Dinner
Oakleigh B & C

EVENING PROGRAM
Convention Center

7:00 p.m. “Celebrating 90 years of Youth Ministry”
Mirabella F
Discipleship Ministry Team and Historical Foundation
8:00 p.m. Convention Fun Night
Mirabella B, C, D
9:00 p.m. Convention:  “Set Them Free” movie about Human Trafficking
Mirabella A

THIRD DAY - WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 2013
Convention Center
			
			
			
			
			
			

  8:30 a.m. Devotions in Committee Rooms

(Mirabella G, H, I, J
Cambridge B, Broadlands A & B)
Mirabella B,C,D

9:00 a.m. Women’s Ministry Convention Reconvenes
12:00 p.m. Memphis Theological Seminary/
Program of Alternate Studies Luncheon
Oakleigh B & C
12:00 p.m. Field Trip to Thistle Farm plus Workshops (till 4:00 p.m.)TBA
  5:00 p.m. Conclusion of Committee Meetings
(Mirabella G, H, I, J
Cambridge B, Broadlands A & B)  5:00 p.m. Dinner BreakEVENING PROGRAM
Convention Center   7:00 p.m. Worship/Holy CommunionMirabella E & F			  8:30 p.m. Reception Honoring Women in MinistryOakleigh B & C								Sponsored by Memphis Theological Seminary,
Missions Ministry Team  & Pastoral Development Ministry Team
(Reception to begin following worship service)

FOURTH DAY - THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013
Convention Center

		
			
			

Convention Center  8:30 a.m. Devotional, Cole Coffman, Youth Advisory Delegate,
Missouri Presbytery
  9:00 a.m. General Assembly Business  9:00 a.m. Women’s Ministry Convention Reconvenes
12:00 p.m. Lunch Break
12:00 p.m. Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry Luncheon  2:00 p.m. General Assembly Business  5:00 p.m. Dinner BreakTake Down Displays

EVENING PROGRAM

Mirabella E & F
Mirabella B, C, D
Oakleigh B & C
Mirabella E & F  7:00 p.m. General Assembly Business
Mirabella E & F
Closing Worship: The Reverend Lisa Scott, Missouri Presbytery(In the event that business is not concluded on Thursday,the closing worship will be at the conclusion of business on Friday morning.)

6

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

COMMISSIONERS
to theONE HUNDRED EIGHTY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLYPRESBYTERYMINISTERCOMMITTEEELDERCOMMITTEE

Andes (2).......................... Diana Valdez.......................MC/C/D
Arkansas (2)..................... Nancy McSpadden.................HE..................... Charles Atkinson.....................J........................... Garland Skidmore............ CPCH/HF............... Jerrell White..................... MC/C/D
Cauca Valley (3)............... Wilfrido Quinonez............... C/M/P
Choctaw (1)...................... Randy Jacob.......................MC/C/D
Columbia (2).................... John Hyden.............................S/E..................... John Koelz............................ S/E........................... Pat Fife...............................MC/C/D................ George Ladd............................J
Covenant (3)..................... Jason Heidel..........................TSC.................... Sharon Resch...........................J........................... James Lawson.................. CPCH/HF............... Ercel Rushing....................... S/E........................... David LeNeave.......................S/E..................... Bill Shreves...................... MC/C/D
Cumberland (3)................ Rodney Harris.......................TSC.................... Pete Moss.............................TSC........................... Carlton Hatcher......................S/E..................... Marcia Blair...........................HE........................... Tim McGuire.................... CPCH/HF............... Diann Phelps...........................J
Cumberland East Coast.... Jin Soo Park............................HEDel Cristo (2)................... Melissa Knight.........................J....................... Maria Cook........................... S/E........................... Shelia O’Mara..................... C/M/P.................. Nancy Molinar......................TSC
East Tennessee (4)............ Patrick Kelly..................... CPCH/HF............... Stacy Bolton..................... MC/C/D........................... Jamie Lively..........................TSC.................... Pete Carter.......................... C/M/P........................... James McGuire.......................HE..................... Dean Enos....................... CPCH/HF........................... Ken Phillips..............................J....................... Roger Thornburg...................HE
Grace (3).......................... J. Don Clark............................S/E..................... Carole Edwards............... CPCH/HF........................... Charles Reed......................MC/C/D................ Raymond Gillon................... S/E........................... Mike Wilkinson......................HE..................... Norris Ray.......................... C/M/P
Hong Kong (2).................
Hope (1)............................ Jimmy Peyton................... CPCH/HF............... Jerry Weathersby.....................JJapan (2)........................... Keitaro Ohi.......................... C/M/P.................. Toru Abe............................. C/M/P
Missouri (1)...................... Lisa Scott.......................... CPCH/HF............... Doris Hunter.........................TSC
Murfreesboro (4).............. Jeff Clark................................HE..................... Elaine Burton...................... C/M/P........................... Lanny Johnson........................S/E..................... Greg Elliott..............................J........................... Denny Shepard...................MC/C/D................ Jerry George......................... S/E........................... Rocky Whray....................... C/M/P.................. Michael Moore.....................TSC
Nashville (4)..................... Kenny Butcher....................MC/C/D................ Paul Hyde........................... C/M/P........................... Jesse Freeman...........................J....................... Carl Myers............................TSC........................... Tim Stutler.............................TSC.................... Thom Nash...................... CPCH/HF........................... Joy Warren..............................S/E..................... Kathy Story...................... MC/C/D
North Central (2).............. Jeff Biggs..................................J....................... Terry Gordon...........................J........................... Toby Davis.........................MC/C/D................ Roy Shanks............................HERed River (3).................... David Carpenter....................TSC.................... Joy Grant...............................HE........................... David Kurtz......................... C/M/P........................... Norlan Scrudder.......................J....................... Vince Wilson................... CPCH/HF
Robert Donnell (2)........... Richard Hughes......................HE..................... Patricia Hester................. CPCH/HF
Tenn./Georgia (3)............. Jimmy Byrd...........................TSC.................... James Condra.................. CPCH/HF........................... Cliff Hudson.............................J....................... Martha Layne....................... S/E........................... Forest Prosser...................... C/M/P
Trinity (2)......................... Robert Rush............................HE..................... John Dougherty....................TSC........................... Kevin Colvard..................... C/M/P.................. Tony Martin...........................HEWest Tennessee (7)........... Elinor Brown..........................HE..................... Susan Fitzgerald................... S/E........................... Missy Rose............................TSC.................... Pat Meeks........................... C/M/P........................... William Warren................ CPCH/HF............... Marshall Moss.......................HE........................... Johnny Watson........................S/E..................... Bill Parmenter................. CPCH/HF........................... Carey Womack.................... C/M/P

2013
.

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHYOUTH ADVISORY DELEGATES
to theONE HUNDRED EIGHTY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY(Each Presbytery is eligible to send two Youth Advisory Delegates)

PRESBYTERYDELEGATECOMMITTEE

Arkansas..........................................................Mandy Jones.............................................................................. S/E..........................................................Mindy Jones................................................................................. J
Choctaw ..........................................................A’an Parra................................................................................... S/E
Columbia.........................................................Cora Beard................................................................................. HE..........................................................Clay Holt..................................................................................C/M/P
Covenant.........................................................Kelsey Hayes........................................................................CPCH/HF
Cumberland.....................................................Sarah Wilborn........................................................................... TSC
del Cristo.........................................................(no youth)
East Tennessee................................................Holden Miller............................................................................. HE..........................................................Rachel West............................................................................... TSC
Grace ..........................................................Avery Acton..........................................................................CPCH/HF..........................................................Sarah Fowler................................................................................ J
Hope ..........................................................Katie Peyton..........................................................................CPCH/HF
Japan ..........................................................(no youth)
Missouri ..........................................................Cole Coffman............................................................................ TSC
Murfreesboro...................................................Grant Gipson............................................................................C/M/P..........................................................Emily Mahoney.......................................................................... HE
Nashville.........................................................Claire Temple......................................................................... MC/C/D
North Central..................................................Landon Logan.......................................................................CPCH/HF..........................................................Peyton Dunne............................................................................ TSC
Red River........................................................William Davis........................................................................ MC/C/D..........................................................Jacob Moore................................................................................. J
Robert Donnell................................................(no youth)
Tennessee Georgia..........................................(no youth)
Trinity ..........................................................Diego Arias................................................................................ S/E..........................................................Samantha Herman.................................................................CPCH/HF
West Tennessee...............................................Elizabeth Forester....................................................................C/M/P..........................................................Matthew Hudson........................................................................ S/E

COMMITTEES ABBREVIATIONS AND MEETING ROOMS
Embassy Suites Hotel & Convention Center
ABBREV.
C/M/P
CPCH/HF
HEJ
MC/C/D
S/E
TSC

COMMITTEE		
Chaplains/Missions/Pastoral Development
Children’s Home/Historial Foundation
Higher Education
Judiciary
Ministry Council/Communications/Discipleship
Stewardship/Elected Officers
Theology/Social Concerns

MEETING ROOMS
Mirabella J
Broadlands A
Mirabella H
Cambridge A
Mirabella I
Cambridge B
Mirabella G

7

8

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
1.

CHAPLAINS/MISSIONS/PASTORAL DEVELOPMENT
Chair: Rev. Shelia O’Mara
Co-Chair: Elder Pat Meeks
Ministers: Kevin Colvard, David Kurtz, Keitaro Ohi, Forest Prosser, Wilfrido Quinonez,     Rocky Whray, Carey Womack
Elders: Toru Abe, Elaine Burton, Pete Carter, Paul Hyde, Norris Ray
Youth Advisory Delegates: Elizabeth Forester, Grant Gipson, Clay Holt

2.

CHILDREN’S HOME/HISTORICAL FOUNDATION
Chair: Rev. Jimmy Peyton
Co-Chair: Rev. William Warren
Ministers: Patrick Kelly, James Lawson, Tim McGuire, Lisa Scott, Garland Skidmore
Elders: James Condra, Carole Edwards, Dean Enos, Patricia Hester, Thom Nash, Bill Parmenter,     Vince Wilson
Youth Advisory Delegates: Avery Acton, Kelsey Hayes, Samantha Herman, Landon Logan,     Katie Peyton

3.

HIGHER EDUCATION
Chair: Rev. Nancy McSpadden
Co-Chair: Rev. James McGuire
Ministers: Elinor Brown, Jeff Clark, Richard Hughes, Jin Soo Park, Robert Rush, Mike Wilkinson
Elders: Marcia Blair, Joy Grant, Tony Martin, Marshall Moss, Roy Shanks, Roger Thornburg
Youth Advisory Delegates: Cora Beard, Emily Mahoney, Holden Miller

4.

JUDICIARY
Chair: Rev. Norlan Scrudder
Co-Chair: Elder Sharon ReschMinisters: Jeff Biggs, Cliff Hudson, Jesse Freeman, Melissa Knight, Ken Phillips
Elders: Charles Atkinson, Greg Elliott, Terry Gordon, George Ladd, Diann Phelps, Jerry Weathersby
Youth Advisory Delegates: Sarah Fowler, Mindy Jones, Jacob Moore

5.

MINISTRY COUNCIL/COMMUNICATIONS/DISCIPLESHIP
Chair: Rev. Kenny Butcher
Co-Chair: Rev. Denny Shepherd
Ministers: Toby Davis, Pat Fife, Randy Jacob, Charles Reed, Diana Valdez
Elders: Stacy Bolton, Bill Shreves, Kathy Story, Jerrell White
Youth Advisory Delegates: William Davis, Claire Temple

6.

STEWARDSHIP/ELECTED OFFICERS
Chair: Rev. J. Don Clark
Co-Chair: Rev. Joy Warren
Ministers: Carlton Hatcher, John Hyden, Lanny Johnson, David LeNeave, Johnny Watson
Elders: Maria Cook, Susan Fitzgerald, Jerry George, Raymond Gillon, John Koelz, Martha Layne,     Ercel Rushing
Youth Advisory Delegates: Diego Arias, Matthew Hudson, Mandy Jones, A’an Parra

7.

THEOLOGY/SOCIAL CONCERNS
Chair: Rev. Missy Rose
Co-Chair: Rev. David Carpenter
Ministers: Jimmy Byrd, Rodney Harris, Jason Heidel, Jamie Lively, Tim Stutler
Elders: John Dougherty, Doris Hunter, Nancy Molinar, Michael Moore, Pete Moss,
Carl Myers
Youth Advisory Delegates: Cole Coffman, Peyton Dunne, Rachel West, Sarah Wilborn

8.

CREDENTIALS:
Chair: Reverend Melissa KnightMembers: Reverend David LeNeave, Elder Patricia Hester
Youth Advisory Delegate: Elizabeth Forester

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH9ASSEMBLY MEETINGS AND OFFICERS
Historical Review of the Stated Meetings and Officers of:
THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERY, 1810-1813

Date		

Place

Moderator

Clerk

Members

1810, February..........................Sam McAdow’s House.........................Samuel McAdow............................... Young Ewing.....................3..................................................Dickson Co., TN
1810, March 20.........................Ridge Meeting-House,..........................Samuel McAdow............................... Young Ewing...................14..................................................Sumner Co., TN.
1810, October 23.......................Lebanon Meeting-House.......................Finis Ewing........................................ Young Ewing...................16
1811, March 19.........................Big Spring, Wilson Co., TN..................Robert Bell......................................... Young Ewing...................19
1811, October 9.........................Ridge Meeting-House...........................Thomas Calhoun................................ David Foster....................23
1812, April 7.............................Suggs Creek Meeting-House................Hugh Kirkpatrick............................... James B. Porter................28
1812, November 3.....................Lebanon, KY.........................................Finis Ewing........................................ Hugh Kirkpatrick.............22
1813, April 6.............................Beech Meeting-House...........................Robert Bell......................................... James B. Porter................34..................................................Sumner Co. TN
THE CUMBERLAND SYNOD, 1813-1828
1813, October 5.........................Beech Meeting-House...........................William McGee.................................. Finis Ewing......................13
1814, April 5.............................Suggs Creek..........................................David Foster....................................... James B. Porter................27
1815, October 17.......................Beech Meeting-House...........................William Barnett.................................. David Foster....................15
1816, October 15.......................Free Meeting-House, TN......................Thomas Calhoun................................ David Foster....................22
1817, October 21.......................Mt. Moriah, KY....................................Robert Donnell................................... Hugh Kirkpatrick.............27
1818, October 20.......................Big Spring, TN......................................Finis Ewing........................................ Robert Bell......................27
1819, October 19.......................Suggs Creek, TN...................................Samuel King....................................... William Barnett...............24
1820, October 17.......................Russellville, KY....................................Thomas Calhoun................................ William Moore................30
1821, Third Tues. in Oct...........Russellville, KY......................................Minutes not recorded
1822, October 15.......................Beech Meeting-House...........................James B. Porter.................................. David Foster....................47
1823, October 21.......................Russellville, KY....................................John Barnett....................................... Aaron Alexander..............48
1824, October 19.......................Cane Creek, TN....................................Samuel King....................................... William Moore................68
1825, October 18  .....................Princeton, KY........................................William Barnett.................................. Hiram McDaniel..............76
1826, Third Tues. in Oct...........Russellville, KY......................................Minutes not recorded
1827, November 20...................Russellville, KY....................................James S. Guthrie................................ Laban Jones.....................63
1828, October 21.......................Franklin, TN..........................................Hiram A. Hunter................................. Richard Beard..................94
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 1829-

1829, May 19............................Princeton, KY........................................Thomas Calhoun................................ F. R. Cossitt.....................26
1830, May 18............................Princeton, KY........................................James B. Porter.................................. F. R. Cossitt.....................36
1831, May 17............................Princeton, KY........................................Alex Chapman................................... F. R. Cossitt.....................34
1832, May 15............................Nashville, TN........................................F. R. Cossitt........................................ F. R. Cossitt.....................36
1833, May 21............................Nashville, TN........................................Samuel King....................................... F. R. Cossitt.....................35
1834, May 20............................Nashville, TN........................................Thomas Calhoun................................ James Smith.....................48
1835, May 19............................Princeton, KY........................................Sam King........................................... James Smith.....................42
1836, May 17............................Nashville, TN........................................Reuben Burrow.................................. James Smith.....................43
1837, May 16............................Lebanon, TN.........................................Robert Donnell................................... James Smith.....................49
1838, May 15............................Princeton, KY........................................Hiram A. Hunter................................. James Smith.....................47
1840, May 19............................Elkton, KY............................................ Reuben Burrow................................. James Smith.....................55
1841, May 18............................Owensboro, KY....................................William Ralston................................. C. G. McPherson.............56
1842, May 17............................Owensboro, KY....................................Milton Bird........................................ C. G. McPherson.............57
1843, May 16............................Owensboro, KY....................................A. M. Bryan....................................... C. G. McPherson.............68
1845, May 20............................Lebanon, TN.........................................Richard Beard.................................... C. G. McPherson.............95
1846, May 19............................Owensboro, KY....................................M. H. Bone......................................... C. G. McPherson.............86
1847, May 18............................Lebanon, Ohio.......................................Hiram A. Hunter................................. C. G. McPherson.............71
1848, May 16............................Memphis, TN........................................Milton Bird........................................ C. G. McPherson...........100
1849, May 16............................Princeton, KY........................................John L. Smith..................................... C. G. McPherson.............75
1850, May 21............................Clarksville, TN......................................Reuben Burrow.................................. Milton Bird....................102
1851, May 20............................Pittsburgh, PA........................................Milton Bird........................................ Milton Bird......................71
1852, May 18............................Nashville, TN........................................David Lowry...................................... Milton Bird....................107
1853, May 17............................Princeton, KY........................................H. S. Porter......................................... Milton Bird....................108
1854, May 16............................Memphis, TN........................................Isaac Shook........................................ Milton Bird....................112
1855, May 15............................Lebanon, TN.........................................M. H. Bone......................................... Milton Bird....................101
1856, May 15............................Louisville, KY.......................................Milton Bird........................................ Milton Bird......................99
1857, May 21............................Lexington, MO......................................Carson P. Reed................................... Milton Bird....................106
1858, May 20............................Huntsville, AL.......................................Felix Johnson..................................... Milton Bird....................124
1859, May 19............................Evansville, IN.......................................T. B. Wilson....................................... Milton Bird....................131
1860, May 17............................Nashville, TN........................................S. G. Burney....................................... Milton Bird....................168
1861, May 16............................St. Louis, MO........................................A. E. Cooper...................................... Milton Bird......................51
1862, May 15............................Owensboro, KY....................................P. G. Rea............................................. Milton Bird......................58
1863, May 21............................Alton, IL................................................Milton Bird........................................ Milton Bird......................73
1864, May 19............................Lebanon, OH.........................................Jesse Anderson................................... Milton Bird......................65
1865, May 18............................Evansville, IN.......................................Hiram Douglas................................... Milton Bird......................78
1866, May 17............................Owensboro, KY....................................Richard Beard.................................... Milton Bird....................155
1867, May 16............................Memphis, TN........................................J. B. Mitchell...................................... Milton Bird....................176
1868, May 21............................Lincoln, IL............................................G. W. Mitchell.................................... Milton Bird....................184
1869, May 20............................Murfreesboro, TN.................................S. T. Anderson.................................... Milton Bird....................173
1870, May 19............................Warrensburg, MO..................................J. C. Provine....................................... Milton Bird....................167

10

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

Date
Place
Moderator
Clerk
Members
1871, May 18........................Nashville, TN........................................ J. B. Logan............................................... Milton Bird............................173
1872, May 16........................Evansville, IN....................................... C. H. Bell................................................. Milton Bird............................182
1873, May 15........................Huntsville, AL....................................... J. W. Poindexter....................................... John Frizzell..........................165
1874, May 21........................Springfield, MO.................................... T. C. Blake............................................... John Frizzell..........................185
1875, May 20........................Jefferson, TX......................................... W. S. Campbell........................................ John Frizzell..........................169
1876, May 18........................Bowling Green, KY.............................. J. M. Gill.................................................. John Frizzell..........................184
1877, May 17........................Lincoln, IL............................................ A. B. Miller............................................. John Frizzell..........................171
1878, May 16........................Lebanon, TN......................................... D. E. Bushnell......................................... John Frizzell..........................205
1879, May 15........................Memphis, TN........................................ J. S. Grider............................................... John Frizzell..........................143
1880, May 20........................Evansville, IN....................................... A. Templeton........................................... John Frizzell..........................194
1881, May 19........................Austin, TX............................................. W. J. Darby.............................................. John Frizzell..........................187
1882, May 18........................Huntsville, AL....................................... S. H. Buchanan........................................ John Frizzell..........................188
1883, May 17........................Nashville, TN........................................ A. J. McGlumphey.................................. T. C. Blake.............................204
1884, May 15........................McKeesport, PA.................................... John Frizzell............................................ T. C. Blake.............................148
1885, May 21........................Bentonville, AR.................................... G. T. Stainback........................................ T. C. Blake.............................185
1886, May 20........................Sedalia, MO.......................................... E. B. Crisman.......................................... T. C. Blake.............................193
1887, May 19........................Covington, OH...................................... Nathan Green........................................... T. C. Blake.............................187
1888, May 17........................Waco, TX.............................................. W. H. Black............................................. T. C. Blake.............................217
1889, May 16........................Kansas City, MO................................... J. M. Hubbert........................................... T. C. Blake.............................217
1890, May 15........................Union City, TN...................................... E. G. McLean.......................................... T. C. Blake.............................220
1891, May 21........................Owensboro, KY.................................... E. F. Beard............................................... T. C. Blake.............................213
1892, May 19........................Memphis, TN........................................ W. T. Danley............................................ T. C. Blake.............................229
1893, May 18........................Little Rock, AR..................................... W. S. Ferguson......................................... T. C. Blake.............................226
1894, May 17........................Eugene, OR........................................... F. R. Earle................................................ T. C. Blake.............................167
1895, May 16........................Meridian, MS........................................ M. B. DeWitt........................................... T. C. Blake.............................208
1896, May 21........................Birmingham, AL................................... A. W. Hawkins......................................... J. M. Hubbert.........................200
1897, May 20........................Chicago, IL............................................ H. S. Williams......................................... J. M. Hubbert.........................224
1898, May 19........................Marshall, MO........................................ H. H. Norman.......................................... J. M. Hubbert.........................221
1899, May 18........................Denver, CO........................................... J. M. Halsell............................................. J. M. Hubbert.........................181
1900, May 17........................Chattanooga, TN .................................. H. C. Bird................................................ J. M. Hubbert.........................230
1901, May 16........................West Point, MS..................................... E. E. Morris............................................. J. M. Hubbert.........................226
1902, May 15........................Springfield, MO.................................... S. M. Templeton...................................... J. M. Hubbert.........................255
1903, May 21........................Nashville, TN........................................ R. M. Tinnon........................................... J. M. Hubbert.........................247
1904, May 19........................Dallas, TX............................................. W. E. Settle.............................................. J. M. Hubbert.........................251
1905, May 18........................Fresno, CA............................................ J. B. Hail.................................................. J. M. Hubbert.........................249
1906, May 17........................Decatur, IL............................................ Ira Landrith.............................................. J. M. Hubbert.........................279
1906, May 24........................Decatur, IL............................................ J. L. Hudgins........................................... T. H. Padgett..........................106
1907, May 17........................Dickson, TN.......................................... A. N. Eshman.......................................... J. L. Goodknight....................140
1908, May 21........................Corsicana, TX....................................... F. H. Prendergast..................................... J. L. Goodknight....................136
1909, May 20........................Bentonville, AR.................................... J. T. Barbee.............................................. J. L. Goodknight....................142
1910, May 19........................Dickson, TN.......................................... J. H. Fussell............................................. J. L. Goodknight....................144
1911, May 18........................Evansville, IN....................................... J. W. Duvall............................................. J. L. Goodknight....................109
1912, May 16........................Warrensburg, MO.................................. J. D. Lewis............................................... J. L. Goodknight....................119
1913, May 15........................Bowling Green, KY.............................. J. H. Milholland....................................... J. L. Goodknight....................112
1914, May 21........................Wagoner, OK......................................... F. A. Brown.............................................. J. L. Goodknight....................105
1915, May 20........................Memphis, TN........................................ William Clark.......................................... D. W. Fooks...........................116
1916, May 18........................Birmingham, AL................................... J. L. Price................................................. D. W. Fooks...........................125
1917, May 17........................Lincoln, IL............................................ F. A. Seagle.............................................. D. W. Fooks...........................102
1918, May 16........................Dallas, TX............................................. C. H. Walton............................................ D. W. Fooks...........................117
1919, May 15........................Fayetteville, AR.................................... J. H. Zwingle........................................... D. W. Fooks...........................101
1920, May 15........................McKenzie, TN....................................... J. E. Cortner............................................. D. W. Fooks...........................123
1921, May 19........................Greenfield, MO..................................... Judge John B. Tally................................. D. W. Fooks...........................108
1922, May 18........................Greeneville, TN..................................... Hugh S. McCord...................................... D. W. Fooks...........................102
1923, May 17........................Fairfield, IL........................................... P. F. Johnson, D. D.................................. D. W. Fooks...........................105
1924, May 15........................Austin, TX............................................. D. M. McAnulty...................................... D. W. Fooks.............................93
1925, May 21........................Nashville, TN........................................ W. E. Morrow.......................................... D. W. Fooks...........................114
1926, May 20........................Columbus, MS...................................... I. K. Floyd............................................... D. W. Fooks...........................111
1927, May 19........................Lakeland, FL......................................... T. A. DeVore............................................ D. W. Fooks.............................97
1928, May 21........................Jackson, TN........................................... J. L. Hudgins........................................... D. W. Fooks.............................97
1929, May 16........................Princeton, KY........................................ H. C. Walton............................................ D. W. Fooks.............................98
1930, May 15........................Olney, TX.............................................. O. A. Barbee............................................ D. W. Fooks.............................92
1931, May 21........................Evansville, IN....................................... J. L. Elliot................................................ D. W. Fooks.............................98
1932, May 19........................Chattanooga, TN................................... G. G. Halliburton..................................... D. W. Fooks...........................104
1933, June 14........................Memphis, TN........................................ W. B. Cunningham.................................. D. W. Fooks.............................94
1934, June 14........................Springfield, MO.................................... A. C. DeForest......................................... D. W. Fooks...........................103
1935, June 13........................McKenzie, TN....................................... C. A. Davis.............................................. D. W. Fooks...........................104
1936, June 18........................San Antonio, TX................................... E. K. Reagin............................................ D. W. Fooks...........................100
1937, June 16........................Knoxville, TN....................................... George E. Coleman................................. D. W. Fooks...........................109
1938, June 16........................Russellville, AR.................................... D. D. Dowell........................................... D. W. Fooks...........................117
1939, June 15........................Marshall, MO........................................ E. R. Ramer............................................. D. W. Fooks...........................126
1940, June 13........................Cookeville, TN...................................... Keith T. Postlethwaite............................. D. W. Fooks...........................116
1941, June 19........................Denton, TX........................................... L. L. Thomas........................................... D. W. Fooks...........................120
1942, June 18........................McKenzie, TN....................................... George W. Burroughs.............................. D. W. Fooks...........................108
1943, June 17........................Paducah, KY......................................... A. A. Collins............................................ D. W. Fooks.............................94
1944, June 15........................Bowling Green, KY.............................. I. M. Vaughn............................................ D. W. Fooks.............................94
1945, May 31........................Lewisburg, TN...................................... S. T. Byars............................................... Wayne Wiman.......................103
1946, June 13........................Birmingham, AL................................... C. R. Matlock.......................................... Wayne Wiman.......................105
1947, June 12........................Knoxville, TN....................................... Morris Pepper.......................................... Wayne Wiman.......................108

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

11

Date		
Place
Moderator
Clerk		Members
1948, June 17...................... Nashville, TN...................................Paul F. Brown................................................. Wayne Wiman......................105
1949, June 16...................... Muskogee, OK..................................Blake Warren.................................................. Wayne Wiman......................109
1950, June 15...................... Los Angeles, CA...............................L. P. Turnbow................................................. Wayne Wiman........................98
1951, June 14...................... Longview, TX...................................John E. Gardner............................................. Wayne Wiman......................105
1952, June 12...................... Memphis, TN....................................Emery A. Newman......................................... Wayne Wiman......................120
1953, June 18...................... Gadsden, AL.....................................Charles L. Lehning, Jr.................................... Wayne Wiman......................107
1954, June 17...................... Dyersburg, TN..................................John S. Smith................................................. Wayne Wiman......................124
1955, June 16...................... Lubbock, TX.....................................Ernest C. Cross.............................................. Shaw Scates..........................118
1956, June 21...................... Cookeville, TN.................................Hubert Morrow.............................................. Shaw Scates..........................118
1957, June 21...................... Evansville, IN...................................William T. Ingram, Jr..................................... Shaw Scates..........................119
1958, June 18...................... Birmingham, AL...............................Wayne Wiman................................................ Shaw Scates..........................116
1959, June 17...................... Springfield, MO................................Virgil T. Weeks............................................... Shaw Scates..........................120
1960, June 15...................... Nashville, TN...................................Arleigh G. Matlock........................................ Shaw Scates..........................130
1961, June 21...................... Florence, AL.....................................Ollie W. McClung.......................................... Shaw Scates..........................126
1962, June 20...................... Little Rock, AR.................................Eugene L. Warren.......................................... Shaw Scates..........................126
1963, June 19...................... Austin, TX........................................Franklin Chesnut............................................ Shaw Scates..........................117
1964, June 17...................... Chattanooga, TN...............................Vaughn Fults.................................................. Shaw Scates..........................123
1965, June 16...................... San Francisco, CA............................Thomas Forester............................................. Shaw Scates..........................114
1966, June 15...................... Memphis, TN....................................John W. Sparks............................................... Shaw Scates..........................124
1967, June 21...................... Paducah, KY.....................................Raymon Burroughs........................................ Shaw Scates..........................123
1968, June 19...................... Oklahoma City, OK..........................Loyce S. Estes................................................ Shaw Scates..........................115
1969, June 18...................... San Antonio, TX...............................J. David Hester............................................... Shaw Scates..........................116
1970, June 17...................... Knoxville, TN...................................L. C. Waddle.................................................. Shaw Scates..........................116
1971, June 16...................... Jackson, TN......................................E. Thach Shauf............................................... Shaw Scates..........................116
1972, June 19...................... Kansas City, MO..............................Claude D. Gilbert........................................... Shaw Scates..........................110
1973, June 18...................... Ft. Worth, TX....................................Thomas H. Campbell..................................... Shaw Scates..........................101
1974, June 17...................... Bowling Green, KY..........................David A. Brown............................................. Shaw Scates..........................116
1975, June 16...................... McKenzie, TN..................................Roy E. Blakeburn........................................... Shaw Scates..........................120
1976, June 21...................... Tulsa, OK.........................................Hubert W. Covington..................................... T. V. Warnick........................115
1977, June 30...................... Tampa, FL.........................................Fred W. Bryson.............................................. T. V. Warnick........................122
1978, June 19...................... McKenzie, TN..................................Jose Fajardo................................................... T. V. Warnick........................120
1979, June 18...................... Albuquerque, NM.............................James C. Gilbert............................................. T. V. Warnick........................126
1980, June 16...................... Evansville, IN...................................Robert L. Hull................................................ T. V. Warnick........................126
1981, June 15...................... Denton, TX.......................................W. Jean Richardson........................................ T. V. Warnick........................126
1982, June 21...................... Owensboro, KY................................W. A. Rawlins................................................ T. V. Warnick........................124
1983, June 20...................... Birmingham, AL...............................Robert G. Forester.......................................... T. V. Warnick........................127
1984, June 11...................... Chattanooga, TN...............................C. Ray Dobbins.............................................. T. V. Warnick........................125
1985, June 17...................... Lexington, KY..................................Virgil H. Todd................................................ Roy E. Blakeburn.................125
1986, June 23...................... Odessa, TX.......................................James W. Knight............................................ Roy E. Blakeburn.................125
1987, June 15...................... Louisville, KY..................................Wilbur S. Wood.............................................. Roy E. Blakeburn.................125
1988, June 6........................ Tulsa, OK.........................................Beverly St. John............................................. Robert Prosser......................119
1989, June 12...................... Knoxville, TN...................................William Rustenhaven, Jr................................ Robert Prosser........................96
1990, June 25...................... Ft. Worth, TX....................................Thomas D. Campbell..................................... Robert Prosser........................88
1991, June 24...................... Paducah, KY.....................................Floyd T. Hensley, Jr........................................ Robert Prosser......................106
1992, June 22...................... Jackson, TN......................................John David Hall............................................. Robert Prosser......................102
1993, June 21...................... Little Rock, AR.................................Robert M. Shelton.......................................... Robert Prosser......................100
1994, June 20...................... Albuquerque, NM.............................Donald C. Alexander...................................... Robert Prosser......................100
1995, June 19...................... Nashville, TN...................................Clinton O. Buck............................................. Robert Prosser......................102
1996, June 17...................... Huntsville, AL..................................Merlyn A. Alexander...................................... Robert Prosser........................95
1997, April 11..................... Nashville, TN...................................Merlyn A. Alexander...................................... Robert Prosser........................80
1997, June 16...................... Louisville, KY..................................W. Lewis Wynn.............................................. Robert Prosser........................95
1998, June 15...................... Chattanooga, TN...............................Masaharu Asayama........................................ Robert Prosser........................97
1999, June 21...................... Memphis, TN....................................Gwendolyn Roddye....................................... Marjorie Shannon...................96
2000, June 19...................... Bowling Green, KY..........................Bob G. Roberts.............................................. Robert D. Rush.......................96
2001, June 18...................... Odessa, TX.......................................Randolph Jacob.............................................. Robert D. Rush.......................88
2002, June 17...................... Paducah, KY.....................................Bert L. Owen.................................................. Robert D. Rush.......................95
2003, June 23...................... Knoxville, TN...................................Charles McCaskey......................................... Robert D. Rush.......................96
2004, June 21...................... Irving, TX.........................................Edward G. Sims............................................. Robert D. Rush.......................87
2005, June 27...................... Franklin, TN.....................................Linda H. Glenn............................................... Robert D. Rush.......................91
2006, June 18...................... Birmingham, AL...............................Donald Hubbard............................................. Robert D. Rush.......................87
2007, June 18...................... Hot Springs, AR...............................Frank Ward..................................................... Robert D. Rush.......................84
2007, December 7............... Nashville, TN...................................Frank Ward..................................................... Robert D. Rush.......................62
2008, June 7........................ Japan.................................................Jonathan Clark............................................... Robert D. Rush.......................82
2009, June 15...................... Memphis, TN....................................Sam Suddarth................................................. Robert D. Rush.......................86
2010, June 13...................... Dickson, TN.....................................Boyce Wallace................................................ Robert D. Rush.......................88
2011, June 20...................... Springfield, MO................................Don M. Tabor................................................. Michael Sharpe.......................82
2012, June 18...................... Florence, AL.....................................Robert D. Rush.............................................. Michael Sharpe.......................90
2013, June 17...................... Murfreesboro, TN.............................Forest Prosser................................................. Michael Sharpe.......................93

12

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

BYLAWS
Bylaws of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church General Assembly Corporation
A Non-profit Religious Corporation Organized and Existing
Under the Laws of the State of Tennessee
ARTICLE 1-RELIGIOUS CORPORATION
1.01 Purpose.  The Cumberland Presbyterian Church is a spiritual body comprised of a portionof the universal body of believers confessing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  As an ecclesiastical body,the Cumberland Presbyterian Church is a connectional Church which includes all of the judicatories of
the Church.  The highest judicatory of this ecclesiastical body is the General Assembly of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church (referred to in these Bylaws as “the Church”).  This corporation has been formed toserve and support the Church by holding real and personal property of the Church, employing staff to serve
the Church, and performing other secular and legal functions.
1.02 Ecclesiastical Authority Not Limited by Corporate Powers.   The enumeration in statestatutes or these Bylaws of specific powers which may be exercised by the Commissioners, Board of
Directors, or the officers of the corporation when acting in their corporate capacity shall not limit theirauthority when acting in their ecclesiastical capacity for the Church.
1.03 Church Authorities.  The doctrine of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, expressed in the
Confession of Faith, Constitution, Rules of Discipline, and Rules of Order of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, shall have precedence over any inconsistent provision of these Bylaws.
ARTICLE 2-TERMINOLOGY
2.01 Delegates.  The corporation’s delegates shall be called “Commissioners.”
2.02 General Assembly.  A meeting of the Commissioners shall be called a “General Assembly.”
2.03 President.  The corporation’s president shall be called the “Stated Clerk.”
2.04 Ecumenical Representative.  A person who is not a member of a Cumberland Presbyterian
Chuch or presbytery but who supports the mission of a denominational entity and is elected to a term ofservice on that entity shall be called an “Ecumenical Representative.”
ARTICLE 3-OFFICES
3.01 Location.  The principal office of the corporation in the State of Tennessee shall be located in
Shelby County, Tennessee.  The corporation may have such other offices, either within or outside the Stateof Tennessee, as the General Assembly or the Board of Directors may direct from time to time.
ARTICLE 4–COMMISSIONERS
4.01 Commissioners.  The Commissioners shall have the powers and authority described in thecorporation’s charter and these Bylaws.  Included among them are the power to:a.  Elect the elected members of the Board of Directors.
b.  Approve any amendment to the corporation’s charter except an amendment to delete     the names of the original directors; to change the name of the registered agent, or to     change the address of the registered office;c.  Elect and remove the Moderator, Stated Clerk, and the Engrossing Clerk.
d.  Fill vacancies on the corporation’s various boards, agencies and committees, and on     the boards of any subsidiaries;e.  Approve the merger or dissolution of the corporation, or the sale of substantially all of     the corporation’s assets; andf.  Transact such other business of the corporation as may properly come before any     meeting of the Commissioners.
4.02 Selection of Commissioners: Number and Qualifications.  Commissioners shall be selectedby the presbyteries.  A presbytery shall be entitled to send one minister and one elder for each 1,000, or
fraction thereof, active members (including ordained clergy) in the presbytery.  Each elder selected as a

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

13

Commissioner must be serving as a member of a session at the time of the General Assembly at which
he or she will serve.  A Commissioner shall continue to serve until no longer qualified or until his or her
successor is selected and qualified.  The clerk of each presbytery shall certify the presbytery’s duly electedcommissioners, youth advisory delegates, and alternates to the Stated Clerk in a manner provided by theStated Clerk.
4.03 Youth Advisory Delegates.  Each presbytery may select not more than two youth advisorydelegates who should be from 15 through 19 years of age.  Advisory delegates may serve as members withfull rights on General Assembly committees, but shall not vote as Commissioners.
4.04 Annual Meeting and Notice.  The Commissioners shall meet annually at a date and time
established by the General Assembly.  The meeting shall be continued from day to day until adjournment.  
Written notice of the meeting shall be mailed to the stated clerks of all presbyteries and published in the
Cumberland Presbyterian at least sixty (60) days prior to the proposed meeting.
4.05 Special Meetings and Notice.  The Moderator, or in case of the Moderator’s absence, death,or inability to act, the Stated Clerk, may with the written concurrence or at the written request of twenty
Commissioners, ten of whom shall be ministers and ten elders, representing at least five presbyteries, call a
special meeting of the Commissioners.  If warranted by a change of circumstances, a called special meeting
may be cancelled by the Moderator, or in case of the Moderator’s absence, death, or inability to act, theStated Clerk, with the written concurrence of at least ten of the Commissioners who requested or concurredin the call of the special meeting.  Written notice of any special meeting shall be mailed to the stated clerksof all presbyteries, to all Commissioners, and to their alternates at least sixty (60) days prior to the meeting.  
The notice shall specify the particular business of the special meeting, and no other business shall betransacted.
4.06 Place of Meeting.  The General Assembly may designate any place within or outside thestate of Tennessee as the place for an annual meeting.  If the Commissioners fail to designate a place for anannual meeting, or if an emergency requires the place to be changed, the Board of Directors may designate aplace for the annual meeting.  The Moderator or the Stated Clerk, as the case may be, when calling a special
meeting shall designate the time and place of the meeting in the notice of the meeting.
4.07 Quorum.  Any twenty or more Commissioners, of whom at least ten are ministers and tenelders, entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum at any General Assembly.  When a quorum is once present
to organize a meeting, business may continue to be conducted and votes taken despite the subsequent
withdrawal of any Commissioner.  A meeting may be adjourned despite the absence of a quorum.
4.08 Voting.   Every Commissioner shall be entitled to one vote, which must be cast by theCommissioner in person; no proxies are permitted.  All corporate actions shall be taken by majority vote
except as otherwise provided by the corporation’s parliamentary authority.   Voting for members of theBoard of Directors shall be non-cumulative.
ARTICLE 5-BOARD OF DIRECTORS
5.01 Authority.  The Board of Directors shall manage the business and affairs of the corporation
except for any power or authority which is reserved to the Commissioners or delegated to any other agencyof the corporation.  The Board of Directors is authorized to amend the corporation’s charter only to delete
the names of the original directors; to change the name of the registered agent; or to change the address of
the registered office.
5.02 Composition of the Board of Directors.   The Board of Directors shall consist of seven(7) members, who shall be the directors of the corporation.   Six (6) members shall be elected by theCommissioners and the Stated Clerk shall serve by virtue of office.  All members, whether elected or ex
officio, shall have all of the privileges of office.
5.03 Qualification for Election.  Each person elected to the Board of Directors shall be a natural
person who is a person in good standing of a presbytery or local Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  No
two directors shall be from the same presbytery, provided, however, that a director who moves from one
presbytery to another may continue to serve until the expiration of his or her term of office.
5.04 Election and Tenure.  The elected members of the Board of Directors shall serve terms of
three (3) years each.  The terms shall be staggered so that two (2) directors shall be elected each year.  Each
person elected shall serve until his or her successor has been elected and qualified.
5.05 Action of Board in Emergency or By Default.  If, for any reason, the General Assembly fails
to fill a vacancy on the Board of Directors at the next General Assembly, then the Board of Directors may
fill the vacancy by majority vote of the members then in office.
5.06 Meetings.  The Board of Directors shall meet annually or more often at such time and place

14

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

as it may set.  Special meetings may be called by or at the request of the Stated Clerk or any three directors
at any place, either within or outside the state of Tennessee.
5.07 Notice.   Notice of any meeting shall be given at least five (5) days before the date of themeeting, except that notice by mail shall be given at least ten (10) days before the date of the meeting.  
Notice may be communicated in person; by telephone, fax, or electronic mail; or by first class mail orcourier.  Except as specifically provided by these Bylaws, neither the business to be transacted at nor the
purpose of any special or regular meeting of the Board of Directors need be specified in the notice of themeeting.
5.08 Notice of Special Actions.  Any meeting of the Board of Directors at which one or more of thefollowing actions shall be considered must be preceded by seven (7) days written notice to each memberthat the matter will be voted upon, unless notice has been waived.  Actions requiring such notice are:amendment or restatement of the corporate charter; approval of a plan of merger for the corporation; sale of
all or substantially all of the corporation’s assets; and dissolution of the corporation.
5.09 Officers of the Board of Directors.  The Board of Directors may have such officers of theboard as it may deem appropriate.
5.10 Quorum and Voting.  A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum for the transactionof business at any meeting of the Board of Directors.  When a quorum is once present to organize a meeting,it is not broken by the subsequent withdrawal of any of those present.  A meeting may be adjourned despite
the lack of a quorum.  The vote of a majority of the members present at a meeting at which a quorum ispresent shall be the act of the Board of Directors unless a greater vote is specifically required by the Charteror the Bylaws.
5.11 Conference Meetings.  Any or all the members of the Board of Directors or any committee
designated by it may meet by means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment
which permits all persons participating in the meeting to hear each other simultaneously.  A member who
participates in a meeting by such means is deemed to be present in person at the meeting.
5.12 Action by Written Consent.  Whenever the members of the Board of Directors are requiredor permitted to take any action by vote, such action may be taken without a meeting on written consent,
setting forth the action so taken and signed by all of the members entitled to vote,5.13 Emergency Actions.  If the Board of Directors determines by a vote of three-fourths of all its
members that an emergency exists of such magnitude as to threaten the work of the whole Church, or of allboards and other agencies of the Church, and that the emergency requires action before the next meeting of
the General Assembly, then the Board of Directors shall exercise the powers of the Commissioners in such
emergency.
5.14 Compensation.  Members of the Board of Directors shall receive no compensation in theircapacity as members of the Board of Directors.  Members may be paid their expenses, if any, of attendanceat each meeting of the Board of Directors.
5.15 Removal of Directors.  An elected member of the Board of Directors may be removed by theCommissioners for misfeasance or if he or she is no longer qualified to be elected to the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE 6-WAIVER OF NOTICE
6.01 Written Waiver.  Any notice required to be given to any member of the Board of Directors
or a Commissioner under these Bylaws, the Charter, or the laws of Tennessee may be waived.  The waiver
shall be in writing, signed (either before or after the event requiring notice) by the person entitled to thenotice, and delivered to the corporation.
6.02 Waiver by Attendance.   The attendance of a member of the Board of Directors or a
Commissioner at any meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of the meeting, unless the person attends
a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business because the meeting was
not properly called or convened.
ARTICLE 7-MODERATOR AND VICE-MODERATOR
7.01 Nomination and Election.  At the beginning of each annual meeting the General Assembly
shall elect a Commissioner to serve as Moderator until the next annual meeting.  Nominations for Moderator
shall come from the floor.  One nominating speech, not to exceed ten minutes, shall be permitted on behalfof each nominee.  If there is more than one nominee, the election shall be conducted by written ballot.  A
committee appointed and supervised by the Stated Clerk shall receive the ballots, count them, and certify

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

15

the election.  If no nominee receives a majority of the votes cast, a run-off election shall be conducted.  Only
those leading nominees who together received a majority of the votes cast on the preceding ballot shall be
included in the run-off election.
7.02 Nature of Office.   The Moderator of the General Assembly is the ecclesiastical head of
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church during the tenure of the office and a spiritual representative of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church wherever God leads.  The Moderator receives a precious gift and great
opportunity for service in the Church: the freedom to go anywhere and to listen to the mind, heart and spirit ofthe denomination and to speak with and to the Church.  The office of Moderator has great honor and respect,
and the person elected to the Office is a priest, prophet, and pastor of the Church at large.  The Moderator
prays with and for the work of the Spirit of God in the life of the denomination at every opportunity.  TheModerator participates in the life and work of the Church as far as possible, and pays particular attention
to ecumenical relations, especially with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America.   Judicatories,
congregations, and others are urged to invite the Moderator, and the Moderator is encouraged to attend
meetings of Church entities and judicatories to observe the life and work of the Church at every level.
7.03 Duties and Privileges of Office.
a.  The Moderator shall preside at all meetings of the General Assembly.
b.  The Moderator shall appoint, with the consent of the General Assembly, such special     committees as are needed;c.  The Moderator shall serve as chairperson of the General Assembly Program Committee     and as a member of the Place of Meeting Committee;d.  The Moderator shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the General     Assembly.
e.  The Moderator shall serve as an advisory member of the Ministry Council during tenure     in office and for the year following tenure.
f.  The Moderator shall observe the places and times God is calling the Church to service,     assess the need for a Denominational response to God’s call, and report items that     concern the General Assembly.
g.  The Moderator shall wear the official cross and stoles of office during the term of office.
7.04 Expenses of Office.  Any allowance budgeted by the General Assembly to offset the expensesof the Moderator shall be administered by the Stated Clerk.  Persons issuing an invitation to the Moderator are
encouraged to agree in advance on arrangements for the payment of travel expenses.  Upon the Moderator’s
retirement from office, a gavel and a replica of the Moderator’s cross shall be presented to the Moderator.
7.05 Vice-Moderator.  The General Assembly shall elect a Vice-Moderator in like manner.  TheVice-Moderator shall perform such duties as may be assigned by the Moderator of the General Assemblyand perform the duties of the Moderator in the event of the Moderator’s disability or absence from office
for any reason.
7.06 Removal.   The Moderator or Vice-Moderator may be removed by the General Assembly
whenever in its judgment the removal would serve the best interests of the corporation.
ARTICLE 8-STATED CLERK
8.01 President.  The Stated Clerk is the principal executive officer of the corporation and shall also
have the titles of “president” and “treasurer”.
8.02 Nomination and Election.  The Nominating Committee may nominate the serving StatedClerk for re-election.  If the Nominating Committee declines to nominate the serving Stated Clerk for reelection, or if the Stated Clerk has vacated the office, resigned, or declined to be re-nominated, then the
Corporate Board shall conduct a search for and nominate a candidate to the General Assembly.  In either
event, further nominations may be made by the Commissioners.  The Commissioners shall elect the StatedClerk by majority vote.
8.03 Term of Office.  The Stated Clerk shall be elected to a term of four (4) years.  The regular termof office begins on January 1 and ends on December 31.  There is no limit on the number of terms which
may be served by an individual Stated Clerk.
8.04 Duties. The Stated Clerk shall be concerned with the spiritual life of the Church and withmaintaining and strengthening a united witness for the Church.   The Stated Clerk shall also generally
supervise and control the business affairs of the corporation and see that all orders and resolutions of theGeneral Assembly are carried into effect.  In fulfillment of these duties, the Stated Clerk shall:
01.  Have responsibility to provide for the orderly governance of the Church in accordance       with the Constitution, Rules of Order and Rules of Discipline.

16

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

02.  Maintain records of the corporation and respond to requests for official records of       General Assembly actions and interpretations of its actions.
03.  Represent the Church when an official of the General Assembly is needed.
04.  Represent the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in establishing and maintaining       relations with other Churches, particulary those of the Presbyterian and Reformed       tradition, and in addressing common concerns.
05.  Sign all documents on behalf of the corporation or the Cumberland Presbyterian       Church.
06.  Represent the corporation or the Church in litigation or other legal matters affecting the      Cumberland Presbyterian Church, including the selection and employment of legal      counsel.
07.  Make suitable arrangements for General Assembly meetings, including researching       possible meeting sites, contracting for facilities, and arranging space for committee       meetings and sessions of the General Assembly;
08.  Provide for printing and other communication needs of the General Assembly while in       session.
09.  Call meetings of the Place of Meeting Committee and the Program Committee.
10.  Prepare and distribute an information form to be completed by Commissioners for the       Moderator’s use in making committee appointments.
11.  Advise the Moderator in the appointment of committees.
12.  In consultation with the Moderator, refer all matters to come before the next General       Assembly; and provide copies of all such referrals to the Commissioners and advisory       delegates before the General Assembly convenes.
13.  Prepare and distribute preliminary minutes and an agenda for General Assembly       meetings which shall provide time for the consideration of any appropriate business,        including memorials from a judicatory or denominational entity delivered to the Stated       Clerk in writing by April 30.
14.  Supervise the recording and publication of minutes and a summary of actions taken by       each General Assembly.
15.  Make copies of General Assembly minutes available to ordained ministers, licentiates,       candidates, commissioners, clerks of sessions, members of denominational entities,       schools of the Church, synod, and presbytery clerks, to the Stated Clerk’s exchanges       and other interested persons in order to encourage lower judicatories and persons in       the Church to implement the actions of the General Assembly.
16.  File the minutes of each General Assembly with the Historical Foundation as a       permanent record.
17.  Maintain and update annually the Digest of the General Assembly actions.
18.  Represent the Church at large on the Ministry Council.
19.  Provide support services for the Moderator and all denominational entities.
20.  Receive and make any appropriate response to communications to the Cumberland       Presbyterian Church or General Assembly.
21.  Maintain a name and address file on congregations, session clerks, pastors, and other       leadership of congregations with statistical information about congregations,       presbyteries, and synods.
22.  Solicit, receive, publish, and disseminate annual reports from churches.
23.  Review reports by denominational entities and assist them in complying with correct       reporting and budgeting procedures and in avoiding duplication of work.
24.  Hold, report annually, and distribute as authorized by the General Assembly or the       Ministry Council the Contingency Fund and all other General Assembly Funds not       entrusted to the care of a denominational entity.
25.  Call the Judiciary Committee into session or by other means secure the advice of the       committee on appropriate matters.
26.  Communicate with presbyteries and synods on behalf of the General Assembly and       attend their meetings from time to time.
27.  Provide training for presbytery and synod clerks and orientations for General Assembly       commissioners.
28.  Generally perform duties as are prescribed in the Constitution or directed by the General       Assembly.

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

17

8.05 Removal.   The Stated Clerk may be removed by the General Assembly whenever in its
judgment the removal would serve the best interests of the corporation.
ARTICLE 9-OTHER OFFICERS
9.01 Secretary.  The chief executive officer of the Ministry Council shall, by virtue of office, be thesecretary of the corporation, and shall in general perform all duties incident to the office of secretary.
9.02 Engrossing Clerk.  The Engrossing Clerk shall be elected by the General Assembly to a termof four (4) years.  The regular term of office begins on January 1 and ends on December 31.  There is nolimit on the number of terms which may be served by an individual Engrossing Clerk.  The Engrossing
Clerk shall serve as Stated Clerk pro tempore during the meeting of the General Assembly in the event theStated Clerk is absent or unable to serve.  The Engrossing Clerk shall perform such other duties as may fromtime to time be prescribed by the Board of Directors or the General Assembly.
9.03 Additional Officers.  The corporation may have such additional officers as it may from time
to time find necessary or appropriate.
ARTICLE 10-ORGANIZATION AND RELATIONSHIPS
Church:10.01 Generally.  The following are denominational entities related to the Cumberland Presbyterian01.  Subsidiary corporations: Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits of the       Cumberland Presbyterian Church; Memphis Theological Seminary of the Cumberland      Presbyterian Church; Ministry Council of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
02.  Related corporations: Bethel University; Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home;       Historical Foundation of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Cumberland       Presbyterian Church in America.
03.  Commissions: Chaplains and Military Personnel.
04.  Committees: Committee on Nominations; Joint Committee on Amendments; Judiciary,      Our United Outreach; Place of Meeting Committee; Program Committee; Unified      Committee on Theology and Social Concerns.
10.02 Election and Tenure.   The following qualifications and rules relate to service on any
denominational entity.
01.  Unless elected as an Ecumenical Representative, no person shall be qualified to serve       except a member in good standing in a presbytery or local congregation of the       Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
02.  No person who is employed in an executive capacity including Chief Executive, Vice       President, Team Leader, Director, or equivalent in the Cumberland Presbyterian           Church is eligible to serve on a denominational entity.  No employee of a denominational       entity is eligible for service on the same denominational entity.
03.  Each person shall be elected for a term of three years unless elected to fill the remainder       of an unexpired term.  However, if a person elected to serve on a denominational entity      where residence in a particular synod is a qualification for election shall move to      another synod while in office, the term to which he or she was elected shall      terminate at the close of the next meeting of the General Assembly.
04.  Members of the Committee on Nominations may not be elected to a consecutive term.  
       All other persons may serve up to three consecutive terms for a total not to exceed nine      years in office.
05.  A Cumberland Presbyterian who has served on any entity is not eligible to serve on the       same entity (except for an authorized consecutive term) until at least two (2) years have      elapsed since the conclusion of the previous service.
06.  A Cumberland Presbyterian who is serving on any entity is not eligible to serve on       another entity until at least one (1) year has elapsed since the conclusion of the previous      service.
07.  An Ecumenical Representative who is serving or has served on any entity is not eligible      to serve on any other entity (except for an authorized consecutive term on the same      entity) until at least one (1) year has elapsed since the conclusion of the previous      service.

18

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

10.03 Resignation or Removal.
01.  Any person serving on a denominational entity who is no longer qualified or eligible       to serve shall be deemed to have resigned.
02.  Any person serving on an incorporated denominational entity may resign by delivering         written notice of resignation to the secretary or an executive officer of the denominational      entity, who shall promptly report the resignation to the Stated Clerk.  Any person      serving on an unincorporated denominational entity may resign by delivering written      notice of resignation to the Stated Clerk.  A resignation is effective when delivered      unless some other effective date is specified in the written resignation.
03.  No member who continues to meet the standard  requirements for election or       appointment to any denominational entity shall be removed from office except for       misfeasance.  Removal of a person elected by the General Assembly shall be by vote       of the General Assembly.
10.04 Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits.  The corporation shall elect the eleven(11) directors of the Board of Stewardship as provided in its charter.
10.05 Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home.  The corporation shall elect the fifteen (15)directors of Children’s Home as provided in its corporate articles.  The corporation shall elect the directors
in such a manner that, immediately following any election, there shall be at least six (6) directors who aremembers of ecumenical partners of the Children’s Home.
10.06 Historical Foundation.   The corporation shall elect six (6) of the twelve (12) directorsof the Historical Foundation as provided in its charter.  The corporation shall elect the directors of theHistorical Foundation in such a manner that, immediately following any election, there shall be at least one(1) member from each synod and no person shall be elected if the election would cause two directors fromthe same presbytery to be serving simultaneously.  The remaining six (6) directors shall be elected by the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America.
10.07 Memphis Theological Seminary.  The corporation shall elect the twenty-four (24) directorsof Memphis Theological Seminary as provided in its charter.  The corporation shall elect the directors insuch a manner that, immediately following any election, there shall be at least eleven (11) directors who aremembers of ecumenical partners of the Seminary.
10.08 Ministry Council.
01.  The corporation shall elect the fifteen (15) directors of the Ministry Council as provided       in its charter.
02.  The corporation shall elect the directors of the Ministry Council in such a manner that       immediately following any election, there shall be three (3) directors from each synod;       at least six (6) but no more than nine (9) directors who are ordained clergy; and no more      than nine (9) directors of the same gender.
03.  The Stated Clerk, Moderator, and Immediate Past Moderator shall be designated as       Advisory Members to the board of directors of the Ministry Council.  In addition, the      corporation shall elect three (3) Youth Advisory Members who shall be between the      ages of 15 – 17 be elected for 1-year terms, with eligibility for re-election for one      additional term.
10.09 Commission on Chaplains and Military Personnel.  The commission shall consist of three(3) members elected by the corporation.
ARTICLE 11-COMMITTEES
11.01 General.  The corporation shall have the committees provided for in these Bylaws and suchother standing or special committees as the General Assembly may create from time to time.  Except asotherwise provided in these Bylaws, the Moderator, in consultation with the Stated Clerk, shall appoint allcommittees.
11.02 Committees of Commissioners and Youth Advisory Delegates.   Prior to each General
Assembly, the Moderator, in consultation with the Stated Clerk, shall organize the Commissioners andYouth Advisory Delegates into the following committees: Chaplains/Missions/Pastoral Development,Children’s Home/Historical Foundation, Higher Education, Judiciary, Ministry Council/Communications/
Discipleship, Stewardship/Elected Officers, and Theology and Social Concerns.   Each committee shallconsider such matters expected to come before the General Assembly as are referred to it by the StatedClerk.  Any denominational organization, the work of which is affected by a matter before a committee,

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

19

shall be entitled to address the committee.
11.03 Committee on Nominations.
01.  The committee shall consist of ten (10) persons elected by the corporation in such a       manner that, immediately following any election, the committee shall have at least one      minister and one lay person from each synod.  It is preferred but not required that no      two members shall be from the same presbytery.
02.  Approximately one third of the members of the committee shall be elected each year       by the General Assembly and shall serve one term not to exceed three years.
03.  The committee shall meet not earlier than February 15 each year and shall nominate to       the General Assembly qualified persons to fill all vacancies to be filled by vote of the       General Assembly, including vacancies on the Committee on Nominations, unless       another method of nomination is provided in these Bylaws.  The report of the                                    committee shall list the names of nominees, the presbytery if a minister, and the       presbytery and the local congregation if a lay person.  The Committee on Nominations      shall be intentional in nominating persons who represent the global nature of the      Church.
04.  Presbyteries and synods and their moderators and stated clerks are requested to assist        the Committee on Nominations by recommending persons for any position by providing      the name and qualifications of the potential nominees to the Stated Clerk no later than      February 1 on a form to be provided by the Stated Clerk.  Nominations from the                                         floor shall also be in order.
05.  No person shall be nominated for election by the General Assembly unless the nominee      has within the past year given his or her consent to the nomination.
11.04 Joint Committee on Amendments.  The Judiciary Committee shall appoint as many as fiveof its members to act in committee with an equal number of members of the Judiciary Committee of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America.  Upon the request of the General Assembly of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church or the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America, thisJoint Committee shall prepare for the consideration of both general assemblies proposed amendments to
the Confession of Faith, Catechism, Constitution, Rules of Discipline, Directory for Worship, and Rules ofOrder.
11.05 Judiciary Committee.
01.  The committee shall consist of nine (9) persons elected by the corporation in such a        manner that, immediately following any election, the committee shall have at least       four members (4) who are ordained ministers and at least three (3) members who are       licensed attorneys-at-law.  The Stated Clerk shall be staff liaison to the committee,       attending its meetings and providing resources and counsel.
02.  The committee shall meet at least annually upon the call of its chairperson or the Stated       Clerk.
03.  The committee shall provide advice and counsel to the Stated Clerk.  Upon the written       request of any judicatory or denominational entity made to the chairperson or Stated       Clerk, the committee shall render an advisory opinion on matters of church law or       procedure.  The chairperson shall secure the views of all members of the committee       and write the advisory opinion based on the majority view of the members.  The       committee shall not render legal opinions on matters of civil law nor otherwise engage       in the practice of law.
04.  At least one member of the committee shall attend each meeting of the General       Assembly to advise with its officers and Commissioners on matters of church law or       procedure.  At the Moderator’s request a member of the committee shall be available       to advise the Moderator during the business sessions of the General Assembly.
05.  The committee shall be a commission within the meaning of section 2.5 of the Rules       of Discipline to hear and determine appeals from synods.
11.06 Our United Outreach Committee.
01.  The committee shall consist of five (5) persons elected by the corporation in such a       manner that, immediately following any election, the committee shall have one person       from each synod.  Seven (7) additional members will include a member of the Ministry      Council, a member of the Corporate Board, a member of the Board of Stewardship,      Foundation and Benefits, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Historical      Foundation, and a Cumberland Presbyterian member of the Boards of Trustees of

20

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013      Bethel University, the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home, and Memphis      Theological Seminary.  The executives of the above named denominational entities      shall serve as non-voting, Resource/Advocacy members.
02.  The Office of the General Assembly will be responsible for the expenses of the       representative of each synod.  The represented denominational entities will be       responsible for the expenses of their representatives and executives.
11.07 Place of Meeting.  The committee shall consist of the Moderator, the Stated Clerk and a
representative of the Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministries.
11.08 Program Committee.  The committee shall consist of the Moderator, Stated Clerk, Directorof Ministries, Assistant to the Stated Clerk who serves as secretary, the pastor of the host church, four elected
representatives designated by the Ministry Council from among its ministry teams, and one representative
designated by each of the following: Bethel University, Board of Stewardship, Foundation, and Benefits,
Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home, Historical Foundation, Memphis Theological Seminary, andthe Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry.  The committee will begin planning for two years prior tothe meeting of a particular General Assembly.
11.09 Unified Committee on Theology and Social Concerns.  The committee shall consist ofeight (8) members elected by the corporation, the Stated Clerk, and the President of Memphis TheologicalSeminary.  At least one member of the committee other than the Seminary’s president shall be a Cumberland
Presbyterian member of the faculty of Memphis Theological Seminary.
ARTICLE 12-INDEMNIFICATION
12.01 Indemnification.  The corporation shall indemnify any director, officer or employee who
is, or is threatened to be, made a party to a completed, pending, or threatened action or proceeding fromany liability arising from the director’s, officer’s or employee’s official capacity with the corporation.  This
indemnification shall extend to the personal representation of a deceased person if the person would beentitled to indemnification under these Bylaws if living.
12.02 Costs and Expenses Covered by Indemnification.  Indemnification provided under these
Bylaws shall extend to the payment of a judgment, settlement, penalty, or fine, as well as attorney’s fees,
court costs, and other reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by the director or officer with respect tothe action or proceeding.
12.03 Limitation on Indemnification.  No indemnification shall be made to or on behalf of any
person if a judgment or other final adjudication adverse to that person establishes his or her liability:
01.  for any breach of the duty of loyalty to the corporation;
02.  for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a       knowing violation of law; or03.  for any distribution of the assets of the corporation which is unlawful under Tennessee       law.
ARTICLE 13-TRUSTEE FOR THE CORPORATION
13.01 Trustee.  The Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, a nonprofit corporation existing under the laws of the state of Tennessee, holds certain real property
and other assets of the Church as trustee for the use and benefit of the Church.  The Board of Stewardshipmay continue to hold such real property and other assets, but after the adoption of these Bylaws, it shall holdthose assets as trustee for the use and benefit of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church General Assembly
Corporation.
13.02 Other Assets.  Other, additional property may from time to time be conveyed to the Boardof Stewardship to be held by it as trustee for the corporation.  All assets held by the Board of Stewardshipas trustee for the corporation shall be held at the pleasure and direction of the General Assembly.
ARTICLE 14-PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
14.01 Designation.  The parliamentary authority of the corporation in all meetings shall be thelatest revised edition of the Rules of Order as set out in the Confession of Faith and Government of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  In matters not provided for in the Rules of Order, the parliamentary
authority shall be Robert’s Rules of Order, latest revised edition.
14.02 Standing Rules.  The following shall be Standing Rules for meetings of the General Assembly2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

21

and may be suspended as provided in the parlimentary authority. (see Rules of Order 8.34c)
Standing Rules
1.  Unless otherwise determined by the General Assembly or by the Stated Clerk in the event of an
emergency, the annual General Assembly shall meet on the third or fourth Monday of June at two o’clockin the afternoon to organize, elect a moderator and transact business, and shall close on Thursday or Fridayof the same week.
2.  Reports of all standing and special committees shall be considered in the order established by theModerator in consultation with the Stated Clerk.  Committee reports may be presented orally or in writing
provided to all Commissioners and youth advisory delegates.  Those presenting committee reports shallhave the opportunity to make remarks and give explanation, such presentations not to exceed ten minutes
unless time is extended by two-thirds vote taken without debate.  All committee recommendations shall be
submitted in writing.
3.  All materials from denominational entities for consideration or action by a General Assembly
shall be submitted to the Stated Clerk at least thirty (30) days before the meeting of General Assembly.
4.   Resolutions and memorials proposed for adoption by individual commissioners rather thandenominational entities or judicatories of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church shall be introduced no later
than the close of business on the second day of a meeting of General Assembly, and, when introduced, shallbe referred by the Moderator, in counsel with the Stated Clerk, to the appropriate committee or committees
for report and recommendations to the Assembly.
ARTICLE 15-REPORTS AND AUDITS
15.01 Congregational Reports.  Annually by December 1, the Stated Clerk shall send to session
clerks statistical forms for reporting congregational data.  Session clerks shall mail the completed forms
to presbytery clerks by February 1.  The presbytery clerk shall mail the composite statistical report for all
congregations of a presbytery to the Stated Clerk by February 10.
15.02 Institutional Reports.   In order to be considered for inclusion in the General Assembly
budget, all denominational entities shall deliver to the Stated Clerk an annual report including a concise
description of the organization’s work during the previous year and a line item budget for the forthcoming
year.  Financial reports should be condensed as much as possible while conveying all essential informationon the organization’s operations.  All denominational entities except academic institutions on a fiscal year
are requested to maintain their books on a calendar year.
15.03 Reporting Schedule.  An electronic copy and two written copies of the annual report signedby two officers of the organization shall be delivered to the Stated Clerk by March 15 each year.  Organizations requesting funds from Our United Outreach shall submit multi-year program budgets to the Our
United Outreach Committee.
15.04 Audits.   Organizations and operations included in the General Assembly budget shall be
audited annually by a certified public accountant.  Copies of the auditor’s report, including any recommendations for changes in the procedures relating to internal financial controls, shall be delivered to the StatedClerk.  Organizations with total receipts of $100,000 or less are not required to have an audit but shall submit their books and financial statements to the Stated Clerk annually.
15.05 Bonds.  Each organization or person whose financial records are required to be audited shallhave a fidelity bond in an amount adequate to protect all funds held by the organization or person.
ARTICLE 16-AMENDMENTS
16.01 Manner of Amendment.   Except as provided below, these Bylaws may be amended orrepealed only by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the votes cast in a duly constituted meeting of theGeneral Assembly.  No portion of the Bylaws may be amended or repealed by the Board of Directors.  Fair
and reasonable notice of any proposed amendment shall be provided as required by state law.
16.02 Extraordinary Actions.  In order to be effective the following actions must be approvedby (1) the affirmative vote of two consecutive General Assemblies, or (2) a ninety percent (90%) vote of asingle General Assembly.
01.  Terminating the existence of a denominational entity named in Bylaw 10.01
02.  Creating a new denominational entity other than a temporary committee or task force.
03.  Decreasing the Our United Outreach budget allocation to a denominational entity by       more than 40% of the amount distributed to it during the previous calendar year; or
04.  Taking any other actions which would cause a drastic change in the mission or structure       of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

22

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

MEMORIAL ROLL OF MINISTERS
IN MEMORY OF
MINISTERS LOST BY DEATH
NAME............................................PRESBYTERY.......................AGE.................DATE
Andrews, Leonard...........................................Nashville.................................................................05/16/13
Barker, Jack H.................................................Columbia.....................................79........................12/19/12
Berry, Ephraim A............................................Cumberland.................................91........................05/07/13
Bornert, Robert D............................................Missouri......................................81........................11/20/12
Butler, George E..............................................West Tennessee...........................87........................04/30/12
Clyne, Duncan N.............................................Missouri......................................66........................07/15/12
Gilbert, James C..............................................Red River....................................87........................11/19/12
Green, Odis.....................................................Columbus....................................80........................09/01/12
Harvey, Newsome...........................................Murfreesboro...............................84........................09/04/12
Hegwood, James H.........................................Grace ...................................................................06/20/12
Hollenbeck, Edward B....................................Arkansas..................................................................05/04/12
Kennedy, John F..............................................del Cristo.................................................................12/28/12
Kinslow, Alfred...............................................Arkanas.......................................74........................02/09/12
Lewis, Laura B................................................Trinity ...................................................................06/24/12
Lively, James O...............................................Covenant.....................................92........................01/08/12
Martindale, J Craig..........................................Murfreesboro...............................71........................09/06/12
McAuley, Roy E..............................................Missouri......................................91........................10/29/12
McCain, Terence.............................................North Central..........................................................04/04/12
Miller, Bob......................................................Murfreesboro...........................................................06/05/12
Owen, Bert L...................................................Covenant.................................................................01/30/12
Renner, Patricia...............................................Cumberland.................................71........................02/01/12
Sprague, George..............................................Cumberland.................................77........................04/23/12
Tant, Robert H.................................................Grace ...................................................................02/19/13

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

LIVING GENERAL ASSEMBLY MODERATORS
2013—REV. FOREST PROSSER, 1157 Mountain Creek Road, Chattanooga, TN 37405
2012—REV. ROBERT D. RUSH, 17822 Deep Brook Drive, Spring, TX 77379
2011—REV. DON M. TABOR, 9611 Mitchell Place, Brentwood, TN 37027
2010—REV. BOYCE WALLACE, Cra 101 No 15-93, Cali, Colombia, South America
2009—ELDER SAM SUDDARTH, 206 Ha Le Koa Court, Smyrna, TN 37167
2008—REV. JONATHAN CLARK, 88 Woodcrest Drive, Winchester, TN 37398
2007—REV. FRANK WARD, 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016
2006—REV. DONALD HUBBARD, 2128 Campbell Station Road, Knoxville, TN 37932
2005—REV. LINDA H. GLENN, 49 Mason Road, Threeway, TN 38343
2004—REV. EDWARD G. SIMS, 2161 N. Meadows Drive, Clarksville, TN 37043
2003—REV. CHARLES MCCASKEY, 679 Canter Lane, Cookeville, TN 38501
2001—REV. RANDOLPH JACOB, 610 W. Adams Street, Broken Bow, OK 74728
1999—ELDER GWENDOLYN G. RODDYE, 3728 Wittenham Drive, Knoxville, TN 37921
1998—REV. MASAHARU ASAYAMA, 3-15-9 Higashi, Kunitachi-shi, Tokyo, JAPAN
1996—REV. MERLYN A. ALEXANDER, 80 N. Hampton Lane, Jackson, TN 38305
1995—REV. CLINTON O. BUCK, 4986 Warwick, Memphis, TN 38117
1993—REV. ROBERT M. SHELTON, 7128 Lakehurst Avenue, Dallas, TX 75230
1992—REV. JOHN DAVID HALL, 109 Oddo Lane SE, Huntsville, AL 35802
1990—REV. THOMAS D. CAMPBELL, PO Box 315, Calico Rock, AR 72519
1989—REV. WILLIAM RUSTENHAVEN, Jr., 703 W. Burleson, Marshall, TX 75670
1988—ELDER BEVERLY ST. JOHN, 806 Evansdale Drive, Nashville, TN 37220
1987—ELDER WILBUR S. WOOD, Box 122, Palestine, AR 72372
1985—REV. VIRGIL H. TODD, 3095 Glengarry Road, Memphis, TN 38128
1982—REV. WILLIAM A. RAWLINS, 3100 Cook Lane, Longview, TX 75604
1981—REV. W. JEAN RICHARDSON, 7533 Lancashire, Powell, TN 37849
1978—REV. JOSE FAJARDO, 101 Vanderbilt, Waxahachie, TX 75165
1975—REV. ROY E. BLAKEBURN, 111 Park Place, Greeneville, TN 37743
1969—REV. J. DAVID HESTER, 1212 Woodbury Court, Knoxville, TN 37922

IN MEMORY OF:
Moderator of the149th General Assembly

REV. JAMES C. GILBERT
Died November 19, 2012

23

24

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

GENERAL ASSEMBLY OFFICERS
MODERATOR
THE REVEREND FOREST PROSSER
1157 MOUNTAIN CREEK ROAD
CHATTANOOGA, TN 37405(423)877-4114
forestprosser@comcast.net
VICE MODERATOR
THE REVEREND JAMES (JAMIE) W. LIVELY
906 LYLE CIRCLE
GREENEVILLE, TN 37745(423)798-1959
jlively@gcpchurch.org
STATED CLERK AND TREASURER
THE REVEREND MICHAEL SHARPE
8207 Traditional Place
Cordova, TN 38016(901)276-4572
FAX (901)272-3913
msharpe@cumberland.org
ENGROSSING CLERKTHE REVEREND VERNON SANSOM
7810 Shiloh Road
Midlothian, TX 76065(972)825-6887
vernon@sansom.us

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
GENERAL ASSEMBLY CORPORATION(Members whose terms expire in 2014)(3)REV. TERRY HUNLEY, 48 Charleston Square, Jackson, TN 38305
     thunley1@charter.net(3)MS. GRACE WHITFIELD, 245 Monterey Circle, Gadsden, AL 35901
     gracenaomi@aol.com(Members whose terms expire in 2015)(3)REV. MELISSA MALINOSKI, 9087 Fenmore Cove, Cordova, TN 38016
     bobby.coleman@gmail.com(3)MR. JERRY WEATHERSBY, 119 County Road 743, Cullman, AL 35055
     jerryw@cullmanelectric.com(Members whose terms expire in 2016)(1)MR. TIM GARRETT, 150 Third Avenue South, Suite 2800, Nashville, TN 37201
     tgarrett@bassberry.com(1)REV. BOBBY COLEMAN, 704 E Webb Street, Mountain View, AR 72560
     bobby.coleman@gmail.com*Ecumenical Partners     +Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America

20132013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

25

MINISTRY COUNCIL(The Ministry Teams under the Ministry Council are the successors to the program boards.)(Members whose terms expire in 2014)(1)REV. DONNY ACTON, 1413 Oakridge Drive, Birmingham, AL 35242(2)REV. MICHELE GENTRY DE CORREAL, Calle 3 Norte #12-87, Armenia, Quinido,
COLOMBIA, SOUTH AMERICA(1)REV. LANNY JOHNSON, 120 S MILL STREET, MORRISON, TN 37357(1)REV. TOM SANDERS, 4201 W Kent Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74012(3)MR. ROY SHANKS, 3997 N 100th Street, Casey, IL 62420(Members whose terms expire in 2015)(2)MS. SALLY ALLEN, 3325 Poplar Hill, Clarksville, TN 37043(1)MS. MARY ANN COLE, 620 Plum Springs Road, Bowling Green, KY 42101(3)REV. CARLTON HARPER, 8764 Cody Dan Court, Ooltewah, TN 37363(1)REV. RON MCMILLAN, 675 Kimberly Drive, Atoka, TN 38004(2)REV. LISA SCOTT (address on file)(Members whose terms expire in 2016)(3)MS. JILL CARR, PO Box 1547, Lebanon, MO 65536(2)REV. TROY GREEN, 105 Cobb Hollow Lane, Petersburg, TN 37144(3)MS. ELIZABETH HORSLEY, 1200 Imperial Drive, Denton, TX 76201(3)MS. GWEN RODDYE, 3728 Wittenham Drive, Knoxville, TN 37921(3)REV. SAM ROMINES, PO Box 127, Lewisburg, KY 42256
YOUTH ADVISORY MEMBERS
MR. ETHAN MORGAN, 119 Mountain Top Lane, Cookeville, TN 38506 (Term expires in 2014)
MR. EDDIE MONTOYA, JR, 270 Windsor Drive, Roselle, IL 60172 (Term expires in 2015)
MS. CAROLINA GILLIS, 6243 Sioux Lane, Birmingham, AL 35242 (Term expires in 2016)
ADVISORY MEMBERS
REV. FOREST PROSSER, 1157 Mountain Creek Road, Chattanooga, TN 37405
REV. ROBERT D. RUSH, 17822 Deep Brook Drive, Spring, TX 77379
REV. MICHAEL SHARPE, 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016

COMMUNICATIONS MINISTRY TEAM
(Members whose terms expire in 2014)(2)MS. B. DENISE ADAMS, 126 Ray, Monticello, AR 71655(1)MRS. DUSTY SHULL, 938B North 37th Street, Paducah, KY 42001(Members whose terms expire in 2015)(2)REV. MICHAEL CLARK, 134 Overlook Court, Winchester, TN 37398(2)REV. JAMES D. MCGUIRE, 220-2 Southwind Circle, Greeneville, TN 37743(Members whose terms expire in 2016)(1)REV. NICHOLAS CHAMBERS, 11300 Road 101, Union, MS 39365(1)REV. STEVEN SHELTON, 7886 Farmhill Cove, Bartlett, TN 38135*Ecumenical Partners     +Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America

26

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRY TEAM
(Members whose terms expire in 2014)(1)MS. LEILA DIXON, 4406 John Reagan Street, Marshall, TX 75672(1)REV. AARON FERRY, 122 Crimson Drive, Winchester, TN 37398(2)MS. SAMANTHA HASSELL, 510 N Main Street, Sturgis, KY 42459(Members whose terms expire in 2015)(2)MS. JOANNA D. BELLIS, 334 Village Green Drive, Nashville, TN 37217(1)MS. RACHEL COOK, 210 Bynum Street, Scottsboro, AL 35768(1)REV. CHRISTIAN SMITH, 7401 Bonny Oaks Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37421(Members whose terms expire in 2016)(3)REV. MINDY ACTON, 1413 Oak Ridge Drive, Birmingham, AL 35242(1)REV. NANCY MCSPADDEN, 2011 Woodridge Drive, St Peters, MO 63376(1)REV. JOSEFINA SANCHEZ, 7 Hancock Street, Melrose, MA 02176

MISSIONS MINISTRY TEAM
(Members whose terms expire in 2014)(1)REV. JAMES BUTTRAM, 3917 Stonebridge Drive, Powell, TN 37849(2)REV. JIMMY BYRD, 176 E Valley Road, Whitwell, TN 37397(2)REV. RICARDO FRANCO, 7 Hancock Street, Melrose, MA 02176(1)MRS. NANCY GORDON, 1193 Madison 522, Fredericktown, MO 63645(3)MRS. BEVERLY STOTT, 200 East Main Street, Dresden, TN 38225(Members whose terms expire in 2015)(2)REV. JIM BARRY, 1405 Anna Street, Hixson, TN 37343(1)REV. CARDELIA HOWELL-DIAMOND, 1580 Jeff Road NW, Huntsville, AL 35806(2)MS. SHERRY POTEET, P.O. Box 313, Gilmer, TX 75644(1)MS. MELINDA REAMS, 10 W Azalea Lane, Russellville, AR 72802(Members whose terms expire in 2016)(2)REV. MAKIHIKO ARASE, 3-355-4 Kamikitadai Higashiyamato-Shi, Tokyo, 207-0023 JAPAN(1)REV. VICTOR HASSELL, 510 N Main Street, Sturgis, KY 42459(1)MR. DOMINIC LAU, 3820 Anza Street, San Francisco, CA(1)MS. BRITTANY MEEKS, 2664 Morning Sun Road, Cordova, TN 38016(1)REV. CHRIS WARREN, 907 E Main Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37130

PASTORAL DEVELOPMENT MINISTRY TEAM
(Members whose terms expire in 2014)(1)REV. AMBER CLARK, 338 Royal Oak Drive, Winchester, TN 37398(1)REV. DREW HAYES, 629 High Street, Union City, TN 38261(Members whose terms expire in 2015)(1)REV.DUAWN MEARNS, 107 Westoak Place, Hot Springs, AR 71913(2)REV. LINDA SNELLING, 15791 State Highway W, Ada, OK 74820(Members whose terms expire in 2016)(2)MS. MICAIAH THOMAS , PO Box 5204 SBN 499, Princeton, NJ 08543(1)REV. PATRICK WILKERSON, 3419 Jaydens Nest Way Apt 202, Powell, TN 37849*Ecumenical Partners     +Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

27

GENERAL ASSEMBLY BOARD OF:
I. TRUSTEES OF BETHEL UNIVERSITY(Members whose terms expire in 2013)(2)DR. LARRY A. BLAKEBURN, 230 Heathridge Drive, Dyersburg, TN 38024(1)*JUDGE BEN CANTRELL, 415 Church Street #2513, Nashville, TN 37219(1)+DR. AMY DANIEL, 3125 Searcy Drive, Huntsville, AL 35810(2)MR. LAWRENCE (LADD) DANIEL, 13023 Taylorcrest, Houston, TX 77079(3)DR. JAMES (JIMMY) M. LATIMER, 3381 Moss Rose Drive, Memphis, TN 38115(1)DR. ROBERT LOW, c/o New Prime, Inc., 2740 W Mayfair Avenue, Springfield, MO 65803(3)*MR. DWIGHT REASONS, 256 State Route 152 W, Humboldt, TN 38343(2)MR. BEN T. SURBER, 1145 Hico Road, McKenzie, TN 38201(Members whose terms expire in 2014)(1)*DR. JANET AYERS, 314 Whitworth Way, Nashville, TN 37205(1)*MS. LISA COLE, PO Box 198615, Nashville, TN 37219(3)*DR. PAUL COWELL, c/o Whitestone Country Inn, 1200 Paint Rock Road, Kingston, TN 37763(1)MR. CHESTER (CHET) DICKSON, 24 W Rivercrest Drive, Houston, TX 77042(3)REV. LINDA H. GLENN, 49 Mason Road, Three Way, TN 38343(1)*MR. ARTHUR (ART) LAFFER, JR., 410 Wilsonia Avenue, Nashville, TN 37205(3)*DR. RAY MORRIS, PO Box 924528, Norcross, GA 30010(2)MR. BOBBY OWEN, 1625 Cabot Drive, Franklin, TN 37064(1)DR. ED PERKINS, 721 Paris Street, McKenzie, TN 38201(2)REV. ROBERT (ROB) TRUITT, 1238 Old East Side Road, Burns, TN 37029(Members whose terms expire in 2015)(3)*MR. MICHAEL (MIKE) CARY, 181 Angel Cove, Huntingdon, TN 38344(2)*MR. ANDY CREIGHTON, PO Box 1467, Smyrna, TN 37167(2)MR. CHARLIE GARRETT, 107 Willow Green Drive, Jackson, TN 38305(1)+REV. ELTON C. HALL, SR., 305 Tiffton Circle, Hewitt, TX 76643(1)REV. MARK S. HESTER, 763 Finn Long Road, Friendsville, TN 37737(3)*MS. CHARLENE P. JONES, 137 Moore Avenue W, McKenzie, TN 38201(1)MS. DEWANNA LATIMER, 1077 Jr. Jones Road, Humboldt, TN 38343(2)REV. EUGENE LESLIE, 4541 Old Medina Road, Medina, TN 38355(1)*MS. VIOLA MILLER, 1614 5th Avenue N., Nashville, TN 37208
Trustee Emeritus – Dr. Vera Low, 3653 Prestwick Court, Springfield, MO 65809 (deceased)

II. TRUSTEES OF CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIANCHILDREN’S HOME
(Members whose terms expire in 2013)(1)MS. PATRICIA LONG, 525 E Oak Street, Aledo, TX 76008(2)REV. ALFONSO MARQUEZ, 389 Bethel Drive, Lenoir City, TN 37772(2)MR. MICKEY SHELL, 2143 Griderfield-Ladd Road, Pine Bluff, AR 71601(3)+MS. JOY WALLACE, 6940 Marvin D Love Freeway, Dallas, TX 75237(Members whose terms expire in 2014)(2)+MS. MAMIE HALL, 305 Tiffton Circle, Hewitt, TX 76643(2)REV. YOONG KIM, 8601 Dogwood Road, Germantown, TN 38139(1)*MR. JOEL MURO, 1616 Wood Ridge Court, Corinth, TX 76210(3)REV. NORLAN SCRUDDER, 29688 South 534 Road, Park Hill, OK 74451(2)REV. DON TABOR, 9611 Mitchell Place, Brentwood, TN 37027*Ecumenical Partners     +Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America

28

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013(Members whose terms expire in 2015)(2)*MS. KAY GOODMAN, 1042 Bobcat Road, Sanger, TX 76266(3)MS. PAT HUFF, 249 Rancho Drive, Saginaw, TX 76179(2)REV. MELISSA KNIGHT, 5730 Haley Road, Meridian, MS 39305(3)MS. RUBY LETSON, 2921 Alexander, Florence, AL 35633(2)*MR. BARON H. SMITH, 3401 Hasland Drive, Flower Mound, TX 75022

III. TRUSTEES OF HISTORICAL FOUNDATION(Members whose terms expire in 2014)(2)+MS. EDNA BARNETT, 7 Breezewood Cove, Jackson, TN 38305(1)MR. MICHAEL FARE, 401 E Deanna Lane, Nixa, MO 65714(1)*MS. DOROTHY HAYDEN, 3103 Carolina Avenue, Bessemer, AL 35020(2)+REV. RICK WHITE, 124 Towne West, Lorena, TX 76655(Members whose terms expire in 2015)(3)REV. TOMMY JOBE, 807 Rockwood Drive, Nolensville, TN 37135(2)DR. SIDNEY L. SWINDLE, 4407 Swann Avenue, Tampa, FL 33609(Members whose terms expire in 2016)(3)+MS. VANESSA BARNHILL, 819 King Street, Sturgis, KY 42459(3)MS. PAMELA DAVIS, 5111 County Road 7545, Lubbock, TX 79424(3)+MS. NAOMI KING, 3850 Millsfield Highway, Dyersburg, TN 38024 (resigned)(2)MS. MARY KATHRYN KIRKPATRICK, 401 1/2 Henley-Perry Drive, Marshall, TX 75670(3)MS. SIDNEY MILTON, 27 Kalee Lane, Calvert City, KY 42029

IV. TRUSTEES OF MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
OF THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH(Members whose terms expire in 2014)(3)*REV. D. TOM BELL Jr., PO Box 4286, Huntsville, AL 35815(2)REV. DOY DANIELS Jr., 6083 S First Street, Milan, TN 38358(1)*REV. ROBERT MARBLE, 515 Shamrock Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205(2)MS. PAT MEEKS, 8540 Edney Ridge Drive, Cordova, TN 38016(1)REV. JENNIFER NEWELL, 2322 Marco Circle, Chattanooga, TN 37421(2)REV. ROBERT M. SHELTON, 7128 Lakehurst Avenue, Dallas, TX 75230(2)+DR. JOE WARD, 2620 Rabbit Lane, Madison, AL 35758(2)*MS. RUBY WHARTON, 1183 E Parkway South, Memphis, TN 38114(Members whose terms expire in 2015)(2)REV. KEVIN BRANTLEY, 729 Old Hodgenville Road, Greensburg, KY 42743(3)REV. JODY HILL, 4030 St Andrew Circle, Corinth, MS 38834(3)MS. JAN HOLMES, 5209 87th Street, Lubbock, TX 79424(2)MR. MARK MADDOX, 225 Oak Drive, Dresden, TN 38225(1)MS. SONDRA RODDY, 2583 Hedgerow Lane, Clarksville, TN 37043(2)MR. TAKAYOSHI SHIRAI, 25 Minami Kibogaoka Asahi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa-ken 241-0824 JAPAN(1)*REV. MELVIN CHARLES SMITH, 1263 Haynes Street, Memphis, TN 38114(1)*MS. LATISHA TOWNS, The Med, 877 Jefferson Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103(Members whose terms expire in 2016)(2)MR. MICHAEL R. ALLEN, 149 Windwood Circle, Alabaster, AL 35007(1)*MR. JOHNNIE COOMBS, PO Box 127, Blue Mountain, MS 38610(2)MS. DIANE DICKSON, 24 West Rivercrest, Houston, TX 77042(2)*MR. HARVEY G. FERGUSON, 630 Gaines Road, Hernando, MS 38682(3)*MR. DAN HATZENBUEHLER, 1544 Carr Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104(1)*DR. RICK KIRCHOFF, 2044 Thorncroft Drive, Germantown, TN 38138(3)MR. TIM ORR, 1591 Laura Lane, Dyersburg, TN 38024*Ecumenical Partners     +Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

29(2)*DR. INETTA RODGERS, 1824 S Parkway E, Memphis, TN 38114(3)*MRS. K.C. WARREN, 215 Buena Vista Place, Memphis, TN 38112

V. STEWARDSHIP, FOUNDATION AND BENEFITS(Members whose terms expire in 2014)(2)MR. CHARLES DAY, 9312 Owensboro Road, Falls of Rough, KY 40119(2)MS. SYLVIA HALL, 930 Sherry Circle, Hixson, TN 37343(2)MR. JACKIE SATTERFIELD, 2303 County Road 730, Cullman, AL 35055(3)MRS. DEBRA SHANKS, 3997 North 100th Street, Casey, IL 62420(Members whose terms expire in 2015)(2)MR. ANDREW B. FRAZIER, JR., 107 Doris Street, Camden, TN 38320(3)MR. ROBERT LATIMER, RR 1 Box 123, Miami, MO 65344(1)MR. MICHAEL ST. JOHN, 324 Carriage Place, Lebanon, MO 65536(Members whose terms expire in 2016)(3)MR. CHARLES G. FLOYD, 1617 Championship Drive, Franklin, TN 37064(1)REV. CHARLES (BUDDY) POPE, 2391 Fairfield Pike, Shelbyville, TN 37160(2)MS. SUE RICE, 1301 Brooker Road, Brandon, FL 33511(2)MS. DEBBIE SHELTON, 1255 MG England Road, Manchester, TN 37355

GENERAL ASSEMBLY COMMISSIONS:
I. MILITARY CHAPLAINS AND PERSONNEL(1) Term Expires in 2014–REV. MARY MCCASKEY BENEDICT, 783 Isaac Drive, Clarksville,
TN 37040(2) Term Expires in 2015–REV. LOWELL RODDY, 2583 Hedgerow Lane, Clarksville,
TN 37043(1) Term Expires in 2016–REV. CASSANDRA THOMAS, 1920 Dancy Street, Fayetteville,
NC 28301
These three persons and the Stated Clerk represent the denomination as members of the PresbyterianCouncil for Chaplains and Military Personnel, 4125 Nebraska Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016

GENERAL ASSEMBLY COMMITTEES
I. JUDICIARY(Members whose terms expire in 2014)(1)REV. PERRYN RICE, 537 Edgerowe Court, Cookeville, TN 38506
     perryn@cookevillecpchurch.org(1)REV. ROBERT D. RUSH, 17822 Deep Brook Drive, Spring, TX 77379
     rushrd74@comcast.net(2)MR. WENDELL THOMAS, JR., 1200 Paradise Drive, Powell, TN 37849
     volbaby@comcast.net*Ecumenical Partners     +Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America

30

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013(Members whose terms expire in 2015)(1)REV. ANNETTA CAMP, 2263 Mill Creek Road, Halls, TN 38040
     anetta@cumberlandchurch.com(3)MR. CHARLES DAWSON, PO Box 904, Scottsboro, AL 35768
     rdpfcd@scottsboro.org(2)MS. KIMBERLY SILVUS, 1128 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37040
     kgsilvus@gmail.com(Members whose terms expire in 2016)(3)REV. SHERRY LADD, 4521 Turkey Creek Road, Williamsport, TN 38487
     revsherryladd@gmail.com(2)REV. ANDY MCCLUNG, 919 Dickinson Street, Memphis, TN 38107
     scubarev@att.net(3)MS. FELICIA WALKUP, 179 Mary Anne Lane, Manchester, TN 37355
     fbwalkup@gmail.com

II. JOINT COMMITTEE ON AMENDMENTS
The committee consists of five members of the Judiciary Committee of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church in America and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

III. NOMINATING(Members whose terms expire in 2014)(1)MRS. FRANCES DAWSON, PO Box 904, Scottsboro, AL 35768
     rdpfcd@scottsboro.org(1)REV. DON NUNN, 203 Bridgers Hill Road, Longview, TX 75604
     dwnunn@earthlink.net(1)MR. KEN SMITH, 6197 34th Street, Lubbock, TX 79407
     knsmth@earthlink.net(1)REV. JESSE THORNTON, 122 E Cherry Street, Chandler, IN 47610
     jessthornton@msn.com(Members whose terms expire in 2015)(1)MR. RICK GAMBLE, 2430 Mount View Road, Manchester, TN 37355
     gamble-ra@charter.net(1)REV. ISAAC GRAY, 1211 AR 223 Highway, Pineville, AR 72566
     revgray08@gmail.com(Members whose terms expire in 2016)(1)MS. NANCY BEAN, 3510 Clubhouse Road, Somerset, KY 42503
     beann@bethelu.edu(1)REV. CHARLES MCCASKEY, 679 Canter Lane, Cookeville, TN 38501
     charles@cookevillecpchurch.org(1)REV. JIMMY PEYTON, 1455 County Road 643, Cullman, AL 35055
     jakjpeyton@att.net(1)MS. MARJORIE SHANNON, 2307 Littlemore Drive, Cordova, TN 38016
     margieshannon@att.net

IV. OUR UNITED OUTREACH COMMITTEE(Members whose terms expire in 2014)(2)MS. SHARON RESCH, PO Box 383, Dongola, IL 62926(2)REV. WILLIAM RUSTENHAVEN III, PO Box 1303, Marshall, TX 75671*Ecumenical Partners     +Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

31(Members whose terms expire in 2015)(1)MR. RANDY WEATHERSBY, 1502 Pinecrest Street NW, Cullman, AL 35055(1)MS. ROBIN WILLS, 4607 E Richmond Shop Road, Lebanon, TN 37090(Members whose terms expire in 2016)(3)MR. RON D. GARDNER, 8668 Wood Mills Drive W, Cordova, TN 38016

V. PLACE OF MEETING
THE STATED CLERK OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
THE MODERATOR OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
A REPRESENTATIVE OF WOMEN’S MINISTRIES OF THE MISSIONS MINISTRY TEAM

VI. UNIFIED COMMITTEE ON THEOLOGY AND SOCIAL CONCERNS(Members whose terms expire in 2014)(2)+MR. JIMMIE DODDS, c/o Mt Tabor CP Church, 1798 Campbell Street, Jackson, TN 38301(1)+DR. NANCY FUQUA, 1963 County Road 406, Towncreek, AL 35672
     fug23@bellsouth.net(1)REV. RANDY JACOB, PO Box 158, Broken Bow, OK 74728
     chocpres@pine-net.com(3)+REV. JACKIE LANG, 904  35th Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401(2)+REV. NOVALENE SITGRAVES, 3345 Grand Avenue, Louisville, KY 40211(Members whose terms expire in 2015)(1)DR. STEVE PARRISH, 4610 Dunn Avenue, Memphis, TN 38117
     sparrish@memphisseminary.edu(1)MR. DAVID PHILLIPS-BURK, 1065 Legacy Lake Circle 104, Collierville, TN 38017
     dlphillipsburk@aol.com(1)REV. SHELIA O’MARA, 533 Loughton Lane, Arnold, MD 21012
     chaplainsheila@aol.com(Members whose terms expire in 2016)(3)MS. LEZLIE P. DANIEL, 13023 Taylorcrest Road, Houston, TX 77079
     lululoop@me.com(2)+SISTER JIMMIE DODD, c/o Mt. Tabor CPCA, 1798 Campbell Street, Jackson, TN 38301
     dodd125@gmail.com(2)REV. BYRON FORESTER, 2376 Eastwood Place, Memphis, TN 38112
     bforester@bellsouth.net(2)+DR. CHARLES E. REESE, 2903 Grand Avenue, Dallas, TX 79215
     creese213@yahoo.com(1)REV. JOHN A. SMITH, 2511 Linden Avenue, Nashville, TN 37212
     john.a.smith.81@gmail.com(2)+ELDER JOY WALLACE, 6940 Marvin D Love Freeway, Dallas, TX 75237
     jwallace@wlgllc.net
President of Memphis Theological Seminary - Ex-officio Member

OTHER DENOMINATIONAL PERSONNEL
REPRESENTATIVES TO:
American Bible Society:  REV. MICHAEL SHARPE, 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016
Caribbean and North American Area Council, World Communion of Reformed Churches:
STATED CLERK MICHAEL SHARPE, 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016(Member whose terms expire in 2014)(2)MS. LAURIE SHARPE, 3423 Summerdale Drive, Bartlett, TN 38133

32

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

THE REPORT OF THE MODERATOR
I am grateful to the 182nd General Assembly for electing me the Moderator.  I am very appreciativethat I have been elected to serve as both Moderator and Stated Clerk.  It is gratifying to be able to serve
the denomination in various capacities.   During this year I have been privileged to visit twelve of ourpresbyteries, and was invited to preach in eight of the meetings.  I am always thankful for the opportunity
to proclaim the Word.
In 2015 the General Assembly will meet at the Colegio Americano in Colombia.  2015 is the 90th
anniversary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Ministry in Colombia.  Through the years we have read andheard about the Colegio and many have been privileged to visit it.  The Colegio has provided a quality
education for hundreds of students in Kindergarten through grade twelve for more than eighty years.  Thepeople of Colombia are very warm and friendly.  Worship in the Colombian congregations is considerably
more lively than in the United States.
When the Church realigned presbyteries and synods in 1988, the goal was to have stronger
presbyteries with professional staff.  For the first few years the synods were to be courts of review, however,I feel strongly that it is time to re-evaluate the role of the synod in our Denomination.  Presbyteries are weak
and have difficulty developing new congregations due to limited resources.  Working co-operatively withpresbyteries, the synods were the primary source of developing new congregations.
We are in the process of trying to unify the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America, which has
viable synods, and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Synods had supplemented the Christian Education
opportunities provided by presbyteries and offered additional ones.  The Cumberland Presbyterian Church
in America has Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee and Texas Synods; although most of the names are different
the synods in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church are in the same areas.  The process of unification canbe enhanced by a general synod involving both denominations.  The synods of both denominations could
provide some continuing education opportunities for ministers.
RECOMMENDATION 1: That the General Assembly encourage each synod to have ageneral synod in its next meeting and to seek to involve the corresponding synod of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church in America in having a union meeting.
I am grateful for the continued mission outreach of the Denomination, and pleased that we have somany co-operative ministries with other denominations.  The Coalition for Applachian Ministries, Project
Vida, Beth-el, Presbyterian Council on Chaplains and Military Personnel, World Communion of Reformed
Churches are some of the ministry opportunities in which we are partners.
Respectively submitted,
Robert D. Rush, Moderator

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

33

THE REPORT OF THE STATED CLERK
I. THE OFFICE OF THE STATED CLERKThe Constitution, the Rules of Discipline, the Rules of Order, and the General Assembly Bylaws(found in the front of the General Assembly Minutes) list the many responsibilities for the person who holds
the position of Stated Clerk, the primary task is to maintain and strengthen a united witness for the Church.
The Stated Clerk shall also generally supervise and control the business affairs of the Corporation, and seethat all directives of the General Assembly are implemented.
The Office of the General Assembly also provides budgeting, accounting, and support services
for commissions, committees, agencies and task forces without executive assistance.  This past year, thisincluded assistance to the General Assembly Evaluation Committee and the Unification Task Force (CPC/
CPCA).
Some of the newer initiatives and activities that have been launched this past year include:•   Development of an initial web presence for the following General Assembly Committees/
Commissions without staff: Nominating Committee, Unified Committee on Theology and Social Concerns,
Commission on Military Chaplains and Personnel, and Our United Outreach Committee.
•  Creation of spring and fall Denominational Updates, a compilation of talking points obtained
from each board and agency that may be shared by visiting denominational staff and the moderator when
making visits to presbyteries and in other settings.  The updates are also shared with presbytery clerks.
•  Development of a Travel Chart, to assist with the coordination of travel plans by denominational
staff to meetings of presbyteries.  The travel chart is also shared with presbytery clerks.
•  Provided orientation/training to several of the General Assembly boards, agencies and presbyteries
on the use of video conferencing technology for their meetings.
•  Hosting the annual conference for Presbytery and Synod Clerks.
A significant portion of the Stated Clerk’s time has been spent responding to various judicial andlegal questions affecting local churches and presbyteries.  The Clerk is appreciative for advice provided tothis office from both the Judiciary Committee and from Mr. Jamie Jordan who serves as legal counsel for
the Office of the General Assembly.
The Stated Clerk is grateful to the Church for calling him to serve in this position and appreciates
the support of the Church for the Office and for the person who holds this position.

II. STAFF
Ms. Elizabeth Vaughn continues to serve as the Assistant to the Stated Clerk, a position that requires
her to maintain accurate records of ministers, probationers, congregations, record income and expenses andto authorize payment of all items in the Office of the General Assembly budget.  The Church is fortunate tohave a person with such knowledge, efficiency and dedication to work.  The Stated Clerk and the Assistantto the Stated Clerk are currently the only employees of the Office of the General Assembly.
Dr. Tommy Craig, who served as Engrossing Clerk since 1999, concluded his term of service on
12/31/2012.  The stated clerk is grateful for the many years of dedicated service Dr. Craig has given throughhis service in this position.
Reverend Vernon Sansom was elected by the 182nd General Assembly to fill the position ofEngrossing Clerk vacated by the retirement of Dr. Tommy Craig.   Vernon’s term of service began on
1/1/2013.  The General Assembly Office looks forward to working with Vernon.

III. ECUMENICAL RELATIONSHIPSThe Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church have
one heritage, one Confession of Faith and share in several co-operative relationships such as the HistoricalFoundation, the United Board of Christian Discipleship, youth ministry, and the Unified Committee on
Theology and Social Concerns.  The Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America and the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church also participate with other Reformed bodies in ministry.  Although working throughpartnerships, the witness of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America and the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church would be greatly enhanced through a union of the two denominations.
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church has always been involved in ecumenical relationships, the34

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

oldest of which is the American Bible Society.   The American Bible Society seeks to make scriptures
available to every person in his/her language.  Support for the American Bible Society helps to fulfill thispurpose.  In order to be able to reach more persons, the American Bible Society works with other Bible
societies, some local and some international.  The Bible can and does change human lives.
The World Alliance of Reformed Churches and the Reformed Ecumenical Council merged into
the World Communion of Reformed Churches, June 18-28, 2010.  The World Communion of Reformed
Churches represents approximately eighty million members of two hundred thirty Denominations fromone hundred seven countries, including Reformed, Congregationalists, Presbyterian and United Churches.
Resources and updates from the World Communion of Reformed Churches are available on their website:(www.wcrc.ch).
The Stated Clerk was invited to attend the General Assembly meeting of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church in America and to present a workshop on the “Rules of Discipline” during the Assembly meeting.  
The Assembly was held in Huntsville, Alabama, June 3-7, 2012.
The Stated Clerk was also invited to represent the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at the General
Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).  The Assembly was held in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, June
3-7, 2012 .  The relationship between these two Presbyterian Churches continue to be one of mutual respect
and cooperation, and the Clerk is deeply appreciative of the invitation to participate in the General Assembly
as an ecumenical delegate.
Through co-operative ministries, chaplains for the military and veteran’s hospitals are endorsed,
migrant workers and persons in Appalachia are served, and missionaries are sent into a variety of countries.
Through ecumenical partnerships disaster relief funds are distributed.  Through working co-operatively
church school and camping materials are developed.   Habitat for Humanity enables many persons
throughout the world to secure better housing.  The Cumberland Presbyterian witness is more effective
through participation with other Christians in these and various other ministries.

IV. CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
The 182nd General Assembly submitted to the presbyteries the following Constitutional
Amendment:
4.6 The session may designate one elder who, when authorized by the presbytery, may administer thesacrament of the Lord’s Supper to the congregation.
Change to Read
4.6 The session may designate two elders, either of whom, when authorized by the presbytery, may administer
the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper to the congregation.
The Constitution 11.3, 11.4a, b affirms that an amendment is approved if three fourths of thepresbyteries vote affirmatively within a year after the amendment is submitted to the presbyteries.
The following presbyteries voted in the affirmative: Andes, Arkansas, Cauca Valley, Choctaw,
Columbia, Covenant, Cumberland, del Cristo, East Tennessee, Grace, Hong Kong, Hope, Missouri,
Murfreesboro, Nashville, North Central, Red River, Robert Donnell, Trinity, and West Tennessee.
The following presbytery voted in the negative: Japan.
The following presbytery did not report: Tennessee-Georgia.
RECOMMENDATION 1: That the 183rd General Assembly declare that the Constitutional
Amendment has been approved.

V. THE CORPORATE BOARD
In the called meeting in December 2007, the General Assembly elected a new board of directors
for the General Assembly Incorporation.  With the merging of program boards into the Ministry Council,
trust funds would become more vulnerable in the event the corporation was sued.  The General Assembly
Bylaws, Article 5 outlines the responsibilities for the Corporate Board.
The board met once this past year. Actions include: reviewed and approved the proposed budgets
for 2013 and 2014 for the Office of the General; approved the 2014 housing allowance for the stated clerk;
and reviewed the current status of denominational loans.

