2008 MINUTES OF THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

This mosaic was displayed at General Assembly.
It was created by Japan Presbytery using tiny pieces of paper.

2008 Minutesof theGeneral AssemblyMany Branches,
One TreeJohn 15

Cumberland Presbyterian Church

CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CENTER OFFICES
1978 UNION AVENUE
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE 38104
Central Telephone for Center Offices: (901)276-4572, Historical Foundation Telephone: (901)276-8602
Missions Ministry Team Telephone: (901)276-9988, Resource Center Telephone: (901)276-4581
BOARD OF STEWARDSHIP, FOUNDATION
AND BENEFITS
Phone (901)276-4572; FAX (901)272-3913
Robert Heflin, Executive SecretaryExt-207
rah@cumberland.org
Mark Duck, Coordinator of BenefitsExt-204
rmd@cumberland.org
Janie Estes, Administrative AssistantExt-206
jee@cumberland.org
Missy Rose, Administrative AssistantExt-215
jrm@cumberland.org
CENTRAL SERVICES
Phone (901)276-4572; FAX (901)272-3913
Jess Hipsher, Accounting Coordinator
jwh@cumberland.org
Matthew Gore, Computer Services
mhg@cumberland.org

Ext-210Ext-252DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRY TEAM
Phone (901)276-4572; FAX (901)276-4578
Frank Ward, Executive Director
fdw@cumberland.org
Res. Tel. (901)837-1972
Elinor Brown, Coordinator of Stewardship
esb@cumberland.org
Matt Gore, Coordinator of C.P. Resources & Promotion
resources@cumberland.org
Susan Groce, Youth Ministry/Outdoor Ministry
scg@cumberland.org
Cindy Martin, Children’s Ministry/Consultant Program
chm@cumberland.org
Christine Tyler, Administrative Assistant
cdt@cumberland.org

Ext-223
Ext-235
Ext-252
Ext-218
Ext-219
Ext-202

HISTORICAL FOUNDATION OF THE CPC & CPCA
Phone (901)276-4572; FAX (901)272-3913
Susan Knight Gore, Archivist
Ext-214skg@cumberland.org
Missy Rose, Administrative AssistantExt-215
jrm@cumberland.org

MISSIONS MINISTRY TEAM
Phone (901)276-9988; FAX (901)276-4578
Michael Sharpe, Executive Director
Ext-232
mgs@cumberland.org
George Estes, Evangelism/Church Development
Ext-234
gre@cumberland.org
Sowgand Sheikholeslami, Communications/Publications
sowgand@cumberland.org
Ext-211
Marjorie Shannon, Administration/Financemss@cumberland.org
Ext-230
Pam Phillips-Burk, Congregational/Women’s Ministry
114 Raspberry Way, Madison, AL 35757
pam@cumberland.org
(256)325-5110
Lynn Thomas, Cross Culture Ministies
5100 Cahaba Valley Road, Birmingham, AL 35242
lynndont@bellsouth.net
(205)408-9400
Robert Watkins, Global Missions
2365 Addalynn Drive, Marion, IA 52302
watkr@mac.com
(319)431-0990
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OFFICE
Phone (901)276-4572; FAX (901)272-3913
Robert Rush, Stated Clerk
rdr@cumberland.org
Res. Tel. (901)213-4879
Elizabeth Vaughn, Assistant to the Stated Clerk
eav@cumberland.org
Res. Tel. (901)377-8808

Ext-225
Ext-226

MINISTRY COUNCIL
Phone (901)276-4572; FAX (901)276-3913
Edith Gholson, Director of Ministries
emg@cumberland.org

Ext-228

PASTORAL LEADERSHIP TEAM
Phone (901)276-4572; FAX (901)276-4578
Stephanie Brown, Director of Ministry
ssb@cumberland.org
Res. Tel. (901)729-3612

Ext-235

OTHER CHURCH OFFICESBETHEL COLLEGE
325 Cherry Avenue, McKenzie, TN 38201
Phone (731)352-4000
Robert Prosser, President
Phyllis Campbell, Interim Academic Dean
Toni Prosser, Director of Development
Walter Butler, Director of Business Operations
James Stewart, Dean of Student Development

FAX (731)352-4069

COMMUNICATIONS TEAM
P.O. Box 935, Antioch, TN 37011
Phone (615)731-5556
cpmag@comcast.net
Patricia P. White, Executive Director/Editor
Pat DeVries, Subscriptions
PROGRAM OF ALTERNATE STUDIES
168 East Parkway South at Union, Memphis, TN 38104-4395
Phone (901)334-5853
FAX (901)452-4051
Thomas D. Campbell, Director
Res. Tel. (901)327-5439
tcampbell@memphisseminary.edu

CHILDREN’S HOME
1304 Bernard (Mail Address: Drawer G), Denton, TX 76202
Phone (940)382-5112
FAX (940)387-0821
cpch@cpch.org
Kevin Henson, Executive Director
Ext-240khenson@cpch.org
Randy Hinshaw, Director of OperationsExt-258
Caroline Lara, Director of Advancement
Ext-270
Amy Watson, Director of Clinical ServicesExt-245
Ruth Wimberly, Finance Coordinator
Ext-223
MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
168 East Parkway South, Memphis, TN 38104-4395
Phone (901)458-8232
FAX (901)452-4051
www.MemphisSeminary.edu
Daniel J. Earheart-Brown, President
Barbara Holmes, Vice-President of Academic Affairs/Dean
Cathi Johnson, Vice-President of Advancement
Laurie Sharpe, Executive Assistant to the President

2008 MINUTES
General Assembly
Cumberland Presbyterian Church

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 thelove of God to the glory of Jesus Christ.

Priority Goals• Recruit, educate and nurture clergy and laity for their specific ministries.
• Revitalize and equip congregations and presbyteries to fulfill the mission (vision)of the church.
• Establish new congregations.
• For the next 5 years focus on evangelism.

ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY-EIGHTH MEETINGTOKYO, JAPAN***********

NEXT MEETING - MEMPHIS, TENNESSEEJUNE 15 - 19, 2009***********The mosaic on the front cover was displayed at General Assembly.
The original design was made by Brother Kiichi Nobuoka, a member of Izumi Mission Church,
Japan Presbytery. The actual Mosaic was completed by various people including visitors from the US
and other countries but primarily by CPW of Japan Presbytery using tiny pieces of paper.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Vision of Ministry and Priority Goals...............................................................................................Title Page
Program....................................................................................................................................................... 2-3
Commissioners................................................................................................................................................4
Youth Advisory Delegates..............................................................................................................................5
Committees and Abbreviations.......................................................................................................................5
Committee Meeting Rooms............................................................................................................................5
Committee Assignments.................................................................................................................................6
Assembly Meetings and Officers................................................................................................................ 7-9
By Laws of General Assembly Corporation.................................................................................................10
General Regulations................................................................................................................................ 19-21
Memorial Roll of Ministers..........................................................................................................................22
Living General Assembly Moderators..........................................................................................................23
Membership of Boards and Agencies..................................................................................................... 24-31
Reports
Moderator...............................................................................................................................................32
Stated Clerk (Report Number One)........................................................................................................35
Stated Clerk (Report Number Two).......................................................................................................46
Ministry Council.....................................................................................................................................47
Board of Christian Education (Report Number One)............................................................................59
		 United Board for Christian Discipleship.........................................................................................75
Board of Christian Education (Report Number Two)...........................................................................80
Board of Missions..................................................................................................................................84
Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits..................................................................................114
Board of Trustees of the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home.................................................134
Board of Trustees of Memphis Theological Seminary.........................................................................138
The Cumberland Presbyterian Publication Board................................................................................152
Board of the Historical Foundation......................................................................................................156
Commission on Chaplains and Military Personnel..............................................................................165
Commission on the Ministry................................................................................................................168
Permanent Judiciary Committee..........................................................................................................173
Joint Committee...................................................................................................................................174
Nominating Committee........................................................................................................................178
Place of Meeting Committee................................................................................................................181
Unified Committee on Theology and Social Concerns........................................................................183
Board of Trustees of Bethel College....................................................................................................185
Catechism.............................................................................................................................................187
Other Papers
General Assembly Center Task Force (Report Number One)..............................................................195
General Assembly Center Task Force (Report Number Two)..............................................................197
Memorials
From Presbytery del Cristo Concerning Actions of 177th General Assembly.....................................199
From Red River Presbytery Concerning the Soliciting of Contributions
		 by the Church of St. Giles..............................................................................................................199
Agency Budgets..........................................................................................................................................200
AuditsAgencies...............................................................................................................................................212
Bethel College......................................................................................................................................265
Children’s Home...................................................................................................................................311
Historical Foundation...........................................................................................................................328
Memphis Theological Seminary..........................................................................................................337
Minutes of the General Assembly...............................................................................................................358
Appendices
Credentials............................................................................................................................................368
Children’s Home/Bethel College..........................................................................................................368
Judiciary...............................................................................................................................................369
Christian Ed/Stewardship.....................................................................................................................376
Theology and Social Concerns.............................................................................................................377
Memphis Theological Seminary/Historical Foundation......................................................................379
Program Planning.................................................................................................................................381
Missions/Ministry/Chaplains................................................................................................................388
Index .......................................................................................................................................................391
Calendar.........................................................................................................................................Back Cover2

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2008

PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Assembly Meetings: Tama Center and Shin-Yurigaoka
Retiring Moderator: The Reverend Frank Ward
Host:			Japan Presbytery
Worship Director: The Reverend Makihiko Arase				Japan Presbytery
Music Director:
Mr. Takashi Mogi
Guitarist:			
Mr. Yusuke Watanabe
Organists:		
Ms. Sachiko Kosaka
				Ms. Teruko Yuasa
				
Ms. Momoyo Kokubu

FIRST DAY - SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2008
Location

Time		Event

Keio Plaza andMolino Hotels

8:30 a.m.
Registration for Commissioners and Youth Advisory Delegates- 11:00 p.m.	(in the lobby area)

Koza CP Church		
Setup displays
1:00 p.m.
Opening Worship		The Retiring Moderator: The Reverend Frank Ward
			 West Tennessee Presbytery		Worship Director:
2:30 p.m.
Break for Commissioners to move to Commissioners
		Section for business session
2:45 p.m.
Constitution of General Assembly		Report of the Credentials Committee		Election of Moderator
		Election of Vice-Moderator
		
Presentation by the Stated Clerk, Robert D. Rush		
Communications
		Committee Appointments and Referrals to Committees
		Election of Stated Clerk
		
Welcome, Pastor Host, Local Officials, United Church of Christ in Japan,
			 and Presbyterian Church in Japan		Resolutions by Commissioners
		
Presentations
		Introduction of Board and Agency Representatives
5:30 p.m.
Fellowship Time (A casual reception will be provided at the annex hall.)		
Take down displays		Youth Welcome Party

SECOND DAY - SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2008
10:30 a.m.
		Parthenon Tama
4:00 p.m.
(Tama Center)- 5:00 p.m.
Koza CP Church
4:00 p.m.6:30 p.m.
- 5:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
- 9:00 p.m.

Worship in local churches(Japan Presbytery to assign churches.)
Committee Meetings
Youth Fellowship
Break for dinnerCommittee Meetings

2008

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

3

THIRD DAY - MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2008
Parthenon Tama
(Tama Center)

9:00 a.m.
- 5:00 p.m.
5:00 p.m.

Committee Meetings
Dinner BreakEvening Program
Parthenon Tama
7:00 p.m.
(Tama Center)		

Worship - Elder Raymond Wong
Hong Kong Presbytery

FOURTH DAY - TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2008
Asao Citizenz Hall
9:00 a.m.
(Shin-Yurigaoka)		
9:30 a.m.
5:00 p.m.

Devotional, Youth Advisory DelegateMarisa Knight, Trinity Presbytery
General Assembly Business
Dinner BreakEvening Program
Asao Citizenz Hall

7:00 p.m.
- 9:00 p.m.

Conclusion of General Assembly Business

FIFTH DAY - WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2008
9:00 a.m.

Sight-seeing Day (Optional)

SIXTH DAY - THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2008
Parthenon Tama
(Tama Center)

9:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
2:00 p.m.
		

Setup displays
Celebration I
Celebration II
Take down displays

Evening Program
Parthenon Tama
7:00 p.m.
(Tama Center)		
		

Closing Worship
Preacher: The Reverend Masahiro Matsumoto
Japan Presbytery

Big Hall4

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2008

COMMISSIONERS
to theONE HUNDRED SEVENTY-EIGHT GENERAL ASSEMBLYPRESBYTERYMINISTERCOMMITTEEELDERCOMMITTEE

Andes (2).......................... Luz Maria Heilbron de Montoya CE/S
Arkansas (2)..................... Brent Ballow.......................M/M/C................. Helen McGowan...................... CE/S........................... Wayne Wood..................... CPCH/BC
Cauca Valley (2)Choctaw (1)...................... Virginia Espinoza............. CPCH/BC............... Lola John.................................. CE/S
Columbia (2).................... Larry Guin...........................M/M/C................. Byrne Dunn........................... MTS/HF........................... Wayne Morgan.........................J....................... Juliann Gillespie................... CPCH/BC
Covenant (3)..................... Dare Aden.................................J....................... Reese Baker.......................... CPCH/BC........................... Jeff Biggs.............................M/M/C................. Sandra Boaz................................ PP........................... Danny Potts.......................... CE/S................... David Copeland............................J
Cullman (1)...................... Lon Broyles...........................TSC.................... Jimmie Moore..............................J
Cumberland (3)................ Dennis Preston.......................TSC.................... Kathy Allen................................ PP........................... Sam Romines............................J....................... Marlene Darland......................M/M/C
Del Cristo (3)................... Dennis Benadom.................. CE/S................... Pam Davis............................ CPCH/BC........................... Tom Martin........................ MTS/HF................ Jerry Young................................. PP........................... Theresa Martin.........................J....................... Tom McWilliams.......................TSC
East Tennessee (3)............ Bill Ivey....................................J....................... Humberto Urquiza...................M/M/C........................... Randall Mayfield.................. CE/S................... Dallas Hord........................... MTS/HF........................... Milton Ortiz............................ PP..................... Joe Malloy............................ CPCH/BC
Grace (3).......................... Mindy Acton........................M/M/C................. Chuck Bingham.................... CPCH/BC........................... Robert Tant........................... CE/S................... Lewis Jones..................................J........................... Michael Wilkinson........... CPCH/BC
Hong Kong (1)................. Amos Yuen..........................M/M/C................. Ellis Ng....................................M/M/C
Hope (1)........................... Jimmy Cox............................. PP..................... Trenelia Malone........................TSC
Japan (1)........................... Masaharu Asayama...............TSC.................... Mitsuru Hagiuda......................M/M/C
Missouri (1)...................... Glenda Melson......................TSC.................... Gary Moore........................... MTS/HF
Murfreesboro (3).............. Jeff Clark.............................M/M/C................. Roger Brownyard.................. MTS/HF........................... Jonathan Clark................... MTS/HF................ Rick Gamble............................. CE/S........................... Denny Shepard.........................J....................... Mike Tharp................................. PP
Nashville (3)..................... Ronnie Pittenger............... CPCH/BC............... Ralph Baggett........................... CE/S........................... Lowell Roddy......................... PP..................... Delmas Brake........................ MTS/HF........................... Kip Rush...................................J....................... E.J. Boyson................................TSC
North Central (2).............. Eduardo Montoya..................TSC.................... Anna Ruth Long...........................J........................... Carroll Richards................ MTS/HF................ Priscilla Wilson........................ CE/S
Red River (3).................... L.G. Parkhurst.................. CPCH/BC............... Judy Davidson..............................J........................... Mike Sharpe..........................TSC.................... David Huff.................................. PP........................... Linda Snelling...................... CE/S................... Steve Kramer......................... MTS/HF
Robert Donnell (1)........... Earl Goodwin......................... PP..................... Jeffery Hyatt............................M/M/C
Tenn./Georgia (2)............. Carlton Harper................... MTS/HF................ Lou (Sylvia) Hall........................ PP........................... Ji Eun (Sarah) Lee...............M/M/C
Trinity (2)......................... Geoff Knight..................... CPCH/BC............... Ethel Benedict.........................M/M/C........................... Cynthia Maddux..................... PP..................... Lezlie Daniel.............................TSC
West Tennessee (5)........... Ron McMillan.....................M/M/C................. Mark Davis................................TSC........................... Michael Qualls......................TSC.................... Mark Maddox..........................M/M/C........................... James Ratliff........................... PP..................... Diann White.......................... MTS/HF........................... Frank Ward....................... CPCH/BC............... Marianna Williams..................... PP........................... William Warren................. MTS/HF

2008

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

5

YOUTH ADVISORY DELEGATES
to theONE HUNDRED SEVENTY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY(Each Presbytery is eligible to send two Youth Advisory Delegates)
PRESBYTERYDELEGATECOMMITTEE

Arkansas..........................................................Dana Ballow................................................................................ PP..........................................................Logan Dockins.......................................................................MTS/HF
Choctaw
Columbia.........................................................Kasey Davis..........................................................................CPCH/BC..........................................................Morgan Williams......................................................................... J
Covenant.........................................................Noah Quinton.............................................................................. PP
CullmanCumberland.....................................................Jeanette Whitedel Cristo.........................................................Phillip Barton............................................................................... J..........................................................Eric Benedom.......................................................................... M/M/C
East Tennessee
Grace
Hope
Japan ..........................................................Ryo Katagiri.............................................................................. TSC..........................................................Rutsuko Matsumoto................................................................ M/M/C
MissouriMurfreesboro
Nashville.........................................................Mitchell Law.........................................................................CPCH/BC..........................................................Ean Taylor.................................................................................CE/S
North Central
Red River........................................................Paige Duggins........................................................................... TSC..........................................................Kaitlyn James.......................................................................... M/M/C
Robert Donnell
Tennessee-Georgia
Trinity ..........................................................Ben Daniel.............................................................................MTS/HF..........................................................Marisa Knight............................................................................. PPWest Tennessee...............................................Heather Glenn...........................................................................CE/S..........................................................Rhett Ramsay............................................................................ TSC

COMMITTEES ABBREVIATIONS AND MEETING ROOMS
Parthenon Tama (Tama Center)
ABBREV.

COMMITTEEMEETING ROOM

CPCH/BC.......................................... Children’s Home/Bethel College............................ NO. 1
CE/S.................................................. Christian Education/Stewardship........................... NO. 1
J .................................................... Judiciary......................................................... NO. 2
MTS/HF............................................ Memphis Theological Seminary/
		 .................................................... Historical Foundation ............................................Atelier
M/M/C............................................... Missions/Ministry/Chaplains................................. Special
PP .................................................... Program Planning................................................... NO. 3
TSC................................................... Theology/Social Concerns..................................... Study6

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2008

COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
1.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION/STEWARDSHIP
(NO. 1)Chair: Rev. Linda Snelling
Co-Chair: Elder Rick Gamble
Ministers: Dennis Benadom, Randall Mayfield, Luz Maria Heilbron de Montoya, Danny Potts,
Robert Tant
Elders: Ralph Baggett, Lola John, Helen McCowan, Priscilla Wilson
Youth Advisory Delegates: Heather Glenn, Ean Taylor

2.

CHILDREN’S HOME/BETHEL COLLEGE
(NO. 1)Chair: Elder Joe Malloy		
Co-Chair: Rev. Virginia Espinoza
Ministers: Geoff Knight, L.G. Parkhurst, Ronnie Pittenger, Frank Ward, Michael Wilkinson,
Wayne Wood
Elders: Reese Baker, Chuck Bingham, Pam Davis, Juliann Gillespie
Youth Advisory Delegates: Kasey Davis, Mitchell Law

3.

JUDICIARY(NO. 2)Chair: Rev. Wayne Morgan		
Co-Chair: Elder Judy Davidson
Ministers: Dare Aden, Bill Ivey, Theresa Martin, Sam Romines, Kip Rush, Denny Shepard
Elders: David Copeland, Lewis Jones, Anna Ruth Long, Jimmie Moore
Youth Advisory Delegates: Phillip Barton, Morgan Williams

4.

MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY/HISTORICAL FOUNDATION
(Atelier)
Chair: Elder Diann White		
Co-Chair: Rev. Tom Martin
Ministers: Jonathan Clark, Carlton Harper, Carroll Richards, William Warren
Elders: Delmas Brake, Roger Brownyard, Bryne Dunn, Dallas Hord, Stephen Kramer, Gary Moore
Youth Advisory Delegates: Ben Daniel, Logan Dockins

5.

MISSIONS/MINISTRY/CHAPLAINS(Special Meeting)
Chair: Rev. Jeff Clark		
Co-Chair: Elder Ethel Benedict
Ministers: Mindy Acton, Brent Ballow, Jeff Biggs, Larry Guin, Sarah Lee, Ron McMillan, Amos
Yuen
Elders: Marlene Darland, Mitsura Hagiuda, Jeffery Hyatt, Ellis Ng, Mark Maddox, Humberto
Urquiza
Youth Advisory Delegates: Eric Benadom, Kaitlyn James, Rutsuko Matsumoto

6.

PROGRAM PLANNING
(NO. 3)Chair: Rev. James Ratliff
Co-Chair: Elder Sandra Boaz
Ministers: Jimmy Cox, Earl Goodwin, Cynthia Maddox, Milton Ortiz, Lowell Roddy
Elders: Kathy Allen, Lou (Sylvia) Hall, David Huff, Mike Tharp, Marianna Williams, Jerry Young
Youth Advisory Delegates: Dana Ballow, Marissa Knight, Noah Quinton

7.

THEOLOGY/SOCIAL CONCERNS(Study)Chair: Elder Lezlie Daniel		
Co-Chair: Rev. Masaharu Asayama
Ministers: Lon Broyles, Glenda Melson, Eduardo Montoya, Dennis Preston, Michael Qualls,
Mike Sharpe
Elders: E.J. Boyson, Mark Davis, Trenelia Malone, Tom McWilliams
Youth Advisory Delegates: Paige Duggins, Ryo Katagiri, Rhett Ramsey

9.

CREDENTIALS:
Chair: Robert Tant
Members: Heather Glenn, Anna Ruth Long, Denny Shepherd

2008

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH7ASSEMBLY 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

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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

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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
2008, June 7........................ Japan.................................................Jonathan Clark............................................... Robert D. Rush.......................82

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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 power 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”.
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; and		
f. 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 1,250, or
fraction thereof, active members (including ordained clergy) in the presbytery. Each elder selected as aCommissioner 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.
4.03 Youth Advisory Delegates. Each presbytery may select not more than two youth advisory

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delegates 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. Written notice of any special meeting shall be mailed to the statedclerks of all presbyteries, to all Commissioners, and to their alternates at least sixty (60) days prior to themeeting. The notice shall specify the particular business of the special meeting, and no other business shallbe transacted.
4.06 Place of Meeting. The General Assembly may designate any place within or outside the stateof Tennessee as the place for any 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
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 the12

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following 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 so taken and signed by all of the members entitled tovote,
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
the Commissioners for misfeasance or if he or she is no longer qualified to be elected to the Board of
Directors.
Article 6-Waiver of Notice6.01 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
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 Vice-Moderator. The General Assembly may elect a Vice-Moderator in like manner. The
Vice-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.
7.03 Duties. The Moderator shall:		a. Preside at all meetings of the General Assembly.
		b. Appoint, with the consent of the General Assembly, such special committees as are

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needed;		c. Serve on the General Assembly Place of Meeting Committee;
		d. Perform such other duties as may be assigned by the General Assembly.
7.04 Removal. The Moderator or Vice-Moderator may be removed by the General Assembly
whenever in the 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
Ministry Council 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 generally supervise and control the business affairs of thecorporation and see that all orders and resolutions of the General Assembly are carried into effect. The
Stated Clerk may sign on behalf of the corporation any deeds, mortgages, notes or other instruments and any
contracts or documents made, executed and delivered in the ordinary course of business or duly authorized
by the General Assembly or the Board of Directors except for documents the execution of which has been
expressly delegated to some other person. The Stated Clerk shall:		a. Make suitable arrangements for meetings of the General Assembly;		b. Maintain the official records of the corporation;
		c. Maintain a communications office for the corporation;
		d. Maintain a name and address file on congregations, session clerks, pastors, and other		
leadership of congregations with statistical information about congregations,		presbyteries, and synods:
		e. Provide representation on the Board of Directors;		
f. Represent the Church in ecumenical relationships;
		g. Represent the corporation and arrange for legal counsel in all litigation or other legal		
proceedings affecting the Cumberland Presbyterian Church;		h. Communicate with synods and presbyteries on behalf of the corporation;
		i. Provide support services for the Moderator; and		
j. Perform such other duties as may be assigned by the General Assembly from time to		
time.
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 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-Indemnification

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10.01 Indemnification. The corporation shall indemnify any director, officer or employee who is,
or is threatened to be, made a party to a complete, pending, or threatened action or proceeding from any
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.
10.02 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.
10.03 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:		a. for any breach of the duty of loyalty to the corporation;
		b. for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a		knowing violation of law; or		
c. for any distribution of the assets of the corporation which is unlawful under Tennessee		law.
Article 11-Trustee for the Corporation
11.01 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.
11.02 Other Assets. Other, additional property may from time to time be conveyed to the Board of
Stewardship to be held by it as trustee for the corporation. All assets held by the Board of Stewardship as
trustee for the corporation shall be held at the pleasure and direction of the General Assembly.
Article 12-Parliamentary Authority
12.01 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 Rules of 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.
Article 13-Amendments
13.01 Manner of Amendment. These Bylaws may be amended or repealed only by the affirmative
vote of two-thirds of the votes cast in a duly constituted meeting of the General Assembly. Fair andreasonable notice of the proposed amendment shall be provided as required by state law.
13.02 No Amendment by the Board of Directors. No portion of the Bylaws may be amended orrepealed by the Board of Directors.

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GENERAL REGULATIONS
A. The Assembly’s Standing Rules
1. MEETINGS. The General Assembly shall meet annually on the third or fourth Monday of June at two
o’clock in the afternoon to organize, elect a moderator and transact business. The Assembly shall closeon Thursday or Friday of the same week.
2. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENT FOR ELDER COMMISSIONERS. Elder commissioners must be
active members of the session of the church to which they belong.
3. YOUTH ADVISORY DELEGATES. Each presbytery is eligible to elect two non-voting youth advisorydelegates. Advisory delegates have full rights as members of standing and select committees. Youthadvisory delegates should be 15 through 19 years old.
4. OFFICIAL FORMS. The stated clerks of the various presbyteries may certify commissioners and youth
advisory delegates to the GeneralAssembly either by the form provided by the Office of the GeneralAssemblyor via electronic methods.
5. ELECTION OF MODERATOR. The procedure for electing a moderator shall be as follows: Nominations
shall be from the floor. One nominating speech not exceeding ten minutes shall be permitted on behalfof each nominee. When there is more than one nominee the election shall be by ballot. A committee
appointed by the Stated Clerk shall receive the ballots, count them under the supervision of the Clerk,and shall certify the vote. If there are more than two nominees and no nominee receives a majorityof the votes cast, the vote shall be taken in the same manner on those leading nominees who together
received a majority of the total vote cast on the preceding ballot.
6. ELECTION OF VICE MODERATOR. The General Assembly may elect a vice-moderator. Nominations
may be made by any member of the Assembly. The vice-moderator shall perform the duties of themoderator in the absence or disability of the moderator or in the case of a vacancy in the office ofmoderator, and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned to the office of vice-moderator by
the Moderator or the Assembly.
7. PROGRAM COMMITTEE. The Program Committee shall consist of the Retiring Moderator, StatedClerk, Director of Ministries, Pastor Host, an elected representative of each board or ministry team, anda representative of the Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry. The committee shall meet no later
than February 15.
8. REFERRALS. The Stated Clerk, in consultation with the Retiring Moderator, shall refer all items
before the Assembly. Commissioners and advisory delegates shall be provided with copies of referrals
in advance of the Assembly.
9. STANDING COMMITTEES. The Retiring Moderator, in consultation with the Stated Clerk, shallappoint all standing committees. Committee reports duplicated and in the hands of commissioners shallbe considered as having been presented. Those presenting committee reports shall have the opportunity
to make remarks and give explanation, such presentations not to exceed ten minutes.
10. ORDER FOR CONSIDERING REPORTS. Reports of all standing and special committees, with the
exception of the Nominating Committee, shall be considered in the order in which they are filed with
the Stated Clerk. The Moderator and the Stated Clerk may recommend exceptions to this rule.
11. STANDING COMMITTEES NAMED. The standing committees of the General Assembly shall be
as follows: Children’s Home/Historical Foundation, Higher Education, Judiciary, Program Planning,
Stewardship, and Theology and Social Concerns. The Moderator may, with the consent of the General
Assembly, appoint such special committees as are needed. All General Assembly committees are
required to hear board representatives and team leaders if such hearings are requested. When a General
Assembly Standing Committee is seeking information regarding an issue dealt with in more than one
report it may invite representatives of those agencies to be present at the same time. Committees shallwrite out all recommendations verbatim in their reports.
12. CHANGES AFFECTING THE WHOLE CHURCH. When far-reaching changes in programs and/or
policies are recommended by a standing committee, the committee shall recommend that the proposals
be referred for study by the Ministry Council and the agency affected before they become final. If serious
consequences are discovered, the Ministry Council and the agency affected may delay implementation
until the next General Assembly.
13. RESOLUTIONS. All resolutions related in any way to the general enterprise of the Church shall bereferred to appropriate standing committees for recommendations to the Assembly. All such resolutions
shall be presented for referral before the close of business on Tuesday morning.

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14. AMENDING/SUSPENDING GENERAL REGULATIONS. No item of business in conflict with the
General Regulations shall be considered except by suspension of the same. The General regulations
may be amended or suspended by a two-thirds vote of members voting. The vote of the Assembly on
all questions requiring more than a majority vote shall be recorded in the minutes.
15. CASES NOT PROVIDED FOR IN THE GENERAL REGULATIONS. In cases not provided for in the
General Regulations, the Assembly shall be governed by the Rules of Order of the Confession of Faithand by Roberts Rules of Order (Revised).
B. The Committee on Nominations
1. The Nominating Committee shall be composed of ten members, one minister and one lay person fromeach of the five synods. Members shall be selected from different presbyteries within the synod if
possible.
2. Members will be elected by the General Assembly for one three year term and are not eligible forreelection.
3. Presbyteries and/or Synods may recommend persons to serve on the General Assembly’s Committee
on Nominations. Such recommendations shall reach the office of the Stated Clerk no later thanFebruary 1, and shall be presented to the existing Nominating Committee as recommendations for its
consideration in making nominations for elections to the General Assembly’s Nominating Committee.
4. The Nominating Committee shall meet not earlier than February 15 each year.
5. It shall be the duty of this Committee to:a. Review the file of available personnel and to nominate to the General Assembly qualified persons
to fill all vacancies. The Committee shall not be limited to persons named in data on file, but shallbe expected to obtain as much information concerning prospective nominees as is available tothem.
b. The personal consent of every new nominee must be obtained before nomination and election are
valid. A signed consent form not more than one year old shall be considered personal consent.
c. The report of the Committee shall list the names of nominees, the presbytery if a minister, and thepresbytery and local congregation if a lay person.
d. The Committee on Nominations shall be intentional in nominating persons who represent the
Global nature of the Church.
6. Any commissioner to the Assembly may make a nomination from the floor provided consent of thenominee has been obtained.
7. The Stated Clerk shall make available a suitable form on which recommendations may be made and on
which background and qualifications of persons who qualify for board and agency membership may
be stated.
8. Presbytery moderators and stated clerks shall be asked to assist in the securing of names and data
concerning persons who may be qualified to serve on the Ministry Council, the Advisory Committeesof Boards and Agencies, and the governing boards of Institutions. They shall file this information
with the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly. The number of names shall not be less than one forevery thousand active members, or a fraction thereof, in a presbytery. This file shall be available to
the General Assembly for its use.
C. The Moderator
1.

2.
3.

4.

The Moderator of the General Assembly is the titular head of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
during the tenure of the office and has great opportunity for service in the Church. The Moderator
receives a precious gift; i.e., 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.
The Moderator of the General Assembly is a representative of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
wherever God leads. The Moderator participates in the life and work of the Denomination, as far
as possible, and pays particular attention to ecumenical relations, especially with the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church in America.
The Moderator represents the General Assembly as an officer of the Assembly and as an ordained
person.

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5.

The Moderator speaks from knowledge of the actions of General Assembly and may interpret theactions of the Assembly as a responsible representative. The Moderator has authority to speak for the
Church only as an ordained representative elected to the office of Moderator for one year.
6. The Moderator has the privilege of attending every meeting of General Assembly agencies and otherjudicatories to observe the life and work of the Denomination at every level. The Moderator is an
ex-officio member of every agency of the General Assembly. The Moderator is an advisory member ofthe Ministry Council for two years; during the tenure in office and for the year following the tenure.
7. The Moderator is the chair person of the General Assembly Program Planning Committee, a memberof the Place of Meeting Committee, and serves wherever the Assembly requests.
8. The role and functions of the Moderator during the sessions of the General Assembly are described in
the Constitution and Rules of Order of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church/ Cumberland Presbyterian
Church in America.
9. The Moderator observes the places and times God is calling the Church to service, assesses the needfor a Denominational response to God’s call, and reports items that concern the General Assembly for
his/her experience of service and capabilities for ministry.
10. Judicatories, congregations, and others are urged to invite the Moderator to represent the General
Assembly and to share in the witness of the Church.
11. An allowance for part of the expenses of the Moderator is administered by the Stated Clerk. The
Moderator and the person issuing an invitation will agree in advance on arrangements to pay travel
expenses.
12. The Moderator wears the official cross and stoles of the office during the term of office. A gavel anda replica of the Moderator’s cross is presented to the Moderator upon retirement from the office.
D. The Assembly Stated Clerk
1.

2.

The Definition and Authority of the Stated Clerk’s Officea. The Stated Clerk of the General Assembly shall be the Principal Executive Officer of the General
Assembly.
b. The Stated Clerk shall be primarily concerned with the spiritual life of the Church and withmaintaining and strengthening a united witness.
c. The Stated Clerk shall assume specific responsibility for assuring the orderly governance of the
Church in accordance with the Constitution, Rules of Order and Rules of Discipline.
d. The Stated Clerk shall be the servant of the General Assembly and shall represent the interests of
the General Assembly in regard to all judicatories, boards, and other agencies of the Church andorganizations outside the Church by responding to requests for (1) official records of the General
Assembly actions, (2) interpretations of its actions, and (3) personal representations where an
official of the General Assembly is needed. In cases of emergency (when resignations of acommittee, commission, or board impairs the ability of the entity to function) the Moderator may
appoint the Stated Clerk to act, until the Board of Directors or the General Assembly meets.
e. The Stated Clerk shall serve as the official representative of the Cumberland Presbyterian Churchin ecumenical relationships.
f. The Stated Clerk shall be the officer authorized to sign all documents on behalf of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church with regard to litigation, to select and employ legal counsel and to enter into
litigation on behalf of the church.
g. The Stated Clerk shall be elected by the General Assembly for a term of four years. The regularterm of office shall begin on January 1 and expire on December 31. There shall be no limit to
the number of terms to which one individual may be elected. The nominating committee shallmake nominations when the Stated Clerk’s term expires. Nominations may also be made from thefloor. If the office becomes vacant, the clerk declines to be re-nominated or is unacceptable to thenominating committee for renomination, a search shall be conducted by the Ministry Council anda nominee reported to the General Assembly by the Ministry Council. If the Stated Clerk resigns
or becomes unable to serve between meetings of the Assembly, the Ministry Council shall assume
the responsibilities and authorities of the office and arrange for their fulfillment.
Duties of the Stated Clerk
The Stated Clerk shall perform such duties as prescribed in the Constitution. Additionally and/or
specifically the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly shall:a. Make suitable arrangements for General Assembly meetings.
(1) Call meetings of the place of meeting committee.

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Receive meeting invitations and research possible meeting sites.
Contract for facilities.
Call meetings of the program committee.
Prepare and distribute an information form to be completed by commissioners for theModerator’s use in making committee appointments.
		(6) Prepare and distribute preliminary minutes and an agenda for the meeting.
		(7) Advise the moderator in the appointment of committees.
		(8) Refer all items before the Assembly to the appropriate committee.
		(9) Schedule space for committee meetings and all general sessions of the General Assembly.
		(10) Provide for printing and other communication needs of the General Assembly while insession.
b. Maintain official records of the General Assembly.
		(1) Supervise the recording of accurate minutes of General Assembly meetings and actions.
		(2) Publish and distribute the minutes of each meeting.
		(3) File the minutes of each meeting with the Historical Foundation as a permanent record.
		(4) Respond to inquiries concerning actions of the General Assembly.
		(5) Maintain and update annually the Digest of General Assembly actions.
c. Provide representation on the Ministry Council and support services for all General Assembly		
agencies.
		(1) Prepare and disseminate a summary of actions of the General Assembly.
		(2) Receive, respond to and, when appropriate, refer to the proper judicatory, board, or other			
agency all communications to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
		(3) Receive official memorials, resolutions, appeals, dissents, protests, references and other			communications for presentation to the General Assembly.
d. Maintain a name and address file on congregations, session clerks, pastors and other leadership		
of congregations with statistical information about congregations, presbyteries and synods.
		(1) Mail official report forms to session clerks by December 1 each year.
		(2) Receive such reports and cause to be published a record of information received.
		(3) Distribute such published information to all ministers, sessions clerks, and others who have an			official relationship with the General Assembly.
		(4) Provide information upon request to all who present a proper request.
e. Provide representation on the Ministry Council and support services for all General Assembly		
agencies.
		(1) Schedule meetings as requested or as required to fulfill General Assembly directives.
		(2) Provide accounting support services for commissions, committees and task forces.
		(3) Coordinate reporting to assure complete consideration of work and responsibilities			
assuring that budgeting procedures are followed and that reports are in proper form and			adequately communicate essential information.
		(4) Represent the interests of the General Assembly commissions, committees, and task forces			
before the Ministry Council.
		(5) Hold, report annually, and distribute as authorized by the General Assembly or the MinistryCouncil the Contingency Fund and all other General Assembly Funds not entrusted to thecare of a General Assembly board or other agency.
f. Represent the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in establishing and maintaining relations with other		churches particularly those of the presbyterian and reformed tradition.
		(1) Serve as an official delegate to the Caribbean and North American Area Council of the World			
Alliance of Reformed Churches.
		(2) Communicate with clerks of Presbyterian and Reformed churches about common concerns.
		(3) Establish and maintain friendly relations with other churches to the extent possible.
		(4) Give special attention to sustaining vital relationships with the Cumberland Presbyterian			
Church in America.
g. Represent the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in all litigation affecting the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church.
		(1) Sign all documents on behalf of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church with regard to
litigation.
		(2) Select and employ legal counsel.
		(3) Enter into litigation or take such other appropriate action as is deemed necessary and proper
to serve the best interests of the name and assets of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
		
		
		

(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)

2008

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THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

19		(4) Call the Judiciary Committee into session or by other means secure the advice of thecommittee on weighty matters.
h. Communicate with presbyteries and synods on behalf of the General Assembly.
		(1) Communicate to presbytery and synod clerks the actions and requirements of General			Assembly that relate to those judicatories.
		(2) Provide training sessions for presbytery and synod clerks and orientations for General
Assembly commissioners.
		(3) Attend meetings of presbyteries and synods periodically.
		(4) Be available upon the request of presbyteries or synods to explain General Assembly actions
or requirements.
i.
Provide support services for the Moderator of the General Assembly.
E. Engrossing Clerk
An Engrossing Clerk shall be elected by the General Assembly for a term of four years to serve during
meetings of the General Assembly and to serve as Stated Clerk pro tempore during the meetings of theAssembly in the event the Stated Clerk is absent or unable to serve. The regular term of office shall begin on
January 1 and expire on December 31. There shall be no limit to the number of terms the Engrossing Clerk
may serve. The Nominating Committee shall make nominations regarding the election of the Engrossing
Clerk when the term expires or the office becomes vacant. This provision does not preclude nominations
from the floor of the General Assembly.
F. The Assembly Year and Reporting
1.
2.

3.

4.
5.
6.

7.

The General Assembly year shall be the same as the calendar year.
The Stated Clerk of the General Assembly shall mail to session clerks statistical forms for reporting
congregational data on December 1 of each year. Session clerks shall mail the completed forms to presbytery
clerks by February 1 of each year. The composite statistical report for all congregations of a presbytery shallbe mailed by the presbytery clerk to the Clerk of the General Assembly by February 10 of each year.
All agencies of the General Assembly, with the exception of institutions on the academic year, are directed
to close their books as soon after December 31 as possible, but not later than January 31 of the following
year, and deliver 2 copies (letter size) of their report, along with a copy on computer diskette, if possible, tothe Stated Clerk not later than March 15. Reports should be written as concisely as possible and yet reflect
the total work of the agency and signed by two board/executive officers. Institutions on the academic year
shall close their books at the end of their fiscal year and report by March 15 of the following year. Line
item budgets for the forthcoming year shall accompany board reports. All agencies funded directly fromOUO shall submit multi-year program budgets to the Ministry Council not later than November 1.
All supplementary board and agency materials and memorials shall be submitted to the General
Assembly Office not later than thirty (30) days prior to the Assembly.
All financial reports are to be condensed as much as possible, but must convey all essential information on
agency operation.
All financial records of monies or securities held by anyone in the name of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church shall be audited by a certified public accountant. The audit shall be sufficient and the records
and securities are not to be submitted at the meeting of General Assembly. Two copies of the reportof the accountant are to be delivered to the Office of the General Assembly for review by the MinistryCouncil. [Boards and agencies with budget income of $100,000 or less are not required to have anaudit but to submit their books and financial statements to the Ministry CouncilAudit Committee annually.]
Each agency or person whose financial records require an audit shall be required to furnish a fidelity bond ofan adequate amount to protect all funds held by the agency or person, the cost of which shall be paid from theoperation expenses of the agency.
G. Agencies of the General Assembly

1.

Membershipa. The General Assembly shall fill all vacancies on its agencies.
b. The membership of the agencies of General Assembly shall be as follows:		
The Board of Directors of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church Corporation shall have six (6)members plus the Stated Clerk. No two (2) members can be elected from the same presbytery.
			

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The Ministry Council - 15 voting members (3 members from each Synod with no more than
9 clergy or laity members and no more than 9 members of either gender) and 6 Advisory
members (Stated Clerk, Moderator, Immediate Past Moderator and 3 youth ages 16-19 whenelected) Makeup of the Ministry Council should reflect that we are a Global Church.
		Memphis Theological Seminary - 24 members (11 Ecumenical Partners)
		Stewardship, Foundation, and Benefits - 11 members
		Discipleship Ministry Team - 9 elected members
		
Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home - 15 members (6 Ecumenical Partners)
Missions Ministry Team - 15 elected members (2 members from each of the 5 synods, 5 members
elected at large, and no fewer than 6 of either sex)
Historical Foundation - 6 members (1 member from each of the 5 synods and 1 member elected
at large, no two persons shall be elected from the same presbytery and representatives fromthe Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America)		Communications Ministry Team - 5 elected members
		General Assembly Commissions:			
Military Chaplains and Personnel - 3 members
			
Pastoral Development Ministry Team - 9 elected members (A majority of the membership				
shall be active pastors.)
		
General Assembly Committees:			
Joint Committee on Amendments - the members of the Judiciary Committee of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, five members of the Judiciary Committee of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America.
Judiciary - 9 members (The Permanent Committee on Judiciary of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church will appoint five of its members to function on the Joint Committeeon Amendments.)
Nominating Committee - 10 members
			Place of Meeting - The Moderator, the Stated Clerk, & the Director of Women’s Ministries
			
Unified Committee on Theology and Social Concerns - 8 membersc. The tenure of office for agencies of the General Assembly shall be three years. Persons otherthan members of the Nominating Committee may be elected to succeed themselves twice, givinga total of not more than nine years. One year must elapse at the end of nine years before a nonCumberland Presbyterian is eligible to serve on the same board or permanent agency; two years
must elapse before a Cumberland Presbyterian is eligible to serve on the same board or permanent
agency, and one year must elapse before a Cumberland Presbyterian may serve on another board
or agency of the General Assembly.
d. No person shall be elected to serve concurrently on more than one agency.
e. No member who continues to meet the standard requirements for election or appointment to any
agency of the church shall be removed from membership except for misfeasance.
f. The members of agencies may be any member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in goodstanding in the presbytery or local congregation where membership is held. Persons serving inexecutive capacities of the General Assembly, or a person employed by an agency of the General
Assembly may not serve as a member of the board of the employing agency.
g. At least one member of the Commission on Theology and Social Concerns shall be a Cumberland		Presbyterian member of the faculty of Memphis Theological Seminary.
h. Resignations of members of General Assembly committees and commissions are effective when
delivered in writing to the Stated Clerk of General Assembly. Resignations from the incorporated
boards and agencies are effective when delivered in writing to the corporation’s secretary or
board chair, who shall immediately advise the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of theresignation.
2. The Permanent Committee on Judiciarya. The Committee shall be composed of nine members four of whom are to be ordained ministers
and three of whom are to be attorneys. The Permanent Committee on Judiciary of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church will appoint five of its members to function on the Joint Committee on
Amendments.
b. The Committee shall meet at least annually.
c. Stated Clerks of synods and presbyteries shall forward all memorials to the Stated Clerk of theGeneral Assembly immediately following their adoption. All memorials considered by theCommittee must be in the hands of the Clerk by April 15.

2008
d.

		
e.

f.
g.
h.

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

21

The opinion of the Committee on legal questions shall at any time be available to any agency,
judicatory, or person in the church. The request for an opinion of the committee shall be presented
in writing to the chairperson of the Committee. The chairperson shall secure the views of all
members of the Committee and write an opinion based on the majority views of the members.
The opinion given shall be advisory only.
The Committee shall have one of its members in attendance at each meeting of the General
Assembly to advise with the Assembly, its officers and members, on all judicial questions. Upon
request of the Moderator, a member of the Committee shall sit in advisory capacity during thebusiness sessions of the assembly.
The Committee when directed by the General Assembly, shall prepare proposed amendments to
the Constitution, Rules of Discipline, General Regulations, and Rules of Order, and shall submit
these in its report to the General Assembly.
The Committee shall serve as the agency of the General Assembly to provide counsel and support
to the General Assembly Office and to do an evaluation of the Stated Clerk during every odd
numbered year, and report to the General Assembly that year.
Serve as a Commission on hearing and acting on appeals from synods.
H. The Assembly’s Minutes

1.

2.

A copy of the Assembly Minutes shall be sent upon request to ordained ministers, licentiates, candidates,
commissioners, clerks of sessions, agency members, schools of the church, synod and presbytery
clerks and to the Stated Clerk’s exchanges. Others desiring the minutes may purchase them from theResource Center.
Church sessions, presbyteries and synods should study the Minutes of the General Assembly in orderto implement actions and programs into the lower courts. Any errors found should immediately becalled to the attention of the Stated Clerk.
I. General Assembly Rulings

The General Assembly is the authority on all judicial matters; therefore, it shall be the duty of the Stated Clerk
to update the Cumberland Presbyterian Digest annually.

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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2008

MEMORIAL ROLL OF MINISTERS
IN MEMORY OF
MINISTERS LOST BY DEATH
NAME
Canada, Fred
Conway, Crawford
Copeland, Billy
Dailey, Larry
Hall, Charles R
Irby, Joe Ben
Kimbrell, Bobby
Munoz, Gerado
Parsons, Robert
Phillips, Troy
Prince, C. S.
Russell, Jake
Salisbury, A.D.
Sumrall, Max
Tuor, Thomas Tut
Yepez, JuanPRESBYTERY

AGE

Grace						Tennessee-Georgia
64		
Hope				77		Missouri					West Tennessee
68		West Tennessee
91		
Cullman					Cauca Valley			94		West Tennessee			Grace						Grace						Cumberland					Murfreesboro					Grace						Nashville					Cauca Valley					

DATE02/25/07
04/09/07
10/30/07
02/06/07
08/18/07
03/07/07
09/12/07
10/12/07??
06/14/07??
12/13/07
02/11/07
11/11/07
05/08/07
12/??/07

2008

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

23

LIVING GENERAL ASSEMBLY MODERATORS
2008—REV. JONATHAN CLARK, 88 Woodcrest Drive, Winchester, TN 37398
2007—REV. FRANK WARD, 1978 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104
2006—REV. DONALD HUBBARD, 2128 Campbell Station Road, Knoxville, TN 37932
2005—REV. LINDA H. GLENN, 619 N. 24th Avenue, Humboldt, TN 38343
2004—REV. EDWARD G. SIMS, 2161 N. Meadows Drive, Clarksville, TN 37043
2003—REV. CHARLES MCCASKEY, 679 Canter Lane, Cookeville, TN 38501
2002—REV. BERT OWEN, 7906 Manner Point Drive, Louisville, KY 40220
2001—REV. RANDOLPH JACOB, 610 W. Adams Street, Broken Bow, OK 74728
1999—ELDER GWENDOLYN G. RODDYE, 3728 Wittenham Drive, Knoxville, TN 37921-1080
1998—REV. MASAHARU ASAYAMA, 3-15-9 Higashi, Kunitachi-shi, Tokyo, JAPAN
1997—ELDER W. LEWIS WYNN, 102 Beverly Drive, Madison, TN 37115
1996—REV. MERLYN A. ALEXANDER, 80 N. Hampton Lane, Jackson, TN 38305
1995—REV. CLINTON O. BUCK, 4986 Warwick, Memphis, TN 38117
1994—REV. DONALD C. ALEXANDER, 2520 107 Cutoff, Greeneville, TN 37743
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, 4032 Graham Oaks Court, Memphis, TN 38122
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
1980—REV. ROBERT L. HULL, Rt 2, 100 Timberlake Drive, McKenzie, TN 38201
1979—REV. JAMES C. GILBERT, 3720 W. Biddison, Ft. Worth, TX 76109
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 37922-6000
1968—REV. LOYCE S. ESTES, 502 S. Alley Street, Jefferson, TX 75657

24

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

GENERAL ASSEMBLY OFFICERS
MODERATOR
THE REVEREND JONATHAN CLARK
88 WOODCREST DRIVE
WINCHESTER, TN 37398(931) 967-9613 (Home)(931) 967-2121 (Office)(931) 308-8819 (Cell)
clark3568@bellsouth.net
VICE MODERATOR
THE REVEREND CARROLL RICHARDS
210 ALLISON DRIVE
LINCOLN, IL 62656(217) 732-7894
dr_cr@comcast.net
STATED CLERK AND TREASURER
THE REVEREND ROBERT D. RUSH, D.MIN.
8207 Traditional Place
Cordova, TN 38016(901)276-4572
FAX (901)272-3913
rdr@cumberland.org
ENGROSSING CLERK
DR. THOMAS J. CRAIG, JR.
8958 Carriage Creek Road
Arlington, TN 38002(901)382-0428
tjc102@comcast.net

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
GENERAL ASSEMBLY CORPORATION(Members whose terms expire in 2009)(1)REV. MELISSA MALINOSKI, 201 N Main Street, Greeneville, TN 37745(1)MR. JERRY WEATHERSBY, 119 County Road 743, Cullman, AL 35055(Members whose terms expire in 2010)(1)REV. ROY HALL, 87 Lee Hall Street, Scottsboro, AL 35769(1)MR. JAMES R. FRAZIER, PO Box 492, Lawrenceburg, TN 38464(Members whose terms expire in 2011)(2)REV. TERRY HUNLEY, 48 Charleston Square, Jackson, TN 38305(2)MS. GRACE WHITFIELD, 245 Monterey Circle, Gadsden, AL 35901

2008

2008

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHMINISTRY COUNCIL(Members whose terms expire in 2009)(1)REV. HILLMAN MOORE, PO Box 44, Lovelaceville, KY 42060(1)REV. RICKEY PAGE, 6845 Old Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37209(1)MS. ELEANOR SCRUDDER, 29688 S 534 Road, Park Hill, OK 74451(1)REV. CARLTON HARPER, 8764 Cody Dan Court, Ooltewah, TN 37363(1)REV. WAYNE WOOD, HC 61, Box 600, Calico Rock, AR 72519(Members whose terms expire in 2010)(1)MS. JILL CARR, PO Box 1547, Lebanon, MO 65536(1)MS. ELIZABETH HORSLEY, 1200 Imperial Drive, Denton, TX 76201(1)REV. RICHARD HUGHES, 116 Cedar Hill Drive, Waverly, TN 37185(1)MS. GWEN RODDYE, 3728 Wittenham Drive, Knoxville, TN 37921(1)REV. SAM ROMINES, PO Box 127, Lewisburg, KY 42256(Members whose terms expire in 2011)(1)MS. KAREN BREEDING, 1907 Susan Drive, Murfreesboro, TN 37129(1)MS. MANDY CLARK, 192 Williams Place, Columbus, MS 39702(2)REV. IWAO SATOH, 201 4-4-10 Higashihara Zamashi, Kanagawa-ken, 228-0004 JAPAN(2)MR. ROY SHANKS, 3997 N 100th Street, Casey, IL 62420(2)MR. LEO WHINERY, PO Box 838, Noble, OK 73068
ADVISORY MEMBERS:
MR. BILLY BLACK, 7849 Sandywood Lane, Bartlett, TN 38133
REV. JONATHAN CLARK, 88 Woodcrest Drive, Winchester, TN 37398
MS. COREY FAULKNER, 123 Raccoon Trace, Huntsville, AL 35806
DR. ROBERT D. RUSH, 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016
MR. KYLE SMALLEN, 158 Hardaway Drive, Goodlettsville, TN 37072
REV. FRANK WARD, 1978 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104

GENERAL ASSEMBLY BOARD OF:
I. TRUSTEES OF BETHEL COLLEGE(Members whose terms expire in 2008)(2)MRS. MEREDITH CAMPBELL BYBEE, 3277 Carrington Lane, Columbia, TN 38401(3)REV. RONALD H. BYNUM, 121 Sycamore Road, Gurley, AL 35748(1)*DR. PAUL COWELL, c/o Whitestone Country Inn, 1200 Pain Rock Road, Kingston, TN
37763(1)REV. LINDA H. GLENN, 619 N 24th Avenue, Humboldt, TN 38343(3)REV. EUGENE LESLIE, 4541 Old Medina Road, Medina, TN 38355(1)*MR. PAUL W. MARTIN, JR., PO Box 31963, Knoxville, TN 37930(1)*DR. RAY MORRIS, 8830 Huntcliff Trace, Atlanta, GA 30350(Members whose terms expire in 2009)(2)*MS. JULIE BUCKMAN, 12115 Pine Valley Drive, Kansas City, KS 66109(3)*JUDGE BEN CANTRELL, 103 Hanover Square, Nashville, TN 37215(1)*MR. MICHAEL CARY, 181 Angel Cove, Huntingdon, TN 38344(2)MR. BILL DOBBINS, 5716 Quest Ridge Road, Franklin, TN 37064(1)*MR. BEN GAINES, JR., PO Box 187, McKenzie, TN 38201*Ecumenical Partners+Cumberland Presbyterian Church in American

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26

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY(3)DR. CLARENCE (ED) HERRING, 969 Campground Circle, Scottsboro, AL 35769(1)*MS. CHARLENE JONES, 137 Moore Avenue West, McKenzie, TN 38201(3)DR. VERA LOW, 3653 East Prestwick Court, Springfield, MO 65809(1)MR. HUGH MORGAN, 3316 Bunker Hill Drive, Knoxville, TN 37920(Members whose terms expire in 2010)(1)MS. NANCY BEAN, 3510 Clubhouse Drive, Somerset, KY 42503(1)REV. LARRY BLAKEBURN, 230 Heathridge Drive, Dyersburg, TN 38024(3)MR. ROY COOPER, 2910 Clinton, Longview, TX 75604(1)MR. LAWRENCE (LADD) DANIEL, 13023 Taylorcrest, Houston, TX 77079(2)DR. JAMES M. LATIMER, 7621 Richmond Road, Memphis, TN 38125(2)+MR. CLARENCE NORMAN, 145 Jones, Huntingdon, TN 38344(3)MR. STEVE PERRYMAN, 2606 N Skyview Lane, PO Box 1499, Ozark, MO 65721(2)*MR. DWIGHT REASONS, 256 State Route 152 W, Humboldt, TN 38343(3)+REV. PERRYN RICE, 565 E 10th Street, Cookeville, TN 38501(1)MR. BEN SURBER, 1145 Hico Road, McKenzie, TN 38201

II. DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRY TEAM
III. PUBLICATION AND CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
IV. BOARD OF PUBLICATION(Members whose terms expire in 2009)(3)MR. DARRYL CAMPBELL, 1267 Wheatley Forest Drive, Brentwood, TN 37027(2)REV. JEFFREY A. GEHLE, PO Box 182, Burleson, TX 76097(2)REV. KIP RUSH, 513 Meadowlark Lane, Brentwood, TN 37027(Members whose terms expire in 2010)(1)REV. MINDY ACTON, 1413 Oak Ridge Drive, Birmingham, AL 35242(2)REV. TOM MARTIN, 5507 68th Street, Lubbock, TX 79424(2)REV. VERNON SANSOM, JR., 7810 Shiloh Road, Midlothian, TX 76065(Members whose terms expire in 2011)(2)MR. REESE BAKER, 1175 Rowland Cemetery Road, Fredonia, KY 42411(1)MS. SAMANTHA HASSELL, 504 N Main Street, Sturgis, KY 42459(3)REV. SANDRA SHEPHERD, 38844 US Highway 72, Stevenson, AL 35772

V. COMMUNICATIONS MINISTRY TEAM
(Members whose terms expire in 2009)(3)MS. BRYNE DUNN, PO Box 69, Hohenwald, TN 38462(3)MS. NADARA JONES, 209 Carolyn Court, Hillsboro, TN 37342(Members whose terms expire in 2010)(1)MS. JEAN GARRETT, 24290 Highway 22, McKenzie, TN 38201(1)REV. L.G. PARKHURST, JR., 409 Woodhollow Trail, Edmond, OK 73003(Members whose terms expire in 2011)(2)MR. JOSEPH J. MALLOY, JR., 7866 East Lee Highway, Loudon, TN 37774

VI. TRUSTEES OF CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIANCHILDREN’S HOME
(Members whose terms expire in 2009)*Ecumenical Partners+Cumberland Presbyterian Church in American

2008

2008

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH(1)MS. PAT HUFF, 249 Rancho Drive, Saginaw, TX 76179(1)MS. RUBY LETSON, 2921 Alexander, Florence, AL 35633(3)MR. TONY MARTIN, Route 2 Box 441, Troup, TX 75789(3)*MRS. BETTY ROY, 32 Oak Forest Circle, Denton, TX 76210(1)*MR. DARRELL THOMPSON, 1485 Augusta Drive, Ada, OK 74820(Members whose terms expire in 2010)(1)*MR. RICHARD BROWN, 2724 Steamboat Circle, Arlington, TX 76006(3)MR. RICHARD DEAN, 2410 Cove Circle, Hokes Bluff, AL 35903(1)REV. ALFONSO MARQUEZ, 389 Bethel Drive, Lenoir City, TN 37772(1)MR. MICKEY SHELL, 2143 Griderfield-Ladd Road, Pine Bluff, AR 71601(2)+MS. JOY WALLACE, 541 Glen Arbor, Dallas, TX 75241(Members whose terms expire in 2011)(1)+MS. MAMIE HALL, 305 Tiffton Circle, Hewitt, TX 76643(1)REV. YOONG KIM, 8601 Dogwood Road, Germantown, TN 38139(1)*MR. JAMES KING, 2101 Pembrooke Place, Denton, TX 76206(1)REV. NORLAN SCRUDDER, 29688 South 534 Road, Park Hill, OK 74451(1)REV. DON TABOR, 9611 Mitchell Place, Brentwood, TN 37027

VII. TRUSTEES OF HISTORICAL FOUNDATION(Members whose terms expire in 2009)(1)REV. TOMMY JOBE, 807 Rockwood Drive, Nolensville, TN 37135(3)MR. DAN WASHMON, 1204 Shady Lane, Bedford, TX 76021(Members whose terms expire in 2010)(1)+MS. VANESSA BARNHILL, 819 King Street, Sturgis, KY 42459(1)MS. PAMELA DAVIS, 5111 County Road 7545, Lubbock, TX 79424(2)REV. CLIFF HUDSON, 4782 Waverly Court, Ooltewah, TN 37363(1)+MS. NAOMI KING, 3850 Millsfield Highway, Dyersburg, TN 38024(1)MS. SIDNEY MILTON, 287 Golden Acres Loop, Calvert City, KY 42029(Members whose terms expire in 2011)(3)MS. GWEN McREYNOLDS, 425 Henderson Road, Jackson, TN 38305

VIII. TRUSTEES OF MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
OF THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH(Members whose terms expire in 2009)(1)*DR. DAVID BOYLE, 4750 St Elmo Street, Memphis, TN 38128(3)DR. JOSEPH BUTLER, 4548 Highway 161, Springfield, TN 37172(3)REV. KEVIN COLVARD, 20024 Crescent Oaks, San Antonio, TX 78258(2)DR. JOHN DAVID HALL, 109 Oddo Lane, Huntsville, AL 35802(1)REV. JODY HILL, PO Box 131, Falkner, MS 38629(1)MS. JAN HOLMES, 5209 87th Street, Lubbock, TX 79424(1)REV. J. CRAIG MARTINDALE, 2913 Pellas Place, Murfreesboro, TN 37127(2)*DR. RANDOLPH MEADE WALKER, 2062 Jamie Drive, Memphis, TN 38116(Members whose terms expire in 2010)(2)*DR. CARMICHAEL CRUTCHFIELD, 7 Goldmyth Cove, Jackson, TN 38305(3)MR. CHESTER DICKSON, 24 West Rivercrest, Houston, TX 77042(1)*MR. HARVEY G. FERGUSON, 630 Gaines Road, Hernando, MS 38682(1)*MR. DAN HATZENBUEHLER, 1544 Carr Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104*Ecumenical Partners+Cumberland Presbyterian Church in American

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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2008(2)*REV. EMILY MATHENY, 1509 Granville Lane, Memphis, TN 38104(1)MR. TIM ORR, 1591 Laura Lane, Dyersburg, TN 38024(3)DR. REBECCA SALISBURY, 502 South Alley Street, Jefferson, TX 75657(1)*MRS. K.C. WARREN, 215 Buena Vista Place, Memphis, TN 38112(Members whose terms expire in 2011)(2)*REV. D. TOM BELL Jr., PO Box 4286, Huntsville, AL 35815(2)MR. MARK DAVIS, 2511 Horsham Drive, Germantown, TN 38139(2)*REV. AMY HOWE, 69 East Cherry Drive, Memphis, TN 38117(3)MR. WILLIAM NELMS, 2936 Teraway Drive, Murfreesboro, TN 37130(1)REV. ROBERT M. SHELTON, 7128 Lakehurst Avenue, Dallas, TX 75230(1)*DR. JOE WARD, 2620 Rabbit Lane, Madison, AL 35758(1)*MS. RUBY WHARTON, 1183 E Parkway South, Memphis, TN 38114(3)MRS. MARIANNA WILLIAMS, 947 Troy Avenue, Dyersburg, TN 38024

IX. MISSIONS MINISTRY TEAM
X. FOREIGN MISSIONS
XI. MISSIONS AND EVANGELISM
XII. MISSIONS AND CHURCH ERECTION(Members whose terms expire in 2009)(3)MRS. MARY ANN COLE, 620 Plum Springs Road, Bowling Green, KY 42101(2)REV. R. TONY JANNER, 16835 Highland Drive, McKenzie, TN 38201(2)MRS. ATHALA JARAMILLO, 6248 SW 14th Street, West Miami, FL 331442(2)MRS. ROBIN McCASKEY-HUGHES, 1205 Olde Bridge Road, Edmond, OK 73034(2)MRS. GAYE WOOD, HC 61 Box 600, Calico Rock, AR 72519(Members whose terms expire in 2010)(1)REV. MAKIHIKO ARASE, 3-355-4 Kami Kitadai Higashi, Yamato-Shi, Tokyo, 207-0023 JAPAN(2)MR. MIKEL DAVIS, 102 Willow Wood, Ovilla, TX 75154(3)MRS. CAROLYN MEDLEY, 566 Country Club Lane, Winchester, TN 37398(2)MRS. JO ANN SHUGERT, PO Box 67, Trilla, IL 62469(2)MR. SAM SUDDARTH, 206 Ha Le Koa Court, Symrna, TN 37167(Members whose terms expire in 2011)(1)REV. JIMMY BYRD, 718 Vanview, Lebanon, TN 37087(3)REV. STEVE DELASHMIT, 811 Campbell Lane, Bowling Green, KY 42104(1)REV. MILTON ORTIZ, 4 Mt Pleasant Street, Saugua, MA 01906(3)REV. JEFFERSON SLEDGE, 241 Long Bow Road, Knoxville, TN 37934(2)MRS. BEVERLY STOTT, 200 East Main Street, Dresden, TN 38225

XIII. STEWARDSHIP, FOUNDATION AND BENEFITS
XIV. FINANCE, FOUNDATION, AND MANAGEMENT
XV. FINANCE
XVI. TRUSTEESXVII. MINISTERIAL RELIEF
XVIII. TITHING AND BUDGET
XIX. COMMISSION ON EDUCATIONAL ENDOWMENT(Members whose terms expire in 2009)(1)MR. JAMES CORDUM, 1469 Gills Chapel Road, Lewisburg, TN 37091*Ecumenical Partners+Cumberland Presbyterian Church in American

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THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

29(1)MR. ROBERT LATIMER, RR 1 Box 123, Miami, MO 65344(3)MR. TIM LATIMER,1012 Junior Jones Road, Humboldt, TN 38343(Members whose terms expire in 2010)(3)MR. AL DAVIS, 646 Fernbrook Lane, Marshall, TX 75672(1)MR. CHARLES G. FLOYD, 4219 Two Rivers Lane, Franklin, TN 37069(1)REV. THERESA MARTIN, 5507 68th Street, Lubbock, TX 79424(2)REV. MICHAEL WILKINSON, 3515 Highway 14, Millbrook, AL 36054(Members whose terms expire in 2011)(1)MR. CHARLES DAY, 9312 Owensboro Road, Falls of Rough, KY 40119(1)MS. SYLVIA HALL, 930 Sherry Circle, Hixson, TN 37343(1)MR. JACKIE SATTERFIELD, 2303 County Road 730, Cullman, AL 35055(2)MRS. DEBRA SHANKS, 3997 North 100th Street, Casey, IL 62420

GENERAL ASSEMBLY COMMISSIONS:
I. CHAPLAINS AND MILITARY PERSONNEL(3) Term Expires in 2009--REV. JEARL D. HUNLEY, 2618 Canterbury Road, Columbus,
MS 39705(2) Term Expires in 2010–REV. PAUL COLLINS, 915 Warms Sands SE, Albuquerque,
NM 87123(3) Term Expires in 2011–REV. CHARLES MCCASKEY, 565 E. Tenth Street, Cookeville,
TN 38501
These three persons and the Stated Clerk also represent the denomination as members of
the Presbyterian Council for Chaplains and Military Personnel, 4125 Nebraska Avenue NW,
Washington, DC 20016.