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

35

As of April 1, 2013 the indebtedness for the denomination:
New Center Buildings$  89,220.08
Maintenance debt on Union Avenue$175,058.66
Computer Loan
$122,930.18
In August of 2012, the Organizational Task Force Loan was paid off.  Monthly payments in theamount of $14,041.08 are now being applied to the retirement of the New Center Building Loan.  The annual
Shared Services budget for the operation of the Center, includes $54,000 to pay on the maintenance debt for
the Union Avenue Property and $38,049 to pay on the Computer Loan.  Various individuals, congregations,and presbyteries continue to make contributions on the New Center Building debt.  All monies are borrowed
from the Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits instead of commercial lenders.  At the current rateof payments, it is anticipated that all loans may be paid in full by March 2015.
The Center Interagency Team (CIT) comprised of the Center’s Principle Executive Officers, is
responsible for oversight of the day-to-day maintenance and property needs at the Denominational Center.  
Current CIT members include:   Mike Sharpe (Office of the General Assembly), Robert Heflin (Boardof Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits), Susan Gore (Historical Foundation), and Edith Old (MinistryCouncil).  The Shared Services budget covers the cost for maintaing the Center offices and property (seepage 286).

VI. MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The 179th General Assembly voted to make the minutes available on a CD, which resulted in acost saving of over $6,000 for printing minutes and mailing them to persons requesting them.  The StatedClerk is aware that not all persons desiring minutes may have access to a computer and that it will takelonger to find information on a disc than in a printed copy.  It is permissible to download and print a copyof the minutes from the website (www.cumberland.org/gao).  The resource center also prints and sells a
few copies of the General Assembly Minutes each year.  For information contact Matthew Gore, mhg@
cumberland.org.

VII. ENDORSEMENT FOR MODERATORThe Reverend Forest Prosser, Tennessee-Georgia Presbytery, and the Reverend Jamie Lively,
Presbytery of East Tennessee have been endorsed as Moderator of the 183rd General Assembly.

VIII. STATISTICAL INFORMATION
The annual congregational report forms are sent to the session clerk on December 1, and due inthe office of the Stated Clerk of the Presbytery on February 1, and all reports are to be in the Office of theGeneral Assembly by February 10.
In 2012, over a hundred congregations failed to report, thus statistics are not accurate.  The statistics
for a non-reporting congregation may be several years old, but it is the latest information available.  TheGeneral Assembly Office continues to shorten and simplify the reporting process.  Efforts also continue tofurther simplify online reporting for those able to utilize the technology.  Hard copies of the report forms
will still be made available for those congregations who do not have access to the internet.
The 178th and 179th General Assembly directed “that each presbytery request that its Board ofMissions or similar agency, as they minister to the needs of the churches within their presbyteries, remindthe churches that it is important that they submit annual reports which are part of our history and offer
assistance when needed in preparation of these reports.”   If a congregation fails to receive a report, aduplicate form can be requested from the Office of the General Assembly or one may be printed from theweb site (www.cumberland.org/gao), and going to the section on congregational reports.
Compiled statistical information is available in the annual Yearbook available online (www.
cumberland.org/gao) or in cd/print format, available through Cumberland Resource Distribution –resources@cumberland.org (901-276-4581).  Future issues of the Yearbook will reflect a new designation
for ministers who have granted the status of Honorably Retired (HR).

36

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

IX. CHURCH CALENDAR 2013-2015
The 182nd General Assembly, directed the Office of the General Assembly to be responsible forreporting the “Church Calendar” to the General Assembly for adoption in 2013 and all future years.  Listed
below are the dates received from the Boards and Agencies of the denomination.
RECOMMENDATION 2: That the 183rd General Assembly approve the following dates forthe 2013-2015 Church Calendar:
CHURCH CALENDAR 2013-2015
July-2013
8-10
13
13-27
16-20
16-20

Hispanic Pastors Conference, Bethel University, McKenzie, Tennessee
Program of Alternate Studies (PAS) Graduation
PAS Summer Extension School
Presbyterian Youth Triennium
Ministers Retreat, Bethel University, McKenzie, Tennessee

August-2013
3
17		
24
25-Sept 29
27

Bethel Commencement
Bethel Blast
MTS Fall Semester Classes begin
Christian Education Season
Bethel Opening Convocation (171st Year)

September-2013
4
MTS Opening Convocation
8		
Senior Adult Sunday
15
Christian Service Recognition Sunday
22
International Day of Prayer and Action for Human Habitat
October-2013
1-31
6
13
19-20
27

Clergy Appreciation Month
Worldwide Communion Sunday
Pastor Appreciation Sunday
Bethel Homecoming
Native American Sunday

November-2013
Any Sunday in November Loaves and Fishes
1
All Saints Day
1
World Community Day (Church Women United)3		
Stewardship Sunday
3-6
The Forum10
Day of Prayer for People with AIDS and Other Life-Threatening Illnesses
17		
Bible Sunday
December-2013
Any Sunday in December Gift to the King
1-25
Advent in Church and Home
7
Bethel Commencement
24
Christmas Eve
25
Christmas Day
January-2014
6		 Epiphany
11
Human Trafficking Awareness Day
13-14		Stated Clerks’ Conference
15
Deadline for receipt of 2013 Our United Outreach Contributions

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

February-2014
1-28		
Black History Month1
Annual congregational reports due to General Assembly Office2
Denomination Day
2
Historical Foundation Offering2		
Souper Bowl Sunday
9
Our United Outreach Sunday
16		
Youth Sunday
March-2014
5
5–Apr 2030-Apr 5

Women’s History Month (USA)Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent
Lent to EasterNational Farm Workers Awareness Week

April-2014
13
13
17		
18
20		
25-26
27
27 - May 3

Palm/Passion Sunday
One Great Hour of Sharing
Maundy Thursday
Good Friday
Easter30-Hour Famine
CPCH Sunday
Family Week

May-20142
10
25

Friendship Day (Church Women United)
MTS Closing Convocation & Graduation
Memorial Day Offering for Military Chaplains & Personnel for USA churches

June-2014
7
8
8
16-20
17-19

Children’s Fest, CPCH, Denton, TX
Pentecost
World Mission Sunday
General Assembly, Chattanooga, TN
CPWM Convention, Chattanooga, TN

July-2014
6-11
12
12-26
19
22-26

Cumberland Presbyterian Youth Conference, Bethel, McKenzie, TN
Program of Alternate Studies Graduation
PAS Summer Extension School, Bethel, McKenzie, TNChildren’s Fest, Bethel, McKenzie, TN
Ministers Retreat, Bethel, McKenzie, TN

August-2014
23
31-Sept 28

MTS Fall Semester Begins
Christian Education Season

September-2014
10
MTS Opening convocation
14		
Senior Adult Sunday
21
Christian Service Recognition Sunday
28
International Day of Prayer and Action for Human Habitat
October-2014
512Clergy Appreciation Month
Worldwide Communion Sunday
Pastor Appreciation Sunday

37

38
26

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Native American Sunday

November-2014
Any Sunday Loaves and Fishes Program
1
All Saints Day
2		
Stewardship Sunday
9
World Community Day (Church Women United)9
Day of Prayer for People with Aids and Other Life-Threatening Illnesses
16		
Bible Sunday
23
Christ the King Sunday
30-Dec 25
Advent in Church and Home
December-2014
Any Sunday Gift to the King Offering
24
Christmas Eve
25
Christmas Day
January-2015
6		 Epiphany
11
Human Trafficking Awareness Day
12-13		Stated Clerks’ Conference
15
Deadline for receipt of 2014 Our United Outreach Contributions
February-2015
1-28		
Black History Month1
Annual congregational reports due in GA office1
Denomination Day
1
Historical Foundation Offering1		
Souper Bowl Sunday
8
Our United Outreach Sunday
15		
Youth Sunday
18
Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent
18–Apr 5
Lent to EasterMarch-2015
22-28
29
29

Women’s History Month (USA)National Farm Workers Awareness Week
Palm/Passion Sunday
One Great Hour of Sharing

April-2015
2		
Maundy Thursday
3
Good Friday
5		 Easter
12
CPCH Sunday
12-18
Family Week
25-26
30-Hour Famine
May-2015
1
10
24
24
24
June-2015

Friendship Day (Church Women United)
MTS Closing Convocation & Graduation
Memorial Day Offering for Military Chaplains & Personnel for USA churches
Pentecost
World Mission Sunday
General Assembly, Colombia, South America
CPWM Convention, Colombia, South America

20132013
July-2015
6-11
11
11-25
22-26

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

39

Cumberland Presbyterian Youth Conference, Bethel, McKenzie, TN
Program of Alternate Studies Graduation
PAS Summer Extension School, Bethel, McKenzie, TN
Ministers Retreat, Bethel, McKenzie, TN

X. CONTINGENCY FUND
The Stated Clerk is to hold, distribute and report annually the General Assembly Contingency Fund(see Bylaws 8.04, #24).  Below is a summary of 2012 Contingency Fund Activity.
Summary of 2012 Activity
Balance Forward 1/1/2011							$ 33,562.22
Income in 2012:
Our United OutreachInterest
Total Income:			$2,297.62     901.93$3,199.55

Expenditures in 2012:
General Assembly Evaluation Committee Expense
General Assembly Unification Expense
Pastoral Development Team2010 General Assembly Planning Committee
Total Expenditures:					$  5,739.38
    2,163.73
    3,164.92
       301.14$11,369.17

Total Fund Balance as of 12/31/12						*Restricted Funds:$   1,116.24*$25,392.60

In Priority Goals Programming (workshops/materials for presbyterial
committees on ministry.)    4,100.00

The current balance designated by the 178th General Assembly to print
the Catechism in the various languages represented in the church.

    1,000.00

Pastoral Development Ministry Team/General Assembly Ordination Task Force		
Total Amount of *Restricted Funds:		

$ 6,216.24 (12/31/12)

Total Amount of Unrestricted Amount:$19,176.36 (12/31/12)

Total Fund Balance:				

$25,392.60 (12/31/12)

Respectfully submitted,
Michael Sharpe, Stated Clerk

40

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

THE REPORT ONE OF THE MINISTRY COUNCIL
To the 183rd General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in session in Murfreesboro,
Tennessee, June 17-21, 2013.

I. MINISTRY COUNCIL
Edith Busbee Old, Director Of Ministries
A. INTRODUCTION
1. OUR HISTORY
In recognition that each General Assembly gathers a new collective of people from throughout
the denomination with widely varied levels of understanding and familiarity with the Ministry Council,
we respectfully take time to briefly repeat some introductory information from last year’s report.   The176th General Assembly formed an Organizational Task Force to evaluate, with the guidance of an outside
consultant firm, how the denominational organization and structure worked together; to recommend neededchanges to the organization and/or structures as revealed through the evaluation process; to discern new andinnovative ways to meet priority goals; and to improve the total ministry for the Church of the future.
The Task Force reported to the 177th General Assembly, concluding that a major part of theorganizational dysfunction of the denominational structure had roots in the (then) semi-autonomousboard structure.  Program boards and their employees often functioned in a parallel manner that hampered
cooperative/collaborative efforts and encouraged competing agendas.   The Task Force report included
recommendations regarding a single governing board for all programming agencies.  The General Assembly
adopted the concept with some changes, approving a plan to dissolve the Board of Missions, the Board of
Christian Education, the Cumberland Presbyterian Publication Board, and the Commission on the Ministry
and combine them in a single board, the Ministry Council.
The Task Force report and the actions of General Assembly were more conceptual than procedural,
requiring that many of the initial meetings of the Ministry Council be spent in developing a process formaking the necessary changes.  The first Ministry Council meeting was held in August 2007, and we haveat present met a total of 21 times.
Many of the early meetings revolved around grasping a vision of what our restructured organizationneeded to be and how it would work.  In addition, the legal process of merging the Boards into the MinistryCouncil was lengthy and complicated, but necessary in order to balance the requirements of civil law
related to incorporated bodies with requirements of ecclesiastical law and to protect the assets of theBoards.  We were blessed by the continued effectiveness of Boards during the transition, but also found thatthe transition itself from Boards to Ministry Teams was met with an understandable degree of resistance tochange.  Financial issues stemming from two decades of Our United Outreach shortfalls, inherited debts
related to the Organizational Task Force, and the initial lack of a budget for the Ministry Council werecompounded by a (then) accounting system that did not allow updated reports.
As recently as the 182nd General Assembly, it was recognized that some “details” had goneoverlooked, mistakenly assigning responsibility for things to the Ministry Council because they had been
under the purview of the old General Assembly Council.  Among those items, the Ministry Council in its
first year “inherited” responsibility for the Our United Outreach disbursement, oversight of the Center
Interagency Team and other administrative areas better suited to other persons/committees.   We’ve
welcomed the opportunity to work with the Stated Clerk and others to address these opportunities.  Theprocess has demonstrated that transition to a new structure is never quick, nor should it be.  However, theMinistry Council acknowledges with thanksgiving and praise to God that with God’s love and patience,
strides and accomplishments have been made and momentum is gaining.  Ministry Council elected members
and staff are joined by hosts of others in our enthusiasm for the collegial rapport built among the MinistryCouncil and its four Ministry Teams.  We look to the future with hope and with confidence that our teamefforts will continue to be blessed by God as we expand current programs and resources and nurture future
denominational leadership.
2. OUR CORPORATE MODEL
The following corporate model was adopted by the General Assembly, and is supported in the
Bylaws of the Ministry Council.  At the direction of the General Assembly appointed Evaluation Committee,

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

41

this year the Ministry Council reviewed and revised the Bylaws by which we operate.  These Bylaws will
be voted on during the April 2013 Ministry Council meeting and as a result will be attached to MinistryCouncil Report Number 2.
a. Ministry Council Members include fifteen individuals elected by the General Assembly, andthree Youth Advisory Members, plus the Stated Clerk, Moderator and immediate Past Moderator of theGeneral Assembly as Advisory Members.  The Director of Ministries is also a member of the Council.  
The Ministry Council serves as the primary long- and short-range program planning agency of
the Church, striving to ensure that all segments work on a unified mission and that human and material
resources are distributed and utilized to carry out ministries of the Church in an effective manner.  TheMinistry Council is accountable to the General Assembly.
b. The Director of Ministries is under direct employment of and is responsible to the MinistryCouncil.  The Director gives executive leadership to the Ministry Council in accomplishing duties definedin our Bylaws and supervises the Global Ministry Leadership Team.
c. The Global Ministry Leadership Team (GMLT) is made up of the four Ministry Team Leaders
and the Director of Ministries.  This body works together to apply the vision/mission of the Ministry Council
to the many and varied programs and resource materials planned and produced by the Ministry Teams,
coordinating the ministries in a unified, collaborative manner.  The GMLT meets the third Wednesday of
every month, unless rescheduled due to the demanding travel schedules of its members, and minutes are
disseminated to all members of the Ministry Council and four Ministry Teams.
d. The Ministry Council Teams are:   Communications Ministry Team, Discipleship MinistryTeam, Missions Ministry Team, and Pastoral Development Ministry Team.
Teams are made up of both Staff Team Members and Elected Team Members. Staff Team Members
are employees of the Ministry Council; Elected Team Members are elected by the Ministry Council andreflect the model adopted by the General Assembly to ensure comparable synodic representation from laityand clergy, male and female.  At the direction of the General Assembly appointed Evaluation Committee,
this year the Ministry Council served as the beta testing group for ensuring endorsement of MinistryCouncil and Ministry Team elected members either from presbytery (clergy) or the individual’s church
Session (laity).  From OGA’s Summary of Actions: “Required an endorsement by presbyteries for future
Ministry Council member nominees and Ministry Team members prior to election. The Endorsement form
is to include information about the nominee’s qualifications to serve.”
The Ministry Teams provide planning and implementation of the program ministries of the
Church.  Ministry Teams report to the Ministry Council. (Appendix A)
3. OUR REPORTIn order to help make the large volume of Ministry Council information more manageable forCommissioners and others, each Ministry Team submits an individual report to the Ministry Council withinformation specific to their respective Ministry Team to be included in this report to General Assembly.  
Recommendations from the Ministry Council and the Ministry Teams’ information are included in thisreport in the following order:  II. Communications Ministry Team; III. Discipleship Ministry Team; IV.
Missions Ministry Team; and V. Pastoral Development Ministry Team.  
4. MINISTRY COUNCIL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
It is important to start by acknowledging that without the support of the Ministry Teams, our list ofaccomplishments would be short indeed.  We are also grateful to the Center agencies with whom we workas part of the Center Interagency Team, and to the institutions outside the Center with whom we actively
engage in cooperative work.  We appreciate and benefit from the tenacity and skillful leadership provided
by our Director, Edith Busbee Old.
In our report to the 181st General Assembly, the Ministry Council provided a lengthy list ofaccomplishments from our beginning through April 2011 (cumberland.org/gao/minutes/2011/2011_
Minutes.pdf).  Below is a summary of some major items from within the subsequent timeframe of April
2012 through and until March 2013 when this report was submitted to the Office of the Stated Clerk.  
Additional accomplishments and information will be included in a second report to be completed following
the Ministry Council’s Annual meeting April 19 and 20, 2013.
a. Adopted a Standard Process for Creating, Refining, and Sustaining Ministries—The Directorof Ministries and the Global Ministry Leadership Team (Director of Ministries and four Ministry Team
Leaders) use a 5-step process to create, refine, and sustain ministries and resources to benefit individuals

42

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

and groups:

1) Get the Facts – Ministry Council and Teams research new tools and delivery methods

for programs and resource materials for use at the local level.   We conduct ongoing needs
assessment via one on one dialogue with pastors, laypersons and in visits with congregations
and other groups.
2) Involve the People – Listen.  We consistently interact with individuals and groups within the
denomination (including but not limited to women, youth, presbyteries, congregations, andpastors) to glean new ideas and to nurture local leadership.  We exchange information via print
and electronic communication venues.
3) Develop a Plan – Global Ministries Leadership Team (GMLT) meets monthly; individual
teams meet regularly; Ministry Council and teams meet concurrently and jointly.  The Directorof Ministries, all four Ministry Team Leaders and all MC/MT staff meet twice a year in an“All Hands Meeting” to communicate challenges and explore opportunities for collaboration;
this is in addition to the annual Denominational Center Staff All Hands Meeting involving
all four denominational entities housed at the Center.  The goal of each and every meetingis to develop, refine, and execute plans for furthering ministries.  And, with global financial
concerns, shrinking membership, and competing causes, we constantly research new funding
mechanisms that can be utilized to fund ongoing and future programs/resource materials.
4) Focus on Results – In order to measure effectiveness, it is necessary to track outcomes.  By
tracking trends and sales and gathering anecdotal information, the Ministry Council andTeams are able to gauge effectiveness of programs and resource materials.  These results are
systematically shared with the denomination through reports to the Ministry Council and
Ministry Teams, General Assembly, to all presbytery clerks, directly to congregations, on thewebsite, and in The Missionary Messenger and The Cumberland Presbyterian.
5) Provide Positive Reinforcement – Ministry Council and Team staff regularly visit presbyteries
and congregations to extend public recognition of their local successes, whether it is for faithfultithing to Our United Outreach, promoting youth or women’s ministries, or missionary support.  
We communicate these success stories with the Church via print and electronic media.
b. Assisted Ministry Team Leaders in revising Job Descriptions for both Discipleship
Ministry Team  Coordinator of Children and Family Ministry and Missions Ministry Team Cross-Culture
Coordinator.  The Ministry Council and Team Leaders are committed to methodical review of each staff
position as openings arise, helping to ensure best use of resources. (Appendices B and C)
c. Created Two Educational Displays—The Ministry Council created two educational displays
based on the 183rd General Assembly theme Telling Your Story.  The smaller, portable display will travel
throughout the denomination, appearing at meetings and events as a visual tool to enhance understandingof the Ministry Council’s role and work.  The display’s theme incorporates the scripture used for the 183rd
General Assembly, Acts 4:20 - “We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.” - New
Living Translation.
d. Our United Outreach—Reverend Lanny Johnson (Mary Ann Cole, Alternate) and Director of
Ministries Edith B. Old serve on the Our United Outreach Committee established by General Assembly.  
Based on a request from the OUO Committee, GMLT created a comprehensive, multi-year budget that
was approved by the Ministry Council and presented to the OUO Committee by Reverend Lanny Johnson
and Edith B. Old.  Among the accomplishments to which the Ministry Council contributed is the growing
awareness by congregations of Our United Outreach.  The Ministry Council wishes to affirm the work of
the OUO Committee and its members, voting and non-voting, and to note specifically that awareness is
growing as measured by the fact that in 2012, 32 churches supported OUO that had not done so in 2011 and6 congregations participated for the first time.
When Our United Outreach shortfalls occur, the Ministry Council’s ability to continue and increaselevels of ministry is seriously challenged.  The Ministry Council urges each congregation to regard Our
United Outreach as its primary method to ensure growth and effectiveness of the Church’s cooperative
ministries.  The Ministry Council would like to express thanks and point to just a small sampling of tangible
ways that Our United Outreach dollars directly impacted ministries during this time period; among them:
1. Developed four quarters of Volume 2 for Faith Out Loud youth curriculum.
2. Trained more than 900 elders and pastors through The Event:  Elder Training at 23 different regions.
3. Drove … Shipped … Flew … and Walked Ministry Council and Ministry Team Staff to meetwith congregations, potential new congregations, presbyteries and other meetings, training events,and ecumenical gatherings.

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

43

4. Enabled more than 250 participants to experience the church in a broader sense through CPYC.
5. Helped 20+ participants minister to children through the Uganda Mission Immersion Trip.
6. Redeveloped the Catechism and its Study Guide in 2012.
7. Resumed publication of Good News on the Frontier.
8. Published/sold more than 1,500 copies of the Advent devotional The Jesse Tree.
9. Trained 30 people in leader development through The Forum.
10. Provided four remote bookstores at presbyteries, synods and denominational events.
11. Stewardship Education—The Ministry Council proactively worked to promote Our United
Outreach through development of a logo used on all program materials and to help the Our United
Outreach Committee identify ways to help congregations understand that OUO isn’t a “membershipfee” or a “tax”, but it is a biblically-based tithe used to support the many ministries of the Church.
12. Produced planning calendars that are used by more than 950 Cumberland Presbyterians.
13. Funded the Ministers Conference which allows for ministers to receive continuing education.
14. Partnered with presbyteries to support new, redeveloping and cross-cultural churches andfellowships.
15. Sponsored Women’s Ministry activities and CPWM Convention.

e. Visited All Stateside Presbyteries— Since June 2012, the Director of Ministries and Ministry
Team staff visited and made presentations to each and every stateside presbytery (some multiple times), toboth Andes and Cauca Valley presbyteries, the CP Church Council of Mexico, more than 30 congregations
and 10 regional meetings including CPWM.  (Ministry Team travel appears within their respective sectionsof this Report.)
The Director of Ministries’ travel and that of other MC and Ministry Team staff may be seen
at http://ministrycouncil.cumberland.org/2012wherewevebeen and http://ministrycouncil.cumberland.
org/2013wherewevebeen.   For purposes of this report, a summary of Ms. Old’s travel since April 2012
includes:• Spoke at Pastors Forums in Birmingham, Nashville, Bowling Green, Dallas/Ft Worth Metroplex,
and Moore, Oklahoma.  Another Pastors Forum has tentatively been set for the Lebanon, Missouriarea in late April 2013.
• Spoke at Red River Presbytery Fall Meeting.
• Spoke at Trinity Presbytery Fall Meeting.
• Attended Presbytery of East Tennessee Spring Meeting.
• Attended West Tennessee Presbytery Spring Meeting.
• Traveled to Guatemala with MMT staff to assist in teaching workshops and establishing a second
medical clinic.
• Traveled to and made presentations to Cumberland Presbyterian Churches in:
Arkansas Presbytery – Calico Rock Cumberland Presbyterian Church (Calico Rock, Arkansas);
Mt. Carmel Cumberland Presbyterian Church (London, Arkansas); Trinity Cumberland Presbyterian
Church (Morrilton, Arkansas)
Columbia Presbytery – Lawrenceburg (Tennessee) Church (currently without a pastor)
Presbytery of East Tennessee – Greeneville Cumberland Presbyterian Church (Greeneville,
Tennessee)
Murfreesboro Presbytery – Sewanee Cumberland Presbyterian Church (Sewanee, Tennessee)
North Central Presbytery – New Hope Church (Yale, Illinois)• There are approximately 50 Cumberland Presbyterian congregations served by pastors

44

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

2013

ordained by Other Denominations (OD).  Since April 2012, the Director of Ministries has traveledto and made presentations to 18 congregations currently served by OD pastors.  The congregationscommented on their delight at having a denominational rep come to visit, some noting they had notseen one in more than 10 years.  The visits are dually helpful:  allowing folks to feel more connectedto the denomination and allowing the Ministry Council to hear firsthand from the “people in thepews.”  Those congregations include:
Arkansas Presbytery – Dover Cumberland Presbyterian Church (Dover, Arkansas); Grace
Cumberland Presbyterian Church (Fayetteville, Arkansas);
Covenant Presbytery – Camp Ground Cumberland Presbyterian Church (Anna, Illinois)
Cumberland Presbytery – Harrodsburg Cumberland Presbyterian Church (Harrodsburg, Kentucky)
Presbytery of East Tennessee – Bethesda Cumberland Presbyterian Church (Fall Branch,
Tennessee); Pleasant Vale Cumberland Presbyterian Church (Greeneville, Tennessee)
Grace Presbytery – Groverton Cumberland Presbyterian Church (Morton, Mississippi) andPleasant Hill Cumberland Presbyterian Church (Eutaw, Alabama)
Missouri Presbytery – Orange Cumberland Presbyterian Church (Aurora, Missouri)
Nashville Presbytery – Concord Cumberland Presbyterian Church (Waverly, Tennessee) andDonelson Cumberland Presbyterian Church (Nashville, Tennessee)
North Central Presbytery – Casey Cumberland Presbyterian Church (Casey, Illinois)
Red River Presbytery – Lake Highlands Presbyterian (a Union Church in Dallas, Texas)
Robert Donnell Presbytery – Walnut Grove Cumberland Presbyterian Church (New Hope,
Alabama) and Eidson Chapel (Falkville, Alabama)Tennessee-Georgia Presbytery – Kelly’s Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church (Whitwell,Tennessee)
Trinity Presbytery – Pine Hill Cumberland Presbyterian Church (Winnsboro, Texas)
West Tennessee Presbytery – Ramer Cumberland Presbyterian Church (Ramer, Tennessee)

At the Stated Clerks Conference in January 2013, the Director of Ministries encouraged attendees
to distribute MC and MT printed materials during presbytery meetings as well as to assist with presbyterial
endorsements of potential Ministry Council and Ministry Team elected members as directed by General
Assembly.  The Ministry Council recognizes that too many denominational reps speaking during a presbytery
meeting can be overwhelming for presbyters.  It is for this reason that the Stated Clerks are provided theprinted updates of MC and Ministry Team events and resources and for the MC organizing and holding
Pastors Forums as a means of providing adequate time for sharing information.
f. Enhanced e-commerce functions on website—The Ministry Council invested human andfinancial resources to add an e-commerce function to our webpages, allowing online payment for resource
material purchases, online registration fees and charitable donations using credit cards to be made seamlessly
and securely in a “one stop shop” approach.  This addition continues to be favored by website visitors.  
Since April 2012, the usage has tripled:  more than 300 orders (resource materials) of $13,000 have beenplaced using the e-commerce feature, compared to 98 orders totaling $5,300 in 2011.
g. All Hands Ministry Council/Ministry Teams Meetings—A day-long meeting for all MinistryCouncil/Ministry Team staff was held in June 2012.  Participants discussed and planned new programs,
explored fund development, as well as reviewed administrative functions.  A 1 ½-day Retreat was held in
October that focused on collaborative efforts to support and further the Step Out! movement.  A third All
Hands Ministry Council/Ministry Team meeting is planned for May 2013 at the Denominational Center.
h. Continued eVotions and Documented Participation—Ministry Council staff and elected
members tangibly support effective methods of evangelism, specifically by writing many of the MinistryCouncil’s online devotions.   eVotions (http://ministrycouncil.cumberland.org) are inspirational andchallenging devotions that are available around-the-clock throughout the world.   The Ministry Council
extends an open invitation to others to participate as writers and readers of eVotions.   Since we started
accumulating data (October 2011 through February 28, 2013) eVotions has had 10,025 unique page views
and 11,518 total page views.  eVotions has accounted for 6% of our total page views for that same period.  
The average time spent on the page is 2 minutes, 43 seconds.
i. Reviewed Youth Advisory Member Requirements—The Ministry Council seeks to include
the many varied perspectives of Cumberland Presbyterians and as a result, when the Ministry Council wasformed, there was intentionality to include on the Council three positions for Youth Advisory Members.  
It is important to note that the Ministry Council is the only denominational board that has Youth Advisory
Members.  However, the covenant requirements for attendance have been difficult for the youth to abide
by given conflicting school calendars and requirements to maintain college scholarships.  As a result, the2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

45

Ministry Council has prayerfully reviewed and discussed how to best utilize Youth Advisory Members.  At
its January 2013 meeting, the Ministry Council discussed making a recommendation to change General
Assembly Bylaw 10.08.03 to enhance the inclusion of Youth Advisory Members.
The Bylaw currently states:  “The Stated Clerk, Moderator, and Immediate Past Moderator shallbe designated as Advisory Members to the board of directors of the Ministry Council.  In addition, thecorporation shall elect three (3) Youth Advisory Members who shall be between the ages of 16 and 19 yearsof age, inclusive, when elected.”
RECOMMENDATION 1: That General Assembly Bylaw 10.08.03 be amended to read “TheStated Clerk, Moderator, and Immediate Past Moderator shall be designated as Advisory Members
to the board of directors of the Ministry Council. In addition, the corporation shall elect three (3)Youth Advisory Members who shall be between the ages of 15 – 17 be elected for 1-year terms, witheligibility for re-election for one additional term” beginning in 2014; and that following this approved
change to General Assembly Bylaw 10.08.03, the Ministry Council Bylaws be amended accordingly.
j. Missionary Crisis Team—The Ministry Council endorsed the creation of a Missionary Crisis
Team (MCT) to be responsible for the management of any crisis related to missionaries, responding asnecessary until the crisis is concluded.  To test the effectiveness of the MCT, an annual drill was conducted
in November 2012 to test procedures, policies and staff preparedness to handle a missionary crisis.  Staffand volunteers in another country added realism to the challenge as staff experienced what can happen,
incorporating the element of potential new crisis developing around the first crisis.
k. Hosted a January 2013 fellowship meal with the members of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church in America General Assemblies Mission Board, the Ministry Council and Ministry Team Leaders.  
During the event, informal plans were made for future cooperative events.
l. Continued to Promote Ministry Council Endowments—Ongoing review of the endowmentsof the Ministry Council and Ministry Teams reflect there are a number of endowments that have potential
to fund ministries but, for lack of meeting the minimum required, cannot be used.  When an endowment isestablished, the donor is free to set a dollar amount to which the account must grow to distribute the income.  
Several endowments have almost grown to the point where distributions can begin and are working to close
the gaps on these so they can actively support ministry.  (Appendix D)
m. Followed through on difficult decisions related to health insurance for staff of the MinistryCouncil, continuing a plan to incrementally require staff to pay for premiums for dependents.  This plan
is not followed by all Center agencies.   Prior to 2012, Ministry Council and Ministry Team staff (andbefore the restructure, the related boards) received 100% of dependent health insurance premiums paid
as part of their benefit package.  Beginning in 2012, Ministry Council staff members who opted to takedependent health insurance paid 10% of the premium.  This year (2013), Ministry Council/Ministry Team
staff members who opt to take dependent health insurance pay 20% of the premium; in 2014, they will pay
30%; in 2015, they will pay 100% of their elected dependent health insurance premium.
n. Risk Assessment— The Center agencies share these goals:  providing uninterrupted services to
the Church that are within the purview of Center agencies as requested/approved by General Assembly andthe Ministry Council; ensuring the safety and well-being of Center staff; providing relevant and appropriate
information to the Church in the event of a crisis; and protecting and safeguarding important informationin the event of a crisis.  The Center Interagency Team set aside time and resources to create a guide ofprocedures for use in the event of different emergencies.  The Ministry Council extends appreciation to
Megan Warren for serving as project manager in compiling the information and publishing it for use by all
Center staff.
o. Designed and Offered pre-Assembly Workshops—The Director of Ministries and Ministry
Team Leaders (GMLT) followed up on the success of pre-Assembly workshops from the 182nd General
Assembly by planning five new workshops for this year’s General Assembly:• Implementing the Step Out! Program in the Local Church and Presbytery (MMT)• Curriculum Chat (DMT)• “Safe Sanctuary” (DMT)• Lay Leader Program (PDMT)• Leadership Development (Ministry Council)
p. Visioning—Reverend Troy Green began (and continues) leading the Ministry Council and
Ministry Teams in a guided study of “Spirited Leadership – Empowering People To Do What Matters” byThomas G. Bandy as part of a new approach to nurturing future leadership within the denomination.  The

46

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

Ministry Council has incorporated some of the concepts into The Event:  Elder Training and other program
designs.
q. Approved Personnel Handbook Revisions—Ministry Council Personnel Handbook Revisions
were considered by GMLT and recommended to the Ministry Council.  Any time revisions are approved,
Ministry Council Staff receive an electronic copy of the complete manual with revisions and sign an
acknowledgement that they are aware of the revisions.
•1)  Hiring policy – The MC and Ministry Teams have followed a method of hiring new staff to reflect
standard procedures.  At the direction of the General Assembly appointed Evaluation Committee, thisyear the Ministry Council consulted the Ministry Team Leaders and Director of Ministries to correlate
those procedures into one standard hiring policy for Ministry Council and Ministry Team staff positions.  
It is the belief of the Ministry Council that a formal hiring policy is a useful tool, and we encourage
General Assembly to require other denominational entities to adopt a hiring policy specific to their entity.  
(Appendix E).
•
2)  Remote locations – The 175th General Assembly directed that the Director of Ministries andMinistry Team Leaders are all to office from the denominational Center, resulting in the need for
persons in these positions to live in that area.  However, as other positions within Ministry Teams haveopened up in the past several years, it became apparent that living in/officing from the Center was notimperative.   Noting that persons with the desired level of skills and experience might be adversely
affected by the current economy if they had to relocate to the greater Memphis, Tennessee area, two
Ministry Team Leaders (DMT and MMT) sought guidance and approval from the Ministry Council tofill positions with persons working remotely.  There was, in fact, precedent for this as MMT had at one
time as many as four staff members living in other states/countries.  Having seen the value and successthat can be achieved by using this model, the formalized Ministry Council guidelines and requirements,
should an applicant for an open staff position need to work in a remote office instead of at the CP Centerin Cordova.  (Appendix F)•3)  Mileage change – At the request of staff and elected members, the Ministry Council appointed
a subcommittee to review the rate of reimbursement for using personal vehicles for Ministry Council/
Ministry Team travel.  In 2012, the Ministry Council created a policy to encourage staff and elected
members to use rental vehicles instead of personal vehicles when it was cost effective to do so.  Forthose occasions when it is not cost effective and personal vehicles are used instead, the subcommittee
proposed and the Ministry Council approved an increase from 35 cents to 45 cents per mile.  The policy
remains that when car rental is feasible and more economical, that avenue should be taken.  The new
mileage rate is for an indefinite time and went into effect January 26, 2013.
•4)  Privacy and New Media Policy – In response to a need for a policy that would meet the criteria
set by the denomination’s insurance provider, the Center Interagency Team agreed to present to theirrespective boards policies related to employee privacy and the use of computers and other media.  
Denominational attorney Jaime Jordan was consulted and made suggestions to draft policies.  At its
January 2013 meeting, the Ministry Council accepted and approved these policies (Appendices G and
H).  Other denominational entities will be responsible for adopting the policies for their own use.
•
5)  The Ministry Council believes it important to model environmental stewardship.  One tangible
way to model that, approved by the Ministry Council in 2013, was for the Ministry Council Adminbudget to absorb the costs related to office recycling for all entities housed in the Denominational
Center.  The Ministry Council Personnel Handbook was revised to reflect this action.
r. Reviewed and responded to General Assembly Directives—Following the Report of the
Evaluation Committee to the 182nd General Assembly, the Ministry Council has invested a significant
portion of meetings and resources and is encouraged by the ongoing communications from the Evaluation
Committee.
s. Drafted a two-year budget—The GMLT accepted the challenge to create a two-year budget
incorporating ongoing and new program initiatives.  Prayer, brainstorming, and reviewing trends as well as
seeking input from elected members resulted in a budget that the GMLT described as realistic yet steppingout in faith; the Ministry Council unanimously approved the 2014-2015 budget at our January 2013 meeting
and acknowledged with great appreciation the efforts of GMLT to succeed so well in this challenge.
Items listed above are not a complete record of our actions during this time; rather, a snapshot of
our efforts.  More detailed information about accomplishments and initiatives of specific Ministry Teams
are found within the body of our report, on the Ministry Council website, and within Ministry Council and
Ministry Team publications.  We ask that the Church remain in prayer for the work of the Ministry Teamsand for the Ministry Council as we continue to pursue God’s Will in our work.

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

47

B. GENERAL INFORMATION
1. ORGANIZATION AND MEETINGS
The Ministry Council elected President Reverend Lisa Scott, First Vice President Reverend Troy
Green, Second Vice President Reverend Sam Romines, Secretary Gwen Roddye, and Assistant Secretary
Elizabeth Horsley to direct the work of the Council.  At our August 2012 meeting, the Council acted on arecommendation from the Evaluation Committee, that elected officers may not exceed serving a combined
total of three consecutive years in any office and are not eligible to serve again until at least one year has
elapsed since the conclusion of three years service as an officer.
The Ministry Council unanimously agreed to create the office of Assistant Secretary and establishedthat the person serving as the Assistant Secretary of the corporation shall be authorized to assist the Secretaryin performing the duties incident to the office of Secretary and to perform duties of the Secretary during theabsence or disability or refusal of the Secretary, or in case of a vacancy in the office of the Secretary.  No
Bylaws change was required.
The Council met three times in regular session since the 182nd General Assembly.   Meetings
included:   a) a concurrent/joint meeting with Ministry Teams at the Colonial Cumberland Presbyterian
Church in August 2012, with Orientation for new Council and Team members prior to the meeting; (b) ajoint meeting with Ministry Teams at Faith Church in Bartlett, Tennessee, in January 2013; and (c) a regularsession at the Center in April 2013.  The GMLT works with the MC to set meeting agendas and as needed,
Team Leaders meet directly with the Ministry Council during the meeting to share information.  In response
to a recommendation from the Evaluation Committee, Ministry Council members were assigned to meetwith Ministry Teams.  Ministry Team Leaders welcomed them at the August meeting.  Printed MC meeting
materials are no longer mailed, but are downloadable two weeks prior to each Ministry Council meeting via
a password-protected section within Ministry Council pages, allowing up-to-the-minute document retrieval
and saving resources related to traditional mailing.
The Ministry Council Covenant (Appendix I) is signed annually by each member, acknowledging
that serving on the Ministry Council is a Call to serve God through service in the Church.  The Covenant
outlines expectations for Council Members to actively exercise good stewardship of that Call and includes
an active commitment to the denomination’s and Ministry Council’s unified funding source, Our United
Outreach.  Ministry Council and Ministry Team members complete evaluations following all MC events;
MC members rotating off complete self-evaluations in the form of a written exit interview; MC members
have completed self-evaluations; Reverend Troy Green is leading the Ministry Council in ongoing efforts toenhance the evaluation efforts.  The information collected from all evaluations is used to enhance the workof the Ministry Council.

2. MINISTRY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND THOSE WHOSE TERMS EXPIREAt the direction of the General Assembly appointed Evaluation Committee, this year the MinistryCouncil served as the beta testing group to ensure endorsement of Ministry Council elected
members either from presbytery (clergy) or the individual’s church Session (laity).  At the January
2013 meeting, the Ministry Council unanimously voted to recommend a roster of names for the
Director of Ministries to share with the Nominating Committee of the General Assembly.  TheDirector of Ministries worked with the Stated Clerk to ensure all of the persons recommended had
the necessary documentation (personal data form and presbyterial/church Session endorsement).  
The Ministry Council wishes to express appreciation for the opportunity to make recommendations
to the Nominating Committee of individuals who have specific gifts and skills, as well as provide
synodic representation, to enhance the work of the many programs we provide. (Appendix J)
Members whose terms expire in 2013(2)Ms. Jill Carr, Missouri Presbytery, Synod of Great Rivers(1)Rev. Troy Green, Columbia Presbytery, Tennessee Synod(2)Ms. Elizabeth Horsley, Red River Presbytery, Mission Synod(2)Ms. Gwen Roddye, Presbytery of East Tennessee, Synod of the Southeast(2)Rev. Sam Romines, Cumberland Presbytery, Synod of the Midwest
Members whose terms expire in 2014
(3)Mr. Roy Shanks, North Central Presbytery, Synod of the Midwest(2)Ms. Mandy Clark, Grace Presbytery, Synod of the Southeast* resigned February 2013
(2)Rev. Michele Gentry de Correal, Andes Presbytery, Mission Synod(1)Rev. Tom Sanders, Red River Presbytery, Mission Synod

48

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013(1)Rev. Lanny Johnson, Murfreesboro Presbytery, Tennessee Synod
Members whose terms expire in 2015(2)Rev. Carlton Harper, Tennessee-Georgia Presbytery, Synod of the Southeast(1)Rev. Lisa Scott, Missouri Presbytery, Synod of Great Rivers(1)Ms. Sally Allen, Nashville Presbytery, Synod of Great Rivers(1)Rev. Ron McMillan, West TN Presbytery, Synod of Great Rivers(1)Ms. Mary Ann Cole, Cumberland Presbytery, Synod of the Midwest
Youth Advisory Members
Mr. Sebastian Phillips, Hope Presbytery, Synod of the Southeast (Term Expires in 2015)
Ms. Madison Rush, Nashville Presbytery, Tennessee Synod (Term Expires in 2013)
Mr. Ethan Morgan Murfreesboro Presbytery, Tennessee Synod (Term Expires in 2014)
Advisory Members
Rev. Michael Sharpe, Red River Presbytery, Mission Synod
Rev. Robert Rush, Trinity Presbytery, Mission Synod (Term Expires in 2014)
Rev. Don Tabor, Nashville Presbytery, Tennessee Synod (Term Expires in 2013)
The terms of Ms. Jill Carr, Reverend Troy Green, Ms. Elizabeth Horsley, Ms. Gwen Roddye, andReverend Sam Romines expire in 2013; all are eligible for re-election.   Ms. Mandy Clark, whose term
expires in 2014, has resigned.  The Youth Advisory Member term of Ms. Madison Rush expires in 2013,
and she is not eligible for re-election.  The Youth Advisory term of Sebastian Phillips expires in 2015; Mr.
Phillips has joined the military.  The Council expresses appreciation to Ms. Mandy Clark, Ms. Madison
Rush, and Mr. Sebastian Phillips for their contributions to the work of the Ministry Council.  The Council
expresses sincere appreciation to Reverend Don Tabor for his leadership and participation as a MinistryCouncil Advisory Member during his two years as Moderator and Past-Moderator of the General Assembly.
3. MINISTRY TEAM ELECTED TEAM MEMBERS
Elected Team Members are elected by the Ministry Council, as dictated by the corporate model
adopted by the General Assembly.  Guidelines for electing Team Members have been formalized outlining
their role and responsibilities as well as recognizing synodic, vocational and gender representation andequally important, recognizing the importance of gifts and skills so invaluable to service on the Council
and Ministry Teams.  The 182nd General Assembly approved a process whereby future Ministry Council
and Ministry Team elected members are required to be endorsed by their respective presbytery (clergy) or
Session (laity).  In January 2013, potential elected Team Members were recommended by the Ministry Team
Leaders to the Ministry Council.  The Ministry Council voted unanimously to approve those individuals
contingent upon receipt of the aforementioned endorsements.   Elected member terms begin after each
General Assembly.  Newly Elected Team Members are listed in the individual Ministry Team sections of
this report.
In the 2010 Report to the General Assembly, the Ministry Council listed those areas of responsibility
for non-staff team members.
Ministry Team Elected Team Member Responsibilities:
1.  Elect Leadership (at least a Chairperson)
2.  Attend Team Meetings—including one Spring and one Fall concurrent/joint meeting with the
Ministry Council
3.  Plan, prioritize, and implement the Ministry
4.  Make recommendations to GMLT
5.  Follow directives of the Ministry Council
6.  Send a report to the Ministry Council to be included in the Council’s report to General Assembly.
In August 2011, the Ministry Council finalized a refined list of elected team member responsibilities.
(Appendix K)
In January 2013, the Ministry Council revised our Bylaws, and included information directly
related to the four Ministry Teams.
Annual August meeting agendas include an Orientation for newly elected Team Members.  Each of
the Ministry Teams operates under a Covenant signed by each member, committing their work in answer toa Call.  (Appendices L, M, N, and O)

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

49

4. MINISTRY COUNCIL STAFF
THE MINISTRY COUNCIL STAFF ROSTER
Ministry Council Administration
Edith Busbee Old, Director of Ministries
Megan Warren, Executive Assistant to the Director of Ministries
Communications Ministry TeamMark Davis, Team Leader
Sowgand Sheikholeslami, Senior Art Director
Joyce Reeves, Part-time Secretary
Discipleship Ministry Team
Rev. Elinor Swindle Brown, Team Leader
Matt Gore, Coordinator of Resource Development and Distribution
Susan Groce, Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministry
Cindy Martin, Coordinator of Adult and Third-Age Ministry
Jodi Hearn Rush, Coordinator of Children and Family Ministry
Missions Ministry Team
Rev. George Estes, Missions Ministry Team Leader
Rev. Pam Phillips-Burk, Coordinator for Women’s Ministry (Huntsville, Alabama, office)Rev. Lynn Thomas, Director Global Cross-Culture Missions Program Staff (Birmingham, Alabama, office)Rev. Robert Watkins, Asia Consortium Facilitator and Fund Developer (retired July 15, 2012)
Jinger Ellis, Administration and Finance
Rev. T. J. Malinoski, Evangelism and New Church Development
Erin Daza Sigler, Intern
Joyce Reeves, Part-time Secretary
Pastoral Development Ministry Team
Rev. Milton Ortiz, Team Leader
Joyce Reeves, Part-time Secretary
The Ministry Council continues to address needs identified by the Organizational Task Force,among them, how to ensure better use of human resources.  During the past four years, performance reviews
have become opportunities for coaching and involve the staff at a greater level; written self-evaluations,considered alongside the supervisor’s evaluation provide a more comprehensive review.  In 2010, Team
Leaders were tasked with reviewing current staff job descriptions and when appropriate, making revisions.  
Implementation of new computer software has made many processes more efficient throughout the Center,and the change in the structure of the Church five years ago has provided the opportunity to share humanresources and equipment in a better way.  Less time is required for a number of formerly labor intensive
tasks, freeing staff to do more outreach.  Staff members completed “desk audits,” a new experience for all
but two staff with experience in the corporate arena, providing data that illustrates the time and resources
required to successfully complete Team goals.  Skill sets and staff expertise are now shared more naturally
among Teams.
Reverend Robert Watkins, Asia Consortium Facilitator and Fund Developer, retired July 15, 2012,
ending a decades-long ministry that included various levels of missions and fund-development work.  TheCouncil expresses appreciation to “Bob” for his significant contributions to the work of the former Boardof Missions and the Missions Ministry Team.  Following Bob’s retirement and the subsequent successionof Reverend Lynn Thomas as the Global Cross-Culture Missions Director, the Missions Ministry Team
invested time in reviewing program needs in regard to staffing.  When Reverend Lynn Thomas assumed therole of Director of Global Cross-Culture Missions in August 2011 with the semi-retirement of Reverend
Robert Watkins, the responsibility for Cross-Culture (CC) Ministry came under the umbrella of Global
Cross Culture Ministry.  Reverend Thomas had been the director for Cross-Culture Ministry (USA) for
more than ten years.  At present he is directing both areas, which previously were separate full-time staff
positions.  The Missions Ministry Team revised a staff position for Cross-Culture, and the Ministry Council,
affirming the Church’s responsibility for the growing Cross-Culture ministry opportunities in the United

50

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

States, approved the revised full-time staff position in Cross-Culture ministries, a vital growth area for the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church in the USA.  At this writing, applications are being received.
5. IDENTIFYING POTENTIAL LEADERS
The Ministry Council extends its appreciation to the Office of the General Assembly for theopportunity to provide an outline of the gifts and skills that are most useful to the MC in continuing thework set out for us by General Assembly.  When meeting with the Nominating Committee, the MinistryCouncil provides a document that we believe to be helpful in identifying potential leaders, and in helping
those asked to serve to have a full understanding of their commitment and describes those gifts and talentsthat will be of particular assistance to the Ministry Council.
C. DIRECTIVES FROM GENERAL ASSEMBLY

1. CLERGY CRISIS FUND

The 182nd General Assembly adopted that “the Pastoral Development Team reconsider guidelinesand develop a sliding scale for administering the Clergy Crisis Fund based on total income of the presbytery.”  
The Pastoral Development Team has made the requested revisions.  The 182nd General Assembly also adopted
that “the Clergy Crisis Fund pay 50% of the cost of counseling up to $500.”  The Pastoral Development
Team has made the requested revisions.

2. UNIFIED DENOMINATIONAL PUBLICATION

The 182nd General Assembly adopted that “General Assembly encourage the development of a
prototype of a unified denominational publication.”  When serious and arguably legitimate questions wereraised about whether the Unified Publications Task Force (UPTF), as an agency of the Ministry Council,
possessed the authority to pursue a course of action that could conceivably (if not likely) result in thetermination of both The Missionary Messenger and The Cumberland Presbyterian as they have been
known, the Task Force decided that rather than risk the investment of significant resources in a project theoutcome of which might not even be legal, the Communications Ministry Team (CMT) and the UPTF, asagencies of the Ministry Council, would petition the General Assembly for a ruling that would clarify theauthority and responsibilities of the Communications Ministry Team vis-á-vis not only these denominational
publications, but any medium not devoted to internal, hierarchical communications.  CMT and the CMTLeader have met several times with the Ministry Council in regard to this item.  The Ministry Council tasked
the CMT Leader to bring a formalized recommendation to that effect to the Ministry Council to review
during our April 2013 meeting.  If the Ministry Council approves such a formalized recommendation, it willappear within the Ministry Council Report Number Two.
D. COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES TO 183RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Reverend Troy Green will be the Council’s representative to the 183rd General Assembly andReverend Sam Romines will be the alternate.  In 2010, the Council decided that the representative benefits
from having another member present to assist with questions and information and elected Ms. Elizabeth
Horsley to fill that position.  Ms. Horsley has served in this capacity for several years, and the Council
expresses great appreciation to her for sharing her wisdom and expertise in this capacity.   Director of
Ministries Edith B. Old and Executive Assistant Megan Warren will also attend General Assembly, as will
Reverend Lisa A. Scott who will be Worship Leader, Reverend Lanny Johnson, co-director of Music, and
Roy Shanks who will serve as a Commissioner.

II. COMMUNICATIONS MINISTRY TEAMMark J. Davis, Team Leader

A. INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSEThe Communications Ministry Team (CMT) concentrates our efforts to focus on and strengthencommunication within the denomination and with the world at large through written, verbal and electronicmeans.  We understand our mission as one of articulating as clearly as possible who we are as Cumberland
Presbyterians—what it means to be a Cumberland Presbyterian—and why we choose to be Cumberland
Presbyterians.  We understand the importance of well-defined communication strategies in strengthening

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

51

our connectional nature.  We recognize that the world into which the Church is being called to minister isclearly and profoundly changing—to extents not seen in recent centuries.
Within this context, it is incumbent upon the Church in general—and the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church specifically—to adapt quickly and resolutely to the cultural, sociological, political and technologicalchanges that are evolving daily.  “Adaptation” need not be a negative concept for the Church.  It need not
and should not mean abandoning our faith or our values.  But it should imply our willingness to be witnesses
to the good news in the language(s) being spoken in the cultural, sociological, and political communities
around us—to communicate in a way that first and foremost is consistent with our faith, but which also
clearly articulates the doctrines that define us, and which reinforces our connectional nature in meaningful
ways.
In order to effectively communicate to both our own membership and to the global community
in ways that keep our message relevant, we must consciously and intentionally nurture our Identity, ourConsistency and our Stewardship.
1. Identity:  One of the signature organizational trends of the last decade emphasizes
the importance and value of effective “branding” as a means of strengthening an organization
both from within and from the perspective of the organization’s current and potential “clients.”
Branding is not the same as “marketing”, and need not carry the negative associations that word
often carries.  Work around developing a Cumberland Presbyterian “brand” is work that aims to:a. improve clarity around and understanding of our mission,b. promote a disciplined approach to ensuring that the myriad activities of the Ministry Councilalign with that mission, andc. establish a clear rallying point and a source of inspiration and information for Cumberland
Presbyterians around the globe.
It is an established principle of organizational dynamics that a clear vision describing theorganization’s goals and its trajectory toward those goals can help motivate its members to action.   IfChristianity is a verb, then having “motivation to action” as a goal of the Communications Ministry will bea good thing.
2. Consistency: Now that the internet—and specifically, the worldwide web—has
become ubiquitous and a primary source of information, uniformity, or consistency in the “lookand feel” of an organization’s communications has become one hallmark of success.  A sad but
inescapable by-product of the digital age has been a shortened attention span in human beings.  
It is important that we work to condense and “standardize” our communications—in all theirvarious forms—to the greatest extent possible and practical, to ensure that we are delivering ourmessage in ways that either satisfy needs quickly, or encourage “persistence” in further study,
thought or action.

3. Stewardship:   The call to be good stewards of the gifts we’ve been given isneither new nor old-fashioned.  In fact, perhaps more than ever before, effective stewardshipof our resources is not only a Christian imperative, but has emerged as an absolute economic
necessity as well.  The Cumberland Presbyterian Church has become a denomination of many
faces, represented by particular publications or resources.  To some, it may be The Cumberland
Presbyterian magazine, or The Missionary Messenger.  To others, Cumberland Presbyterianism
may be summed up in our presence on a social media site, one of the denominational websites,
cumberlist, CP Updates, or any of several other electronic or print media.  To some, unfortunately,
the denomination has likely become a seemingly endless series of mailings, many of which
are so similar.  To be good stewards, we must find ways of avoiding redundancies and takeadvantage of opportunities for consolidation.
B. GENERAL INFORMATION
1. ELECTED TEAM MEMBERSHIP AND TERMS
Members whose terms expire in 2014
(2) Ms. B. Denise Adams, Arkansas Presbytery, Synod of Great Rivers

52

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013(1) Rev. Michael Clark, Murfreesboro Presbytery, Tennessee Synod(1) Ms. Dusty Luthy Shull, Covenant Presbytery, Synod of the Midwest
Members whose terms expire in 2015
(2) Rev. James D. McGuire, Presbytery of East Tennessee, Synod of the Southeast
In January 2013, the following individuals were recommended by the CMT for terms beginning
after General Assembly to expire in 2016:
Rev. Steven Shelton, West Tennessee Presbytery, Synod of Great Rivers, to a three-year term.
Rev. Nicholas Chambers, Grace Presbytery, Synod of the Southeast, to a three-year term.
At the first meeting following General Assembly each year, all CMT members sign a Covenantacknowledging their responsibilities. (Appendix K)
2. STRUCTURE AND STAFF
Mark J. Davis is the Team Leader for the Communications Ministry Team.  Sowgand Sheikholeslamiis the Senior Art Director.  The CMT is also served on a part-time basis by Joyce Reeves in an administrative
assistant capacity.   The team members meet a minimum of twice annually during regularly-scheduled
Ministry Council meetings.  Any other business is conducted electronically.
3. COMMUNICATIONS MINISTRY TEAM LEADER TRAVEL• Arkansas Presbytery Fall meeting• Red River Presbytery Fall meeting• Covenant Presbytery Spring meeting• Hope Presbytery Fall meeting• North Central Presbytery Fall meeting• West Tennessee Spring meeting• Presbytery del Cristo Spring meeting
C. WORK OF THE COMMUNICATIONS MINISTRY TEAM
1. The Cumberland Presbyteriana. Mission
The purpose of The Cumberland Presbyterian magazine is to engage, inspire and unify membersof the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  The magazine is published 11 times per year, with the November
and December issues comprising a combined issue.
b. Editorial policy
The Cumberland Presbyterian is a medium for the communication of the gospel of salvation
through Jesus Christ.  The magazine will provide unbiased reporting of news, and will allow for
open discussion of theological, social, cultural and denominational issues.  Signed editorials express
the views of the Editor and not necessarily those of the administrative agency, the Ministry Council.  
All submissions—both solicited and unsolicited—will be subject to editing.  Not all submissions
will be published.  Photographic images in any form will not be returned, but will be sent to theArchives of the Historical Foundation.
c. Circulation
As of the March 2013 issue, paid circulation averaged around 2,300 per month.
d. Subscriptions
The rates for subscriptions have not changed since the last General Assembly.  Subscriptions may
now be purchased on-line at http://ministrycouncil.cumberland.org/subscription. Current subscription
rates are:1) $25.00 per year; $45.00 for two years
2) $22.00 per year when prepaid in groups of five or more
3) $2.27 per issue for billed subscriptions (minimum of five)4) $20.00 per year for churches that adopt the New Member Plan, providing a subscription
to each new member family for one year
e. Advertising
Advertisements for open church staff positions will be listed once at no charge to the church2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

53

placing the advertisement.   Congregations wishing to print memorials or to advertise items for sale orupcoming events are encouraged to do so for a nominal advertising fee of $10.00 per column inch.  Fullpage commercial advertisements (e.g., books, events not sanctioned by an agency of the denomination, etc.)
are $500.00.  Half-page commercial advertisements are $300.00.  Quarter-page commercial advertisements
are $200.00.  And eighth-page commercial advertisements are $100.00.  All commercial advertisements
must be pre-paid.
f. Current status
For the year 2013, we are focusing effort on rebuilding our subscription list.  Two years ago, themagazine (along with all Center agencies) began using a new software program to manage its business.  Aspart of this transition, several dozen invalid subscriptions were purged.  In addition to the discovery andpurging of these invalid subscriptions, many subscribers (bulk-subscriber congregations, especially) wereforced to cancel due to the effects of the recession.  This year, we will run several subscription drives andoffer several subscription specials in an effort to rebuild our list.
We continue to struggle with developing a production schedule that gets the magazine into
subscribers’ hands in a more timely fashion.  While we have met with a fair amount of success in terms ofreceiving content in a more timely fashion, we still experience some difficulties associated with the productionof two magazines and numerous program-related publications with only two full time staff members.  We do
feel we’re moving in the right direction, however, and hope to have an acceptable schedule established as
routine by the end of 2013.
While there seems to be adequate support among our readers for an online version of the magazine,
we have found the affordable execution of such a change to be more technologically challenging than we
had anticipated.  Still, we continue to work not only with our website vendor/host, but with a couple of webbased subscription service providers toward an affordable solution.  The key word is “affordable.”  There are
options, but so far, estimates/quotes have ranged from around $7,000 (one-time) for an integrated solution(current website vendor), to more than $14,000/year (third party).  CMT believes neither is “affordable”
under our present financial situation.  As an interim measure, we are digitizing past issues (from October
2009 forward) for free access.
The Cumberland Presbyterian is a member of the Associated Church Press (ACP), and subscribes
to both the Religion News Service (RNS), and Associated Press (AP).
2. MINISTRY COUNCIL WEBSITE
Our website continues to grow in terms of volume of visitors and the addition of content.  Among
new features is a “Where We’ve Been” page that tracks the travel of Ministry Council staff in reachingout to congregations by way of personal visits. We also recently went through a process of restyling the
Resource Center pages to make them more attractive and more easily navigated.  Whether as a direct resultof these changes or not, online sales through the Resource Center pages have shown a marked increase in
the last few months.
We have also increased online registration activity for events such as the Young Adult Ministry
Conference, The Event, the Ministers Retreat, the Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministries Convention,and others.  This has reduced the paperwork and requirements associated with such events, thus allowing
the Ministry Council to devote more attention to activities directly tied to ministry.
In the early spring of this year, we began discussions with our website vendor/host aimed atcreating a new home for the “cumberlist,” a familiar discussion site for Cumberland Presbyterians currently
hosted by Google.  We realized that we can offer better service (i.e., more/better functionality, more timely
updates, etc.) through the discussion board application that is available to us through our current provider.  
We expect the move to be completed by the 183rd General Assembly.
With more than two years experience now, along with input and feedback from a number of ourvisitors, we believe it is time to redesign the navigational aspect of the website.  In particular, we hope tomake navigating the site more intuitive than it is currently.  This will require a significant amount of timeand effort, but we hope to have completed a plan and implemented it by the end of 2013.
3. DENOMINATIONAL NEWS MEDIA
We wish also to draw attention to CP Updates as a means of sharing news, updates, concerns,
prayer and ministry opportunities.  CP Updates is an email newsletter for which users may sign up online
at http://tiny.cc/CPUpdates.
In addition to CP Updates, the CMT employs a commercial mass-email service, Facebook andTwitter postings, and as time and resources permit, cumberlist.

54

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

4. 2014 PROGRAM PLANNING CALENDAR
The theme of the 2014 Program Planning Calendar is Telling Our Stories.  We have recruited adiverse group of twelve Cumberland Presbyterians from across the denomination, each of whom has aunique and compelling story to tell about their relationship with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  
Accompanying each person’s story will be a hand-drawn portrait of the writer, produced by our Senior
Art Director (and accomplished artist) Sowgand Sheikholeslami.  We are also looking into publishing a
version of the calendar that could be accessed via a Smartphone using either the iOS or Android computing
platform.
5. CONGREGATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS
After a successful workshop on congregational communications at last year’s General Assembly,
we received a number of requests for help and/or advice in improving communications at the congregational
level.  As of this writing, we are in discussion with our website vendor concerning the possibility of offeringa service whereby we would help small congregations (or congregations with limited resources) to set up astatic webpage for a nominal fee (at most).  Our hope is that such a move would help those congregations
in reaching out to younger persons in their communities, persons seeking a new church home, and others
who are increasingly using the web as a primary source of information.

III. DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRY TEAM
Reverend Elinor Swindle Brown, Team Leader

A. INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE
Christian Discipleship is the life and practice of following Jesus Christ.
One may know about Jesus and even believe in Jesus as an important historical and spiritual figure.  
But one becomes a disciple of Jesus by entering into a personal relationship with him and making him theguiding force of one’s life.  A disciple is not a “Jesus admirer” but a servant who follows faithfully andwillingly.
A disciple is a student—a life-long learner.  Christian disciples devote their lives to the reading andstudying of God’s inspired word as found in the Old and New Testaments, and come to know the teachingsof Jesus through them and through interaction with others who share this identity.
Prayer, worship, life experiences and God’s grace enable disciples to develop a personal relationshipwith God through Jesus Christ.  By being totally committed to Christ, disciples find their primary identity
in him.  Their faith is nurtured, shaped, and then expressed in and through the faith community called the“church.”Disciples exhibit joy, peace, humility, self-control, and are guided in all things by love, God’s
greatest command.  Through love, disciples are peacemakers and seek to relate to others with kindness,
integrity, generosity, and patience.
Disciples follow the example of Jesus, and give themselves—their time, energy, and money—tofurthering God’s kingdom by witnessing to the Good News, ministering to and with persons who are poorand those who are marginalized.
Above all, disciples share the love and grace of Jesus Christ with others, inviting them to a new life
in Christ.—Discipleship Statement from the Discipleship Ministry Team
It is the purpose of the Discipleship Ministry Team to encourage and support the ministry of all
Cumberland Presbyterian churches to make disciples according to the above statement.  The team members
meet a minimum of twice annually during regularly-scheduled Ministry Council meetings.  Any otherbusiness is conducted electronically.
B. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. DMT ELECTED TEAM MEMBERS
Members whose terms expire in 2013
(2)Rev. Mindy Acton, Grace Presbytery, Synod of the Southeast(3)Rev. Tom Martin, Tennessee-Georgia Presbytery, Synod of the Southeast(3)Rev. Vernon Sansom, Jr., Red River Presbytery, Mission Synod
Members whose terms expire in 2014

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

55(1)Ms. Le Ila Dixon, Trinity Presbytery, Mission Synod(1)Rev. Aaron Ferry, Presbytery of East Tennessee, Synod of the Southeast(2)Ms. Samantha Hassell, Covenant Presbytery, Synod of the Midwest
Members whose terms expire in 2015(2)Ms. Joanna D. Bellis, Missouri Presbytery, Synod of the Great Rivers(1)Ms. Rachel Cook, Robert Donnell Presbytery, Synod of the Southeast(1)Rev. Christian Smith, Tennessee-Georgia Presbytery, Synod of the Southeast
The terms of Reverend Mindy Acton, Reverend Tom Martin, and Reverend Vernon Sansom expire
in 2013.  Tom and Vernon have faithfully served three terms and are not able to be reappointed.  We thankthem for their faithful service to the Discipleship Ministry Team.  Reverend Mindy Acton is eligible to bereappointed.
In January 2013, the following future and returning DMT Elected Team Members were recommended
by the DMT and elected by the Ministry Council to terms beginning after General Assembly:
Rev. Mindy Acton, Grace Presbytery, Synod of the Southeast, to succeed herself for a three-year
term.
Rev. Nancy McSpadden, Arkansas Presbytery, Synod of the Great Rivers, to a three-year term.
Ms. Josephina Sanchez, Presbytery of East Tennessee, Synod of the Southeast, to a three-year term.
At the first meeting following General Assembly each year, all DMT members sign a Covenantacknowledging their responsibilities. (Appendix L)

2. STAFF MEMBERS
Discipleship Ministry Team Staff
Reverend Elinor Swindle Brown, Team Leader and Support Ministry
Matthew Gore, Coordinator of CP Resources and Promotion
Susan Groce, Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministry
Cindy Martin, Coordinator of Adult and Third-Age Ministry
Jodi Rush, Coordinator of Children and Family Ministry
3. DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRY TEAM TRAVEL• CPCA General Assembly, Huntsville, Alabama CPC General Assembly, Florence, Alabama• CPYC, Bethel University, McKenzie, Tennessee• CPC of Germantown, preach, Germantown, Tennessee• Arkansas Presbytery, Calico Rock, Arkansas• Ecumenical Stewardship Center Advisory Council and Leadership Seminar• Ministers Conference, Olive Branch, Mississippi• The Event:  Elder Training, Homewood CPC, Homewood, Alabama• Association of Presbyterian Christian Educators, Orlando, Florida• The Event:  Elder Training, St. Luke CPC, Forth Worth, Texas• Worship, spoke about The Event and OUO, St. Timothy CPC, Hurst, Texas• The Event:  Elder Training, St. Luke CPC, Madison, Tennessee• The Event:  Elder Training, Bowling Green, Kentucky• The Event:  Elder Training, Marshall CPC, Marshall, Missouri• Synod of the Midwest, Piney Fork CPC, Marion, Kentucky• Chapel Dedication, Bethel University, McKenzie, Tennessee• Pastor’s Meeting, Nashville, Tennessee• The Event:  Elder Training, Lexington CPC, Lexington, Tennessee• The Event:  Elder Training, Stonegate CPC, Edmond, Oklahoma• Worship, Eastlake CPC, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma• The Event:  Elder Training, Cookeville CPC, Cookeville, Tennessee• Worship, Cookeville CPC, Cookeville, Tennessee• The Event:  Elder Training, Calico Rock CPC, Calico Rock, Arkansas• Robert Donnell Presbytery, Gurley CPC, Gurley, Alabama• Worship, Church Street CPCA, Huntsville, Alabama• Princeton Youth Forum, Princeton, New Jersey• Columbia & Murfreesboro Presbyteries Outdoor Ministry Training, Manchester CPC,
Manchester, Tennessee

56

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

2013

YAMC Koinonia Worship Team Meeting, Nashville, Tennessee
Presbytery of East TN Outdoor Ministry Training, Beaver Creek CPC, Knoxville, Tennessee
CP Youth Mission Orientation, Birmingham, Alabama
CP Youth Mission Trip, Uganda, South Africa
Meeting with Derek Jacks and Micaiah Thomas, Birmingham, Alabama
Brenthaven CPC Youth Ministry Volunteer Training, Brentwood, Tennessee
YEC Planning, Little Rock, Arkansas
Flat Lick CPC, Hopkinsville, Kentucky
Arkansas Presbytery, Calico Rock, Arkansas
Presbyterian Youth Staff Team Meeting, Purdue University, Indiana
West Tennessee Presbytery
PYT Denominational Staff Meeting, Louisville, Kentucky
YAMC, Burnside, Kentucky
Ecumenical Ministry Staff Team Meeting, Princeton, New Jersey
YMPC Meeting, Bethel University, McKenzie, Tennessee
PYT Meeting for Small Group Leadership, Louisville, Kentucky
Grace Presbytery Convocation, Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Young Adults Conference:  Koinonia
The Event:  Elder Training, Martinsville, Illinois
New Hope CPC, Yale, Illinois
The Event:  Elder Training, Fredonia CPC, Fredonia, Kentucky
Worship Sturgis CPC, Sturgis, Kentucky
PYT Production Team Meeting, Purdue University
Princeton Youth Forum
Presbytery of East Tennessee Safe Sanctuary presentation, Beaver Creek CPC, Knoxville,
Tennessee
PAS, Bethel University, McKenzie, Tennessee
PREP meeting, Louisville, Kentucky
Covenant Presbytery
Arkansas Presbytery Third-Age Retreat, Little Rock, Arkansas
The Event:  Elder Training, Elmira Chapel CPC, Longview, Tennessee
Worship, Elmira Chapel CPC, Longview, Texas
The Event:  Elder Training, First CPC, Olive Branch, Mississippi
The Event:  Elder Training, Lubbock CPC Lubbock, Texas
Worship, Lubbock CPC Lubbock, Texas
The Event:  Elder Training, Heights CPC, Albuquerque, New Mexico
The Event:  Elder Training, Silverdale CPC, Cleveland, Tennessee
Worship, Silverdale CPC, Cleveland, Tennessee
Arkansas Third-Age Retreat Planning Meeting, Little Rock, Arkansas
Robert Donnell Presbytery, Children’s CROP Walk
Curriculum Workshop, Rogersville, AlabamaChildren’s Fest Planning, Bethel University, McKenzie, Tennessee
North Central Presbytery
Children’s Fest Planning, Denton, Texas
Worship and spoke, St. Timothy CPC, Hurst, Texas
The Event:  Elder Training, First CPC, Knoxville, Tennessee
The Event:  Elder Training, Hope CPC, Valrico, Florida
Worship, Christ CPC, Lutz, Florida
The Event:  Elder Training, Camp Israel Folsom, Broken Bow, Oklahoma
Worship, McGee Chapel CPC, Broken Bow, Oklahoma
The Event:  Elder Training, Church Street CPCA, Huntsville, Alabama
Missouri Presbytery Women’s Retreat, Candenton, Missouri
Workshop and worship, Flat Lick CPC, Hopkinsville, Kentucky

C. WORK OF THE DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRY TEAMThe Discipleship Ministry Team (DMT) and the United Board of Christian Discipleship (UBCD),
a board made up of the DMT and the General Assembly Mission Board of the Cumberland Presbyterian

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

57

Church in America, continue to evaluate and plan all programs and events sponsored by the two groups.  
Each program and event listed below is sponsored by the DMT and, if jointly with another team or entity, thatparticular partnering team/entity is noted (e.g. UBCD, Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home [CPCH],
Communications Ministry Team [CMT], Missions Ministry Team [MMT], or Pastoral Development
Ministry Team [PDMT]).   More detailed information about all of these ministries can be found on thewebsite at http://ministrycouncil.cumberland.org/discipleshipministry.   Resources can be ordered either
through the Ministry Council Online Store or through a specific order/registration form on the Discipleship
Ministry Team webpage.
1. CHILDREN AND FAMILY MINISTRY
a. Advent Devotional: The Jesse Tree (UBCD) is a daily devotion book for Advent written by
25 children, youth, and adults from across the Cumberland Presbyterian denominations.  The cover andinterior artwork were created by Jamie Price, and the cover design by DMT member Joanna Bellis.  Thedevotional sold for $3 per copy, with free shipping offered for orders of 10 or more books.  More than 1,500
copies were sold to Cumberland Presbyterian congregations and others.  The plan is to produce anothersuch devotional for 2013 focusing on the Advent wreath.  It will be called Gather Round the Circle and willfeature different writers.
b. Children’s Fest Events (UBCD) are being planned for the summer of 2014.  These events
will bring together Cumberland Presbyterian and Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America children,
kindergarten – 6th grade, for a day of fellowship, Bible study, games, and worship – kid-style andCumberland-Presbyterian-style.  The events will be held at the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Homein Denton, Texas, on June 7, 2014, and at Bethel University in McKenzie, Tennessee, on July 19, 2014.  Jodi
Rush is coordinating these events with the help of a planning team for each event.  The planning teams areusing Psalm 139:14 “I will give thanks to you because I have been so amazingly and miraculously made”(God’s Word Translation) to guide their plans for a day of activities that will connect children from different
congregations, presbyteries, and international Cumberland Presbyterian participants through video chat.
c. Curriculum Partnerships have been established in order to provide easy access and information
to our congregations about curriculum resources.  In the fall of 2012, staff entered into partnerships with threepublishers that offer unique curriculum options well-suited for Cumberland Presbyterian congregations.  
All of these publishers, in varying degrees, have offered to provide samples, brochures, and support toassist staff in making appropriate curriculum suggestions.  A pre-Assembly Workshop will be held at the183rd General Assembly to introduce and share resources from the three publishers, Faith Alive Resources,
Feasting on the Word, and Gather ‘Round.   These partnerships will also be shared with congregations
through a mailing, DMT website, eblast, and in one-on-one conversations as requests for curriculum occur.
RECOMMENDATION 2: That the 183rd General Assembly endorse Encounter, Faith
Out Loud, Faith Alive, Feasting on the Word, and Gather Round as CPC approved curriculum.
d. Family Week (CPCH) in 2013 was observed the week of April 7-13.   The theme for the
week was Family ACTS and the scripture was Acts 2:42-47. Family Week ACTion Packs were mailed tochurches who requested them.  The Family Week ACTion Pack included a copy of a children’s sermon andlitany written by Reverend Stephanie Brown and Reverend Kevin Henson for use on Sunday, April 7, anhour-and-a-half intergenerational event design written by Nancy Gillis to be used as a kick-off event for
Family Week, a sample bulletin insert for April 7, and a sample of the Family ACTion Plan that was to be
distributed to families as they celebrated Family Week.  If your congregation did not celebrate family week
in April, additional copies of the bulletin insert and Family Week ACTion Pack are still available.
e. Live Lent (UBCD) is a book for individuals and congregations to use to live and learn about
Lent.  Live Lent is being sold for $3.50 per copy, plus shipping.  There is a bulletin insert download available
for $12 per congregation for one time use.  Live Lent invites congregations to join together in observing aweekly spiritual practice – one practice per week for the six weeks of Lent.  The weekly practices include
making a Lenten promise (fasting), Bible reading, service, prayer, worship, and forgiveness.  A Facebook
page was created for churches and individuals to share how they are living and learning about Lent.
2. YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
a. Cumberland Presbyterian Youth Conference (UBCD) is a place where everyone is welcomed,
loved, and accepted unconditionally.  It is a place to build community and lasting relationships while invitingand encouraging creativity and expression.  It offers rest, retreat, and provides an open community whereparticipants are not afraid to be vulnerable.  It offers a place to be family, to celebrate who God made us to58

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

be through laughing and having FUN! The 2013 CPYC will be held June 30-July 5, at Bethel University,
McKenzie, Tennessee.  The theme, Inside Out, is based on 1 Samuel 16:7 and the life of David.  Daily subthemes include:
Sunday: Who are you?—Purpose:  Outward appearances do not matter in the house of God—
Scripture:  1 Samuel 16:11; 1 Samuel 17:33; 1 Samuel 16:7
Monday: You are enough—Purpose:   Don’t try to be someone you are not.  Who you are isenough for God—Scripture:  1 Samuel 17:48; Psalm 139; Matthew 10:29-30; Genesis 1:26
Tuesday: You are leaders and followers—Purpose:  Know when to lead and when to follow—
Scripture:  Matthew 20:20-28; 1 Samuel 23:1-5, 10-14; 1 Samuel 30:8-10
Wednesday: You are chosen—Purpose:  Serve the Lord with all your heart because you are apart of God’s people and have been chosen by God!—Scripture:  Psalm 78:70-72; 1 Samuel 13:13-14; Acts
13:22; John 15:16
Thursday: You are in covenant—Purpose:  God makes a covenant with each one of us—Scripture:  
1 Samuel 18; 1 Samuel 20; 1 Corinthians 11:25; Genesis 17:4-8
Friday: You are home—Purpose:  Celebrate the fact that you can take home what you learned andmake a difference—Scripture:  2 Samuel 6; John 4
The Cumberland Presbyterian Youth Conference will celebrate 90 years this year.   The Young
People’s General Assembly, the precursor to CPYC, began in 1924.  A celebration will take place on Sundaynight at CPYC.  Non-conferees are welcome to join in this celebration.  Cost:  $275 for the conference.  Abirthday celebration will also be held on Tuesday evening during the 183rd General Assembly.
b. Faith Out Loud is a Cumberland Presbyterian youth curriculum that starts with a solid scripturaland theological base, reflects the beliefs of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church as stated in the Confessionof Faith, invites young people into a deeper discussion of the Christian faith, and provides avenues throughwhich young people can explore how their faith lives intersect.  Each quarter contains resources for 13
lessons, including a leader guide, comprehensive biblical background for teachers, reproducible pages,
media connections that tie Scripture with film, music, video, or website resources, and added options totake the lesson deeper.  It is developed by Cumberland Presbyterians for Cumberland Presbyterians! We are
currently publishing our 8th quarter.
c. Presbyterian Youth Triennium (UBCD) is July 16-20 at Purdue University, West Lafayette,
Indiana.  The theme is I Am.  Members of the Production Team from the CPC are:  Houston Brown, Susi
Franco, Laura Heflin, Darren Kennemer, Noah Quinton, and Devin Rush.  Members from CPCA are:  Al
Garrett, Cortez Nance, and Danielle Papillion (Walker).  Reverend Mark Brown serves as contract staff
for the Community Life Team.  Reverend Aaron Ferry serves as contract staff for the Recreation Team.  
Susan Groce serves as staff representing the UBCD for the Small Group Team.  Check out the website
and promotional video at www.presbyterianyouthriennium.org.  Cost:  $469.00 per person.  Small Group
leaders and registrars for the CPC and CPCA presbyteries are still needed.  Applications are on the website.
d. Safe Sanctuary deals with the need to create a safe environment for all people who walkthrough the doors of our churches and participate in the activities and events associated with our church.  
This issue will be addressed during a pre-Assembly Workshop prior to the 183rd General Assembly, andrelated to how congregations, presbyteries, synods, and the denomination can be a safe place for all people
to grow in their faith.  The DMT staff has templates and samples that congregations, presbyteries, and otherjudicatories can use to develop their own policy.
RECOMMENDATION 3: That the 183rd General Assembly approve a plan for all
congregations, presbyteries, synods, and denominational groups to have a safe sanctuary policy inplace by December 31, 2014.
e. Young Adult Conference: Koinonia (UBCD) was held January 31-February 4, 2013.  Thetheme scripture was Acts 2:42.  Sixty-two young adults participated in the event.  The group left from New
Orleans, Louisiana, on a four-day cruise.  Rachel Held Evans was the preacher and speaker for the event.  
The Great Romance was the worship band.  Reverend Aaron Ferry and Reverend Jennifer Fouse served as
worship coordinators.
f. Young Adult Immersion Trip (UBCD) will be held December 26, 2013-January 5, 2014.  Thetrip will be to Medellin, Colombia, South America under the direction of Francia Ortiz.  This trip is open
to participants from both Cumberland Presbyterian Churches, ages 22-35.  At the writing of this report,
Cumberland Presbyterians from all over the world have begun the application process.
g. Young Adults Step Out! (UBCD, MMT) is a Top 12 List of ways for young adults to Step

Out! in their faith.  The Young Adult Ministry Council is refining this list in consultation with

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

59

Reverend T.J. Malinoski and plans to have these published at the 183rd General Assembly.

h. Youth Evangelism Conference (MMT) The YEC is an example of sharing resources andexpertise across Ministry Team lines; elected members and staff from both Discipleship and Missions
Ministry Team are involved in the design and implementation of this event.  This particular Youth Evangelism
Conference was to be held December 26-30, 2012.  The event was cancelled due to a snowstorm that hit
Little Rock, Arkansas on December 25th where the event was to be held.  Power was out at the conference
center and the roads were impassable due to ice and downed trees.  The event will not be rescheduled due
to scheduling conflicts and cost, but the resources from the event, will be available in retreat form.
i. Youth Ministry Planning Council (UBCD) is the youth ministry planning agency for the United
Board for Christian Discipleship.
YMPC terms to expire in 2013:   Ryan Brown (Robert Donnell), Brett Decker (TennesseeGeorgia), Cortez Nance (Huntsville), Briahna Williams (Huntsville), Colleen Winslow (Nashville);
YMPC terms to expire in 2014:   Allison Carr (Missouri), Austin Christopher (Hope), Grant
Gipson (Murfreesboro), Tristen Mettle (North Central), Carianne Poindexter (Birmingham);
YMPC terms to expire in 2015:  Nicole Franco (Red River), Cameron Lyons (Huntsville), Adriana
Rodriguez (East Tennessee), Dailen Sutton (Red River), Dylan Weaver (Covenant);
YMPC Adult terms to expire:  Al Garrett (CPCA) in 2014, Reverend Kip Rush (CPC) in 2016.
The new Youth Ministry Planning Council met December 7-10, 2012 at Bethel University to plan
this year’s CPYC.
3. ADULT AND THIRD-AGE MINISTRY
a. eVotions (CMT) writers include youth through adults and represent a broad cross section of
Cumberland Presbyterians.  Staff is working to set up a process to have the devotions sent directly to a
subscriber’s email, to develop an app for Smartphone use and is also exploring a way to have the devotion
posted to the Ministry Council Facebook page.   Staff always welcomes names of possible writers foreVotions.
b. Encounter continues to be a staple resource for a majority of Cumberland Presbyterian churches
and others.  Recent writers include Reverend Dwight Liles, Reverend Mary Katherine Kirkpatrick, Tammy
Robinson, Reverend Byron Forester, Reverend Don Hubbard and Jane Hubbard, and Reverend Don
Thomas.  Staff welcomes names of possible writers for Encounter.  There are plans to revisit past issues ofEncounter to create an annual study guide.  This project should take a minimum of revision and create a
useful product.  There are also plans to create a new resource that would also be for CP adults.
c. Film/Book Reviews continue to be received and published on the DMT website.  These books
include everything from light reading to the CPWM recommended books about modern-day slavery.  
Reviews currently posted are ones from Bonnie Edmondson (Sturgis, Kentucky), Pat White (Fairfield,
Illinois), Judy Fleenor (Beaver Creek, Knoxville, Tennessee), Beverly Brown (Faith, Memphis, Tennessee),and Mary Ann Cole (Past-President, CPWM).  There are currently 29 book reviews on the website.
d. Third-Age Blog can be found on the website.  There are currently 15 entries.  Contributors
are:  Hester Allen, Reverend Larry Bagby, Sidney Milton, Reverend Melvin Orr, Harlie Parish, Claudette
Pickle, Reverend Jean Richardson, Beverly St. John, Reverend Albert Smith, Lita Swindle, Sid Swindle,
and Reverend Fran Vickers.  Staff welcomes names of possible writers.
e. YPGA/NACPYF/CPYC Facebook (UBCD) group is a viable way for those who attended
CPYC or any of its predecessors to keep in touch.  People are encouraged to post photos from their time atthis conference and to rediscover old friends.  This group provides a way for people to maintain connections
with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and recall wonderful experiences.  It also provides an avenue tohear news about special events such as the birthday celebrations at General Assembly and at CPYC 2013,
and to find ways to give to international students so they can have a chance to attend this life-changing
event.
4. SUPPORT MINISTRY
The Team Leader has responsibility for this area of ministry in addition to her administrative tasks.  
This area includes the program ministries of congregations, leader development, presbyteries, outdoor
ministries, stewardship, and worship.
a. Congregational: An Eblast Schedule has been established and the staff is living into it.  AllCumberland Presbyterians who have given the Office of the General Assembly their email address should
receive the following eblasts from the DMT:  General DMT or Support Ministry (Week 1 of a month),Children/Family (Week 2 of a month), Adult/Third-Age (Week 3 of a month), Youth/Young Adult (Week 4

60

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

of a month).
b. Congregational: Discipleship Class Resource (UBCD) has been discussed for congregations
to use in new member or discipleship classes.   The UBCD appointed a visioning team to develop thisresource and will be calling this group together in the near future.
c. Presbyterial: Travel to Board of Christian Education (BCE) Meetings is going to bescheduled for staff.  Staff would like to attend presbyterial BCE meetings to learn what is going on in eachpresbytery and how we can help or learn from what they are doing.  Staff also plans to join other MinistryCouncil staff in attending regional pastor’s forums.
d. Leader Development: The 2012 Forum (UBCD) was held November 4-6, 2012, at the Stephen
Olford Center in Memphis, Tennessee.  The theme was Tools of the Trade.  Thirty participants learned agreat deal of concrete information from Phil Bergey, the keynote speaker.  Reverend Perryn Rice was theworship leader and again brought insightful, creative, and exciting messages to the group.  Kelly Shepherd,
the choir director at the Olive Branch CP Church, led the group in music.
As a result of Phil Bergey’s workshop on coaching, he was invited to attend and present at the
Ministers Conference in January 2013.
e. Leader Development: The 2013 Forum (UBCD) will be held November 3-5, 2013.  Staff isplanning to hold the event in Nashville, Tennessee, but at this writing, the location has not yet been secured.  
Carol Wehrheim will be the keynote speaker and the theme will be Connecting the Dots. Carol is a wellknown scholar in the area of Christian Education and will be a delight to hear.  Registration for the event
is available online and by mail.  (Registration forms are available at the MC display at the 183rd General
Assembly).
f. Leader Development: The Event: Elder Training (UBCD) was held in 23 different regions
during February and March of 2013.  The theme was Session as Spiritual Leader. Reverend Kip Rush
revised the training design for this event.  There were more than 900 elders, pastors, and attendees at these
events; evaluations show that it was very well received.  Staff hopes to hold a webinar of this event in thesummer or fall and have it downloadable after that.
g. Stewardship: Discussion Starters are going to be put online by fall.  These starters are adaptedfrom the former Stewardship in Action series and will be organized by theme rather than chronologically.
h. Stewardship: 13-Week Study is in the planning stages to be offered as a webinar series.  These
classes will use a variety of media and will lend themselves to most congregational study times.
i. Worship: Website Links for the Lectionary are online now.  These links are ecumenical andsuggested by Cumberland Presbyterian ministers.
j. Worship: Liturgy for Special Sundays is online now and others are being developed.  Theliturgies are for special Sundays particular to the Cumberland Presbyterian churches.  Eight of the seventeen
liturgies are online and the other nine will be online about one month before the Sunday to which they
pertain.  Make use of these resources and tell your pastor about them!
5. CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN RESOURCES AND DISTRIBUTION
a. CP Resources and Sales Figures include those items that are uniquely Cumberland resources
available to Cumberland congregations.  In 2012, 36,855 items were sold and 2,557 orders were shipped.  
In 2012, our gross annual revenue was $183,590.77.
b. New CP Materials are always being explored and developed as they are needed.  It is hoped that
Cumberland Presbyterians will make staff aware of any resources that have been written by Cumberland
Presbyterians so we can make these resources available to the denomination.  There are two new editions
being published at this time:  Introduction to Christian Ministry by Doctor Morris Pepper and Good Newson the Frontier by Reverend Thomas H. Campbell.
c. Translations (DMT, PDMT) are always being explored and developed as they are needed.  
Currently, the DMT and PDMT are jointly translating quarters of Faith Out Loud, What Cumberland
Presbyterians Believe, and Good News on the Frontier and have recently finished The Covenant of Grace,
into Spanish.  The Confession of Faith is also being translated into Korean at this time.
D. WORK OF THE UNITED BOARD OF CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIPAs seen above, the Discipleship Ministry Team and a group of leaders from the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church in America, work closely as the United Board of Christian Discipleship (UBCD).  
In fact, the lines of delineation continue to blur as more and more of our program events are sponsoredby the two groups.  Even those programs and events “officially” sponsored by the DMT are open to both2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

61

Churches.  The UBCD continues to meet annually in January, with its most recent meeting on January 24,
2013, when the group reviewed ministry programs and generally evaluated the work of the UBCD.  CPCA
staff and volunteer representatives will continue to be invited to all DMT staff meetings and welcomed as
their schedules allow.  The DMT staff encourages every team and agency to begin this unification processof its ministries so unification can become a reality sooner rather than later.

IV. MISSIONS MINISTRY TEAM
Reverend George R. Estes, Team Leader

A. INTRODUCTION
1. PURPOSE AND MEETINGS
God’s mission is the Church’s reason for being.  It is, therefore, the purpose of the Missions Ministry
Team to serve as an enabling agency of the General Assembly’s Ministry Council whereby the congregationsof the Cumberland Presbyterian Church are better equipped to address God’s mission of redemption andreconciliation.  Specifically, the Missions Ministry Team facilitates those phases of the Church’s mission
which are concerned with outreach in terms of evangelism and the establishing of congregations, and othermeans of Christian witness in the USA and around the world.
As an enabling agency, it shall be the purpose of the Missions Ministry Team to serve congregations
through dual endeavors:  (1) Through the creation and dissemination of information and materials designed
to create evangelistic and missionary action, thus enabling congregations to fulfill their mission of outreachin their local communities, in the nation, and in the world as a whole; (2) Through the coordination andsupervision of such field programs of outreach which require the cooperative effort of all the congregations
working through the Missions Ministry Team.  To this end, the Missions Ministry Team shall gather funds
for mission and church extension activities of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and, it shall appoint,commission and send forth qualified missionaries.
The team members meet a minimum of twice annually during regularly-scheduled Ministry Council
meetings.  Any other business is conducted electronically.
2. MMT STAFF AND ELECTED TEAM MEMBERS
In 2012, the Missions Ministry Team staff included:   Reverend George R. Estes, Team Leader;
Reverend Lynn Thomas, Director of Global Cross-Culture Ministries; Jinger Ellis, Administration and
Finance; Reverend T.J. Malinoski, Evangelism and New Church Development [Step Out!]; Reverend
Pam Phillips-Burk, Coordinator of Women’s Ministry (half-time); and Reverend Robert Watkins, Fund
Development/Asia Consortium (half-time); Joyce Reeves, Secretary (half-time with MMT).  In July 2012,
following more than twenty years of service to denominational Missions, Reverend Dr. Robert Watkins
retired.  The staff and elected members of MMT express abiding gratitude for the leadership he provided
for global missions in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Members whose terms expire in 2013
(1)Rev. Victor Hassell, Covenant Presbytery, Synod of the Midwest(2)Rev. Makihiko Arase, Japan Presbytery, Mission Synod(3)Mr. Mikel Davis, Red River Presbytery, Mission Synod(3)Ms. Jo Ann Shugert, Red River Presbytery, Mission Synod(3)Mr. Sam Suddarth, Columbia Presbytery, Tennessee Synod
Members whose terms expire in 2014
(1)Rev. James Buttram, Jr., Presbytery of East Tennessee, Synod of the Southeast(2)Ms. Nancy Gordon, North Central Presbytery, Synod of the Midwest(2)Rev. Ricardo Franco, Presbytery of East Tennessee, Synod of the Southeast(3)Ms. Beverly Stott, West Tennessee Presbytery, Synod of Great Rivers
Members whose terms expire in 2015(2)Rev. Jimmy Byrd, Tennessee-Georgia Presbytery, Synod of Southeast(2)Rev. James Barry, Tennessee-Georgia Presbytery, Synod of the Southeast(2)Ms. Sherry Poteet, Trinity Presbytery, Mission Synod(1)Rev. Cardelia Howell-Diamond, Murfreesboro Presbytery, Tennessee Synod(1)Ms. Rachel Betty, Nashville Presbytery, Tennessee Synod (resigned 2013)

62

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013(2)Ms. Margie Vanderlaan, Grace Presbytery, Synod of the Southeast (resigned 2012)
Elected members having completed their terms of service on the Missions Ministry Team this year
are Mikel Davis, Jo Ann Shugert and Sam Suddarth.  The MMT is grateful for their diligent and faithfulservice.
In January 2013, the following returning and future MMT Elected Team Members were recommended
by the MMT and elected by the Ministry Council to terms beginning after General Assembly:
Rev. Mack Arase, Japan Presbytery, Mission Synod, to succeed himself to a final three-year term.
Rev. Victor Hassell, Covenant Presbytery, Synod of Midwest, to succeed himself for a second
three-year term.
Ms. Melinda Reams, Arkansas Presbytery, Synod of Great Rivers, to fill the two-year unexpired
term of Margie Vanderlaan who resigned in 2012.
Ms. Brittany Meeks, West Tennessee Presbytery, Synod of Great Rivers, for a three-year term.
Mr. Dominic Lau, Presbytery del Cristo, Mission Synod, for a three-year term.
Rev. Chris Warren, Nashville Presbytery, Tennessee Synod, for a three-year term.
At the first meeting following General Assembly each year, all MMT members sign a Covenantacknowledging their responsibilities. (Appendix M)
3.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

MISSIONS MINISTRY TEAM TRAVEL
Gurly CPC, Alabama
Mt. Zion CPC, Grace Presbytery
West Tennessee Presbytery NCD Task Force Meeting
Mt. Zion CPC, Grace Presbytery, Church Consultation/Discernment
New Hope CPC, Grace Presbytery
Pastor Forum Grace Presbytery
Branchville CPC
Acts Korean Fellowship, West Tennessee Presbytery
YEC visit to 4-H Center in Little Rock, Arkansas
Church Multiplication Training, Knoxville, Tennessee
East Tennessee Presbytery Meeting at Loudon CPC
Maryville 1st CPC
Oak Ridge CPC Fall Festival and Worship
YEC planning meeting, Dickson, Tennessee
Mt. Tabor CPC and Jerusalem CPC, Murfreesboro Presbytery
West Tennessee Presbytery Cross-Cultural worship
Workshop at The Forum, Stephen Olford Center
Evangelism Explosion Certification Thompson Station, TennesseeActs Korean Fellowship – Builders Fellowship recipient and presentation
Guest Speaker at CP Fellowship with students at Memphis Theological Seminary
Church demographic study Pinson/Clay, Alabama
Shiloh CPC, West Tennessee Presbytery
Minister’s Conference, Olive Branch, Mississippi
Bowling Green CPC
Pastor’s Forum Nashville Presbytery
Evangelism workshop for Grace Presbytery
Grace Presbytery Meeting, New Hope CPC
Grace Community CPC
Mt. Zion CPC, Grace Presbytery
Pastor Forum, Red River Presbytery
St. John CPC
Scottsboro CPC, Scottsboro, Alabama
Rocky Ridge CP Hispanic church, Birmingham, Alabama
Byson Seminary, Intern orientation, Birmingham, Alabama
Uganda, Africa, Youth Team
Jesus es el Camino, Session meeting, Birmingham, Alabama
PAS, Bethel University, McKenzie, TennesseeGrace Presbytery, Birmingham, Alabama

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Pastor meeting, Birmingham, Alabama
Miami, NCD development, Miami, Florida
Pastor Meeting, TN-GA pastors, Red Bank, Tennessee
Pastor Meeting, Nashville and Columbia Presbyteries, Nashville, TennesseeGrace Presbytery, Steam Mill, Mississippi
Japanese NCD, Louisville, Kentucky
Pastor meeting, Cumberland and Covenant. Presbyteries, Bowling Green, Kentucky
Naples NCD visit, Naples, Florida
Prep 1:8 meeting, Birmingham, Alabama
Mexico City, council meeting, Mexico
Casa de Fe CPC & Haiti mission meeting, Boston, Massachusetts
Trinity Presbytery & Nueva Vida CPC visit, Houston, Texas
Dallas/FW pastor meeting, Fort Worth, Texas
Guatemala Mission, Guatemala
Hong Kong, Japan & South Korea (Tentative)
Lexington, Alabama, Convention planning with Robert Donnell and Hope Regions
Florence, Alabama, Convention planning
Huntsville, Alabama, CPCA General Assembly and Missionary Auxiliary
Mt. Vernon, Kentucky, Women’s Work Trip to Christ’s Outreach to the Blind
Huntsville, Alabama, Robert Donnell Presbytery
Nashville, Tennessee, Unification Task Force
McKenzie, Tennessee First CP Church, Women’s Ministry
Nashville, Tennessee, WM Executive Committee meeting
Dyersburg, Tennessee CP Church, Set Them Free presentation
Huntsville, Alabama, Human Trafficking Training
Huntsville, Alabama, Unification Task Force Video Conference meeting
Huntsville, Alabama, Pulpit Swap and Fellowship with Church Street CPCA
Russellville, Arkansas, Renew Conference planning
Memphis, Tennessee, WM Executive Committee meeting
Jackson, Tennessee @ Camp Clark Williamson, West TN Women’s Ministry Retreat
Nashville, Tennessee, Magdalene Community & Thistle Farm workshop
Roach, Missouri @ Windermere Conference Center, Missouri Women’s Ministry Retreat
Tokyo, Japan,  Japan Women’s Ministry and Presbytery
Hopewell CPC, Walnut, Mississippi
Palestine (Arkansas) CPC
Korean Pastors Conference, McKenzie, TennesseeWest Side CPC Commission, Nashville, Tennessee
The Acts Korean Church, Memphis, Tennessee
Presbytery del Cristo, Lubbock, Texas
West Tennessee NCD Task Force, Faith CPC Bartlett, Tennessee
East Coast Cumberland Presbytery, New York, New York
Hopewell CPC, Walnut, Mississippi
CPC, Palestine, Arkansas
Salem CPC, Sebastopol, Mississippi
Rocky Ridge CPC, Birmingham, Alabama
Dade City NCD Task Force, Beth-El Farmworker Board, Tampa, Florida
Mt Zion CPC, Columbus, Mississippi
West Tennessee NCD Task Force – Medina, Tennessee
James Gilbert funeral, Fort Worth, Texas
Hope Fellowship, Medina, Tennessee
Beneath the Cross CPC, Pinson, Alabama
Zion Fellowship, Paducah, Kentucky
Grace CP Commission, Columbia, Tennessee
Zion Fellowship Task Force, Paducah, Kentucky
1st CPC, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Presbytery del Cristo, San Francisco, California
Choctaw Presbytery, Wardville, Oklahoma
Nashville Presbytery, Brookhaven CPC, Nashville, Tennessee

63

64

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY•

2013

CP Pastor’s funeral in Benton, Arkansas

4. MISSIONS AND OUR UNITED OUTREACH
Our United Outreach undergirds the wide range of missions endeavors undertaken by MMT
on behalf of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, from administration to designing and publishing ofresources, from congregational and presbyterial consultation to supervision of missionaries, new church
development and women’s ministry activities.  In 2012, for example, MMT staff travelled for face-to-facemeetings in Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico, Hong Kong, Laos, Cambodia, Uganda, and in every presbyteryin the United States.   Our United Outreach provides subsidies for new churches, enables the planningof conferences and training events, shares missions information with the Church at large, facilitates theoversight of international missions and humanitarian service.  When Our United Outreach shortfalls occur,
however, the capacity of the MMT to continue this level of ministry is seriously challenged.  The MMT
urges each congregation to regard Our United Outreach as its primary missions budget to ensure the growthand effectiveness of the Church’s cooperative response to the Great Commission to “make disciples
among all peoples.”B. CONGREGATIONAL MINISTRIESIn 2012, MMT observed the need for full-time direction to the Congregational Ministries aspectsof the work.  Included under this umbrella, in addition to Women’s Ministry, are ecumenical partnerships,
Leadership Referral Services, congregational revitalization, smaller membership congregations, missions
education, Birthplace Shrine chaplaincy and the maintenance of electronic communications.   Reverend
Pam Phillips-Burk served as Coordinator of Women’s Ministry as a bi-vocational pastor.   Beginning inJanuary 2013, she accepted the full-time position of Director of Congregational Ministries.  In this capacity
she will continue to provide leadership for Women’s Ministry but has expanded her role for the full rangeof responsibilities in this critical area.
1. CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN’S MINISTRY
a. New Initiative: Stott-Wallace Missionary FundAs part of the Step Out! movement approved by General Assembly, a missionary fund wasenvisioned to help fund current and future mission efforts around the world.   Women’s Ministry has
embraced that vision and, together with MMT, is recommending a denomination-wide Missionary Support
Fund to be introduced at this year’s Convention and General Assembly, the Stott-Wallace Missionary Fund.  
This offering is envisioned to be received on Pentecost Sunday each year with a special focus or theme.  
The offering is named in honor of Melvin (Buddy) and Beverly Stott, career missionaries to Japan, andReverend Boyce Wallace and Beth Wallace, life-long missionaries to Colombia.  Resource materials forobserving and celebrating this annual offering will be provided through Women’s Ministry and the Missions
Ministry Team.
RECOMMENDATION 4: That the General Assembly authorize a church-wide missionary
fund offering, in response to Step Out! goals, to be named the Stott-Wallace Missionary Fund, directed
toward the support of Cumberland Presbyterian missionaries, with the special offering to be taken
in churches on Pentecost/World Mission Sunday each year, and that additional contributions may becollected throughout the year for this purpose.
b. Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry Convention
Convention continues as one of the main aspects of the CP Women’s Ministries.  Countless women
have found meaning and inspiration by attending this annual gathering.  In recent years, Convention has
evolved into more of a “conference” type event rather than a “business” event, which many women find tobe meaningful and refreshing.  Each Convention involves worship, missionary speakers, Bible studies, andopportunities for service and outreach.
c. Women’s Spirituality Conference – July 25-27, 2013
Russellville CP Church in Russellville, Arkansas will host this event.  Two earlier conferences were
held in Dyersburg, Tennessee (2013) and Brentwood, Tennessee (2008).  These conferences are designed
to be experiential in nature, and appeal to a wide range of women.  The 2013 theme is Renew with a focus
upon Isaiah 40:29-31.  For more information visit the Renew website – http://ministrycouncil.cumberland.
org/renewconference.

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

65

d. Women’s Ministry Work Trips
CP Women’s Ministry has organized seven work trips since 2005.  All but one was to Christ’s
Outreach to the Blind in Mt. Vernon, Kentucky (a Coalition of Appalachian Ministries partner).  More thana hundred women and teen girls have been on these trips.  In 2009, in addition to a work trip to Kentucky,
Women’s Ministry sponsored a work/immersion trip to Colombia, South America.  The 2012 work trip to
Christ’s Outreach was a “reunion” and celebration work trip, bringing to an end our formal partnershipwith Christ’s Outreach.  The group held a “camp” blessing at the conclusion of the work week.  Women’s
Ministry will continue to explore future possibilities for a work trip west of the Mississippi River in aneffort to include more women in that region of the country.
C. SPECIAL SERVICES
1. LEADERSHIP REFERRAL SERVICES
Through the Leadership Referral Services (LRS), assistance is provided to church search committees
and pastors seeking a call.  An Opportunities List is maintained on the Missions Team section of the MinistryCouncil website, along with downloadable Church Information Forms and Personal Information Forms forministers.  Reverend Norlan Scrudder continues to serve as coordinator for LRS.
2. BIRTHPLACE SHRINE CHAPLAINCY
Since 1966, the Missions Ministry Team has provided a summer chaplaincy program at the
Birthplace Shrine in Montgomery Bell State Park.   The chaplain conducts Sunday morning worship at
the chapel and also visits the park guests, sharing information about the history of the denomination.  Theprogram runs from the first weekend in June through Labor Day weekend.  MTS student Jennifer Hayes
served as chaplain in 2012.  Beginning in 2013, this program will transition to volunteer chaplains and anelectronic display in the chapel.
3. ECUMENICAL PARTNERSHIPS
Ecumenical partnerships continue to be a vital part of the work of the Missions Ministry Team.  
Among the ministries supported by Cumberland Presbyterian workers and funds are the following:  BethEl Farm Worker Ministry, Inc.; Project Vida (Texas-Mexico Border) Ministry; Coalition for Appalachian
Ministry; National Farm Worker Ministry.  Through One Great Hour of Sharing and in disaster relief efforts,
Church World Service is also an essential ecumenical partner.  In 2013, MMT is exploring a relationshipwith Living Waters for the World, a mission of Synod of Living Waters (PCUSA) which provides cleanwater systems in areas of the world where we have Cumberland Presbyterian ministries.  This ministry
would provide yet another opportunity for local church and presbyterial work teams in hands-on missions.
D. EVANGELISM AND CHURCH DEVELOPMENT
1. STEP OUT!
The 181st General Assembly adopted a decadal plan emphasizing an evangelism, church planting
and mission expansion movement in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  The theme was identified as
Step Out! Called to tell… Sent to share.  A primary general goal of Step Out! is to place evangelism as apriority at all levels of the denomination.  It is to assist the Church at large in developing an evangelistic/
missionary identity and to produce and provide evangelistic resources.
Congregational and presbyterial goals are also part of the Step Out! emphasis as approved byGeneral Assembly.   For example, each congregation is urged to seek to grow its membership throughevangelistic efforts by ten percent per year.  Another specific goal for churches is the financial support ofa Cumberland Presbyterian missionary.  Each presbytery is invited to plant a number of churches equal
to ten percent of its total during the decade.  And the presbyteries, too, are asked to adopt a non-USA
mission field where Cumberland Presbyterians are working to spread the gospel.  The denomination, itscongregations, presbyteries, institutions and agencies are intentionally focused on making and developing
disciples so that more people will know the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.  The new identity
sought for the denomination is that of sharing the love of God in Christ with those who do not know him as
Lord and Savior, welcoming new people into the churches, and fostering spiritual growth and witness fromthe neighborhood throughout the world.  At the core of the Step Out! movement is an intercessory prayer
network, praying for our commitment to sharing this witness, and praying for those to whom God is sending
us.

66

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

In January 2012, Reverend T.J. Malinoski was called to provide MMT staff leadership for Step
Out! Throughout the year he traveled to presbyteries, pastoral gatherings and local congregations in aneffort to explain and promote Step Out!  To promote and fulfill the goals of Step Out!, the past year has
been invested in informing, educating and encouraging Cumberland Presbyterians to Step Out! in theirevangelistic endeavors.  This has been accomplished through:  (1) presenting Step Out! and its initiatives atpresbytery meetings and CP Women’s Ministry regional meetings, (2) leading the Tuesday evening programat the 2012 General Assembly, (3) meeting with presbytery boards of missions, (4) assisting churches indeveloping strategies for church hospitality toward first time visitors, (5) leading a workshop on Step Out!
implementation at the Discipleship Ministry Team’s The Forum, (6) staff training on evangelism and new
church development, (7) providing resources, strategies and curriculum through Cumberland Presbyterian
publications such as The Missionary Messenger and Faith Out Loud, and (8) conducting open forums with
Cumberland Presbyterian ministers.
Evangelistic events and resources are planned to promote and encourage faith-sharing as well as
equip Cumberland Presbyterians, congregations and judicatories to promote evangelism, church planting
and missions expansion.  Upcoming Step Out! activities and resources include the following:

•
•
•
•
•

A Missionary Messenger edition this summer dedicated to the Step Out! emphasis

A pre-Assembly workshop on Step Out! at the 2013 General Assembly“How to prepare and deliver an evangelistic sermon” workshop at the 2014 Ministers Conference
Trip to Colombia, South America in 2014 to promote the Step Out! initiatives
Church consultations, pastor forums and workshops for judicatories

2. YOUTH EVANGELISM CONFERENCE
The YEC is an example of sharing resources and expertise across Ministry Team lines; elected
members and staff from both Discipleship and Missions Ministry Team are involved in the design andimplementation of this event.  The Youth Evangelism Conference (YEC) Follow, scheduled for December
27-30, 2012, near Little Rock, Arkansas, was cancelled.  A winter weather storm hit the state of Arkansas
dumping more than ten inches of ice and snow on Christmas Day.  This winter storm toppled trees, crippled
travel with road closures and left a quarter of a million homes without power.  The YEC event was to beheld at the 4-H Center just west of Little Rock.  Like the surrounding area, the 4-H Center was without
power and the road was impassable due to snow and debris.   The YEC planning team recognized thattravel would be dangerous and difficult, and with no access to electricity, the event had to be cancelled.  Allregistrants were notified of this change immediately, and fortunately this news came early enough to avoid
people already being on the road.  Efforts were made to reschedule the event for 2013 either at the Little
Rock location or in another venue.  However, that was determined not to be feasible.  YEC registrants wererefunded their fees.
Though YEC was cancelled, plans are underway to utilize materials from Follow to develop acurriculum for use by youth groups and in retreat settings.  The planning team is working with the scheduled
speakers and leadership to develop the curriculum with video materials, an outline, and resources needed
for a “retreat in a box.”  This resource material will be available by fall 2013.
3. NEW CHURCHES
The variety of new church models continues to be in evidence as presbyteries respond to Step
Out! goals for New Church Development.  Presently new churches are developing in Dade City, Florida,
Medina, Tennessee, Southaven, Mississippi, and Denver, Colorado.  There is a new “cowboy outreach” inMarshall, Missouri, a new/assimilation in Paducah, Kentucky, and a mission probe in Marion, Illinois.
E. CROSS-CULTURE DEVELOPMENT (USA)
1. CROSS-CULTURE STAFF POSITION
The Ministry Council approved the Missions Ministry Team’s request to fill the vacancy of Directorof Cross-Culture (CC) Ministries USA.  This position is responsible for developing new churches among
the immigrant populations of the USA.  Over the past 15 years, the position has resulted in many new CP
congregations.  There continue to be many opportunities to plant more cross-culture churches in the USA.  
In addition, the Director of CC Ministries acts as a bridge of communication between our CC churches/
pastors and their presbyteries.  With the employment of a Director of CC Ministries we anticipate continued
growth in this area.  (Appendix C)
2. CURRENT CROSS-CULTURE NEW CHURCHES
Currently we have CC new church developments in Louisville, Kentucky; Naples, Florida; Miami,

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

67

Florida; and Memphis, Tennessee.   Recently, Nueva Vida CP Church (Houston) dedicated its newly
constructed worship facility.  A new Korean assimilation in Memphis, Tennessee, dedicated its new facility
in 2012.  The Korean fellowship initiated in El Paso, Texas, moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico, last year.
There are 14 Spanish-speaking CP churches and missions in the USA, and 22 Korean-speaking
churches and missions.  There is a Sudanese CP congregation in Nashville, Tennessee and a Japanesespeaking new church development in Louisville, Kentucky.
One of the positive trends we are seeing is the number of new ordinations and new probationers
coming from our Hispanic CC churches.  As a result, we foresee a strong base of leadership to serve our
Hispanic CC churches and to help start new churches.  When we first started our CC work, there were very
few CC churches and no possibility of finding leadership in those CP Churches to use as church planters.  
Through the assimilation of pastors and congregations, and finding Colombian CPs living in the USA, we
identified our first leaders to start new CP churches.  Because of growth over the years, we can now satisfy
many of our CC leadership needs from within the CP church.  The Program of Alternate Studies’ willingness
to accommodate non-English or low-English speakers has been a big contributor to this leadership area.
3. CROSS-CULTURE COMMUNICATIONS INTERNIn 2012, MMT provided a Communications Intern to assist with the large volume of Spanish
correspondence required for the work of the Director of Global Cross-Culture Ministries.  Erin Daza Sigler
served in this capacity, maintaining email and telephone contact with Spanish-speaking leaders and churches
in the USA, as well as facilitating correspondence with leaders in Mexico, Guatemala and Colombia.  Shepublished a new resource tool that has been very well received, a monthly Hispanic newsletter for all thechurches, and provided copies to the Stated Clerks of all USA presbyteries.
4. CUMBERLAND EAST COAST KOREAN PRESBYTERY
September 10, 2012, saw the organization of Cumberland East Coast Korean Presbytery under theauthorization of Synod of the Southeast.  For more than a decade churches and provisional fellowships in the
New York and New Jersey areas had related to Tennessee-Georgia Presbytery.  Now this first-ever Korean
Presbytery has been launched, the fruition of Cross-Culture ministry among Korean-speaking communities.
5. CROSS-CULTURE CONSULTATIONSAn important responsibility, and one that takes considerable time, is the consultant role the MMT
provides to organized CP Cross-Culture churches and to presbyteries and committees of presbyteries.  
During 2012, there were many meetings and consultations provided for our CC churches and presbytery
leaders seeking to connect to the Church despite language and cultural barriers.
F. GLOBAL MISSIONS
1. GENERAL OVERVIEW
The Missions Ministry Team leads our global mission work.  The Cumberland Presbyterian (CP)
Church is currently working in 17 countries around the world:  Brazil, Cambodia, China, Colombia, France,
Guatemala, Hong Kong, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Mexico, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, South Korea,
Uganda, and the USA.  We have 26 missionaries endorsed by the CP Church, two more are in applicationfor endorsement, and two families work for Japan Presbytery in Brazil as ministers to Japanese-speaking
people in Brazil.   There are 28 CPs working or desiring to work as CP missionaries, and 4 Japanese
missionaries fully supported by Japan Presbytery.  Twelve of these missionaries are working with partner
mission organizations:   Frontiers, New Mission Systems International, Campus Crusade, World Gospel
Missions, National Churches Fellowship of Nepal, and Gospel Operation International.  Our global work
includes four presbyteries outside the USA, two in Colombia, one in Japan, and one in Hong Kong.  We
have councils of CP Churches in Colombia, South Korea and Mexico; in all cases the intent of thesecouncils is to eventually develop them into future presbyteries.  CPs working specifically for CP missions
are:  Reverend Daniel Jang and Kay Jang (church planting in Philippines), Reverends David and Sarah Lee(schools and church planting in Asia), Anay Ortega (administering a clinic, leading evangelistic outreachand helping assimilate churches to the CP Church in Guatemala), Reverends Fhanor and Socorro Pejendino(moving to Guatemala to start church planting), Reverend Danny Potts and Joey Potts (teaching in the
Colegio Americano in Cali, Colombia), Reverend Carlos Rivera and Luz Dary Rivera (the council of CP
churches in Mexico), Reverend Boyce Wallace and Beth Wallace (guidance to pastors and churches inColombia), and Glenn Watts (helping develop an English worship service in Hong Kong).  Our partner

68

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

missionaries are:   Nancy Boecker (involved in leadership development), Reverend Lawrence Fung and
Loretta Fung (working throughout Asia helping mobilize churches for outreach), Tom and Tammy George(doing evangelistic outreach in a closed region), Kenneth and Delight Hopson (involved in outreach throughprinting in Uganda), Scott and Michal Sullivan (doing outreach among North Africans), Po Kau Tang (doesdiscipleship training), and Matt and Heather Wallace (using business training of nationals as a means ofaddressing poverty and sustaining outreach).
These missionaries are to be commended for their tireless and sacrificial service to God’s kingdom
and the CP Church.  They all request the prayers of the Church.  All CP missionaries are responsible forraising their own support and as endorsed missionaries merit the prayers and support of all CPs.
2. NEW MISSION FIELD
As part of the Step Out! emphasis presented by the Ministry Council and approved by General
Assembly, a new mission field has been approved by the Missions Ministry Team.  Step Out! prompted theMissions Ministry Team to identify a new area of CP mission work outside the United States.  The goal is
to be proactive with a CP global vision of mission expansion.  The highly successful work in Colombia,
Japan and Hong Kong illustrates the advantages of a long-term CP emphasis that is supported and sharedby all CPs.  After a year of discussion and investigation, the Missions Ministry Team in its January 2013
meeting selected Central America as our new mission focus.   Some of the reasons that led to selecting
Central America include the fact that we have many CP family/friend connections in every country ofCentral America, the reality that Central America geographically is smaller than the state of Texas, therelative close proximity of Central America to the USA and Colombia, the fact we already have a mission
presence in Guatemala and that Guatemala has language schools, the linguistic and cultural familiarity the
CP Church has with Latin America, and the obvious needs there are in Central America for evangelism,
church planting, and the development of institutions that serve those in need.
The plan is to use Prep 1:8 (a missionary training and recruitment program), to form a future teamof missionaries for deployment to Central America.  The funding for these missionaries will be realized
from:  missionary fundraising, appeals that all CP churches support the new general missionary fund, andthe new annual offering for missionary support called the Stott-Wallace Missionary Fund.
The MMT will continue to promote and advocate for all of our mission work around the world.  We
continue to be open to other mission opportunities in other countries that are realistic and within the stated
GA priorities.
3. MISSIONARY VISITS
Daniel and Kay Jang, Kenneth and Delight Hopson, Fhanor and Socorro Pejendino, and Boyce andBeth Wallace will all be in the USA in 2013 to visit CP churches.  In 2012, Glenn Watts did deputation andraised his full support package.  Matt and Heather Wallace were in the states for 18 months at the Universityof Kentucky completing graduate studies.  They returned to the mission field in March 2013.
4. MISSIONARY FUNDING
A constant and historical challenge for the CP mission program is supporting missionaries.   Itis hoped that we can provide more stable support for our missionaries.  Twenty years ago, salaried CP
missionaries were supported by Our United Outreach.  Not only did they not do fundraising, they wereactually asked to not accept contributions for their missionary service.  They already had a salary.  Fordecades that was the approach used.   However, with rising costs and an increasing number of persons
called to missionary service in places where we had no CP presence or support, a number of years ago thepolicy changed to require missionaries to raise their own support by solicitation in CP churches.  This, infact, is the customary method for missionary support in other denominations and mission agencies.  Many
CPs remain uninformed about this change in missionary support.  The new Stott-Wallace Missionary Fundand associated offerings will help educate the Church and greatly assist the missionaries.  Currently CPs
donate approximately $250,000 a year to CP missionaries via the Missions Ministry Team.  We hope tomore than double this amount in the next few years.  It is our hope that the Missions Ministry Team, throughthese new funding approaches, can become a recruiter and primary donor to CP missionaries by using
funds donated to missionary support.  Our new mission emphasis in Central America will certainly requiresignificant support for future CP missionaries.  Amazingly, if only 500 CP churches contribute $2,000
a year to missionary support we would realize one million dollars a year.   Many churches can provide$2,000, others can do much more.  There are already CP churches contributing thousands each year fromtheir budget for missionaries.  We want to strongly encourage churches to consider putting a line item intheir church budgets for missionary support.  If the general missionary fund is adequately funded, we can2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

69

actually recruit new missionaries and deploy them, as well as better support the missionaries we currently
have.
G. FUND DEVELOPMENT AND ASIA CONSORTIUM
In July 2012, Reverend Robert Watkins retired from the part-time roles of Fund Developer andAsia Consortium Facilitator for MMT and the Ministry Council.  The work of the Asia Consortium, stillin its formative stages, was undertaken by Reverend Lynn Thomas as Director of Global Cross-Culture
Ministries.  Discussions between MMT and Cumberland Presbyterian leaders in Asia are moving forward
in 2013 to determine the most helpful means of assisting the coordination of such work.
H. LOAVES AND FISHES, GIFT TO THE KING, SECOND MILE PROJECTSIn 2012, Cumberland Presbyterians generously responded to Second Mile projects, special
offerings for hunger and humanitarian and disaster relief.   Essential support was provided as well for
missionaries and non-USA mission fields, evangelism and church planting.  MMT also assisted the Colegio
Americano in Cali, Colombia, in securing a loan from the Board of Stewardship for a major expansionof campus facilities.  Although Gift to the King and Loaves and Fishes donations were somewhat below
donations from 2011, program expenses were approximately halved, resulting in a greater contribution forthe ministry.  This savings was due to the incorporation of posters and ordering information included within
The Missionary Messenger. Following are 2012 contributions for several of these special causes:• Loaves and Fishes, an annual Thanksgiving season offering for a project of a CP
mission field, deigned in 2012 for the Guatemala medical clinic:  $39,228.00• Gift to the King, annual Christmas/Epiphany offering for a project of a CP mission field, designatedin 2012 for Samaki Church in Phnom Penh, Cambodia:  $22,882.20• Builders Fellowship, donation for new church building programs made three times a year:  
$41,275.00• Disaster Fund, representing contributions from churches and individuals responding to natural
disasters in the USA:  $3,200.00• Second Mile projects, representing special needs identified by the Ministry Teams, such as an
English as a Second Language pilot program in a local church:  $13,182.63• One Great Hour of Sharing, a cooperative annual offering shared by many denominations justbefore Easter to serve humanitarian needs around the world:  $19,776.14• Colombia Mission Field Support (for hot lunch programs and other outreach activities of two
Colombian presbyteries):  $65,550.31• Mexico Mission Field Support (Mexico Council of CP Churches):  $32,193.61• Guatemala Mission Field Support (for administration of medical clinic):  $42,045.87• Laos/Cambodia Mission Field Support (for missionaries in those two countries):  $39,625.00• Philippines Mission Field Support (missionary support):  $32,400.00• South Korea Mission Field Support (First CPC, Seoul):  $12,600.00
I. COMMUNICATION AND PUBLICATIONS
1. The Missionary Messenger
In June 2012, MMT changed the format of The Missionary Messenger, moving from an eightpage tabloid published bi-monthly to a 28-page magazine format published quarterly.  This was the firstsuch format change in almost fifteen years.   It provides more space for information in an aestheticallypleasing periodical, and there are significant printing/mailing savings in the reduction of the number ofissues per year:  approximately half the costs compared to previous years.  Responses to the new format
have been affirming.  Congregations are urged to update their members’ mailing information with MMT,
which also saves in costs.  The Missionary Messenger is currently mailed to more than 18,000 Cumberland
Presbyterian households at no charge to the recipients.   Note, also, that The Missionary Messenger isavailable on the Missions Ministry Team website.  Readers of The Missionary Messenger who prefer toreceive the publication via email rather than in hard copy are asked to contact MMT with their email
address.
2. MISSIONS NEWS
Each month the MMT publishes an electronic newsletter, “Step Out! Through Missions,” which

70

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

shares current information of denominational and local missions activities.  There are more than 1,000
subscribers to the e-newsletter, which comes to one’s email inbox at no charge.  To subscribe to the missions
e-newsletter, simply send an email request to jellis@cumberland.org.
3. MEMO
During 2012, the Quarterly MEMO (Missions Engagement Ministry Outreach) Packet concluded
its service and the information now is incorporated into The Missionary Messenger, which provides awider audience for the material. As with any change, this has called for an adjustment from those who areaccustomed to receiving the packet as a reminder of Second Mile projects and related information.
4. QUARTERLY MISSIONS EMPHASIS BULLETIN (QME)
QME, the two-sided newsletter bulletin insert sent to churches through standing-order subscriptions,
was discontinued at the end of 2012 as subscriptions came to an end.  The Missions Team distributed morethan 19,000 bulletin inserts each quarter.  As part of a prioritizing process, elected MMT members felt it
was time to refocus energies in other publications and communications.  Also, elected members provided
inspirational text for the QME issues in 2012.
5. MARCH OF MISSIONSThe March of Missions, observed during the weeks between Easter and Pentecost each year, calls
Cumberland Presbyterian congregations to greater commitment to missions.  This material is especiallydesigned for congregational use in worship and in other contexts.  The theme for the 2012 March of Missions
was Eight Ways to Step Out! emphasizing the Step Out! evangelism movement.  The March of Missions
emphasis in 2013 has been “Meeting People Where They Are.”  MMT has approved a new missions focus
for this timeframe beginning in 2014 and March of Missions will be retired.

V. PASTORAL DEVELOPMENT MINISTRY TEAM
Reverend Milton L. Ortiz, Ministry Team Leader

A. INTRODUCTION
1. LEADERSHIP & STAFF
Reverend Milton L. Ortiz is the Team Leader for the Pastoral Development Ministry Team.  ThePDMT is also served on a part-time basis by Joyce Reeves in an administrative assistant capacity.  The teammembers meet a minimum of twice annually during regularly-scheduled Ministry Council meetings.  Anyother business is conducted electronically.
2. PASTORAL DEVELOPMENT MINISTRY TEAM TRAVEL• Preach at Hispanic Cristo Salva, Memphis, Tennessee• CPYC staff, Bethel University, McKenzie, Tennessee• Lead Ministers Retreat, Bethel University, McKenzie, Tennessee• West Tennessee Committee on the Ministry• Arkansas Presbytery Fall meeting• Children’s Fest Planning, Bethel University, McKenzie, Tennessee• Murfreesboro Presbytery Fall meeting• Presbytery of East Tennessee Fall meeting• Hispanic El Redil, Atlanta, Georgia• YMPC Meeting, Bethel University, McKenzie, Tennessee• Hispanic Casa de Fe, Boston, Massachusetts• Ministers Conference, Olive Branch, Mississippi• Murfreesboro Presbyterial Committee on the Ministry• West Tennessee Presbytery Spring meeting• Pilgrim Church, Beverly, Massachusetts• Cumberland East Coast Presbytery Spring meeting• Covenant Presbytery Spring meeting• Cumberland Presbyterial Committee on the Ministry• Hong Kong, Japan, Korea

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

71

3. PDMT ELECTED TEAM MEMBERS
Members whose terms expire in 2013(1)Ms. Micaiah Thomas, Grace Presbytery, Synod of the Southeast(3)Rev. Tommy Thompson, West Tennessee Presbytery, Synod of Great Rivers
Members whose terms expire in 2014
(1)Rev. Amber Clark, Murfreesboro Presbytery, Tennessee Synod(3)Rev. Don F. Thomas, West Tennessee Presbytery, Synod of Great Rivers (Resigned 2013)
Members whose terms expire in 2015
(1)Rev. Linda Snelling, Red River Presbytery, Mission Synod(2)Rev. Robert E. Shelton, Red River Presbytery, Mission Synod (Resigned 2013)
Reverend Tommy Thompson completed three terms and is not eligible for re-election.  Reverend
Don F. Thomas and Reverend Robert E. Shelton resigned.  In January 2013, the following PDMT members
were recommended by the PDMT and elected by the Ministry Council to terms beginning after General
Assembly:
Ms. Micaiah Thomas, Grace Presbytery, Synod of the Southeast, to succeed herself for a three-year
term.
Rev. Patrick Wilkerson, Columbia Presbytery, Tennessee Synod, to a three-year term, to follow
Rev. Tommy Thompson.
Rev. Drew Hayes, West Tennessee Presbytery, Great Rivers Synod, to fill the 1-year unexpired termof Rev. Don F. Thomas.
Rev. Duawn Mearns, Arkansas Presbytery, Great Rivers Synod, to fill the 2-year unexpired term ofRev. Robert E. Shelton.
At the first meeting following General Assembly each year, all PDMT members sign a Covenantacknowledging their responsibilities. (Appendix N)
B. PURPOSE OF THE PASTORAL DEVELOPMENT MINISTRY TEAM••••

To keep God’s call before the Church as a whole,
To provide and promote a deeper biblical and theological understanding of ministry in the Church,
To nurture and care for ordained ministers and probationers, andTo provide resources and events to enhance the pastoral ministry of clergy.

C. WORK OF THE PASTORAL DEVELOPEMENT MINISTRY TEAM
1. CURRENT PROGRAMS/PROJECTS
a. The Ministers ConferenceThis year’s conference was held in Olive Branch, Mississippi.   The theme of this conference
was Stepping Out: Faith-Sharing and the plenary speaker was Dr. Dori Baker.  A total of 70 ministers,
probationers, and spouses attended the conference.  One of the participants said:  “In 50 years of ministry thisis one of the best planned and carried out conferences ever!” The evaluations show that ministers would likemore time to relax and fellowship.  The 2014 Conference will be held January 14-16, at Madkins Chapel,
CPCA, Huntsville, Alabama.  The theme is Preaching the Parables of Jesus by Cumberland Presbyterians.  
The plan is to feature eight CP and CPCA preachers sharing their sermons on select parables.  “And so Jesus
began to teach. On this day, He spoke in parables.  Here is His first parable.” (Matthew 13:3 The Voice).  A
class for PAS students will be offered before the conference, incorporating the speakers.
b. Clergy Crisis Fund
The 182nd General Assembly directed PDMT to reconsider the guidelines regarding the presbyterial
matching concept and develop a sliding scale for administering the Clergy Crisis Fund based on the total
income of the presbytery.  General Assembly also approved that the Clergy Crisis Fund pay 50% of thecost of counseling up to $500.  The PDMT reviewed the guidelines that had already been set and began tomake changes to allow more freedom for the PDMT to send money to clergy in crisis.  It was approved that
we could offer up to $500 for each crisis and request the presbytery to match that amount if possible, or atleast give what amount they can.  This would allow PDMT to provide funds as needed without having to
wait on presbyterial permission.  It also takes away the restraint of only being able to give funds matching
the presbytery amount.   Often, presbyteries can give only a couple hundred dollars, and we have been
restrained to only match that amount.  When we have the money, giving up to $500 per crisis regardless

72

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

of how much each presbytery can give is a better way to be stewards of the Clergy Crisis Fund.  Anotherclarification of the guidelines was that a request of the Clergy Crisis Fund can come from the Clergy Care
Committee, the Stated Clerk, the presbytery, or an individual minister.  We have received several thank you
letters from those who have benefited from the Clergy Crisis Fund.  The Team Leader consults with PDMT
when a request is submitted.
The following are the new guidelines for requests from the Clergy Crisis Fund:  These funds arefor emergency use only.  The circumstances approved for benefits from the Clergy Crisis Fund are:  (1)death in the immediate family (i.e. minister, spouse, dependent child); (2) out-of-pocket medical bills; (3)counseling; (4) termination (one-time expenditure); (5) other considerations will be taken under advisement.  
Presbyterial Clergy Care Committees will explore the need for counseling or additional support.   Nopayment will exceed $500 per year.  Counseling fees will be paid at one half (50%) of the annual cost
up to $500 per year.  PDMT will ask the presbytery to match the amount if possible or contribute a lesser
amount if necessary.  Who can request funds from the Clergy Crisis Fund?  The Clergy Care Committee, theStated Clerk, the presbytery, or an individual minister.  To request assistance from the Clergy Crisis Fund,
please email the following information to pdmt@cumberland.org:  (1) Your name and presbyterial position
if requesting for a minister in the presbytery; (2) Name and address of minister in need; (3) Describe thecircumstance; (4) Amount requested (up to $500); (6) Amount the presbytery will provide or name of
person to contact to request financial help from the presbytery.  (Please include email and phone number);(7) The name and address of the person to be sent the check (i.e. minister, Clergy Care Committee, StatedClerk).  Last year, we helped five ministers with a total of $2,180.  The Clergy Crisis Fund currently has$18,585.67.
c. Clergy Appreciation Month
The month of October is national Clergy Appreciation Month and the second Sunday is Clergy
Appreciation Sunday.  We encourage and remind all congregations of this opportunity to honor their clergy.  
From time to time, people call asking for ideas on recognizing their pastors.  They can show appreciation
by donating to the Clergy Crisis Fund, contributing to a Ministry Council or Ministry Team endowment, or
the congregation might pay their minister’s expenses to attend both/either the Ministers Conference or the
Ministers Retreat.
d. Pastoral Encouragement
PDMT continues to give portable Communion sets to those who are newly ordained in the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church.   Also, when individuals become candidates, or become licentiates,
PDMT gives them books and a Confession of Faith as a way to congratulate them on their journey.
e. Committees on the Ministry and Clergy Care
The PDMT Leader meets with Committees on the Ministry and Clergy Care to establish andmaintain a working relationship.  Last year, we sent copies of the Handbook for Committees on the Ministryor Preparation for the Ministry and the Guide for Inquirers to all committee members.
f. Translation Program
Translations are consistently explored and developed as they are needed.  Currently, the PDMT and
DMT are jointly translating Faith Out Loud, What Cumberland Presbyterians Believe, and Good News on
the Frontier and have recently finished The Covenant of Grace, into Spanish.  The Confession of Faith isbeing translated into Korean at this time.
g. Ministers Retreat
Ministers Retreat is offered at the Summer Extension School (third block of PAS).   Ministers
often need time away from everyday stress in a setting combining rest and reflection.  Some ministers may
simply need time away.  The Ministers Retreat provides an opportunity for clergy to relax, be renewed andrefreshed, and is open to anyone.  PDMT provides $1,500 in scholarships.  The 2013 Ministers Retreat will
be held July 16-20, 2013.  If interested, please contact Karen Patten, the Assistant to the PAS Director, at
kpatten@memphisseminary.edu.
2. NEW PROGRAMS
a. Handbook for the Clergy Care Committee
The work on a second handbook for Clergy Care Committees is still in process.
b. Elders Serving as Lay Leaders in Small Congregations
In 1988, the General Assembly adopted a memorial from Presbytery of East Tennessee to allow
Elders, with the approval of their presbyteries, to serve as Lay Leaders in congregations other than their own.  
In 1995, the General Assembly adopted a non-mandatory training/certification program for these Elders.  
PDMT recognizes that the memorial is the definitive action of the Church relative to Elders serving as Lay
Leaders.  They are authorized, as approved by their presbyteries, to provide ministerial leadership to small

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

73

congregations unable to secure the services of a called pastor or stated supply minister.  It should be notedthat Lay Leaders cannot serve in this role in their home congregations.  Since authority has already been
given for the program, this Handbook (Appendix P) is intended to guide presbyteries, Elders called to serveas Lay Leaders and congregations desiring their services in this needed ministry.  Nothing in this Handbook
is intended to abridge or limit the power of presbyteries in their original jurisdiction over congregations.  
Rather, the Handbook and the procedures described within it are meant to guide and assist presbyteries,
congregations and Elders called to serve as Lay Leaders in providing ministerial leadership to congregations
in need of such services.  A workshop on Elders serving as Lay Leaders in Small Congregations will be heldat the 183rd General Assembly.  Additional Handbooks are available for $5 at the Resource Center and will
be available at the 183rd General Assembly Bookstore.

VI. MINISTRY COUNCIL CONCLUSION
In conclusion, among the many and varied ministries within the Ministry Council are those that
represent our growing into the concept of one program board. This growing into is measured throughcollaboration between and among the Ministry Council and four Ministry Teams.  A brief listing of some of
the collaborative programming that occurred between April 2012 and April 2013 follows:• Missions Ministry Team and Discipleship Ministry Team collaborated on the Women’s
Convention, “Faith in 3-D”, and the Youth Evangelism Conference.
• Cross-Culture ministry collaboration between Missions Ministry Team and the Pastoral
Development Ministry Team.
• The Program Planning Calendar involves a collaborative effort among the Ministry Council
and all four Ministry Teams.
• Pastoral Development Ministry Team in cooperation with the Discipleship Ministry Team istranslating and printing CP resources into the languages of the Church.
• The Ministry Council and Discipleship Ministry Team are working with the Our United
Outreach Committee to provide enhanced Stewardship Education materials targeting specificareas identified by that committee.
• Missions Ministry Team and Discipleship Ministry Team collaborated on The Forum, assisting
International Youth Participants, and on the Uganda Youth Mission Trip.
• Missions Ministry Team and Pastoral Development Ministry Team collaborate on PAS –Colombia, and Health Congregation Initiative.
• Missions Ministry Team and Communications Ministry Team work together on both The
Missionary Messenger and the Unified Publications Task Force.
• Missions Ministry Team and the Office of General Assembly coordinate to enhance theparticipation of Commissioners from non-USA presbyteries at General Assembly.
• Missions Ministry Team and Memphis Theological Seminary collaborate through the PAS
Advisory Committee and Multi-Culture Ministry Track.
• Among the accomplishments and works in progress between the Ministry Council/Ministry
Teams of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church In
America are:
 Youth Ministry Planning Council
 The Cumberland Presbyterian Youth Conference Presbyterian Youth Triennium (July 16-20, 2013)
 The Young Adult Ministry Planning Team (Koinonia:  Young Adult Conference,
January 31-February 4, 2013), and The Forum.
The Ministry Council’s regularly scheduled Annual Meeting of the Corporate Board of Directors
takes place April 19 and 20, 2013.  Actions from that meeting, as well as items that as of the date of thiswriting were not yet available, will be included in our Report Number Two.  The Ministry Council elected
members and staff remain committed to serving God through the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and ask
that the Church remain in prayer for our work.  We are thankful for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as wework to enhance and implement ministries that draw people to Christ.
Respectfully Submitted,
Reverend Lisa Scott, President
Reverend Troy Green, First Vice President
Reverend Sam Romines, Second Vice President
Gwen Roddye, Secretary
Edith B. Old, Director of Ministries/Treasurer

USA - World Wide

Publications& Web Sites

Christian Education &Stewardship Education

DisCipleshipministry teamGlobal Ministry

Commission On Ministry

pastoral Development
ministry teamInterpretation
Coordination

Leadership Team
Provides:MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Team Leader + Staff Team Members + Elected Team Members= A Ministry Team

Ministry Team Staff & Elected Members Have Equal Voicemissions
ministry team(director of Ministries & Ministry team leaders)Global Ministryleadership teaM

Director of Ministries

Ministry CounCil

CommuniCations
ministry team

Planning
Implementation

MinistryTeams Provide:

Executive Leadership
Team Building

Director of Ministries
Provides:Vision - Mission

Ministry Council
Provides:74
2013

MINISTRY COUNCIL APPENDICESDIAGRAM OF MINISTRY COUNCIL AND MINISTRY TEAMS(Appendix A)2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH75

DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRY TEAMMINISTRY COUNCIL OF THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH(Appendix B)
Title:

Coordinator of Children and Family Ministries

Status:Full-time

Accountable to:

Discipleship Ministry Team Leader

Purpose:To work in the specialized area of educational ministry to, with, and for children
from birth to grade 6 (birth through age 12), leaders of children, and families
with children.

1. General Responsibilities:a) Promote the mission and goals of the Discipleship Ministry Team (DMT) through theimplementation of resources. Serve as Project Manager on particular projects that optimize skills
and talents.
b) Assist in planning and providing leadership for The Forum, biennial miniversities, and otherleader events.
c) Publicize training opportunities both within the denomination and ecumenically so as to sharethose opportunities with other Christian educators.
d) Prepare for and attend regular staff meetings.
e) Contribute to pre-meeting staff reports to the Discipleship Ministry Team and the United Board
for Christian Discipleship and attend these meetings.
f) Attend General Assembly when needed.
g) Attend presbyterial Christian Education committee and regular meetings of presbytery whenneeded.
h) Function as a staff member of the Ministry Council of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church withwhatever responsibilities and assignments that might entail.
i) Serve collegially with the Ministry Council and all Ministry Teams to assist with sharedassignments as needed.
j) Pray for all personnel and ministries of the Ministry Council and all Ministry Teams.
k) Maintain relationships and attend meetings with persons in other denominations and ecumenicalagencies around common concerns.
2. Specific Responsibilities:a) Plan and lead training events for professional and volunteer Christian educators particularly
focusing on ministry to, for and with children and/or families in the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church and in ecumenical settings.
b) Work with congregations and presbyteries to design leadership development events for leaders ofchildren.
c) Assist in developing designs and resources for children’s ministry and family ministries programs
and general Christian Education.
d) Assist in developing materials targeted at children and families to be sent out via electronic
media.
e) Critique outlines, curriculum, and descriptions of Christian Education resources relating tochildren.
f) Review and provide overview for Vacation Bible School resources for congregations.
g) Consult with individuals and churches about children and family ministry both in the field andthrough various modes of communication.
h) Coordinate DMT projects related to children and family ministries with other Ministry Teams andGeneral Assembly agencies.
i) Coordinate an ongoing and interactive web presence for the DMT in the area of children andfamily ministries.
j) Project future needs in the area of children and family ministries.

76

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

Experience and Educational Requirements:
1) Minimum bachelor’s degree; master’s degree preferred.
2) Minimum five years of Christian Education experience preferred. Experience as teacher
of children in public or private school, pastor or comparable experience may be judged an
acceptable equivalent.
Special Requirements:• An active member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
• Committed to enhancing and furthering ministries of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
• Possess exceptional skills in developing resources for children.
• Have a valid driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance.
• Personal qualities must include: works well in team atmosphere, creative thinker, passion for
Christian Education, lifestyle of integrity and spiritual development, and transparent in actions.
• Possess excellent interpersonal skills.
• Possess skills in relating to and working with children and with adult workers of children inchurches and presbyteries.
• Possess understanding and support of the Discipleship Ministry Team’s theology and philosophyof ministry to and with children and families.
• Possess technology and word processing skills; prefer experience with Raiser’s Edge.
• Considerate of multi-cultural needs/issues.  
• Promote & participate in leadership development and continuing education.
• Must be willing and able to travel in order to work with congregations, presbyteries, regionalgroups.
Special Working Conditions:• Will maintain an office in a location mutually agreed upon with the Team Leader, providing easy
and economical access where work is anticipated.
• Expenses of the office will be borne by the Discipleship Ministry Team.
• Terms of employment, other than salary, will be detailed in the Ministry Council Personnel
Handbook made available at the time of employment.  These terms include all benefits, such as
vacation and sick leave, medical insurance, office hours, etc.
• Salary will be determined at the time of employment and will be set forth in a memorandum
confirming employment.
• Will share in all responsibilities of Ministry Council staff.
________________________________________________________MISSIONS MINISTRY TEAMMINISTRY COUNCIL OF THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH(Appendix C)
Title:

Cross-Culture Ministries USA Program Director*

Status:Full-time

Accountable to:Team Leader, Missions Ministry Team

Purpose:The purpose of the position is to give leadership to the program of cross-culture
ministries in the USA, planning and promoting aspects of the Step Out! movement
related to cross-culture ministries in the USA, supervising cross-culture new church
development USA, and developing events and activities that promote connectionalism
among cross-culture congregations as part of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

*The term Cross-Culture in this document refers to churches/groups outside the dominant/majority
Anglo/English culture within the USA, primarily immigrants and children of immigrants.
Responsibilities:
1. Step Out!: Cross-Culture New Church Development in the USA

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

77a) Develop strategies, within G.A.-approved goals and guidelines, to respond to opportunities forcross-cultural new church development in the USA and present any plans or programs to the teamleader for approval.
b) With the assistance of others, identify local groups, individuals, and existing congregations thathave interest in becoming a part of or being connected to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Develop assimilation plans as needed for particular missions or churches seeking affiliation.
c) Work with presbyteries to prepare a Preliminary Mission Design (PMD) for each new project,presenting it to the team leader for approval.
d) Visit cross-culture NCD and Assimilation projects to give guidance and pastoral encouragement.
e) Work with judicatories to secure funding for cross-culture NCD.
f) Track the progress of new congregations through reports and other periodic communications.
2. Step Out!: Promote evangelism programs and activities with the cross-culture churchesa) Inventory evangelism programs conducted in cross-culture churches.
b) Share evangelism ideas and programs with leaders in the cross-culture churches.
c) Work with the Evangelism and New Church Development director to gather and share information
about all evangelism ideas within the CP Church.
d) Encourage cross-culture churches to support CP missionaries.
e) Assist cross-culture churches in becoming familiar with the denomination’s ministries as a whole.
3. Step Out!: Promote prayer networks
Help the cross-culture churches develop prayer networks, activities, and/or events planned for theparticular language groups found within the cross-culture churches in the USA.
4. Cross-Culture Ministriesa) Develop conferences and training workshops for different language groups within the CP Church(USA).
b) Consult with the Program of Alternate Studies about the multi-culture ministry track and serve as
the MMT representative on the PAS Advisory Council.
c) Visit established cross-culture churches and leaders to encourage them and maintain their CP
connection.
d) Facilitate presbyteries in relating to their cross-culture churches and new church developments.
e) Act as a liaison between cross-culture pastors/leaders and the appropriate denominational agency
or judicatory.
f) Promote participation of the cross-culture churches in the institutions, activities and programs of
the CP Church.
g) Promote Our United Outreach (OUO) within the cross-culture churches.
h) Advocate for cross-culture churches and leaders within the CP Church, helping them present theirpoints of view, concerns, needs, ideas.
i) Serve as a member of the Ministry Council/Missions Ministry Team staff, sharing expertise andresponsibilities within the Ministry Teams and other denominational agencies as called upon.
Experience and Education Requirements:
1) Graduate of an approved theological seminary or, if a lay person, holding a related professional
degree. The staff person must be willing to participate in continuing educational opportunities related
to the work.
2) Sound biblical and theological grounding for evangelism and missions, and a special calling forministry among other cultures.
3) Thorough knowledge and support of the doctrine and polity found in the Cumberland Presbyterian
Confession of Faith and Constitution, with the responsibility to uphold those perspectives andimplement the decisions and priorities of the General Assembly.
4) Full familiarity with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church’s life and witness.
5) Experience with new church planting in non-Anglo settings.
6) Proficiency in English and a language other than English is required.
7) The staff person must possess the gifts, experience and maturity to fulfill the responsibilities of theposition and be acceptable to the denomination.

78

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

Special Requirements:• Must have competence in the following areas: biblical and theological reflection, oral and written
communication, organizational development, interpersonal relationships, trust-building, leader
development, cultural flexibility, and capability as cultural liaison.
• Since the position is not closely supervised, the Program Director must be disciplined and selfdirecting in scheduling, planning and implementing the work to be done.
• It is also highly desirable that the person be proficient in computer skills, especially word
processing, electronic mail and video conferencing, and in the use of other relevant computer
programs and office machines.
Special Working Conditions:• Must be willing and able to travel extensively.
• Will maintain an office in a city mutually agreed upon with the team leader, providing easy andeconomical access to other cities where work is anticipated.
• Expenses of the office will be borne by the Missions Ministry Team, as will all job-related travel
expenses.
• Terms of employment, other than salary, will be detailed in the Ministry Council Personnel
Handbook made available at the time of employment. These terms include all benefits, such as
vacation and sick leave, medical insurance, office hours, etc.
• The salary will be determined at the time of employment and will be set forth in a memorandum
confirming employment.
• Will share in all responsibilities of Ministry Council staff.
________________________________________________________

INACTIVE ENDOWMENTS(Appendix D)
Great mountains are not climbed with just a single step,and great dreams are seldom realized with just a single effort.
This is particularly true in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, as in much of life in general.
In the past, generous Cumberland Presbyterians have taken a single step by contributing throughendowments to ministries that really make a difference in our church.  However, unfortunately, sometimes
those funds cannot be distributed according to the desires of the donors because these endowments havenever grown to the level necessary for the funds to be accessed.   For example, someone may start an
endowment to support youth ministry with a gift of $5,000, but the endowments may require that the fundreach $10,000 before the interest can be drawn to support the ministry.  There are several such endowments
within the Cumberland Presbyterian church; endowments that essentially remain unusable.
Would you be willing to help these unfulfilled dreams?  Would you be willing to help grow theseendowments to usable levels?  Below is a list of endowments that are currently inaccessible without further
contributions.
Contributions may be made directly to any endowment by simply sending a check to Board of
Stewardship, 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN, 38016.  Please indicate the endowment name on yourcheck for proper posting.  Or, if you choose, you can make your check out to “Ministry Council Endowment
Fund” and your gift will be strategically allocated to maximize the number of endowments whose funds areavailable for ministry use.
Not only is this a great way to make your contributions count by helping to activate dormant
endowments, but it is also a way to honor those who have gone before us in the work of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church.
Thank you for considering a gift to the work of our church through one of the endowments on theback.
Communications Ministry Team
While all Communications Ministry Team endowments are already at levels that allow for access totheir funds, only three (of six) have sufficient funds to make access worthwhile.  Please consider contributing
so that our Communications Ministry Team can continue its work more effectively.

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Discipleship Ministry Team
Need:
Christian Education Programs$922.39

Endowment
No. 806330

Jeff and Angie Sledge

Need:$1,521.22

Christian Education Programs

Endowment
No. 806140

Jean Garrett

Need:$3,002.24

Children’s Ministry

Endowment
No. 806370

Jake Tyler Children’s
Ministry

Missions Ministry TeamNeed:
New Church Development$4,060.97

Endowment
No. 803260

Clifford W. & Sarah C.
McCall NCD

Fraternal Missionary andMissionary Partner

Endowment
No. 804370

Don & Gwen Peterson
Endowment Fund

Pastoral Development Ministry Team
Need:
Counseling, Conference$4,145.65

Endowment
No. 810070

James Ratliff

Need:$6,324.36

Need:$6,352.07

Awards/Encouragement – CPC/
CPCA Students at MTS

Endowment
No. 810010

R & R BaughNeed:$8,718.68

Scholarships for Conference(Oklahoma, Red River Pres. &far away)

Endowment
No. 810020

L Brown (Beth Brown)

79

Level toreach:$3,000Level toreach:$5,000Level toreach:$5,000Level toreach:$10,000
Level toreach:$100,000
Level toreach:$10,000
Level toreach:$10,000
Level toreach:$10,000________________________________________________________MINISTRY COUNCIL/MINISTRY TEAMSHIRING POLICY(Appendix E)
1. When any staff position becomes vacant, the job description is reviewed and updated by MinistryCouncil, Ministry Team, and appropriate staff to reflect current duties and responsibilities.
2. Employment opportunity announcement and updated job description are posted on MinistryCouncil website, with a 45-day deadline for applications to be received.  Employment opportunity
is also communicated to the church through emails to presbytery clerks and directors of otherdenominational entities, CP Updates, cumberlist, eblasts, and other means.  Ministry Council andTeam members will proactively encourage qualified individuals in their own spheres of influence
to apply.
3. Applications are to be submitted online.  Position openings for Director of Ministries will be
submitted directly to an individual designated by the Ministry Council.  Position openings for
Ministry Team Leader will be submitted directly to the Director of Ministries. Positions openings
within Teams will be submitted directly to the appropriate Ministry Team Leader. All resumes,
references, and letters of recommendation are to be included in the online application process.  
Individuals who submit incomplete applications will be sent one email (receipt acknowledgement
requested) to inform them of missing information and instructed that the process must becompleted by the deadline for the application to be considered.
4. In the search for a Ministry Team staff position, the Team Leader forms an Interview Panel, toinclude that Team Leader, one staff member, and one elected Ministry Council or Team member.
The Team Leader will select Interview Panel members based on expertise and availability. The
Interview Panel develops a list of questions to be used to provide consistency in interviews.

80

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

In the search for a Team Leader, the Director of Ministries will form an Interview Panel to include
at least one each elected Ministry Council and elected Ministry Team member.  The Directorof Ministries will consult the Ministry Council in selecting Interview Panel members based on
expertise and availability.  The Interview Panel in a search for Director of Ministries will be the
Ministry Council Executive Committee plus one Ministry Council member at-large, and one
Ministry Council staff member at-large.
Interview Panels are empowered to identify the minimum number of qualified applicants they willconsider, and may extend the deadline for applications in the event that fewer than the minimum
have been received. In the process of hiring a Director of Ministries, the Interview Panel will
select three individuals to be interviewed by the entire Ministry Council, and a vote is held.
5. Once the application deadline is reached, and after reviewing all applications, the Interview Panelmay decide, based on lack of qualifications of (an) applicant(s), that (an) applicant(s) may not
warrant an interview. In that event, the Team Leader will send the applicant(s) a letter, thanking
them for their interest, affirming their gifts to ministry, but informing him/her that Interview
Panel is moving in a different direction and they will not be further considered for that particular
position.
6. Those that will be interviewed will be notified by email/phone call. Initial interviews are
conducted via telephone/conference call/video conferencing as determined by the Interview
Panel.
7. Following initial interviews, those individuals that the Interview Panel desires to interview inperson are invited to come to the Denominational Center or other identified location for thatinterview.  Travel costs are paid by the Ministry Council or appropriate Ministry Team (airfare,
car rental and fuel costs or mileage reimbursement, meals and hotel.)
8. Each interviewee is scheduled for a block of time determined by the Interview Process andall interviews are conducted in the same manner.  Careful consideration is given to preserving
confidentiality of applicants and interviewees throughout the entire process of application/interviews.
9. Following prayerful deliberation among the Interview Panel, a job offer may be extended.  TheMinistry Council and Ministry Teams reserve the right not to extend a job offer if it is believed
the right candidate has not been identified.  If the Interview Panel believes the right candidate has
been identified a job offer will be extended.
10. If the offer is accepted, other interviewees are contacted by phone and later by letter, thanking
them for their interest, affirming their gifts to ministry, but informing them that the position has
been offered to another (unnamed) individual. If the position filled was for a Team Leader, thephone/letter communication will be initiated by the Director of Ministries. If the position filled
was for a position within a Ministry Team that reports to the Team Leader, the phone/letter
communication will be initiated by the Team Leader.
11. After all interviewees have been contacted, members of the Ministry Council and Ministry
Teams are contacted first (within 24 hours) with the announcement of the new hire, taking into
consideration any requests for confidentiality made at the time of accepting the job offer.  If
the position filled was for a Team Leader, the announcement will be initiated by the Director of
Ministries. If the position filled was for a position within a Ministry Team that reports to the Team
Leader, the announcement will be initiated by the Team Leader.
12. At a time agreed upon by the Director of Ministries and/or Team Leader and new staff person,
communication is made to denomination via the same channels used for announcing the open
position. If the position filled was for a Team Leader, the announcement will be initiated by the
Director of Ministries. If the position filled was for a position within a Ministry Team that reports
to the Team Leader, the announcement will be initiated by the Team Leader.

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

81________________________________________________________POLICY ON STAFF MEMBERS WORKING IN REMOTE LOCATIONS(Appendix F)
General Assembly requires that the offices of the Executives of CPC Center boards and agencies behoused at the Center.  The Ministry Council considers all Ministry Team Leaders to be Executives.  Ideally,
all staff members should be housed at the Center in Cordova.  However, if an applicant for an open staff
position needs to work in a remote office, the following guidelines and requirements will be necessary:a. The job description of an employee working in a remote location will be enhanced with additional
requirements necessary to make the arrangement work.
b. The new employee will sign an agreement with the Team Leader and Director of Ministries stating
expectations and requirements for said position.
c. Staff member should be available for Ministry Team meetings at the Center.  Team Leaders will
determine the number of meetings per month using technology and/or in-person meetings at theCenter. This number could vary with position and/or each Ministry Team.
d. Each position is assigned a salary and budget for expenses.  This financial package would be the same
whether the staff person is housed in the Center or in a remote office.
e. Frequent assessments will be conducted to determine if the arrangement is working.
f. Staff member must possess special attributes such as:  highly motivated, organized, flexible, reliable,
patient, disciplined, be an exceptional written and oral communicator, and a self-starter.
________________________________________________________MINISTRY COUNCIL OF THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHPRIVACY POLICY(Appendix G)
The Ministry Council is committed to protecting the privacy of personal data, including personallyidentifiable information (“personal information”).  This privacy policy describes our policies and procedures
regarding the use of personal information obtained by the Ministry Council through electronic media as
well as other methods of obtaining personal information.
I.

Your Consent
By using electronic media and other delivery methods, you consent to our use of your personal
information as noted in this privacy policy.
II. Information Collection and Use
Personal information is collected through electronic media and other delivery methods to administerand provide benefits and related services and information.  The Ministry Council also contracts with various
third parties to administer its benefit plans and programs, and may share information provided as needed toadminister plan benefits with these service providers.  We may also use this information to help us manage
some of our programs and services as well as to provide you with limited communications about our otherservices, which may be of interest to you. We do not sell your information to third parties.
The Ministry Council may disclose your information if required by law.
III. Security
The Ministry Council maintains physical, administrative, and technical controls to enhance thesecurity and confidentiality of your personal information.  Access to member confidential information islimited to those who need to use it to administer your benefits.
We will not contact you by email asking for personal information, such as your Social Security
number, benefits’ provider numbers, or other identifying information.  If you receive a message like this, it
may be an unauthorized phishing attempt, and you should not click any links or call any telephone numbers
provided.  You may contact the Ministry Council to verify any inquiries.

82

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

IV. Children
The Ministry Council does not solicit or knowingly collect information from individuals under theage of 18.
V. Notice
If we are going to use your personal information in a way that is different from the Privacy Policy
at the time of collection, we will try to contact you using the most recent information that we have.  If you
have asked not to be contacted, you will not be contacted and we will not use your personal information inthis manner.
VI. Notification of Change
The Ministry Council reserves the right to modify or change this policy at any time.
________________________________________________________THE USE OF NEW MEDIAA POLICY FOR THE MINISTRY COUNCIL(Appendix H)
The boards, agencies, and institutions of the Cumberland Presbyterian Center recognize theimportance of electronic communication media, including but not limited to the Internet, as tools forthe research, communication, and socialization that are necessary for professional staff to advance themission of their team, board, agency, or institution and to serve the people called Cumberland Presbyterian.  
Employees are to be good stewards of these resources, using them wisely and ethically as they seek toadvance said mission.
Definitions
The Center is used in this document to reference the physical campus of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Denominational Headquarters, the boards, agencies, and institutions lodged there, as well as all devices andmaterials both real and intellectual owned by said boards, agencies, and institutions and contained therein.
Technological resources refers to any computer, mobile electronic device, computer peripheral,
network equipment, server, internet access, technology service, copy machine, telephone, fax machine,email system, voice mail system, video-recording system, audio-recording system, or software applicationthat the Ministry Council owns, leases, or operates.
New media refers to the many different forms of electronic communication made possible throughthe use of computer technology.
Affiliated new media refers to those forms of new media officially established and maintained by
the Ministry Council in pursuit of its mission and vision.
Unaffiliated new media refers to those forms of new media that are not officially established or
maintained by the Ministry Council.
General Policy
The Ministry Council is the owner and/or provider of all its technological resources and regards

their use as a non-transferable privilege arising from one’s role as an employee of the MinistryCouncil.  As the owner and provider of these technological resources, the Ministry Council reserves
the right to monitor and record all usage of such resources.  It is the responsibility of each user toknow and comply with all applicable laws, standards, and policies and procedures of the MinistryCouncil.  The Ministry Council has the right at any time to take possession of its technologicalresources and to access data or information stored on its technological resources.

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

83

Ministry Council Responsibility
Having widely reserved the right and ability to monitor the use of new media, the Ministry Council
recognizes that a level of confidence must be maintained in a secure and confidential environment between
staff and their various constituents and pledges that these reserved rights and abilities will only be employed
if it determines that unusual circumstances exist.   No effort will be made to review or monitor day-today communications of staff and constituents.   The Ministry Council recognizes that, given the natureof work within the denomination, relations between staff and constituents often exceed simple working
relationships.  Therefore, the Ministry Council recognizes that a degree of personal communication andother use of new media is to be expected and permitted provided it does not interfere with a staff person’s
duties.
By using the Ministry Council’s technological resources and/or new media affiliated with the
Ministry Council, users are agreeing as a condition of use to accept personal responsibility for considerate,ethical, and responsible behavior in the use of the resources.  Users are also consenting to the terms of thispolicy and the Ministry Council’s role in monitoring and overseeing its technological resources.   Suchoversight includes but is not limited to monitoring internet usage and the content of email and voice mail.
Each user is responsible to use the Ministry Council’s technological resources and officiallyaffiliated new media in compliance with all applicable laws and applicable board, agency or institutional
standards, policies, and procedures.   It is the individual user’s responsibility to review this policy andrelevant policies in the Employee Handbook to determine what restrictions might apply.
Each user is responsible to use the Ministry Council’s technological resources and new media withsensitivity to the rights of others.  It is the user’s responsibility to avoid creating an atmosphere of discomfort
or harassment.   Use of technological resources and new media should at all times be professional andcourteous and should contain only information that would be communicated face-to-face in the presence ofother appropriate parties.
Each user is responsible for the security of her or his account(s).   It is the user’s responsibility
to protect each account with a secure password, which will protect it from unauthorized use.   It is theuser’s responsibility to change such password(s) as necessary to ensure ongoing, adequate security.   Ifunauthorized use of an account is discovered, the user must immediately report this to their supervisor andComputer Services immediately and change the account password.
Users should take care not to post private information concerning others such as an email from acolleague or a constituent or a colleague or constituent’s contact information to public social media sites.  
Always be aware that many new media outlets are public and that posting personal information about otherpeople without their expressed consent is inconsiderate and can be dangerous.
Consequences of Misuse
The Ministry Council will address misuse of its technological resources or new media with regard
to each given circumstance.  Such misuse may result in, but will not be limited to, verbal or written notices,or termination.
________________________________________________________MINISTRY COUNCIL COVENANT(Appendix I)

Welcome to the Ministry Council and thank you for agreeing to serve! The experience and gifts
you bring to the Church through service on the Council are valued.  We look forward to working with you!
For the Glory of God, the Ministry Council will Seek Christ’s Vision, Support Ministry Development, andServe the Church.
Recognizing that the Call to serve on the Ministry Council is a Call to serve God through service in
the Church, as a Council Member, I covenant my commitment to the following responsibilities in faithfulservice and stewardship of my Call:

84

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

Attendance:   Members will regularly attend meetings. In the event of an emergency, a written/
email or phone call excuse must be received by the Chair prior to the meeting. Non-attendance at 51% of
the meetings within a church year will be considered inappropriate stewardship of the Call and will resultin a Council Member being replaced.
••

Communication:
Internally:  In meetings, Council Members will strive to reflect Christ-like respect, encouragement
and care in listening to and sharing viewpoints.
Externally: Council Members will be conduits of information, both sharing and gathering fromcongregations, presbytery, synod and all related groups to further the work of the Church throughsupport of the Council.

Confidentiality:  From time to time, certain topics may be discussed that require confidentiality.
Council Members will uphold this trust and not divulge to any person or group information that has been
deemed confidential or temporarily withheld.
Financial Support:   Council Members will be faithful stewards, enthusiastic supporters of Our
United Outreach and active advocates of OUO to the congregation, presbytery and synod. Council Members
are encouraged to assist Ministry Council staff to identify potential resources for additional income throughendowments, grants and other appropriate sources.
Length of Term:  Council Members serve three-year terms which may be repeated up to a totalof three consecutive terms. If a person elected to serve on a denominational entity, where residence in aparticular synod is a qualification for election, shall move to another synod while in office, the term towhich he or she was elected shall terminate at the close of the next meeting of the General Assembly.
Time Commitment:  The average time commitment is eight hours per month including preparation
for and attendance at meetings. This will vary according to the individual’s choice of areas of responsibility
and the season.
Council Members will participate in the planning and activities of at least one of the Ministry
Teams or committees of the organization.
If I have any questions regarding my responsibilities or fulfilling them, I will call a member of the Executive
Committee and/or the Director of Ministries. I understand my Call and have read and understand the
responsibilities to which I am covenanting with God, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and membersof the Ministry Council.
_________________________________________
Signature___________________________
Date________________________________________________________MINISTRY COUNCIL LEADERSHIP GIFTS AND SKILL SETS
(Appendix J)
Wanted: Cumberland Presbyterians with experience garnered from leadership in varied programs,
preferably to include some at middle and higher judicatory levels; persons who understand and arecommitted to a unified approach to programming, incorporating the financial and human resources of allcomponents of the Ministry Council and Ministry Teams. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities in four particularareas are deemed helpful:
1) Visioning – The Ministry Council identifies and implements the MC’s vision for ministry acrossfour distinct Teams. Creative thinkers and those with a passion for moving into “new frontiers” arevital to the work of the Ministry Council to compliment those already on the Council who have a
deep appreciation of CP history and tradition. Of particular benefit are those who understand andcan frame ways to keep the Cumberland Presbyterian Church relevant, especially to the growing
segment of “NONEs”.  *2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

852) Strategic Planning– The Ministry Council provides primary long and short-range program planning,
striving to ensure that all segments work consistently on a common mission and that redundancies
and gaps in the Ministry Council’s ministry are minimized. Particularly helpful would be resultsoriented professionals with success as agents of change.
3) Leader Development – Programs to benefit the whole Church must and will concentrate onleadership development, nurturing new leaders and expanding ways of involving those who’ve left
the Church, those who have deferred leadership to others, and to the above mentioned “NONEs”.  
Those highly regarded by the youth and young adults in the CP Church are a strong asset to the
Ministry Council.  Those with broad networks, who possess understanding and a gift for recruitingand encouraging, are especially helpful to the Ministry Council, as are those who can work easily
with all cultures, all ages and all types of people with various viewpoints. There exists within the
denomination a wide spectrum of theological perspectives; we seek to ensure representation fromfolks all along this spectrum.
4) Fund Development– Ministry Council benefits from individuals with professional experience in thisarea.
*http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2013/01/14/169164840/losing-our-religion-the-growth-of-the-nones

Skills and Expertise:• Communication Skills – Effective Council members are conduits of information, both sharing withand gathering from congregations, presbytery, synod and all related groups to support the Counciland further the work of the Church.  Effective Council members are comfortable using innovative
communication technology to improve access for the whole church.
• Understand the cultural and global diversity of the Church – Effective Council members demonstrate
willingness to work with people of other cultures and languages; cross-cultural experience has provenhelpful.
Financial Support:• Ministry Council members are proactive advocates for and enthusiastic supporters of Our United
Outreach to their respective congregation, presbytery and synod. Ministry Council members makedirect, personal financial contributions to the Ministry Council.  Ministry Council members consistently
assist Ministry Council staff to identify potential resources for additional income, through individual
donations, endowments, estate planning, Second Mile promotion, grants or other appropriate sources.
Council members give consideration to inclusion of the programs of the denomination via their annual
benevolence.
Time Requirement:• Ministry Council members annually sign a Covenant that outlines their responsibilities.
• The average time commitment is eight hours per month including preparation for and attendance atmeetings. All Council members are expected to participate in the planning and activities of at least one of
the Ministry Teams or committees of the Ministry Council.
• A half-day Orientation is provided prior to the first meeting for new members each August.
• Recognizing that representation on the Council is both laity and clergy, and in an effort to approacha more equal sharing of the burden of taking time away from family and work, it has been thepractice of the Ministry Council to set one meeting a year to include a Sunday.   However, in
response to the need of both clergy and laypersons highly involved and invested in Christianeducation, a subcommittee of the Ministry Council is currently reviewing the meeting calendar
and will present to the Ministry Council in April 2013 a recommendation perhaps to change thecalendar as early as the August 2013 meeting. Noting that the Nominating Committee meets prior
to the Ministry Council’s April 2013 meeting, the information below is offered for informational
purposes of what has in the past been the model. Potential Ministry Council members would
benefit from knowing that this calendar might be amended.
• At this writing and subject to change, three Ministry Council meetings have been scheduled
to take place at/near the Center in Cordova, Tennessee in 2013/2014:  the last weekend (Friday
and Saturday) in January; mid-April (Friday and Saturday) and the fourth weekend in August(Saturday and Sunday).  The dates for 2013/2014 are:o August 23, 2013 (Fri) Orientation for New Ministry Council and Ministry Team
members.
o August 24-25, 2013 (Saturday/Sunday)—Ministry Council and Teams meet

86

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

concurrently.
January 24-25, 2014 (Fri/Sat)—Ministry Council and Teams meet in joint sessions.
April 18-19, 2014 (Fri/Sat)—Ministry Council Annual Meeting
August 22, 2014 (Friday) Orientation for New Ministry Council and Ministry Team
Memberso August 23-24, 2014 (Saturday/Sunday)—Ministry Council and Teams meet concurrently.
Non-attendance at 51% of the meetings within a church year will result in a Council Member being
replaced. (Attendance is for both/all days of a meeting.)
Council members serve three-year terms which may be repeated up to a total of three consecutive
terms. If a person elected to serve on a denominational entity, where residence in a particular synod
is a qualification for election, shall move to another synod while in office, the term to which he or
she was elected shall terminate at the close of the next meeting of the General Assembly.
o
o
o

•
•

________________________________________________________MINISTRY TEAM ELECTED TEAM MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES(Appendix K)
Each Ministry Team is comprised of individuals with a wide variety of backgrounds, skills andexperience.   Our hope is that each Team Member will diligently seek God’s direction and yield to the
Spirit’s promptings to become fully engaged in the ministerial work of their Team.  The following list isintended to provide potential members with some idea of the level of investment required and to clarify andhighlight the primary responsibilities of each Team.
1. Support the organizational structure of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.   Ministry Team
Members need to understand the ministry structure of the denomination so that they may fulfill theirrespective duties/ministries, educate others about how we operate and offer input on how to make ourministry efforts more effective.  Members are also expected to educate individuals and groups about thedenominational level work being completed by the Ministry Council and Ministry Teams.   Our Team
Members are what keep presbyteries, local churches, ministers, elders and members informed and invested
in the overall ministry of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
2. Elect Leadership (at least a Chairperson).  Ministry Teams are led by Ministry Team Leaders.  TheMinistry Team Leader is a paid denominational staff member.   However, each Ministry Team needs toselect an individual who will moderate meetings, delegate tasks and see that Ministry Team actions arerecorded and reported.  Each Team may also elect other leaders from within the Team as they see fit. Team
Members seek to nominate and elect leaders that are Christ-centered, diligent and competent.
3. Attend Ministry Team Meetings.  Each Ministry Team will determine the frequency and length of
its respective meetings, but at least two meetings a year (one in the August and one in the January) at thedenominational headquarters will be concurrent or joint with Ministry Council meetings.  Joint meetings
allow various Teams and the Ministry Council time to work together.  Concurrent meetings allow Ministry
Teams and the Ministry Council to meet separately at the same time and location.  Team meetings generally
last two days and require an overnight stay for people who live outside the Memphis area. Recognizing that
representation on the Council is both laity and clergy, and in an effort to approach a more equal sharing of
the burden of taking time away from family and work, the Ministry Council has set one meeting a year toinclude a Sunday.  Since the planning and decision making work of the Teams are conducted at meetings, it
is imperative that Elected Team Members attend each meeting.
4. Plan, Prioritize, and Implement the Ministry.   Ministry Teams are to ensure that vital areas of
Cumberland Presbyterian ministry in the world are adequately led and supported.   Ministry Teams are
expected to do the work of ministry assigned to that team.  Depending on the team with which you serve
you may work with budgets, support personnel, acquire resources, and engage in denominational initiatives.
5. Work Cooperatively with the other ministry teams.   This may involve prayer support, open
communication, joint meetings and cooperative projects.  The Global Ministries Leadership Team discerns
opportunities for cooperative work and enlists the talents and skills of the various team members.

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

87

6. Work Under the Leadership of the Ministry Council. The Ministry Council provides oversight, clarityand leadership for all denominational ministries, and reports directly to the General Assembly.  Ministry
Teams are expected to submit regular reports to the Ministry Council (who has the responsibility to oversee
all Ministry Team work).  Reports should be sufficiently detailed to keep the Ministry Council informedof Ministry Team activities.  These reports should include, when necessary, recommendations upon which
the Ministry Council can act and include estimates of cost and resources if funding is requested.  Ministry
Teams can expect guidance from the Ministry Council on priorities, budgeting and procedures. MinistryCouncil members may participate in meetings as needed or requested.
7. Prepare summary reports of Ministry Team activities to be included in the Ministry Council’s
report to General Assembly.  This report should summarize the activities of the Ministry Team, detailchanges in staff and indicate the success, struggles and opportunities of the Team’s ministry, and suggest
recommendations necessary to carry out the ongoing and new programs of the Ministry Team.   Thecombined report of the Ministry Council and Ministry Teams will be compiled, edited, and adopted by the
Ministry Council for submission to General Assembly.
8. Recruit other qualified individuals to participate in denominational ministry opportunities (i.e.
asking people to serve on ministry teams, encouraging people to go on mission trips, speaking to churches
or presbyteries about funding, etc).

88

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLYCOMMUNICATIONS MINISTRY TEAM COVENANT(Appendix L)2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHDISCIPLSHIP MINISTRY TEAM COVENANT(Appendix M)

89

90

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLYMISSIONS MINISTRY TEAM COVENANT(Appendix N)

2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
PASTORAL DEVELOPMENT MINISTRY TEAM COVENANT(Appendix O)

91

92

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
ELDERS SERVING AS LAY LEADERS IN SMALL CONGREGATIONS(Appendix P)

Pastoral Development Ministry Team2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Copyright © 2013 Pastoral Development Ministry Teamof the Ministry Council of the General Assemblyof the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
All rights reserved.
ISBN-13: 978-1482311815
ISBN-10: 148231181X

ii

93

94

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

TABLE OF CONTENTSINTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................1
The Small Congregation and a Cumberland Presbyterian Elder from another
Congregation Serving as a Lay Leader .....................................................................................3
INITIATING THE PROCESS• The Presbyterial Board of Missions ...................................................................................3• The Session of a Small Congregation..................................................................................4• The Elder .............................................................................................................................4
THE EXAMINATION PROCESS – Committee on the Ministry (COM)• Committee on the Ministry’s Examination..........................................................................5• Committee on the Ministry’s Action Options......................................................................6
THE PRESBYTERIAL APPROVAL – Actions by the Committee on the Ministry(COM) & Board of Missions (BOM)• Committee on the Ministry Recommendation to Presbytery ..............................................8• Request for Presbyterial Approval by the Session of the Small Congregation and
the Board of Missions .........................................................................................................8• Annual Review by the Session of the Small Congregation and the Board ofMissions ..............................................................................................................................9
THE SUPERVISION PROCESS - MENTOR• The Ordained Minister Appointed by the Presbytery as Moderator of the Sessionof the Small Congregation ..................................................................................................9• The Ministry of Mentoring .................................................................................................9• Duties of the Lay Leader ..................................................................................................10
CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................11
APPENDICES• Elder’s Application ...........................................................................................................12• Session Recommendation .................................................................................................14• Small Congregation Request for Presbyterial Approval ...................................................15• Mentor’s Report ................................................................................................................16• Lay Leader’s Annual Review ...........................................................................................18• PAS Lay Leader Track .....................................................................................................20

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

95

96

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLYINTRODUCTION
In 1988 the General Assembly adopted a memorial from East Tennessee Presbytery to allow
elders, with the approval of their presbyteries, to serve as Lay Leaders in congregations other thantheir own. In 1995 the General Assembly adopted a non-mandatory training/certification program
for these elders.
The Pastoral Development Ministry Team recognizes that the memorial is the definitive actionof the church relative to elders serving as lay leaders. They are authorized, as approved by theirpresbyteries, to provide ministerial leadership to small congregations unable to secure the servicesof a called pastor or stated supply minister. It should be noted that Lay leaders cannot serve in thisrole in their home congregations.
Since authority has already been given for the program, this Handbook is intended to guidepresbyteries, elders called to serve as lay leaders, and congregations desiring their services in thisneeded ministry. Nothing in this Handbook is intended to abridge or limit the power ofpresbyteries in their original jurisdiction over congregations. Rather the Handbook and theprocedures described within it are meant to guide and assist presbyteries, congregations and elders
called to serve as Lay Leaders in providing ministerial leadership to congregations in need of suchservices.
The following is the 1988 Memorial From East Tennessee Presbytery:“WHEREAS there are small congregations that are unable to secure the services of a
Cumberland Presbyterian pastor; andWHEREAS there may be and often are qualified, experienced and gifted elders inother congregations in the presbytery who might serve as lay leaders in congregations
unable to secure pastors: Therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Section 2.71, 2.72, and 4.5 of the Constitution be interpreted toprovide that, with the approval of the presbytery, and under the guidelines herein set
forth, an elder may serve as a lay leader, also, in a congregation other than the one towhich she/he belongs, when the congregation is without a pastor or stated supply:
1. The elder shall be recommended to the presbytery by the session of thecongregation to which she/he belongs.
2. The elder shall confer with and be recommended to the presbytery by theCommittee on the Ministry to function in this leadership role. She/he shall be
examined with respect to the Christian life; faithfulness to the vows taken as anelder; knowledge of the Scriptures; knowledge of the history, doctrine and polityof the Cumberland Presbyterian Church; and gifts, qualifications, and experience
as a leader in the role of an elder.
3. The approval of an elder to serve as a lay leader in another congregation shall beby action of the presbytery on recommendation of the Committee on the Ministryfollowing a conference with the committee.
12013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

4. The service of an elder or a lay leader in a particular congregation shall beapproved by the session of that congregation and the Board of Missions of thepresbytery, and shall be for a stated period of time, not to exceed one year, subject
to annual review by the session and the Board of Missions.
5. An elder serving as a lay leader in a congregation shall be under the supervisionof the ordained minister appointed by the presbytery as moderator of the session.
6. An elder serving as a lay leader in a congregation shall be authorized to perform
those duties which she/he was ordained as an elder to perform other than being amember of the session of that congregation. Specifically she/he shall, with thesession, provide pastoral oversight of the congregation in the following ways:a. Give particular attention to persons who have not confessed Jesus Christ as
Lord and Savior;b. Instruct persons in the faith;c. Visit people in their homes and in the hospitals, praying with and for them;d. Encourage people by word and example to share in the worship, study,
witness, and service of the church;e. Supervise the work of the deacons;f. Give oversight to the educational program of the church;
g. Encourage stewardship, provide for the collection of monies for godly
purposes, and supervise the finances of the church;h. Assemble the congregation and provide for worship.” (1988, p. 179)
The General Assembly in 1988 (p. 207) stated: “Thus section 2.71, 2.72, and 4.5 of theConstitution are interpreted to provide that, with the approval of the presbytery and under theguidelines specified in the memorial, an elder may serve as a lay leader in a congregation otherthan the one to which the elder belongs when the congregation is without a pastor or stated supply.
The understanding of the Judiciary Committee is that the only titles of such person are “elder” or“lay leader.” The elder serves under the guidance of the Committee on the Ministry of therespective presbytery”. (1988, p. 207) (CPC Digest, p. 16, 2.61).
It is highly recommended that Sections 2.70 and 4.0 of the Constitution be read for more
specific information about the function of elders and sessions.
NOTE: Please do not confuse the action of the General Assembly in 1988 regarding elders serving
as lay leaders, with two other alternatives that were subsequently considered: One proposal, in
2000, concerning the Office of Lay Pastor, and other, in 2007, about the Office of Certified Lay
Minister.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Pastoral Development Ministry Team
pdmt@cumberland.org
8207 Traditional Place - Cordova, TN 38016
901-276-4572 Ext. 235

2

97

98

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

The Small Congregation and a Cumberland Presbyterian Elderfrom Another Congregation Serving as a Lay Leader
In our presbyteries
there are small congregations that are unable to secure the services of a
Cumberland Presbyterian pastor; andthere may be and often are qualified, experienced and gifted elders in othercongregations in the presbytery who might serve as lay leaders in congregations unable
to secure pastors.
For these reasons General Assembly approvedthat Section 2.71, 2.72, and 4.5 of the Constitution be interpreted to provide that,with the approval of the presbytery, and under the guidelines of the 1988 memorial, anelder may serve as a lay leader, also, in a congregation other than the one to whichshe/he belongs, when that congregation is without a pastor or stated supply.
The memorial could be divided into three processes that overlap or interconnect asshown in the following diagram:

PRESBYTERIAL APPROVAL
BOM & SESSION
Request for ApprovalCOM
Examination/Recommendation

SMALL CONGREGATIONMENTOR
Supervision

ELDER/LAY LEADERINITIATING THE PROCESS
Comments:
The process may be initiated by the presbyterial Board of Missions, the session of asmall congregation or an elder interested in serving as a lay leader.

• The presbyterial Board of Missionso The presbyterial Board of Missions should define first what will be considered a small
congregation. According to the memorial a small congregation is one that is unable tosecure the service of a Cumberland Presbyterian pastor or stated supply.
3

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHo The presbyterial Board of Missions should also assess whether the Lay Leader program
would be an appropriate strategy for small congregations in the presbytery, and consult
with the sessions of those congregations.
o The visit with the sessions will focus on understanding, interpreting, and clarifying allphases of the Lay Leader program.
o When an elder has been satisfactorily examined by the Committee on the Ministry, she/ hemay be recommended to presbytery for approval as a Lay Leader in a specificcongregation. The recommendation should also include a request for approval from thesession of a small congregation and the presbyterial Board of Missions (Page 15 for theappropriate form).
o When an elder has been identified as a potential candidate for a specific congregation,
this person should be encouraged to pray about the matter, seek discernment, talk to
his/her pastor or session, and apply if so led (Application on page 12).

• The session of a small congregationo Sessions interested in ministry by a Lay Leader should consult the presbyterial Board ofMissions to assess whether the Lay Leader program would be the most appropriate
strategy for the church’s ministry.
o The visit from the presbyterial Board of Missions will focus on understanding,interpreting, and clarifying all phases of the Lay Leader program.
o If an elder has already been identified as a potential candidate, this person should be
encouraged to pray about the matter, seek discernment, talk to his/her pastor or session,and apply if so led (Application on page 12)o Both the session and the elder should understand that having a request for approval froma session of a small congregation and presbyterial Board of Missions does not guarantee
recommendation from the Committee on the Ministry if examination is not satisfactory.
o When an elder has been satisfactorily examined, a recommendation for approvalbythe presbytery shall be made by the Committee on the Ministry and will include a request
for approval from the session of the small congregation and the presbyterial Board ofMissions (Page 15) .

• The elder“The elder shall be recommended to the presbytery by the session of thecongregation to which she/he belongs.” (Memorial point 1)
Comments:o Elders interested in serving as lay leaders in the presbytery should send an application
and a recommendation from his/her session to the Committee on Ministry. Elders who
have had previous studies in recommended areas may submit documentation ofcompletion of courses or programs. (Application form on page 12, and arecommendation form for the session of her/his congregation. (Page 14)

4

99

100

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

o The applicant should understand that presbyterial approval will be based on arecommendation from the Committee on the Ministry after satisfactory examination
and a request for approval from the session of a small congregation and thepresbyterial Board of Missions.
o The elder should also understand that having a request for approval from a session of asmall congregation and the presbyterial Board of Missions does not guarantee
recommendation from the Committee on the Ministry if examination is not satisfactory.

THE EXAMINATION PROCESS – Committee on the Ministry (COM)• Committee on the Ministry Examination“The elder shall confer with and be recommended to the presbytery by the Committee
on the Ministry to function in this leadership role. She/he shall be examined with respect
to the Christian life; faithfulness to the vows taken as an elder; knowledge of the
Scriptures; knowledge of the history, doctrine and polity of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church; and gifts, qualifications, and experience as a leader in the role of an elder.”(Memorial point 2)
Suggestions for the Interview:o The following are suggestions for the interview, but the Committee on the Ministry may
also consider the Questions For Ordination Examination from the Handbook for
Presbyterial Committees on the Ministry or Preparation for the Ministry, (page 61):
1. Discuss your statement of faith.
2. Describe your faith journey.
3. Give your definition of worship
4. List the parts of the worship service. Tell the purpose of each part.
5. Describe how Scripture is used in a worship service.
6. Describe the role of music in a worship service.
7. Discuss the role of preaching and the preacher.
8. Describe some of the theological concerns and/or pastoral concerns that you
might consider in preparing a worship service.
9. Describe the choices that determine a sermon topic.
10. Describe how you would prepare to write a sermon.
11. Discuss the theology of baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
12. List some of the unique circumstances you may face as a lay leader. Describe
your strengths and limitations.
13. Why do you wish to function as Lay Leader in the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church?
52013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHo The interview will also be a time for the Committee on the Ministry to discuss any
concerns they may have about the elder’s written application.
o Each applicant may be required to participate in psychological and vocational testingscheduled by the Committee on the Ministry.
o Before the Committee on the Ministry concludes the interview, the Committee will informthe applicant of the presbytery’s process for approval, including the role of theCommittee, the presbyterial Board of Missions and the Mentor.
o The Committee on the Ministry will pray for the potential candidate at the conclusion of
the meeting.

• Committee On The Ministry Action Options
o Soon after the examination the Committee will have 6 alternatives in reference to theapplicant. The scenarios are:Request for approval froma session of a small
congregation and the BOM

NOT identified small
congregation

Recommend elder to
Examinationpresbytery to serve as a lay
wasleader for that
Satisfactory
congregation.

NO recommendation YET.
Recommendation is contingent
to approval from a session of asmall congregation and theBoard of Missions.

If there are gifts andBut potential, the candidate
there is could be recommended to
Examination Potential function as a lay leader forthat congregation while
was NOT
pursuing education.
Satisfactory

NO recommendation. If there
are gifts and potential, is up to
the elder, if interested, inpursuing education.

There isNO NO recommendation.
Potential

NO recommendation.

The six alternatives are:
Recommendations to Presbytery
1) If the examination is satisfactory and there is a request for approval from the sessionof a specific small congregation and the presbyterial Board of Missions, the
6

101

102

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

Committee on the Ministry may recommend the Elder to serve as Lay Leader in thatcongregation.
2) If the examination is NOT satisfactory but there is a request for approval from thesession of a specific small congregation and the presbyterial Board of Missions, theCommittee on the Ministry may recommend the Elder to function as Lay Leader inthat congregation while the elder pursues education/training. This means that while
the Committee on the Ministry recognizes the qualifications, experience and gifts, theelder will benefit from part or the full course work in a lay training track .
3) If the examination is satisfactory and there is NOT a specific small congregation
request for approval yet, the recommendation of the Committee for the elder tofunction as Lay Leader is made contingent on the approval by the session of a small
congregation and the presbyterial Board of Missions.
No Recommendations to Presbytery4) If the examination is NOT satisfactory even though there is a request for approval
from the session of a specific small congregation and the presbyterial Board ofMissions, if the Committee does not see potential for successful ministry, it does nothave to recommend the applicant . This point needs to be clear for the elder, thesession of the small congregation and the Board of Missions.
5) If the examination is NOT satisfactory and there is NOT a request for approval froma small congregation but the elder has potential, she/he could be informed of theneed and opportunity for preparation before reapplying.
6) If the examination is NOT satisfactory and there is NOT a request for approval froma small congregation and in the Committee on the Ministry’s opinion there is nopotential for the elder to function as a lay leader, he/she should be informed of thesefindings.
o For options 2 and 5, the elder may be directed to take advantage of courses offeredprimarily, though not restricted to, the Lay Leader Track of the Program of Alternate
Studies through Memphis Theological Seminary.(PAS has developed a Lay Leader Trackintended for ordained elders in the CPC who have been recognized by their presbytery as
having gifts and abilities needed for a particular congregation that lacks the services of apastor. Page 20).
o Priority should be given to courses in preaching and leading worship which would be theprimary task of the Lay Leader. Also the four courses from the Cumberland PresbyterianStudies from the PAS Lay Leader Track must be considered: Cumberland Presbyterian
History, Cumberland Presbyterian Polity, Cumberland Presbyterian Theology I andCumberland Presbyterian Theology II.
o In the event a lay leader chooses to pursue ordination, all completed PAS course work will
be applied to the clergy track.

7

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHPRESBYTERIAL APPROVAL – Actions by the Presbyterial Committee on
the Ministry (COM) & Board of Missions (BOM)• Committee on the Ministry Recommendation to Presbytery“The approval of an elder to serve as a lay leader in another congregation shall be byaction of the presbytery on recommendation of the Committee on the Ministry following
a conference with the committee.” (Memorial point 3)
Comments:
o Approval is the act of the presbytery authorizing an elder to serve as Lay Leader inanother congregation other than his/her own, the duties for which she/he was ordained as
an elder. She/he may serve part-time, with or without pay. The approval is authoritative
only within the bounds of the presbytery, only in the church specified, and only for thetime specified.
o The recommendation from the Committee on the Ministry for an elder to serve as a layleader in a specific congregation may be made under two circumstances:
1) The examination is satisfactory and there is a request for approval from the sessionof a specific small congregation and the presbyterial Board of Missions.
2) The examination is NOT satisfactory but there is a request for approval from thesession of a specific small congregation and the presbyterial Board of Missions.
However, the Committee on Ministry recognizes the applicant needs to pursue further
education/training while she/he serves as a Lay Leader. The Committee canrecommend specific courses.

• Request for Presbyterial Approval by the Session of the Small Congregation and
the Board Of Missions“The service of an elder or a lay leader in a particular congregation shall be approved by
the session of that congregation and the Board of Missions of the presbytery, and shall be
for a stated period of time, not to exceed one year, subject to annual review by the session
and the Board of Missions.” (Memorial point 4)
Comments:
o The approval by the session of the small congregation and the presbyterial Board ofMissions of a specific elder to serve as a lay leader is contingent to the Committee on
Ministry recommendation.
o This approval should be presented to presbytery as a Request for Presbyterial Approval(Page 15) together with the Committee on the Ministry’s recommendation for approval.

8

103

104

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY• Annual Review by the Session of the Small Congregation and the Board ofMissions
Comments:
o The Board of Missions names a team to review the elder’s ministry as a Lay Leader. This
team will meet first with the lay leader and then with the session.
o Enclosed in this packet is a Lay Leader’s Annual Review form on page 18 for the session
and the presbyterial Board of Missions, and a Mentor’s Report form on page 16. An
evaluation should be done also, at the end of a service in a specific congregation.
o The presbyterial Board of Missions should direct the mentor to send his/her report to theBoard of Missions and to the Committee on the Ministry.

SUPERVISION PROCESS - MENTOR• The Ordained Minister Appointed by the Presbytery as Moderator of the Sessionof a Small Congregation“An elder serving as a lay leader in a congregation shall be under the supervision of theordained minister appointed by the presbytery as moderator of the session.” (Memorial
point 5)
Comments:
o The mentor has primary oversight of the Lay Leader and reports at least annually to theCommittee on the Ministry and the presbyterial Board of Missions through the mentor’sreport (Mentor’s Report on page 16 ).
o Responsibility of the Mentor:
 Meet monthly with the Lay Leader to: Review the work of the Lay Leader
 Provide counsel, coaching, and encouragement
 Identify opportunities for growth in worship leadership When meeting with the session, identify opportunities for the Lay Leader’s growth.

• The Ministry of Mentoring
MENTOR: a trusted counselor, teacher, guide, coach, shepherd
Almost everyone can remember a time or times when someone, with more experience orgreater knowledge than we had came to our assistance. As a result, we learned something we
needed to know, avoided making a mistake, gained new insights or became more proficient in what
we were doing. In such instances we were mentored.
92013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

You now have the opportunity, or have been asked, to become a mentor to a new lay leader.
Mentoring is not difficult, but it can be, at times, intense. Most of the knowledge required of amentor comes from experience rather than from academic disciplines.
The most important fact in mentoring is that it isn’t about the mentor; it is about the learner.
Therefore:•

An effective mentor’s goal is to help another person to learn, to grow, to become. He/she
has an unselfish interest in the good of others. Egocentric and controlling personalities
do not make good mentors.

•

The effective mentor does not seek to duplicate his/her “successes” in the learner’s
experience. Mentoring is about helping another discover his/her method or response.

•

The ultimate goal is to equip the learner and give him/her the freedom to act. Good
mentors do not cultivate co-dependent relationships.

There is no prescribed formula for mentoring. There is, rather, a process;•

KNOW the other person’s story and thinking patterns; take the time to learn about
him/her. Know your own strengths, weaknesses and limits of expertise. And know
community resources if referrals are appropriate.

•

ASK questions to understand the other person’s situation or concern.

•

LISTEN carefully to the other person’s thoughts and plans for a successful solution.

•

SHARE out of your life experiences if pertinent.

•

ALLOW the other person to craft his/her own method or response.

•

FOLLOW UP with a conversation or de-briefing about the learner’s experiences.
MENTORING IN THE CHURCH IS INDEED A HOLY CALLING – A MINISTRY• Duties of the Lay Leader“An elder serving as a lay leader in a congregation shall be authorized to perform thoseduties which she/he was ordained as an elder to perform other than being a member ofthe session of that congregation. Specifically she/he shall, with the session, provide
pastoral oversight of the congregation in the following ways:
o Give particular attention to persons who have not confessed Jesus Christ as
Lord and Savior;o Instruct persons in the faith;o Visit people in their homes and in the hospitals, praying with and for them;o Encourage people by word and example to share in the worship, study,
witness, and service of the church;o Supervise the work of the deacons;o Give oversight to the educational program of the church;

10

105

106

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

o Encourage stewardship, provide for the collection of monies for godly
purposes, and supervise the finances of the church;o Assemble the congregation and provide for worship.” (Memorial point 6)
Comments:•

The primary responsibility of the Lay Leader is to lead worship and preach the gospel.
This approval does not include sacraments.

•

Sacraments are administered by the ordained minister (Constitution 2.63d), and in somecases the session, authorized by the presbytery, may designate one elder from the local
church to administer the Lord’s Supper (Constitution 4.6).

•“Supervise the finances of the church” shouldn’t be understood as management of thefinances of the church, this is the session responsibility (Constitution 4.5).

•

The Lay Leader can be present at the session meeting at the discretion of the moderator.

•

The Lay Leader service is volunteer and any payment or reimbursement is determined by
the session.

•

While serving as Lay Leader, the elder will continue his/her spiritual and intellectual
development through faithful study and devotional use of the Scriptures, and bycontinuing familiarity with the Confession of Faith, Constitution, and Directory ofWorship.

•

Regular attendance at presbytery meetings is strongly encouraged. It provides animportant link and bond with other elders and ordained clergy. It is also crucial to theeffectiveness of the Lay Leader that they keep abreast of current programs and policies ofpresbytery and the denomination.

CONCLUSION
The minutes of the General Assembly in 1988 states:“Thus section 2.71, 2.72, and 4.5 of the Constitution are interpreted to provide that, withthe approval of the presbytery and under the guidelines specified in the memorial, an elder
may serve as a lay leader in a congregation other than the one to which the elder belongs
when the congregation is without a pastor or stated supply. The understanding of the
Judiciary Committee is that the only titles of such person are “elder” or “lay leader.” Theelder serves under the guidance of the Committee on the Ministry of the respective
presbytery”. (1988, p. 207) (CPC Digest, p. 16, 2.61).

11

2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Elders Serving as Lay Leaders Program
Presbytery of ___________________________APPLICATION FOR ELDERS TO SERVE AS LAY LEADERSName __________________________________________________________________________
Mailing address __________________________________________________________________
Email Address: __________________________________________________________________
Telephone Home: _________________ Cell: _________________ Work: _________________
Occupation ____________________________ Employer _______________________________
Church membership information
Church name & location: _________________________________________ Year joined: _____
Year ordained as elder: ____________Are you currently on session? ___Educational background
SchoolLocation
Year GraduatedDegreeMajor/Minor_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you have any previous studies in recommended areas? (Please submit documentation ofcompletion of courses or programs)
Please respond to the following questions; use the back or additional sheets if necessary.
Briefly describe your current family circumstances.

List your service to the local church and other governing bodies.

List honors and awards from and positions held in civic and/or other organization.

What learning experiences have you had which will assist you in being an effective Lay Leader ?

12

107

108

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

What aspects of your present church life do you enjoy the most?

What aspects of your present church life are the most frustrating?

What gifts and talents do you have which will contribute to the ministry of lay leader?

What does it mean to you to be a Cumberland Presbyterian?

In what areas of your life would you like to grow?

Why are you interested in serving as a Lay Leader in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church?

Please attach to this application your statement of faith of a 500 words or less.
What you need to send to the Committee on the Ministry of your presbytery:• This application• Your statement of faith• Your church session’s recommendation• Other documentation of completion of courses or programs
SIGNATURE
I hereby state that the above information is true. I understand that application to function as a layleader does not guarantee placement of any kind.
Signature _______________________________________________ Date __________________
13

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Elders Serving as Lay Leaders Program
Presbytery of ___________________________SESSION RECOMMENDATION
for Elder________________________________________
We, the session of the ________________________________Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, _____________________ Presbytery recommend this elder to be considered to serve as
Lay Leader in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Please evaluate this person in the following areas:
1. Christian commitment and maturity:

2. Leadership abilities:

3. Openness to ideas and learning:

4. Your assessment of this person’s suitability to service in this capacity:

5. Other comments:

Pastor/Moderator_____________________________________________________________

Clerk of Session_____________________________________________________________

Date of Session Action ____________________________________________________________
14

109

110

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Elders Serving as Lay Leaders Program
Presbytery of ___________________________CONGREGATION REQUEST OF SERVICES OF A LAY LEADER
Approval is the act of the presbytery authorizing an elder to serve as Lay Leader in anothercongregation other than his/her own, the duties for which she/he was ordained as an elder. She/he
may serve part-time, with or without pay. The approval is authoritative only within the bounds ofthe presbytery, only in the church specified, and only for the time specified.
We, the session of __________________________________ Cumberland Presbyterian
Church of _______________________ requests the Presbytery of __________________________
to approve Elder______________________________ to provide temporary pastoral care to thischurch as Lay Leader, for a period of one year, starting on__________ and ending on __________.
The duties of the Lay Leader are the duties for which he/she was ordained as an elder.
Specifically, with the session, to provide pastoral oversight of the congregation.
a. Give particular attention to persons who have not confessed Jesus Christ as Lord andSavior;b. Instruct persons in the faith;c. Visit people in their homes and in the hospitals, praying with and for them;d. Encourage people by word and example to share in the worship, study, witness , andservice of the church;e. Supervise the work of the deacons;f. Give oversight to the educational program of the church;
g. Encourage stewardship, provide for the collection of monies for godly purposes, andsupervise the finances of the church;h. Assemble the congregation and provide for worship.
This agreement is under the guidelines of the “Elders Serving As Lay Leaders In Small
Congregations”. This agreement may be renewed if agreeable to all parties and approved by thepresbytery. This agreement may be terminated by the session or the Lay Leader upon 30 day
written notice.
The Lay Leader’s compensation and expenses are based on ____hours per week. The terms of theagreement are as follows:____________________________
Clerk of Session____________________________
Moderator of Session
15______________
Date

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Elders Serving as Lay Leaders Program
Presbytery of ___________________________
MENTOR’S REPORTName of Lay Leader _____________________________________________________________
Mentor’s Name_____________________________________________________________

Date Completed_____________________________________________________________

1. Describe briefly the number of times you met this past year, where those meetings were held,
for how long, and generally what transpired.

2. Please briefly assess the ministry and growth of the Lay Leader since your last report.
• Progress in the course of study (if any) and growth you have seen•

Understanding of Cumberland Presbyterian theology•

Effectiveness in preaching/teaching/leading worship•

Leadership skills

16

111

112

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY•

Understanding of the connectional nature of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church•

Strengths•

Areas needing attention

2013

3. Issues COM should address with this Lay Leader?

4. Do you recommend that this elder’s approval to serve as a Lay Leader be renewed or
terminated? (explain)

Signature____________________________________________________________________

Address____________________________________________________________________

Phone____________________________________________________________________

Email____________________________________________________________________
17

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Elders Serving as Lay Leaders Program
Presbytery of ___________________________
ANNUAL REVIEW
by Board of Missions and Session of the Congregation
Name of Lay Leader _____________________________________ Date of Review _________
This review process has two components:
1. LAY LEADER INTERVIEW:
a. What things are going well?

b. What part of your work/ministry do you enjoy the most? The least?

c. Are there problem areas, and what are possible solutions?

d. What has surprised you as you serve as a Lay Leader?

e. How have you grown as a Lay Leader?

f. Have you felt supported in your ministry?

g. How can this session and church be more supportive of you?

h. Have you found help and/or useful resources to support your work through the Presbytery?

i. What more could the presbytery do to nurture and support you as a Lay Leader?

18

113

114

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

j. What else would you like to share at this time?

2. SESSION INTERVIEW:
a. In leading morning worship, we feel our Lay Leader is…

b. In our personal contact, we feel our Lay Leader is…

c. At meetings of the session, we believe our Lay Leader is…

d. Overall, we feel that our Lay Leader is____________________________
Clerk of Session____________________________
Moderator of Session______________
Date

BOARD OF MISSIONS REVIEW TEAM: Names______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________INSIGHTS AND LEARNINGS:

Recommend renewal: _____Yes_____ No19

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

LAY LEADER TRACK
Program of Alternate Studies
MissionThe Lay Leader Track has been developed by the Program of Alternate Studies as a practicaleducational tool to empower leaders for leaderless congregations. Leadership empowerment for
the work of ministry is consistent with the reformed tradition of the ministry of all believers andwith the contemporary need of our Cumberland Presbyterian congregations. It flows from thebiblical paradigm that the gifts given to the Church should be used to “equip the saints for thework of ministry.” The course of study will attempt to have the student integrate learning into theministry of the local church. The goal is to synthesize learning and mission to increase
congregational vitality. This program is intended for ordained elders in the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church who have been recognized by their presbytery as having gifts and abilities
needed for a particular congregation without the services of a pastor.
The Genesis of the Lay Leader Program
It has long been understood that there is an unfulfilled need for pastoral ministry in some of ourchurches, particularly smaller rural churches. Many factors contribute to a congregation goingunderserved, among them lack of financial resources to adequately compensate a minister and lackof qualified clergy available in a geographical locale. The Program of Alternate Studies hashelped address the situation but there are still many congregations unable to regularly findordained Cumberland Presbyterian ministers to provide preaching, lead worship, offer pastoralcare, and supply other needed ministry.
In an attempted response to this need the One Hundred Fifty-Eighth General Assembly of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, in 1988, approved a memorial from East Tennessee Presbytery
concerning elders serving as Lay Leaders in other congregations as follows.
Whereas, there are small congregations that are unable to secure the services of a
Cumberland Presbyterian pastor; andWhereas there may be and often are qualified, experienced and gifted elders in othercongregations in the presbytery who might serve as lay leaders in congregations unable tosecure pastors:
Therefore be it resolved,
That Section 2.71, 2.72, and 4.5 of the Constitution be interpreted to provide that, withthe approval of the presbytery, and under the guidelines herein set forth, an elder may
serve as a lay leader, also, in a congregation other than the one to which she/he belongs,
when the congregation is without a pastor or a stated supply:
1. The elder shall be recommended to the presbytery by the session of the congregation
to which she/he belongs.
2. The elder shall confer with and be recommended to the presbytery by the Committee
on the Ministry to function in this leadership role. She/he shall be examined withrespect to the Christian life; faithfulness to the vows taken as an elder; knowledge of
the Scriptures; knowledge of the history, doctrine and policy of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church; and gifts, qualifications, and experience as a leader in the role ofan elder.
20

115

116

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

3. The approval of an elder to serve as a lay leader in another congregation shall be byaction of the presbytery on recommendation of the Committee on the Ministryfollowing a conference with the committee.
4. The service of an elder or a lay leader in a particular congregation shall be approvedby the session of that congregation and the Board of Missions of the presbytery, andshall be for a stated period of time, not to exceed one year, subject to annual review by
the session and the Board of Missions.
5. An elder serving as a lay leader in a congregation shall be under the supervision of theordained minister appointed by the presbytery as moderator of the session.
6. An elder serving as a lay leader in a congregation shall be authorized to perform thoseduties which she/he was ordained as an elder to perform other than being a member ofthe session of that congregation. Specifically she/he shall, with the session, provide
pastoral oversight of the congregation in the following ways:(a) Give particular attention to persons who have not confessed Jesus Christ as Lord
and Savior; (b) instruct persons in the faith; (c) visit people in their homes and in
the hospitals, praying with and for them; (d) encourage people by word andexample to share in the worship, study, witness and service of the church; (e)supervise the work of the deacons; (f) give oversight to the educational program of
the church; (g) encourage stewardship, provide for the collection of monies for
godly purposes, and supervise the finances of the church; (h) assemble thecongregation and provide for worship.
In essence, the action interprets the constitution to allow for elders with special training andpermission to serve a leadership function in a congregation other than his/her own. The proper
designation for such an elder is “Lay Leader” and they are commissioned for a specificcongregation for a specific time not to succeed one year, renewable by action of presbytery.
In order to develop ministry skills that ensure a level of competence beneficial to thecongregations which they serve a Lay Leader Training Program is envisioned to accomplish thefollowing objectives:• To teach skills which will help Lay Leaders preach sermons that are biblically based;
theologically sound, and interestingly presented.
• To provide an understanding of the polity, liturgy, sacraments and educational philosophyof the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
• To develop the skills needed to respond appropriately and helpfully to pastoral situations
that Lay Leader’s may encounter.
• To provide opportunity for continuing education and spiritual growth for Lay Leaders, after
their commissioning/certification.
The following Lay Leader Education Track, developed by the Program of Alternate Studies fromthe full PAS curriculum, is intended to meet these objectives. Elders who satisfactorily complete
these courses will be certified to the Committee on Ministry of their presbytery as having met thetraining requirements for the designation as Lay Leader in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

21

2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

LAY LEADER TRACK CURRICULUM
Worship and Preaching
REL-204
Biblical Exegesis
The class will receive instruction in several scholarly approaches to interpreting sample
passages. Although technical proficiency will be emphasized, the primary objective is toprovide the student with a better understanding of the early Christians’ faith and literature.
Special attention will be given to the relevance of the texts for Christian theology and to theiruse in the preaching and teaching ministry of the faith community.
PL-401The Pastor and Public WorshipThis course will reflect upon the worship traditions and practices of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church. Of the many streams that flow into our contemporary practice ofworship, special attention is given to biblical sources, the Reformed tradition, the Frontier
tradition, and the Liturgical Renewal movement. These streams are examined in the light of
the Cumberland Presbyterian Directory of Worship.
PL-402
Principles of Preaching
The preparation and delivery of the sermon. Suggested day-by-day steps moving toward
Sunday. Emphasis will be on discerning the message of the chosen scriptural text and its
power to influence strategy. Advantages and disadvantages of using a manuscript, using an
outline, and speaking extemporaneously will be explored.
Cumberland Presbyterian Studies
CPS-I
Cumberland Presbyterian History
A basic study of the history of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, beginning with its rootsin American Presbyterianism and continuing through the 20th century. The approachreconstructs the “story line,” and identifies the essential details that make the story “comealive.”CPS-II
Cumberland Presbyterian Polity
A study of the Constitution, Rules of Discipline, and Rules of Order in the Confession of Faith
for Cumberland Presbyterians, and an overall look at the program of the church, with special
attention to the work of General Assembly boards and agencies.
CPS-III
Cumberland Presbyterian Theology I
A systematic study of the following doctrines as formulated in the Reformed tradition, withparticular reference to the Cumberland Presbyterian tradition: Doctrines of God (Revelation,
Creation, Providence), Humankind, and the Problems of Evil and Sin. An exercise in “doing
theology.”

22

117

118

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

CPS-IV
Cumberland Presbyterian Theology II
Continuation of Christian Theology I. Includes the Doctrines of Christ, Holy Spirit, Salvation,
Covenant Community, Christian Life, and Consummation of Life and History. An exercise in“doing theology.”
Biblical Studies
REL-202
The Message of the Old Testament
An introduction to the message and meaning of the books of the Old Testament, including
literary styles, historical development, and broad meaning or purpose. The Old Testament
will be seen as the story of a people in covenant with God, with emphasis on their call, theirunderstanding of this call, and their fulfillment or failure to fulfill it. Students are urged toapproach the Old Testament as being an important chapter in their faith story.
REL-203
The Message of the New Testament
The various books of the New Testament will be examined to learn of their uniquepresentation of Jesus Christ as Lord. The background of the first-century historical andcultural events which shaped the emergence of the New Testament will also be included so as
to sharpen insights to the message themes of the literature used to share a unified message.
Practical MinistryPAS-102
The Christian Ministry
The ministry of the whole congregation will be the setting for this study of the roles of aservant/leader in a parish. Biblical and theological understanding of ministry will intersectwith the practice of ministry.
PAS-103
Ministry in the Smaller Church
This course explores a biblical and theological foundation for understanding and working withsmall membership churches. Attention will be focused on how to minister more effectively in thecontext of small membership and rural church settings. How to approach the basic areas ofchurch life ― worship, Christian education, caring for one another, mission in the outside world― in size-appropriate ways will be addressed.
PAS-105
Spiritual Gifts
An examination and exploration of spiritual gifts as they are revealed to us by the Bible. An
inventory of the student's life with the end in view of identifying the specific spiritual gifts
which the student may possess.

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Requirements for Completion
Students must successfully complete the twelve (12) courses outlined above to be certified ascompleting the Lay Leader Track. Credit for educational work done outside the Program of
Alternate Studies may be credited at the sole discretion of the Director of PAS in consultation withthe student’s presbytery committee. Upon completion a certificate will be awarded with thesignature of the Director of PAS and the President of Memphis Theological Seminary.
Anticipated Time in the Program
It is suggested that a student complete their Lay Leader training over the course of two (2) years.
A student can take a maximum of three (3) courses in each five-day time block of SES (Summer
Extension School). A student going to all three blocks and taking the full load would take nine (9)courses in one SES. It is possible that a person could take the full load for SES and three (3)courses in a Weekend Extension School, or some combination of these, and complete PAS-LAY
LEADER TRACK in one year. This is rare, but it can be done. Taking the “full load” and going
through the Program in the shortest possible time should be considered in light of the strain on
one’s job, family, and church relationships. Students should also recognize that preparation forministry IS ministry and take care to glean as much as possible from this journey.
Relationship with Presbytery
Every student in the PAS-LAY LEADER TRACK must have approval from their Committee on
Ministry or its equivalent in their local presbytery. This committee or presbytery will appoint a
supervising minister who will serve as liaison with PAS and supervise the integration of course
material into the student’s context. It is assumed that the PAS Office will communicate with thepresbytery committee regarding a student’s progress.
Program Costs
A $35 application fee is due with the completed application form as soon as practical.
Tuition for each course is $300 per course. Books average $20.00 - $40.00 per course.
Room and board for each SES is $31.00 per day, set by Bethel University. Students may registerfor five, ten, or fifteen days. Room and board for five days would be $155.00; for ten days
$310.00; for fifteen days $465.00.
Total cost for a student to complete the Lay Leader Track will be around $4500.00. This
represents a significant investment into preparation for useful service where this service is mostneeded.
Presbyteries are urged to assist potential Lay Leaders by paying all, or at least a significant part, ofthe cost of tuition, fees, and room and board for the SES. Lay Leaders are usually serving thepresbytery by supplying churches that would not otherwise have a pastor; therefore, it would seemthat the presbytery has an obligation to assist them as much as possible in their further preparation
for ministry.
Likewise the local church being served may recognize the benefit of this training and contributesignificantly to help bear the expense of education for ministry.
While we urge presbyteries to provide for this vital education for probationers under their care, itremains the responsibility of each student to pay whatever the presbytery does not cover. Fees are
subject to revision.
24

119

120

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

If a student needs tuition scholarships or grants, application must be made by the student. Suchfinancial assistance is primarily for tuition costs. No deserving student will be denied an opportunity
for an education in PAS because of financial need.
Summer Extension School
The highlight of every year is the Summer Extension School (SES), which has been held on thecampus of Bethel University in McKenzie, Tennessee, since PAS began in 1984. At the SES, arigorous schedule is kept so that students can maximize their time to attend up to 9 classes in a 15day period. Students attend classes, worship, have meals, and enjoy fellowship with one another.
A sense of Christian community is established. Long-lasting friendships are formed. Mutual
support among students and instructors is built.
Due to the rigorous schedule, most assignments are given for students to work on after they returnto their homes.
Each BLOCK has a certain deadline for students to mail completed assignments to instructors. A
COURSE IS NOT COMPLETED UNTIL ALL ASSIGNMENTS HAVE BEEN TURNED IN
AND DEEMED ACCEPTABLE BY THE INSTRUCTOR.
NOTE: Some instructors expect students to do reading or other requirements prior to class. It is
the student’s responsibility to familiarize him/herself with these expectations and be ready toparticipate fully in class.
Weekend Extension Schools
As needs and opportunities arise, Weekend Extension Schools (WES) are provided in strategic
locations throughout the denomination. Typically held on Friday night and all day Saturday, they
offer courses in the curriculum, enabling students to continue their progress in the program. A
schedule for fall is published in the late summer, and one for winter/spring in published in
January/February.
A typical Weekend Extension School will offer one course, will meet at a Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, and will have from three to eight students in attendance. The class goes from6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Friday and resumes on Saturday at 8:00 a.m., meeting until noon. Then it
continues at 1:00 p.m. until conclusion, usually around 2:30. Each course is $300.00, as at the
SES. In addition, there is lodging at a nearby motel. Sometimes the host church provides
breakfast and lunch on Saturday for the participants.
All inquiries should be directed to:

Program of Alternate Studies
168 E. Parkway South
Memphis TN 38104
Director, Dr. Michael Qualls mqualls@memphisseminary.edu
Administrative Assistant, Karen Patten kpatten@memphisseminary.edu

25

2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

121

THE REPORT NUMBER TWO OF
THE MINISTRY COUNCIL
To the 183rd General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in session in Murfreesboro,
Tennessee, June 17-21, 2013.