II. PASTORAL DEVELOPMENT MINISTRY TEAM
(Members whose terms expire in 2009)(2)REV. MARK DAVENPORT, 8828 Highway 119, Alabaster, AL 35007(3)REV. WILLIAM ROLMAN, JR., 602 Canyon Drive, Columbia, TN 38401(1)REV. ROBERT E. SHELTON, 10508 Royalwood Drive, Dallas, TX 75238(Members whose terms expire in 2010)(3)REV. JAMES LIVELY, 201 North Main, Greeneville, TN 37745(1)MS. PAT OWEN, 7906 Manner Pointe Drive, Louisville, KY 40220(2)REV. TOMMY THOMPSON, 9160 Tchulahoma Road, Southaven, MS 38671(Members whose terms expire in 2011)(2)REV. DAVID LANCASTER, 426 Fuqua Road, Martin, TN 38237(3)REV. GLENDA MELSON, 634 West Fremont Road, Lebanon, MO 65536(3)MRS. MARY JO TURNER, 12651 Wagon Wheel Circle, Knoxville, TN 37922*Ecumenical Partners+Cumberland Presbyterian Church in American

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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2008

GENERAL ASSEMBLY COMMITTEES
I. JUDICIARY(Members whose terms expire in 2009)(2)REV. HARRY CHAPMAN, 4908 El Picador Court, Rio Rancho, NM 87124(2)MR. CHARLES DAWSON, PO Box 904, Scottsboro, AL 35768(3)MR. JOSEPH STUDDARD, 1560 Hickory Lane, Columbus, MS 39705(Members whose terms expire in 2010)(1)MS. KELLY GOOCH, 2220 Cornwall Street, Germantown, TN 38138 (Resigned)(3)REV. GEOFF KNIGHT, 2119 Avalon Place, Houston, TX 77019(1)REV. SHERRY LADD, 4521 Turkey Creek Road, Williamsport, TN 38487(Members whose terms expire in 2011)(3)REV. JAMES F. BYRD, 1744 Perryville Road, Harrodsburg, KY 40330(1)MR. WENDELL THOMAS, JR., 1200 Paradise Drive, Powell, TN 37849(3)REV. DWAYNE TYUS, 903 West Hickory Boulevard, Madison, TN 37115

II. JOINT COMMITTEE ON AMENDMENTS
Five members of the Judiciary committee of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Five of the seven members of the Judiciary Committee of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
in America listed below:+ELDER E. L. ALBEA, 289 China Grove Road, Rutherford, TN 38369+REV. WILLIAM GREENWELL, 225 East 7th Street, Sturgis, KY 42450+REV. WILLIE KATE McFIELD, 5157 Mimosa, Chattanooga, TN 37416+ELDER MABLE POINDEXTER, 5509 King Drive, Birmingham, AL 35228-2663+ELDER JOHN RAINEY, 8005 Elizabeth, Chicago, IL 60620+ELDER EDDIE SCRUGGS, 1627 Carroll Road, Harvest, AL 35749+MR. EARNEST L. WALLACE, 2018 Van Cleave, Dallas, TX 75216

III. NOMINATING(Members whose terms expire in 2009)(1)MS. SALLY SAIN, 37 Hilltop Road, Fayetteville, TN 37334(1)REV. LISA SCOTT(Members whose terms expire in 2010)(1)MS. NANCY BEAN, 3510 Clubhouse Drive, Somerset, KY 42503(1)REV. MARK BARRON, 836 McArthur Street, Manchester, TN 37355(1)REV. EDDIE JENKINS, 826 S Miller Road, Valrico, FL 33594(1)MR. RONNIE PARKS, 62 Hughes Loop, Milan, TN 38358(Members whose terms expire in 2011)(1)MS. ELIZABETH ADEN, 404 Yates Street, Mt Vernon, TX 75457(1)MR. BUDDY HARRIS, 507 Louisiana Avenue, Stevenson, AL 35772(1)REV. AARON MCMILLAN, 8600 Academy NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111(1)REV. RICH SHUGERT, PO Box 67, Trilla, IL 62469

IV. PLACE OF MEETING
THE STATED CLERK OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
THE MODERATOR OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
THE DIRECTOR OF WOMEN’S MINISTRIES OF THE BOARD OF MISSIONS*Ecumenical Partners+Cumberland Presbyterian Church in American

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31

V. UNIFIED COMMITTEE ON THEOLOGY AND SOCIAL CONCERNS(Members whose terms expire in 2009)(2)REV. PAUL CRISS, 6813 Salem Road, Lakeland, TN 38002(2)REV. MITZI MINOR, 875 South Cox, Memphis, TN 38104(2)REV. HOWARD RODGERS, 336 County Road 1216, Vinemont, AL 35179(Members whose terms expire in 2010)(1)REV. LANNY JOHNSON, 317 Liberty Lane, McMinnville, TN 37110+ELDER READUS LINTON, JR., 1305 Lincoln Street SW, Birmingham, AL 35211(1)REV. JOHN LOVELACE, 814 Crestwood Drive East, Evansville, IN 47715 (Resigned)(1)REV. JANICE OVERTON, 3320 Pipeline Road, Birmingham, AL 35243+ELDER MARY THOMPSON, 4208 Kings Court, Nashville, TN 37218(Members whose terms expire in 2011)+REV. MARK CHAPMAN, PO Box 8302, Paducah, KY 42002+REV. ROBERT GREENWELL, 778 Markham Road, Sturgis, KY 42459+ELDER JOE JORDAN, 209 Burwell Road, Harvest, AL 35749+REV. JACQUELINE LANG, 904 35th Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL 35491+REV. WILLIAM MONTAGUE, 417 Richwood North, Jackson, TN 38305(3)REV. STEVE MOSLEY, 1200 North Arkansas, Russellville, AR 72801+REV. BILLY TRIBBLE, 1202 South Evenside Avenue, Henderson, TX 75654(2)MR. JOHN WILSON, 3705 A Ferndale Avenue, Nashville, TN 37215
President of Memphis Theological Seminary - Ex-officio Member

OTHER DENOMINATIONAL PERSONNEL
REPRESENTATIVES TO:
American Bible Society: REV. ROBERT D. RUSH, 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016
Caribbean and North American Area Council, World Alliance of Reformed Churches:
STATED CLERK ROBERT D. RUSH, 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016(Members whose terms expire in 2011)(1)MS. LAURIE SHARPE, 3423 Summerdale Drive, Bartlett, TN 38133*Ecumenical Partners+Cumberland Presbyterian Church in American

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2008

THE REPORT OF THE MODERATOR
I. Introduction
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church is in the midst of a mess. That’s the beginning of my message
to the church this year. I described the mess as: loss of 3 experienced and knowledgeable executives
from denominational leadership; the struggles to reorganize the program agencies; the moving of thedenominational center from one location to another; the diminishing membership; the closing of churches
whose callings were completed; the reduced OUO income; and the need for additional finances to purchaseand construct a new denominational center.
But God has a strange way of showing up in the midst of a mess. Just think of the mess the world
was in when God became incarnate in Jesus; just imagine the mess of humankind in bad need of being
saved through the cross of Calvary. It’s in the midst of the mess that God breaks through with redemption
and hope and grace and love!
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church is standing on the brink of readiness. In the midst of the mess
God is breaking in to renew and bring hope. Even though change is challenging, it can be an opportunity
to discover new ways to fulfill our calling as God’s people.
We are turning the corner to merge program boards and agencies into the Ministry Council. As we
do so there is some sense of grief and concern by those who are serving and have served on these boards.
Will the respective programs and ministries continue as important elements in the church’s mission? What
will happen to endowments and other assets? What will happen to present staff? How will who we are beincorporated into the new Ministry Council?
We are turning the corner to relocate our denominational offices into a new and modern building toaccommodate the new structure and the unification of services provided.
We are embarking on 5 years of focus on evangelism and the meaning of reaching out selflessly to
be disciples of Christ Jesus. We are completing a 10 year emphasis on new church development, church
revitalization and leadership development. We are beginning to think globally not just locally. We are
expanding ministries beyond racial, ethnic and cultural boundaries. Our institutions are embracing thechurch’s mission in their respective ministries and as such are extending our witness beyond Cumberland
Presbyterianism.
We are discovering the potential for the gift of God’s unity as the Ministry Council envisions a
structure built around the concept of ministry teams that will plan and implement programs. Denominational
ministries will revolve around a Christ centered discernment process that will empower people to prayerfully
seek God’s calling and move out courageously to be and to make disciples.
In the midst of it all, it has been my honor and privilege to serve as your Co-Moderator/Moderator
during 2007-2008. I was likewise honored to serve until December as Co-Moderator with Rose Mary
Magrill and with John Deaton who has served as Vice-Moderator since December. I have had opportunities
to experience the church at large. I have visited presbyteries, board meetings, agency meetings and served as
an advisory member to the new GA Ministry Council. I was humbled to serve as speaker for the 2007-2008
Bethel College Opening Convocation and to preach at several presbyteries plus the denominational day
celebration in Robert Donnell Presbytery.
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church practices hospitality in its best form and for all of the attention
given to me and the office of moderator I am especially grateful. I’ve struggled at times with some of the
traditions of the office. In particularly, I had personal difficulties with persons standing whenever themoderator is introduced. I understand fully the practice but it’s a ritual that places too much focus on the
person and the office. I’d rather the church do as the old hymn suggests and “Stand Up for Jesus.” I know
this has been something personal for me and probably is of little concern for the church at large.
I have been privileged to see the church from back stage — the inner workings of boards andagencies. I continue to admire and stand in gratitude for the commitment and dedication of denominational
employees. I am impressed that all have the church and its ministry foremost in their sense of call. We
are blessed. In the midst of the changes that are taking place, your denominational staff have endured andmaintained their loyalty and dedication even when uncertainties loomed large.
I express my gratitude to Stated Clerk Robert Rush and Elizabeth Vaughn of the Office of theGeneral Assembly for their support throughout the year. Organizing one’s itinerary is made easier when
there are persons like these two who pay attention to the details and respond readily to requests. Thankyou.
Someone has said that “It’s a great time to be Cumberland Presbyterian.” I can’t remember a time

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when it wasn’t. It’s especially an opportune time to re-envision the future under the leadership of the Holy
Spirit and to discern more fully where our feet need to move. Maybe, like Noah, they need to move toward
the lumber yard as “We stake our very lives on the voice we have heard” and are hearing.

II. Moderator’s Role
One of the challenges I faced during my year as Co-Moderator/Moderator was to develop a scheduleand itinerary for representing the GA at various judicatories and meetings. There was no highly structured
plan and the itinerary emerged as the year progressed. Scheduling became problematic because of thenumber of presbyteries that meet on the same dates in the fall and spring. It appears to me that a moredeliberate effort would help a new Moderator each year.
Recommendation 1: That the Stated Clerk meet with the newly elected Moderator
shortly after the meeting of GA to discuss the ministry opportunities, the budget for the office, therole of the Vice-Moderator, and to plan an itinerary for the upcoming year. Furthermore, that acommunications system be established with presbyteries and other agencies hosting the Moderator
or Vice-Moderator so that there is clear understanding of expectations and that full information
is provided from the hosts including the meeting location, time and lodging and any pre-meeting
documents that are being made available to all other participants.

IIi. Office of the Stated Clerk
The Stated Clerk of the General Assembly included the following in his report to the 177th General
Assembly:“Although the General Assembly has mandated that all executive staff must be evaluated every two
years, there is no procedure in place to evaluate the Stated Clerk. The General Assembly developed a form
for evaluating all executives.... If the General Assembly desires an evaulation every two years, it will haveto designate a person responsible for it.” (Page 30, 2007 Minutes of the General Assembly)
Since there is no longer a Commission on the General Assembly Office and since the 2007 General
Assembly did not follow through with action pertaining to the Stated Clerk’s observation and suggestion,
it seems important to put in place an agency to provide counsel, evaluation and support to the General
Assembly Stated Clerk and the Office of the General Assembly. It seems to be an expressed need from the
Clerk himself.
Recommendation 2: That the General Assembly assign the role of providing counsel,
evaluation and support to the General Assembly office to the Permanent Committee on Judiciaryand that Article G.2.g. be added to the General Regulations and read as follows: The Committee shallserve as the agency of the General Assembly to provide counsel and support to the General Assembly
Office and to do an evaluation of the Stated Clerk during every odd numbered year.”Iv. Bylaws, Constitution and Rules of OrderA motion was presented at the 2007 General Assembly to set aside one of the Rules of Order toallow the body to elect a Co-Moderator. While that motion was in order according to the Rules of Order,
according to the Permanent Committee on Judiciary it was not in order with the Bylaws of the General
Assembly Corporation. Those Bylaws were not readily accessible during the meeting of the General
Assembly. Since there are provisions that are allowable by the Rules of Order but not necessarily by
the Constitution nor the Bylaws, it is essential for commissioners to have accessible the Bylaws of the
Corporation which supercede other documents.
Recommendation 3: That the Stated Clerk be instructed to include a copy of the Bylawsof the GA Corporation in the Preliminary and Permanent Minutes of the General Assembly.

V. Spiritual Renewal and Visioning

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Someone has suggested that Christianity is entering into another major period of reformation. The
last reformation and the authority upon which it was built, namely solo scriptura (scripture alone), are being
challenged. In such a confusing time, the church stands all the more in need of prayer, spiritual renewal,
discernment of God’s will and a clearer vision for the future. While the General Assembly provides anannual opportunity for some of this to happen, it is too often preoccupied with responding to reports
and recommendations related to existing and anticipated programs and ministries. How can the General
Assembly be more intentional about prayer, worship, discernment, renewal without the demands of reports
and budgets?
What if the General Assembly only addressed reports from its agencies and boards every other year
rather than annually? What if in subsequent years the General Assembly engaged commissioners, youth
advisory delegates and others in prayerful discernment, expanded worship opportunities and visioning forthe future? What if in these subsequent years there is a focus related to our priorities (mission), providing
opportunity for the church at large to sit “together at the table” and suggest directions for the future?
Recommendation 4: That the General Assembly continue to meet annually; that beginningin 2009 all boards and agencies will report every odd numbered years; that in every even numberedyear beginning in 2012 ( plans have already been made for the 2010 General Assembly’s celebrationof the church’s birth) the General Assembly will gather for worship, spiritual renewal, visioning, andlistening for God’s voice and the voice of the church related to the church’s mission and ministries; that a
General Assembly Planning Team (GAPT) comprised of the Moderator, Stated Clerk, a representative(staff or elected member) from each Ministry Team of the Ministry Council and each institution, plus
two members at large appointed by the Moderator be charged with planning, developing a theme,
securing leadership and implementing the program for the meetings of the General Assembly in theseeven numbered years; and, that funding for this GAPT be provided through the Office of the General
Assembly.

Vi How We Function
The General Assembly is in the process of restructure. All program agencies and boards are being
incorporated into a new Ministry Council. The Historical Foundation is now an institution along with
Memphis Theological Seminary, Bethel College and the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home.
Because of these changes the old structure designed for the processing of reports and recommendations
to the General Assembly is no longer relevant. Present General Regulation (A.11.) refers to committees
pertinent to the old structure with separate program boards and agencies. A new structure is needed tofacilitate the various ministry and program reports that come before the Assembly.
In addition, the planning of General Assembly is often focused only on a theme, a worship director
and preachers/speakers for worship. The planning group is representative of the agencies and hostingpresbytery and is facilitated by the moderator. Often the planning is based on past designs and models. A
new model may be needed for the odd numbered years when the Assembly meets. (A model for the evennumbered years is identified in Recommendation 4 above.)
Recommendation 5: That a General Assembly Implementation Team (GAIT) be
charged with the responsibilities of: determining and recommending a new structure and model forbuilding the agenda and processing the reports and recommendations; implementing a new modelof worship planning via a worship planning team appointed by the GAIT; selecting the theme andtheme scripture(s) for the respective Assembly; making any additional plans to enable the effectivefunctioning of the Assembly grounded in the leadership of the Holy Spirit; and, proposing revisions of
the appropriate General Regulations to reflect the recommended changes. That the GAIT be composedof the Moderator (convener/facilitator), Stated Clerk, two members from the host presbytery, one
member of the Permanent Committee on Judiciary, two representatives from the Ministry Council(staff or elected), one Cumberland Presbyterian faculty representative from Memphis TheologicalSeminary, and two young persons; that these team members be named and called to serve by theModerator and the Stated Clerk; and, that funding for the GAIT be provided through the Office of
the General Assembly.

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THE REPORT NUMBER ONE OF THE STATED CLERKThe Stated Clerk is elected by the General Assembly and is the Chief Executive Officer of theDenomination. The position also entails serving as President and Treasurer of the Board of Directorsof the Cumberland Presbyterian Church General Assembly Corporation. Although the Stated Clerk is
given specific responsibilities for the orderly governance of the Church, the primary task is to focus on thespiritual life of the Church.
The person who holds this office must be knowledgeable about the past, present and emerging
policies, procedures, regulations, and Rules of Discipline. The Stated Clerk must protect the name andassets of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In the event that litigation is necessary, it will be done onlyin consultation with the Permanent Committee on Judiciary. In addition to Church law, the Stated Clerk
is often requested to give information about civil law and occasionally tax law. Throughout the year theStated Clerk must respond in an orderly manner to a variety of inquiries.
The Office of the General Assembly often receives communications and inquiries which must be
referred to the proper board/entity, or a lower judicatory of the Church. The Office of the General Assembly
receives invitations to host future General Assemblies, memorials from presbyteries, resignations fromboards/entities, appeals from synods, as well many other communications.
The Stated Clerk must make suitable arrangements for the General Assembly, to provide preliminary
minutes and agendas, provide orientation for commissioners/youth advisory delegates, and assist whereverneeded to assure that the General Assembly will run smoothly.
The Stated Clerk is the official representative in ecumenical relationships. The Stated Clerk shall seek
to establish and maintain relations with other churches, particularly those of the Presbyterian and Reformed
tradition. The Stated Clerk is a representative to the Caribbean and North American Area Council of theWorld Alliance of Reformed Churches, and the American Bible Society. The Stated Clerk is an Advisory
Member of the Presbyterian Council on Chaplains and Military Personnel. Establishing and sustaining vital
relationships with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America is especially important.
The yearbook, Minutes of the General Assembly, Summary of Actions of the General Assembly,
annual updates to the Cumberland Presbyterian Digest, are provided by the Office of the General Assembly.
Revising and printing the Confession of Faith is the responsibility of the Stated Clerk. Periodically theStated Clerk will revise manuals for Session Clerks and Stated Clerks of presbyteries and synods.
The Stated Clerk holds, reports annually and distributed funds from the contingency fund when
expenditures are authorized by the General Assembly or the Ministry Council. The Stated Clerk must
provide accounting support for all commissions, committees, task forces, and all General Assembly funds
not entrusted to a particular entity.

I. STAFF
Mrs. Elizabeth Vaughn, the Assistant to the Stated Clerk, and the Stated Clerk are the only two
employees in the Office of the General Assembly.
Mrs. Vaughn is responsible for maintaining the statistical information on congregations andministers, manages the budget of the Office of the General Assembly as well as for agencies for whichfunds are provided, and takes care of some of the correspondence. Ms. Vaughn designs the covers for the
yearbook and minutes, and maintains the website of the General Assembly Office. The church is indebted
to Mrs. Vaughn for her excellent work.
Tommy Craig has served as engrossing clerk since 1999. He is meticulous in keeping the minutesof the General Assembly and assists in providing orientation for commissioners when needed. Eachcommittee chair and co-chair benefits from Mr. Craig’s expertise in assisting in preparing clear and accurate
reports.

II. ECUMENICAL RELATIONSHIPS
A. AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY
The Mission of the American Bible Society is to make the Scriptures available to every person in
his/her own language at a price which is affordable. Cumberland Presbyterians are encouraged to observe
Bible Sunday in November. It is important to support financially and prayerfully the American Bible

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Society and other similar organizations so that the gift of the Written Word can be given to individuals. The
gift will transform lives.
B. WORLD ALLIANCE OF REFORMED CHURCHESThe World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) and the Reformed Ecumenical Council (REC)will become one organization in an historic gathering June 18-20, 2010 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The
new name will be “The World Communion of Reformed Churches” (WCRC).
Besides traditional Reformed Churches, the new organization will be open to Presbyterian,Congregational, Waldensian, First Reformation, United and Uniting traditions who affirm the basis of the
new entity. The new Reformed body will also invite movements, agencies and theological institutions of
the Reformed movement into active affiliation with it.
The basis of union for the new Reformed entity states:“The basis of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) shall be the Word(John 1) of the triune God, incarnated in Jesus Christ, revealed in the Holy Scriptures of the
Old and New Testaments and witnessed to by the Church. This World Communion of Reformed
Churches embodies Reformed identity articulated in historic Reformed confessions and continued
in the life and witness of the Reformed Community.”
The key callings of the new Reformed body will be:• To foster Reformed confessional identity and communion among Reformed Churches, and unity
in the whole Church;• To promote justice in the economy and the earth, and all of God’s creation, and to work for peaceand reconciliation in the world:• To encourage the renewal of Reformed worship and spiritual life as a global family of God’s
people;• To strengthen leadership development and the nurture of the covenant community;• To promote the full participation of women and youth in all aspects of the Church’s life;• To renew a passion among Reformed Christians for God’s mission, both witness and service, inspirit of partnership and unity;• To interpret Reformed Theology of contemporary witness and for the unity of the Church.
Between general meetings of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, the Denomination sends
representatives to the Caribbean and North American Area Council (CANAAC). Ms. Cornelia Swain
represented the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in an area council meeting in Georgetown, Guyana,
February 25-29. The Stated Clerk is also a representative to the area council, but was not able to attend themeeting due to another commitment. Through Bible studies, panel discussions, and workshops, delegatesanalyzed the ecclesial, economic and theological systems which support and challenge economic justiceregionally and globally.
The Area Council overwhelmingly approved the following resolution urging the United States
Government to end the economic blockade of Cuba, and expressed solidarity with the people of Cuba andChristian Churches there.
WHEREAS the Gospel of Jesus Christ holds faith the vision of society marked by justice, peace,		compassion, and reconciliation and calls people of good will to work and pray for such		
attributes;
WHEREAS the Caribbean and North American Council (CANAAC) of the World Alliance of		
Reformed Church stands in solidarity with our Sisters and Brothers in Cuba;
WHEREAS at its February 28, 2008 meeting in Georgetown, Guyana, considered the situation of		the Church and the Community;
WHEREAS the effects of the United States blockade of the nation of Cuba continues to cause		considerable hardship for the Cuban people;
THEREFORE, be it resolved that CANAAC calls on the United States Government to lift the		embargo and normalize relations between the two countries; and,BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, the CANAAC Convenor send a letter with the Resolution
		to the President of the United States, the Secretary of State, the President of the Senate,		and the Speaker of the House of Representatives; andBE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, CANAAC encourage member Churches in the United

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States to utilize their internal structures to press for a policy change regarding the United		States embargo of Cuba; andBE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, all CANAAC Churches continue to hold Cuban Churches		and Communities in prayer.

III. CORRECTION TO MINUTES OF THE CALLED MEETING,DECEMBER 2007
The Stated Clerk has discovered that in the Minutes of the called meeting in December 2007, page
29 states that copies of the Proposed Bylaw Changes are attached. Although the proposed changes were
mailed to the commissioners, alternates, and youth advisory delegates with the call, the Bylaws adopted
by the General Assembly in December were not attached. The following Bylaws were adopted for the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church General Assembly Corporation.
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 power 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”.
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 tochange the address of the registered office;38

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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; and		
f. 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 1,250, or
fraction thereof, active members (including ordained clergy) in the presbytery. Each elder selected as aCommissioner 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.
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, calla special meeting of the Commissioners. Written notice of any special meeting shall be mailed to the stateclerks of all presbyteries, to all Commissioners, and to their alternates at lest sixty (60) days prior to themeeting. The notice shall specify the particular business of the special meeting, and no other business shallbe transacted.
4.06 Place of Meeting. The General Assembly may designate any place within or outside the stateof Tennessee as the place for any 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2008

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person elected shall serve unto 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
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 so taken and signed by all of the members entitled tovote,
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
the Commissioners for misfeasance or if he or she is no longer qualified to be elected to the Board of
Directors.
Article 6-Waiver of Notice6.01 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

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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
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 Vice-Moderator. The General Assembly may elect a Vice-Moderator in like manner. The
Vice-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.
7.03 Duties. The Moderator shall:		a. Preside at all meetings of the General Assembly.
		b. Appoint, with the consent of the General Assembly, such special committees as are		needed;		c. Serve on the General Assembly Place of Meeting Committee;
		d. Perform such other duties as may be assigned by the General Assembly.
7.04 Removal. The Moderator or Vice-Moderator may be removed by the General Assembly
whenever in the 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
Ministry Council 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 generally supervise and control the business affairs of thecorporation and see that all orders and resolutions of the General Assembly are carried into effect. The
Stated Clerk may sign on behalf of the corporation any deeds, mortgages, notes or other instruments and any
contracts or documents made, executed and delivered in the ordinary course of business or duly authorized
by the General Assembly or the Board of Directors except for documents the execution of which has been
expressly delegated to some other person. The Stated Clerk shall:		a. Make suitable arrangements for meetings of the General Assembly;		b. Maintain the official records of the corporation;
		c. Maintain a communications office for the corporation;
		d. Maintain a name and address file on congregations, session clerks, pastors, and other		
leadership of congregations with statistical information about congregations,		presbyteries, and synods:
		e. Provide representation on the Board of Directors;		
f. Represent the Church in ecumenical relationships;
		g. Represent the corporation and arrange for legal counsel in all litigation or other legal		
proceedings affecting the Cumberland Presbyterian Church;		h. Communicate with synods and presbyteries on behalf of the corporation;
		i. Provide support services for the Moderator; and		
j. Perform such other duties as may be assigned by the General Assembly from time to		
time.
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.

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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 any an individual Engrossing Clerk. The Engrossing
Clerk shall serve as Stated Clerk pro tempore during 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 fromto 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-Indemnification
10.01 Indemnification. The corporation shall indemnify any director, officer or employee who
is, or is threatened to be, made a party to a complete, pending, or threatened actions 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.
10.02 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.
10.03 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:		a. for any breach of the duty of loyalty to the corporation;
		b. for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a		knowing violation of law; or		
c. for any distribution of the assets of the corporation which is unlawful under Tennessee		law.
Article 11-Trustee for the Corporation
11.01 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.
11.02 Other Assets. Other, additional property may from time to time be conveyed to the Board of
Stewardship to be held by it as trustee for the corporation. All assets held by the Board of Stewardship as
trustee for the corporation shall be held at the pleasure and direction of the General Assembly.
Article 12-Parliamentary Authority
12.01 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 Rules of 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.
Article 13-Amendments
13.01 Manner of Amendment. These Bylaws may be amended or repealed only by the affirmative
vote of two-thirds of the votes cast in a duly constituted meeting of the General Assembly. Fair andreasonable notice of the proposed amendment shall be provided as required by state law.
13.02 No Amendment by the Board of Directors. No portion of the Bylaws may be amended or

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repealed by the Board of Directors.
RECOMMENDATION 1: That the Minutes of the Called Meeting of the General Assemblyin December 2007, page 29, be corrected by inserting the above Bylaws adopted in the meeting.

IV. ENDORSEMENT FOR MODERATORThe Reverend Jonathan Clark, Murfreesboro Presbytery, has been endorsed by his presbytery to be
the Moderator of the 178th General Assembly.

V. COMMISSION ON THE OFFICE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
When the General Assembly Council was established in 1993, the General Assembly also approved
the establishment of a Commission on the General Assembly. In 1995 the Commission was abolished. The
Commission consisted of four members, three elected by the General Assembly on staggered terms, andthe Moderator by virtue of office. The purposes of the Commission on the Office of the General Assembly
were as follows:
1. To propose policies regarding functions and procedures of the Office of the General Assembly.
2. To assist the Office of the General Assembly in budget preparation and communication with
the General Assembly Council.
3. To review the work of the Stated Clerk in accordance with the directives of the General
Assembly. When the Commission was in place, it was responsible for biennial evaluations of
the Stated Clerk
4. To establish the salary and the benefits of the Stated Clerk and other employees of the Office of
the General Assembly.
Center salaries have been recommended by the Salary Administration Committee. The StatedClerk’s Salary was the amount recommended for all other executives, however, it was the prerogative ofeach board to establish the salary on the level suggested by the Salary Administration Committee. The
Salary Administration Committee consisted of the executives, plus one elected representative from eachboard whose offices were in the Denominational Center. Only the elected representatives could determine
the salary scale. Once the scale was determined, each board made a decision about the salaries of all
employees. With the reorganization, there is no longer a salary administration committee. The MinistryCouncil will establish a salary scale for its own employees, but the Office of the General Assembly will not
be included in the scale established by the Ministry Council. By having an agency such as the Commission
on the Office of the General Assembly, there would be an agency to establish salaries and to make evaluationsof employees.
RECOMMENDATION 2: That the General Assembly establish a Commission on the Officeof the General Assembly using the guidelines above.
RECOMMENDATION 3: That the Commission on the Office of the General Assembly reportannually to the General Assembly.

VI. CHANGES IN GENERAL REGULATIONSWith the new organizational structure, the General Assembly needs to revise General Regulations
A. 7 and A. 11. The Director of Ministries should be added to the program planning committee, and someof the boards will become ministry teams.
RECOMMENDATION 4: That General Regulation A. 7 Program Committee be changedby adding the Director of Ministry and adding representation from ministry teams, thus making theGeneral Regulation to read:“The Program Committee shall consist of the Retiring Moderator, the Stated Clerk, Director of2008

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Ministries, Pastor Host, an elected representative of each board or ministry team, and a representative of
the Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry. The committee shall meet no later than February 15.
General Regulation A.11 needs to be revised in light of the new organizational structure. We will
still need committees to handle the reports of the various institutions, committees on Judiciary, Program
Planning, and Theology/Social Concerns. We will also need a committee to receive the reports of the Boardof Stewardship, Moderator, and the Stated Clerk. I propose that the Historical Foundation be placed with
the Children’s Home, Bethel College and Memphis Theological Seminary be listed as Higher Education,
and an Administrative Committee be listed for the reports of the Board of Stewardship, Moderator and theStated Clerk.
RECOMMENDATION 5: That General Regulation A. 11 Standing Committees Named beamended by deleting the words Bethel College from the Children’s Home Committee, moving theHistorical Foundation to this committee, deleting the words Memphis Theological Seminary andadding the words Higher Education, deleting the words Missions/Commission on the Ministry/
Commission on Chaplains, deleting the words Christian Education/Stewardship and adding theword Stewardship, thus making General Regulation A. 11 to read:“The standing committees of the General Assembly shall be as follows: Children’s Home/
Historical Foundation, Higher Education, Judiciary, Program Planning, Stewardship, and Theology/
Social Concerns. The Moderator may, with the consent of the General Assembly, appoint such special
committees as are needed. All General Assembly committees are required to hear board representatives
and team leaders if such hearings are requested. When a General Assembly Standing Committee isseeking information regarding an issue dealt with in more than one report it may invite representatives of
those agencies to be present at the same time. Committees shall write out all recommendations verbatim
in their reports.”
The last sentence in General Regulation D.1.d reads: “In cases of emergency (when resignationsof a committee, commission, or board impairs the ability of the entity to function) the Moderator may
appoint the Stated Clerk to act, until the General Assembly Council or the General Assembly meets.” The
responsibility for acting for the General Assembly between meetings has been assigned to the Board of
Directors of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church General Assembly Corporation. The words General
Assembly Council should be deleted and the words Board of Directors substituted.
RECOMMENDATION 6: That General Regulation D.1d be amended by deleting the words
General Assembly Council and adding the words Board of Directors in the last sentence, making thelast sentence to read:“In cases of emergency (when resignations of a committee, commission, or board impairs theability of the entity to function) the Moderator may appoint the Stated Clerk to act, until the Board of
Directors or the General Assembly meets.”VII. BOARD OF DIRECTORS, GENERAL ASSEMBLY CORPORATIONIn the called meeting in December 2007, the General Assembly elected a new board of directors
for the General Assembly Incorporation. Prior to the called meeting in December, the General AssemblyCouncil had been the Board of Directors. With the merging of program boards into the new MinistryCouncil, trust funds would become more vulnerable in the event the corporation was sued. The General
Assembly determined that it would be beneficial to have a separate board of directors for the corporation,
instead of having the members of the Ministry Council be the Board of Directors.
In order to purchase the new property, and to secure money to finish the two buildings, the General
Assembly approved loaning to the Center Task Force up to $1,645,000 million dollars. Since a temporarytask force cannot borrow money, the Board of Directors of the General Assembly Corporation executed theloan. Gifts to “I Love My Church” will help to repay the loan as well as some future Our United Outreachdonations.

VIII. RELOCATING THE CHURCH CENTER

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The Denominational Offices will be relocating to the new buildings the last week of July or earlyAugust, if completion of the buildings stays on schedule. While in the process of moving the phone andcomputer systems, there may be a few days that persons at the center may not be able to receive any messages.
Persons who need to contact someone at the center are welcome to call the Stated Clerk and he will relay
the message to the proper person(s). The home phone number of the Stated Clerk is (901)213-4879.

IX. STATISTICAL INFORMATION
Statistical information is not totally accurate as 92 failed to file the annual report. Some congregations
have failed to file reports for many years, thus the information is based on the last numbers received fromthe congregation. Congregational report forms are mailed to each session clerk the first of December.
When congregations change session clerks it is essential that the Office of the General Assembly be notified
so that the report forms will go to the proper person. If a congregation fails to receive a report form, a newone can be secured by contacting the Office of the General Assembly. Hopefully, in the near future we will
have the report forms online.
							Number of churches/fellowships				Total Membership					Active Membership					Professions of Faith					Members Added					Members Lost						Church School Enrollment				Given to Our United Outreach				Total Outreach Giving					Total Expenditures					Total Income Received					Value of Church Property (1 = 1000)			

1997		
771		88,068		
53,967		
1,880		4,780		4,778		38,851		
2,160,016
5,585,350
34,375,614
39,787,462
337,301		

2006		
748		81,034		
47,082		
1,706		3,833		4,281		30,265		
2,652,872
8,331,581
46,396,330
54,793,981
368,503		

2007
730
78,46249,017
1,725
3,295
4,303
31,181
2,612,161
8,470,007
49,271,775
57,798,405
380,321

RECOMMENDATION 7: That each presbytery request that its Board of Missions or similar
agency, have a representative to meet with the session of a congregation which has not reported, toimpress upon the church the importance of filing the annual report which is part of history.

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VIV. THE CONTINGENCY FUND
SUMMARY OF 2007 ACTIVITY
Balance Forward 1/1/07
$45,529.12
Income:Our United Outreach							$11,862.34
Interest									1,300.58										13,162.92											$58,692.04
Expenditures:
General Assembly Office - Organizational Task Force
General Assembly Office - 2010 Program Planning Committee
General Assembly Office - Priority Goals ProgrammingBalance 12/31/07
**Restricted$ 28,992.17
6,323.12
13,556.00$48,871.29$9,820.75$ 4,281.71

Priority Goals Programming (Approved in 1999 - Beg. Bal. $59,756.55
less $7,500 used by BCE for curriculum introductory events, $1000
used by BCE for camp directors’ conference, and $15,000 used by
Board of Missions for Church Planter Training Program Curriculum
through Alban Institute, $3,500 used by BCE for miniversities. $10,200
used by BCE for miniversities and $4,718.84 used by Commission on
Ministry to do workshops for presbyterial committees on ministry. Less
$13,556.00 for General Assembly Council. The original designation
for the Commission on Ministry was $9,000, thus $4,281.16 of thisamount is designated.)

4,855.44

Catechism Revision Committee (Approved 6/99 - $4,500 less$882.93 spent in 2000, and $699.90 spent in 2002, and $691.18
spent in 2003, and $370.55 spent in 2004. An additional $7,500
was approved in 8/03 for $7,500 for next 5 years.)Commission on Ministry (Approved 1/03 - Beg. Bal. $15,000
less $9,866.53 used for Ordination Task Force. The Commission
requests that only $1000 be kept in reserve.)
2010 Program Planning Committee (Approved 6/06 - Beg. Bal.
$20,000 less $1,638.79 and less $714.14 spent in 2006 and less
$6,323.12 spent in 2007.)For General Assembly in 2008

1,000.00

11,323.95

7,410.83

		$28,871.93**Unrestricted: (19,051.18) 12/30/07
		$ 9,820.75
RECOMMENDATION 8: That the amount listed for the Catechism Committee be used toprint 1000 copies of the catechism, revise the Study Guide printed in 2003, and that any excess betransferred to unrestricted funds in the contingency fund.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert D. Rush46

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2008

THE REPORT NUMBER TWO OF THE STATED CLERK
Chick-Fil-A has requested an extension until 30 June on closing on the Union Avenue Property. Thisis the fifth extension requested by the company, however, with each extension, Chick-Fil-A has deposited
additonal non-refundable earnest money. The contract with Chick-Fil-A is contingent upon their securing
all necessary permits from the City of Memphis. The Shelby County Preservation Society is trying toprevent Chick-Fil-A from razing the Union Avenue Building, although it is not old enough to be considereda historical building. The preservation society has succeeded in delaying the securing of permits thus far,however, hopefully the situation will be resolved before 30 June.
It is very unlikely that Chick-Fil-A will cancel the contract due to amount of money the company
has spent on the due diligence process, the non-refundable earnest money, and the opportunity to have alucrative business opportunity. It is possible that the preservation society can delay the closing further.
If Chick-Fil-A is unable to secure their permits and has to request additional extension, in July
we will have spent all the money raised in the Capital Funds Campaign and will have several bills due on
the construction on the new buildings, but will not have any funds. It will be necessary for the General
Assembly to approve a bridge loan up to $700,000 in order to complete construction. If the closing occurs
on 30 June, it will not be necessary to borrow the additional funds. If the property does not close, only theamount needed will be borrowed, and will be repaid immediately upon closing.
The Denomination certainly cannot be in a position of having bills due without the ability to pay
them. Although the Corporate Board of Directors could act for the General Assembly, with the General
Assembly meeting it would be better for the decision to be made. The loan will have to be made to the
Corporate Board of Directors.
RECOMMENDATION 1: That the General Assembly instruct the Board of Stewardship,
Foundation and Benefits, to make a bridge loan up to $700,000 until the closing on the Union Avenue
Property.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert D. Rush

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THE REPORT OF THE MINISTRY COUNCIL
To the 178th General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in session in Tokyo, Japan,
June 5-13, 2008.

I. INTRODUCTION
The 177th General Assembly established the new 15-member Ministry Council, plus 3 advisory
members and 3 youth advisory members, to serve as the primary long and short range planning agencyof the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, identifying the Church’s vision for ministry and overseeing theimplementation of ministry. Included in the General Assembly action was instruction to the Board of
Christian Education, Board of Missions, Cumberland Presbyterian Publications Board, and the Commission
on the Ministry to take action to dissolve their boards and form themselves into advisory committees,accountable to the Ministry Council. Further, the General Assembly Council was instructed to dissolve,transferring its responsibilities to the Ministry Council.
The Ministry Council initially met in August 2007 to begin our work and have met four times at thiswriting. We have also worked as subcommittees on various tasks between Ministry Council meetings, andwe have established a Search Committee for the purpose of identifying candidates for the role of Directorof Ministries.
The transition into the new structure has been a gradual and purposeful process, which continues
to date. We have felt urgency to get structures in place for the ministries of the Church to be accomplished,
and we are particularly grateful to the Boards and to the staff who have worked so faithfully to see that thework of the Church has continued seamlessly during this time.
As we have gathered information and attempted to understand the issues before us, we have received
great support from the Church. We have made real progress, but have much yet to accomplish. We offer
this report of our work with thanks to all those throughout the Church who have provided information, whohave offered encouragement, and who have kept the work of the Ministry Council in their prayers.

II. GENERAL INFORMATION
A. MEETINGS AND ORGANIZATIONThe Ministry Council under the direction of its officers, Chairperson Gwen Roddye, First Vice
Chairperson Jill Carr, Second Vice Chairperson Reverend Iwao Satoh, and Secretary Elizabeth Horsley,
met five times in regular session since the 177th General Assembly.
B. COUNCIL MEMBERS WHOSE TERMS EXPIRE
The terms of Mr. Leo Whinery, Mr. Roy Shanks, Reverend Iwao Satoh, and Ms. Breanne Murray
Tolley expire in 2008; and all are eligible for re-election. However, Ms. Breann Murray Tolley has asked
not to be re-elected. Reverend Michael Wilkinson whose term expires in 2009 and Ms. Betsy Atkins whoseterm expires in 2008 have resigned.
C. COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES TO 178th GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Reverend Sam Romines will be the Council’s representative to the 178th General Assembly andReverend Iwao Satoh will be the alternate. The new Director of Ministries will also attend to be introduced
to the General Assembly.
D. COUNCIL EMPLOYEESMr. Davis Gray continues to serve as a part-time consultant to the Ministry Council, and Ms.
Mary McCaskey is employed part-time as Administrative Assistant to the Council and the Director of
Ministries.

III. BYLAWS OF THE MINISTRY COUNCIL

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BYLAWS OF THE MINISTRY COUNCIL
Ministry Council of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
For the Glory of God, the Ministry Council will:
Seek Christ’s vision
Support ministry development
Serve the Church
ARTICLE I
NAME, PURPOSE, AND REPORTING
A.
B.

C.

Name
The name of this body shall be the Ministry Council of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
PurposeThe purpose of the Ministry Council shall be:
1.
To identify and implement the Cumberland Presbyterian Church’s vision for ministry;2.
To provide primary long and short range planning for the Church, striving to assure thatall segments will be 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 thevarious facets of the Church’s ministry be carried out in an effective and efficient manner;
4.
To provide and/or insure that the General Assembly has all relevant information concerning
programs, budgets, and the general work of the Church in order that the General Assembly
may make wise and informed decisions;5.
To recommend a budget to the General Assembly for the purpose of achieving an integrated,
coordinated, and prioritized Church program;6.
To consider reports and recommendations of all General Assembly entities in light of the
Church’s prioritized programs;
7.
To serve as the agent to manage certain fiscal and property affairs of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church General Assembly Corporation, and in that capacity:a.
To be responsible for Our United Outreach by planning, recommending andpromoting Our United Outreach income and expense budgets to the General Assembly,
receiving and receipting Our United Outreach income, and distributing Our United
Outreach in accordance with actions and budgets of the General Assembly;b.
To manage Church Center property;
8.
When the Office of Stated Clerk is vacated, the Ministry Council shall nominate a candidate
for Stated Clerk to the General Assembly.
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 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

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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. The initial directors shall serve the term of office specified in the charter. Each other director
shall serve a term of three (3) years except for directors appointed by the member to fill aposition vacated by a director who did not fill his or her complete term of office.
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.
1. Advisory Members
2. 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.
3. 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
or secretary. Directors and Advisory Members shall be notified of a meeting on or before the10th day prior to the meeting in person; by telephone, e-mail, or facsimile; or by first class US
mail to the person’s residence or business address. Notice by email or facsimile shall be to theaddress 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.
ARTICLE IV
OFFICERS

50
A.
B.

C.

D.

E.

F.

G.

H.

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2008

Officers
The officers of the Ministry Council shall be a Chairperson, a First Vice Chairperson, a Second Vice
Chairperson, a Secretary, a Treasurer and such other officers as the Ministry Council may provide.
Election
The officers of the Ministry Council shall be elected at the first meeting of the board following theannual meeting of the General Assembly and shall hold office for a term of one year and until theirsuccessors 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.

Chairperson
It shall be the duty of the Chairperson 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.
First Vice Chairperson
The First Vice Chairperson shall have the power and perform the duties of the Chairperson during
the absence or disability or refusal to act of the Chairperson or in case of a vacancy in the office of
the Chairperson, and perform such other and further duties which may be assigned by the MinistryCouncilSecond Vice Chairperson
The Second Vice Chairperson shall have the power and perform the duties of the First Vice
Chairperson during the absence or disability or refusal to act of the First Vice president or in caseof a vacancy in the office of the First Vice Chairperson, and perform such other and further duties
which may be assigned by the Ministry Council.
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.
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
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
Ministries, support staff as needed to perform the functions of the Ministry Council.
ARTICLE VI
COMMITTEES

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B.

C.

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51

Executive Committee
1.
The Executive Committee of the Ministry Council shall be a standing committee consistingof the Chairperson, First Vice Chairperson, Second Vice Chairperson, and Secretary;
2.
The Chairperson, or in the Chairperson’s absence the First Vice Chairperson, shall be
Chairperson of the Executive Committee;
3.
The Executive Committee shall meet upon the call of the Chairperson at anytime upon atleast 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 twentyfour hours the Chairperson must attempt to contact that member. Meetings of the Committee
shall be held at within Shelby County, Tennessee, or at any other place with the unanimous
consent of the members of the Committee.
Center Interagency Team1.
The Center Interagency Team of the Ministry Council shall be a standing committee
consisting of the following voting members: the Director of Ministries, Stated Clerk,
Executives of the Board of Stewardship and Historical Foundation with the Director of
Ministry presiding and reporting to the Ministry Council;
2.
The Center Interagency Team will be responsible for on site management of the Church
Center property and other common services;
3.
The Center Interagency Team shall be responsible for the employment and supervision of
the Central Accounting Division staff and implement all necessary audits.
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
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.

2.
		
3.

for any breach of the duty of loyalty to the corporation or its member;for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or aknowing violation of law; orfor any unlawful distribution of the assets of the corporation.

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ARTICLE VIIIAMENDMENTS

Any amendment to these bylaws must first be adopted by the board of directors and thenapproved by the member. Approval by the board shall be by a two-thirds vote taken at least ten(10) days after notice of the proposed amendment has been given to every director..

IV. PROGRAMMING MINISTRY STRUCTURE
A. MINISTRY COUNCIL DIAGRAM OVERVIEW
Meeting at least four times since the creation of the Ministry Council by the 177th General Assembly,
we have been working to grasp for ourselves the flow of work that will occur when the restructuring iscomplete. The Ministry Council offers this brief description of how we envision the structure. This is aprocess that will continue to develop and be refined as we learn from our experience and continually strive
to improve the coordination of programming ministries.
In order to promote a clearer understanding of the structure through which the programming ministryof the Cumberland Presbyterian Church will occur, the Ministry Council has created a diagram overview.
During the process of developing the diagram, we identified some changes in terminology (subject toapproval by the General Assembly) that help clarify the purposes of each of the working bodies. Arrows on
the diagram indicate that communication travels in all directions.
The Ministry Council is the visioning body of the Church and is accountable to the General
Assembly. The Ministry Council serves as the primary long and short range 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 the ministry of the church in an effective, efficient manner.
The Director of Ministries is under the direct employment of and responsible to the Ministry Council.
This person gives executive leadership to the Ministry Council in accomplishing the duties defined in its
Bylaws and supervises the Global Ministry Leadership Team.
The Global Ministry Leadership Team is made up of the Director of Ministry and the Ministry
Team Leaders (executives of the pre-merger Board of Missions, Board of Christian Education, Commission
on the Ministry, and Cumberland Presbyterian Publication Board). This body interprets the vision/missionof the church to the Ministry Teams, coordinating the ministries in a unifying, bridging manner.
The Ministry Teams (referred to as “Advisory Committees” per the 2007 General Assembly)
provide planning and implementation of the programs of the Church. Ministry Teams are made up of aTeam Leader, Staff Team Members (paid employees) and Elected Team Members (members of the premerger programming boards). Ministry Teams are empowered to make real decisions regarding planningand implementation of the vision/mission that is discerned by the Ministry Council and coordinated by the
Global Ministry Leadership Team. Ministry Team Staff members and Elected Members have equal voice
within their respective Ministry Teams.
The Ministry Teams, with a brief definition, are:• Communications Ministry Team—responsible for the publication of The Cumberland Presbyterian,
web sites, and /or other publications.
• Discipleship Ministry Team—responsible for Christian Education and stewardship education.
• Pastoral Development Ministry Team—responsible for the care of clergy, clergy spouses, and thoseseeking ordination.
• Missions Ministry Team—responsible for both USA and World Wide (referred to as “Global” per the2007 General Assembly) missions, under the direction of the Missions Ministry Team Leader.
These brief descriptions by no means encompass the full scope of the work of the organization structure.
B. MINISTRY COUNCIL DIAGRAM

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RECOMMENDATION 1: That the following changes in terminology be approved: “Advisory
Committee” to “Ministry Team” and “Global Missions” to “World Wide Missions.”
RECOMMENDATION 2: That the programming ministries be named Communications
Ministry Team, Discipleship Ministry Team, Missions Ministry Team, and Pastoral Development
Ministry Team.

V. OUR UNITED OUTREACH
Proposed Our United Outreach (OUO) allocations for 2009 were previously adopted by the 177th
General Assembly. Because the OUO distribution for 2009 related to the pre-merger structure of the
programming boards, we offer this edited version, which shows OUO allocations for the current MinistryCouncil and Ministry Teams. Note the allocations for other General Assembly entities have not changed.
This format simply reflects the combined OUO resources allocated to the Ministry Council for the Global
Ministries programming.
2009 OUO Allocations Post-Merger

54

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Board/Agency
Ministry Council Combined
Bethel College
Children's Home
Nominating Committee
Board of Stewardship
General Assembly OfficePAS
Historical Foundation
Commission on Chaplains
CPRC*
Judiciary Committee
Center Property
Contingency Fund
Theology & Social Concerns
Memphis Theological Seminary
Touch the Future*
Total OUO
*These are guaranteed.

Proposed 2009
$ 1,445,252.00$ 205,084.00$
86,332.00$
4,535.00$ 316,874.00$ 184,514.00$
41,806.00$
89,806.00$
9,331.00$
44,170.00$
8,055.00$
54,007.00$
13,754.00$
4,819.00$ 197,595.00$ 168,493.00$ 2,874,427.00

Percentage
50.28%
7.13%
3.00%
0.16%
11.02%
6.42%
1.45%
3.12%
0.32%
1.54%
0.28%
1.88%
0.48%
0.17%
6.87%
5.86%

2008

*

*

VI. AUDITS
Audits for all boards/agencies and institutions have been done by professional accounting firms andfiled with the Stated Clerk’s Office. These are available to Commissioners as needed.

VII. CHURCH CALENDAR 2008-2009
RECOMMENDATION 3: That the 178th General Assembly approve the following dates forthe church calendar.
CHURCH CALENDAR 2008-2009
July 2008				
7				 7-25				12				 12-26				 13-18
		 30-8/1

Bethel College 2nd Session Registration/Classes Begin
Memphis Theological Seminary Second Term Summer School
Program of Alternate Studies Graduation
Program of Alternate Studies Summer Extension School
CP Youth Conference
Christian Education Consultant Training Event

August 2008			
1				 1-31
				
24
				
30
				31-9/28

Bethel College Second Session Ends
Church Paper Sunday (Any Sunday in August)Quarterly Missions Emphasis
Memphis Theological Seminary Fall Classes Begin
Christian Education Season

September 2008							

14 Senior Adult Sunday
21 International Day of Prayer and Action for Human Habitat

October 2008			 1 - 31
				
5
				
12
				 20-22

Clergy Appreciation Month
Worldwide Communion Sunday
Clergy Appreciation Sunday
Clergy Retreat

November 2008 		Any Sunday
Love Loaf Offering			
Any Sunday
Commitment Sunday				
1 Memphis Theological Seminary Inquirer’s Day

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55

2 Stewardship Day
9 Day of Prayer for People with AIDS and Other Life-Threatening
Illnesses
				
16 Bible Sunday				
23 Quarterly Missions Emphasis			30-12/24 Advent
December 2008 		Any Sunday
Gift to the King Offering (11/30-12/24)
				
13 Memphis Theological Seminary Final Day of Fall Classes
				
25 Christmas Day
January 2009			
4
				
5-6
				 5-16
				
9
				
12
				 20-22
				
23
				
24

Epiphany
Stated Clerk’s Conference
Memphis Theological Seminary D.Min. Residency
Cut-off Date for OUO Receipts for Previous Year
Bethel College Classes Begin
Ministers’ Conference (Brenthaven CP Church)
Memphis Theological Seminary New Student Spring Orientation
Memphis Theological Seminary Spring Classes Begin

February 2009			

1
1
				
1
				
1
				 1-28
				
10
				
15
				
22
				
25
				25-4/12

Denomination Sunday
Souper Bowl Sunday
Historical Foundation Offering
Annual Reports Due to Presbytery Clerks
Black History Month
Annual Reports Due to Stated Clerk of the General Assembly
Youth Sunday
Quarterly Missions Emphasis
Ash Wednesday
Lent to EasterMarch 2009				
				
				
				
				
				

Theological Education Sunday
Women’s History Month
Bethel College Mid-Term
World Day of Prayer (Church Women United)
Memphis Theological Seminary Inquirer’s Day
Bethel College Spring Break

1
1-31
6
6
7
9-13

April 2009			

5
5
6-11
9
10
10-12
12-5/31				 20-24

One Great Hour of Sharing
Palm Sunday
Memphis Theological Seminary Closed for Holy Week
Maundy Thursday
Good Friday
Bethel College Easter BreakMarch of Missions, Easter to Pentecost
National Farm Worker Week

May 2009				
				
				
				
				

May Friendship Day (Church Women United)
Family Week
Bethel College Commencement
Memphis Theological Seminary Graduation
CP Children’s Home Sunday
Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home Sunday
Quarterly Missions Emphasis
Pentecost
World Missions Day

				June 2009				

1
3-10
9
16
17
18
24
31
31

1 Bethel College First Session Registration/Classes Begin56

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY				 1-27
				
14
		 15-19
16-18
26
26

2008

Memphis Theological Seminary Summer Term
Children’s Sunday
General Assembly, Memphis, Tennessee
Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry Convention
CP Youth Conference Registration Cut-Off
Bethel College First Session Ends

VIII. GENERAL REGULATIONS
A. THE COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONSRECOMMENDATION 4: That General Regulation B.5.d. be added to read as follows: “TheCommittee on Nominations shall be intentional in nominating persons who represent the Global
nature of the church.”
In order to implement many of our recommendations, several General Regulations must be
addressed.
B. THE MODERATOR
RECOMMENDATION 5: That General Regulation C.6. be changed to read as follows: “TheModerator has the privilege of attending every meeting of General Assembly agencies and otherjudicatories to observe the life and work of the Denomination at every level. The Moderator is an
ex-officio member of every agency of the General Assembly. The Moderator is an Advisory Memberof the Ministry Council for two years; during the tenure in office and for the year following thetenure.”C. THE ASSEMBLY STATED CLERKRECOMMENDATION 6: That General Regulation D.2.e. be changed to read as follows:“Provide representation on the Ministry Council and support services for all General Assembly
agencies.”
D. AGENCIES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Certain agencies of the General Assembly elect members who are not members of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church and have been referred to as non-Cumberland Presbyterians. They will now be referred
to as Ecumenical Partners.
RECOMMENDATION 7: That General Regulation G.1.b. be changed to read as follows:“The membership of the agencies of General Assembly shall be as follows:
The Board of Directors of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church Corporation shall have six members
plus the Stated Clerk. No two members can be elected from the same presbytery.
The Ministry Council - 15 voting members (3 members from each Synod with no more than 9 clergy
or laity members and no more than 9 members of either gender) and 6 Advisory members (StatedClerk, Moderator, Immediate Past Moderator and 3 youth ages 16-19 when elected). Makeup of
the Ministry Council should reflect that we are a Global Church.
Communications Ministry Team - 5 elected Team Members
Discipleship Ministry Team - 9 elected Team Members
Missions Ministry Team - 15 elected Team Members (2 Team members from each of the 5 synods, 5Team members elected at large, and no fewer than 6 of either gender)
Pastoral Development Ministry Team - 9 elected Team Members (a majority of which shall be active
pastors)
Stewardship, Foundation, and Benefits - 11 members
Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home - 15 members (6 Ecumenical Partners)
Historical Foundation - 6 members (1 member from each of the 5 synods and 1 member elected atlarge, no two persons shall be elected from the same presbytery and the representatives from the2008

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Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America)
Memphis Theological Seminary - 24 members (11 Ecumenical Partners)
General Assembly Commissions:
Military Chaplains and Personnel - 3 members
General Assembly Committees:
Joint Committee on Amendments - the members of the Judiciary Committee of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, five members of the Judiciary Committee of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church in America.
Judiciary - 9 members (The Permanent Committee on Judiciary of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church will appoint five of its members to function on the Joint Committee on
Amendments.)
Nominating Committee - 10 members
Place of Meeting – The Moderator, the Stated Clerk, & the Director of Women’s Ministries
Unified Committee on Theology and Social Concerns - 8 members”
Since the Commission on the Ministry has been renamed Pastoral Development Ministry Teamin General Regulation G.l.b. and the phrase “(a majority of which shall be active pastors)” was added, we
make the following recommendation:
RECOMMENDATION 8: That General Regulation G.1.g. which reads as follows: “Amajority of the membership of the Commission on the Ministry shall be active pastors,” be deleted.

IX. LETTERS OF MERGER
To help the 178th General Assembly and the membership of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
as well as current Boards and Agencies, understand the process of merger; we offer this brief clarification:
Letters pertaining to a “Plan of Merger” between the Ministry Council and the Related Incorporated
Boards of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church have been signed and are before this Assembly for adoption.
Once adopted, these letters of merger will be held in the care of the Ministry Council until such date the
Ministry Council and respective board have agreed that all necessary details have been concluded to ensure
a successful merge. At said time, the “Plans of Merger” will be filed with the Secretary of the State ofTennessee. Upon approval by the Secretary of the State of Tennessee, merger will be complete. Until suchtime, the boards and agencies will continue to operate as they have been, programmatically and financially,
except under the guidance of the Ministry Council as defined by the 177th General Assembly which has
assumed the duties of the General Assembly Council.
RECOMMENDATION 9: That the Cumberland Presbyterian Church General Assembly
Corporation, the sole member of each merging corporation, adopt the Plan of Merger for the MinistryCouncil of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, a Tennessee nonprofit corporation, and Board of
Christian Education of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, a Tennessee nonprofit corporation,with the surviving corporation of this merger to be Ministry Council of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church.
RECOMMENDATION 10: That the Cumberland Presbyterian Church General Assembly
Corporation, the sole member of each merging corporation, adopt the Plan of Merger for the
Ministry Council of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, a Tennessee nonprofit corporation, andBoard of Missions of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, a Tennessee nonprofit corporation, withthe surviving corporation of this merger to be Ministry Council of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church.
RECOMMENDATION 11: That the Cumberland Presbyterian Church General Assembly
Corporation, the sole member of each merging corporation, adopt the Plan of Merger for the
Ministry Council of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, a Tennessee nonprofit corporation, andCommission on Ministry of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, a Tennessee nonprofit corporation,with the surviving corporation of this merger to be Ministry Council of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church.
RECOMMENDATION 12: That the Cumberland Presbyterian Church General Assembly

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Corporation, the sole member of each merging corporation, adopt the Plan of Merger for the
Ministry Council of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, a Tennessee nonprofit corporation, andCumberland Presbyterian Publication Board, a Tennessee nonprofit corporation, with the surviving
corporation of this merger to be Ministry Council of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

X. FUTURE MEETING DATESThe Ministry Council will continue with its meeting schedule for 2008 and attempt to meet only
three times in 2009. Due to time and expense restraints, the Council has decided to hold regular meetings
in Memphis instead of in locations throughout the Church:
August 1-3, 2008
November 13-15, 2008
February 26-28, 2009
April 24-25, 2009
Respectfully Submitted,
Gwen Roddye, President
Elizabeth G. Horsley, Secretary

Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis, Tennessee

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THE Report NUMBER ONE of theBoard of Christian Education
I. INTRODUCTION
17

Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had
set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure
about worship, about risking themselves totally.
18-20
Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me
to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them bybaptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I havecommanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.”— Matthew 28:16-20 (The Message, Eugene Peterson)
The call is clear. We are commissioned by Christ to go out and train everyone we meet, far and near,in this way of life, marking them by baptism and to instruct them in the practice of all Jesus has commanded
us. The Board of Christian Education has responded to that call by developing ministries that seek to fulfill
the priority of the church to “Recruit, educate and nurture clergy and laity for their specific ministries.”
Leadership development and spiritual renewal stand at the forefront of our efforts. Through ministries likethe Cumberland Presbyterian Youth Conference, the Christian Education Conference, Opening Doors to
Discipleship, the Presbyterian Youth Triennium, the Consultant Training event, Miniversities, and otherprograms, the board seeks to join Christ in the daunting challenge of making disciples who follow the wayof life taught by our Lord.
The following belief statements about Christian education, developed by the Board of Christian
Education, serve as a measure of the validity for our response to God’s call.
		 • Christian education is a dynamic, continuous, holistic process for persons of all ages, both
			 individually and corporately.
		 • Christian education involves struggles with issues of life and leads toward faith, maturity,
			 personal growth, and lifestyles consistent with Christian faith.
		 • Christian education requires skilled, motivated, committed people. Human resources provided
			 by God are available to meet the needs of this ministry.
		 • Christian education must develop appropriate materials of highest quality, utilize			 methodologies and resources that reflect changes in technology, in order to meet the			 needs of people.
		 • Christian education is done in a variety of settings (such as church, home, and beyond) and			 invites all persons to develop a life-enhancing knowledge of and relationship with God, Jesus
			 Christ, the Holy Spirit, the church, and all God’s creation.
As we serve we embrace the promise that nourishes our spirits and drives us into the future with hopethat God in Christ will be with us as we do this, day after day after day after day after day!

II. GENERAL INFORMATION
A. OFFICERS OF THE BOARD
Officers of the Board are Kip Rush, president; Darryl Campbell, vice president; Vernon Sansom,
secretary; and Frank Ward, treasurer.
B. EXPIRATION OF TERMS
The terms of Reese Baker, Jill Carr and Sandra Shepherd will expire at the 2008 General Assembly.
Since Jill Carr is a member of the General Assembly Ministry Council she is not eligible to be reelected.
The Board expressed gratitude to Jill with a Certificate of Appreciation and a Patron membership. Reese
Baker is completing his first term and Sandra Shepherd her second term. Both are eligible for reelection.

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C. BOARD REPRESENTATIVE TO THE 178th GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The Board’s representative to the 178th General Assembly is Reverend Tom Martin. The alternate
is Reverend Kip Rush.
D. STRUCTURE AND STAFF
Because of budgetary concerns, the Board has reduced greatly its staff in the last six years. It
has also sustained changes in structure and personnel. Mrs. Claudette Pickle retired from the position of
Executive Director at the end of 2007. Reverend Frank Ward was called to this position, vacating the officeof Coordinator of Youth Ministry. The board hopes to have a person employed as Coordinator of Ministries
with Youth and Young Adults by the time of the meeting of the 178th General Assembly.
Present staff members are Matt Gore (who works half time) with responsibilities for management andpromotion of Encounter, Cumberland Presbyterian resources and helping with the Board’s website; Cindy
Martin, with primary responsibility for children’s ministry, internal editorial and production of resources,
and the consultant program; Reverend Frank Ward, with primary responsibility for administration, liaison
with middle judicatories, coordination of field services, and interdenominational relationships. All staff
members have leader development responsibilities. Reverend Frank Ward serves as executive director.
Christine D. Tyler is administrative assistant.
The board reminds the General Assembly of the loss of two part-time staff positions in recent
years. These persons provided leadership for Third Age Ministry, Adult/Family Ministry and Leadership
Development.
Staff plan and implement the various ministry areas of Christian Education. The Resources divisionof the Board of Christian Education distributes the adult quarterly Encounter, Cumberland Presbyterianresources, and logo items.
E. RELATIONSHIPS
Where possible, we work in partnership with other denominations through a number ofinterdenominational and ecumenical agencies. Participation in these partnerships is an expression of ourunderstanding of the nature and mission of the church, and our obedience to the mandate of General Assemblyreflected in our charter. These partnerships permit us to practice good stewardship of people resources, toassume high quality programs and resources and to realize significant economies. Unfortunately, budget
concerns among all denominations has limited cooperative work over the years. A listing of partnerships
through which we are presently working follows.
Ministries in Christian Education, National Council of Churches
This commission includes the Committee on the Uniform Series, which is made up of representativesof denominations in the United States and Canada. It produces the outlines for the International Bible
Lessons for Christian Teaching (Uniform Series). These uniform lesson outlines are the basis of Sunday
school study materials used by millions of persons throughout the United States and Canada, as well as inother parts of the world. The lessons in Encounter are developed from these outlines. James D. McGuire
represents the Board of Christian Education as a working member of the committee. Frank Ward is anadvisory member.
The Coordinator of Ministries with Youth and Young Adults will serve on the Ecumenical Youth
Ministries Staff Team and the Ecumenical Young Adult Ministry Team.
Office of Education, World Council of Churches
Publications from the Office of Education help the staff to think globally and to keep informed
about world issues that relate to Christian education.
Institute for Peace and JusticeThis network was formed in 1981 as an association of families who seek well-being, wholeness,peace, and justice in family situations and in the broader community. Families are challenged to pursue
ways of living that are more cooperative, nonviolent, simple, multicultural, global, and prayerful. The
board promotes workshops and resources of this association. Frank Ward is staff liaison.
These Days Partnership2008

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These Days, a devotion resource, is published for the Presbyterian Church in Canada, Presbyterian
Church (USA), United Church of Canada, United Church of Christ, and Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Frank Ward is staff liaison.
United Board for Christian Discipleship
UBCD is a partnership between the Board of Christian Education of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church and the General Assembly Mission Board of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America.
Protestant Church-Owned Publishers Association
The Protestant Church-Owned Publishers Association is an organization of official not-for-profit
publishing houses governed by a board elected or appointed by a Protestant church body that acknowledges
the Lordship of Jesus Christ, Son of God as revealed in the Bible. This organization helps staff to keep
current on what is going on in the various denominational publishing houses. Frank Ward relates to
PCPA.
F. RECOGNITIONS AVAILABLE
A gift of $150 or more to an endowment fund entitles the donor to designate a recipient of theGolden Patron award. This certificate is in recognition of persons, laity or clergy, who have been involvedin the educational work of the church for fifty or more years. It recognizes service as an educator, no matter
where that service has been rendered; that is, one’s service need not have been rendered only in Cumberland
Presbyterian settings.
A gift of $100 to one of the endowment funds entitles the donor to designate a recipient of a Patronof Christian Education award.
A gift of $25 to one of the endowment funds entitles a congregation to designate a recipient of a
Teacher of the Year award.
A gift of $100 to one of the endowment funds entitles the congregation to designate a person for the
Christian Educator of the Year award.
A gift of $30 to the Cumberland Presbyterian Youth Conference Endowment entitles the donor ordesignee to receive a CPYC Perpetual Conferee certificate.
These recognitions are means of expressing appreciation to and providing support for persons who
serve in the educational work of the church. Individuals may bestow Golden Patron, Patron, and CPYC
Perpetual Conferee awards. An attractive certificate is available for each of the above recognitions.
G. ENDOWMENT FUNDS
A listing of the forty endowment funds for the Board of Christian Education follows:			 Paul W. Allen Endowment for Christian Education
			 Grace Johnson Beasley Memorial Endowment
			 Bennet and Mildred Brown Endowment
			 Jill Davis Carr Endowment for Leadership Development
			 Christian Education Mid-Century Fund			 Christian Education Season Endowment
			 Lavenia Campbell Cole Annuity Endowment
			 Carl Cook Outdoor Ministry Endowment
			 Consultant Training Fund Endowment
			 Cumberland Presbyterian Youth Conference Endowment
			 H. Harold Davis Endowment for Christian Education
			 Jack W. Ferguson, Jr. Endowment for Christian Education
			 Ira and Rae Galloway Endowment for Christian Education
			 Jean Garrett Endowment for Christian Education
			 Louise Adams Heathcock Memorial Fund Endowment
			 John Gilbert Horsley Endowment for Denominational Leadership by Youth			 Donald and Jane Hubbard Endowment for Christian Education
			 Into the Nineties for Christian Education Endowment
			 Rev. Gale J. Keown Endowment for Christian Education
			 Earl King Memorial Fund Endowment

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2008

			 Virginia Malcom Christian Education Endowment
			 Wesley and Jackie Mattonen Endowment for Christian Education
			 David and Mary McGregor Christian Education Endowment
			 James D. McGuire Endowment for Christian Education
			 Howell G. and Martha Jo Mims CPYC Endowment
			 Morris and Ruth Pepper Endowment for Christian Education
			 Bill and Hazel Phalan Endowment for Christian Education
			 Claudette Hamby Pickle Endowment for Christian Education
			 Publishing House Endowment
			 Dr. and Mrs. E. K. Reagin Endowment for Christian Education
			 Jodi Hearn Rush Endowment for Christian Education
			 William “Rusty” Rustenhaven III Christian Education Endowment for Youth Ministry
			 Jeff and Angie Sledge Endowment for Christian Education
			 John W. Speer Endowment for Christian Education
			 Cornelia Swain Endowment for Christian Education
			 Irvin and Annie Mary Swain Endowment for Christian Education
			 Jake Tyler Endowment for Children’s Ministry			 Frank and Linda Ward Endowment for Christian Education
			 William Warren Endowment for Christian Education
			 Clark Williamson Memorial Fund Endowment
			 Helen Wiman Memorial Fund Endowment
			 Young Adult Ministry Endowment
The Jean Garrett and Jake Tyler Endowments were added in 2007. Other new endowments may beestablished at any time by individuals or congregations wishing to honor or memorialize persons who have
lived exemplary lives and rendered significant service. They may honor individuals or multiple persons(e.g., husband and wife, parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, pastors). Any member of the Board or its
staff will welcome an opportunity to discuss establishing a new endowment with prospective donors.
H. CHRISTIAN EDUCATION SEASON OFFERINGThe 151st General Assembly (1981) authorized the Board of Christian Education to receive anoffering annually during Christian Education Season. This offering has established the Christian Education
Season Endowment. The Board has made bulletin inserts and offering envelopes available each year tocongregations requesting them. Congregations are encouraged to utilize the bulletin inserts and to provide
an opportunity for members, not only to be educated about the ministry of Christian education in the
denomination, but to give an offering if they desire. The 2007 emphasis was on leader development throughan online resource, Opening Doors to Discipleship.
I. ASSOCIATION OF CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH EDUCATORSThe association was established, with membership open to both volunteer and professional church
educators, in response to interest expressed during the Christian education dinner at the 1984 General
Assembly. Membership fees are $25 per year. These dues are deposited in one of the Board’s endowment
funds.

III. THE EDUCATIONAL WORK OF THE CHURCH
The primary mission structure of the church is the congregation. The primary support structure forcongregations is the presbytery. While it is impossible for the Board of Christian Education to relate directly
to each congregation within every presbytery, providing services needed to fulfill its mission in education,
we can and do make an effort to relate to the Christian education agency in every presbytery. The Board of
Christian Education staff is available to presbytery Christian education agencies, encouraging, equipping,and supporting them as they work with the congregations for which they are responsible.
The following information is a brief update on our ministry of Christian education.
A. CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT/INTERPRETATION/PROMOTION

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1. Church School Curriculum
Bible Quest: A Bible Story Curriculum for All Ages was available for use beginning with the fallquarter, 2000. It is a series that helps people of all ages to: encounter the overall biblical story; be formed/
shaped by that story; learn how to interpret the faith story and connect it to their lives; and live in the world
as disciples of Jesus Christ. The series uses four biblical themes: incarnation, covenant, salvation, andliberation/justice.
Cumberland Presbyterians were involved in all aspects of the development: writing the foundations
paper, developing outlines, creating the design for the series, completing curriculum surveys, critiquing
outlines, writing, editing, developing the curriculum, and testing prototypes. In recent years Bible Quest
was produced and distributed by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
This curriculum resource has served the church for almost 8 years. At the end of August, Bible
Quest will be discontinued.
In September 2002, Seasons of the Spirit replaced The Whole People of God; like its predecessor
Seasons of the Spirit provides resources for those congregations desiring materials based on the lectionary.
Resources are available for birth-2, ages 3-5, ages 6-8, ages 9-11, ages 12-14, ages 15-18, adult, and multiage (ages 5-12). Seasons of the Spirit empowers all ages to be transformed in Christ as they: explore
meaning and mystery in the Bible; celebrate in worship, sacraments, education, and service; engage inministries of love, justice, and witness; and live in inclusive communities of faith shaped and led by theHoly Spirit. Seasons of the Spirit may be ordered from LOGOS at 1/800/323-7543.
Staff reviewed and recommended Gather ’Round resources which were new for fall 2006. These
resources are published by Brethren Press and Mennonite Publishing Network. Gather ‘Round is Bible
story-centered. This curriculum seeks to: nurture children in their faith formation process; strengthen theconnection between home and congregation; explore what it means to follow in the footsteps of Jesus in
Christian community; and increase the ease of use and versatility of the curriculum.
Resources are available for preschool (ages 3-4, with tips for 2s), primary (grades K-2), middler(grades 3-5), multiage (grades K-6, with tips for older students), junior youth (grades 6-8), youth (grades9-12), and parent/caregiver. Designed to sit on each family’s table, the Talkabout contains scripture, prayers,
and ideas for sharing surrounding each quarter’s theme. Resources may be ordered from: Brethren Press,
1451 Dundee, Elgin, IL 60120, Web: www.gatherround.org, Phone: 1/800/441-3712, Fax: 1/800/667-8188,
E-mail: customerservice@gatherroundstore.org.
The Present Word is an adult quarterly based on the International Bible Lessons for Christian
Teaching, often referred to as the Uniform Series. Several Cumberland Presbyterians have served as writers
for this resource. The Present Word may be ordered from Presbyterian Distribution Services (PDS) by
calling 1/800/524-2612 M-F 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Eastern; faxing 1/502/569-8030; ordering from the web at
WebMarketplace: http://www.pcusa.org/marketplace/index.jsp; or mailing Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.),PDS Prepaid Processing, P.O. Box 643674, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3674.
Encounter is an adult Cumberland Presbyterian quarterly, which is based on the Uniform Series. It
remains a strong option for adult Sunday school classes throughout the Cumberland Presbyterian Churchwith a circulation just under 8,000 copies quarterly. The following people have or are in the process ofwriting for Encounter: Stan Wood, winter 2007-08; Mark Horner, spring 2008; Sherry Ladd, summer 2008;
Andy McClung, fall 2008; Kip Rush, winter 2008-09; Lisa Scott, spring 2009; Tom Martin, summer 2009;and Dudley Condron, fall 2009.
Beginning in fall 2007, staff provided a leaders guide for use with Encounter. For fall and winterquarters, one copy was provided free of charge. The material was also available on the BCE webpage.
Because of unusually high demand, the leader’s guide became a sale item beginning with the Spring2008 quarter. The cost is $ 2.95. Encounter may be ordered from the Board of Christian Education at
1/901/276-4572, extension 252.
2. Vacation Bible School Resources
Since the discontinuation of an ecumenically developed series, staff has searched for resources tosuggest for Cumberland Presbyterian congregations to use in the vacation church school setting. Board of
Christian Education staff provides an overview chart of resources each year. This year’s chart was produced
and made available through Cokesbury; it is hoped that the chart will help users make an informed decision
about which materials will best fit their VBS needs. This booklet with the chart was mailed to the pastor
and a Christian Education leader in all Cumberland Presbyterian congregations .