I. MINISTRY COUNCIL

Edith Busbee Old, Director of Ministries
A. INTRODUCTION
Contained in this document is a report of the Ministry Council’s cooperative work with the
Evaluation Committee and response to directives from the 2012 General Assembly related to Report
Two of the Committee on Judiciary (I.B.), as well as items addressed in the April 2013 Ministry Council
meeting after the March 15 deadline for reports to General Assembly (I.C., I.E.).  Additional time-sensitive
information from the Ministry Teams (II, III, IV) and about endowments (V) has been included.   Weencourage Commissioners to take advantage of opportunities to ask questions and learn more from the
Ministry Council/Ministry Teams Elected and Staff Members present at General Assembly.
B. RESPONSE TO GENERAL ASSEMBLY DIRECTIVES RESULTING FROM THE REPORTOF THE EVALUATION COMMITTEE TO THE 2012 GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The process of evaluation is not always comfortable, but it is ultimately beneficial.  The MinistryCouncil exists to serve the church and evaluation can help ensure we are fulfilling our role.  Significant timeand energy has been invested in cooperative work with the Evaluation Committee and in addressing thedirectives of the General Assembly.
1.  COOPERATIVE WORK WITH THE EVALUATION COMMITTEEThe Ministry Council invited a representative of the Evaluation Committee to meet with us in
August for a time of mutual questions and answers and to make initial plans for cooperative work.  TheReverend J. Don Clark represented the Evaluation Committee in the regularly scheduled August 2012
meeting.  At that time a subcommittee of the MC was appointed to meet with the Evaluation Committeein October.  The subcommittee members are Reverend Troy Green, Reverend Carlton Harper, Reverend
Lanny Johnson, and Elder Gwen Roddye.
The subcommittee met with Evaluation Committee members Reverend Charles McCaskey,
Reverend Kevin Brantley, Reverend J. Don Clark, Elder Sarah Davidson, Reverend Sherrlyn Frost, andElder Gwen Peterson in October 2012, along with Stated Clerk Mike Sharpe.  To assist the Evaluation
Committee in their work and to address current issues, the Ministry Council was asked to do the following:* provide written description of Ministry Teams/ Ministry Council structure* provide written description of the process used for hiring MC/ MT staff* provide written description of the process for election of Ministry Team members* revise Ministry Council bylaws to more accurately reflect the current structure* establish the expectation for 100% of MC and MT elected and staff members to respond toevaluations/surveys conducted by the Evaluation Committee in the future* set aside time in the January MC meeting for a joint meeting with Evaluation Committee
The entire Evaluation Committee met with the Ministry Council in January 2013 to discuss progress
to date toward accomplishing directives of the General Assembly and to allow for mutual questions andanswers.  It was helpful to gain insight into the methodology of the evaluation process used by the Evaluation
Committee.  We reported some of the steps already accomplished toward complying with General Assembly
directives.
As a result of discussions with the Evaluation Committee, the Ministry Council has revised andupdated Bylaws to align with the current structure, including descriptions of Ministry Teams and otherchanges.  The updated bylaws were adopted by the Ministry Council in the April 2013 meeting and are
attached to this report.  (Appendix A)

122

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

2. UPDATE ON 2012 GENERAL ASSEMBLY DIRECTIVES TO MINISTRY COUNCILFROM REPORT TWO OF THE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY, DEALING WITH THE REPORTOF THE EVALUATION COMMITTEE
a.  Ministry Council Members to Serve on Ministry Teams/Structure of Executive Committee
The General Assembly instructed the Ministry Council to assign four current MC Members to serveon each of the Ministry Teams, with the exception of the Communications Ministry Team, which was tobe assigned three MC Members.  Each Ministry Team would be assigned one member from the Executive
Committee (comprised of the President, First and Second Vice Presidents, and Secretary of the MinistryCouncil).  Additionally, term limits were established for the Executive Committee:  no member may serve
more than three years on the Executive committee without rotating out of office for at least one year.
“That the Ministry Council be instructed to assign four of its current Council Members to serveon each of the Ministry Teams, except for Communication Team, which will have three members.”(Recommendation 5 of Report Two of the Committee on Judiciary)“That the Executive Committee should be comprised of one Council Member from each of the
Ministry Teams, one of which would be the Council chair and the Executive Committee members beallowed to serve no more than three consecutive years on the Executive Committee and may not return to
the Executive Committee until one year has passed.” (Recommendation 7 of Report Two of the Committee
on Judiciary)
Both of these directives were addressed in the August 2012 meeting.  There was general concern
within the Ministry Council that the presence of MC Members on the Ministry Teams might unduly
interfere with the work of the Teams.  We continue to strive toward the development of servant-empowered
ministry.  The Teams are encouraged to bring to the Ministry Council their ideas, recommendations, andplans for ministry.  The role of the Ministry Council is to empower the ministry teams and support theirwork.  Ministry Teams and Ministry Council meet jointly/concurrently twice a year; asking MC Members
to take on extra hours or days of meetings is not practical.  The decision was reached in cooperation with the
Ministry Teams to have Ministry Council Members participate in portions of the Team meetings and thenreport back to the entire Ministry Council about the ongoing work of the Teams.  The process was initiatedat the August meeting with great success.  MC members were assigned to specific Teams.  Feedback was
positive from MC Members and from the Ministry Teams alike.  We are still reflecting on how to best use
Ministry Council Members on Teams.  At present, Ministry Council Members will continue to participate
during specific planned sessions with Ministry Teams at joint/concurrent meetings.
Officers are elected annually in August.  In the August 2012 meeting, those current officers who
had served 3 or more years were not considered for re-election.  The bylaws have been rewritten to specify
term limits.  The newly-elected officers were assigned to different Ministry Teams.
b. Plan for Selection of Ministry Team Elected Members
We were asked to present to the 183rd General Assembly a plan for the selection of elected membersof Ministry Teams, along with terms of service and duties for the various Ministry Teams.
“That the Ministry Council submit a plan to the 183rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY for the selectionof elected members on each Ministry Team, the terms of service for the members of the ministry teams,
and the duties of the various Ministry Teams.” (Recommendation 11 of Report Two of the Committee on
Judiciary Report)
There is currently in place a process of selection for electing Team Members, which has been
provided to the Evaluation Committee and is attached to this report.   (Appendix B)   We use the same
submitted data forms as the Standing Committee on Nominations of the General Assembly, along with theendorsement process adopted by the 2012 General Assembly.
The duties of each team have been clarified, developed and approved by the Ministry Council
and presented to the General Assembly.   The Ministry Council Bylaws have been rewritten to include
information about the purpose and responsibilities of each Team.
c. Hiring Process for Ministry Council and Ministry Team Staff Members
We were directed to develop a standard hiring procedure that would include having every applicant
contacted regardless of whether they are to be interviewed.
“That a standard hiring procedure be developed by the Ministry Council and that every applicant
be acknowledged or responded to, whether or not they are to be interviewed.” (Recommendation 13 ofReport Two of the Committee on Judiciary)
The general procedure which has been followed by the Ministry Council and Ministry Teams in thehiring process to date has now been articulated in one document.  A draft was reviewed for suggestions by
the Global Ministries Leadership Team (made up of the four Team Leaders plus the Director of Ministries)
and the draft was provided to the Evaluation Committee for comment prior to being adopted by the2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

123

Ministry Council in the January 2013 meeting.  The hiring procedure document is attached to this report for
information purposes.  (Appendix C)
d.  Staff Rapport
Two directives referred to the Director of Ministries’ working relationships with staff members.
“That the Executive Director be assisted by the Ministry Council in becoming more proactive
in building good rapport with each staff member and in providing regular scheduled meetings withstaff and that these meetings include at least one member of the Ministry Council and one Executive
Committee member.” (Recommendation 14 of Report Two of the Committee on Judiciary)“That the Ministry Council develop a plan for creating a better relationship between the Directorof Ministries and the Ministry Council Staff.” (Recommendation 17 of Report Two of the Committee on
Judiciary)
There are a number of regularly-scheduled events that address this directive:   Global Ministry
Leadership Team meetings are held monthly; “All Hands” meetings, which include all Ministry Council/
Ministry Team staff members, are held regularly, in addition to retreats for the purpose of team building;the Director and Team Leaders meet over lunch monthly; a time of staff intercessory prayer is held every
Wednesday morning.  The Director of Ministries meets regularly both formally and informally with Team
Leaders and Team Staff to listen to ideas and challenges related to their respective Teams and program
areas.  As invited by Team Leaders, the Director of Ministries regularly attends Team staff meetings.  TheDirector of Ministries actively participates and supports the events of Ministry Teams and provides effective
leadership.
Requiring one Ministry Council member and one Executive Committee member present for
regular scheduled meetings with staff would be difficult for a number of reasons.  Having Ministry Council
Members travel to Memphis for every meeting with staff would be cost prohibitive and the time required
would be burdensome for elected members.  The decision was made that the inclusion of Ministry Council
members would be reserved for times when it is specifically requested by the Director or Ministry Council
staff members.  The Ministry Council has confidence that the Director has the flexibility and discretion tocall in members of the Executive Committee or Ministry Council to support the relationship between the
Director and the Ministry Council staff.
e.  Minutes and Actions of the Executive Committee
The Director of Ministries was instructed to share minutes and actions of the Executive Committeewith the Ministry Council, Team Leaders and Teams.
“That the Director of Ministries be more responsible and open in sharing the minutes and actionsof the Executive Committee with the Ministry Council and in turn with the Teams and Team Leaders.”(Recommendation 15 of Report Two of the Committee on Judiciary)
The Global Ministry Leadership Team (the four Team Leaders and the Director of Ministries) work
together to plan and draft Ministry Council and Ministry Team joint and concurrent meeting agendas.  TheMinistry Council Executive Committee meets by conference call to set the agenda for upcoming meetings.  
Only in the event of an emergency that required immediate action would the Executive Committee act onbehalf of the Ministry Council.  When there are actionable items, the Executive Committee presents a reportto the Ministry Council with any recommendations.  Beginning with the January 2013 Ministry Council
meeting, Executive Committee minutes will be provided to Ministry Council members prior to MinistryCouncil meetings.
Summaries of Actions are prepared and read prior to the adjournment of each MC meeting andat joint/concurrent meetings of Ministry Council and Ministry Teams.  When finalized, the Summary isemailed to MC Members, provided to the Global Ministries Leadership Team and posted online for publicaccess.  (http://ministrycouncil.cumberland.org/summariesofaction)
Ministry Council minutes are prepared and circulated to members as soon as possible following
the MC meetings.  “Actions Required” lists are developed and distributed within one week of the meeting.  
The goal is to have finalized minutes available to Ministry Council Members within two weeks after the
meeting.  Minutes of the Ministry Council, like minutes of any board or agency, are reserved for the useof that body.  The Director of Ministries does not circulate the minutes of the Ministry Council or the
Executive Committee and is not empowered to do so.
f. Director of Ministries Travel
One directive called for the Director of Ministries to be more visible across the denomination inorder to promote communication.
“That the Director of Ministries be instructed to become more visible among the presbyteries on
an ongoing and consistent basis so as to hear and understand the concerns of the church and incorporate
those into the decisions made and ministry done by the Ministry Council Staff and Ministry Teams.”

124

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013(Recommendation 16 of Report Two of the Committee on Judiciary)
The intent of this recommendation, clearly, is that the Director be actively engaged in listening toindividuals and groups.  We affirm this expectation.  When we reviewed the extensive list of the Directorof Ministries’ travels, we felt the Director’s travel was appropriate in scope and in compliance with thisdirective.  We believe the Director’s well-documented schedule of travel in the US and global presbyteries
and congregations was not fully considered.
Presbytery meetings, with their full agendas and tight schedules, do not present the best opportunities
to “hear and understand the concerns of the church.”  In light of that fact, the Director of Ministries has added
small-group meetings with ministers and others in various presbyteries to regular visits to presbyteries andother events.  A Ministry Council member generally accompanies the Director to such meetings, to further
enhance the opportunities for communication.  A list of the Director’s travels since her hiring was provided
to the Evaluation Committee, and the Director’s travels are highlighted each year in the report to General
Assembly.
We note that any/all Ministry Council/Ministry Team Elected and Staff members can also serve as
conduits for information from the church at large to the Ministry Council and Ministry Teams.  MinistryCouncil and Ministry Team members come from virtually every presbytery, and have a responsibility toshare with their presbytery and congregation information about the work of the Ministry Council and toshare with the Ministry Council any concerns communicated to them.  We encourage groups and individuals
to take opportunities to talk with Ministry Council and Ministry Team members about the work of thechurch.
g. Transfer of Center Interagency Team to Corporate Board
The Center Interagency Team (CIT) was a standing committee of the General Assembly Council,
made up of Executives of the Boards and Agencies housed in the denominational Center.   Upon the
denominational restructuring, the CIT became a standing committee of the Ministry Council.  The 2012
General Assembly directed that the CIT become a standing committee of the Corporate Board.
“That the Center Interagency Team be a standing committee of the Corporate Board, consistingof the following voting members: the Director of Ministries of the Ministry Council, Stated Clerk,
Executives of the Board of Stewardship and Historical Foundation with Stated Clerk presiding andreporting to the Corporate Board.” (Recommendation 19 of Report Two of the Committee on Judiciary)This change has taken place and is reflected in changes to Ministry Council Bylaws.
h.  Report of Progress
We were instructed to report to the Stated Clerk regarding progress toward accomplishing General
Assembly directives.
“That the Ministry Council report quarterly to the Stated Clerk revealing the progress of the
Ministry Council and the Director of Ministries toward accomplishing the approved recommendations
and conveying what is being enacted in building the Kingdom of God as Cumberland Presbyterians.”(Recommendation 20 of Report Two of the Committee on Judiciary)
The Stated Clerk is an Advisory Member of the Ministry Council and attends all meetings.  He isprivy to all actions of the Ministry Council, our minutes and Summary of Actions.  We have continued tomonitor our corrective actions and the Director has been in communication with the Stated Clerk throughout
this process.
3. FUTURE EVALUATION PROCESSES
We understand that the Evaluation Committee had a monumental task:  developing a process forevaluation and conducting that process in a short time frame.  We appreciate their dedication to the task
and have already experienced benefits from changes made as a result of their report to the 2012 General
Assembly.  We welcome the process of regular evaluations and the opportunities those evaluations will
provide us for assessing and improving how we are doing ministry.
We hope that each future evaluation will look specifically at what has been accomplished since
the previous evaluation.  The initial evaluation covered the first five years of the restructure.  During thattime the Ministry Council and Ministry Teams went through many changes in staff, infrastructure, andprocesses, experiencing challenges as four separate boards merged to become one effective, functioning
body.  Many of the concerns raised in the Evaluation Committee’s report were being addressed in responseto the “growing pains” we experienced through the process of restructure.
We also hope to see evaluation processes that yield quantifiable feedback.  It would be desirable
for future evaluations to continue to use a 5 point scale similar to the one employed by the Evaluation
Committee where respondents are asked to select answers from a scale of 5-1.  For example:

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

125(5) Strongly Agree    (4) Agree    (3) Somewhat Agree    (2) Disagree    (1) Strongly Disagree(5) Excellent    (4) Above Average    (3) Average    (2) Below Average    (1) Poor
The report of the evaluation should include demographic data about the respondents (age, gender,
synod, Ministry Council or Ministry Team membership, clergy or laity, etc.) the number of questionnaires
distributed, the number of respondents (questionnaires returned), the average score in each item, and thepercentages of answers for each item.  For example, “25% of respondents answered (5) Strongly Agree,
50% answered (4) Agree and 25% selected (3) Agree.”  When appropriate other statistical measurements
would be beneficial.
Ideally, items on the evaluation forms will reflect General Assembly directives, Ministry Council
bylaws and priority goals.   The Evaluation Committee may consider reviewing the Ministry Council
orientation materials, self-evaluations and exit evaluations when creating the evaluation questionnaire.
We recognize that limited feedback from current Ministry Council/Ministry Team elected and staff
members made it impossible for the Evaluation Committee to fully assess the current state of the MinistryCouncil and Ministry Teams.  As suggested to us by the Evaluation Committee, we have established apolicy that all Ministry Council/Ministry Team members and staff will be expected to participate in any
denominational surveys or evaluation processes in the future.
C. PRIORITY GOALS AND VISION FOR MINISTRY
The Ministry Council was tasked by the General Assembly to review the denomination’s three
Priority Goals that had been adopted for the years 2000-2010.  Specifically, the General Assembly directedthat the Ministry Council “review the denomination’s Priority Goals to (a) test to see if they are still relevant
and the key priorities, (b) flesh out each goal with clearer targets, actions, and timelines, and (c) focus onand emphasize how to maintain Cumberland identity, the strong sense of community.”  As the MinistryCouncil considered how to best proceed in reviewing and evaluating the goals and the denomination’s
progress toward those goals, it became evident that the goals have “expired” in the sense that they were
not intended to extend beyond the first decade of the 21st century.  In 2007, the General Assembly adopted
an additional goal related to evangelism and in 2012 the General Assembly adopted the ongoing Step Out!
emphasis as a priority for the Church.
We acknowledge that the process of visioning and goal setting is crucial to the Church, but weforesee that the possibility of unification with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America would
warrant a unified visioning and goal setting process.  Therefore, we feel that the Priority Goals set for theyears 2000-2010 should no longer appear in denominational material and that the process of reviewing/evaluating priorities should be postponed until the denomination is ready to begin a new process of goal
setting, whether by the newly unified church or the existing Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
The Vision of Ministry as originally adopted had no timeframe associated with it, and remains
current:
Biblically based and Christ centered,born out of a specific sense of mission,
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church strives to be true to its heritage;
to be open to God’s reforming spirit,
to work cooperatively with the larger body of Christ,
and to nurture the connectional bonds that make us one.
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church seeks to be the hands and feet of Christin witness and service to the world
and above all the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
lives out the love of God to the glory of Jesus Christ.
Through our attempt to evaluate progress toward the 2000-2010 Priority Goals, we have been
reminded of the importance of establishing goals that are measurable and time-limited.  In the future, wewill accept responsibility for measuring progress toward Priority Goals.
RECOMMENDATION 1: That in light of the strong likelihood of unification between
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America, theassignment made by the General Assembly to the Ministry Council to review the denomination’sPriority Goals be postponed until such time as new priority goals can be established by the new

126

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

unified church or the present Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
D. SPIRITED LEADERSHIPThe Ministry Council has studied the book, Spirited Leadership by Thomas G. Bandy and tried toapply concepts of spirit-empowered ministry to our work.  Some may be familiar with the terms servantleadership or servant-empowered leadership; Spirited Leadership envisioned by Ministry Council is not a
program but a way of Christ-like conduct that values the inherent creative potential of each individual, andultimately, each congregation.  After prayerful consideration and serious study, we believe the potential for
Cumberland Presbyterians to transform the world is through the development of leaders who are Spiritled and who are committed to helping nurture other leaders.   Our vision of ministry is directly linked
to identifying leaders and empowering them to fulfill their calling.   In that light, the Ministry Council
and Ministry Teams will have volunteers on hand at the 183rd General Assembly to support the work ofcommittees.  Committees are encouraged to call on the Ministry Council volunteer pool for errands or tasks
that make the committees’ work easier.  Further, we are planning to present a Leadership event at General
Assembly in 2014 and hope that everyone will make plans to participate.
E. CONSIDERATION OF OUR UNITED OUTREACH SUPPORT IN SELECTION OF
COMMISSIONERS TO GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The Ministry Council supports efforts by the Our United Outreach Committee to educate and engage
pastors and congregations in actively supporting Our United Outreach.  So strong is the belief in and supportof Our United Outreach that a number of Ministry Council staff have automatic contributions withheld
from their paychecks.  Our United Outreach tithes support all of the programs, events, and resources that
the Ministry Council creates and provides to individuals and groups.  Without Our United Outreach funds,
the programs, events, and resources would be drastically and adversely affected.  Therefore, the MinistryCouncil makes the following recommendation:
RECOMMENDATION 2: That General Assembly encourage Presbyteries to consider Our
United Outreach support as important criteria when selecting Commissioners to General Assembly.
F. MINISTRY COUNCIL FUTURE MEETING DATES
1. FORMULA FOR SETTING MEETING DATESThe Ministry Council established a formula for setting Ministry Council meeting dates withmeetings at the Center, a location close to Cordova, or possibly a retreat setting.  The Ministry Council
and Ministry Teams will meet in concurrent/joint session in August and January.  Teams are encouraged toschedule other necessary meetings at the same time as the other Council meetings to facilitate carpoolingand sharing expenses.   The Ministry Council plans for three meetings each year between meetings ofGeneral Assembly as follows:
4th weekend of August (Saturday/Sunday)—Ministry Council and Teams in concurrent/joint sessions
Last weekend of January (Friday/Saturday)—Ministry Council and Teams in concurrent/joint sessions
3rd weekend of April (Friday/Saturday)—Ministry Council
In an effort to extend equity to lay persons who serve, and for whom taking time from work can
be costly, challenging or a prohibition to serve; the Ministry Council has scheduled one meeting a year toinclude a Sunday.  On that Sunday, a worship service is part of the meeting.
2. MINISTRY COUNCIL MEETING DATES FOR 2013-20142013 Meeting Dates:
August 23 (Fri) Orientation for new Ministry Council/Ministry Team members.
August 24-25 (Sat/Sun) at Cordova, TN; Ministry Council/Teams meet in concurrent/joint sessions
2014 Meeting Dates:
January 24-25 (Fri/Sat) at Cordova, TN; Ministry Council/Teams meet in concurrent/joint sessions
April 18-19 (Fri/Sat) at Cordova, TN; Ministry Council

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

127

II. DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRY TEAM
Reverend Elinor Swindle Brown, Team Leader

A. SAFE SANCTUARY
Report Number One of the Ministry Council to the 183rd General Assembly includes arecommendation regarding safe sanctuary.   (“Recommendation 3: That the 183rd General Assembly
approve a plan for all congregations, presbyteries, synods, and denominational groups to have a safe
sanctuary policy in place by December 31, 2014.”)  The Discipleship Ministry Team offers the following
additional information to support the recommendation and provide samples of policies and plans to which
the recommendation refers.
Having a safe sanctuary policy is not just about keeping children and youth safe; it is so muchmore.  It means creating a safe environment for all persons connected with our congregations, presbyteries,
synods, denominational facilities, camps, and events by having a plan in place to help ensure safety foreveryone.
Our world is full of violence, turmoil and risk, sometimes even in our homes, churches, communities,
and everyday lives.  Does your church offer a safe place for everyone?  Are your camping ministries a place
where people come to experience peace?  How would your church react if a tornado struck your town orsomeone had a heart attack during worship?  What if someone wandered into a church service or event,causing a disturbance or posing the threat of danger?  What would your presbytery do if made aware that astaff member or volunteer was a sexual predator?
These questions may raise alarm, but having policies and a plan in place to deal with these andother crises can promote calm in the face of a storm and allow us to take appropriate action to address thesituation.
We are asking General Assembly to take action that will require all congregations, presbyteries,
synods, denominational facilities, camps, and events to have in place a policy that provides concrete plansfor creating a safe environment at church and church-related events.  The plans should address the safetyof all individuals within the facility and provide leaders with training that prepares them to respond in theevent of an emergency or crisis.  The desire is for all people to feel safe enough to focus on their faith andexperience the love of Christ through the Church.
Attached are sample policies for congregations and camping ministries and a checklist to help a
congregation write their own.
Appendix D – Sample short-form policy
Appendix E – Sample long-form policy
Appendix F – Sample Policy for a camping ministry
Appendix G – Check list for creating your own policy
Background checks should be conducted on all persons working with children and youth.   A
form to conduct background checks is included.  Background checks are offered at no charge through theDiscipleship Ministry Team.
Appendix H – Background check form
B. CERTIFICATION OF YOUTH MINISTERS AND DIRECTORS OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATORSThe processes of Certification of Youth Ministers and Certification of Christian Educators wererecommended to the 2011 and 2012 General Assemblies respectively.  As a part of that recommendation,
there were questions for receiving certification candidates under the care of a presbytery’s Committee on
Ministry and questions to be asked at the Commissioning and Installation service.  Those questions canbe found on the Ministry Council website along with a sample worship service for this commissioning/
installation.
Since we will have our first certification candidate eligible this spring, Joanna Bellis, the Discipleship
Ministry Team would like to make the following recommendations:
RECOMMENDATION 3: That Presbyterial Committees on the Ministry, when satisfied
that a candidate for certification of either Youth Ministry or Christian Education has completed
the educational requirements and upon satisfactory examination of the candidate, recommend topresbytery that the candidate be examined for certification by the presbytery. No call to a church isneeded for certification.

128

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

RECOMMENDATION 4: That upon satisfactory examination by presbytery for certification,
a commission be named to administer the certification in a commissioning/installation service ofworship by asking the questions for certification approved by the General Assembly.
RECOMMENDATION 5: That a candidate for certification may be examined and approvedfor certification by presbytery pending completion of all necessary classes prior to the commissioning
service.
RECOMMENDATION 6: That the Discipleship Ministry Team will provide certificatesfor both Youth Minister and Christian Educator certifications and presbyteries may request thesethrough the CP Resources.
RECOMMENDATION 7: That if at all possible, a member of the Discipleship MinistryTeam, either staff or elected members, attend the commissioning service of individuals completingthe certification of Youth Minister or Christian Educator process.

III. MISSIONS MINISTRY TEAM
Reverend George Estes, Team Leader

A. CONSTITUTIONAL INTERPRETATION
In light of the decision naming Central America as our new non-USA mission field in response to
Step Out goals, the Missions Ministry Team sees the need to re-visit the issue of how best to initiate andinclude new works and fields from a constitutional standpoint.  Last year the Ministry Council included
in its Report Number Two to the General Assembly a recommendation concerning guidelines for hostpresbyteries [Recommendation Number 22].  These guidelines were approved by the General Assembly.  
At that time, it was noted that the Guidelines themselves were regarded as a work in progress.  Returningfrom Guatemala recently, both Lynn Thomas (Global Ministries Director) and Edith Old (Director of
Ministries) felt the opportunity for rapid expansion of missions and churches there to be well withinsight, particularly when our new missionaries Fhanor and Socorro Pejendino begin church planting there.  
Already there are congregations interested in affiliating with the CP Church in Guatemala, and we haveemerging relationships also with at least one church in Honduras.  To be able to respond to the changing
missions landscape effectively, the MMT needs to be proactive and have the authority to make decisions in
the formation of the new fields.  A constitutional interpretation designating the Missions Ministry Team as
the agency empowered to do this for the General Assembly is a reiteration of positions taken by previous
General Assemblies (e.g., 1984, pp.106-107).  An official interpretive action by this General Assembly
would clarify our work with non-USA mission fields and activities, providing an interpretation of theConstitution in the section citing the responsibilities of the General Assembly (sections 9.4- d, j, and m) andoffering constitutional authority for the Missions Ministry Team to assist in the development of new work
as expected by the General Assembly.
RECOMMENDATION 8: The General Assembly, following previously approved guidelines
and in interpretation of the Constitution, sections 9.4 d, j, and m, designates the Missions Ministry
Team (elected and staff members) or its successor as the agency responsible for oversight, guidance
and authority for mission work and mission fields that cannot have a meaningful relationship with apresbytery due to distance and/or language. The Missions Ministry Team is authorized to conduct all
actions typical of a presbytery in oversight of such mission work until such time as a presbytery canbe formed to accommodate the mission churches, pastors and probationers. As part of its oversight,
the Missions Ministry Team may, if circumstances warrant, attach mission work to an existingpresbytery, with its approval, following General Assembly-approved guidelines for host presbyteries.

IV. PASTORAL DEVELOPMENT MINISTRY TEAM
Reverend Milton L. Ortiz, Ministry Team Leader

A. COVENANT OF TRUST: MINISTERIAL ETHICS FOR CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIANSThe PDMT Leader has worked his doctoral dissertation on a case study of ministers in the state ofTennessee in order to develop a code of ministerial ethics for ministers and congregations of the Cumberland

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

129

Presbyterian Church.  A total of 403 questionnaires were sent to ministers and probationers.  Fifty percent(50%) of the questionnaires were completed and sent back.  Seventy-five percent (75%) of the respondents
answered in the affirmative to the question:  Do you think the CP Church would benefit from a writtencovenant of ministerial ethics?  Three focus groups were also included in the research.  The outcome fromthe questionnaires and focus groups determined a need for the development of a study guide on ministerial
ethics.
Ministerial Ethics is the reflection about the moral principles that govern a minister’s ministerial
relations.   This reflection is expressed in many different responsibilities:   to the self, to family, to thecongregation, to church leaders, to colleagues, to the denomination, and to the community.   Today,
ministerial ethics is no longer a private matter.  Therefore we need a moral compass, a guide for ethicalbehavior to understand the dynamics of ministerial ethics from the many different responsibilities of theordained minister; including sexuality in ministry.  The Cumberland Presbyterian Church is a connectional
denomination, and together we are called to ministry in a world through not only our words and actions, butwith our own lives and behaviors; most of all we are called to become a covenant community of trust.
The Covenant of Trust (Appendix I) is a study guide developed for the ministers and congregationsof the Cumberland Presbyterian Church to:  define ethical standards of ministry that are clear to the ministers
and congregations; help the session and congregation better understand stresses in the ministry and theparameters of accepted ministerial conduct; help congregations explore ways they can healthily support
their ministers; define accountability between the ministers, session, congregation, and presbytery, guided
by “The Constitution” and “Rules of Discipline” in the Confession of Faith for Cumberland Presbyterians;
aid in the creation of an atmosphere of trust and protection based upon mutual understanding, mutual
integrity and reciprocal caring.  The Covenant of Trust will be available for $5 at the Resource Center andat the 183rd General Assembly Bookstore.
RECOMMENDATION 9: That the 183rd General Assembly encourage Cumberland
Presbyterian ministers, probationers, sessions, congregations, presbyterial committees, denominational
staff and institutions to study the Covenant of Trust: Ministerial Ethics for Cumberland Presbyterians.

V. ENDOWMENTS
Identifying additional funding sources is important to ensure that vital ministries may continue.  
Planned giving and endowments help to support programs.  In the past, generous Cumberland Presbyterians
have taken an important step by contributing through endowments to ministries that really make a differencein our church.   However, unfortunately, sometimes those funds cannot be distributed according to thedesires of the donors because these endowments have never grown to the level necessary for the funds to beaccessed.  For example, someone may start an endowment to support youth ministry with a gift of $5,000,
but the endowments may require that the fund reach $10,000 before the interest can be drawn to support the
Ministry.  There are several such endowments within the Cumberland Presbyterian Church; endowmentsthat essentially remain unusable.
With that in mind, the Ministry Council has purposefully identified a number of endowments thatare near the point where they can be utilized and is promoting contributions that will be strategicallyallocated to maximize the number of endowments that can be available for ministry use.
The Ministry Council gratefully acknowledges the generosity of persons who have establishedendowments and looks with enthusiasm to acknowledging additional supporters who will enable income to
be distributed from some funds not yet accessible for programming.
A listing of endowment funds for each Ministry Team of the Ministry Council follows with thebalances as of December 31, 2012, received in May 2013:
Communications Ministry Team Endowments		 CMT Balance
Masaharu Asayama/CPWM Endowment$
9,223.82
Ky Curry Publishing Endowment
32,690.72
C. Ray Dobbins Endowment
30,669.74
Dennis H. Kiefer Endowment
830.03Marguerite D. Richards CP Magazine
16,547.95
Pat White Endowment
6,530.02
Total CMT Endowments$
96,492.28
Discipleship Ministry Team Endowments		

DMT Balance

130

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Bennet & Mildred Brown for C E
Bill & Hazel Phalan Endowment
C. P. Youth Conference
Carl Cook Outdoor Ministry Endowment
Christian Education Mid-Century
Christian Education Season Endowment
Clark Williamson Memorial
Claudette Hamby Pickle C E Endowment
Consultant Training Fund
Cornelia Swain Endowment for C E
David & Mary McGregor C E Endowment
Donald & Jane Hubbard Endowment for C E
Dr. & Mrs. E. K. Reagin Endowment
Earl King Memorial
Frank & Linda Ward Endowment (CE)Grace Johnson Beasley Memorial
H. Harold Davis Endowment Fund
Helen Wiman Memorial
Howell G. & Martha Jo Mims CPYC
Into the Nineties for C E
Ira & Rae Galloway for C E
Irvin & Annie Mary Swain Endowment
Jack W. Ferguson, Jr. C E Endowment
Jake Tyler Children’s MinistryJames D. McGuire Endowment for C E
Jean Garret Endowment for C E
Jeff & Angie Sledge Endowment
Jill Davis Carr - Leadership Development
Jodi Hearn RushJohn Gilbert Horsley - Youth Leaders
John W. Speer Endowment for C E
Lavenia Campbell Cole Annuity Endowment
Louise Adams Heathcock Memorial
Morris & Ruth Pepper for C E
Paul Allen Endowment for C E
Publishing House Endowment 33%
Rev. Rusty Rustenhaven Youth Ministry
Reverend Gayle J. Keown for C E
Terence R. McCain, Sr. Endowment
Virginia Malcom Christian Education
Wesley & Jackie Mattonen Endowment
William Warren Endowment for C E
Young Adult Ministry Endowment
Total DMT Endowments$$

24,350.20
13,807.65
149,724.19
4,076.01
239,023.97
172,987.92
39,575.29
19,768.22
55,460.70
17,849.11
52,773.57
10,999.21
54,483.30
10,471.52
32,966.76
10,466.65
158,381.38
4,096.39
25,674.59
264,349.55
13,634.63
21,672.79
10,469.10
2,034.37
15,548.15
3,542.66
2,115.77
10,990.55
10,783.71
12,291.08
19,044.81
34,410.62
10,517.30
49,773.39
10,446.89
137,284.51
13,060.21
3,426.18
5,312.91
109,290.55
33,005.72
10,665.57
22,552.04
1,923,159.69

Missions Ministry Team Endowments		 MMT Balance
Advance in Missions Trust Fund$
419,575.11
Ashburn-Graf Educational Endowment
132,135.92
Bennett & Mildred Brown Trust
50,152.55
Bernice Barnett Gonzalez Endowment
1,334.73
Bill & Iona Wyatt Endowment
12,551.96
Bill & Kathryn Wood
58,916.82
Boyce & Beth Wallace Endowment
48,121.50
Brown & Julia Welch Missions Endowment
30,481.10
Buddy & Beverly Stott Endowment
26,580.42
Carl Ramsey Scholarship Fund
33,539.01
Chester E. Dickson Endowment
43,235.84
Chow King Leong Endowment
49,051.17

2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Church Loan Fund – General
Clifford Gittings Endowment
Clifford W. & Sarah C. McCall NCD
Colombian CPW Elementary Scholarships
Colombian University Scholarships
Cornelia Swain Endowment
CPW Leadership Trust FundCPWM Bethel College ScholarshipDavid Brown Endowment
Davis O. & Gladys H. Bryson Missionary
Della Campbell Lowrie Trust 20%
Don & Gwen Peterson Endowment Fund
Elise Sanders Endowment
Elizabeth A. & James W. Morrow Trust
Finis Ewing & Bessie Keene Memorial
Foreign Missions Endowment
Forester World Missions Endowment
Freda Mitchell Gilbert Endowment
Gina Marie Benzel Ableson Memorial
Gladys H. Bryson Scholarship Fund
Gleniel Grounds Endowment
Grace Beasley - Small Rural Church
Grace Johnson Beasley Memorial
Helen Deal Endowment
Holly Katelyn McClurkin
Holzer Trust
Hong Kong Mission
Irvin & Annie Mary Draper Swain
James A. Brintle II Scholarship
Jamie Roy Chaffin Endowment
Joe E. Matlock Endowment
John A. Deaver Mission
Jose & Fanny Fajardo Endowment
Joseph B. Dungy Endowment
Lavenia Campbell Cole Annuity Endowment
Lavenia Campbell Cole Trust Endowment 20%
Lavenia Cole Testamentary Trust 25%
Lela Swanson Stricklen NCD
Lelia B. Goodman for Missions
Louise & Sam R. Estes Endowment
Lucie C. Mayhew Fund for U-P Children
Madge Sprague Memorial Endowment
Mamie McAdoo Endowment
Maree Blackwell Endowment
Marguerite D. Richards Japan
Marguerite D. Richards MM Magazine
Marguerite D. Richards Rural Church
Mark G. Lynch Choctaw Presbytery
Marvin C. & Ruth M. Kinnard Trust
Mary Frances & William Carpenter
Mary Katherine Mize Longwell Endowment
Mattie Ree Suddarth Brown Endowment
Maymie Stovall - Foreign Mission 25%
Maymie Stovall - Home Missions 25%
McAdow and Mae Gam Endowment
McClung/Fowler Memorial Endowment
McKenzie Endowment
Hamilton & Merion S. Parks Family Trust #2

1,299,897.77
5,200.63
6,048.07
34,916.54
66,783.39
58,003.85
82,833.34
148,572.84
10,185.15
81,666.07
434,166.28
95,395.61
290,666.46
23,366.17
142,605.61
329,101.84
3,426,345.99
6,366.72
9,634.67
105,413.03
2,051.14
48,241.69
35,703.29
49,701.66
642.11
77,920.11
38,916.80
27,817.01
5,489.60
1,936.05
49,300.53
9,719.09
8,136.63
86,845.25
59,328.64
21,054.46
434,650.55
62,129.42
2,808.53
13,162.76
15,767.26
5,356.90
2,550.43
2,350.30
15,729.44
7,851.96
23,555.93
8,970.38
14,818.10
11,508.39
632.11
19,989.21
11,613.94
11,612.94
15,097.77
83,715.90
40,120.23
10,109.73

131

132

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Mildred Chandler Scholarship Endowment
Missions & Evangelism Endowment
Mrs. G. W. Freeman Bible Woman Trust
Myra Patton Foreign Mission Endowment
Nancy J. Orr Bequest
New Church Development Endowment
P. F. Johnson Memorial Endowment
Patron MembershipPaul & Geneva Richards Memorial
Perpetual Membership Fund
Rev. & Mrs. Tadao Yoshizaki Memorial
Richard Nicks Memorial Endowment
Robert E. Matlock Endowment
Robert J. & Marilee B. Watkins
Robert T. & Dona Milam Endowment
Rose Ella Porterfield Scholarship
Rouine Vodra Coleman Endowment
Rubye Johnson May Memorial 50%
S. Q. Proctor Home Mission Endowment
Samuel King Gam
Scholarship-Universidad Evangelica
Walkerville CPC Memorial Endowment
Walter Swartz - Jose Fajardo Scholarship Fund
Warren and Carline Lowe Trust
William A. & Beverly St. John Endowment
William B. & Emma Jo Denson Todd Endowment
Winnifred M. Dixon Endowment
Total MMT Endowments

$

2013

129,330.64
109,201.05
6,114.71
157,557.85
4,152.52
93,007.32
18,281.91
767,873.20
11,738.20
958,916.51
606.1352,669.57
156,576.94
1,862.16
6,039.22
16,904.65
1,250.37
7,268.14
11,062.37
20,449.75
9,711.88
6,421.59
40,941.72
2,595.83
12,037.95
6,057.02
55,584.41
11,563,966.01

Pastoral Development Ministry Team Endowments		 PDMT Balance
Arturo & Carmen Ortiz Endowment$
11,824.22
Awards for CP Ministers & Spouses
22,692.35
E. G. & Joy Sims Endowment
20,633.36
James & Geneva Searcy Endowment
29,624.02
James & Helen Knight Endowment
23,392.31
James Lee Ratliff Endowment
5,961.84
LaRoyce Brown Endowment
1,281.32
Leonard & Mary Jo Turner Endowment
12,583.50
Lyon Walkup Endowment
12,855.36
Melvin & Naomi Orr Endowment
19,167.45
Ministerial Endowment
12,210.97
Ministers Conference
17,071.03
Norlan & Ellie Scrudder Endowment
19,448.02
Roosevelt and Ruth Baugh
3,714.92
Total PDMT Endowments$
212,460.67
Ministry Council Grand Total$

13,796,078.64

VI. MINISTRY COUNCIL CONCLUSION
In conclusion, both Ministry Council Reports One and Two reflect a deep and wide array ofministries that are part of Cumberland Presbyterian congregational life around the world.  Cataloging theachievements and challenges of the denomination’s singular programming board is a huge task and we
acknowledge it can be more than a little overwhelming to the reader.  However, we invite all readers, both
before, during and after the 183rd General Assembly, to prayerfully read both reports in their entirety.  Visit
the Ministry Council webpages frequently to check out new programs and events.  Make a point throughout
the year to share questions and suggestions with Ministry Council staff as well as any elected member ofthe Ministry Council and Ministry Teams.  The 57 Ministry Council/Ministry Team elected members are2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

133

committed to their primary board responsibility to be conduits of information to and from the Council.  TheMinistry Council/Ministry Team elected members and staff remain committed to serving God through the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church and ask that the Church remain in prayer for our collaborative work.  We
remain thankful for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we work to enhance and implement ministries acrossborders and across generations that draw people to Christ.
Respectfully Submitted,
Reverend Lisa Scott, President
Reverend Troy Green, First Vice President
Reverend Sam Romines, Second Vice President
Gwen Roddye, Secretary
Edith B. Old, Director of Ministries/Treasurer
MINISTRY COUNCIL APPENDICESBYLAWS OF THE MINISTRY COUNCIL(Appendix A)
For the Glory of God, the Ministry Council will:
Seek Christ’s vision
Support ministry development
Serve the Church
ARTICLE I
NAME, PURPOSE, AND REPORTINGA.

Name
The name of this body shall be the Ministry Council of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

B.

PurposeThe purpose of the Ministry Council shall be:
1.  To provide leadership toward implementation of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church’s ministry
in the world.
2.  To provide primary long and short-range planning for the Ministry Council’s programs andministries, striving to ensure that all segments are working on a common mission and that
duplications and gaps in the Church’s ministry will be minimized;
3.  To promote the effective distribution of human and material resources in order that the various
facets of the Ministry Council’s programs and ministry be carried out in an effective andefficient manner;
4.  To provide and/or ensure that the General Assembly has all relevant information concerning
programs, budgets, and the general work of the Ministry Council in order that the General
Assembly may make wise and informed decisions;
5.  To recommend a Ministry Council budget to the General Assembly for the purpose of achieving
an integrated, coordinated, and prioritized Ministry Council program;
6.   To consider reports and recommendations of all Ministry Teams in light of the Church’s
prioritized goals;
7.   To promote cooperative effort through Our United Outreach along with other Boards andAgencies of the General Assembly.
8.  To serve as the agent to manage the fiscal and property affairs related to the Ministry Council.

C.

Reporting
The Ministry Council shall report to each meeting of the General Assembly.

ARTICLE II
MEMBER, AUTHORITY, AND MEETINGSA.

The corporation has one member, which is the Cumberland Presbyterian Church General Assembly

134

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

Corporation.  The rights of the member shall be specified in the corporation’s charter.
B.

The annual meeting of the member shall be held simultaneously with the annual meeting of theGeneral Assembly.

ARTICLE III
BOARD OF DIRECTORS, AUTHORITY, AND MEETINGSA.

Composition and Qualifications
1.  The board of directors shall be composed of fifteen (15) directors appointed by the member.
2.  Three (3) directors shall come from each synod of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
3.  Directors shall be divided into two classes:  directors who are ordained ministers of the gospelof the Cumberland Presbyterian Church (“Clergy”) and those who are not (“Laity”).  No morethan nine (9) directors shall belong to any one class.
4.  No more than nine (9) directors shall be of the same gender.
5.   Each director shall at all times during his or her term of office be an active member of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

B.

Term of Office
1.  Each director shall serve a term of three (3) years except for directors appointed by the member
to fill a position vacated by a director who did not fill his or her complete term of office.
Directors may serve two subsequent terms of three (3) years, however no director may serve
more than nine years total.
2.  The member may remove any director of the corporation, with or without cause, by giving
written notice of the removal to the director and to the president of the corporation.  Removal
shall be in accordance with any rules and procedures established by the member.
3.  A director who no longer meets the qualifications for office shall be deemed to have resigned.

C.

Advisory Members
1.  There shall be six Advisory Members to the board of directors, who shall be the Stated Clerk,
the Moderator of General Assembly, the Immediate Past Moderator of General Assembly, andthree youth Advisory Members appointed by the member.  Each youth Advisory Member shallbe between the ages of 16 and 19, inclusive, when appointed.
2.  Advisory Members are not directors, but have the right to be present in all meetings of the board.  
Advisory members may participate in debate but shall not have the right to vote.

D.

QuorumA majority of the directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business, but any
lesser number may adjourn the meeting to a later date.

E.

Meetings
1.  The board of directors shall meet at least three times annually upon the call of the president orsecretary.  Directors and Advisory Members shall be notified of a meeting on or before the 10thday prior to the meeting in person; by telephone, e-mail, or facsimile or by first class US mail tothe person’s residence or business address.  Notice by email or facsimile shall be to the address
or fax number provided to the secretary by the director or Advisory Member.
2.  Notice of any meeting shall state the time and place of the meeting.  The purpose or purposes forwhich the meeting is called need not be included in the notice unless required by these bylaws
or state law.
3.  Participation in Meeting
Any or all directors may participate in a meeting by any means of communication by which
all directors participating may simultaneously hear each other during the meeting. A director
participating in a meeting by this means is deemed to be present in person at the meeting.
4.  Action without a Meeting.
If all of the directors consent to take an action without a meeting, the action is approved upon
the affirmative vote of the number of directors that would be necessary to authorize or take suchaction at a meeting.  The action must be evidenced by one or more written consents describing
the action taken, signed by each director, and filed with the corporate records reflecting theaction taken.

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

135

ARTICLE IV
OFFICERSA.

Officers
The officers of the Ministry Council shall be a President, a First Vice President, a Second Vice
President, a Secretary, a Treasurer and such other officers as the Ministry Council may provide.

B.

Election
The officers of the Ministry Council shall be elected at the first meeting of the board following
the annual meeting of the General Assembly and shall hold office for a term of one year and until
their successors are elected.  Any officer may be removed by the board of directors whenever in its
judgment the removal would serve the best interests of the corporation. Elected officers may notexceed serving a combined total of 3 consecutive years in any office and are not eligible to serveagain until at least one year has elapsed since the conclusion of 3 years service as an officer.

C.

President
It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all meetings of the Ministry Council and of the
Executive Committee of the Ministry Council and to perform such other duties as are usually
incumbent upon and incident to this position and which may be assigned by the Ministry Council.

D.

First Vice President
The First Vice President shall have the power and perform the duties of the President during theabsence or disability or refusal to act of the President or in case of a vacancy in the office of the
President, and perform such other and further duties which may be assigned by the Ministry Council

E.

Second Vice President
The Second Vice President shall have the power and perform the duties of the First Vice President
during the absence or disability or refusal to act of the First Vice President or in case of a vacancy
in the office of the First Vice President, and perform such other and further duties which may be
assigned by the Ministry Council.

F.

Secretary
The Secretary shall perform the duties incident to this office or which may be assigned by the
Ministry Council. The Secretary shall, with the assistance of such persons as the General Assembly
may designate, keep minutes of all meetings of the Ministry Council and of the Executive Committeeof the Ministry Council and shall give notice of all such meetings requiring notice.

G.

Treasurer
The Director of Ministries shall be the Treasurer.  The Treasurer shall receive and safely keep inthe name of the Ministry Council all monies belonging to the Ministry Council and shall deposit or
keep the same in depositories designated by the Ministry Council.  The Treasurer shall sign or cause
to be signed all checks drawn upon the account of the Ministry Council under the general direction
and authority conferred by the Ministry Council.  The Treasurer shall render a statement of accountto the Ministry Council at its regular meetings and more frequently if required by the MinistryCouncil.  The Treasurer shall perform all other duties usually incident to this office or which may
be assigned by the Ministry Council.

H.

Vacancies
Any vacancies in the offices of the Ministry Council may be filled at any meeting, and in case of theabsence or temporary disability of any officer the Ministry Council may designate an incumbent toserve for the time being who shall during such incumbency have the powers of such officer.

ARTICLE V
STAFF
The Ministry Council shall employ a Director of Ministries with skills in planning and administration
who shall not be a director of the corporation, and whose duties shall be to lead in the accomplishing
the purposes of the Ministry Council.  The Ministry Council will also employ, through the Director of

136

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

Ministries, support staff as needed to perform the functions of the Ministry Council.
ARTICLE VI
COMMITTEES
A.

Executive Committee
1.  The Executive Committee of the Ministry Council shall be a standing committee consisting of
the President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, and Secretary;
2.  The President, or in the President’s absence the First Vice President, shall be President of the
Executive Committee;
3.  The Executive Committee shall meet upon the call of the President at anytime upon at least
three days’ notice to the members thereof, delivered to them personally, e-mailed, mailed, or
telephoned to them at their residence addresses or usual business address.  A confirmation
response is expected from each member; and if not received within twenty-four hours the
President must attempt to contact that member.  Meetings of the Committee shall be held within
Shelby County, Tennessee, or at any other place with the unanimous consent of the membersof the Committee.

B.

Other Committees
The Ministry Council shall have the power to appoint Committees as it may be necessary for theefficient conduct of its business and every such Committee shall have such power and possess such
authority as the Ministry Council by its bylaws or resolution vests in it, and shall report its work to
the meetings of the Ministry Council.
ARTICLE VII
MINISTRY TEAMSThe Ministry Council constitutes Ministry Teams in major areas of denominational ministry andprogramming.  The Teams include staff employed by the Ministry Council and Elected Team Members
as elected by the Ministry Council.  Elected Members are selected with sensitivity to the need for lay andclergy, with special emphasis upon gifts, advocacy and passion for ministry among persons of both genders
and from a cross-section of the Church.
A.

The Ministry Teams currently include:
1.   Communications Ministry Team – The purpose of the CMT is to focus on and strengthencommunication within the denomination and with the world at large through written, verbal andelectronic means.  The CMT understands its mission as one of articulating as clearly as possible
who we are as Cumberland Presbyterians—what it means to be a Cumberland Presbyterian—
and why we choose to be Cumberland Presbyterians.
2.  Discipleship Ministry Team – The purpose of the DMT is to encourage and support the ministryof all Cumberland Presbyterian churches to make disciples according to the Statement of
Discipleship approved by the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
The DMT understands its mission as one of providing Christian education to all Cumberland
Presbyterians through resources and events and to encourage disciples to exhibit joy, peace,humility, self-control, giving and love, all given to us as examples of Jesus Christ throughscripture and personal relationship.
3.  Missions Ministry Team – The purpose of the MMT is to serve as an enabling agency of the
Ministry Council whereby the congregations of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church are better
equipped to address God’s mission of redemption and reconciliation.   The MMT facilitates
those phases of the Church’s mission which are concerned with outreach in terms of evangelism
and the establishing of congregations and other means of Christian witness at home and aroundthe world.
4.  Pastoral Development Ministry Team – The purpose of the PDMT is to keep God’s Call before
the Church as a whole; To provide and promote a deeper biblical and theological understandingof ministry in the church; To nurture and care for ordained ministers and probationers, and; To
provide resources and events to improve the pastoral ministry of clergy.

B.

The Ministry Teams initiate, coordinate, implement and supervise denominational programs,

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

137

activities and projects in response to General Assembly priorities and actions, Ministry Council
objectives, and Ministry Team responsibilities.
C.

The Ministry Teams serve under the direction of the Ministry Council and its Director of the
Ministries.

D.

Each Ministry Team has a Team Leader, who is responsible for the staff and work of the entire
Team, and such other program and support staff as authorized by the Ministry Council for the wide
range of ministries under the purview of the Ministry Teams.

E.

Ministry Team Executive Directors serve on the Global Ministries Leadership Team, led by the
Director of the Ministries, which regularly coordinates the work of all the Teams, responds toinstructions of the Ministry Council and reports to the Ministry Council.

ARTICLE VIII
INDEMNIFICATION
A.

Indemnification
The corporation shall indemnify any director or officer who was, is, or is threatened to be made aparty to a completed, pending, or threatened action or proceeding from any liability arising fromthe director’s or officer’s official capacity with the corporation.  This indemnification shall extend
to the personal representative of a deceased director or officer if the director or officer would, if
living, be entitled to indemnification under these Bylaws.

B.

Costs and Expenses Covered by Indemnification
Indemnification provided under these Bylaws shall extend to the payment of a judgment, settlement,
penalty, or fine, as well as attorneys’ fees, court costs, and other reasonable and necessary expenses
incurred by the director or officer with respect to the action or proceeding.

C.

Limitation on Indemnification
No indemnification shall be made to or on behalf of any director or officer if a judgment or otherfinal adjudication adverse to the director or officer establishes his or her liability:
1.  for any breach of the duty of loyalty to the corporation or its member;
2.  for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing
violation of law; or
3.  for any unlawful distribution of the assets of the corporation.

ARTICLE IXAMENDMENTS
Any amendment to these bylaws must first be adopted by the board of directors and then approvedby the member.  Approval by the board shall be by a two-thirds vote taken at least ten (10) days after noticeof the proposed amendment has been given to every director.
Unanimously adopted by the Ministry Council on January 19, 2013________________________________________________________TEAM MEMBER ELECTION PROCESS(Appendix B)
One to three months prior to the Ministry Council’s annual January meeting, Ministry Team Leaders
review the current roster of their respective Ministry Team members, and if vacancies exist/will exist, they
consult Personal Data Forms (PDFs) provided by the Office of General Assembly to identify potential
members with relevant gifts/skills/passion/experience in their respective Ministry; in the absence of those
forms, Team Leaders ask qualified individuals they believe to have relevant gifts/skills/passion/experiencein their respective ministry to complete a PDF.  Ministry Team Leaders communicate with potential elected
Ministry Team Members to ascertain their interest in serving.  During that communication they are also toldof the various responsibilities and meeting requirements.  Potential members are told of the covenant that

138

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

each elected Team Member and Council Member signs annually (attached).
When prospective Team Members have received detailed information on what it means to serveand have given their assent to have their names considered, the Ministry Team Leaders then provide
to the Director of Ministries recommendations of individuals they believe to have relevant gifts/skills/
passion/experience in their respective Ministry.  The Director of Ministries includes the Team Leaders’recommendations in her report to the Ministry Council along with her own recommendation that they beapproved by the MC.  The Director of Ministries report is typically included in the pre-meeting packet
that is shared electronically with all members of the Ministry Council no less than two weeks prior to their
meeting.
There have been a limited number of instances in the past several years, when Ministry Team
Leaders exercised their prerogative to ask an elected Ministry Team member to step down as they were notin compliance with the attendance element of the covenant:  “Non-attendance at 51% of the meetings withina church year will result in a Member being replaced.”  In most of those instances, it was the individuals
themselves who initiated the process of stepping down.
During its January meeting, and with the related PDFs for their review, the MC discusses and acts
upon the recommendations.  Ministry Council members are also given the opportunity to offer up different/
additional names.  The names of the Ministry Team members subsequently elected are included in the MC
Report to General Assembly which is due in the Office of General Assembly in early March.  Though legal
counsel has confirmed that the method used to appoint/elect Ministry Team members is entirely within thepurview of the Ministry Council, and therefore not subject to direct approval of the General Assembly, to thecredit of MC leadership, every effort has been made to follow the traditional model of a balance of clergy/laity/male/female and synodic representation.  While representation is at the heart of being Cumberland
Presbyterian, it is important to remember that an individual’s gifts/skills/passion/experience are no lessimportant than their geography.  With so much vital work to do, it is imperative that teams have active
members who have the gifts/skills/passion/experience necessary to accomplish the goals and mission of the
Church.
________________________________________________________MINISTRY COUNCIL/MINISTRY TEAMSHIRING POLICY(Appendix C)
1.

When any staff position becomes vacant, the job description is reviewed and updated by MinistryCouncil, Ministry Team, and appropriate staff to reflect current duties and responsibilities.

2.

Employment opportunity announcement and updated job description are posted on MinistryCouncil website, with a 45-day deadline for applications to be received.  Employment opportunity
is also communicated to the church through emails to presbytery clerks and directors of otherdenominational entities, CP Updates, cumberlist, eblasts, and other means.  Ministry Council andTeam Members will proactively encourage qualified individuals in their own spheres of influence
to apply.

3.

Applications are to be submitted online.   Position openings for Director of Ministries will be
submitted directly to an individual designated by the Ministry Council.   Position openings for
Ministry Team Leader will be submitted directly to the Director of Ministries.  Positions openings
within Teams will be submitted directly to the appropriate Ministry Team Leader.  All resumes,
references, and letters of recommendation are to be included in the online application process.  
Individuals who submit incomplete applications will be sent one email (receipt acknowledgement
requested) to inform them of missing information and instructed that the process must be completed
by the deadline for the application to be considered.

4.

In the search for a Ministry Team staff position, the Team Leader forms an Interview Panel, toinclude that Team Leader, one staff member, and one elected Ministry Council or Team member.  
The Team Leader will select Interview Panel members based on expertise and availability.  TheInterview Panel develops a list of questions to be used to provide consistency in interviews.
In the search for a Team Leader, the Director of Ministries will form an Interview Panel to include

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

139

at least one each elected Ministry Council and elected Ministry Team member.   The Directorof Ministries will consult the Ministry Council in selecting Interview Panel members based on
expertise and availability.  The Interview Panel in a search for Director of Ministries will be the
Ministry Council Executive Committee plus one Ministry Council member at-large, and one
Ministry Council staff member at-large.
Interview Panels are empowered to identify the minimum number of qualified applicants they willconsider and may extend the deadline for applications in the event that fewer than the minimum
have been received.  In the process of hiring a Director of Ministries, the Interview Panel will selectthree individuals to be interviewed by the entire Ministry Council, and a vote is held.
5.

Once the application deadline is reached, and after reviewing all applications, the Interview Panelmay decide, based on lack of qualifications of (an) applicant(s), that (an) applicant(s) may not
warrant an interview.  In that event, the Team Leader will send the applicant(s) a letter, thanking
them for their interest, affirming their gifts to ministry, but informing him/her that Interview Panelis moving in a different direction and they will not be further considered for that particular position.

6.

Those that will be interviewed will be notified by email/phone call.  Initial interviews are conducted
via telephone/ conference call/video conferencing as determined by the Interview Panel.

7.

Following initial interviews, those individuals that the Interview Panel desires to interview in person
are invited to come to the Denominational Center or other identified location for that interview.  
Travel costs are paid by the Ministry Council or appropriate Ministry Team (airfare, car rental andfuel costs or mileage reimbursement, meals and hotel).

8.

Each interviewee is scheduled for a block of time determined by the Interview Process andall interviews are conducted in the same manner.   Careful consideration is given to preserving
confidentiality of applicants and interviewees throughout the entire process of application/interviews.

9.

Following prayerful deliberation among the Interview Panel, a job offer may be extended.  TheMinistry Council and Ministry Teams reserve the right not to extend a job offer if it is believed theright candidate has not been identified.  If the Interview Panel believes the right candidate has been
identified a job offer will be extended.

10.

If the offer is accepted, other interviewees are contacted by phone and later by letter, thanking themfor their interest, affirming their gifts to ministry, but informing them that the position has beenoffered to another (unnamed) individual.  If the position filled was for a Team Leader, the phone/letter communication will be initiated by the Director of Ministries.  If the position filled was for aposition within a Ministry Team that reports to the Team Leader, the phone/letter communication
will be initiated by the Team Leader.

11.

After all interviewees have been contacted, members of the Ministry Council and Ministry Teams
are contacted first (within 24 hours) with the announcement of the new hire, taking into consideration
any requests for confidentiality made at the time of accepting the job offer.  If the position filled wasfor a Team Leader, the announcement will be initiated by the Director of Ministries.  If the position
filled was for a position within a Ministry Team that reports to the Team Leader, the announcement
will be initiated by the Team Leader.

12.

At a time agreed upon by the Director of Ministries and/or Team Leader and new staff person,
communication is made to denomination via the same channels used for announcing the open
position.  If the position filled was for a Team Leader, the announcement will be initiated by the
Director of Ministries.  If the position filled was for a position within a Ministry Team that reports
to the Team Leader, the announcement will be initiated by the Team Leader.

140

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013________________________________________________________SAMPLE SHORT-FORM POLICY(Appendix D)
Cumberland Presbyterian Church
STATEMENT OF POLICY ON CHILD PROTECTION
AND PREVENTION OF CHILD ABUSE and EMERGENCY RESPONSE___________________________________________Cumberland Presbyterian Church, locatedin  ________________________________________ (the “Church”) remains committed to providing andmaintaining a safe, nurturing environment for all adults (18 and older), children, and youth under the age ofeighteen (18) while in its care during events which are sponsored or co-sponsored by the Church.
Ministries with Children and Youth
Implicit in the involvement of persons in ministries to children and youth are the Biblically based
terms COVENANT and SHEPHERD.  There is an implied covenant between the leader and the child andthe child’s parents to be a good shepherd of that child, leading him or her towards an understanding of thelove and grace of Jesus Christ.
A commitment to this call includes the adoption and enforcement of this Policy on child protection
and prevention of child abuse.  This policy applies to all clergy, leaders, volunteers and other persons who
work with children in any paid or voluntary capacity.  All children’s leaders and childcare providers who
regularly interact with children or youth must read, be in agreement with, and sign this policy, and affirm
that they have not resigned or been terminated from a position or leadership role for reasons related to
misconduct.
The Church believes that appropriate personal relationships between adult leaders and children
and youth of the Church foster the community of Christ.  Common expressions of affection (appropriatehugs), affirmation (pats on the back), support (prayer) or physical caretaking (changing diapers, etc.) areappropriate in our community of caring Christians.  Care will be taken, however, that adults do not behave
in a sexually inappropriate way during Church-sponsored activities, such as by demonstrating excessive
physical expressions of affection or imposing such expressions upon another individual.
It is the goal of the Church that two adults be present with children at all Church-sponsoredactivities.  The Church recognizes that there will be times when an unaccompanied adult may be present
with a group of children or youth or with a single child or youth.  In those circumstances, if an adult mustbe alone with children or youth for a brief given time (such as Sunday school or Bible class), he/she canonly do so when subject to being visually observed at all times, such as through an open door or door withwindow.  If children and youth need to be transported it should be in groups.  An unaccompanied adult will
not transport an individual child in a Church-sponsored activity without the permission of the child’s parent
or guardian.
Prohibited conduct includes any form of physical, emotional, or mental abuse of a child, including
but not limited to the exploitation of a child, which breaches Christian ethical principles by misusing a trust
relationship.  Sexual exploitation of a child includes, but is not limited to, any interaction between a childand an adult in which the child is being used for the sexual stimulation of an adult. This may or may notinclude touching.
Prohibited conduct may include but not be limited to:*  Any display or demonstration of sexual activity, abuse, insinuation of abuse, or evidence ofsexual conduct towards a protected minor;*  Sexual advances or sexual activity of any kind between any adult and a protected minor;*  Sexual advances or sexual activity of any kind between an older child and a younger child;*  Infliction of physically abusive behavior or bodily injury to a minor;*  Physical  neglect  of  a  minor,  including  failure  to  provide  adequate supervision;*  Causing mental or emotional injury to a minor;*  Possessing obscene or pornographic (sexually explicit) materials at any function of the Church;*  Possession or being under the influence of any illegal substances;*  Consuming or being under the influence of alcohol while leading or participating in a minors’
function of the Church;

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

141*  Any  kind  of  verbal  remarks  with  sexual  connotations,  overtones,  or innuendo directed to or
about a minor;*  Carrying any type of weapon on Church property.
The first person to learn of an incident of misconduct toward a child during a Church-sponsoredactivity (either a person witnessing or told about the incident, or the victim) should immediately report
this incident to the Youth Director, Children’s Coordinator, Director of Christian Education, Pastor, ordesignated Elder.  The Session shall seek such professional advice as deemed necessary and shall takeappropriate steps to determine whether there is any validity. Any potentially valid incident shall be reported
promptly to civil authorities. All persons involved with the report or investigation shall keep the informationin strictest confidence.  The pastor of   _________________________   Church and the Session shall be  
informed of any complaints that are deemed to be potentially valid.
Upon accusation, the accused is entitled to prompt and fair disposition of such serious charges.
It is acknowledged that Church members and ministers are subject to inquiry and discipline under the
Confession of Faith and the Rules of Discipline of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Physical, mental
or emotional misconduct shall be grounds for disciplinary action up to and including dismissal of any
Church employee, leader or childcare provider.
I have read and agree to comply with these policies. I also state that I have not been arrested
or convicted of a crime involving sexual abuse or misconduct as defined in this Policy Statement, or
resigned from or been terminated from any position for reasons relating to sexual, physical, or mental
abuse or misconduct, as defined in this Policy Statement. I hereby agree to authorize any backgroundcheck Church may choose to conduct, and to sign any documents necessary to do so.
Signature:  ______________________________

Date:  ____________________

Care for All Persons
Fire Safety
In the event of a fire, all persons will be directed to  _________________________  and wait for
fire personnel to arrive.  No person shall re-enter the building until cleared by a emergency professional.
Storm Warning
In the event of a storm warning, such as a tornado, all persons should remain in the building andreport to  _________________________  and wait until the storm warning has passed.  No person shallleave the building during this time.
Medical Emergency
In the event of a medical emergency, the following procedures should be followed.
1. Call 9-1-1
2.
3.
4.
5.
Spokesperson for the Church
In the event of any type of incident, all media should be directed to the designated session
representative,  _________________________ .  This should be the only person in conversation with themedia at any time.

142

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013________________________________________________________SAMPLE LONG-FORM POLICY(Appendix E)
CHILD PROTECTION POLICY / LOCAL CHURCH EMERGENCY PLAN
SAFE SANCTUARY POLICYCUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (CPC)________________________________________
CITY, STATE
Please note: This document is intended for use as a template for local church leaders in developinga child protection and site-specific plan for church property. Every church will have different needs, so
please adapt these recommendations to fit the needs of your particular site. For instance, smaller churches
may not be able to form a full emergency response team; however, church leaders may be designated toserve in particular functions. Once procedures have been established, it is important that they be relayed
to church members and emphasized as often as possible (e.g. church-wide meetings, trainings, drills).
Table of Contents
CARE OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Definitions of Abuse
3
		Standards								3Screening
5
Policy Instruction
5
Reporting Abuse
7
Investigation
7
EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS
8
For All Emergencies Dial 911
8
OTHER IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
8
ROLE OF AN EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM
9
Building Coordinator
9
Incident Coordinator
9
Medical Response Team Members
10Emergency Response Team Members
10
BUILDING EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
11
Leader Responsibilities
11
Medical Emergency
11
Fire and Smoke Emergencies
11
If the Fire Warning Alarm Sounds
12
Building Evacuation Emergency
13
If a Building Evacuation is Initiated13
Tornado Emergency
13
If a Tornado Warning is Announced
14		Tornado Safety Basics							14OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
16
Communication
16
Insurance
16
Relocation
16
THREATS
17
		Threat Checklist							17APPENDICES
19
Emergency Evacuation Maps
19
Injury/Incident Report
20
Building Emergency Systems
21
Conducting a Hazard Analysis
22
Hazard Analysis Worksheet
23
CARE OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

143

As Christians, we live according to the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Jesus said, “Anyone who welcomes
one of these little children in my name welcomes me.  And anyone who welcomes me doesn’t welcome
only me but also the One who sent me.” (Mark 9:37)
DEFINITIONS OF CHILD ABUSEChild Abuse may be any act committed by a person in a position of trust (parent, care giver, Sunday
school teacher, Pastor, or other) which harms or threatens to harm a child’s welfare, physical, spiritual ormental health.
We recognize child abuse may fall into one or more of the following four categories:
1.  PHYSICAL ABUSE occurs any time a child’s physical health or welfare is harmed or threatenedwith harm.  Physical abuse refers to the infliction of physical pain, and may include injury, disfigurement,
impairment of a bodily organ, or death.
2.  SEXUAL ABUSE occurs any time a minor is used for the sexual stimulation of an adult or older
minor.  The minor is powerless either to consent to or resist such sexual acts.  This includes fondling, sexualintercourse, participation in sexual acts, incest, exploitation for the purpose of pornography or prostitution
and/or exposure to adult sexual activity.
3.  EMOTIONAL ABUSE deeply affects a minor’s self-esteem by submitting him/her to verbal
assault or emotional cruelty.  Emotional abuse most often occurs in conjunction with another form of abuse,
but is the only kind of abuse that can occur alone.  It does not always involve injuries we can see.
4.   NEGLECT - or harm through lack of action – refers to a failure to supply the child withadequate food, clothing, shelter, education, supervision or healthcare.
STANDARDSMINIMUM AGE:   The following standards for Authority Figures are designed to separate
Authority Figures from the group they are serving by age or enough years to reinforce recognition of the
Authority Figure’s role.  CPC adopts the following standards for Authority Figures and Assistants.

of age.
of age.

1.  AUTHORITY FIGURES – the primary leaders of youth and children’s activities.
a.  To work with youth (7th grade and above), the Authority Figure must be a minimum of 21 yearsb.  To work with children (infant – 6th grade), the Authority Figure must be a minimum of 18 years

2.  ASSISTANTS – persons who lend aid to the Authority Figure and act at the direction of the
Authority Figure, including volunteers.  Whether working with youth or children Assistants must be:
In the judgment of a CPC staff member, competent to assist in the activity.
TWO ADULT RULE:  Two adults are to be present during all church sponsored programmingwith children and youth.  All adult/child ratios must be followed (see below).  Where it is impossible to staff
two adults in every room, an additional adult must serve as a floater with visual and physical access to allareas.
While mentoring and counseling are encouraged and supported, adults and authority figures shouldtake every precaution to never be alone with a child or youth in inaccessible areas.  This can include, but is
not limited to:  An automobile while taking a child home or A classroom with windowless/locked doors.
ADULT CHILD RATIOS: The following adult child ratios should be observed at all church
sponsored programming and ministry with children and youth.
1. NURSERY/CHILD CARE
An adult is defined as an Authority Figure/Assistant who is also at least 18 years of age.  Adults
must meet the Authority Figure/Assistant guidelines outlined above.

144

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

For these programs, CPC recommends the following ratios:
Infants (non-handicapped & not walking) – 1 adult to 4 infants
Toddlers (walking, non handicapped) – 1 adult to 6 toddlers
2 years of age – 1 adult to 7 children
3 years of age – 1 adult to 9 children
4 years of age – 1 adult to 13 children
5 years of age – 1 adult to 16 children
6 years of age & older – 1 adult to 20 children
MIXED AGE GROUPS:
6 wks to 30 months – 1 adult to 5 infants
2 to 4 years of age – 1 adult to 8 children
2 ½ to 3 years of age – 1 adult 9 children
2 ½ to 5 years of age – 1 adult to 11 children
3 to 5 years of age – 1 adult to 13 children
4 to 5 years of age – 1 adult to 16 children
5 to 12 years of age – 1 adult to 20 children
2. CPC EVENTS (OFF CAMPUS)
Grades K to 3 – 1 adult to 8 children
Grades 4 to 6 – 1 adult to 10 children
Grades 7 to 8 – 1 adult to 10 youth
Grades 9 to 12 – 1 adult to 12 youth
A parent and or staff person must be present at all events
3. PARTICIPANTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
In the judgment of CPC staff, and in consultation with the parent, the above ratios may be adjusted
depending on the nature and degree of participants’ special needs.
ROOMINGThe Two Adult Rule will be followed when groups are staying in cabins, tents, etc on overnight
trips.  In the event of a hotel room, 1 adult can be with 2 or more youth with parental consent.  These adults
must be the same sex as the children or youth.  Adults cannot sleep in the same bed with children or youth,
unless it is a father-son or mother-daughter situation.
SIX MONTH RULE
All adult volunteer authority figures involved with children or youth of our church must have beenan active part of the congregation for at least six months before beginning a volunteer assignment.  Persons
not meeting this minimum requirement may serve only as an assistant with another trained adult.
POLICY INSTRUCTION
All volunteer and paid staff will be required to attend an annual orientation for policy instruction
before working with children and youth.  In the case that this is not possible, the staff person/volunteer
may only serve as an assistant with another trained adult and under the stipulation that they attend the next
training session.  All volunteers and staff are required annually to review this policy, to attend a policy
instruction session and to sign a new participation statement kept on file at the church.
SCREENING PROCEDURE
An essential component of preventing abuse by Authority Figures, Assistants and Staff is careful
screening.  Although we recognize the integrity of an overwhelming number of persons with discerned
calling to ministries with children, youth and vulnerable persons, we realize that abuse may occur in the
church.  Therefore, we believe that all Authority Figures, Assistants and all employees must be properly
screened.  Students under eighteen will complete a modified application and will be interviewed, but nobackground check or reference check will be required of them.  It will be the responsibility of the programs
to ensure compliance.
The following steps are used for screening volunteers and paid applicants:

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

145

1. COMPLETE AN APPLICATION FORM
A completed application form will be required of Authority Figures, Assistants and all employees
and will be kept on file at the church.
2. EACH APPLICANT SHOULD ANSWER QUESTIONS REGARDING WHY THEY
ARE INTERESTED IN THE POSITION
3. CONDUCT AN INTERVIEW WITH APPLICANTS
An interview will be conducted with all applicants.  The interviewer should not ask for information
about marital status or handicapping conditions as stated in Federal/State discrimination guidelines.  Theinterviewer should also be sensitive to age and sex discrimination guidelines; however adequate information
may be requested to ensure compliance with this policy’s minimum standards.
The interviewer needs to be able to explore issues as they arise during the interview and to departfrom the set of prepared questions to do so.
4. COMPLETE BACKGROUND CHECKS
Background checks may include, but are not limited to:
Criminal histories
Motor Vehicle Record
Registered Sexual Offenders
5. FEDERAL AND STATE LAW
The requirements of any and all Federal laws or State laws affecting or relating to employment orchild abuse must be complied with, and in any case where there is a conflict between such laws and theprocedure outlined in this document, said laws shall prevail and the procedure outlined in this document
shall be modified to the extent necessary to eliminate such conflict.  This policy is subject to all Federal and/or State laws relating to employment and child abuse.
REPORTING ABUSE/ALLEGED ABUSE
All reports of suspected child abuse must be taken seriously.  Whenever a person has reason tosuspect that a person has been abused, reports must immediately be made to Children’s Services and the
Senior Pastor.  In the event the victim feels uncomfortable reporting to the Senior Pastor or if the suspectedabuse involves the Senior Pastor, reports may also be made to the other program staff or the personnel
committee.   The Senior Pastor, program staff and/or the personnel committee are also responsible forreporting the suspected abuse to the Department of Children’s Services.
INVESTIGATION
Upon receiving a report of suspected abuse, Senior Pastor, program staff and the personnel
committee shall obtain the following information:
1.  Names, ages, addresses and telephone numbers of both the accused and the abused.
2.  The nature of the alleged abuse, with dates where possible
3.  The factual details of the report
4.  The name of the person making the report and the date that the information was received.
A sample form of information to be obtained is attached.
The Senior Pastor, program staff and the personnel committee shall conduct or direct an investigation
into the suspected abuse.  Interim measures may be taken during the investigation to safeguard the potential
victim or victims.  At the conclusion of the investigation, appropriate actions shall be taken.  Depending
upon the findings, this may include termination of employment.
Emergency Telephone Numbers
For All Emergencies Dial 9-1-1—If your community is not served by 9-1-1, call your local
emergency contact number.
Treat minor injuries from supplies in the first aid kits.  The kits are located (provide location here).

146

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

OTHER IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Building Maintenance/Trustees: (Identify appropriate contact person here)
Call this number to report unsafe conditions.
Also, to report problems with:•  Leaks and drainage•  Building temperature•  Lighting•  Building conveniences
Pastor(s):  _________________________
Church office:  _________________________
Call this number for appointments or other business.
•  Non-emergency assistance•  Reporting lost ID or valuables
Where applicable (refer to following section):
Building Coordinator: _________________________
Incident Coordinator: _________________________
Medical Response Team Members: _________________________
Emergency Response Team Members: _________________________ROLE OF AN EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM
The following are guidelines for creating an emergency response team within your congregation
should you deem it necessary. The positions listed are recommendations and can be adapted to the needsof your particular site. We recommend that several people be designated and trained for each position andthat each position be represented at every possible worship service or event.
Building Coordinator
A building coordinator is a staff member or volunteer trained to know the floor plans of eachbuilding and the emergency evacuation procedures for any emergency—medical, fire, tornado, etc.  Thebuilding coordinator may be involved in long-range planning.  (Your church disaster response coordinatoror building trustee might be appropriate for this position.)
A building coordinator may be responsible for:
•  Receiving status reports from the Incident Coordinator.
•  Relaying status report information to the emergency agency/agencies involved (e.g., fire   department, police, paramedics, emergency management, etc.).
•  Coordinating with the emergency agency/agencies any needed evacuations or other   emergency actions.
A building coordinator may work with the emergency response team to:•  Coordinate emergency planning activities.
•  Assist with recruiting team members.
•  Schedule training.
•  Communicate ongoing plans.
Incident Coordinator
The incident coordinator on duty assumes responsibility for implementing the local church
emergency plan at the time of the incident, providing leadership until personnel with more experiencearrive on scene.   (Greeters, ushers, or other church leaders might be appropriate for this position.)  
Responsibilities may include the following:•  Ensuring that all emergency response team members are assigned duties and understand all    emergency procedures.
•  Working with other emergency response team members to evaluate an emergency.
•  Ensuring proper emergency communication.
•  Delegating needed emergency actions.

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

147

The incident coordinator may also be called upon by the emergency agency/agencies involved toaid in crowd control and building evacuation.  The incident coordinator should immediately identify her/himself as such to maintenance personnel and emergency agency personnel responding to an incident.
Medical Response Team Members
Medical response team members are members of the emergency response team who have been
trained in medical emergencies.  Responsibilities may include the following:•  Providing “first responder (medical) service” to those incurring a medical emergency
    until medical personnel with higher training arrives on scene.
•  Conducting a primary assessment of the medical emergency situations and reporting this    assessment to appropriate personnel.
•  Participating as emergency response team members in emergency situations when their    medical expertise is not required.
•  Providing medical assistance and support until professional help arrives.
•  Remaining “in charge” of a medical emergency situation until professional help arrives.
Medical response team members should immediately identify themselves as such to any personnel
responding to the incident.
Emergency Response Team Members
The remaining emergency response team members are staff members or volunteers who are trainedin evacuation techniques and use of fire extinguishers.   Emergency response team members know thelocation of approved tornado shelter areas in the building.  Responsibilities may include the following:•  Building evacuations—responsible for reporting to the incident coordinator that their    assigned section has been cleared during an evacuation.
•  Work in coordination with the building maintenance/trustees to minimize hazards.
•  If available, maintain hand-held radios to coordinate with incident coordinator or other    team members.
Emergency response team members should immediately identify themselves as such to any
personnel responding to the incident.
BUILDING EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Leader Responsibilities
In the event of an emergency, leader responsibilities may include the following:•  Knowing how to correctly respond to and summon help for a medical emergency.
•  Knowing how to correctly report a fire or smoke emergency using the 911 emergency
    number.
•  Knowing the locations of the manual fire alarm pull stations in their area.
•  Knowing the locations of the fire extinguishers in their area and how to use them.
•  Knowing how to correctly respond to a fire warning alarm.
•  Knowing designated shelter areas and precautions to take in the event of a tornado
    emergency.
•  Becoming familiar with exit routes and knowing alternate exits to correctly respond to a    call for an evacuation.
•  Closing all opened doors as they evacuate an area.
Medical Emergency
Call 911.  Be prepared to give the following information:•  Name and extension		• Location•  Number of people involved		• Nature of injury or illnesshere).
arrives:

Note:  Treat minor injuries from supplies in the first aid kits.  The kits are located (provide location
While waiting for professional help do not move the ill or injured person.  When professional help

148

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013•  Allow responding units to take control of situation.
•  Emergency response team members will stand by to assist as needed
Regular CPR/First Aid training is recommended for all church leaders, especially pre-school andSunday School teachers.
Fire and Smoke Emergencies
If you detect smoke:•  Call 911.
•  Give your name, telephone number, and location within the building.
•  Describe the situation.
•  Advise the building coordinator, incident coordinator, or other emergency response team    members of the situation.
If you detect fire:•  Activate the manual fire alarm•  Call 911 (move to a safe area before making this call).
•  Give your name, telephone number, and location.
•  Describe the situation.
•  If you know how to use a fire extinguisher and feel the best course of action is to attempt    to extinguish the fire, locate an extinguisher and, without risking injury attempt to    extinguish the fire.
•  If the fire is beyond the point of a safe attempt to extinguish it, isolate the fire by closing
    doors in the area before evacuating.
•  Advise the incident coordinator or other emergency response team members of the    situation.
If the Fire Warning Alarm Sounds•  Do not use the elevator.
•  Evacuate immediately, using the nearest exit. Walk quickly. Do not run.
Note:  Evacuation should be toward ground level.  If you encounter smoke or heat in a stairwell,proceed across that floor to another stairwell and continue evacuation to ground level.
•  Assist disabled persons in your area.
•  If you encounter smoke, take short breaths through your nose and crawl along the floor
    to the nearest exit.
•  Feel all doors with your hand before opening.  If the door is hot, do not open it.  If the    door is cool, open it slowly, keeping behind the door in case you have to quickly close it    to protect yourself from oncoming smoke or fire.
•  Proceed to the ground level and outdoors.
•  Move upwind of the building at least 75 feet away from the building and beyond
    designated fire lanes. Go to your designated assembly area (if possible).
•  Do not go to your automobile or attempt to move it from the parking lot. This could    hinder access by emergency vehicles.
•  Do not congregate near building exits, driveways, or roadways.
•  Do not reenter the building until an “all clear” is issued by the incident coordinator.
   (Note:  The “all clear” should be initially issued by the Fire Department.)
Building Evacuation Emergency
All leaders should know the emergency evacuation routes and procedures for the building, and theirdesignated assembly area outside the building. Memorize the exit route closest to your work area or office.
The designated assembly area is located (provide location here).
Should the designated assembly area be deemed unsafe, an alternate assembly area will be located(provide location here).
If a Building Evacuation is Initiated Important “dos” and “don’ts” are:•  Remain calm.
•  Follow the instructions of the incident coordinator or emergency response team, if

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

149

    applicable.
•  If you occupy an enclosed office, close the door as you leave.
•  Use stairwells (do not use elevator) for evacuation. Be alert for other staff, church    members, and emergency agency personnel who might also be using the stairwells.
•  Do not return for coats, purses, briefcases, etc, after you have left the area.
•  Do not smoke.
•  Do not return to your area until the “all clear” signal is given.
Notes:  Ensure that (identify appropriate leader here) has planned with disabled leaders or church
members a procedure to assist each disabled person in evacuating.   Emergency evacuation proceduresshould be provided to all church members (e.g. in member orientations).
Tornado Emergency
The National Weather Service has developed a method of identifying storm conditions that foster
the development of tornadoes. The classification and definitions of storm conditions are:		
• Tornado watch•  Tornado warning
A “tornado watch” status indicates that weather conditions are favorable for the development of
tornadoes.  The “watch areas” are usually large geographic areas, covering many counties or even states that
could be affected by severe weather conditions including tornadoes.
A “tornado warning” is an alert issued by the National Weather Service after a tornado has been
detected by radar or sighted by weather watchers or by the public.  The National Weather Service provides
the approximate time of detection, the location of the storm and the direction of movement.  A tornado canmove from 25 to 40 miles per hour so prompt emergency action must be taken.
During a tornado warning, a battery-powered radio should be tuned to the National Weather Service
and local weather watchers radio frequency.  Should a tornado develop which threatens our area, emergency
response team members should initiate actions to notify and protect all staff and church members in thefacility.
If a Tornado Warning is Announced
When you hear the announcement for a tornado warning:•  Move to a designated tornado shelter immediately. Move quickly, but do not run.
•  Do not use elevators.
•  Assist disabled personnel in your area.
•  Wait in the shelter until you hear an announcement from a member of the emergency
    response team and/or a hand-held radio system station (if applicable) that it is safe to    return to your area.
Tornado Safety Basics
Tornadoes and tornado-producing weather conditions are common in some areas.   Familiarize
yourself with the basics of protecting yourself wherever you may be.
If you are indoors, the general responses to a tornado warning are:
•  Move away from windows.  If you have time, close any window blinds or shades to help
    prevent flying glass and debris—the cause of most injuries in office buildings.
•  Warn others. Encourage them to get to safety immediately.
•  Move away from large expanses of unsupported ceilings.
•  Move away from building perimeter area.
•  Move to an interior room away from windows—to an enclosed room or conference    room, a rest room, an interior stairwell.
•  If in an interior hallway, away from windows, crouch down as low as possible.
•  If you are in an elevator, stop and get off at the next floor and take cover in an interior    hallway or interior room. Do not use elevators during tornado warnings.
•  If moving to a safer location in the building is not possible, get under a desk or table in    an interior office.
•  Once you’ve situated yourself in the safest place you can find, protect your face and      head, and stay where you are until an “all clear” signal is given. (If circumstances change    and new dangers are present, seek a different safe place.)

150

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

If you are outdoors, the general responses to a tornado warning are:•  If at all possible, move indoors to an interior room.
•  If moving indoors is not possible, take cover near objects that are low and securely   anchored to the ground, such as culverts or low retaining wall.
Basic safety information specifically related to other disasters likely to occur in your area may be
included here (i.e. flooding, hazardous material spills, etc.). Please review the Hazard Analysis Worksheet
included in the Appendices.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONSCommunication
It is important to make sure that the church community is informed of the activities of the church
during a disaster as well as taken care of during a disaster. Consider the following questions:
How will you disseminate information about the disaster plan and activities to the church and tocommunity groups? Who will be responsible for this communication? (Consider activating a phone tree forthis purpose.)
How will you take care of vulnerable persons in your congregation (e.g. shut-ins, elderly, people
without transportation to evacuate, etc)? Who will be responsible for communicating activities to these
persons?
Insurance
Does your insurance policy…
• Meet the minimum requirements of your denomination or mortgage holder. When was the lastestimate on the value of church property? How accurate are the figures?
• Cover the cost of recent additions or high value items, such as stained glass windows?
• Cover the cost of temporary rental of another facility in the event your church is severely damaged
or destroyed?
• Cover the cost of temporary rental housing for the clergy residence staff in the event that it isseverely damaged or destroyed? Loss of the clergy residence does not relieve the church of responsibility for
housing the clergy. (Your church policy may not cover the cost of replacing the clergy’s personal items. The
pastor should provide his own renter’s policy. Also, a renter’s policy may not cover the pastor’s personal
items.
Relocation
In the event the church is damaged (to the extent that a portion or all of the church is uninhabitable)plans will have to be developed to address the relocation of the church services and staff to an alternate
facility until repairs are made or the church is rebuilt.  If you have agreed to partner with another church,
include arrangements with this church for the use of facilities during a disaster.  You may have to work on
merging worship services, social services, and other activities.
In the event that the church has sustained significant damage and must be relocated, where will yougo?
THREATSIn the event you receive a threat call (i.e. bomb threat, armed assault, custody issues), remain calm;
if possible, have a pre-arranged signal to alert other personnel to listen to the caller also.  If possible, advise
the caller that the detonation of a bomb could maim or injure innocent people.
Threat Checklist
Complete this list if you receive a threat.
Exact time of call:  _________________________   Date:   _________________________Exact words of caller:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Caller’s voice:  (circle)
Male
Female
Black
White
Calm
Disguised
Nervous
Angry
ExcitedGiggling

Adult
Hispanic
Nasal
SincereStressed

Youth
Asian
Rapid
SlurredCrying151

Estimate Age: _________
Other: ____________
AccentLoud

If voice is familiar, whose did it sound like?  _________________________
Background Noise:  (circle)
Music
Children
TypingCars/Trucks
Other:  __________________

Airplanes

Machinery

Do not hang up! Obtain as much information as possible:•  When is the bomb going to explode? _______________________________________________•  Where is the bomb? ____________________________________________________________•  What does it look like? __________________________________________________________•  What kind of bomb is it? _________________________________________________________•  Method of activation: mechanical, clock, movement/chemical action? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________•  Method of deactivation? _________________________________________________________•  Did you place the bomb? ________________________________________________________•  Why? _______________________________________________________________________•  Where are you calling from? _____________________________________________________•  What is your address? ___________________________________________________________•  What is your name? ____________________________________________________________
Call received by: _________________________  Department: __________________ Ext: ______
Note:  In the event you receive a bomb threat:•  Call 911 immediately. Provide the following information:•  Identify yourself•  State:  “I have received a bomb threat.”•  Give your office location and extension.
REMAIN CALM!
APPENDICESEMERGENCY EVACUATION MAPS
Insert maps here.
INJURY/INCIDENT REPORTThe following form is a sample that may be helpful should an injury occur during an evacuation orother emergency procedure. It is important to maintain accurate records of any injuries incurred during
an emergency in case of insurance or liability questions. If you have worker’s comp or liability insurance
check with your agent for a list of questions to which they need answers.
Date: _________________________
Injured Person: _________________________
Completed by:  _________________________
Where were you when injury occurred: __________________________________________________
Description of injury and how it occurred: (Use back if more space is needed)______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

152

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

Witnesses: __________________________________________________
Action Taken/Medical Treatment Provided:______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
BUILDING EMERGENCY SYSTEMSThis appendix may include information about the location of emergency equipment and information
about warning systems for your particular site. Such systems may include, but are not limited to, thefollowing:
Fire/Smoke Detection and Warning
Recommended information: automatic sprinklers, location of fire extinguishers (including maps),
lighting
Emergency Power System
Recommended information: emergency power backup equipment
Recognizing an Alarm System Warning
Recommended information: description of warnings (sound, light)
CONDUCTING A HAZARD ANALYSIS
PurposeThe purpose of a hazard analysis is to determine the hazards a site is most susceptible and vulnerable
to experiencing.   By determining those hazards prior to development, the site emergency plan will be
realistic.
Starting Point
A good place to look for information regarding potential hazards is the local emergency management
office.  This office can describe the disaster history of the community, the location of flood plains, frequencyof tornadoes, and so on.  The local library may also provide some insight on local disasters.
Considerations
Look at disasters or emergencies that have occurred in the community, for example: tornadoes, windstorms, severe winter weather, heavy rains, forest fires, flooding, utility problems, transportation accidents,
etc.  Consider the geographic location of the site to flood plains, nuclear power plants, heavy forest, majortransportation routes, and neighboring sites with might be hazardous.  Look into past emergency events
onsite.  Consider technological problems that could occur due to problems on the site, such as heating andcooling systems, incinerator problems, power failure, etc.  Consider the construction of buildings on thesite.  Do the buildings pose any hazards, such as building collapse?
Hazard Analysis Worksheet
Using the worksheet on the next page examine the listed hazards.  List any other possible hazards
that the site may face under the first column labeled “Hazards”.  Cross off any hazards that are not possible,
for example the “onsite hazardous material” incident.
Using a scale of 1 to 3, estimate the possibility of each listed hazard.
1. unlikely or low possibility
2. maybe or average possibility
3. likely or high possibility
In the next three columns labeled, “Employee Impact,” “Property Impact,” and “Economic Impact”
use a 1 to 3 scale.  Using the 1 to 3 scale estimate the possible impact of each hazard on the employees,
property and business.  Use a worst-case scenario to estimate the probable impact.
1. low impact (few hours lost productivity, nick and scratch injuries, slight property damage.)
2. moderate impact (loss of wage, loss of short term productivity, serious bodily injury, moderateproperty damage.)
3. high impact (loss of employment, loss of life, destruction of property and business.)

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

153

After factoring each impact area, total the row for each hazard.  Using the totals, prioritize the hazards
to determine which hazards to plan for first.  Depending on the needs and resources of the organization,complete the low priorities as possible, or not at all.
HAZARD ANALYSIS WORKSHEET
Hazards

Possibility

Employee
ImpactProperty
ImpactEconomic
ImpactTotal
Possible Impact

Fire
TornadoSevereWinter
Storm
Flood
Onsite Haz/Mat*
Off-site Haz/Mat*
Bomb Threat
Civil Unrest
Utility* Haz/Mat means Hazardous Materials________________________________________________________SAMPLE POLICY FOR A CAMPING MINISTRY(Appendix F)
Camping Ministry Safe Sanctuary Policy
PurposeOur purpose in establishing a policy is to demonstrate our absolute and unwavering commitment
to the physical safety and spiritual growth of all of our children and youth.  This policy applies to all of ourchildren and youth, from birth up to 18 years of age.
Context
God calls us to make our camps safe places, protecting children from sexual and ritual abuse.  Godcalls us to create communities of faith where children and adults grow safe and strong.
The Discipleship Ministry Team of the Ministry Council of the Cumberland Presbyterian Churchstrongly encourages safe sanctuary policies for its congregations and camps.
We recognize that children are our present and our future, our hope, our teachers, our inspiration.
They are full participants in the life of the church and in the realm of God.
Our Covenant to Protect the Families of Our Camp Community – A Safe Sanctuary
As a Christian community of faith and a Cumberland Presbyterian Camp, we pledge to conduct
the ministry of the gospel in ways that work to help ensure the safety and spiritual growth of all of ourvulnerable visitors, as well as all of the staff and volunteers who work with them.
In working to provide an environment that protects our children and youth from emotional, physical,
and sexual exploitation, neglect, and abuse, we will:•  Follow reasonable safety measure in the selection and recruitment of staff and volunteers•  Implement prudent operational procedures in our programs and events•  Educate all staff and volunteers who work with children regarding the use of appropriate policies
and methods•  Have a clearly defined procedure for reporting a suspected incident of abuse

154

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013•  Inform the presbyteries, congregations, and specifically parents of our policies and procedures.
Conclusion
In all of our ministries with children and youth, _________________________ is committed todemonstrating the love of Jesus Christ so that each of them will be “surrounded by steadfast love, may beestablished in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal.
Procedures Supporting the Safe Sanctuary Policy
The guidelines and procedures discussed herein are those adopted and followed by our camp
staff, including volunteers, and which directly or indirectly relate to the issue of our Safe Sanctuary Policy(hereafter “SSP”).  By adhering to these guidelines/procedures, _________________________ Presbytery
staff and volunteers support the successful operation of a safe sanctuary.  The guidelines/procedures aredesigned to reduce the possibility of abuse to the children or youth and to protect staff/volunteers fromunwarranted accusations.
Providing adequate supervision during all gatherings and activities is essential to insure that all arecared for and that supervision will continue if an emergency arises.  The following policies are in place toprotect our children, youth, paid staff members, and volunteers.
I. General Guidelines/Procedures/Rules
The following rules/requirements shall apply to all children and youth camping activities.  They
apply as appropriate to children and youth who are protected by our Safe Sanctuary Policy and, as needed,
to the staff and volunteers who work with them.
Opening and Closing Day Procedures: Drop-Off and Pick-Up
On opening day, all counselors and the director are to be present when the campers and parents
arrive.  During check-in, the parents or guardians are to identify themselves with a valid form of identificationand names recorded.  Names of other parents or guardians who may be picking up the camper(s) are to berecorded, as well.  During the check-in time, the parent or guardian will also give to the staff all medications
for the child.
Facility Safety
Exposure reduces the risk of abuse.   Doors to rooms where windows do not provide external
visibility and children and youth are present should remain open whenever feasible and practical.  When
open doors are not practical, the risk will be reduced by additional supervision.
Fire escape routes will be published in each cabin/room or common areas joining rooms throughout
the campgrounds.  SSP reporting procedures will be kept by each telephone on the campgrounds.
Safe Sanctuary AwarenessWe will conduct safe sanctuary awareness training for our staff during staff training week.  All Staff
must sign and have on file in the camp office a Participation Covenant and acknowledgement of having
received the safe sanctuary policies and procedures.
Two Adult Rule
Supervision and accountability are important to reduce the risk of abuse and injury.  During all
activities and events one adult will not be alone with a child or youth, except where specifically authorized
within this SSP.  For small group activities where one adult supervises one group,  two or more groups areto meet in sight of each other.  The two-adult rule requires that no matter the size of the group, there will
always be at least two adults present.  This may include the presence of an adult “roamer” who moves toand from activities.  All adults must have training in safe sanctuary policies and procedures.  Spouses may
not act as “two adults” except where specifically authorized within this SSP.
One-on-One Counseling
All counseling sessions must be conducted in designated camp area.  Any time an adult (ideally
the Pastor of the Week) meets with a child or youth on a one-on-one basis, this type of contact should beheld when others are nearby, though not within listening distance.  This may take place in the dining hall,a pavilion or in other similar locations throughout the camp at the discretion of the pastor of the week orcamp director.

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

155“Four/Five Years Older” Rule
This rule will apply at all events.  Persons supervising youth or children will be at least 4 or 5 years
older than the oldest youth participant.  Youth under the age of 18 may serve as staff/volunteer activity
leaders, provided they serve under the supervision of two or more trained and screened adults. Persons
under the age of 18 will not have authority over children or youth.   Some events may require that thesupervising adult be 22 years of age or older, and if so, those requirements will be communicated to all
adults prior to the beginning of the event.
Cabin Accommodations
There will be separate sleeping areas for males and females at all camps, except where specificallyauthorized within this SSP.  There are to be two adults to each cabin.
Shared Shower/Bathing Conditions
In the event of open showers, separate shower times for children/youth and for adults shall be
designated to prevent youth and adults showering together.  Instances may occur where swimsuits may beneeded as the primary means of complying with this rule.
Adult/Youth Ratios
Activity directors should work to ensure that the ratio of adults to youth should be at least 2:24 at
all gatherings.
Water Activities
When the campers are participating in water activities (i.e., swimming or canoeing), at least twolifeguards must be present at a minimum ratio of 2:24.  Counselors swimming or canoeing with campers
will act as supervisors during these times, as well.  Lifeguards at the lake will have a watercraft available
for emergency use at all times.
Bonfires
Minimum adult to camper ratio shall be 2:24 during bonfires or in the presence of fires.
Walking along trails
When counselors and campers are walking or hiking on the trails, the two counselor rule applies.
Small Groups
For children and youth small group experiences, two adults in each group is preferred.  When that is
not possible, each group must meet within sight of one another so that adequate supervision is maintained.
If appropriate, counselors may also combine their groups.
Gender Composition
When a group of children or youth consists of both genders, the accompanying adults shall also beof both genders whenever possible.
Medical Release and Parental Permission Forms
All children and youth shall have a completed medical release form and completed parental/
guardian permission forms on file with the camp office prior to participating in camp sponsored events oractivities.  These may be event or activity specific, or general in scope.
First Aid and CPR
All staff are encouraged to be trained and certified in first response crisis procedures.  All volunteers
are encouraged to take such training and to obtain their certifications as appropriate.  Training opportunities
for First Aid Provision and CPR will be made available to staff members.  These training opportunities may
be provided through third party activities not directly affiliated with the camp.
Camp Nurse
A camp nurse will be designated on staff.  He or she is responsible for all medications and theirdistribution to the appropriate campers.  All medications must be turned in to the camp nurse.  A record of
all medicines dispensed will be kept in the daily medical log, as well as any treatment given to any person
visiting the nurse, children, youth, or adult.

156

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

For times away from the main camp, the camp nurse will orient a staff member to provide routine
health care for participants and to handle emergencies.
Transportation in the Event of an Emergency
If a camper becomes ill or an extreme emergency takes place, the counselor is to notify the director
or assistant director who may call for an ambulance to come take the camper to the hospital.  If the emergency
is not life threatening, the director may deem it appropriate to transport the camper to the hospital using
his or her personal vehicle.  In this case a second screened adult will accompany.  All counselors will havesmall first-aid kits with them for ‘first response’ supplies.  If they need additional first-aid supplies, they will
be able to find them in the camp office.  In all cases, the camp director is to be notified.
Evacuation Procedures
In the event of an emergency, all counselors and campers are to be evacuated to the designated area.
At the beginning of every week, these procedures will be reviewed with the campers by the counselors.
An emergency drill may be used if the director feels that it is necessary for that week; he or she is to use
discretion in this area.
II. Participation Covenants
All staff persons, volunteers, and activity/mission participants who can understand the covenant
shall sign a participation covenant.  In a situation that has continuous care, this covenant can be in the formof clear, posted rules that are explained to the participants at the outset of the program.  Additionally, thecamp director or designated representative shall keep copies of all covenants on file in the camp office.
III. Training – Supporting Education on SSP and Procedures/Forms
Training on safe sanctuary is a requirement for all camp staff persons, and all volunteers in chargeof children and youth activities.   Training of staff will include information about the problem of childabuse (including child sexual abuse), recognition of signs of abuse, familiarity with measures to reducerisk, and familiarization with specific procedures related to the site and contained in this chapter of the
Administrative Handbook.  The training requirement for volunteers may be met by reviewing this chapterof the Administrative Handbook and participation in an abbreviated session led by the director or assistantdirector to cover key points for safety.  Both staff and volunteers will document their training by signing theattendant certification that the individual has read and understands the material, agrees to comply with thepolicy, procedures, and rules; and, has signed a Participation Covenant.  Training for all counselors will beoffered during the staff training week before camping begins.
IV. Employment Candidates/Hiring and Volunteer Screening
Careful screening is one way to reduce the risk of abuse of children and youth.  It can be time
consuming and expensive, but well worth the effort in peace of mind that the most reliable, committed, andexperienced staff and volunteers are in place for every program that involves children and youth.
The following guidelines will be applied when reviewing and selecting staff for camping ministry:•  All applicants will complete the approved _________________________ Registration Form•  A person selected must have a completed background check and document the results for the
personnel files of the camp.  This will include criminal background investigation and reference check.
•   Staff training, covering all policies and procedures related to children and/or youth, must be
provided at least once a year.  All staff must attend this training every year.
V. Reporting
Once an incident of child abuse occurs or allegation of an incident is made, it is crucial that it bedealt with speedily and in a clearly outlined manner.  The first response will be to insure the safety of thechild and remove the alleged offender.  The person who observes alleged abuse or to whom such alleged
abuse is reported must immediately report the incident to the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services.
He/she shall also report the incident immediately to the person in charge of the related activity, and to the
Director.  In the event the Director is directly the subject of an allegation, the report should be made to otherdirector, the Board(s) of Christian Education, and the Stated Clerk(s).
Upon receiving such information, the Director or Directors will speak to the alleged victim andhis/her parents immediately.  The Director or Directors will take appropriate steps to insure that proper
reports have been made to the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services and will notify the Board(s) of2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

157

Christian Education or Stated Clerk (s).  This provision notwithstanding, any person defined as a “mandatory
reporter” under Tennessee State law must comply with reporting requirements set forth in TCA 37-1-401 et
seq. (2001)
Persons who are the objects of the report will be required to refrain from all children’s/youth
activities until the incident report is resolved.   In any removal of a person from any children’s/youth
activities, care should be taken to handle this in a discreet manner, recognizing that an investigation is still
being conducted.
VI. Response to Allegations of Abuse
A quick, compassionate, and unified response to an alleged incident of child abuse is expected.
All allegations will be taken seriously.  In all cases of reported or observed abuse in a children’s or youth
activity, all volunteers or staff involved in that activity shall be at the service of all official investigating
agencies.
A designee of both presbyteries is/are the only person/s authorized to make statements torepresentatives of the media.
If the allegation concerns activities or persons outside any relationship to a camp related event or
activity, it is the responsibility of the person in charge of that event or activity to inform the Director (s).
If allegations are made against the Director, the other director, Board(s) of Christian Education, andStated Clerk(s) shall be contacted immediately and care for the responsibilities assigned to the Director inthis policy.
VII. Administration – Procedures for Maintaining the SSP
A review of this policy should be made once a year with necessary changes being made andapproved by both presbyteries.
APPENDIX A - DEFINITIONS“Adult” means a person 18 years of age or older.
“Child” means any person under the age of 18.
“Children’s Activities” means any activity or program in which children are under supervision of
persons (staff or volunteers) in charge of these activities.
“Camp” means _________________________ Presbyterial Camp.
“Staff” or “Staff person” means any person working a camp for Columbia and Murfreesboro
Presbytery.
“Persons required to report child abuse” “According to Tennessee law, all persons (including
counselors, teachers, doctors, mental health professionals, child care providers, dentists, family members
and friends) must report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect.  Failure to report child abuse or neglect
is a violation of the law.”
http://www.tennessee.gov/youth/childsafety/whoshouldreport.htm (insert child protection laws foryour state)
According to the Tennessee Code Annotated 37-1-403 regarding the reporting of brutality, abuse,neglect or child sexual abuse; notification to parents of abuse on school grounds or under school supervision,and confidentiality of records:(1)  Any person who has knowledge of or is called upon to render aid to any child who is sufferingfrom or has sustained any wound, injury, disability, or physical or mental condition  shall report such harm
immediately if the harm is of such a nature as to reasonably indicate that it has been caused by brutality,
abuse or neglect or that, on the basis of available information, reasonably appears to have been caused bybrutality, abuse or neglect.
(2)  Any such person with knowledge of the type of harm described in this subsection (a) shallreport it, by telephone or otherwise, to the:(a)  Judge having juvenile jurisdiction over the child;(b)  Department, in a manner specified by the department, either by contacting a local

158

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

representative of the department or by utilizing the department’s centralized intake
procedure, where applicable;(c)  Sheriff of the county where the child resides; or(d)  Chief law enforcement official of the municipality where the child resides.
(3)  If any such person knows or has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been sexually
abused, the person shall report such information in accordance with § 37-1-605, relative to the sexual abuseof children, regardless of whether such person knows or believes that the child has sustained any apparent
injury as a result of such abuse.
(a)  The report shall include, to the extent known by the reporter, the name, address, andage of the child, the name and address of the person responsible for the care of the child,and the facts requiring the report. The report may include any other pertinent information.
“Person in charge of a children’s/youth activity” means the adult camp volunteer or employedstaff person responsible for the conduct of this activity, such as but not limited to a counselor, activity
coordinator, or music leader.
“We” means the presbytery.
“Child Abuse/Neglect” as defined under Tennessee law is:  Abuse exists when a person under age
18 is suffering from, has sustained, or may be in immediate danger of suffering from or sustaining a wound,injury, disability, or physical or mental condition caused by brutality, neglect, or other actions or inactionsof a parent, relative, guardian, or caretaker.
Severe child abuse means:•  The knowing exposure of a child to or the knowing failure to protect a child from abuse or neglectthat is likely to cause great bodily harm or death, and the knowing use of force on a child that is likely tocause great bodily harm.
•   Specific brutality, abuse, or neglect towards a child that in the opinion of qualified experts
has caused or will reasonably be expected to produce severe psychosis, severe neurotic disorder, severe
depression, severe developmental delay or retardation, or severe impairment of the child’s ability to function
adequately in the child’s environment, and the knowing failure to protect a child from such conduct.
•  The knowing failure to protect the child from the commission of any such act towards the child•   Knowingly allowing a child to be present within a structure where the act of creating
methamphetamine is occurring.
Neglect/Neglected child means a child:•   Who is under unlawful or improper care, supervision, custody, or restraint by any person,
corporation, agency, association, institution, society, or other organization, or who is unlawfully kept out ofschool.
•  Whose parent, guardian, or custodian neglects or refuses to provide necessary medical, surgical,
institutional, or hospital care for the child.
•  Who, because of lack of proper supervision, is found in any public place the existence of whichis in violation of the law.
•
Who is in such condition of want or suffering or is under such improper guardianship or control as
to injure or endanger the morals or health of the child or others.
Sexual Abuse
Child sexual abuse means the commission of any act involving the unlawful sexual abuse,molestation, fondling, or carnal knowledge of a child under age 13 that on or after November 1, 1989,
constituted the criminal offense of:•  Aggravated rape, sexual battery, or sexual exploitation of a minor•  Criminal attempt for any of the offenses listed above•  Especially aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor•  Incest•  Rape, sexual battery, or sexual exploitation of a minor child sexual abuse also means one or moreof the following acts:*  Any penetration, however slight, of the vagina or anal opening of one person by the penisof another person, whether or not there is the emission of semen2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

159*  Any contact between the genitals or anal opening of one person and the mouth or tongueof another person*  Any intrusion by one person into the genitals or anal opening of another person, including		the use of any object for this purpose*  The intentional touching of the genitals or intimate parts, including the breasts, genitalarea, groin, inner thighs, and buttocks, or the clothing covering them, of either the child or		the perpetrator*  The intentional exposure of the perpetrator’s genitals in the presence of a child,  or any
other sexual act intentionally perpetrated in the presence of a child, if such exposure orsexual act is for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification, aggression, degradation, orother similar purpose*  The sexual exploitation of a child, which includes allowing, encouraging, or forcing achild to solicit for or engage in prostitution or engage in sexual exploitation of a minor
		Emotional abuse means
Mental injury means an injury to the intellectual or psychological capacity of a child as evidenced
by a discernible and substantial impairment in the child’s ability to function within the child’s normal rangeof performance and behavior, with due regard to the child’s culture.
Note: For the purposes of this Policy, this definition includes vulnerable adults.
APPENDIX B: SUPPORTING FORMS AND CHECKLISTS
The forms in this section are those commonly used and which are related directly or indirectly with
the SSP as implemented by _________________________ Presbyterial Camp.
Where applicable, they are required to be used. They are available in the camp office and may berequested at any time.
We recommend the following forms:
Participation Covenant Accident Report Form
Authorization and Request for Criminal Records Check Staff Application or Registration/
Form for Reference Check
Report of Suspected Incident of Child Abuse
Other emergency guidelines of the campground or facility must be used in the event of an
emergency.
________________________________________________________CHECK LIST FOR CREATING YOUR OWN POLICY(Appendix G)
Checklist for a Child Protection and Church Emergency Management Plan Safe Sanctuary Policy(Do not put anything into your policy that you do not plan to monitor or implement)
I. CRISIS/EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TEAM
A.  Does the church have a “Crisis Management Team,” (comprised of church leaders, emergency
services personnel, members of the congregation, local doctor, local pediatrician, EMT, etc.) which has
helped the church to identify appropriate emergency policies and procedures?
B.  How are members of this team identified? What are their specific responsibilities to the church
and to the “Crisis Management Team”?
C.  Is there a church emergency management plan?
D.  What is the chain of command?
E.  Is the church emergency management plan reviewed annually?
F.  Is new staff trained in the implementation of the plan?
II. CHILD PROTECTION

160

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

A.   Age: In recruiting and hiring volunteers and paid staff to work with children, youth andvulnerable adults or in any position of authority, a consideration of age must be undertaken (typically 18
years of age or at least 4 years older than the age of the persons they are working to serve).
B.  Two adult rule: Two non-related adults or one adult with the door open and a “floater” monitoring
frequently
C.   Check-in/check-out Procedure:   Churches should evaluate the need for check- in/checkout
procedures and/or attendance logs for events/programs.
D.  Open Doors: An open door/window in door environment is one of the best protective measures.
E.  Reference Checks: It is recommended that church leaders check at least two references for eachprimary worker. The references may be done by phone, email, or in person.
F.  Screening Application: Careful thought should be given to the application process.
G.   Background Checks: It is a best practice for all clergy, paid staff and volunteers who havesupervisory responsibility for children, youth (e.g. youth group leaders), vulnerable persons and all otherchurch employees, to the extent permitted by law, prior to employment, to be checked to determine current
or historic child abuse or sexual misconduct, criminal records, violent or pedophiliac behavior.
It is recommended that churches engage the service of a background investigation service or use
the free service of the Discipleship Ministry Team.
To perform a Background check all applicants must sign a “Release Form and Disclosure
Agreement.”  It is also a good practice to have applicants sign a “Participation Covenant Statement” form
as part of the application process.  It is a best practice for all clergy, paid staff and volunteers who havesupervisory responsibility for children, youth (e.g. youth group leaders), vulnerable adults and all otherchurch employees, to the extent permitted by law, prior to employment, to be checked to determine current
or historic child abuse or sexual misconduct, criminal records, violent or pedophiliac behavior.
H.  Prior Convictions: There are a number of convictions which indicate an individual may not bea suitable candidate to work or volunteer.
III. SEXUAL ABUSE
A.  Do all workers in the children’s and youth departments know that state law requires notificationof appropriate agencies in the event of suspected physical and/or sexual abuse?
B.  Is training in “responding to allegations of child abuse” provided to the pastor, all children/
youth department teachers, and other church leaders?
C.  Does the church have a procedure for addressing allegations of child abuse whicha.  are disclosed on church propertyb.  are alleged to have occurred on church propertyc.  are alleged to have occurred during an off-site church sponsored eventd.  are alleged to have involved church leadership?
D.  Are background checks required and conducted for persons who have significant programmatic
responsibility for children and youth?  Where is documentation of these background checks filed?
IV. FIRE (OR OTHER EMERGENCY THAT REQUIRES EVACUATION)
A.  What is the procedure for orderly evacuation of the congregation in the event of a fire or othersuch emergency (loss of utilities, fire, tornado, earthquake, chemical release from a highway or railroad,bomb threat)?
B.  Who is responsible for implementing the plan?
C.  Are the ushers and pastor thoroughly familiar with the plan?
D.  Are posters showing the evacuation route(s) posted in prominent places in the church?
E.  Is there a sign near the elevators indicating that they are not to be used in the event of a fire?
F.  How will all occupants in the building be quickly notified in an emergency?
G.  In an evacuation of the church, is there a procedure to account for all occupants (worshippers
and staff)?
H.  Do all doors leading outside have lighted exit signs and are they working?
I.  Is there an emergency lighting system that will automatically activate if electrical service is lost?
J.  What relationship has been established with local emergency services personnel?
K.  Is there an identified common meeting place when the building is evacuated, so that families are
re-united?
L.  Does the church have the proper number and type of fire extinguishers and are they located asrecommended by the fire marshal and/or the insurance company?

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

161

M.  Are they inspected and serviced annually by a professional fire suppression service person?
N.  Is training provided to pastor/ushers in (a) type of fires, (b) fire extinguisher use?
O.  Are there smoke detectors and a fire alarm system installed throughout the building? Are they
regularly maintained?
P.  Where is the closest emergency medical facility? Phone number?
Q.  Where is the safest place in the church in the event of a tornado?
R.  Is the church in an area vulnerable to earthquakes?
S.   Are there measurers that can be taken to protect worshipers in the event of a tornado or
earthquake?
V. HEALTH
A.   What are the procedures for handling a disruption during a worship service, such as: (a)participant injury, (b) participant illness, or (c) intruder on church property?
B.  Are the ushers and pastor practiced in implementing these procedures?
C.  If so, what types of training have been provided and by whom?  How is documentation of thistraining maintained?
D.  Where is the first aid-kit located?  Is there more than one available?  Who knows its location?
Who is responsible for maintaining the supplies in the kit?
E.  Which members of the congregation are trained in CPR and First Aid?  How are these members
identified and who is responsible for verifying their certification?
F.   Is someone trained in CPR and First Aid available at all services?   Who is responsible forverifying that someone trained in CPR and First Aid is present at all services?
VI. INSURANCE
A.  Does the church have adequate property (building and contents) and liability insurance coverage?
B.  Does the church leadership know what is covered by insurance, including the medical componentof the general liability policy?
C.  When was the church and manse insurance coverage last reviewed?
D.  Does the pastor or church carry insurance on the items of the pastoral family in the manse andpersonal liability?
E.  What records and documentation will the insurance company want to see?
F.  If the church is located in a flood plain, and if so, is there flood insurance?
G.  If the church is subject to flooding, can permanent flood- proofing measurers be taken?
H.  Is the church located in an area that is vulnerable to earthquakes?
VII. NOTIFICATION/MEDIA/COMMUNICATION
A.  Does the church have in place a procedure for quickly notifying the congregation in the eventof a cancellation of service or an emergency?
B.  Who decides when to cancel a church-related service or meeting?
C.  Who is to be notified in the event of an emergency?
a.  Fire and rescue – 911b.  Pastor, if not already involvedc.  Church Session Clerk
d.  Chair of Building Committeee.  Insurance agent
D.  Has the church designated one person (i.e., media contact) to talk to the media in the event ofan emergency on church property or to church leadership?
E.  How will the media contact obtain accurate information regarding the situation?
F.  How are ushers or other church leaders trained to direct media to the “media contact”?
G.  Is there a phone readily available for emergency use during all functions?
H.  Is a fully charged cellular phone provided for use during all events held away from the church?
I.  Are appropriate notification/emergency numbers posted next to all phones?
J.  Are there procedures in place to ensure that the proper parents/guardians pick-up a child fromfunctions held at the church?

162

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

VIII. RECORD KEEPING AND STORAGE
A.  What types of records and papers are considered important by the church?
B.  Where are important records and papers kept?
C.  Are these records and papers secure in the event of a fire, flood, or high wind event?
D.  Which persons know where such records are kept and have access to them?
E.  Is there a copy of all crucial corporate papers and computer files stored at an off-site location?
F.  Is there an up-to-date inventory and/or video tape of all moveable contents, such as office andsound equipment, TV/DVDs and ceremonial pieces such as gold or silver candlesticks and other easilystolen items?  Who is responsible for maintaining the inventory?  Is the inventory and/or video tape stored
at a location away from the church building?  Who is responsible for keeping the most recent version?
G.   In the event of destruction or damage to church property, was damage photographed orvideotaped?
H.  Was a record made of all decisions relating to damage to church property?
IX. SAFETY AND BUILDINGS
A.  Who is responsible for snow and ice removal from church property?
B.  Who is responsible for the maintenance of all church property?
C.  Are the facilities routinely monitored for potential hazards?
D.  Are the cutoffs for all utilities clearly marked so that electricity, gas and water can be shut off
quickly?  Are they kept free of any storage items which would prevent quick access in an emergency?
E.  Who knows the location of the well and septic system?
F.  Is there a policy in place that states that hazardous materials should not be stored in the church?
G.  Has the maximum number of occupants been calculated for all rooms in the church and is thisnumber posted in a prominent place in each room?
H.   Is the building protected by protection systems (sprinklers, alarms, water level monitoring
equipment)?
I.  Do all electrical outlets near sinks have Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) receptacles? Do
all children’s rooms have electrical outlet protectors?
J.  Is the church handicapped accessible?
K.  Who is responsible for controlling the temperature in the church, especially the sanctuary?
L.   Is there more than one person trained in the operation of the church’s heating and coolingsystem?
M.  Have structural measurers been taken on the church buildings to mitigate (reduce) the effects ofwind damage from a hurricane or tornado (reinforcements of the frame at the foundation and in the rafters,
extra nails, etc)?
X. TRANSPORTATION
A.   If the church has a van(s) or bus used to transport members of the congregation, are there
procedures in place for use of the vehicles?
B.  Do the procedures require the use of a “travel log” which documents all travel (i.e., person
driving, miles driven, destination, problems/concerns with vehicle, driver’s signature)?
C.  Do the procedures prohibit the transportation of anyone under the age of 16 in a vehicle that
does not have seats attached and that is not designed for transporting people? (State Law)
D.  Do the procedures specify that only qualified drivers are allowed to operate the vehicles?
E.  Do they possess a valid driver’s license?  Have their driving records been checked to verify thatthey do not have driving-related offenses, which might suggest that they should not be transporting church
passengers?
F.  Is a fully charged cellular phone provided for use during transportation?
G.  Do the procedures require that all church-owned vehicles being used to transport people carrya stocked first aid kit, reflectors, and a fire extinguisher?
H.  Do the procedures outline the steps that should be taken in the event of a medical emergency
during transportation? How are drivers training in these procedures?
I.  Do the procedures require that two adults be present at all times when children are riding in thevehicles?
J.  Do the procedures require a quarterly inspection of the mechanical soundness of the vehicles in2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

163

addition to the required annual state inspection?
K.  Is there a church member responsible for the routine maintenance of church-owned vehicles?
L.  Do the procedures require that all drivers be thoroughly trained in the operation of the vehicle
being driven and have demonstrated their proficiency?
M.  Do the procedures require all passengers to buckle seat belts?
N.  How are drivers trained to address situations in which passengers refuse to buckle their seatbelts?
O.  Do the procedures require that the number of passengers not exceed the number specified in thevehicle owner’s manual?
P.  Do the procedures outline steps to be taken in the event of an accident involving a church-owned
vehicle while transporting passengers?
Q.  Is there a policy regarding the proper loading of a trailer being towed behind a church- owned
vehicle?
R.  For churches with 15-passenger vans- has the church addressed recent concerns by the insurance
industry that 15-passenger vans have the potential to flip over when the rear seat is full with passengers,
luggage, etc.?
XI. FINANCIAL SECURITY
A.  INTERNAL
a.  Are the ushers and treasurer bonded?
b.  Is there an annual audit conducted of the church’s financial records?
c.   Is there a unified church budget that facilitates controlled spending by departments
within the church?  Is there a purchase order system in place for all purchases charged to church accounts?
B.  EXTERNAL
a.  Are there adequate procedures in place to prevent theft of the offering as it is being
counted or transported to the bank?
b.  Are there procedures in place to prevent theft of or from purses of choir members during
choir practice or worship service?
c.  Are all buildings kept locked unless in use by members of the congregation or otherauthorized persons/groups?
d.  Who has keys to church buildings?
e.  Are there procedures for documenting the distribution and use of church keys?
XII. DISASTER RESPONSE
A.  When there is a disaster in the community, does the local emergency management or otherorganizations have expectations of a service the congregation will provide?  Who coordinates/liaisons suchactivities?  Who has oversight of the facilities under such conditions?
B.  Existing agreements such as sheltering, mass feeding, housing of donated goods?
C.  Trained volunteers for certain jobs?
D.  Do your facilities include special features that are valuable during such times?
E.   Is there a safety inquiry system for your membership and immediate neighbors? Yourneighborhood?
F.   Who are the persons with disabilities (temporary or permanent) in your congregation orneighborhood who may need extra help or attention at this time?
G.  Can the church facilities be used as a temporary shelter for evacuees or disaster survivors?
H.  Can the church facilities be used on a long-term basis for disaster volunteer housing? If so, isyour District Disaster Response Coordinator aware of this?
I.  How can the church assist in a community emergency?
J.  Is a telephone tree or system in place to check on elderly, ill or home-bound church members’
needs during an evacuation order or after a disaster strikes? What if telephones are out of order?

164

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013________________________________________________________BACKGROUND CHECK FORM
(Appendix H)
RELEASE FORM and DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT
I have signed this Release Form and Agreement as an expression of my commitment to help protect
children, young people, and other vulnerable persons who may participate in programs sponsored by the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Accordingly, I now request and authorize the release of the personal
information described below to the church or its agents:*  Any records of arrests, charges, or convictions of me contained in the files of any law enforcement
agency or other government entity, whether such file is local, state-wide, or national.
*  Any information related to my previous employment, including information about my character,job performance, and any termination of employment.
*  Any information related to disciplinary proceedings against me for sexual misconduct or otherimmoral behavior before any church body (including a session, presbytery, special commission, disciplinarycommittee, or ministerial committee or other comparable church body).
I agree to release, hold harmless, and indemnify any person or organization which discloses
information as requested in this Release from and against any liability, cause of action, or claim of damage
which could be brought by me or on my behalf as a result of the release of the information. I understand thatthe information disclosed may be considered confidential and may be used as the basis of a decision not topermit me to participate as a leader in programs of the church.
My consent to the release of the information described above shall expire six (6) months after thedate of this Release.  My agreement to hold harmless any person who discloses information as requested inthis Release shall not expire.
The following information is required by every person invited to serve in a leadership role in the
team’s programs and events, especially those involving children and youth.  Answering yes to any of thefollowing questions may not disqualify you from consideration, but providing false answers will result in
automatic disqualification. Please feel free to attach any explanation or additional information.
1.   Have you ever been arrested or charged with a crime involving sexual misconduct or otherimmoral behavior?  Yes _____ No _____
2.  Have you ever resigned position or been terminated for reasons related to sexual misconduct orother immoral behavior?  Yes _____
No _____
3.  Have you ever had a civil lawsuit filed against you alleging sexual misconduct or other immoral
behavior on your part?  Yes _____
No _____
4.   Has any church body (including a session, presbytery, special commission, disciplinarycommittee, ministerial committee  or comparable church body) ever determined that you engaged in sexual
misconduct or other immoral behavior?  Yes _____
No _____
I have read this Release Form and Disclosure Agreement and make this request to disclose
information as described above. I certify that my answers provided above are accurate to the best of myknowledge.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

			Signature							Date

		Print or Type FULL Name						Date of Birth		Maiden Name (if applicable)__________________________________________________________________________

				

List all state in which you have resided from age 18.

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH________________________________________________________COVENANT OF TRUST(Appendix I)

165

166

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Copyright © 2013 Pastoral Development Ministry Teamof the Ministry Council of the General Assemblyof the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
Ministerial Ethics-specific components adapted from Ministerial Ethics: Moral Formation For Church Leaders by Joe E.
Trull and James E. Carter Copyright © 2004 by Joe E. Trull and James E. Carter, Baker Academic, Grand Rapids, MI.
Used with permission of Baker Publishing Group. www.bakerpublishinggroup.com
Excerpts from Ethics in Pastoral Ministry, from Sexual Conduct by Richard M. Gula, Copyright © 1996 by Richard M.
Gula, Paulist Press, Inc., New York/Mahwah, N.J. Used with permission of Paulist Press. www.paulistpress.com.
The Covenant Community from the Ministerial Ethics: A Covenant of Trust , Copyright © 2004 Baptist General Conventionof Texas: Christian Life Commission. Adapted with permission from the Christian Life Commission.
http://clc.texasbaptists.org.
All rights reserved.
ISBN-13: 978-1484032176
ISBN-10: 1484032179

iv

167

168

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................... 1
Session 1: Why Study Ministerial Ethics? .................................................................................................... 2
Session 2: Basic Assumptions of Ministerial Ethics .................................................................................... 4
Session 3: The Ordained Ministry.................................................................................................................. 6
Session 4: Ministers’ Responsibilities to the Self ........................................................................................ 8
Session 5: Ministers’ Responsibilities to Family......................................................................................... 10
Session 6: Ministers’ Responsibilities to the Congregation ...................................................................... 12
Session 7: Ministers’ Responsibilities to Church Leaders ....................................................................... 14
Session 8: Ministers’ Responsibilities to Colleagues.................................................................................. 16
Session 9: Ministers’ Responsibilities to the Denomination ................................................................... 18
Session 10: Ministers’ Responsibilities to the Community ....................................................................... 20
Session 11: Ministerial Sexual Ethics ........................................................................................................... 22
Session 12: A Covenant of Trust for Cumberland Presbyterians ........................................................... 24

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Versions of the Bible used in this study guide:
NIV: New International Version
NRSV: New Revised Standard Version
NLT: New Living Translation
CEV: Contemporary English Version
MSG: The Message
AMP: Amplified Bible
WE: Worldwide English
NKJV: New King James Version

vi

169

170

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

INTRODUCTION“Ethics:” Treating others the way you want to be treated.
BUT we don’t always do that; we sometimes act out of selfishness, peevishness, anger, selfpity or vengeance.
Well then, what about –“Ethics:” Doing the right thing for the right reason.
BUT we don’t always know the right thing to do, and our motives can be hidden, even fromourselves.
So, we all need a moral compass, a guide for ethical behavior.
This study, “Covenant of Trust,” is intended for use in Cumberland Presbyterian churches. It
engages both the minister(s) and members of the congregation. Its purposes are:
 To define ethical standards of ministry that are clear to the minister(s) and congregation
 To help the session and congregation better understand stresses in the ministry and theparameters of accepted ministerial conduct
 To help congregations explore ways they can healthily support their minister(s) To define accountability between the minister(s), session, congregation and presbytery, guided
by “The Constitution” and “Rules of Discipline” in the Confession of Faith for Cumberland
Presbyterians
 To aid in the creation of an atmosphere of trust and protection based upon mutual
understanding, mutual integrity and reciprocal caring.
The study should include the minister(s) and as many members as possible or at least the session
and other leaders. And don’t forget to include older youth; they often bring a different perspective.
An appropriate setting would be other than Sunday morning, possibly in conjunction with a lightmeal or dessert. Classes should not extend beyond one hour; 45 minutes would be preferable.
If possible, the study should be led by someone other than the congregation’s minister. This
would leave him/her free to think and participate. Leaders might be a member or members of thecongregation or another minister.
The leader of the group could make copies of each session or purchase handbooks for eachparticipant from the Cumberland Presbyterian Resources (resources@cumberland.org or
http://ministrycouncil.cumberland.org/store).
The more everyone understands the code of ministerial ethics, the greater the trust quotient will
be between the minister(s) and congregation.

1

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

3. Seventy seven percent (77%) felt they did
not have a good marriage!
4. Seventy five percent (75%) felt they wereunqualified and/or poorly trained by theirseminaries to lead and manage the church
or to counsel others. This left themdisheartened in their ability to pastor.

Session 1
WHY STUDY MINISTERIAL ETHICS?

5. Seventy two percent (72%) stated that they
only studied the Bible when they werepreparing for sermons or lessons. This left
only thirty eight percent (38%) who readthe Bible for devotions and personal study.

James P. Wind said that politicians,
scientists, business leaders, everyday citizens,and our ministers increasingly find themselvesin situations where they really do not knowwhat to do. As a result, ethics has become aboom industry, and moral failure a regular
front-page phenomenon. Conventional
wisdom seems glaringly inadequate in the faceof our environmental, technological, political,
economic, and social situations.1

6. Seventy one percent (71%) stated they
were burned out, and they battleddepression beyond fatigue on a weekly andeven a daily basis.
7. Thirty eight percent (38%) said they weredivorced or currently in a divorce process.

Opening Prayer

8. Thirty percent (30%) said they had either
been in an ongoing affair or a one-timesexual encounter with a parishioner.

What Is Going On With The Pastors In
America?

9. Twenty six percent (26%) said they
regularly had personal devotions and felt
they were adequately fed spiritually.

A research by the Francis A. Schaeffer
Institute of Church Leadership Developmentin 2005 and 2006 surveyed 1,050 pastors. The
following are the results:

10. Twenty three percent (23%) said they felt
happy and content on a regular basis with
who they are in Christ, in their church, andin their home!2

1. Every one of the pastors surveyed had aclose associate or seminary buddy who had
left the ministry because of burnout,
conflict in their church, or from a moral
failure.

Discussion Questions
1. What are your feelings after reading thesurvey?

2. Ninety nine percent (89%) also consideredleaving the ministry at one time. Fifty
seven percent (57%) said they would leave
if they had a better place to go-including
secular work.

2. What does this say to you?
Scripture & Reflection
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live
a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be

1 James P. Wind, Clergy Ethics in Modern Fiction, in Clergy

Ethics in a Changing Society: Mapping the Terrain, ed.
James P. Wind, Tusell Burck, Paul F. Camenisch, andDennis P. McCann (Louisville: Westminster John Knox,
1991), 9.

Krejcir, Statistics of Pastors,
http://www.churchleadership.org, (Accessed May 3,2011).

2 Richard J.

2

171

172

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with
one another in love. (Ephesians 4:12 NIV)For some people it would be problematicthat the congregation is studying about theirministers’ code of ethics, as if it were a private
matter. In reality ministerial ethics is a publicmatter, not only because it is on the front-page
but because we minister in a congregation andin a community, and not only that but also in a
family, denomination and in collegial relations.
Morris Pepper said in his Introduction to theChristian Ministry: “Ethics have to do withstandards of conduct, and moral judgments.
They deal with right and wrong. They call for
decisions. These decisions have to be basedon something solid and true. For the Christian
this includes the Ten Commandments, the life
and teachings of Jesus, the principle of love,the leadership of the Holy Spirit, and a senseof responsibility”3This study guide has been developed tohelp Cumberland Presbyterian congregations
to understand the unique moral role of theministers and the ethical responsibilities of
their vocation. Hopefully this knowledge will
also help congregations to be active
participants in helping ministers, members of
the congregations and the church as a whole tolive a life worthy of the Gospel of Christ.
The Christian church has over timedeveloped numerous ministerial codes to help
the ordained minister to be most effective inministry and to understand the different
responsibilities related to the ethics of ministry.
Many of the provisions of this covenant
used here are taken from ministerial codes,edited to include the most significant
emphases, principles and specific guidelines, in
An Introduction to Christian Ministry for
Lay and Clergy Persons in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church(Cordova, TN:BOCE, 2007), 133.

3 Morris Pepper.

2013

each category. It also includes references to theConfession of Faith and Constitution of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
There are a total of 12 sessions; each classhas been developed for 45 minutes to one
hour. The intent is to allow people to reflect,discuss and comprehend.
Reflection Questions
1. What does this life “worthy of the calling”
look like?
2. How do we as laity live this kind of“worthy” life in the midst of daily
circumstances?
3. What are the expectations for the ministerto live a “worthy” life or what should they
be? Are they the same or different fromthat of the laity?
4. How do you feel about studying ethics
from the perspective of the minister andthe perspective of the laity?
5. In what form will this benefit thecongregation, your minister and the wholedenomination?
Closing Prayer

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH*Ministers, like doctors and lawyers, must be surethat the service they render is given to enable, not to
exploit financially, sexually, or in any other way.
6. A ministerial code of ethics, if usedappropriately, is beneficial to ministers andto the communities they serve.”5Session 2
BASIC ASSUMPTIONS ABOUTMINISTERIAL ETHICS

Discussion Questions

Joe E. Trull and James E. Carter said:“Clergy ethics affirms that to be a Christianminister means assuming certain basic
obligations common to all clergy. These norms
guide those called to serve toward an ethicalministry and stress the areas in which ministers
are uniquely vulnerable.”4

1. What do you think about these basic
assumptions regarding ministerial ethics?

Opening Prayer

Scripture & Reflection

Basic Assumptions about Ministerial
Ethics

So if you have been raised with Christ, seek thethings that are above, where Christ is, seated at theright hand of God. Set your minds on things that are
above, not on things that are on earth, for you have
died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also
will be revealed with him in glory. Put to death,
therefore, whatever in you is earthly: fornication,
impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (which isidolatry). On account of these the wrath of God iscoming on those who are disobedient. (Colossians 3:16 NRSV).

2. How do you understand the statement,“Most ministers want to be persons ofintegrity, persons whose professional lives
uphold the highest ethical ideals?”

The following basic assumptions about
ministerial ethics have been adapted from thebook Ministerial Ethics: Moral Formation for
Church Leaders:
1. “Most ministers want to be persons ofintegrity, persons whose professional lives
uphold the highest ethical ideals.
2. Developing moral character and ethicalconduct is a difficult process.

As Paul has stated, certain conduct is
expected after doctrine has been understood.
If someone surrenders to Christ, it should havepractical implications in the person’s life. Thisis true especially if you have been called to theordained ministry.

3. Every minister needs training in ethics andspiritual formation.
4. There is an art to doing ethics, one that canalso be learned.
5. The central moral choice facing theChristian minister is the same one facing all
professionals: Will I be an enabler or an
exploiter?*In the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
the same is expected: “The persons who fillthis office should be sound in the faith,
exemplary in conduct, and competent to

4 Joe E. Trull and James E. Carter. Ministerial Ethics:

Moral Formation for Church Leaders (Grand Rapids, MI:
Baker Academic, 2004), 196.

5 Trull and Carter, Ministerial Ethics, 17-18.

4

173

174

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

perform the duties of the ministry.”6
Trull and Carter also said that frombiblical times to the present, the moral
character of the minister of the gospel was
expected to be exemplary and “above
reproach” (1 Tim. 3:3). Being a good pastor
has always meant more than just maintaining
minimal standards. It is a calling to maximum
discipleship. “Follow my example, as I follow
the example of Christ,” asserted Paul (1 Cor.
11:1). Ministerial ethics does not end when apastor walks out the office door. In many
ways it just begins.
Eldin Villafañe, a professor of ethics at
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, said
that the complexity of life, given the big
scientific, political, economic and socio-culturalchanges, propels the Christian person to amindset and a radical lifestyle. This mind andradical life is required precisely because themind and life of this αιωνι (Century / world)
militates against the values of the Kingdom ofGod. 7

2. What is the implication of “you have died,and your life is hidden with Christ in
God?” How do you think we will be
revealed in Christ’s glory?
3. How can one put to death whatever in him
or her is earthly?
4. What kind of things are fornication,
impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed?
5.

“Is ethics a matter of character or
conduct?

6. Does “what I am” determine “what I do”,
or does “what I do” shape “what I am”?
7. Are moral choices endowed or acquired?”8
Closing Prayer

The ethics of the minister involve manykinds of responsibilities: some responsibilities
are related to the self, others to family, some tothe congregation, and some to colleagues, tothe denomination and to the community.
Before we start reflecting on these
responsibilities, on the next session we will
study about the ordained ministry.
Reflection Questions
1. What does it mean of to be raised with
Christ? What are the things that are
above?
6 Confession of Faith for Cumberland Presbyterians (Cordova,

TN: OGA, 2010), 28.

Fe, Espiritualidad y Justicia: Teología
Posmoderna de un Boricua en la Diáspora (Rio Piedras, PR:
Palabras y Mas, 2006), 7.

2013

7 Eldin Villafañe.

8 Trull and Carter, Ministerial Ethics, 46.

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

office more holy or righteous than other
Christians.
They share in the same vocation that belongs
to all Christians to be witnesses to the gospel
in word and deed.

Session 3
THE ORDAINED MINISTRY

They differ from other Christians only withregard to the office to which they are called,which is their station in life.”10

According to Morris Pepper, the following
experience is common to all people who
experience God’s call to the ordained ministry:“There is an urgent sense that God is callingus. It never lets up. It is a drawing, a wooing,a tugging, coming strongly at times, weaker atothers, but never abating altogether. There isoften, but not always, resistance and reluctanceand excuse, and sometimes, refusal. Finally, it
becomes a conviction that we are chosen,
called and commissioned by God to theministry of Word and Sacrament.”9Discussion Question
1. How can we be a congregation that treats
God’s call in the lives of our ministers withutmost respect while recognizing that theirservice with us is a blessing from God?
2. How do we, together with our ministers,
answer God’s call in our lives to serve
Christ’s Church and Kingdom?
Scripture & Reflection

Opening Prayer

Now the word of the Lord came to me saying,"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, andbefore you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you
a prophet to the nations." (Jeremiah 1:4-5 NRSV)Ministers of the Word and Sacrament
The following are the official statements of
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church regarding
the ordained ministry:

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whomshall I send, and who will go for us?" And I said,"Here am I; send me!" (Isaiah 6:8 NRSV)“2.61 The office of minister of word andsacrament is unique in the life of the church as
to responsibility and usefulness.

The experiences of Jeremiah and Isaiah areusually considered the model for otherpeople’s personal experience in relation toGod’s call to the ordained ministry. What ismost important in both cases is that it is God
who takes the initiative in calling women andmen to the ordained ministry.

God calls persons and sets them apart for thisministry.
The persons who fill this office should besound in the faith, exemplary in conduct, andcompetent to perform the duties of theministry.

The Cumberland Presbyterian Church
believes in an internal call. God moves on thehearts of persons, drawing them toward
ordained ministry. Yet, this internal call needs

Persons who become ministers of the wordand sacrament are due such respect as belongs
to their office, but are not by virtue of their
9 Morris Pepper. An Introduction to Christian Ministry for
Lay and Clergy Persons in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church(Cordova, TN:BOCE, 2007), 21.

10 Confession of Faith for Cumberland Presbyterians (Cordova,

TN:OGA, 2010), 28-29.

6

175

176

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

the external confirmation of the church. As
the person moves toward ordination, he/shewill do so in the company of others who arecharged with overseeing their growth. These
people will help discern if ordination is in fact
their vocation in life. Just as God acts to callpeople personally, God acts through thecorporate body of the church to support theirwork and confirm their call.
So, what do people do when they sense
God may be calling them to ordained ministry?
The following is the process:1. First, they talk with their pastor orsomeone in leadership.
2. After talking with the pastor, they will meetwith the session. This is the first official
step in becoming a candidate for ministry.
3. The presbyterial Committee on the
Ministry/Preparation will want to meetwith the person after they receive thesession’s letter of recommendation.
4. The committee has the responsibility torecommend the person as a
CANDIDATE at the next meeting ofpresbytery.
5. Once the committee is satisfied with theperson’s growth and development, he/shewill be recommended for LICENSURE by
the committee.
6. Once educational requirements arecomplete and the committee is satisfied
with the person’s progress, he/she will be
eligible for ORDINATION.
7. To be ordained, the person must receive aformal call to ministry from acongregation, hospital, hospice program,university, etc., and must sustain
examination by presbytery.11
11 Understanding the Process for Ordination in the Cumberland

Presbyterian Church (Cordova, TN:PDMT, 2012), 19-24.

2013

Sometimes, a person becomes a candidate,a licentiate, even ordained, only to discoverthat he or she is not called to ordained
ministry. In fact most ministers struggle tounderstand their calling.
Reflection Questions
1. Who has taken the initiative in Jeremiah’scall? How was Isaiah’s call different?
2. What was God’s expectation in Isaiah’scase?
3. How can one hear God’s spoken word at a
specific time?
4. Have you ever been a part of someone’s
call to ordained ministry? As a friend? Asan elder? As a family member? As a church
member?
5. How can we foster the gifts for ordained
ministry within our congregation?
6. On discovering one has not been called,
the entire church-and especially those who
discover they have not been called-can use
help at this point. How can we help thechurch to understand such people can havevaluable roles to play, and help themunderstand they have valuable
contributions to make?
Closing Prayer

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

generously to worthwhile causes, and living
a Christian lifestyle.
6. Be truthful in speech, never plagiarizing
another’s work, exaggerating the facts,
misusing personal experiences, orcommunicating gossip.

Session 4
MINISTERS’ RESPONSIBILITIES TO
THE SELF

7. Seek to be Christlike in attitude and action
toward all persons regardless of race, social
class, religious beliefs, or position of
influence within the church andcommunity.2

Peter Scazzero said that the overall healthof any church or ministry depends primarily on
the emotional and spiritual health of its
leadership. In fact, the key to successful
spiritual leadership has much more to do withthe leader’s internal life than with the leader’sexpertise, gifts, or experience.1

Discussion Questions
1. What do you think about these ministers’
responsibilities to the self?

Opening Prayer

2. Are our minister’s responsibilities to theself, incidental or intentional?

Ministers’ Responsibilities to the Self

Scripture & Reflection

The following sample codes have been
adapted from the book Ministerial Ethics: Moral
Formation for Church Leaders:

Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but
only one person gets the prize? So run to win!
(1 Corinthians 9:24 NLT)

1. Maintain physical and emotional healththrough regular exercise, good eating
habits, and the proper care of the body.

I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to
do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching
to others I myself might be disqualified.
(1 Corinthians 9:27 NLT)

2. Nurture devotional life through a regulartime of prayer, reading of the Scriptures,and meditation.

Ministers’ primary responsibility is to theself. This means that as Paul says, he/she is ina race and only he/she will answer to God for
his/her whole person.

3. Continue to grow intellectually throughpersonal study, comprehensive reading,and attending growth conferences.
4. Manage time well by properly balancing
personal obligations, church duties, andfamily responsibilities, and by observing aweekly day off and an annual vacation.

Lee Lebsack, a minister who coaches
pastors, said in his website that early in his
ministry he realized the need to feel good
Body, Soul and Spirit. If he was going to havethe emotional, physical and spiritual strength
to help others, it had to begin in his life. The
key was to have a balance. If one area is off

5. Be honest and responsible in finances bypaying all debts on time, never seeking
special gratuities or privileges, giving
1 Peter Scazzero. The Emotionally Healthy Church: A

2 Joe E. Trull and James E. Carter. Ministerial Ethics:

Strategy for Discipleship that Actually Changes Lives (Grand
Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2010), 20.

Moral Formation for Church Leaders (Grand Rapids, MI:
Baker Academic, 2004), 259-260.

8

177

178

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

balance, it weakens the rest. “If I feel goodabout myself,” he said “I will feel good aboutothers. If I feel bad about myself, I will take itout on others.” His style of coaching includes
the whole person, because it takes the whole
person to be fulfilled completely. Hequestions “What about your personal
devotions? What about your prayer schedule?
What about your exercise time? What about
your nutritional care? What about proper rest?
What about bad habits? What about outside
interests? As a coach, you can’t take someone
on a journey you haven’t been on yourself.”3
Reflection Questions
1. What is the race that we are running?
What is the prize? What is the goal in thisrace?
2. How could Paul have disciplined his bodyto keep it under control? What was his
motivation to do that?
3. How can we help our minister to maintainhis/her responsibilities to the self,
especially in relation to his/her physicaland emotional health and devotional life?
4. How can we recognize our ministers’ needfor rest and time away from work? Can we
protect their time to have a day off and tohave family time?
5. Can we as a congregation provide time andfinancial support for study, continuing
education, and refreshment away frompastoral duties? (Consider the CP Ministers
Conference, the CP Ministers Retreat andsabbaticals*)*Sabbatical is a release from the routine of the callfor the physical, emotional, spiritual, andintellectual well-being of the minister.

3 Lee Lebsack, The Pastor’s Personal Life,

http://www.coachingpastor.com/personal_life.html,(Accessed November 4, 2012).

2013

6. Can we affirm the concept that “every
member is a minister” and will not expect
the ministers to always be on call?
7. How can we differentiate between a true
pastoral crisis and a need which can wait
until a more appropriate time?
Closing Prayer

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

3. Regard children as a gift from God andseek to meet their individual needs without
imposing undue expectations upon them.
4. If single, be discreet in dating practices,
especially in relation to members of thecongregation.3

Session 5
MINISTERS’ RESPONSIBILITIES TO
FAMILY

Discussion Questions

The Cumberland Presbyterian Confession of
Faith says, “God created the family as theprimary community in which persons
experience love, companionship, support,
protection, discipline, encouragement, andother blessings. It is the normal relationshipinto which children are born”.1 Joe E. Trulland James E. Carter said, “The primary
relationship in a clergy family is therelationship between the minister and spouse.
That husband—wife bond must be stable andstrong before the family can be stable andstrong.”2

1. What do you think about these ministers’
responsibilities to family?
2. Are our minister’s responsibilities tofamily, incidental or intentional?
Scripture & Reflection
That’s why a man will leave his own father andmother. He marries a woman, and the two of them
become like one person. (Genesis 2:24 CEV)
So God created humans to be like himself; hemade men and women. God gave them his blessing andsaid: Have a lot of children! Fill the earth with people
and bring it under your control. (Genesis 1: 27-28
CEV)

Opening Prayer
Ministers’ Responsibilities to Family

As we have seen in Genesis the primary
relationship in the family is the relationshipbetween minister and spouse. This is key for aminister to have healthy and intentional
relationships with others.

The following sample codes have been
adapted from the book Ministerial Ethics: Moral
Formation for Church Leaders:
1. Be fair to every member of the family,
giving them the time, love, andconsideration they need.

Trull and Carter say that part of thechallenge for ministers and their spouses is that
their marriages are considered a model forchurch families. “Healthy marriages can modelto others how a couple can remain in love, staymarried, and function as a Christian couple
even when dealing with stress, long work
hours, inadequate income, and the demands ofchildren.”

2. Understand the unique role of the spouse,recognizing that his or her primary
responsibility is as marital partner andparent to the children, and only then as
church worker or assistant to the minister.
1 Confession of Faith for Cumberland Presbyterians (Cordova,

TN: OGA, 2010), 18.

2 Joe E. Trull and James E. Carter. Ministerial Ethics:

Moral Formation for Church Leaders (Grand Rapids, MI:
Baker Academic, 2004), 71.

3 Trull and Carter, Ministerial Ethics, 260 and 262.

10

179

180

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

They also said that a minister’s marriage
can present problems, when the model isnegative rather than positive.
“Minister’s children also often findthemselves in the spotlight. Minister’s children
are no different from other children. They
face the same stresses and temptations asothers, and they experience the same
disappointments and failures as others.”
Regarding the single minister, “a church
should not expect a single minister to spend
more time in ministry just because he or she
does not have a spouse and a family. A church
should call a person to ministry on the basis ofthat person’s dedication to Christ and theability to perform the tasks required.” 4
The Confession of Faith, also says, “Thechurch recognizes and ministers to people
living in a variety of family patterns, including
those persons who by choice or circumstances
are single. It seeks to embrace each person
and all groups of persons within the family lifeof the covenant community”.5
In essence, we can say that the same
principles of ethical behavior and personal
integrity apply to both the single and themarried minister.6
Reflection Questions
1. Why does a man leave his own father andmother when he marries a woman? Whatis the meaning of “becoming like one
person?”2. What is the meaning of men and womenbeing like God? What is the implication of
being blessed by God as man and woman?
4 Trull and Carter. Ministerial Ethics, 71.
5 Confession of Faith, 18.
6 Trull and Carter, Ministerial Ethics, 73.

2013

3. What is the intention of having children in
the family?
4. How can we help protect our minister’sfamily from undue stresses?
5. What are the single minister’s
responsibilities to family?
6. Should a single minister date a church
member? What should a single minister beaware of in relationships?
7. What consideration should be given to a
pastor who has responsibility for an aging
parent(s) or other dependent family
member?
Closing Prayer

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

5. In pastoral counseling, maintain strict
confidentiality, except in cases wheredisclosure is necessary to prevent harm topersons and/or is required by law.

Session 6

6. In evangelistic responsibilities, seek to lead
persons to salvation and to church
membership without manipulating
converts, proselytizing members of otherchurches, or demeaning other religious
faiths.

MINISTERS’ RESPONSIBILITIES TO
THE CONGREGATION“The way a minister and members view
one another depends on the relationships they
have with one another. To a large degree,
those relationships depend on the ministryskills the minister displays with them. Some ofthese skills are personal—the personal integrityof the minister. Others are professional—theministering ability of the minister.”1

7. In visitation and counseling practices,
never be alone with a person of anothersex unless another church member ispresent nearby.
8. Do not charge fees to church members for
weddings or funerals; for nonmembers,
establish policies based on ministry
opportunities, time constraints, andtheological beliefs.

Opening Prayer
Ministers’ Responsibilities to theCongregation

9. As a full-time minister, do not accept anyother remunerative work without theexpressed consent of the session.

The following sample codes have been
adapted from the book Ministerial Ethics: Moral
Formation for Church Leaders:

10. In leaving a congregation, seek tostrengthen the church through proper
timing, verbal affirmation, and an
appropriate closure of ministry.2

1. Seek to be a servant-minister of the church
by following the example of Christ in faith,
love, wisdom, courage, and integrity.

Discussion Questions

2. Faithfully discharge time and energies as
pastor, teacher, preacher, and administrator
through proper work habits and reasonable
schedules.

1. What do you think about these pastors’
responsibilities to the congregation?
2. Do we understand that our pastors servewith us in God’s service and are not “hired
help” to do ministry?

3. In administrative and pastoral duties, be
impartial and fair to all members.
4. In preaching responsibilities, give adequate
time to prayer and preparation, so that thepresentation will be biblically based,
theologically correct, and clearlycommunicated.

Scripture & Reflection
Be responsive to your pastoral leaders. Listen to
their counsel. They are alert to the condition of yourlives and work under the strict supervision of God.
Contribute to the joy of their leadership, not its

1 Joe E. Trull and James E. Carter. Ministerial Ethics:

Moral Formation for Church Leaders (Grand Rapids, MI
Baker Academic:, 2004), 89.

2 Trull and Carter, Ministerial Ethics, 260-261.

12

181

182

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

drudgery. Why would you want to make things harderfor them? (Hebrews 13:17 MSG)
Ministers’ responsibilities to thecongregations are a big task. Our concern is
how to make it easy for them to accomplish
this. Sometimes our differences with our
pastor are not theological or work related, but
relational.
According to the Constitution of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church,“2.63 A minister who is called to be the pastorof a particular church is responsible to:a. lead the people in public worship;b. pray for and with them as their mouth toGod;c. read the scriptures to the people andproclaim to them the word of God;d. administer the sacraments;
e. bless the people from God;f. teach the scriptures to the children, youth,
and adults;

l.

2013

and with the elders who comprise thesession, lead and govern the church in all
its ministries.”3

Reflection Questions:
1. What does it mean to be responsive to ourpastoral leaders?
2. What does it imply to listen to theircounsel?
3. How can we understand that they are alert
to the condition of our lives?
4. What does it mean that they work under
the strict supervision of God?
5. How can we contribute to the joy of our
ministers vs. their drudgery?
6. What are things that congregations might
do that add to the drudgery of ministers?
7. What do you think is the proper level of
expectation we should have of our pastors?
Closing Prayer

g. visit the people, especially the poor, thesick, the dying, and those with other criticalneeds;
h. counsel with persons in their preparation
for marriage;i.

share in the personal witness of the church
to unbelievers and those out of fellowshipwith the church;j.

counsel with people, in light of thescriptures, about their personal needs andproblems;

k. counsel with disturbed and broken
families;

3 Confession of Faith for Cumberland Presbyterians (Cordova,
TN: OGA, 2010), 29-30.

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Discussion Questions
1. How do we see our ministers and church
leaders relating and working together inour church?

Session 7

2. How does the congregation view thepositions of the Pastor vs. the Elders,
Deacons, Associate/Youth/Music
Minister?

MINISTERS’ RESPONSIBILITIES TO
CHURCH LEADERS
Trull and Carter said, “good relationships
among ministers and church leaders are crucial,
and trust is essential for these relationships tosurvive.” They also say, “The main concern isgetting the work of the church done withoutworrying about who gets the credit. Working
as a team with a spirit of collegiality
accomplishes that goal.”1

Scripture & Reflection
We work together for God. (1 Corinthians 3:9
WE)
Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers inChrist Jesus. (Romans 16:3 NIV)

Opening Prayer

When Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing
to fear while he is with you, for he is carrying on thework of the Lord, just as I am. (1 Corinthians
16:10 NIV)

Ministers’ Responsibilities to Church
Leaders
The following sample codes have been
adapted from the book Ministerial Ethics: Moral
Formation for Church Leaders:According to the Confession of Faith,“5.32 Jesus Christ as Lord and Head of thechurch has entrusted the government of thechurch to officers who make those decisions
that will guide the life and ministry of thecovenant community.

1. Striving to relate to all church leaders as
partners in the work of God, respecting
their ministry and cooperating with them.

5.33 These officers have the responsibility
to serve the church, to examine and receive
members into the communion of the church,
to care for and nurture them in the faith, andto discipline with love and justice those who
offended the gospel and the laws of thechurch.”3

2. Be supportive of and loyal to fellow church
leaders, never criticizing them publicly or
undermining their ministry.
3. Recognize one’s own role andresponsibility to the church leaders and do
not feel threatened or in competition withany other minister of the church.

“2.31 The officers of a particular church
are the minister in charge, who is ordained toproclaim the gospel and administer the

4. Maintain good relationships with others inministry working in specialized ministries.2
1 Joe E. Trull and James E. Carter. Ministerial Ethics:

Moral Formation for Church Leaders (Grand Rapids, MI:
Baker Academic, 2004), 121and 129.

3 Confession of Faith for Cumberland Presbyterians (Cordova,

TN: OGA, 2010), 15-16.

2 Trull and Carter, Ministerial Ethics, 62.

14

183

184

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

sacraments; the elders who are members of thesession, who are elected and ordained as therepresentatives and leaders of the people; andthe deacons who are members of the
diaconate, who are elected and ordained tocare for the poor and others in need.”4
Churches sometimes have other ministers
working as Assistant/Associate Minister, or
Youth Minister, etc. Also, churches could
have Music Director, Christian Education
Coordinator, etc. And churches also have paid
and no paid staff and volunteer leaders.
The ministers and all these church leaders“can provide the congregation with a model ofservant ministry through their relationships
with each other and by their performances of
their responsibilities.”
If church members see the ministers andchurch leaders “who are constantly putting
each other down, circumventing each other fora place of greater recognition in the church,
and unable to relate well with their fellow
ministers, they will have great difficulty inunderstanding what it means to be servants inChrist’s name.”52013

church against each other to achieve youraims.”6“The servant image provides a model
which is patterned after our Lord’s own
ministry. When all church leaders arecommitted to this kind of ministry, they canserve as a catalyst for the whole
congregation.”7
Reflection Questions
1. What was Paul’s philosophy regarding
ministers and leaders working together?
2. How does the church at Corinth see theministry of Timothy? Should those views
have been different?
3. What differences, if any, did Paul see
between himself and others working with
him in ministry?
4. How can we be supportive of ministerial
and leaders relations?
Closing Prayer

Morris Pepper said, “don’t set elders
against deacons, or vice versa, to get your own
way.” This applies also to other ministers andstaff in the church. “We are using negatives inthese statements because we know that someof these means have been used for selfish ends.
We need strong “no-nos” to put a stop to it.
Pray God will give you grace and integrity
enough to prevent ever setting groups in the

4 Confession of Faith, 25-26
5 William P. Tuck, A Theology for Healthy Church Staff

Relations. Review and Expositor 78 (winter 1981), 20.

6 Morris Pepper. An Introduction to Christian Ministry for
Lay and Clergy Persons in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church(Cordova, TN: BOCE, 2007), 135.
7 Tuck, A Theology for Healthy Church Staff Relations, 20.

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

especially the predecessor or successor.
5. Enhance the ministry of the successor byrefusing to interfere in any way with thechurch formerly served.

Session 8

6. Return to a former church field for
professional services, such as weddings andfunerals, only if invited by the resident
pastor or session.

MINISTERS’ RESPONSIBILITIES TO
COLLEAGUES“Ministers are accountable to God for theirpersonal lives and ministries. They are also
accountable to other ministers. What one
minister does can impact the ministry of manyothers, even though they may not serve in thesame denomination. Ministerial accountability
to one another, to the ministerial profession,and to God is vital to the work of the kingdomof God. Being a good minister involves
relating to colleagues in cooperation rather
than in competition.”8

7. Treat with respect and courtesy any
predecessor who returns to the church
field.
8. Be thoughtful and respectful to all retired
ministers and, upon one’s own retirement,
support and love one’s own pastor.
9. Be honest and kind in recommendations ofother ministers to church positions orother inquiries.
10. If aware of serious misconduct by aminister, contact responsible officials ofthat minister’s church body and informthem of the incident. 9

Opening Prayer
Ministers’ Responsibilities to Colleagues(“A complaint of misconduct on the part of a CP
minister should be reported to the stated clerk of thepresbytery or a member of the disciplinarycommission”10)

The following sample codes have been
adapted from the book Ministerial Ethics: Moral
Formation for Church Leaders:

Discussion Questions

1. Endeavor to relate to all ministers as
partners in the work of God, respecting
their ministry and cooperating with them.

1. What do you think about these ministers’
responsibilities to colleagues?

2. Seek to serve colleagues and their families
with counsel, support, and personal
assistance.

2. Have we ever contributed to difficulties
between two ministers?
3. How can we prevent these kinds of issues
between colleagues?

3. Refuse to treat other ministers ascompetition in order to gain a church,
receive an honor, or achieve statistical
success.

Scripture & Reflection

4. Refrain from speaking disparagingly about
the person or work of any other minister,What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul?
Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as

8 Joe E. Trull and James E. Carter. Ministerial Ethics:

9 Trull and Carter, Ministerial Ethics, 261.

Moral Formation for Church Leaders (Grand Rapids, MI:
Baker Academic, 2004), 120-121.

10 Confession of Faith, 72.

16

185

186

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted theseed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it
grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one whowaters is anything, but only God, who makes things
grow. The one who plants and the one who waters haveone purpose, and they will each be rewarded according
to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s
service; you are God’s field, God’s building.
(1 Corinthians 3:5-9 NIV)
Relations between Cumberland
Presbyterian ministers occur at pastors’
meetings, presbyterial meetings, or at General
Assembly, when ministers are elected ascommissioners from their presbyteries. The
CP Ministers Conference and the CP Ministers
Retreat are also other opportunities to be
together with the ministers of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church.
Indirect relationships occur when aminister leaves a congregation and takes a newone, or retires. Thought the relationshipbetween the former pastor and thecongregation is formally terminated, due to theintricacies of church life, a relationshipbetween a new and old pastor is often created.
These relationships happen when a ministermoves, takes a different position, or retires andstays in the same congregation.
The majority of complaints from ministers
regarding ethics are related to other ministers’
ethics: stealing members from othercongregations, not being ethical regarding
leaving a church or coming back to a former
church without letting the new pastor know
and receiving permission, staying in touch withmembers of the former church, etc.

2013

have been pastor. Once you break the
pastoral relationship with a congregation, you
are no longer their leader. Don’t meddle withwhat is going on and don’t criticize yoursuccessor. Turn it over to him or her. It is nolonger your church. It is under the
responsibility of someone else. If you do visit
any members or are asked to do funerals or
weddings, do so only after consulting with thepresent pastor”.11
A retired minister staying in thecommunity should attend the congregation
she/he served only with the permission of thesuccessor pastor and session. The retired
minister should assume no leadership role orvoice opinions on the operation of thecongregation.
Reflection Questions
1. Who were Apollos and Paul, and why were
they compared?
2. Is one ministry more important thananother in the kingdom?
3. Please explain verse 8.
4. What is the meaning of being co-workers
in God’s service?
Closing Prayer

Congregations need to understand theprofessionalism that must be maintained
between pastors.
Morris Pepper wrote in his Introduction to
Christian Ministry, “Stay away from where you

11 Morris Pepper. An Introduction to Christian Ministry for
Lay and Clergy Persons in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church(Cordova, TN: BOCE, 2007), 134.

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

IV. In participating as a minister in the
judicatories of the church, do you promise
to share in a responsible way in thedecisions that are made, to abide by thosedecisions, and to promote the welfare of
the church?

Session 9
MINISTERS’ RESPONSIBILITIES TO
THE DENOMINATION

V. As far as you know your heart, have you
been induced by the Holy Spirit to answer
the call to the ministry from love of God
and neighbor and a sincere desire to
glorify God and advance his Kingdom inthe world?

Richard M. Gula, in Ethics in Pastoral
Ministry said, “As ministers of the mission of
the church, we no longer act simply as private
individuals but as representatives of thechurch. No matter how charismatic orprophetic we might be, we must represent
more than our personal insight. As public
representatives of the church, we must
consider how our actions affect the overall
well-being of the community.”12

VI. As God may enable you, do you promise
to be zealous and faithful in maintaining
the truths of the gospel and the purity andpeace of the church, irrespective of any
opposition that may arise to you on that
account?
VII. Do you promise to be faithful and diligent
in the exercise of all your duties as a
Christian and a minister of the gospel, andendeavor to so conduct yourself bothprivately and publicly as not to give
offense to Christ and his church? ”13

Opening Prayer
Vows of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Ministers at their Ordination
The following are the questions that
Cumberland Presbyterian ministers must
answer affirmatively at their ordination:

Discussion Questions
1. What do you think about a ministers’
ordination vows?

I. “Do you believe the scriptures of the Old
and New Testaments to be the inspired
word of God, the authority for faith andpractice?

2. What is expected of a minister
regarding the denomination?

II. Do you sincerely receive and adopt theConfession of faith of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church/Cumberland
Presbyterian Church in America as
containing the essential doctrines taught
in the holy scriptures?

Scripture & Reflection
They drew names, and Matthias was chosen to join
the group of the eleven apostles. (Acts 1:26 CEV)
Then he said: ‘The God of our ancestors haschosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous
One and to hear words from his mouth. You will be his
witness to all people of what you have seen and heard.
(Acts 22:14-15 NIV)

III. Do you approve of and promise to upholdthe government of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church/Cumberland
Presbyterian Church in America?

13 Confession of Faith for Cumberland Presbyterians (Cordova,

12 Richard M. Gula. Ethics in Pastoral Ministry (NY: Paulist

TN: OGA, 2010), 47-48.

Press, 1996), 57.

18

187

188

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

The Cumberland Presbyterian Church is aconnectional denomination. All ordained
ministers are members of their presbyteries,
and are expected to attend presbytery meetings
and to conduct themselves privately andpublicly according to their call.
Morris Pepper said, those called to beministers of word and sacrament “aresummoned to serve in and through the church,
and beyond, under proper authority. Biblically,
the church is both the agent and theauthenticating voice of the call. The church
has always been the one to legitimize the call.
There is no effective calling, nor authoritative
ordination, apart from the church. When Jesus
was no longer present in body, the apostles
became the body to call and authorize.
Remember the eleven, under God’s guidance,
acting to make Matthias an apostle?
Remember also Paul’s conversion. As
powerful and convincing as it was, God usedthose in the church to authenticate thecommission Paul had received. He was sent toAnnanias of Damascus who helped Paul
understand what had happened to him. Be
aware of any tendency in yourself, or any act
on the part of others, to assume authority
independently of the church!”14
Trull and Carter said that the basic
responsibilities a minister should have to adenomination are to love, support andcooperate with the faith community of which
he/she is part, to recognize the debt owed tothe denomination for its contribution to
his/her life, ministry and church, and to work
to improve the denomination in its efforts to
expand and extend the kingdom of God.15
An Introduction to Christian Ministry for
Lay and Clergy Persons in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church(Cordova, TN: BOCE, 2007), 20.

14 Morris Pepper.

15 Joe E. Trull and James E. Carter. Ministerial Ethics:

Moral Formation for Church Leaders (Grand Rapids, MI:
Baker Academic, 2004), 262.

2013

Reflection Questions
1. What does it mean that “Mathias waschosen” by them?
2. How important is that Annanias repeatedthe same words that Paul heard in his
personal experience “You will be his
witness to all people”?
3. What do we mean when we said that we
believe in the internal call and the externalcall?
4. What is the meaning of ordination?
5. What is expected of CP ministers regarding
Presbytery meetings? Why?
6. How do we as a congregation allow ourminister to be faithful to his/her duties at adenominational level?
Closing Prayer

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

5. Practice Christian citizenship without
engaging in partisan politics or politicalactivities that are unethical, unbiblical, or
unwise.17

Session 10

Discussion Questions

MINISTERS’ RESPONSIBILITIES TO
THE COMMUNITY

1. What are a ministers’ responsibilities to thecommunity?

T. B. Maston said, “Christian involvement
in a community must always be realistic. Every
culture is corrupted by sin. At the same time,
the gospel of Jesus Christ is powerful.
Societies can be transformed. These two
realities create a healthy tension between
Christian ideals and appropriate social
action.”16

2. Do you believe that ministers are called
into the community to work actively forsocietal changes?
Scripture & Reflection
The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he hasanointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has
sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners andrecovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:1819 NIV)

Opening Prayer
Ministers’ Responsibilities to theCommunity

According to the Confession of Faith,

The following sample codes have been
adapted from the book Ministerial Ethics: Moral
Formation for Church Leaders:“6.27 The purpose of civil government isto enable God's creation to live under the
principles of justice and order. As it faithfully
upholds the welfare of God's creation, civil
government lies within the purpose of God
and functions as a useful instrument to enablepeople to live in harmony and peace.

1. The primary responsibility of the minister
is to be the pastor of your congregationand never neglect ministerial duties inorder to serve in the community.
2. Accept reasonable responsibilities forcommunity service, recognizing theminister has a public ministry.

6.28 It is the duty of people to participate
in civil government in such ways as are open tothem, especially in exercising the right to vote.
It is the duty of Christians to enter civil offices
for which they are qualified and for the
purpose of working for justice, peace, and thecommon welfare.

3. Support public integrity in the community
through responsible prophetic witness andsocial action.
4. Obey the laws of the government unlessthey require disobedience to the law ofGod.

6.29 Civil government and persons elected
to civil office may not assume control over oradministration of the church in matters of faith
17 Joe E. Trull and James E. Carter. Ministerial Ethics:
Moral Formation for Church Leaders (Grand Rapids, MI:
Baker Academic, 2004), 261-262.

16 T. B. Maston. Why Live the Christian Life? (Nashville:

Broadman, 1974), 174.

20

189

190

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

or practice. Yet their duty is to protect thereligious freedom of all persons and to guard
the right of religious bodies to assemble
without interference.

5. Should a minister join civic organizations?

6.30 The covenant community, governedby the Lord Christ, opposes, resists, and seeks
to change all circumstances of oppressionpolitical, economic, cultural, racial-by which
persons are denied the essential dignity God
intends for them in the work of creation.

7. How can a minister be a prophet in ourcommunity without being political?

6.31 The covenant community affirms thelordship of Christ who sought out the poor,
the oppressed, the sick, and the helpless. In her
corporate life and through her individual
members, the church is an advocate for all
victims of violence and all those whom the law
or society treats as less than persons for whom
Christ died. Such advocacy involves not only
opposition to all unjust laws and forms of
injustice but even more support for thoseattitudes and actions which embody the way of
Christ, which is to overcome evil with good.
6.32 God gives the message and ministryof reconciliation to the church. The church,
corporately and through her individual
members, seeks to promote reconciliation,
love, and justice among all persons, classes,
races, and nations.” 18
Reflection Questions
1. Who took the ministry described in Luke 4
as his own?
2. Why did the Lord anoint Jesus? For what
purpose?
3. Are these words also related to theordained minister? How so?
4. Are these benefits only for the people ofthe church?
18 Confession of Faith for Cumberland Presbyterians (Cordova,
TN:OGA, 2010), 19-20.

6. Should a pastor run for public office or
become actively involved in a political
campaign?

Closing Prayer

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

5. We bear the greater burden of
responsibility for maintaining sexual
boundaries in the pastoral relationship, for
we hold great power.

Session 11
MINISTERIAL SEXUAL ETHICS

6. We must not initiate sexual behavior, andmust refuse it even when the other invites
or consents to it.

Richard M. Gula, S.S. said, “while oursexuality is a good gift for ministry, making us
alive, energetic, and connecting to others, it
can also become a tragic instrument of abuse,
exploitation, and disorder.”19

7. We must give preference to the perspective
and judgment of those who are vulnerable
and dependent on us in order to determine
whether touching would be an appropriate
expression of pastoral care.
8. We must show prudent discretion before
touching another person, since we cannot
control how physical touch will bereceived. That is, we are to take into
account how age, gender, race, ethnic
background, emotional condition, priorexperience, and present life situation affect
how touching may be received andinterpreted.

Opening Prayer
Ministerial Sexual Ethics
The following code on sexual conduct
have been offered by Gula as a set of
aspirational goals toward which we all can
strive to realize in our ministry:

9. We should become familiar with the
dynamics of transference andcountertransference which can make us
vulnerable to violating sexual boundaries.*

1. “We are to witness in all relationships thechastity appropriate to our state in life,
whether celibate, married or single.
2. We must avoid any covert or overt sexual
behaviors with those for whom we have aprofessional responsibility. Prohibited
behaviors include, but are not limited to all
forms of overt or covert seductive speechor gestures as well as physical contact thatsexually abuses, exploits, or harasses
another person.

*(In transference, the person seeking pastoral help
will project onto the minister unmet needs orunresolved conflicts that are rooted in a priorrelationship with some other significant person,
such as a parent.)(In countertransference, the ministers unmet needs,
feelings, or unresolved personal conflicts get
superimposed onto those of the one seeking help.)20

3. We are to provide a safe place for people
to be vulnerable without fearing that sexual
boundaries will be violated.

10. We strive for a greater self-awareness inorder to recognize the sexual dynamics atwork for us in pastoral relationships and toheed the warning signs in our lives whichindicate when we are approachingboundary violations.

4. We strive to be aware of our own andanother’s vulnerability in regard tosexuality, especially when working alone
with another.

19 Richard M. Gula. Ethics in Pastoral Ministry (NY: Paulist

20 Gula, Ethics in Pastoral Ministry, 110-111.

Press, 1996), 93.

22

191

192
MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
2013
11. We should satisfy our needs for affection,
Some useful definitions related to sexualintimacy, attraction, and affirmation
misconduct that could help us understandoutside the pastoral relationship.
what could happen are:
12. We should seek supervision or otherprofessional help to remain focused on our
professional responsibilities and to holdfirm to the sexual boundaries of thepastoral relationship.
13. We must report clear violations of sexual

conduct to the appropriate ecclesiastical andcivil authorities, and then do what we can tosee that justice is done for the victim, theoffender, and the community from which thevictim and minister come.”* 21*(A complaint of misconduct on the part of a CP
minister should be reported to the stated clerk of
the presbytery or a member of the disciplinarycommission)

Discussion Questions
1. What do you think about this ministerial
code of sexual ethics?
2. Can we recognize that sexuality is God’s
gift? How can it be used for both goodand evil?
Scripture & Reflection
Abstain from every form of evil.
(1 Thessalonians 5:22 NKJV)You are God’s people, so don’t let it be said thatany of you are immoral or indecent or greedy.
(Ephesians 5:3 CEV)
Sex and sexuality are difficult words forsome. The reality is that we need to talk about
them in church. As Gula has said, sexuality isgood but can be used badly. For that reason
we as a church need to have some ethicalcodes regarding sexuality and guidelines
regarding relations and ministry.
21 Gula, Ethics in Pastoral Ministry, 149-150.

“Sexual Abuse refers to using persons
who lack the ability or will to protect
themselves (a child, the elderly, or a physicallyor emotionally disabled adult) for sexualstimulation by the person responsible for theircare.”“Sexual exploitation is fundamentally abetrayal of trust in the professional relationshipby using one’s personal, professional, or
physical power to develop a romantic
relationship with someone under one’s care or
to use that person for one’s own sexualstimulation and satisfaction.”“Sexual harassment is using one’s power
to coerce another into unwanted sexual
relations or to exchange sex for some otherfavor. It also involves creating an intimidating,offensive working environment throughunwelcomed verbal, visual or physical conductof a sexual nature.”22
Reflection Questions
1. What is the meaning of abstinence?
2. What kind of things could be considered aform of evil?
3. What should God’s people be careful of?
4. How can a congregation establish andobserve appropriate boundaries in pastoral
ministry?
Closing Prayer

22 Gula, Ethics in Pastoral Ministry, 94-95.

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

other in building up the Body of Christ andto expect faithfulness and competence inministry.
4. Ministry envisions individual andcooperative initiatives held together increative tension. We covenant neither toalways wait for someone else to act on
ministry opportunities nor to always
assume that no one else is able and willingto act.

Session 12
A COVENANT OF TRUST FOR
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIANSThe Confession of Faith for Cumberland
Presbyterians says, “1.03 By word and action
God invites persons into a covenant
relationship. God promises to be faithful to thecovenant and to make all who believe his
people. All who respond with trust andcommitment to God's invitation find thepromise sure and rejoice in being members ofGod's people, the covenant community.”23

5. We function as a community. We are notautonomous individuals who happen tocome together on certain occasions
because we hold similar interests. We are
Christ’s Body called to bear witness in ourcommunal life that the Word became flesh
and lives among us. The way we ministeror fail to minister to one another and to
the world in large measure corroborates orundermines our communal witness.

Opening Prayer
The Covenant Community

6. We subordinate personal agendas tobuilding up the whole Body. In fact, ourwillingness to work selflessly for the goodof the community authenticates ourcovenant to live as community. Amongother things, this means we resist every
move to splinter the community into
competing special interests. We covenant
to talk with each other and not about eachother in the interests of common
ministry.24

God’s people, the covenant community is
the context for ministry where the Holy Spirit
shapes our understanding of ministry andministerial ethics.
1. Ministry is rightly described by plural
rather than singular modifiers; ministry isours, not mine. While we ordain some to theministry of Word and Sacrament, we
expect the whole covenant community toparticipate in ministry, and we honor thecontributions of every member.

Discussion Questions
1. Why have a ministerial code of ethics?

2. Ministry presupposes trusting relationships.
In the face of the many things that tend to
fracture the fellowship, the New Testament
calls us to trust in and live by the unity
which is ours in Christ.

2. Do you think a code of ministerial ethics isa help or hindrance? Why?

3. Ministry is framed by the promise of
mutual commitment and accountability.
We are covenant-bound to support each
24 Adapted from Baptist General Convention of Texas:

23 Confession of Faith for Cumberland Presbyterians (Cordova,

Christian Life Commission. Ministerial Ethics: A Covenantof Trust (Dallas, TX: BGCT, 2005), 9.

TN:OGA, 2010), 1.

24

193

194

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Scripture & Reflection
I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you
have received. Be completely humble and gentle; bepatient, bearing with one another in love. Make every
effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond ofpeace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as youwere called to one hope when you were called; one Lord,
one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who
is over all and through all and in all. (Ephesians
4:1-6 NIV)

2. What is the result if we do? What results if
we don’t?
3. How important are humility, kindness,patience and support in relationships in the
church?
4. What does it mean to make every effort tokeep the unity of the Spirit through thebond of peace?
5. What does it mean to be one body and one
spirit?

According to Trull and Carter, theoverarching purpose of a ministerial code of
ethics is accountability.

6. How can the minister be accountable tothe congregation? How can the
congregation be accountable to theminister?

The first purpose is to “provide guidelines thatreflect the values of ministry. Ministerial ethics
affirms that to be a Christian minister means
assuming certain basic obligations common to
all clergy. These norms guide those called toserve toward an ethical ministry and stress theareas in which ministers are uniquelyvulnerable.”

7. Does a code of ethics help in thisaccountability?

The second purpose, “relates to competency.”“For a pastor to be competent… requires atleast two essentials: ministry skills and mental
and spiritual health.”“Third, a code of ethics can support andprotect an individual minister.”“A final purpose of an ethical code for ministers
is to define the moral necessities of the ministerial
profession. For the person planning to become aminister, as well as for the lay person, a written
code explains the ethical expectations of thepastoral vocation.” 25
Reflection Questions
1. What is Paul urging us to do? Why?
25 Joe E. Trull and James E. Carter. Ministerial Ethics:

Moral Formation for Church Leaders (Grand Rapids, MI:
Baker Academic, 2004), 195-197.

2013

8. What are the consequences of failing tohave a code of ministerial ethics?
Closing Prayer

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

195

Bibliography
Baptist General Convention of Texas: Christian Life Commission. Ministerial Ethics: A Covenant of Trust.
Dallas, TX: BGCT, 2005.
Confession of Faith for Cumberland Presbyterians. Cordova, TN: OGA, 2010.
Gula S.S., Richard M. Ethics in Pastoral Ministry. NY: Paulist Press, 1996.
Krejcir, Richard J. Statistics of Pastors, http://www.churchleadership .org, (Accessed May 3, 2011).
Lebsack, Lee. The Pastor’s Personal Life. http://www.coachingpastor.com, (Accessed November 4,
2012.
Maston, T.B. Why Live the Christian Life? Nashville, TN: Broadman, 1974.
Pepper, Morris. An Introduction to Christian Ministry for Lay and Clergy Persons in the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church. Cordova, TN: BOCE, 2007.
Scazzero, Peter. The Emotionally Healthy Church: A Strategy for Discipleship that Actually Changes Lives.
Trand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2010.
Trull, Joe E. and James E. Carter. Ministerial Ethics: Moral Formation for Church Leaders. Grand Rapids,
MI: Baker Academic, 2004.
Tuck, William P. A Theology for Healthy Church Staff Relations. Review and Expositor 78, (Winter 1981).
Understanding the Process for Ordination in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Cordova, TN: PDMT, 2012.
Villafañe, Eldin. Fe, Espiritualidad y Justicia: Teología Posmoderna de un Boricua en la Diaspora. Rio Piedras,
PR: Palabras y Mas, 2006.
Wind, James P. Clergy Ethics in Modern Fiction, in Clergy Ethics in a Changing Society: Mapping the
Terrain, ed. James P. Wind. Tusell Burck, Paul F. Camenisch, and dennis P. McCann.
Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1991.

196

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

28

2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

197

THE REPORT OF THE
BOARD OF STEWARDSHIP,
FOUNDATION, AND BENEFITS
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
A. BOARD MEETINGS AND ORGANIZATIONThe Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits under the direction of its officers, President
Charlie Floyd, Vice-president Rob Latimer, Secretary Debbie Shanks, and Treasurer Robert Heflin, met two
times in regular session.
B. BOARD MEMBERS WHOSE TERMS EXPIRE
Members whose terms expire at the 2013 General Assembly, with their years of service, are as
follows: Michael Wilkinson, nine years; Charles Floyd, six years; Sue Rice, three years and Debbie Shelton,
three years.  Michael Wilkinson is not eligible for another term.  We want to thank him for his service anddedication to the Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits.  Charles Floyd, Sue Rice and Debbie
Shelton are eligible to serve another three year term and all three have agreed.
C. BOARD REPRESENTATIVE TO THE 183RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The board’s representative to the 183rd General Assembly is Reverend Michael Wilkinson.
D. STAFF
Kathryn Gilbert Craig serves as Administrative Assistant, Mark Duck serves as Coordinator of
Benefits and Robert Heflin serves as Executive Secretary.  Carolyn Harmon serves as the Planned Giving
Coordinator for the Presbytery of East Tennessee.  The Board appreciates the work Carolyn Harmon doesin educating congregations of the legacy ministry that can be accomplished as individuals make planned
gifts to their local congregations.
E. 2014 BUDGETThe 2014 line-item budget has been filed with the Office of the General Assembly.
F. 2012 AUDIT
Certified copies of the 2012 audit reports from Fouts and Morgan will be filed with the Office of theGeneral Assembly in compliance with General Regulations E.5. and E.6.  The 2012 audit will be printed in
the audit section of the 2013 minutes.

II. FINANCIAL FOUNDATION DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT
A. PURPOSE
One area of the work of the board is in financial foundation development and management. The
purpose of this program is as follows:
To secure a firm financial undergirding for the ongoing ministry of congregations and the agencies
of presbyteries, synods, and the General Assembly as they bear witness to the saving love of God, the graceof our Lord Jesus Christ, and the fellowship and communion of the Holy Spirit.
The Financial Foundation Program is reported in this section in general terms and more specificallyunder the headings III. Endowment Program, IV. Investment Loan Program, and V. Property and Casualty

Insurance.

198

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

B. 2012 IN REVIEWThe year 2012 showed improvement in all sectors of the stock market and the economy.   Onerecent report stated that U. S. corporations made record profits of 1.75 trillion dollars in the third quarter of2012.  We have also seen how actions of other countries clearly have an influence on the United States.  Theperformance of European and Asian economies influences the performance of our own stock market.  While
there are signs of improvement in all areas of the economy some sectors are improving at a slower rate.
The Growth Income Endowment Fund began the year with a balance of $35,698,915 and ended
2012 with a balance of $38,721,595.  The return on investments for 2012 was up 11.1% compared to acomposite benchmark which was up 10.1%.
The Total Return Endowment Fund began the year with a balance of $6,472,584 and ended 2012
with a balance of $6,706,913.  The return on investments for 2012 was up 11.5% compared to a composite
benchmark which was up 11.3%.
In 2012 the Cumberland Presbyterian Investment Loan Program paid out $535,131 to agencies,
churches and individual account holders having funds in the program.  This compares to $461,818 paidout in 2011.  Throughout 2012 the interest paid to account holders was consistently higher than the rates
received from most “on demand” accounts.  The interest rate paid to account holders averaged 4.0%.
C. BOARD OF STEWARDSHIPThe Board of Stewardship ended 2012 with an unrestricted surplus of $59,226.   We are evermindful of expenses incurred and try to be good stewards of what has been entrusted to the Board.  We
are grateful for the faithful support from congregations and individuals through their contributions to Our
United Outreach.
D. MANAGEMENT OF FUNDS
During 2012 the Endowment Program Growth/Income Fund portfolio was under the co-managementof Gerber/Taylor Management, Metropolitan West Asset Management, RREEF America II and Clarion.
The portfolio for the Endowment Program Total Return Fund was under the co-management of Gerber/
Taylor Management, Pimco, Metropolitan West Asset Management, and RREEF America II.  The funds of
the Retirement Program were co-managed by Gerber/Taylor Management, Pimco, Metropolitan West AssetManagement, and RREEF America II.
The church loan portion of the endowment portion of the endowment portfolio and the investmentsof the Cumberland Presbyterian Church Investment Loan Program, Inc. were under the management ofboard staff.

III. ENDOWMENT PROGRAM
Since 1836, the board and its corporate predecessors have sought to be faithful trustees of thefunds given into their hands to provide a permanent financial foundation for the work of congregations,presbyteries, synods, and General Assembly agencies.  The work of the Endowment Program is the oldest
responsibility of the board and fulfills a portion of that task to which all Cumberland Presbyterians arecalled: “Christian stewardship acknowledges that all of life and creation is a trust from God, to be used forGod’s glory and service.”—Confession of Faith for Cumberland Presbyterians 6:10.
A. COMMUNICATIONThe Endowment Program report will be distributed to all endowment program participants, general
assembly board members, churches, and individual contributors.
Agencies, other participants, and interested parties received quarterly detailed reports on thepostings to all their endowments.  With the addition of names supplied by the agencies during the year, thenumber of persons receiving these reports continues to expand.  In addition, special reports were made asrequested.
B. ASSETS, INVESTMENT MIX, AND PERFORMANCE

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

199

1. Assets and Investment Mix — Growth/Income FundThe assets of the Endowment Program’s Growth/Income Fund totaled $38,721,595 for 2012 atmarket value.  The following table provides a breakdown of the investment mix:

3.3%
9.9%
9.5%
38.8%
13.3%
9.7%
3.0%
8.0%
4.5%
100.0%

Growth/Income Investment Mix
Securities & Investments
Cash/Cash Equivalents
US Equities
Real Assets Investment Trusts
Fixed Income
Global Hedge
Multi-Strategy
Special Opportunities
International Stocks
Emerging Markets
Total$  1,293,770$  3,838,523$  3,680,373$15,024,808$  5,153,253$  3,743,129$  1,144,902$  3,089,322$  1,753,515$38,721,595

2. Performance of Growth/Income Fund
The Endowment Program Growth/Income Fund generated $3,812,469 in investment earnings.  Netcontributions and withdrawals were ($302,460).  The change in market value was $3,510,009.
Growth/Income earnings paid and payable to agencies totaled $785,632 for 2012.  Expenses were$68,567.
When comparing the performance of the Endowment Program with other funds it is important tokeep in mind the various components included in the reported rates: interest and dividend income, realized
capital gains/losses, and unrealized capital gains/losses due to the difference between the current market
value of investments and their original cost or market value in previous reports.
Investment funds typically report their total rates of return.  A total rate of return includes the effectof the fluctuation in market value of the various investments together with all realized/accrued income andcapital gains/losses generated as investments are sold for more/less than their original cost.  Because of the
impact of fluctuation in market value, the total rate of return for any given year may be positive or negative.
Such total rates of return are important indicators of a fund’s overall performance.  However, the rate of
crucial importance for the Growth/Income Fund relates to the amount of income (interest and dividends)
which it generates since for the endowments in this fund only income is available for support of the various
ministries for which these endowments are established.  This Rate of Income Paid Out is distinct from Total
Rate of Return.

2.32%.

3. Rate of Income Paid Out by Growth/Income FundThe rate at which income was paid out to participants in the Growth/Income Fund for 2012 wasPercentage of Income Paid Out
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003

2.32%
2.01%
3.90%
3.79%
4.03%
4.19%
4.05%
4.20%
4.01%
4.40%

4. Total Rate of Return for the Growth/Income Fund

200

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

The following table gives the annualized rates of return as contained in the report from Gerber/
Taylor Associates for year end 2012:

Growth/Income FundOne Year
Period01/01/12
12/31/12
11.1%

Five Year
Period01/01/08
12/31/12
3.6%

Since
Inception
09/30/81
12/31/12
10.3%

5. Assets and Investment Mix — Total Return FundOn October 1, 2004, the Endowment Program initiated a new Total Return Fund to provide an
option for certain endowments that are not restricted to expenditures of realized interest and dividend
income.  The assets of the Endowment Program’s Total Return Fund totaled $6,706,913 for 2012 at market
value.
The following table gives a breakdown of the investment mix of the total assets:

5.5%
14.8%
11.0%
17.8%
14.3%
17.5%
3.0%
4.5%
11.6%
100.0%

Total Return Investment Mix
Securities & Investments
Cash/Cash Equivalents
US Equities
Real Assets
Fixed Income
Multi Strategy
Global Hedge
Special Opportunities
Emerging Markets
International Stocks
Total$   369,363$   993,580$   735,452$1,193,543$   956,149$1,176,620$   200,358$   302,215$   779,633$6,706,913

6. Performance of Total Return Fund
The Endowment Program Total Return Fund generated a gain of $673,417 in total investment. Net
contributions/(withdrawals) were ($114,690). Change in market value was $558,727.
Total Return Fund expenses totaled $8,422 for 2012.   Total Return Fund payments made andpayable to agencies totaled $132,981 for 2012.
The total rate of return on this fund includes the effect of the fluctuation in market value of thevarious investments together with all realized/accrued income and capital gains/losses generated as
investments are sold for more/less than their original cost.  Because of the impact of fluctuation in market
value, the total rate of return for any given year may be positive or negative. Such total rates of return areimportant indicators of a fund’s overall performance.
7. Total Rate of Return for Total Return Fund
Gerber/Taylor provides the report on the total return of the Endowment Program Total ReturnFund.  The following table gives the annualized rates of return as contained in their report for yearend 2012.

Total Return Fund
C. ENDOWMENT PROGRAM LOANS
Historical Review

One Year
Period01/01/12
12/31/12
11.50%

Five Year
Period01/01/08
12/31/12
3.80%

Since
Inception
09/01/04
12/31/12
7.40%

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

201

Through investing up to 40% of the assets of the Endowment Program in the witness of the Church,
the message of good news concerning Christ is strengthened both in the United States and overseas.  A
recent survey of old files in the Historical Foundation and in the vault of the Board of Stewardship reveals
the important role played by this aspect of the investment policy.  Over the past sixty-five years from 1944
to 2009, 841 loans were made to congregations, presbyteries, and synods.  From 2010 through 2012 anadditional 13 loans have been made.  Through these loans, $42,332,405 has been provided in financing for
expansion of facilities and extension of witness.
A look at the different periods during which loans have been made provides a picture of growing
endowments (and of post World War II inflation!).
Period1944-49
1950-59
1960-69
1970-79
1980-89
1990-99
2000-092010-12

Loans
35
171
208
166
101
102
58
13

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

Total Loaned
145,755
1,360,441
3,056,891
3,609,084
4,349,120
14,440,837
10,571,723
4,798,554

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

Average
4,164
7,955
14,697
21,74143,061
141,577
182,271369,120

While looking at the table above, it should be noted that the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
Investment Loan Program began January 1, 2001.  Since its creation most of the larger loans are madethrough the Investment Loan Program.
Down through the years, donors to endowments have found satisfaction in the knowledge that theprudent investment of their gifts strengthened not only the work of the particular churches, institutions, andcauses which they designated to receive the income but also the broader witness of the Church.
D. OTHER CHURCH LOANS
Although not a part of the Endowment Program, there are two other sources available to the board
for investment in loans to churches.
1. Revolving Church Loan FundThis fund was established through gifts to the “Into the Nineties” Capital Gifts Campaign and allinterest earned by the loans is added to the fund to increase the amount available for loans.  There were fiveloans from the Revolving Church Loan Program at the end of 2012 totaling $75,354.
The rate of interest for revolving loans made during 2012 was based on the loan rate establishedby the Cumberland Presbyterian Church Investment Loan Program at the beginning of each quarter.  Themaximum available for a single loan is $35,000, amortized over five years.
2. Cole Church Loan FundThis fund was established through the generosity of Lavenia Campbell Cole, a member of the
Trinity Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Fort Worth, Texas.   The purpose of the fund is to provide
loans at low interest rates to Cumberland Presbyterian churches “that have the potential for growth anddevelopment by increasing their ministry to the community in which they reside through the availability ofadditional money.”  Applications are available upon request.
Loans from the fund must have the approval of both the Board of Stewardship and the Missions
Ministry Team.  There is no established limit for the amount that may be loaned.  Loans must, however, berepaid within five years.  The Board of Stewardship decided that beginning in 2013 all church loan requestsof $35,000 or less would begin to be made from the Cole Church Loan Fund.  Assets and liabilities of the
Revolving Loan Program were transferred to the Cole Church Loan Fund.
E. REGIONAL PLANNED GIVING COORDINATORS
1. History

202

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

In 1993, the 163rd General Assembly commended the Board of Stewardship for “its vision indeveloping a program of planned giving in local congregations” and urged congregations “to be open to thisnew program and to take advantage of the assistance being offered” by the Board.
Further, it adopted recommendations to:Approve a church-wide annual emphasis on planned gifts as a complementary part of the observationof the Family Week focus provided by the Board of Christian Education during May of each year; andUrge each congregation to recognize the importance of promoting planned gifts as a part of its
overall nurture of Christian stewardship among its members.
In response to the 1993 action, staff of the Board of Stewardship have made presentations to morethan 150 congregations on the need to develop congregational endowments and encourage planned givingby church members.
At one time there were four Regional Planned Giving Coordinators.   At the moment Carolyn
Harmon is the only Regional Planned Giving Coordinators.   She is an elder in the Cedar Hill Church,
Greeneville, Tennessee, serving the Presbytery of East Tennessee.  The other coordinators can no longer
serve due to health conditions or other reasons.  Though Carolyn is employed by the Presbytery of East
Tennessee she has made presentations beyond her presbytery.
Through these regional coordinators education concerning the stewardship opportunities in planned
giving has been made readily accessible to many churches.  Often times the results of their work is noteasily measured.  It may be several years before their work bears fruit.  The regional coordinators use theirpresentations to plant the seeds which may bear fruit immediately or years down the road.  What is ofutmost importance is that the seeds are being planted.
Regional coordinators are employed and their salaries paid by their respective presbyteries or by
the Board of Stewardship.  They are the living links of a partnership between the General Assembly andtheir presbyteries and they join in the semi-annual meetings of the Board of Stewardship and the biennial
meetings of the North American Conference on Christian Philanthropy.  In this partnership, the cost of theirmaterials, travel, and continuing education opportunities are paid by the Board from Our United Outreachfunds.
The Board of Stewardship would like to begin renewing efforts of educating local congregations
about the opportunities available through planned giving.   It is through planned giving that current
Cumberland Presbyterians can provide for effective ministry long after they are gone.
It is our prayer that God will bless the work of encouraging Cumberland Presbyterians to give
generously to enhance the future ministry of all our churches.
F. LIST OF ENDOWMENTS
Following this report is a list of all endowments entrusted to the Board of Stewardship, Foundation
and Benefits.  While boards and agencies continue to seek new endowments, congregations and individuals
are also creating new endowments for the benefit of local congregations and other boards and agencies.
Endowment				Grace J. Beasley Memorial
Donald Bierhaus Trust
C. C. Brock Endowment Fund
Lavenia Campbell Cole Annunity Endowment
Lavenia Cole Testamentary Trust 25%
Lavenia Campbell Cole Trust 20%
Lavenia Campbell Cole Finance Endowment
Foundation & Finance Trust
Freeman Trust
Floyd Hensley TrustP. F. Johnson Memorial Endowment
Robert H. Jordan Endowment Fund
Della Campbell Lowrie 20%
J. Richard Magrill, Jr. Endowment
Sam B. Miles Endowment
M. Dale Orr Endowment
William Dana Shriver Fund
Maymie Stovall - Frontier Press 25%

Ending balance 2011		
$  26,802.65$  63,091.48$    4,374.11$  59,534.34$378,177.74$  44,076.22$    8,934.19$    7,720.10$  96,931.91$  25,062.73$    8,472.75$    6,002.97$402,424.81$  39,871.08$  73,932.43$  34,663.46$190,737.63$  27,737.85

Ending balance 2012$  28,799.29$  67,791.43$    4,699.94$  63,969.30$405,213.91$  47,359.66$    9,599.71$    8,295.22$104,152.75$  26,929.75$    9,103.93$    6,450.14$432,403.07$  43,043.26$  79,439.94$  37,245.69$204,946.44$  29,804.16

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

203

Endowment				Ending balance 2011		
Ending balance 2012
Evelyn & Gene Walpole Endowment$     19,884.68$     21,843.49
Eugene Warren Endowment Fund$     22,401.33$     24,070.11
Dixie Campbell Zinn Memorial$     13,590.88			$     14,603.34
Board of Stewardship					$1,554,425.34			$1,669,764.53
Ministerial Aid
Endowment				Ending balance 2011		
Ending balance 2012
Ministerial Aid Endowment$   647,856.28$   696,117.69
CPWM Endowment for Minister Care$       4,987.48$       5,478.79
Jesse W. Hipsher Endowment$     31,138.68$     34,361.63
Annie Lee Hogue Endowment$     31,799.84$     34,220.81
Herschel E. Jones Ministers’ Trust$       9,337.81$     10,033.44
Kate H., Robert E.  & Robert M. King$   126,038.65$   135,427.78
Della Campbell Lowrie Endowment 20%$1,300,394.16$1,428,495.47
Special Reserve Retirement Program$1,053,509.47$1,131,989.64
Sue Stiles Endowment Fund 50%$     77,449.16$     83,218.66
Premium Stabilization$   946,143.17			
$   958,472.21
Ministerial Aid						$4,228,654.70			$4,517,816.12
Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home
Endowment				Ending balance 2011		
Merlyn & Joann Kitterman Alexander$       1,250.47
W. A. & Elizabeth Bearden Trust$     14,238.63
Grace Johnson Beasley Memorial$     33,152.27
Bethlehem CPC, Maury County, TN$       5,418.89
James L. & Louise Bridges Scholarship$     37,036.15
J. T. & Dorothy Britt Trust$     10,025.97
Children’s Home Endowment$   288,829.60
Lavenia Campbell Cole Annuity Endowment$     74,066.76
Lavenia Cole Testamentary Trust 25%$   404,236.48
Lavenia Campbell Cole Trust 20%$     18,237.57
Mrs. A. L. Colvin Memorial Fund$          802.98
John H. & Eva Cox Trust Fund$     27,759.36
Steve Currie Trust$   487,280.21
Daniel Class, Morningside CPC$     28,668.06
Donnie Curry Davis Memorial$   167,758.07
Mary Elberta Davis Memorial$     17,900.46
Fred & Mattie Mae Dwiggins Memorial$     71,874.93
J. S. Eustis Memorial Trust Fund$     11,347.42
Winnie & Clester H. Evans, Sr. Trust$     18,944.97
John M. Friedel Trust$     19,596.61
Joyce C. Frisby Memorial Endowment$     21,008.50
Vaughn & Mary Elizabeth Fults Trust$     18,076.53
Garner-Miller Memorial Trust$     11,152.06
James C. & Freda M. Gilbert Endowment (CPCH)$     87,035.13
Henry & Jayne  Glaspy Memorial Fund$       7,397.94
Rev. W. J. Gregory Memorial$     92,983.48
Glenn Griffin Endowment 33%$     39,640.10
Rev. & Mrs. Henry M. Guynn Memorial$       4,118.86
Chad Evan Harper Memorial Endowment$       8,445.82
Newsome & Imogene Harvey Endowment$       2,273.71
Clarence & Lula Herring Endowment$       5,412.27
Kenneth & Clara M. Holsopple Trust$     47,912.79
George & Lottie M. Hutchins Trust$1,018,984.85
Norma K. Johnson Memorial Library$     10,226.18
P. F. Johnson Memorial Endowment  $     16,975.68
Robert H. & Genevie Johnson Endowment$       4,306.78

Ending balance 2012$       1,343.61$     15,299.30$     35,621.93$       5,822.58$     39,795.13$     10,772.82$   310,605.04$     79,584.28$   434,349.72$     19,596.13$          882.06$     29,827.29$   523,579.65$     30,803.70$   180,255.03$     19,233.93$     77,229.21$     12,192.72$     20,356.25$     21,056.44$     26,784.69$     19,423.11$     11,982.83$     94,646.76$       7,949.05$     99,910.12$     42,593.08$       4,425.68$       9,642.98$       2,443.11$       5,815.44$     51,481.99$1,094,893.16$     10,987.96$     18,240.27$       4,627.65

204

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

Endowment				Ending balance 2011		Ending balance 2012
Mr. & Mrs. Robert L. Johnson$     10,696.52$     11,493.29
Violet Louise Jolly Endowment$       1,080.00$       1,160.46
Eulava Joyce Memorial Trust$       8,925.52$       9,590.44
Ruth Cypert & Harlie Kugler Memorial$     17,973.98$     19,312.92
Blanche R. Lake Endowment$     12,953.42$     13,918.39
Wade P. Lane & Maude Dorough Memorial$       8,525.91$       9,161.03
Adolphus M. Latta Memorial Trust$     46,003.47$     49,430.45
Mr. & Mrs. Robert F. Little (CPCH)$     29,606.65$     32,315.08
Charles E. Addie Mae Lloyd Endowment$     20,263.27$     21,772.77
Tony & Ann Martin Endowment$       1,910.17$       2,098.36
Mrs. Lucille (Lucy) Mast Endowment$       1,941.72$       2,133.00
W. B. & Azalee McClurkan, Sr. Memorial$     17,324.31$     18,614.83
William J. McCall Memorial Trust$       8,925.53$       9,590.46
McEwen Church Trust$       6,856.97$       7,367.77
J. C. McKinley Endowment (CPCH)$     16,901.47$     18,160.53
Velma McKinley Trust Fund$     16,901.53$     18,160.58
McKinley & Barnett Families 33%$   662,126.21$   711,450.66
Mary McKnight Memorial Trust$       8,546.61$       9,490.71
Kenneth & Mae Moore Endowment Fund$       6,311.69$       6,781.84
Operational Trust Fund$   132,773.02$   142,666.05
Bert & Pat Owen Endowment for CPCH
$       1,403.97$       1,508.59
Martha Sue Parr Endowment$       1,328.36$       1,434.76
Mary M. Poole Endwoment Fund$   858,313.32$   922,252.54
Jack & Mary Lou Proctor Memorial Trust$     57,246.24$     61,510.75
Mary Acenal Prewitt Trust Fund$     80,928.57$     86,957.25
S. Q. & K. Maurine Proctor Trust$       5,070.40$       5,448.13
Rev. & Mrs. Joe Reed Memorial$       2,182.70$       2,397.68
Marguerite D. Richards Endowment$     22,795.48$     24,493.60
Agnew Durbin Richardson Trust$     27,045.03$     29,059.71
Pat N. & Essie H. Roberts Memorial$     52,768.97$     56,699.95
Frances Benefield Roberts Trust$       2,090.89$       2,246.65
Rev. & Mrs. John A. Russell Memorial$       4,090.25$       4,394.94
John, Ann & Mary Elizabeth Shimer$     13,433.37$     14,434.08
Rev. W. B. & Lydia Snipes Memorial$     15,122.21$     16,611.93
Don M. Nancy E. Tabor Trust$     30,825.08$     33,121.29
Townsend Trust Fund$     34,428.99$     36,993.79
Hattie E. Wheelis Fund$     17,714.12$     19,033.71
Whitfield Family Endowment$       8,791.25$     10,494.52
Porter & Hattie S. Williamson Memorial$   153,724.68$   165,176.24
Helen and Lewis Wynn Endowment Fund$       8,189.18$       9,209.71
Maxie & Will Young Memorial Endowment$     18,604.01$     19,989.90
Dixie Campbell Zinn Memorial Trust$       5,593.95$       6,010.65
Joe Parr Trust Fund$     70,182.11			$     75,410.26
Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home		
$5,662,797.64			
$6,093,614.95
Memphis Theological Seminary
Endowment				Ending balance 2011		Ending balance 2012
African-American Studies Chair$       7,314.01$       6,975.53
Emerson A. Alburty Endowment$       6,367.36$       5,810.19
John W. Aldridge Memorial Scholarship$       8,626.04$       7,789.31
Merlyn A. & Joann K. Alexander$       7,773.17$       8,196.88
Alston Family Evangelistic Association$     48,061.13$     48,756.52
Polly Atterbury Aldridge Scholarship$     10,206.04$       9,921.67
Alternate Studies Endowment$       8,785.79$       9,265.55
Virgil R. Anderson Memorial Endowment$       9,203.84$       8,932.48
Baird-Buck Chair of CP Studies$   228,244.76$   264,785.28
Walter & Eula Baker Memorial Fund$     12,891.04$     12,806.71

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

205

Endowment				Ending balance 2011		Ending balance 2012
O. A. Barbee Endowment$     1,405.51$       1,587.57
Richard M. & Martha Carol Barker Scholarship$     9,705.84$     10,766.57
Barnes Seminary Endowment$   64,495.40$     65,121.44
Isaac R. Barnes Scholarship Endowment$   14,399.44$     15,396.75
George B. Bates Trust$     3,135.30$       3,368.85
Grace Johnson Beasley Endowment$   68,610.18$     75,368.95
Joseph E. Bedinger Memorial Library$     4,350.19$       4,674.21
Tarlton M. Belles Fund$   22,871.77$     22,321.33
Marie Blackwell Endowment$        298.36$          419.58
Larry A. Blakeburn Endowment$     2,375.16$       2,552.14
Roy E. Blakeburn Scholarship$     5,143.51$       5,425.06
Bowen Chapel Church Trust$   35,575.32$     27,455.75
Bowen Lecture Fund$   16,784.15$     18,618.53
Kyle D. Brantley, M. D. Memorial$   13,956.02$     16,890.10
Brockwell Library Endowment$     5,694.63$       6,476.26
Evelyn Brodeur$   20,881.37$     21,509.95
Beth-Helen-Peggy Brown Endowment$   28,023.65$     28,559.71
Paul B. Brown Endowment - MTS$   13,434.55$     13,750.44
Paul F. & Mattie Suddarth Brown - MTS$   37,286.33$     37,974.66
W. W. Brown Scholarship$     3,880.26$       4,196.67
Finis McAdoo Bruington Board-Designated Endowment $   44,132.63$     42,896.19
Davis & Gladys Bryson Education 50%$   23,265.40$     25,147.53
Henry & Alfreda Bunton Scholarship$   21,274.04$     21,525.54
Hal & Gladys Burks Memorial Fund$     7,571.02$       7,084.81
Thomas H. Campbell Library Endowment$     4,022.28$       4,347.58
Thomas H. & Margaret E. Campbell$   28,081.92$     28,084.58
Campbell-Todd Trust$     8,745.13$       8,771.22
Carlock Memorial Trust$     1,104.46$       1,164.82
Cawthon Memorial Fund$     3,667.39$       3,867.77
Mildred Chandler Endowment$     3,255.47$       3,572.67
Rev. Walter & Mrs. Sarah Chesnut Scholarship Endowment $            0.00$       5,378.30
Gladys Chumbler Endowment$     6,768.07$       6,749.98
Marian Lisenbee Clark Endowment$     5,481.07$       4,932.35
Sallie H. Clay & Alice J. Cooksey$ 273,870.27$   263,940.83
Faye E. & Ford F. Claytor Endowment$     7,135.72$       7,144.97
Lavenia Campbell Cole Annuity Endowment$   52,186.90$     54,283.24
Lavenia Campbell Cole Testamentary Trust 25%$ 361,111.60$   361,114.62
Lavenia Campbell Cole Trust$   18,309.19$     18,628.52
George E. & Rouine V. Coleman Endowment$     8,450.99$       9,017.68
George E. Coleman Scholarship$   56,675.30$     54,131.63
Willene Cooper Scholarship$   23,849.88$     25,982.12
Hubert & Dortha Covington Memorial$     3,708.05$       3,910.60
James Covington Scholarship$     7,039.95$       7,302.62
Thelma Craig Scholarship$   29,578.84$     29,693.00
Cora Hawkins Crutchfield Scholarship Endowment$   11,428.91$     13,213.55
Cumberland Hall Endowment$     3,772.03$       4,492.45
Cumberland Presbyterian Women$   24,576.19$     25,562.92
Sallie Stacy Davenport$     4,807.37$       5,442.07
Mary Elberta Davis Memorial$     5,049.16$       5,430.25
Paul & Nancy Dekar/Immersion Studies$     4,725.46$       5,349.87
James W. & Gladys Murray Diamond$     2,857.45$       3,013.58
Margaret M. Dirks*$     6,339.46$       6,667.83
Houston Dixon Memorial$     7,282.68$       6,780.69
Winifred M. Dixon Endowment$   24,735.28$     26,393.67
C. Ray Dobbins Endowment$     1,818.41$       1,917.79
Jesse R. & Virginia R. Durham Endowment$ 859,923.26$   898,129.46
Rev. Dr. Loyce Estes Endowment Fund$            0.00$       6,290.05

206

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

Endowment				Ending balance 2011		Ending balance 2012
Expansion & Development Fund$     3,169.48$       2,945.64
Faith CPC, Tulsa, OK - Scholarship$   42,990.13$     45,148.01
Alice Fay Finley$     5,274.76$       5,158.55
H. Glenn Finley Library Fund$     2,527.75$       2,716.01
E. H. & Millie Finley$     2,062.29$       2,215.95
Linda Hester Fooks Memorial$   15,383.17$     16,633.56
Jere B. Ford Family Endowment$   13,098.61$     10,780.84
Rev. J. C. & Willie Mae Forester Library$     3,027.14$       3,657.35
Vaughn Fults Endowment$   10,087.04$     10,135.26
Gadsden Area Churches Trust$   36,567.36$     36,533.32
McAdow Gam Endowment Fund$   24,383.63$     26,331.30
John E. & Anna B. Gardner Endowment$   14,581.27$     15,368.38
Jessie B. & Noella Garner$     1,174.77$       1,238.96
W. L. & Dot Lacey Gaston Endowment$     5,685.06$       5,603.14
Louis E. & Millie Coats Gholson$ 152,710.49$   151,088.53
James C. & Freda M. Gilbert Endowment (MTS)$   10,540.16$     11,145.90
James & Martha Gill Sacred Theology$   13,188.41$     12,981.21
David E. Glasgow Endowment$     1,332.06$       1,404.85
James A. & Lenora Greer Endowment$     2,464.85$       2,707.66
Mary Guice Memorial$   11,606.66$     12,750.01
Margaret I. Gunn Memorial$   22,639.44$     25,113.73
Hamilton Chapel Fund
$ 453,653.14$   503,233.75
Mrs. George N. Harris Library Memorial$     3,046.64$       3,273.57
Newsome & Imogene Daniel Harvey$     6,472.57$       6,323.70
Bettye & Dick Hendrix Scholarship$   12,802.96$     14,202.19
Henshaw Family Endowment Fund$     5,108.69$       5,387.83
Frank & Margaret Henshaw Endowment 1$   10,831.01$     11,432.57
J. David & Barbara Hester Endowment$   29,083.89$     31,250.47
Rev. E. Samuel Hicks Endowment Fund$     4,516.36$       4,330.49
Dr. Alfred D. Hill Scholarship$     4,827.39$       5,891.59
Cortis E. Hill Library$     3,281.09$       3,525.54
David & Patsy Hilliard$     8,885.88$       4,517.16
Francis A. Hobgood Trust$   27,449.60$     28,449.81
William Clarence Hodge Memorial$     2,937.83$       3,156.67
B. L. & Jewel Looper Holder$     9,305.02$     10,320.16
Lee Hollowell Trust$   12,898.66$     13,291.89
Barbara A. Holmes Lectures$   19,990.13$     19,069.72
Mr. & Mrs. J. S. Holmes Trust$     4,474.58$       4,807.92
Kenneth & Myrtle Holsopple Endowment$   23,112.64$     25,057.85
Jack & Gwen Hood Scholarship$   25,990.89$     32,543.05
Rev. John William Howell Memorial$     1,915.76$       2,125.70
Cardelia Howell-Diamond Scholarship$   61,612.53$     68,346.26
Donald & Jane Hubbard Endowment for MTS$     6,715.93$       7,377.55
Bernice A. Humphreys Endowment$   17,012.79$     16,243.44
Charles E. & Helen Humphreys Endowment$   20,062.74$     10,457.66
Gerald S. & Louise Felts Hunter$     2,539.82$       2,678.59
George & Lottie M. Hutchins 33%$ 225,595.17$   227,366.43
Mattie Hutchison Seminary Fund$     1,482.53$       1,592.97
Eugenia Turner Ingram Endowment$     2,678.38$       2,929.99
Lillian Johnston Ingram Library$     5,012.29$       5,391.37
Tom & Barbara Ingram Student Asst.
$   28,309.96$     33,192.76
Virginia Howell Ingram Endowment Fund$   62,694.86$     69,546.95
Rev. W. T. Ingram, Sr. & Family Scholarship$   93,805.05$     86,705.50
William T. & Virginia H. Ingram Lectures$   94,371.17$     97,121.51
Joe Ben Irby Trust$     3,669.06$       3,942.37
Joe Ben & Julia Irby Endowment Fund$   88,248.13$     89,598.99
Virginia Irwin Memorial Endowment$     4,316.61$       4,638.17

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

207

Endowment				Ending balance 2011		Ending balance 2012
Johns Lectures$  11,625.26$     12,897.05
P. F. Johnson Memorial$  49,092.85$     46,986.03
Robert A. & Jo S. Johnson (MTS)$  57,281.47$     51,221.77
Roby M. Johnston Endowment$  80,609.45$     82,435.89
Joiner Ministerial Scholarship$    5,863.67$       5,778.12
V. A. Jones Library Memorial$    3,685.25$       3,886.59
Kiningham-Kuehn Endowment$    9,484.04$     10,107.48
Franklin W. Latta Memorial Scholarship$  13,476.69$     13,921.27
Ruth Fumbanks Latta Endowment$  14,257.51$     14,136.33
Randal (Randy) Leslie Endowment Fund$  13,271.19$     14,307.42
C. S. Lewis & His Friends Lecture$  22,947.91$     22,920.38
Library Reserve - Seminary Development$    2,069.78$       2,288.11
Mr. & Mrs. Robert F. Little (MTS)$  24,833.15$     25,900.60
James & Louella Lively Family Endowment$    5,759.43$       7,907.05
Inez Lovelace Endowment$  33,069.68$     30,590.40
Virgil L. & Della M. Lowrie Lectures$  82,694.44$     92,281.61
Della Campbell Lowrie Endowment 20%$398,093.85$   407,119.64
Dennis L. & Elmira C. Magrill 50%$  23,078.31$     27,401.54
Rev. George Malone / Rev. Edmong Weir
$  56,864.49$     65,280.45
W. A. Johnson Family Endowment$    2,547.90$       2,763.05
Dessa Jane Manuel Scholarship 50%$  37,596.28$     39,602.12
Marshall (Texas) CPW Endowment$    8,539.25$       8,676.59
Dr. & Mrs. Arleigh G. Matlock Scholarship$  30,505.57$     31,569.52
Charles R. Matlock Library Endowment$    4,627.72$       4,880.18
Walter L. Mayo Endowment Fund$    5,103.81$       5,484.01
Mr. & Mrs. David M. McAnulty Memorial$  14,532.08$     14,570.02
Doris McCall Memorial Endowment$  12,139.94$     13,193.28
James W. & Mary H. McCulloch Memorial$  11,182.74$     11,493.48
Margaret McCulloch Scholarship$    8,709.99$       8,276.80
F. Dwight & Bernice K. McDonald$176,958.55$   179,694.65
McGuinness-Wood Endowment$  19,216.82$     19,603.69
Jack B. McKamey Endowment Fund$    9,670.95$       5,336.88
Velma McKinley Memorial Endowment$    4,030.37$       4,330.60
McKinley & Barnett Families 33%$192,489.40$   138,865.01
Wesley McKinney Memorial Endowment$    9,103.23$       9,700.69
Maude McLin Memorial Endowment$    3,804.86$       4,088.30
Robert W. McReynolds Memorial$    5,206.97$       5,094.42
Mr. & Mrs. W. J. McReynolds Trust$    5,876.69$       5,695.21
Memphis Methodist Conference Fund$  29,419.85$     29,994.67
Ed Mikel Doctoral Scholarship Memorial$    7,557.13$       8,383.09
Sam B. & Naurine W. Miles Endowment$    4,369.10$       4,607.83
Sam B. Miles Board Designated Endowment$           0.00$     71,232.05
Mary Elliott Miller Endowment$    6,738.89$       7,215.06
Rev. & Mrs. W. E. Miller Scholarship$    4,917.59$       5,291.21
Robert Lynn & Elizabeth P. Mills$    8,122.80$       8,054.88
Ministerial Scholarship Endowment 40%$  22,892.23$     12,782.13
Missouri-Arkansas CO-OP PCUSA$    3,600.88$       3,994.42
John L. Mize Scholarship$    8,128.54$       8,175.34
Clinton & Eva B. Moore Endowment$  31,946.15$     31,740.35
Frank C. Moore Endowment Fund$  10,874.25$     11,569.26
Mary E. Morefield Memorial 40%$    5,172.18$       4,952.25
Hubert W. Morrow Endowment PAS$  28,149.75$     28,019.53
Virginia Sue Williamson Morrow MT$  23,904.12$     25,672.95
Ruby Page Morton Endowment$    7,486.31$       7,393.57
William Taylor Morton Endowment$    7,821.33$       8,793.93
John & Gail Moss Endowment$    4,108.20$       4,332.71
Dr. Arthur Murrell Memorial Scholarship$    4,383.37$       4,225.79