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3. New Earth: Christian Resources for the Outdoors Series
For the 2008 camping season the New Earth: Christian Resources for the Outdoors will focus
on the theme Handle With Care. This curriculum is developed by New Earth Publishers, an ecumenicalpublishing partnership, in cooperation with the Committee on Outdoor Ministry of the National Council of
the Churches of Christ. This resource centers on God’s creation and God’s call for us to serve as stewards incaring responsibly for this remarkable trust. The price is $315.00 and includes materials for all age groups
and permission to duplicate items. A CD is included with electronic files to enable users to customize theresource to fit their particular camp needs. Cumberland Presbyterians will order these materials from theChristian Board of Publication at 1-800-366-3383. Promotional brochures were distributed to presbyterialboards.
4. These Days
These Days is a daily devotional published four times a year. Each issue includes a scripture forthe day, daily Bible verse, written message, and prayer. Cumberland Presbyterians have been included as
writers for most every quarter.
These Days may now be ordered from These Days Subscriptions, 100 Witherspoon Street, Room
2047, Louisville, KY 40202-1396. You may also call 1/800/227-2872, fax 1/800/541-5113, or visit www.
pccpub.com
A single prepaid and a quantity prepaid subscription plan is available. In addition, a large print
edition is available. The regular print edition is $7.95 per year (bulk rate of $4.95 each for 5 or more copies
per subscription) and the large print is $8.95 per year (bulk rate of $6.95 each for 5 or more copies per
subscription). Frank Ward serves on the editorial committee for this devotion resource.
5. Church Membership Resources
The Making of Disciples Called Cumberland Presbyterian by Bob Phelps has been available sinceJune 2002. This resource is designed for those leaders who do membership education in the congregationalsetting. It is in a loose-leaf notebook format; a CD accompanies the notebook and permission is granted for
congregations to customize, duplicate, or adapt the activities. The primary audience is: older elementarychildren and youth who are making preparation for church membership; adults who are newcomers to a
new church development or to a congregation; and, others who wish to learn more about the meaning of
discipleship as Cumberland Presbyterians. It includes: a covenant of participation to be duplicated andsigned by each person (and parents in the case of children and youth), core information for all age groups,
session plans for 6 sessions, and study/reflection/action activities for use with various age groups and in avariety of settings. It is available from the Board of Christian Education for $19.95.
About Being Cumberland Presbyterian, a 15-page booklet, is a brief, user-friendly resource to help
persons know about Cumberland Presbyterianism. It includes numerous simple graphics with formattingthat readily engages the reader with pertinent information about the denomination. This resource is for
persons who want basic information about the denomination without doing an in-depth study. It will also bea handy piece for congregations (especially new church developments) to purchase in quantity and provide
for persons who are unfamiliar with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Available from the Board of
Christian Education, this resource is $1.50. For Japanese, Hispanic, and Korean editions, contact the Boardof Missions.
6. The Family Gathers for WorshipThis 56-session book was written and compiled by Hester Allen with contributions from Donna
Heflin, Jim McGuire, Mary Thompson, and Gayle Wood. It provides suggestions for weekly times ofworship for family members with children and younger youth. In addition, there are four special occasion
worship suggestions. It can be used in a variety of home settings. It is $9.95 and is available from the Boardof Christian Education.
7. Planning Guide for the Christian Year
Written by Marty Aden and edited by Bob Phelps, this guide includes planning tips, a detailed
discussion of each season, and suggested activities for each season. It is available through the Board of

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Christian Education for $5.95.
8. Planning Guide for the Worship Committee
This resource was planned and written by Henry Bradford, Roy Hall, Fran Vickers, and Robert S.
Wood. Two free copies were mailed to each congregation shortly after its publication several years ago.
Additional copies are available through the Board of Christian Education for $3.95.
9. One Family Under God and Study Guide for One Family Under God
One Family Under God was written by Thomas D. Campbell; a study guide was written by Jack W.
Ferguson and Otis Johnson. This resource tells the story of the two denominations up to the early 1980’s.
Both resources are available for purchase from the Board of Christian Education. The book is $2.95 andthe study guide, $1.00.
10. God So Loves
The present video produced by Frank Ward is about the two Cumberland Presbyterian Churches. It
is approximately twenty-five minutes in length and presently sells for $19.95. It may be used in a numberof settings: church membership classes; newcomer groups; fellowship dinners; individual use in the home;etc. Because the video is several years old, plans are underway to update it.
11. Kerygma
In-depth Bible study by young people and adults is integral to the ongoing process of faithdevelopment in congregations. The Kerygma program reflects Reformed and Presbyterian theology andtraditions, and supports a philosophy of Christian education consistent with the Board’s understandingof effective methodology. Resources may be ordered by calling 1/800/537-9462 or by sending a fax to
1/412/344-1823; in addition, you may purchase them from a Cokesbury store.
12. Planning Guide for Family MinistryThis guide was written by Timm Glover and is designed for use by Christian education committees,
family ministry committees, or sessions. It is available from the Board of Christian Education for $4.95.
13. Searchings: For Third Agers Who Are Seeking Something More
These fifty-three devotions were written by Morris Pepper. They can be used for individualreflections and as devotions in Third Age groups. This resource is available from the Board of Christian
Education at a cost of $8.95.
14. Covenant of Grace: A Thread Through ScriptureThis 13-chapter commentary on the 1984 Confession of Faith was written by Dr. Hubert Morrow.
It sells for $7.95 from the Board of Christian Education
15. Logos
Logos is designed for a weekday program of 2½ - 4 hours divided into four segments: Family
Time (meal and activities); Bible Time; Worship Skills; and Play Time (recreation/crafts). Materials arefor grades 1-12. At least one parent or a person serving as a surrogate parent of participating children
is required to participate in some way in the program. The program was developed by persons who are
Presbyterians and the theology is compatible with what Cumberland Presbyterians believe. The Board of
Christian Education has recognized the merits of the Logos design as an acceptable option for midweek
programming for school-age children and youth. These resources may be ordered from: The Logos System
Associates, 1405 Frey Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15235; the toll free phone is 1/877/937-2572 and the email
address is logos@logos-system.org.

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16. Workshop Rotation
The Workshop Rotation Model is the name given to a learning model that began some 16 years ago
at the Barrington Presbyterian Church in Barrington, Illinois. Staff members, Neil McQueen and Melissa
Hansche, created the approach. In the Workshop Rotation Model, learners are taught the same Bible story
for several weeks; learners rotate to a different workshop, such as drama, computer, music, etc., eachweek.
There are some congregations desiring to use the Workshop Rotation Model, but not wishing towrite their own curriculum. Therefore, staff reviewed PowerXpress, a new curriculum developed by
Abingdon for the Workshop Rotation Model. Written for use with kindergarten through grade 6, eachof the units is designed for 8 weeks. There are 8 stations: art; computer; cooking; games; video; music/
movement; science; and storytelling. The curriculum is designed with packet sheets, which are holepunched for a notebook; dividers are provided. It will cost approximately $600 for a year’s usage. This isavailable through Cokesbury. Staff is able to suggest other curriculum resources designed for this learning
approach.
17. Children in the SanctuaryChildren in the Sanctuary is now available both in video and DVD. It is designed to involve
children fully in the worship life of a congregation and has an extensive use/study guide with a good listingof additional resources related to worship. The six segments of the video are: What is Worship?, Promises
Made at Baptism, Opportunities and Challenges When Children Participate in Corporate Worship, Children
Participating in Worship, Children Leading in Worship, and Children Planning Worship. The segments
can be used individually as well as in a series. The cost is $29.95 from the Presbyterian Church (USA) at
1/800/524-2612.
18. Study Guide for the Confession of FaithThomas D. Campbell and Anna Bolling wrote this study guide for use with the 1984 Confession of
Faith. It is designed in workbook style for individual or group study. Each participant in a study will needhis or her own copy. The cost is $ .95 from the Board of Christian Education.
19. Study Guide for the Proposed Catechism
In 2003 the General Assembly approved a recommendation from the Catechism Committee thatthe Board of Christian Education produce a single study guide for the proposed catechism and that theguide contain suggestions for use with children, youth, adults and families. Staff studied the catecheticalquestions, grouped them into 8 sections, and developed outlines for this resource.
The Study Guide for the Proposed Catechism of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, written by
Sandra Shepherd, is in a notebook format. There are eight sessions with activities appropriate for children,
youth, adults and families. The sessions are: Who Is God? Who Are We?; A Covenant Relationship with
God; Jesus Is Christ; The Holy Spirit, Then and Now; What Does It Mean?; Christian Worship; The Church:Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How?; and The Lord’s Prayer. Each session engages learners indealing with the questions and answers of the catechism, using scripture and creative activities. This
resource definitely moves away from the catechetical method of memorization of answers to questions. It
is available from the Board of Christian Education for $12.
20. Seeing the Face of God
This book of sermons by H. Harold Davis was born of a conversation among Willene Davis, Carol
Odom, and Bill Odom following the death of Harold, who served as executive director for the Board of
Christian Education for thirty-one years. Bill Odom served as editor for this project. Frank Ward wrote
some biographical information. The book contains forty-one sermons. It is available from the Board of
Christian Education for $15.95.
21. The Thoughtful Christian
The Thoughtful Christian is an online resource center for adult study materials. Studies are grouped2008

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into 6 categories: In the News, Bible and Theology, Spirituality, Christian Living, Contemporary Issues,
and Popular Culture. The Thoughtful Christian may be purchased in these three ways: Individually – aone-part study is $5, two-session study is $10, three-session $14, and four-session $18; Study Packs –containing five studies of varying length for just $40; or by 12-month subscription for just $350 ($250 for
congregations whose worship attendance averages 100 or less), which allows multiple users and unlimited
downloads. Renewals are $225 per year. You may order individual sessions or may subscribe to the service
at www.thethoughtfulchristian.com
The Board of Christian Education has entered into partnership with The Presbyterian Publishing
Corporation in The Thoughtful Christian. The Board will receive a percentage of the subscription orpurchases made by Cumberland Presbyterians. The partnership also applies to the new The Thoughtful
Christian for Teens. Cumberland Presbyterian writers have been invited to contribute to these electronic
resources.
B. LEADER DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT
1. Miniversities
One of the most successful programs of the Board of Christian Education has been the miniversities
for leader development. Approximately 20 events are held within the period of 1 month in various locationsof the church. The hope is that no one will have to travel more than 2 hours to attend a miniversity. These
workshops of 3-3 ½ hours have provided leadership development for church officers and for studying
the proposed catechism. The miniversities are held every two years. The first three events have had
approximately 2,750 persons in attendance. Leadership for these events are the consultants of the Board.
The next miniversities will be in 2009. Hopefully other program agencies of the General Assembly will
join with the Board in partnership to provide leader development for pastors, teachers, congregation mission
leaders and others in the area of evangelism, a 5 year priority of the church.
2. Camp Staff Training
The Board seeks to assist presbyteries in their camping ministry by providing services for equipping
camp staff members in sharpening skills for their respective roles. Our goal is to provide training sessions
in the spring of the year for 2 or 3 presbyteries on a rotation and/or need basis. In some cases 2 or morepresbyteries that are geographically close may wish to join together for one camp staff training event.
3. Bridges
Bridges: Building Relational Inroads for Discipleship, Growth, Enrichment, and Service ismailed three times per year in January, May, and September. It is an eight-page self-mailer with pertinent
information for congregational C. E. planners and leaders. Bridges is designed to be taken apart for copying
and/or distribution to appropriate persons in the congregation. Back issues are also available upon request
and on the website at www.cumberland.org/bce.
Staff writes articles and solicits articles from outside contributors. The Cumberland Presbyterian
Church is very fortunate to have many capable, qualified people among its ranks who are willing to share
their gifts and insights with the larger church. By asking some of these people to write articles, staff isproviding the readers of Bridges the opportunity to hear what people at the local level are doing.
Cindy Martin coordinates the materials and prepares the piece for the printer. Other staff members
contribute materials related to their staff program areas.
4. Church Library Resources
A Manual for Church Libraries is available from the Board of Christian Education for $2.95.
5. Christian Education Plan Book
The Christian Education Plan Book was revised and updated. Two copies were sent to eachcongregation in the Sunday School packet mailed in April. It should be a valuable resource for those
persons serving on local church Christian education committees or ministry teams.

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6. Church Officer Training
The Development of Church Officers in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, written by Chris
Joiner, has sections on the call to ministry, ministry of the elder, ministry of the deacon, photocopiable
resources, and a leader’s guide. This resource was available mid-2001 and has been enthusiasticallyreceived in the church. It is available from the Board of Christian Education for a cost of $19.95.
For leader development of elders and deacons we still provide the ten sessions in Designs for
Church Officer Training written by Paul and Hester Allen. This resource sells for $12.95 from the Board of
Christian Education.
7. A Climate for Learning: Educational Planning for Your Congregation
A Climate for Learning: Educational Planning for Your Congregation was sent free to eachcongregation. Copies are available for purchase from the Board of Christian Education for $4.95.
8. Presbytery Board Partnerships/Support
The Plan Book for the Board of Christian Education: Presbytery and Synod is the basic resource
provided by the Board of Christian Education. It is available free of charge from the Board of Christian
Education office.
The 164th (1994) General Assembly requested that presbyterial boards of Christian education
be encouraged to invite a staff member to attend one meeting on a biennial basis. These visits provide
wonderful opportunities for staff to meet presbyterial board members, learn of Christian education needs inpresbyteries, and build connectional bonds.
The Presbytery Board mailing was sent to all appropriate board members in January. It contained
leadership development information, upcoming youth event information, resources, and partnership helps.
Presbyterial boards are encouraged to send the Board of Christian Education their announcements
of presbyterial Christian education events so they can be listed on the Board’s web page. The address iswww.cumberland.org/bce
Recommendation 1: That presbyterial boards of Christian education be encouraged
to strengthen partnership with the GA board by inviting a staff representative to attend a meetingof the respective board to discover what ministries are being planned and implemented and to share
information about services and opportunities.
9. Program Planning Calendar
The planning calendar is designed by a committee with representatives from the boards of
Stewardship, Missions, Christian Education, and the Office of the General Assembly; Cindy Martin chairs
this committee. It continues to be a helpful resource for pastors and church leaders.
The theme of the 2008 calendar is “Experience Japan.” The calendar focuses solely on Japan—its
culture, people, and CP churches. The prices is $ 7.95. The theme of the 2009 calendar is “Children Around
the World.” The price will be $8.50. Calendars may be ordered from the Board of Christian Education at
1/901/276-4572, extension 252.
10. Staff Consulting
Each staff member is available for consultation in-office, on-site, via telephone, and by e-mail.
Consulting takes various forms: recommendations of resource materials; assistance in choosing curriculum;
ideas for leader development; planning for outdoor ministry; leading Christian education planning; etc.
11. C. E. Website
Staff encourages people to check the Board of Christian Education web page, which may beaccessed at www.cumberland.org/bce. It contains important information about resources and upcoming
events.

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12. New Sunday School Year Packet
		 A packet was mailed to all congregations in late April. This packet contained materials helpful
to congregations as they plan for the new church school year. Among the contents were the C. E. Planbook,information about curriculum, an installation service, etc.
13. Opening Doors to Discipleship		 Teachers and leaders need access to excellent resources in the areas of:		 • Basic teaching skills and methods			 • Basic Bible knowledge			 • Basic tenets of the Reformed/Presbyterian faith		 With these needs in mind, the Board of Christian Education is working in cooperation withother denominations to offer a 3 course on-line resource called Opening Doors to Discipleship. Each course
will have 12 sessions.
This resource will be:		 • web-based		 • engaging
		 • interactive		 • educational		 • congregationally-based
The three courses are outlined as follows:
Course A: Basic Teaching Skills		
1. How we “grow” in faith		
2. Creative learning environments		
3. How children and youth learn		
4. How adults learn
		
5. Storytelling—the heart of Christianity		
6. Talking and listening in a teaching environment
		
7. Engaging Bible study		
8. Using drama to teach and learn		
9. Learning centers for all ages
		 10. Creative writing
		 11. Using the arts in teaching		 12. Making your session the best time of the week
Course B: Basic Bible Background		
1. Introduction to the Bible
		
2. The Prologue (Genesis 1-11)
		
3. The Patriarchs (Genesis 12-50)
		
4. The Exodus (Exodus-Deuteronomy)		
5. The Promised Land (Joshua—Judges)		
6. The Monarchy (1 Samuel—2 Chronicles)		
7. The Writings (Job—Song of Solomon) and Prophets (Isaiah-Malachi)		
8. The Exile and Return (Ezra—Nehemiah)		
9. The Gospels (Matthew—John)
		 10. The Early Church (Acts)
		 11. The Epistles (Romans—Jude)		 12. Revelation
Course C: Basic Tenets of the Reformed/Presbyterian Faith		
1. I believe in God
		
2. The Trinity: One God or Three?
		
3. Maker of heaven and earth		
4. Providence and evil		
5. The doctrine of human beings		
6. Jesus Christ: The incarnation
		
7. Jesus Christ: The atonement and reconciliation
		
8. Jesus Christ: The resurrection		
9. The Holy Spirit

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10. The doctrine of justification and the doctrine of sanctification
11. The Holy Catholic Church
12. The life everlasting

A number of courses is already available. Hopefully all three will be available by the end of theyear. A course 4 is projected for early next year with the emphasis on “The Teacher as Evangelist.”
The denominations which are partners in this project are the Presbyterian Church in Canada, theMoravian Church, the Reformed Church in America, the Presbyterian Church USA, and the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church.
Teachers and pastors may work through courses individually, in teams or in larger groups to enhancetheir teaching/learning skills and improve their leadership capabilities. These online courses are absolutely
free of charge to Cumberland Presbyterians. Approximately 40 individuals and congregations are alreadyengaged in these courses. You may go to www.cumberland.org/bce for the access code and link or go to
openingdoorstodiscipleship.com for additional information.
Recommendation 2: That congregations be strongly encouraged to take advantage ofthis Cumberland Presbyterian resource for leadership development.
C. ADULT/FAMILY MINISTRY
1. Third Age Ministry
Staff responds to this area of need by using consultants and contract staff.
2. Institute for Peace and Justice
Many denominations have cut back on staff in the area of peacemaking and have decreased financial
resources to the Institute for Peace and Justice; in turn, the Institute has had to downsize staff. Frank Ward
has staff responsibilities for this area.
The Institute has a number of resources that are available online. Illustrative of the kinds of resources
is Kids Creating Circles of Peace, which contains varied activities for children. It is an excellent resourcefor extra sessions with children at church, in families, for day camping, and other children’s programs that
promote caring, respect, and peaceful living. It sells for $5.95. Building a Culture of Peace Begins withChildren provides a creative way of teaching and internalizing some of the “things that make for peace.” It
sells for $5.00.
The address for the Institute for Peace and Justice is 475 East Lockwood Avenue, St. Louis, MO
63119. Their web address is www.ipj-ppj.org. The phone number is 1/314/918-2630. Resources may beordered online from http://www.ipj-ppj.org/resource_page.html.
3. Divorce Recovery
This guide provides help for divorce recovery groups to meet in six sessions of 1 ½ hours. Amongthe topics to be dealt with are dealing with losses, letting go of the past, recovering and using self-esteem,
and planning for the future. The guide is $8.95 and is available from the Board of Christian Education.
4. Adult Ministry Resources
The board has contracted with Donna Heflin to update a listing of resources for adult ministry.
These are posted on the web and will be available to anyone asking for assistance.
D. YOUTH MINISTRY
1. Youth Advisory Delegates
The Coordinator of Ministries with Youth and Young Adults provides leadership for an orientation
session for youth advisory delegates; this session is scheduled immediately prior to the opening of each
General Assembly.

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2. Souper Bowl of Caring
The 2008 Souper Bowl of Caring was February 3rd. On that Sunday, youth groups all over North
America gathered money at the close of worship to be used for a service ministry in their respective
communities. Promotional materials for the 2008 event were included in Bridges and on the BCE website.
In addition, a special youth ministry mailing went to congregations in October and included promotional
materials for Souper Bowl Sunday
3. Youth Sunday
Youth Sunday was February 17, 2008. Staff promoted this in Bridges, on the BCE website, and in
the special youth ministry mailing.
4. 30-Hour Famine
This program of World Vision was scheduled for February 22-23, 2008 or April 25-26, 2008. It
was designed as an educational opportunity on hunger, poverty, and Christian action as well as a fundraising event to support people who live in poverty and hunger. Staff promoted participation in the 30-Hour
Famine in Bridges, in a special youth ministry packet, and on the BCE website.
5. Youth Packet
A packet of materials was mailed in October 2007, to all pastors and youth ministry leaders in
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The packet included promotion of CPYC, Souper Bowl Sunday,
30-Hour Famine, Youth Sunday, Annual Recreation Workshop, and an annotated listing of youth ministry
resources.
E. CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
1. I Have Been BaptizedThis resource written by James D. McGuire and DeVere Ramsay includes a booklet, a single sheet
for the pastor/session and a single sheet for parents/caregivers. It is designed to be given to the parents atthe time of the child’s baptism and can be used in later years to recall this particular baptism and to better
understand the importance of this sacrament. It was reprinted for the fifth time by the generous contributionof the Fellowship Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Mountain Home, Arkansas. It may be purchasedfrom the Board of Christian Education for $3.95.
2. Children’s Sunday
Children’s Sunday is June 8, 2008. The spring issue of Bridges offered suggestions for observing
Children’s Sunday.
3. Welcome to the Lord’s Table
Welcome to the Lord’s Table is very similar in length and style to I Have Been Baptized. It was written
by James D. McGuire and DeVere Ramsay. It helps children to understand the sacrament of communionand has a message to the pastor and session as well as a message to caregivers. At the time of this report,
contact is being made with other denominations to ascertain their interest in having the resource.
4. Children’s Ministry Resources
A listing of resources for children’s ministry is on the web and will be available to anyone asking
for assistance.

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IV. WORSHIP RESOURCES
1. Book of Common Worship
The Book of Common Worship is provided for development and enrichment of worship. This
collection of liturgical resources in the Reformed tradition contains the best material from the Supplemental
Liturgical Resources, which have been used in the church for several years. The Book of Common Worship,
recommended for use by the 163rd General Assembly, also includes lectionaries, a psalter, and otherimportant liturgical resources. In addition, there is a Book of Common Worship Pastoral Edition and a Book
of Common Worship Daily Prayer. We also provide the series of seven Supplemental Liturgical Resources:
Service for the Lord’s Day, Holy Baptism and Services for the Renewal of Baptism, Christian Marriage, The
Funeral: A Service of Witness to the Resurrection, Daily Prayer, Services for Occasions of Pastoral Care,and Liturgical Year. Resources may be ordered from the Board of Christian Education.
2. Hymnals
The Worshiping Church (1990) and Hymns, Psalms, and Spiritual Songs (1990) are authorized
hymnals now available. The Worshiping Church may be ordered from Hope Publishing Company; the toll
free number is 1/800/323-1049. Hymns, Psalms, and Spiritual Songs is the generic Presbyterian hymnal.
It is available from Cokesbury at 1/800/672-1789 or at www.cokesbury.com
3. Resources
The Planning Guide for the Worship Committee and the Children in the Sanctuary video/DVD
were described under curriculum resources. Articles, Bible studies, copyright information, an annotatedlisting of worship resources, a workshop design, an annotated listing of hymnals, and a sharing of worshipideas are available on the Board of Christian Education website at www.cumberland.org/bce.
4. Worship Bulletins
Worship bulletin services are available through Dexter at 1/866/563-2425 or Concordia Publishing
House at 1/800/325-3040. Church supplies may be ordered from Cokesbury by calling 1/800/672-1789 or
faxing 1/800/445-8189.

V. FINANCIAL REPORT
A. BUDGETS FOR 2008-2009
The 177th General Assembly adopted budget allocations for OUO through 2009. The Christian
Education program budgets for 2008-2009 is submitted with this report for information, and appears in the
Budgets section of the Minutes.
B. AUDIT REPORT
A certified copy of our 2007 audit report is not available at the time this report is being written. Whenthe audit is completed, two copies will be delivered to the Office of the General Assembly in compliancewith General Regulations E.6. Relevant portions of the audit report appear in the report of the MinistryCouncil.
C. ANALYSIS OF FUND BALANCES
The 158th (1988) General Assembly asked for itemization and accounting for the fund balances
shown in the annual audit reports. An agency’s fund balance is theoretically the amount of cash thatwould result if the agency were to liquidate all its assets and satisfy all its liabilities. Each year the fundbalance increases or is diminished, depending upon a number of factors, including whether the operation
experienced a profit or loss. Following is the analysis of the Board of Christian Education program andResource Center fund balances as required by General Assembly.

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Board of Christian Education (Program Operation) Fund Balance
December 31, 2007		

1. Unrestricted Funds.......................................................................................$18,778

		 2. Investment Loan Program				 (on deposit with Board of Stewardship)				 B.C.E. Office Equipment/Furniture Fund (designated)				 Adventures in Family Living (restricted)				 B.C.E. Contingency Fund (designated)				 Revolving Publication Fund (restricted)				 Leader Development Fund (restricted)				 Young Adult Conference (restricted)				 God So Loves Video Fund (restricted)				 Curriculum Fund (designated)				 Transportation (designated)				 Other Receivables				 Receivable from Our United Outreach				 Fund balance 12/31/06 (from audit report)				 Projected fund balance 12/31/07$39,066$4,162$135,581$28,898$63,882$4,417$5,285$13,234$51,946$7,745$46,537$410,383$377,832

VI. Plan of Merger
Plan of Merger of The Board of Christian
Education of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
The board adopted the following plan of merger in its meeting on February 1, 2008.
The following Plan of Merger is made pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 61 of the Tennessee
Nonprofit Corporation Act.
A. The merging corporations are: The Board of Christian Education of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, a Tennessee nonprofit corporation, and Ministry Council of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, a Tennessee nonprofit corporation.
B. The surviving corporation of this merger shall be: Ministry Council of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church.
C. The terms and conditions of the merger are: No consideration shall be exchanged inconnection with this merger. The only condition of the merger shall be the approval of
Cumberland Presbyterian Church General Assembly Corporation. The merger shall beeffective on the date Articles of Merger are accepted for filing in the office of the Secretary ofState of Tennessee.
D. Both of the merging corporations are public benefit corporations, and the surviving
corporation shall remain a public benefit corporation. Cumberland Presbyterian Church
General Assembly Corporation, a Tennessee nonprofit corporation, is the sole member ofboth of the merging corporations. Cumberland Presbyterian Church General Assembly
Corporation shall be the sole member of the surviving corporation.
This Plan of Merger was adopted by the Board of Directors of The Board of Christian Educationof the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at a duly constituted meeting held on February 1, 2008.
BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION OF THE
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Secretary: Vernon Sanson (Signature on original)

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Attest-President: Kip Rush (Signature on original)This Plan of Merger was adopted by Cumberland Presbyterian Church General Assembly Corporation,
the sole member of each merging corporation, on June ___, 2008.
______________________________ _______________________________
Secretary 							Attest: President
Respectfully submitted: Kip J. Rush, president; Darryl Campbell, vice-president; Vernon Sansom, secretary;Frank Ward, executive director/treasurer

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Report of theUnited Board for Christian Discipleship
Cumberland Presbyterian Church
Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America
I. INTRODUCTION
The 1972 General Assemblies created the Federated Board of Christian Education. For nineteen
years, the Federated Board of Christian Education served the constituencies of the two denominations as
if the churches were already one body. The experience has confirmed the truth of the axiom, “Unity is
discovered in mission.”
The 1990 General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America created the General
Assembly Mission Board, which continues the work previously done by three program boards. In the 1999
General Assembly, some restructure took place and the General Assembly Mission Board became partners
in ministry with the Board of Christian Education of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
At the 1991 meeting the Federated Board of Christian Education redefined its identity and mission.
From this effort emerged a new name, the United Board for Christian Discipleship, a cooperative ministry,
which in 2008 spans thirty-six years.
The United Board for Christian Discipleship is committed to programming that addresses theChristian education needs and concerns of both denominations.

II. GENERAL INFORMATION
A. MEMBERS, STAFF
Members of the United Board for Christian Discipleship are Mindy Acton, Don Adams, Reese
Baker, Darryl Campbell, Gladys Canty, Jill Carr, Jeff Gehle, Gladys Graham, Tom Martin, Nina Phipps,
Perryn Rice, Kip Rush, Vernon Sansom, Endia Scruggs, Clark Sharp, Sandra Shepherd, and Gayle Wood.
Program staff members are Matt Gore, Lynne Herring, Cindy Martin, and Frank Ward.
B. BOARD MEETINGThe United Board for Christian Discipleship meets once each year, alternating locations between
Huntsville, Alabama, and Memphis, Tennessee. Meetings are on the Friday before the first Saturday in
February. The 2008 meeting was held in Memphis on February 1st. The 2009 meeting will be held in
Huntsville on February 6th.
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church is restructuring at the General Assembly level. UBCD
envisions that it will be incorporated into the new structure and will continue its important ministries
into the future. It seems appropriate that UBCD relate to the Disicipleship Ministry Team of the MinistryCouncil.
C. REPRESENTATIVESThe United Board for Christian Discipleship representative to the 2008 Cumberland Presbyterian
General Assembly is Tom Martin with Kip Rush as alternate. The United Board for Christian Discipleshiprepresentative to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America General Assembly is Endia Scruggs.

III. JOINT PROGRAMSThe United Board joins together to plan and implement six major programs.
A. Youth Ministry Planning Council (YMPC)

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The Youth Ministry Planning Council is the youth ministry planning agency for the United Board
for Christian Discipleship. The following persons completed their terms of service in July, 2007: Billy
Black, Joshua Graham, Abigail Prevost, Scarlet Staggers. New members were added. Membership andterms are:Terms to Expire 2008: Chris Colosi, Anna Sweet, Susanna Patterson, Jericka Kinlaw, Calvin Rogers,
Jr.
Terms to Expire 2009: Mitchell Brown, Miles Bubbett, Kile Garrett, Marisa Knight, Ashley Powers
Terms to Expire 2010: Morgan Boyd, Christopher Jerrolds, Nikki Naron, and A’Yonika Rogers
The council meets during the Cumberland Presbyterian Youth Conference and in late November toevaluate existing youth ministry programs, plan CPYC, and envision potential new ministries to and withyouth.
B. Cumberland Presbyterian Youth Conference (CPYC)
The 2007 CPYC was held July 7-12 at NaCoMe Conference Center, Pleasantville, Tennessee. The
theme was “Just An Empty Cup” with the supporting scripture being Philippians 2:1-11. A total of 179
persons attended. We were blessed with the presence of two youth from Japan Presbytery and two from
Hong Kong Presbytery. The program included theme devotions by the Youth Ministry Planning Council,
worship, Pit Stop groups, flick-reflect, recreation, cabin family time, and presentations.
Participants in the 2007 CPYC contributed a total of $1,240.78 to the CPYC Endowment Fund.
Special recognition was given to Frank Ward for his 35th year as Director of CPYC. Staff contributed a gift
to the Frank and Linda Ward Endowment Fund in the amount of $428.
Anna Sweet, member of the Youth Ministry Planning Council, wrote an article for the Cumberland
Presbyterian Magazine and The Flag.
The following is from a pastor who picked up some youth from CPYC. “When our kids were
picked up from CPYC, the ones riding in the car with me talked almost non-stop about their week. There
was anticipation and eagerness in their voices. There was a spark of life and energy that was evident asthey relived their week. They didn’t mind being without their cell phone. They didn’t mind missing a TV
show. They didn’t miss all the comforts of suburban life. Status, standing, class (socio and economic) had
been forgotten for a few days. In south central Tennessee during July, shorts and T-shirts are about all one
needs anyway!”
The 2008 CPYC will be July 13-18 at NaCoMe Conference Center. The theme is “Put A Face on
It!” The Youth Ministry Planning Council explains the theme in this brief fashion. “Poverty becomes real
when you see the faces of a homeless family. Only as we put a face on our struggles, fears, and joys dothey become real. What happens when the faceless have a face?” The daily sub-themes are Putting A Faceon: Our Fears, Our Failures, Our Foes, Our Faith, and Our Future. The registration fee is $310. Youth andadult leaders have the opportunity to register by June 25.
C. Presbyterian Youth Triennium
The 2007 Presbyterian Youth Triennium was July 17-22 at Purdue University, W. Lafayette, Indiana.
The theme was “Hope Is in Our Midst.”
Members of the Design Team from the CPC were: Joanna Bellis, Sydney Brown, Chris Clinton,
Billy Price, Mark Rackley and Katie Sharpe. Members from CPCA were: Jordan Brandon and Alisha
Moore. Mark Brown served as contract staff for community life. Other leadership from the CPC/CPCA
included: Tiffany McClung (storyteller and small group manual writer), Chuck Brown (choir director),
Perryn Rice (preacher), Aaron Ferry (recreation) and RaSharon King (energizer). Frank Ward served as
staff for the United Board for Christian Discipleship, representing both CP denominations.
There were approximately 4,300 persons registered for Triennium. Approximately 155 Cumberlands
were registered as participants, including four global partners. A number, however, served as small groupleaders and in other leadership roles. Early reports indicate that this event provided a significant andlife-changing experience for many. Over $22,000 was raised for disaster relief funds of the participating
denominations.
A participant from the Scottsboro CPC wrote the following in the church newsletter:“When I hurried in my application for the Presbyterian Youth Triennium, I knew I was in for anamazing experience. However, I really didn’t know just how amazing it was going to be. I’ll use the key

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word of HOPE to show just how my time at Purdue went.
“H is for HYMNALS, or lack thereof. It was obvious to all of us when we came to the first worshipservice that Triennium was to use a contemporary style of worship. At first I wasn’t crazy about it, but itsoon grew on me and I saw how some people could find God in the flashing lights and dancing.
“O is for the various OPPORTUNITIES that were available to us all week. One opportunity I
participated in was singing in a choir of over 200 voices! To have so many fellow Presbyterians using theirgift from God to sing to His glory was absolutely astonishing. Wow!
“P is for PRAYER. Aside from walking, praying was one of the most frequent activities everyone
participated in. I feel that through prayer, everyone at Triennium grew to be a family. I loved being a partof that large family.
“E is for the wonderful EXPERIENCE I had. Although the 2007 Triennium is over, I hope I cancarry the experience I gained from it through every day, everywhere, and all my life. May hope always bein our midst.”
D. Young Adult Ministry
Young adults seem to be the primary group that is choosing to absent themselves from church
affiliation. While they still value belief in Jesus Christ, they are disenchanted with the institutional churchand see little evidence of the church living a faith consistent with Jesus’ teachings. How does the church
provide a ministry that will make a difference for these persons? In what ways does the church need to
discover anew a calling that is inclusive of all? What are the barriers that need to be bridged between the
church and young adults?
With these questions looming large, Michael Clark and Frank Ward, representing UBCD, attended ameeting of the Young Adult Ministry Team (YAMT) of the National Council of Churches in September 2007
in Chicago, Illinois. This team is composed of young adult ministry staff from a variety of denominations.
One of its major ministries is a young adult conference called “Come to the Feast.” This event has been
held every two years but has been changed to every three years. The conference is designed for leaders inyoung adult ministry. The next event is 2009.
The YAMT serves to network young adult ministry persons and to raise awareness to numerous
resources and means for effecting young adult ministry. The UBCD feels that association with the YAMT
will be advantageous to its ministry. Plans call for expanding the job description of the new UBCD staff
person to include not only youth ministry but young adult ministry also. The board will be exploring thebenefits of this person participating as a member of the YAMT.
UBCD will continue to explore ways to help congregations develop more effective ministries withyoung adults.
E. Consultant Program
The Consultant Training Program had its beginning in the mind and heart of Virginia Malcom, who
was employed by the Board of Christian Education of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church for more than
27 years. She dreamed of assembling a corp of persons throughout the church who had a commitment toChristian education and would be trained to function as consultants. These persons would have opportunities
for continuing education, periodically up-dating their consulting skills to be better able to provide leadershiptraining.
In 1974, the first such event was held on the campus at Bethel College. Lectures for this event
centered around “Biblical and Theological Foundations” for Christian education, laying the foundation
on which future events were built. In every subsequent year with the exception of two, consultants havegathered for this continuing education event. From these events has come an experience of community thathas fostered a network for the sharing of concerns, ideas, and resources.
How the program operates
Sponsored by the United Board for Christian Discipleship (UBCD), this program seeks to equip
persons to serve as consultants to synods, presbyteries, and congregations. Consultants may resource
training events, seminars, and workshops, or serve one-to-one in consultations to enable and equip teachers/
leaders to do their tasks. Consultant services may be secured by:
1. Negotiating directly with consultant;
2. Contacting presbytery boards or agencies for recommendations of consultants with particular

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skills;3. Working through UBCD to obtain recommendations of consultants for particular areas of		need.
4. Those who secure the services of a consultant are responsible for all expenses the consultant
		
incurs as a result of preparation and travel in addition to a minimum honorarium of $100
		
per day.
Becoming a participant
1. Invitation to participate will be issued only by staff, with the understanding that the first event isa time to determine whether or not being a consultant is a call for that person;
2. Prospective consultants can participate up to three years as they continue to explore the call,		 which should be a sufficient amount of time for the call to become known to the prospective
		 consultant and to United Board for Christian Discipleship staff;
3. At the end of three years, staff will issue an invitation to sign a covenant for those who feel called
and for whom the call is verified by staff’s evaluation of progress and capabilities within the
program.
4. Once a person signs a covenant form, he or she will be required to become certified in the corecompetencies. These core competencies are areas of expertise that should be basic knowledge
for anyone who participates in the program. Workshops in these areas will be available on arotation basis, which will enable all consultants to achieve certification, even if attendance is notpossible every year. Re-certification will be an ongoing process for all consultants. The online
training courses offer another possible avenue for certification in core competencies.
5. The core competencies identified are: consulting/workshop techniques, workshop design,
curriculum evaluation, role of teacher, teaching/learning approaches, age level/gendercharacteristics, planning for Christian Education, planning a session, use of Bible, Cumberland
Presbyterian/Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America theology 101/Catechism (ifapproved).
6. The assessment of a consultant’s abilities will be done through self-reporting, staff observations,and through working with a more-experienced consultant (mentoring). In most situations,only those people who have completed or are in the process of completing certification will beconsidered for leadership in events. Staff is still in the process of designing an effective tool andmethod for consultants to use in their reporting.
Consultant Training Event 2007
Twenty-nine people, including three staff members, attended the 2007 Consultant Training Event,which was held at St. Columba Conference Center on October 26-28. The theme was “Stepping Up:
Opportunities and Challenges of the 21st Century Church.” Dr. Cindy Arnold Owen, professor of education
at Bethel College, addressed participants about 21st Century learners, the implications for teaching andlearning within the church, and the things that will impact learning in the next five to ten years.
The four workshop opportunities in which consultants participated connected with the keynote
presentation by focusing on the teacher/teaching and resources. The workshops were: Role of Teacher (ledby DeVere Ramsay), Utilizing Resources (developed by Michael Clark and facilitated by staff), Teaching/
Learning Approaches (led by Samantha Hassell), and Curriculum/Resource Evaluation (led by Randall
McGee). Worship leadership was provided by Nina Phipps, Brenda Laurence, Ray DeVries, and Rick
Gamble.
The rankings for this event were exceptionally strong — 9.65 out of a possible 10.0. Obviously it
met the needs of many of the participants.
As part of the event, participants were invited to share resources that they had found to be usefulto them or their congregation. So many people wanted to share that staff had to extend the scheduled time.
This feature will no doubt become a regular addition to the event. Participants also had the opportunity
to listen to and talk with Memphis Theological Seminary professor Barry Anderson about the emergent
church and Celtic Christian spirituality. His presentation served as a springboard for the 2008 event, which
will focus on trends of the emergent church.
Cindy Martin is the coordinator of the Consultant Program.
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The 2008 Christian Education Conference is scheduled for November 4-7 at St. Columba
Conference Center, Bartlett, Tennessee. The theme is “Risking Ourselves Totally” from Matthew 28:16-21(The Message). The focus will be the Sunday School as a vital ministry of the congregation and a new
vision for its future. This is in response to the directive of the 176th C.P. General Assembly in 2006: “Thatthe Board of Christian Education and staff, in planning the Christian Education Conference, focus on the
Sunday school, including but not limited to structure, curriculum, environment, age specific classes, calling
and training of Sunday school teachers as well as the promotion of Sunday School.”
Respectfully submitted: Kip J. Rush, president; Darryl Campbell, vice-president; Vernon Sansom, secretary;Frank D. Ward, executive director/treasurer - Board of Christian Education; Clark Sharp, president; Gayle
Wood, secretary; Lynne Herring, staff - General Assembly Mission Board

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THE Report NUMBER TWO of theBoard of Christian Education
Joint Report from Global Ministries Retreat
Board of Christian Education; Board of Missions; Board of
Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits; Commission on the Ministry;
and, Memphis Theological Seminary

I. Introduction
How can denominational program agencies enhance ministries to a global Cumberland Presbyterian
Church? Much of our planning and focus is on congregations and presbyteries in the USA. How can
we be in ministry more effectively with persons whose primary language is not English? What are thebarriers that stand in our way? What vision do we have for the future that will move us beyond the local
to the global? How can we be “glocal” (global and local) in ministry rather than global or local? These
questions loomed large for the staffs of the Board of Christian Education, Board of Missions, Board of
Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits, Commission on the Ministry and Memphis Theological Seminary
as we planned for the first ever Global Ministries Retreat. Such an event would provide opportunity tobring representatives from the non-USA presbyteries and program agency staff to explore answers to thequestions raised. The experience and findings were important enough to warrant a second report to theGeneral Assembly through the Board of Christian Education, the agency who took the original initiative to
explore joint efforts. We share here the purpose, plan and discoveries in order to raise the awareness of thegreater church to the challenge of expanding our understanding of the church and to open the way for evengreater and more effective ministries in the future.

II. Gathering in Community
As a result of our common need and concern, a Global Ministries Retreat was planned and held on
February 18-20, 2008 at St. Columba Episcopal Conference Center, Memphis, Tennessee. The purpose of
the event was to propose ways the General Assembly agencies may work more closely with presbyteriesoutside the USA to strengthen mutual communication, share effective ministries and resources (from astance of what may be learned from the non-USA presbyteries as well as what may be helpful to them fromthe GA agencies), and heighten the awareness of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church as a global Church.
The retreat included: worship led by persons from each of the respective countries, prayer, Bible
study, stereotypes of the various cultures, characteristics of the various racial/ethnic/national groups
represented, affirmation of good ministries already happening, identification of barriers and specific bridges
that need to be built in the future. This historic event provides the foundation upon which ministries will be
developed in the future.
Participants in the retreat were: Makihiko Arase–Japan; Elinor Brown–Board of Stewardship;
Stephanie Brown–Commission on Ministry; Sean Choy–Korea; Jay Earheart-Brown–Memphis TheologicalSeminary; George Estes, Pam Phillips-Burke, Lynn Thomas and Robert Watkins–Board of Missions;
Michele Gentry–Colombia; Ernest and Michelle Gillis–Korea; Tim Lee–Korea; Jairo Lopez–Colombia;
Cindy Martin and Frank Ward–Board of Christian Education; Carolina Maulanda–Colombia; Iwao, Tsuruko,
Hummy and Tabby Satoh–Japan, and Grace Yu–Hong Kong.

III. Rising to the Top
In the retreat, the following were identified as good things that are presently happening related to
global ministry.
• GA meeting in Japan in 2008
• Growth in mission in Colombia and potential for larger number of candidates for the ministry• Colombian Task Force as joint effort of Board of Missions and Colombian presbyteries to evaluate
and vision for the future ministries of the presbyteries• Worldwide participation in CP Youth Conference (CPYC) and Presbyterian YouthTriennium(PYT)• Program of Alternate Studies (PAS) classes in Korea

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Japan Presbytery sending pastors for study at Memphis Theological Seminary
PAS classes in Spanish and Korean
2006 Asian Youth Mission Conference
International Mission Trips
Reporting by congregations rather than presbytery in Japan (OUO report)
CP Women’s Ministry has leadership in presbyteries worldwide
Non-USA presbyteries commissioning missionaries to other countries
Service ministries connecting USA congregations with Colombian congregations
Inclusion of non-USA members on boards, agencies, task forces
Inclusive leadership in worship at GA
Leadership lectures in Japan Presbytery
Memphis Theological Seminary’s new sabbatical program that will enable faculty to travel topresbyteries outside USA
Cross-cultural ministries within USA has opened new doors
Growing number of CPC resources available in different languages
Growing sensitivity to cultural differences
This Global Ministries Retreat

IV. Stopped in Our Tracks
We examined the barriers that have prevented us from being more global in our ministries. The
following were identified as some of the barriers.
• We have unique identities nationally and it is difficult to affirm these in the global context withrespect and honor and sensitivity to all social contexts.
• We need opportunities to experience our diversity in ways that recognize and inform about cultural/social/ethnic uniqueness.
• Written formal documents of the denomination sometimes become “law” in other countries. For
example, rules of discipline that might not arise in Hong Kong; Property laws that don’t apply tothe presbyteries in Colombia.
• Decision-making table at GA level often includes only USA C.P.s that frequently don’t know the
implications of recommendations for presbyteries outside the USA.
• Terminology is important. For example, the term national allegiance is interpreted differently. Moreappropriate to focus on ethnicity rather than nationality.
• Communication barriers because of established practices, language realities and familiarity
channels related to BOM ; these sometimes prevent direct communications with and through otheragencies.
• The constitution and rules of discipline often suggest applications that don’t apply to presbyteriesoutside the USA. Perhaps we need a dual structure to our constitution and rules of discipline.
• Lack of international world view. Often the USA doesn’t get significant information and news fromother countries.
• What about services and benefits provided to ministers such as retirement and health care? What
are the implications for these in non-USA presbyteries?
• There is not representation at the GA tables that include especially the presbyteries outside theUSA. E.g., constitutional and discipline procedures are adopted without input often from thoseoutside the USA for whom these might have a different application.
• Global presbyteries make reports but stateside presbyteries don’t.
• We can’t mentality should be shifted to realize what is priceless in God’s kingdom.
• No denominational staff persons presently who are from non-USA presbyteries or ethnic backgrounds
other than Caucasian.
• We don’t have a small core of persons from various cultures/ethnic backgrounds that can be
consultants to all agencies of the GA.
• The non-USA presbyteries connection to the denomination is primary through the Board of Missions
making it difficult to establish relationships with other program boards and agencies.

V. Vision for the Future
As we sought to discern God’s will for the church as related to being “glocal” (global and local), we
grasp this vision:

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The CPC will be a church where the gifts of all are valued, recognized and shared with others acrossnationalities, cultures and languages. Pastors and other leaders will be able to work in other placesfrom their home areas. Technology will be used effectively to help connect people through education,common work, and inspiration for evangelizing the world. The church will be so connected that we canbetter share our burdens, care for one another in crisis, and celebrate our accomplishments.

VI. Bridge Building
With this vision before us, we discussed the new structure of the General Assembly Ministry Council
and brainstormed ideas (some of which are currently being explored and implemented by the current
program boards) for building bridges in the respective Ministry Teams and Memphis Theological Seminary.
These include:
Missions:• Joint mission efforts;• global events (work camps, global team, youth conference, GA, etc.);• evangelism training (exchange between countries);• global full-time and part-time staffing;• New church development outside the USA;• opening new mission fields and supporting them;• serve as clearing house for all information happening in all countries;• crisis response team development;• denominational communication liaison (also relates to the Communications Ministry Team);• center for the missionaries on home leave;• encouragement of short term missions;• focusing on evangelism (gospel) vs building and service projects;• inviting missionaries to local church;• work camp/social service as joint project more than two countries in a 3rd country;• training and fund raising (and training for fund raising) of missionaries; connecting to supportive
congregations.
Pastoral Development and Memphis Theological Seminary• Provide continuing education for clergy outside of USA— distance (cyber) learning;• developing English as a second language program for potential students whose native language issomething other than English;• encourage bi-vocational pastors;• encourage cross-cultural ministerial exchange program;• fund leaders seeking higher education;• crisis training;• conflict resolution— consultant;• Christian (calling) ministry;• sending of pastors to “retreat style” learning and sharing situations;• hither/yon sharing between pastors (pen pals);• minister’s conference broadened to be international;• what can Memphis Theological Seminary do for you? (Outside USA— legally according toaccreditation and otherwise);• counseling for pastors in the languages of the persons needing counseling;• lecture tour, especially on CP doctrines and practices.
Communications• Video conferences;• global members on team;• different languages used;• organization of translation team (paid);• news in CP Magazine that is global;• Missionary Messenger to have an international version once a year;• multi-lingual website;• web links to sermons from different CP pastors;• network of contact people as opposed to only elected presbyterial executives;

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conscious of collecting information from other teams;
data bank of CPC members (addresses, email, telephone, etc.);
website redone;
coordinator for international communication (non-USA);
English proficient leader development;
encourage duplication of communication;encourage leaders to develop multi-lingual skills;
synthesize information;
generate church to church relationships— congregational partnerships.

Discipleship Ministry• Translation of Christian education materials;• connection to “existing” materials in other languages (resource help especially in youth ministry);• leader training materials (e.g., usher training and deacon training);• globally minded stewardship materials;• contextualizing rules of order, constitution and directory for worship;• publish Confession of Faith in all the CP languages (already on computer, but needs to be formatted
and published);• share worship resources;• develop review groups to evaluate resource in languages other than English;• English Sunday School materials that are CP written;• training in CP beliefs;• global ecology education (as stewardship);• necessary to include materials for young people.

VII. Moving Ahead with Hope
Much of this report is taken directly from the minutes of the Global Ministries Retreat. In discussing
next steps, staff felt it important to present this joint report to the General Assembly. It is our hope that the
information provided will raise awareness to the need to be more inclusive and sensitive to the remarkablediversity of the church. Furthermore, we believe that God is leading us to a future where this diversity
will be celebrated and will open even greater possibilities for fulfilling God’s call to “make disciples of allnations....” Therefore, we submit the following:
Recommendation 1: That this report be referred to the General Assembly Ministry Council
and that the Council develop strategies for expanding and enhancing the church’s ministry to andwith congregations and presbyteries, especially those outside of the USA and those presbyteries within
the USA who have members outside the USA.

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THE REPORT OF THE BOARD OF MISSIONS
Michael Sharpe, Executive Director

I. ADMINISTRATION
A. BOARD OF MISSIONS
1. Meetings and Organization
Regular 2007 meetings of the board were on February 17-18 and November 15-16. The following
officers were elected in November: Mary Ann Cole, president; Jeff Sledge, vice president; and Jo Ann
Shugert, secretary. Staff member Margie Shannon served as recording secretary and treasurer.
2. Board Membership
Members whose terms expire at the 2008 General Assembly, with number of terms served inparentheses, are Steve Delashmit (2), Rickey Page (3), Jeff Sledge (2), Beverly Stott (1), and Kevin Wood(3). Rickey Page and Kevin Wood are not eligible for reelection.
3. Board Representative
The board representative to the 2008 General Assembly is Gaye Wood. Mack Arase and Sam
Suddarth are alternates.
4. Board Staff
The following people served as staff members in 2007: Administrative- Michael Sharpe, executive
director; Marjorie Shannon, director of Administration and Finance; George Estes, Evangelism andChurch Development Unit; Michael Sharpe and Pam Phillips-Burk, Congregational Ministries Unit;
Robert Watkins, Global Missions Unit; and Sowgand Sheikholeslami, Communication and Publications
Unit. Field - Boyce Wallace, missionary, Colombia, SA; Lynn Thomas, Cross-Culture Mission Developer(USA); Tom Sanders, Church Planting Specialist. Support- Melody Collins, office assistant; and Joyce
Reeves, secretary. Consultants – Reverend Yoong Kim, Korean Consultant and Reverend Norlan Scrudder,
Leadership Referral Services.
B. FINANCIAL REPORTS
1. Audit/Budget
The board’s audit is a part of the single audit for all GA agencies at the Center and can be found in
the audits section of the Minutes. The 2008-2009 line item budgets can be found in the budgets section of
the Minutes.
2. Bequests/Endowments
During 2007 the endowment corpus increased $526,959.94 by contributions to existing endowments,
establishment of new ones, and realized and unrealized capital gains. On December 31, 2007, the market
value of all endowments was $10,967,407.
3. Special Benevolent Funds and Giving Opportunities
Several opportunities to assist in meeting emergency and often critical needs, ordinarily the resultof natural or man-made disasters, are provided for Cumberland Presbyterians through the board. The
Hunger Fund, Disaster Fund, World Emergency Fund, One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS), and the Love
Loaf programs and special appeals provide the channels for caring support.
Through the board in 2007, Cumberland Presbyterians forwarded emergency funds to the following
areas through Church World Service: Pakistan earthquake recovery; Afganistan drought; Southern Sudan
returnees; Earthquake assistance in Yunnan Province, China. Additional special relief funds were forwarded
to families in Cauca Valley Presbytery for fire-damage recovery, Beth-El Mission in Florida, Project Vida in
Texas, Choctaw Presbytery in Oklahoma, and the Presbytery of Liberia.
The OGHS offerings were forwarded to the OGHS office of Church World Service to be disbursed
around the world, mostly for self-help programs. On behalf of the church, the board retains 25 percent of
the OGHS offerings for quick response to disasters in the USA and elsewhere.
The Loaves and Fishes offering received in 2007 was designated to assist the most vulnerable in2008

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Dafur, Sudan, a World Vision Project. The formula for dividing the Love Loaf offering is 25 percent heldby local church for community needs, 25 percent retained by the board for emergency hunger needs, and 50
percent sent to a specific project through World Vision.
All gifts in this section are treated as “second mile” gifts, and the totals are reported in the “Second
Mile Giving” section.
4. Gift to the King
Another Second Mile Giving opportunity is the Gift to the King. The first Gift to the King offering
was received 80 years ago. Initiated in 1920 by the women’s organization for the building of two Chinesechurches, one in China and the other in San Francisco, it has had a positive and upbuilding effect on global
missions through the years. Usually, the offering is for support of a cross-culture project.
With a growing Cumberland Presbyterian witness in new mission points in new countries, the2007 offering will provide grants of $5,000 or more to assist growing congregations secure property or abuilding.
5. Second Mile Giving
The term “Second Mile” technically applies only to contributions from churches and/or churchgroups that give beyond their commitment to Our United Outreach (OUO). However, for the sake ofreporting, contributions from individuals and presbyterial/synodical Women Ministry groups for missionrelated projects are included. Actually, all designated gifts are recorded as Second Mile gifts. The following
report is in the context of the broader meaning of the term.
The total of all 2007 Second Mile Giving through the Board of Missions was $200,532. This total
includes but is not limited to the following gifts to specific projects received during the calendar/fiscal year:
Love Loaf Program, $68,317; OGHS, $24,702; Gift to the King, $45,181; Colombia Hot Lunch, $36,912;
Colombia Nursing Home, $40,810; Other Colombian projects, $84,381; Choctaw Presbytery projects,$1,713; Partnership In Mission $92,978; Convention Offering (CPCH Van) $15,308; Women’s Ministry
Projects/other Second Mile Gifts, $10,856; Builders Fellowship Calls, $69,367; SE Asia NCD, $913.
The fiscal year for Women Ministry projects is September 1 of one year through August 31 of thenext year. The Women’s Ministry giving above is on the GA fiscal year, which is the calendar year.
6. Identification of Assets in the Fund Balance		 All assets of the Board of Missions, including bank balance, on December 31, 2007.
		 Fund Balance as of December 31, 2007																 $2,602,750				 1. Real Estate											 2. Notes Receivable							 																		51,818				 3. Funds to Transfer to Endowment Program														 6,380				 4. Funds to Transfer to Designated/Restricted Funds									72,450				 5. Temporarily Restricted Funds:						 a. Auto/Equipment Depreciation Fund		 											52,343						 b. Benevolent Funds (e.g., Love Loaf, OGHS,								 World Emergency Fund, etc.)																 232,746						 c. Birthplace Chaplaincy Reserve														10,008						 d. Capital Gifts Campaign Funds															40,224						 e. Children in Missions Program															23,029						 f. China Ministry Fund					 															71,951						 g. Choctaw Camp Construction Fund														 4,348
						 (Ins. Payment to rebuild after fire)		
						 h. Church Redevelopment																			14,516						 i. Colegio Leadership Development														10,591						 j. Colombia Church Development Fund												16,679						 k. Colombia Hot Lunch, Mt. Denson CPC												 1,707						 l. Colombia Missionary Fund																		 77,464						 m. CPWM Development Fund																		 12,250						 n. Crisis Contingency Fund			 																 72,040						 o. Cross-Culture NCD																						 11,273						 p. Gift to the King																								 45,777						 q. Hong Kong Scholarship Fund																 19,044

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				 6.
						
						
						
						

2008

r. Leader Training																				5,176s. Liberian Relief/Rehabilitation													5,176t. New Church Developement Reserves								1,155,336
u. PIM Missionary Ministries															 31,333
v. Second Mile Funds to be Disbursed										 270,816
w. South Korean Ministries																 11,156
Total Temporarily Restricted Funds									 $2,235,342
Unrestricted Funds:
a. Budget Reserve Fund																	 124,391
b. World Missions Conference															 18,615
c. Undesignated Cash on Hand 										 100,725
Total Unrestricted Funds																 $243,731

C. REPORTING PROGRAMS OF MISSIONS/MINISTRIES
board.

The following “Statement of Vision” guides the direction of program planning and ministries of the

Drawing upon the resources of a rich doctrinal and historical tradition and building on the strengthof current mission endeavors, the Board of Missions envisions a Cumberland Presbyterian Church that is• EVANGELISTIC - reaching more people with the gospel of God’s love in Jesus Christ,• INCLUSIVE - growing as a multi-cultural and global church with an increasing acceptance ofdiversity (of gender, age, and culture),• CONNECTIONAL - unifying congregations, presbyteries, and the GA Board of Missions aspartners in missions,• COOPERATIVE - increasing awareness of the value of ecumenical mission involvement withappropriate partners,• HOLISTIC - ministering to individual and societies, enabling them to become whole,• AFFIRMATIVE - celebrating the ministries of congregations of all sizes in all locations,• EQUIPPED - preparing people in every way for participation in God’s mission to the world,• FAITHFUL - committing itself to being God’s people and to doing that which is necessary to
fulfill its calling.
The board seeks to make this vision a visible reality through implementing and coordinating mission
and ministry activities through four program units: Congregational Ministries Unit, Evangelism and Church
Development, Global Missions, and Communication and Publications. Reporting on the board’s programsof missions and ministries is by units.

II. CONGREGATIONAL MINISTRIES UNIT
Pam Phillips-Burk and Michael Sharpe, Unit Leaders

The Congregational Ministries Unit purposes to enable congregations to fulfill its missionof ministering to individuals and societies so that they may become whole, celebrating the redemptive
ministries of congregations of all sizes, in all locations; increasing ecumenical mission involvement withappropriate partners; and growing in commitment to being God’s people and doing that which is necessary
to fulfill their calling.
Programs flowing from and designed to fulfill the purpose can be grouped under four ministryheadings: Ecumenical Ministries, Indian Ministries, Women’s Ministries, and Special Services.
A. ECUMENICAL MINISTRIES
Involvement continues in those ecumenical ministries and organizations that have been a part of theboard’s work for many years. Relationship to these agencies varies. In some cases, only budget support isprovided while in others budget support is provided along with staff members to serve on the official board.
In all cases, these ecumenical involvements are significant ministries and are tangible means of living out
the ecumenical commitment of the CPC.
1. Partnership Ministries in the Appalachian Region of the USA
Presbyterian and Reformed churches have been involved in ministry to the Appalachian region

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for more than 100 years. The Cumberland Presbyterian Church is the third largest Presbyterian bodyin Appalachia, having 170 churches in 54 counties, mainly in middle and east Tennessee. Of thedenomination’s total membership, 25 percent live in Appalachia. The main thrust of today’s mission efforts
by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in the mountains is through the following ministries.
a. Coalition for Appalachian Ministry (CAM)
CAM is the agency responsible for coordinating cooperative work in Appalachia for the Reformed
Church in America (RCA), the PC (USA), the CPC, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America(CPCA), and the Christian Reformed Church (CRC). The synods and presbyteries of these communions
provide the majority of funds for CAM with some additional support from national agencies.
CAM’s ministry continues to expand within three primary program areas: CAM Cabin Crafts,
CAM’s Volunteer Program, and various educational offerings, including publications.
Interpretive materials, resources, and portable displays are available from the CAM office at 1329
Wears Valley Road, Townsend, Tennessee 37882 or on the web at: www.appalachianministry.org.
Cumberland Presbyterians have active representatives on the CAM board from Cumberland, East
Tennessee, Tennessee-Georgia, and Murfreesboro presbyteries, Tennessee Synod, and the GA Board ofMissions.
b. Appalachian Ministries Educational Resource Center (AMERC)
The Appalachian Ministries Educational Resource Center, the largest consortia effort to emerge
in the history of theological education in the US, is an ecumenical program that provides critically needed
specialized education and training for seminarians preparing to minister in the small town and rural churchesof Appalachia and similar areas.
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church provided important leadership and participation in thefounding of AMERC in 1985. The GA Board of Missions provides annual budget support for AMERC,
which, in turn, has been utilized by AMERC as scholarship assistance to Cumberland Presbyterian students
participating in any of the training seminars. Lon Broyles continues to serve as executive director.
Information about upcoming seminars and events is available at: www.amerc.org.
c. Presbyterian Council For Media (PCM)
Presbyterian Council for Media (formerly known as PABC) is a media ministry of the CPC and thePC(USA). PCM creates and produces radio public service announcements that proclaim the love, hope andcare of the Christian faith as it applies to daily encounters.
Along with being a resource for outreach and evangelism, PCM is evolving into a resource for the
church in its use of media from outreach to internal communications to the effective and appropriate use ofmultimedia in the worship experience.
PCM receives annual budget support from the GA Board of Missions and from presbyteries andsynods of the CPC and PC(USA). Lita Swindle from Grace Presbytery, George Mayes from the Presbyteryof East Tennessee, along with Mike Sharpe representing the Board of Missions have served on the PCM
board. Rick McNeely serves as executive director. The PCM website is: www.councilformedia.org.
2. Partnership Ministries to and Among Seasonal Farm Workers
a. National Farm Worker Ministry (NFWM)
NFWM is a unique ecumenical organization that mobilizes and educates people of faith around theissues critical to farm workers who are organizing for justice.
NFWM sponsors the annual Farm Worker Week, usually observed in April. Available materials forthis observance include bulletin inserts, posters, worship resources, press release, and a theme paper.
Materials for Farm Worker Week and related resources may be obtained through the website at:www.nfwm.org.
b. Beth-El Farm Worker Ministry, Inc., Wimauma, Florida
The Beth-El Farmworker Ministry (Wimauma, Florida) continues to make progress in the expansionof Beth-El’s ministry with migrant farm-workers in Immakolee, Florida. The new ministry began in the fallof 2006 and a new pastor (Miguel Estrada) for the Immakolee ministry was called in early 2007.
Support for Beth-El is provided through Tampa Bay and Peace River presbyteries (PCUSA), Grace
Presbytery (CPC), and the GA Board of Missions.
Dave Moore serves as executive director and Reverend Ramior Ros serves as pastor. Additional

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information about the ministries available at Beth-El may be obtained at: www.beth-el.info.
3. Border Ministry
Project Vida, El Paso, TX
Project Vida is a multiple-service ministry that serves thousands of impoverished, medically underserved Hispanics and African Americans along the Texas-Mexico border. Ongoing ministries available
through Project Vida include an Early Childhood Program, preventative health care and clinic services,children’s reading program, food co-op, thrift shop, computer labs, and environmental projects.
Project Vida’s housing organization (PVCDC) has begun rehabilitation of an abandoned tenement
into a transitional living center for homeless families with children. Lack of transitional housing is one of
the major needs in El Paso.
Project Vida continues to integrate public and private providers in a coordinated system ofcommunity health care and the ability to link community leadership with the broader community.
Support for Project Vida is provided by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Presbyterian
Church (USA).
4. Ministry in Israel
Since 1967 the CPC, through the Church of Scotland, has supported a Christian ministry in
Israel. Our participation in this ministry is made possible through the interest income from an endowment
established by the late Armin A. Holzer. The scope of this ministry includes a church in Jerusalem, a day
school in the ancient city of Jaffa, a church of both Hebrew- and English-speaking congregations in the cityof Tiberias, and a Jerusalem hospice that accommodates up to ninety guests.
B. Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry
The purpose of the Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry is to accept and share the loveand joy of Jesus Christ through the ministry of women in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church as we pray,
study God’s Word, and reach out through mission, service, encouragement and fellowship. We have sought
to fulfill this purpose in a variety of ways, the main one being the 2007 Women’s Ministry Convention
and Ministry Year. The theme for 2007-2008 has been “Hands Together – One in Christ,” with a focus on
Ephesians 4:1-6 and Philippians 2:1-2. Through a variety of resources, women have been challenged andencouraged to reach out to others across many lines of differences and become one in the body of Christ.
The primary resource for Women’s Ministry is the Bible studies which were written by a variety of women.
They were available for distribution at Convention in June 2007 and on the Women’s Ministry website.
An important area of ministry is through financial giving - special projects, Convention Offering,membership endowment, as well as other needs in the denomination and their communities. The Special
Projects for 2006-2007 were: (1) Women Heads of Families Project in Cali, Colombia, ($44,538) and(2) Ministerial Insurance Endowment with the Board of Stewardship ($5,770). The 2007 Convention
Offering was the Women Heads of Families. The total amount of both this project and offering reflect
contributions beyond Women’s Ministry. This is a wonderful example of how the women of the church
will often set the pace and standard for second mile giving. The total Membership Endowment Fund, as ofDecember 31, 2007, stands at $1,637,800. Membership giving in 2007 is as follows: Perpetual ($4,340);
Diamond Perpetual ($880); Patron ($1,400); Silver Patron ($750); Golden Patron ($2,850). The earnings
from this substantial endowment has helped to fund missions and ministry around the globe. A “one-time”
giving opportunity for 2007 was the Heart Awards. These awards have been bestowed upon women (living
or deceased) as a way of recognizing and honoring their work and ministries. 156 Heart Awards were
bestowed at $50 each for a total of $7,800. This money has been deposited into the Women’s Ministry
Leadership Fund to help train, support and educate future leaders in the church
1. 2008-2009 ThemeThe theme for Women’s Ministry in 2008-2009 is “A Mustard Seed Faith.” The purpose statement
for the upcoming ministry year is:“Living by faith, Cumberland Presbyterian women will become useful vessels as God transforms
and empowers us to accomplish great works. Providing spice to those around us, we will celebrate thismiraculous growth!”
2. 2008-2009 Scripture Text
The Scripture text for Convention and the upcoming program year is Matthew 13:31-32. In the
coming year, Women’s Ministry will explore the depths of this simple little parable and discover how

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it might apply to their lives, churches, and the world in which they live. Together we will celebrate theeveryday miracles that God sends our way and look for God at work in the world through our tiny seeds offaith.
3. 2008-2009 Special Projects
The Special Projects for 2008-2009 are: Single Parent Family Therapy at the CP Children’sHome and Travel Grants to Assist Internationals attending General Assembly in Tokyo, Japan. The 2008
Convention Offering will be “Single Parent Family Therapy at the CP Children’s Home.”
4. Church Women United (CWU)
Women’s Ministry continues to have an ecumenical partnership with Church Women United (CWU).
The denominational representative to CWU is Betty Jacob, Broken Bow, Oklahoma. She is serving a fouryear term on the Common Council to be completed in the year 2008. Betty continues to serve on a task force
for International World Day of Prayer (WDP). The World Day of Prayer 2008 theme was “God’s Wisdom
Provides New Understanding” and was written by the women of Guyana. The quadrennial focus for prayer
is three-fold: 1) those who are dying from diseases, especially HIV and AIDS; 2) those who are starving;
and 3) those on whom violence has been inflicted. WDP is celebrated on the first Friday of March every
year. The 2009 World Day of Prayer theme will be “In Christ, There Are Many Members Yet One Body”
and will be written by the women of Papua, New Guinea. CWU is sponsoring an ecumenical gathering
for women, June 19-22, 2008 in Independence, Missouri. The focus of the conference is “Claim A New
Vision.” Registration information can be found of the Women’s Ministry website or at www.gathering08.
com. Many local and regional women’s ministry groups participate in programs and events sponsored by
CWU. Information about these and other programs may be obtained by contacting Church Women United
at 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 1626, New York, NY 10115; 1-800-298-5551; www.churchwomen.org.
5. Be Still and Know…. Women’s Conference on Spirituality
A first-time ever women’s conference is planned for July 24-26, 2008, in Franklin, Tennessee.
Brenthaven Cumberland Presbyterian Church will be the site of the conference. Conference leadership
include: (Reverend Cardelia Howell Diamond, Sybil MacBeth, Reverend Tiffany McClung, Mrs. Ola Otto,
and Reverend Carol Scrivener. In addition to worship opportunities and plenary sessions, participants will
be able to attend workshops on various aspects of spirituality (Centering Prayer, Walking the Labyrinth,
Faithbooking, Praying in Color, Lectio Divinia – Bible Reading, and Music/Singing).
6. Ordained Clergy Women
As a means of support and advocacy for women clergy, an annual reception is held during the weekof General Assembly. Last year’s reception was co-sponsored by the Board of Missions, the Commission on
Ministry, and Memphis Theological Seminary, with over 100 people in attendance. This annual gathering
provides an opportunity for clergy women to meet one another, some for the first time, and to network forsupport. It also provides an opportunity for others in the church to express their love and support for clergy
women.
Another way in which we seek to support and hold up the ministry of Cumberland Presbyterianclergy women is through statistical information. The following is a summary of such:
Total Ordained Women 											82		 Pastors 															 37		 Solo									 (28)		 Co/Pastors							 (3)		 Associate/Assistant			 (6)		 Interim									 (0)Chaplains 															 18
		 Hospital								 (9)		 Hospice								 (1)		 Prison									 (1)		 College									 (3)		 Military								 (2)		 Other settings					 (2)		 Denominational									 3		 Professors 											 290MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

		
		
		
		
		
		
		

Social Worker 									Youth Director 									Counselor 											Dir. of Christian Ed 						Retired 													Without Charge 								Unknown Status 							

2008

1
1
1
1
7
5
6

This office has sent a card on the ordination date of all the clergy women when that date was
known. It is important to mark significant dates in our lives, and we celebrate with the following women in
their ordination anniversaries in 2008:
5 years – Gloria Villa de Dias, Deborah Hackman-Truhan
10 years – Lisa Scott, Fran Vickers, Joyce Wright, Rebecca Salisbury, Cassandra Thomas
15 years – Louella Lively, Carol Miller
25 years – Donna Heflin
71 years - Mabel Esch
Other dates of significance: 58 years - Betty Shirley and 47 Years – Rosalie Brown
These women represent the larger number of Cumberland Presbyterian clergy women who laborfor the cause of Christ in their ministry setting. We realize the wonderful gift they are to those who receive
their ministry and desire that their touch be felt throughout the denomination.
The Unified Committee on Theology and Social Concerns has a study paper on the issue of womenin ministry. It was adopted and commended to the churches and presbyteries of the CPC by the 171st General
Assembly (2001). This office has added discussion questions and activities to that document to make it
more accessible for group study and reflection. That revised paper is included in each Congregational
Information Packet that is sent out to congregations engaged in a pastoral search process. In an effort toencourage the wider use of this study paper, the Board of Missions will make the study paper available on
its website and send hard copies upon request.
RECOMMENDATION 1: That General Assembly urge all presbytery agencies andcongregations to find ways to utilize this revised study paper for theological review and study.
7. Women Candidates and Licentiates
This office seeks to support, nurture and encourage our Cumberland Presbyterian women licentiates andcandidates. According to the General Assembly Office there are 18 licentiates and 24 candidates.
Relationships with these women are built and nurtured primarily through informal gatherings andconversations. The Board of Mission has as a goal to meet periodically with these women in informal
settings so as to be available for support, nurture and information.
8. Missions Education
The Congregational Ministries unit of the board continues its effort to provide educational resources
for children and youth. Kids on a Mission is the program for children. This past year ideas for projects andappropriate mission education resources have been included in each issue of The Missionary Messenger. A
resource for missions emphasis will be developed each year to be used primarily in Vacation Bible Schools,
but could actually be used in any setting with children. The 2007 emphasis was on the Hot Lunch Programin Colombia, South America. Many local churches took the opportunity to engage their children in mission
education through this resource. A future goal is to develop an interactive web site for children and youth
dealing with missions.
Missions Education at the 2007 Convention included Beth Wallace speaking and sharing with theparticipants the expanding and ongoing ministry in Colombia, South America. There were two workshop
opportunities focusing upon missions – ministry across cultures and global warming. In addition, participants
had the opportunity to visit the nearby Heifer Ranch in Perryville, Arkansas to get a first-hand experience
with that ministry which focuses on the elimination of global hunger and poverty.
9. Mission Trips
A work trip for women was held in 2007 (July 22-28) to Christ’s Outreach for the Blind in Mount
Vernon, Kentucky. The July work team consisted of 22 women (including 2 teen girls). Christ’s Outreach2008

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for the Blind is a camping facility for blind and other physically-challenged children. The work teams
performed a variety of jobs and tasks from gardening to construction.
There is one trip being planned for 2008 – July 13-19 to Christ’s Outreach for the Blind. The cost is$215 per person and includes 6 nights lodging and three meals a day. Deadline for registration is June 1.
Plans for the future include an international work trip in 2009 which will focus not only on work, butwill also be an opportunity for cultural exchange with sisters and brothers in Colombia, South America.
C. INDIAN MINISTRIES
Choctaw Presbytery
A larger parish model continues to be the primary strategy for our common mission with Choctaw
Presbytery. A Presbyterial Council, with representation (both lay and clergy) from each church in thepresbytery, meets quarterly to prioritize needs and implement programs for the work among the congregations
and communities in the presbytery. Betty Jacob serves as Coordinator of the Council and is employed by
Choctaw Presbytery. The structure provides the presbytery with greater self-determination.
The primary focus of the council is congregational development and continued development ofstrong, indigenous leadership. The council is in the process of studying potential sites for a new church
development project for the presbytery.
The Board of Missions provides financial support, guidance and consultation to the presbytery
primarily through the work of the council.
D. SPECIAL SERVICES
1. Leadership Referral Services
Through the Leadership Referral Services (formerly known as the Department of Professional
Services), assistance is provided to churches searching for pastors and pastors who want, need, or might bechallenged to relocate. The design of the program is to give each individual exposure to the widest possible
range of opportunities for service within the church, to enable search committees of congregations to haveaccess to information about more people, and to match gifts/skills of clergy/church leadership to particularneeds of the congregation.
Resources available through the Board of Missions to assist churches and ministers involved in
the placement process include: Guidelines for Churches in the Search Process, sample contracts/covenants,
Guidelines for Clergy and other Church Professionals when considering relocation; and tip bulletins forpresbyterial boards of missions and committees on ministry on their role in the search/relocation process.
Workshops/seminars on various aspects of the search/call process are offered to presbyteries upon staff
availability.
Most LRS and related resources, along with an Employment Opportunity List and other resources
related to the referral/search process are now accessible via Internet.
Norlan Scrudder continues to serve as the coordinator for LRS.
2. Special Education/Training in Specific Areas of Concern/Needa. Small Church and Rural Church Leadership Events
The course, “The Small Church,” is now part of the required PAS curriculum. The course, developed
and taught by staff of the Congregational Ministries Unit, is offered during the PAS Summer Extension
School.
A number of ecumenical leadership events with focus on the rural and small membership church
are also available year round for clergy and laity. A current listing of upcoming education/leadership
events offered nationwide is available from the Board of Missions and are promoted through Missionary
Messenger. Board staff are also available to lead and help design presbyterial workshops/seminars for thesmall churches.
b. Alternate Pastoral Leadership Models
Small membership congregations engaged in the search process know the difficulty of trying tomaintain a full-time resident pastor. Many are exploring a number of leadership options (e.g., tentmaking
ministry, parish or yoked ministries, shared ministry as pastor and presbyterial staff, lay leader, clergy
couple, student pastor, and interim pastor) and finding a new commitment to ministry. New forms ofministry are, in point of fact, a call to journey to fresh ways of nourishing the faith in changing social

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contexts.
Presbyteries are encouraged to become familiar with the various models and resources as a way
to assist the small membership churches in securing pastoral leadership and providing effective ministries.
Workshops/seminars on these models by the Board of Missions are offered to presbyteries on the basis ofstaff availability.
3. Park Chaplaincy
For a number of years, the Board of Missions has had the responsibility for planning and directing
a summer chaplaincy program at the Birthplace Shrine in Montgomery Bell State Park. The chaplain, in
addition to providing a Sunday morning worship service at the chapel, makes contact with people who
use the camping facilities and/or stay at the Inn, relates to the park staff in whatever ways are appropriate,and shares information about the history of the denomination with visitors to the Shrine. The chaplaincy
program begins the first weekend of June and continues through the last weekend of August.
Last summer the program was extended through October as a trial period to determine the interestof expanding this annual ministry. An Easter Service is planned for the Spring of 2008.
The board’s financial responsibility includes lodging and an honorarium for the chaplain’s services.
Dana Jett-Rand a student at Memphis Theological Seminary and a licentiate from West Tennessee Presbytery,
served as chaplain during the summer of 2007.
4. Volunteers in Action (VIA) Ministry
The VIA program continues to coordinate Christian service opportunities for individuals and groupsinterested in volunteer service. The VIA program provides a structure that serves both the volunteers andthose who benefit from their service.
An annually compiled listing of Christian service opportunities is promoted through the first quarter’s
MEMO mailing and is available on the Board of Missions web site. Updated project listings are periodically
included in The Missionary Messenger. A Christian Service Manual and other suggested resources forgroups and individuals interested in mission trips are available through the Board of Missions.
5. Christian Service Recognition Sunday Resource Packet
Christian Service Recognition Sunday is observed the third Sunday in September. Materials forobserving this special day are mailed to each congregation and are also made available on the Board ofMissions website.

III. EVANGELISM AND CHURCH DEVELOPMENT
George R. Estes, Unit Leader

The purpose of this unit is to enable congregations to fulfill their mission of making and developing
disciples so that more people will be brought to a saving faith in Jesus Christ, be incorporated into thechurch, and grow toward full maturity in Christ; and to unify congregations, presbyteries and the General
Assembly Board of Missions as partners engaged in mission.
The staff seeks to fulfill the purpose through activities, events, services, and publications thatwill (1) increase awareness of the biblical theology and imperatives for evangelism, (2) assist churches
and judicatories in developing growth/evangelism strategies, (3) keep denominational growth trends andaccomplishments before the Church, (4) provide and/or support educational and fellowship opportunities
for present and future growth/evangelism pastors and lay leaders, and (5) extend the gospel through new
church development and church redevelopment in the United States. Unit staff are: George Estes, Unit
Leader (Memphis, Tennessee), Lynn Thomas, Cross-Culture Mission Developer (Birmingham, Alabama),
and Tom Sanders, Catalyst Church Planting Specialist (Parker, Colorado). Dr. Yoong Kim served as parttime Unit consultant for Korean Ministry in 2007.
A. PRIORITY FOCUS ON EVANGELISM
Last year’s General Assembly approved a five-year priority focus on evangelism for the denomination,
urging an emphasis on equipping clergy, lay leaders and congregations for personal evangelism in ways thatare appropriate for the contemporary cultural context of our churches. Presbyteries were asked to designate
a day of prayer every six months concentrated on this call to evangelism in our communities. General
Assembly boards, agencies and institutions, including the Board of Missions, were encouraged to support
this five-year priority focus through specific programs and activities. Ministers were encouraged to refresh2008

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their training in evangelism in order that they may provide effective leadership in the churches.
This Unit of the Board of Missions is particularly challenged by, and enthusiastic about, theevangelism priority focus. Suggestions from the Church as to how best Board staff may assist in providing
for the training needed for the evangelism focus are welcome. Among the activities related to the evangelism
priority focus in 2007 were the following:• New Evangelism Focus web page on the Board of Missions web site;• Beginning of an Evangelism Focus Network for ministers and lay leaders around the Church;• Initiation of an Evangelism Focus e-newsletter, “The E-Word”;• Gathering of information about local evangelism activities through an on-line survey;• Dialog with pastors, seminary students and presbytery groups on evangelism concerns;• Offering workshops and consultations on evangelism;• Revival preaching;• New church development planning and oversight – a major component of the Church’s evangelism
effort;• Assistance to smaller membership congregations concerned with enhancing worship services
through projection technology;• Exploration of possible NCD opportunities among Japanese communities in the USA.
RECOMMENDATION 2: That General Assembly re-affirm the priority focus on evangelism
and continue to urge presbyteries and General Assembly agencies to engage the whole Church in“fleshing out” the intentions of the priority in the commitment to reach many new persons for thecause of Christ.
B. EVENTS, CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS, SEMINARS, AND CONSULTATIONSEvents are planned, promoted and conducted to inspire, inform, equip, motivate, and provide
fellowship for growth/evangelism leaders, judicatories and clusters of churches, congregations desiring to
explore new opportunities for ministry, and church planters in both dominant (English-speaking) and crossculture settings. The Unit has offered denominational and regional conferences focused on evangelism, as
well as workshops and training events with local churches and presbyterial agencies. Activities in this areaof work have included the following in recent years.
1. Youth Evangelism Conference
December 28-30, 2006, the Board of Missions sponsored a Youth Evangelism Conference titled“The Discomfort Zone” at Orange Beach, Alabama. The “servant evangelism” approach used at this fine
event, along with suggestions for similar regional youth evangelism conferences, are accessible from theBoard’s web site. Another youth evangelism event is anticipated in 2009.
2. Cross-Culture Leader Conferences
In this decade the Unit has sponsored conferences and training events for Hispanic pastors andlay leaders, and for Korean ministry leaders. Regional activities in 2007 included meetings with Hispanic
pastors in Chattanooga, and a Korean leaders’ event in Chattanooga, under auspices of Tennessee-Georgia
Presbytery.
3. International Youth Mission Trips
Unit staff person, Lynn Thomas, and his wife, Nona, led a group of 22 youth and 5 adults on a
mission trip to Japan in the summer of 2006, sponsored by the G.A. Board of Missions. The mission
trip featured teaching English as a Second Language in churches of Japan Presbytery, and concluded byattending the Asian Youth Conference. They have planned another youth mission trip to Colombia in thesummer of 2008. They will be working with the new Senior Citizens Center near Cali and with a Colegio
Americano in Manizales, teaching English as a Second Language.
4. Consultations and Seminars
Unit staff respond to invitations to conduct Church Consultations and church growth seminars/
workshops as time permits. The Church Consultation is a formal congregational evaluation designed toassist congregations desiring to enhance the effectiveness of their ministry for spiritual and numerical
growth. It typically involves the church’s preparation of statistical information and surveys, and an on-site

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visit by the Board staff person over a week-end. At that time church leaders and members are interviewed,
the community is studied, and the consultant has an opportunity to experience the church in fellowship,
worship, and Sunday school. Based on the information gathered, a consultation report is prepared, withsuggestions for consideration, and submitted to the church session. The Board provides the staff time
for such events at no charge, while the congregation covers travel/lodging and the cost of a professional
demographic study. During 2007 Church Consultations were conducted with the following congregations:
1st Church, Florence, Alabama; 1st Church, Huntsville, Alabama; 1st Church, Cleveland, Tennessee.
Two professional diagnostic tools are available to congregations engaged in the church consultation
process and/or self-study. Churches may order a demographic study through the Board of Missions called“The Ministry Area Profile.” This study is produced by Percept, Inc. and details population information
within the congregation’s typical ministry area. Included in the report are overhead transparency displays
and maps showing summaries of information that are particularly useful with groups and committees. The
study costs $305 when ordered through the Board of Missions. Another detailed and objective instrument
is the “Natural Church Development Survey,” also administered through the Board of Missions. It is
designed to highlight eight essential quality characteristics of congregational life, offering suggestions for
improvement in those areas that could enhance growth potential. The tool is especially helpful to churchesinterested in self-evaluation leading toward a fresh emphasis on outreach and congregational health. The
Board’s cost for the survey is $150, to be reimbursed by the using church. The Board of Missions alsooffers three additional resources for congregations at no charge: “Guidelines for a Mission Review,”“Congregational Self-Profile,” and a “Guide for the Missions Team.”
Seminars and workshops with an evangelism and/or church planting focus are also offered by staff.
Last year’s General Assembly approved a five-year priority focus on evangelism for the entire Church,
and these workshop activities can assist churches, regional groups and presbytery agencies in responding
to the evangelism focus. Workshop topics can be designed or adapted for specific purposes, but among
the topics recently used are: “Building Bridges with Unchurched People in Your Community,” “Relational
Evangelism Through the Local Church,” “Servant Evangelism, “Personal Faith Sharing for Normal
People,” “Your Church Can Help Plant a Church,” and “Missional Transformation of Congregational Life
(Revitalization).”Staff of this Unit regularly meet with presbyterial boards of missions and task forces to report on
ongoing projects or to assist in planning anticipated projects. In 2007 meetings were held with agencies
representing 14 presbyteries.
5. Program of Alternate Studies
Staff from this Unit have been instrumental in developing and implementing the Multi-Culture
Ministry Track of the Program of Alternate Studies. Tom Sanders serves as coordinator for that program
under the leadership of Dr. Thomas D. Campbell, PAS Director. For the first time, the 2007 Summer
Extension School included a special block of instruction in Spanish language. Notably, Revs. AlfonsoMarquez, Milton Ortiz – PAS graduates – were involved in the teaching, along with Dr. Robert Watkins.
Previously, translation was offered in the classroom setting, but that often proved distracting and nonproductive. Classes have been conducted in Korean for a couple of years. Dr. Yoong Kim serves as chairof the PAS advisory committee and coordinates the Korean PAS activities. He accompanied Dr. Campbell
to South Korea for PAS classes in 2007.
C. GROWTH TRENDS
This Unit is charged with monitoring statistics for the denomination and charting growth trends
each year. Because data from the Annual Congregational Statistical Reports are not available until after the
preparation of this report, denominational statistics from 2007 and related information will be shared with
the General Assembly committee under separate cover, and in publications of the Board of Missions.
D. DEPARTMENT OF CROSS-CULTURE CHURCH DEVELOPMENT
Ten years of cross-culture NCD in the USA:The Cross-Culture Church Development Office was organized by the GA BOM with the callingof Reverend Lynn Thomas to the staff in early 1998. In 2008 this ministry of the BOM will realize10
years of service in the CP Church. The primary purpose of this ministry is to start CP Churches among theimmigrant populations of the USA (primarily those that speak little English or prefer worship in a language

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other than English). Obviously, in the process of developing new CP Churches among the immigrant
populations many other responsibilities and initiatives were added to this ministry program in an effort tosupport our cross-culture NCD work, such as: finding leadership outside the CP Church, leadership training,
implementation of the provisional status, assimilation of pastors and congregations, PAS for non-English
speakers, non-English publications and materials, events and workshops for non-English speaking CP’s.
The following is a statistical overview of the Cross-Culture Church Development efforts in the
USA over the past 10 years. (Note: Choctaw Presbytery, a significant ministry of the CP Church, is not partof the Cross-Culture Church Development program, having historical roots in the denomination over many
generations.)
Hispanic NCD:
In 1997 there was one CP Hispanic Church in Chicago (Ebenezer) and one Hispanic mission church(Hanover Park). Over the past 10 years there have been 16 Hispanic NCD attempts in the USA, though 5 of
those NCD efforts have been closed. Of the 11 remaining Hispanic NCD efforts, 5 have been organized as
CP Churches, 6 remain mission churches or fellowships still in development. With the addition of Hanover
Park as an organized church, Ebenezer CP Church in Chicago, and Maranatha Church of Presbytery del
Cristo (which had been a union church but, in 2007, transitioned to a Cumberland Presbyterian congregation
exclusively), in 2008 there will be a total of 8 organized CP Hispanic churches in the USA and 6 Hispanic
missions. Also, First Hispanic Presbyterian Church in Tampa, Florida, and Beth-El Mission farm-worker
ministry of Wimauma, Florida, are union works of Grace Presbytery.
Sudanese NCD:
The first Sudanese mission in the USA was started in 1998. This fellowship became an organized
Cumberland Presbyterian Church. A second Sudanese NCD was started in Omaha, Nebraska in 2001 andeventually was closed. There is one organized Sudanese Church in the USA.
Korean NCD:
The Korean work tends to be fluid and hard to quantify, but current information is as follows.
Before 1998 there was only one CP Korean church, in San Jose, California. That church was eventuallyclosed by Presbytery del Cristo. Most of our Korean work has been via the GA-approved assimilation
process and has utilized the provisional status as its primary tool of NCD.
There are 20 Korean provisional churches in Tennessee-Georgia Presbytery. There is 1 that isa full organized CP church with a church session, One Way Church in New York. Therefore, there are
21 Korean speaking churches in Tennessee-Georgia Presbytery. There is 1 organized Korean Church inWest Tennessee Presbytery, 1 organized Korean Church in Nashville Presbytery, and 1 provisional Koreancongregation in Trinity Presbytery. This makes a total of 24 Korean CP congregations, 3 of which areorganized.
Hispanic, Korean and Sudanese Attendance:
Based on information we have, there are approximately 920 Koreans involved in CP Churches
in the USA, 1,065 Hispanics in Spanish speaking CP Churches in the USA, and 80 participants in the
Sudanese Church. Over the past ten years the CP Church has gone from 30 Koreans and 100 Hispanics inthe USA to these significant numbers.
Summary:
There is a total of 10 new non-English speaking /organized/ CP Churches in the USA that have beendeveloped over the past 10 years. There are 6 mission churches. And there are 21 provisional churches
in the CP Church. Altogether, there are 37 CP Cross-Culture churches, missions and provisional churches
in the USA. If NCD efforts that were attempted but closed were added, during the last decade there havebeen between 45 and 50 cross-culture NCD projects under the guidance of the General Assembly Board ofMissions. (Note – it is difficult to get an exact number because of the Korean provisional church dynamic,
which at times has been hard to track.)
Based on active membership of the CP Church in the USA, the Spanish, Korean and Sudanese
members make up about 4.7% of those who attend CP Churches in the USA. (There are 41,316 active CP
members in the USA , according to the 2007 GA Yearbook.)
An added bonus to the cross-culture NCD efforts in the USA is represented in the new mission
fields in South Korea and Laos. Both resulted directly from the Board of Missions NCD efforts in the USA
among Koreans. The future potential of work in Mexico is also a direct result of our cross-culture efforts

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with Hispanics in the USA.
Current Overview of Specific CC NCD projects:
Early in 2007 the North Alabama Hispanic mission purchased their second building in Decatur,
Alabama. Builder’s Fellowship made a $25,000 grant to help with the purchase of the new facility. The
North Alabama Hispanic mission has two worship centers, one in Cullman, Alabama and the other in
Decatur, Alabama. Regrettably, during the past year the provisional pastor of this NCD has demonstrated
resentments toward the CP Church. This organized Hispanic church will probably go through some painful
leadership transition in 2008.
In 2007 two Hispanic missions were approved by their presbyteries for organization as CP churches,
the Chicago mission named Hanover Park (renamed Comunidad Cristiana, Christian Community) and the
Birmingham, Alabama mission called Jesus Es El Camino (Jesus is the Way). Both will be organized earlyin 2008. The GA BOM has been asked to help in the nurturing of the Comunidad Cristiana Church once itis organized. The GA BOM will provide advice and counsel to the new session in 2008.
The Houston Hispanic mission, Nueva Vida, began a search for suitable property in late 2007 andis in the process of trying to purchase property as a site for the construction of a worship center. Attendanceis about 100 each Sunday and we hope that at some point in the near future it will be organized as a CP
Church.
The Atlanta Hispanic mission, El Redil, has been struggling to maintain a permanent worship spaceover the past two years. Tennessee-Georgia presbytery was able to provide them uninterrupted use of theformer Peace CP Church facility in Lawrenceville, Georgia for the next three years. This should give thestability the Hispanic mission will need to continue its growth.
The cross-culture NCD work in the USA has resulted in new contacts in the border area of Mexico,
as mentioned above. There have been initial conversations and planning with Mexican pastors with theobjective of coordinating a time of fellowship and fact-finding between them and the CP Church to determine
if there could be future possibilities for CP work in Mexico in cooperation with these Mexican pastors andtheir churches.
E. CATALYST CHURCH PLANTING SPECIALISTTom Sanders serves as the Board’s Catalyst Church Planting Specialist in the greater Denverarea where he is working to implement a regional strategy for multiple new church starts. This role wasenvisioned as one of the special initiatives of the decade NCD plan. A new church effort, initiated as New
Community Fellowship, began to thrive under Tom’s leadership in the early part of this decade, and a church
planting pastor, Scott Rowe, was called to undertake that work as a tent-maker under Tom’s supervision.
Scott served the fellowship, which changed its name to Genesis Christian Fellowship, for about three years.
It did well for a time, but the need to change meeting places and worship schedule, along with changes
in the make-up of the core group began to cause the fellowship to lose momentum. In March 2007, in
consultation with Board staff and Presbytery del Cristo’s Committee on Missions, Scott withdrew fromthe leadership of the work, and the fellowship was discontinued. It was left open that he might eventually
undertake a new effort in the Denver effort, but to date that has not occurred. Tom has continued to try todevelop another new church in the area.
An organic church planting strategy for the area was developed early in 2007. The Area Mission
Design outlines the procedure by which the work in Denver anticipates developing several fellowships in
the region.
In addition, Tom is working on a final project for the Doctor of Ministry degree that is aimed at
helping Cumberland Presbyterian pastors and congregations engage in personal evangelism. This topic is inline with the 2007 GA’s priority focus on evangelism, and is designed to be an effective “re-tooling” resource
for leaders. A significant part of the process will be telephone coaching for those doing evangelism.
F. KOREAN MINISTRY COORDINATOR
Reverend Dr. Yoong S. Kim, founding pastor of Korean Church of Memphis, continued as theBoard’s consultant for Korean Ministry in 2007, working especially closely with Tennessee-Georgia
Presbytery, which has the largest number of Korean congregations. This was a year of transition in thatpresbytery, as the decision was made to discontinue the Korean Council and encourage Korean pastors,
provisional pastors, candidates and congregations to relate directly to the presbytery. A Korean Advisory
Committee was appointed to facilitate this process. Dr. Kim has been an integral part of these efforts overthe last several years, along with his vital assistance to the Program of Alternate Studies. Also in 2007, his2008

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congregation began construction of a new sanctuary.
In 2007 three Korean congregations were officially organized in the US: White Stone Church, in
Clarksville, Tennessee, which also dedicated its new church facility in December; One Way Church in
Queens, New York; Korean Church of Memphis, Tennessee.
G. PRIORITY GOAL FOR NEW CHURCH DEVELOPMENT AND NCD UPDATESIn 1999 the General Assembly established three priority goals for this present decade, including thepriority goal to start 75 new churches. The plan adopted for the goal (cf. 1999 General Assembly Minutes,
pp.103-119) called for starting 50 new church efforts in the USA and 25 in international fields, using bothtraditional and innovative approaches.
In agreement with a statement by Church Growth expert Dr. C. Peter Wagner, the Board continues
to be committed to planting new churches as “the most effective methodology for evangelism today.” The
Unit provides assistance to presbyteries, congregations, clusters of congregations and church planters instarting new churches. At presbytery’s request, and the Board’s acceptance, this Unit offers guidanceand supervision of church planting efforts while they receive financial assistance from any source. In thedecade so far several new churches have become financially self-supporting. When outside funding has
been completed, supervision by the Board can continue at the request of the particular church and/or thepresbytery to assure continuing maturity. The projects listed below were under Board supervision in 2007,in partnership with sponsoring presbyteries. Affirming with the apostle Paul that we plant and water, but
God gives the increase, we also bear in mind the words of the Psalmist: “Unless the Lord builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.” (Psalm 127:1)
Six new projects were initiated in 2007:
Dade City, Florida – Mission probe, led by Chuck Reed, Grace Presbytery.
Hope Fellowship - Medina, Tennessee – Jonathan Watson moved to the field as church planter for this newwork of West Tennessee Presbytery in September 2007.
The Pathway – Birmingham (area), Alabama – Mission probe – Roger Reid moved to Colera, Alabama, toinitiate this mission probe/NCD for Grace Presbytery in the fall of 2007.
Iona Community of Faith - Memphis, Tennessee – Barry Anderson heads a church planting team (tentmakers) for this new effort in midtown Memphis, a project of West Tennessee Presbytery.
New Beginnings (provisional) – Memphis, Tennessee – Reverend Craig Wilson is the founding pastor ofthis predominantly African American independent congregation in the Frayser area.
Redeemer Evangelical (provisional) – Memphis, Tennessee – Reverend Jimmy Latimer is the founding
pastor of this congregation.
Continuing NCD projects related to BOM in 2007 were:HeartSong Church (Louisville, Kentucky) was organized in 2006 and is building its permanent facility in2008. Rev. Jim Butler is the pastor.
Creekstone (formerly St. Thomas) Fellowship (Pearland, Texas) was initiated in 2004 under the leadershipof Rev. Tim Suenram. In 2007 the fellowship, presbytery and GA BOM agreed to shift the strategy from afull-time to a tent-making NCD model.
Cumberland Peninsula Church (Millbrae, California) is served by founder Reverend Bruce Wong. The
fellowship is financially self-supporting but has not yet fully organized. The congregation shares facilities
of New Vision United Methodist Church.
Sudanese Church (Gallatin, Tennessee), served by PAS graduate Reverend Jock Paleak, was organized by
Nashville Presbytery in 2004 but continues under supervision. The church shares facilities of a United
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Church of Saint Giles (Tulsa, Oklahoma), moved to a new shared location with two other local Presbyterian
congregations in the summer of 2007. This ministry with disabled persons and their caregivers is headed
by Reverend Bill Webb.
Nueva Vida (Houston, Texas) is served by church planter Reverend Ruben Albarracin. The congregation
has a storefront facility and is in the process of purchasing a permanent site for construction of a new
facility.
Genesis Fellowship (Denver, Colorado), as noted earlier in this report, was discontinued in 2007. Thisdisappointment reminds us how challenging and difficult new church development really is and calls us tomore intentional prayer, guidance and support of our church planters and their congregations.
White Stone Church (Clarksville, Tennessee) erected its first building in 2007 and is gaining a solid presencein the Korean community. Reverend Sonny (Yu Pyong San) Yu is the pastor of this recently organizedchurch.
Casa de Fe y Alabanza (House of Faith and Praise) in Malden, Massachusetts, was organized by East
Tennessee Presbytery in 2006 but continues to rely on the guidance of Board staff. It is financially selfsupporting and meets in facilities of an American Baptist congregation. Reverend Milton Ortiz is theorganizing pastor.
Christ’s Hope (N. Little Rock, Arkansas) is served by Reverend Lisa Scott. This mission effort began in
2004 and has employed a number of community outreach activities to build a core group in an inner citycommunity in transition. This is front-line missions in an area of high crime, despondency and decline. The
fellowship uses facilities of the former Rose City CP Church.
HighPoint Community (Somerset, Kentucky) is served by tent-making pastor, Reverend John Contini. The
congregation uses a rented storefront and is in the first phases of construction of a permanent facility.
Misericordia (Mercy) Church (Lenoir City, Tennessee) started in 2000 under the leadership of Reverend
Alfonso Marquez. In addition to the development of the worshiping congregation, Pastor Marquez hasorganized an outstanding program for English as a Second Language and has received recognition fromgovernmental and private sector agencies for this work. In 2007 he has been instrumental in exploring thepossibility of mission in Mexico, as noted earlier.
Benton/Bryant Fellowship (Bryant, Arkansas) has been meeting since 2005. Semi-retired Dr. Ed Hollenbeck
serves as the church planter. The group meets in a local senior citizens center for worship.
Cristo el Sembrador (Christ the Sower) shares facilities of First CP Church of Manchester, Tennessee. Neil
Aguiar is the pastor. The congregation is looking for a possible permanent meeting place.
El Redil (The Sheepfold), following a period of uncertainty about the possible sale of its meeting place, hasbeen granted use of the former Peace CP Church in Lawrenceville, Georgia, for the next three years. Thisdecision will enable the fellowship to regain stability and begin to grow. The minister is Reverend Mabe
Garcia.
Jesus Es El Camino (Christ is the Way) in Birmingham, Alabama, began in 2001 under the leadership ofReverend Jose Perez, and presbytery has now authorized its full organization. The church meets in facilities
of Rocky Ridge CP Church.
Arkansas Hispanic Mission (Russellville, Arkansas) is under the direction of Reverend Ricardo Franco.
This new fellowship, too, has undergone some changes in strategy in recent months as the pastor, under theguidance of the task force and BOM, has moved toward a tent-making ministry to facilitate the continuationof the mission effort.
Cristo Vive (Christ Lives) Fellowship in Madison, Tennessee, is led by provisional pastor Carlos Cinco. In
2007 the fellowship moved from the Brush Hill CPC to the First CPC of Madison.

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Unit staff also continued to work with Luz de las Naciones (McMinnville, Tennessee), Casa de Oracion(Cullman, Decatur, Alabama), Hanover Park and Ebenezer in the Chicago area.
Korean Organized Churches and Provisional Fellowships Relating to BOM
White Stone Korean (organized), Flushing, New York – Reverend Sonny Yu.
One Way Korean (organized), Clarksville, Tennessee – Reverend Jin Soo Park.
Memphis Korean Church (organized), Memphis, Tennessee – Dr. Yoong S. Kim.
Ye Rang Church (provisional), Austin, Texas – Reverend SungIn Park.
Arkansas Loving Church (provisional), Sherwood, Arkansas – Reverend Sun Wan Cho.
Asian Outreach (provisional), Lawrenceville, Georgia – Reverend Seon Byung Song.
Baek Seok Church (provisional), Atlanta, Georgia – Reverend Seung Chon Han.
Galmal Prayer Garden (provisional), Pendergrass, Georgia – Reverend Mi Yang An.
Good Shepherd Korean (provisional), Buford, Georgia – Reverend Timothy Song.
Gwinett Korean Presbyterian (provisional), Suwanee, Georgia – Reverend James Hawn.
Hope Korean Presbyterian (provisional), Tinton Falls, New York – Reverend Buhwan Yang.
Immanuel Church (provisional), Antioch, Tennessee – Reverend Ja Park.
Jesus Mission (provisional), Norcross, Georgia – Reverend David Lee.
Jesus the True Light (provisional), Summerfield, North Carolina – Reverend Peter Chong.
Korean Life Presbyterian (provisional), Columbus, Georgia – Reverend Mu Sak Heo.
Korean Glory Church (provisional), Duluth, Georgia – Reverend Yang Yol Yu.
Mokchun Presbyterian (provisional), Hinesville, Georgia – Reverend Young Rak Kim.
New Power Presbyterian (provisional), Lawrenceville, Georgia – Reverend Mi Young Kim.
Our Good Presbyterian (provisional) Salisbury, Maryland – Reverend Hyoung S. Choi.
Seasoon Presbyterian (provisional), Flowery Branch, Georgia – Reverend Sung Eun Park
Sharing Presbyterian (provisional), Flushing, New York – Reverend Jae Chung Ko.
Sunnyside Place (provisional), Flushing, New York – Reverend Kio Seob Kim.
Zion City Presbyterian (provisional), Dacula, Georgia – Reverend Samuel Kim.
H. CHURCH REDEVELOPMENT (USA)
Church Redevelopment is an official designation for a congregational revitalization plan requiring
presbytery and G.A. Board of Missions approval. In this decade there have been three formal redevelopment
programs under supervision of the Board of Missions: Eastlake Church (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma);
Faith Church (Bartlett, Tennessee); Burns Flat (Oklahoma). Additional revitalization or “extended NCD/
Redevelopment” efforts through the Board in the decade have included Highland Heights Church (Memphis,
Tennessee), Margaret Hank (Paducah, Kentucky), Colonial Church (Memphis, Tennessee), Friends of His(Sherwood, Arkansas), Eastlake Church (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma), and Stonegate Church (Edmond,
Oklahoma). In 2007 plans were considered for two new revitalization efforts, but were not fully finalized.
I. NEW CHURCH DEVELOPMENT MATCHING GRANT and QUARTER CARDS
In response to the priority goal for new churches, a Cumberland Presbyterian donor offered tomatch contributions for new church development up to $75,000 each year of this decade. That gift wasmatched by donations from across the denomination each of the last seven years! One popular program for
donating to NCD has been the Quarter Card for New Church Development. Quarter Cards are available fororder from the Board of Missions. This card provides coin slots for a total of $13 as an annual donation for
new church development. The Quarter Card program has been especially helpful in teaching stewardshipand missions in family settings.
J. THE BUILDERS FELLOWSHIP
In 2007 Builders Fellowship issued three “calls” for new church construction projects. Churches
designated to receive proceeds from these calls were Casa de Oracion (House of Prayer) CPC in Decatur,
Alabama; Faith Fellowship CPC in Loudon County, Tennessee; and Nueva Vida (New Life) Fellowship in
Houston, Texas.
The Builders Fellowship is a vital program of the Board that assists new churches with their initialconstruction projects. Most new congregations begin conducting public worship services in temporary
meeting places, such as schools or store fronts. But soon the growing fellowships need a “place of their own”

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to continue and expand their outreach. Everyone realizes that the church is not a building, but a building
is a critical tool for mission. Yet invariably new congregations are stretched to the limit financially, and it
is extremely difficult to fund a new building completely on their own. That’s where Builders Fellowshipcomes in. Builders Fellowship members covenant to respond to three “calls” each year with a donationof $50 per call. Each call indicates the project for which contributions are designated and offers a brief
description of the ministry of that church. In the hope of providing grants of around $25,000 total, two calls
may be issued for a particular new congregation. Builders Fellowship remains one of the most tangible
ways for people all across the Church to be directly involved in new church development. The potential toassist new churches and promote the denomination’s priority goal through this source energizes our efforts
to enlist new members in this program.
For a number of years, the General Assembly has asked each presbytery’s Board of Missions toappoint a Presbyterial Advocate for Builders Fellowship, and that request is again made this year in arecommendation below. The appointment of an Advocate would greatly assist in promoting the programin the presbyteries and congregations. Without that personal involvement, the program must rely primarily
on printed information through the Missionary Messenger and other mailings from the Board of Missions.
Mr. Neal Alsobrooks has served as a Builders Fellowship Advocate for Nashville Presbytery and is aninvaluable asset for the program, as others can be also. A Builders Fellowship Advocate will receive
updates from this Unit enabling him/her to represent the program to the congregations of the presbytery.
Presbytery meetings, regional CPWM meetings and women’s retreats, men’s fellowship gatherings, youth
retreats and other events can all be opportunities to share the vision and privilege of Builders Fellowship.
However, it takes a lay leader, pastor or presbyterial representative to personally represent this call toservice. Unit staff is available for programs about Builders Fellowship as well.
A Builders Fellowship Church Award is presented to congregations enrolling at least 10 percent ofactive members (individual contributing units). The Award is made during a regular worship service of thelocal church, either by staff or a member of the Board.
Opportunities for participating in Builders Fellowship include the following:
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Individual Member of Builders Fellowship - respond to three calls a year, $50 each(This may be an individual, couple or group.);
Builders Fellowship Advocate - local church and presbytery;
Builders Fellowship Church - congregation enrolls 10% of active members as individual
members of the Fellowship;
Builders Fellowship Sponsor - congregation that “adopts” a new church to assist withbuilding payments in its first years;
Builders Fellowship Pioneer - individual, family or group that provides a gift of $1,000 to$5,000 in a given year;
Builders Fellowship Perpetual Member - person who remembers Builders Fellowship witha bequest or annuity;
Memorial Gifts may be made through Builders Fellowship for support of new church
building projects.

RECOMMENDATION 3: That General Assembly encourage presbyteries to promote
Builders Fellowship by appointing a presbyterial advocate for the program, and that time be set aside
at a presbytery meeting for a BF presentation by the advocate or staff of the Board of Missions.
RECOMMENDATION 4: That General Assembly alert presbyteries and congregations tothe special opportunities for participating in Builders Fellowship, including the Builders Fellowship
Church, Builders Fellowship Sponsor, Builders Fellowship Pioneer, Builders Fellowship Perpetual
Member, and Memorial Gifts.
RECOMMENDATION 5: That General Assembly urge congregations, groups and individuals
to support new church efforts through the matching grant program, Quarter Card program, Second
Mile projects, and other special gifts.

IV. COMMUNICATION AND PUBLICATION
Sowgand Sheikholeslami, Unit Leader

A. INTRODUCTION

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The purpose of the Communication and Publications Unit is to engage the Executive Director andthe staff of all units in effectively communicating with the church, educating the church for missions and tocoordinate all efforts.
God calls people and congregations to reach beyond themselves in mission and service in the world.
Cumberland Presbyterians and local churches are finding innovative ways to serve their local communities,
correctly assessing the world beyond the church’s doors as a “mission field.”. It is also true that some
opportunities for service, because of distance or scope of need, require a unified effort by more than one
congregation or presbytery.
This unit coordinates efforts by all units to offer Cumberland Presbyterians interpretation andeducation regarding the united effort they are making in ministry. The board, through communicationand publications, seeks to present God’s call in such a way that people recognize the challenges of andopportunities for ministry in the present age and their power and mandate to help meet those challenges. In
addition, effective communication and quality publications are necessary to educate and resource people forministry and mission.
B. BOARD PUBLICATIONS RESOURCES
1. The Missionary Messenger
The Missionary Messenger is a very important tool for inspiring, motivating, and educating
the church for mission. The publication delivers news on mission-related topics. It seeks to lift up theministries of particular congregations, recognizing the creativity Cumberland Presbyterians marshal inserving Christ. The Messenger seeks to acquaint the church with the multitude of ministries in the USA
through ecumenical partners and with presbyterial partners such as new church development and migrantfarm worker ministries.
The publication is an eight-page newspaper, published bimonthly in even months and distributed
without charge to every active household in the denomination. The only responsibility of congregations
that desire the publication without cost to their members is to furnish the Board of Missions with a mailinglist of all active households and to keep it updated. Currently, The Messenger is mailed to about 24,500
households.
2. Quarterly MEMO (Mission Engagement Ministry Outreach) Packet
Each quarter the board produces and mails to pastors, clerks, CPW presidents, and missionscommittee chairs a packet of materials that may be used in planning the congregation’s outreach. The
packet includes a variety of flyers and brochures (including a copy of the QME Bulletin) and a descriptionof each board-approved Second Mile project, as well as the project’s financial needs. It is anticipated thatthe materials will be useful to congregations that want to educate members about missions and, at the sametime, give them an opportunity for additional avenues of service.
3. Quarterly Missions Emphasis Bulletin (QME)
The QME Bulletin is a brief newsletter sent to churches through standing-order subscriptions. This
one-sheet insert includes mission news in an attractive, easy to read format. Many congregations use thesebulletin inserts to emphasize missions one Sunday each quarter. The board distributes 24,700 bulletins eachquarter.
4. The March of Missions
The March of Missions, celebrated during the weeks between Easter and Pentecost, is intended to bea time when all Cumberland Presbyterian congregations, through special emphasis, grow in understandingof and commitment to missions. In connection with this Eastertide observance, the board prepares resource
material to assist pastors and other responsible for missions planning.
The focus for the 2008 observance was on evangelism, a new five year priority approved at lastyear’s General Assembly. Resource materials mailed to each congregation included a poster of resources
to help map out evangelism efforts for the local church and a bulletin insert with a variety of evangelism
ideas for church members to try during the March of Missions season. Materials were also available online
at: www.cumberland.org/bom
5. Gift to the KingA packet containing information on the 2007 Gift to the King offering included a sample bulletin insert,
offering envelope, and cover letter/order form and was distributed prior to the Advent season.

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With a growing Cumberland Presbyterian witness in new mission points in new countries, the2007 Offering will provide grants of $5,000 or more to assist growing congregations secure property or abuilding.
6. Circulating Displays
The board has developed displays to help congregations, presbyteries, or small groups that want toemphasize the work of missions by Cumberland Presbyterians. Lightweight, tri-fold displays emphasize
missions through the various units of the board. The set is redesigned and available to loan to congregations
for only the cost of return postage.
7. Native American Sunday
Native American Sunday is observed the fourth Sunday in October. To help congregations observe
the day, the board produces a folder with resource material for education and worship. Color posters andbulletin inserts were mailed to each congregation for the 2007 observance.
C. OTHER RESOURCES
This unit works with all units in preparing and publishing their special study books, brochures,
leaflets, and all other publications. Most of these are mentioned in the reports of the other units.
D. SPECIAL DAYS CALENDAR FOR 2009
1. Quarterly Missions Emphasis: the fourth Sunday of the second month in each quarter:
February 22, May 24, August 23 and November 22.
2. One Great Hour of Sharing: Palm Sunday - April 5.
3. March of Missions: Easter to Pentecost - April 12-May 31.
4. National Farm Worker Week: last full week of April - April 20-24.
5. World Mission Day: Pentecost Sunday - May 31.
6. Christian Service Recognition Sunday and International Day of Prayer and Action for Human
Habitat: third Sunday in September - September 20.
7. Native American Sunday: fourth Sunday in October - October 25.
8. Loaves and Fishes Program: a Sunday in November.
9. Gift to the King: a Sunday in Advent.

V. GLOBAL MISSIONS
A. GENERAL INFORMATION
The purpose of this program is to extend the gospel of Jesus Christ and the ministries of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church to people of other cultures and in nations outside the USA. It includes
encouraging, initiating, coordinating, and supervising field programs in terms of evangelism, new church
development, church development, and other means of Christian witness. This includes enlisting, employing,training, and deploying personnel.
1. Short-term Worker Program
The board offers numerous opportunities for congregations and individuals to engage in crossculture ministries. One is the Short-term Worker Program, through which workers are placed in a crossculture ministry to specialize in a specific area of responsibility for a term of not less than three months andnot more than two years. Two people will serve as short-term missionaries in 2008 with the assistance of
the Board of Missions. Reverend John Ang, Missouri Presbytery, will serve in Singapore as a consultant inlocal churches concerning ministry to people with Alzheimer’s. Peggy Jean Craig, Rogersville Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, will serve six months in Laos. Limited funding is available for one short-term worker
per year.
2. Non-staff Field Visits and Volunteer Work Groups
Another opportunity for hands-on service is through field visits and volunteer work groups. The
board staff coordinates visits from one nation to another to minister and to learn from one another whilestrengthening relationships and the connectional nature of the church. Cumberland Presbyterians exchanged

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visits between Japan, China, Guatemala, Colombia, Laos, Philippines, and South Korea during 2006.
Annually, non-USA commissioners to the General Assembly visit congregations in the USA in an exchangeof witness and worship. 2008 will be a landmark year when more than 200 Cumberland Presbyterians willvisit Japan for the meeting of General Assembly.
3. Salaried Missionary Staff
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church commissions people to serve as missionaries through three
separate programs. Historically, some missionaries were commissioned as full-time employees of thedenominational Board of Missions. These missionaries were usually ordained clergy and served in countries
where the Cumberland Presbyterian Church had an established denominational program of church planting.
Boyce and Beth Wallace are employed part-time by the board and are currently serving in Colombia, SouthAmerica.
4. Fraternal Missionary Staff
The Fraternal Missionary Program (FMP) enables the Cumberland Presbyterian Church to respondto projects/ministry that develop in presbyteries that would remain unfunded and for which personnel is
not available through current Board of Missions programs. In filling this need, it is the purpose of thisprogram to provide the means by which board approval is granted to projects/ministries submitted by thepresbyteries, as well as approval of persons (ordained and non-ordained) applying to serve through the
FMP.
Currently, the Board of Missions partners with Japan Presbytery to support fraternal missionary,
Glenn Watts. Glenn was commissioned to teach English classes in churches in Japan Presbytery. This
ministry is an evangelistic tool to reach children, youth and the business people in the neighborhoods of the
program.
5. Partnership in Missions Staff
The Program of Missions Partnership (PMP) provides a structure whereby the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church “lends” ordained or non-ordained persons to a second approved sending agency(mission board), thus enabling Cumberland Presbyterians to minister as church representatives where thedenomination has no missionary work. During 2007 the Cumberland Presbyterian Church had twenty-one
missionaries serving in the partnership program.
• Wendy Skinner works at the Casa Shalom Orphanage and Medical Clinic in Guatemala.
• Paula Richardson serves at Casa Para Los Niños in Guatemala.
• Kenneth and Delight Hopson served in Kampala, Uganda in partnership with World Gospel
Mission.
• Peter and Debbie Drypolcher are missionaries in Lusaka, Zambia. They worked in partnershipwith Youth With a Mission.
• Ernest and Michelle Gillis work in Seoul, South Korea and have successfully organized a church in
the outskirts of larger Seoul. Their work has also identified five independent Presbyterian congregationsin the same area that have become provisional churches of East Tennessee Presbytery.
• Scott and Michal Sullivan began work in 2004 as missionaries in partnership with Frontiers
mission. He is primarily responsible for recruiting new missionaries to serve in predominantly Muslim
countries.
• Matthew and Heather Wallace are currently involved in a training program to be involved incommunity development in Myanmar.
• Keishi and Kazuko Ishitsuka serve in Mata de Sao Joao in Brazil. They work primarily withJapanese immigrants but now have increasing ministry opportunities with the Brazilians.
• Brenda Davis was employed as a contract worker in Liberia. Her contract expired in 2007 and she
returned to the United States.
• Daniel and Kay Jang became Cumberland Presbyterian missionaries in 2007 and are now planting
churches near Iloilo, Philippines.
• Five Cumberland Presbyterians are also serving in Central Asia and East Asia, but the denomination
does not publicize their names or countries because of security issues.
6. China Mainland Ministry
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church remains committed to China Ministry. The board provides
scholarships to Chinese students in China. Additionally, the board partners financially with Hong Kong
Presbytery in the placement of a worker in a drug rehabilitation center in the mainland.

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7. Search for English Teachers for International Ministries Outside the USA
Hong Kong Presbytery now administers an elementary and high school in the New Territories.
Approximately 1,200 students continue to receive their education under presbyterial leadership. These
schools have requested a short-term missionary to teach English in the schools.
Andes and Cauca Valley Presbyteries have been well known for their educational ministry. Seven
campuses now hold approved classes under the umbrella name of the Colegio Americano. There are always
opportunities for short-term missionaries to teach English in these institutions.
Mata de Sao Joao Cumberland Presbyterian Church completed a guest house in Brazil in 2007.
The vision for the Brazil ministry includes the need for an individual or couple to serve short-terms to teachEnglish as a second language.
8. General Assembly in Japan in 2008
The 2008 General Assembly will meet in Tokyo, Japan. This will be the first assembly to meetoutside the USA. The board has been encouraged that most presbyteries have elected a full contingency ofcommissioners to attend the 2008 assembly.
9. Japan/China Tours for 2008
Dr. Lawrence Fung and Dr. Robert Watkins will be leading a tour to Japan concurrent with themeeting of General Assembly in June. The tour will involve visits of Japanese churches, attendance atsome GA events, limited tourist activities in the Tokyo area, and visits in China to Xian, Beijing, Kunmingand Hong Kong.
10. Update on the Ministry in South Korea
East Tennessee Presbytery organized the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church on August 12,2006 in Korea. Currently, five South Korean congregations and seven ministers are seeking provisional
status with the denomination. The South Korean congregation has commissioned their own missionaries to
the Philippines and Cambodia.
11. The Importance of the Connectional Nature of the Denomination
The Board of Missions continues to emphasize a strength of our denomination in its ability toprovide a channel whereby congregations can unite to accomplish goals that individual churches are unable
to do alone. The board encourages congregations to study and become involved in the connectional mission
projects, international work trips, and other opportunities for a shared vision for mission.
12. Missionaries on Furlough
The growing missionary staff of the denomination now makes it more and more possible for acongregation to host missionaries at their church. During 2007, Wendy Skinner, Peter and Debbie
Drypolcher, T & T G, Matthew and Heather Wallace, Michelle and Ernest Gillis, and Scott and Michal
Sullivan were available for visits to USA Churches. Several missionaries will be in the USA for portions of2008. Requests for visits to local churches should be made through the office of the global missions unit.
13. Guatemala Medical Clinic Completed
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church in partnership with the Church of God has completed theconstruction of a medical clinic on the orphanage property of Casa Shaloam in Guatemala. Missionary
Wendy Skinner successfully administered the construction project with financial assistance and work teams
from many Cumberland Presbyterian Churches. Despite logistical problems with the transfer of medical
equipment from the USA to Guatemala, it is hoped to have the clinic fully functional in 2008.
14. The Importance of Communication of the Global Church with All Boards and Agenciesof the Denomination
The increasing growth of Cumberland Presbyterians living outside the United States requires new
initiatives to successfully bridge language barriers and equality among all presbyteries in terms of directaccessibility to all board and agencies. The denomination must increase its efforts at all levels to make allcommunication available in Spanish, Korean, Japanese, and Cantonese. A global retreat was held during
February to propose ways the GA boards and agencies may work more closely with presbyteries outside
the USA to cultivate relationships, strengthen mutual communication, identify ways to work together, andheighten the awareness of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church as a global Church in service to God’s
mission in the world. Representatives from Andes Presbytery, Cauca Valley Presbytery, Japan Presbytery,2008

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Hong Kong Presbytery, South Korea, and the USA participated.
15. Loaves and Fishes Program Initiated at the Denominational Level
The Board of Missions was notified by World Vision officials in June that the organization
was discontinuing all denominational partnerships related to the Love Loaf Program. The Cumberland
Presbyterian Church has been cooperating with World Vision in the Love Loaf program since 1983 when
the first project supported hunger needs in Africa. The offering that year was $34,732. Since that time, thedenomination has given generously for projects in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Senegal, Mali, Romania, Rwanda,
Sudan, North Korea, Kosovo, Myanmar and several other nations. More than 2.1 million dollars have beenraised in CP churches during the partnership. We celebrate the lives of people that have been positively
assisted during the 23 years of our work together.
The Board of Missions will continue to receive a Thanksgiving offering for hunger and humanitarianneeds. The program is called “LOAVES AND FISHES.” Churches are urged to continue to utilize 25% of
the offering for local humanitarian needs and to forward 75% of the total received to the Board of Missions
for distribution to the designated need of the annual project. This new shift in the program will allow the
BOM to designate the project for a need on a field coordinated by CP leadership or for an international crisis
affecting the world in any given year.
The response in 2007 to the new program was very positive.
B. FIELD REPORTS
1. Andes Presbytery (written by Michele Gentry)
The search for peace continued to dominate life in Colombia.
Last year’s peace process involving the right-wing paramilitary forces required complete confessions
from their leaders, which have resulted in what many people suspected but could not be proved, that many
politicians were not only sympathetic but actively involved with the paramilitary leaders. This has resulted
in the jailing of a number of people which affected this year´s elections at both the national and the local
levels.
Talks were also sought with various guerrillas forces, but the main group - the FARC - continued
to use delaying tactics as Colombian leaders tried unsuccessfully to reach an agreement that would bring
freedom to numerous kidnap victims they hold - some for over 10 years! And some get caught in crossfire(like 11 state assemblymen from Cali) or succumb to illness, and die in the jungle. International efforts in2007 to implement peace talks with the FARC and/or obtain the release of kidnap victims were high-profile
but futile.
The government’s emphasis on national security has slowly but surely shown results in economic
growth, slightly lower unemployment, and improvements in national infrastructure such as roads, bridges
and health-care institutions. However economic growth has mainly come from an increase in industrial
productivity that has frequently been at the expense of work conditions of the employees. Underemployment
continues to fuel the informal economy and takes many off the unemployment rolls thereby artificiallylowering unemployment figures. Although such informal economy (selling small items on the street
corners) provides sufficient income for many families to subsist, these families have no medical coverage
nor participation in any of the national pension plans. Thus any minor medical care needed usually becomesa major economic crisis for the family.
		 a. The Presbytery
		 2007 was a year of both advancement and setbacks for this presbytery.
		 Advances were made as several NCD projects showed positive development, while thecongregation in Aguadas, a re-development project, progressed enough to be received as a Fellowship. The
Fellowship in Zamora qualified to be organized as a church.
		 Two licentiates, Sergio Betancur and Juan Esteban Blandón, were ordained to holy Ministry;
one candidate was raised to Licentiate, and one new candidate for ministry was received.
		 The building program in Cartago progressed sufficiently to allow the congregation to use theunfinished sanctuary for worship.
		 The principal setback was the cancellation of almost all the hot-lunch programs due to aincreased costs (a cost of living incrrease of 5.5%) and a drop in the dollar exchange rate. Two programs
remained in place: in Pereira the church and local families managed to provide funds for a limited numberof students. This was very important because the program is the lynchpin for work with disadvantaged

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children and their (mostly) single parents, and closing the program would have disintegrated the entire
project. Through the generosity of this church the other hot-lunch program that serves the needy children of
one of Medellin’s poorest neighborhoods could use the remaining funds and continue to provide hot meals
using a system of volunteer workers which allowed all funds available to be spent on food. Unfortunately
the children of Dosquebradas and Cartago found their programs closed for the year.
		 b. The Churches
		 Andes Presbytery is divided into two geographical areas: one in the central coffee-growing
region and the other in the Medellin area. Travel time between the two is relatively costly given thesocial-economic status of most of our church members and takes about six hours if no landslides or traffic
accidents occur. The three churches, one Fellowship and two NCD projects in the Medellín area showed
positive results at the end of the year.
• Horeb (Medellín Central) continued for yet another year without a permanent pastor-in-residence
which resulted in flat numerical growth in membership. The leadership focused efforts on the NCD
project it sponsors and on consolidating the church economy in order to be able to call a pastor in2008.
• Senda de Libertad (NCD), sponsored by Horeb Church, showed slight numerical growth despitedifficulties. They report a sluggish economy and, in the last months of the year, a recurrence of gang
violence in the low-income, high-violence neighborhood where the church is located. This violence
forced some church attendees to flee the area; however, the remaining congregation strengthened its
spiritual life through prayer and fasting and actually showed an improvement in its economy. The
congregation has taken on the challenge of meeting presbyterial requirements to be received as a
Fellowship in 2008.
• El Rebano (Caldas) enjoyed an 11% numerical growth in membership and a solid economy in2007, together with new ministries centered on a regional program called Peace Network Builders andcooperation with local organizations working with youth groups. But the big news for this dynamic
congregation was the ordination of their pastor, Sergio Betancur, who has served the church as statedsupply during the last 6 years as he progressed through his seminary studies (which take 5 years - 4 ofstudies and a practice year - here in Colombia!).
• Amagá (NCD), sponsored by El Reba o church, had a year of flat numerical growth in membershipbut a slight improvement in finances. The stated supply that serves this congregation will enter seminary
in 2008.
• La Rosa (Fellowship) enjoyed good numerical growth in 2007 as a result of the work, both thisyear and in past years, by Licentiate Ricardo Casta eda and his pastoral team of probationers. Theirchallenge now is to consolidate leadership and finances. At year’s end Ricardo was called to the Horeb(Medellín Central) church as stated supply. La Rosa will continue under the leadership of a pastoral
team of probationers, Andrés Giraldo his wife, Alina.
• Zamora was finally organized as a church this year! This church is located in a neighborhood thatis economically challenged but that enjoys a high level public safety that allows the families to live inpeace. Zamora grew 6% in membership, but its major goal in 2007 was strengthening its leadershipand improving its installations.
The churches in the central coffee-growing sector of the presbytery showed a mixture of advancesand setbacks.
• Manizales noted that 2007 was marked by relative public safety in the local community, but anever-decreasing job market as factories and businesses closed or moved to other areas. With sucha tight job market the remaining businesses require their employees to work on Sundays (unusualin Colombia) and extra-long hours. As a result some church members are unable to attend Sunday
services or to continue to participate actively in ministries and church work. Nevertheless, besides a
5% numerical increase in membership the church also grew spiritually as new leaders came forward
to take up ministries. The challenge at present is to build up this new leadership to former levels ofcompetency. Church finances were stable during the year and the Colegio Americano in Manizales(pre-school and grade school) continued to function well.
• Aguadas is a Fellowship under the general guidance of the Manizales church. Despite a year of
economic strictures, social uncertainty, and worries about public safety, in general the Aguadas church
feels 2007 was an improvement over the preceding year. The pastor of this Fellowship is a tent-

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maker pastor combining his ministry with a dental practice. A sudden and grave illness kept him fromworking during several months, thus severely affecting his family’s economy. Despite this setback theFellowship managed to fulfill several of the goals they had set for themselves. Although numerical
growth was not as great a projected, still solid growth patterns both numerically and economicallyallowed this re-development project to be received as a full Fellowship.
• Dosquebradas spent most of the year under presbyterial guidance after a leadership crisis early inthe year resulted in the resignation of the pastor. Membership dropped 20% but is expected to recover
now that the church has called a new pastor.
• Pereira showed a flat membership growth pattern due to the fact that the principal goal in 2007
was not numerical growth but rather leadership consolidation and restructuring of some ministries.
While faced with increased costs (a cost of living increase of 5.5%) and a drop in the dollar exchange
rate, church members successfully undertook financing for the hot-lunch program since this programis tied to several other ministries such as attention for disadvantaged children and their (mostly) single
parents. The Colegio Americano in Pereira (pre-school through high school) continued to progress.
• Armenia suffered a serious leadership crisis in 2007 that was reflected in its negative statistics
of membership growth. By the end of the year the pastor’s contract was terminated, and presbytery
had replaced the Session with a governing committee which is expected to guide the church throughthe process of developing new leadership and overseeing the election of a new Session. Despite thissituation the church’s economy was solid enough to allow it to end the year without a deficit, and its
two major projects, the NCD project in Quimbaya and the Colegio Americano (pre-school and grade
school), continued to progress normally.
• Quimbaya (NCD) is sponsored by the Armenia church. The town of Quimbaya is developing
as a tourist area, and this has generated employment for several of the church families, increasing
membership and providing economic stability. During the first half of the year the Armenia church
was blessed with a special offering that, together with local offerings and help from the Armenia youth
group, made possible the construction of a true worship area for this congregation which bears thename of St. Timothy Apostle. The area formerly used for worship is now much-needed Sunday Schoolclassrooms for the large number of children that attend the church. This small congregation grew by
19% in 2007 but is still short of its overall 5-year goal.
• Cartago undertook the construction of a new sanctuary since the old one had to be razed due tohidden damage from one major and several minor earthquakes. Using funds from the 2006 Gift to theKing offering, presbyterial aid, local offerings and a denominational loan, by year’s end the sanctuary
was far enough along to allow the congregation to worship there. The members have responded tothis challenge with offerings and labor, and there is a renewed spirit of hope and motivation shownby a significant (almost 20%) growth in membership. At year’s end there was a change in pastors as
the former pastor was called to the Dosquebradas church, and Cartago called it first woman pastor,
Reverend Cenobia Rivera.
• La Virginia noted as its principle challenge spiritual laziness in the congregation and undertook achange in attitude in search of greater spiritual maturity. Leadership training, especially in fundamental
doctrines, together with an emphasis on prayer and individual spiritual growth, resulted in improved
leadership and a modest 2.5% numerical growth in membership.
2. Cauca Valley Presbytery (written by Jairo Lopez)
Cauca valley presbytery is made up of 18 organized churches, 12 missions and 20 preaching points.
There are 16 ordained pastors, four licensed ministers and 18 candidates for the ministry. Two of ourordained ministers died in the year 2007: Reverend Gerardo Muñoz and Reverend Juan Yepez. On January
31 of 2008 Candidate Arbey Delgado, pastor of Bethel Church, passed away at the early age of 33 years.
The areas of greatest growth in our churches are happening in the southern part of Colombia: Popayan,
Guapi and Nariño. We have an exciting group of 16 new leaders in Nariño. They are studying by extension
in seminaries in Colombia and Ecuador.
In the center of the valley we see that the church in Tulua is opening new centers and establishing
new preaching points in Andalucia, Bugalagrande and a second church in Tulua, Rey de Reyes.
		 a. Promotions in the Ministry			 Seven new candidates for the ministry have been added to the list. In January of 2008, Aldrin
Calero was ordained to the ministry. Aldrin is pastor of San Pablo Church in Guacarí.
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2008				 Presbytery has entered in a cooperative program with Compassion International in order toattend to basic necessities of decline lately. Here are some of the churches where lunchrooms have been
established:• Bethel: 256 children participate in this program which is sponsored by Compassion
International and Second Mile gifts.
• San Marcos: A food bank helps provide produce for this lunchroom at a moderate cost.
There are 54 children who get lunches each day.
• Renacer: This is the largest center, and it takes care of 288 children who receive spiritualand academic help through members of the church who serve as tutors and spiritual guides.
It is supported through cooperation between the presbytery and Compassion International.
• Remansos (Remanente de Dios): This is a very poor mission begun by San Marcos. A
lunchroom has been setup for 70 poor kids.
• Nueva Jerusalen: This church has also entered in a pact with Compassion Internationa,and they feed 85 children in their lunch room.
God is blessing a good number of kids through your offerings. But we have a lot more kids whowant to eat in these centers. We need your generous offerings. Please pray and help.
		 c. Señor Citizen’s Home
		 The construction for this nursing home continues to advance. We express thanks for the help
and support of Grace teams. We hope to complete the first phase of constructing this project by June 2008.
We also want to thank many of our brothers and sisters who have generously helped us for the past four
years.
		 d. Difficulties
		 We had our most difficult situation in 2007 in our three churches in Buenaventura. As a port
city, Buenaventura has become a major shipping point of drugs to the US and world. This means increased
violence. Two of our pastors had to come to Cali for refuge. Pray for them and their families.
3. Hong Kong Presbytery (written by Grace Yu)
Year 2007 marks the 10th anniversary of the end of British colonial rule and the start of Hong
Kong’s existence as a Special Administration Region of China. For most Hong Kongers, people identify
more to the land, the culture and history of China rather than the regime of Chinese Government.
Mr. Donald Tsang is guaranteed a second term as Hong Kong Chief Executive, but the vote is
restricted to 800 members of an electoral group; most of them tend to follow the wish of the Chinese
Government. The demand for full democracy again failed when the Chinese Government passed a resolution
at the end of the year that Hong Kong would not have universal suffrage until 2017.
The economy of Hong Kong continued to boom throughout year 2007; the stock market came to ahistorical high point at the end of the year, the unemployment rate was at its lowest, yet behind the scenes
was the large gap between the rich and the poor.
Family problems remain serious. Family violence, child abuse and family suicide cases have comeup to an alarming state. Many of these problems come from the families of new immigrants.
The Franklin Graham Festival last November was a big event in the city, about 340,000 people
attended the meetings and 33,000 came to know Christ.
		 a. The Presbytery
		 Building up the ministerial team and nurturing church leaders have been the focuses last year.
Minister fellowship was held once a month to cultivate fellowship, prayer and support. A group of about
40 CP members attended a prayer conference in Korea, they stayed in the Prayer Mountain for four daysand visited Korean churches. Many were moved and touched by the great zeal of serving the Lord and thefire of prayer.
		 Miss P. K. Tang, an assistant pastor of Shatin Church, responded to God’s call into the mission
field in Nepal. She is being co-sent by Hong Kong CPC and CMS, a mission society based in England. She
left for Nepal last July, and her main responsibility is teaching and training church leaders.
		 Mr. Jonathan Siu was ordained last June after serving in the CP Churches for eight years. The
ceremony was well attended and filled with gratitude and commitment in serving the Lord. Reverend
Dr. Carver Yu, an ordained pastor of the CPC, was inaugurated as president of China Graduate School of2008

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Theology last September.
		 Miss S. L. Wong of Mumin Church took her sabbatical leave last August. She chose for a further
study a retreat centre in San Francisco. We have three fresh graduates who have joined the ministerial teamto Kowloon, Shatin and Yao Dao Church.
		 Two young people from Shatin and Yao Dao were elected as youth delegates for the 2007
Youth Triennium, and they brought back many wonderful experiences. Another highlight last year was GA
Moderator Donald Hubbard and his wife visiting Hong Kong.
		 b. The Ten Congregations
		 (1) Cheung Chau remains small. The outreach ministry among high school students has gainedsome progress, but most important of all is the involvement of most church members,		 (2) Macau Church launched many outreach programs: street evangelism, reaching out to thetourists from China. Alpha course continued to run about twice a year.
Reverend Luke Cheung became the acting pastor-in-charge of Kowloon Church. Together with two
assistant pastors, they built up a good team. Ten leaders of the church committed to a 34 week discipleshiptraining program; they have a great desire to serve the Lord. The works among new immigrants continue
to grow--a monthly worship service was held and also other gospel meetings. Kowloon Church started to
run Alpha course the first time last September.
		 (3)		 Seven members of North Point Church attended the Korea Prayer Conference, and cameback to Hong Kong, with a commitment of themselves in prayer life. The church has a refreshing spirit incaring for each other, reaching out to non-Christians and upholding their faith even in facing trials.
		 (4) Tao Hsien has a stable team of five pastors, and a group of committed lay leaders who set
a clear direction for the church. The church began a Life Growing Journey which included five areas:spiritual exercise, a course on Christian life, prayer campaign, evangelism and serving the Lord. About 120
members enrolled in the journey. The youth had a very active mission program last summer; they joined
the Gateway program and went for a summer mission in Macau. The ministry to the elderly continued togain many to Christ, and they formed a very active group.
		 (5) Shatin Church rejoiced in the ordination of their pastor and sending out their sister Po Kau
to Nepal. The church started the year with a Bible reading program on Minor Prophets. They also started awomen’s group every Wednesday in worship, studying the Bible and leading others to Christ. Mission has
always been the core ministry of the church. Members went to a city in China to reach out to the workers
in a factory while another group committed in some kind of relief program in Nepal.
		 (6) Living for Christ was the theme for Po Lam last year. The church has settled down in thepresent location for three years, and they continue to reach out to people in the neighborhood. Last year,
they had the 9th Alpha course and also a summer mission in Macau.
		 (7) After moving to worship at Yao Dao Secondary School, Xilin started student work in fullstrength. In the Gospel week of the school last March, about 100 students accepted Christ. Reaching out
to students and the community are the two main ministries of the church. Members also committed to aprayer altar every Saturday morning.
		 (8) Mumin and Xilin celebrated the 10th anniversary last year. Mumin always has the zeal forevangelism, the church has stretched her arms to other Housing Estates in the neighborhood, and meetings
have been conducted at homes. They began a Saturday Worship Service last September for those who areunable to come on Sunday. About 12 members joined mission teams to go to India and Laos.
		 (9) Yao Dao is growing steadily and blessed with a good team of pastors. Cell groups are
the place where members learn to care and pray for each other, study the word of God and serve others.
Youth ministry has been blessed with about 50 high/middle school students attending various activities. A“Renewing the Wedding Vow” ceremony was held last June for those who never had a chance to wed in
the church, since they were then not yet Christians. 13 couples renewed their wedding vow; it was a joyful
moment for the whole church.
		 c. The schools
		 Yao Dao Secondary School is taking more students every year, and it will come to the full
capacity in two years. By then, the student number will be 1,200. On the other hand, Yao Dao Primary
School is falling in number of students every year since the demand has changed. We anticipate thesame situation will happen to Yao Dao Secondary in the years after. Members of the School Board arenevertheless committed in running an excellent Christian School. In all of our four schools, there are Bible
classes, Gospel meetings for students and parents, Gospel Camp for the graduate classes, and student Bible
study groups.