208

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

Endowment				Ending balance 2011		Ending balance 2012
Walter & Anna Murrie Endowment$    5,671.11$       5,981.02
Willard & Bettie Murrie Endowment$    7,450.15$       8,213.80
Gladys Teter Nichols$  94,955.89$   100,089.28
North Central Texas Presbytery Scholarship$    4,571.33$       4,911.84
William H. & Nola A. Oliver Scholarship$    4,830.23$       5,199.37
Bert & Pat Owen - Shepherd’s Rest
$  75,661.90$     83,972.36
Palestine CPC Endowment at MTS$    3,379.52$       3,564.16
Paskell & Bernice Parker Endowment$    3,878.48$       4,167.43
Parr Scholarship Endowment$  54,443.20$     52,878.92
Rev. G. F.  Phelps Memorial Scholarship$  17,612.57$     17,879.95
John W. Piper Endowment Fund$  23,816.45$     24,208.27
Platte-Lexington Seminary$  22,085.69$     21,434.93
Pleasant Hill CP Endowment$    6,374.19$       6,210.76
Bernice A. Humphreys Scholarship Endowment$106,994.96$   118,688.65
Bettie Press Library Fund$    5,204.05$       4,474.08
S. Q. Proctor Ministerial Scholarship$    6,926.87$       7,591.85
Klahr & Iris Raney Endowment Fund$  17,924.73$     19,114.27
Eugene & Agnes Richardson Endowment$    7,342.31$       7,019.93
Evelyn B. Crick Richmond Endowment$  51,290.75$     52,027.14
Roy Roberts Memorial Endowment$    1,435.87$       1,542.85
Mrs. W. H. Rochelle Endowment Fund$    9,654.61$       9,329.17
Hudson & Robbie C. Roseberry$  63,426.51$     68,225.14
W. L. & Mary K. Rolman Scholarship$  17,294.76$     18,583.14
William & Dolores Rustenhaven Endowment$    4,734.24$       5,086.90
Beverly St. John/Theology & Arts$    7,326.80$       7,702.60
Saint Timothy CPC$    3,063.15$       3,230.54
Herschel A. & Iris L. Schultz$124,461.52$   129,554.64
Clara Scott Family Chair - Part I$349,905.52$   349,168.54
Clara Scott Family Chair - Part II$205,116.38$   216,115.78
George W. Scott Endowment Fund$    5,484.28$       5,892.83
W. H. Scott Family Endowment$  10,012.01$     10,161.71
Marie C. Scrudder Memorial$    3,800.20$       4,083.27
Seminary Commitment Campaign$    2,946.81$       2,806.88
Seminary Development Fund Endowment$       718.95$          758.24
Seminary Scholarship Fund$  10,182.20$       8,426.72
Ed Shannon Endowment )$    5,959.66$       6,645.26
E. Thach & Jerry Shauf Endowment$  15,187.57$     14,993.60
Robert E. Shelton Scholarship$    2,396.29$       2,850.82
Robert M. Shelton Scholarship$    2,975.06$       3,196.68
Ruby Burris Shelton Endowment$    4,429.31$       4,759.27
Dick & Virginia Singellton Endowment$  14,406.35$     14,434.93
Esther Smith & Search Parish Endowment$    1,868.05$       2,007.20
Odus H. Smith Memorial Endowment$    4,205.49$       4,518.74
Katherine Hinds Smythe Endowment$    5,594.09$       5,388.04
W. B. Snipes Memorial Scholarship$  15,966.32$     16,111.13
Truman Barrett Snowden Memorial$    4,061.01$       4,438.02
Dorothea Snyder Endowment$    4,901.91$       4,658.00
L. D. & Dathel Jones Stacey Endowment$       577.40$          608.96
Henry L. Starks Scholarship$144,269.70$   157,436.18
Anne Stavely Endowmet Fund$    2,027.52$       2,178.55
Eva Jane Stewart Trust 50%$  46,433.14$     47,951.85
J.W. Stiles Lectures$  32,449.60$     34,655.95
Rev. Elizabeth Stone Mem. Schol.
$    1,849.19$       1,950.21
Lela Stricklen Endowment$  58,362.30$     27,985.72
Maymie Stovall Memorial Trust 25%$  10,777.62$     11,058.17
Roy Stucker Scholarship Fund 50%$  38,546.07$     35,430.12
Charles Studdard Memorial$  16,572.52$     16,937.69

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

209

Endowment				Ending balance 2011		Ending balance 2012
Emma Elizabeth Suddarth Memorial$       5,956.34$       6,400.07
Robert H. & Lois Went Taylor Endowment$     10,099.31$     10,926.13
Thomas V. Taylor Seminary Student$       5,169.02$       5,628.59
Verdys E. Taylor Trust$       2,011.71$       2,161.57
A. J. Terry Scholarship$       1,914.95$       2,057.62
Theological Seminary General Endowment$   156,735.55$   135,045.08
Virgil H. & Irene R. Todd - OT EXCL$     59,406.93$     65,870.91
Tri-Mu Bible Class Scholarship$     49,850.62$     55,626.75
R L Truax, M L Truax, R L Truax, Jr Award for Academic Ach $       6,080.46$       6,745.25
Carl Walker Endowment$       6,996.70$       7,592.42
Mr. & Mrs. Carl Forbis Ward Memorial$       5,836.93$       5,141.52
Tom V. Warnick Memorial$     24,448.67$     28,263.53
Geneverette Warr Endowment$       5,918.80$       5,333.16
Warren, MI, First CPC Endowment$       7,275.69$       7,161.16
The Rev. Harlon & Mary Edith Watson Endowment$     17,671.40$     23,402.84
Virgil T. & Sue B. Weeks$       6,717.24$       7,083.95
Lynn Westbrook Memorial Endowment$       7,852.26$       8,386.55
Mae Westbrook Memorial Endowment Fund$       3,828.72$       4,037.94
The Weston Endowment$     14,700.37$     13,758.68
J. W. Wilder Scholarship$   191,928.81$   188,314.07
Alline Williams Endowment$       7,677.38$       8,249.32
Wayne Wiman Scholarship$     23,592.72$     25,358.35
Lamar & Ellen Wilson Memorial Scholarship$     29,087.35$     16,722.64
Women’s Issues in Ministry Endowment$       4,238.71$       4,656.27
Louisa Woosley Endowment Fund$     53,088.12$     58,060.53
Rev. Charles W. Hall Endowment for Pastoral Excellence $       5,908.97$       9,034.24
Dr. Thomas D. Campbell Endowment$       6,865.81$       7,860.32
Rev. Matthew Miller Endowment$          971.45			
$       1,199.57
Memphis Theological Seminary			$8,644,707.19			$8,899,300.62
Miscellaneous
Endowment				Ending balance 2011		Ending balance 2012
Lavenia Cole Test. Trust Temp.
$   227,617.48$   398,273.71
CP Retirement & Health Maintenance (Sue Galey)$     10,785.65$     11,848.14
Lillie M. Dickerson Memorial Fund$     61,333.44$     66,028.93
Verna Fillius Green Charities Endowment$       1,616.56$       4,588.83
Hodgeville Cemetery Association$     10,649.40$     11,698.45
Laddie Lollar Scholarship$     40,069.22$     42,987.98
McKinley & Barnett Families Temp.
$     52,975.34$   114,141.29
Matching Gift Endowment Fund$            37.94$            41.67
Terrell D. and Jacqueline C. Maynard Endowment$       5,653.07$     10,696.93
Ethel Phillips Endowment$     36,394.44$     42,071.52
Thomas P. & Barbara J. Semmens Scholarship$       1,307.94$       1,436.81
Maymie Stovall Trust$   238,966.30$   253,597.40
Mary Ann Walton Trust$2,000,618.30$2,145,616.36
Parr Estate/Mission Synod Ministerial Aid$   107,690.32			$   117,039.35
Miscellaneous						$2,795,715.40			$3,220,067.37
Bethel University
Endowment				Ending balance 2011		Ending balance 2012
Stobbe Mathematics Scholarship$     38,003.37$     41,450.94
J. E.  Ash Memorial$       6,890.29$       7,403.58
Daisy J.  Barger & Lena J.  Davis$     17,482.71$     18,785.04
Grace Johnson Beasley Memorial$     15,391.19$     16,537.76
Herman Osteen Beasley Memorial$     37,989.55$     40,819.53
Bethel CPC, Columbia Presbytery$       1,748.27$       1,878.55
Boyett Trust$     30,752.01$     33,042.80

210

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

Endowment				Ending balance 2011		Ending balance 2012
Rev. & Mrs. C. L. Bruington Library$     10,273.68$     11,039.02
Davis O. & Gladys Bryson Educ. 50%$     38,312.49$     41,166.55
Lavenia Campbell Cole Annuity End$     69,043.01$     74,186.30
Lavenia Campbell Cole Trust 20%$     16,809.65$     18,061.86
Cumberland Presbytery Scholarship$     11,279.02$     12,119.25
J. Claud & Mary L. Dickinson Fund$       6,935.62$       7,452.26
Mary L. Claud Dickinson Educ.
$   394,226.08$   423,593.58
Rev. & Mrs. Walter E. Dillow Memorial$     21,823.26$     23,448.97
Winifred M. Dixson Endowment$     43,814.74$     47,078.69
Jack & Ewie Freeman Trust$     17,954.51$     19,292.00
Vaughn & Mary E. Fults Min. Scholarship$     34,710.87$     37,296.64
Samuel K. Gam & Mamie S. Gam Endowment$     15,431.39$     16,580.93
Greensburg CPC Memorial Scholarship$       7,025.00$       7,548.30
Glenn Griffin Endowment 33%$     33,650.84$     36,157.64
Fenner Heathcock Memorial Fund$     72,025.43$     77,390.92
Roy Hickman & Ruth Hughes Hickman$     37,768.40$     40,581.88
Francis A. Hobgood Trust 25%$     29,573.33$     31,776.38
George & Lottie M. Hutchins Trust$   242,428.04$   260,487.49
Dr. P. F. Johnson Memorial Endowment$     53,604.49$     57,597.70
Joiner Ministerial Scholarship$       5,808.82$       6,241.57
Rev. E. R. & Forest Ladd Memorial$       2,281.03$       2,450.92
Robert F. & Jane L. Little (BC)$     25,044.14$     26,909.80
Della Campbell Lowerie 20%$   346,535.67$   372,350.50
Dessa Jane Manuel Scholarship 50%$   161,993.73$   174,061.31
Albert & Belle McDonald Trus
$   435,068.22$   467,478.21
Cliff McElroy Memorial Trust$     15,701.23$     17,247.94
Nyta Miller Scholarship$       6,483.84$       6,966.88
Nell Miller Scholarship$       2,900.72$       3,116.78
Ministerial Scholarship Endowment 60%$   114,042.42$   122,537.90
Bert & Pat Owen Endowment for Bethel$       1,935.05$       2,079.19
Max & Ethel Mize Parker Scholarship$     18,810.50$     20,211.77
S. Q.  Proctor Ministerial Scholarship$     11,175.84$     12,008.37
Agnes D. Richardson Endowment Fund$       8,848.46$       9,507.63
Pauline Rucker Memorial$       3,974.99$       4,271.09
Rev. & Mrs. J. Howard Scott Memorial$       9,704.36$     10,427.29
Esther M. Smith Trust$       6,577.60$       7,067.58
Martha S. & W. Horace Snipes Scholarship$       1,797.11$       1,930.99
Eva Jane Stewart Trust 50%$     55,380.73$     59,506.27
Roy Stucker Scholarship 50%$     46,802.35$     50,288.85
Richard Swain Memorial Scholarship$     21,483.42$     23,083.78
Weigel Bible CLass$       9,261.74			$       9,951.70
Bethel University					$2,616,559.21		
$2,812,470.88
Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America
Endowment				Ending balance 2011		Ending balance 2012
CP Church in America Min. Education$       3,362.99$       3,694.24
CP Church in America World Mission$       6,858.49			
$       7,534.18
Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America$ 10,221.48			
$ 11,228.42
Congregational
Endowment				Ending balance 2011		Ending balance 2012
Kate Maxwell Allen Trust$       5,469.00$       5,876.38
Grace Bright Circle Missions$       7,639.19$       8,391.74
Brunswick Cumberland Presbyterian Church Trust$     12,793.20$     13,192.31
Jane and Ed Chapman Endowment$       5,898.62$       5,417.88
Chinese Mission of San Francisco$     24,642.65$     26,478.37
Christ (FL) Tom W. Kelley Ed Fund$     23,230.02$     25,518.45

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

211

Endowment				Ending balance 2011		Ending balance 2012
Christ (FL) Mary Beth Swindle Scholarship$     74,633.70$     79,045.84
The Mary Cloud Fund$     38,337.60$     41,193.52
Lavenia Campbell Cole Endowment$   271,809.64$   292,057.82
Dyersburg - Charles F. Moore C/T$     40,070.05$     44,017.34
Dyersburg - Jenny Edwards Endowment$     23,981.19$     26,343.55
Elliottsville - Gillis Endowment$       7,964.81$       8,749.46
Elliottsville - Kent Endowment$       5,467.10$       6,005.66
Fairfield C P  Church Trust$     78,684.68$     84,546.22
Frankie Floyd Fund for Education$     10,278.65$     11,291.17
Germantown - Christian Education Ministry$     21,077.45$     23,191.89
Germantown - Outreach Ministry$       4,773.35$       5,243.55
Germantown - Worship Ministry$       1,405.82$       1,734.72
Germantown - Eugene/Rosa Warren$     12,787.89$     11,767.20
Germantown - William Pickle Member Care$       2,598.75$       3,695.86
Basil & Gertrude Green Scholarship Fund$     50,592.79$     54,881.01
Glenn Griffin Endowment 33%$     39,906.06$     42,878.84
Francis A. Hobgood Trust 50%$     59,847.85$     64,306.16
Hohenwald CPC$   305,599.40$   328,364.75
Albert M. & Delia Jackson Memorial$       2,793.17$       3,504.17
Albert S. Johnston Trust$     53,453.73$     57,435.68
Orn/Laughlin Trust$       5,902.44$       6,342.16
Lawrenceburg CPC - Springer$     28,005.23$     30,764.01
Lawrenceburg CPC - Every Member$       6,764.56$       7,430.98
Lawrenceburg CPC - Mason/Jennings$     85,686.97$     92,070.09
Della Campbell Lowrie Trust$     72,386.22$     77,778.59
Lucado Endowment$   556,613.38$   590,505.32
Manchester CPC - Christian Education Endowment$              0.00$       6,386.03
Marshall (MO) David Guthrie Youth$       4,792.05$       5,264.11
Marshall (MO) 50 Year Church Member Rec$       5,616.11$       6,169.35
Marshall (TX) CPC of, Endowment$   313,224.63$   308,036.96
Marshall (TX) Ewing Chapel Cemetery$     44,800.69$     50,551.52
McKenzie CPC - Beasley Endowment$     64,656.48$     69,473.00
McKenzie CPC - Julia Patterson Irby$     11,632.01$     12,498.54
Medina CPC Trust$       1,991.49$       2,187.72
Mesquite CPC - Every Member Endowment$     14,117.91$     15,508.59
Louise Moffitt Trust Fund$   264,053.38$   283,723.80
Mount Moriah Cemetery Fund (W. TN Presbytery)$   279,443.06$   301,508.09
Murfreesboro First CPC Trust$       1,330.16$       1,461.20
New Salem Cemetery Fund$     80,146.95$     87,015.95
Oliver’s Chapel Cemetery Trust$     70,168.20$     77,972.23
Trimble CPC - Horace J. Coffer Memorial Trust$       4,841.65$       5,202.34
Trimble CPC - Howard Glasgow Memorial Trust$       4,841.64$       5,202.32
Trimble CPC - Bob & Chris Page Family Trust$       2,997.76$       3,221.09
Carolyn Smythe Parks Memorial Trust$   144,989.51$   155,790.32
E. E. Parks Memorial Trust$       3,761.56$       4,041.77
Hamilton & Merion S. Parks Family$     37,952.64$     40,779.90
Rev. Hamilton Parks Memorial Trust$       1,785.32$       1,871.21
W. H. Parks Memorial Trust$       5,969.00$       6,413.63
Franklin Pierce Memorial Trust$       8,600.20$       9,240.87
William W. & Lou W. Pierce Memorial$       1,718.75$       1,846.81
J. Dixie Johnson Primm Endowment$       1,312.77$       1,442.06
Red Bank CPC Endowment$     21,350.25$     23,865.15
Robinson Cemetery Endowment$     27,262.86$     29,948.50
Saint Timothy CPC Trust$     25,266.51$     27,252.71
Short Creek CPC Memorial Fund$     12,855.62$     14,226.32
Swan Cumberland Presbyterian Church$     10,954.80$     12,033.92
Inman & Mildred Swain Memorial$     57,817.30$     62,124.37

212

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

Endowment				Ending balance 2011		Ending balance 2012
Thomas D. & Mary Jo (Adams) Vaughan$   485,684.03$   521,864.56
Thomas & Mary Jo Vaughan Outreach$     48,852.57$     52,491.79
West Union Cemetery - Old Committee$     56,911.93$     52,190.95
Rev. Jonathan Clark Endowment$          521.76$          573.18
Calico Rock CPC - Christian Service Center End$       4,828.99$       5,180.67
Calico Rock CPC - Mildred B. Curless Danielson$       1,344.59$       1,477.03
Calico Rock CPC - Every Member Endowment$       5,175.10$       6,213.17
Calico Rock CPC -Dixie Jennings Gray Endowment$       6,228.35$       6,841.90
Calico Rock CPC - Ernie Horton Gray Endowment$       5,485.86$       6,026.28
Calico Rock CPC - Willis Newton Hankins End$          555.18$          609.89
Calico Rock CPC - Joann Smith Hudson Endowment$       1,553.98$       1,707.01
Calico Rock CPC - Zelda Killian Endowment$       1,183.35$       1,299.93
Calico Rock CPC - James & Ariel Utt-Landrus End$       5,535.79$       6,081.10
Calico Rock CPC -John & Ernette “Ernie” Parker$       1,239.31$       1,361.40
Calico Rock CPC - Grady & Leota Perryman End$       6,285.66$       6,904.86
Calico Rock CPC - Ray & Velma Perryman End$       6,107.68$       6,709.36
Calico Rock CPC - Beatric Virginia Pino End$          555.21$          609.93
Calico Rock CPC - Pietro “Pete” Pino Endowment$       4,661.04$       5,120.16
Calico Rock CPC - Muriel Thompson Ryan End$       1,190.42$       1,307.69
Calico Rock CPC - Sean Vann Endowment$       3,139.16$       3,535.22
Calico Rock CPC - Wayland - Seay Endowment$       4,485.75$       4,927.67
Calico Rock CPC - Wayne & Gaye Wood End$       8,634.20$       9,484.74
Calico Rock CPC - Trimble House Maintenance Endowment $       4,847.72$       5,747.66
Calico Rock CPC - Pete & Betty Riggins$       1,000.00			$       1,609.68
Congregational					$4,137,354.05			$4,422,156.90
Presbyterial
Endowment				Ending balance 2011		Ending balance 2012
Arkansas Presbytery - Camp Peniel$     22,128.29$     23,776.71
Arkansas Presbytery - Higher Education$     56,362.48$     60,561.14
Rev. Leo E. Smith Min. Memorial Scholarship$       8,199.55$       9,109.90
Daisy Bell Belcher Estate$     23,696.83$     26,031.20
Cauca Valley Presbytery - Hogar Samaria$     32,340.84$     50,705.51
Columbia Presbytery Endowment$     55,155.38$     65,862.53
Crystal Springs Camp - Fred Ramsey$     25,582.32$     24,159.38
East Tennessee - Philip Norris Jones$       7,225.88$       7,937.74
William J. Eldredge Trust Fund$     10,340.87$     11,111.18
Ephraim McLean Sr. Memorial Fund$     41,313.90$     45,383.74
Missouri Presbytery - Education Fund$     13,298.31$     14,608.31
Missouri Presbytery - Kansas City$          389.56$          427.96
Missouri Presbytery - Mission$              0.00$     13,670.30
Oklahoma/Kansas/Nebraska Mission$   386,970.73$   425,091.06
Red River Presbytery - Camp$     29,440.90$     37,418.12
Red River Presbytery Christian Ed. General$       6,424.86$       7,057.76
Tennessee-Georgia Presbytery Capital$     37,917.36$     22,920.57
Trinity Presbytery - Saint Paul$   160,546.94$   188,866.48
Trinity Presbytery - Saint Paul Interest$   165,386.91$   172,527.77
W. Tennessee Presbytery - Grace Beasley Fund$   120,180.67$   132,019.64
W. Tennessee Presbytery - Camp Clark Williamson$     11,666.45$     15,009.03
Covenant Presbytery - Russ Milton Scholarship Endowment $       6,921.79$       9,408.74
Cumberland Presbytery -Missions - McInteer End$     56,297.00$     60,490.76
Cumberland Presbytery - Missions - Millwood$       4,788.60$       5,145.30
Cumberland Presbytery -Missions - Ray A. Morris$       1,759.27$       1,890.36
Cumberland Presbytery - Missions - NCD$   116,981.76$   127,143.69
Cumberland Presby Missions - Reid’s Chapel End$     40,463.39$     43,477.66
Cumberland Presbytery - Missions-Royal Oak End$     38,704.18$     41,587.41
Cumberland Presby - Scholarships - Freeman End$   117,871.70$   126,652.47

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

213

Endowment				Ending balance 2011		Ending balance 2012
Cumber Pres Scholarships - E. L. Freeman Farms$   165,719.26$   178,064.35
Cumberland Presby - Scholarships - Howard End$     43,982.02$     47,258.38
Cumberland Presby - Min. Educ - Bremen CPC 25%$     45,668.76$     49,070.84
Cumberland Presby - Cont. Educ - Hampton End$   105,556.82$   113,420.21
Cumberland Presbytery - Cont. Edu - KY Synod$       4,387.03$       4,713.81
Cumberland Presby - Gen. Prog - Bremen CPC 75%$   137,006.22$   147,212.35
Cumberland Presby - General Program - KY Synod$       8,796.45$       9,451.74
Cumberland Presby -Gen Prog - Eugene A. Leslie$       2,560.39$       2,751.13
Cumberland Presby - Gen Prog - Wilcoxson End$       3,518.54$       3,780.64
Cumberland Presby Christian Ed - Camp Koinonia$     28,702.00$     30,840.13
Cumberland Presby - Christian Ed - Cecil Huff$       3,729.06$       4,006.85
Cumberland Presby - Christian Ed - Sam Macy$       1,112.27$       1,195.13
Cumberland Presby Higher Ed - Joseph H. Butler$       1,636.93$       1,758.86
Cumberland Presby - Higher Ed - Sharon Church$     23,803.72$     25,576.95
Cumberland Presbytery -Robert L. McReynolds 50%$     37,450.21			$     40,240.02
Presbyterial						$2,211,986.40			$2,429,393.81
Historical Foundation
Endowment				Ending balance 2011		Ending balance 2012
Anne Elizabeth Knight Adams Heritage Fund$       2,875.75$       3,100.65
Rosie Magrill Alexander Trust$     15,220.51$     16,354.35
Paul H. & Ann Middleton Allen Heritage Fund$       6,432.76$       6,911.95
Grace J. Beasley Birthplace Shrine$     51,134.74$     54,943.97
Birthplace Shrine Fund$     99,974.15$   118,167.31
James L. & Louise M. Bridges Heritage Fund$     16,248.60$     17,459.04
Mark and Elinor Swindle Brown Heritage Fund$       2,724.10$       3,283.01
Sydney & Elinor Brown Heritage Fund$       6,233.58$       6,984.40
Centennial Heritage Endowment$     77,630.60$     83,413.58
Walter Chestnut Endowment$     12,883.16$     14,362.24
Lavenia Campbell Cole Heritage Fund$     61,028.55$     65,574.83
C. P. Church in America Heritage Fund$     12,800.08$     13,753.62
CPW Archival Supplies Endowment$     27,153.95$     29,176.77
Bettye Jean Loggins McCaffrey Ellis Heritage Fund$              0.00$       1,036.86
Samuel Russell & Mary Grace Barefoot Estes$     21,103.50$     22,675.55
Family of Faith Endowment$     13,186.24$     14,168.57
Gettis & Delia Snyder Gilbert Heritage Fund$       6,033.50$       6,482.95
James C. & Freda M. Gilbert Heritage Fund$     19,184.40$     21,772.36
James C. & Freda M. Gilbert Trust (HF)$     56,370.69$     60,569.96
Mamie A. Gilbert Trust$     13,034.88$     14,005.91
Henry Evan Harper Endowment CP History$       1,448.56$       1,755.92
Ronald W. & Virginia T. Harper$       2,715.97$       3,417.33
Historical Foundation Trust$     82,023.25$     88,999.46
Donald & Jane Hubbard Heritage Fund$       9,338.85$     10,760.02
Cliff & Jill Hudson Heritage Fund$       5,301.67$       5,696.58
Robert & Kathy Hull Endowment$     13,939.73$     15,578.65
Into the Nineties Endowment$     35,008.29$     37,616.21
Joe Ben Irby Endowment$       3,680.60$       4,506.00
P. F. Johnson Memorial Endowment$     17,002.97$     18,269.60
Irene A. Kiefer Endowment$       1,263.92$       1,362.76
Mr. & Mrs. Chow King Leong Heritage Fund$       5,037.14$       5,412.36
Dennis L. & Elmira Castleberry Magrill 50%$     21,154.61$     22,730.54
J. Richard Magrill, Jr. Heritage Fund$       2,338.89$       5,167.33
Joe R. & Mary B. Magrill Trust$   151,314.76$   162,586.79
Jimmie Joe McKinley Heritage Fund$       7,460.78$       8,016.57
Edith Louise Mitchell Heritage Fund$       3,154.33$       3,569.91
Lloyd Freeman Mitchell Heritage Fund$       3,154.35$       3,569.95
Snowdy C. & Lillian Walker Mitchell Heritage Fund$       6,033.55$       6,483.04

214

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

Endowment				Ending balance 2011		Ending balance 2012
Rev. Charles & Paulette Morrow Endowment$              0.00$       1,059.41
Virginia Sue Williamson Morrow Heritage Fund$     11,518.59$     12,376.64
Anne E. Swain Odom Heritage Fund$     17,451.60$     19,053.90
Martha Sue Parr Heritage Fund$     30,141.63$     32,387.00
Florence Pennewill Heritage Fund$       3,992.64$       4,499.90
Morris & Ruth Pepper Endowment (HF)$     14,307.30$     15,483.65
Publishing House Endowment 33%$     70,302.59$     75,563.64
Mable Magrill Rundell Trust$     15,220.51$     16,354.33
Samuel Callaway Rundell Heritage Fund$     10,280.14$     11,046.00
Paul & Mary Jo Schnorbus Heritage Fund$       7,371.66$       7,920.77
Shiloh CPC Ellis County Texas Endowment$       6,729.11$       7,230.42
Hinkley  & Vista Smartt Heritage Fund$       5,902.72$       6,342.41
John W. Sparks Heritage Fund$     87,175.94$     93,831.06
Irvin S. Annie Mary Draper Swain Heritage Fund$     23,184.62$     25,317.91
F. P. (Jake) Waits Heritage Fund$     10,097.10$     11,371.82
Roy & Mary Seawright Shelton Heritage Fund$       2,423.51$       2,862.75
Gwendolyn McCaffrey McReynolds Hertiage Fund$       5,576.05			$       8,224.04
Historical Foundation					$1,214,301.67			$1,330,622.55
Ministry Council - Missions Ministry Team
Endowment				Ending balance 2011		Ending balance 2012
Church Loan Fund - General$1,205,605.80$1,295,416.25
McKenzie Endowment$     37,209.96$     39,981.90
Advance in Missions Trust Fund$   389,140.03$   418,128.60
Missions & Evangelism Endowment$   101,069.76$   108,825.20
Grace Johnson Beasley Memorial$     33,113.46$     35,580.19
Grace Beasley - Small Rural Church$     44,742.34$     48,075.37
Bennett & Mildred Brown Trust$     46,514.61$     49,979.65
David Brown Endowment$       9,303.78$     10,150.04
CPW Leadership Trust Fund$     75,499.46$     82,833.34
CPWM Bethel College Scholarship$   137,189.61$   148,572.84
Lavenia Campbell Cole Annuity Endowment$     55,025.03$     59,124.09
Lavenia Cole Testamentary Trust 25%$   403,121.90$   433,152.06
Lavenia Campbell Cole Trust Endowment 20%$     19,527.22$     20,981.88
Rouine Vodra Coleman Endowment$       1,159.66$       1,246.05
Winnifred M. Dixon Endowment$     51,552.45$     55,392.78
Joseph B. Dungy Endowment$     80,545.69$     86,545.84
Louise & Sam R. Estes Endowment$     11,918.11$     13,117.39
Clifford Gittings Endowment$       4,734.24$       5,200.63
Lelia B. Goodman for Missions$       2,604.80$       2,798.86
P. F. Johnson Memorial Endowment$     16,955.78$     18,218.88
Finis Ewing & Bessie Keene Memorial$   132,261.28$   142,113.95
Chow King Leong Endowment$     45,493.09$     48,882.06
Mary Katherine Mize Longwell Endowment$          586.27$          629.94
Della Campbell Lowrie Trust 20%$   402,672.72$   432,669.45
Jamie Roy Chaffin Endowment$       1,795.62$       1,929.38
Mark G. Lynch Choctaw Presbytery$       8,165.97$       8,970.38
Clifford W. & Sarah C. McCall NCD$       5,505.69$       6,048.07
Joe E. Matlock Endowment$     45,724.38$     49,130.57
Robert E. Matlock Endowment$   145,219.14$   156,037.12
Robert T. & Dona Milam Endowment$       5,601.14$       6,018.40
Nancy J. Orr Bequest$       3,851.34$       4,138.20
New Church Development Endowment$     86,260.72$     92,686.66
S. Q. Proctor Home Mission Endowment$     10,259.95$     11,024.24
Marguerite D. Richards Rural Church$     21,847.21$     23,474.72
Maymie Stovall - Home Missions 25%$     10,770.57$     11,572.90
Paul & Geneva Richards Memorial$     10,886.73$     11,697.73

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

215

Endowment				Ending balance 2011		Ending balance 2012
William A. & Beverly St. John Endowment$     11,067.82$     11,996.45
Madge Sprague Memorial Endowment$       4,968.31$       5,338.43
Lela Swanson Stricklen NCD$     57,622.68$     61,915.23
Cornelia Swain Endowment$     53,422.53$     57,704.96
Marguerite D. Richards MM Magazine$       7,282.40$       7,824.89
Walkerville CPC Memorial Endowment$       5,955.76$       6,399.45
Brown & Julia Welch Missions Endowment$     28,270.06$     30,376.01
Gina Marie Benzel Ableson Memorial$       8,935.82$       9,601.45
Ashburn-Graf Educational Endowment$   127,068.65$   136,294.58
Maree Blackwell Endowment$       2,179.81$       2,342.20
James A. Brintle II Scholarship$       4,997.30$       5,489.60
Mattie Ree Suddarth Brown Endowment - Missions$     18,539.23$     19,920.30
Gladys H. Bryson Scholarship Fund$   101,370.52$   108,730.67
Davis O. & Gladys H. Bryson Missionary$     75,742.20$     81,384.53
Mary Frances & William Carpenter$     10,209.85$     10,970.42
Mildred Chandler Scholarship Endowment$   120,900.28$   131,272.71
Colombian CPW Elementary Scholarships$     31,785.37$     34,916.54
Colombian University Scholarships$     61,939.06$     66,553.15
Helen Deal Endowment$     46,096.40$     49,530.32
John A. Deaver Mission$       9,014.12$       9,685.58
Chester E. Dickson Endowment$     40,099.56$     43,086.77
Jose & Fanny Fajardo Endowment$       6,478.20$       6,984.00
Foreign Missions Endowment$   305,229.45$   327,967.23
Mrs. G. W. Freeman Bible Woman Trust$       5,671.15$       6,093.63
McAdow and Mae Gam Endowment$     13,956.25$     14,995.90
Samuel King Gam$     18,967.36$     20,380.24
Freda Mitchell Gilbert Endowment (MMT)$       4,711.17$       6,366.72
Bernice Barnett Gonzalez Endowment$       1,237.92$       1,330.12
Gleniel Grounds Endowment$       1,902.34$       2,044.07
Holzer Trust$     74,930.78$     80,371.21
Hong Kong Mission$     36,093.87$     38,782.63
Marvin C. & Ruth M. Kinnard Trust$     13,489.29$     14,818.10
Warren and Carline Lowe Trust$       2,407.50$       2,586.88
Mamie McAdoo Endowment$       2,365.47$       2,541.64
McClung/Fowler Memorial Endowment$     76,205.66$     83,427.35
Holly Katelyn McClurkin$          595.55$          639.90
Rubye Johnson May Memorial 50%$       6,740.89$       7,243.08
Lucie C. Mayhew Fund for U-P Children$     13,878.23$     15,356.64
Elizabeth A. & James W. Morrow Trust$     21,671.21$     23,285.61
Richard Nicks Memorial Endowment$     48,042.59$     52,486.04
Hamilton & Merion S. Parks Family Trust #2$              0.00$     10,082.40
Patron Membership$   702,029.93$   759,497.19
Myra Patton Foreign Mission Endowment$   146,128.92$   157,014.65
Perpetual Membership Fund$   879,639.00$   950,350.26
Don & Gwen Peterson Endowment Fund$     86,840.88$     95,395.61
Rose Ella Porterfield Scholarship$     15,388.73$     16,904.65
Carl Ramsey Scholarship Fund$     32,252.77$     34,594.57
Marguerite D. Richards Japan$     14,588.46$     15,675.21
Elise Sanders Endowment$   269,582.10$   289,664.36
Scholarship-Universidad Evangelica$       8,840.96$       9,711.88
Buddy & Beverly Stott Endowment$     24,273.91$     26,289.75
Maymie Stovall - Foreign Mission 25%$     10,771.49$     11,573.90
Irvin & Annie Mary Draper Swain$     25,331.56$     27,622.42
Walter  Swartz - Jose Fajardo Scholarship Fund$     39,362.11$     42,224.38
William B. & Emma Jo Denson Todd Endowment$       5,513.85$       6,057.02
Boyce & Beth Wallace Endowment$     44,538.14$     47,855.94
Robert J. & Marilee B. Watkins$       1,727.04$       1,855.74

216

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

Endowment				Ending balance 2011		Ending balance 2012
Bill & Kathryn Wood$       54,643.14$       58,713.69
Forester World Missions Endowment$  3,177,805.79$  3,414,533.35
Bill & Iona Wyatt Endowment$       11,641.44$       12,508.68
Rev. & Mrs. Tadao Yoshizaki Memorial$            562.17			$            604.05
Ministry Council - Missions Ministry Team		$10,696,940.51		
$11,528,110.54
Ministry Council - Discipleship Ministry Team
Endowment				Ending balance 2011		Ending balance 2012
Masaharu Asayama/CPWM Endowment$         8,396.66$         9,223.82
Ky Curry Publishing Endowment$       29,759.17$       32,690.72
C. Ray Dobbins Endowment$       27,919.38$       30,669.74
Dennis H. Kiefer Endowment$            755.61$            830.03
Marguerite D. Richards CP Magazine$       15,064.01$       16,547.95
Pat White Endowment$         6,619.35$         7,204.94
Paul Allen Endowment for C E$         9,689.12$       10,410.87
Grace Johnson Beasley Memorial  $         9,707.40$       10,430.57
Bennett & Mildred Brown for C E$       22,583.87$       24,266.25
Christian Education Mid-Century$     221,685.67$     238,199.91
Christian Education Season Endowment$     160,806.61$     172,391.54
Carl Cook Outdoor Ministry Endowment$         3,323.29$         4,076.01
Lavenia Campbell Cole Annuity Endowment  $       31,914.54$       34,291.98
Jill Davis Carr - Leadership Development$       10,193.32$       10,952.66
Consultant Training Fund$       51,437.67$       55,269.49
C. P. Youth Conference$     133,745.87$     149,089.14
H. Harold Davis Endowment Fund$     146,570.19$     157,835.54
Jack W. Ferguson, Jr. C E Endowment$         9,709.68$       10,433.01
Ira & Rae Galloway for C E$       12,645.61$       13,587.63
Jean Garret Endowment for C E$         3,224.95$         3,542.66
Louise Adams Heathcock Memorial$         9,754.41$       10,481.03
John Gilbert Horsley - Youth Leaders$       11,188.87$       12,291.08
Donald & Jane Hubbard Endowment for C E$       10,201.37$       10,961.30
Into the Nineties for C E$     245,174.13$     263,438.17
Reverend Gayle J. Keown for C E$         3,177.66$         3,414.37
Earl King Memorial$         9,711.96$       10,435.43
Virginia Malcom Christian Education$     101,362.84$     108,913.76
Wesley & Jackie Mattonen Endowment$       30,611.55$       32,891.92
David & Mary McGregor C E Endowment$       45,178.48$       52,599.42
James D. McGuire Endowment for C E$       14,420.32$       15,494.54
Howell G. & Martha Jo Mims CPYC
$       21,862.69$       25,674.59
Morris & Ruth Pepper for C E$       46,162.95$       49,601.79
Bill & Hazel Phalan Endowment$       12,806.05$       13,760.05
Claudette Hamby Pickle C E Endowment$       18,334.27$       19,700.06
Publishing House Endowment 33%$     127,326.19$     136,811.22
Dr. & Mrs. E. K. Reagin Endowment$       50,531.17$       54,295.45
Jodi Hearn Rush$         9,806.45$       10,746.54
Rev. Rusty Rustenhaven Youth Ministry$       12,112.84$       13,015.18
Jeff & Angie Sledge Endowment$         1,926.04$         2,115.77
John W. Speer Endowment for C E$       17,663.35$       18,979.15
Cornelia Swain Endowment for C E$       16,226.10$       17,788.40
Irvin & Annie Mary Swain Endowment$       19,725.55$       21,599.01
Jake Tyler Children’s Ministry$         1,828.83$         2,034.37
Frank & Linda Ward Endowment (CE)$       30,482.00$       32,853.37
William Warren Endowment for C E$         9,812.96$       10,628.80
Clark Williamson Memorial$       36,704.59$       39,438.85
Helen Wiman Memorial$         3,799.24$         4,082.27
Young Adult Ministry Endowment$       20,916.18$       22,474.30
Terence R. McCain, Sr. Endowment$         1,978.51			$         5,312.91

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

217

Endowment				Ending balance 2011		Ending balance 2012
Ministry Council - Discipleship Ministry Team
$1,856,539.52			
$2,013,777.56
Ministry Council - Pastoral Development Ministry Team
Endowment				Ending balance 2011		Ending balance 2012
Awards for CP Ministers & Spouses$     20,657.39$     22,692.35
Roosevelt and Ruth Baugh$       2,883.35$       3,714.92
LaRoyce Brown Endowment$       1,146.85$       1,283.06
James & Helen Knight Endowment$     21,294.56$     23,392.31
Ministerial Endowment$     11,115.95$     12,210.97
Ministers Conference$     15,540.18$     17,071.03
Melvin & Naomi Orr Endowment$     17,256.15$     19,167.45
James Lee Ratliff Endowment$       5,427.20$       5,961.84
Norlan & Ellie Scrudder Endowment$     17,704.01$     19,448.02
James & Geneva Searcy Endowment$     26,967.45$     29,624.02
E. G. & Joy Sims Endowment$     18,687.45$     20,633.36
Leonard & Mary Jo Turner Endowment$     11,455.06$     12,583.50
Lyon Walkup Endowment$     11,702.55$     12,855.36
Arturo & Carmen Ortiz Endowment$     10,668.03			$     11,824.22
Ministry Council - Pastoral Development Ministry Team $ 192,506.18			
$ 212,462.41
Office of the General Assemby
Endowment				Ending balance 2011		Ending balance 2012
D. W. Fooks Memorial Endowment$     16,554.56$     17,787.76
Publishing House Endowment 33%$     45,724.19$     45,828.68
Robert & Olene Rush Endowment$     16,872.30$     18,129.19
Trustee Endowment$   325,593.24			$   349,847.99
Office of the General Assemby				$ 404,744.29			
$ 431,593.62
Our United Outreach
Endowment				Ending balance 2011		Ending balance 2012
George F. Battenfield Memorial$     45,947.67$     49,370.50
Daisy Bray Freeman Trust$     49,768.22$     53,680.45
Bertha Feazel Hammons Memorial$     42,475.09$     45,639.25
Kenneth & Myrtle Holsopple Memorial$   209,863.83$   225,497.40
Knights of Honor Association Trust$       2,960.76$       3,181.36
Lowrie Estate Oil Royalties$1,159,552.52$1,390,474.17
Robert L. McReynolds Endowment 50%$     37,271.91$     40,048.40
Santa Anna Church Memorial Fund$     18,497.21$     19,875.18
Tithing and Budget Endowment$   330,944.13			$   355,597.47
Our United Outreach					$1,897,281.34			$2,183,364.18

VII. CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHINVESTMENT LOAN PROGRAM, INC.
In 1976, the board began a program to provide an opportunity for flexible investment of current
temporary cash assets of congregations and agencies of the church.  The primary purpose of the programis to provide income to participants as a foundation for ministry.  As of January 1, 2001, the assets of theoriginal program, Cash Funds Management, were transferred to the new Cumberland Presbyterian Church
Investment Loan Program, Inc.
For the year ending 2012, the assets for the Investment Loan Program were $16,064,229.  There were
278 individual, congregation and agency accounts.  At yearend, deposits on account totaled $14,010,000.
The total loans were $9,531,696 at year end.
For 2012, the corporation complied with the regulatory requirements in the states of Tennessee andKentucky and was able to offer investment opportunities to individual Cumberland Presbyterians in thestates of Tennessee, Kentucky, Texas, Missouri and New Mexico.
The board of directors is composed of the following: Rob Latimer, president; Charlie Floyd, vice-

218

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

president and Debbie Shanks, secretary.  Robert Heflin serves as Treasurer and Executive Secretary.  During
the past year, the board met twice in regular session.
In order to simplify administration and focus on the strengths of the Investment Loan Program, theboard took action to limit the offering of notes and depository accounts to “ready access accounts.”  All note
holders (individuals) and depository account holders (churches and church agencies) with funds invested
in these “on demand” accounts participated in the $535,131 which the program paid in interest.  For 2012
the interest rate paid to account holders was 4.0%.  The interest rate paid to account holders can fluctuatefrom one quarter to the next.  In recent years there has been renewed interest for congregations to open new
accounts because the interest paid is higher than current CD rates.
The table below provides a breakdown of the investment mix.

1.44%
31.40%
67.16%
100.00%Investment Loan Program
Securities & Investments
Mutual Funds
Cash Equivalents
Taxable Fixed Income$   108,868$2,379,467$5,089,332$7,577,667

At the end of 2012 there were 24 loans to congregations made through the Investment Loan
Program. The total loans were $9,455,799.

VIII. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION AND RESEARCH
A. PURPOSE
The second of two broad areas of the work of the board is in employee benefits administration andresearch. The purpose of this program is as follows:
To support the lay and ordained employees of the church as they venture to be faithful under thecall of Christ and the Church to the daily demands of providing leadership to congregations and Church
agencies whom are the incarnation of the Body of Christ, the family of God at work in the world.
Employee benefits are reported in detail under headings IX. Retirement Program, X. Ministerial
Aid Program, and XI. Insurance Program.
B. VISION
The board has a vision of uniform benefits for all Cumberland Presbyterian clergy, including grouphealth insurance, group long-term disability coverage, and participation in the General Assembly’s retirement
plan. Ministers would then know what to expect when they are called to another church.  No longer would
some ministers have to do without what is considered in the secular world to be basic employee benefits.
No longer would ministers and their families have to settle for being relegated to second class status.  Thereality is, as several General Assemblies have recognized, that this is possible if we work together in muchthe same manner that we send out missionaries and do a lot of other ministry.   Good employee benefit
plans are in place and they would be healthier and stronger if used and supported by all employees of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

IX. RETIREMENT PROGRAM
Since 1952, the board has provided a retirement program open to all church employees.   Theprogram gives opportunity for churches and their employees to provide a source of retirement income
based on voluntary contributions.  In 1987, a new Cumberland Presbyterian Retirement Plan No. 2 wasestablished as a qualified 403(b) defined contribution plan.
A. PLAN AMENDMENTS
As new needs arise or deficiencies in the original plan document for Cumberland Presbyterian
Retirement Plan No. 2 become apparent, the General Assembly has the authority under Article IX Section

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

219

9.01 of the Plan to amend the same. In 2012 a revised plan document was approved by the General Assembly.
Available to retired minister’s who participate in the Cumberland Presbyterian Retirement programis a housing allowance.  Last year the General Assembly approved increasing the housing allowance (taxfree) amount from $9,600 a year up to $18,000 a year.  The last time it had been changed was in 1990.  Thischange was recommended due to rising housing cost, utilities, and maintenance.
B. YEAR END REPORTOn December 31, 2012, there were 332 active participants in the Retirement Plan.  There werealso 7 receiving direct monthly payments as a result of their elections under Plan 1.  In addition to theseparticipants, there were 12 persons who were receiving annuity payments purchased through the Plan andfor whom the Plan issues 1099-R’s.
During 2012, $1,897,981 was dispersed to or for participants, a decrease of 13.7% over 2011s$2,199,663.  Contributions totaled $616,043 and were down 26.7% over 2011s $840,225.  Realized andunrealized gains on investments totaled $1,831,070 compared to a loss in 2011 of $418,715.  The rate of
return credited to the accounts for the year was 11.7% compared to -0.1% for 2011.  (Comparative annual
rates of return for: previous three years—+8.8%, previous five years—+3.6%, and from the beginning ofprofessional management in March, 1982—+9.8%.)
Effective January 1, 2011, Gerber/Taylor Management was retained to manage our stock portfolio.  
We have continued our relationship with Met West, a bond manager, PIMCO, also a bond manager and
RREEF, a private real estate investment trust manager.  Matt Robbins and Stacy Miller of Gerber/Taylor
continue to be very helpful with keeping the board updated on market conditions and investment strategies.   

X. MINISTERIAL AID PROGRAM
A. MINISTERIAL AID
1. Full Benefit Recipients
As of March 2013 there are an equivalent of 2 Cumberland Presbyterian Church recipients of thefull benefit of $500 per month (increased from $300 on July 1, 2010).  The monthly total of these payments
is $1,000.00; annually, $12,000.00 is paid.  The equivalent of benefits for four participants at $260, or$1040 per month, $12,480 annually, is sent to Cauca Valley Presbytery in Columbia.  These payments are
not designated for specific individuals but are distributed by the presbytery as it sees fit.
In October 2005, the board decided to distribute 75% of the previous year’s surplus to the remaining
recipients.  This distribution was made in December 2012 with the 4 state side recipients receiving $2,484.00
each for a total distribution of $9,936.00.  The Board of Stewardship has approved a cap of a maximum of$4,000 in lieu of large distributions that can have a negative effect on other benefits received, such as SSI,
or state assistance.
2. Basic Requirements
The new basic requirements and amount for stateside recipients for the Ministerial Aid program
were approved at the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in June 2010.  The poverty
levels have been updated to the latest available figures. They are as follows:
Full Benefit revised to $500 a month for State Side Recipients
1.  Minimum age is full retirement age set forth by the Social Security Administration.
2.  Minimum years of service to the church - 15.
3.  Can qualify for aid if a participant in the Cumberland Presbyterian Retirement Plan if income isbelow poverty level as established by the US Census Bureau.
4.  Physical and/or mental disability (doctor’s statement required) at any age, however, a minimumof ten years service is required if less than 60 years of age.
5.  Individuals’ income cannot exceed federal poverty guidelines set forth for the year by the US
Census Bureau. Poverty level is $11,170 a year or $930.83 a month for 2012.
6.   Couples income cannot exceed federal poverty guidelines set forth for the year by the US
Census Bureau. Poverty level is $15,130 a year or $1,260.83 a month for 2012.
(The GA Board of Stewardship is authorized to look at each case in light of unusual financial
hardship; thus, application may be made even if income levels exceed the ceiling.)

220

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

7.  Presbytery obtains information and approves (approval can be given by the committee or board
charged by presbytery with this responsibility); certification of approval is sent to theGeneral Assembly Board of Stewardship.
8.  Surviving spouse is eligible if above items 2, 3 and 4 have been met.
**Note: Recipient is responsible to verify if receiving Ministerial Aid would affect his or
her SSI, Social Security or other benefits.
Cumberland Presbyterian Church applicants must submit to the board a listing of assets andliabilities so the net worth can be determined.   The board urges presbyteries to maintain contact withpersons under the Ministerial Aid Program who live within their bounds.  Should there be serious unmet
needs, the presbytery is urged to contact the board so that it may determine how the Ministerial Aid program
can be of assistance in meeting those needs.
3. Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America
The CPCA now has 3 participants who receive monthly payments at the originally agreed upon
amount of $109 per month.  Benefits for these recipients total $327.00 per month or $3,924.00 annually.
The CPCA normally pays its share in June or July following their General Assembly.
4. Ministers in Overseas Presbyteries
Payments for ministers serving in overseas presbyteries (presently, a total of $12,480 annually) arebeing made to Cauca Valley Presbytery and administered through its budget.
B. RETIREMENT RESERVE
Under Retirement Plan No. 1, retirees whose benefits fell below $150 per month could receive a
supplement from the Special Reserve Retirement Fund Endowment to bring their benefits up to this level.
Spouses of retirees are eligible to continue receiving this benefit after the retiree’s death.  These payments
will eventually cease because no new persons are being added.  One individual now receives $150 a monthfrom this fund. Annually, $1,800.00 is paid to the recipient.  This endowment has a balance of $1,131,989.64
as of December 31, 2012.  The 1996 General Assembly approved the Board’s recommendation to use theexcess income from this endowment for Ministerial Aid payments.  This has freed the Lowrie endowment
to be used to meet other ministerial needs.

XI. INSURANCE PROGRAMS
The insurance programs of the board have been assigned by the General Assembly beginning in
the middle of the previous century.  Dental and Vision Insurance is the newest, begun in December 2008.
Property and casualty insurance is the oldest, begun in 1951.  While all of the insurance programs areimportant, group life and health insurance, begun in 1961, touches many lives in a personal way and often
at times of deep anxiety.  In all, about 325 men, women, and children depend on this program to meet theirhealth care needs.
A. PROPERTY & CASUALTY INSURANCEThe Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits secures property and casualty insurance
coverage against accidental loss for the General Assembly Corporation, Board of Stewardship, Discipleship
Ministry Team, Missions Ministry Team, Ministry Council, Communications Ministry Team, Pastoral
Development Ministry Team, Memphis Theological Seminary,  and Historical Foundation.
Our broker is Lipscomb & Pitts of Memphis, Tennessee.  For 2012, Travelers Insurance carries
our Property & Casualty policy and $2,500,000 in earth quake coverage, Evanston Insurance Company
provides an additional $5,873,154 in earthquake coverage and Lloyds of London provides $10,000,000
in earthquake coverage. Philadelphia carries our Directors & Officers, Crime, Automobile, and Umbrella
policies.  Workers Compensation coverage has been through FFVA Mutual since October of 2008.
B. GROUP LONG TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE
The presbyteries of Arkansas, Columbia, Covenant, Cumberland, del Cristo, East Tennessee,

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

221

Missouri, Murfreesboro, Nashville, North Central, Red River, Robert Donnell, Trinity, West Tennessee and
The Center have now established non-contributory long term disability programs insured currently throughCigna.  This leaves only four stateside presbyteries (Choctaw, Hope, Grace and Tennessee Georgia) without
a program.  The quarterly rate applied to participant’s salaries is .345 per $100 of salary.
There are three primary reasons for ministers to want the coverage and for presbyteries to wantto provide the protection.   The group rate is significantly lower than individual policy rates and does
not require a large cash outlay to cover all full-time ministers in a presbytery; housing allowance and/or the fair rental value of a manse is included in the definition of salary for ministers; and, there is no
medical qualification requirement in order to enroll.   These advantages over individual policies makethis coverage very attractive, especially to those who have previously purchased their own policies.  In
addition, a provision was negotiated with Cigna by the Board’s consultant, whereby ministers, upon leaving
a participating presbytery to serve in a non-participating presbytery, may continue the coverage if he or
she so desires.  The new employing church is then billed for the quarterly premium.  There are now sevenministers and one employee who are receiving or have received benefits from this insurance program.  
There are approximately 198 participants.
C. GROUP TRAVEL ACCIDENT INSURANCE
This policy provides twenty-four hour coverage on “named employees” for accidental death,dismemberment, or loss of sight.  The maximum benefit is $50,000 and there is also a $1,000 medical
benefit.  The annual premium is $900.  We renew this policy every 3 years, which was done in July 2011.
Twenty six named positions are covered under this policy.
D. GROUP HEALTH & LIFE INSURANCE
The board has used a fully-insured, managed care approach to provide group health insurance
for Cumberland Presbyterian clergy and lay employees since March 1, 1999.  Blue Cross / Blue Shield ofTennessee has been our insurance carrier since January 1, 2010.  Blue Cross / Blue Shield of Tennessee(BCBST) is an independent, not-for-profit, locally governed health plan company that insures more than 5
million people nationwide.  With an extensive network, BCBST is able to effectively service the employeesof the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  In 2011 the deductible was increased for the two plans to $1,500
deductible and a $3,500 in-network deductible for the employee and has stayed the same for 2013.  Spouseand Family deductibles are twice the amount of the employee only product.  Lipscomb & Pitts, a Memphis
based insurance company, is our insurance broker, and Craig Wright, our agent.
1. Loss Ratio
A comparison of paid medical premiums and claims is made in order to calculate a loss ratio.  Thefollowing table contains monthly and cumulative figures for the calendar year of 2012.  For 2012, 83% of
the medical premiums paid to Blue Cross were used to pay claims and stop-loss premiums.  This compares
to a loss ratio of 91% in 2011, 75% in 2010 (not a full year of claims due to moving to new carrier) 105%
for the same period in 2009, 98% in 2008 and 112% in 2007 with our previous carrier, Unicare.

MONTH
Jan. 12
Feb. 12Mar. 12Apr. 12
May 12
Jun. 12
Jul. 12
Aug. 12
Sept. 12Oct. 12
Nov. 12
Dec. 12MEDICALPREMIUM
169,845
166,554
167,701
168,423
168,979
164,957
157,079
159,814
158,156
164,087
159,315
154,455

MEDICAL EXPERIENCE REPORTMONTHLY
CUMULATIVE
PAID
LOSS
MEDICALPAID
CLAIMSRATIOPREMIUM
CLAIMS
84,611
  50%
169,845
84,611
93,876
  56%
336,399
178,487
79,671
  48%
504,100
258,158
99,077
  59%672,523357,235
135,175
  80%
841,502492,410
147,906
  90%
1,006,459
640,316
123,726
  79%
1,163,538
764,042
144,182
  90%
1,323,352
980,224
211,258134%
1,481,508
1,119,482
151,516
  92%
1,645,595
1,270,998
214,026134%
1,804,910
1,485,024
147,20995%
1,959,365
1,632,233

LOSS
RATIO
50%
53%
51%
53%
59%
64%
66%
69%
76%
77%
82%
83%

222

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

2. Premiums
Efforts to maintain affordable premiums and comprehensive coverage are the biggest challenge
we face.  Option 1 has a $1,500 employee only deductible and a $3,000 family deductible.  Option 2 has a$3,500 employee only deductible and a $7,000 family deductible.  Premiums in 2013 are shown in the tablebelow.
Blue Cross / Blue Shield Health Insurance for 2013
Option 1
Option 2
Deductible$1,500 / $3,000$3,500 / $7,000
Employee Only$   569$   480
Employee & Spouse$1,211$1,020
Employee & Child(ren)$1,046$   880
Family$1,770$1,496The Blue Cross Health Plan is now on a calendar year as far as deductible and pricing is concerned.
It is our objective to have the renewal pricing by no later than September 1 so presbyteries and agencies
can have the figures for their fall meetings and better plan their budgets for the coming year.  Periodically
we seek bids from other carriers in an effort to keep premiums competitive.  When this is done, we may nothave the new premium information by September 1.
Open enrollment period is the month of December.  It is during this time that an employee canenroll or change their health insurance coverage unless there are special circumstances.
3. Participation
As of February 1, 2013, 169 employees and 156 dependents for a total of 325 people depend on
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church Health Insurance Program.  A breakdown of family units by size at
February 1, 2013 is listed below.
FAMILY UNITS BY SIZE

Emp. only
Spouse only
E&1
E&2
E&3
E&S
Families of 3
Families of 4
Families of 5
Families of 6
Families of 7
Total

Number of
Units
94
0
6
6
1
24
11
20
6
1
0
169

Total
94
0
12
18
4
48
33
80
30
6
0
325

The following table shows the enrollment figures from January 2012 to December 2012.  As one
can see the numbers fluctuate from month to month.  During this period there was a decrease of 11 employee
participants.

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

12-Jan12-Feb
12-Mar
12-Apr
12-May12-Jun12-Jul12-Aug12-Sep12-Oct12-Nov
12-DecMONTHLY GROUP INSURANCEENROLLMENTEMPLOYEE
DEPENDENT
COVERAGE
COVERAGE
92
84
97
80
97
79
100
78
96
77
98
76
97
74
94
75
93
74
96
72
96
72
94
75

223

TOTAL
176
177
176
178
173
174
171
169
167
168
168
169

4. Premium Stabilization Reserve (Formerly Emergency Reserve)
The reserve is invested in the Endowment Program Total Return Fund account which had a balance of$958,472 on December 31, 2012.  The Emergency Health Insurance Reserve was established in compliancewith the 1992 General Assembly directive to be used in “emergency” situations to match presbyterial
emergency fund disbursements.  The 1998 General Assembly approved the Board’s recommendation toallow the Board to use the Emergency Reserve to maintain the stability of the group health and life insurance
plan. This allows these funds to be used for purposes outside of the original scope of the reserve.
5. Dental and Vision Insurance
On December 1, 2008, we began offering Dental and Vision insurance, on a voluntary basis, foranyone working at least 30 hours or more for any Cumberland Presbyterian Church, its agencies, boards,
and institutions.  Peter Whitely is the agent of record. At present there are 64 participating employees.
6. Jessie W. Hipsher Health Insurance Endowment
The Jesse W. Hipsher Health Insurance Endowment was created as the first step in the board’s
goal to raise $10,000,000 in endowments for the support of the Cumberland Presbyterian Health and Life
Insurance Program.  The endowment was established on March 6, 2004.  At its establishment $11,450 had
been raised.  The balance of the endowment as of December 31, 2012 was $34,361.63.
7. Health Education / E-Mail Newsletter
To further educate participants in matters concerning healthcare, participants receive a monthly
e-newsletter entitled, TopHealth, published by Oakstone Publishing.  The monthly e-newsletter is full of
health related tips that can be easily implemented by readers.  The two page newsletter can be read withina matter of minutes.  Also initiated in 2008 is the E-Mail newsletter that is designed as an information tool
to help the participants of the Health and Retirement programs stay on top of happenings within the Boardof Stewardship.
8. Wellness Program
With their Well+Wise program, Blue Cross offers health coaching to help make positive lifestylechanges to improve health and wellness, provide support and answer any questions about medical conditions
or surgical procedures and treatment decisions.  A preventive health guide is also available and has been
sent to all participants in the CP health program.
Respectfully submitted,
Mike Wilkinson, Board Member
Robert Heflin, Executive Secretary.

224

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

THE REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEESOF MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
Introduction
Memphis Theological Seminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church is the only seminary of
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.   Our history is traced back through the Cumberland Presbyterian
Theological Seminary in McKenzie to the organization of the graduate School of Theology at Cumberland
University and the Theological Department at Bethel College, both of which began in 1852.  Those twoschools of theology continued the legacy begun in the work of founder Finis Ewing, who educated candidates
for the ministry in his home, and many other ministers, who trained young candidates in homes, churches,and on the trail.   For one hundred fifty-seven years, Cumberland Presbyterians have been providing
formal theological education for the church’s ministers.  For almost two hundred years, the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church has valued the importance of an educated ministry.
With the denomination’s decision to move its seminary to Memphis in 1964, Memphis TheologicalSeminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church began to serve a larger and more diverse student body.
Though students from other denominations were admitted during the McKenzie years, the move to a major
metropolitan area opened the opportunity to attract more students from more denominations.   Today,
Memphis Theological Seminary has one of the most diverse student populations, in terms of denomination
and race, of any seminary in the United States.  This theological and denominational diversity provides arich environment for educating pastors, chaplains, Christian educators, and other leaders for the church of
Jesus Christ. The sign on our campus that faces Union Avenue reads: “Memphis Theological Seminary:an Ecumenical Mission of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.”  Every Cumberland Presbyterian can beproud of the mission our seminary fulfills of educating our own church leaders, and leaders from more than
25 other denominations.
We, the trustees and administration of Memphis Theological Seminary are privileged to be a part ofthis legacy, born out of and guided by the ecumenical and evangelical spirit of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church.  We look forward to what God has in store for our ministry in the future.  With gratitude for God’s
grace, guidance and provision in the past year, we make the following report to the 183rd General Assemblyof the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, meeting June 17-21 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

I. BOARD OF TRUSTEES
A. OFFICERS
The following officers were elected by the Board of Trustees to serve during the past academic year:
Moderator – Reverend Jody Hill (Cumberland Presbyterian minister, West Tennessee Presbytery); Vicemoderator – Reverend Dr. Tom Bell (United Methodist minister, North Alabama Conference); Secretary– Mrs. Jan Holmes (Cumberland Presbyterian elder, Lubbock, Texas); Treasurer – Mrs. Cassandra PricePerry (Vice President of Operations and Chief Financial Officer, Memphis Theological Seminary).
B. BOARD REPRESENTATIVE
Reverend Jody Hill, Moderator of the Board, was elected to serve as the Board’s representative tothis meeting of the General Assembly.
C. MEETINGSThe Board has met once since the last meeting of General Assembly: November 8-9, 2012.  It isscheduled to meet one more time before the meeting of General Assembly, on May 16-17, 2013.  In addition
to full Board meetings, standing committees meet on a regular schedule between Board meetings, usuallyby conference call.
Members of our Board of Trustees devote significant time and resources to their work on behalfof the seminary.  By rule of the General Assembly, thirteen of the twenty-four members are Cumberland
Presbyterians.  The other eleven members of the Board represent six different denominations.

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

225

D. EXPIRATION OF TERMS
The terms of eight of twenty-four members of the Board of Trustees expire each year.  Six of theeight whose terms expire this year are eligible to succeed themselves and have agreed to serve another threeyear term: Mr. Michael R. Allen (Cumberland Presbyterian, Alabaster, Alabama); Mrs. Diane Dickson(Cumberland Presbyterian, Houston, Texas); Mr. Dan Hatzenbuehler (Episcopal, Memphis, Tennessee);Mr. Tim Orr (Cumberland Presbyterian, Newbern, Tennessee); Reverend Dr. Inetta Rodgers (Missionary
Baptist, Memphis, Tennessee); and Mrs. K. C. Warren (Presbyterian U.S.A., Memphis, Tennessee).  All have
served faithfully and contributed greatly to the life of the seminary.  We are grateful for their willingness tocontinue serving if re-elected.
One trustee has completed two terms, was eligible for a third, but decided not to seek an additional
term: Mr. Harvey Ferguson (United Methodist, Hernando, Mississippi).  Harvey served faithfully for the six
years of his service, and we are deeply grateful for his contributions to our work.
One trustee has completed three terms and is not eligible to succeed herself: Reverend Emily
Matheny (United Methodist, Memphis, Tennessee).  Emily has served faithfully for nine years, and served
as Vice Moderator and as chair of the Administration Committee during her tenure.  We thank God for her
faithful service.
Two trustees have died since the last meeting of General Assembly.  Reverend Dr. Craig Martindale,long-time Cumberland Presbyterian pastor and leader was taken from us last summer by a mysterious
illness.  In early fall, Reverend Dr. David Boyle, National Baptist pastor and regular MTS adjunct professor
passed away after complications from cancer surgery.  The whole MTS community mourns the loss of theseservants of Jesus Christ and friends of our seminary
RECOMMENDATION 1: That the General Assembly express its gratitude to Mr. Harvey
Ferguson and Reverend Emily Matheny for their faithful service, and to the widows of Reverend Dr.
Craig Martindale and Reverend Dr. David Boyle, for their husbands’ faithful service to Memphis
Theological Seminary and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
E. WORK OF THE BOARD
The trustees continue to develop their administrative procedures and practices to provide the best
possible governance to the life of the seminary.  For the past six years we have had 100% participation bytrustees in giving to the Annual Fund, and in participating actively in the work of MTS.
The Board takes its governance role seriously, and is focusing its attention in the year ahead on
issues of strategic long range planning and fiscal health.   In the past year, the Board conducted a selfassessment which was useful in planning for the work of the Board.
F. PRIORITY FOCUS ON EVANGELISM
The 177th General Assembly approved a resolution establishing a priority focus for the denomination
for the next five years.  That priority focus is “to be evangelism, with an emphasis on leading congregations
in how to do and to do personal evangelism that is appropriate to the congregation’s cultural context.” In
addition the GA recommended that “every agency and institution of the church adjust its overall mission to
support this five year priority focus by identifying how it can help the church accomplish this and report to
GA each year of its activities in support of” this focus (page 426, Minutes of the General Assembly, 2007).
Every Master of Divinity student at MTS is required to take a core course in Evangelism andMission.  As a part of that course, students learn how to share their faith and engage in the work of evangelism
personally, and as the leader of a congregation.  In addition, courses have been taught in the past year on
New Church Development and Revitalizing the Local Church, both of which have important elementsof evangelism as a part of the course.  We are currently without a full time professor of Evangelism andMission, but are blessed to be served by several adjuncts who have a passion for educating ministers on how
to share the gospel effectively.

II. ADMINISTRATION
A. PRESIDENT226

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

Daniel J. (Jay) Earheart Brown, Ph.D., became the seventh President of Memphis TheologicalSeminary August 1, 2005.  Jay had served on the faculty of MTS since August, 1997, having previously
served as a pastor in Nashville, Tennessee, and Lexington, Kentucky.   He is a life-long Cumberland
Presbyterian and son of a Cumberland Presbyterian minister.  He is a graduate of Bethel College (B.A.),
Memphis Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia (Ph.D.).  
He will complete his eighth year in this position at the end of the current academic year.
B. ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE PRESIDENT
The Board of Trustees will review its annual evaluation of the President at the May 2013 meeting.
Members of the evaluation task force sought input from faculty, administration and staff, students, and all
Board members, as well as the President.  The review resulted in an action plan for the President’s ongoingprofessional and personal development in the office.
C. VICE PRESIDENT OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS/DEAN
Reverend R. Stan Wood, D.Min., was appointed to serve as Interim Vice President of Academic
Affairs and Dean in May, 2010.  Dr. Wood had previously served MTS as Clara Scott Associate Professor of
Ministry and Director of the D.Min. Program.  He is an ordained minister in the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church in America and currently serves as Pastor of the Mt. Tabor CPCA in Jackson, Tennessee.
D. VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVANCEMENT
In January 2007, Mrs. Cathi Johnson began work as Vice President of Advancement, coming to
MTS after over six years as Development Director for The Baddour Center, a residential home for adults
with mental disabilities.
Cathi has brought to her work at MTS a proven track record of non-profit fundraising, a commitment
to the mission of MTS, and the ability to manage and build on the efforts of those who have gone before
her. She is a United Methodist laywoman, active in her local church in Collierville, Tennessee, a Memphis
suburb.  There she sings in the choir and takes an active part in all the programs of the church. Cathi’s skills
and experience have been a great asset to the seminary over the last six years.
E. VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS/CFO
Mrs. Cassandra Price-Perry began work with MTS in August 2010 as Vice President of Operations
and Chief Financial Officer.   She is a Certified Public Accountant with over 20 years of experience inbusiness and accounting.  Cassandra is an active laywoman in her Roman Catholic Church in Southaven,
Mississippi. She has received high praise from our auditors and our Board for her work over the past almost
three years.

III. INSTRUCTION
A. DEGREE PROGRAMSMemphis Theological Seminary has for many years offered three degree programs and one
certificate program through the Program of Alternate Studies.  The Master of Divinity is the basic degree
program for persons preparing for ordained ministry in many denominations.  It continues to be our largest
degree program, with over 70% of students enrolled.  The M.Div. requires 87 semester hours and takes three
years of full-time study to complete.
The Master of Arts in Religion degree has three tracks: a lay professional track for persons seeking
to increase their knowledge and skills for lay leadership or Christian Education ministry in the church, anacademic track for persons who want to teach but do not seek ordination, and a deacon’s track designed forUnited Methodist students preparing for diaconal ministries in that denomination.  The M.A.R. requires 48
semester hours and takes two years of full-time study to complete.
The Doctor of Ministry degree is a professional degree designed for pastors and other ministers
who have at least three years of full-time work in ministry after their M.Div. and who want to engage in2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

227

further theological reflection on the practice of ministry.  The D.Min. is designed around five two-weekresidencies, in January and July, and the implementation of and report on a major project in ministry.
In the spring of 2013, we awarded our first new degree in several years: the Master of Arts in Youth
Ministry (MAYM).  Through our partnership with the Center for Youth Ministry Training in Brentwood,
Tennessee, and the new certificate program in youth ministry through the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
we have 31 students enrolled in this degree program.
At Commencement in May of 2012, Memphis Theological Seminary awarded the M.A.R. degree
to ten graduates.  Thirty-seven persons were awarded the M.Div. degree, and eleven were awarded theD.Min. degree.  Of these fifty-eight graduates, seven were Cumberland Presbyterians.
Cumberland Presbyterian Master of Divinity Graduates were:
Daniel Barkley, West Tennessee Presbytery
Mark Bell, Cumberland Presbytery
Mitch Bolton, West Tennessee Presbytery
Sean Choi, Presbytery of East Tennessee
Aaron Ferry, Presbytery of East Tennessee
Drew Gray, Nashville Presbytery
Marcus Hayes, Covenant Presbytery
Debbie Marshall, West Tennessee Presbytery
Diann White, West Tennessee Presbytery
Patrick Wilkerson, Covenant Presbytery
Cumberland Presbyterian Master of Arts in Religion Graduate was:Francia H. Ortiz, West Tennessee Presbytery
Cumberland Presbyterian Doctor of Ministry Graduate was:Marian Sontowski, West Tennessee Presbytery
B. FACULTY
For the current academic year, Memphis Theological Seminary has eleven full-time teachingfaculty and four administrative faculty members who teach part-time.  In addition, the seminary curriculum
is greatly enhanced by the work of twenty-five to thirty adjunct professors, most of whom are active inpastoral or other ministries.
Members of the MTS faculty continue to publish books and articles both for the academy andthe church.  Many faculty members preach in area churches on a regular basis, deliver lectures for local
churches and judicatories, deliver papers at academic conferences, and write articles for a wide range ofreaders.
Under the leadership of VP/Dean Wood, the faculty is currently engaged in a major curriculum
review and re-visioning process.
C. ENROLLMENT
Total enrollment in Memphis Theological Seminary for the fall term was 315.  We had a significant
decrease in enrollment in the M.Div. program, which was partially offset by the Drug & Alcohol AddictionCounseling program.  This dip in our enrollment in the fall led to budget adjustments during the year, and anincreased effort to recruit new students.  In the spring semester of 2013, we saw an increase in enrollment,
and are working hard to get enrollments up in all our programs.  Our largest number of students come fromthe United Methodist Church, with 25% of total enrollment.   Cumberland Presbyterians are the second
largest denomination represented in the student body with just under 15% of all students.
The following table presents a picture of the growth in the student body at MTS since 1990.  Thefigures are based on fall semester enrollment.  Figures included are for total enrollment, enrollment in threeof our four degree programs, and enrollment of Cumberland Presbyterian Students.
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994

Total enroll
140
189
198
227
238

M.Div.
114
126
130
155
175

M.A.R.
12
22
23
23
27

D.Min.
14
21
24
18

CPC
37
40
37
37
37

228

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012

268
287
282
266
286
282
323
326
349
351
346
332
305
313
352
313
320
315

181
184
191
177
197
201
212
211
230
240
236
236
218
206
234
218
227
190

29
37
32
34
26
31
45
50
58
51
57
44
38
41
40
31
34
29

24
29
34
28
26
25
32
34
30
27
24
26
26
34
35
22
22
28

2013
40
42
47
40
34
37
39
39
38
42
37
42
39
43
46
44
41
44

We continue to work to recruit Cumberland Presbyterian students, and to lift up the call of God to
ordained ministry in the church.  We call on all Cumberland Presbyterians to pray that God will continue tocall men and women to the office of ministry, and that they will be well prepared through our educational
institutions to lead growing and vibrant congregations in the ministry of Jesus Christ to the world.
RECOMMENDATION 2: That the General Assembly urge all probationers to consider
Memphis Theological Seminary and the Program of Alternate Studies as their first options formeeting educational requirements for ordained ministry.
D. PROGRAM OF ALTERNATE STUDIES
We are concluding a stellar year for PAS.  The Program of Alternate Studies is an alternate programof preparation for ministry authorized by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church as an exception for persons
with promise for ministry and significant hindrances to the usual route.  It is administered as a certificate
program of Memphis Theological Seminary reporting to the Board of Trustees through the President andthe Vice President of Academic Affairs/Dean of the Seminary.  We are pleased with the continued progress
and the close collaboration of this venture mandated by our General Assembly.
PAS Colombia
In February the Director made an historic visit to the two presbyteries of Colombia, South America.
In a marathon of meetings with pastors consensus was built for the establishment of PAS-Colombia, aversion of the program that would be their own.  Soon thereafter both presbyteries approved and funded theprogram.  Thanks to an admirable effort by the Colombian PAS Advisory Council and the Dean of PASColombia the launch has gone very well indeed.  From a set of thorough administrative policies to detailed
course manuals for three of the CP Studies courses including translation of primary texts into Spanish
the daunting tasks surrounding such a large undertaking have been taken in stride.  In October,  just eightmonths following our initial visit, the first ever PAS-Colombia course was offered, the culmination of very
hard work and the beginning of a new era for the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Colombia.  As ofthis writing five classes are scheduled in 2013 for pastors, candidates, and lay-leaders throughout the varied
regions of Colombia.  It is hoped that the approach can be refined and used to take PAS to other portions of
the global Cumberland Presbyterian Church where this kind of education is vitally needed.
We are very grateful for the endorsement of this effort by the Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s
Ministry who voted to make PAS-Colombia one of their mission projects in 2013.  At their convention inJune we will discover how much money has been raised this year for course development and materials.
Graduation 2013
On July 13, 2013, PAS will have what is likely its largest graduating class ever, a total of sixteen.  
This includes four students from the Multi-cultural Ministry Hispanic track and twelve from the traditional

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

229

PAS program.  We congratulate the Class of 2013 for their diligence and hard work and look expectantly
toward their contribution to the future of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.   Over the past several
months a concentrated effort has been made to assure these graduating seniors were able to complete thoselast few courses.  A large number of weekend schools and, in rare cases, supervised Independent Studies
were utilized to accomplish this purpose.  A special recognition of this milestone will be celebrated witha commencement ceremony on the first day of SES in the Dickey Fine Arts Auditorium on the campus of
Bethel University.
Our commencement speaker will be Mrs. Virginia Yarce.  Virginia is a trainer, writer and motivational
speaker.  She ministers alongside her husband, Omar, at Roca de Salvación, an immigrant congregation in
Birmingham, Alabama.  She has served as missionary in Cali, Colombia, with World Vision International,
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and the Presbyterian Church (USA).  A graduate of Wheaton College,
Virginia is currently working on her Master of Divinity degree and under the care of Grace Presbytery.  
This summer Virginia and her daughter Kimberly were featured side-by-side in Bethany Christian Services
national newsletter.
Summer Extention School
Plans are complete for the mainstay of the program, the fifteen-day Summer Extension School on
the campus of Bethel University.  Alongside the usual fare of quality instruction of core courses we arepleased to continue some recent innovations.
Joint MTS/PAS course July 23-27--This year Dr. Qualls will teach a ministerial practice course in
Church Administration and Leadership Development.  The value of having both PAS and MDiv. students
together in a classroom setting is inestimable.
Training for lay leaders July 18-22--Courses that have practical implications for local church
leaders include The Computer As Personal Ministry Tool (Reverend Cory Williams), The Work of the Elder(Dr. Jay Earheart-Brown), Money Matters (Reverend Mark Hester), Dealing with Conflict in the Church(Dr. George Estes), and Evangelism (Dr. J. David Hester).
Minister’s retreat July 23-27--Partnering with the Pastoral Development Ministry Team we areaffording pastors and spouses an opportunity to audit classes or to participate in portions of the PAS
experience or to simply relax and enjoy the Bethel University campus for a few days of Sabbath.
The Hispanic Conference July 13-17--A conference for Latino Cumberland Presbyterians will beheld alongside the regular PAS Hispanic co-hort.  Reverend Fredy Diaz will be the keynote lecturer and theirschedule will allow them to participate in worship and fellowship with other PAS students and families.
Looking ahead, talks are underway for 2014 to partner with Discipleship Ministry Team to offer apractical course in youth ministry.
Advisory Council
A PAS Advisory Council meets in December each year and provides counsel to the Director
regarding all aspects of the program.   This group includes the seminary President and Vice-president,
leaders of denominational ministry teams, and six members at-large from across the denomination.  We
wish to express deep gratitude to Reverend Linda Glenn and Reverend Mindy Acton who completed theirterms of service with this last meeting of the Advisory Council and welcome, in their stead, Reverend Toby
Davis and Mrs. Martha Chambers.  They will join Dr. Clinton Buck, Dr. Jennifer Williams, Mrs. Patricia
Ward  and Reverend Don Tabor on the current board.
Toby is an MTS graduate (twice) and current pastor of the Good Prospect C.P. Church in Trilla,
Illinois.  He and his wife Janet are proudly parenting seven (7) children.  Martha Chambers is an elder from
Camden, Arkansas.  She is the daughter of a C.P. minister, the mother of two C.P. ministers and the sisterof one C.P. minister.  Two of those are PAS graduates.  These two additions will make a great contribution
to our program.
Online Courses
The Advisory Council once again affirmed the effort to provide an online component to PAS
education.  The unique situation of students spread, literally, around the globe is an environment whichbegs for creativity.  We will be working in the second half of 2013 toward the goal of having the four CP
Studies courses available in an online format.
C.P. Minister’s ConferenceWith collaboration from the Pastoral Development Ministry Team a weekend school was heldin January in connection with the denominational Minister’s Conference.   It was a great success by all

230

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

measures.  Next year’s conference in Hunstville, Alabama, will be titled “Preaching the Parables of Jesus.”
We will have a WES in conjunction with this event which will be open for auditing or course credit.
E. NEW ACADEMIC INITIATIVESIn Fall 2010, we began offering courses toward a certificate in drug and alcohol addiction counseling.  
This new program, which has been led by Cumberland Presbyterian minister and counselor Dr. Johnie
Welch, promises to meet an important need in our society and in our region.  Due to health concerns, Dr.
Welch was unable to continue in this role after the 2012 academic year.  Reverend Bill Warr, an experienced
counselor recommended to us by Dr. Welch, began coordinating this program in the fall of 2012.
In the spring of 2012, we began a new certificate program targeted for African American ministers
in the Memphis area who do not have the educational background to enroll as degree students at MTS.  We
believe that there is a need for such certificate level education for many in our area and hope to expand thiswork in the near future.
F. ACCREDITATIONMemphis Theological Seminary holds dual accreditation by the Association of Theological Schools
in the United States and Canada (ATS), and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
Every ten years, member schools go through an extensive process of re-accreditation review.
Our last accreditation visit occurred in 2008, at which time we were fully affirmed for the next ten
years by both accrediting bodies.

IV. FACILITIES
A. LEADERSHIP
Since the fall of 2011, our facilities and safety department has been ably led by Mr. Greg Spencer
and a dedicated staff of facilities technicians.  Mr. Spencer is a member of the West Union Cumberland
Presbyterian Church in Millington, Tennessee, and has more than twenty years of experience in construction
and facilities management.
B. PURCHASE OF PROPERTY
Thanks to the support of the 177th General Assembly, we have been given approval to purchaseadditional properties within the bounds of our long range campus plan.  Because of the recession we havenot purchased any properties in the past four and a half years, and do not intend to borrow any moremoney for this purpose.  Due to the recession we have been in arrears on our loan payments to the Boardof Stewardship, but have a plan in place to catch up on those payments.  All interest due is current as of thewriting of this report, and we hope to pay significant amounts on the principal due on notes in the coming
fiscal year.
C. COMMUTER HOUSING
MTS began to convert its student housing from individual rentals to commuter housing in the 1998.
Currently, MTS provides commuter housing, with very reasonable nightly rates, for about fifty students
each week of the regular term.  The need for such commuter housing has continued to grow, as has income
from such rentals.  Our ability to serve students from about a 250 mile radius around Memphis, throughblock scheduling of classes and provision of affordable commuter housing, has had a significant impact on
the growth of the student body over the past ten years.
D. CAMPUS WORK GROUPS
We have been blessed in recent years by adult and youth work groups who have come to MTS
during the summer months to help repair and maintain our campus housing.  Groups have come from Trilla,
Illinois; Greeneville, Tennessee; Florence, Alabama; Bowling Green, Kentucky; Collierville, Tennessee;

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

231

and the youth from West Tennessee Presbytery to volunteer their time in a variety of areas.  We encourage
work groups who would be willing to help the seminary in this way to contact Mr. Greg Spencer in the
Facilities Office or Mrs. Cathi Johnson in the Advancement Office of the seminary.
E. SAFETYThe Office of Safety of MTS continues to explore ways to enhance the safety of our students inthe context of our urban campus.  Through the use of lighting, security officers, secure locks, and wellarticulated safety plans, the seminary seeks to provide a safe environment for students and visitors to our
campus.
During past four years, MTS has contracted with a local security company to provide regularpatrols around our neighborhood.  This additional safety measure has been well received by our students
and by our neighbors.  We continue to seek ways to provide a safe environment for our campus community.

V. ADVANCEMENT AND FINANCE
A. BUDGETOur Board of Trustees will approve a budget for the 2013-2014 academic year at its May meeting.
Copies of that budget will be provided at the meeting of General Assembly.
After two years of significant budget reductions in the worst of the recession, we have begun to
restore some of the cuts as income has improved the past two years.  We continue to be very conservativein our budget planning as we work to recover from the effects of the recession.  We hope to be able to givemodest raises to our employees next year, after four years of flat or reduced compensation.  Our employees
deserve much credit for hanging in with us through some tough economic times.
B. SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS
We continue to cultivate relationships with foundations whose mission closely aligns with ours.  
The following grants for scholarships and other projects have been received in recent years:
1. The Henry Luce Foundation (2011-2014)
To support At the River: Theology & Arts Program at MTS, the Henry Luce Foundation
has granted $150,000 payable over 3 years, double their initial investment in 2009-2011.  
The Luce Foundation is located in New York City and funds programs like these on a large
scale across the country.  It is a sign of the value of this emerging work that a foundation ofthis caliber is willing to provide financial support.
2. The Varnell Artist-in-Residence
For five years, Mr. and Mrs. Henry and Jeanne Varnell, long-time friends of MTS, haveprovided financial and practical support for the Artist-in-Residence of At the River:
Theology & Arts program.
3. The Wilson Family Foundation
The Wilson family, founders of the Holiday Inn hotel chain and great philanthropists in
Memphis, has renewed their funding of the Wilson Scholarships at $15,000 for 2013.
4. The H.W. Durham Foundation
In 2012, the Memphis-based H.W. Durham Foundation renewed its gift of $5,000 to provide
5 $1,000 scholarships for students who are 55+ years of age.  These Durham Scholars will
represent much of our student body who are second-career students.
5. The First Tennessee Foundation
This Foundation provides a gift of $10,000 to partner with MTS in the course “Money,
Markets & Ministry,” taught by Dr. Jay Earheart-Brown.  We are in our fourth year of thislevel of support.

232

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

6. The Lilly Endowment (2013-2015)
With a three-year grant totaling $249,371, MTS will create a program to increase financial
literacy and decrease debt among our student population, and long term, the congregations
they serve.
C. ENDOWMENTS
1.

The Baird-Buck Chair of Cumberland Presbyterian Studies
Dr. Clinton Buck, Professor Emeritus of Christian Education at MTS, knowing the needfor more focused teaching in CP heritage, has converted an existing endowment that was
originally begun with the hopes of endowing a chair in Christian Education.  Subsequent
to Dr. Buck’s decision, Mrs. Thalia Baird, widow of former President and Professor Dr.
Colvin Baird, also decided to convert an endowment they had designated for general
operations.  Together with The Rev. J.T. Buck Scholarship Endowment Fund established in1979 to provide scholarship assistance for Cumberland Presbyterian students at Memphis
Theological Seminary, the new endowment was been established with an initial principalbalance of approximately $112,000.  To date, the fund has grown to more than $270,000,
thanks to generous contributions from many Cumberland Presbyterians.  We continue toseek ways to fully fund this chair.
The purpose of this endowment is to strengthen the Cumberland Presbyterian Churchby establishing an endowed professorship with a primary focus of teaching Cumberland
Presbyterian history, theology, church administration and the practice of ministry that isparticular to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  The goal is to raise $1.5 million to fully
fund this endowed chair.

2.

Rev. Walter and Mrs. Sarah Chesnut Scholarship Endowment
In December 2011, at the (awesome) age of 95, Reverend Walter Chesnut establishedthis endowment to provide Scholarship support for Cumberland Presbyterian students at
Memphis Theological Seminary.

3.

Rev. Harlon and Mary Edith Watson Scholar
In 2000, Mary Edith Watson and her son, Mark Judd Watson, established an endowment toassist Cumberland Presbyterian students at MTS.  Reverend Watson was ordained in 1940and pastored the West Side CPC in Nashville from 1949-1976.  He died in 1999.  Mary
Edith continued to be active and live independently until her death at age 88 in 2011, after
which Mark amended the name of the scholarship to honor her memory, as well.

4.

Other Endowment funds
Many Cumberland Presbyterians and others continue to support endowments that have been
established through the years to fund our work.  The Advancement Office and President areavailable at any time to discuss endowment gifts with potential donors.

D. FACULTY CHAIRS
1.

The Rev. Marlon and Sheila Foster Professor of Pastoral Theology and Homiletics(2008-2013)
An anonymous donor established this six-year named professorship to encourage
ministerial candidates to attend Memphis Theological Seminary, in support of the greatneed for training in pastoral care, and in honor of the designees.  Reverend Marlon Foster
is a recent graduate of MTS.  Tenured Professor of Pastoral Theology and Homiletics, Dr.
G. Lee Ramsey Jr., B.A., M.Div., Ph.D., is filling this role.

2.

The Dr. James L. Netters Chair in African American Studies (2009-2013)
Memphis Theological Seminary is dedicated to becoming the premier seminary in the
country for those who are devoted to racial reconciliation under the banner of the gospel.  
Working together with a group of pastors and lay leaders, the Elders for Education have

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

233

established a named professorship that will signal to the local and global community that
we at MTS are serious about working toward the fulfillment of peace and justice.  It is
named in honor of beloved pastor of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church – Westwood in Memphis,
Dr. James L. Netters.  Dr. Andre Johnson, B.S., M.Div., Ph.D. is filling this role.
3.

The Mary Magdelene Professor of New Testament (2012-2014)
Former students and friends of Dr. Mitzi Minor contributed to this named professorship inhonor of her 20th year of ordination to the ministry in the Cumberland Presbyterian Chuch,and in appreciation for her excellence in teaching New Testament.

E. ESTATE GIFTSMTS has received two estate gifts during the current year. Mrs. Fanny Laura Brockwell, former
member of our Board, and longtime Cumberland Presbyterian from East Side Church in Memphis, left abequest to support MTS.  We give thanks for the life and witness of Mrs. Brockwell.
Mr. and Mrs. Dale and Sarah McMennamy of the Bartow Cumberland Presbyterian Church in
Rydal, Georgia left a charitable remainder trust for the benefit of MTS and its operations.  We encourageothers to remember the ministry of MTS in their estate planning.
G. SEMINARY SUNDAY
We have many churches in our denomination, and in other denominations we serve who recognize
Seminary Sunday in their local churches.  This provides time for education of members about the work of
MTS and the Program of Alternate Studies and provides an opportunity for members to make a special onetime gift to support the work of the seminary.  Please contact the seminary for more information on how you
can recognize Seminary Sunday in your local church, and to request a speaker for the occasion.
RECOMMENDATION 3: That the General Assembly encourage all churches to recognize
and support Seminary Sunday.
H. ANNUAL FUND
Memphis Theological Seminary could not operate without the faithful contribution of its alumni
and friends.  Annual Fund contributions help us keep the cost of tuition down, so that students do not leaveseminary with a large burden of debt to have to pay during their early years in ministry.  Annual Fundcontributions have grown steadily over the past fifteen years, as income from Our United Outreach has
declined.
In some respects, the income we receive from OUO puts us in a better position than many
theological seminaries, whose income from denominational sources has declined significantly over the past
twenty years.  Our income from OUO has remained relatively steady over that time period.  However, as apercentage of our total income, OUO has fallen from almost 20% to about 3% of our operating budget.  We
are grateful for the commitment of Cumberland Presbyterians to the ministry of MTS, and all our common
ministries, expressed so tangibly through giving to Our United Outreach.
At the same time, we do not expect income from denominational contributions to increasesignificantly in the future.  This means that we are required to put more time and energy into fund raisingthan ever before.  We are grateful for the many alumni who have made a financial contribution to our
ministry this year.  We are also grateful for all the faithful laypersons who have given to the Annual Fundbecause they know the importance of an educated ministry to the life and health of our denomination.
I. FEASIBILITY STUDY
The Board of Trustees, in its meeting on November 8-9, 2012, authorized a feasibility study fora capital campaign for MTS.  An anonymous donor funded the study, conducted in the spring of 2013 byJerold Panas, Linzy and Partners, one of the leading campaign consulting firms in the nation.  The case forthe campaign, which formed the basis for the testing done by our consulting firm, is attached to this report.
The final case statement will not be finished until our Board makes a final determination on what to include

234

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

in a possible capital campaign.
Our Board will receive the results of the study in its May 2013 meeting.  In the event that the Board
moves forward with a campaign, we would like to ask permission from the General Assembly to conduct
a Capital Campaign in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and beyond, beginning as soon as Fall 2013,
for the purpose of building a new chapel at MTS, building our endowment, retiring debt, and general
improvements to our facilities, as outlined in the case statement.
RECOMMENDATION 4: That the General Assembly approve Memphis TheologicalSeminary to conduct a capital campaign, pending action to approve such a campaign by the Board ofTrustees of the seminary.
J. AUDIT REPORTThe auditing firm of Zoccola Kaplan, P.C. is auditing the books of Memphis Theological Seminary
for the 2011-2012 fiscal year and will be issuing its report before the meeting of General Assembly.  Copiesof that report will be filed with the office of the Stated Clerk as soon as they are available.
Respectfully submitted,
Jody Hill, Moderator of the Board of Trustees
Daniel J. Earheart-Brown, President
Memphis Theological Seminary

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHMINISTRY

FOR THEREAL WORLD
Scholarship, Piety
and Justice

T
F
A
R
D

235

236

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

MINISTRY FOR THE REALWORLD, TWO CENTURIES OF
MAKING A DIFFERENCE.
“Academic scholarship is a major hallmark of Memphis
Theological Seminary. The school feeds both the minds andspirits of its students. Rigorous scholastic study and intellectual discussion of the Bible from different points of view areencouraged.”“The goal is to foster informed critical thinkers. It is
not to promote the agenda of Memphis Theological Seminary.
When students graduate, they have the knowledge andpractical tools to be effective ministers. They live their lives
according to the teachings and values of the Bible. Graduates
are well prepared to positively impact individuals, congregations and society.”– Mrs. Ruby Wharton, Esq., TrusteeI

n 1821, a pastor’s dedication to theological educationand inclusiveness gave rise to the first theologicalschool west of the Mississippi.
Thirty years later, out of the same Spirit, a theologicaldepartment was established at Bethel College (now Bethel
University) in McKenzie, Tennessee, an institution of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Over one hundred years later, in 1964, in order to reachmore ministers for the Gospel, the seminary was moved toMemphis and renamed Memphis Theological Seminary. It
was intentionally opened as an ecumenical seminary thatwelcomes men and women of all faiths, cultures and ages.
The philosophy and values of the seminary are asmeaningful today as they were two centuries ago. The
school focuses on scholarship, piety and justice.
Inherent in these three words are powerful concepts
that differentiate MTS from other seminaries.

The philosophy and valuesof the seminary are asmeaningful today as they
were two centuries ago.
The school focuses onscholarship, piety andjustice.

MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

2

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH• Scholarship implies disciplined, traditional
study, but it also involves becoming a
discerning critical thinker. Graduates arecompelling spiritual servant leaders andthoughtful ministers. They are able toexplain Biblical passages within boththeir historical context and theirrelevancy in today’s world—and insuch a way that lives are transformed.
• Piety involves our heart-felt devotion toGod. True piety leads to compassion, selflessness, universal love and respect for allof God's creation. As Dr. Martin LutherKing Jr. described so eloquently when hewrote, “Our goal is to create a beloved
community, and this will require a qualitativechange in our souls as well as a quantitativechange in our lives.”• Justice does not refer to civil law. It ismuch more. Without the practice ofjustice as described in the Bible, love,
liberty and even life cannot flourish. Lovealone does not ensure equality. Biblicaljustice involves care for the poor andpowerless and leads to inclusiveness,understanding and compassion. It is
respecting all people, even those who arevery different from you. It is actively participating in righting wrongs wheneverand however they present themselves.
Our student population is very diverse
and reflects the real world.
There are no age, gender, economic,
cultural, theological or racial barriers here.
Our graduates will be ministering to manydifferent populations and denominations.
Their experience at MTS helps themunderstand how to work toward a
beloved community.

237

Some of the most respected and influential
ministers in our area are graduates ofMemphis Theological Seminary.
They are acknowledged for their depthof Biblical and religious knowledge, theirecumenism. They are respected for theirability to influence both religious andsecular communities. Wherever our
graduates serve, they impact the lives of
those they touch. They are formed to beministers in the real world.
Our graduates touch thousands of lives
in their chosen ministry. They become
pastors, youth ministers, educators andchaplains in hospitals, prisons and themilitary.
For over fifty years, the seminary has
occupied the magnificent turn-of-thecentury Newburger Mansion in
midtown Memphis.
We have worked hard to maintain theoriginal beauty of this grand home. Warmthand intimacy are created by cascading
stairways, arched doorways, andhandcrafted woodwork. It is thebeautiful face we show to the public.
In more recent years, we have added
two adjoining mansions in response to a
growing student body and the faculty andstaff hired to serve them.
The three homes have served us well, butwith enrollment reaching 325 students, wehave outgrown them.
Because of the reputation and impact ofour graduates, our enrollment continues togrow. We believe we can reach an

MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

3

238

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
enrollment of 450 students in the not-toodistant future. Together students will
represent over 30 denominations, several
states and a few countries.
Existing classrooms and offices are
too small and too few.
Former bedrooms are used as classrooms.
The place where families once ate their meals
now serves as a conference room. Parlors andbedrooms function as offices. The prized
Newburger Ballroom is our makeshift chapel.

2013

Unfortunately it can only seat one-fifth of ourstudent body.
We are grateful to have resided in thehomes on beautiful East Parkway during ourtime of growth. We will always maintainthem. They will continue to serve us well as
library space, offices and intimate gathering
spaces for small discussion groups.
But it is urgent that we expand our campus
and build a chapel. We have acquired theproperty adjacent to our campus. Now wemust build. Our future depends on it.

We have too few classrooms and the ones we have are crowded.

MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

4

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

239

PREPARING FOR ANOTHER TWO
HUNDRED YEARS OF MINISTRYIN THE REAL WORLDM

emphis Theological Seminary
must raise $22 million over the
next three years.
The time is right. The Board and administration have thought long and hard about the
future of the seminary. We have prayed for
God to guide us in our decision making.
In order to ensure our future, we must
undertake three important and much-needed
projects without delay.
1. A new chapel is a top priority. We havemade do with a small converted ballroom
for too long.
2. A new building with modern classrooms anda multiuse student community center isessential. Additional, well-designed space
will help us increase our enrollment andmore powerfully educate effective
ministers for the real world.
3. Significantly increasing our endowment will
enable MTS to prosper and grow. It will
help us become financially stable andready to withstand any potential financial
crises for the next two hundred years. Like
most seminaries, we are tuition dependent.
At last report our endowment was $9.2
million. This does not generate sufficientinterest income to meet the growing
demands of our expanding student body.
It is crucial that we double the endowment
immediately. It will allow us to meet theincreasing need for scholarships andfinancial aid. And it will be a cushion toprotect MTS from unforeseen emergencies.
Successfully completing these projects will
enable MTS to aggressively pursue its
mission well into the twenty-first century:
To educate men and women for ordained andlay Christian ministry in the church and theworld by shaping and inspiring lives devoted toscholarship, piety and justice.
Project One: Construct a new
free-standing chapel.
We are blessed to have already received
two wonderfully generous gifts designatedfor our new chapel.
The first is an extraordinary cash donationof $1 million. This significant gift is a vote ofconfidence in Memphis TheologicalSeminary. It recognizes the difference our
graduates make in the world.
The second is one of the oldest and finest
pipe organs in the South. It was donated to
us by the Union Avenue United Methodist
Church. It is an acknowledgement of the role
we play in preparing strong spiritual leaders.
The pipe organ was manufactured in 1924
by the M.P. Moller Organ Company. In
today’s dollars it is estimated to be worth$550,000—a valuable and prestigious gift.
Moller pipe organs are also installed in thechapels at Camp David and Lincoln Center.
Both gifts are true blessings and will

MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

5

240

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

enable MTS to construct a chapel that
• Reflects our identity, purpose andexcellence.
• Is large and adaptable enough for different
denominations within the seminary to
conduct worship services reflective of theircultures and expressions of faith.
• Provides a place of worship that willaccommodate our entire student body.
• Replicates in a small way the churches inwhich graduates will preach. This will give
students the experience of speaking from areal pulpit rather than a small podium.
• Has the proper acoustics to showcase thebeautiful Moller pipe organ.
• Will allow us to offer certificates or degrees
in church music and organ music.

Project Two: Construct a new classroombuilding and student center.
New and larger classroom space is needed
to support our teaching methods. Classrooms
must be flexible to accommodate integrativeknowledge and skill-building instruction.

2013

Classrooms are used for more than lecturesand presentations.
They are the environments in which
ministers for the real world are formed.
Students engage in teacher-moderated group
discussions. They come to terms withcomplex social issues. They challenge eachothers’ existing perceptions. There are alsogroup exchanges on differing theologies,
traditions and customs of worship. All of thisprepares them for ministry in the real world.
Dr. Stan Wood, Vice President of Academic
Affairs/Dean, explains, “It is important thatstudents develop an appreciation for different perspectives. We give them the language of religion sothey can relate to people of other faiths. Ministers
can lose their evangelical effectiveness if they
become insular within their chosen denomination.”
Students practice ministerial skills in class.
They learn to be effective and dynamic
preachers by preparing and giving sermonsand homilies to their professors andclassmates.

Our graduates touch thousands of lives in their chosen ministry.

MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

6

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

They practice the discipline of being present
with another person during conversations.
This holy listening is critical to becoming acompassionate, influential spiritual leader.
Integrating practical skills with academics isa hallmark of Memphis Theological Seminary.
This is what makes our curriculum effective
and distinctive. It is the reason students are
drawn to our school.
Today, our classrooms are frequently too
small to conduct these exercises with ease.
We must temporarily rent space from the large
church across Union Avenue. Although the rent
is reasonable, the money could be used to offer
more financial aid to students.
Personal interaction is fundamental
to an effective ministry.
Unfortunately, there is no space on campus
large enough to accommodate informal
gatherings and social interaction. We are
already using every available space.
Construction of a multiuse student center
will affirm an important value of MTS: The practiceof hospitality. This affirms that learning happens
best in an ecumenical and inclusive environment
where social interaction is encouraged.
The student center will be a comfortable,
inviting place where students can study,
engage in spontaneous and meaningful
dialogue or work on group projects.
It will include a small coffee bar with healthy
soups, sandwiches and snacks. Currently,
vending machines are the only convenientsource of food on campus. Many students
commute to class at the end of a full workday.
They deserve more than vending machine fare.
But most of all, the center will provide
students with a place to become comfortable
initiating new relationships. This is an essential
skill for ministers in the real world.

241

Project Three: Significantly increase
our endowment.
Without a larger endowment, we cannot
fully execute our mission.
Cassandra Price-Perry, Vice President of
Operations/CFO, explains this very well.
“I am here to use my financial skills to help
students respond to their call by God to ministry.
Because of our small endowment, the number
and size of our scholarships and financial aid
packages are limited. We are not able to enroll as
many highly qualified and motivated students as
we would like because they can’t afford the costof attendance—books, fees, travel, food and othermiscellaneous expenses.
“Our tuition is certainly not exorbitant nor isit cheap. Many students find it difficult to fundthe entire three years required to receive a degree.
“Sadly, this compromises our commitment tobeing an ecumenical school that welcomes
everyone who meets our academic requirements.
We have cut our operating expenses to the boneduring the economic downturn. Still, we canonly offer financial assistance to just a portion of
the students who apply. Only with philanthropy
will it be possible to provide financial assistanceto the many motivated and qualified students
who are called to serve.”
You are a leader in the community.
We are seeking your thoughts, ideas
and support for this project.
We believe you are concerned about
repairing our spiritually bankrupt world.
You value the tremendous impact thatknowledgeable and well-prepared ordained
and lay ministers can have on our society.
We ask that you prayerfully consider therole you will play in supporting us to makethis great undertaking a success.

MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

7

242

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

YOUR SUPPORT HAS A
POWERFUL RETURN

A

donation to Memphis TheologicalSeminary leverages your investment
in ways few other organizations can.
Tim Orr, Trustee and Chair of the FinanceCommittee, is passionate when he speaks
about this. “The check I write to Memphis
Theological Seminary is leveraged a thousand
times over. I am not just writing a check for theseminary. My donation impacts global society.
“Here is what I mean. People come here
because they are called to ministry. MTS forms

them into leaders—Christian leaders with
Christian values. Their lives are changed forever.
But it doesn’t stop there. Everyone touched by
one of our graduates is changed also. MTS
prepares ministers to be relevant and compellingin the real world. In a world that is spirituallybankrupt, they are effective in their congregationand in all of society. Their lives are transformed,
and they are given the tools and skills totransform the spirit of our global society—and they do. I ask you, ‘what investment has
this powerful a return?’”

Today faculty and students preach from a small podium in our crowded chapel.

MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

8

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

243

MAKING A REAL DIFFERENCEA MINISTRY FOR THE REAL WORLDT

he graduates of Memphis Theological Seminary
proclaim and embody God’s message of redemption,
justice and peace in service to others.
Our graduates guide people in their faith and help
them understand why they believe. This is powerful.
They ignite people’s hearts in love for Jesus Christand support them in walking in His way.
They model Christ-like behavior, and in doing so theytransform the lives of those they touch—in church, in thegrocery store, on a bus or in prisons.
They shatter prejudice. They stand in the face ofdesperation and offer hope. They provide for those withnothing, and they teach others to do the same.
The world is a better place because of their real world
ministry—a ministry that is persuasive, practical andpurposeful.

“Today, mainline religions are grappling withretaining membership.
Our emphasis is on academics, practical application and an
inclusive approach to theology. This prepares our graduates to be
relevant and meaningful ordained and lay ministers in the realworld today. This is the only way they can serve and embody
God’s mission of redemption, justice and peace in service to the
New Creation of Jesus Christ.
“My father attended this seminary, so it was only natural that
I followed in his footsteps. Now that I am president, I am blessed
to be leading the initiative to bring our facilities into the twentyfirst century. We cannot wait. Our campus must reflect theextraordinary academic excellence within its walls.”– Dr. Daniel J. Earhart-Brown, President

Students and graduatesmodel Christ-like behavior,and in doing so theytransform the lives of thosethey touch—in church, inthe grocery store, on a bus
or in prisons.

MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

9

244

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

THIS CAMPAIGN IS NOT REALLYABOUT NEW BUILDINGSI

t is about the people.

It is about the highly qualified professors who workinside them. It is about the committed and passionate
students who are following God’s call to ministry.
Sometimes they leave successful careers. Their families
make significant economic and lifestyle changes. They dothis to serve God, humanity and all of creation.
Their lives are transformed. And as a result, our lives arechanged. And the world is a better place because of them.
Adequate classrooms and a student center will support
students on their rigorous academic and spiritual journey.
They deserve a real chapel in which to pray, preach,
meditate and seek God’s further counsel. A chapel filledwith the music of a real pipe organ. And joyous voices
joined in praise.
Finally, Memphis Theological Seminary deserves
facilities that truly reflect the excellence of its highacademic standards. Its commitment to forming
extraordinary ministers for the real world must be
celebrated with quality facilities.

Angel, must I give again,
I ask in dismay.
And must I keep giving andgiving and giving it away?
Oh no, said the angel, his
glance pierced me through.
Just keep giving ’til the
Lord stops giving to you.