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Po Lam Kindergarten has suffered for years from graduate dropping of student numbers due tothe low birthrate in the community. It is decided that the 07-08 academic year will be the final year of Po
Lam Kindergarten, closing in July, 2008. A farewell dinner was held last July when about 200 students andparents attended. It was a touching farewell, and we are thankful for the commitment of the headmistressand two head teachers who have served the kindergarten from the very beginning. We thank God that wehave provided good pre-school education for the community the past 19 years.
4. Japan Presbytery (written by Takayoshi Ted Shirai)
		 a. Den-en Mission Church
		 The church has kept walking with 20 worship attendants in average. A few members wereadded at Pentecost by letter and baptism. About 25 children come to Church school every Sunday, and it is
the characteristic of our church that the number of children is more than that of adult worship attendants.
		 Now that babies who have come to church have grown up and now become junior and highschool students, we need to give them spiritual care. Lately the church schools have become busier, so
we need to get support from other churches in the presbytery. Moreover the support from other churches
became more critical when the church had no pastor since April this year.
		 b. Ebina Shion-no Oka Church
		 Ten years have passed since the church was established in 1997 at this place in Ebina city. We
see kids coming to the church, and their parents also started coming to various gatherings in the church. We
thank God for His blessing upon our ministry in this place.
		 The work of prayer circles is spreading as well as the ministry to the community around thechurch. The pastor tapes his messages, and church members take those to their homes and utilize them fortheir prayer circles at their homes. This really helps the church members strengthen their faith, and somewere saved through those prayers circles.
		 c. Higashi Koganei Church
		 Our prayer for the year 2007 was to invite as many new visitors as possible to our worshipservices. We give thanks to God that we averaged inviting one visitor per month to worship God.
		 There were two topics in our church activities: one is that we were able to newly elect anelder through our long prayers, and the other is that we were able to adopt and achieve new activities
recommended through a survey to the congregation, “For our church growth of Tomorrow,” done in theyear 2006. We also had repair work for the church facilities such as refurbishing of toilets, installation of
new air conditioners and painting on the roof of the sanctuary.
		 As to our mission works, we invited pastors from churches in our presbytery to have evangelicalworship services; and moreover, we were able to have evangelical Praise time and evangelical gatherings foryoung mothers. The annual average attendance for worship services was twenty-three including children.
Our active members for the year 2007 were twenty-three including one transfer to other church, one deadand one from other church.
		 In financial area we were able to pay off our debts from the church building fund since we had
a lot of offering.
		 d. Ichikawa Grace Mission Point		 The last year was the second year for our church. It was in March, early spring, that God
gave to those who come to our church their thoughts to study a Bible class, and the class started in theafternoon on the third Sunday of April. The first textbook was The Gospel according to Matthew. Those
who gathered here were about seven people in mix of Christians and non-Christians, and various ages from10’s to 70’s. It is a very important time of sharing and getting to know each other as well as studying theBible and knowing God.
		 Some people have come and gone during the year but God blessed us and gave us the opportunity
in October to accept an individual transferred from other church. The average church attendance for the lastyear was about 12 people. We ask your prayer for this small flock.
		 e. Izumi Mission Church
		 The last year we celebrated its tenth anniversary. Those who were not at this church 10 years
ago could even start from here by doing something through the year according to the theme “we commit to
do ten things” as its tenth anniversary.

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		 We invited Glenn, the Language Missionary, to have praise worship service, and that brought
students to a regular worship service on Sunday for the first time and led them to be baptized.
		 The handout distribution at the station square, camping at Mt. Fuji, and a bazaar at church were
all commemorative events, too. The church made a mosaic image jointly, and this became the treasure of
the church. Furthermore, the pastor preached a sermon from the Apostle’s Creed for the commemorationand published a book of sermons. We are able to make sure of the foundation of our faith anytime fromnow on.
		 The theme of the year was “See the Greater Things as Many.” It was the year when we made“a step” to watch the great work of God.
		 f. Kibogaoka Church		 (1) Fellowship				 We emphasized a deep fellowship by the small groups called family cell groups, the Bible
study and the missionary work. Two groups in the men’s adult class and one group in the women’s adultclass were added to family cell groups.
			(2)Disciple Making				 We have encouraged the congregation in daily devotion and Bible readings. Two years havepassed since we started to read “one chapter a day” from Genesis. The daily guidance had been issued as
the last year to help the congregation read the Bible. In addition, the church laid emphasis on the leader
training of the family cells through various programs.
			(3)Ministry and Stewardship				 We emphasized the prayer meeting for three major periods of the Christian year. In addition,
repairs and the renewal of the church facilities, including an exterior painting, were done after fifteen (15)years have passed since the dedication of the church.
			(4)Missions				 Reverend Suzuki resigned the position as an assistant pastor of the church in April 2007
to start to serve a new mission point with a welfare service for aged people in spring, 2008. The church
decided to support the mission point for five (5) years based upon “The church to bring up a church,” which
is one of the pillars of the mid-long term vision at the church.
			(5)Worship				 The church took God’s words for the sermons at Sunday worship services and the prayer
meetings through the Bible readings of the day.
		 g. Koza Church
		 The church laid emphasis on small group activity so that the subject of 2007 became “Live ina fellowship in the Lord; Live as a disciple of the Lord.” The church newly started “Small group by need”
activity as well as prayer society. More than twenty (20) new small groups were made, and the members of
the church who belonged to the small groups increased from 54% to 70% in one year. In addition, a lot of
new leaders were developed, and a structure of mutual pastoral care gradually developed.
		 The church laid emphasis on church prayer meetings as in the last year. We had new blessingsand power through messages from the teachers of the outside group which the church has supported, as wellas messages from Genesis by Reverend Matsumoto.
		 The praise meetings of a women’s class and other classes brought big blessings.
		 We have been aiming toward new chapel construction in 2009 but withdrew the aiming year
once to ask the congregation for the accord of prayers.
		 Mikio Miyagi, the church director, resigned from his job in June. The church appointed twoladies, Mie Hirama and Motoki Kodera, as the staff from August. In addition, the church made its decision
to hire Yumiko Kato as office director beginning January, 2008.
		 h. Mata de San Joao Mission Point		 The first generation Japanese and Brazilians got together in the same sanctuary to worship
God, praise and pray to the Lord, and hear God’s words through the year. The worship attendants were 40
people in total with 7 children. Through the year six teachers taught Jesus Christ to children at the church
schools.
		 The church held English classes by using one of the rooms in an incomplete guesthouse fromthe beginning of August led by Brazilian English teacher, brother Nilton Hitotsuzi, who is a member ofBrazil Presbyterian Church. During the period of 3 months till October a total of 11 people including youth,
man and women participated, and the classes were very successful.

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			On October 14, we thanked God for the completion of the guesthouse (with six rooms)
including the multipurpose hall and invited all the generations of Japanese of JK village to the church. And
we also thanked God for the mysterious guidance of God that the day for the invitation was the day for thecommemorative day of our fifth anniversary of Mata mission point.
		 i. Megumi Mission Church		 Five members were added: two by baptism, one by confirmation, and two by letter. On theother hand, there were a few members who moved overseas, and some folks who no longer came to church
because of illness and advanced age. In total, the worship attendance didn’t grow. But there were newendeavors arising out of three activity groups, namely, evangelism, worship and community service. They
resulted in unique events such as Bible Story in Kodan (the traditional Japanese art of story telling) andOpen House Tea Party as outreach to the neighbors.
		 In the local community, the church supported a local “Article 9 Society” which advocates thearticle 9 of Japanese Constitution.” The ninth article is the essence of the Constitution, which renounces
war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as means of settling international
disputes, prohibits maintaining military forces and recognizes no right of belligerency. Megumi people, inan effort to follow Christ as a peace builder, place a high value on this pacifist constitution.
		 j. Fuji Mineyama Church
		 The year 2007 was the year we decided that the church will be closed at the end of March 2008
because of no pastor to succeed Reverend Yano. Because of this reason, the members were stepping awayfrom the church. At the same time the Nazareth English private supplementary school was reducing thenumber of students, because the English school was not able to take the new students.
			It was the year that we helped people in the community understand the situation.
		 k. Naruse Church
		 In 2007, we were able to count many blessings. Nine members were added, and two members
went to heaven. The number of children of the church school doubled and became very vital. We thank
God for giving a lot of souls to our flock, and at the same time, we affirm our responsibilities.
		 The whole church building was painted because eleven (11) years have passed since thededication of the building. The church building has been beautifully renewed.
		 A bus stop of the community bus was put up just in front of the church in March, and our church
came to be known more and more to local people.
		 The pastor participated in a work of the foster parent society of Japan International Food for the
Hungry, and we became the foster parent of the boy called Naraun Das.
		 God blessed our church and our path for the year 2007 when we celebrated forty-first anniversary
and refreshed our commitment to God.
		 l. Kunitachi Nozomi Church
		 The church started worship with a new worship order based on “the worship of people of God”
from the commemorative worship of the 43rd anniversary. The church strongly wishes that we are able togive rich worship services with more participation of the congregation.
		 We were blessed with the encounters of new people this year. The people attending regularlyin the worship increased, and we give thanks. The children began to increase little by little, too, and we arelooking forward to this. On the other hand, the people attending the worship service came to have difficulty
in worship because of their ages. It is an action plan in the future to let the people support in many aspects
such as picking up elderly people to come to the worship. Please pray for us.
		 m. Sagamino Church
		 Three people were baptized in 2007. All of them are young, and all the members are pleased
with a powerful crop given by mission work. In addition, the church sent Reverend Iwao Satoh out toMemphis Theological Seminary as a student from June. It was a big decision for our church to send out apastor, but it is a notable event that the decision was given to a member of the church by God.
		 Reverend Yukio Tamai of Ebina Sion-no Oka church, which is near the church, became interim
pastor because of Reverend Sato’s absence since June. In addition, Licentiate Takehiko Miyai took up his
new post from April.
		 Facing the new situation of the church it was the year when the church particularly learned thateach member of the church still needs to reaffirm the awareness as each part of the body of Jesus Christ.

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		 n. Shibusawa Church
		 The year 2007 was the year for the 50th anniversary of the church foundation. As there is
the Bible verse, “The Lord looked down from his sanctuary on high, from heaven he viewed the earth,”(Psalm 102:19) we expressed love for our heritage and issued the commemorative magazine titled “For the
Posterity.”
		 In addition, the church had a commemorative worship/celebration reception with the people
who supported us during these 50 years with the prayer of intercession, and we shared thanks. It was sucha joy to know that the prayer of intercession went over the border and was given to the other side of the faroff sea.
		 There was the cooperation of the people of the neighborhood for the step of 50th anniversary
including Hadano-city where the chapel was built. We had the commemorative chapel concert while
recalling thanks to such people. We invited first-class Christian musicians (Harpist and Violinist), andshared it with local people. It was beautiful and became an historic moment.
		 We are pushed by a rich encouragement given by God in the commemorative year, and the
Shibusawa church refreshes prayer to the history formation and determination in the next 50 years. We
thank God for your prayers.

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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
Janie Stamps, 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 2008 General Assembly, with their years of service, are as
follows: Denise Adams, six years; Darrell Pickett, six years; Debbie Shanks, three years; and Janie Stamps,
nine years. Denise Adams, Darrell Pickett and Debbie Shanks are eligible for reelection. However, Darrell
has asked that he not be reelected.
The board has been particularly blessed the past nine years by the faithful service of Janie Stamps
who has shared her expertise with the board in many ways and provided wise counsel. Janie has been
especially needed this past year with the retirement of the board’s executive secretary. We will miss Janieand give thanks to God for all that she has contributed to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church through thework of the board.
We also mourn the loss of Darrell Drinkall, one of our more recent board members. Darrell was on
the board only a short time, yet made significant contributions in that time. Darrell was a member of theManchester, Tennessee, CP Church. He leaves behind his wife Henrietta, son Russ, daughter and son-inlaw Denise and Drew and three grandchildren. The board will sorely miss Darrell.
C. BOARD REPRESENTATIVE TO THE 178th GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The board’s representative to the 178th General Assembly is Janie Stamps.
D. STAFF
With the retirement of Executive Secretary, Richard Magrill, in October, 2007, change has cometo the staff. On April 12, 2008, the Board of Stewardship called Robert Heflin as the new Executive
Secretary. In addition to his new duties Robert Heflin will continue to serve as coordinator of benefits until
someone is called to be the new coordinator of benefits. In addition, the staff is as follows: Elinor Swindle
Brown, coordinator of stewardship; Janie Estes, administrative assistant; Carolyn Harmon, planned giving
coordinator for the presbyteries of East Tennessee and Tennessee Georgia; Dara Jones, planned giving
coordinator for the presbyteries of Columbia, Murfreesboro, and Nashville; and Gaye Wood, planned giving
coordinator for the presbyteries of Arkansas, Missouri, Red River and Trinity Presbyteries.
E. 2008 AND 2009 BUDGETS
The line-item budgets have been filed with the Office of the General Assembly.
F. 2007 AUDIT
Certified copies of the 2007 audit reports from Fouts and Morgan have been filed with the Office of
the General Assembly in compliance with General Regulations E.5. and E.6. The 2007 audit will be printed
in the audit section of the 2008 minutes.

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II. CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP EDUCATION AND PROMOTION
A. PURPOSE
The first of three broad program areas of the work of the board is in Christian stewardship educationand promotion. The purpose of this program is as follows:
To nurture in all Cumberland Presbyterians a wholistic understanding of Christian stewardshipunder the guidance of and in accordance with the statement on Christian Stewardship in the Confession of
Faith for Cumberland Presbyterians (Sections 6:10-14) which begins with the acknowledgment that all oflife and creation is a trust from God, to be used for God’s glory and service.
Stewardship education and promotion is reported under this heading and heading III. Touch the
Future.
B. YEARLY THEME
Tithing is a discipline that has a long history in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Earlyreferences in our General Assembly minutes record tithers and promote tithing of the “so-called ‘Almighty
Dollar’ as an agency for glorifying Almighty God.” Descriptions of tithing in the recent past include “agrateful response to God in an orderly and responsible manner....It is not a ‘tax’; it is an aspect of evangelicalmission. It is not a burden; it is the joyful and grateful response of God’s people to what God has done forthem. It is not an assessment; it is an avenue to a wider sharing of God’s good news.”
We are continuing the theme of tithing in 2008 as it remains an important emphasis for the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church. The discipline of giving at least ten percent of what one has so generously received
is something that the Bible affirms and that we as Christians should affirm. In Malachi 3:10, it says “Bring
the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house, and thus put me to the test, says the
Lord of hosts; see if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing
blessing.” (NRSV)The scripture passage does not speak as a “magic bullet” used by we Christians to hold God’s feetto the fire. It is also not a “magic wand” set to bestow all worldly possessions on us if only we tithe. It is
instead a promise from God that as we give gratefully to the Church that our grateful attitude will spreadthroughout our lives and we will fully realize the overflowing blessings that God is already giving to us.
Our Confession of Faith states that we believe “Tithing as a scriptural guide for giving, is anadventure of faith and a rich and rewarding practice.” (6.13) Just as we use the Bible as a guide for ourlives and the reading of it is an essential practice for our lives, so tithing is a guide for our lives and the actof tithing is an essential practice for our lives. The Board of Stewardship challenges you to increase yourgiving by one percent this year and again and again so you will begin tithing. May we give back to God
through our tithes and offerings.
C. ECUMENICAL STEWARDSHIP CENTER
Elinor Brown attended the Ecumenical Stewardship Center board meeting and Leadership Seminaron November 26-30, 2007, in St. Petersburg, Florida. The theme was “Will Our Children Be Stewards?”
and was a very worthwhile theme. Cindy Martin, who works in the area of Children’s Ministry with theBoard of Christian Education, also attended this event.
On March 2-5, 2008, Elinor Brown attended the Denominational Stewardship Forum in Louisville,
Kentucky.
On April 7-9, 2008, Elinor Brown was not able to attend an executive committee meeting in
Brighton, Michigan due to the funeral of Darrell Drinkall.
On April 22-25, 2008, Robert Heflin and Elinor Brown attended the North American Conferenceon Christian Philanthropy in Cleveland, Ohio. The staff was joined by three pastors, two planned giving
coordinators and two executive directors.
Elinor remains the vice-president of the Ecumenical Stewardship Center and the chairperson of the
Personnel Committee.
D. STEWARDSHIP RESOURCES
1. Board Webpage

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Since last year, the website has been updated and specific new items added. The staff has been andcontinues to increase the number of pages under each of the three main sections of the website: Stewardship,
Foundation and Benefits. Thirty-six pages under the areas of stewardship, foundation and benefits were
updated and added. The staff page was updated to include board members.
The website can be visited by going through the Cumberland Presbyterian Center homepage or by
its address http://www.cumberland.org/bos.
If there are suggestions or comments about the webpage, please send these comments to Elinor
Brown by email (esb@cumberland.org) or call or write.
2. Our United Outreach
There has been no progress on plans to increase the educational opportunities/resources, humanresources, and research to further promote Our United Outreach into the future. Plans will begin anew as
the Center settles into its new home. A goal in this area is to make the transition into the new structure andto begin seeing ways to integrate the promotion of Our United Outreach into it.
3. Promotion of Tithing
There has been no work done in the promotion of tithing outside the regular mailings that were sent
to congregations in September and March.

III. TOUCH THE FUTURE
DISCERNMENT
A. GENERAL INFORMATION
1. Introduction
Touch the Future is a program geared to leading the Church at all levels through discernment so we
can be equipped to follow God’s leading into the 21st century. The idea of Touch the Future: A New Frontier
in Partnership realizes that we are ever reaching into the future getting glimpses of who we are to be. The
emphasis on the frontier hearkens back to our history and the importance of our continuously finding new
frontiers in which to minister. The idea of partnership recognizes that no one judicatory level can exist
without the other. As we partner together, we can reach further to touch the future for the cause of Christ
and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church through our ministries throughout the world.
2. Purpose
Touch the Future has a two-fold purpose: (1) to lead the Church at all levels through discernment
so we can be equipped to follow God’s leading into the 21st century and (2) to strengthen congregations.
Some presbyteries and congregations have already begun a discernment process that will lead to goal
setting. Upon completing this discernment, congregations may choose to have a capital campaign to raise
funds needed to fulfill these goals. We hope that congregations may also include the goals of the presbytery
and General Assembly in their capital campaigns so that congregations are also participating in the larger
ministry of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Goals identified by congregations may also be raised
up by presbyteries and the General Assembly. We feel that as this is done, the Church at all levels will bestrengthened.
3. The Logo
The Touch the Future logo was designed by Sowgand Sheikholeslami, the graphic artist on
the Board of Missions staff. The main figure in the logo represents a person on a journey. The
person is holding one hand back recognizing from whence s/he has come while the other arm
is reaching up and out into the future. The sense is that we should be ever reaching and yet
never “have arrived” lest we quickly fall back into the past. The ribbon of color surrounding
the person is to serve as the symbol for the journey—the path that the person is traveling. It
also signifies movement as we are never to be at a standstill, but always trying to move closer
to what God is calling us.
4. Staff
Elinor Brown continues to work as the Director of Touch the Future. Missy Rose works as theAssistant to the Director.

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B. PROGRESS IN CHURCHES
The work of Touch the Future has remained unchanged with the exception of the office work in
preparation for the move of the Center. Preparations have been made for the resources to be merged with
the Board of Christian Education resources as Touch the Future will be under the Discipleship Ministry of
the new structure with current Board of Christian Education programming.
C. COMMUNICATION
1. Newsletter
The next newsletter for Touch the Future has been postponed until this program has been merged
into the Discipleship Ministry.
2. Website
There have been changes made to the website. Pages of the site have been updated. There are stillseveral pages that need to be modified. The site is set up with three major sections: General Information
about TTF, The Process of TTF, and The Comprehensive Giving Campaign of TTF.
General Information about TTF answers questions such as “What is it?” “What is its purpose?” “Whatdoes its logo symbolize?” “Who are its staff members?” “What is a Vision Bearer?” and “What is a Vision
Enabler?” It also reports on two of the Vision Enabler Training Events.
The Process of TTF answers questions such as “What is discernment?” “What are the presbyteries doing?”“What are congregations doing?” How can I get discernment started in my presbytery?” “How can I get
discernment started in my congregation?” and “How do the goals of the presbytery, congregation and theGeneral Assembly relate to one another?”
Other programs Associated with TTF answers questions such as “What is the Capital Campaign School?”and “What is a Capital Campaign Consultant?”
The main page also allows persons to order a video tape, a discernment handbook, or to send email to the
Touch the Future office.

IV. GLOBAL MINISTRIES RETREAT
A. GENERAL INFORMATIONThe Board of Stewardship participated in the experience of a Global Ministry Retreat held February
18-20, 2008, at the St. Columba Episcopal Retreat Center in Bartlett, Tennessee. Participants from fivedifferent countries–Colombia, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and the United States–met to talk about
global ministries in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and what we might do to break down the barriers
that hinder us from being the Church universal.
A planning team made up of staff from the Boards of Christian Education, Missions, Stewardship,
the Commission on Ministry and Memphis Theological Seminary, initially convened by the Board of
Christian Education, met together for about a year talking about the issues around being a global Church.
The group felt that there were an abundance of resources, both human and written that needed to be sharedacross the waters, but for a variety of reasons could not be. As the group discussed the problems andopportunities we have as a global church, we felt it was extremely important to have a group talking face toface that was more representative of who we are as Cumberland Presbyterians.
So the planning team began planning for a retreat that would focus on global issues and how wemight better communicate with one another. And we began praying for God’s guidance in our task.
The team planned the design for the retreat, transportation, hospitality and funding. And all ofthese teams’ work helped to make the event a truly meaningful one. The event was filled with relationshipbuilding, a Bible study, discussions about cultural and faith differences and similarities and building bridges
to further the work together globally. Even more importantly, we celebrated in worship and throughinternational games. Each person was asked to bring a game from their country to share with the group.
Every country was asked to lead a worship service that was typical of their Cumberland Presbyterian
Churches. Through worship, we had a rich experience in music, message and celebration. The St. Columba
staff even got into the international flavor by providing international meals for the three days.

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The group came together on Monday saying things like “I’m so glad to meet you since I have
emailed you so many times” to “I look forward to seeing you again in Japan for General Assembly; we canpick up where we left off.” We met together, lived together, played together and worshiped together. And
we hope through this experience, some good ideas have risen to the surface and we will feel God’s nudging
us in a particular direction in the future.
B. PARTICIPANTS IN THE RETREAT
Participants for the retreat: Michele Gentry, Jairo Lopez, and Carolina Maulanda–Colombia; GraceYu–Hong Kong; Makihiko Arase, Iwao, Tsuruko, Hummy and Tabby Satoh–Japan; Sean Choy, Ernest
and Michelle Gillis, and Tim Lee–Korea; Cindy Martin, and Frank Ward–Board of Christian Education;
George Estes, Pam Phillips-Burke, Lynn Thomas, Bob Watkins–Board of Missions; Elinor Brown–Board of
Stewardship; Stephanie Brown–Commission on Ministry; and Jay Earheart-Brown–Memphis TheologicalSeminary.
Those on the planning team who were not able to attend were Robert Heflin–Board of Stewardship,
Marjorie Shannon–Board of Missions and Mike Sharpe–Board of Missions.

V. FINANCIAL FOUNDATION DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT
A. PURPOSE
The second of three broad program areas 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 V. Endowment Program, VI. Cash Funds Management Program, and X.A. Property andCasualty Insurance.
B. THE YEAR 2007
In financial terms the year 2007 was good in spite of the uncertainity of the world economy andmarket conditions. The Endowment Program’s Growth/Income Fund received contributions of $994,777
and provided interest and dividend income of $1,927,515. The Endowment Program’s Total Return Fundreceived contributions of $120,215 in addition to the $24,721 which was transferred from the Growth/Income
Fund and provided $630,278 in total return. The CPC Investment Loan Program, Inc. paid out $583,154 to
the churches and agencies having funds in the program. This total was based on a rate consistently higher
than the rates received from most “on demand” money market accounts for the year. Our United Outreach
income totaled $2,679,365.
C. BOARD OF STEWARDSHIPThe Board of Stewardship ended 2007 with an unrestricted surplus of $43,719. During 2007,
endowment income from the Lavenia Campbell Cole Testamentary Trust was used, in accordance withthe priority goals adopted by the General Assembly, to fund increased stewardship education in recently
established congregations and/or congregations going through a redevelopment process and the work ofrevitalization through Touch the Future.
D. MANAGEMENT OF FUNDS
During 2007, there were no changes made in the firms managing the endowment and retirement
funds. At year end 2007, the security portfolio for the Endowment Program Growth/Income Fund wasunder the co-management of Missouri Valley Partners, Victory Capital Management, Metropolitan West
Asset Management, RREEF America II and Templeton Institutional Foreign Equity Fund. The portfolio
for the Endowment Program Total Return Fund was under the co-management of Missouri Valley Partners,
NewSouth Capital Management, Victory Capital Management, RREEF America II, Templeton Institutional
Foreign Equity Fund and Pacific Investment Management. The funds of the Retirement Program were2008

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

119

co-managed by Missouri Valley Partners, NewSouth Capital Management, Victory Capital Management,
Metropolitan West Asset Management, Pacific Investment Management, RREEF America II and Templeton
Institutional Foreign Equity Fund.
The church loan portion of the endowment portion of the endowment portfolio and the investmentsof the CPC Investment Loan Program, Inc. were under the management of board staff. Gerber/Taylor
Associates continues to provide independent analysis and evaluation of the performance of Victory,
MetWest, PIMCO, RREEF America II, NewSouth, Templeton and Missouri Valley.

VI. 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 for 2006 was distributed to all endowment program participants,
general assembly board members, churches, and individual contributors. The 2007 edition is in progress.
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 continued to expand. In addition, special reports were made asrequested.
B. ASSETS, INVESTMENT MIX, AND PERFORMANCE
1. Assets and Investment Mix Growth/Income FundThe assets of the Endowment Program’s Growth/Income Fund totaled $43,362,481 for 2007 at
market value.
For 2007, the assets consisted of $38,184,518 under the management of Missouri Valley, Victory,
MetWest, RREEF America II, and Templeton and $5,177,963 in the Church Loan Program. The following
table gives a breakdown of the investment mix of the total assets:
0.4%
0.6%
1.8%
12.3%
24.3%
17.1%
7.7%
15.1%
8.7%
11.9%
100.0%GROWTH/INCOME INVESTMENT MIX
CashInterest/Dividends Receivable
Other Receivables
Securities & Investments
Cash/Cash Equivalents
Treasuries / Government Obligations
Corporate Bonds
Corporate Stocks
Real Estate Investment Trusts
International Stocks
Notes Receivable
Total$188,708$242,894$773,687$5,336,781$10,545,337$7,404,480$3,349,524$6,551,080$3,792,027$5,177,963$43,362,481

2. 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 $10,792,877 for 2007 at market
value.

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2008

The following table gives a breakdown of the investment mix of the total assets:
Total Return Investment Mix(2.5)%
0.3%
3.4%
19.6%
44.0%
11.2%
24.1%

Cash
Interest/Dividends Receivable
Securities & Investments
Cash/Cash Equivalents
Corporate Bonds
Common Stocks
Real Estate Investment Trusts
International Stocks$(273,818)$27,194$368,099$2,114,376$4,743,656$1,209,139$2,604,231$10,792,877

3. Performance of Growth/Income Fund
The Endowment Program Growth/Income Fund generated $1,927,515 in income during 2007.
Contributions were 994,777. Net unrealized gain was 318,610 and net realized gain was 1,614,794.
Growth/Income Fund investment management fees totaled $171,587 for 2007. Other expenses
were $17,678 for a total of $189,265 equal to 23/100ths of one percent of the net year end assets of$43,362,481.
Growth/Income earnings paid and payable to agencies totaled $1,384,576 for 2007. (Additional
income of $845,648 for 2007 was reinvested in endowments in accordance with the trust agreements.)
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.
At year end 1994, the Endowment Program changed its accounting practices. In previous years, allinvestments (bonds or shares of stock) were carried at their original cost without any adjustment for current
market value (which at year end 1993 exceeded the cost by $1,686,947). On December 31, 1994, all assets(with the exception of church loans) were converted to market value and the various endowment fundbalances adjusted pro rata. This change was made to provide equitable accounting whenever the principalof endowments handled under terms of an Investment Management Service Agreement are withdrawn. An
additional change was made in 1997 providing for quarterly adjustments to market value which allow forwithdrawal of principal throughout the year.
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.
4. Rate of Income Paid Out by Growth/Income FundThe rate at which income was paid out to participants in the Growth/Income Fund for 2007 was
4.19 as compared to 4.05 for 2006, 4.20% for 2005, 4.01% for 2004, 4.40% for 2003, 4.45% for 2002,
4.60% for 2001, 4.82% for 2000, 4.67% for 1999, 4.77% for 1998, 5.07% for 1997, 4.81% for 1996, 5.44%
for 1995, 5.22% for 1994, 5.53% for 1993, 6.09% for 1992, 6.38% for 1991 and 7.78% for 1990.
5. Total Rate of Return for the Growth/Income Fund
During 1999, data on the ten year performance of the Loan Program was furnished to Gerber/
Taylor to be incorporated in their reports on the total return of the Growth/Income Fund. The following
table gives the annualized rates of return as contained in their report for year end 2007:

2008

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
One Year
Period01/01/07
12/31/07

Five Year
Period01/01/03
12/31/07

Ten Year
Period01/01/98
12/31/07

Since
Inception
09/00/81
12/31/07

Investment Managers
Loan Program

9.3%
5.9%

9.7%
5.3%

7.5%
5.7%

11.5%
N/A

Total Portfolio

7.6%

7.5%

6.6%

N/A

121

6. Performance of Total Return Fund
The Endowment Program Total Return Fund generated $1,152,305 in total return consisting of$384,981 in interest/dividends, $448,027 in unrealized gain on investments, and $182,251 in realized gain
on investments.
Total Return Fund expenses including fees paid to the investment managers totaled $68,278 for
2007, equal to 73/100ths of one percent of the net year end assets of $9,354,285.
Total Return Fund payments made and payable to agencies totaled $344,313 for 2007. (An additional$495,373 was withdrawn from the various endowments in accordance with the trust agreements.)
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 year end 2007
(Note: the numbers for the five-year and ten-year periods will be provided as the fund reaches these periods
in its existence):

Investment Managers

One Year
Period01/01/07
12/31/07

Five Year
Period01/01/03
12/31/07

Since Inception
09/01/04
12/31/05

21.60%

N/A

15.50%

8. Graphs
The graphs which follow provide a fifty-year-plus picture of the growth of the Endowment Program
and ten-year details of its assets, gifts, and earnings.
TEN-YEAR GROWTH OF
CORPUS GROWTH/INCOME,
SEGREGATED & TOTALRETURN NET ASSETS

60

50

TOTAL CORPUS

40

MILLIONS OF DOLLARS
30

20

10

0
1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007

41.14842.45745.18445.20544.22748.38950.91552.28351.67354.127

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3

GIFTS

2008
TEN-YEARCOMPARISON OF

GROWTH/INCOME, SEGREGATED& TOTAL RETURN

2.5

2TOTAL GIFTSMILLIONS OF DOLLARS

1.5

1

0.5

0
1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2006
1.115

1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005

.924
1.679
1.587
1.031
1.321
.885
2.575
1.255
.984
2007

TEN-YEAR COMPARISONEARNINGSPAID TO AGENCIES2GROWTH/INCOME & TOTAL RETURNEARNINGS PAID *MILLIONS OF DOLLARS

1.5

1

0.5

0
1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007

1.286
1.316
1.400
1.400
1.365
1.377
1.401
1.813
1.710
1.729

* Numbers do not include the earnings reinvested in the various endowments in accordance with trust
agreements and/or agency instructions. Earnings reinvested in the Growth/Income Fund for 2007 were$959,707.
C. ENDOWMENT PROGRAM LOANS
Historical Review
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 fifty-plus years (1944to 2000), 783 loans have been made to congregations, presbyteries, and synods. Through these loans,$27,270,128 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!).

2008

		
		
		
		
		
		

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHPERIOD

LOANS		

1944-49
1950-59
1960-69
1970-79
1980-89
1990-00

35		
171		
208		
166		
101		
102		

TOTAL LOANED$ 145,755
1,360,441
3,056,891
3,609,084
4,349,120
14,440,837

123
AVERAGE$ 4,164
7,955
14,697
21,74143,061
141,577

Down through the years, donors to endowments found satisfaction in the knowledge that the prudent
investment of their gifts strengthened not only the work of the particular churches, institutions, and causes
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
nineteen loans from the Revolving Church Loan Program at the end of 2007 totaling $129,832. In therevolving church loan account, there was also cash in the amount of $204,384, bringing the total of the fundto $334,216.
The rate of interest for revolving loans made during 2007 was based on the loan rate established by
the CPC Investment Loan Program at the beginning of each quarter. The maximum available for a single
loan is $30,000, 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 Board ofMissions. There is no established limit for the amount that may be loaned. Loans must, however, be repaid
within five years. Currently there is no Cole loan in effect as of year end 2004. There is $350,126 in cashin the fund.
E. “COMMITTED FOR THE CENTURIES”—CONGREGATIONAL ENDOWMENT PROGRAM
1. General Impressions“Committed for the Centuries” is a continuing emphasis of the board which has been temporarily
reduced in priority in order to devote time to providing training and resources to the regional planned giving
coordinators. “Committed for the Centuries” has met with good response where it has been presented. The
notebook of resources continues to be in demand. Regional planned giving coordinators and board staff
have been instrumental in the development of these new congregational programs.
Almost every church in which a presentation has been made has received a bequest at some timeand in some form. However, few churches have actively encouraged such bequests. Church sessions
respond positively to a presentation aimed at strengthening the financial base of congregational ministries.
In many instances pastors are enthusiastic supporters of the concept of congregational endowments anddelighted with the presentation. In almost all instances, pastors are generally supportive. In only a few
instances, do pastors appear to fear such a program. The potential is great.
2. Communication Resources
To help churches develop their own congregational endowment programs, the following materials
have been produced.

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Basic
Committed for the Centuries is the basic piece for communication of the program. It emphasizes theimportance of endowments for the future of the congregation, the need for policies, and for planning.
Sample resolutions and uses for endowments are also included.
Why Planned Giving & Church Endowments? Opportunities for Cumberland Presbyterians is a Corel
9 Presentation CD which can be played on computers with Windows 95 or higher. Through color
slides, it makes the case for an emphasis on planned giving & church endowments. The slides canalso be supplied in black & white in booklet form.
Encouraging Bequests and Planned Gifts is an extension and amplification of “Why Planned Giving?”
and focuses specifically on what is need­ed in consideration of an endowment program for yourchurch. It too is available in CD (color) or booklet (black & white).
Supplementary
Financing the Future: Why an Endowment Program for Our Church? is a bulletin insert which combines
the Preface of this handbook with the information on page 9.
Of Barns and Banks and Brokerages: A Brief Bible Study on Accumulated Assets is a bulletin insert
containing the study on pages 6 and 7 of this handbook. A color version is available on a Corel 9
Presentation CD which can be played on computers with Windows 95 or higher.
Committed for the Centuries: What Is an Endowment? is a bulletin insert which combines the theme fromthe back cover of this handbook with information on page 8.
Union Valley Cumberland Presbyterian Church Endowment Fund gives a simple example of how acongregational endowment program may be communicated to the members.
Every Member Endowment gives an example of the way in which an Every Member Endowment can becommunicated and promoted within a congregation. The example includes an annual report to thecongregation on its endowment program.
Five Questions You Should Ask focuses on opportunities for persons to make planned gifts to thecongregation from their accumulated assets for the support of its endowment program.
How Can I Make a Gift? Or, Gifts Come in Different Shapes and Sizes is a Corel 9 Presentation CD which
can be played on computers with Windows 95 or higher. Using the analogy of a bouquet of flowers,
the color slides address the advantages and disadvantages of a variety of giving opportunities:
outright gifts, revocable gift agreements, charitable gift annuities, deferred gift annuities, life estate
contracts, life insurance, pension funds, and wills/bequests. These slides can also be supplied inblack & white in booklet form.
How Your Home Can Help Our Church Home is a Corel 9 Presentation CD which can be played oncomputers with Windows 95 or higher. It provides examples of how a gift of a member’s residence,vacation home, or rental home can benefit both the giver and provide financial support for the workof a congregtion’s ministry.
Giving & Receiving describes the Cumberland Presbyterian Gift Annuity Program and the ways in whichgift annuities can serve the needs of members and contribute to the financial foundation of thecongregation.
Estate Planning Form provides a systematic form for use in collecting information and making decisions
relative to a member’s last will and testament.
Remembering is an Act of Faith is a brochure to encourage memorial and honor gifts to your endowment
program.
Is there room under your tree for a year end gift to our Church Endowment Fund? is a brochure topromote year end giving and includes specific examples of different types of gifts.
The Last Teaching Moment in your witness to the grace of Jesus Christ in your life is ... Final, Free
& Future is a bulletin insert to remind members of the opportunity of making their last will andtestaments into statements about the importance of their congregation in their lives of faith andservice. (Its four pages are shown in reduced form on the facing page.)
Other
Endowment Program Annual Report is the Board of Stewardship’s annual report to all congregations,
General Assembly agencies, and individuals who are interested in the services for trust andinvestment management offered by the Board through its Endowment Program. It describes the2008

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

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program, summarizes administrative procedures, states the investment policy, and reports on annual
return, investments, and endowment funds. Appendices provide additional information including
a work sheet for planning the particulars of an endowment trust agreement.
3. Planned Gifts Emphasis During Family Week in May
The board is still in process of preparing materials for use during Family Week in May of eachyear. These materials will be designed for complementary use with the Family Week materials provided by
the Board of Christian Education. It is hoped that this may become a joint effort of the Board of Christian
Education and the Board of Stewardship. The experience of other churches has shown May to be an
particularly excellent month for emphasis on wills as a means of planned giving.
F. REGIONAL PLANNED GIVING COORDINATORS
1. History
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 130 congregations on the need to develop congregational endowments and encourage planned givingby church members.
In 1997, the 167th General Assembly approved the recommendations of the General AssemblyCouncil to designate $30,000 in Our United Outreach funds to aid the Board of Stewardship in partneringwith the presbyteries of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church to implement Regional Planned Giving
Coordinators.
At year end 2007, there were three Regional Planned Giving Coordinators: Carolyn Harmon, anelder in the Cedar Hill Church, Greeneville, Tennessee, serving the Presbytery of East Tennessee and theTennessee-Georgia Presbytery; Dara Jones, an elder in the Hillsboro Church, Hillsboro, Tennessee, serving
the Tennessee Synod (presbyteries of Columbia, Murfreesboro, and Nashville) and Gaye Wood, a memberof the Calico Rock Church, Calico Rock, Arkansas, serving the Presbyteries of Arkansas, Missouri, Red
River and Trinity.
Through these regional coordinators education concerning the stewardship opportunities in planned
giving has been made readily accessible to more than 100 churches. Often times the results of their work
is not easily measured. It may be several years before their work bears fruit. The regional coordinators use
their presentations 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. They
are the living links of a partnership between the General Assembly and their 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 their materials, travel, and continuing
education opportunities are paid by the Board from Our United Outreach funds specifically designated forthe purpose.
Beginning with the 2000 budget year, the Board of Stewardship allocated an additional $15,000 forplanned giving. This budget allocation was made on the strength of a new endowment received as a resultof a bequest from Lavenia Campbell Cole, an elder in the Trinity Church, Fort Worth, Texas. Lavenia was
a firm believer that church members should be encouraged to give generously of all their resources so that
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church might grow in its ministry of love and service to all the world.
These additional funds are being used in a variety of ways. One specific use is to bring pastors of
newly formed churches to the North American Conference on Christian Philanthropy in order to further the
General Assembly’s priority goal of developing new congregations.
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.
2. Planned Giving Restricted Funds

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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2008

The activity in the Planned Giving Restricted Fund for the year 2007 was as follows:
Beginning Balance
Our United Outreach
Travel/Materials/Education$185,161$31,967$(31,506)

Ending Balance$185,622

It is the board’s hope that there will be seven to eight planned giving coordinators in service by theyear 2007. Future income from Our United Outreach and the funds included in the ending balance, above,
represent the financial resources to make this hope a reality.

VII. CPC INVESTMENT LOAN PROGRAM, INC.
In 1976, the board began a program to provide 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.
At year end 2007, the assets for the Investment Loan Program were $14,662,017. Participant
accounts totaled $13,080,789. Net assets retained in the surplus as a protection of the stability of the fundtotaled $1,573,277.
For 2007, 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, and New Mexico.
The board of directors is composed of the following: Janie Stamps, president; Robert Latimer,
vice-president; Charlie Floyd, secretary, and Al Davis. Robert Heflin serves as Treasurer and Executive
Secretary. During the past year, the board met twice in regular session.
During 2007, the corporation closed three loans: $550,000 to Florence-Bethel Church (CPCA),
Florence, Alabama; $1,300,000 to Hope Church, Valrico, Florida; and $425,000 to the Korean Church of
Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee.
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 $583,154 which the program paid in interest on accounts
during the year. These payments were made at the following rates in annualized terms: first quarter 4.75%,
second quarter 4.75%, third quarter 4.75%, and fourth quarter 4.75%. These rates were consistently higher
than those available for most other “on demand” money market accounts.

VIII. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION AND RESEARCH
A. PURPOSE
The third of three broad program areas of the work of the board is in employee benefits administration
and research. 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 who 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 VIII. Retirement Program, IX. Ministerial
Aid Program, and X. 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 pension
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.

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THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

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No longer would these ministers and their families have to settle for being relegated to second class status.
The reality is, as several General Assemblies have recognized, that this is possible if we work together
in much the 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 Cumberland
Presbyterian clergy.

IX. RETIREMENT PROGRAM
Since 1952, the board has provided a retirement program open to all church employees. The
program 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
9.01 of the Plan to amend the same. Amendments were last made to the Plan by the 1999 General Assembly.
Since that time the need for no additional changes has surfaced.
B. YEAR END REPORTOn December 31, 2007, there were 429 participants in the Retirement Plan. Of these, 231 were
contributing to their accounts and 18 were receiving direct monthly payments as a result of their elections
under Plan 1. In addition to these 429 participants, there were 26 persons who were receiving annuity
payments purchased through the Plan and for whom the Plan issues 1099-R’s.
During 2007, $3,795,585 was dispersed to or for participants, an increase of 64% over 2006s$2,315,857. Contributions totaled $791,403 and were up 2.5% over 2006s $772,476. Investment expenses
totaled $112,318 an increase of 11% over 2006s $101,143. Income and the gain on investments (bothrealized and unrealized) totaled $3,256,727 for a 8.7% decrease over 2006s $3,565,650. The rate of returncredited to the accounts for the year was +9.0%. (Comparative annual rates of return for: previous five
years—+11.8%, previous ten years—+7.9%, and from the beginning of professional management in March,
1982—+11.0%.)
TEN YEAR COMPARISON OF MARKET VALUE AND NET CONTRIBUTIONS											
YEARCONTRIBUTIONS		
VALUE										40										35NET CONTRIBUTIONS

30										25										2015										105										0										-5-10										-15-20										-25										
-30
-35MILLIONS OF DOLLARSTOTAL VALUE-.420		
-2.185		
-4.385		
-7.926		
-10.781		-12.724		
-15.436		
-17.066		
-18.941												1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004

26.11029.30328.75726.42226.44525.01422.841
25.12725.622

2005-20.949		

25.275

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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2008

The professionals managing the retirement fund were: Victory Capital Management, an equity
manager with a growth stock emphasis; Metropolitan West Asset Management, a bond manager; PIMCO,
a bond manager; Missouri Valley Partners, a manager of large capitalization equities; NewSouth CapitalManagement, a manager of small capitalization equities; RREEF America II, a private real estate investment
trust (REIT) manager; and the Templeton Institutional Foreign Equity Fund. The graph (above) helps
to illustrate the effect of the average annual return of 11.2% and the true worth of having professional
management of the fund. The difference between the net contributions (dark shading) and the total value(light shading) is the value added to the total fund and to participant accounts by the efforts of thosemanagers.

X. MINISTERIAL AID PROGRAM
A. MINISTERIAL AID
1. Full Benefit Recipients
There are now an equivalent of 11 CPC recipients of the full benefit of $260 per month (increased
from $240 on April 1, 2002). The monthly total of these payments is $2,860.00; annually, $34,320.00 is
paid. The equivalent of benefits for three participants, or $780 per month, is sent to Cauca Valley Presbytery
in Columbia. The payments are designated for specific individuals but are distributed by the presbytery as
it sees fit. Each recipient also receives The Cumberland Presbyterian and Missionary Messenger.
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 2007 with the seven stateside recipients receiving$1,904.13 for a total of $13,333.11.
2. Basic Requirements.
The General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church has set the following basic
requirements for receiving aid from the Ministerial Aid Program.
a. Minimum age 65.
b. Minimum years of service to the church - 15.
c. Cannot be a participant in the Cumberland Presbyterian Retirement Plan.
d. 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.
e. Individuals income cannot exceed $600 monthly (effective 01-01-2003).
f. Couples income cannot exceed $750 monthly (effective 01-01-2003).
(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.)
g. Presbytery obtains information and approves (approval can be given by the committee orboard charged by presbytery with this responsibility); certification of approval is sent to theGeneral Assembly Board of Stewardship.
h. Surviving spouse is eligible if above items 2, 3 and 4 have been met.
CPC applicants must submit to the board a listing of assets and liabilities so the net worth canbe determined. The board urges presbyteries to maintain contact with persons under the Ministerial Aid
Program who live within their bounds. Should there be serious unmet needs, the presbytery is urged tocontact the board so that it may determine how the Ministerial Aid program can be of assistance in meeting
those needs.
There was conversation at the March board meeting to raise the individual and couple income. A
committee will be reporting back to the board in September what possible changes might be made in the
future.
3. Supplemental Retirement Benefits.
There is now only one CPC individual receiving supplements to their retirement benefits from the
Ministerial Aid Program as a result of a one time action of the Board on August 30, 1987. The monthly
payment is the amount needed to bring their retirement income up to $60. The monthly total of thispayment is $13.96; or $167.52 annually.
4. Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America.

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The CPCA now has 4 participants who receive monthly payments at the originally agreed upon
amount of $109 per month. Benefits for these recipients total $436.00 per month and $5,232.00 annually.
The CPCA normally pays its share in June or July following their General Assembly.
5. 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.
Spouse’s 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. Three individuals now receive payments
in varying amounts from this fund. The monthly total of these three payments is $446.20; annually,$5,354.40 is paid to the recipients. This endowment had a balance of $1,134,134.96 at December 31,
2007, an increase of $52,152.16 over the previous twelve months. The 1996 General Assembly approved
the Board’s recommendation to use the excess 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. Long term disability is the newest, begun in 1988. Property and casualty
insurance is the oldest, begun in 1951. While all of the insurance programs are important, group life andhealth insurance, begun in 1961, touches many lives in a personal way and often at times of deep anxiety.
In all, some 484 men, women, and children depend on this program to meet their health 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, Board of
Christian Education, Board of Missions, Commission on the Ministry, Memphis Theological Seminary,
Board of The Cumberland Presbyterian and Historical Foundation.
Effective January 1, 2004, the property and casualty insurance for the Center and Memphis
Theological Seminary was secured through General Insurance Underwriters, representing Church Mutual
Insurance Company. This change resulted in a premium savings of nearly 38%.
The various agencies enjoyed a very good relationship with Church Mutual Insurance Company.
However, with the changing insurance industry our agent, General Insurance Underwriters, was approachedby Philadelphia Insurance Company, Inc. They expressed an interest in providing our property and casualty
insurance. Our agent contacted the staff and the staff gave permission to pursue the opportunity.
After some negotiations, Philadelphia was able to increase our policy limits while passing on
a 22.5% savings in the premium. The Executive Committee of the Board agreed to change insurancecompanies from Church Mutual to Philadelphia Insurance Co. The change was effective January 1, 2008.
B. GROUP LONG TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE
The presbyteries of Arkansas, Columbia, Covenant, Cumberland, del Cristo, East Tennessee,
Missouri, Murfreesboro, Nashville, North Central, Red River, Robert Donnell, Trinity and West Tennessee
and the Children’s Home and The Center have now established non-contributory long term disability
programs insured by UNUMPROVIDENT. This leaves only five stateside presbyteries (Choctaw, Cullman,
Hope, Grace and Tennessee Georgia) without a program. The quarterly rate applied to participant’s salaries
is 1.50 per $100 of salary.
There are three primary reasons for ministers to want the coverage and for presbyteries to want toprovide the protection. The group rate is significantly lower than individual policy rates (especially after theJanuary 1, 1997, rate reduction) and does not require a large cash outlay to cover all full-time ministers in apresbytery; 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

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individual policies make this coverage very attractive, especially to those who have previously purchased
their own policies. In addition, a provision was negotiated with UNUM 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 six ministers who have taken advantage of this provision. There are approximately 242
participants.
The booklet, enrollment form and other employee benefit information can be accessed on the Boardof Stewardship web page (http://www.cumberland.org/bos).
C. GROUP 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 $60 per covered employee. All GA level boards, institutions, and agencies
participate in this program. This policy is purchased through Brian Sinclair-Whitely of St. Pete Beach,
Florida.
D. FIDELITY BOND
The Board of Stewardship secures a commercial crime policy to insure persons engaged toperform the duties of a scheduled position. Congregations, presbyteries, synods, and organizations withinthese judicatories are eligible to participate. On September 1, 2007, the policy was renewed for the next
year. The broker for this policy is Treadwell & Harry and the carrier is The Travelers Insurance Co. The
premium is $3.90 per thousand dollars of coverage with no minimum level of coverage; there is a $250
deductible. Sixty-one positions across the denomination are now bonded for a combined total coverage of$1,851,000.
E. GROUP HEALTH & LIFE INSURANCE
The board has used a fully-insured, managed care approach to provide group health insurance
for CP clergy and lay employees since March 1, 1999. UniCare Life and Health Insurance Company, theinsurer, has an extensive network of regional preferred provider organizations that is available to all but ahandful of eligible employees. There is no primary care physician or “gatekeeper” requirement that must be
met before seeing a specialist. Included in the plan is a prescription drug benefit with various levels of copayments which are described later in this report. For those few employees who are not able to participate
in the UniCare PPO because of where they live, there is indemnity coverage available.
1. Loss Ratio.
A comparison of paid medical premiums and claims is made in order to calculate a loss ratio. The
table below contains monthly and cumulative figures for the calendar year of 2007. For 2007, 112% of
the medical premiums paid to UniCare were used by UniCare to pay claims and stop-loss premiums. This
compares to a loss ratio of 84% for the same period in 2006 and 86% for 2005. This calculation does notinclude UniCare’s retainage nor any increase in the medical reserves it is holding. Under the contractual
agreement with UniCare, annual deficits or surpluses are retained by them and won’t affect subsequent
years.

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MEDICAL EXPERIENCE REPORTMONTHLY
MONTH
Jan, 2007
Feb, 2007
Mar, 2007
Apr, 2007
May, 2007
Jun, 2007
Jul, 2007
Aug, 2007
Sept, 2007
Oct, 2007
Nov, 2007
Dec, 2007

MEDICALPREMIUM
191,161
190,632
191,741
191,847
190,632
194,966
199,907
195,177
184,184
187,407
186,086
189,812CUMULATIVEPAID CLAIMS LOSS RATIO
140,40273%
190,632100%
164,40186%
173,27890%
207,905109%
240,179
123%
194,36497%
215,839
111%
353,494
192%
238,770127%
271,044146%
187,683
99%

MEDICALPREMIUM
191,161
381,793
573,534
765,381956,0131,150,979
1,350,886
1,546,063
1,730,247
1,917,654
2,103,740
2,293,552

PAID CLAIMS LOSS RATIO
140,40273%
331,034
87%
495,435
86%
668,71387%876,61892%
1,116,797
97%
1,311,161
97%
1,527,000
99%
1,880,494
109%
2,119,264
111%
2,390,308
114%
2,577,991
112%

The table above shows that we did not have a good year when you compare the claims paid by
UniCare with the premiums they received. The table below shows that for the months of March 2007
through November 2007, 14 claims amounted to 53% of the claims paid by UniCare. For the same time
period in 2006 we only had three high cost medical claims.
Number of
Claims14403
417

Total Group Medical Claims
Percentage ofAmount Paid Percentage ofTotal Claims
Total
3%
High cost claims$856,252
53%
97%
All other claims$744,666
47%
100%

Total Claims$1,600,918

100%

In an effort to broaden the existing health insurance program, in April 2005, UniCare agreed to pay
up to $300 per calendar year toward a participant’s physical. It is the hope that if more participants get anannual physical then possible health concerns can be caught early, possibly reducing more serious mattersdown the road.
2. Premiums.
Brian Sinclair-Whitely of Sinclair-Whitely Associates is the health insurance broker for the
Cumberland Presbyterian Health Insurance Program. Throughout the year, Brian Sinclair-Whitely keeps
the staff informed of the medical claims experience.
In December 2007, Mr. Sinclair-Whitely began negotiations with UniCare regarding the March 1,
2008 renewal. Because of our adverse claims experience as evidenced above, UniCare proposed increasing
our rate 38.4%. Mr. Sinclair-Whitely convinced UniCare to use the previous 24 month period rather than
the normal 12 month period when determining the new rate. UniCare agreed and after looking at theprevious 24 months they proposed increasing our premiums by 27.3%.
Mr. Sinclair-Whitely then proposed making two changes in the health insurance plan. One change
would be to increase the individual deductible from $500 to $1,000 and increasing the family deductible
from $1,500 to $3,000. It was noted that the deductible was last changed in 1991. The second change wasto substitute the UniCare Your ChoiceRX Drug plan for the present 3-tier formulary drug plan. If these twochanges were made UniCare agreed to increase our rate by 13.97%.
After discussion with the Executive Committee was polled and agreed to increase the premium by
13.97% effective upon renewal which was March 1, 2008. When the Board of Stewardship, Foundation
and Benefits met in March 2008, the entire board voted to only pass on a 10% increase to the participants.
Funds from the Premium Stabilization Fund would pay the 3.97% difference between what UniCare would
charge the Board of Stewardship and what would be received by the participants.

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3. Participation.
In October 1998 employee participation reached a high of 333. Over the next two years, enrollment
continued to hover around the 325 level. As of February 1, 2008, 461 people depend on the CPC Health
Insurance Program. A breakdown of family units by size at February 1, 2008 is listed below.
FAMILY UNITS BY SIZE
Number of
Total
Units
Emp. only
148
148
Spouse only
2
2
Families of 2
37
74
Families of 3
1545
Families of 4
32
128
Families of 5840Families of 6
4
24
Total
246
461
The following table shows the enrollment figures from March 2007 to January 2008. As you can see
the numbers do fluctuate from month to month. From March 2007 to January 2008 there was a reductionof 6 participants.
MONTHLY GROUP INSURANCEENROLLMENT

07-MarEMPLOYEE
COVERAGE
147

DEPENDENT
COVERAGE
105

07-Apr
07-May07-Jun07-Jul07-Aug07-Sep07-Oct07-Nov
07-Dec08-Jan

145
147
147
148
147
147
148
146
139
142

105
105
105
108
108
108
104
108
103
104

TOTAL
252
250
252
252
256
255
255
252
254
242
246

4. Stabilization Reserve (Formerly Emergency Reserve)
The reserve is invested in an Investment Loan Program account which had a balance of $1,409,833.73
on December 31, 2007. The Emergency Health Insurance Reserve was established in compliance with 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 to allow 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. 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, 2007 was $28,188.67.
6. Health Education
To further educate participants in matter concerning health care participants have recently begun
to receive a monthly newsletter entitled, TopHealth, published by Oakstone Publishing. The monthly

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newsletter is full of health related tips that can be easily implemented by readers. The two page newslettercan be read within a matter of minutes. It is hoped that the newsletter is the beginning of a wellness
program designed to improve the health of all participants.
7. Wellness Program
In an effort to improve the health of all participants in the CPC Health Insurance Program, theBoard is developing a wellness program that helps participants to take a more active role in healthy living.
The Board has approved an incentive program that encourages participants to exercise, stop smoking andimprove their lifestyle. UniCare is also working together with the Board in this effort. More information
will be forthcoming.
Respectfully submitted:
Janie Stamps, President
Robert Heflin, Executive Secretary

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THE REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHILDREN’S HOME
I. INTRODUCTION
As society presents ever-growing challenges to young people and their parents, Cumberland
Presbyterian Children’s Home is committed to offering healing and hope to those in need through our
ministry of protecting, sustaining and equipping children and families. Our dedicated, compassionate andprofessional staff works hard every day to ensure the children and families entrusted to our care receive thehelp they need to make positive, lasting changes in their lives.
2007 brought many changes to CPCH, but our commitment to ministering to children and families
remains constant. One of the most significant developments was the departure of Randy Spencer as CPCH’s
executive director. He announced his resignation in December 2007. At that time, CPCH’s Board ofTrustees joyfully recommended Reverend Kevin R. Henson to fill the position of executive director as ofJanuary 2008.
Kevin earned a B.A. in English Literature from Baylor University in Waco, Texas, in 1984 and an
M. Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, New Jersey, in 1989. Kevin was ordained as aminister by the Red River Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in 2001. Kevin worked in a
family business from 1989 to 2005. During that time, he was a bi-vocational minister, serving the church as
both a full-time and part-time pastor. Most recently, he pastored Faith Cumberland Presbyterian Church in
Tulsa, Oklahoma. Though he is new to the position of executive director, CPCH has been a part of Kevin’s
life for the past 10 years. He has been a volunteer, donor and was a member of CPCH’s Board of Trustees
for six years, serving as president of the Board in 2007. CPCH Board, staff and residents welcome Kevinand look forward to his leadership!
A. MISSION STATEMENT
As a ministry of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and in response to Christ’s love and example,
the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home exists to provide a safe and wholesome environment for thedevelopment of children and to bring healing and hope to children and their families.
B. BOARD OF TRUSTEESThe Board of Trustees consists of 15 persons elected by the General Assembly. Nine of the trustees
must be members of the Cumberland Presbyterian denomination. The remaining six are (*) membersof other denominations. Board members in 2007 were: Reverend Kevin Henson, President; *Mrs. Kay
Goodman, Vice-President; Mrs. Carolyn Harmon, Secretary; *Mr. Craig Thomas; Mrs. Jane Allen; Mrs.
Ruby Letson; Mr. Richard Dean; Mr. Tony Martin; *Mrs. Betty Roy; Reverend Norlan Scrudder; *Mr.
Darrell Thompson; *Ms. Joy Wallace; *Mr. Richard Brown, Reverend Alfonso Marquez and Mrs. Pat
Huff.
The Board of Trustees meets twice each year on the third weekends in February and September on
the campus of the Children’s Home. Board communication and business are conducted through e-mail,mail and phone calls between meetings.
C. REPRESENTATION AT GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The Board will be represented at the 2008 General Assembly by Reverend Kevin Henson, CPCH’s
executive director, and Pat Huff, Trustee.
D. LICENSURE AND AFFILIATIONSThe Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home is licensed as a Basic Care Facility through the
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services to provide residential care for up to 24 children.
The Children’s Home holds membership in the Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Related
Ministries; Southwest Association of Children’s Homes; Texas Alliance of Child and Family Services andthe Texas Coalition of Homes for Children.

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II. GIVING HEALING AND HOPE BY
PROTECTING CHILDREN, SUSTAINING FAMILIES,AND EQUIPPING PROVIDERSPROTECTING CHILDREN
As we have done for more than 100 years, CPCH provides each child in our Residential Care
Program with all their basic needs. In addition, CPCH now provides case management, family and/or
individual therapy, academic tutoring, organized recreation and opportunities to develop valuable life skills.
In 2007, the staff in each of our three residential cottages created a “vision statement” to guide them as theycared for their residents.
• “Currie-Long Cottage will strive to provide a safe and wholesome family-like environment in		
which we raise Christ-like men.”• “Heard Cottage will strive to be a place where our girls are happy, safe and know that they are		
loved unconditionally, and where their families can trust that we will take care of them		and work together to heal.”• “Cole Cottage will bring hope and healing to children and families while bringing hope and		healing to others.”
In 2007, the Residential Care Program:		• accepted 15 private placements and 25 placements from the Texas Department of		
Family and Protective Services;		• served 40 children and 29 families; and		• served 19 children in our Aftercare Program.
Positive Outcomes for the Residential Care Program 2007:		
• 100% of children received medical and dental care.
		• 93% of private placements were successfully discharged back to family.
		• One child graduated high school and is attending the University of North Texas.
Looking ahead to 2008, CPCH’s Residential Care Program plans to develop an independent living
skills program to aid our growing adolescent population; replace the “level system” with a characterbuilding program for behavior management; offer more training and support to current staff in order toprovide optimal care for children and families; and increase collaboration with CPCH’s Family Outfitters
Program (more about the Family Outfitters Program is under the “Sustaining Families” heading below) to
provide more preventative services for families interested in the Residential Care Program.
SUSTAINING FAMILIESIn the on-campus Single Parent Family Program, CPCH seeks to partner with single parent families
facing financial hardship to support and encourage them in their efforts to become self-sufficient and tobuild and maintain healthy relationships and support systems.
In 2007, the Single Parent Family Program:		• served 22 families on campus for a total of 19 single moms, three single dads, and 45
		children;		• served 15 families in the aftercare program; and		• reached 86 individuals/families through intake/outreach efforts.
Positive Outcomes for the Single Parent Family Program in 2007:		
• 100% of families completed parent training.
		• 95% of families found employment within two months of joining the program.
		• 85% of families left the program employed.
		• 95% of families attended family therapy.
		• 90% of families maintained stable housing after leaving the program.

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For 2008, the Single Parent Family Program’s goals include offering more enrichment classes
for families and children; partnering with community businesses such as apartment complexes or car
dealerships; increasing collaboration with CPCH’s Family Outfitters to provide more preventative services
and conducting a follow-up study with former Single Parent Family Program clients in order to assess thelong-term results of the program.
Another aspect of CPCH’s efforts to sustain families is the Family Outfitters Program, which offers
counseling and education programs to the community as well as to children in CPCH’s Residential Care
Program and families in the Single Parent Family Program. The Family Outfitters Program is led by the
Director of Clinical Services, who provides clinical supervision and guidance for all CPCH’s programs.
In 2007, the Family Outfitters Program:		• started a counseling internship program, which has three interns (two are master’s-level		
students at TWU and one is a licensed psychologist obtaining family therapy experience);
		• provided counseling services to 13 families and 26 individuals; and		• provided “Becoming a Love and Logic® Parent” training to 75 community members.
In 2008, the Family Outfitters Program plans to increase its marketing and community visibility,
thereby increasing its client base and therapy income. The program will continue to offer monthly Love andLogic® trainings and look at other trainings that can be offered to the community. Additionally, the Family
Outfitters Program will continue to collaborate with the Single Parent Family Program and Residential Care
Program to offer training, counseling, parent training, aftercare and preventative services.
EQUIPPING PROVIDERS
CPCH strives to support and strengthen the family ministries of Cumberland Presbyterian churches,
as well as the outreach efforts of other providers of child and family services such as churches, schools andagencies. In 2007, CPCH staff provided trainings on marriage enrichment and Parenting with Love andLogic®.
VOLUNTEERS IN ACTION
In 2007, CPCH’s volunteers gave 8,545 hours of their time to benefit our children and families.
That equates to $160,392.47 worth of services (based on an hourly rate of $18.77 from Independent
Sector). Groups from Holly Grove Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Brighton, Tennessee, and Hopewell
Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Lamar, Missouri, contributed their talents during summer work trips
to CPCH’s campus. We already have five work groups from Cumberland Presbyterian churches scheduled
for summer 2008!
Currently, CPCH volunteers work in these areas: campus upkeep, donation processing, tutoringand skills classes, mentoring, administration and fundraising, recreation, and cooking and baking for thechildren and families.
Due to overwhelming interest people have in volunteering at CPCH, the Volunteer Coordinator
position moved from part time to full time in 2007. In 2008, CPCH’s volunteer program will continuebuilding positive healthy relationships with volunteers and residents/staff on campus.

III. SUPPORT OF PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
A. CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
We are continuing our program of campus physical enhancement. Each cottage is getting a longoverdue face lift. Denton Benefit League provided a grant to totally remodel the kitchen in Cole Cottage.
Thanks to some Christmas giving, all three cottages received new locking freezers, but we still need newcarpet in each cottage.
Because we serve a very vulnerable population, security is always an issue. We need to purchase a
new security system for the campus and a new background verification device.
B. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

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Total operating expenses for 2007 were $1,405,313. Our total operating revenue was $1,348,627.
This revenue shortfall resulted in a slight deficit of $43,325.
C. ENDOWMENT FUNDS
Since only the interest of the Endowment Funds can be used for operating expenses, it is paramountthat as much interest as possible be generated from our approximately $7.9 million endowment. In 2007,
endowment interest represented less than 18 percent of our operating revenue.
D. ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM
Advancement activities support CPCH’s mission of providing healing and hope to children, families
and all others whose lives we touch. Advancement staff works to build relationships, cultivate new andexisting donors, pursue grants and raise CPCH’s profile, all in support of CPCH’s programs for children andfamilies.
CPCH still faces the ongoing challenge of raising unrestricted dollars for its day-to-day operations.
Support from our Cumberland Presbyterian family through unrestricted gifts, sponsorship and Children’sHome Sunday and Gift to the King offerings is extremely important to the Children’s Home. As CPCH
strives to bring healing and hope to the children and families we serve, we continue to rely on the traditionof generous giving Cumberland Presbyterians have demonstrated through the years.

IV. RECOMMENDATIONS
A. CHILDREN’S HOME SUNDAY 2009
Each year, the General Assembly designates a Sunday as Children’s Home Sunday. This is a
special time to promote the ministry provided by the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home and toreceive a special offering to support this ministry financially.
RECOMMENDATION 1: That May 17, 2009, be designated as Children’s Home Sunday
and that the Assembly encourage congregations to emphasize the importance of the Children’s Home
Sunday Offering as a significant source of revenue for the care of children and families.
B. PRAYER FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIESAll Cumberland Presbyterians have an important role to play in supporting the advocacy componentof the continuum of care for children and families who are hurting.
RECOMMENDATION 2: That the Assembly encourage each congregation to set aside one
Sunday each month to pray for children and families, especially those who are hurting and in need,in their communities and throughout the world.
Respectfully Submitted,
Richard Brown, President
Reverend Kevin R. Henson, Executive Director

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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 two graduate schools of theology, one at
Cumberland University and the other at Bethel College, in 1852. Those two graduate schools of theology
continued the legacy begun in the work of founder Finis Ewing, who educated candidates for the ministryin his home, and many other ministers, who trained young candidates in homes, churches, and on the
trail. For one hundred fifty six years, Cumberland Presbyterians have been providing formal theologicaleducation for its 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 began to serve a larger 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 mostdiverse student populations, in terms of denomination and race, of any seminary in the United States. This
theological and denominational diversity provides a rich environment for educating pastors, chaplains,
educators, and leaders for the church of Jesus Christ.
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 historic 178th General
Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, meeting for the first time outside the bounds of theUnited States in Tokyo, Japan.

I. Board of Trustees
A. Officers
The following officers were elected by the Board of Trustees to serve during the past academic year:
Moderator – Mrs. Marianna Williams (Cumberland Presbyterian elder, Dyersburg, TN); Vice-moderator –Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield (Christian Methodist Episcopal minister, Jackson, TN); Secretary – Dr. Meade
Walker (National Baptist minister, Memphis, TN); Treasurer – David Canon (Vice President of Operations
and CFO, MTS).
B. Board representative
Marianna Williams has been elected to serve as the Board’s representative to this meeting of theGeneral Assembly.
C. Meetings
The Board has met twice since the last meeting of General Assembly: September 14-15, 2007, andFebruary 8-9, 2008. It is scheduled to meet one more time before the meeting of General Assembly, on May
9-10, 2008. In addition to full Board meetings, standing committees meet on a regular schedule between
Board meetings.
Our fall Board meeting was held in a retreat format at St. Columba Conference Center to enable
more time for planning and community building between members of the Board and seminary staff.
D. Expiration of Terms
The Board of Trustees is made up of twenty-four members, thirteen of whom will be Cumberland
Presbyterians and eleven of whom will be non-Cumberland Presbyterians. The terms of eight members of2008

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the Board expire each year. Five of the eight whose terms expire this year are eligible to succeed themselvesand have agreed to serve another three year term: Dr. D. Tom Bell (United Methodist, Huntsville, AL); Mr.
Mark Davis (CPC, Germantown, TN); Reverend Amy Howe (Presbyterian Church (USA), Memphis, TN);Mr. William Nelms (CPC, Murfreesboro, TN); and Mrs. Marianna Williams (CPC, Dyersburg, TN). Allfive have served faithfully and contributed greatly to the life of the seminary. We are grateful for their
willingness to continue serving.
Three trustees have completed three terms and are not eligible to succeed themselves: Mr. Wes
Brantley (CPC, Ada, OK), Dr. David Goatley (National Baptist, Washington, DC), and Dr. Lynne Herring(CPCA, Huntsville, AL). Reverend Jean Richardson (CPC, Knoxville, TN) has decided to resign from our
Board for personal reasons. Each of these trustees have served faithfully and well. We give thanks to God
for the service these four trustees have given to Memphis Theological Seminary.
Recommendation 1: That the General Assembly express its gratitude to Mr. Wes
Brantley, Dr. David Goatley, Dr. Lynne Herring, and Rev. Jean Richardson for their faithful service
to Memphis Theological Seminary and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
E. Work of the Board
The trustees have given significant attention during the past two years to understanding and morefaithfully executing their role in governing the life of the seminary. The Board’s standing committees aremeeting more frequently between regular board meetings. A revision of the Board of Trustees Handbook
has been approved by the Board, as well as a revised procedure for initial and ongoing Board training. The
Board is committed to strengthening the ties between MTS and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, evenas it continues to reach out to build relationships with other denominations we are serving.
The Board has given significant attention in the past two years to developing our administrative
policies and procedures. A new employee handbook, faculty handbook, policy and procedures manual, andfiscal management manual have all been adopted in the past year.
F. Recommendation from the 177th General Assembly
The 177th GA passed the following recommendation: “That the Memphis Theological Seminary
Board of Trustees be directed to review critically the process for seeking and selecting new faculty
members, and granting tenure in order to determine how there may be greater representation of Cumberland
Presbyterians in these processes and report their conclusions to the next General Assembly.” (page 436,
Minutes of the General Assembly, 2007)
The Board of Trustees, through its Instruction Committee reviewed critically the process for seeking
and selecting new faculty members at its September 2007 meeting. The Board noted that Cumberland
Presbyterian members of the Board of Trustees, of which there is always a majority, are always involved
in final decisions about faculty appointments and the granting of tenure. In addition, the President of theseminary, Jay Earheart-Brown, is a Cumberland Presbyterian and the person responsible for making such
recommendations to the Board. He has expressed repeatedly his intention to see that the needs, ethos,and well being of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church be kept foremost in the process of making faculty
appointments and awards of tenure. In addition, he has worked to identify, encourage and assist promising
younger scholars in the church to pursue the Ph.D. degree so that our church would have a stronger pool ofpotential teachers for its educational institutions. That commitment continues.
On recommendation of the President, the faculty approved a recommendation that was ratified by
the Board of Trustees to allow the President to appoint a representative from the church to each faculty
search committee. During the current academic year, the following persons were appointed and have
served in that capacity. For the position in Evangelism and Mission, Dr. George Estes served as a memberof the search committee; for the position in Church History, Dr. Rose Mary Magrill served; for the positionin Wesleyan Studies, Reverend Kevin Conrad, a United Methodist minister on the program staff of theMemphis Annual Conference, served. It was decided that for this position, the outside member of thesearch committee should be a United Methodist, rather than a Cumberland Presbyterian.
In each case, the additional members of the search committee helped to keep our focus on the needsof the church, and not simply on academic needs. The volunteers were engaged in reviewing applicants,
selecting those to be interviewed, interviewing candidates, and the discussion of which applicant torecommend to the President. We believe that this new procedure has strengthened our hiring practice andwill continue to help us focus on our constituencies as we seek to provide the best possible education for

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pastoral and other forms of ministry. We are grateful for the recommendation from the General Assembly,
and seek to continue serving the life and growth of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the otherchurches we serve.
G. 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, “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 General Assembly
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 elements ofevangelism as a part of the course. In addition, we will be working with our new faculty member in the areaof evangelism to develop new courses in the next year to support this important focus for our denomination
over the next five years.
In the Program of Alternate Studies, a new course on Evangelism has been added. We will also be
adding a course in Personal Evangelism to the continuing education/lay education schedule for LifeTime
courses in the next year.
Finally, we are in the initial planning stages, with representatives of the Board of Missions and local
pastors, for a major conference on evangelism to be led by one of the leading scholars in the field. We hopeto have some further word about this opportunity by the time of General Assembly.
H. Conference on the Global Mission of the Church
In February, Memphis Theological Seminary was a partner with program agencies of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church to hold a conference on the global mission of the church. There will be a more
complete report of this conference to the General Assembly, but we were delighted to join in this effort.
Our President was a full participant in the two day conference that brought together leaders from Columbia,
Japan, Korea, and Hong Kong to talk about ways that our denomination can more intentionally serve theglobal constituency of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Our Vice President of Academic Affairs/Dean, Dr. Barbara Holmes, has initiated a new programfor faculty of MTS to take mini sabbaticals to visit and teach in areas where the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church has a presence. Brother Jeff Gros, who teaches in the area of Church History and Historical
Theology, spent time in Colombia in the summer of 2007. We are grateful for the hospitality he received,
and look forward to serving our global constituency more fully in the years to come.

II. Administration
A. President
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, VA (Ph.D.). He
was formally inaugurated during a service of worship on March 25, 2006.
B. Annual Review of the President
The Board of Trustees conducted its annual evaluation of the President at the February 2007
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
ongoing professional and personal development in the office.

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C. Vice President of Academic Affairs/Dean
Barbara A. Holmes, Ph.D., was elected to serve as Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean inMay, 2005, following a national search. Dr. Holmes had previously served MTS as Professor of Ethics andAfrican American Studies, having joined the faculty in 1998. She was ordained to the ministry in the Latter
Rain Apostolic Holiness Church, and has privilege of call (her ordination is recognized) in the Christian
Church (Disciples of Christ). She is a regular participant at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church in
Memphis.
Dr. Holmes has been widely recognized in the Memphis area and nationally for her leadership in
theological education. She is a sought after preacher, and will be serving as the Conference Preacher forthe 2009 Cumberland Presbyterian Minister’s Conference.
Stan Wood, D.Min., continues to serve as the Associate Dean and Director of the Doctor of
Ministry program at Memphis Theological Seminary. Dr. Wood is an ordained minister in the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church in America and former Executive Director of the General Assembly of our sister
denomination.
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 brings 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, 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 andexperience have been a great asset to the seminary over the last year and a half.
E. Vice President of Operations/CFO
Mr. David Canon began work with MTS in July 2007 as interim Chief Financial Officer, following
the resignation of our previous CFO. David is a certified public accountant and active layman in theEvergreen Presbyterian Church in midtown Memphis. We are grateful for the skills and experience David
brings to this important post in the life of the seminary.
F. Program for Non-profit Excellence
In December 2005 MTS was selected through a competitive application process to participate
in the Program for Non-profit Excellence (PNE), a three year program of capacity building run by The
Alliance for Non-profit Excellence in Memphis. The purpose of PNE is to help strengthen the organizational
effectiveness of non-profit organizations in the Memphis area by providing three years of consulting andeducational programs for senior administrators and board members. We expect to complete the program in
December 2008.

III. Instruction
A. Degree Programs
Memphis Theological Seminary continues to offer three degree programs and one certificate
program through the Program of Alternate Studies. The Master of Divinity is the basic degree programfor persons preparing for ordained ministry in many denominations. It continues to be our largest degree
program, with over 71% of students enrolled. The M.Div. requires 87 semester hours and takes three yearsof 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

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who have at least three years of full-time work in ministry after their M.Div. and who want to engage infurther 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.
At Commencement in May of 2007, Memphis Theological Seminary awarded the M.A.R. degree
to fourteen persons. Fifty-five persons were awarded the M.Div. degree, and six were awarded the D.Min.
degree. Of these seventy-five graduates, eleven were Cumberland Presbyterians.
Cumberland Presbyterian Master of Divinity Graduates were:		
Kenneth Butcher, Murfreesboro Presbytery (now Nashville Presbytery)		James Buttram, Tennessee-Georgia Presbytery (now Presbytery of East Tennessee)		Amber Clark, Presbytery del Cristo (now Red River Presbytery)		
Byron Forester, West Tennessee Presbytery		Victor Hassell, Nashville Presbytery (now Covenant Presbytery)		John Hyden, West Tennessee Presbytery (now Columbia Presbytery)		
Twanda Overton, Presbytery of East Tennessee		Christian Smith, Murfreesboro Presbytery
		Richard Wray, West Tennessee Presbytery (now Murfreesboro Presbytery)		
Jae Yu, West Tennessee Presbytery
The one Cumberland Presbyterian Master of Arts in Religion Graduate was:		Richard Reid, Grace Presbytery (now Presbytery of East Tennessee)
B. Faculty
For the current academic year, Memphis Theological Seminary has fourteen full-time teachingfaculty and three 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 inministry. As finances allow, the Board and Administration are committed to increasing the size of thefaculty to meet the demands of our growing student body.
We are currently engaged in searching for three new faculty members in the fields of Evangelism
and Mission, Church History, and Wesleyan Studies. Dr. Barry Bryant left in July 2007 to accept a faculty
position at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in Chicago.
Dr. Paul Dekar, Professor of Mission and Evangelism at MTS since 1995 will retire from full timeteaching at the end of the current academic year. He and his wife Nancy will return to Hamilton, Ontario,
Canada where he will continue to teach, write and work for a variety of mission causes. We are planninga grand celebration on May 8 to express appreciation to Dr. Dekar for his work at MTS. A Baptist, Dr.
Dekar has traveled widely across the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in the U.S. and in other countries tosupport the work of our denomination.
Recommendation 2: That the General Assembly express its appreciation to Dr. Paul
Dekar for his thirteen and a half years of faithful service to the church through his work at Memphis
Theological Seminary.
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. Dr. Mitzi Minor, Professor of New Testament, was one of the featured preachers for the Calvary
Lenten series this spring.
The MTS faculty engaged in a series of consultations led by noted Christian educator, Dr. Jack
Seymour, on the results of a Carnegie Foundation study, Educating Clergy. The study was conducted over
several years and involved evangelical, mainline, and Roman Catholic seminaries, as well as one rabbinicalschool. The study is focused around four key roles of clergy: interpretation, formation, contextualization,and performance. Over the past year, faculty members were engaged in conversation about how oureducation shapes clergy to be effective leaders of congregations in the twenty-first century. Our MTS
consultations were funded through a grant from the Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology
and Religion.
C. Deaths
We were grieved by the deaths of two important persons in the life of MTS over the past year. Mrs.

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Irene Todd, wife of Dr. Virgil Todd, Professor Emeritus of Old Testament, died August 6, 2007. Mrs. Todd
worked as secretary to three presidents, as well as serving as secretary to the Program of Alternate Studies.
Mrs. Barbara Hester, wife of Dr. J. David Hester, President Emeritus, died October 16, 2007. Though not
an employee of the seminary, Mrs. Hester traveled widely with Dr. Hester and was a constant volunteer onbehalf of the seminary and its program.
We give thanks to God for the faithful lives and service of these two dedicated women. MTS is abetter place for their having worked among us. We continue to pray that God will comfort Dr. Todd and Dr.
Hester in the loss of their dear spouses this past year.
D. Enrollment
Total enrollment in Memphis Theological Seminary for the fall term was 305. Spring semester
enrollment stands at 325. January and summer term enrollment continues to grow as more courses havebeen offered during those shorter terms over the past two years. The largest number of students comesfrom the United Methodist Church, with about 35% of total enrollment. Cumberland Presbyterians are
the second largest denomination in the student body this spring with about 12.3% of all students (40 out of
325). There are currently twenty-six denominations represented in the student body. Approximately 47%
of students are African American, and about 42% are women.
The following table presents a picture of the growth in the student body at MTS since 1990. The
figures are based on fall semester enrollment. Figures included are for total enrollment, enrollment in eachof our three degree programs, and enrollment of Cumberland Presbyterian Students.
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007

Total enroll
140
189
198
227
238
268
287
282
266
286
282
323
326
349
351
346
332
305

M.Div.
114
126
130
155
175
181
184
191
177
197
201
212
211
230
240
236
236
218

M.A.R.
12
22
23
23
27
29
37
32
34
26
31
45
50
58
51
57
44
38

D.Min.
14
21
24
18
24
29
34
28
26
25
32
34
30
27
24
26
26

CPC
37
40
37
37
37
40
42
47
40
34
37
39
39
38
42
37
42
39

In the eighteen years represented on this table, total enrollment has grown by 165 (218%). At thesame time, there has been little net growth in the number of Cumberland Presbyterian students. The growthamong students from other denominations has meant that Cumberland Presbyterian enrollment has fallenfrom 26.4% of total enrollment to 12.7%. We are working to recruit more Cumberland Presbyterian students
from across the denomination, and ask all Cumberland Presbyterians to encourage their probationers to give
serious consideration to MTS for their theological education.
Noting the decrease in overall enrollment in the past three years, the administration acted in August
2007 to employee a new admissions associate, Reverend Debra Matthews. Reverend Matthews is an
ordained minister in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America. Since she began her work with
Dr. Barry Anderson and Mrs. Janet Cupo in the Admissions office at MTS, enrollment, inquiries, andapplications have all seen a significant increase. As mentioned earlier, spring semester enrollment stands at
325, and we are expecting enrollment this fall to be in the 350-360 range.
We have enjoyed having Reverend Iwao Satoh of Japan Presbytery, his wife Tsuruko, and children
Fumika and Tabito, in Memphis during the current academic year for special studies. We are grateful toJapan Presbytery for allowing Reverend Satoh a year’s leave from his pastoral duties at the Sagamino
Church for special study at MTS. During their stay on our campus, they have helped our students, faculty,

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and staff to gain a new understanding of the world-wide mission of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Several U.S. churches have helped provide financial support for the Satohs during their stay in Memphis.
We look forward to other opportunities to host pastors and members of other presbyteries outside the U.S.
E. Program of Alternate Studies
The Program of Alternate Studies continues to serve the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,following in the footsteps of earlier programs that have provided ministerial education in the church sinceat least 1896, such as the Home Study Course/Ministers In-Service Training School that went from the1940s through the early 1980s.
Dr. Thomas D. Campbell is in his fourteenth year as Director of PAS, and Karen Wilson, Assistantto the Director is in her thirteenth year of service to the program. Together, they are working with seminary
administrators to computerize PAS records for the future.
The 2008 Summer Extension School of the Program of Alternate Studies will be held on the campus
of Bethel College in McKenzie, Tennessee, July 12-26, with three five-day schools (Blocks): July 12-16;
July 17-21; and July 22-26. In addition to our ‘regular” courses in Block I, we will again have a “Hispanic
Block” with courses offered in Theology, Church History, and Ministry offered in Spanish. The partnershipof PAS/MTS with the Board of Missions of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church regarding cross-culturalministries continues as we work closely in providing part of the education and nurture for cross-cultural
students. Among the students there will be several seminary graduates coming into the C.P. Church fromother denominations who need courses in Cumberland Presbyterian history, polity, and doctrine. All of
those courses are offered in Block I.
Graduation exercises will be held on Day One of Block I, Saturday, July 12. Five persons will bereceiving certificates of completion: Peggy Appling, Springfield, Missouri; Robert Barton, Harrodsburg,
Kentucky; Lee Bondurant, El Paso, Texas; Randy Shannon, Marshall, Missouri; and Kevin Vanderlaan,
Bethany, Illinois. The speaker will be one of our Old Testament instructors, Dr. Pat Pickett.
Enrollment in PAS continues to be about 45-50 regular students at any given time. In addition to
those who will get their educational qualifications for ordination through PAS, there are many seminary
graduates, cross-cultural ministers and probationers, ordained ministers, and interested lay persons whotake classes in the program. Those enrolled in PAS to seek ordination are directed our way by a two-thirds
vote of their presbyteries.
This year’s “Ministers-in-Residence” will be Charles and Wanda McCaskey of Cookeville,
Tennessee; Jonathan and Jeanni Watson of Medina, Tennessee; and Jesse and Diane Freeman of Burns,
Tennessee.
The PAS Advisory Council meets with the Director once a year to provide advice to the Director
on the program and its implementation. Members of the Advisory Committee include the President and
VP/Dean of Memphis Theological Seminary, Director of the Commission on Ministry of the CPC, and six
at-large members. At-large members at this time are Reverend Mindy Acton – Birmingham, Alabama,
Reverend Linda Glenn – Humboldt, Tennessee (Secretary), Mrs. Amy Blake Hearn – Milan, Tennessee,
Reverend Cliff Hudson – Cleveland, Tennessee, Dr. Yoong S. Kim – Germantown, Tennessee (Chair),Reverend Geoff Knight – Houston, Texas.
The PAS Director reports to the Board of Trustees through the Vice President of Academic Affairs/
Dean of the seminary.
F. New Academic Initiatives
Memphis Theological Seminary has executed an agreement to work with the University of Memphis
in providing classes for students enrolled in the department of communications to study the rhetoric ofpreaching. MTS and U of M will cross list courses and share faculty resources in this new venture. Together
with the U of M, we hosted a major conference on April 1 devoted to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King,
Jr. at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis.
We are exploring closer partnerships with the Church Health Center, Methodist Healthcare, and the
University of Tennessee Medical School to provide a center for the study of faith and health at MTS. We
began our first Doctor of Ministry class with an emphasis in faith and health in January 2007. We had more
applicants for the program than we were able to accommodate.
In January 2007 we hosted our second annual Theology and Arts Institute, led by Dr. Valerie
Bridgeman Davis. Local funders are interested in providing resources as we continue to develop course
offerings for our students in theology and the arts.

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The administration and faculty continue to explore the possibility of distance education through online delivery of courses. To this time, the cost of such a program, both in dollars and in human resources,
is greater than we have been able to bear. Another question that the faculty has been wrestling with is
this: Given that MTS is committed to spiritual formation of its students, in addition to the transformationof information, how can such formation be fostered without the face-to-face interaction of traditional
educational models? The discussion is ongoing as we seek to provide a quality graduate education for ourstudents and meet growing demand for courses through distance education.
G. LifeTime
In July 2006 we held our first LifeTime class. LifeTime seeks to provide lay and continuing clergy
education in a one day workshop format. Since that first class two years ago, we have offered 24 LifeTimeclasses, 11 in the greater Memphis area, and 13 in Cumberland Presbyterian Churches in six different cities
in Alabama, Kentucky, Texas, and Tennessee. We encourage presbyteries who are interested in sponsoring
a continuing education LifeTime class in your area to contact Dr. Barry Anderson at the seminary for more
information.
LIFETIME CLASSES OFFERED:
July 2006 		
Nashville, Tennessee 		Spirituality

January 2007		
Memphis, Tennessee																														

Servant Leadership
Care for the Caregivers
Traditions of War and Peace
Congregations as a Worship Community
Teaching Teachers to Teach

Birmingham, Alabama		
Jackson, Tennessee		
Madisonville, Alabama		
Russellville, Arkansas		
Nashville, Tennessee		
Marshall, Texas 		

Reclaiming Your Spiritual Journey
The Power of Mark’s Story
Paraments, Liturgies, and Colors in Worship
Liturgy as Life Made New
Teaching Teachers to Teach
Personal and Family Crises and Intervention

January 2008		
Memphis, Tennessee																

Servant Leadership
Teaching for Faith Maturity
Personal and Family Crises and Intervention

February 2008		
Memphis, Tennessee																Worshipping with the Psalmist
Congregation as a Worship Community
Grief and Loss

September 2007
			
			
			
			
			

March 2008		
			
			
			
			

Birmingham, Alabama		Marshall, Texas 		Madisonville, Alabama		
Russellville, Arkansas
Nashville, Tennessee		Who Owns the Church
New Testament Preaching in a Postmodern Age
Personal and Family Crises and Intervention
Who Owns the Church
Music in Worship

H. The Library
The MTS Library continues to thrive despite having to bear the brunt of budget cuts in two recent
years. Microfilming of rare and brittle Cumberland Presbyterian monographs has been completed thanks
to a SOLINET/NEH grant secured by Administrative Librarian Steven Edscorn. The C.S. Lewis study
collection continues to grow through the generosity of the Memphis chapter of the C.S. Lewis Society.
The library staff has received requests from around the world for access to some of the rare holdings in thisspecial collection. The seminary acquired a rare photograph of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., taken during
a visit to Memphis during the last year of his life, to hang above the special King collection in the library.
The Library staff continues to provide outstanding service to the students of MTS and to ministers and layleaders of the Memphis area who pay a modest annual fee to use our collection. The staff continues to146

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investigate further grant opportunities to improve technology and services.
I. Accreditation
Memphis 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.
We submitted our accreditation compliance to SACS and ATS in September of 2007. In November
we received a report from the off-site review committee, with questions about our compliance with nineof the eighty-one standards. We submitted a focused report on these nine standards in January, and thenwelcomed the SACS/ATS joint accreditation team to campus February 26-28.
At the end of the visit, the ATS portion of the committee announced that they were recommendingthat we be reaccredited for ten years. The SACS portion of the committee asked for additional follow up
on five standards:
1)
Financial stability – the report recognized the good year MTS had in the 2006-07 fiscal
year, but noted decreases in net assets for the two years prior to that one. They requested
one more year of audits after the 2007-2008 academic year to demonstrate continued
financial stability of the institution.
2)
Quality Enhancement Plan – the QEP submitted was commended for several featuresof the program, but the on-site committee had four recommendations for improvementin the plan.
3)
Governance – the committee asked for a follow up report demonstrating that the Board ofTrustees has a clear understanding of the distinction between the Board’s policy making
role and the administration and faculty’s responsibility to administer and implement
academic programs.
4)
Assessment – the committee asked that further work be done to set benchmarks foracademic and administrative goals.
5)
Facilities – the committee asked that the seminary submit more detailed plans for how
the seminary will provide adequate facilities for its educational programs and support
services.
We will submit a report to SACS by the end of July to address these ongoing concerns and fully
expect to be reaccredited by SACS for a period of ten years.
The visiting team, made up of presidents, deans, faculty members, and administrators from other
SACS and ATS accredited schools, commended Memphis Theological Seminary on the progress it has
made as an institution since its last accreditation in 1998. In particular the committee report listed thefollowing strengths of MTS:
“We recommend that ATS encourage that attention be given to maintaining and enhancing thefollowing distinctive strengths:a. Attention to the themes of inclusivity and globalization as reflected in the curriculum, student
body, and facultyb. Strong administrative support for faculty scholarship and researchc. The student-oriented focus of the faculty, staff, and administrationd. The strong sense of community at the seminary among faculty, staff, and students
e. The unique emphasis on the integration of the arts and faith and health into the seminary’s focus
on scholarship, piety, and justice.”
Virginia Lee, Associate Professor of Christian Education, has ably guided the re-accreditation
effort. We were gratified by the positive response of the visiting committee, and the encouragement theygave to us to continue making progress toward our mission.

IV. Facilities
A. Leadership
Since the fall of 2006, our facilities and safety department has been ably led by Mr. John Vaughn and2008

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a dedicated staff of facilities technicians. Mr. Vaughn is a member of the Faith Cumberland Presbyterian
Church in Bartlett, Tennessee, and has more than twenty years experience in the construction industry,
many of those years in 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. We were able to purchase fiveduplex and triplex properties from one investor last year, and have contracts on two additional properties.
These purchases will give us majority ownership in the neighborhood adjacent to the campus, into which
we plan to expand our main campus.
In April of 2008 we expect to get approval from the Land Use Control Board, and in May 2008,
approval from the Memphis City Council, for our Planned Development of a portion of our property.
When these approvals are granted, we will be able to move into Hilliard Hall with faculty offices and two
additional classrooms.
With SACS/ATS asking us to provide more adequate facilities for our educational program, we will
begin making plans for new buildings on campus in the very near future. In January 2008, we received agift of $1,000,000 from Dr. and Mrs. Ralph Hamilton of Germantown, Tennessee for the construction of a
new chapel in the near future.
By the fall of 2008, we hope to have preliminary plans for a capital campaign completed, so that
we can begin raising funds for a new classroom and library addition.
C. Lease of Classroom SpaceIn the fall of 2005, MTS leased three classrooms from Union Avenue United Methodist Church,
located three blocks to our west at the corner of Union Avenue and Cooper. This arrangement allowed us
to convert one of our on-campus classrooms for office space for two faculty or administrators, and three
support staff.
In the fall of 2007, we moved these additional classrooms to Lindenwood Christian Church, acrossUnion Avenue from Founders Hall on our campus. This move has proven to be much more convenient forour students and faculty. We are grateful to Lindenwood for their continuing partnership in our ministry.
D. 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 almost 100 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.
E. 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; and Collierville,
Tennessee to volunteer their time in a variety of areas. We encourage work groups who would be willingto help the seminary in this way to contact Mr. John Vaughn in the Facilities Office or Mrs. Cathi Johnson
in the Advancement Office of the seminary.
F. Safety
The 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.
In the past two years, MTS has contracted with a local security company to provide regular patrols
around our neighborhood. This additional safety measure has been well received by our students and by

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our neighbors. We continue to seek ways to provide a safe environment for our campus community.
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, many schools have begun to review their emergency preparedness
plans. We are in the process of reviewing our procedures and enhancing our plans to continue operations of
MTS in the wake of a natural or man made disaster. This process includes stockpiling emergency supplies,
backing up computer records and other vital data, and having communication plans clearly articulated in
the event of a disaster.

V. Advancement and Finance
A. Budget
Our Board of Trustees will approve a budget for the 2008-2009 academic year in May. Copies ofthat report will be delivered to the General Assembly Office as soon as possible after our May 9-10 meeting.
It will be available at the General Assembly for review.
This year’s budget of $4.7 million is an all-time record budget, though it is still low in comparison
to other seminaries of our size. Our faculty, administration, and staff are to be commended for doing
significant work with the resources they have available. We seek to be faithful stewards of the resources
entrusted to us, and to use those resources as wisely as possible for the education of men and women for
pastoral and other kinds of leadership in the church.
Sources of income anticipated for this year’s budget are as follows:
Tuition and Fees
Gifts and Grants
Auxiliary Income
Endowment Income

2,243,000
1,490,000
501,000
461,000

47.7%
31.8%
10.7%
9.8%

Expenses fall into the following categories:
Instructional Expense
Library
Student Services
Administration
Facilities and Safety
Advancement

1,751,000
374,000
496,000
960,000
806,000
313,000

37.2%
8.0%
8.9%
20.4%
17.1%
6.7%

B. Endowment
Our endowment continues to grow through donations, estate gifts, and capital gains. This vital
source of income is essential to our long-term success. Our total endowment passed the $11.5 million
mark by the end of 2007. We are grateful for all the faithful gifts that have helped us reach this important
mark. However, in comparison with other seminaries of our size, we are highly under-endowed. It is not
an exaggeration to say that we need an endowment in the $40-50 million range in order to more adequately
fund our program. We started an endowment acknowledgement program this year where each donor andhonoree received a special certificate. In addition, each edition of the Lamp has included direct requests
for endowment gifts, and we have seen some success from this effort. Other educational materials will be
developed in the near future.
We are grateful for the following new endowments established during the past year:
1. Benjamin A. Moeller, Jr. Endowment
Mr. Moeller was always grateful for the help he received while in medical school. After his death,
his wife, Alberta S. Moeller, started this endowment in his memory to assist MTS students with thecost of purchasing textbooks. This endowment will be funded through the sale of a home donatedto MTS.
2. John T. and Gail M. Moss Endowment
John and Gail Moss, active members of the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Huntsville,
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Cumberland Presbyterian, and John has been a member of the church for over 40 years. He servedon the MTS Board of Trustees for nine years, serving on and chairing the finance committee forseveral of those years.
3. First Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Warren, Michigan, Endowment
When this church closed last year, the last remaining members and the leaders of North Central
Presbytery decided to establish this fund for the operation of MTS. During the lifetime of thiscongregation, founded in 1929, twenty men from this church were called into ministry.
4. Reverend J. C. and Mrs. Willie Mae Forester Library Endowment
This endowment was established by the Forester family in memory of J.C. and in honor of Willie
Mae to assist with funding for the library at MTS. J.C. was a 1952 graduate of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Theological Seminary. The Foresters reared four sons, one of whom, Byron, is a 2007
graduate of MTS. The other three sons are Mark, David and Stephen. All six of the Foresters areproud graduates of Bethel College.
5Jack and Gwen Hood Endowment
Jack and Gwen are members of the Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Ovilla, Texas. They
wanted to strengthen the future of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and other Presbyterian
Churches by supporting the preparation of theologically educated clergy. Their endowment
supports scholarships for MTS students.

MTS’s Vice President of Advancement, Cathi Johnson, is available to talk to any interested person
about how to set up an endowment in honor or memory of a loved one. Named endowments can beestablished with as little as $1,000.
C. Estate Gifts
We give thanks to God for a generous estate gift from Mr. Bascom Cooksey of Lebanon, Tennessee.
Mr. Cooksey had established a charitable remainder trust with the University of Tennessee with 20% of thefund to be given to MTS for the Sally Clay and Alice J. Cooksey Endowment Fund.
We are grateful to God for this faithful friend, for his life and witness to the gospel, and for theplanning which will allow his witness to live on in perpetuity. Those who inform the seminary that they
have made provisions for the seminary in a will, trust, or other planned giving vehicle become members of
the MTS Heritage Club.
In 2007 a new series of ads were developed to encourage planned gifts. We will continue todeployed them in publications in 2008. Those intereted in programs in local churches on the importance oflegacy planning for the church, both in its local and denominational ministries, can contact Cathi Johnson,
Vice President of Advancment.
D. Theological Education Sunday
Each year the General Assembly approves a day in the church calendar for “Seminary Sunday.”
It is our intent that this day be recognized throughout the church as a way of promoting the vital work oftheological education carried out through Memphis Theological Seminary and the Program of Alternate
Studies. We encourage pastors to include special prayers for MTS and PAS on this day. Sunday, March 1,
2009 has been designated for this special Sunday.
We produce a bulletin insert highlighting students in these two programs and provide offering
envelopes to each church who requests these materials. We also offer to provide student, faculty, or board
speakers, as we are able to fill those requests, and encourage all Cumberland Presbyterian Churches to receivea special offering for the work of MTS and PAS. Some church sessions prefer to budget a contribution
from their mission funds rather than receive a special offering. We are expanding this program into United
Methodist, Baptist, and other churches served by our graduates.
Seminary Sunday is an important tool in educating Cumberland Presbyterians about the ministryof MTS and PAS.

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Recommendation 3: That the General Assembly encourage all Cumberland Presbyterian
Churches to recognize Seminary Sunday by praying for the work of Memphis Theological Seminary
and the Program of Alternate Studies, praying for students who are being educated through MTS
and PAS, educating its members on the importance of theological education to the life and health ofthe denomination, and giving its members, through whatever means the session deems appropriate,
an opportunity to make a contribution to the work of theological education in the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church.
E. 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
remained relatively steady.
In some respects, the income we receive from OUO puts us in a better position than many theologicalseminaries, whose income from denominational sources has declined significantly over the past twenty
years. Our income from OUO has remained relatively steady and over that time period. However, as apercentage of our total income, OUO has fallen from almost 20% to about 4% 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.
F. Audit Report
The auditing firm of Zoccola Kaplan, P.C. has audited the books of Memphis Theological Seminary
for the 2006-2007 fiscal year and issued an unqualified audit report. Copies of this report are on file withthe office of the Stated Clerk.

VI. Sustaining Pastoral Excellence Program
Memphis Theological Seminary was the recipient of a $1.9 million grant from the Lilly Endowment,
Inc. in 2003 to implement a program called Sustaining Pastoral Excellence through Scholarship, Piety, andJustice. The SPE program is designed to support excellence in ministry through education, prayer, andmutual support and accountability. Sixty-eight pastors from ten different denominations began the programin August 2004. They were organized into six colleague groups who met monthly except in the summer
and in December. One of the original participants had to drop out of the three-year program this year, but
the remaining sixty-seven participants continued to meet regularly for study, prayer, and service. Nine ofthe participants were Cumberland Presbyterians.
SPE encourages the development of a balanced life among clergy participants. Each of the colleague
groups develops a covenant through which clergy commit themselves to taking care of their mind, body,and spirit. Colleague groups provide accountability as pastors seek to develop healthy life practices andhealthy relationships with parishioners and family members. In addition, the program provides resourcesand education for spouses and children of clergy, and retreats for lay leaders of congregations served byparticipating pastors.
The SPE program has had a significant impact on the pastors who participated, generating a renewed
commitment to ministry and a deepening of spiritual resources for ministry. In the last year of the program,each participant was given a sabbatical leave from their place of ministry.
We were informed by the Lilly Endowment that a smaller amount of funding would be made

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available for continuation grants. MTS was invited to apply for one of those continuation grants in order
to expand the program beyond the initial participants. We applied in November 2006 for an additional$960,000 to continue our program.
In March of 2007 Lily informed us that our proposal was awarded the full $960,000 to begin thesecond round of SPE programming. The grant will run for three years, from 2007-2010. Forty participants
are engaged in the second SPE program, including six Cumberland Presbyterians. Our plan is to havefunding in place to continue this program indefinitely beyond this grant period in order to strengthen
ministers and ministry to the denominations we serve at Memphis Theological Seminary.
Respectfully submitted,
Mariana Williams, Moderator of the Board of Trustees
Daniel J. Earheart-Brown, President

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THE Report of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Publication Board
I. General Information
A. Officers of the Cumberland Presbyterian Publication Board
Officers of the Cumberland Presbyterian Publication Board are Joseph J. Malloy, Jr., president;
Nadara Jones, vice-president; Jean Garrett, secretary; Pat White, executive director.
B. Membership and Meetings of the Board
The Cumberland Presbyterian Publication Board is currently composed of Byrne Dunn, Jean
Garrett, Nadara Jones, Joseph J. Malloy, Jr., and L. G. Parkhurst. The board meets twice a year, on the fourth
Saturday of February and the fourth Saturday of August, at the Board office. The next scheduled meeting
is August 23, 2008 at the office of the Cumberland Presbyterian Publication Board, Antioch, Tennessee
C. Expiration of Terms

himself.

The terms of Joseph J. Malloy, Jr., expires at the 2008 General Assembly. He is eligible to succeed

D. Board Representative to the 178th General Assembly

Dunn.

Board representative to the 2008 General Assembly is Joseph J. Malloy, Jr., and alternate is Byrne

E. Office Location
The office of the Cumberland Presbyterian Publication Board is located in the home of Editor
Pat White, 307 Ash Forge Drive, Antioch, Tennessee 37013-2324. The mailing address is PO Box 935,
Antioch, Tennessee 37011-0935. The phone number is (615) 731-5556, and the e-mail address is cpmag@
comcast.net. The web site is www.cpmag.org
F. Staff
Pat White serves as editor of the magazine and as executive director of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Publication Board. The executive director is responsible for hiring part-time and free-lance personnel tocarry out necessary tasks. The current part-time and free-lance staff consists of Pat De Vries, circulation;
RheAnn White, proof reader; Suzanne Story, graphic artist.
Editor White travels across the denomination attending events, getting to know people, searching forstories, and listening to the people. In November 2007, she visited the work in Colombia, South America,in order to keep the work of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Colombia before the readers.
The Cumberland Presbyterian was selected by the Associated Church Press to receive a prestigious
Best in Class Award for 2005, the Acorn Award, First Place and in 2006, Third Place.

II. The Cumberland Presbyterian

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A. Mission
The purpose of the periodical, The Cumberland Presbyterian, is to disseminate the news of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church to promote its faith, programs, and activities, and to provide fair and open
discussion of theological and denominational issues.
B. Policy
The Cumberland Presbyterian is a medium for the communication of the gospel of salvation
through Jesus Christ. Signed editorials indicate views are the editor’s and not necessarily those of theadministrative agency, the Cumberland Presbyterian Publication Board. All material will be edited. Not all
submissions will be published. Photos will not be returned, but will be sent to the Archives of the HistoricalFoundation.
C. Advertising
Congregations and judicatories wishing to publicize job positions are given limited space to do soonce at no cost. For additional position ads, tributes, and upcoming events, contact the editor for a rate
sheet. A nominal advertising fee is also charged to individuals, businesses, and organizations that wish
to advertise items for sale or use space for promotion rather than information. Special rates are given for
denominational publicity.
D. Production
The deadline for submissions to the editor is the 20th day of the month, three months prior to theissue date. The magazine is mailed so that it will reach subscribers by the first day of the publication month.
Billing is based on issues, not the months of the year. In 2008, the July and August issues will be combined
and issues will be published in both November and December. It is anticipated that in 2009, the originalschedule of combining the November and December issues will be resumed. Statements will be sent only
for the issues published and payment is expected likewise. We apologize for any confusion these changes
cause.
E. Subscription Rates$25.00 per year; $45.00 for two years$22.00 when prepaid in groups (minimum of five)$2.18 per issue for budget group plans (minimum of five)$35.00 per year for overseas$20.00 per year for each subscription to new members for churches who adopt the “new member”
plan
F. Circulation
The November/December 2007 postal report indicated that 3262 issues were mailed to US
subscribers.

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Recommendation 1: That Sessions be encouraged to establish a group plan to provide
the magazine for their members in one of the following ways: (1) The church budget include funds toprovide the magazine for every family, (2) The church budget include funds to provide the magazine
for every elder and church leader, or (3) the session designate a person to receive individual checks
from members and provide the names, addresses, and payment in one check to encourage members
to subscribe and to establish a group plan that enables members to receive the magazine at a reduced
rate.

III. CP UPDATES, A Web Publication
A. CP UPDATESCP UPDATES, a web publication, is free to everyone. Updates of clergy deaths, events, and otherimportant news items are added to the website of the Cumberland Presbyterian Publication Board at www.
cpmag.org as they are reported to the editor. General Assembly coverage is published daily during its
meeting each year. A calendar of events is published monthly. The Cumberland Presbyterian Publication
Board encourages judicatories to inform the editor prior to the beginning of the month of any events thatshould be announced.
B. How to subscribe
Cumberland Presbyterians are encouraged to go to www.cpmag.org and subscribe to CP UPDATES
at no charge. This will provide an automated announcement to subscribers whenever an update is added to
the website. Anyone can read the updates by going to the website whether they subscribe or not.

IV. Writers’ Conference
The CP Publication Board held its second writing conference on the campus of Bethel College
in July 2007. Several of the participants have contributed to The Cumberland Presbyterian, and haveenhanced the quality and diversity of articles by doing so. Participation is by invitation, however the
Publication Board invites people who are interested in writing for the magazine to contact Editor Pat White
to discuss whether this might be a viable ministry for that individual.

V. Adopted Plan of Merger
Plan of Mergerof Cumberland Presbyterian Publication Board
The following Plan of Merger is made pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 61 of the Tennessee Nonprofit
Corporation Act.
A. The merging corporations are: Cumberland Presbyterian Publication Board, a Tennessee nonprofit
corporation, and Ministry Council of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, a Tennessee nonprofit
corporation.
B. The surviving corporation of this merger shall be: Ministry Council of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church.
C. The terms and conditions of the merger are: No consideration shall be exchanged in connection withthis merger. The only condition of the merger shall be the approval of Cumberland Presbyterian Church2008

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General Assembly Corporation. The merger shall be effective on the date Articles of Merger are accepted
for filing in the office of the Secretary of State of Tennessee.
D. Both of the merging corporations are public benefit corporations, and the surviving corporation shallremain a public benefit corporation. Cumberland Presbyterian Church General Assembly Corporation,a Tennessee nonprofit corporation, is the sole member of both of the merging corporations. Cumberland
Presbyterian Church General Assembly Corporation shall be the sole member of the surviving
corporation.
This Plan of Merger was adopted by the Board of Directors of Cumberland Presbyterian Publication
Board at a duly constituted meeting held on ___________________, 2008.
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN PUBLICATION BOARD_________________________________ __________________________________
Secretary 					Attest: President
This Plan of Merger was adopted by Cumberland Presbyterian Church General Assembly Corporation,
the sole member of each merging corporation, on June ___, 2008.
_________________________________ __________________________________
Secretary 					Attest: President
Respectfully submitted,_________________________________________ ___________________________________________
Joseph J. Malloy, Jr., president, 			

Pat White, executive director

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THE REPORT OF THE HISTORICAL FOUNDATION
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
A. OFFICERS OF THE BOARD
The officers of the board are as follows: Gwen McReynolds, president; Shirley Merritt, vicepresident; and Richard Magrill, secretary/treasurer. Susan Knight Gore is the director of the Historical
Library and Archives.
B. BOARD REPRESENTATIVE TO THE 133rd CPCA GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The board’s representative to the 133rd General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
in America (CPCA) is Shirley Merritt. The alternate is Kay Ward Creer.
C. BOARD REPRESENTATIVE TO THE 178th CPC GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The board’s representative to the 178th General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church(CPC) is Tommy Jobe. The alternate is Cliff Hudson.
D. MEMBERSHIP AND MEETINGS OF THE BOARD
The board is currently composed of the following members: from the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church in America—Vanessa Barnhill, Vanessa Collier, Kay Ward Creer, Naomi King, and Shirley Merritt,from the Cumberland Presbyterian Church—Pam Davis, Cliff Hudson, Tommy Jobe, Gwen McReynolds,
Sidney Milton, and Dan Washmon.
The Board of Trustees met, September 21-22 2007, in Memphis, Tennessee.
E. MEMBERS WHOSE TERMS EXPIRE
The second term of Gwen McReynolds expires with the 2008 meeting of the Cumberland
Presbyterian General Assembly, and she is eligible for reelection. The third terms of Vanessa Collier, Kay
Ward Creer, and Shirley Merritt expire with the 2008 meeting of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in
America General Assembly, and they are not eligible for reelection.
The board wishes to express its profound appreciation for the nine years of conscientious anddedicated service by Vanessa Collier, Kay Ward Creer, and Shirley Merritt who have been active advocates forthe work of preserving and promoting the heritage of both Cumberland Presbyterian general assemblies.
F. STAFF
Susan Knight Gore serves as the Archivist of the Historical Foundation. Missy Rose, a Memphis
Theological Seminary student, is the archival assistant for the Foundation.

II. ASSEMBLY REPORTING
As a matter of official structure, relative to the CPC, there is a Board of Trustees composed ofeleven members from both the CPC and CPCA, and relative to the CPCA, there is a committee composed ofmembers from the CPCA. Continuing previously established practice, we respectfully request the General
Assembly of the CPCA to receive this report as that of its Historical Committee.

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2008

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more per year. Income through such gifts enables the Foundation to meet expenditures and is vital to thecontinued work of the Foundation. Members making such gifts were: Reverend Don and Carolyn Alexander(Greeneville, Tennessee), Juanita Benson (Camden, Arkansas), Louisa Bridges (Gadsden, Alabama), Beverly
Pepper Brown (Memphis, Tennessee), Wesley Brantley (Ada, Oklahoma), Reverend Clinton and Evelyn
Buck (Memphis, Tennessee), Reverend Gordon and Forda Campbell (Springfield, Missouri), Ron andMadeleine Cooley (Downers Grove, Illinois), Chet and Diane Dickson (Houston, Texas), Bettye Ellis (Dyer,
Tennessee), Michael and April Fare (Springfield, Missouri), John Ford (Dyersburg, Tennessee), Reverend
James and Freda Gilbert (Fort Worth, Texas), Matthew and Susan Gore (Bartlett, Tennessee), Reverend J.
David Hester (Knoxville, Tennessee), Tom Hunter (Hendersonville, Tennessee), Virgil Kearney (Sturgis,
Kentucky), Robert and Jane Little (Dyersburg, Tennessee), Rodney and Pauline McCord (Houston, Texas),
Reverend James and Maribeth McGuire (Greeneville, Tennessee), Jimmie McKinley (Longview, Texas),
Eugene and Patsy McLemore (Waxahachie, Texas), Rose Mary Magrill (Marshall, Texas), Tony and Ann
Martin (Henderson, Texas), D. L. And Martha Moody (Russellville, Arkansas), Reverend Walter Palmer(Tulsa, Oklahoma), Reed and Anita Perryman (Ozark, Missouri), John Reynolds (Nashville, Tennessee),
Alvin Richards (White, Georgia), Reverend Jean and Regena Richardson (Powell, Tennessee), Edward
White (Tampa, Florida), Grace Whitfield (Gadsden, Alabama), Melba Wilson (Harriman, Tennessee), Clare
Wiseman (Winchester, Tennessee)
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 General Assembly 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
Golden Heritage Church:
Longview, First Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Longview, Texas (Trinity Presbytery)
Silver Heritage Church:
Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Midlothian, Texas (Red River Presbytery)
Heritage Churches:
Elmira Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Longview, Texas (Trinity Presbytery)
Hopewell Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Sharon, Tennessee (West Tennessee Presbytery)Jerusalem Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee (Murfreesboro Presbytery)
4. Presbyterial Heritage Committees/Presbyterial Historians
To promote interest in the work of the Foundation and to nurture the work of history on the presbyterial
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 thepresbyteries that have Heritage Committees/Presbyterial Historians.
The foundation expresses gratitude to Andes Presbytery and Cauca Valley Presbytery for completingthe task of producing a Presbyterial Directory and depositing copies in the archives. They join the following
presbyteries who have completed this important preservation project: Columbia Presbytery, Cumberland
Presbytery, Missouri Presbytery, Presbytery of East Tennessee, Robert Donnell Presbytery.

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5. Denomination Day Offering
In January, congregations received bulletin inserts, for the project: Keeping Our History Alive.
This project will help provide funds to erect a bicentennial monument at the Birthplace Shrine.
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 offeringon the Sunday designated as Denomination Day to help support the programs of the HistoricalFoundation.
Arkansas Presbytery$172.00
Booneville CPC (Booneville, Arkansas)
Palestine CPC (Palestine, Arkansas)
Pine Ridge CPC (Sheridan, Arkansas)
Covenant Presbytery$458.00
Camp Ground CPC (Anna, Illinois)
Gilead CPC (Simpson, Illinois)
Highland CPC (Paducah, Kentucky)
Mt. Zion CPC (Dongola, Illinois)
Cumberland Presbytery$472.00
Greensburg CPC (Greensburg, Kentucky)
Leitchfield CPC (Leitchfield, Kentucky)
Little Muddy CPC (Morgantown, Kentucky)
Sacramento CPC (Sacramento, Kentucky)
Shiloh CPC (Campbellsville, Kentucky)
Short Creek, CPC (Falls of Rough, Kentucky
East Tennessee Presbytery$807.75
Maryville CPC (Maryville, Tennessee)
Presbytery of East Tennessee
Talbott CPC (Talbott, Tennessee)
Hiwassee Presbytery (CPCA)$200.00
Green’s Chapel CPCA (Charleston, Tennessee)
Hope Presbytery$200.00
Old Mt. Bethel CPC (Rogersville, Alabama)
Park Terrace CPC (Sheffield, Alabama)
Missouri Presbytery$22.00Warrensburg CPC (Warrensburg, Missouri)
Murfreesboro Presbytery$20.00
Lebanon CPC (Lebanon, Tennessee)
Union Hill CPC (Brush Creek, Tennessee)
Nashville Presbytery$308.00

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Bethel CPC (Clarksville, Tennessee)
Liberty CPC (Clarksville, Tennessee)
McAdoo CPC (Clarksville, Tennessee)
Mariah CPC (Waverly, Tennessee)
New Hopewell Presbytery (CPCA)$100.00
Hopewell CPCA (Dyersburg, Tennessee)
North Central Presbytery$7.00
Shiloh CPC (Virginia, Illinois)
Red River Presbytery$260.00
Trinity CPC (Fort Worth, Texas)
Trinity Presbytery$517.00
Antioch CPC (Quitman, Louisiana)
Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Marshall (Marshall, Texas)
Pine Hill CPC (Winnsboro, Texas)
West Tennessee Presbytery$1156.00
Cool Springs CPC (Trimble, Tennessee)
Davidson Chapel CPC (Trenton, Tennessee)
Faith CPC (Bartlett, Tennessee)
Jackson CPC (Jackson, Tennessee)
Kenton CPC (Kenton, Tennessee)
Mt. Olive CPC (Dyer, Tennessee)
Newbern CPC (Newbern, Tennessee)
Olivet CPC (Savannah, Tennessee)
Protemus CPC (Troy, Tennessee)
Shiloh CPC (McKenzie, Tennessee)
20,000 bulletin inserts distributed
42 congregations received an offering$4609.75 offering received
B. PUBLICATIONS
1. Pamphlets
The Historical Foundation maintains a supply of promotional pamphlets which describe its purpose
and work, the various means of financially supporting this work, and listings of available publications
and prints for sale through the Foundation. There are two pamphlets in this series: Historical Foundation
Patrons and The 1810 Circle.
These pamphlets may be ordered in bulk or singly from the Foundation office by indicating the title
or titles of pamphlets needed, the number needed, and the mailing address for their delivery.
2. Publication Series
The Foundation has a number of titles and prints available for purchase. Income from the sale ofthese items goes into the Historical Foundation Trust, a permanent endowment supporting the Foundation’swork. Titles currently 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, Familyof Faith: Cumberland Presbyterians in Harrison County [Texas], 1848-1998 by Rose Mary Magrill, Historyof East Side Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Memphis, Tennessee, Life and Thought of Milton Bird by
Joe Ben Irby, Life and Thought of Rev.Finis Ewing 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

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Guthrie Burney by Joe Ben Irby, Life and Times of Finis Ewing by F. R. Cossitt (reprinted by Cumberland
Presbytery), Soundings by Morris Pepper, This They Believed by Joe Ben Irby, Theological Snippets by Joe
Ben Irby, What Cumberland Presbyterians Believe by E. K. Reagin (reprinted by Cumberland Presbytery),and prints of the Samuel McAdow Home and the First Meeting of Cumberland Presbytery. These items areavailable for sale from Cumberland Presbyterian Resources.
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 meansof promoting 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 2008 competition are encouraged. All
entries will be accepted through December 2008 for this year’s contest. Any entries received following thedeadline of December 31st will be automatically entered in the 2009 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.
Recipients:
Rozzell Chapel CPC (Mayfield, Kentucky) 130 years on September 9, 2007
James Otis Clapp, Chester Jackson and Evelyn Waggoner, Rozzell Chapel CPC
First CPC (Austin, Texas) 154 years on September 16, 2007
First CPC (Denton, Texas) 75 years on April 6, 2008
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 andTexas. The 31st annual meeting was held March 7-8, 2008, in Austin, Texas. Members of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church who are officers in this organization are Reverend Norlan Scrudder and Dr. Rose Mary
Magrill, who serves as chair of the 17-member board.

IV. HISTORICAL LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES

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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/. Presently,
the Historical Foundation maintains approximately 800 individual web pages. These pages are grouped
into twenty-five main sections each containing multiple sub pages and numerous graphics. Many of theseweb pages are the equivalent of hundreds of “pages” of printed text. The main sections are: Home Page (1);Assembly Meetings & Officers (20); Awards (5); Birthplace Shrine (1); Books Online (23); Books Needed(1); Collection Development (1), Congregations (277); Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America (105);
Curriculum (19); Endowments (1), Heritage Churches (1); Historical Library and Archives (4); Lay Leaders(19); Ministers (826); Opportunities for Giving (2); Patron Memberships (1); Periodicals (10); Presbyteries(172); Publications and Prints for Sale (1); Resources for Denomination Day (1); Schools (21); Sermons(5); Stated Clerks (1); Synods (58); Union of 1906 (1).
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 2007 Accession List closed with 123 accession groups.
Some of the highlights added to the collection this year were:Clark, F. E. Looking Out On Life: A Book for Girls on Practical Subjects Based on Many Lettersfrom Wise Mothers. Nashville, Tennessee: Cumberland Presbyterian Publishing House, 1892.
Correal, Primitivo. Los Recuerdos Tienen la Palabra. Colombia: Editorial San Jose, 2007. (Michele
Gentry—Armenia, Colombia)
Dale, W. T. Life’s Two Railways. Gallatin, Tennessee: By the author, 1893. (Reverend James C.
Gilbert—Fort Worth, Texas)
Morris, Bessie Copeland. The White Rose, or Who Slew All These? Arlington, Texas: The Purity
Journal Publishing Co., Publishers, 1907.
Over Three Hundred Quotations. Weatherford, Texas: Ladies’Aid Society, Cumberland Presbyterian
Church.

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Wayman, Sam. Give Me Liberty. Lufkin, Texas: Best of East Texas Publishers, 2006. 2 copies.
(Reverend Sam Wayman—Hemphill, Texas)
Bible Study: Sunday School Monthly for Teachers, Officers, Bible Students, and Other Workers.
Vol. XII, No. 11, November, 1899. (June & Ronnie Gross—Oblong, Illinois)
Cumberland College. Princeton, Kentucky.
Board of Directors. Minutes. 1836-1849. Original volume and correspondence. Original manuscript. 1
file. (Presbyterian Historical Society—Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Radnor College. Nashville, Tennessee.
Catalog. 1912-1913. (Andrew C. Eshman—Austin, Texas)
Rays of Light. Vol. VIII, No. 4, October, November, December, 1892. Nashville, Tennessee:
Cumberland Presbyterian Publishing House, 1892. (Deer Creek District Library—Deer Creek, Illinois)
General Assembly of the Colored Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Colored Cumberland Presbyterian Church in the United States of America and Liberia, Africa.
General Assembly Minutes. 1951. 2 copies. (Reverend Ron Ferree—Campbellsville, Kentucky)
Mackinaw Presbytery. Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Minutes. 1836-1901. Microfilm. 2 rolls. (Presbyterian Historical Society—Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
New Hope Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America. Madison, Alabama.
Celebrating 100 Years 1904-2004. Church Directory. (Vanessa Collier—Madison, Alabama)
Irby, Joe Ben. 1915-2007. Papers. 20 Boxes. (David B. Irby—Memphis, Tennessee)
New Hopewell Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America. Dyersburg, Tennessee.
Photograph. Color. (Naomi King—Dyersburg, Tennessee)
Mount Zion Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Wilson County, Tennessee.
Photograph. Sunday School group in front of church building, 1893. (John W. Ragsdale—Broken Arrow,
Oklahoma)Princeton Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Princeton, Kentucky.
Postcard,1906
Louisiana Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Louisiana, Missouri.
Paperweight. Glass with photograph of church and pastor
Special recognition is given to congregations who have either deposited originals or copies of their
session records in the collection of the Historical Library and Archives, as well as records received frompast congregations. They include:
Bethlehem Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Hardin County, Tennessee.
Session Records. August 12, 1842 - September 17, 1859. Photocopy. (Reverend Don F. Thomas—
Collierville, Tennessee)
Detroit, First Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Detroit, Michigan
Session Records. Original volume. January 1, 1950-December 4
Session Records. Original volume. January 8, 1955-December 6, 1958
Session Records. Original volume. October 21, 1929-December 4, 1933
Session Records. Original volume. January 8, 1934-March 1, 1941
Session Records. Original volume. April 5, 1941-December 3, 1949
Warren, First Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Warren, Michigan
Session Records. Original volume. January 3, 1959-December 1, 1962. (Joe Holland—Sterling Heights,
Michigan)
Liberty Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Nash, Grant County, Oklahoma
Session Records. Original volume. December 15, 1907-January 4, 1924. (Reverend Sam Wayman—
Hemphill, Texas)
Parker Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Comanche County, Texas
Minutes of Session. November 15, 1885 - October 24, 1905. Original volume. (Reverend James A.
Bevereley—Dallas, Texas)
Sturgis Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Sturgis, Kentucky.
Session Records. Originals, looseleaf. 1833-2005. (Christy Wilcox—Sturgis, Kentucky)
RECOMMENDATION 3: That General Assembly encourage congregations to consider theneed for proper preservation of their session records and to contact the Foundation for assistance.
C. RELOCATION OF ARCHIVAL COLLECTION

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The Foundation takes seriously the mission established by the General Assembly: It is the
responsibility of the Historical Library and Archives to house, preserve, protect, and maintain the recordsof the Cumberland Presbyterian Churches so that present and future church members, administrators,
historians, and other researchers may have access to them.
Therefore, staff continues to make preparations which will allow the archival collection to move to
its new location. The purchase of specialized acid-free boxes was made possible due to a generous donor.
Fragile materials, including session records, presbytery minutes and synod minutes, were transferred into
these boxes which will protect them not only during the relocation, but also into the future. The greatest
care will be taken during the move to assure the protection of all archival materials.

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.
Three endowments provide funds for maintenance and repairs: the Grace Johnson Beasley Birthplace Shrine
Fund, the Birthplace Shrine Fund, and the P.F. Johnson Memorial Endowment. Gifts to these endowments
will provide the continued preservation of the Birthplace Shrine. Interested donors are encouraged tocontact 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 andearnings are used for maintenance and special projects. The Board encourages individuals and groups tovisit the Birthplace Shrine as an act of remembering 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.
Projects completed on the property: Pulpit repaired and refinished.

VI. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR 2007
The financial statements for 2007 have been audited by Fouts and Morgan, Certified Public
Accountants, and copies of these statements with the auditor’s opinion have been deposited with the CPC
Office of the General Assembly and the Stated Clerk of the CPCA.

VII. FINANCIAL CONCERNS AND 2008 BUDGETS
A. BUDGETS
The 2008 line item budget of the Historical Foundation composed of a Basic Services Budget anda Growth Services Budget have been filed with the CPC General Assembly Office.
The 2008-2009 line-item budget of the Historical Foundation Committee has been filed with the
Executive Committee of the CPCA General Assembly.
B. ENDOWMENTS
1. Endowments Listing
Below is a list of the endowment funds for the Foundation with new funds 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 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

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Samuel Russell & Mary Grace (Barefoot) Estes Endowment
Family of Faith Endowment
Gettis and Delia Snyder Gilbert Heritage FundJames C. and Freda M. Gilbert Heritage FundJames C. and Freda M. Gilbert Trust
Mamie A. Gilbert Trust
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
Joe Richard and Mary Belle Magrill Trust
Jimmie Joe McKinley Heritage Fund
Edith Louise Mitchell Heritage Fund
Lloyd Freeman Mitchell Heritage Fund
Snowdy Clifton and Lillian Walkup Mitchell Heritage Fund
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 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
2. Endowment Donors
Endowment income provides important support for the activities of the Historical Foundation.
Establishing an endowment provides a permanent means to honor or memorialize a person or persons
important to the heritage of any community of faith.
The Foundation expresses its thanks to the following for their gifts to endowments: Louise Bridges(Gadsden, Alabama), Reverend Walter Chesnut (Leitchfield, Kentucky), Reverend James and Freda Gilbert(Fort Worth, Texas), Heath and Melody Harper (Trenton, Tennessee), Reverend Don and Jane Hubbard(Knoxville, Tennessee), Reverend Joe Ben Irby, June Johnson (Longview, Texas), Reverend Richard
Magrill (Memphis, Tennessee), Mary Chesnut Mullins (Memphis, Tennessee), Anne Swain Odom (Smyrna,
Tennessee), Cornelia Swain (Memphis, Tennessee), Sidney and Lita Swindle (Tampa, Florida), Betty Waits(Henderson, Texas), Charleston CPC (Charleston, Tennessee), Chattanooga CPC (Chattanooga, Tennessee),
New Prospect CPC (Cleveland, Tennessee), Shiloh CPC (Midlothian, Texas).
C. SECOND MILE GIFTS
Holly Grove CPC (Brighton, Tennessee), Jackson CPC, XYZ Seniors (Jackson, Tennessee), North
Central Presbytery, and Pleasant Mount CPC (Columbia, Tennessee).
Respectfully submitted,
Gwen McReynolds, President
Susan Knight Gore, Archivist

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THE REPORT OF THE COMMISSION ON
CHAPLAINS AND MILITARY PERSONNEL
I. Introduction
The Commission on Military Chaplains and Personnel represents the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church on the Presbyterian Council for Chaplains and Military Personnel. The Commission does its workthrough that Council. The Council is comprised of four denominations working together in matters relating tochaplains and their families and to church members serving in the Armed Forces and Veterans Administration
Medical Centers from those denominations. The four denominations are: the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America, the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church and
the Presbyterian Church (USA). The twenty members of the Council include sixteen representatives of themember denominations and the Executive Director of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America, thePrincipal Clerk of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church and the Stated Clerks of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church and Presbyterian Church (USA) serve as ex-officio members. The Council office islocated at 4125 Nebraska Avenue NW, Washington D.C. 20016.

II. GENERAL INFORMATION
A. MEETINGS AND OFFICERS
The Commission met during the annual meeting of the Council, November 7-9, 2007 in Tullahoma,
Tennessee Arnold Engineering Development Center. Present were: Charles McCaskey and Jearl Hunley.
Charles was elected chair of the Commission.
Members of the Commission served on the Council Committees as follows: Charles McCaskeychairman of the Council and was elected to serve on the Finance and Development Committee; InterviewJearl Hunley and also served on the Nominating Committee; Chaplaincy--Paul Collins; and Robert Rush
(ex-officio).
B. EXPIRATION OF TERM
The term of Charles McCaskey expires at the end of 2008. He is eligible for reelection.
C. REPRESENTATIVE TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLYCharles McCaskey will represent the Commission at the 178th meeting of General Assembly. Jearl
Hunley will prepare the report to the 178th General Assembly.
D. COUNCIL STAFF
The Council’s director is Edward Brogan. Thomas Chadwick is Associate Director serving halftime and has served the Council for 10 years.

III. COUNCIL RESPONSIBILITIES
A. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. To provide ecclesiastical endorsement for Chaplains of the Armed Forces on active duty and in
the Reserves/National Guard and for chaplains of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers.
2. To provide pastoral support for 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 Armed Forces
and Veterans Affairs Medical Centers.

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4. To provide representation to denominational agencies and ecumenical bodies in their concernswith matters pertaining to military personnel, veterans and their families.
5. To consider other duties as may be requested by the member denominations.
6. To promote closer communication between chaplains and their judicatories.
B. THE WORK OF THE COUNCILThe Council (PCCMP) has been extraordinarily active in its support of chaplains since our lastGeneral Assembly (177th). Since 9-11, Reserves and National Guard have been mobilized in large numbers.
There have been 36 Reserves and National Guard chaplains mobilized from 2006 to 2007. The Council
has been in near constant contact with most of them assisting in their entry in the mobilization, speaking
with their families, churches, and presbyteries, providing support to them when they return from active
duty. The tempo for Reserves and National Guard may remain high for years. We’ve also been gratified
to see prayers offered, care packages mailed, and chaplains “adopted” by congregations. Thanks to the“Cumberland Presbyterian” and the General Assembly Office for posting a list of our C. P. Chaplains.
The numbers of endorsement are holding steady. Many are still deployed. Our chaplains suffer thesame hardships as other military-their ministry is often in harm’s way. The Council seeks to help them intheir stressful time and upon their return, give them all the support we possibly can.
From each candidate, a collection of application, transcripts, presbyterial approval, and letters ofreference is required. After the documents are gathered, we interview the candidates. A seminarian seeking
approval for a military chaplain candidate program receives a one-on-one.
The Council has been in contact with 34 mobilized/recalled chaplains in 2007. There were 214
chaplains visited this last year. A retreat was held at Bonclarken which was attended by 65 chaplains andfamilies.
The chaplain’s ministry is well received and supported by each denomination. The ongoing pastoralcare for chaplains is an extension of what presbyteries do through their Committees on the Ministry and thedenomination Commission on the Chaplaincy and Military Personnel. We expect our chaplains to maintaina sound relationship with PCCMP and their presbyteries.
The PCCMP maintains sound working relations with the Chief of Chaplains Offices for eachbranch of the military and the VA. Keeping this ministry vital with adequate funding has been difficult attimes. The Council receives its financial support from the four denominations, individuals, judicatories andchurches.
In 2007, under the umbrella of the Council, there were 133 men and women serving on active dutyas chaplains in the Armed Forces.
With over 36 reservists mobilized, several visits were made to their spouses and churches. An
East Coast retreat for 115 chaplains and family members was conducted in July 2005 at Bonclarken, North
Carolina.

IV. CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHAPLAINS
There were no Cumberland Presbyterian Chaplains endorsed in 2007.
					
Reserve/		
Active							
Guard*		Military
PCUSA				124			
108		
Associate Reformed		
4			
12		
Cumberland			
4			
10		
Cumberland in America		
0			
1		
					
132			
130		(*Of these Reserve/Guard, 36 were mobilized 2006-2007.)

Full Time
VA
15
1
2
0
18

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Presbyteries and churches are urged to correspond with these chaplains and their families andparticulary keep them and the men and women they serve as pastors in your prayers. Their work is greatly
appreciated and they are honored as servants of God, the Church, and their country.
Thousands of Reserve and National Guard members are being called to active duty. For themost part, their families do not live near military bases where they can receive much needed support andassistance. Cumberland Presbyterians who live near these husbands, wives, children, mothers and fathers
are urged, where appropriate, to offer assistance and support. Please pray for members of the Reserve andNational Guard serving on active duty and their families.
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church receives a special offering on a Sunday near Memorial Day
to remember all men and women who serve their country. The offerings are sent to the General AssemblyStated Clerk and are then forwarded to the Council for its work. The Commission would like to express
its deepest appreciation to all churches that received the offering in 2007. All Cumberland Presbyterian
Churches are urged to consider receiving this yearly offering.
The Council has a video that can be acquired by writing the Presbyterian Council for Chaplainsand Military Personnel (address is on page 1 under “Introduction”). This video interprets our ministry,
interprets chaplaincy as a call, and solicits financial support. The video can be acquired by simply asking
for a copy. Your Commission urges that all our churches and presbyteries get a copy and use this video of
our story as a Council.
Respectfully submitted,
Jearl Hunley
Charles McCaskey
Paul Collins

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the report of the Commission on Ministry
I. INTRODUCTION
The Commission on the Ministry submits this report to the 178th General Assembly of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church in session at Tokyo, Japan June 7-12, 2008.
The Ministry of the Commission on the Ministry is to give leadership to the church’s commitment
to challenge, call, develop and support its ministers and their families; also to provide leadership in
deepening understanding of ministry on the part of the church as a whole through Biblical and theologicalreflection and through interpretation of evolving practices. It is our desire to continue our commitment
to these priority goals through the programs of the Commission.
A. History
The original name of the presbyterial Committees on the Ministry was the Committee on Literature
and Theology. As this became less descriptive of the work that the committees were doing, a name change
was recommended. In 1962, the General Assembly changed the name to the Committee on the Ministry.
In connection with this, the General Assembly voted to produce a handbook for the presbyterial
committees. Dr. John E. Gardner was chosen to write the manuscript, which was reviewed by the General
Assembly and approved for publication. This task was completed in 1964.
At the same time, a permanent General Assembly Commission on the Ministry was established.
Elected to this first Commission were John E. Gardner, Carl Ramsey, and Raymon Burroughs.
In 1981, the Commission on the Ministry began work on reviewing the handbook. Members of
the Commission at that time were Raymon Burroughs, Thomas D. Campbell, Franklin Chestnut, Daniel
Freeman and Tommy Thompson. Thomas D. Campbell served as editor for this revision project. The
revision was completed in 1984.
Since 1992, the Commission has employed an Executive Director to administrate its work. These
have been: James Knight (1992-2000), James Searcy (2001-2003), Chris Joiner (2003-2004), Stephanie
Brown (March 7, 2005 to present).
B. Purpose Statement
To give leadership to the church’s commitment to challenge, call, develop and support its ministers
and their families; also to provide leadership in deepening understanding of ministry on the part of the church
as a whole through Biblical and theological reflection and through interpretation of evolving practices.