You have the power make a real and powerful difference.
Your support ensures the success of our campaign. It
also secures the future of Memphis Theological Seminary.
With your support we will be able to continue to graduate
outstanding ministers for the real world.
Prayerfully consider your role in supporting ourimportant undertaking. And as you do, please consider
the wisdom of this poem. It reflects the insights of a very
generous philanthropist.

MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

10

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

245

MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2012-13

Mr. Mike Allen *Rev. Tom Bell, Jr. (United Methodist)Rev. Kevin Brantley *Rev. Dr. Doy Daniels, Jr. *Mrs. Diane Dickson *Mr. Harvey Ferguson, Jr. (UM)Mr. Dan Hatzenbuehler (Episcopal)
Rev. Jody Hill *Mrs. Jan Holmes *Mr. Mark Maddox *Rev. Emily Matheny (UM)Ms. Pat Meeks *Rev. Jennifer Newell *Mr. Tim Orr *Rev. Dr. Inetta Rogers (Baptist)
Dr. Robert M. Shelton *Mr. Takayoshi (Ted) Shirai *Rev. Dr. Melvin C. Smith (Baptist)
Mrs. Nancy Vernon (UM)Dr. Joe Ward (CPCA)
Mrs. KC Warren (PCUSA)
Mrs. Ruby Wharton (Catholic)Alabaster, AL
Birmingham, AL
Greensburg, KY
Milan, TN
Houston, TX
Hernando, MS
Memphis, TN
Corinth, MS
Lubbock, TX
Dresden, TN
Memphis, TN
Cordova, TN
Chattanooga, TN
Newburn, TN
Memphis, TN
Dallas, TX
Yokohama, Japan
Memphis, TN
Fort Smith, AR
Madison, AL
Memphis, TN
Memphis, TN*The Cumberland Presbyterian Church is the founding andsupporting denomination of Memphis Theological Seminary.

MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

11

246

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

THE REPORT OF THE HISTORICAL FOUNDATION
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
A. OFFICERS OF THE BOARD
The officers of the board are as follows: Reverend Rick White, president; Pam Davis, vice-president;
Sidney Milton, secretary.  Susan Knight Gore is the director and treasurer of the Historical Library andArchives.
B. BOARD REPRESENTATIVE TO THE 183RD CPC GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The board’s representative to the 183rd General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church(CPC) is Michael Fare.  The alternate is Sidney Swindle.
C. MEMBERSHIP AND MEETINGS OF THE BOARD
The board is currently composed of the following members: from the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church in America—Edna Barnett, Vanessa Barnhill, Dorothy Hayden, Naomi King, and Rick White, fromthe Cumberland Presbyterian Church—Pam Davis, Michael Fare, Tommy Jobe, Mary Kathryn Kirkpatrick,Sidney Milton, and Sidney Swindle.
The Board of Trustees met, September 21, 2012 and February 22, 2013.
D. MEMBERS WHOSE TERMS EXPIRE
The first term of Mary Kathryn Kirkpatrick expires with the 2013 meeting of the Cumberland
Presbyterian General Assembly, and she is eligible for reelection.  The second terms of Pam Davis andSidney Milton expire with the 2013 meeting of the Cumberland Presbyterian General Assembly, and they
are eligible for reelection.
E. STAFF
Susan Knight Gore serves as the Archivist of the Historical Foundation.  Lauren Gam Gilliland is
the archival assistant for the Foundation.
F. EVALUATION OF ARCHIVISTAt the direction of the General Assembly, the board conducted the annual evaluation of the archivist,
Susan Knight Gore at its February 2013 meeting.

II. ASSEMBLY REPORTING
As a matter of official structure, relative to the CPC, there is a Board of Trustees composed ofmembers from both the CPC and CPCA, and relative to the CPCA, there is a committee composed ofmembers from the CPCA.

III. PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIESA. HISTORY INTERPRETATION AND PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES
1. The 1810 Circle
In order to enlist the financial support of interested members of our churches in the work of theFoundation, the 1810 Circle was created.  Membership is based on a financial contribution of $25 or more
per year.  Income through such gifts enables the Foundation to meet expenditures and is vital to the continued
work of the Foundation.

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

247

We appreciate the support given to the Foundation by all members of the 1810 Circle and encourageother members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in
America to join this donor group.
RECOMMENDATION 1: That the General Assembly, through its minutes and summary ofactions, make congregations and presbyteries aware of the 1810 Circle and encourage new members
to support this endeavor annually.
2. Patrons
Persons who contribute $100 or more to one of the endowments of the Historical Foundation
become patron members and receive a certificate.  Patron memberships may also be given in honor or inmemory of an individual.
3. Heritage Churches
Congregations contributing a minimum of $1,000 to an endowment of the Historical Foundation
become Heritage Churches and receive a framed certificate.  There are six categories of recognition andchurches can move from one level to another.
Heritage Church $1,000 - $4,999
Silver Heritage Church $5,000 to $9,999
Golden Heritage Church $10,000 to $24,999
Platinum Heritage Church $25,000 to $49,999
Diamond Heritage Church $50,000 to $99,000
Jubilee Heritage Church $100,000 and up
4. Presbyterial Heritage Committees/Presbyterial Historians
To promote interest in the work of the Foundation and to nurture the work of history on thepresbyterial level, the Historical Foundation seeks to work cooperatively with the Presbyterial Heritage
Committees/Presbyterial Historians of both general assemblies.  The brochure, Suggestions for Heritage
Committees and Presbyterial Historians, is available from the Foundation.   The board expresses its
appreciation to the presbyteries that have Heritage Committees/Presbyterial Historians.
5. Denomination Day Offering
The 2013 Denomination Day Offering was designated for state of the art equipment for use at the
Birthplace Shrine to show a video about our denomination.
The Foundation expresses appreciation to congregations and others groups who received special
offerings for the work of the Historical Foundation on Denomination Day.  This special offering provides
an opportunity for congregations to directly contribute to the support of the Historical Foundation as wellas the Foundation supplying educational materials to each congregation.
RECOMMENDATION 2: That congregations be encouraged to have a special offering on
the Sunday designated as Denomination Day to help support the special project designated for thatyear.
B. PUBLICATIONS
1. Promotional Materials
The Historical Foundation maintains a supply of promotional materials which describes its purpose
and work, the various means of financially supporting this work, and listings of available publications andprints for sale through the Foundation.  These materials are available on the Foundation’s website.
2. Publication Series
The Foundation has a number of titles and prints available for purchase. Income from the sale of these
items goes into the Historical Foundation Trust, a permanent endowment supporting the Foundation’s work.  
Titles available are the 1883 Confession of Faith (CPC), the 1895 Cumberland Cook Book, Cumberland
Presbyterianism and Arminianism Compared/Contrasted on Selected Doctrines by Joe Ben Irby, Faith
Once Delivered; Some Indispensable Doctrines of the Christian Faith, by Joe Ben Irby, Family of Faith:

248

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

Cumberland Presbyterians in Harrison County [Texas], 1848-1998 by Rose Mary Magrill, History of East
Side Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Memphis, Tennessee, History of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church by B. W. McDonnold, Life and Thought of Finis Ewing by Joe Ben Irby, Life and Thought of Milton
Bird by Joe Ben Irby, Life and Thought of Reuben Burrow by Joe Ben Irby, Life and Thought of Robert
Verrell Foster by Joe Ben Irby, Life and Thought of Stanford Guthrie Burney by Joe Ben Irby, Life andTimes of Finis Ewing by F. R. Cossitt, Soundings by Morris Pepper, Theological Snippets by Joe Ben Irby,
This They Believed by Joe Ben Irby, What Cumberland Presbyterians Believe by E. K. Reagin, and printsof the Samuel McAdow Home and the First Meeting of Cumberland Presbytery.  These items are available
for sale from Cumberland Presbyterian Resources.
RECOMMENDATION 3: That the General Assembly make presbyteries, congregations,and individuals aware that the Historical Foundation is interested and has funds to publish books on
topics concerning the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and Cumberland Presbyterian Church in
America.
3. Denomination Day Resources
All the Past is but the Beginning of Beginning (Denomination Day resource) is available on theFoundation’s web site under the Resources section: http://www.cumberland.org/hfcpc/resource/.  It includes
eight dramas intended to present the birth of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church in America.  A hard copy may be requested from the Foundation office.
C. HISTORICAL FOUNDATION AWARDS
1. Award in Cumberland Presbyterian History
The Foundation encourages the writing and publication of papers on all aspects of the history of
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  One means ofpromoting such writing is the Historical Foundation Award in Cumberland Presbyterian History.  A $300
prize is awarded to the author entering the best paper on any CP or CPCA history subject which meets inform and content the requirements set by the Board of Trustees and judged by the board appointed awardscommittee.  All manuscripts submitted to the competition become property of the Foundation and are added
to the Historical Library and Archives.
The contest follows the calendar year, and entries for the 2013 competition are encouraged.  Allentries will be accepted through December 2013 for this year’s contest.  Any entries received following thedeadline of December 31st will be automatically entered in the 2014 competition.
Guidelines and entry forms for submitting manuscripts to the competition are available from theFoundation office as well as on the internet, http://www.cumberland.org/hfcpc/Awards.htm.  The HistoricalFoundation appreciates the participation of past and future CPCA and CP historians in this program.
2. Awards of Recognition
Awards of recognition are certificates given to organizations or individuals in recognition of historic
events or contributions to the preservation of our heritage as Cumberland Presbyterians.   Appropriate
applications for the award are: particular churches celebrating anniversaries of their organization; any
judicatory or agency celebrating publication of a written history; celebrations of history or historic eventin a creative or unusual manner; individuals who have provided continued service for 60 years or moreas members of a local congregation or presbytery; individuals who have served for 40 years or more in acontinuing leadership role (including pastors) within a local church.  Individuals, churches, or presbyterial
heritage committees may make application for the issuing of an award by contacting the Foundation office.
Application forms are supplied by the Foundation office as well as the internet, http://www.cumberland.org/
hfcpc/Awards.htm.
D. RELATIONSHIPS
Presbyterian Historical Society of the Southwest
The Presbyterian Historical Society of the Southwest is an agency of The Synod of the Sun,
Presbyterian Church (USA) and Cumberland Presbyterian Churches in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma
and Texas.  Members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church who serve on the board of this organization
are Reverend Norlan Scrudder and Dr. Rose Mary Magrill.

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

249

IV. HISTORICAL LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES
A. RESEARCH SERVICEThe Foundation’s main research commitment is to the agencies, local congregations, and membersof the Cumberland Presbyterian Churches.   Since the Historical Library and Archives of the HistoricalFoundation serves as the official repository for the Cumberland Presbyterian General Assemblies, this is
our focus.  Although the separation of research into two types designated by their mode of access has been
rapid and dramatic, both the traditional and “cyber” mode contribute to and enhance the other.
1. Traditional/Physical Access
Hands on access to primary source material remains the vital heart of historic and theologicalresearch.  Rather than being diminished by increased electronic resources, traditional research has broadened
due to heightened awareness of primary sources in an expanding information age.  The Foundation receives
research requests by personal visitors, mail, e-mail, and telephone.  As time permits, requests are researched.
Responses are sent to the requestor, as well as pertinent information on ministers, congregations, presbyteries
and synods being placed on our website for future researchers.
2. Electronic Access
The Foundation’s website continues to expand in order to provide greater access to the materials in
the Historical Library and Archives.  As well as being a research tool, the internet provides an invaluable
and inexpensive means of promotion for the physical collections of the Historical Library and Archives,
the activities of the Historical Foundation, and for the greater community of faith called Cumberland
Presbyterians.  Information at the site includes: general information about the Foundation, entire texts ofimportant historical documents, historical information on particular congregations, ministers, presbyteries,and synods.  The gateway URL to the Foundation’s website is http://www.cumberland.org/hfcpc/.
B. ACQUISITIONSThe Historical Library and Archives regularly receives items published by the two denominations,
Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Preliminary Minutes of theGeneral Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Yearbook of the General Assembly of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, The Cumberland Presbyterian, Missionary Messenger, Minutes of theGeneral Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America, Preliminary Minutes of the General
Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America, and The Cumberland Flag.  Synods andpresbyteries deposit four copies of their printed minutes in the Historical Library and Archives.  In addition,
books, pamphlets, theses, dissertations, records and publications of general assembly, boards, agencies,
institutions, and task forces; records and publications of synods and presbyteries, session records andother materials of particular churches, biographical material of Cumberland Presbyterian and Cumberland
Presbyterian Church in America ministers, photographs, audiovisual materials, and museum items wereamong the accessions received.  The 2012 Accession List closed with 211 accession groups.
Some of the highlights added to the collection in 2012 include:Books

Aron, Stephen. How the West Was Lost: The Transformation of Kentucky from Daniel Boone toHenry Clay. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1996.
Biddle, Arthur Colyar. Service in Song: A Carefully Selected Collection of Standard Hymns Set
to Familiar Tunes Especially Adapted to Congregational Worship. Nashville, Tennessee: Cumberland
Presbyterian Publishing House, 1891.
Black, William H., ed. Sermons for the Sabbath School, by Various Prominent Cumberland
Presbyterian Ministers and Laymen. St. Louis, Missouri: St. Louis Observer Company, 1883.
Blair, William Irvine. The Presbyterian Synods of Illinois. [Mattoon, Illinois]: Mattoon Presbytery
under the auspices of the synod of Illinois, 1952.
Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Psalms and Hymns Adapted to Social, Private, and Public
Worship, in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Nashville, Tennessee: Committee of Publication, 1860.
McKamy, John A., comp. The Cumberland Presbyterian Handbook for 1900. Nashville, Tennessee:
C. P. Publishing House, 1900.

250

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

Curriculum
Adult Teacher. Vol. 32 No. 1 (January, February, March, 1939).
Sunday School Lesson Leaf. Vol. XIX No. 27 (July 4, 1897).
General Assembly
General Assembly. Colored Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Program of the Seventy-First
General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  National Sunday School Convention–Schoolof Methods. National Christian Endeavor Society. Woman’s Board of Missions.   To Convene With the
Simpson Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Providence, Kentucky. L. James Jennings, Minister,June 11-17, 1945.
Woman’s Board of Missions. Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Handbook on the Work of the
Woman’s Missionary Organization of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. By Mrs. Johnie Massey Clayand Miss Mattie Huber. Evansville, Indiana: Woman’s Board of Missions. January 1924.
Women’s General Board of Missions. Second Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Minutes. June 9,1950-June 13, 1975.
Institutions
The Phoenix. 1895. (Yearbook of Cumberland University, Lebanon, Tennessee).
Museum Items
Shovel used for groundbreaking of Cumberland Chapel, May 5, 2012, at Bethel University in
McKenzie, Tennessee.
Ivory chopsticks presented to Mrs. G. F. Phelps of Marion, Kentucky on May 17, 1952, by Dr.
Samuel King Gam, Chinese missionary in Canton, China.
General Assembly. Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Muskogee, Oklahoma. June 16-20, 1949.
Commissioner Ribbon. Mr. W. J. Whitfield, Pineville, Arkansas.
Other Congregational Records
Concord Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Troup, Texas. Church Pictorial Directory. 2012.
East Lake Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Birmingham, Alabama. Missionary Auxiliary
Yearbooks. 1940-41; 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964.
Highland Heights Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Memphis, Tennessee. Scrapbook.
Hopewell Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Walnut, Mississippi. Orders of Worship. 1956, 1977,
1982, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002.
Hopewell Colored Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Dyersburg, Tennessee. Program. Fifth Sunday
Rally, July 31, 1955.
Hopewell Colored Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Dyersburg, Tennessee. Sunday School Record
Book. December 22, 1940-July 6, 1941.
Mount Pleasant Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Caneyville, Kentucky. One Hundred TwentyFive Years: A Condensed History of Mt. Pleasant Cumberland Presbyterian Church 1887-2012. By Terrell
D. Woosley. 2012.
Mt. Sterling Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America. Sturgis, Kentucky. Deeds. Photocopies
of original manuscript. 1877, 1893, 1894, 1911.
Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Ireland, Indiana. Sunday School Records. Original
Volume. March 15, 1896-May 22, 1898.
Watkins Park Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Nashville, Tennessee. Former name of West Side
Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Deed of Trust, October 1, 1943.
Willow Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Martinsville, Illinois. Cookbook. CPW, 1976.
Zion Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Aurora, Missouri. Also called Spring River Cumberland
Presbyterian Church. Sunday School Records. 1911-1924.
Photographs
Baird, Alexander J. (1820-1884). Cartes de Visite. 2 ½ x 4, B&W.
Swartz, Walter Leroy (1892-1977). Photograph. 11 x 7. Sepia.
Simpson Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America. Providence, Kentucky. Photograph.
Building destroyed in 2003 tornado.
Cumberland Presbyterian Church 34th N.A.C.P.Y.F. Group photograph, July 1957, Ovoco
Conference Ground, Tullahoma, Tennessee.

2013Roll.

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

251

Edgefield Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Nashville, Tennessee. Photograph of 1928 Cradle

Postcards
Beverly Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Beverly, Ohio.
Campbell Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Campbell, Missouri.
Trinity University. Waxahachie, Texas.
Presbyterial Records
Indiana Presbytery. Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Minutes. April 5, 1845-October 5, 1873.
New Hopewell Presbytery. Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America. Booklet. Celebrating the58th Anniversary of New Hopewell Presbytery. July 30, 1967-March 23, 1996.
Purchase Presbytery. Second Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Program. Elders and DeaconsCouncil and the Woman’s Missionary Society. Held at Hickory Grove, Kentucky, April 22-24, 1955.
Sermons
Byars, Samuel Thomas (1880-1970)
Fleming, Ronald Thomas (1938-2010)
Session Records
Advent Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Pinson, Alabama.
Bates City Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Bates City, Missouri
Beneath the Cross Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Pinson, Alabama.
Bethesda Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Camden, Arkansas.
Bowling Green Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Cherokee Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Cherokee, Alabama.
Cleveland Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Cleveland, Tennessee.
Concord Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Cleveland, Alabama.
Cumberland Valley Cumberland Presbyterian Church. McEwen, Tennessee.
East Lake Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Birmingham, Alabama.
Freedom Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Harned, Kentucky.
Harpeth Lick Cumberland Presbyterian Church. College Grove, Tennessee.
Logansport, First Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Logansport, Indiana.
Maple Grove Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Bond County, Illinois.
Moberly Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Moberly, Missouri.
Mount Pleasant Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Caneyville, Kentucky.
Oak Grove Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Walnut Grove, Missouri.
Rose City Cumberland Presbyterian Church. North Little Rock, Arkansas.
Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Ireland, Indiana.
Silverdale Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Virtue Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Knoxville, Tennessee.
Walnut Grove Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Burlison, Tennessee.
West Side Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Nashville, Tennessee.
Synodical Records
Illinois Synod. Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Booklet of Illinois Synodic Youth Camp. August
11-15, 1952. Merom, Indiana.
Kentucky Synod. Colored Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Colored Cumberland Presbyterian
Church (1874-1960] Second Cumberland Presbyterian Church (1960-1991)
Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America (1992-present) Minutes. August 25, 1908-August 21, 1943.
Kentucky Synod States Sunday School Convention. Colored Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Minutes. July 28, 1910-August 21, 1924.
Kentucky Synod States Sunday School Convention. Colored Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Program of the Thirty-First Annual Session of the States Sunday School Convention to be Held at Paducah,
Kentucky. July 27, 28, 29, 30, 1933.
RECOMMENDATION 4: That the General Assembly encourage all congregations topreserve their session records by depositing them in the Historical Foundation.

252

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

RECOMMENDATION 5: That the General Assembly instruct each synod and presbytery todeposit their minutes in a timely fashion with the Historical Foundation.
The Historical Foundation can provide on-site assistance to both presbyteries and individual
congregations.  On the presbyterial level, we can assist the appropriate agency to evaluate materials left whena church has ceased to be viable and has been closed.  This can eliminate speculation on the presbytery’spart as to what is, or is not, material to be preserved.  For congregations we can provide a similar service
helping them to determine what can and should be archived.
RECOMMENDATION 6: That the General Assembly instruct presbyteries to locate thesession records when closing a church and then deposit them in the Historical Foundation.

V. BIRTHPLACE SHRINE
The Birthplace Shrine located at Montgomery Bell State Park near Dickson, Tennessee was dedicatedJune 18, 1960.  This site consists of the Memorial Chapel and a replica of the Reverend Samuel McAdow’s
log house.  Since 1994, the Foundation has been responsible for the preservation of the Birthplace Shrine.  
Four endowments provide funds for maintenance and repairs: the Grace Johnson Beasley Birthplace Shrine
Fund, the Birthplace Shrine Fund, the Henry Evan Harper Endowment for Cumberland Presbyterian
History, and the P.F. Johnson Memorial Endowment. Gifts to these endowments provide for the continued
preservation of the Birthplace Shrine.  Interested donors are encouraged to contact the Foundation office.
Another means of support are the wedding fees collected from couples who use the chapel for their wedding
ceremony.  These funds are added to the Birthplace Shrine Fund and earnings are used for maintenance andspecial projects.  The Board encourages individuals and groups to visit the Birthplace Shrine as an act ofremembering our heritage and envisioning our future as Cumberland Presbyterians.
Groups and individuals are encouraged to contact the Foundation to set up work days and special
projects.   The Foundation thanks the Heritage Committee of Nashville Presbytery and the Charlotte
Cumberland Presbyterian Church for their continuing volunteer upkeep of the property.

VII. FINANCIAL CONCERNS AND 2014 BUDGETS
A. BUDGETS
The 2014 line-item budget of the Historical Foundation has been filed with the CPC General
Assembly Office.
B. ENDOWMENTS
List of the endowment funds for the Foundation with new fund in boldface type.
Anne Elizabeth Knight Adams Heritage Fund
Rosie Magrill Alexander TrustPaul H. and Ann M. Allen Heritage Fund
Grace Johnson Beasley Birthplace Shrine Fund
Birthplace Shrine FundJames L. and Louise M. Bridges Heritage FundMark and Elinor Swindle Brown Heritage Fund
Sydney and Elinor Brown Heritage FundCentennial Heritage Endowment
Walter Chesnut Heritage Fund
Lavenia Campbell Cole Heritage Fund
Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America Heritage Fund
Cumberland Presbyterian Women Archival Supplies Endowment
Bettye Jean Loggins McCaffrey Ellis Heritage Fund
Samuel Russell & Mary Grace (Barefoot) Estes Endowment
Family of Faith Endowment
Gettis and Delia Snyder Gilbert Heritage Fund2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHJames C. and Freda M. Gilbert Heritage FundJames C. and Freda M. Gilbert Trust
Mamie A. Gilbert Trust
Henry Evan Harper Endowment for Cumberland Presbyterian History
Ronald Wilson and Virginia Tosh Harper Endowment
Historical Foundation Trust
Donald and Jane Hubbard Heritage Fund
Cliff and Jill Hudson Heritage Fund
Robert and Kathy Hull Endowment
Into the Nineties Endowment
Joe Ben Irby Heritage Fund
P.F. Johnson Memorial Endowment
Irene A. Kiefer Endowment
Chow King Leong Endowment
Dennis Lawrence & Elmira Castleberry Magrill Trust
J. Richard Magrill Heritage Fund
Joe Richard and Mary Belle Magrill Trust
Gwendolyn McCaffrey McReynolds Heritage Fund
Jimmie Joe McKinley Heritage Fund
Edith Louise Mitchell Heritage Fund
Lloyd Freeman Mitchell Heritage Fund
Snowdy Clifton and Lillian Walkup Mitchell Heritage Fund
Rev. Charles and Paulette Morrow Endowment
Virginia Sue Williamson Morrow Heritage FundAnne Elizabeth Swain Odom Heritage Fund
Martha Sue Parr Heritage Fund
Florence Pennewill Heritage Fund
Morris and Ruth Pepper Endowment
Publishing House Endowment
Mable Magrill Rundell Trust
Samuel Callaway Rundell Heritage FundPaul and Mary Jo Schnorbus Heritage FundRoy and Mary Seawright Shelton Heritage Fund
Shiloh CPC Ellis County Texas Endowment
Hinkley and Vista Smartt Heritage FundJohn William Sparks Heritage Fund
Irvin Scott and Annie Mary Draper Swain Heritage Fund
F. P. Waits Historical Trust

Respectfully submitted,
Rick White, President
Susan Knight Gore, Archivist

253

254

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

THE REPORT OF THE
OUR UNITED OUTREACH COMMITTEE
The 2009 General Assembly established a denominational Our United Outreach Committee tobe made up of 12 voting representatives, one from each Synod and the rest from the church programs
and institutions.  Executives from the church programs and institutions participate on the Committee asadvisory members.  This Committee has met six times since the 2009 General Assembly.
A goal of the Our United Outreach Committee is to encourage ALL churches to contribute to Our
United Outreach.  Approximately 30 percent of the churches do not give anything with a high percentage
of other churches not giving at the 10 percent level.  This past year, 2012, the budgeted goal for Our United
Outreach was almost reached – 95.92% giving was achieved and this was attributed to education andawareness of what Our United Outreach is and how the funds are utilized.  While this was an admirable
achievement, the Committee seeks to involve ALL churches with Our United Outreach giving and at agreater level of giving.

I. FUND DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR POSITION
The 2012 General Assembly approved the establishment of a full-time position to work with Our
United Outreach and the title of this position was Fund Development Coordinator.  This full-time position
has been filled with Reverend George (Cliff) Hudson accepting the call to the position.  After reflection, the
Our United Outreach Committee would like to change the name of the position.
RECOMMENDATION 1: We ask General Assembly that the title of Fund Development
Coordinator be changed to Development Director for Our United Outreach.

II. OUR UNITED OUTREACH FUNDS ALLOCATIONThe Our United Outreach Committee met March 1, 2013, to allocate the Our United Outreachfunds for the 2014 year.  The Our United Outreach allocation basis for 2014 is $2,900,000.  The 2012
General Assembly had two funding requests which affect the allocation process beginning in 2014.
•  That $3,500 a year for three years—2014, 2015, 2016—be budgeted out of Our United Outreachfunds for the use of the Evaluation Committee when doing agency evaluations.
•  That a fund be established to make money available for any legal expenses of the Office of theGeneral Assembly, that $25,000 from Our United Outreach allocation be designated for that fund in 2014
and 2015 and that a balance of $50,000 remain in that fund each year thereafter.
Since the Our United Outreach Committee has allocated funds to be used for Debt Retirement in
the amount of $168,493, the Committee elected to deduct the new requests totaling $28,500 from the Debt
Retirement allocation, leaving the Debt Retirement allocation as $139,993.  Both the Debt Retirement andthe Fund Development Coordinator’s salary have been approved as guaranteed amounts and are deductedfrom the goal amount prior to allocation purposes.
It is anticipated that an additional funding request for the Unification Task Force will be made.  
That amount could also be deducted from the Debt Retirement amount without impacting the 2014 goal andallocation amounts.
RECOMMENDATION 2: We ask General Assembly that the following allocation forincoming 2014 Our United Outreach funds be adopted:
The allocation is to be as follows:			
$2,900,000.00
			Development Coordinator			
79,000.00
			Debt Retirement				139,993.00
			
Evaluation Committee				3,500.00
			Judiciary—Insurance Deductible		
25,000.00								$2,652,507.00

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

255

Ministry Council					$1,326,254.00			50%Bethel University				132,625.00			
5%Children’s Home				79,575.00			
3%
Stewardship					159,150.00			
6%
General Assembly Office			212,201.00			
8%
Memphis Theological Seminary/		
185,676.00		
7%
		
Program of Alternate Studies
Historical Foundation				
79,575.00			
3%
Shared Services				
450,926.00			
17%
Comm. on Chaplains					9,284.00			
.350%
Judiciary Committee					8,753.00			
.330%
Theology/Social Concerns				
3,249.00			
.123%
Nominating Committee				2,719.00			
.103%
Contingency Fund					2,520.00			.095%
							$2,652,507.00
			

Our United Outreach Goal

$2,900,000.00

The permanent committees plus Contingency Fund equal 1 percent; each of those is a fractional
percentage of that 1 percent.  From the agencies listed above, all should be self-explanatory except maybe
Shared Services.  Maintenance, utilities, mowing, trash pick-up, pest extermination, and custodial are all
examples of Shared Services for agencies sharing the Cumberland Presbyterian Center.

III. OUR UNITED OUTREACH CUT-OFF DATE
For calendar year 2012, January 15, 2013, was used as the cut-off date for crediting Our United
Outreach monies received after December 31, 2012, to 2012.  Monies arrive all throughout the month ofJanuary with some reflecting 2012 giving and some 2013 giving.   The Our United Outreach Committee
requests establishing the following cut-off date policy.
RECOMMENDATION 3: We ask General Assembly approval that the cut-off date for yearend Our United Outreach monies be based on the postmark as on or before the last business date nolater than January 15 each year and that this be adopted as policy.
The Our United Outreach monies are to be mailed to:
Our United Outreach
8207 Traditional Place
Cordova, Tennessee  38016

IV. WEBSITE USAGERECOMMENDATION 4: We ask General Assembly to encourage local churches to link
their website to the Our United Outreach denominational website: www.cumberland.org/ouo
If needed, instructions for such linkage could be developed and provided to the local churches.  
Churches are encouraged to check their giving status, contact the Funds Development Coordinator, or
request assistance through this website linkage.  Usage of this great asset is encouraged.
The Our United Outreach Committee members are enthusiastic in their approach to the developmentof total participation in this program of the church.
Respectfully submitted,
Ron Gardner, Chairperson
Sharon Resch, Secretary
and the Our United Outreach Committee

256

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

THE REPORT OF THE COMMISSION ON
MILITARY CHAPLAINS AND PERSONNELThe Commission on Military Chaplains and Personnel represent the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church on the Presbyterian Council for Chaplains and Military Personnel.  The commission does its workthrough the Council which has its headquarters in Washington D.C. and represents also the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church inAmerica, Presbyterian Church (USA) and  the Korean Presbyterian Church Abroad.  
The Cumberland Presbyterians who are members of the Commission for the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church and hence the broader group known as the PCCMP include Lowell Roddy, Paul Collins, Mary
Catherine Benedict, and Stated Clerk Michael Sharpe.

I. REPRESENTATION
The term of the Reverend Paul C. Collins expires in 2013 and he is not eligible for re-election, but
he will represent the commission at this meeting of the General Assembly.  The Reverend Lowell G. Roddy
serves as the Vice-Chair of the PCCMP.  The PCCMP Director is the Reverend Ed Brogan .  The Associate
Director of the PCCMP is Chaplain Don Wilson.  Reverend Mary Catherine Benedict serves as a memberof PCCMP.

II. RESPONSIBILITY OF THE COMMISSION
1.  To provide ecclesiastical endorsement for chaplains of the United States Armed Forces, who are  on  active  duty,  in  the Reserves/National Guard  and  also chaplains of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers.
2.  To provide pastoral support for their chaplains and their families.
3. To provide a unified and influential voice for the member denominations to the national
government in matters relating to the ministry and welfare of Presbyterians serving in the United States
Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Medical Centers.
4.  To provide representation to denominational agencies and ecumenical bodies in their concernswith matters relating to United States military personnel, veterans and their families.
5.  To consider other duties as may be requested by the member denominations.
6.  To promote closer communications between chaplains and their judicatories.

III. ANNUAL COMMISSION MEETINGThe annual convening of the PCCMP usually takes place in the fall, with representatives of themember denominations in attendance.  This past year the Council met in Arlington, Virginia on November
6-8.  It is at this time that potential chaplain candidates are interviewed by a committee of the Council who
must determine whether the candidate will receive eccleslastical endorsement.
Each candidate is required to submit an application, school transcripts, presbyterial approval, andletters of reference.  After the documents are gathered, we interview the candidates to determine if theyshould be endorsed for active duty or service with the Reserve/National Guard.  A recommendation  foreach candidate is then submitted to the Council.   If they are approved by the Council, then they makeapplication to the various branches of service.  The PCCMP maintains sound working relations with theChief of Chaplains for each branch of the ministry and the VA.

IV. SUPPORT OF THE COUNCILThe Council receives its financial support from the four denominations, individuals, judicatories,
and churches.   The current economic challenges in our country are creating a need to redesign how tominister to our chaplains and their families.  We will be faithful stewards as we care for our military andveterans and their families.
One of the best way Cumberland Presbyterian churches can support this vital ministry is toparticipate in the annual Memorial Day Offering.  This takes place on the Sunday nearest Memorial Day as
we remember all men and women who serve in the United States Armed Services.  The offerings are sent to
the General Assembly Stated Clerk and are then forwarded to the Council for its efforts.  The Commission
would like to express its deepest appreciation to all churches that received the offering during 2012.  All2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

257

Cumberland Presbyterian churches in the United States are urged to consider their involvement in this vital
support.

V. CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHAPLAINSWe are proud to say that our denomination has a total of 20 men or women currently involved invarious forms of chaplaincy around the world.  Please remember to pray for these servings in this important
ministry.   Names and addresses are included in the Yearbook of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Stand with these heroes of faithful service.
Anyone desiring more information can check our website: www.pccmp.org or call our office inWashington D.C. (202)244-4177.
Respectively Submitted,
Paul Collins
Mary Catherine Benedict
Lowell Roddy

258

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

THE REPORT OF THE
PERMANENT JUDICIARY COMMITTEEThe Judiciary Committee met February 15, 2013 in Huntsville, Alabama.  Present were Annetta
Camp, Charles Dawson, Wendell Thomas, Sherry Ladd, Andy McClung, Perryn Rice, and Robert Rush.
Also attending were Jaime Jordan, legal counsel, and Mike Sharpe, Stated Clerk of General Assembly.
Kimberly Silvus and Felicia Walkup were excused.

I. ORGANIZATION OF THE COMMITTEE
Kimberly Silvus was elected chairperson and Andy McClung was elected secretary.

II. JOINT MEETING WITH THE
THEOLOGY AND SOCIAL CONCERNS COMMITTEE
A. REFERRALThe 182nd General Assembly jointly referred to The Judiciary Committee and the Theology
and Social Concerns Committee a memorial from Synod of Great Rivers concerning ministers of otherdenominations administering sacraments while serving in Cumberland Presbyterian congregations.
RECOMMENDATION 1: That General Assembly’s 1987 ruling allowing ministers ofother denominations, with presbyterial approval, to serve communion in Cumberland Presbyterian
congregations (see Digest, 4.5.k Interpretive, 1987), be rescinded.
		An ordained minister, although of another church, may serve the Lord’s		Supper in a Cumberland Presbyterian church, provided this minister has		been approved by a judicatory (that is, a presbytery) of the church.
		
1987, p. 123, 216.
Adoption of this recommendation would not affect Constitution 4.6 which allows ordained elders,
under specific conditions, to preside at certain communion services, nor would it affect ministers ofanother denomination presiding over communion in a duly-formed union or federated congregation as per
Constitution 10.4.
		4.6 The session may designate one elder who, when authorized by the		presbytery, may administer the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper to the		congregation.
		10.4 A presbytery may authorize one or more of its constituent churches		to form a federated or union church with a church or churches of another		
ecclesiastical body or bodies or may organize a federated or union church		acting in concert with a comparable judicatory of another ecclesiastical		body or bodies. This shall be done by agreement in writing between the		presbytery and the comparable judicatory of the other ecclesiastical body		or bodies.
Your Judiciary Committee and your Theology and Social Concerns Committee believe that thisrecommendation does not de-value interdenominational cooperation, and that its adoption will strengthen
our Cumberland Presbyterian identity and connectionalism.
B. ENCOURAGEMENT
Both your Judiciary Committee and your Theology and Social Concerns Committee encouragepresbyteries to uphold the presbytery’s responsibility to “require ministers to devote themselves to their2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

259

sacred calling” (Constitution 5.6.d.) and enlist the aid of certain ministers in providing communion tocongregations without Cumberland Presbyterian pastors, those certain ministers being persons from theroll of ordained ministers who are retired, serving in non-parish ministries, or not serving in any typeof ministry which benefits their presbytery or the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.   Most presbyteries
have ordained ministers in at least one of these categories.  Likewise, presbyteries are also encouraged to
instruct the ministers appointed by presbytery to moderate the sessions of congregations without installed
Cumberland Presbyterian pastors to ensure those congregations are served communion periodically.
C. RECOMMENDATIONYour Judiciary Committee and your Theology and Social Concerns Committee jointly made a
recommendation to the Joint Committee on Amendments.

III. REFERRALThe 182nd General Assembly referred to the Judiciary Committee a memorial from West Tennessee
Presbytery concerning alienated congregations.   The memorial calls for written guidelines to assist
presbyteries in dealing with congregations which are alienated or in danger of becoming alienated frompresbytery and the denomination.
Guidelines for Congregational Care
Each Cumberland Presbyterian congregation (called “a particular church” in our constitution) is
under the care of and subject to the authority of the presbytery of which it is a part.  The presbytery is
responsible for preventing and responding to any problems in its constituent congregations (Constitution
5.6.j).  This response, as all church discipline, is meant to be healing and redemptive rather than punitive(Rules of Discipline 1.1).
Presbyteries can be proactive in preventing congregations from becoming alienated by following
these guidelines:•  Be familiar with the Constitution, Rules of Discipline, and Presbytery Manual of Operations, andinsure that sessions have access to and are familiar with these resources, all of which are available at www.
cumberland.org/gao.
•   Remind sessions that any type of pastoral relationship must be approved by presbytery(Constitution 5.6.f).
•  Be diligent in oversight of ministers of other denominations serving congregations within thepresbytery, possibly including regular meetings with an appropriate presbyterial agency and mandatory
attendance of presbytery meetings (Constitution 5.6.p).
•  Remind sessions of their responsibility to communicate with presbytery regularly (Constitution
5.6.e, 4.5.m-n).
•  Appoint a Cumberland Presbyterian minister as moderator for the session of every congregation
without an installed Cumberland Presbyterian pastor, informing the session of who the appointed moderator
is, and insuring the appointed moderator fulfills his or her responsibilities (Constitution 5.6.p.).
•  Follow the 2007 General Assembly directive to have in place a process to review any Cumberland
Presbyterian minister transferring from another presbytery; carefully examine probationers on adherence to
Cumberland Presbyterian theology and polity; and closely review ministers of other denominations who areseeking to have their ordinations recognized, especially in the area of Cumberland Presbyterian theology
and polity.
•  Establish, either as a separate entity or as a subdivision of the Missions Committee, a Congregational
Care Committee to keep lines of communication open between congregations and presbytery.
•  Such a committee should visit in person with all congregations in the presbytery at least annually.
•  Such a committee could be in regular contact with each congregation, making inquiries which
can identify impending alienation and thereby prevent it.
For congregations already experiencing alienation or severe trouble, the Rules of Discipline explain
how presbytery is to enact its care for and authority over the congregation (Rules of Discipline 2.3).
•  Discipline only progresses from one level to the next if an attempt at discipline is ineffective(Rules of Discipline 1.3).

260

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013•  When the action of a congregation is detrimental to the spiritual welfare of its members or to theconnectional relations and ministries of the larger church, presbytery, through its board of missions or otherappropriate committee, should:•  counsel with the session and/or congregation and suggest ways to correct what is wrong;•  officially admonish the church and instruct its session to correct what is wrong;•   suspend the session and govern the church temporarily through a commission.  Thismeans the session may not make decisions for the congregation and may not send a voting delegate tomeetings of presbytery.  Suspension may be for a definite or indefinite period of time.
•  dissolve the session and conduct a new election of elders, or dissolve the church andattach its members to other congregations.
•  The board of missions or other presbyterial agency tasked to deal with the alienated or troubled
congregation may turn the matter over to the presbyterial judiciary committee if it seems necessary.

IV. LEGAL EXPENSE FUND
Your committee recognizes the need for the Office of the General Assembly to have available
money for legal expenses.
RECOMMENDATION 2: That a fund be established to make money available for any legal
expenses of the Office of the General Assembly, that $25,000 be included in the Our United Outreach
allocation designated for that fund for 2014 and 2015 each, and that $50,000 remain in that fund eachyear thereafter.

V. REVIEW OF SYNODICAL MINUTES
The committee reviewed the minutes of Synod of the Southeast, Synod of Great Rivers, Synod of
the Midwest, Mission Synod, and Tennessee Synod and found all to be in order.

VI. GENERAL ASSEMBLY REPRESENTATIVES
Perryn Rice will serve as this committee’s representative to the 183rd  General Assembly and Andy
McClung will serve as the alternate.
Respectfully submitted,
The Judiciary Committee

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

261

THE REPORT OF THE
JOINT COMMITTEE ON AMENDMENTS
The Joint Committee on Amendments met February 15, 2013 in Huntsville, Alabama.  Present were
(CPCA): Joe Ward; (CPC): Annetta Camp, Sherry Ladd, Perryn Rice, Robert Rush, and Wendell Thomas.
Also present were Jaime Jordan, legal counsel; Andy McClung, secretary; and Mike Sharpe, Stated Clerkof General Assembly (CPC).

I. REFERRALThe committee adopted a recommendation, made jointly by the Judiciary Committee and the
Theology and Social Concerns Committee, which seeks to correct a point of theological and pragmaticinconsistency: the Cumberland Presbyterian Church currently allows elders, under certain conditions, topreside over communion, but not to administer baptism.
RECOMMENDATION 1: That Constitution 4.6 be changed from “The session may designate
one elder who, when authorized by the presbytery, may administer the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
to the congregation” to “The session may designate one elder, who when authorized by the presbytery,
may administer the sacrament of baptism or the Lord’s Supper in the elder’s congregation” and that
Constitution 5.6.p be changed from “Take special oversight of churches which do not have the servicesof a minister, appointing a minister to moderate the session; and, if necessary, authorize an elder
designated by the session to administer the Lord’s Supper to the congregation, provided that the elder
shall be instructed by the committee on the ministry in the meaning of the sacrament and how it should
be administered; the elder shall serve under the authority of an ordained Cumberland Presbyterianminister selected by the presbytery, and each grant of authority shall be for one year” to “Take special
oversight of churches which do not have the services of a minister, appointing a minister to moderate thesession; and, if necessary, authorize an elder designated by the session to administer the sacrament ofbaptism or the Lord’s Supper to in the elder’s congregation, provided that the elder shall be instructed by
the committee on the ministry in the meaning of the sacraments and how they should be administered;
the elder shall serve under the authority of an ordained Cumberland Presbyterian minister selected by
the presbytery, and each grant of authority shall be for one year.”II. AFFIRMATIONS AND ENCOURAGEMENTYour committee affirms that both sacraments are acts of God rather than humans, and are vehicles
of God’s grace.  We acknowledge the priesthood of all believers.  We recognized that the sacraments belong
to all of God’s people rather than to clergy alone.  We encourage presbyteries to utilize clergy not serving
pastorates as resources for congregations without Cumberland Presbyterian pastoral leadership.

III. EDITORIAL NOTE
It is the opinion of this committee that if the current proposed amendment to Constitution 4.6 and5.6.p. -- which changes the number of elders able to be designated and authorized to administer the Lord’s
Supper from one to two -- are adopted by the 183rd General Assembly, and if the 183rd General Assembly
also approves sending this proposed amendment to the presbyteries for voting, then the wording of this
proposed amendment shall be editorially changed to reflect new rule.
Respectfully submitted,
The Joint Committee on Amendments

262

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

THE REPORT OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEEThe Nominating Committee consists of a minister and a lay person from each synod, preferably fromdifferent presbyteries.  Members may serve a three year term, but cannot succeed themselves.  Cumberland
Presbyterian members of any board or committee can be re-elected to the same board after a two year
absence.  Ecumenical representatives may be re-elected to the same board after a one year absence.  With
the exception of the Nominating Committee any person elected to serve on a denominational entity may
serve three consecutive terms.  Filling an unexpired term counts as one term, thus members of any entity do
not always serve nine years before completing eligibility on a board/agency.
The members of the various Ministry Teams are no longer elected by the General Assembly, but are
to be appointed by the Ministry Council.
*Ecumenical Representative+Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America

The Committee submits the following list of nominees:

I. BOARD OF DIRECTORS, GENERAL ASSEMBLY CORPORATION
Reverend Bobby Coleman, Arkansas Presbytery, to fill the two-year unexpired term of Melissa Malinoski.

II. MINISTRY COUNCIL
Ms. Jill, Carr, White Oak Pond Congregation, Missouri Presbytery, Synod of Great Rivers to succeed
herself for a three year term.
Reverend Troy Green, Columbia Presbytery, Tennessee Synod, to succeed himself for a three year term.
Ms. Elizabeth Horsley, Denton congregation, Red River Presbytery, Mission Synod, to succeed herself fora three year term.
Ms. Gwen Roddye, Beaver Creek Congregation, Presbytery of East Tennessee, Synod of the Southeast, tosucceed herself for a three year term.
Reverend Sam Romines, Cumberland Presbytery, Synod of the Midwest, to succeed himself for a three year
term.
Ms. Carolina Gillis, Youth Advisory Member, Alabaster Congregation, Robert Donnell Presbytery, Synodof the Southeast for a three year term.
Mr. Eddie Montoya, Jr., Youth Advisory Member, Ebenezer Congregation, North Central Presbytery, Synodof the Midwest, to fill the two-year unexpired term of Sebastian Phillips.
Reverend Donny Acton, Grace Presbytery, Synod of the Southeast, to fill the one-year unexpired term ofMandy Clark.

III. HISTORICAL FOUNDATION
Ms. Pamela Davis, Lubbock Congregation, Presbytery del Cristo, Mission Synod, to succeed herself for athree year term.
Ms. Mary Kathryn Kirkpatrick, Marshall Congregation, Trinity Presbytery, Mission Synod, to suceed
herself for a three year term.
Ms. Sidney Milton, Highland Congregation, Covenant Presbytery, Midwest Synod, to succeed herself for athree year term.

IV. MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
Mr. Michael Allen, Alabaster Congregation, Robert Donnell Presbytery, Synod of the Southeast, tosucceed himself for a three year term.
* Dr. Inetta Rodgers, an ecumenical representative, to succeed herself for a three year term.
Ms. Diane Dickson, Houston Congregation, Trinity Presbytery, Mission Synod, to succeed herself for athree year term.
*Mr. Johnny Coombs, an ecumenical partner, for a three year term.

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

263*Mr. Dan Hatzenbuehler, an ecumenical partner, to suceed himself for a three year term.
*Dr. Rich Kirchoff, an ecumenical partner for a three year term.
Mr. Tim Orr, Dyersburg Congregation, West Tennesee Presbytery, Synod of Great Rivers, to succeed himself
for a three year term.
Ms. Sondra Roddy, Charlotte Congregation, Nashville Presbytery, Tennessee Synod, to fill the two year
unexpired term of Dr. Craig Martindale.
*Mr. Robert Marble, an ecumenical partner, to fill the one year unexpired term of Ms. Nancy Vernon.
*Ms. Latisha Towns, an ecumenical partner, to fill the two year unexpired term of Mr. David Boyle.
*Mrs. K.C. Warren, an ecumenical partner, to succeed herself for a three year term.

V. BOARD OF STEWARDSHIP, FOUNDATION AND BENEFITS
Mr. Charles Floyd, Brenthaven Congregation, Nashville Presbytery, Tennesse Synod, to succeed himself
for a three year term.
Ms. Sue Rice, Hope Congregation, Grace Presbytery, Synod of the Southeast, to succeed herself for athree year term.
Ms. Debbie Shelton, Manchester Congregation, Murfreesboro Presbytery, Tennessee Synod to succeed
herself for a three year term.
Reverend Charles (Buddy) Pope, Columbia Presbytery, Tennessee Synod, for a three year term.

VI. COMMISSION ON CHAPLAINS AND MILITARY PERSONNEL
Reverend Cassandra Thomas, Red River Presbytery, Mission Synod, for a three year termVII. JUDICIARY
Reverend Sherry Ladd, Columbia Presbytery, Tennessee Synod, to succeed herself for a three year term.
Reverend Andy McClung, West Tennessee Presbytery, Synod of Great Rivers, to succeed himself for athree year term.
Ms. Felicia Walkup, Bates Hill Congregation, Murfreesboro Presbytery, Tennessee Synod, to succeed
herself for a three year term.

VIII. NOMINATING
Reverend Jimmy Peyton, Hope Presbytery, Synod of the Southeast, for a three year term.
Ms. Marjorie Shannon, Germantown Congregation, West Tennessee Presbytery, Synod of Great Rivers, fora three year term.
Ms. Nancy Bean, High Point Congregation, Cumberland Presbytery, Synod of the Midwest, for a three year
term.
Reverend Charles McCaskey, Murfreesboro Presbytery, Tennessee Synod, for a three year term.

IX. OUR UNITED OUTREACH COMMITTEE
Mr. Ron Gardner, Faith Congregation, West Tennessee Presbytery, Synod of Great Rivers, to succeed
himself for a three year term.
Ms. Robin Wills, Lebanon Congregation, Murfreesboro Presbytery, to fill two year unexpired term ofReverend Timothy Smith

X. UNIFIED COMMITTEE ON THEOLOGY AND SOCIAL CONERNS
Ms. Lezlie Daniel, Houston Congregation, Trinity Presbytery, Mission Synod, to succeed herself for a threeyear term.
Reverend Byron Forester, West Tennessee Presbytery, Synod of Great Rivers, to succeed himself for a threeyear term.
Reverend Chris Warren, Nashville Presbytery, Tennessee Synod, for a three year term.

264

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

THE REPORT OF THE PLACE OF MEETING COMMITTEE
The Place of Meeting Committee consists of the Moderator, a representative of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Women’s Ministry, and the Stated Clerk who serves as the chairperson.  The representative of
the Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry is the Convention Coordinator.
The 165th General Assembly, “authorized the committee to select meeting places up to five years
in the future and that preference be given that keeps, insofar as possible, the General Assembly and theConvention of Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry, and guest rooms in one facility.  It is recognizedthat these places are hard to find and may cost some additional monies.  The place of meeting committee
will use its best judgment.”  The 173rd General Assembly approved exploring the use of college campuses
and very large conference centers in addition to hotels/convention centers.  When the Office of the General
Assembly receives an invitation from a congregation or a presbytery, the Stated Clerk makes a site visit.  If
adequate facilities are discovered, a follow up visit is made by the Stated Clerk, the Assistant to the StatedClerk, and the Convention Coordinator of the Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry.
Unless the General Assembly sets aside Bylaw 14.02 Standing Rules 1 to allow for a different
meeting time, the annual meeting is the third or the fourth week of June.
Commissioners, delegates to Conventions, and visitors are encouraged to stay at the General
Assembly/Convention hotel, to assure meeting the contracted room block.  Hotel contracts also include acommitment on food and beverages, thus it is important for boards/agencies to continue to sponsor special
meal functions.  The luncheons/dinners provide opportunities for the sponsoring agencies/boards to keep
the church informed about their respective programs, thus enhancing support.

I. INFORMATION ABOUT FUTURE GENERAL ASSEMBLIESThe 180th General Assembly accepted the invitations of Tennessee-Georgia Presbytery to host theGeneral Assembly meeting in 2014.  This 184th General Assembly will meet concurrently with the General
Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America.  The concurrent meetings will be held at the
Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel, June 16-20, 2014.
The 181st General Assembly accepted the invitation of Cauca Valley and Andes Presbyteries tohost the 185th General Assembly.

II. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE GENERAL ASSEMBLIES
184th
185th

Tennessee-Georgia Presbytery
Cauca Valley & Andes Presbyteries

June 16-20, 2014
June 2015

III. FUTURE INVITATIONSThere are no invitations on file for hosting the General Assembly/Convention after 2015.  There
has been some initial communications with the Chandler Congregation and Bethel University about thepossibility of hosting General Assembly.  Continued discussions with the leadership of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church in America regarding joint meetings of the General Assemblies in 2016 may also
impact location.  It is essential to continue scheduling a few years in advance of the meeting to assure that
adequate hotel/convention space is available.  If a congregation or a presbytery is interested in hosting theGeneral Assembly/Convention, the Office of the General Assembly will provide information on hosting
responsibilities.  Hosting the General Assembly/Convention is a service to the Church, allowing the Church
to celebrate the good ministries occurring within a particular presbytery, and provides persons within apresbytery the opportunity to participate more fully in the annual meeting.
In the event that no invitation is received in a particular year or a situation arises requiring a change
of venue for a particular year, the Corporate Board will be responsible for selecting a place of meeting.

IV. SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS BY PRESBYTERIESThe following schedule shows the annual meetings and the year that the General Assembly last met
in the bounds of a particular presbytery.

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Hope & Robert Donnell
2012
Covenant
2002
		Missouri			2011		del Cristo		2001
Nashville
2010
Cumberland
2000
West Tennessee
2009
Tennessee-Georgia
1998
Japan
2008
Robert Donnell
1996
Arkansas
2007
Nashville
1995
		Grace				2006		North Central		1980
Columbia
2005
Trinity
1969
Red River
2004
Hope
1961
		East Tennessee			2003		Murfreesboro		1956
Respectfully submitted,
Michael G. Sharpe
Jo Ann Shugert
Robert D. Rush

265

266

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

THE REPORT OF THE UNIFIED COMMITTEE ON
THEOLOGY AND SOCIAL CONCERNS
I. MEETING AND OFFICERSThe Unified Committee on Theology and Social Concerns met at the Cumberland PresbyterianCenter on October 4, 2012 and at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Huntsville, Alabama on February 14, 2013.
The following officers were elected during the fall meeting: Reverend Byron Forester (CPC), Chair; Joy
Wallace (CPCA), Vice Chair; and Reverend Jan Overton (CPC), Secretary.  Reverend Overton has resigned
from the committee and Nancy Fuqua was elected by consent to serve as secretary until the fall meeting.
The treasurer’s position is handled by the Office of the Stated Clerk (CPC).

II. EXPIRATION OF TERMS
The Committee notes that Jan Overton has asked not to be nominated for an additional term due
to her heavy work schedule which include serving as Stated Clerk of Grace presbytery.  The Committee
is grateful for the faithful service each that Jan provided.  With sadness, the Committee noted the death ofReverend Billy Tribble (CPCA), and is grateful for the gift of his life and service.

III. GENERAL ASSEMBLY REPRESENTATIVES
The committee chose the chair, Byron Forester, and the vice-chair, Joy Wallace as representatives
to this meeting of General Assembly only, as the CPCA now meets bi-annually and will not hold a meetingin 2013.  David Phillips-Burk was chosen as the alternate delegate for the CPC and Nancy Fuqua as thealternate delegate for the CPCA.

IV. WORKS IN PROGRESS
There are currently two papers being studied by the Committee.
Worship in the Third Millennium by Paul Criss, is still being reviewed.  The Committee has sent the
paper back to Reverend Criss with a request that study questions accompany the paper and that the paper
be made more lay friendly for local congregations.  The committee will explore developing companion
resources for this paper in an effort to encourage inter generational involvement.
Come, Let Us Reason Together, Being Faithful in the Midst of Conflict by Mitzi Minor.   Thedevelopment of a PowerPoint demonstration is still in progress along with the development of a study
guide, Bible Study resources, simulation of the resource in action, and a case study.
A previous paper, Theological and Biblical Reflections on Women in Ministry, has been added to
the website with updated information on women in ministry from both denominations.
The Committee invites the submission of Reflection or Position Papers on current issues that
individuals or groups feel called to address.  A Guide to the Process of Writing Papers by Paul Criss has
been added to the website.
The Committee will explore how to interface with presbyteries that do not have Theological andSocial Concerns Committees and will also work on developing some guidelines for use by presbytery
committees.

V. UNIFICATION EFFORTS
It is the hope of the Committee that presbyteries and local churches that have not yet read the study
paper Reflections On A Divided Church will do so and will find opportunities to participate in the following
action steps that have been approved by both General Assemblies:
1.   That local congregations where the churches have overlapping boundaries to organize joint
activities between the CPC and CPCA to provide opportunities to build  better relationships between the two

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

267

churches such as holding joint activities through worship, pulpit exchange, times of fellowship, revivals,
VBS, and discussion of the papers produced by this committee.
2. That presbyteries of the CPC and CPCA might also consider ways that committees boards
and agencies might begin working together. Committees on ministry and missions, Christian educationcommittees, and camping programs would all benefit from joint interaction.  Examples of ways presbyteries
can work together include having advisory members participate in the other denomination’s meetings,
workshops, projects for the Cumberland Presbyterian Women, working together on local, regional, andeven denominational mission efforts including Habitat for Humanity, and raising money for disaster areas
around the world.
Respectfully Submitted,
Unified Committee on Theology and Social Concerns

268

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

THE REPORT OF EVALUATION COMMITTEEThe Evaluation Committee, according to Recommendation 25 & 26 of Report 2 of the Judiciary
Committee to the 182nd General Assembly, was extended in continuing its responsibilities for another year
and tasked with the following:
1. Work with the Office of General Assembly in reviewing the Ministry Council’s bylaws,
to see that they are in alignment with the current responsibilities and that they reflect
actions taken at General Assembly,
2. Oversee the implementation of the approved recommendations in this report (Report 2of the Judiciary Committee) as it pertains to the Evaluation committee Report		(specifically, Judiciary Committee Recommendations 2 - 20),
3. Review and monitor the progress made by the Ministry Council toward accomplishinggoals tasked to the Ministry Council since its inception,
4. Develop methods, procedures and process for future evaluations and report to the 183rd
General Assembly (specifically, Judiciary Committee Recommendations 23 & 25),
5. Report basic statistical data, sample size, percent of respondents and item responses,
6. Have surveys include scaled item responses.
Toward these goals, the Evaluation Committee has corresponded and met with the Stated Clerk,with the members of the Ministry Council, and with a Sub-committee of the Ministry Council, which
was established by the Ministry Council to work collaboratively with the Evaluation Committee toward
accomplishing the directives of General Assembly.  We appreciate the cooperative effort between all parties
and are grateful for the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing unity to our approach toward meeting theobjectives of the 182nd General Assembly.
Therefore, we report the following to the 183rd General Assembly with regard to the tasks of the
Evaluation Committee listed above:

I. WORK WITH THE OFFICE OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN
REVIEWING THE MINISTRY COUNCIL’S BYLAWS, TO SEE THAT
THEY ARE IN ALIGNMENT WITH THE CURRENTRESPONSIBILITIES AND THAT THEY REFLECT ACTIONSTAKEN AT GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
The Evaluation Committee has reviewed the bylaws of the Ministry Council as modified andproposed to General Assembly and we believe that they are in alignment with the current responsibilities ofthe Ministry Council and that they do reflect actions taken at General Assembly.
However, in review of the Ministry Council bylaw changes proposed, we make the following
notation and recommendations with regard to Article 1, 7:
As it appears the Ministry Council is distancing itself from the specific responsibilities of Our
United Outreach planning and promotion by expanding the responsibility to all boards and agencies of thedenomination, and by transferring specific tasks to the Our United Outreach Committee and its staff, wenote that the $113,000 per year that was provided to the Ministry Council for the purpose of Our United
Outreach development and education has not been transferred to the Our United Outreach Committee.  
(In 2007 General Assembly assigned responsibilities to the Ministry Council for promotion, education,planning and reporting Our United Outreach and established these funds accordingly.)  At the 182nd General
Assembly, the Discipleship Ministry Team Leader, Elinor Brown, indicated that a part of her job description
was to do Our United Outreach education for the entire denomination and her new job description under
the Ministry Council included that responsibility and the use of the allocated funding.   Therefore, we
concur that this is our expectation and her responsibility and that the responsibility of Our United Outreacheducation continue to be positively and productively a part of her position and so make the following
recommendation:
RECOMMENDATION 1: If for any reason the Ministry Council determines the responsibilityof Our United Outreach Education should not be a part of the job description of the Ministry Team2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

269

Leader of the Discipleship Ministry Team, then any unused portion of the allocated funding shouldbe transferred to the Our United Outreach Committee to assist with programmatic costs.
We commend the Ministry Council on the addition of a new section in the bylaws regarding
Ministry Teams.  In light of that addition, we make the following recommendation for revision:
RECOMMENDATION 2: Regarding Article 5, we recommend that the article be revised toinclude the election process for Ministry Team Members as well as the composition, qualifications
and terms of office for Ministry Team Members.
In addition we make the following recommendations for editorial change:
RECOMMENDATION 3: Regarding Article 7E of proposed Ministry Council bylaws, werecommend that wording be changed to read “Ministry Team Leaders” instead of “Ministry Team
Executive Directors” in order to maintain consistency of titles.
RECOMMENDATION 4: Regarding Article 9, that wording be changed to read,“Unanimously adopted by the Ministry Council on April 19, 2013” (instead of January 19th, 2013).

II. OVERSEE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE APPROVED
RECOMMENDATIONS IN REPORT 2 OF THE JUDICIARYCOMMITTEE OF 2012 AS IT PERTAINS TO THE
EVALUATION COMMITTEE REPORT,(SPECIFICALLY, RECOMMENDATIONS 2 - 20).
With regard to Judiciary Committee Recommendations 2,3,4,8,12,18:  The Evaluation Committee
has met on several occasions with the Stated Clerk and is satisfied that these recommendations toward thework of the Stated Clerk have been appropriately handled to date.
A. IMPROVING COMMUNICATIONS(Judiciary Committee Recommendations 2, 3 & 4) – The Stated Clerk indicated that a Summary of
Actions was emailed to all Executives and also sent through email blast to the Church At Large (all clerks
of Session, Presbytery and Synod).  He will continue to remind all denomination entities as needed.  In
addition, the General Assembly Office will add a preferred communications response element to the Annual
Report Mailings sent to Session Clerks.  In addition, the Stated Clerk is working in the development of theInteragency Web Development Committee to enhance the web presence of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church.  This will be an ongoing effort.
B. STRENGTHENING MINISTRY TEAMS AND THE MINISTRY COUNCIL THROUGH THE
NOMINATING PROCESS(Judiciary Committee Recommendations 9, 12) – As a result of the actions of the 182nd General
Assembly, a plan for endorsement for nominees to the Ministry Council or Ministry teams has been
implemented.  Persons interested in serving on the General Assembly Ministry Council or one of its Ministry
Teams, must now have the endorsement of the Presbytery (if the person is a minister) or their Session (if theperson is a lay person) to be nominated/elected for service.
RECOMMENDATION 5: That it be added to the Ministry Council bylaws that all nominees
for the Ministry Council or Ministry Team positions be ineligible to serve beginning in the year 2014
unless an endorsement is received. The requirement for endorsement would also be needed for those
who are being re-nominated for a second or third term and for those being nominated from the floorof General Assembly.
C. ORIENTING NEW MEMBERS AND CLARIFYING RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE GENERALASSEMBLY CORPORATE BOARD

270

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013(Judiciary Committee Recommendation 18) – The Stated Clerk has completed an Orientation
Process Design for use with new members of the Corporate Board.   However, no new members were
elected to the Corporate Board in 2012, so the design has not yet been implemented.
D. WITH REGARD TO JUDICIARY COMMITTEERECOMMENDATIONS 5, 7, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19 & 20
The Evaluation Committee has received a copy of Report 2 of the Ministry Council to the 183rd
General Assembly, which includes their implementation of General Assembly directives.  (It was reported
to the Evaluation Committee by the Ministry Council that some of these changes were already in progress
before General Assembly recommendations were made.)  The Evaluation Committee reports the following
in response to their diligent work and compliance as reported in Report 2 of the Ministry Council in 2013:
a. Regarding Judiciary Committee Recommendation 5 – The Ministry Council has assigned
Ministry Council members to serve on Ministry Teams as outlined.  Having heard positive feedback fromboth the Ministry Council and the Ministry Team members, we feel the time spent was productive andbeneficial.  Therefore, we, the Evaluation Committee, make the following recommendation:
RECOMMENDATION 6: That each Ministry Council member spend a minimum of 2 hours
with their respective Ministry Teams at least twice a year.
b. Regarding Judiciary Committee Recommendation 7 – The Ministry Council Executive
Committee is now comprised of one Ministry Council member from each Team in compliance with the
General Assembly directive.
c. Regarding Judiciary Committee Recommendation 11 – The Ministry Council has submitted
a plan for selection of Ministry Team members to the 183rd General Assembly as an attachment totheir Report 2.   The Evaluation Committee notes to General Assembly that appropriate endorsements,
as implemented by the Stated Clerk in response to the directives of the 182nd General Assembly, must
be on file for each member selected (endorsements from Session for lay-leaders and endorsements fromPresbytery for Ordained Ministers.)d. Regarding Judiciary Committee Recommendation 13 – Standardized hiring and interview
procedures have been developed.  The Evaluation Committee has followed up on the use of this hiring
process and is satisfied that the procedures developed and submitted by the Ministry Council are being
followed and it has been reported to the Evaluation Committee that the Director of Ministries has beenvery instrumental and supportive in these practices.  We commend the Ministry Council and the Director of
Ministries in this effort and expect this process to become standard practice.
e. Regarding Judiciary Committee Recommendation 14 – The Evaluation Committee has
determined that the Director of Ministries is being purposeful and successful in positive interaction withstaff members and we are in concurrence with the perspective reported by the Ministry Council (in Report
2, section 2.d), which indicates that the inclusion of Ministry Council members in meetings between the
Director of Ministries and an individual staff member “would be reserved for times when it is specificallyrequested.”  However, we note again, that our intent is to provide protection for all parties involved.
f. Regarding Judiciary Committee Recommendation 15 – The Ministry Council indicated that
the Executive Committee meets by conference call to set the agenda for upcoming meetings.  The Executive
Committee only acts on behalf of the Ministry Council in the event of emergencies requiring immediate
action.  The Minutes of the Executive Council meetings will be circulated to the Ministry Council.  TheEvaluation Committee notes that the Ministry Council has implemented steps to share minutes in a timelier
manner and we applaud this effort and encourage the new procedures to become a continued practice.
g. Regarding Judiciary Committee Recommendation 16 – We believe the Director of Ministries
has become more visible among the presbyteries in review of her list of travels throughout the denomination,
which has been supplied to the Ministry Council and the Evaluation Committee.  In view of her extended
connections among presbyteries and churches, we make the following recommendation:
RECOMMENDATION 7: That the information obtained by the Director of Ministry as aresult of her travels be shared with other denominational agencies for the benefit of all.
h. Regarding Judiciary Committee Recommendation 17 – The Ministry Council has taken
several steps to enhance cohesion and build rapport between Team leaders, Staff and the Director of
Ministries which includes “all hands” meetings, teambuilding retreats which include staff and quarterly2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

271

lunches with Team Leaders.  Therefore, we commend the Director of Ministries and the Ministry Council
in this effort and make the following recommendation:
Recommendation 8: That the Director of Ministries continue in this effort of building rapport
as well as developing and implementing new ways to extend that effort with all denominational staff
and entities.
i. Regarding Judiciary Committee Recommendation 19 – The Evaluation Committee has
confirmed that the recommended changes were implemented.   The Center Interagency Team is now astanding committee of the Corporate Board and this change has been clarified in the revised MinistryCouncil bylaws.
j. Regarding Judiciary Committee Recommendation 20 – The Ministry Council advised the
Evaluation Committee that the Stated Clerk, as an advisory member of the Ministry Council, is privy to
all actions of the Ministry Council and that the Director of Ministries has been in communication with theStated Clerk throughout this process of accomplishing the approved recommendations of the Judiciary
Committee.   We note that the Ministry Council Subcommittee dialogued directly with the Evaluation
Committee rather than with the Stated Clerk.

III. REVIEW AND MONITOR THE PROGRESS MADE BY THE
MINISTRY COUNCIL TOWARD ACCOMPLISHING GOALS TASKED
TO THE MINISTRY COUNCIL SINCE ITS INCEPTION.
In 2012, the Evaluation Committee reviewed a working copy of Section G of the 2012 Preliminary
Minutes of the Evaluation Committee, which delineates specific goals for the Ministry Council as set
forth by the Organizational Task Force.  During the evaluation process in 2012 we noted that many of thegoals had not been accomplished due to the time consuming task of establishing the Ministry Council,
reorganizing and legally establishing the associated instruments, such as bylaws, etc.
We recognize that the Ministry Council has only recently been positioned to progress toward reevaluating, setting and developing priority goals and vision for the Church and that this is a work in progress.  
However, as the Ministry Council has noted in Ministry Council Report 2, Section C, the process may bealtered based on results of the unification efforts with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America.  
Therefore, the Evaluation Committee endorses Recommendation 1 of the Ministry Council in Report 2,
Section C and as reflected in Ministry Council bylaw changes as indicated in Article 1.B.

IV. DEVELOP METHODS, PROCEDURES AND PROCESS FOR
FUTURE EVALUATIONS AND REPORT TO THE
183RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY (SPECIFICALLY JUDICIARYCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS 23 & 25).
a. Regarding Judiciary Committee Recommendation 23 – As funding for future evaluations is
to become a line item of Our United Outreach allocation, the Evaluation Committee makes the following
recommendation:
RECOMMENDATION 9: That funds for future evaluations be earmarked from Our United
Outreach funds and that the Our United Outreach Committee set aside $3,500 each year for the next
three years (2014, 2015, and 2016), so that there is a total of $10,500 available for the next evaluation.
b. Regarding Judiciary Committee Recommendation 25 – The tool the Evaluation Committee
used as the survey instrument was selected from among several professionally designed and tested
instruments, developed for improving governance practice for voluntary and community organizations in
the non-profit sector.  The particular survey used was one created by the Non-Profit Sector Leadership
Program which is part of Dalhousie University (a leading, research-intensive university in Nova Scotia,
Canada) and tweaked/modified for use with each group (e.g. board, agency, staff group) surveyed.  The tool
was developed for improving governance practice for voluntary and community organizations in the non-

272

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

profit sector, as a part of the university non-Profit Sector Leadership Program.  (The University Program
also offers training/advisory services: www.dal.ca.)  From this instrument, we designed the final tool thatwas uploaded to Constant Contact for online use and assimilation.
For future evaluations, we suggest that future Evaluation Committees revisit the tool and how
it was developed and distributed.   Specific questions may be added or tweaked to fit that Evaluation
Committee’s goals for current boards and agencies.  In addition, the Evaluation Committee shall receive theself-evaluation tools and results of the Ministry Council, Ministry Teams and any other boards and agenciesof the denomination as they are used and available.
We recognize that the survey of the Church At Large is difficult, but feel the churches shouldhave an opportunity to respond.  Future evaluations will include the Historical Foundation and Memphis
Theological Seminary.   We would suggest that Memphis Theological Seminary staff and its executive
boards be handled as a separate survey.
Future Evaluation Committee members, beginning with 2016 (3 years after dissolution of theexisting Evaluation Committee), shall be appointed by the General Assembly Moderator and Stated Clerk.  
Those appointed should include at least one member of the previous Evaluation Committee when possible
and should include at least one member from each of the five Synods and one person “at large.”
Evaluations shall be done every three years subsequent to the close of the 183rd General Assemblyin 2013.  However, we note that the entities of the denomination to be evaluated may need to be re-defined
as a result of the unification process and will be determined by the Evaluation Committee in consultation
with the Stated Clerk and the General Assembly Moderator at that time.

V. REPORT BASIC STATISTICAL DATA, SAMPLE SIZE, PERCENTOF RESPONDENTS AND ITEM RESPONSES.
The survey tool used by the Evaluation Committee in 2012 provides information and summationof statistical data, sample size, percent of respondents and item responses.   Though we obtained suchinformation, we did not incorporate the specifics of this data into last year’s report.  We encourage future
Evaluation Committees to do so, using all information provided through the survey tool, which includes
data, charts and graphs that explain the findings.  Also, the Evaluation Committee should require 100%
response from all members and staff of all boards and agencies of the denomination.   If members and/or staff do not respond, they should specifically be noted as non-respondent in the Evaluation Committee
report to GA.
RECOMMENDATION 10: That all members of all denominational boards and agencies berequired to participate in the evaluation process and/or surveys in all future evaluations.

VI. HAVE SURVEYS INCLUDE SCALED ITEM RESPONSES.
The survey tool used by the Evaluation Committee last year included scaled responses as well as
spaces for comments and clarifications by the participants.  Summarizations of the scaled responses areavailable in the survey tool and we propose that these summarizations be included in the reporting of futureevaluations.  To obtain the best, most honest responses we feel that future evaluations should continue toassure and maintain confidentiality as did we.
The Evaluation Committee would like to express our sincere gratitude to Stated Clerk, Mike Sharpe,
to all members of the Ministry Council and members of the Ministry Council sub-committee for working
with us to complete the tasks we were assigned for 2013.  As the scope of our assignment is now complete,
we make the following recommendation:
RECOMMENDATION 11: That the current Evaluation Committee be dissolved and thatthe next Evaluation Committee be named in 2016, that the scope of its work be re-defined at that timein light decisions made in the unification process and that the work of the newly appointed Evaluation
Committee begin at that time.

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

273

THE REPORT OF THE UNIFICATION TASK FORCE
I. MEETING AND OFFICERSThe Unification Task force of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America (CPCA) andthe Cumberland Presbyterian Church (CPC) met on October 5, 2012 in Nashville, Tennessee, by videoconference on January 17, 2013, and on March 8, 2013 in Nashville, Tennessee.  Officers elected at the
October, 2011, meeting were the Reverend Mitchell Walker (CPCA) and the Reverend Pam Phillips-Burk(CPC), co-chairs; the Reverend Joy Warren (CPC), secretary.  Members of the UTF include Jay EarheartBrown (CPC), Elton Hall (CPCA), Arthur Haygood (CPCA), Lynne Herring (CPCA), William Robinson(CPCA), Anthony Hollis (CPCA), Steve Mosley (CPC), Perryn Rice (CPCA/CPC), Robert Rush (CPC),
Leon Cole (CPCA), Gloria Villa-Diaz (CPC), Mitchell Walker (CPCA), Joy Warren (CPC), Craig White(CPCA) and Mike Sharpe (CPC).

II. SUMMARY OF MEETINGS
The first meeting was devoted to becoming acquainted with each other, reviewing the tasks before
the committee, reviewing previous General Assemblies actions and historical documents dedicated tounification of the two churches.   In addition, short and long terms goals were articulated and officers
elected.
The second meeting was by video conference with 10 members present.   Plans were made forpresentations by Task Force members to CPCA Forum scheduled for June in Huntsville, Alabama, and the
CPC Pre-Assembly workshop at Murfreesboro, Tennessee.  Presenters for both of those events are Mitchell
Walker (CPCA), Lynne Herring (CPCA), Steve Mosley (CPC), and Joy Warren (CPC).  The leaders willdevelop a design that can be used during fall presbytery meetings and other settings.  A communication
piece was also developed to be shared at spring presbytery meetings and other settings.  The task force
will work to having a continuum of communication from spring presbyteries, to summer denominational
meetings, through fall presbyteries.  In keeping with this goal, a webpage has been set up (http://www.
cumberland.org/unification), as well as a Facebook group called “Unification Task Force.”
The third meeting resulted in the development of a Three Phase process –Phase One – Awareness, Education, Relationship Building
1.  Website/Facebook/Social Media - Current
2.  Pre-Assembly Workshops (CPC) & The Forum (CPCA) – Summer 2013
3.  Presentations in both CPCA/CPC fall presbytery meetings – Fall 2013
4.  Presentations in joint CPCA/CPC church clusters – Fall 2013 & Spring 2014
5.  Joint/Concurrent General Assemblies (Chattanooga, Tennessee) – Summer 2014
6.  Distribute throughout both churches the original plans for union
7.  Intentional planning for both General Assemblies in 2014
8.  Establish a budget for the Task ForcePhase Two – Plan Development
1.  Intentional planning for joint events and ministries.
2.  Formulate plan for union to be presented at 2014 General Assemblies
Phase Three – Birth and Celebration
RECOMMENDATION 1: That the Unification Task Force be given time at Fall 2013 andSpring 2014 presbytery meetings to present updates on the unification and to get feed back on thedevelopment of a plan for union.
RECOMMENDATION 2: That joint clusters of churches also schedule a time for a presentationon unification by a member of the task force and/or other leaders within both denominations.
RECOMMENDATION 3: That $12,000 be included in the OUO allocation for 2014, to cover
the meeting and program expenses of the Unification Task Force.
Respectfully submitted,
Unification Task Force274

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

THE REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHILDREN’S HOME
I. OVERVIEW
Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home (Cumberland) is one ministry serving children andfamilies in different ways:
Children’s Residential
Children’s Emergency Shelter
Single Parent Family
Cumberland Family Services
Cumberland directly served over 960 children, teens, parents and families in 2012.
Cumberland helps children and families in residential and non-residential programs. In its residential
programs, Cumberland served 97 children and 15 single parents.
Over 850 additional children and families were served through intake and referral services,
counseling sessions, or classes in our non-residential programs. Cumberland held over 730 separate
counseling sessions and fielded almost 620 calls for service.
MissionIn response to Christ’s love and example,
we serve children and families
by providing healing and hope.

Guiding Values
We categorize our guiding values under the headings of faith, acceptance, care, and excellence.
Faith: In response to the gift of life given to us by Jesus Christ and the ministry entrusted to us
by God, we serve God by serving others.
Acceptance: We accept individuals as they are and help them develop the agency for change
in their own lives.
Care: Our service to others is framed by a positive, strength-based and solution-focused
approach to all our relationships.
Excellence: In our service to others, we strive for excellence, efficiency and professionalism
in all that we do.
CampusCumberland’s 17-acre campus in Denton, Texas, includes three residential cottages for children
and teens and 10 apartments for single parents families. Other features include the Parr Family Resource
Building, which houses the Library and Technology Center, therapy rooms, meeting facilities and staff
offices and the Gilbert-Parr Activities Building, which houses Cumberland’s recreational facilities and achapel, the 250-seat Lela Stricklen Hall.
Corporate entity and governance
Cumberland is a non-profit corporation incorporated under the laws of the state of Texas. Cumberland
is tax-exempt under IRS Code section 501(c) (3). Cumberland is governed by a board of 15 Trustees. The
Cumberland Board of Trustees hires the President & CEO to manage the agency.
Trustees: There are currently 14 trustees: twelve Cumberland Presbyterians andtwo ecumenical partners (the Board is in the process of filling a vacated seat)2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

275

Ecumenical Partners: Kay Goodman and Baron Smith
Cumberland Presbyterians: Mamie Hall, Joy Wallace, Rev. Melissa Knight, Patricia Huff,
Rev. Don Tabor, Richard Dean, Mickey Shell, Rev. Dr. Yoong Kim, Ruby Letson, Rev. Norlan
Scrudder, Rev. Alfonso Marquez, Patricia Long
Officers: President—Kay Goodman; Vice-President—Rev. Norlan Scrudder;
Secretary—Patricia Huff.
Leadership:

Acting President & CEO:  Richard A. Brown, Esq.
Vice President of Development:  LaToyia Dennis
Chaplain: Rev. Stephanie Brown

Organizational Structure
Because our mission calls us to a ministry of service, we have adopted the following “Pyramid of
Support©” as an organizational structure. Rather than organizing from the top down, we wish to follow in
Christ’s example of servant leadership. We place the people we serve, both in residential care and in nonresidential care, at the top of the pyramid.

PYRAMID OF SUPPORT ©

PeopleWe
ServePrimary Care Givers
Youth Care Workers,
Caseworkers, Counselors,
ChaplainSupportCoordinators, Maintenance,
Administrative, Financial
Leadership
President and Vice
President
Board of Trustees

276

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

II. OUTCOMES
In our efforts to serve families and children, Cumberland looks for quantitative ways to measure
our work.  Beginning in 2010, Cumberland contracted with a third party to create an unbiased and verifiable
method of measuring outcomes.   This process helps us constantly improve our programs and maintainaccountability with our donors and service partners. Below are a few of the positive outcomes from ourstudy covering the calendar year 2012:
Single Parent Family• Over 9 out of 10 SPF residents were employed during their stay with CPCH and they worked anaverage of 36 hours per week.
• 2 out of 3 reported they were actively involved in church.
• 30% reported they were actively involved in regular service work in their community.
• 100% reported having a stable income.
• 63% reported having a family budget.
• 3 out of 4 reported having a savings account.
Cumberland Family Services (Non-Residential)• There was a 67% increase in counseling services.
• 9 out of 10 said their emotional health and well being had improved because of counseling.
• 2 out of 3 said their child’s emotional health and well being had improved because of counseling.
• Just over half reported that they were more aware of their resources because of counseling.
• 2 out of 3 reported that they were more aware of their options because of counseling.
• 98% said the counseling services they received were good or excellent.
• 100% of counseling participants agreed or strongly agreed with the statement “I feel accepted andrespected by my counselor.”• 100% of counseling participants agreed or strongly agreed with the statement “My counselor
encourages me to make my own decisions.”• Over 8 out of 10 training participants reported positive or very positively that• “The material in this training was helpful.”• “The presentation was well delivered.”• “My expectations were met.”• “I would recommend this training to others.”
Cumberland Children’s Residential Services• Residents completed 83% of their goals.
• 40% of eligible residents were employed working an average of 18 hours per week.
• Residents completed or made progress with over 9 out of 10 of their goals.
• Behavior scores were 25% better than a clinical population of teens in Texas.
• Half of the residents strongly/agreed or agreed with the statement “I believe in being careful in
how I spend my money.”• Half of the residents strongly/agreed or agreed with the statement “I enjoy giving things or money
to charity.”• Over 4 out of 5 residents strongly/agreed or agreed with the statement “It is really important tome that I work to make the world a better place.”• One third of the residents were actively involved in Extracurricular activities with school with anaverage of 3 hours per week.

III. PLANNED GIVING
Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home exists today because of planned giving. In her will,
Miss Victoria Jackson of Bowling Green, Kentucky, created a home for widows and orphans. Her final act
of generosity has allowed thousands of lives to be touched by this ministry for the past 108 years.
Throughout Cumberland’s history, many faithful people have blessed Cumberland with their estate
gifts. It is a fact that some of these gifts kept the ministry going through lean economic times, such as theone we are experiencing now.
Planned giving is an important part of Cumberland’s operating budget. We are grateful this year for2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

277

the planned gifts from the following estates and trusts:
Estate of Frances Griggs Elizer
Estate of Peggy Ann Evans Harbison
Estate of Virginia Ross
Estate of Ora B. Cody

Estate of Iris Anne Davis
Gladys Nichols Trust
Estate of Virginia Ekiss

IV. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Expenses
Based on the unaudited 2012 Financial Statements, Cumberland spent almost $1.9 million bringing
healing and hope to children and families.  Expenses break down into the following categories:
Residential Childcare
Cumberland Family Services
Single Parent Family
Administrative
Fundraising

64.6%
  9.5%
15.4%
  5.6%
  4.9%

IncomeBased on the unaudited 2012 Financial Statements, Cumberland derived over $1.7 million in
operational income from the following sources:$   485,907.00$   446,238.00$   350,220.00$   204,296.00$   134,128.00$     72,552.00
		$     13,876.00$1,707,217.00

Contributions
Service Compensation
Planned Gifts
GrantsInvestment Income
OUO
Other
Total

  28.46%
  26.14%  20.51%
  11.97%
    7.86%
    4.25%
    0.81%
100.00%V. STRATEGIC PLAN
With a history of innovation, the Cumberland Board of Trustees has developed a Strategic Vision
and a 10-year Strategic Plan.  The strategic vision looks to a self-sustaining, fully-staffed ministry in ourcurrent location.  This vision also sees the replication of our existing programs in other locations, and thevision recognizes the possibility of new programs serving children and families.  The 10-year Strategic
Plan will work toward fulfilling the vision by improving programs, expanding our outreach and creating
sustainability.
Strategic Vision
1. Self-Sustaining, fully-staffed agency in Denton, Texas
2. Replication of our programs
3. Work toward complete social service ministry for children and families
2012-2022 Strategic Objectives
Program Development•   Cumberland will examine, continue to improve on, and strive for excellence in the existing
programs as well as add at least one new, self-sustaining program to the agency’s continuum of care.
•  Cumberland’s Denton campus will be a beautiful fully-functioning, synergistic model for othermultiple program agencies. Cumberland will replicate one or more of its programs in at least one newgeographic location.

278

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

Outreach Development•   Cumberland will develop reciprocal professional relationships with institutions such as hospitals,
area churches, social service agencies, Bethel University, Memphis Theological Seminary, Texas Woman’s
University and University of North Texas combining relevant research and mature faith ensuring the longterm sustainability of social service ministry. Cumberland will develop relationships at the highest levelwith the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services by serving on committees and boards at thestate and local level.
•   Cumberland will be a significant provider of social services to children and families in Texas andwill be the primary social service resource to the Cumberland Presbyterian denomination.
Agency Development•   Cumberland will have a minimum operating budget of $2.5 million with contributions accounting
for no more than 20% of the income, be fully staffed for optimum programming outcomes in all locations,and have a total endowment valued at more than $10.2 million.
•   Cumberland will become a self-governing agency within a covenant, but not legal relationship,with the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  The Board of Trustees will meet aminimum of three times per year and become more active in resource development, i.e. recruiting major
donors, planned giving, forming relationships with businesses, participating in special events and making
gifts of their own that indicate significant support for the agency.

VI. PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
The one, unchanging constant, regardless of the variations among Cumberland Presbyterian
confessions of faith, was the covenant of grace whose essence is captured in John 3:16.
In his book, The Covenant of Grace, Dr. Hubert Morrow focused on the importance of the difference
among the 1814, 1883 and 1984 confessions.
The 1984 Confession of Faith drops all references to the covenant of law or works, on the
grounds that there is no solid evidence in Scripture for such a covenant.  Rather, it affirmsthat the first and only covenant which God has had with the human family is the covenantof grace.  [Italics added]  (Morrow, Page 7)
The larger history of Reformed theology embraces this tension between constancy and change.  
However much our expression and description of God’s covenant with the human family may grow and be
modified, God’s covenant of grace “is always described as a personal relationship established freely andunconditionally by God with the human family.” (Morrow, Page 43)  Whatever reforming changes are madevisible in the confessions, God’s covenant of grace never waivers.
Sometimes we need to be reminded that regardless of changing circumstances, we can trust God tolead and sustain the work we do to serve children and families.  God’s unwavering grace offers us a way ofunderstanding our almost 109 year history at Cumberland and offers us guidance and comfort in the midstof the changes that have occurred since this report was made in 2012.
Cumberland experienced the loss of strong and compassionate visionary leaders two times in thelast year.  In November of 2012, Rev. Dr. James C. Gilbert, Executive Director of Cumberland from 1964
until he retired in 1990, died after a brief illness.  Dr. Gilbert had served Cumberland Presbyterian churches
in Tennessee and Texas before moving to Denton to become Executive Director of the children’s home.  Dr.
Gilbert tirelessly traveled the country as an advocate for Cumberland and will be most remembered for thehundreds of children he served during his leadership of the children’s home.
In January of 2013, Cumberland’s President & CEO, Rev. Dr. Kevin R. Henson, submitted his
resignation to the Cumberland Board of Trustees in order to make a transition back into the commercial
world as a small business owner and operator.   Dr. Henson began his leadership at Cumberland as avolunteer, donor and six-year Board Member and Board President before assuming the chief executive
responsibility for the agency in 2008.  Under Dr. Henson’s leadership, Cumberland has attained a solid
financial foundation at the same time it has dramatically expanded its service programs.
During its February 2013 Board of Trustees Meeting, the Cumberland Board accepted Dr. Henson’s
resignation with regret.  It appointed a Search Committee to finalize the top executive job description and2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

279

recruit suitable candidates for the position.  The Board also appointed me as acting President & CEO during
the interim.
The Board was very deliberate in its discussion about the future of Cumberland even as it embraced
the changes it faced.  For the changes were not just the losses of long time and trusted leaders, but also
the addition of new persons and the growth of programs as Cumberland implements the Board’s Strategic
Vision referred to above.  Here are some highlights.
Twenty-five children and teens were served in the Emergency Shelter between its opening in Julyand the end of 2012.
In September, Chaplain Stephanie Brown was made full-time.
Three new full time therapists began to see residents and community clients at Cumberland Family
Services.
LaToyia Dennis began her work as the new Vice President of Development.
The cooperative venture between Cumberland and Still Waters Single Parent Family ministry in
Murfreesboro, Tennessee recruited its first single parent family, making the Board’s vision of replicating
Cumberland’s programs one step closer to reality.
In short, amid the changes and transitions that have gone on during the last year, Cumberland’s
mission remains constant.  We serve.
“In response to Christ’s love and example, we servechildren and families by providing healing and hope.”
A few months ago I had the pleasure of having lunch with Dr. Judy Keith, Cumberland’s Executive
Director from 2000 to 2006.  As I described the same programming growth to her as I described for you
above, she began to smile.  She said, “Over a decade ago the Board created a vision of how the Children’sHome could serve more people and help more families.  We wanted to serve families, as well as children,and to give families the resources they needed to stay together in healthy and holistic ways.  Cumberland
is fulfilling that vision.  You are continuing to expand that vision.”  As we stand upon the shoulders ofvisionary leaders like Miss Victoria Jackson, Rev. J. L. Elliott, Rev. Dr. James Gilbert, Dr. Judy Keith andRev. Dr. Kevin Henson, we can hold tight to the inspiring teaching from Dr. Morrow’s The Covenant ofGrace where this message began.  Regardless of the changes we experience, God’s covenant of grace holds
us and sustains us.
Respectfully Submitted,
Richard A. Brown, Acting President & CEO
Kay Goodman, Board of Trustees, President

280

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

THE REPORT OF BOARD OF TRUSTEESOF BETHEL UNIVERSITY
Bethel University is proud to continue its tradition of providing a framework for learning that iswithin the Christian and specifically the Cumberland Presbyterian perspective.  In fact, Bethel University’s
identity cannot be separated from the Cumberland Presbyterian ideals upon which it was built and uponwhich it is still based.
With that being said, Bethel University is a Cumberland Presbyterian institution, and its Covenant
relationship with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church guides the decisions of its leadership.  As such, themajority of Bethel University Board of Trustees is and will continue to be Cumberland Presbyterian byfaith.  We feel this establishes a lifeline that ensures a continued future for such ideals – ideals that allowed
Bethel to flourish and grow for more than 170 years and ones that will allow it to continue its work for years
to come.
Bethel’s target audience continues to be given by the Cumberland Presbyterian tradition, the “whoso ever will” mindset.  Many universities select for admission only the “brightest and the best.” Betheladmits a wide spectrum of individuals who need the benefits that education and Cumberland Presbyterian
ideals can bring.  Need for knowledge drives recruitment and enrollment. This brings to Bethel a diverse
community, and we hold firm to the idea that serving “who so ever will” is the purest of Christian ideals.
We are proud to update you on the progress of your university, and we humbly ask that you continue tosupport the work of the university through prayer and monetary support.

I. ENROLLMENT
Enrollment increased by 1,359 students from Fall 2011 to Fall 2012 with Fall 2012 enrollment byheadcount landing at 5,125 students.  (Characteristics Fall 2012: The Fact Book on Tennessee’s Private
Colleges and Universities) The diversity of our student body in Fall 2012 was broad.  We had students at
Bethel from 26 countries that spanned five of the seven continents.  On average, we have enrolled around60 international students per year during the last five years.  Many of these students are introduced to the
Cumberland Presbyterian ideals when they begin as students, and they go back to their home countries
after graduation and share these ideals in their places of work and lives.  We had over 800 student-athletes
during the Fall 2012 semester. Many of these students are not Cumberland Presbyterian by faith, and they
too are exposed to the Cumberland Presbyterian ideals which show up in the work they conduct in theirplaces of employment after graduation.  The same holds true for our Renaissance students who travel toa large number of Cumberland Presbyterian congregations and who witness first-hand the significance of
Cumberland Presbyterian worship and doctrine.

II. EXPANDING OUR REACH
Bethel University continues to expand its reach and, as such, increases the number of individuals
exposed to the Cumberland Presbyterian ideals and beliefs.  Additional programs like a new associatedegree have broadened the school’s student base, and the continual expansion and improvement of online
learning platforms has broadened the geographic makeup of the Bethel population.   During the springsemester, we had online students as far away as Ireland enrolled to take online classes.  Furthermore, dual
enrollment classes and early admission options have allowed Bethel to serve students who are still even inhigh school.  Such a head start with these students provides more time for Cumberland Presbyterian ideals
to be instilled.

III. RICHNESS AND DEPTH OF LEARNING
Guided by Cumberland Presbyterian ideals, Bethel University determined a mission to provide
learning experiences that allow members of the learning community to develop to their fullest potential–physically, emotionally, and spiritually within a Christian environment.   All members of the Bethel
University team plan and implement tasks with this mission in mind.  Consequently, many Bethel learning2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

281

experiences go beyond the classroom and allow students to learn ways to serve in Christian spirit.  Just
this past year, there was a medical mission trip as well as a work-focused one where students had theopportunity to take their knowledge from the classroom and use it in the real world.  Additionally, programs
like the Community Engagement Program have helped students identify and act upon a number of options
for service.

IV. CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN SPECIFIC
Bethel continues to look for ways to cater to and recruit Cumberland Presbyterian students to
its campus.  This past year, a Cumberland Presbyterian Student Organization resumed on campus withstudents meeting to fellowship and conduct Bible Study on a monthly basis.  Furthermore, in 2012 and now
2013 Bethel’s McKenzie campus has been host to the Program of Alternate Studies and to the Cumberland
Presbyterian Youth Conference.  Ultimately, Bethel University is highly committed to strengthening andnurturing its Covenant relationship with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

V. ACCOLADESWe are proud to report the following Bethel University accolades.
• Bethel Student Wil Freeman was among the 1,600 students of 18,000 who was accepted to attend
the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology this coming fall.   His work as an early admitted
student while still in high school consisted of calculus, chemistry and psychology classes, and it was theseclasses that proved to MIT that he could do the work he would have to do as an MIT student.
•The Bethel Wildcat Bass Fishing Team was crowned the Boat U S Collegiate Bass Fishing National
Champion for 2013.
• The Wildcat football team finished the 2012 football season with a postseason ranking of 9th in
the nation.
• Wildcat Women’s bowling finished 6th in the nation after its 2012-13 season.
• Bethel’s Shooting Cats had several student athletes win individual national titles at the 2013
Nationals.
• Bethel athletics also had 8 other teams that made it to national tournament play including: Men’s
Cross Country, Men’s Golf, Women’s Golf, In-Line Hockey, Men’s Tennis, Women’s Basketball, Dance,
and Cheerleading.

282

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

MEMORIALS / RESOLUTION
I. MEMORIAL FROM RED RIVER PRESBYTERYCONCERNING CONGREGATIONS WHO SECURE LOANS
WHEREAS, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church is structured in such a way that presbyteries
hold title to the properties of the churches within their bounds, and
WHEREAS, congregations who secure loans through the denominational Board of Stewardship,
Foundation and Benefits have as their guarantors the presbytery of which they are a part,and
WHEREAS, the difficult economic times in which we are living and the unfortunate decline ofsome congregations can make it difficult for churches to keep current with the loan payments
through the denominational loan program, and
WHEREAS, it would make the planning of assistance with congregations who are struggling
financially much more manageable if presbyterial committees are informed in a timely
fashion so that their debt load does not become too big a burden for the presbytery, and
WHEREAS, a presbytery can better assist with a congregation to get back in good standing on
their loan when they are made aware of the situation before it becomes completely
overwhelming or unmanageable,
WHEREAS, there does not currently appear to be a timeline for reporting problems with debt
repayment from the denominational Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits to thepresbytery being affected by this situation,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the 183rd General Assembly of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church instruct the Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits to make itstandard practice to notify the Stated Clerk of the presbytery which has oversight andjurisdiction over the particular church any time a congregation falls behind in their loan
repayments by more than three months.
I certify that this is a true copy of a memorial adopted by Red River Presbytery on April 20, 2013.
Signed:Reverend Vernon Sansom, Stated Clerk

II. MEMORIAL FROM GRACE PRESBYTERYCONCERNING THE DISTINCTION BETWEENCHRISTIANITY AND ISLAM
In the tradition of the early Cumberland Presbyterian Church, this memorial begins:“A great evil” has arisen in Western Christianity in general and in the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church in particular.  This issue confronts our understanding of scripture, our Christology, ourcomprehension of the trinity and the veracity of the Revealed Word.  In addition, it insults anotherreligion by implicitly stating that the adherents of that religious system are ignorant of their own
system of belief.
WHEREAS, Christian theology asserts that God is a trinity composed of three persons, Father,Son, and Holy Spirit; One God now and forever.  And,
WHEREAS, Jesus, the Christ, is referred to within our individual historic creeds as the Son ofGod, and,
WHEREAS, the Revealed Word has Jesus himself making that assertion in John 3:16, and Paulaffirms this position throughout his letters, and,
WHEREAS, 1st John re-enforces this position in 1st John 1:3 which reads in Young’s Literal
Translation “1:3 that which we have seen and heard declare we to you, that ye also may
have fellowship with us, and our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

283

Christ” and;
WHEREAS, 1st John 2:24 and 1st John 4:1-3 assert that 1) Jesus is the Son, and 2) to notrecognize Jesus is to be of the spirit of antichrist, and
WHEREAS, it is clear from scripture that any system of thought which denies the Godhead ofJesus, and the Sonship of Jesus and His status as fully human and fully God is denying thebasic Trinitarian God of Christianity. and,
WHEREAS, many congregations and congregational leaders have taken the incompatible position
that the god of Islam and the god of Christianity are the same god, and:
WHEREAS, this is not possible by the doctrines of either Christianity or Islam, for:1) The greatest sin and most unforgivable sin of Islam is shirk which is to associate anyother beings (i.e. the son or the Holy Spirit) with Allah (which is a personal name),2) The Jesus (ISA) of Islamis not crucified, is not God and speaks of the destruction of theJew3) ISA is most definitely NOT the son of god in Islam
4) To be saved in Christianity is to believe that Jesus is God (and man) and this is indirectcontradiction to the god of Islam, and
WHEREAS, the Jesus of Christianity and the Isa of Islam stand at polar opposites that cannot bereconciled,
BE IT RESOLVED, that Grace Presbytery memorialize the General Assembly meeting in 2013,
to assert the distinctions of the two belief systems, and to assert that belief in the Trinity andJesus as the Son of God is incompatible with the doctrines of Islam, and to affirm that thetwo deities cannot be the same or god would not be omniscient (violating the doctrines ofboth religions) since this god would self-contradict.  However, this is no justification for
hatred, animosity, prejudice; rather this position honors both Christianity and Islam bytaking their doctrines seriously.  To do otherwise, would insult both religions thoughcolonial and paternal thinking.
I herey certify that this Memorial was approved by Grace Presbytery on October 19, 2013, andis hereby submitted to the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church for further
action.
Signed:Reverend Jan Overton, Stated Clerk

III. RESOLUTION FROM GRACE PRESBYTERYCONCERNING THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
WHEREAS, the Confession of Faith 5.16-5.17 states clearly that the sacrament of baptism is asign and testimony of God’s covenant of Grace.  Baptism is to be administered by andthrough the church as part of her common worship,
WHEREAS, the Constitution 2.52 places the responsibility for the local church government upon
the session of a particular church.  The session is responsible to lead in all ministries which
belong to the church.  Under public worship the celebration of baptism of infants and adults
is one of the sacraments which belong to the church,
WHEREAS, the Constitution 2.60-2.64 makes clear that the person who is called and properly
ordained to minister serves in the office of minister of word and sacrament.  Properly
ordained pastors are to administer baptism to infants and adults as one of the signs of God’scovenant of Grace,
WHEREAS, the Constitution 4.5 explains that the session is charged with pastoral oversight of aparticular church.  One of the session’s many responsibilities is to urge upon parents theimportance of presenting their children for baptism,
WHEREAS, the Directory of Worship mentions no alternatives for baptism of adults or infants
WHEREAS, the Digest to the Confession of Faith 4.5 e, 1845 and 1897 explains that it is the284

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

duty of the parents to see that their children are baptized.  The Digest further explains that
it is the duty of the minister in charge and the session to Biblically teach the church members
about the sacrament of baptism, which is to be administered to infants and adults, andBiblically teach
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Grace Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
reaffirm the Confession of Faith and the Constitution and the Directory of Worship for
Cumberland Presbyterians,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that in doing so, no Cumberland Presbyterian minister or session
within Grace Presbytery allow for any alternatives to infant baptism, such as baby
dedication, christening, or naming as a means of entrance into the covenant community,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, baby dedication is based upon human activity.  A sacrament isbased upon God’s activity, and it is also a means of grace.  By refusing the sacrament ofbaptism you refuse this means of grace to both children and adults.
I hereby certify that this Resolution was approved by Grace Presbytery on October 19, 2012 andis hereby submitted to the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church for further
action.
Signed:Reverend Jan Overton, Stated Clerk

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

285

GENERAL ASSEMBLY AGENCIES
I. OFFICE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
A. GENERAL ASSEMBLY OFFICE
                 Revised     Proposed					
2013		2014
INCOME
Our United Outreach$204,201 $212,201
Endowments/Interest
13,00013,000Interest on Cash Funds Management
2,000
2,000
Sales of yearbook/digest
2,000
2,000
Our United Outreach Committee
7,000
7,000
TOTAL INCOME			$228,201 $236,201
EXPENSEECUMENICAL RELATIONSWorld Communion of Reformed Churches
CANAAC
Ecumenical Travel
Sub-Total		
LIAISON WITH CHURCH
General Assembly Meeting
Preliminary Minutes
GA Minutes/Mailing
Yearbook/Mailing
Travel/Moderator
Travel/Stated Clerk & Staff
Sub-Total		
OFFICE
Computer Supplies
Equipment/Supplies
Postage
Sub-Total			PERSONNEL
Salaries/Housing
FICA (Asst to Stated Clerk)
Retirement
Health Insurance
Disability Insurance/Worker’s Compensation
Sub-Total			
STATED CLERK’S CONFERENCE/BOARD EXPENSE/
COMMITTEE EXPENSE
Legal Fees / Clerk’s Conference
Corporate Board Expense
Our United Outreach Committee		
Sub-Total			
TOTAL EXPENSE			
From Reserves$    5,000
1,5000$    6,500$    6,000
    2,000
    1,000$    9,000$  7,563
5,000
500
2,500
7,200
  7,200$ 29,963$ 10,000
    5,000
    500
    2,500
    8,500
    8,500$ 35,000$   2,000 $    2,000
2,500
    2,500
  2,000		   2,000$   6,500 $    6,500$135,938
4,200
6,800
  27,000
800$174,738$135,938
    4,200
6,800
  27,000
800$174,738$    1,500 $    1,963      2,000
    2,000      7,000		
    7,000$  10,500 $  10,963$228,201 $236,201$           0 $0

B. GENERAL ASSEMBLY COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEESINCOME
Contingency
Nominating Committee
Commission on Chaplains
Judiciary Committee
Theology and Social Concerns Committee
TOTAL INCOME		$   2,425
2,629
8,934
8,423
     3,140$ 25,551

$

2,425
2,629
8,934
8,423
    3,140$ 25,551

286

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

				
					
EXPENSE
Contingency
Nominating Committee
Commission on Chaplains
Judiciary Committee
Theology and Social Concerns Committee
TOTAL EXPENSE		

2013

Revised
Proposed2013		2014$    2,425 $       2,425
2,629       2,629
8,934       8,934
8,423       8,423
    3,140		       3,140$25,551$ 25,551

II. MINISTRY COUNCIL
INCOME
Contributions
Contributions/Gifts
ILP Contributions - unrestricted
ILP Contributions Earnings - unrestricted
ILP Contributions - temporary restricted (MMT)ILP Contributions Earnings - temporary restricted (MMT)Interest Earnings
Endowment Contributions
Endowment Earnings
Fund Development
Clergy Crisis Fund$       7,300-*
112,300
457,455
170,000
1,200$     78,400     20,000       2,000
   350,000     40,000                 185,000
   325,000
   100,000              0Our United OutreachOUO Income
In lieu of Our United Outreach$1,267,253
6,720$1,316,270       6,720

45,0001,100
3,000                                  0**7,200    12,000     45,000       1,100       3,000       1,000       7,200     10,000       2,000     12,000

EventsCP Youth Conference FeesThe Event
Forum Fees
Young Adult Conference
Minister’s Conference Fees
Writers Conference
WM Officers Retreat
CPWM Convention Fees

Sales and Subscriptions
Encounter
Faith Out Loud
Ministry Council Cards			
Publications/Stock for Resale
CP Resources Shipping
CP Magazine subscriptions
Sales (Planning Calendar)
Curriculum Resources
GrantsCongregational Websites
Reserves-transferred
TOTAL INCOME			

110,000     94,500
3,000       3,000
928		
058,000     58,300
22,500     22,500
50,000     30,000
8,000       8,000
125,000              0     10,000       5,000
    155,000$2,506,956 $2,735,990

EXPENSE
Salaries			Salaries
Housing Allowance$   853,634     $   867,514
128,316
   133,936

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

287

Revised
Proposed2013		2014					
Benefits
Health Insurance
Retirement
FICA
Insurance/Disability

201,620
41,664
41,3936,462

   157,524     46,445     41,920       6,410

Events
CPWM Convention
WM Work Trip
Pres BOM/CW Officers Retreat
New Church Development/Cross-Culture Pastor’s Retreat
CPWM Leadership Development
Birthplace Shrine Chaplaincy
Rural Church Development
New Program Iniative: Young Adult Ministry
New Program Iniative: CC Comm Interships
New Program Iniative: Support Ministries
New Program Iniative: Online Database
New Program Iniative: Children’s CP Cirriculum
New Program Iniative: Sabbath Retreat
New Program Iniatives
The Forum
General Assembly
General Assembly Meals
Presbytery Meeting Visits material
The EventChildren’s Fest
Young Adult Ministry
Young Adult Conference
Youth Ministry Planning Council
Faith in 3D
Youth Evangelism Conference
Pres. Youth Triennium
Ministers’ Conference
Ministers Retreat
Clergy Crisis Support
Minister’s Encouragement & Recognition
Missionary Recruitment/Prep 1:8
Writer’s Conference
Conference/Event

12,000
5,000
2,500
4,800
5,000
8,100
12,480
3,000
6,200
4,000
1,500
500
1,800
1,100
4,650
3,000
5,000
3,000
1,100
7,200
1,800
6,000
1,200
6,500
15,500    12,000      2,500      6,000      4,000      2,500      2,500      4,000                                  5,000
    10,000
    10,000
    12,000
    24,000
    10,000      2,000         500      1,100      5,000
    10,000      9,000
    10,000      4,000
    10,000
    13,000      5,000      6,000                    6,000      1,200      6,500
    10,000
    15,215

Team Expenses
MC/Elected Team Expenses
Elected Team Travel
MC/Elected Team Recognition

1,630
49,4321,000                  48,750      1,000

Publications
Missionary Messenger - Printing
Missionary Messenger - Other/Postage
Missionary Messenger - Mailing Service
Educational Publications for Distribution
Web Dev./MaintenanceElectronic Publications
Forum Notes
These Days
Planning Calendar

45,00030,000
9,000
6,450
7,000
6,000
750
200
8,000

     28,800     20,800       4,500       7,200       6,000     10,670          750              0       6,000

288

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

					
					

2013

Revised
Proposed2013		2014

Resource Packets
Encounter
Faith Out Loud
CP Magazine Publications
CP Magazine Postage
Curriculum Resources
OUO Education
Photography

4,800
42,7506,000
42,00011,00038,0001,000
1,000       2,800     42,750       6,000     42,000       9,000                                     1,300

Resource Purchases
Publications/Stock for Resale

30,500     30,500

Contracted Services
Legal
General Consultants
Temporary Help
Missionary Support
Missionary Support: Short Term
Internship25,00028,00035,0003,000-      2,000
    65,000
    26,100
  164,000                  11,520

Ecumenical Partnerships
Church Women United
National Farm Worker
Project Vida
Coalition-Appalachian Ministries
Beth-El Farm Worker
Ecumenical Stewardship Center
Cooperative Uniform Series
Protestant Church Owned Publications Association
Ecumenical Youth Ministry Staff Team
CPCA Partnerships

1,300      1,300
2,200      2,200
8,500      8,500
11,500    11,500
45,000    40,000
4,000      4,500
1,000      1,000100         100500         500950		      3,200

Building and Maintenance
Telephone/Internet
Rent Expense

7,300
-

      6,800      2,400

Professional Development
Staff Resources
Training Missionary Crisis Support
Subscriptions & Membership

9,760
1,350

    11,200      2,500      1,900

5,200
3,500
60,000300,000
250
120
1,500
6,000
-

  291,000      8,400                    3,500
    55,000                                                                     0             0                           0Payment/Subsidies
Designated Control Disbursement
Scholarships
China Field Budget
Choctaw Scholarships
Choctaw Field Budget
Church Development Subsidies
Church Paper Sunday
Colombia South America Missionary Council
Missionaires Office
ILP Withdrawal - unrestricted
ILP Withdrawal - temporary restricted (MMT)International Representative Subsidies
Growth/Income Disbursements

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

289

					

Revised
Proposed2013		2014

Volunteers in Action			Congregational Websites
Presbytery Partnerships

600		
    10,000
2,200      1,000

Equipment
Office Equipment
Office Equipment Maintenance
Computer Equipment
Computer Software

0
500
6,100
4,620

      2,500         250    10,700      7,100

Supplies
Office Supplies

11,880    11,090

Postage/Shipping
CP Resources Shipping
Postage

19,50014,700    19,500      9,440

Employee Recognition
Employee Recognition
Employee Events

4,140
500

      3,840      1,750

TravelStaff Travel
Vehicle - NEW
Vehicle Insurance & Maintenance - NEW
Vehicle Insurance & Maintenance - Dodge
Vehicle Insurance & Maintenance - Ford
WM Executive Com/Pres Expense
Convention Coordinator Travel
Fund Development Travel & Materials

92,800
3,000
3,000
3,000
15,450    99,000
    15,000             0      1,998      1,998      9,000      2,000         4500      2,000

Advertising/Promotion
Advertising & Promotion
Miscellaneous
Annual Credit Card Fees
Credit Card Acceptance Fees
Government Fees (Annual Reports)
Relocation Expense
Ministry Council Cards			
Transfers
Endowment Transfers - Growth Income
Projects - Transfers In
TOTAL EXPENSES			     Surplus/(Deficit)

842      1,699
3,100      2,00040           400      2,000
628		
-$2,497,261		
$2,730,759$  9,695     $  5,231*   Symbol (-) depicts line items that have been added/removed to better     reflect the budget as we continue to refine budgets.
**   Zeros (0) depict a budgeted amount of $0             0             0290MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

III. BOARD OF STEWARDSHIP					INCOME
Contributions
Contributions/Gifts
ILP Contributions
Endowment Contributions - Growth Income
Endowment Contributions - Total Return		Total Contributions			

2013

Revised
Proposed2013		2014$    2,000 $         2,000
25,000       20,000
2,000         1,000
  4,500		         2,000
33,500		
25,000Our United Outreach
Investment Earnings
Endowment Earnings
ILP Earnings
Growth/Income WF Income		
Total Investment Earnings			
Investment Gains/Losses
Realized Gain/Loss
Unrealized Gain/Loss		
Total Investment Gains/Losses			Service FeesManagement Fees - Acct CoordinatorManagement Fees		
Total Service Fees			

145,493

TOTAL INCOME$358,993

EXPENSE
Salaries		    146,000

35,000       30,000
11,000         5,000
32,000       50,000
78,000		
85,00012,000       12,000
40,000       60,000
52,000		
72,0002,000         2,000
48,000		       50,000
50,000		
52,000$ 380,000

Salaries
Housing Allowance
Total Salaries			$160,421 $     173,050
  20,000      20,000
180,421		 193,050

Health Insurance
Retirement
FICA
Insurance/Disability
Total Benefits			

63,215       70,000
8,968         9,653
7,980         8,595
    4,700		         5,000
84,863		
93,248

Conference/Events		
Tax Guide for Ministers					
Total Events			
Board Expense
Board/Agency Travel
		
Total Board Expense			Contracted Services
Legal		
Audit			Temporary Help		
Total Contracted Services			
Professional Development
Subscriptions & Membership		
Total Professional Development			Payment/Subsidies
ESC Stewardship Expense
ILP Withdrawal
		
Total Payments/Subsidies			Equipment
Office Equipment
Computer Equipment
Computer Software		Total Equipment			0            5000		         3,000
0		
3,500

		
Benefits

		
Events13,000		       13,500
13,000		
13,5001,500         1,500
0		
03,500		         5,000
5,000		6,500     1,800		         2,250
1,800		2,2502,000         2,000$    25,000 $       15,000
27,000		
17,0001,000         1,000
4,500         4,000      1,000		         1,000
6,500		6,000

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

					Supplies
Office Supplies
		
Total Supplies			
Postage/Shipping
Postage
Shipping		
Total Postage/Shipping			Employee Recognition
Employee Recognition		
Total Employee Recognition			
TravelStaff Travel
Planned Giving Travel Expense		Total Travel			Miscellaneous		
Miscellaneous					
Total Miscellaneous			
Transfers
Endowment Transfers - Growth Income		
Total Transfers			
TOTAL EXPENSE			

291

Revised
Proposed2013		2014      4,000		         4,000
4,000		4,0002,500         4,000
409		 451
2,909		4,451      1,000		         1,000
1,000		1,0006,000         7,000      1,000		         1,500
7,000		
8,500
500		
500		

500
500

    25,000		       26,500
25,000		
26,500$358,993$ 380,000

IV. HISTORICAL FOUNDATIONINCOME
Our United Outreach
Endowments
Gifts
ILP Earnings
Denomination Day Offering
TOTAL INCOME
EXPENSE
Salaries
FICA / Retirement
Health, LTD, Dental & Vision Insurance
Board Travel
Legal Fees
Staff Training
Subscriptions/Memberships
Continuing Education
Computer Equipment
Archival Equipment
Computer Supplies
Office Supplies
PostageAcquisitions ILP
Photography
Birthplace Shrine
Employee Recognition
Staff Travel
Denomination Day Project		
TOTAL EXPENSE

		$    76,575 $    79,575
30,000    30,000
10,000    10,000
6,000      6,000       5,000		      5,000$ 127,575 $  130,575$    77,828 $    83,264
11,900    12,860
7,960      8,100
6,000      6,000200         200300         3001,000      1,000
1,000             01,500             01,000             0300         3001,000      1,000
500
500
4,000
      4,000300         3002,000      2,000450		 450
5,000      5,000       5,000		      5,000$ 127,238 $  130,274

292

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

					

2013

Revised
Proposed2013		2014

V. MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
REVENUE
Student Tuition Fees
Investment
Gifts and Grants
Other Revenues
TOTAL REVENUE$			

$2,686,345
427,500
1,300,000     215,010$4,628,855

EXPENSES
Business OfficeDean’s Office
ChapelFormation For Ministry
Educational Development Committee
Associate Dean’s Office
Advancement Office
Doctor of Ministry
Facilities
Faculty
Summer Classes
January Classes
CYMT				Financial Aid
Information Technology
Library
President’s Office
Admissions & Student Services
Registrar & Institutional Research
Public Relations
Student Housing
Certificate & Continuing Education
Student Government
Theology & Arts
Scholarships
Program of Alternate Studies
Financial Formation For Ministry
Depreciation
TOTAL EXPENSES			
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets$   288,358$  280,648
143,958
    123,107
51,896      52,206
111,291    115,801
20,400      17,250
0               0290,414    283,458
34,880      67,970
604,931    524,459
882,562
    826,643
15,300      37,600
11,300      11,0000		
062,599      62,211
203,814
    188,693
311,077
    195,347
227,103
    257,660
182,683
    174,206
134,892
    121,049
133,936
    126,081
240,864    217,664
42,484      41,140
3,255        3,255
74,937      94,617
400,571    433,478
125,519
    127,319
0      75,231     281,004		
0$4,880,028$4,458,093(251,173)       (101,030)$ 2,517,160
    335,834
1,277,731
    226,338$ 4,357,063

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

					

293

Revised
Proposed2013		2014

VI. SHARED SERVICESREVENUE
Our United Outreach
TOTAL REVENUE$			$   429,569$ 429,569

EXPENSES
Salaries
Health Insurance
Retirement
FICA
Audit
Payroll Service
Bank Charges
Technology System Consultants - EMS
Technology System Consultants - Blackbaud
Software Maintenance Agreement - Blackbaud
Building & Maintenance
Pest Control
Lawn & Ground Maintenance
Lawn Treatment
Loan Interest
Computer Loan
Utilities - Building 1
Utilities - Building 2
Janitorial Service
Security System Monitoring
Trash Collection
Telephone/Internet
Heating & AC Maintenance Agreement
Building & Maintenance Debt - Union
Insurance/Liability
Office Equipment Maintenance
Computer Maintenance
Office Supplies
Postage
Employee Events
TOTAL EXPENSE
Surplus/Deficit$     46,350$    46,350
12,876      14,000
2,318        2,318
3,547        3,547
16,200      22,000
10,450        9,500
14,400      15,000
18,000      18,000
12,500        3,500
19,000      19,000
12,000      12,000840           84017,700      20,000
2,520        1,500
22,800      15,000
38,049      38,049
22,200      22,200
14,800      14,800
8,100        8,100
1,100        1,100
1,795        1,850
14,400      14,600
5,000        5,000
54,000      54,000
34,000      34,000
12,100      13,000
6,000        3,000
3,000        2,500
4,675           750      1,000		        1,000$ 431,720$  416,504$    (2,151) $             0    416,504
416,504$

294

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

295

296

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

297

298

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

299

300

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

301

302

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

303

304

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

305

306

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

307

308

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

309

310

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

311

312

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

313

314

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

315

316

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

317

318

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

319

320

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

321

322

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

323

324

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

325

326

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

327

328

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

329

330

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

331

332

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

333

334

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

335

336

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

337

338

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

339

340

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

341

342

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

343

344

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

345

346

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

347

348

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

349

350

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

351

352

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

353

354

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

355

356

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

357

358

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

359

360

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

361

362

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

363

364

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

365

366

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

367

368

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

369

370

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

371

372

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

373

374

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

375

376

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

377

378

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

379

380

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

381

382

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

383

384

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

385

386

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

387

388

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

389

390

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

391

392

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

393

394

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

395

396

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

397

398

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

399

400

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

401

402

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

403

404

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

405

406

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

407

408

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

409

410

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

411

412

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

413

414

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

415

416

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

417

418

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

419

420

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

421

422

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

423

424

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

425

426

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

427

428

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

429

430

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

431

432

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

433

434

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

435

436

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2013

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

437

438

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

The
Proceedingsof theONE HUNDRED EIGHTY-THIRD
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
of theCUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
session held in

MURFREESBORO, TENNESSEE
June 17 - 21, 2013
At Murfreesboro, Tennessee and within the facilities of the Embassy Suites Hotel and ConferenceCenter, there the seventeenth day of June in the year of our Lord, Two Thousand Thirteen, at the appointed
hour of two o’clock in the afternoon, Minister and Elder Commissioners from the various presbyteries,
youth advisory delegates and visitors assembled.