II. GENERAL INFORMATION
A. Officers
The Officers of the Commission on the Ministry are the Reverend Mark Davenport, who is the
Chair and the Reverend James W. Lively who is the Secretary.
The Commission met on, January 14-17, 2008, and April 7, 2008. The January 2008 meeting
was held at St. Luke CP Church, in Ft. Worth, Texas and the April meeting was a phone conference. The
Commission opted not have a meeting in September because of the restructuring. The decision was madeto combine this meeting with our Minister’s Conference, so Commission members met a day early. Our
regular spring meeting dates fluctuate due to Easter. This year our dates fell during Holy Week and thedecision was made to hold a phone conference in April in order to save on expenses.
B. Members
The other members of the Commission on the Ministry are the Reverend David Lancaster, Reverend
Glenda Melson, Mrs. Pat Owen, Reverend Bill Rolman, Reverend Robert E. Shelton, Reverend Tommy
Thompson, and Mrs. Mary Jo Turner.
C. Terms

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The Commission has three members whose terms expire and all have agreed to another 3 year term:
Mary Jo Turner, Glenda Melson and David Lancaster.
D. Special Celebrations
Clergy Appreciation Month is a special celebration for the Commission and for clergy. The monthof October is Clergy Appreciation Month and the second Sunday, October 12th, is Clergy Appreciation
Sunday. We would like to encourage and remind all congregations of the opportunity to honor their clergy,
especially with gifts to the Commission during Clergy Appreciation Month. A popular gift for Clergy
Appreciation is a Clergy Ministry Patron award for a gift of $101-500. Another appropriate gift would be adonation to one of the existing endowments of the Commission, especially one in the name of a mentor orfriend to the congregation’s pastor. There have been churches who have established endowments in honorof their pastor for clergy appreciation; an endowment can be established with an initial investment of $500.
The Commission does provide other ideas for different ways in which to honor your clergy person.
E. Recognitions
A monetary gift to the Commission is an important way to honor clergy and laity for the work ofministry. There are different levels of recognition and each gift is recognized with a certificate:$10 - $100
$101 - $500
$501 - $1,000$1,001 - $5,000$5,000 or more

Clergy Supporter
Ministry Patron
Barnabas Fellowship
Ministry Foundation
Logos Club

F. Endowments
It is exciting to announce that the Commission has a new endowment:
The LaRoyce Brown endowment was established to memorialize the life and ministry of LaRoyce. This
endowment honors his 50 years of ministry in the Cumberland Church. The LaRoyce Brown Endowment
will help provide scholarships to the Minister’s Conference, especially to those who live far away from
where the conference is being held.
Other endowments include:Awards for CP Ministers & Spouses
Roosevelt & Ruth BaughJames & Helen Knight
Melvin & Naomi Orr
James & Geneva Searcy
Ministerial
Norlan & Ellie Scrudder
E. G. & Joy Sims
Lyon Walkup
Minister’s Conference

III. WORK OF THE COMMISSION ON THE MINISTRY
A. Minister’s Conferences
2008 – The Conference was held at the St. Luke CP Church in Ft. Worth, Texas with the Reverend
Sheron Patterson of Dallas, Texas, pastor of Highland Hills United Methodist Church, serving as theconference preacher and the Reverend N. Graham Standish of Zelienople, Pennslyvania, pastor of Calvin
Presbyterian (USA) Church, serving as the plenary speaker. The overall theme was spirituality. Dr.
Patterson challenged us to seek the Word of God and pointed out encouraging words found in the scripturesthat can breathe life back into the church. Dr. Standish spoke of the power of prayer to transform thechurch, both locally and globally. He emphasized that the leadership of a congregation is not only in chargeof the physical buildings, but more importantly the spiritual leadership of the body of Christ. There were
six workshops covering the following topics:
End of Life Issues
Spirituality from a Choctaw Perspective

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Evangelism
Pastoral Care with Children
The Emerging Church: Trends and Opportunities
Praying the Labyrinth
At the Conference banquet we were entertained by friend and comedian, J.B. Keith. This year wecelebrated and honored the minister who had been ordained the longest and the one most recently ordained.
The Commission honored Amber Clark with a Patron of Ministry for being the most recently ordained
minister in attendance, as she was ordained on July 29th, 2007. The Reverend James Gilbert was honoredwith a Patron of Ministry for being the minister in attendance ordained the longest who had not won theaward in previous years. James Gilbert was ordained in October of 1944 and is celebrating 64 years ofordained ministry. It is a pleasure to be able to celebrate the ministries of those who faithfully serve ourdenomination.
2009 – The Conference will be held at Brenthaven CP Church in Brentwood, Tennessee, January
20-22. Please note that the conference will start on a Tuesday again instead of a Monday. The focus will
be on ethics. Dr. Ron Cole-Turner will be the Conference plenary speaker. Dr. Cole-Turner holds the H.
Parker Sharp chair of theology and ethics position at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. The Conference
preacher will be Dr. Barbara Holmes, the Vice President of Academic Affairs/Dean of Memphis TheologicalSeminary.
2009 Retreat – The Commission plans to offer two events in 2009. The second of the events will
be held October 20-22, at Camp Garner Creek, located just off I-40 near Dickson, Tennessee. This event
will be a Sabbath Retreat for Clergy. The Conference in January has been designed to be a continuing
education event that is academic in nature. But a retreat is a retreat from the hectic pace of modern life aswell as for the nurturing of relationships with God, self and others in order to renew us for vital ministry.
The draw for many of the Conferences is the speaker and/or preacher for the event and the draw for thisretreat is intentional time spent in spiritual renewal for life and ministry.
2010 – The plan for this event is to be an academic conference during the month of October. The
overall theme will be “Taking Care of Business.” Our January conference has been successful, but theweather and time of year continues to be a challenge for this event. We are hoping that a fall event will help
to make it possible for more people to enjoy the continuing education event that the Commission will planannually. The details of this event have not been finalized enough to publish because of the other changes
that have been made.
2011 – The Commission is making plans for this conference to be held during the month ofOctober.
B. Committee Work
The Commission on Ministry works with two different groups of presbytery:
1. Committee on Ministry• Working with Committees to help encourage and support them in their ministry.
• Working to uphold the standards for ordination.
• Striving for consistency among presbyteries
2. Clergy Care Committee• Working to encourage presbyteries to support and nurture ordained clergy.
• Encouraging presbyteries to:		Communicate with the clergy in their presbytery
		
Honoring clergy as they retire		Supporting spouses of deceased clergy		
Offering Continuing Education Unit (CEU) scholarships
		
Advocating for pastors
C. Ministry of Gifts
The Commission has been giving a gift of a pastor’s communion set to newly ordained clergy forover 13 years. We also provide each new candidate with a gift of books; Introduction to Christian Ministryby Morris Pepper, and The Bible and the Calendar Year by Tom Campbell. The decision was made to also
give new candidates a copy of What Cumberland Presbyterians Believe by E. K. Reagin.
D. Certification and Ordination

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As many people are aware, the Commission has been in the process of proposing changes in theprocess for ordination and adding certification as a lay minister. The majority of this proposal was approvedby the 177th General Assembly. This proposal requires a change in the constitution in order to complete theprocess, therefore, it has been studied by the Permanent Judiciary Committee.
E. Other Ministries
Some of the other ministries that the Commission is involved in include:
1. Newsletter – A quarterly publication that targets the needs and interests of clergy and probationers.
2. Global Ministries Retreat – The Board of Christian Education, the Board of Missions, the Commission
on Ministry and Memphis Theological Seminary, combined our efforts and invited global presbyteries
to participate in a retreat designed to strengthen communication and support among global presbyteries.
This event was a great learning experience and success for all involved. A more complete report will bemade from the group as a whole.
3. Clergy Women’s Reception – The Board of Missions, Memphis Theological Seminary and The
Commission on Ministry have partnered to honor clergy women at a reception during General Assembly
for the past several years. This is a time to help celebrate women in ministry.

IV. THE FUTURE
A. Intent of Merger
The Commission on Ministry approved and signed an intent to merge into the Ministry Council
Corporation and will work toward becoming The Pastoral Development Team. We look forward to thepromise that our cooperative efforts hold.
Plan of Merger of Commission on the
Ministry of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
The following Plan of Merger is made pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 61 of the Tennessee
Nonprofit Corporation Act.
A. The merging corporations are: Commission on the Ministry of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, a Tennessee nonprofit corporation, and Ministry Council of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, a Tennessee nonprofit corporation.
B. The surviving corporation of this merger shall be: Ministry Council of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church.
C. The terms and conditions of the merger are: No consideration shall be exchanged inconnection with this merger. The only condition of the merger shall be the approval of
Cumberland Presbyterian Church General Assembly Corporation. The merger shall beeffective on the date Articles of Merger are accepted for filing in the office of the Secretary ofState of Tennessee.
D. Both of the merging corporations are public benefit corporations, and the surviving
corporation shall remain a public benefit corporation. Cumberland Presbyterian Church
General Assembly Corporation, a Tennessee nonprofit corporation, is the sole member ofboth of the merging corporations. Cumberland Presbyterian Church General Assembly
Corporation shall be the sole member of the surviving corporation.
This Plan of Merger was adopted by the Board of Directors of Commission on the Ministry of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church at a duly constituted meeting held on January 14, 2008.
COMMISSION ON THE MINISTRY OF THE
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Secretary: James W. Lively (Signature on original)
Attest-President: Mark Davenport (Signature on original)This Plan of Merger was adopted by Cumberland Presbyterian Church General Assembly Corporation,
the sole member of each merging corporation, on June ___, 2008.
______________________________ _______________________________
Secretary 							Attest: President
B. Vision
Some of the ideas that the Commission has for the future are:• Training for congregations to create Exploration Committees• Ways to better care for Clergy• Holistic Health for Clergy• Mediators for Pastors and Congregations• Events for:		
• Newly Ordained Clergy		• Clergy Women

V. REPRESENTATIVES TO THE 178TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Reverend Tommy Thompson will serve as the Commission’s representative to the 178th General
Assembly and Reverend Glenda Melson will serve as the alternate.

VI. CONCLUSIONThe Commission on the Ministry is committed to serving the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
through its programs and ministry listed above. We covet the prayers of the assembly as we work together
to strengthen the ministry of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Respectfully Submitted,
Stephanie Scrudder Brown, Executive Director
Mark Davenport, President
James W. Lively, Secretary
The Commission on Ministry members

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the rEPORT OF THE PERMANENTJUDICIARY COMMITTEE
The Permanent Judiciary Committee met February 1, 2008 in Bartlett, Tennessee. Present were
James Byrd, Harry Chapman, Ron Thurman, Dwayne Tyus, and Geoff Knight. Also attending were legal
council James Jordan and Robert Rush, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly. Excused were Charles
Dawson, Kelly Gooch, Sherry Ladd, and Joe Studdard.

I. Organization of the Board
The Reverend Geoff Knight was elected chairperson and the Reverend Dwayne Tyus waselected secretary.

II. Structure to Support the Rules of Discipline
The recently adopted Rules of Discipline require that each judicatory elect a commission torule on any appeals which are brought before them.
RECOMMENDATION 1: That the General Assembly elect the Permanent Judiciary
Committee as the commission to rule on any appeals brought before the Assembly.

III. Task Force to Review
General Regulations and Bylaws
The committee notes that the General Assembly sometimes amends its General Regulations
without taking into consideration the Bylaws of the General Assembly Corporation. This often leads to theGeneral Regulations and Bylaws conflicting with one another or produces unnecessary duplication in ourgoverning documents. A task force to study this issue was appointed. The members of the task force are:Robert Rush, Dwayne Tyus, Kelly Gooch, James Jordan and James Byrd (alternate). This task force is tomake recommendations to the next meeting of the Permanent Judiciary Committee. The committee also
instructed that the Bylaws of the General Assembly Corporation be printed in the minutes of the General
Assembly so that the church can become more familiar with them.

IV. Review of Synodical Minutes
The minutes of the Synod of the Midwest were reviewed and were found to be in good order with
one exception. The minutes do not reflect that the presbyteries complied with the directive of the Church
regarding the ordination of ministers. (Digest page 105, 8.5b, Interpretive 1892, 1973, 8.5 Advisory 1960,
1964, 1975). The synod’s minutes reflect that the minutes of the three presbyteries, Covenant, Cumberland
and North Central were reviewed.
The minutes of the Synod of the Southeast were reviewed and found to be in good orderwith two exceptions. There is no record of the review of the ordinations by any of the presbyteries. (Seereferences above) The minutes of Cullman, East Tennessee, Grace and Tennessee Georgia presbyteries
were reviewed, but there is no record of a review of the minutes of Hope Presbytery.
The minutes of Tennessee Synod were not available. The Synod of the Great Rivers andMission Synod did not meet in 2007.

V. General Assembly Representative
The Reverend Harry Chapman will serve as the committee representative to General Assembly,
and Rev. Geoff Knight will serve as the alternate.
Respectfullly submitted:
Geoff Knight
Dwayne Tyus

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THE REPORT OF JOINT COMMITTEEThe Joint Committee on Amendments met February 1, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at Faith Cumberland
Presbyterian Church in Bartlett, Tennessee. A quorum from the Joint Committee on Amendments of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church was present. The
meeting was opened with prayer, and Geoff Knight, chair of the Permanent Judiciary Committee of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, was appointed to moderate the meeting.

I. Office of Certified Lay Minister
The 177th General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church approved the concept of
the Office of Certified Lay Minister and directed the Joint Committee on Amendments to prepare thenecessary amendments to the Constitution and to the Directory of Worship for submission to the 178th
General Assembly. The proposed amendments to the Constitution must be adopted by three-fourths of thecommissioners of the General Assembly in order to be referred to the presbyteries. If this occurs, threefourths of the presbyteries must adopt them in order for them to become part of the constitution (Section
11.3).
The process for amending the Directory of Worship is different. Section 11.5 of the Constitution
states: “An amendment to the Directory of Worship or the Rules of Order shall have been adopted when a
two-thirds majority of the entire number of commissioners enrolled at each General Assembly shall haveapproved it, provided such amendment shall not conflict in letter or spirit with the Confession of Faith orConstitution.”
The committee approved the following recommendations and closed with prayer.
RECOMMENDATION 1: That section 5.6a of the Constitution be amended by deleting theword (and) before the word “ordain” and to add (and to certify lay ministers), thus making section
5.6a to read, “Receive, examine, dismiss, and license candidates, ordain them to the ministry (and tocertify lay ministers).”
RECOMMENDATION 2: That section 5.6b be amended by adding (de-certify lay ministers)
thus making Section 5.6b to read, “Receive, dismiss, install, remove and discipline ministers (and tode-certify lay ministers).”
RECOMMENDATION 3 That Section 5.6p be amended by adding the words (appointing alicentiate or certified lay minister to administer the sacraments) between the words “session, and if
necessary”, thus making Section 5.6p to read, “Take special oversight of churches, which do not havethe services of a minister, appointing a minister to moderate the session, (appointing a licentiate orcertified lay minister to administer the Sacraments) , and if necessary, authorize an elder designatedby 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; persons who are not ordained ministers shall serve under the authority of an ordained
Cumberland Presbyterian minister selected by the presbytery, and each grant of authority shall befor one year.”
RECOMMENDATION 4: That Section 5.7 be amended by deleting the word (and) between
the words “licensures and ordinations” and adding the words (certified lay ministers) following theword “licentiates”, (and certifications) following the word “ordinations”, thus making Section 5.7 toread, “ The presbytery shall keep full and accurate records of its proceedings and submit them to thesynod for review at its stated meeting. It shall report regularly to synod and to the General Assembly
its roll, including all candidates, licentiates, (certified lay ministers), ministers, session clerks andchurches. In addition, it shall report on licensures, ordinations, (and certifications); on reception,
dismission, or death of ministers; on the union, division, and formation of churches, and on suchstatistical and other information as may be required to describe the state of religion in its midst.”

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RECOMMENDATION 5: That the title in Section 6 be amended by adding the words(Certified Lay Ministers):
6.0

THE AUTHORITY OF PRESBYTERY OVER ORDAINED MINISTERS, (CERTIFIEDLAY MINISTERS), LICENTIATES AND CANDIDATESRECOMMENDATION 6: That Section 6.12 be amended by deleting the word (the) before theword “ministry”, and adding (an exploration committee appointed by the session of their particularchurch for at least three months, and then) after the words “shall confer with”, thus making Section
6.12 to read, “To be received as a candidate for ministry, a person must be a member in good standingof a particular church in the receiving presbytery. Persons desiring to become a candidates forministry shall confer with (an exploration committee appointed by the session of their particularchurch for at least three months, and then) confer with the committee on the ministry prior topresenting themselves to presbytery.
Recommendation 7: That 6.13 be amended by adding at the end of the section thefollowing sentences: (Those candidates who seek to be certified in lay ministry also shall undergo
a period of training and preparation in order that the office may be committed only to qualified
persons. They shall remain candidates until certified and commissioned by the presbytery), thus
making section 6.13 to read “Those candidates who seek to be licensed and ordained to the ministryof word and sacrament shall undergo a period of training and preparation in order that the office
may be committed only to qualified persons. In order to form a correct judgment of the qualificationsof those seeking admission to the office of ordained ministry, presbyteries shall receive and, following
satisfactory preparation, license candidates who shall then be designated ‘licentiates.’ Such persons
shall be required to give further satisfactory evidence of their qualifications for the ministry before
receiving ordination. (Those candidates who seek to be certified in lay ministry also shall undergo aperiod training and preparation in order that the office may be committed only to qualified persons.
They shall remain candidates until certified and commissioned by the presbytery).”
RECOMMENDATION 8: That the declaration following the questions proposed to a
candidate in 6.15 be changed by deleting (licensure and ordination) and adding (ministry) following
the words “as a candidate for”, and deleting the word (the) before ministry in the last line, thus
making the declaration to read, “In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the great Head of the Church,
I do now declare by the authority of this presbytery that you are acknowledged and received as a
candidate for (ministry) in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church/Cumberland Presbyterian Church
in America and I now direct that your name be entered on the roll of the presbytery as a candidate
for ministry.”
RECOMMENDATION 9: That 6.200 (Certified Lay Ministers) be added by adopting thefollowing sections and that all subsequent sections under section 6.0 be renumbered.
(6.201 A candidate for ministry may, with the consent of the presbytery, decide to pursue
the office of certified lay ministry in the church. Persons whose call to ministry directs them toward
Christian Education ministry, youth ministry, music ministry, mission or service ministry, layleadership of a particular church, or other lay ministries may pursue certification.
6.202 Prior to certification, the candidate shall sustain a careful and satisfactory examinationby the committee on the ministry and the presbytery as a whole on the following: experimental
religion, continuing spiritual growth, the internal call to the ministry, knowledge of the scriptures,
church history, systematic theology, the doctrine and government of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church and other specialized areas of study particular to the candidate’s field of ministry.
6.203 No candidate shall be certified who has not completed either a two year degree programfrom an accredited seminary or graduate school of theology or a course of alternate studies approvedby the General Assembly.
6.204 Certified lay ministers serving as stated supply shall be required to attend presbytery
and session meeting, but shall have voice without the right to vote.
6.205 The candidate shall be commissioned to the office of certified lay ministry by thepresbytery at either a regular, an adjourned, or a called meeting; or it may be by a commission of thepresbytery, which must consist of a quorum of the body and include two ordained ministers.
6.206 When a presbytery shall become satisfied with the qualifications of a candidate, it

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shall announce a date and place for a service of commissioning. Following the sermon in a regularworship service at the time and place previously announced, the candidate shall take his or her placeat the front of the sanctuary. After a brief statement by the person presiding as to the purpose of themeeting and the meaning of lay ministry, the following questions shall be proposed to thecandidate:
1. Do you believe the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the inspired Word ofGod, the authority for faith and practice?
2. Do you sincerely receive and adopt the Confession of Faith of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church/Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America as containing the essential doctrines taught in
the Holy Scriptures?
3. Do you approve of, and promise to abide by the government of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church/Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America?
4. As far as you know your own heart, have you been induced by the Holy Spirit to answer thecall to lay ministry from love of God and neighbor and a sincere desire to glorify God and advanceHis kingdom in the world?
5. Do you promise to be faithful and diligent in the exercise of the ministry to which you havebeen called, to promote the welfare of the church, and to conduct yourself both privately and publicly
so as not to give offense to Christ and His Church?
The above questions being answered in the affirmative, the candidate shall kneel. As the
person presiding, or another appointed for the purpose, offers an appropriate prayer, the presbytery
shall commission the candidate as a certified lay minister. Then, with the candidate standing, theperson presiding shall say, “In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the great Head of the Church, andby the authority of this presbytery, I now declare you duly commissioned to the office of certified lay
minister.” The transaction shall be duly recorded in the presbyterial minutes and the newly certified
lay minister’s name added to the roll of certified lay ministers.)
RECOMMENDATION 10: That section 6.200 shall be renumbered 6.300 and all subsequent
sectins under Section 6 be renumbered.
RECOMMENDATION 11: That the former 6.205 (now 6.305) be amended by adding
the following sentence: (A licentiate serving as stated supply of a particular church may be given
authority by the presbytery to administer sacraments in that particular church. Such authority may
be granted for no more than one year, and may be renewed by the presbytery on recommendationof the committee on the ministry), thus (6.305) would read, “A licentiate may, with the approval of
the committee on the ministry of the presbytery and of the presbytery, serve as stated supply of one
or more particular churches of the presbytery. (A licentiate serving as stated supply of a particularchurch may be given authority by the presbytery to administer the sacraments in that particularchurch. Such authority may be granted for no more than one year, and may be renewed by thepresbytery on recommendation of the committee on the ministry.)”
RECOMMENDATION 12: That the title of Section 7.00 be amended by adding (CERTIFIEDLAY MINISTERS) between the words MINISTERS and LICENTIATES:
RELATIONS BETWEEN MINISTERS, (CERTIFIED LAY MINISTERS), LICENTIATES,OR CANDIDATES AND CHURCHESRECOMMENDATION 13: That Section 7.04 be amended by adding to the first sentence (acertified lay minister) after the words “a licentiate”, and adding to the last sentence (or certified lay
minister) after the words “a licentiate”, and adding the following sentence: (Presbytery may grant alicentiate or certified lay minister in a stated supply relationship authority to administer sacraments
for not more than one year at a time under the supervision of the presbytery appointed moderator),thus making Section 7.04 to read, “The office of stated supply may be held by an ordained minister,a licentiate, (a certified lay minister), or a candidate, whom the particular church has called for anindefinite time, or, in the case of an interim supply, for a definite time, for less than full time work. An
ordained minister serving as stated supply may fulfill all duties and functions pertaining to the spiritualcare of the church, including moderating the session. A licentiate (or certified lay minister) serving

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as stated supply may fulfill the duties and functions except moderating the session, administering thesacraments, and solemnizing marriages. (Presbytery may grant a licentiate or certified lay ministerin a stated supply relationship authority to administer the sacraments for not more than one year
at a time under the supervision of the presbytery appointed moderator.) A candidate serving as astated supply may fulfill the duties and functions except moderating the session, administering thesacraments, and solemnizing marriages.
RECOMMENDATION 14: That Section 7.07 be amended by adding (certified lay minister)
between the words “minister” and “licentiate”, thus the section would read, “The relationship between
a minister, (certified lay minister), licentiate, or candidate and a particular church may be dissolved
only by presbytery, acting on the request of both parties, or on the request of one party if sufficientreasons are presented, or when, in the opinion of the presbytery, the well-being of the particularchurch demands its.
RECOMMENDATION 15: That section II. of the Directory of Worship, THE SACRAMENTS,
be amended by adding (licentiate or certified lay minister) in each place the word minister
appears.
Respectfully submitted
Geoff Knight
Dwayne Tyus

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THE rEPORT NUMBER ONE OF THE
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
I. STATED CLERKThe Reverend Robert D. Rush, West Tennessee Presbytery, to succeed himself for a four year term.

THE REPORT NUMBER TWO OF THE
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
I. ENGROSSING CLERKDoctor Tommy Craig, Faith Congregation, West Tennessee Presbytery, to succeed himself for a four year
term.

II. MINISTRY COUNCIL
Ms. Karen Breeding, Murfreesboro Congregation, Murfreesboro Presbytery, Tennessee Synod
for a three year term.
Ms. Mandy Clark, Beersheba Congregation, Grace Presbytery, Synod of the Southeast for a threeyear term.
Reverend Carlton Harper, Tennessee-Georgia Presbytery, Synod of the Southeast to fill the one
year unexpired term of Rev. Michael Wilkinson.
Mr. Roy Shanks, New Hope Congregation, North Central Presbytery, Synod of the Midwest, tosucceed himself for a three year term.
Reverend Iwao Satoh, Japan Presbytery, Mission Synod, to succeed himself for a three year term.
Mr. Leo Whinery, Dover Congregation, Arkansas Presbytery, Synod of Great Rivers, to succeed
himself for a three year term.

III. BOARD OF DIRECTORS, GENERAL ASSEMBLY CORPORATION
Mr. James Frazier, Lawrenceburg Congregation, Columbia Presbytery, to fill the two year
unexpired term of Mrs. Jane Jennings.
Reverend Terry Hunley, West Tennessee Presbytery, to succeed himself for a three year term.
Ms. Grace Whitfield, Gadsden Congregation, Grace Presbytery, to succeed herself for a threeyear term.

IV. BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Mr. Reese Baker, Fredonia Congregation, Covenant Presbytery, to succeed himself for a threeyear term.
Ms. Samantha Hassell, Sturgis Congregation, Covenant Presbytery, for a three year term.
Ms. Sandra Shepherd, Stevenson Congregation, Robert Donnell Presbytery, to succeed herself
for a three year term.

V. CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN PUBLICATION BOARD
Mr. Joseph Malloy, Loudon Congregation, Presbytery of East Tennessee, to succeed himself for a threeyear term.

VI. BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHILDREN’S HOME
Ms. Mamie Hall, Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America, for a three year term.
Reverend Yoong Kim, West Tennessee Presbytery, for a three year term.

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Mr. James King, non-Cumberland Presbyterian, for a three year term.
Reverend Norlan Scrudder, Red River Presbytery, to succeed himself for a three year term.
Mr. Mickey Shell, Shell Chapel Congregation, Arkansas Presbytery, to fill the two year unexpired term of
the Reverend Kevin Henson
Reverend Don Tabor, Nashville Presbytery, for a three year termVII. BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE HISTORICAL FOUNDATION
Ms. Gwen McReynolds, Jackson First Congregation, West Tennessee Presbytery, Synod of Great Rivers,
to succeed herself for a three year term.

VIII. BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE
MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
Reverend Tom Bell, Jr., a non-Cumberland Presbyterian, to succeed himself for a three year term.
Mr. Mark Davis, Germantown Congregation, West Tennessee Presbytery, to succeed himself for a threeyear term.
Reverend Jody Hill, West Tennessee Presbytery, to fill the one year unexpired term of Reverend W. Jean
Richardson.
Reverend Amy Howe, a non-Cumberland Presbyterian, to succeed herself for a three year term.
Mr. William Nelms, Murfreesboro Congregation, Murfreesboro Presbytery, to succeed himself for a threeyear term.
Reverend Robert M. Shelton, Red River Presbytery, for a three year term.
Mr. Joe Ward, Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America, for a three year term.
Ms. Ruby Wharton, a non Cumberland Presbyterian, for a three year term.
Ms. Marianna Williams, Newbern Congregation, West Tennessee Presbytery, to succeed herself for athree year term.

IX. BOARD OF MISSIONS
Reverend Jimmy Byrd, Murfreesboro Presbytery, Tennessee Synod, for a three year term.
Reverend Steve DeLashmit, Cumberland Presbytery, Synod of the Midwest, to succeed himself for a threeyear term.
Reverend Milton Ortiz, Presbytery of East Tennessee, Synod of the Southeast, for a three year term.
Reverend Jefferson Sledge, Presbytery of East Tennessee, Synod of the Southeast, to succeed himself fora three year term.
Ms. Beverly Stott, Dresden Congregation, West Tennessee Presbytery, Synod of Great Rivers to succeed
herself for a three year term.

X. BOARD OF STEWARDSHIP, FOUNDATION AND BENEFITS
Mr. James Cordum, Richland Congregation, Columbia Presbytery, to fill the one year unexpired ter of
Mr. Darrell Drinkall.
Mr. Charles Day, Short Creek Congregation, Cumberland Presbytery, for a three year term.
Mr. Jackie Satterfield, Welti Congregation, Cullman Presbytery, for a three year term.
Ms. Debra Shanks, New Hope Congregation, North Central Presbytery, to succeed herself for a three year
term.

XI. COMMISSION ON CHAPLAINS AND MILITARY PERSONNEL
Reverend Charles McCaskey, Murfreesboro Presbytery, to succeed himself for a three year term.

XII. COMMISSION ON THE MINISTRY
Reverend David Lancaster, West Tennessee Presbytery, to succeed himself for a three year term.
Reverend Glenda Melson, Missouri Presbytery, to succeed herself for a three year term.
Ms. Mary Jo Turner, Union Congregation, Presbytery of East Tennessee, to succeed herself for a threeyear term.

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XIII. PERMANENT COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
Reverend James F. Byrd, Cumberland Presbytery, to succeed himself for a three year term.
Mr. Wendell Thomas, Beaver Creek Congregation, Presbytery of East Tennessee, for a three year term.
Reverend Dwayne Tyus, Nashville Presbytery, to succeed himself for a three year term.

XIV. NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Ms. Elizabeth Aden, Pine Hill Congregation, Trinity Presbytery, Mission Synod, for a three year term.
Mr. Buddy Harris, Stevenson Congregation, Robert Donnell Presbytery, Synod of the Southeast for athree year term.
Reverend Aaron McMillan, Presbytery del Cristo, Mission Synod, for a three year term.
Reverend Rich Shugert, North Central Presbytery, Synod of the Midwest, for a three year term.

XV. UNIFIED COMMITTEE ON THEOLOGY AND SOCIAL CONCERNS
Reverend Steve Mosley, Arkansas Presbytery, to succeed himself for a three year term.
Mr. John Wilson, Tusculum Congregation, Nashville Presbytery, to succeed himself for a three year term.

XVI. REPRESENTATIVE TO CARIBBEAN
AND NORTH AMERICAN AREA COUNCIL, WORLD ALLIANCE
OF REFORMED CHURCHES
Ms. Laurie Sharpe, Faith Congregation, West Tennessee Presbytery, for a three year term.

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the rEPORT OF PLACE OF MEETING
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
The place of meeting committee consists of the Moderator, the Director of Congregational/
Women’s Ministry and the Stated Clerk. The 165th General Assembly authorized the committee to selectmeeting places up to five years in the future, and that preference be given to places that keep, insofar as
possible, all participants, and meetings in one facility. It is recognized that these places are hard to findand may cost some additional monies. The place of meeting committee has been instructed to use its best
judgment. When a local congregation/presbytery issues an invitation, the Stated Clerk will make site visits
to potential places of meeting, and if adequate facilities are found, a follow up visit is made by the StatedClerk, the Assistant to the Stated Clerk and the Director of Congregational/Women’s Ministry. In the pastpreference has been given to the third week of June, although the General Regulations permit a meeting
to be scheduled either the third or the fourth week of June. The third week in June deprives some of thecommissioners from spending Father’s Day with their families. In some years the fourth week of June
may conflict with the staff preparations for CPYC. The dates will always have to be determined by theavailability of a particular facility.

II. INFORMATION ON FUTURE GENERAL ASSEMBLIESThe 178th General Assembly will make history in two distinct areas: it is the first time that we havemet outside the United States, and we will have a commissioner from Laos for the first time ever.
The 174th General Assembly accepted the invitation of the West Tennessee Presbytery to host themeeting in 2009.
In 2010 the General Assemblies of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America and the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church will meet concurrently June 13-18, in Dickson, Tennessee to celebrate the200th anniversary of the founding of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The Cumberland Presbyterian
Church in America was officially begun in 1874, however, our common roots are in 1810. During the week
we will have the opportunity to worship concurrently, spend part of one day at Montgomery Bell State Park,and to hold many of our meetings jointly. The planning committee for 2010 was formed in 2006 and has
already had several meetings. The theme for the 2010 meeting will be “What do These Stones Mean?”
Based on Joshua 4: 6, 7.
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America has a joint archives and members of the Board ofTrustees of the Historical Foundation come from both Denominations. The two Denominations also havea Unified Board of Christian Discipleship, a Unified Committee on Theology and Social Concerns, andConstitutional Amendments must come from a Joint Committee on Amendments.
The 176th General Assembly accepted the invitation of Missouri Presbytery to meet in Springfield,
Missouri for the 181st General Assembly.

III. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE GENERAL ASSEMBLIES
		
		
		

179th		180th		181st		

Memphis, Tennessee		Dickson, Tennessee		
Springfield, Missouri		June 15-19, 2009
June 13-18,. 2010
June 20-24, 2011

IV. FUTURE INVITATIONS
Hope Presbytery, assisted by Cullman and Robert Donnell Presbyteries, has invited the General
Assembly to meet within its bounds in 2012. There are no invitations on file beyond 2012. Local
congregations and presbyteries are encouraged to consider hosting a future General Assembly. Hosting theGeneral Assembly provides a service for the entire Denomination, and will assure that local persons will
have the opportunity to participate in a General Assembly and Convention of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Women’s Ministry. Although General Assembly could meet in a locale without an invitation from a localgroup, it is preferable to have an invitation.
RECOMMENDATION 1: That we accept the invitation of Hope Presbytery to host the 182nd

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General Assembly.
The following schedule shows the annual meetings by presbyteries and the year that the General
Assembly last met in the bounds of the particular presbytery.
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		

Japan			Arkansas		
Grace			Columbia		
Red River		
East Tennessee		Covenant		
del Cristo		
Cumberland		

2008			2007			2006			2005			2004			2003			2002			2001			2000			

Respectfully submitted,
Robert D. Rush, Pam Phillips-Burk, Frank W. Ward

West Tennessee			Tennessee-Georgia		
Robert Donnell			
Nashville			North Central			
Missouri			Trinity				Hope				Murfreesboro			

1999
1998
1996
1995
1980
1972
1969
1961
1956

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THE report of the Permanent Committee on
Theology and Social Concerns
I. Meeting and Officers
The Unified Committee on Theology and Social Concerns met at the Memphis TheologicalSeminary on September 21-22, 2007 and on February 22-23, 2008. Officers of the Unified Committee on
Theology and Social Concerns for 2008-2009 are: Reverend Steve Mosley, Chairman, Reverend William
H. Montague, Vice-Chairman, Reverend Jacqueline E. Lang, Secretary, and Reverend Robert D. Rush,
Treasurer.

II. COMMITTEE MEMBERS
The Committee consist of the following members: Reverend Dr. Jay Earheart-Brown, Reverend
Mark Chapman, Reverend Paul T. Criss, Reverend Robert Greenwell, Elder Laney Johnson, Reverend
Jacqueline E. Lang, Elder Readus Linton, Reverend John Lovelace, Reverend Mitzi Minor, Reverend Steve
Mosley, Reverend William H. Montague, Reverend Jan Overton, Reverend Howard L. Rodgers, Reverend
Robert D. Rush, Reverend Billy R. Tribble, and Elder John Wilson.

III. EXPIRATION OF TERMS
The Committee notes that Elder Readus Linton has served three terms and therefore has completed
his eligibility.

IV. GENERAL ASSEMBLY REPRESENTATIVES
Reverend Dr. Jay Earheart-Brown will represent the Committee at the CPC General Assembly andReverend Howard L. Rodgers will represent the Committee at the CPCA General Assembly with Reverend
William H. Montague serving as alternate.

V. WORK IN PROGRESS
While the Committee is not presenting any papers or recommendations to the General Assembly
several works are in progress. The papers are as follows:
What Will We Do When We Disagree - This paper will explore ways the church should approachdealing with disagreements regarding highly emotional issues. The focus will be on gaining an understandingof the centrality of love and grace within Christianity and its practice within our lives as Christians. Reverend
Mitzi Minor is leading the work on this project.
The Nature of Violence and Our Response – This paper is up for review. The paper will be written
as a series. The first paper is on Domestic Violence. Reverend Mitzi Minor and Reverend Dr. Jay EarheartBrown are leading the work on this project.
Immigration – This paper is up for review. Reverend Steve Mosley and Reverend Howard L.
Rodgers are leading the work on this project.
Global Warming and Green House Gases - The Committee have taken initial steps in discussing
theological reflections on Global Warming and green house gases. The Committee in its February meetingviewed a slide presentation by Missy Rose and will be following up in September with further discussions
and approaches for addressing these issues.
Religious Persecution in the World – The scope of this paper is to be determined. Reverend Mark
Chapman is leading the work on this project.
Theology and Function of Worship – The scope of this paper is to be determined. Reverend Paul
T. Criss is leading the work on this project.

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Evangelism – The scope of this paper is to be determined. Reverend Jacqueline E. Lang is leading
the work on this project.
Respectfully submitted,
Reverend Steve Mosley, Chairman
Reverend Jacqueline E. Lang, Secretary2008

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THE REPORT OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF
BETHEL COLLEGE
Bethel College extends greetings to the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
in session with Japan Presbytery June 5-13, 2008. Bethel College is in the strongest possible relationshipwith the General Assembly, a covenant relationship. This relationship is a very important and formative
relationship that continually guides the life of Bethel College. We submit this report to share with the
General Assembly the growth and development that is occurring in the life of Bethel College.

I. Mission Statement
A. STATEMENT OF MISSION AND PURPOSE:
Bethel’s mission is to create opportunities for members of the learning community to develop to
their highest potential as whole persons--intellectually, spiritually, socially, and physically--in a Christianenvironment.
Definitions:
By the words, “create opportunities,” the College offers the means for persons to have choices andoptions opened before them and to develop the confidence and maturity to choose appropriately.
By the term, “learning community,” the College extends its mission to all persons who seek
development of the whole person and who would choose to pursue this aspiration through Bethel College.
The learning community of Bethel College includes undergraduate students in traditional and non-traditional
programs, graduate students, faculty, staff, the local community, and the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church.
By the term, “whole persons,” the College intends that, in the true spirit of the liberal arts
education, the undergraduate education encompass all dimensions of the human being, which are in reality
inseparable.
Intellectual development focuses on the cognitive aspect of the human; cognitive development
incorporates analysis, critical reflection, and synthesis of knowledge of multiple disciplines.
Social development focuses on the affective and behavioral aspects of the human; social
development incorporates the ability to interact and communicate with other humans with civility
and tolerance.
Physical development focuses on the corporeal aspect of the human; physical development
incorporates respect for the body as integral to the cognitive, social, and spiritual dimension of thehuman experience.
Spiritual development focuses on the metaphysical aspect of the human; spiritual development
incorporates the ideas of faith, morality, and practice.
By the term, “Christian environment,” the College draws upon the thought of St. Ignatius thatthe collegiate environment should facilitate knowledge and contemplation such that actions are based on
unbiased reason and reasonable faith.

II. Trustees
In the class with terms expiring in 2008 are Cumberland Presbyterians: Mrs. Meredith Campbell
Bybee, Columbia, Tennessee; Reverend Ronald H. Bynum, Gurley, Alabama; Reverend Linda H. Glenn,
Humboldt, Tennessee; Reverend Eugene Leslie, Medina, Tennessee and Non-Cumberland Presbyterians:
Mr. Paul Cowell, Kingston, Tennessee; Mr. Paul W. Martin, Jr., Knoxville, Tennessee; and Dr. Ray Morris,
Atlanta, Georgia.
In the class with terms expiring in 2009 are Cumberland Presbyterians: Mr. Bill Dobbins, Franklin,
Tennessee; Dr. Clarence (Ed) Herring, Scottsboro, Alabama; Dr. Vera Low, Springfield, Missouri; and Mr.

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Hugh Morgan, Knoxville, Tennessee and Non-Cumberland Presbyterians: Ms. Julie Buckman, Kansas
City, Kansas; Judge Ben Cantrell, Nashville, Tennessee; Mr. Michael Cary, Huntingdon, Tennessee; Mr.
Ben Gaines, Jr., McKenzie, Tennessee; and Ms. Charlene Jones, McKenzie, Tennessee.
In the class with terms expiring in 2010 are Cumberland Presbyterians: Ms. Nancy Bean, Somerset,
Kentucky; Reverend Larry Blakeburn, Dyersburg, Tennessee; Mr. Roy Cooper, Longview, Texas; Mr.
Lawrence (Ladd) Daniel, Houston, Texas; Dr. James M. Latimer, Memphis, Tennessee; Mr. Steve Perryman,
Ozark, Missouri; Reverend Perryn Rice, Cookeville, Tennessee; and Mr. Ben Surber, McKenzie, Tennessee
and Non-Cumberland Presbyterian Mr. Dwight Reasons, Humboldt, Tennessee.

III. Growth of Bethel College
For most of the past century, Bethel College has been the fastest growing college in the state ofTennessee. This year and next year the growth is being moderated in order to consolidate gains and pay
down some of the debt incurred as a necessary part of the development process. This year (2007-2008
academic year) the fall enrollment is 2,155 and the budget is $40 million, a four-fold increase over the $10
million budget in the year 2000.
Growth has come in a variety of ways. The major growth arena is adult education. Bethel has a highquality and very successful adult program that sets the standard in this area. Bethel has also expanded its
masters level programs, adding a Physician Assistant Masters (PA) and a Masters of Business Administration(MBA) to its highly regarded graduate degrees in education. The MBA is already at over 100 students andthese students are not counted in the fall enrollment as the program was not in existence at that time.
The traditional undergraduate program has doubled in size with growth coming both in alreadyexisting programs and in new programs such as the Renaissance performing arts program which enrolled
240 students this past fall. A contingent of Renaissance students and leaders will represent Bethel College
in this meeting of the General Assembly.

IV. What’s New at Bethel College
Bethel College is continually moving, growing and changing. The state-of-the-art MBA has
already been mentioned. A completely re-engineered Physician Assistant program is showing its worth bydemonstrating a 100% pass rate on Physician Assistant exams by the May 2007 graduating class and scoresthat rank Bethel among the top one-third of schools producing Physician Assistants.
Other programs are bringing a higher quality of life to the campus and the community. The Gaines
Pool has been completely refurbished with the help of significant contributions from the Gaines family. A
new fitness center has been opened for the college and the community. This center enjoys the participationof Ready-Set-Go Fitness, a nationally renowned training program with McKenzie ownership.
Bethel’s sports teams are performing at a high standard on and off the fields and courts. For
example, Bethel football finished the season fifth in the nation. Bethel men’s tennis is currently 9 and 0 (oneof the only three undefeated teams in the nation) and ranked 8th in the nation.
Community service has taken on new meaning with the birth of an Autism Center. Bethel gavebirth to this creative program that has drawn more press coverage than any other Bethel program outside ofsports and has seen it develop to the point of having its own Board.
While debt is being paid down, pledges are being received for new capital improvements. A
science building annex containing laboratory space is the next item on the drawing board in Bethel’s capital
improvement plans. This annex will provide state-of-the-art laboratories and will cost approximately $3.5
million. Two major capital campaign pledges, one for $1.5 million and one for one-half million (both frompeople who belong to churches other than the Cumberland Presbyterian Church) make this dream closer tobecoming a reality.
We wish to thank the Cumberland Presbyterian Church for all the spiritual and fiscal support given
to Bethel College throughout her history and today.

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the rEPORT OF THE CATECHISM COMMITTEE
To the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church meeting with Japan Presbytery
June 6-12, 2008.
The catechism committee (James W. Lively, Rose Mary Magrill, James D. McGuire) offers thisfinal report and its recommendations to the General Assembly. We hope a quick review of the history of
our work and the rationale behind it will help the assembly in its deliberations.

I. History
When the 1984 Confession of Faith was written and approved, a new catechism to match the new
Confession was not included. When the concern for such a catechism arose in 1986, the General Assembly
decided not to pursue it. Then, in 1999, a memorial from Missouri Presbytery prompted the Assembly toconsider again the need for a revised catechism. The Assembly affirmed the need, and instructed the General
Assembly Council to revise the catechism to be included in the Confession of Faith. Our committee wasformed soon thereafter, and was housed under the Office of the General Assembly.
We began our work in 2000. The first year was spent writing and rewriting the catechism within
the committee. Our first draft was sent in 2002 to a wide cross section of lay and clergy readers for theircomments. After processing those responses, the committee sent a proposed catechism to the 2003 Assembly.
The Assembly approved the proposed catechism for study over a five year period, and encouraged persons
and groups within the church to share their comments with our committee. We have made changes to the
proposed catechism in light of those responses, and now present to you a final draft for approval.

II. Thanks
We note the help of the staff of the Board of Christian Education in this process. Their knowledge
proved invaluable as we selected readers for this project. Their expertise produced an effective and accessible
study guide to the proposed catechism that our committee could not have managed. Spearheading 2005 as“The Year of the Catechism” and making the catechism the focus of miniversities that year aptly exposed
the church to our work.
We extend thanks, also, to those readers and users whose insights corrected blind spots and madeus think. Our Stated Clerk, Reverend Robert Rush, made sure every congregation received a copy of the
proposed catechism and kept us moving in our work. Sandra Shepherd deserves special mention for her
foundational work on the study guide.

III. Rationale
A catechism is a tool for instructing people in Christian faith. It follows a question/answer format.
It was used extensively in Reformed/Presbyterian churches until the beginning of the 20th Century, when its
use rapidly declined. Our 1883 Confession includes a slightly modified version of the Shorter Catechism. It
follows the typical model of questions and answers related to the Apostles’ Creed, the Ten Commandments,
the sacraments and the Lord’s Prayer.
The committee held to a few guiding principles as we worked on the catechism.
•
A catechism should aim to instill the language of the faith. It seems straightforward enough toassert that many of our young people head toward college without an adequate vocabulary to express theirfaith. They may have extensive vocabularies in the fields of science, business and computer technology.
But their range of theological terms and meanings remains narrow. Likewise, we can no longer assume
that adults joining the church have been exposed to those key terms and phrases that allow us to build atheological worldview. More and more adults entering our doors have little or no worship history, andhave no clue what we mean when we say “grace,” “faith” or “the sacraments.” Without this rudimentary
language, a person’s ability to articulate and act from his or her faith is greatly diminished. Any catechism
worth its ink will teach Christian language to believers so they may live the Christian life.
•
A catechism should be accessible, that is, written at a level appropriate to older elementary age
children. Catechisms fell into disfavor in part because their language as a whole became outdated. It
seems pointless to have children memorize questions and answers that they would struggle to understandeven when full grown. So we have used everyday words and phrases, even as the catechism inculcates the
specialized language of Christian faith. But not only should we use contemporary language, the concepts
themselves should not be beyond the grasp of older children. Catechisms were produced precisely forchildren approaching “the age of discretion” to help them make a knowledgeable confession of the church’s
faith. To serve that purpose, a catechism must speak in ways younger ears can hear. If it’s true that many

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adults still lack a basic theological vocabulary, perhaps a catechism aimed for a younger audience will still
address the needs of adults.
•
A catechism should draw from our own Confession of Faith. It has been surprising to discoverthat individuals wrote many Reformed catechisms, often with no particular confession in mind. In somecases, these catechisms were used extensively without initial church sanction. Apparently the church did
not perceive the need for this. However, we believe that any catechism Cumberland Presbyterians develop
should reflect our heritage, not because we are superior to other denominations, but because that’s who weare and what we have to give. The catechism before you reflects both our Presbyterian and evangelicalheritage. It does not follow our confession point by point. But the spirit of our theological distinctivenesshas left its mark.
•Along with a new catechism, we should offer methods for use. Early on, church reformers recognizedthat catechetical instruction could prove fruitless. If teachers stressed rote memorization of questions andanswers to the neglect of dialogue about those questions and answers, then the risk ran high that the faithwould not be internalized. The best teachers used the catechism as a beginning point for exploring the faith.
We believe a catechism will be used in our church only if it is accompanied by ways to put it to work. Thus,
as you see below, we suggest continued support for a study guide for use by congregations.
The committee does not understand the new catechism as a replacement of the revised Shorter
Catechism found in the 1883 Confession of Faith. When the 1984 Confession of Faith was adopted theassembly did not banish the older confession from the life of the church. Neither do we advise that thecatechism printed with the 1883 Confession of Faith be abolished. We simply hope the following catechism,if approved, will assist those who are learning what it means to be that part of Christ’s body known as
Cumberland Presbyterian.

IV. PROPOSED CATECHISM FOR
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CONFESSION OF FAITH
1. Who is God?
God is the one living, active Creator of all that is, seen and unseen.
2. Who are we?
We are a part of God’s creation, made in God’s own image. Our purpose is to love and serve God.
3. How do we know God?
God reveals himself to us as three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We often speak of God as the
Trinity, meaning that God is three persons in one.
4. Is God male or female?
God does not have a body. God is spirit. Therefore, God is neither male nor female.
5. What is God like?
•
God is strong and wise.
•
God does what is good and right.
•
God speaks the truth.
•
God surrounds us always and everywhere.
•
God lives forever.
•
God never changes.
•
Above all, God is love.
6. How do we know God is love?
We know God is love because God gave the Son for us. Everyone who trusts the Son belongs to God’s
family, and will not perish, but will live with God now and forever.

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7. What does it mean to perish?
To perish is to be separated from God forever, to be denied the joy, peace, and purpose that come fromliving with God. To perish is to be spiritually dead.
8. Does God want people to perish?
No. It is not God’s desire that anyone should perish.
9. How do we learn about God’s love?
We learn about God’s love from the Bible; through God’s people, the church; in the events of nature andhistory; and in many other ways; but most clearly through Jesus Christ.
10. What is the Bible?
The Bible is the Word of God, the written record of God’s mighty acts.
11. What are some of God’s mighty acts in the Bible?
The Bible tells that, through grace, God:•created the world and everything in it•

called a special people to be servants in the world•

judges sinful humanity•

became a human being in Jesus Christ to save the world•continues to love and care for creation throughout time•

promises at last to bring believers into God’s eternal presence.

12. What is grace?
Grace is the gift of God to all people. It is God’s decision to create us, to care for us, and to claim us aschildren even though we do not deserve it. Grace cannot be earned. God gives all people the freedom to
respond to God’s grace.
13. How should we respond to God’s grace?
The proper response to grace is to admit our need for God, to trust God and obey God’s will, and to give
thanks for all the wonderful things God has done and is doing.
14. How do we respond to God’s grace?
All people rebel against God’s grace. We try to live as if we do not need God. We ignore who the loving
God wants us to be.
15. What do we call our attempt to live without God?
Our attempt to live without God is called sin. Sin is disobedience to the revealed will of God.
16. What happens as the result of sin?
Our relationships with God and others become broken. We get trapped in hurtful words, attitudes, andactions, and we cannot free ourselves.
17. Does God reject us when we sin?
No. God does not reject us even when we sin. God loves us always.
18. How does God deal with our sin?
God calls us back from our broken relationships. God judges us and forgives us.
19. How does God judge us?
God forces us to face our sin--the harm we do to God, one another, and ourselves.
20. How does God forgive us?
God starts over with us. God renews the relationship of grace with us, not counting our sins against us.
21. What do we call our relationship to God?
We call our relationship to God a covenant. God began the covenant long ago, has renewed it many times
throughout the centuries, and has fulfilled it in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Still today,
God upholds this covenant of grace.

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22. What does God promise to do in the covenant?
God promises to bless us and to make us a blessing to all the peoples of the earth. We become a blessing as
God uses us to share the knowledge and promises of God with others.
23. What do we promise to do in the covenant?
We promise to trust and obey God.
24. What has God given us to help us keep the covenant?
One of God’s gifts to us in keeping the covenant is the Ten Commandments.
25. What are the Ten Commandments?
•
You shall worship no other gods.
•
You shall not make any idols to worship.
•
You shall not use God’s name in a disrespectful way.
•
Keep the Sabbath day holy as a time to rest and to worship God.
•
Honor your father and mother.
•
You shall not murder.
•
You shall not commit adultery.
•
You shall not steal.
•
You shall not lie about your neighbor.
•
You shall not envy what other people have.
26. How do the Ten Commandments help us?
The Ten Commandments help us to love and obey God. They help us to love and respect each other.
27. Have people through the ages kept the covenant?
They have not, and neither do we.
28. What did God do about our disobedience?
In Jesus Christ, God renewed the covenant of grace so that all the world might know God’s love.
29. What does the name Jesus mean?
The name Jesus means Savior.
30. What does the title Christ mean?
The title Christ means the Messiah, the anointed one chosen by God.
31. Was Jesus like other human beings?
Yes and no. He was both fully human and fully God. He was tempted as we are, but he did not sin.
32. How did Jesus show God’s love for us while he lived on earth?
•
He called people to turn from sin.
•
He prayed for others.
•
He healed the sick.
•He fed the hungry.
•
He forgave sinners.
•
He welcomed all people.
•
He taught about God’s grace.
33. What happened to Jesus at the end of his life?
Jesus was killed because of human sin. People crucified him on a cross.
34. Did God make Jesus suffer and die on the cross?
No. Jesus was willing to die for our sake.

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35. What does the cross tell us about ourselves?
The cross tells us that our rebellion against God is serious.
36. What does the cross tell us about God?
The cross tells us that God’s grace is greater than our sin. Human beings intended the cross for evil, but
God used it for good.
37. How did God turn the cross into something good?
God used the death and resurrection of Jesus as the means by which sins are forgiven, once and for all
people everywhere.
38. What happened after Jesus’ death?
On the third day after being crucified, Jesus was raised from the dead. He appeared first to women at thetomb, and then to many other witnesses, including his closest disciples.
39. Why do we call Jesus “Lord”?
We call him Lord because he rules over all and makes sure that nothing will ever separate us from God’slove.
40. In what other way do we know God?
We also know God as Holy Spirit.
41. On what day did the Holy Spirit empower the first followers of Jesus?
On the day of Pentecost. At Pentecost, the disciples received power from the Holy Spirit to share God’s
love with all people.
42. Where is the Spirit now?
The Spirit is everywhere, working to help people know the love of God in Jesus Christ.
43. What does the Spirit do?
The Spirit calls all people to trust in Jesus Christ and to live in the covenant of grace.
44. How does the Spirit speak to people?
The Spirit speaks to people through the Bible, the church, the witness of believers, and in ways beyond
human understanding.
45. What does it mean “to be saved”?
“To be saved” means to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, to live in the covenant of grace, and topromise, with the help of the Spirit, to follow God’s will. Whoever is willing to be saved may be saved, but
not without the help of the Spirit.
46. What are some of the words we use to describe the gift of salvation?
We may use these words and phrases to describe the gift of salvation: repentance, confession, saving faith,justification, regeneration, adoption, sanctification, growth in grace, preservation of believers, and Christianassurance.
47. What does repentance mean?
Repentance means to turn away from words, attitudes, and actions that hurt God and others and to turntoward God. Repentance also means to say, “I’m sorry.”
48. What does confession mean?
Confession means admitting our sin and asking God to forgive us. We also seek to repair the harm we havedone to others as much as we can.
49. What does saving faith mean?
Saving faith means trusting in God’s grace for our salvation instead of trusting in our own efforts.
50. What does justification mean?
Justification means God, who is righteous, acts to restore a relationship with us, even though we areunrighteous.
51. What does regeneration mean?
Regeneration means to be made new in the sight of God. Other words for regeneration are recreated, born

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again, or born from above.
52. What does adoption mean?
Adoption means being accepted into God’s family, sinful people though we are.
53. What does sanctification mean?
Sanctification means being set apart. God does not make us better than or more important than otherpeople. Instead, God helps us become people who love God and whose actions reflect that love.
54. How does growth in grace occur?
We grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ as we worship God, study the Bible, interact with otherbelievers, and serve those in need. God calls us to grow in grace as long as we live.
55. What is the church’s teaching about the preservation of believers?
The preservation of believers reminds us that God is always faithful, even though we are not. God will
fulfill the covenant of grace and bring us to eternal life.
56. What is Christian assurance?
Christian assurance is the confidence we gain that God will not leave or forsake us, in life or in death. As
we live the Christian life, our assurance deepens.
57. What are the people called who are saved by the Spirit?
They are called by the name of Jesus Christ--Christians. Christians make up the church, the people fromevery time and every place who put their trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
58. What is the purpose of the church?
The purpose of the church is to worship God and to share God’s love with the world.
59. What does the church do in worship?
The church gathers in the presence of the living God to celebrate God’s wonderful deeds.
60. What actions are included in Christian worship?
•
singing praise to God•
confessing our sin and receiving God’s forgiveness•reading from the Bible•
proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ•
listening for God’s word to us•
saying what we believe•celebrating the sacraments•
praying for ourselves and others•
committing ourselves to God--our time, talent, and money•
receiving God’s blessing.
61. What prayer do we often say in worship that Jesus taught us?
Jesus gave his followers the Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father in Heaven, Hallowed be your name,Your kingdom come, Your will be done,
On earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins, As we forgive those
Who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial,
And deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours, Now and forever. Amen.

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62. Why do we start the prayer with “Our Father in heaven”?
Because Jesus taught us that God is even better than the best parents on earth. God is always both in thisworld and beyond the world, yet God always listens earnestly to our prayers.
63. What do we mean by “hallowed be your name”?
We are saying that God’s name is holy and asking that people everywhere will come to honor God and not
misuse God’s name.
64. Why do we ask “your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven”? We expect God totransform this earth into a place where God’s love rules, just as in heaven. We yield our wills to God’s will
so that we can be instruments of God’s love.
65. What are we saying when we pray “give us today our daily bread”?
We are acknowledging that God alone provides what we need to live, and that everything we receive daily
is a gift from God.
66. How do we understand the phrase “forgive our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us”?
Knowing God’s grace for sinners, we admit what we have done wrong, trusting that God will forgive us.
Likewise, we ask for strength to forgive those who have hurt us.
67. What do we mean when we pray “save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil”?
We ask God’s help to keep us free from destructive words, attitudes, and actions; and if we should bethreatened by people or powers, we ask God to deliver us from harm.
68. What are we doing when we pray “for the kingdom and the power and the glory are yours now andforever’’?
We are celebrating that the God of grace is stronger than evil. Although God’s will sometimes appears tobe defeated, the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdom of Christ and he shall reign forever andever.
69. Why do we end the prayer with “amen”?
Amen means “so be it!” It comes at the end of our prayer because we are confident that God keeps promises,
and that nothing will separate us from the love of God, which endures forever.
70. What does God do in worship?
In worship, God nourishes and strengthens the church through the preaching of the Word and the celebrationof the sacraments.
71. What are the sacraments?
The sacraments are signs of God’s covenant of grace with us. God not only tells us that we are loved;
through the sacraments, God shows us that we are loved.
72. What sacraments do we celebrate?
We celebrate two sacraments: baptism and the Lord’s supper.
73. What does baptism signify?
In baptism, God claims us as God’s own people. In the act of baptism, water is a sign that our sins are
forgiven and that we have received the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
74. Do we have to be baptized in order to be saved?
No. God shows us through baptism that we belong to God’s family. Therefore, baptism is a gift that
believers gladly receive for themselves and their children.
75. What happens in the Lord ’s Supper?
As we eat the bread and drink from the cup, we are united with one another in the death and resurrection ofJesus Christ, and with Christians of all times and all places. Christ meets us at the communion table andgives us strength to be his faithful followers.
76. Who is invited to the Lord ’s Supper?
Christ welcomes all who are part of the covenant community and are committed to the Christian life to eat

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this meal.
77. What else do the sacraments do for the church?
The sacraments strengthen the church to share the love of Jesus Christ with all people, including thoseoutside the church.
78. How do we share the love of God in Jesus Christ?
We share the love of God in Jesus Christ by telling others the good news about Jesus and by helping those
who suffer and are oppressed.
79. Why do we care about people outside the church?
We care for people outside the church because they were created in God’s image and because Christ gave
his life for all of us.
80. Do we expect the church to grow in numbers?
Yes. As we share the good news of Jesus Christ, others come to believe in him and want to become a part ofGod’s covenant family. We do all we can to welcome new believers as our brothers and sisters in Christ.
81. How do Christians relate to the world?
Christians are responsible to live out their faith at home and in the world by creatively using their skills andenergies in every relationship. Christians are also called to be good stewards of the earth’s resources forthe good of all.
82. Do we face conflict as we seek to live faithful lives?
Yes. God calls us to be loving and just in all our relationships, to stand up especially for those who are weak
and oppressed. This witness often puts us in conflict with those who do not seek the will of God.
83. How are we to respond to conflict?
When faced with conflict, we seek to be faithful to God and to continue loving and serving God’s people.
Recommendation 1: That the proposed catechism be approved for study alongside theConfession of Faith.
Recommendation 2: That funds be appropriated for the necessary revision of the study
guide, and that the revised study guide remain available.
Recommendation 3: That the catechism committee be dissolved.

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THE REPORT NUMBER ONE
OF THE CENTER TASK FORCE
To the 178th meeting of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church meeting inTokyo, Japan, June 7, 2008

I. History
This Task Force was named by the 2005 General Assembly meeting in Franklin, Tennessee. We
were instructed to sell all current Center properties in Memphis and re-locate the denominational Center.
Reports have been made to the subsequent General Assemblies of 2006 and 2007 (2) detailing possible
locations, costs, and the progress of fundraising.

II. Sale of Properties
On July 23, 2007, the sale of the Warren Building to the Boys and Girls Club of Memphis cleared$631,452.50. From that, $359,835.53 was used to pay off the outstanding indebtedness. The net of$271,616.97 is available for a new building(s). At this writing, the 1978 Union Building is under contract
with a national restaurant chain, Chic-fil-A, for $1,250,000 with an expected closing of May 8, 2008. We
anticipate receiving a net of $1,174,226 after all our sale expenses are met.

III. Purchase of Property
Action was taken at the December, 2007, called meeting of the General Assembly to purchaseproperty and complete the relocation. On February 22, 2008, three commercial lots and two building
shells were purchased in a corporate office park, on Traditional Way in east Memphis (Cordova area). This
attractive property is .6 mile from I-40 and Germantown Road. The buildings sit on approximately threeacres and have a combined total of 16,900 sq. ft. These building shells (floor, walls, and roof) became
available due to a bank foreclosure and were purchased from the bank for $1,250,000, a 43% discount fromthe original asking price. Pictures of the buildings and a copy of the floor plans will be available at themeeting of the General Assembly.

IV. Update on Construction
Following extensive work by our architect - and several consultations with Center Executives - acontract was awarded to Grinder-Haizlip Construction Company. The contract to build out the buildings, as
per the architect drawings, is on a cost-plus basis, not to exceed $1,176,100. There will be some additionalcosts - moving of computers and telephone systems, installation of irrigation for landscaping - added to thisamount. Construction actually began the week of March 31. The project is moving along speedily. We
expect to be able to move into the new Center by the first week in August.

V. Finance Report
We originally projected this entire project would cost about four million dollars. Anticipating
having one million dollars left over from the sale of the original properties, a goal of raising three million
dollars was set. With that in mind - in late 2005 - all churches were invited to give a one-time gift of $100
per active member. Assuming that 30,000 of our 47,082 active members would respond affirmatively,
sufficient funds would be available for this project. To our disappointment, this goal has not yet been met.
As this report is written, we see additional financial needs before us:
Moving expenses - estimated . .......................................... $125,000
Remaining architect fees . ................................................. 10,000
Computer/telephone moves .............................................. 30,000
Irrigation (landscaping in current contract) ...................... 15,000

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Mill work (not in contract) ............................................... 11,000
Attorney fees (remaining) - estimated .............................. 20,000
Total ......................................................................... $211,000
With our cash on hand and expected receipts from sale of 1978 Union, we are $560,000 short of theneeded amount.
(This does not include $300,000 owed by the church for previous maintenance indebtedness on
1978 Union Avenue. We also had originally projected going into this new facility with all new computers
and all new furniture. Given the current financial picture, these are not possible.)
Our original intent - announced to the General Assembly regularly - was to enter this new facility
debt free. That is still our intent! The December, 2007 General Assembly granted authority to borrowmoney if necessary to keep the project moving. We do not want to do that! Fortunately, there is still time
for additional participation. Additional funds are needed to:
1. Complete the build out of the shells.
2. Retire the outstanding maintenance debt.
3. Provide new equipment and furnishings.
4. Establish a maintenance endowment for future needs.
It is our hope and prayer that these final items will be funded.

VI. Appreciation
We as a Task Force are deeply appreciative for the support we have seen from so many people.
The project will be completed! It only remains to be seen who will give the assistance needed to allow us
to complete it with no remaining debt. Please visit our website - ilovemychurch.net - for a list of donors- both churches and individuals. Help complete the project by adding churches and individuals to thislist. The new Worldwide Center for the Cumberland Presbyterian Church is about to be a reality! It is our
expectation to present a Report Two at the General Assembly meeting to update information.
Respectfully submitted:
Center Task Force
J. David Hester, Chair
Cathy Jahr
Bob Rutledge
Thomas J. Craig
Charles Dawson

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THE REPORT NUMBER TWO
OF THE CENTER TASK FORCE
To the 178th meeting of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church meeting inTokyo Japan June 7, 2008:

I. Introduction
Our report number one that is before you speaks of this Task Force: History, Sale of Properties,
Purchase of Property, Update on Construction, Finance report, Appreciation. We now offer updates throughJune 1.

II. 1978 Union AveNUE
A contract for the sale of this property to Chick-fil-A for $1,250,000 is still before us. Expectedclosing of May 8 did not materialize. Chic-fil-A requested additional time to secure their remaining permits.
We have granted an extension to June 30 - or earlier if possible. The closing net figure for us will still benear $1,175,000. Chick-fil-A now has $105,000 in non-refundable earnest money in our escrow account.

III. Construction Update
Construction at the two building sites on Traditional Place in east Memphis continues at a speedy
pace. Windows have been installed, exterior painted, sidewalks finished, interior sheet-rock is being
installed. Electrical and plumbing work is near completion.

IV. Projected Moving
It is still our expectation to be able to move the entire Center staff by the first week in August.

V. Street Name
We have set in motion the protocol necessary to change the Center street name from “Traditional
Place” to “Cumberland Way”.

VI. Gift brochure
A brochure, “Memorial and Honor Named Gift Opportunities” will be placed in your hands at
this meeting of the General Assembly. This details the opportunity to honor the memory of a loved one,or to honor someone who has made a difference in your life, or the life of your family, or to recognize anorganization for its contribution to the quality of life for many people. Those persons or organizations
named will be recognized by a bronze plaque affixed to the location. For further information regarding thisprogram, please contact any member of the Center Task Force.
Recommendation 1: That the invitation to share in the “Memorial and Honor Named
Gift Opportunities” be approved.
Recommendation 2: That proceeds from the Named Gifts be applied to the loan on the
Traditional Place property with the Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits.
Recommendation 3: That the named gifts opportunity be continued indefinitely
and that once the Center Task Force completes its work, the General Assembly Board of Directors
distribute future contributions according to the guideline above.

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VII. Replicas
Ceramic replicas of the 1978 Union Avenue building may be purchased from the Task Force for $50(plus $10 for shipping in the United States. Shipping charges for outside the USA will be calculated before
shipment). This limited number of replicas will be available until the supply is exhausted. You may orderfrom Bob Rutledge, Box 625, McKenzie, TN 38201, 731-352-7500,rutledgeb@charter.net.

VIII. Finance Report
The finance report submitted in Report Number One is still valid. However, other items continue
to surface as we progress. For example, the Memphis Light Gas and Water company had to be paid
$14,623.45 prior to setting the transformers needed to power the buildings. The total cost of that procedure
was $34,216.52. The previous owner had already paid $19,593.03, leaving the above balance for us. As
these kinds of expenses surface, our total costs go up. We still will need near $600,000 more money thanhas been given or pledged - if we are to go into the building debt free. As we noted in Report Number One,
additional funds are needed to:		
1. Complete the build-out of the shell buildings.
		
2. Retire the outstanding maintenance debt. (In addition to above amount)		
3. Provide new equipment and furnishings.
		
4. Establish a maintenance endowment for future needs.
Thank you for your help! And assist us in encouraging other churches and individuals to join us incompleting this great venture.
Respectfully submitted:
Center Task Force
J. David Hester, Chair
Cathy Jahr
Bob Rutledge
Thomas J. Craig
Charles Dawson

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THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH199

MEMORIALS
i. MEMORIAL FROM PRESBYTERY del cristo
CONCERNING actions of 177th general assembly
WHEREAS, the 177th General Assembly meeting in Hot Springs, Arkansas approved by 2/3 vote, therecommendations of the Organizational Task Force Committee, and
WHEREAS, since that time both the entities affected and general consensus of a broader survey of
Cumberland Presbyterians reveals some Cumberland Presbyterians to have either misinterpreted,misunderstood, or outright disapproved of the action, and
WHEREAS, given the fact that the recommendations of entities involved in the early planning of the
Task Force assignment to not proceed without possible extensive loss of endowments and humanresources precious to our history and identity, were all but ignored,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Stated Meeting in August of 2007 of the Presbytery del Cristo
memorialize the 178th General Assembly to reconsider the action and rescind the approval of therecommendations of the Organizational Task Force Committee at the 177th General Assembly andall actions taken since be corrected to previous state, according to the laws of Tennessee in suchcases made and provided.
2007.

I certify that this is a true copy of a memorial adopted by Presbytery del Cristo on August 10,

Signed: Karen Avery
		
Stated Clerk
		
Presbytery del Cristo

iI. MEMORIAL FROM RED RIVER PRESBYTERYCONCERNING THE SOLICITING OF CONTRIBUTIONSBY THE CHURCH OF ST GILES
WHEREAS, the Church of Saint Giles in Tulsa, Oklahoma is a mission congregation that is primarily anoutreach to a select group of physically challenged people, and
WHEREAS, the Church by its very nature will always have a small core congregation and corresponding
small financial base, and
WHEREAS, the Church of Saint Giles’s ministry is very similar to the Bethel Farm Ministry with tightly
focused services and resources, and
WHEREAS, numerous congregations across the denomination and beyond are showing interest in offering
financial support for the Saint Giles ministry,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the members of Red River Presbytery ask the 178th General
Assembly to grant The Church of Saint Giles permission to solicit contributions from across the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

2007.