FIRST DAY – MONDAY – JUNE 17, 2013
PRE-ASSEMBLY WORKSHOPS
Commissioners, Youth Advisory Delegate, and visitors were invited to attend the following
workshops.  Each was presented twice so attendees could participate in two separate workshops.
“Set Them Free - Human Trafficking 101,” led by Pam Phillips-Burk.
“Helping your Congregation with the “E” Word: Evangelism,” led by T.J. Malinoski.
“Curriculum Chat,” led by Jodi Rush.
“Safe Sanctuary,” led by Susan Groce.
“Lay Leader Program,” led by Members of the Pastoral Development Team.
“Unification Updates,” led by Members of the Joint Unification Task Force.
“Our United Outreach,” led by Cliff Hudson and Ron Gardner.
OPENING WORSHIPIn the Murfreesboro Embassy Suites & Convention Center, the one hundred eighty-third General
Assembly, the Convention of Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry, and visitors shared in worship.  
The Worship Director was the Reverend Lisa Scott, Missouri Presbytery.  The Song Leader was the Reverend
Lanny Johnson, Murfreesboro Presbytery.  The Prelude, Special Music and Postlude were performed by
Vocal Authority from Bethel University.  Ms. Carla Bellis, Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry
National President read the scripture: Acts 3:1-10 and II Corinthians 4:7-12.  The Reverend Robert Rush,
Retiring Moderator of the General Assembly delivered the sermon, “Telling Your Story With Confidence In
God.”  The Blessing and Benediction was pronounced by the Reverend Lisa Scott.
THE ASSEMBLY IS CONSTITUTEDThe Moderator, the Reverend Robert Rush, called the assembly to order.  The Reverend Jeff Biggs,
North Central Presbytery, prayed the constituting prayer.  On motion, the program was adopted.
Elizabeth Forester, Youth Advisory Delegate, West Tennessee Presbytery, presented the Report of
the Credentials Committee.  There were forty-nine (49) ministers, forty-four (44) elders, making a total

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

439

of ninety-three (93) commissioners present at 2:00 p.m.   There were twenty-four (24) Youth Advisory
Delegates present.  On motion by Reverend Melissa Knight, Del Cristo Presbytery, the report was concurredin, marked appendix “A” and filed.
ASSEMBLY BUSINESS
Moderator Robert Rush declared the floor open for nominations for the office of Moderator of the
one hundred eighty-third General Assembly.   The following nominations, previously endorsed by theirpresbytery were presented: the Reverend James McGuire, Presbytery of East Tennessee, nominated theReverend James Lively, Presbytery of East Tennessee. The Reverend Cliff Hudson, Tennessee-Georgia
Presbytery, nominated the Reverend Forest Prosser, Tennessee-Georgia Presbytery.
The Moderator declared that nominations cease and the body proceeded to hear the nomination
speeches.   The Reverend James McGuire gave the nominating speech in favor of the Reverend James
Lively and the Reverend Cliff Hudson spoke in favor of the Reverend Forest Prosser.  Both nominees were
given the opportunity to talk of their faith journeys and vision for the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
The Moderator asked that the commissioners cast ballots.  Ballots were collected and presented to
the Credential Committee for counting.
While the ballots were being counted, the Moderator introduced the pastor host, the Reverend
Jeff Clark, Murfreesboro Presbytery, pastor of Joywood Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Murfreesboro,
Tennessee.   Reverend Clark welcomed the assembly on behalf of Murfreesboro Presbytery.   Reverend
Clark then introduced the Mayor of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Mr. Tommy Bragg.  Mayor Bragg welcomed
the General Assembly to Murfreesboro and invited the General Assembly to meet again in Murfreesboro in
the future.
Moderator Rush recognized the following members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in
America General Assembly Executive Board:  Reverend Elton Hall, Moderator, Reverend Theodis Acklin,
Stated Clerk, Elder Lewis Leon Cole, Jr., Reverend Anthony Hollis, Elder Craig White, Dr. Lynne Herring,
Administrative Director, and Attorney William Underwood.  The Assembly greeted the Board with applause.
Moderator Rush invited the Reverend Elton Hall, Moderator of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
in America to address the body.   Moderator Hall brought greetings to the body from the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church in America.
The Reverend Melissa Knight, Del Cristo Presbytery reported the results of the Election of theModerator.   Sixty (60) votes cast for Reverend Forest Prosser and twenty-nine (29) votes for Reverend
James Lively.  Moderator Rush declared the Reverend Forest Prosser, Moderator of the one hundred eightythird General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
The Reverend Cliff Hudson escorted Moderator Prosser to the podium.  Retiring Moderator Robert
Rush placed the Moderator’s cross on Reverend Prosser, and presented him the gavel.  Moderator Prosser
introduced his wife, Mina, as well as granddaughters, Jordan and Jade Baker, daughter Karen Baker andbrother and sister-in-law Robert and Toni Prosser and their daughter Cynthia Bowker.
Moderator Prosser opened the floor for nominations for Vice-Moderator.   The Reverend James(Jamie) Lively was nominated.  There being no other nominations, the Moderator declared nominations
cease.  The Reverend James (Jamie) Lively, Presbytery of East Tennessee, was elected as Vice-Moderatorof the one hundred eighty-third General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
PRESENTATION BY STATED CLERKThe Stated Clerk, Michael Sharpe, invited the retiring Moderator to the podium and presented theReverend Robert Rush with a replica of the Moderator’s cross and a gavel representing the one used in the
one hundred eighty-second General Assembly.  Reverend Rush thanked the assembly for allowing him toserve as moderator.
INTRODUCTION OF BOARD/AGENCY REPRESENTATIVES
Commission on ChaplainsChildren’s Home
Evaluation Committee
Historical Foundation
Judiciary
Memphis Theological Seminary

Charles McCaskey
Don Tabor
Charles McCaskey
Michael Fare
Perryn RiceMark Maddox

440

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

			Ministry Council			Troy Green
Our United Outreach
Ron Gardner
Stewardship
Mike Wilkinson
Theology and Social Concerns
Byron Forester (CPC)
Joy Wallace (CPCA)
REFERRALS TO COMMITTEESThe Stated Clerk, Michael Sharpe announced that the referrals to committees will be printed in theminutes as presented in the preliminary minutes with one change.
Referrals to the Committee on Children’s Home and Historical Foundation
Page Report
248
The Report of the Board of Trustees of the Historical Foundation
269
The Report of the Board of Trustees of the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home
Referrals to the Committee on Higher Education
Page    Report
224
The Report of the Board of Trustees of Memphis Theological Seminary
Referrals to the Committee on Judiciary
Page    Report
34
The Report of the Stated Clerk, Section IV, Recommendation 1
121
The Report Number Two of the Ministry Council, Section I.b-c, which includes
Recommendation 1
258
The Report of the Permanent Committee on Judiciary261
The Report of the Joint Committee on Amendments
287
The Report of the Evaluation Committee
Referrals to the Committee on Chaplains/Missions/Pastoral Development
Page    Report
  61
The Report Number One of the Ministry Council, Section IV & V, which includes
Recommendation 4
128
The Report Number Two of the Ministry Council, Section III & IV, which includes
Recommendations 8 & 9256
The Report of the Commission on Military Chaplains and Personnel
Referrals to the Committee on Ministry Council/Communication/Discipleship
Page    Report
40
The Report Number One of the Ministry Council, Except Section IV & V,
Recommendation 4, which is referred to Chaplains/Missions/Pastoral Development
121
The Report Number Two of the Ministry Council, Except the following:
Section I.b-c, Recommendation 1, which is referred to Judiciary
Section I.e, Recommendation 2, which is referred to Stewardship/Elected Officers
Section III & IV, Recommendations 8 & 9, which is referred to Chaplains/Missions/Pastoral Development
Referrals to the Committee on Stewardship/Elected Officers
Page    Report
32
The Report of the Moderator
33
The Report of the Stated Clerk, Except Section IV, Recommendation 1, which is referredto Judiciary126
The Report Number 2 of the Ministry Council Section I.e which includes
Recommendation 2
197
The Report of the Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits
246
The Report of the Our United Outreach Committee
264
The Report of the Place of Meeting Committee
275
The Memorial from Red River Presbytery Concerning Congregations Who Secure Loans2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
278

441

Line Item Budgets Submitted by General Assembly Agencies

Referrals to the Committee on Theology and Social Concerns
Page    Report
266
The Report of the Unified Committee on Theology and Social Concerns
268
The Report of the Unification Task Force275
The Memorial from Grace Presbytery Concerning The Distinction Between
Christianity and Islam
276
The Resolution from Grace Presbytery Concerning The Sacrament of Baptism
At 4:10 p.m. the Vice-Moderator, Jamie Lively, led the assembly in prayer.  Recess was declared
until 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.  Committees met briefly to organize.
THE EVENING PROGRAM
The General Assembly, the Convention of Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry, andvisitors participated in a reception to honor the past Moderator, the Reverend Robert Rush; the newly
elected Moderator, the Reverend Forest Prosser; the newly elected Vice-Moderator, the Reverend James(Jamie) Lively; the President of the Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry, Ms. Carla Bellis; and thePresident-elect of the Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry, Ms. Melody Dierking.

SECOND DAY – TUESDAY – JUNE 17, 2013
The General Assembly and visitors began their day in worship.  Wonderful music was provided
once again by Bethel University’s Vocal Authority.  The Reverend Lisa Scott, Missouri Presbytery, served
as Worship Director with the Reverend Lanny Johnson, Murfreesboro Presbytery, serving as Song Leader.  
The scripture reading for the morning was Acts 3:11-26; 4:1-4 which was read by the Reverend Lisa Scott.
The message, “Telling Your Story So That Others Might Know And Love Jesus Christ” was presented by
the Reverend Wilfrido Quinonez, Cauca Valley Presbytery.  The message was translated by the Reverend
Johan Esteban Daza, Cross-Culture Ministries USA, Director.
ASSEMBLY BUSINESSThe Moderator, Reverend Forest Prosser, called the assembly to order. The opening prayer was
given by the Reverend Boyce Wallace.   There were forty-seven (47) ministers, forty-four (44) elders,
and twenty-three (23) youth advisory delegates present.  Moderator Prosser announced that he would be
attending to personal business during the morning session and asked the Vice-Moderator, Reverend James(Jamie) Lively to preside in his absence.
PRESENTATIONS
Vice-Moderator Lively introduced the Reverend Charles McCaskey, Murfreesboro Presbytery whogreeted the assembly on behalf of the Commission on Chaplains.  He then introduced the Reverend Edward
T. Brogan, Director of the Presbyterian Council for Chaplains and Military Personnel.  Reverend Brogan  
explained the importance of the work of Military Chaplains from the Civil War to the recent wars in Iraq
and Afghanistan.  He thanked the body for the support of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Reverend McCaskey presented a Certificate of Appreciation from the General Assembly to
Reverend Brogan for his service to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and Cumberland Presbyterian
Chaplains upon his retirement.
Vice-Moderator Lively introduced Elder Ron Gardner, representing the Our United OutreachCommittee.  Elder Gardner gave the history of the hiring of the Our United Outreach Development Director.
He reported that since hiring the Reverend Cliff Hudson to the position, one (1) new endowment had been
established.  Reverend Hudson was introduced and spoke on his vision for Our United Outreach.
Vice-Moderator Lively introduced the Reverend Jay Earheart-Brown, President of Memphis
Theological Seminary, who introduced MTS Board of Trustee members:  Elder Mark Maddox and Ms. Pat
Meeks who brought tribute honoring the recently deceased member of the Board of Trustees, the Reverend  
Craig Martindale.   Craig’s wife, Dana Martindale, daughter Kelly Martindale, son and daughter-in-law  
Craig, Jr. and his wife, Frances Martindale and their son were introduced to the assembly.  Ms. Martindale

442

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

expressed her appreciation and spoke of her remembrances of Craig.  She shared that Craig wanted to beremembered as one who loved the Lord.  Craig’s son also shared remembrances of his father.
Vice-Moderator Lively introduced the Reverend Don Tabor representing the Board of Trustees of
the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home.  Reverend Tabor brought greetings to the assembly.  He
announced the resignation of the Reverend Kevin Henson as President of the Cumberland PresbyterianChildren’s Home. Reverend Tabor announced that the Children’s Home, Vice President, the Reverend
Richard Brown had been appointed by the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home Board of Trustees toserve as Interim President as a search for a new CEO/President is conducted.
Reverend Brown addressed the assembly telling   the story of the Cumberland PresbyterianChildren’s Home.   Reverend Brown remembered former Director, the Reverend James Gilbert and his
legacy.  He also praised  the work and vision of those who followed Reverend Gilbert, especially Reverend  
Kevin Henson.  He also promoted the search for the new position of CEO/President and asked that thoseinterested in the position contact Children’s Home board member, Ms. Patricia Long.
Reverend Brown introduced the new Vice President of Development, Ms. LaToya Dennis.  Ms.
Dennis greeted the assembly and expressed her appreciation for the welcome she has received from the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church and her enjoyment of the worship experiences during General Assembly.
She told of her life and faith walk and her commitment to the Children’s Home.  Ms. Dennis talked about
the new directions and expanded ministry for the Children’s Home.  She also told of the graduation of oneof the residents and the impact that the Children’s Home and her graduation had made on her life.
Vice-Moderator Lively introduced the Reverend Lynn Thomas, Director Global Cross Cultural
Missions.  Reverend Thomas recognized Boyce and Beth Wallace for fifty years of service as Missionaries
to Colombia, South America.  The Wallaces addressed the body.  Beth invited everyone to attend General
Assembly in 2015 in Colombia.  She told of the wonderful experience that will be enjoyed in Colombia.
She also spoke of the work that is taking place in Colombia.  Boyce thanked the assembly for fifty years offun.
Reverend Thomas introduced Daniel and Kay Jang and their children who serve the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church in the Philippines.  There are now 120 members in the Philippines.
Reverend Thomas noted that the Cumberland Presbyterian Church is active in seventeen (17)countries with thirty-four (34) missionaries.
Also recognized was Beverly Stott, former missionary and widow of missionary Buddy Stott.  Ms.
Stott told of their work in Japan and thanked the Cumberland Presbyterian Church for the years of support.
Also present was the Reverend John Lovelace, former missionary to Colombia, who served the
Church faithfully in Colombia for many years and has led over 100 short term mission work teams since his
return to live in the USA.
RESOLUTIONSThere were no Resolutions presented by Commissioners.
ADJOURNMENT
Vice-Moderator Lively dismissed the body to gather for Worship and Holy Communion on
Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.  The remainder of the day was devoted to committee work.
THE EVENING PROGRAM
At 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday evening, the Discipleship Ministry Team and Historical Foundation
sponsored “Celebrating 90 years of Youth Ministry.”  Participants gathered for music, energizers, photos
from the past, video interviews, cup cakes and ice cream and fellowship as the ministries of CPYC, NACPYF
and YPGA were celebrated by those who attended and/or provided leadership in the past.

THIRD DAY – WEDNESDAY – JUNE 19, 2013
Committees met and began the day with devotions. There were forty-six (46) ministers, forty-one(41) elders for a total of 87 commisioners, and twenty-four (24) youth advisory delegates present. The day
was devoted to committee work.
THE EVENING PROGRAM

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

443

The General Assembly, the Convention of Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry, and visitors
gathered in worship.  Assembly worship director was the Reverend Lisa Scott. Reverend Peter Jeffrey and
the Joywood Praise Band provided moving Prelude and Postlude music.  The congregational singing was
led by song leader, Reverend Lanny Johnson.  The Prayer of Confession was led by the Reverend Keitaro
Ohi, Japan Presbytery and the Reverend Iwao Satoh, Cumberland Presbytery.   Reverend Peter Jeffrey,  
Vocal Authority, Andrew Clark and Carol Clark provided the Musical Offering before the offering was
taken which was designated for Magdalene & Thistle Farms.  Melody Dierking, CPWM National President,
read the Scripture Reading: Act 4:5-22.  The Message, “Telling Your Story With The Holy Spirit’s Help,”
was presented by the Reverend Randy Jacob, Choctaw Presbytery; the Reverend Jamie Lively, Presbyteryof East Tennessee; and Ms. Susan Parker, Candidate for Ministry, Hope Presbytery.
Holy Communion Co-Celebrants were the Reverend Lisa Scott and the Reverend Elton Hall,
Moderator of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America.  Assisting with communion were: Reverend  
David Carpenter, Red River Presbytery; Reverend Melissa Knight, Del Cristo Presbytery; Reverend James
Lawson, Covenant Presbytery; Reverend William Warren, West Tennessee Presbytery; Elder Dean Enos,
Presbytery of East Tennessee; Elder Pat Meeks, West Tennessee Presbytery; Elder Roy Shanks, North
Central Presbytery; and Elder Kathy Story, Nashville Presbytery.  Ushers were Lucinda Lea, Cam Jones,
Pam Truitt, Jay Truitt, Retta Fann, Denise Hawkins, Chelsea Jones, Melinda Jones and Brad Truitt.
Special Music was provided by The Murfreesboro Presbytery Vocal Ensemble.
Following the evening worship, the Missions Ministry Team, Memphis Theological Seminary, and
the Pastoral Development Ministry Team sponsored a reception to honor clergy women and those who
support them.

FOURTH DAY – THURSDAY – JUNE 20, 2013
The General Assembly and visitors began their day in worship.  The assembly worship director,
the Reverend Lisa Scott, led the assembly in prayer.  Vocal Authority provided the Prelude and Postlude
accompanied by the Reverend Peter Jeffrey.  Assembly music director, Reverend Lanny Johnson, led thesinging.   The Reverend William Robinson, Vice Moderator of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in
America, led the Call to Worship and offered the Opening Prayer.  A’An Parra, Youth Advisory Delegate,
Choctaw Presbytery, led the congregation in the Prayer of the Day.   Gerald Patton, Lebanon Church,
provided the Special Music.  Worship Director, the Reverend Lisa Scott read the scripture reading, Acts
4:23-31. The message, “Telling Your Story to Other Christians” was presented by Cole Coffman, Youth
Advisory Delegate, Missouri Presbytery.  The Blessing and Benediction was pronounced by the Reverend
Lisa Scott.
CALL TO ORDER
The Moderator, Reverend Forest Prosser, called the assembly to order.  Constituting Prayer wasoffered by the Reverend Norlan Scrudder, Red River Presbytery.  There were forty-eight (48) ministers,
forty-three (43) elders for a total of 91 commissioners, and twenty-four (24) youth advisory delegatespresent as of 9:00 a.m.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Stated Clerk, Reverend Michael Sharpe, made the necessary announcements and thanked thecommissioners for their hard work.  The Stated Clerk reported that the committee reports are on line atwww.cumberland.org/gao or on the General Assembly Mobile APP.  The Stated Clerk also explained theuse of the colored indicator cards to register like or dislike, or approval or disapproval.  He also explainedthat the Youth Advisory Delegates will vote as a block before the commissioners.
The Stated Clerk also advised that curriculum samples were available for those who wanted samples.
He also asked that email addresses of all commissioners be made available to the General Assembly Office.
Ms. Susan Groce, Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, thanked the body for allowing
and embracing the use of technology during the meeting.  She explained the use of Twitter for reporting theGeneral Assembly experience.
PARLIMENTARIAN APPOINTED
Moderator Prosser explained the decorum for committees making reports and for speakers at

444

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

the microphone.  He appointed the Reverend Andy McClung, member of the Permanent Committee on
Judicatory as Parliamentarian.
ASSEMBLY BUSINESSThe Reverend J. Don Clark, Grace Presbytery, presented the Nominating Committee Report withthe editorial change of replacing the Reverend Chris Warren, Nashville Presbytery with the Reverend
John Adam Smith, Nashville Presbytery to the Unified Committee on Theology and Social Concerns.  On
Motion the report was received. The Moderator opened the floor for further nominations.  There being
none, nominations ceased and proceeded to elect.  The slate of nominees as corrected were elected.  Further
corrections were made to the report: the spelling of the name, Cliff Barna, and Michael Fare is not aminister.
The Report of the Committee on Higher Education was read. On motion, the report was concurredin and its recommendations adopted.  The report was marked “B” and filed.
The Report of the Committee on Children’s Home and Historical Foundation Report was read.  On
motion, the report was concurred in and its recommendations adopted.  The report was marked “C” andfiled.
The Report of the Committee on Judiciary was read.  Motion made and seconded to receive thereport.  Moderator Prosser ask for consent to consider the report by dividing the question.  Consent granted.
RECESS DECLARED
Moderator Prosser declared a 10 minute recess.
ASSEMBLY RECONVENED
Moderator Prosser called the meeting back to order at the appropriate time.
ASSEMBLY BUSINESS
Moderator Prosser re-opened the floor for discussion on the Report of the Committee on Judiciary.
Recommendation 1 of section A was considered.  On vote, Recommendation 1 was adopted.   Recommendation
2 of section B was considered.  On vote, Recommendation 2 was adopted.  Recommendations 3, 4, and 5of section C were considered.  The Reverend Tim Stutter, Nashville Presbytery, made the motion to further
divide the question.   Motion passed.   Recommendation 3 was considered.   On vote, Recommendation
3 was adopted.   Recommendation 4 was considered.   On vote, Recommendation 4 was adopted.  
Recommendation 5 was considered.  On vote, Recommendation 5 was adopted.  Recommendation 6 ofsection D was considered.  On vote, Recommendation 6 was adopted.  Recommendations 7-17 of section
E were considered.  On vote, Recommendations 7-17 were adopted.  The total report was concurred in andits recommendations were adopted.  Report marked “D” and filed.
The following motion was made by the Reverend William Warren, West Tennessee Presbytery:  A
detailed plan for educating authorized elders in the theology and practice of Lord’s Supper be developedby the Discipleship Ministry Team in consultation with the Pastor Ministry Development Team for
implementation in the presbyteries of the church. Motion passed.
The Report Number Two of the Committee on Judiciary was read with the editorial change to change
the Recommendation number from 18 to 1.  On motion the report was concurred in and its recommendation
adopted.  The report was marked “E” and filed
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Reverend Elinor Brown, Discipleship Ministry Team Leader, announced that a curriculum has
been written for training elders to serve communion by Reverend Frank Ward.  This curriculum will be reevaluated and made available.
Ms. Cindy Martin, Coordinator of Adult Ministry, announced that she is working to help coordinate
relief efforts with the Reverend Leslie Johnson to aid the Moore, Oklahoma tornado victims.  She shared alist of items needed and will help coordinate work trips.
Pastor Host Jeff Clark announced that those needing transportation should make their needs known.

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

445

RECESS DECLAREDAt 11:40 a.m., Moderator Prosser declared a recess until 1:30 p.m.   Prayer was offered by theReverend Jim McGuire, Presbytery of East Tennessee.
ASSEMBLY RECONVENED
Moderator Forest Prosser called the Assembly back to order at 1:30 p.m.
On motion, excuse granted for the afternoon session for the Reverend Kenny Butcher, Nashville
Presbytery, due to a death in his family.
The Report of the Committee on Theology and Social Concerns was read.  On Motion the report
was concurred in and its recommendations adopted.  Report was marked “F” and filed.
VICE MODERATOR ASSUMES CHAIR
Moderator Prosser asked Vice Moderator Jamie Lively to preside.
The Report of the Committee on Stewardship/Elected Officers was read.  Report concurred in andits recommendations adopted.  The report was marked “G” and filed.
By Consent, the Line item, Debt Retirement, was lowered by $20,000 for incoming 2014 OUO
funds to offset $20,000 to be in the OUO allocation for 2014 which was approved in Recommendation 5 of
the Report of the Committee on Theology and Social Concerns.
Vice Moderator Lively introduced Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry President, Melody
Dierking, who reported on this year’s Convention.  She thanked the Assembly for the support given to theirprograms, Set Them Free and The Thistle Farms.  She reported that the Worship offering was $5,701.25.
RECOGNITION
President Dierking introduced Beverly Stott and Boyce and Beth Wallace and congratulated theWallaces on 50 years as missionaries to Colombia.  She announced the establishment of the Stott-Wallace
Missionary Fund with hopes that this fund will grow large enough to enable missionaries to not haveto raise their own support funds during furloughs.   President Dierking announced that the Cumberland
Presbyterian Women’s Ministry support will go to help Farm Workers in 2014.
Beth Wallace addressed the body and once again encouraged everyone to attend General Assemblyin 2015 in Colombia, South America.
Beverly Stott, former missionary to Japan, thanked the assembly for the years of support.
ASSEMBLY BUSINESSThe Report of the Committee on Ministry Council/Communication/Discipleship was read.   OnMotion, the report was concurred in and its recommendations adopted unanimously.  The report was marked“H” and filed.
The Report of the Committee on Chaplains/Missions/Pastoral Development was read.  On motion,
the report was concurred in and its recommendations adopted.  An editorial addition was made to the report
to include Lynn and Nona Thomas to the list of Missionaries.  The report was marked “I” and filed.
MODERATOR ASSUMES CHAIR
Moderator Forest Prosser returned to the podium.
RESOLUTION OF THANKS
Reverend David LeNeave, Covenant Presbytery, presented a resolution of thanks:
The 183rd General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church wishes to give thanks andpraise to God our Father for His immeasurable gift of Grace given to us through the shed blood of His Son
Jesus Christ on the cross, and His Holy Spirit who has empowered us to be united in all the decisions wemade in this assembly for your people called Cumberland Presbyterian.
The 183rd General Assembly wishes to thank Reverend Jeff Clark as Pastor Host and the committee
from Murfreesboro Presbytery: Reverends, Joyce Merritt, Lanny Johnson, Jonathan Clark, and Bill James446

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

along with their Presbytery for the painstaking preparation, labor and hospitality that has made this awonderful and productive General Assembly.
The 183rd General Assembly would like to also express our gratitude to our Worship Director,
Reverend Lisa Scott, and our Song Leader, Reverend Lanny Johnson, for their planning and leadershipof the dynamic and Holy Spirit filled worship services we have experienced.  A special thanks goes to the
Director of Bethel University Renaissance and Vocal Authority for their outstanding musical contribution
to our General Assembly.
Our undying gratitude goes to our outgoing Moderator Reverend Robert Rush for his year as
moderator and his many years as our Stated Clerk of General Assembly.  We are also thankful for our
new Moderator, Reverend Forest Prosser, and Vice Moderator, Reverend Jamie Lively, for accepting thechallenge for this coming year.  We also commit to pray for you in this important endeavor.  We are also
grateful for all the work of our General Assembly Office Staff, not only during this week, but all year long,
our Stated Clerk, Reverend Michael Sharpe; Engrossing Clerk, Reverend Vernon Sansom; and the Assistantto the Stated Clerk, Ms. Elizabeth Vaughn.
The 183rd General Assembly would also like to give thanks for each Committee Chairperson, Vice
Chairperson, and each commissioner and youth delegate who has participated in the work of this General
Assembly.
Our deepest appreciation goes to the General Assembly Executive Board of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church in America for their attendance and participation in this assembly as we prayerfully
look forward to the unification of our churches.
As we leave this 183rd General Assembly we ask that the Holy Spirit continue to lead and guide the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church as we seek to glorify God by serving Him through this part of His body
called the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  May God inspire and move us to “Step Out” and share “Our
Stories” wherever we go.
The resolution was adopted, marked “J” and filed.
ASSEMBLY BUSINESS
Moderator Prosser addressed the Youth Advisory Delegates, asking them that if the vote for
Unification of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America
were held today, would they be for or against unification.  By a standing vote, the Youth Advisory Delegates
showed 100% support for unification.
READING OF THE MINUTESThe printed minutes were corrected and the minutes for Wednesday and Thursday were read.  On
motion, the minutes were accepted as corrected.
RECESS DECLARED
Motion was made and seconded to adjourn.  Motion passed.  Moderator Prosser announced a 15
minute recess to prepare for worship
CLOSING WORSHIPThe General Assembly and visitors gathered for the closing worship.   The assembly worshipdirector, the Reverend Lisa Scott, conducted the service.  Vocal Authority, accompanied by the ReverendPeter Jeffrey performed the Prelude and Postlude.  Assembly music director, the Reverend Lanny Johnson
led the singing.  The Reverend Nancy McSpadden, Arkansas Presbytery led the Call to Worship, offered theOpening Prayer and led in singing the Call to Prayer.  Reverend Johnson sang the Special Music, “People All
Need the Lord.”  Reverend McSpadden led the congregation in a Memorial Prayer remembering ministers
who have died since the 2012 General Assembly.  Those remembered in the prayer were:Andrews, Leonard
Barker, Jack H
Berry, Ephraim A
Bornert, Robert D
Butler, George E

Nashville Presbytery
Columbia Presbytery
Cumberland Presbytery
Missouri Presbytery
West Tennessee Presbytery

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

447

Clyne, Duncan N
Missouri Presbytery
Gilbert, James C
Red River Presbytery
Green, Odis
Columbus Presbytery
Harvey, Newsome
Murfreesboro Presbytery
Hegwood, James H
Grace Presbytery
Hollenbeck, Edward B Arkansas Presbytery
Kennedy, John F
del Cristo Presbytery
Kinslow, Alfred
Arkanas Presbytery
Lewis, Laura B
Trinity Presbytery
Lively, James O
Covenant Presbytery
Martindale, J Craig
Murfreesboro Presbytery
McAuley, Roy E
Missouri Presbytery
McCain, Terence
North Central Presbytery
Miller, Bob
Murfreesboro Presbytery
Owen, Bert L
Covenant Presbytery
Renner, Patricia
Cumberland Presbytery
Sprague, George
Cumberland Presbytery
Tant, Robert H
Grace Presbytery
Reverend Scott read the Scripture Reading, Acts 4:32-37 and brought the Devotional message,“Telling Our Stories Through Loving Actions,” following the Litany of Affirmation and Benediction.
ADJOURMENT
Moderator Forest Prosser proclaimed that the 183rd General Assembly of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church stands adjourned until we meet in Chattanooga, Tennessee on June 16-20, 2014.

448

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

APPENDICESREPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE(Appendix A)
The Credentials Committee certifies the list of commissioners on pages 6 and 7 of the Preliminary
Minutes with the following change:
On the part of the Minister Commissioners, Reverend Pat Fife, Columbia Presbytery, will be serving
in place of Reverend Terry Peery. Reverend Wayne Tompkins, West Tennessee Presbytery, is not present.
On the part of the Elder Commissioners, Elders Jimmie Scott, Choctaw Presbytery and Elder David
Moore, West Tennessee Presbytery, are not present.
Enrollment as of 2:00 p.m. is certified as forty-nine (49) ministers, forty-four (44) elders andtwenty-four (24) youth advisory delegates.
Respectfully submitted,
Melissa Knight, ChairDavid LeNeave
Patricia Hester
Elizabeth Forester

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON
HIGHER EDUCATION(Appendix B)
I. REFERRALS
Referrals to this committee are as follows:   The Report of the Board of Trustees of Memphis
Theological Seminary and The Report of the Board of Trustees of Bethel University.

II. PERSONS OF COUNSEL
Appearing before this committee were:   Reverend Jay Earheart-Brown, President Memphis
Theological Seminary; Elder Mark Maddox, Member of the Board of Trustees for Memphis TheologicalSeminary; and Reverend Michael Qualls, Director of Program of Alternate Studies; Mrs. Nancy Bean,Vice-President of the College of Arts and Sciences at Bethel University; Reverend Anne Hames, Chaplain
at Bethel University, and Mr. Cliff Barna, chaplain’s assistant ministering to athletes.

III. CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS
A. BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
The committee reviewed the Report of the Board of Trustees of Memphis Theological Seminaryand discussed it at length with the representatives of Memphis Theological Seminary who met with us.  We
are pleased to offer the following recommendations:
RECOMMENDATION 1: That Recommendation 1 of the Board of Trustees of Memphis
Theological Seminary be adopted:“That the General Assembly express its gratitude to Mr. Harvey Ferguson and Reverend Emily
Matheny for their faithful service, and to the widows of Reverend Dr. Craig Martindale and Reverend
Dr. David Boyle, for their husbands’ faithful service to Memphis Theological Seminary and the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church.”2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

449

RECOMMENDATION 2: That Recommendation 2 of the Board of Trustees of Memphis
Theological Seminary be adopted:“That the General Assembly urge all probationers to consider Memphis Theological Seminary and
the Program of Alternate Studies as their first options for meeting educational requirements forordained ministry.”
RECOMMENDATION 3: That Recommendation 3 of the Board of Trustees of Memphis
Theological Seminary be adopted:“That the General Assembly encourage all churches to recognize and support Seminary Sunday.”
The trustees of Memphis Theological Seminary are considering a capital campaign with several
possible goals to enhance the Seminary’s future.
RECOMMENDATION 4: That Recommendation 4 of the Board of Trustees of Memphis
Theological Seminary be adopted:“That the General Assembly approve Memphis Theological Seminary to conduct a capital campaign,pending action to approve such a campaign by the Board of Trustees of the seminary.”
RECOMMENDATION 5: That the Board of Trustees of Memphis Theological Seminary,
the administration, staff, and faculty, be commended for their faithful and selfless service to the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church and to the larger community of believers served by the Seminary.
B. BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF BETHEL UNIVERSITY
We recognize the covenant relationship between Bethel University and the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church and the continuing financial support given to the University through Our United Outreach and weappreciate the annual reporting of the University to General Assembly.
We recognize and honor the fifteen years of service of the retiring Bethel University president,
Robert Prosser.   We encourage the trustees of Bethel University to seek a successor who has a deep
understanding and appreciation of Bethel’s history, church relationship, and regional missions.
We are pleased to offer the next recommendations:
RECOMMENDATION 6: That all congregations encourage those interested in a college
education or an advanced degree to consider the opportunities offered by Bethel University, both on
the McKenzie campus and on the various satellite campuses in several communities.
RECOMMENDATION 7: That the Board of Trustees of Bethel University be offered ourongoing support as they endeavor to provide excellent educational opportunities to Cumberland
Presbyterians and others throughout the West Tennessee region and the nation.
Respectfully submitted,
Committee on Higher Education

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON
CHILDREN’S HOME AND HISTORICAL FOUNDATION(Appendix C)
I. REFERRALS
Referrals to this committee are as follows:  The Report of the Board of Trustees of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Children’s Home and The Report of the Board of Trustees of the Historical Foundation.

II. PERSONS OF COUNSEL450

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

Appearing before this committee were:   Reverend Richard Brown, Acting President of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home; Ms. LaToyia Dennis, Vice-President of Development of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home; Reverend Don Tabor, member of the Board of Trustees of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home; Ms. Susan Knight Gore, Executive Director of the HistoricalFoundation; Ms. Lauren Gam Gilliland, Archival Assistant; Elder Michael Fare, representative of the Boardof Trustees of the Historical Foundation and Reverend Melissa Knight.

III. THE REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEESOF THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHILDREN’S HOME
We wish to express our appreciation for the presentation made to us by Reverend Richard Brown,
Ms. LaToyia Dennis, Reverend Melissa Knight, and Reverend Don Tabor.  Their impressive professionalismand dedication to their calling was evident.  We can foresee a bright future for the Cumberland PresbyterianChildren’s Home under their leadership.  We anticipate a successful outcome of their ten year strategic plan.  
It is also our desire to express our appreciation to the entire Children’s Home staff for their dedication to thefamilies they serve.
We want to commend Reverend Kevin Henson for his essential contribution to the guidance andleadership that has led the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home into a position of positive change.  
We are thankful for the faithful witness of the Reverend James Gilbert for the many years of service andvision on behalf of the Children’s Home.
As the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home seeks to find the person God would choose forits next President and Chief Executive Officer, we ask for the prayers and support of our people

IV. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEESOF THE HISTORICAL FOUNDATION
We wish to express our appreciation for the presentation by Ms. Susan Knight Gore, Ms. Lauren
Gam Gilliland, and Representative Michael Fare.  It was both informative and interactive.  They shared
many historical pieces dear to the heart and soul of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church in America.  The staff is available to assist with requests of the church and other areas
no matter the scope of the request.
RECOMMENDATION 1: That Recommendation 1 of the Report of the Board of Trustees ofthe Historical Foundation, be adopted:“That the General Assembly, through its minutes and summary of actions, make congregations
and presbyteries aware of the 1810 Circle and encourage new members to support this endeavorannually.”
RECOMMENDATION 2: That Recommendation 2 of the Report of the Board of Trustees ofthe Historical Foundation, be adopted:“That congregations be encouraged to have a special offering on the Sunday designated as
Denomination Day to help support the special project designated for that year.”
RECOMMENDATION 3: That Recommendation 3 of the the Report of the Board of Trusteesof the Historical Foundation, be adopted:“That the General Assembly make presbyteries, congregations, and individuals aware that theHistorical Foundation is interested and has funds to publish books on topics concerning the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church and Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America.
RECOMMENDATION 4: That Recommendation 4 of the the Report of the Board of Trusteesof the Historical Foundation, be adopted:“That the General Assembly encourage all congregations to preserve their session records bydepositing them in the Historical Foundation.”2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

451

RECOMMENDATION 5: That Recommendation 5 of the the Report of the Board of Trusteesof the Historical Foundation, be adopted:“That the General Assembly instruct each synod and presbytery to deposit their minutes in a timely
fashion with the Historical Foundation.”
RECOMMENDATION 6: That Recommendation 6 of the the Report of the Board of Trusteesof the Historical Foundation, be adopted:“That the General Assembly instruct presbyteries to locate the session records when closing a church
and then deposit them in the Historical Foundation.”
In God’s Love,
The Committee on the Children’s Home and the Historical Foundation

REPORT ONE OF THE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY(Appendix D)
I. REFERRALS
Referrals to this committee are as follows:  The Report of the Stated Clerk, Sections IV; The Report
Number Two of the Ministry Council, Section I.b-c; The Report of the Permanent Committee on Judiciary;
The Report of the Joint Committee on Amendments, and The Report of the Evaluation Committee.

II. PERSONS OF COUNSEL
Appearing before this committee were:  Reverend Michael Sharpe, Stated Clerk; Reverend Charles
McCaskey and Reverend Sherrlyn Frost, representatives of the Evaluation Committee; Ms. Edith B. Old,
Director of Ministries; Reverend Troy Green, representative for the Ministry Council; Reverend Elinor
Swindle Brown, Discipleship Ministry Team Leader; and Revernd Perryn Rice, Permanent Committee on
the Judiciary.

III. CONSIDERATION OF REFERRALS
A. REPORT OF THE STATED CLERK, SECTION IV
The 182nd General Assembly submitted to the presbyteries the following Constitutional
Amendment:
4.6 The session may designate one elder who, when authorized by the presbytery, may administer thesacrament of the Lord’s Supper to the congregation.
Change to Read
4.6 The session may designate two elders, either of whom, when authorized by the presbytery, may administer
the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper to the congregation.
Stated Clerk, Reverend Michael Sharpe, reported that twenty (20) presbyteries voted in theaffirmative; one (1) presbytery voted in the negative; and  two (2) presbyteries did not report.
RECOMMENDATION 1: That Recommendation One of the Report of the Stated Clerk,
Section IV, “That the 183rd General Assembly declare that the Constitutional Amendment has been
approved,” be adopted.
B. REPORT NUMBER TWO OF THE MINISTRY COUNCIL, SECTION I.B-C

452

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

We commend the Ministry Council for an excellent and thorough report, especially in the area ofcooperative work with the Evaluation Committee.
We note that subcommittees from both the Ministry Council and the Evaluation Committee met
along with the Stated Clerk, Reverend Michael Sharpe, to discuss and note the progress made in following
the directives of the 182nd General Assembly.  It is further noted that almost all of these directives havebeen implemented.
1. Priority Goals and Vision for Future Ministry
The General Assembly has made the Priority Goals an important part of our on-going work.  We
feel that these goals will continue even though their timeline has expired.  These are continued in part in the
Step Out! program, which is no less important.
It is not our intent to make directives, which will affect in any way the process of unification.
RECOMMENDATION 2: That Recommendation 1 of the Report Number Two of the
Ministry Council, “That in light of the strong likelihood of unification between the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America, the assignment madeby the General Assembly to the Ministry Council to review the denomination’s Priority Goals be
postponed until such time as new priority goals can be established by the new unified church or thepresent Cumberland Presbyterian Church,” be adopted.
C. REPORT OF THE PERMANENT COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
We considered Recommendation 1 of the Report of the Permanent Judiciary Committee.  We affirm
that the communion table in any particular Cumberland Presbyterian Church is the Lord’s table and not thatof our denomination or any local church.  General Assembly authorized ministers of other denominations,always and only with presbyterial approval, to serve communion in a local Cumberland Presbyterian
congregation in 1987.
This practice, while well intended, has produced as many problems as blessings.  In many cases,
abuse of the practice has occurred.  Further, some presbyteries in some cases have failed to provide proper
oversight.  In addition, there are many retired Cumberland Presbyterian ministers and ordained ministers
without charge within our presbyteries who should make themselves available for ministry purposes suchas this.
We believe that on the whole, we should step away from this practice and empower our presbyteries
to provide leadership and the care our local congregations deserve.
We also note that Constitution 4.6 provides for designation of elders, authorized and trained bypresbyteries, to administer the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper to the local congregation.
RECOMMENDATION 3: That Recommendation 1 of the Report of the Permanent Judiciary
Committee, “That General Assembly’s 1987 ruling allowing ministers of other denominations, withpresbyterial approval, to serve communion in Cumberland Presbyterian congregations (see Digest,
4.5.k Interpretive, 1987), be rescinded,” be adopted.
		
		
		
		

An ordained minister, although of another church, may serve the Lord’s
Supper in a Cumberland Presbyterian church, provided this minister has
been approved by a judicatory (that is, a presbytery) of the church.
1987, p. 123, 216.

Adoption of this recommendation would not affect Constitution 4.6 which allows ordained
elders, under specific conditions, to preside at certain communion services, nor would it affectministers of another denomination presiding over communion in a duly-formed union or federated
congregation as per Constitution 10.4.
				

4.6 The session may designate one elder who, when authorized by thepresbytery, may administer the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper to the2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

453

		congregation.
		
10.4 A presbytery may authorize one or more of its constituent churches		to form a federated or union church with a church or churches of another		
ecclesiastical body or bodies or may organize a federated or union church		acting in concert with a comparable judicatory of another ecclesiastical		body or bodies. This shall be done by agreement in writing between the		presbytery and the comparable judicatory of the other ecclesiastical body		or bodies.
The 182nd General Assembly adopted a document called “Guidelines for Congregational Care.”Guidelines for Congregational Care
Each Cumberland Presbyterian congregation (called “a particular church” in our constitution) is
under the care of and subject to the authority of the presbytery of which it is a part.  The presbytery is
responsible for preventing and responding to any problems in its constituent congregations (Constitution
5.6.j).  This response, as all church discipline, is meant to be healing and redemptive rather than punitive(Rules of Discipline 1.1).
Presbyteries can be proactive in preventing congregations from becoming alienated by following
these guidelines:• Be familiar with the Constitution, Rules of Discipline, and Presbytery Manual of Operations, andinsure that sessions have access to and are familiar with these resources, all of which are available at www.
cumberland.org/gao.
• Remind sessions that any type of pastoral relationship must be approved by presbytery (Constitution
5.6.f).
• Be diligent in oversight of ministers of other denominations serving congregations within thepresbytery, possibly including regular meetings with an appropriate presbyterial agency and mandatory
attendance of presbytery meetings (Constitution 5.6.p).
• Remind sessions of their responsibility to communicate with presbytery regularly (Constitution
5.6.e, 4.5.m-n).
• Appoint a Cumberland Presbyterian minister as moderator for the session of every congregation
without an installed Cumberland Presbyterian pastor, informing the session of who the appointed moderator
is, and insuring the appointed moderator fulfills his or her responsibilities (Constitution 5.6.p.).
• Follow the 2007 General Assembly directive to have in place a process to review any Cumberland
Presbyterian minister transferring from another presbytery; carefully examine probationers on adherence to
Cumberland Presbyterian theology and polity; and closely review ministers of other denominations who areseeking to have their ordinations recognized, especially in the area of Cumberland Presbyterian theology
and polity.
• Establish, either as a separate entity or as a subdivision of the Missions Committee, a Congregational
Care Committee to keep lines of communication open between congregations and presbytery.
• Such a committee should visit in person with all congregations in the presbytery at least annually.
• Such a committee could be in regular contact with each congregation, making inquiries which canidentify impending alienation and thereby prevent it.
For congregations already experiencing alienation or severe trouble, the Rules of Discipline explain
how presbytery is to enact its care for and authority over the congregation (Rules of Discipline 2.3).
• Discipline only progresses from one level to the next if an attempt at discipline is ineffective(Rules of Discipline 1.3).
• When the action of a congregation is detrimental to the spiritual welfare of its members or to theconnectional relations and ministries of the larger church, presbytery, through its board of missions or otherappropriate committee, should:• counsel with the session and/or congregation and suggest ways to correct what is wrong;• officially admonish the church and instruct its session to correct what is wrong;• suspend the session and govern the church temporarily through a commission. This means
the session may not make decisions for the congregation and may not send a voting delegate to meetings of454

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

presbytery. Suspension may be for a definite or indefinite period of time.
• dissolve the session and conduct a new election of elders, or dissolve the church andattach its members to other congregations.
• The board of missions or other presbyterial agency tasked to deal with the alienated or troubled
congregation may turn the matter over to the presbyterial judiciary committee if it seems necessary.
it again.

This document is so well stated and has been so helpful to our committee that we wish to emphasize

RECOMMENDATION 4: That Guidelines for Congregational Care be affirmed by the 183rd
General Assembly and forwarded to all Presbytery Stated Clerks for use by committees involved inCongregational Care.
Legal Expense Fund
The Office of the General Assembly recognizes the need to have money available for legal expenses,
including insurance deductibles.  The Our United Outreach proposed budget makes this monetary request a
set aside line item.
RECOMMENDATION 5: That Recommendation 2 of the Report of the Permanent Judiciary
Committee, “That a fund be established to make money available for any legal expenses of the Officeof the General Assembly, that $25,000 be included in the Our United Outreach allocation designatedfor that fund for 2014 and 2015 each, and that $50,000 remain in that fund each year thereafter,” beadopted.
D. REPORT OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON AMENDMENTS
The Committee understands and agrees with the theological concept of the priesthood of all
believers.  We acknowledge also the need in many small congregations without pastoral leadership to havethe administration of the sacraments; that is Holy Communion, on a regular basis and Baptism whether for
infants or as a result of a profession of faith.
We, however, also acknowledge the long and arduous road many have traveled in preparation forordination of Word and Sacrament.  It is our hope and belief that all congregations, whether large or small,have resources to draw on to administer these sacraments without changing the constitutional requirements,
and we have a strong commitment to encourage the use of persons in every presbytery who are available toadminister these sacraments such as retired ministers or those without charge.
Believing also that this is not an appropriate time to ask presbyteries to debate another constitutional
amendment   in the light of our global presbyteries and the strong possibility of unification with the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America General Assemblies.
RECOMMENDATION 6: That Recommendation 1 of the Report of the Joint Committeeon Amendments, “That Constitution 4.6 be changed from “The session may designate one elder
who, when authorized by the presbytery, may administer the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper tothe congregation” to “The session may designate one elder, who when authorized by the presbytery,
may administer the sacrament of baptism or the Lord’s Supper in the elder’s congregation” andthat Constitution 5.6.p be changed from “Take special oversight of churches which do not have theservices of a minister, appointing a minister to moderate the session; and, if necessary, authorize anelder designated by the session to administer the Lord’s Supper to the congregation, provided thatthe elder shall be instructed by the committee on the ministry in the meaning of the sacrament andhow it should be administered; the elder shall serve under the authority of an ordained Cumberland
Presbyterian minister selected by the presbytery, and each grant of authority shall be for one year” to“Take special oversight of churches which do not have the services of a minister, appointing a minister
to moderate the session; and, if necessary, authorize an elder designated by the session to administer
the sacrament of baptism or the Lord’s Supper to the elder’s congregation, provided that the elder
shall be instructed by the committee on the ministry in the meaning of the sacraments and how
they should be administered; the elder shall serve under the authority of an ordained Cumberland

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

455

Presbyterian minister selected by the presbytery, and each grant of authority shall be for one year,”be denied.
E. REPORT OF THE EVALUATION COMMITTEE
We commend the Evaluation Committee for being thorough and open in this second step of theevaluation process.
The following recommendations have been affirmed.
1.  Work with the Office of General Assembly in reviewing the Ministry Council’s Bylaws, to seethat they are in alignment with the current responsibilities and that they reflect actions taken at General
Assembly.
RECOMMENDATION 7: That Recommendation 1 of the Report of the Evaluation
Committee, “That if for any reason the Ministry Council determines the responsibility of Our United
Outreach Education should not be a part of the job description of the Ministry Team Leader of theDiscipleship Ministry Team, then any unused portion of the allocated funding should be transferredto the Our United Outreach Committee to assist with programmatic costs,” be adopted.
RECOMMENDATION 8: That Recommendation 2 of the Report of the Evaluation
Committee, “That regarding Article 5, we recommend that the article be revised to include theelection process for Ministry Team Members as well as the composition, qualifications and terms ofoffice for Ministry Team Members,” be adopted.
RECOMMENDATION 9: That Recommendation 3 of the Report of the Evaluation
Committee, “That regarding Article 7E of proposed Ministry Council bylaws, we recommendthat wording be changed to read “Ministry Team Leaders” instead of “Ministry Team Executive
Directors” in order to maintain consistency of titles,” be adopted.
RECOMMENDATION 10: That Recommendation 4 of the Report of the Evaluation
Committee, “That regarding Article 9, that wording be changed to read, “Unanimously adopted by
the Ministry Council on April 19, 2013” (instead of January 19th, 2013),” be adopted.
2.   Oversee the implementation of the approved recommendations in Report 2 of the Judiciary
Committee of 2012 as it pertains to the Evaluation Committee Report, (specifically, recommendations
2-20).
Topic – Strengthening Ministry Teams and the Ministry Council through the Nominating process
RECOMMENDATION 11: That Recommendation 5 of the Evaluation Committee, “Thatit be added to the Ministry Council bylaws that all nominees for the Ministry Council or Ministry
Team positions be ineligible to serve beginning in the year 2014 unless an endorsement is received.
The requirement for endorsement would also be needed for those who are being re-nominated for asecond or third term and for those being nominated from the floor of General Assembly,” be adopted.
Topic – With regard to Judiciary Committee
RECOMMENDATION 12: That Recommendation 7 of the Report of the Evaluation
Committee, “That the information obtained by the Director of Ministry as a result of her travels beshared with other denominational agencies for the benefit of all,” be adopted.
RECOMMENDATION 13: That Recommendation 8 of the Report of the Evaluation
Committee, “That the Director of Ministries continue in this effort of building rapport as well as
developing and implementing new ways to extend that effort with all denominational staff and456

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

entities,” be adopted.
3.  Develop Methods, Procedures and Process for future evaluations and report to the 183rd General
Assembly (Specifically Judiciary Committee Recommendations 23 & 25)
RECOMMENDATION 14: That Recommendation 9 of the Report of the Evaluation
Committee, “That funds for future evaluations be earmarked from Our United Outreach funds andthat the Our United Outreach Committee set aside $3,500 each year for the next three years (2014,2015, and 2016), so that there is a total of $10,500 available for the next evaluation,” be adopted.
4. Report basic statistical data, sample size, percent of respondents and item responses.
RECOMMENDATION 15: That Recommendation 10 of the Report of the Evaluation
Committee, “That all members of all denominational boards and agencies be required to participate
in the evaluation process and/or surveys in all future evaluations,” be adopted.
5.  Have surveys include scaled item responses
RECOMMENDATION 16: That Recommendation 11 of the Report of the Evaluation
Committee, “That the current Evaluation Committee be dissolved and that the next Evaluation
Committee be named in 2016, that the scope of its work be re-defined at that time in light decisions
made in the unification process and that the work of the newly appointed Evaluation Committee
begin at that time,” be adopted.
6.  Regarding Judiciary Committee Recommendation 5
The Committee agrees with the Evaluation Committee’s conclusion that the Ministry Council
members need to spend adequate time with the Ministry Teams to which they are assigned, depending upon
the needs of the particular Team. However, we did not feel it necessary to stipulate a minimum amount oftime that must be spent.
RECOMMENDATION 17: That Recommendation 6 of the Report of the Evaluation
Committee, “That each Ministry Council member spend a minimum of 2 hours with their respective
Ministry Teams at least twice a year,” be denied.
We appreciate our Youth Advisory Delegates willingness to share their opinions, beliefs, and ideas.  
Each of you has been a great asset to the work of this committee.
Respectfully submitted,
The Committee on Judiciary

REPORT OF TWO OF THE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY(Appendix E)
The Evaluation Committee has designed the evaluation format, the evaluation tools, and the method
for evaluating the Ministry Council, Ministry Teams and other boards and agencies as requested by theGeneral Assembly.
RECOMMENDATION 18: That the outline for future evaluation committees included in the
Evaluation Committees report:“For future evaluations, we suggest that future Evaluation Committees revisit the tool and how

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

457

it was developed and distributed. Specific questions may be added or tweaked to fit that Evaluation
Committee’s goals for current boards and agencies. In addition, the Evaluation Committee shallreceive the self-evaluation tools and results of the Ministry Council, Ministry Teams and any otherboards and agencies of the denomination as they are used and available.
We recognize that the survey of the Church At Large is difficult, but feel the churches shouldhave an opportunity to respond. Future evaluations will include the Historical Foundation andMemphis Theological Seminary. We would suggest that Memphis Theological Seminary staff and its
Board of Trustees be handled as a separate survey.
Future Evaluation Committee members, beginning with 2016 (3 years after dissolution of theexisting Evaluation Committee), shall be appointed by the General Assembly Moderator and StatedClerk. Those appointed should include at least one member of the previous Evaluation Committee
when possible and should include at least one member from each of the five Synods and one person“at large.’’
Evaluations shall be done every three years subsequent to the close of the 183rd General
Assembly in 2013. However, we note that the entities of the denomination to be evaluated mayneed to be re-defined as a result of the unification process and will be determined by the Evaluation
Committee in consultation with the Stated Clerk and the General Assembly Moderator at that time.”
Be adopted for future Evaluation Committees.
Respectfully submitted,
The Committee on Judiciary

REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON THEOLOGY AND SOCIAL CONCERNS(Appendix F)
I. REFERRALS
Referrals to this committee is as follows: The Report of the Unified Committee on Theology
and Social Concerns, The Report of the Unification Task Force, The Memorial from Grace Presbytery
Concerning The Distinction Between Christianity and Islam, and The Resolution from Grace Presbytery
Concerning the Sacrament of Baptism.

II. PERSONS OF COUNSEL
Appearing before this committee were: Reverend Michael Sharpe, Stated Clerk, Reverend Byron
Forester (CPC) and Elder Joy Wallace (CPCA) representatives from the Unified Committee on Theologicaland Social Concerns, and Reverend Michael Wilkinson, Commissioner from Grace Presbytery.

III. CONSIDERATION OF REFERRALS
A. REPORT OF THE UNIFIED COMMITTEE OF THEOLOGY AND SOCIAL CONCERNSRECOMMENDATION 1: That the report be concurred in.
The committee finds a need for a strong commitment from presbyteries in order to move forwardin the unification process.
RECOMMENDATION 2: Reaffirm the action taken by the General Assemblies of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church and of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America in 2011
concerning unification of the two denominations.

458

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

RECOMMENDATION 3: Reaffirm the action of 181st General Assembly of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, “That encourages each presbytery to form a committee on Theology and Social
Concerns if not already formed” for purposes which include but are not limited to unification of thedenominations.
B. REPORT OF THE UNIFICATION TASK FORCERECOMMENDATION 1: That the report be concurred in.
RECOMMENDATION 2: That Recommendation 1 of the Report of the Unification Task
Force, “That the Unification Task Force be given time at the Fall 2013 and Spring 2014 presbytery
meetings to present updates on the unification and to get feedback on the development of a plan forunion,” be adopted.
RECOMMENDATION 3: That Recommendation 2 of the Report of the Unification Task
Force, “That joint clusters of churches also schedule a time for a presentation on unification by amember of the task force and/or other leaders within both denominations,” be adopted.
In order to accomplish the task of unification timely and efficiently, it has been brought to theattention of this committee by members of the Unification Task Force that the budget must be adjusted.
RECOMMENDATION 4: That Recommendation 3 of the Report of the Unification Task
Force, “That $12,000 be included in the OUO allocation for 2014, to cover the meeting and program
expenses of the Unification Task Force,” be denied.
RECOMMENDATION 5: That $20,000 be included in the OUO allocation for 2014, to cover
the meeting and program expenses of the Unification Task Force.
C. MEMORIAL FROM GRACE PRESBYTERY CONCERNING THE DISTINCTION BETWEENCHRISTIANITY AND ISLAM
The Confession of Faith states, “1.01 We believe in the only true and living God, Father, Son, andHoly Spirit; who is holy love, eternal, unchangeable in being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness,and truth, and 1.02 The one living God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the Holy Trinity, speaks throughthe holy scriptures, the events of nature and history, apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, but
uniquely in Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh.”  The Confession of Faith further states, “In carrying out theapostolic commission, the covenant community has encountered and continues to encounter people who
belong to religions which do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord. While respecting persons who adhere
to other religions, Christians are responsible to share with them the good news of salvation through Jesus
Christ.”RECOMMENDATION 1: That the Memorial from Grace Presbytery Concerning theDistinction Between Christianity and Islam which states:“In the tradition of the early Cumberland Presbyterian Church, this memorial begins:“A great evil” has arisen in Western Christianity in general and in the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church in particular. This issue confronts our understanding of scripture, our Christology, ourcomprehension of the trinity and the veracity of the Revealed Word. In addition, it insults anotherreligion by implicitly stating that the adherents of that religious system are ignorant of their own
system of belief.
Whereas, Christian theology asserts that God is a trinity composed of three persons, Father,Son, and Holy Spirit; One God now and forever. And,
Whereas, Jesus, the Christ, is referred to within our individual historic creeds as the Son ofGod, and,
Whereas, the Revealed Word has Jesus himself making that assertion in John 3: 16, and Paul2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

459

affirms this position throughout his letters, and,
Whereas, 1st John re-enforces this position in 1st John 1: 3 which reads in Young’s Literal
Translation “1:3 that which we have seen and heard declare we to you, that ye also may
have fellowship with us, and our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus
Christ” and;
Whereas, 1st John 2: 24 and 1st John 4: 1-3 assert that 1) Jesus is the Son, and 2) to not		recognize Jesus is to be of the spirit of antichrist, andWhereas, it is clear from scripture that any system of thought which denies the Godhead ofJesus, and the Sonship of Jesus and His status as fully human and fully God is denying thebasic Trinitarian God of Christianity. And,
Whereas, many congregations and congregational leaders have taken the incompatible position
that the god of Islam and the God of Christianity are the same god, and:
Whereas, this is not possible by the doctrines of either Christianity or Islam, for:1) The greatest sin and most unforgivable sin of Islam is shirk which is to associate anyother beings (i.e. the son or the Holy Spirit) with Allah (which is a personal name),2) The Jesus (ISA) of Islamis not crucified, is not God and speaks of the destruction of theJew3) ISA is most definitely NOT the son of god in Islam
4) To be saved in Christianity is to believe that Jesus is God (and man) and this is indirectcontradiction to the God of Islam, andWhereas, the Jesus of Christianity and the Isa of Islam stand at polar opposites that cannot bereconciled,
Be it resolved, that Grace Presbytery memorialize the General Assembly meeting in 2013,
to assert the distinctions of the two belief systems, and to assert that belief in the Trinity andJesus as the Son of God is incompatible with the doctrines of Islam, and to affirm that thetwo deities cannot be the same or god would not be omniscient (violating the doctrines ofboth religions) since this god would self-contradict. However, this is no justification for
hatred, animosity, prejudice; rather this position honors both Christianity and Islam bytaking their doctrines seriously. To do otherwise, would insult both religions thoughcolonial and paternal thinking.
I hereby certify that this Memorial was approved by Grace Presbytery on October 19, 2013, andis hereby submitted to the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church for further
action.
						Signed:						Reverend Jan Overton, Stated Clerk,” be denied.
D. RESOLUTION FROM GRACE PRESBYTERY CONCERNING THE SACRAMENT OFBAPTISMThe Cumberland Presbyterian doctrine of baptism is sufficiently and clearly stated in the Confessionof Faith (5.18 - 5.22).
Baptism
5.18 Baptism symbolizes the baptism of the Holy Spirit and is the external sign of the covenant
which marks membership in the community of faith. In this sacrament the church witnesses to God’s
initiative to claim persons in Christ, forgive their sins, grant them grace, shape and order their lives throughthe work of the Holy Spirit, and set them apart for service.86
5.19 The sacrament of baptism is administered to infants, one or both of whose parents or guardiansaffirm faith in Jesus Christ and assume the responsibilities of the covenant, and to all persons who affirm
personal faith in Jesus Christ and have not received the sacrament.87
5.20 Water is the element to be used in this sacrament. The person receiving the sacrament is to bebaptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.88
5.21 In administering the sacrament the pouring or sprinkling of water on the person by the minister
fittingly symbolizes the baptism of the Holy Spirit; however, the validity of the sacrament is not dependent
upon its mode of administration.89
5.22 It is the privilege and duty of all believers to seek baptism for themselves and their children,and to accept its benefits. However, baptism is neither an indispensable condition of salvation nor effective

460

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

apart from life in Christ and the church.90
RECOMMENDATION 1: That the Resolution from Grace Presbytery Concerning the
Sacrament of Baptism which states:“Whereas, the Confession of Faith 5.16-5.17 states clearly that the sacrament of baptism is asign and testimony of God’s covenant of Grace. Baptism is to be administered by andthrough the church as part of her common worship,
Whereas, the Constitution 2.52 places the responsibility for the local church government upon
the session of a particular church. The session is responsible to lead in all ministries which
belong to the church. Under public worship the celebration of baptism of infants and adults
is one of the sacraments which belong to the church,
Whereas, the Constitution 2.60-2.64 makes clear that the person who is called and properly
ordained to minister serves in the office of minister of word and sacrament. Properly
ordained pastors are to administer baptism to infants and adults as one of the signs of God’scovenant of Grace,
Whereas, the Constitution 4.5 explains that the session is charged with pastoral oversight of aparticular church. One of the session’s many responsibilities is to urge upon parents theimportance of presenting their children for baptism,
Whereas, the Directory of Worship mentions no alternatives for baptism of adults or infants
Whereas, the Digest to the Confession of Faith 4.5 e, 1845 and 1897 explains that it is theduty of the parents to see that their children are baptized. The Digest further explains that
it is the duty of the minister in charge and the session to Biblically teach the church members
about the sacrament of baptism, which is to be administered to infants and adults, andBiblically teach
Therefore, be it resolved, that Grace Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
reaffirm the Confession of Faith and the Constitution and the Directory of Worship for
Cumberland Presbyterians,
Be it further resolved, that in doing so, no Cumberland Presbyterian minister or session
within Grace Presbytery allow for any alternatives to infant baptism, such as baby
dedication, christening, or naming as a means of entrance into the covenant community,
Be it further resolved, baby dedication is based upon human activity. A sacrament isbased upon God’s activity, and it is also a means of grace. By refusing the sacrament ofbaptism you refuse this means of grace to both children and adults.
I hereby certify that this Resolution was approved by Grace Presbytery on October 19, 2012 andis hereby submitted to the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church for further
action.
						Signed:						
Reverend Jan Overton, Stated Clerk,” be denied.
E. REFERRAL TO THE UNIFIED COMMITTEE ON THEOLOGY AND SOCIAL CONCERNSThe 2013 Cumberland Presbyterian Church General Assembly’s Committee on Theology andSocial Concerns requests that the Unified Committee on Theology and Social Concerns and the General
Assembly Office bring clarification and communicate to the 184th Cumberland Presbyterian Church
General Assembly regarding the relationship between baptism, profession of faith, and church membershipin the following areas:•  Our yearbook shows several churches with more baptisms than new members. Please clarify the
relationship between baptism and church membership.
•  Please clarify the relationship between baptism and a profession of faith. Is a profession of faithrecognized without baptism?
•  Please clarify the instructions for the annual report to support the findings.
•  Should we report professions of faith that do not result in church membership?

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

461

Respectfully submitted,
Committee on Theology and Social Concerns

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON
STEWARDSHIP/ELECTED OFFICERS(Appendix G)
I. REFERRALS
Referrals to this committee are as follows:  The Report of the Moderator, The Report of the StatedClerk, except section IV, which is referred to Judiciary Committee; The Report Number Two of the MinistryCouncil, Section I.e, The Report of the Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits; The Report of the
Our United Outreach Committee; The Report of the Place of Meeting Committee; The Memorial from Red
River Presbytery Concerning Congregations Who Secure Loans, and The Line Item Budgets Submitted byGeneral Assembly.

II. PERSONS OF COUNSEL
Appearing before this committee were: Reverend Robert Heflin, Executive Secretary, Reverend
Michael Wilkinson, Board Representative, and Mr. Boyd Day, Board Member from the Board of Stewardship,
Foundation and Benefits; Mr. Ron Gardner, Chair of the Our United Outreach Committee; Reverend Cliff
Hudson, Fund Development Coordinator of Our United Outreach; Reverend Michael Sharpe, Stated Clerk;
and Reverend Robert Rush, Moderator of 182nd General Assembly.

III. CONSIDERATION OF REFERRALS
A. REPORT OF THE MODERATOR
The committee would like to commend Reverend Robert Rush for his service as moderator andcommitment to the mission of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
The committee agrees with the Moderator’s concern regarding synodic functioning and theopportunity for continuing education in communion with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America.  
The committee recognizes the financial burden of such a meeting, but encourages it because of its positive
step toward unification through relationship building.
RECOMMENDATION 1: That Recommendation 1 of the Report of the Moderator, “Thatthe General Assembly encourage each synod to have a general synod in its next meeting and to seek
to involve the corresponding synod of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America in having aunion meeting,” be denied.
RECOMMENDATION 2: That the General Assembly encourage each synod to have ageneral synod at its 2014 meeting and seek to involve the corresponding synod of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church in America in having a union meeting. We further encourage synods to haveworkshops, e.g. OUO, Safe Sanctuary, etc. at this meeting.
B. REPORT OF THE STATED CLERK, EXCEPT SECTION IV
The Office of General Assembly is now responsible for reporting the “Church Calendar” to theGeneral Assembly.
RECOMMENDATION 3: That Recommendation 2 of the Report of the Stated Clerk, “That462

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

the 183rd General Assembly approve the following dates for the 2013-2015 Church Calendar,” beadopted, with the following changes in bold.
CHURCH CALENDAR 2013-2015
July-20138-10 Hispanic Pastors Conference, Bethel University, McKenzie, Tennessee
13 Program of Alternate Studies (PAS) Graduation
13-27 PAS Summer Extension School
16-20 Presbyterian Youth Triennium
16-20 Ministers Retreat, Bethel University, McKenzie, Tennessee
August-2013
3 Bethel Commencement
17 Bethel Blast
24 MTS Fall Semester Classes begin
25-Sept 29 Christian Education Season
27 Bethel Opening Convocation (171st Year)
September-2013
4 MTS Opening Convocation
8 Senior Adult Sunday
15 Christian Service Recognition Sunday
22 International Day of Prayer and Action for Human Habitat
October-2013
1-31 Clergy Appreciation Month
6 Worldwide Communion Sunday
13 Pastor Appreciation Sunday
19-20 Bethel Homecoming
27 Native American Sunday
November-2013
Any Sunday in November Loaves and Fishes
1 All Saints Day
1 World Community Day (Church Women United)
3 Stewardship Sunday
3-6 The Forum
10 Day of Prayer for People with AIDS and Other Life-Threatening Illnesses
17 Bible Sunday
December-2013
Any Sunday in December Gift to the King
1-25 Advent in Church and Home
7 Bethel Commencement
24 Christmas Eve
25 Christmas Day
January-2014
6 Epiphany
11 Human Trafficking Awareness Day
13-14 Stated Clerks’ Conference
15 Deadline for receipt of 2013 Our United Outreach Contributions
February-2014
1-28 Black History Month
1 Annual congregational reports due to General Assembly Office
2 Denomination Day
2 Historical Foundation Offering
2 Souper Bowl Sunday
9 Our United Outreach Sunday
16 Youth Sunday
March-2014
Women’s History Month (USA)
5 Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent
5–Apr 20 Lent to Easter2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

30-Apr 5 National Farm Workers Awareness Week
April-2014
13 Palm/Passion Sunday
13 One Great Hour of Sharing
17 Maundy Thursday
18 Good Friday
20 Easter
25-26 30-Hour Famine
27 CPCH Sunday
27 - May 3 Family Week
May-2014
2 Friendship Day (Church Women United)
17 MTS Closing Convocation & Graduation
25 Memorial Day Offering for Military Chaplains & Personnel for USA churches
June-2014
7 Children’s Fest, CPCH, Denton, TX
8 Pentecost
8 World Mission Sunday
16-20 General Assembly, Chattanooga, TN
17-19 CPWM Convention, Chattanooga, TN
July-20146-11 Cumberland Presbyterian Youth Conference, Bethel, McKenzie, TN
12 Program of Alternate Studies Graduation
12-26 PAS Summer Extension School, Bethel, McKenzie, TN
19 Children’s Fest, Bethel, McKenzie, TN
22-26 Ministers Retreat, Bethel, McKenzie, TN
August-2014
23 MTS Fall Semester Begins
31-Sept 28 Christian Education Season
September-2014
3 MTS Opening convocation
14 Senior Adult Sunday
21 Christian Service Recognition Sunday
28 International Day of Prayer and Action for Human Habitat
October-2014
Clergy Appreciation Month
5 Worldwide Communion Sunday
12 Pastor Appreciation Sunday
26 Native American Sunday
November-2014
Any Sunday Loaves and Fishes Program
1 All Saints Day
2 Stewardship Sunday
9 World Community Day (Church Women United)
9 Day of Prayer for People with Aids and Other Life-Threatening Illnesses
16 Bible Sunday
23 Christ the King Sunday
30-Dec 25 Advent in Church and Home
December-2014
Any Sunday Gift to the King Offering
24 Christmas Eve
25 Christmas Day
January-2015
6 Epiphany
11 Human Trafficking Awareness Day
12-13 Stated Clerks’ Conference
15 Deadline for receipt of 2014 Our United Outreach Contributions
February-2015

463

464

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

1-28 Black History Month
1 Annual congregational reports due in GA office
1 Denomination Day
1 Historical Foundation Offering
1 Souper Bowl Sunday
8 Our United Outreach Sunday
15 Youth Sunday
18 Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent
18–Apr 5 Lent to EasterMarch-2015
Women’s History Month (USA)22-28 National Farm Workers Awareness Week
29 Palm/Passion Sunday
29 One Great Hour of Sharing
April-2015
2 Maundy Thursday
3 Good Friday
5 Easter
12 CPCH Sunday
12-18 Family Week
25-26 30-Hour Famine
May-2015
1 Friendship Day (Church Women United)
16 MTS Closing Convocation & Graduation
24 Memorial Day Offering for Military Chaplains & Personnel for USA churches
24 Pentecost
24 World Mission Sunday
June-2015
General Assembly, Colombia, SA
CPWM Convention, Colombia, SA
July-2015
6-11 Cumberland Presbyterian Youth Conference, Bethel, McKenzie, TN
11 Program of Alternate Studies Graduation
11-25 PAS Summer Extension School, Bethel, McKenzie, TN
22-26 Ministers Retreat, Bethel, McKenzie, TN
C. REPORT NUMBER TWO OF THE MINISTRY COUNCIL SECTION I.E
The committee encourages all churches to participate in Our United Outreach and support the
programs of the denomination.   We believe membership at all judicatorial levels implies such support.  
We also believe the presbyteries should encourage all churches to support Our United Outreach.  Because
education about denominational programs occurs at General Assembly, we do not believe delegates should
be excluded based upon previous support of programming.
RECOMMENDATION 4: That Recommendation 2 of Report Number Two of the MinistryCouncil Section I.e., “That General Assembly encourage Presbyteries to consider Our United
Outreach support as important criteria when selecting Commissioners to General Assembly,” bedenied.
D. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF STEWARDSHIP, FOUNDATION AND BENEFITS
We reviewed the report and would like to call special attention to Section X.A.2. Ministerial Aid
Program-Basic Requirements and Section XI.B. Group Long Term Disability Insurance.  The committee
encourages Presbyterial committees on Stewardship and Ordained Ministry to review this information andcommunicate it accordingly to churches and church employees.
The committee commends Reverend Robert Heflin and the Board of Stewardship, Foundation and
Benefits for their diligent work in their many areas of responsibility.

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

465

E. REPORT OF THE OUR UNITED OUTREACH COMMITTEE
After Reverend George Cliff Hudson accepted the call to the position of Fund Development
Coordinator, the Our United Outreach Committee felt the need to change the name of the position.
RECOMMENDATION 5: That Recommendation 1 of The Report of Our United OutreachCommittee, “That we ask General Assembly that the title of Fund Development Coordinator bechanged to Development Director for Our United Outreach,” be adopted.
The Our United Outreach allocation basis for 2014 is $2,900,000.
RECOMMENDATION 6: That Recommendation 2 of The Report of Our United OutreachCommittee, “We ask General Assembly that the following allocation for incoming 2014 Our United
Outreach funds:
The allocation is to be as follows:			
$2,900,000.00
		

79,000.00
119,993.00
3,500.00
20,000.00
25,000.00
247,493.00

Ministry Council					Bethel University				Children’s Home				Stewardship					General Assembly Office			Memphis Theological Seminary/		
Program of Alternate Studies
Historical Foundation				
Shared Services				Comm. on Chaplains					Judiciary Committee					Theology/Social Concerns				Nominating Committee				Contingency Fund					$1,326,254.00			
132,625.00			
79,575.00			
159,150.00			
212,201.00			
185,676.00		
79,575.00			
450,926.00			
9,284.00			
8,753.00			
3,249.00			
2,719.00						
$2,652,507.00

Our United Outreach Goal

50%
5%
3%
6%
8%
7%
3%
17%
.350%
.330%
.123%
.103%
.095%

$2,900,000.00,” be adopted.

For the calendar year 2012, January 15, 2013, was used as the cut-off date for crediting Our United
Outreach monies received after December 31, 2012.   For bookkeeping purposes, the OUO Committee
requests establishing this date formally.
RECOMMENDATION 7: That Recommendation 3 of The Report of Our United OutreachCommittee, “That we ask General Assembly approval that the cut-off date for year-end Our United
Outreach monies be based on the postmark as on or before the last business date no later thanJanuary 15 each year and that this be adopted as policy,” be adopted.
A website is available to facilitate communication about Our United Outreach.

466

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

RECOMMENDATION 8: That Recommendation 4 of The Report of Our United OutreachCommittee, “We ask General Assembly to encourage local churches to link their website to the Our
United Outreach denominational website: www.cumberland.org/ouo,” be adopted.
F. REPORT OF THE PLACE OF MEETING COMMITTEE
The 184th General Assembly will be hosted by Tennessee–Georgia Presbytery on June 16-20,
2014 at the Chattanooga Choo-Choo Hotel concurrently with the General Assembly of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church in America.  The 185th General Assembly will be hosted by the Cauca Valley & Andes
Presbyteries in June 2015.  The Office of General Assembly is currently exploring options for the 186th
General Assembly in 2016 in a geographic area convenient to both the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America.
G. THE MEMORIAL FROM RED RIVER PRESBYTERY CONCERNING CONGREGATIONSWHO SECURE LOANSRECOMMENDATION 9: That the Memorial from Red River Presbytery Concerning
Congregations Who Secure Loans which states:“WHEREAS, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church is structured in such a way that presbyteries
hold title to the properties of the churches within their bounds, and
WHEREAS, congregations who secure loans through the denominational Board of Stewardship,
Foundation and Benefits have as their guarantors the presbytery of which they are a part,and
WHEREAS, the difficult economic times in which we are living and the unfortunate decline ofsome congregations can make it difficult for churches to keep current with the loan payments
through the denominational loan program, and
WHEREAS, it would make the planning of assistance with congregations who are struggling
financially much more manageable if presbyterial committees are informed in a timely
fashion so that their debt load does not become too big a burden for the presbytery, and
WHEREAS, a presbytery can better assist with a congregation to get back in good standing on
their loan when they are made aware of the situation before it becomes completely
overwhelming or unmanageable,
WHEREAS, there does not currently appear to be a timeline for reporting problems with debt
repayment from the denominational Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits to thepresbytery being affected by this situation,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the 183rd General Assembly of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church instruct the Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits to make itstandard practice to notify the Stated Clerk of the presbytery which has oversight andjurisdiction over the particular church any time a congregation falls behind in their loan
repayments by more than three months.
I certify that this is a true copy of a memorial adopted by Red River Presbytery on April 20, 2013.
						Signed:						Reverend Vernon Sansom, Stated Clerk,” be adopted.
H. LINE ITEM BUDGETS SUBMITTED BY GENERAL ASSEMBLY AGENCIESThe committee reviewed the line item budgetary items. No actions were required of this committee.
Respectfully submitted:
The Committee on Stewardship2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

467

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON
MINISTRY COUNCIL/COMMUNICATIONS/DISCIPLESHIP(Appendix H)
I. REFERRALS
Referrals to this committee are as follows:   The Report Number One of the Ministry Council,
except Sections IV and V, which are referred to Chaplains/Missions/Pastoral Development; and The Report
Number Two of the Ministry Council, except Section 1.b-c, which is referred to Judiciary; Section I.e whichis referred to Stewardship/Elected Officers; and Section III & IV which are referred to Chaplains/Missions/Pastoral Development.

II. PERSONS OF COUNSEL
Appearing before this committee were: Ms. Edith Old, Director of Ministries; Reverend Troy
Green, Representive from Ministry Council; Reverend Elinor Swindle Brown, Discipleship Ministry Team
Leader; and Mark Davis, Communications Ministry Team Leader.

III. CONSIDERATION OF REFERRALS
A. REPORT NUMBER ONE OF THE MINISTRY COUNCIL
1. Ministry Council
The Committee met with Ms. Edith Old, Director of Ministries and Reverend Troy Green, a
representative from the Ministry Council.  They shared information about the structure of the MinistryCouncil and the implications of this structure for the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.   They sharedwith the committee the importance of Our United Outreach Giving and the importance of having peopleinterested in serving on the Council to get in touch with them.  They also shared with us their leadershipvision of equipping the congregations, specifically the laity, to do the ministry of the church.  They thenshared how youth advisory members serving on the ministry council are a crucial part of this vision.   Dueto the importance of the youth advisory members on the council and the scheduling conflicts that arise inyouth going off to college the committee recommends the following:
RECOMMENDATION 1: That Recommendation 1 of the Report One of the MinistryCouncil, “That General Assembly Bylaw 10.08.03 be amended to read “The Stated Clerk, Moderator,
and Immediate Past Moderator shall be designated as Advisory Members to the Board of Directors of
the Ministry Council. In addition, the corporation shall elect three (3) Youth Advisory Members who
shall be between the ages of 15–17 be elected for 1-year terms, with eligibility for re-election for one
additional term” beginning in 2014; and that following this approved change to General Assembly
Bylaw 10.08.03, the Ministry Council Bylaws be amended accordingly,” be adopted.
2. Discipleship Ministry TeamThe Committee met with Reverend Elinor Swindle Brown, Discipleship Ministry Team Leader,and Elizabeth Gilbert Horsley, a representative of the Ministry Council.  They shared with us the curriculumthat our Discipleship Ministry Team produces and then spoke to the benefits of having curriculum endorsedby the General Assembly.  They shared with the criteria they used when evaluating curriculum which was
finding writers rooted in the Reformed Faith.
RECOMMENDATION 2: That Recommendation 2 of the Report One of the MinistryCouncil, “That the 183rd General Assembly endorse Encounter, Faith Out Loud, Faith Alive, Feastingon the Word, and Gather Round as CPC approved curriculum,” be adopted.
There is a great need in our times to create a safe environment for all people who walk through468

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

the doors of our churches and participate in the activities and events associated with our churches.  
The issue was also addressed in pre-assembly workshops prior to the 183rd General Assembly.  After
discussing the necessity for this type of planning to be done in our churches the committee then discussed
the Recommendation 3 of the Discipleship Ministry Team Report.   The committee then amended therecommendation to make it clearer that the plans are to be unique to each ministry setting.
RECOMMENDATION 3: That Recommendation 3 of the Report One of the MinistryCouncil, “That the 183rd General Assembly approve a plan for all congregations, presbyteries,
synods, and denominational groups to have a safe sanctuary policy in place by December 31, 2014,”
be denied.
RECOMMENDATION 4: That the 183rd General Assembly approve that all congregations,presbyteries, synods, and denominational groups have a safe sanctuary plan in place by December
31, 2014,” be adopted.
B. REPORT NUMBER TWO OF THE MINISTRY COUNCIL
The process of Certification of Youth ministers and certification of Christian educators wererecommended to the 2011 and 2012 General Assemblies respectively.  We will have our first candidate, Joanna
Bellis, eligible for certification this spring.  In light of this the committee considered Recommendations
3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 all together.    During our discussion a concern was brought up about the wording ofRecommendation 4 – “That upon satisfactory examination by presbytery for certification, a commission
be named to administer the certification in a commissioning/installation service of worship by asking
the questions for certification approved by the General Assembly.” The committee had concerns that theword installation is most often associated with installing someone to serve in a particular ministry setting.  
Reverend Elinor Brown came back before the committee to address this concern and expressed that she
thought the word installation had already been removed.  The committee was encouraged to remove theword installation from Recommendation 4 and was in agreement that the word be removed and that theminutes reflect this removal.
RECOMMENDATION 5: That Recommendation 3 of the Report Number Two of the
Ministry Council, “That Presbyterial Committees on the Ministry, when satisfied that a candidate
for certification of either Youth Ministry or Christian Education has completed the educational
requirements and upon satisfactory examination of the candidate, recommend to presbytery thatthe candidate be examined for certification by the presbytery. No call to a church is needed for
certification,” be adopted.
RECOMMENDATION 6: That Recommendation 4 of the Report Number Two of the
Ministry Council, “That upon satisfactory examination by presbytery for certification, a commission
be named to administer the certification in a commissioning/installation service of worship by asking
the questions for certification approved by the General Assembly,” be denied.
RECOMMENDATION 7: That upon satisfactory examination by presbytery for certification,
a commission be named to administer the certification in a commissioning service of worship byasking the questions of certification approved by the General Assembly, be adopted.
RECOMMENDATION 8: That Recommendation 5 of the Report Number Two of the
Ministry Council, “That a candidate for certification may be examined and approved for certificationby presbytery pending completion of all necessary classes prior to the commissioning service,” beadopted.
RECOMMENDATION 9: That Recommendation 6 of the Report Number Two of the
Ministry Council, “That the Discipleship Ministry Team will provide certificates for both Youth
Minister and Christian Educator certifications and presbyteries may request these through the CP
Resources,” be adopted.

2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

469

RECOMMENDATION 10: That Recommendation 7 of the Report Number Two of the
Ministry Council, “That if at all possible, a member of the Discipleship Ministry Team, either staff
or elected members, attend the commissioning service of individuals completing the Certification ofYouth Minister or Christian Educator process,” be adopted.
C. RECOMMENDATION FROM THE COMMITTEE
The committee spent a significant amount of time discussing the need for curriculum that is in thenative languages of all Cumberland Presbyterians.   Numerous committee members expressed the needfor curriculum in these ministry settings and the great benefit they would provide the churches there.  Thecommittee submits the following recommendation:
RECOMMENDATION 11: That the 183rd General Assembly encourage the Discipleship
Ministry Team to pursue creating 1st edition curriculum in native languages that represent all
Cumberland Presbyterians,” be adopted.
Respectfully submitted:
The Committee on Ministry Council/Communication/Discipleship

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON
CHAPLAINS/MISSIONS/PASTORAL DEVELOPMENT(Appendix I)
I. REFERRALS
Referrals to this committee are as follows:   The Report Number One of the Ministry Council,
Sections IV and V; The Report Number Two of the Ministry Council, Sections III and IV; and The Reportof the Commission on Military Chaplains and Personnel.

II. PERSONS OF COUNSEL
Appearing before this committee were: Reverend Ed Brogan, Director Presbyterian Council for
Chaplains and Military Personnel; Reverend Charles McCaskey, Retired Army Chaplain; Reverend Milton
Ortiz, Pastoral Development Ministry Team Leader; Reverend George Estes, Missions Ministry Team
Leader; Reverend Sam Romines, representative for the Ministry Council; and Reverend Michael Sharpe,
General Assembly Stated Clerk.

III. CONSIDERATION OF REFERRALS
A. REPORT NUMBER ONE OF THE MINISTRY COUNCIL, SECTIONS IV & V
This committee would like to commend the Missions Ministry Team and Team Leader, Reverend
George Estes, for their efforts to enable the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in fulfilling its call to God’s
mission of redemption and reconciliation on a global basis.  The Cumberland Presbyterian Church continues
to grow daily through many global ministry efforts.
The committee notes the retirement of Reverend Robert Watkins, who retired July 2012 andcommends him for his 44 years of service as a missionary, pastor, director of global missions, and staff
member of the Board of Missions/Missions Ministry Team.  The committee commends Reverend Watkins
for his significant contributions to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and his global vision for God’schurch.  We wish God’s blessings in his retirement.
The committee would like to call attention to the inadvertent omission to recognize the presence

470

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

of Cumberland Presbyterian missionary, John Lovelace.  Also present are current missionaries Kenneth
and Delight Hopson; Boyce and Beth Wallace; Daniel and Kay Jang; Lynn and Nona Thomas, and former
missionary Beverly Stott.   We celebrate with Boyce and Beth Wallace on their 50 year anniversary of
mission work in Colombia.  Our committee commends each of you and the many other missionaries current
and past ministering and delivering the gospel of Jesus Christ on behalf of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church.
The committee calls attention to the Missions Advocate Retreat, March 7-8, 2014, at the West
Nashville Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Presbyterial Boards of Missions and others are encouraged tosend representatives.
The committee notes the Youth Missions Trip to Hong Kong, June 28-July15, 2014.
The committee recognizes Reverend Johan Daza as the new Director of Cross-Cultural Ministries
in the United States.
The committee commends Reverend Lynn Thomas, Director of Global Cross-Cultural Ministries,
for his tireless and sacrificial service to furthering God’s Kingdom around the world.
The committee wishes to call attention to the need for a missionary fund to help fund current
and future mission efforts around the world as a part of the Step Out! movement previously approved byGeneral Assembly.  The committee recognizes that an excellent way to raise funds for missions could bethrough a denomination-wide Missionary Support Fund such as the Stott-Wallace Missionary Fund being
introduced at this General Assembly and already fully endorsed by the Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s
Ministry.  We concur in the need for the fund as well as with the funding method proposed by the Missions
Ministry Team and encourage ongoing creative fund raising throughout the year, therefore we make thefollowing recommendation:
RECOMMENDATION 1: That Recommendation 4 of the Report Number One of the
Ministry Council, “That the General Assembly authorize a church-wide missionary fund offering,in response to Step Out! Goals, to be named the Stott-Wallace Missionary Fund, directed toward the
support of Cumberland Presbyterian missionaries, with the special offering to be taken in churches
on Pentecost/World Mission Sunday each year, and that additional contributions may be collected
throughout the year for this purpose,” be adopted.
This Committee would like to commend the Pastoral Development Ministry Team and Team
Leader, Reverend Milton Ortiz, for providing care, concern, and resources for clergy and probationers of
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and keeping God’s call before the church in the United States andaround the globe.
The committee calls attention to three items from the Pastoral Development Ministry Team’s report:a.  The 2014 Ministers Conference will be held next January 14-16, 2014, in Huntsville, Alabama.  
The theme will be “Preaching the Parables of Jesus” by Cumberland Presbyterians and will feature eight
Cumberland Presbyterian and Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America preachers sharing their sermons
on select parables.
b.   The Clergy Crisis Fund administered by the Pastoral Development Ministry Team exists to
help ministers and the families of ministers in need beyond the realm of normal circumstances.  The fundcurrently has approximately $20,000 available to assist in clergy crisis situations but the fund is still open
to more gifts.  The Pastoral Development Ministry Team dreams of a fund with $50,000 available to assist
in clergy crisis situations.
c.  The Ministers Retreat is offered yearly at the Summer Extension School (third block of Programof Alternate Studies) to provide ministers a time to get away from everyday stresses in a setting thatcombines rest and reflection.  This year’s retreat will be held July 16-20, 2013, at Bethel University.  ThePastoral Development Ministry Team provides $1,500 in scholarships for interested ministers as well as
free lodging.
B. REPORT NUMBER TWO OF THE MINISTRY COUNCIL, SECTION III & IV2013

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

471

The committee has extensively discussed the challenges of the Missions Ministry Team as theywork to evangelize and plant churches globally in Christ on behalf of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
and yet fulfill the constitutional requirements for the formation of new churches, new presbyteries, and theinstallation of pastors on non-USA mission fields such as the newly developing Guatemalan field.  Thecommittee further recognizes need for a constitutional interpretation of the process by which new works
and new fields can be established constitutionally with more ease.  It is the also the feeling of the committeethat members of the Missions Ministry Team who already make trips on behalf of our denomination shouldbe empowered to act on our behalf in Step Out! efforts.  Historically recognizing such a need, the 1984
General Assembly so empowered the Board of Missions to act on non-USA mission fields to carry out thefunction of a presbytery when no presbytery had yet to be formed.  Due to the structural reorganizationof the denominational boards and agencies, this programmatic provision needs to be reassigned to theappropriate entity.  Further recognizing that the Missions Ministry Team meets regularly at least twice ayear with elected and staff members (clergy and elders), we therefore make the following recommendation:
RECOMMENDATION 2: That Recommendation 8 of the Report Number Two of the
Ministry Council, “That the General Assembly, following previously approved guidelines and ininterpretation of the Constitution, sections 9.4 d, j, and m, designates the Missions Ministry Team(elected and staff members) or its successor as the agency responsible for oversight, guidance andauthority for mission work and mission fields that cannot have a meaningful relationship with apresbytery due to distance and/or language. The Missions Ministry Team is authorized to conduct
all actions typical in oversight of such mission work until such time as a presbytery can be formed toaccommodate the mission churches, pastors and probationers. As part of its oversight, the Missions
Ministry Team may, if circumstances warrant, attach mission work to an existing presbytery, with its
approval, following General Assembly-approved guidelines for host presbyteries,” be adopted.
The committee recognizes the extreme importance of ministerial ethics and that the Pastoral
Development Ministry Team has thoughtfully prepared a study guide developed for the ministers andcongregations of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in an effort to define ethical standards of ministrythat are clear to ministers and congregations.  Seeing the importance of understanding ministerial ethics, wetherefore make the following recommendation:
RECOMMENDATION 3: That Recommendation 9 of the Report Number Two of the
Ministry Council, “That the 183rd General Assembly encourage Cumberland Presbyterian ministers,
probationers, sessions, congregations, presbyterial committees, denominational staff and institutions
to study the Covenant of Trust: Ministerial Ethics for Cumberland Presbyterians,” be adopted.
The committee encourages presbyteries to require probationers and licentiates to study the Covenantof Trust.
C. REPORT OF THE COMMISSION ON MILITARY CHAPLAINS & PERSONNEL
The committee appreciates the ministry of our Cumberland Presbyterian chaplains who ministerto military personnel both in the United States and around the globe.  We affirm the work of our militarychaplains as they continue to provide spiritual guidance for military personnel and families in thesechallenging times.  The committee encourages churches to support the work of military chaplains in thefollowing ways:a.  Contact the Stated Clerk’s Office for information on military chaplains at local bases.
b.  Contact the Stated Clerk’s Office for information on supporting overseas chapel programs.
c.  Contact local Veterans services (VFW, American Legion, Vet Centers, VA Hospitals, National
Guard) for opportunities to support local veterans and families.
Recognizing the need for funding to continue the work of the chaplaincy, we make the following
recommendation:

472

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2013

RECOMMENDATION 4: That the collection of an annual Memorial Day Offering, whichis recommended to take place on the Sunday closest to Memorial Day yearly, be encouraged in the
churches across the denomination in the United States and the money collected from such church
offerings be sent to the General Assembly Stated Clerk and then forwarded to the Chaplains Council
for support of their efforts.
Respectfully submitted:
The Committee on Chaplains/Missions/Pastoral Development

CHURCH CALENDAR 2013-2014
JULY 2013

JANUARY 2014

8-10

Hispanic Pastors Conference, Bethel University,
McKenzie, TN
13
Program of Alternate Studies Graduation
13-27 PAS Summer Extension School
16-20 Presbyterian Youth Triennium
16-20 Ministers Retreat, Bethel University, McKenzie,
		TN

6
11
13-14
15

Epiphany
Human Trafficking Awareness Day
Stated Clerk’s Conference
Deadline for receipt of 2013 Our United
Outreach contributions

FEBRUARY 2014
AUGUST 20133
Bethel Commencement
17
Bethel Blast
24
MTS Fall classes begin
25-Sept 29 Christian Education Season
27
Bethel Convocation

SEPTEMBER 2013
4
8
15
22

MTS Opening Convocation
Senior Adult Sunday
Christian Service Recognition Sunday
International Day of Prayer and Action for
Human Habitat

1-28
1
2
2
2
9
16

Black History Month
Annual congregational reports due in GA officeDenomination Day
Historical Foundation Offering
Souper Bowl Sunday
Our United Outreach Sunday
Youth Sunday

MARCH 2014
1-31
Women’s History Month (USA)5
Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent
5-Apr 20
Lent to Easter
30-Apr 5      National Farm Workers Awareness Week

APRIL 2014
OCTOBER 2013
1-31
6
13
19-20
27

Clergy Appreciation Month
Worldwide Communion Day
Pastor Appreciation Sunday
Bethel Homecoming
Native American Sunday

13
Palm/Passion Sunday
13
One Great Hour of Sharing
17
Maundy Thursday
18
Good Friday
20
Easter25-26 30-Hour Famine
27
Children’s Home Sunday
27–May 3     Family Week

NOVEMBER 2013
Any Sunday in November Loaves and Fishes
1
All Saints Day
1
World Community Day (Church Women United)3
Stewardship Sunday
3-6
The Forum10
Day of Prayer for People with AIDS and Other
Life-Threatening Illnesses
17
Bible Sunday

MAY 20142
17
25

Friendship Day (Church Women United)
MTS Closing Convocation & Graduation
Memorial Day Offering for Military
Chaplains & Personnel for USA churches

JUNE 2014
DECEMBER 2013
Any Sunday in December Gift to the King
1-25
Advent in Church and Home
7
Bethel Commencement
24
Christmas Eve
25
Christmas Day

7
Children’s Fest, CPCH, Denton, TX
8Pentecost
8
World Mission Sunday
16-20 General Assembly, Chattanooga, TN
17-19 CPWM Convention, Chattanooga, TN
30-July 5     Cumberland Presbyterian Youth Conference