I certify that this is a true and accurate resolution adopted by Red River Presbytery on October 20,

Signed: Charles Wallace		Stated Clerk
		
Red River Presbytery

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LINE ITEM BUDGETS SUBMITTED BY
GENERAL ASSEMBLY AGENCIES
I. OFFICE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
A. GENERAL ASSEMBLY OFFICE
					
					
INCOME
Our United Outreach			Endowments/Interest			TOTAL INCOME			EXPENSEECUMENICAL RELATIONSWorld Alliance Reformed Church			
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
Audit/Central Acct.			
Computer Services/Supplies			Equipment/Supplies			Liability/Earthquake Insurance			
Postage				Rent				Telephone				
Sub-Total			PERSONNEL
Salaries/Housing			
Retirement/FICA			
Health Insurance			
Disability Insurance/Worker’s Compensation			
Sub-Total			
MISCELLANEOUS
Legal / Clerk’s Conference			Corporation Board			TOTAL EXPENSE			
From Reserves			

Revised		Proposed
2008		 2009
$182,099
19,460$201,559$$$184,514
20,220$204,734

3,625 $ 3,765
1,500		 1,615
1,200
0
6,325 $ 5,380$ 20,000 $ 9,520
6,000		 6,235
7,350		 7,640
8,150		 8,470
6,825		 7,100
10,0007,100$ 58,325 $ 46,065$ 6,000 $ 3,230
3,000		 2,035
3,000		 4,970
2,725		 2,930
4,000		 2,830
5,000		 7,000
1,150
1,050
$ 24,875 $ 24,045$127,602 $ 133,000
10,223		 10,050
22,000		 27,410
3,105
3,230
$162,930 $ 173,690
$

2,150
2,000
$256,605$- 55,046

$

8,470
2,000
$ 259,650$ -54,916

B. GENERAL ASSEMBLY COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEESINCOME
Nominating Committee			Commission on Chaplains			
Judiciary Committee			
Theology and Social Concerns Committee			
TOTAL INCOME		

$

4,660 $ 4,840
10,275
10,6758,230		 8,550
5,145
4,950
$ 28,115 $ 29,210

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EXPENSE
Nominating Committee			Commission on Chaplains			
Judiciary Committee			
Theology and Social Concerns Committee			
TOTAL EXPENSE		

201

Proposed		Proposed
2008		 2009
$ 4,660 $ 4,840
10,275		 10,675
8,230		 8,550
4,950		 5,145$28,115$29,210

II. MINISTRY COUNCIL
INCOME
Our United Outreach 			Reserves				
TOTAL INCOME			$142,470
0$142,470

EXPENSE
Salaries/Benefits			
Health Insuranc				GAC Expense				
Office Expense				Travel				Insurance (Other)			
Equipment				Conference				
TOTAL EXPENSES			Surplus/(Deficit)			

$ 97,404 $ 101,203
15,891		 18,272
25,000		 26,000
12,900		 13,200
3,500		 3,500
4,515		 4,854
0		
0
0		
0
$159,210		$167,029($16,740)		($22,669)$142,4700$ 142,470

III. BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
					
					
INCOME
Our United Outreach			Endowments				Interest				Sales of Resources			
Gifts to Program			Total Income			
EXPENDITURES
Board Expenses				
Board Vehicle 				Insurance				Interdenominational Partnerships			Miscellaneous				
Office Expense
Bookkeeping/Auditing			
Computer Service/ Supplies			
Office Equipment			
Office Machines Maintenance			
Office Supplies			
Postage				Rent				Staff Resources			Telephone						
Subtotal				Proposed		Proposed
2008		 2009
$322,230 $ 326,500
48,500		 49,000
6,000		 6,000
58,300		 58,350--------$435,030$439,850$ 13,500 $ 10,300
1,500		 1,500
64,800		 74,500
2,500		 2,500
1,000		 1,000$

8,200		$ 8,400
6,100		 6,200
1,000		 1,000
300		
300
5,100		 5,200
2,000		 2,100
14,200		 14,200
500		
500
2,700		 2,700$ 40,100		$ 40,600

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Personnel
Employee Expenses			
Extra Help				
Retirement/Annuity			
Salaries/Housing Allowance			Salary Increment			
Social Security (FICA)			
Staff Continuing Education			
Subtotal				
Ministry Programs and Events
Bridges				
Christian Education Conference			
Christian Education Dinner			Church Officer Training			Consultant Program			
Miniversities			
Subtotal				Curriculum Development
Communion Book			
God So Loves			Outdoor Ministry Resources			Packet				These Days				
Subtotal				Age Level Ministries
CPYC				Young Adult Ministry			
Youth Ministry Planning Council			Youth Triennium			
Subtotal				Services
Middle Judicatory			Planning Calendar			
Promotion				Staff Meetings			
Travel				
Subtotal				
TOTAL EXPENSES			
					

2008

Proposed		Proposed
2008		 2009$

625		$
625
3,300		 3,300
12,835		 13,340
247,987		 256,687
8,700		 10,100
19,637		 20,410
650
650$293,734$305,112$

3,400		$ 3,600
2,000		5001,650		 1,650-----		----7,500		 7,700
500		 1,000$ 14,650$ 14,650$$$$-----		$ ---------		---------		----500		
500
500
500
1,000		$ 1,000750		$
750
3,200		 3,200
2,500		 2,600-----		----7,400$ 7,400$

1,100 $
1,100
400		
400
2,100		 2,100
500		
600
5,500		 4,300$ 9,600$ 8,500$449,234$466,012(14,204)		 (26,162)

IV. BOARD OF MISSIONS
					
					
INCOME
Our United Outreach			Endowment Earnings			
Interest Earned (Miscellaneous Investments)			
Sales (Books, Literature, QME Bulletins, etc.)			
Gifts, Designated & Undesignated			
Miscellaneous (Convention Fees, etc.)			
From Reserve/Designated/Borrowed Funds			
TOTAL INCOME		Proposed		Proposed
2008		 2009
$ 766,644 $ 776,094
385,828		 400,876
50,860		 52,843
5,651		 5,871
28,256		 29,357
28,256		 29,357$ 671,764		 718,414$1,937,259$2,012,812

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EXPENSESSALARIES/HOUSING
General Services/Administration			
Communication and Publications			
Congregational Ministries			Global Missions 			Evangelism & Church Development			
Salary Pool for Increments (Assigned in September)			
Sub-Total			
BENEFITS
Retirement/Social Security			
Medical Insurance Program 			Travel (Includes Rentals)			
Vehicle Maintenance			
Other Insurance (Workers Comp/Auto/Disability, etc.)			
Sub-Total			
OFFICE OPERATION/BOARD ADMINISTRATIONCAD Bookkeeping/Computer Services			
Postage/Telephone/Office Supplies			
Office Equipment Lease/Purchase/Maintenance			
Office Rent				Board/Committee Meetings/Miscellaneous			
Sub-Total			
CONFERENCES/CONVENTIONSWomen’s Ministries Convention			
Missions Conference/GA Lunch			
Church Growth Conf/Seminars/NCD Pastors Retreat			CPWM Leadership Development Seminars			
Sub-Total			MISSION INTERPRETATION
Missionary Messenger Publication/Distribution			
Other Mission Interpretation/Education Materials		
Sub-Total			PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS
Church Development Subsidies/Grants			
*Ecumenical Program Support			**Field Budgets/Special Programs			
Sub-Total			
OTHER PROGRAMS/MISCELLANEOUS
Birthplace Shrine Summer Chaplaincy Program			
Rural Church Development Program			
Staff Resource Materials/Consultant Fees			
Contingencies			
Sub-Total			
TOTAL EXPENSES		

Proposed		Proposed
2008		 2009

6,425 $
6,676
2,882		 2,995
8,458		 8,788
20,52021,320$ 38,286 $ 39,779$1,937,259 $2,012,812*Ecumenical Program Support
Church Women United (CWU)			
National Farm Worker Ministry (NFWM)			
Presby. Appalachian Broadcasting Coun. (PABC)		
Project Vida			
Coalition on Appalachian Ministries (CAM)			
Appalachian Min. Educ. Res. Ctr. (AMERC)			
Commission on Religion in Appalachia (CORA)			
Beth-El Farm Worker Ministry			
Miscellaneous Cooperative/Ecumenical Programs		
TOTAL		

$ 1,304 $1,355
2,391		 2,484
3,260		 3,387
9,237		 9,598
5,434		 5,646
1,576		 1,638
2,174		 2,258
33,689		 35,003
217		
226
$ 59,283 $ 61,595$ 181,506 $ 188,585
49,941		 51,889
83,422		 86,675
116,170		 120,701
164,733		 171,157
14,684
15,256$ 610,455 $ 634,263$

40,332 $ 41,905
160,428		 181,768
65,084		 67,622
2,958		 3,073
34,784
36,141$ 283,359 $ 294,410$

37,279 $ 38,732
37,115		 38,563
21,673		 22,518
26,238		 27,262
13,493
14,020$ 135,798 $ 141,094$

10,608 $ 11,021
3,091		 3,211
12,299		 12,779
1,650		 1,714$ 27,647 $ 28,725$

70,295 $ 73,037
50,968		 52,955$ 121,263 $ 125,992$ 514,395 $ 534,456
59,283		 61,595
146,773
152,498$ 720,451 $ 748,549
$

203

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**Field Budgets/Special Programs
Colombia, South America
General Field Budget			
Scholarships (high school, elementary)			
Missionary Council			
Missionaries’ Office Operation			
Church Development/Redevelopment Subsidies			
China Ministries
General Field Budget			
Liberia
Ministerial Scholarships			
Choctaw Presbytery
General Field Budget			
Choctaw Ministerial Scholarships			Short-Term Missionary Support			
Subsidies for International Commissioners to GA			
Travel Furlough (PIM, Missionary)			
Volunteers in Action Program			
TOTAL
			

2008

Proposed		Proposed
2008		 2009$0 $020,445		 21,243
113		
117
1,130		 1,174
0		
033,907		 35,229
2,035		

2,114

74,595		 77,504
3,108		 3,229
3,165		 3,288
7,711		 8,011
0		
0
565		
587
$146,773$152,498

V. BOARD OF STEWARDSHIP
					
					
INCOME
Our United Outreach			OUO—Planned Giving			Endowments				Management Fees			Interest				Gifts				TOTAL INCOME
		Proposed		Proposed
2008		 2009
$291,138 $ 291,138
30,492		 30,492
54,977		 54,977
43,000		 53,379
15,000		 18,300
200		
200
$434,807$ 448,486

EXPENSE
Salaries/Housing			Salary Pool 				Health Insurance 			
FICA				Retirement				
Sub-Total			$235,567 $ 243,812
8,245		8,53347,202		 54,282
3,328		3,32811,778
11,778$306,120$ 321,733

Accounting				Computer Services			Rent				Other Insurance				
Sub-Total			
Office Expense				
Telephone				Postage				Stewardship Expense			
Travel				Legal Fees				
Board Expense				Miscellaneous				
Sub-Total			

3,962		6,885		12,432		
6,370		
$ 29,649		$6,120		3,140		2,200		18,902		
8,280		1,250		14,305		
500		
$ 54,697		$

2,562
7,089
12,432
6,986
29,069
4,303
3,236
2,266
19,4697,528
1,287
14,754500
53,343

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Proposed		Proposed
2008		 2009

Planned Giving				
Sub-Total			
TOTAL EXPENSE			

44,341		 44,341$ 44,341		$ 44,341$ 434,807$ 448,486

VI. THE CHILDREN’S HOME
					
					
INCOME
Contributions				Denominational Support			Endowment Interest			
Other Interest/Investments			
Family Support				Special Events				Grants				Public Funds				
RMM Pledged Income			
Other Income				
TOTAL REVENUE		
EXPENSES
Basic Residential Care
Allowances & Incentives			
Clothing				Hair Care and Grooming			Gifts for Children			
Food & Dining				
Education				Spiritual Life				Local Church Support			
Medical & Psychological			Transportation				Supplies				
Activities & Recreation			
Summer Trip				
Staff Costs
Salaries (13FT, 4PT)			
Payroll Taxes			
Benefits		
Health, Life & Disability Ins.			
		Retirement					
Housing			Direct Care Staff Training			Administrative Staff Training			Staff Recruitment			
Staff Incentives				
Postage				Permits and Fees			
Building & Campus Maintenance			
Utilities				
Telephone				
Office Supplies				Travel				Furniture & Equipment			

Proposed		Proposed
2008		 2009
$ 776,133 $ 636,522
80,000		 100,000
200,000		 262,000
22,000		 19,000
600		
5,000
15,000		 15,000
80,000		 80,000
186,200		 15,000
25,88037,500		 155,000$1,423,313$1,287,522$

5,000		$6,000		800		5,000		27,000		
10,000		
8,000		4,000		15,000		
30,000		
8,000		9,000		
0		

5,000
6,000
800
5,000
27,00014,5009,500
4,500
16,00020,000
7,000
9,000
0

$ 373,044		$ 351,898
38,349		 28,297
85,000		 87,115
16,528		 13,245
0		
07,000		 7,000
1,000		 1,000
2,000		 2,000
500		
500
400		
400
1,200		60032,000		 30,000
107,500		 100,000
15,000		 13,500
6,000		 2,000
1,000		 1,000
3,000		 3,000

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2008

					
					

Proposed		Proposed
2008		 2009

Computer Maintenance and Costs			
Campus Insurance			
Basic Residential Aftercare			
Basic Residential Family Services			Transfers to Children’s Fund			
Sub-Total Basic Residential Care			

7,500		 4,800
36,000		 33,541
5,000		 5,000
700		
0
0		
0
886,521		$809,196

Family/Outreach Services
Staff Costs
Salaries (1FT 4PT)			
Payroll Taxes			
Benefits		
Health, Life & Disability					Retirement			
Staff Incentives				Campus Insurance			
Building & Campus Maintenance			
Utilities for Office			
Office Expense				Permits and Fees			Computer Expense			
Telephone				Professional Development			
Contract Therapy			
In Home (20 families)			
Aftercare (8 families)			
Single Parent Services (4 families)			
Utilities				
Maintenance			
Spiritual Life			
Program Sharing/Consultation			
Parent Education			Consultation to Staff			
Sub-Total Family/Outreach Services			Fund Raising & Donor Support
Public Relations			Travel				
Fall Festival				Cards				Office Supplies				
Postage				Donor Support				Staff Costs
Salaries (1FT 1PT)			
Payroll Taxes			
Benefits		
Health, Life & Disability					Retirement			
Training & Professional Organizations			
Consultation				Feasibility Survey			
Sub-Total Fund Raising & Donor			
General & Administrative
Postage				$$44,074		$ 56,444
4,531		 4,410

8,050		 6,098
1,865		 1,1690		
011,000		 10,320
6,500
9,000
3,000		 2,000
350
2,000
3,900
400		
400
14,8601,500		 1,500
760		
760
500		 32,000
20,000
7,500
800
0		
0
200		
200
0
0
$ 140,790$117,001$

28,000		$ 20,000
3,500		 2,000
3,800		 3,500
200		
200
2,000		 2,000
28,000		 8,000
18,000		 3,000
58,000		 54,333
5,965		 4,348

1,000		 5,244
2,900		 3,057
500		
500
1,000		 1,00000$ 152,865$107,182
$

700

$

400

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Building & Campus Maintenance			
Utilities				
Telephone				Board of Trustees
Meeting Expense			
Materials and Postage			Rep. to GA/Presbytery Liaison			
Auditor Fees				Legal & Consultant Fees			Architect Fees				Computer Maintenance & Costs			
Permits & Fees				
Office Supplies/Equipment Lease			
Furniture & Equipment			
Property Taxes				Printing				Insurance				Staff Costs
Salaries (2FT 4PT)			
Payroll Taxes			
Benefits		
Health, Life & Disability					Retirement					
Housing			Spiritual Life				Training & Professional Organizations			
Staff Recruitment			
Staff Incentives				Travel (Executive Director)			
Contingency Fund			
Sub-Total General and Administrative			
TOTAL EXPENSES
		207

Proposed		Proposed
2008		 2009
4,000		10,000		
3,000		

6,000
9,000
3,000

7,000		700		600		8,000		1,200		0		10,000		
1,800		5,000		1,000		500		500		8,000		

5,000
500
0
8,000
1,000
0
8,000
1,800
5,000
1,000
4,200
500
7,740

147,000		152,203
15,112		 12,286
20,000		 19,224
7,300		 4,290
0		
0
500		
500
1,200		
500
175		
0
250		
0
9,600		 4,0000		
0$ 263,137$254,143$1,423,313 $1,287,522

VII. COMMISSION ON THE MINISTRY
					
					
INCOME
Our United Outreach			Fees - Ministers’ Conference			Donations				Interest				Endowment Earnings			
COM Chair Conference			
Reserves				Japan ILP				
Ordination Study (Grant)			
TOTAL INCOME			EXPENSEAwards to Ministers			
Books and Journals			
Central Accounting Charges			Commission Expense			
Pastoral Encouragement			

Revised		Proposed
2008		 2009
$ 106,954 $ 106,954
7,000		 10,000
5,000		 5,000
3,500		 4,061
3,500		 4,061
3,000		 3,000
3,377		 6,804
15,00000$ 147,331		$139,880$

3,000 $
200		3,400		7,500		
$ 2,100		$

3,000
200
3,355
7,755
2,100

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2008

Proposed		Proposed
2008		2009

Insurance (HIP)				
7,080		 7,080
Insurance (Other)			
3,000		 3,000
Computer Services			
1,250		 1,250
Ministers’ Conference			
10,000		 10,000
Office Equipment and Maintenance			
1,500		 1,500
Office Supplies				
1,000		 1,000
Salary/Housing				60,728		 62,045
Administrative Assistant			
10,340		 10,700
Retirement				
2,850		 2,950
Travel				
5,170		 5,345
Rent				2,688		3,000Telephone				1,650		1,650Printing and Reproduction			
1,450		1,500Postage				1,600		1,600Workshops/Seminars			
500		
500
Seminary Student Nurture			
700		
700
Memberships				
100		
100
Ordination Study (Grant)			
0		
0
COM Continuing Education			
500		
500
FICA				525		550Miscellaneous				
500		
500
GA 2008 (Japan)			
15,000Clergy Retreat							 5,000
Presby. Chair of Committees on Ministry Meeting			
3,000		3,000TOTAL EXPENSE			$147,331$ 139,880

VIII. THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN PUBLICATION BOARD
					
					
INCOME
Our United Outreach			C. P. Subscriptions/Group			
C. P. Subscriptions/Individual			Endowment Earnings			
Advertising				Interest				Miscellaneous				
TOTAL INCOME

Revised		Revised
2008		2009
$ 96,332		$----56,500		 56,500
24,000		 24,000
3,200		
3,200
500		
500
3,000		3,500_______		 _______$-----		$-----

EXPENSES
Personnel
Salaries/extra help			
Retirement/FICA			
Health Insurance			
Office Expense			Equipment Purchase/Maintenance			Computer Services			
CAD Bookkeeping			
Memberships			
Board Expense			
Travel				
General Assembly Expense			Writer’s Conference			
Property & Casualty Insurance			$ 76,550		$ 81,106
9,010		 9,580
7,474
8,595
9,200		 9,200
8,000		 28,500
1,000		 1,000
3,500		 3,500
3,000		 3,000
3,000		 3,000
5,000		 6,000
15,000		 5,000
2,000		 7,000
2,000		 2,000

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Revised		Revised
2008		 2009

Rent				Printing 				Second Class Postage/Mailing			Church Paper Month			Continuing Education			
Miscellaneous			
TOTAL EXPENSE
		

4,000
4,000
$ 46,000 $ 46,000
13,500		 13,500
3,000
3,000
5,000		 5,000
1,000		 1,000$217,234 $ 239,981

IX. HISTORICAL FOUNDATION
A. BASIC SERVICES
					
					
INCOME
Our United Outreach			Endowments1				
Interest				
TOTAL INCOME
		
EXPENSE
Board Meetings				Liability Insurance			G A Representative			
Sub-Total		
OfficeAuditing				Rent				Supplies Postage			Telephone				Insurance				
Sub-Total		
Personnel
Salaries				
Salary Increments			
FICA {7.65%}				
Health Insurance			Retirement {10% & 5%}			
Sub-Total			
Historical Library & Archives
Equipment & Supplies			
Publications				
Records				Rent 				Sub-Total			Birthplace Shrine
Travel & Maintenance			Interpretation & Publicity 			
Sub-Total			
TOTAL EXPENSE

Proposed		Proposed
2008		 2009
$ 88,651 $ 88,651
39,329		 39,329
25		
25$ 128,005 $ 128,005
$
$
$

$
$

$
$

5,175 $
1,150		566		6,891 $

5,377
1,237
588
7,202

776 $
1,200		1,972		1,190		3,753		8,891 $

807
1,200
2,052
1,237
4,034
9,330

70,492 $ 72,959
2,467		 2,845
5,281		 5,281
7,474		 8,595
6,577		 6,834
92,291 $ 96,514$

3,209 $
3,334
2,939		 3,054
2,862		 2,862
19,44019,44028,450 $ 28,690

$

$

2,406
2,406
$ 4,812$ 141,335

2,406
2,406
$
4,812
$ 146,548

Basic Services Deficit			$ - 13,330 $ - 18,543_________________
1
Unrestricted Endowment Income plus restricted income for publications, records, and Birthplace
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B. GROWTH SERVICES

2008

Proposed		Proposed
2008		 2009

INCOME
Endowment Contributions			
Gifts — Denomination Day			
Gifts — Equipment Fund			Gifts — General & 1810			
TOTAL INCOME
		$ 10,800 $ 10,800
6,000		 6,000
1,500		 1,500$ 17,780 $ 22,993$ 36,080 $ 41,293

EXPENSE
Services
Books — Archives			Binding — Archives			
Denomination Day Materials			
Denomination Day Projects			
Heritage Committees			Photocopying — Archives			Photography — Archives			
Postage/Shipping — Archives			Travel — Archival			
Sub-Total			Equipment
EquipmentEquipment — Archives			
Sub-Total			Endowments
Transfer to Endowments			
Sub-Total			$ 10,800$ 10,800$ 10,800$ 10,800

Growth Services Surplus			$$

RECONCILIATION
Basic Services Income			Growth Services Income							$ 128,005 $ 128,005
36,080		 41,293$ 164,085 $ 169,298

Basic Services Expense			Growth Services Expense							Variance				141,335		 146,548
22,750		 22,750$ 164,085 $ 169,298
0		
0

$

300 $
300
600		
600
2,000		 2,000
4,000		 4,000
1,000		 1,000
650		
650
150		
150
750		
750
$ 1,000 $ 1,000$ 10,450 $ 10,450
$
$

1,500
1,500

13,330

$
$

1,500
1,500

18,543

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X. MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
					
					
REVENUE
Student Tuition Fees			
Gifts and Grants			
Endowment Interest			
Other Revenues				
TOTAL REVENUE$			

Proposed		Estimated2008		 2009
$2,243,000 $ 2,287,860
1,495,998		1,525,918
600,000		 612,000
501,000
511,020$4,839,998 $ 4,936,798

EXPENSES
Business Office				Dean				Chapel				
Educational Development Committee			
Associate Dean				Advancement				Doctor of Ministry			
Facilities				
Faculty				Financial Aide				Information Technology			Library				President				Admissions & Student Services			
Registrar & Institutional Research			Public Relations			
Student Housing			Certificate & Continuing Education			Student Government			
Return Beat				Scholarships				Program of Alternate Studies			Special Projects				
TOTAL EXPENSES			
Excess (Deficit) of Revenue Over Expenses			
Debt Retirement			

$ 289,391		$ 295,179
227,929		 232,488
26,585		
27,117
18,200		
18,56480,238		
81,843313,389		 319,657
45,700		
46,614805,911		 822,029
931,090		 949,712
68,211		
69,575
209,023		 213,203
374,055		 381,536
295,244		 301,149
185,893		 189,611
110,516		 112,726
128,867		 131,444
208,900		 213,078
31,525		
32,1566,500		6,63086,731		
88,466200,000		 204,000
138,145		 140,908
0
0$4,782,134		$4,877,685
57,864		
0
50,000211

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The
Proceedingsof theONE HUNDRED SEVENTY-EIGHTH
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
of theCUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
session held inJAPAN PRESBYTERY
June 7 - 12, 2008
Within the bounds of Japan Presbytery, and in the facilities of the Koza Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, the Tama Parthenon Center, and the Asao Public Hall, there the seventh dayof June in the year of our Lord, Two Thousand Eight, at the hour of one o’clock in the afternoon,
Minister and Elder Commissioners and Youth Advisory Delegates from the various presbyteries,
and visitors assembled to meet.

FIRST DAY – SATURDAY – JUNE 7, 2008
OPENING WORSHIPAt the Koza Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Japan Presbytery, the one hundred seventyeighth General Assembly, the Convention of Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry, Japan
Presbytery, and visitors shared in worship. The theme for the General Assembly was “Many
Branches, One Tree.” The assembly worship director was the Reverend Makihiko Arase. Mr.
Takayoshi Shirai, Japan Presbytery, served as liturgist assisted by music director Mr. Takashi Mogi,
Japan Presbytery. Ms. Sachiko Kosaka, Japan Presbytery, was organist and Ms. Miho Sesoko,
Japan Presbytery, was the pianist. The “Praise by the Drum” was offered by Japanese drummer, Mr.
Tatsuyuki Yanagawa. An anthem, “Days of Elijah,” was presented by Bethel College’s Renaissance,
under the direction of Mr. Peter Jeffery. Ms. Gaye Wood, Arkansas Presbytery, read John 15: 1-10
in English and Mr. Noriko Kobayashi, Japan Presbytery, read John 15: 11-17 in Japanese. A
combined choir from Japan Presbytery presented the anthem “Great is Thy Faithfulness” under the
direction of Mr. Takashi Mogi. The retiring Moderator, the Reverend Frank Ward, West Tennessee
Presbytery, delivered the sermon entitled, “Joined to Jesus: No Longer Servants.” The Reverend
Iwao Satoh, Japan Presbytery, served as Japanese translator.
In preparation for the service of Holy Communion, worshipers prayed the Lord’s Prayer,
each in their own native language. From Japan Presbytery, the Reverend Takashi Hamazaki and
the Reverend Makihiko Arase presided as Communion celebrants. The following ministers andelders were Communion servers:
Ministers: Luz Maria Montoya, Amos Yuen, Lowell Roddy, Frank Ward, Keishi Ishitsuka,
Keitaro Ohi, Takashi Hamazaki, and Makihiko Arase.
Elders: Jairo Lopez, Ellis Ng, Ethel Benedict, Takayoshi Shirai, Glenn Watts, Sachiko
Suzuki, Kobun Kawamura, and Eiko Imai.

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A responsive charge and benediction was led by the Reverend Frank Ward.

THE ASSEMBLY IS CONSTITUTEDThe Moderator, the Reverend Frank Ward, called the assembly to order. The Reverend
Eduardo Montoya, North Central Presbytery, prayed the constituting prayer. The Reverend Denny
Shepherd, Murfreesboro Presbytery, chairperson of the Credentials Committee, presented the reportof the Credentials Committee certifying the list of commissioners. The report was concurred in,marked “Appendix A” and filed. A quorum was present with forty-one (41) ministers and fortyone (41) elders, making a total of eighty-two (82) commissioners present at 1:00 p.m. There werealso sixteen (16) youth advisory delegates present. Twenty-two of the twenty-three presbyteries
were represented.

A MODERATOR IS ELECTED
Moderator Frank Ward expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the church for allowing
him to serve as Moderator of the one hundred seventy-seventh General Assembly.
Moderator Ward declared the floor open for nominations for the office of Moderator of the
one hundred seventy-eighth General Assembly. The following nomination, previously endorsedby his presbytery, was presented: the Reverend Ronnie Pittenger, Nashville Presbytery, nominatedthe Reverend Jonathan Clark, Murfreesboro Presbytery.
There being no further nominations, the nominations were closed. The Reverend Jeff
Clark, Murfreesboro Presbytery, gave the nominating speech for the Reverend Jonathan Clark.
The nominee was given an opportunity to address the assembly. The Reverend Jonathan Clark waselected Moderator by acclamation. Retiring Moderator, Frank Ward, presented the gavel and theModerator’s cross to the newly elected Moderator.

PRESENTATIONS
Moderator Jonathan Clark expressed his gratitude to the assembly, to the Reverend Jeff
Clark, and to members and friends of Murfreesboro Presbytery for their support and asked fortheir continued prayers. Moderator Clark then presented his wife, Mrs. Barbara Clark, and his
stepmother, Mrs. Pat Clark. The Reverend Charles McCaskey, Murfreesboro Presbytery, led inprayer.

PARLIAMENTARIAN APPOINTED
Moderator Jonathan Clark appointed the Reverend Jay Earheart-Brown, Nashville
Presbytery, as parliamentarian.

VICE-MODERATOR ELECTED
The floor was opened for nominations for Vice-Moderator. The Reverend Eduardo Montoya,
North Central Presbytery, nominated the Reverend Carroll Richards, North Central Presbytery.
Nominations were closed and the Reverend Carroll Richards was elected Vice-Moderator byacclamation.

PRESENTATIONThe Stated Clerk pro tem, Thomas Craig, presented the retiring Moderator, Frank Ward,a gavel representing the one used in the one hundred seventy-seventh General Assembly, and a
replica of the Moderator’s cross.
The retiring Moderator, Frank Ward, announced the absence of the Stated Clerk, Robert

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Rush, due to illness of his wife, Mrs. Olene Rush. Reverend Ward asked the assembly to remember
Reverend and Mrs. Rush in prayer.

WELCOME AND GREETINGSThe Pastor Host, the Reverend Makihiko Arase, Japan Presbytery, welcomed the assembly
to Japan. Reverend Arase expressed his sincerest gratitude to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
for selecting Japan Presbytery as the first location for a General Assembly meeting outside thecontinental United States.
The Reverend Arase introduced the Reverend Nobuharu Suzuki, General Assembly
Secretary, United Church of Christ in Japan. Reverend Suzuki brought greetings from his church
and addressed the assembly briefly.
The Reverend Arase introduced the Reverend Kunio Itakura, Synod Moderator of the
Presbyterian Church in Japan. Reverend Itakura welcomed the assembly and shared informationon the Presbyterian Church in Japan with the assembly.
The Reverend Charles McCaskey, Representative of the Commission on Chaplains,introduced LT Michael Cheney (USN), Presbyterian Council on Chaplains and Military Personnel,
and CAPT Jack Lea, Commander of Naval Forces in Japan. Lt. Cheney brought greetings from
Chaplains Ed Brogan and Tom Chapman of the Council on Chaplains and Military Personnel. Lt.
Cheney shared his work as a Navy Chaplain with the assembly. Capt. Lea addressed the assemblyand expressed his deepest appreciation to the people of Japan for their sincere friendship with theAmerican people. Capt. Lea asked the assembly to take note of the significance of the Cumberland
Presbyterian General Assembly meeting in Japan, especially its residual results with the people ofJapan.
The Moderator, Jonathan Clark, introduced Ms. Joy Wallace, Faith Cumberland Presbyterian
Church in America, Dallas, Texas, who brought greetings on behalf of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church in America.

ASSEMBLY BUSINESSThe Stated Clerk pro tem, Doctor Thomas Craig, presented the communications. The
following resignations were accepted: the Reverend Michael Wilkinson, Ministry Council; theReverend W. Jean Richardson, Memphis Theological Seminary Board of Trustees; the Reverend
Kevin Henson, Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home Board of Trustees; and Ms. Jane
Jennings, Cumberland Presbyterian Church Board of Directors.
Stated Clerk pro tem, Doctor Thomas Craig, announced corrections to the Preliminary
Minutes.
General Regulations F.3 and F.4 were set aside by unanimous vote to receive Report
Number Two of the Stated Clerk and Report Number Two of the Center Task Force, both of whichwere referred to the Program Planning Committee.
General Regulation A.13 was set aside by unanimous vote to require resolutions to bepresented by the end of the opening business session.

STATED CLERK ELECTED
Report Number One of the Nominating Committee was considered placing Stated Clerk,
the Reverend Robert D. Rush, in nomination for a four year term as Stated Clerk. Moderator
Jonathan Clark opened the floor for additional nominations. Nominations were closed and theReverend Robert Rush was elected Stated Clerk by acclamation.

BOARD AND AGENCY REPRESENTATIVESThe Stated Clerk pro tem, Doctor Thomas Craig, introduced the following board and2008

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agency representatives:
		
Christian Education					Commission on Chaplains				Commission on Ministry				
The Cumberland Presbyterian		Children’s Home					
Historical Foundation					
Judiciary						Memphis Theological Seminary		
Ministry Council					
Missions						
Stewardship						Theology and Social Concerns

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Tom Martin
Charles McCaskey
Tommy Thompson
Joseph Malloy, Jr.
Pat Huff
Tommy Jobe
Harry Chapman
Marianna Williams
Sam Romines
Gaye Wood
Janie Stamps
Jay Earheart-Brown

REFERRALS TO COMMITTEES
Referrals to the Committee on Christian Education and Stewardship
Page Report
53 The Report of the Board of Christian Education		
Except Section VI. Recommendation 1 which is referred to the Committee on		Judiciary
69 The Report of the United Board for Christian Discipleship
108 The Report of the Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits
Referrals to the Committee on Children’s Home and Bethel College
Page Report
128 The Report of the Board of Trustees of the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home		
Except Secion IV. Recommendation 1 which is referred to the Committee on Program		
Planning
179 The Report of the Board of Trustees of Bethel College
Referrals to the Committee on Judiciary
Page Report
28 The Report of the Moderator, Section IV.
29
Section VI. referred jointly to the Committee on Program Planning with Program
Planning to Report
32 The Report of the Stated Clerk, Sections III. and VI.
42 The Report of the Ministry Council, Sections III., VIII., and IX.
67 The Report of the Board of Christian Education, Section VI.
148 The Report of the Cumberland Presbyterian Publication Board, Section V.
165 The Report of the Commission on the Ministry, Section IV.
167 The Report of the Permanent Judiciary Committee
168 The Report of the Joint Committee on Amendments
Referrals to the Committee on Memphis Theological Seminary and the HistoricalFoundation
Page Report
132 The Report of the Board of Trustees of Memphis Theological Seminary
150 The Report of the Board of the Historical Foundation
Referrals to the Committee on Missions, Ministry and Military Chaplains
Page Report
78 The Report of the Board of Missions

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Except Section IV. D. which is referred to the Committee on Program Planning
159 The Report of the Commission on Chaplains and Military Personnel
162 The Report of the Commission on the Ministry		
Except Section IV. which is referred to the Committee on Judiciary
191 The Memorial from Red River Presbytery
Referrals to the Committee on Program Planning
Page
27
		
29
		
30
		
		
		
41
		
74
96
131
		
146
		
175
189
191
192
		
		

Report
The Report of the Moderator
Except Section IV. which is referred to the Committee on Judiciary
Section VI. which is referred jointly to the Committee on Judiciary with Program
Planning to report
The Report of the Stated Clerk
Except Section II. B. which is referred to the Committee on Theology and Social
Concerns
Except Section III. and Section VI. which are referred to the Committee on Judiciary
The Report of the Ministry Council
Except Sections III., VIII., and IX. which are referred to the Committee on Judiciary
The Report Number Two of the Board of Christian Education
The Report of the Board of Missions, Section IV. D.
The Report of the Board of Trustees of the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home,
Section IV.,
Recommendation 1
The Report of the Cumberland Presbyterian Publication Board
Except Section V. which is referred to the Committee on Judiciary
The Report of the Place of Meeting Committee
The Report of the General Assembly Center Task ForceThe Memorial from Presbytery del Cristo
The Proposed Budgets
The Report Two of the Stated Clerk
The Report Two of the General Assembly Center Task Force

Page
31
177
181

Referrals to the Committee on Theology and Social Concerns
Report
The Report of the Stated Clerk, Section II.B
The Report of the Unified Committee on Theology and Social Concerns
The Report of the Catechism Committee

PRESENTATIONThe Moderator, Jonathan Clark, introduced Ms. Pat Huff, Representative of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Children’s Home Board of Trustees. Ms. Huff presented the Reverend Kevin Henson,
the new executive director of the Children’s Home, who addressed the assembly briefly.

RECESS DECLAREDThe General Assembly recessed until 9:00 a. m. Tuesday morning for Sunday worship andcommittee work. The Moderator Jonathan Clark led in prayer.

EVENING PROGRAM
The General Assembly and visitors participated in a reception at the Koza Cumberland

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Presbyterian Church. Local craft items from the women of the church were on display and sale.
The Koza church held a youth welcome party for all the youth.

SECOND DAY – SUNDAY – JUNE 8, 2008
SUNDAY WORSHIPAll general assembly attendees were invited to worship in the local churches of Japan
Presbytery. Guides from the thirteen area churches led worshipers to their respective congregations.
After worship, lunch and fellowship time were provided. The churches hosting visitors and their
pastors were:
			
			
			
			
			
			
			
			
			
			
			
			
			

Asahi Mission Point, Reverend Atsushi Suzuki
Denen Church, Clerk Nozuma Haga
Ebina Shion-no-oka Church, Reverend Yukio Tamai
Higashi-koganei Church, Reverend Shigeru Katsuki
Ichikawa Grace Mission Point, Reverend Yasuo Masuda
Izumi Church, Reverend Kenji Ushioda
Kibo-ga-oka Church, Reverend Ryuzo Matsuya
Koza Church, Reverend Masahiro Matsumota and Reverend Keitaro Ooi
Kunitachi-nozomi Church, Reverend Kenta Karasawa
Megumi Church, Reverend Makihiko Arase
Naruse Church, Reverend Yoshimasa Niwa
Sagamino Church, Reverend Iwao Sato, Licentiate, Takehiko Miyai
Shibusawa Church, Reverend Takashi Hamazaki

COMMITTEE WORKThe afternoon and evening was devoted to committee work. There were forty-three (43)
ministers, forty-one (41) elders, and thirteen (13) youth advisory delegates present.

THIRD DAY – MONDAY – JUNE 9, 2008
The entire day was devoted to committee work. Devotionals were conducted in eachcommittee. There were forty-four (44) ministers, forty-one (41) elders, and fifteen (15) youth
advisory delegates present.

THE EVENING PROGRAM
At the Tama Parthenon Center the General Assembly, the Convention of Cumberland
Presbyterian Women’s Ministry, and visitors shared in worship. Gathering music was presented by
Renaissance under the direction of Mr. Peter Jeffery. The Reverend Iwao Satoh, Japan Presbytery,
and the Reverend Grace Yu, Hong Kong Presbytery, served as liturgists. Mr. Takashi Mogi, Japan
Presbytery, led the singing assisted by Ms. Shinobu Satoh, Japan Presbytery, pianist. The specialmusic, “Sing a Song of Joy,” was presented by Ms. Hitomi Segi, Japan Presbytery, with Ms. Tsuruko
Satoh, Japan Presbytery, accompanying on the piano. The Reverend Milton Ortiz, Presbytery of
East Tennessee, read John 15: 1-10 in Spanish and Ms. Eliza Chui, Hong Kong Presbytery, readJohn 15: 11-17 in Cantonese. Elder Raymond Wong, Tao Hsien Church, Hong Kong Presbytery,delivered the sermon based on the General Assembly theme, “Many Branches, One Tree.”
The Moderator, the Reverend Jonathan Clark, read the Memorial Roll of Ministers who died in2007 and a moment of silence was observed for the following:

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Reverend Fred Canada, Grace Presbytery
Reverend Crawford Conway, Tennessee-Georgia Presbytery
Reverend Billy Copeland, Hope Presbytery
Reverend Larry Dailey, Missouri Presbytery
Reverend Charles R. Hall, West Tennessee Presbytery
Reverend Joe Ben Irby, West Tennessee Presbytery
Reverend Bobby Kimbrell, Cullman Presbytery
Reverend Gerado Munoz, Cauca Valley Presbytery
Reverend Robert Parsons, West Tennessee Presbytery
Reverend Troy Phillips, Grace Presbytery
Reverend C. S. Prince, Grace Presbytery
Reverend Jake Russell, Cumberland Presbytery
Reverend A. D. Salisbury, Murfreesboro Presbytery
Reverend Max Sumrall, Grace Presbytery
Reverend Thomas Tut Tuor, Nashville Presbytery
Reverend Juan Yepez, Cauca Valley Presbytery

The Reverend Grace Yu, Hong Kong Presbytery, pronounced the benediction.

FOURTH DAY – TUESDAY – JUNE 10, 2008
The General Assembly and visitors began their day with worship. Mr. Glenn Watts, Japan
Presbytery, presided in worship and led the singing of praise songs. Mr. Yusuke Watanabe, Japan
Presbytery, provided the accompaniment on the guitar. Youth Advisory Delegate, Marisa Knight,
Trinity Presbytery, read1Peter 2:9-10 and John 15:16 and gave the morning devotional “Chosen,
Not by Choice.” Ms. Hanna Matsumoto, Japan Presbytery, translated. Mr. Watts prayed thebenediction.

ASSEMBLY RECONVENES
Moderator Jonathan Clark called the assembly to order at 10:00 a.m. with a quorum presentof forty-four (44) ministers and forty (40) elders enrolled. There were fourteen (14) youth advisorydelegates present.

ASSEMBLY BUSINESS
Report Number Two of the Credentials Committee was read, concurred in, marked“Appendix B” and filed.
Report Number Two of the Nominating Committee was considered. The floor was opened
for additional nominations to the various board and agency positions. The report was tabled.
The Report of the Committee on Children’s Home/Bethel College was read, concurred in,its recommendations adopted, marked “Appendix C” and filed. The Reverend Virginia Espinosa,
Choctaw Presbytery, led the assembly in prayer.
The Report of the Committee on Judiciary was read and divided to consider Section
VI separately. Sections I-V were considered. Recommendation 4 was amended by inserting“the Commission on Chaplains to report through the Stated Clerk’s office.” Sections I-V wereconcurred in and the recommendations adopted, as amended, by the necessary 2/3 vote. Section
VI was considered, concurred in, its recommendations adopted by an affirmative vote of 76 out ofa possible 84, marked “Appendix D” and filed.
The Report of the Committee on Christian Education/Stewardship was read. The Reverend
Frank Ward, Executive Director of the Board of Christian Education, announced the employmentof Ms. Susan Groce as Coordinator of Ministries with Youth and Young Adults. The report was2008

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concurred in, its recommendations adopted, marked “Appendix E” and filed.
The Report of the Committee on Theology and Social Concerns was read, concurred in, its
recommendations adopted, marked “Appendix F” and filed.
The Report of the Committee on Memphis Theological Seminary/Historical Foundation
was read, concurred in, its recommendations adopted, marked “Appendix G” and filed.
The Moderator, Jonathan Clark, read the opinion of the Parliamentarian that to allow acertain nomination to the Ministry Council would require the setting aside of General Regulation
G.1.d.

RECESS DECLARED
The Moderator, Jonathan Clark, declared a recess for lunch. Moderator Clark led theassembly in prayer. The assembly reconvened at 1:15 p.m. The Reverend Lon Broyles, Cullman
Presbytery, led the assembly in prayer.

ASSEMBLY BUSINESSThe Report of the Committee on Program Planning was read. Recommendation 3 wasamended to add “and report to the General Assembly of that year.” The report was concurred in,its recommendations adopted as amended by the necessary 2/3 vote, marked “Appendix H” andfiled.

SPECIAL INTRODUCTIONSThe Moderator, Jonathan Clark, introduced the Reverend Byung-Jae Cho, the Reverend
Bo-Sung Park, and the Reverend Keun-Taek Lim, pastors of Cumberland Presbyterian churches
in Seoul, South Korea. The pastors were in attendance to observe the General Assembly and meetthe commissioners from Tennessee-Georgia Presbytery.

RECESS DECLARED
The Moderator, Jonathan Clark, declared a fifteen minute recess. The assembly reconvenedat the proper time.

ASSEMBLY BUSINESS
Report Number Two of the Nominating Committee was removed from the table. Ms. Sylvia
Hall, Red Bank Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Tennessee-Georgia Presbytery, was nominatedfor a three year term to the Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits. Nominations wereclosed and the slate of nominees was elected.
Report Number One of the Committee on Missions/Ministry/Chaplains was read, concurredin, its recommendations adopted, marked “Appendix I” and filed.
Report Number Two of the Committee on Missions/Ministry/Chaplains was read, concurredin, its recommendations adopted, marked “Appendix J” and filed.
The following statement for the Biblical and Confessional basis for the five year emphasis
on evangelism was adopted:
That the 178th General Assembly in reaffirming its commitment to the five year emphasis
on evangelism as an expression of such as the Great Commission, Matthew 28:18-20 and theConfession of Faith of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in such article(s) as 1.05 “Godinspirited persons of the covenant community to write the scriptures. In and through the scriptures
God speaks about creation, sin, judgement, salvation, the church and the growth of believers. The
scriptures are the Infallible Rule of Faith and practice, the authoritative guide for Christian living,”
and 4.08 “saving faith is response to God, prompted by the Holy Spirit, where in persons rely solely

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upon God’s grace in Jesus Christ for salvation. Such Faith includes trust in the truthfullmness ofGod’s promises in the scripture, sorrow for sin, determination to serve God and neighbor.”

RESOLUTION OF THANKSThe Reverend Mindy Acton, Grace Presbytery, presented a resolution of thanks for those involvedin preparing for and conducting the 178th General Assembly. The resolution was adopted and is printed
below.
The 178th General Assembly wishes to give thanks to God our Father for His Son Jesus Christ andfor the unspeakable gift that has been given us through the shed blood of His Perfect Sacrifice from which
we celebrate our salvation in works of grace and good deeds. We give thanks for the communal body called
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the work that has allowed us to worship and work together in thishistoric manner in Tokyo, Japan.
This body of the 178th General Assembly gives thanks to Japan Presbytery for their hard work,
gracious hospitality, and enduring desire for excellence. We are grateful for the tireless efforts of the General
Assembly Preparation Committee working from 2003 until 2007 under the leadership of Chairperson
Hiroyoshi Igaki; and to the General Assembly Host Committee that worked uner the leadership of Worship
Director Reverend Makihiko (Mack) Arase and Music Director Takashi Mogi. We are grateful for all those
who made the worship services so memorable. We give thanks for Mr. Peter Jeffrey and “Renaissance”
for the ministry they have to the Body of Christ and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. We thank all
the churches of the Japan Presbytery that welcomed us with open arms into their worship services during
this week. We are grateful to all who made those services happen, the welcome that was received at eachchurch, the gifts given, and the meals which were prepared.
We praise God for Reverend Jonathan Clark, our current moderator, who has been a welcome
help in various meetings and events. The Assembly prays God’s wisdom, grace and power on him as hecontinues to represent our church. The body gives thanks to Reverend Frank Ward for his tireless efforts inleading our previous General Assembly and this past year of devoted work for the church.
We thank the staff of the General Assembly Office: Reverend Robert D. Rush, Stated Clerk inabsentia; Doctor Tommy Craig, Stated Clerk pro tem; and Mrs. Elizaabeth Vaughn, Assistant to the StatedClerk. Our prayers are with Reverend and Mrs. Rush during this difficult time for them. The body isgrateful to Reverend Charles McCaskey for his exhaustive help to make the General Assembly run sosmoothly.
We also give thanks for each commissioner and youth delegate who came so far to do the workof the Church during this week. Our prayers are that the wisdom of God for our Church at this time wasachieved in each decision that was made. May God be glorified in each of us, His children, and in us, His
body.

ASSEMBLY BUSINESSThe printed minutes were reviewed and the minutes of the business session were read. The minutes
as a whole were approved as corrected.

RECESS DECLARED
The Moderator, Jonathan Clark, declared a recess until 10:30 a.m. Thursday morning for the
Celebration from Japan Presbytery. Moderator Clark led the assembly in prayer.

FIFTH DAY – WEDNESDAY – JUNE 11, 2008
An optional day of sight seeing in the Tokyo area was available to commissioners, youth advisorydelegates, and visitors. Buses left from both the Keio Plaza Tama Hotel and Hotel Molino for the all day
tour. The first stop was at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observatory. From the 45th floor, a view of
the crowded city was seen through the fog and haze. Second on the tour was a visit to the Imperial Palace
East Garden to enjoy the many flowers, especially a large array of Iris.
Lunch at local restaurants was a delightful experience offering the opportunity to enjoy a wide
variety of Japanese delicacies. The fourth place on the itinerary was a visit to the Asakusa Kannon Temple& Nakamise Shopping Arcade. People toured the temple and took advantage of this opportunity to shop.
No General Assembly meetings or worship services were scheduled for the day.

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SIXTH DAY – THURSDAY – JUNE 12, 2008
A DAY OF CELEBRATION & WORSHIPAt the Tama Parthenon Center the General Assembly, the Convention of Cumberland Presbyterian
Women=s Ministry, and visitors shared in a day of celebration and worship presented by Japan Presbytery.
The combined choir of Japan Presbytery, under the direction of Mr. Takashi Mogi, Japan Presbytery,
presented the opening hymn, Handel’s “Tochter Zion.” Ms. Teruko Yuasa, Japan Presbytery, served asorganist and Ms. Mitsuyo Yamamota, Japan Presbytery, served as pianist. Ms. Keiko Nagaya, Japan
Presbytery, presided in worship and served as liturgist. The sermon, based on Ezeikel 47: 1-12, “The
Living Water of the Heavenly Throne that Saves All Nations,” was delivered by the Reverend Sarah Lee,pastor of the Laos Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Tennessee-Georgia Presbytery. English translation
was provided by a power point presentation. An offering in excess of $5,000.00 (US) was collected for
the Cumberland Presbyterian ministries in Southeast Asia, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Colombia, SouthAmerica. Japan Presbytery ministries to benefit from the offering were Izumi Church, Ichikawa Grace
Mission Point, Asahi Mission Point, Mata-de Sao Joao (Brazil), Licentiate Rieko Kinoshita, and Missionary
Midori Yanagisawa.
The remainder of the worship program included a mini-concert from Bethel College’s Renaissanceunder the direction of Mr. Peter Jeffery. Ms. Michelle Gillis, Seoul, South Korea, brought the second
message describing God’s work in South Korea. The Reverend Sarah Lee pronounced the benediction.
Japan Presbytery provided lunch for the some 300 guests from other countries. A time of fellowshipand rest was enjoyed.
Ms. Nobuko Seki served as mistress of ceremonies for a concert by the Hosanna Ensemble, agroup who praise God with traditional Japanese instruments. Playing the vertical bamboo flute was Mr.
Atsushi Watanabe. On the stringed First Koto were Ms. Yumiko Kawakami, Ms. Keiko Nishimura, Ms.
Yuko Koike, and Ms. Fumiko Iwabuchi. Playing the Second Koto were Ms. Noriko Taguchi, Ms. Harumi
Tanimoto, Ms. Kimiko Hashimoto, and Ms. Ryouko Shishido. The bass stringed Junana-gen was playedby Ms. Yoshiko Miyata and Ms. Kimiko Saitho.
Members of Japanese traditional performing arts groups presented a second concert. Danda
members Mr. Shingi Ogawa played the piano and Mr. Tatsuyuki Yanagawa performed on the drums. Sanpokai members, Ms. Tsugumi Nakagawa, Mr. Tatsuyki Yanagawa, and Mr. Sho Tomita presented dramaticdemonstrations of Japanese drums. An encore was provided.
Following the concerts a Japanese tea reception was held. Various traditional Japanese instruments
were demonstrated and played. Participation in Origami, Japanese Calligraphy, Flower Arrangements,
Japanese Tea Ceremony, and Kimono dress was also available.

CLOSING WORSHIPAt 7:00 p.m., the one hundred seventy-eighth General Assembly, the Convention of Cumberland
Presbyterian Women’s Ministry, Japan Presbytery, and visitors shared in the closing worship under the
direction of assembly worship directory, the Reverend Makihiko Arase. The Reverend Ryuzo Matsuya,
Japan Presbytery, and Ms. Keiko Yoshizaki, Japan Presbytery, served as liturgists. Mr. Takashi Mogi,
Japan Presbytery, served as music director assisted by Ms. Momoyo Kokuba, Japan Presbytery, as organist.
Renaissance, under the direction of Mr. Peter Jeffery, presented the anthem, “Praise His Holy Name.” The
Reverend Byong Cho, Seoul, South Korea, read Romans 10: 9-15 in Korean. Ms. Lola John, Choctaw
Presbytery, read John 3: 16 in Choctaw. The solo, “Christ’s Love Constrains Me,” was sung in Japaneseby Mr. Takashi Mogi, assisted by Ms. Miho Sesoko, Japan Presbytery, as pianist. The Reverend Masahiro
Matsumoto, Moderator of Japan Presbytery, delivered the sermon “For God So Loved the World.” The
combined choir of Japan Presbytery, under the direction of Mr. Takashi Mogi, sang “The Lord’s Prayer.”
Following necessary announcements, the Moderator Reverend Jonathan Clark declared theassembly adjourned at 8:35 p.m., to meet June 15-19, 2009, in Memphis, Tennessee. The Reverend
Masaharu Asayama, Japan Presbytery, prayed the benediction and closing prayer.

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APPENDICESREPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE(Appendix A)
The Credentials Committee certifies the list of commissioners on pages 4 and 5 of the Preliminary
Minutes with the following change:
On the part of the minister commissioners, the Reverend Robert Tant, Grace Presbytery, will not be
attending.
Enrollment as of 1:00p.m. is certified as forty-one (41) ministers, forty-one (41) elders, and sixteen(16) youth advisory delegates. Representation from 22 of the 23 presbyteries is enrolled.
Respectfully submitted,
Denny Shepherd, Chair
Anna Ruth Long
Heather GlennREPORT NUMBER TWO OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE(Appendix B)
The Credentials Committee makes the following addition to Report Number 1. On the part of theelder commissioners, Elder Humberto Urquiza, Presbytery or East Tennessee, will serve in place of Elder
Terry Bellamy.
Due to travel interruptions the following were enrolled with the clerk’s office on Sunday: theReverend Mindy Acton, Grace Presbytery; the Reverend Sam Romines, Cumberland Presbytery; and Youth
Advisory Delegate, Jeanette White, Cumberland Presbytery.
Total certified enrollment for the 178th General Assembly is forty-three (43) ministers, forty-one(41) elders, and seventeen (17) youth advisory delegates.
Respectfully submitted,
Denny Shepherd, Chair
Anna Ruth Long
Heather GlennREPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON
CHILDREN’S HOME AND BETHEL COLLEGE(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 Except Section IV. Recommendation 1 which is referred to the Committee
on Program Planning and The Report of the Board of Trustees of Bethel College.

II. PERSONS OF COUNSEL

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Appearing before this committee were: Reverend Kevin R. Henson, Executive Director of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home and Ms. Pat Huff, Board Representative of the Board of Trusteesof the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home.

III. THE REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEESOF THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHILDREN’S HOME
Information was shared, both through the written report and the presentation by Reverend Henson,on the global ministry of the Children’s Home. Emphasis was made on the increased efforts to provide casemanagement, family and/or individual therapy, academic tutoring, organized recreation and opportunities todevelop life skills. The innovative single family program was explained in detail as well as the exportable“Parenting with Love and Logic” workshops. The revised sponsorship program was explained to thecommittee. The continued need for “unrestricted dollars” was noted in the report.
RECOMMENDATION 1: That Recommendation 2 of the Report of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Children’s Home, “that the Assembly encourage each congregation to set aside one
Sunday each month to pray for children and families, especially those who are hurting and in need,in their communities and throughout the world,” be adopted.
RECOMMENDATION 2: That at the conclusion of this report, that this assembly pray for
the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s home and the children and families that it serves.

IV. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF BETHEL COLLEGE
Information was shared, through the report, on the mission and purpose of Bethel College. It
is noted in the report that Bethel College has been the fastest growing college in the state of Tennessee.
The major growth arena is the adult education program. Over 100 students are enrolled in the Masters ofBusiness Education (MBA) and the traditional undergraduate program has doubled in size. The Renaissance
performing arts program enrolled 240 students this fall. The “re-engineered” Physician Assistant Program
demonstrated a 100% pass rate on the Physician Assistant exam by May 2007. An aggressive capital
improvement plan will provide a new science building annex. The board, faculty and staff of BethelCollege are to be commended for providing a quality program at a quality institution. No recommendations
were submitted by the board of Bethel College.
Respectfully submitted,
Committee on Children’s Home/Bethel College

REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY(Appendix D)
I. REFERRALS
Referrals to this committee are as follows: The Report of the Moderator Section IV. and Section
VI. referred jointly to the Committee on Program Planning with Program Planning to Report, The Report of
the Stated Clerk, Sections III. and VI., The Report of the Ministry Council Sections III. and VIII. and IX.,The Report of the Board of Christian Education Section VI., The Report of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Publication Board Section V., The Report of the Commission on the Ministry Section IV., The Report of thePermanent Judiciary Committee, and The Report of the Joint Committee on Amendments.

II. PERSONS OF COUNSEL
Appearing before this committee were: Mr. Harry Chapman, representing the Permanent Committee
on Judiciary and Mr. Tommy Craig, representing the Stated Clerk.

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III. CONSIDERATION OF REFERRALS
A. REPORT OF THE MODERATOR
It is believed that had the Bylaws of the General Assembly Corporation been on hand during the177th General Assembly, there would have been much less confusion. Though this was an isolated incident,
one never knows when a situation may arise that they would be needed.
Recommendation 1: That Recommendation 3 of The Report of The Moderator,“that the Stated Clerk be instructed to include a copy of the Bylaws of the GA Corporation in thePreliminary and Permanent Minutes of the General Assembly,” be adopted.
The Committee on Judiciary met with Program Planning regarding Recommendation 5 of theModerator’s Report and concur with their recommendation on this matter.
B. REPORT OF THE STATED CLERK
1. Correction to Minutes of the Called Meeting, December 2007
It is imperative that minutes accurately reflect the actions of General Assembly.
Recommendation 2: That Recommendation 1 of The Report of the Stated Clerk, “thatthe Minutes of the Called Meeting of the General Assembly in December 2007, page 29, be correctedby inserting the above Bylaws adopted in the meeting,” be adopted.
2. Changes in General Regulations
With a new structure in place, there are changes that must be made to the General Regulations tofully encompass the change.
Recommendation 3: That Recommendation 4 of The Report of the Stated Clerk, “thatGeneral Regulation A. 7 Program Committee be changed by adding the Director of Ministry andadding representation from ministry teams, thus making the General Regulation to read:“The Program Committee shall consist of the Retiring Moderator, the Stated Clerk, the Director of
Ministries, Pastor Host, an elected representative of each board or ministry team, and a representativeof the Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry. The committee shall meet no later than February
15.,” be adopted.
Recommendation 4: That Recommendation 5 of The Report of the Stated Clerk, “thatGeneral Regulation A.11 Standing Committees Named be amended by deleting the words BethelCollege from the Children’s Home Committee, moving the Historical Foundation to this committee,deleting the words Memphis Theological Seminary and adding the words Higher Education, deleting
the words Missions/Commission on the Ministry/Commission on Chaplains, deleting the words
Christian Education/Stewardship and adding the word Stewardship, thus making General Regulation
A.11 to read:‘The standing committees of the General Assembly shall be as follows: Children’s Home/HistoricalFoundation, Higher Education, Judiciary, Program Planning, Stewardship, Theology/Social Concerns.
The Moderator may, with the consent of the General Assembly, appoint such special committees as areneeded. All General Assembly committees are required to hear board representatives and team leaders
if such hearings are requested. When a General Assembly Standing Committee is seeking information
regarding an issue dealt with in more than one report it may invite representatives of those agencies to bepresent at the same time. Committees shall write out all recommendations verbatim in their reports.’,”be adopted.
Recommendation 5: That Recommendation 6 of The Report of the Stated Clerk, “thatGeneral Regulation D.1.d be amended by deleting the words General Assembly Council and adding
the words Board of Directors in the last sentence, making the last sentence to read:‘In cases of emergency (when resignations of a committee, commission, or board impairs the ability ofthe entity to function) the Moderator may appoint the Stated Clerk to act, until the Board of Directors or
the General Assembly meets.’,” be adopted.

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C. REPORT OF THE MINISTRY COUNCIL

1. General Regulations
a. The Committee on Nominations
As the 178th General Assembly has affirmed, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church is truly a global
church and we rejoice that God has blessed our ministry throughout the world.
Recommendation 6: That Recommendation 4 of The Report of the Ministry Council,“that General Regulation B.5.d. be added to read as follows:‘The Committee on Nominations shall be intentional in nominating persons who represent the Global
nature of the church.’,” be adopted.
The committee agrees that to be fully in compliance with the actions of restructure, the requestedchanges need to occur.
b. The Moderator
Recommendation 7: That Recommendation 5 of The Report of the Ministry Council,“that General Regulation C.6. be changed to read as follows:‘The Moderator has the privilege of attending every meeting of General Assembly agencies and otherjudicatories to observe the life and work of the Denomination at every level. The Moderator is an exofficio member of every agency of the General Assembly. The Moderator is an Advisory Member of the
Ministry Council for two years; during the tenure in office and for the year following the tenure.’,” beadopted.
c. The Assembly Stated Clerk
Recommendation 8: That Recommendation 6 of The Report of the Ministry Council,“that General Regulation D.2.e. be changed to read as follows: ‘Provide representation on the MinistryCouncil and support services for all General Assembly agencies.’,” be adopted.
d. Agencies of the General Assembly
Certain agencies of the General Assembly elect members who are not members of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church and have been referred to as non-Cumberland Presbyterians. They will now be referred
to as Ecumenical Partners.
Recommendation 9: That Recommendation 7 of The Report of the Ministry Council,“that General Regulation G.1.b. be changed to read as follows:“The membership of the agencies of General Assembly shall be as follows:
The Board of Directors of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church Corporation shall have six members
plus the Stated Clerk. No two members can be elected from the same presbytery.
The Ministry Council - 15 voting members (3 members from each Synod with no more than 9 clergy orlaity members and no more than 9 members of either gender) and 6 Advisory members (Stated Clerk,
Moderator, Immediate Past Moderator and 3 youth ages 16-19 when elected). Makeup of the MinistryCouncil should reflect that we are a Global Church.
Communications Ministry Team - 5 elected Team Members
Discipleship Ministry Team - 9 elected Team Members
Missions Ministry Team - 15 elected Team Members (2 Team members from each of the 5 synods, 5 Team
members elected at large, and no fewer than 6 of either gender)
Pastoral Development Ministry Team - 9 elected Team Members (a majority of which shall be active
pastors)
Stewardship, Foundation, and Benefits - 11 members
Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home - 15 members (6 Ecumenical Partners)
Historical Foundation - 6 members (1 member from each of the 5 synods and 1 member elected at large,
no two persons shall be elected from the same presbytery and the representatives from the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church in America)
Memphis Theological Seminary - 24 members (11 Ecumenical Partners)
General Assembly Commissions:
Military Chaplains and Personnel - 3 members
General Assembly Committees:
Joint Committee on Amendments - the members of the Judiciary Committee of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, five members of the Judiciary Committee of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church

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in America.
Judiciary - 9 members (The Permanent Committee on Judiciary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
will appoint five of its members to function on the Joint Committee on Amendments.)
Nominating Committee - 10 members
Place of Meeting – The Moderator, the Stated Clerk, & the Director of Women’s Ministries
Unified Committee on Theology and Social Concerns - 8 members,” be adopted.
Recommendation 10: That Recommendation 8 of The Report of the Ministry Council,“that General Regulation G.1.g. which reads as follows:“A majority of the membership of the Commission on the Ministry shall be active pastors,” be deleted,”
be adopted.

IV. LETTERS OF MERGERWith new structure comes the dissolution of the current boards and agencies. We are thankful that
this transition has been put in place.
Recommendation 11: That Recommendation 9 of The Report of the Ministry Council,“that the Cumberland Presbyterian Church General Assembly Corporation, the sole member of
each merging corporation, adopt the Plan of Merger for the Ministry Council of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, a Tennessee nonprofit corporation, and Board of Christian Education of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, a Tennessee nonprofit corporation, with the surviving corporationof this merger to be Ministry Council of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.,” be adopted.
Recommendation 12: That Recommendation 10 of The Report of the Ministry Council,“that the Cumberland Presbyterian Church General Assembly Corporation, the sole member of
each merging corporation, adopt the Plan of Merger for the Ministry Council of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, a Tennessee nonprofit corporation, and Board of Missions of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, a Tennessee nonprofit corporation, with the surviving corporation of thismerger to be Ministry Council of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.,” be adopted.
Recommendation 13: That Recommendation 11 of The Report of the Ministry Council,“that the Cumberland Presbyterian Church General Assembly Corporation, the sole member of
each merging corporation, adopt the Plan of Merger for the Ministry Council of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, a Tennessee nonprofit corporation, and Commission on Ministry of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, a Tennessee nonprofit corporation, with the surviving corporationof this merger to be Ministry Council of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.,” be adopted.
Recommendation 14: That Recommendation 12 of the Report of the Ministry Counsel,“that the Cumberland Presbyterian Church General Assembly Corporation, the sole member of
each merging corporation, adopt the Plan of Merger for the Ministry Council of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, a Tennessee nonprofit corporation, and Cumberland Presbyterian Publication
Board, a Tennessee nonprofit corporation, with the surviving corporation of this merger to be MinistryCouncil of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.,” be adopted.
Some of the referrals did not have recommendations.

V. REPORT OF THE PERMANENT JUDICIARY COMMITTEE
The recently adopted Rules of Discipline require that each judicatory elect a commission to rule on
any appeals which are brought before them.
Recommendation 15: That Recommendation 1 of the Report of the Permanent
Judiciary Committee, “that the General Assembly elect the Permanent Judiciary Committee as thecommission to rule on any appeals brought before the Assembly,” be adopted.

VI. REPORT OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON AMENDMENTS
OFFICE OF CERTIFIED LAY MINISTER
The 177th General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church approved the concept of
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necessary amendments to the Constitution and to the Directory of Worship for submission to the 178th
General Assembly. The proposed amendments to the Constitution must be adopted by three-fourths of thecommissioners of the General Assembly in order to be referred to the presbyteries. If this occurs, threefourths of the presbyteries must adopt them in order for them to become part of the constitution (Section
11.3).
Recommendation 16: That Recommendation 1 of the Report of the Joint Committee on
Amendments, “that section 5.6a of the Constitution be amended by deleting the word (and) before theword “ordain” and to add (and to certify lay ministers), thus making section 5.6a to read, “Receive,
examine, dismiss, and license candidates, ordain them to the ministry (and to certify lay ministers),”
be adopted.
Recommendation 17: That Recommendation 2 of the Report of the Joint Committeeon Amendments, “that section 5.6b be amended by adding (de-certify lay ministers) thus making
Section 5.6b to read:“Receive, dismiss, install, remove and discipline ministers (and to de-certify lay ministers),” beadopted.
Recommendation 18: That Recommendation 3 of the Report of the Joint Committeeon Amendments, “that Section 5.6p be amended by adding the words (appointing a licentiate orcertified lay minister to administer the sacraments) between the words “session, and if necessary”,
thus making Section 5.6p to read:“Take special oversight of churches, which do not have the services of a minister, appointing a minister
to moderate the session, (appointing a licentiate or certified lay minister to administer the Sacraments), and if necessary, authorize an elder designated by the session, to administer the Lord’s Supper to thecongregation, provided that the elder shall be instructed by the committee on the ministry in the meaningof the sacrament and how it should be administered; persons who are not ordained ministers shall serve
under the authority of an ordained Cumberland Presbyterian minister selected by the presbytery, andeach grant of authority shall be for one year.,” be adopted.
Recommendation 19: That Recommendation 4 of the Report of the Joint Committee on
Amendments, “that Section 5.7 be amended by deleting the word (and) between the words “licensuresand ordinations” and adding the words (certified lay ministers) following the word “licentiates”, (andcertifications) following the word “ordinations”, thus making Section 5.7 to read:“The presbytery shall keep full and accurate records of its proceedings and submit them to the synod
for review at its stated meeting. It shall report regularly to synod and to the General Assembly its roll,including all candidates, licentiates, (certified lay ministers), ministers, session clerks and churches.
In addition, it shall report on licensures, ordinations, (and certifications); on reception, dismission, or
death of ministers; on the union, division, and formation of churches, and on such statistical and otherinformation as may be required to describe the state of religion in its midst,” be adopted.
Recommendation 20: That Recommendation 5 of the Report of the Joint Committee on
Amendments, “that the title in Section 6 be amended by adding the words (Certified Lay Ministers):
6.0 THE AUTHORITY OF PRESBYTERY OVER ORDAINED MINISTERS, (CERTIFIED LAY
MINISTERS), LICENTIATES AND CANDIDATES,” be adopted.
Recommendation 21: That Recommendation 6 of the Report of the Joint Committee on
Amendments, “that Section 6.12 be amended by deleting the word (the) before the word “ministry”,
and adding (an exploration committee appointed by the session of their particular church for at least
three months, and then) after the words “shall confer with”, thus making Section 6.12 to read:“To be received as a candidate for ministry, a person must be a member in good standing of a particularchurch in the receiving presbytery. Persons desiring to become a candidates for ministry shall confer with(an exploration committee appointed by the session of their particular church for at least three months,
and then) confer with the committee on the ministry prior to presenting themselves to presbytery,” beadopted.
Recommendation 22: That Recommendation 7 of the Report of the Joint Committeeon Amendments, “that 6.13 be amended by adding at the end of the section the following sentences:(Those candidates who seek to be certified in lay ministry also shall undergo a period of training andpreparation in order that the office may be committed only to qualified persons. They shall remain
candidates until certified and commissioned by the presbytery), thus making section 6.13 to read:“Those candidates who seek to be licensed and ordained to the ministry of word and sacrament shallundergo a period of training and preparation in order that the office may be committed only to qualified
persons. In order to form a correct judgment of the qualifications of those seeking admission to the office

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of ordained ministry, presbyteries shall receive and, following satisfactory preparation, license candidates
who shall then be designated ‘licentiates.’ Such persons shall be required to give further satisfactoryevidence of their qualifications for the ministry before receiving ordination. (Those candidates whoseek to be certified in lay ministry also shall undergo a period training and preparation in order thatthe office may be committed only to qualified persons. They shall remain candidates until certified andcommissioned by the presbytery.),” be adopted.
Recommendation 23: That Recommendation 8 of the Report of the Joint Committeeon Amendments, “that the declaration following the questions proposed to a candidate in 6.15 bechanged by deleting (licensure and ordination) and adding (ministry) following the words “as acandidate for”, and deleting the word (the) before ministry in the last line, thus making the declaration
to read:“In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the great Head of the Church, I do now declare by the authority ofthis presbytery that you are acknowledged and received as a candidate for (ministry) in the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church/Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America and I now direct that your name beentered on the roll of the presbytery as a candidate for ministry.,” be adopted.
Recommendation 24: That Recommendation 9 of the Report of the Joint Committeeon Amendments, “that 6.200 (Certified Lay Ministers) be added by adopting the following sections
and that all subsequent sections under section 6.0 be renumbered.
(6.201 A candidate for ministry may, with the consent of the presbytery, decide to pursue the officeof certified lay ministry in the church. Persons whose call to ministry directs them toward Christian
Education ministry, youth ministry, music ministry, mission or service ministry, lay leadership of aparticular church, or other lay ministries may pursue certification.
6.202 Prior to certification, the candidate shall sustain a careful and satisfactory examination by thecommittee on the ministry and the presbytery as a whole on the following: experimental religion,
continuing spiritual growth, the internal call to the ministry, knowledge of the scriptures, church
history, systematic theology, the doctrine and government of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
and other specialized areas of study particular to the candidate’s field of ministry.
6.203 No candidate shall be certified who has not completed either a two year degree program froman accredited seminary or graduate school of theology or a course of alternate studies approved by
the General Assembly.
6.204 Certified lay ministers serving as stated supply shall be required to attend presbytery andsession meeting, but shall have voice without the right to vote.
6.205 The candidate shall be commissioned to the office of certified lay ministry by the presbytery ateither a regular, an adjourned, or a called meeting; or it may be by a commission of the presbytery,which must consist of a quorum of the body and include two ordained ministers.
6.206 When a presbytery shall become satisfied with the qualifications of a candidate, it shall announce
a date and place for a service of commissioning. Following the sermon in a regular worship service atthe time and place previously announced, the candidate shall take his or her place at the front of the
sanctuary. After a brief statement by the person presiding as to the purpose of the meeting and themeaning of lay ministry, the following questions shall be proposed to the candidate:
1. Do you believe the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the inspired Word of God, theauthority for faith and practice?
2. Do you sincerely receive and adopt the Confession of Faith of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church/Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America as containing the essential doctrines taught
in the Holy Scriptures?
3. Do you approve of, and promise to abide by the government of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church/Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America?
4. As far as you know your own heart, have you been induced by the Holy Spirit to answer the callto lay ministry from love of God and neighbor and a sincere desire to glorify God and advance His
kingdom in the world?
5. Do you promise to be faithful and diligent in the exercise of the ministry to which you have beencalled, to promote the welfare of the church, and to conduct yourself both privately and publicly so
as not to give offense to Christ and His Church?
The above questions being answered in the affirmative, the candidate shall kneel. As the personpresiding, or another appointed for the purpose, offers an appropriate prayer, the presbytery shallcommission the candidate as a certified lay minister. Then, with the candidate standing, the personpresiding shall say, “In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the great Head of the Church, and by
the authority of this presbytery, I now declare you duly commissioned to the office of certified lay
minister.” The transaction shall be duly recorded in the presbyterial minutes and the newly certified
lay minister’s name added to the roll of certified lay ministers.),” be adopted.

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Recommendation 25: That Recommendation 10 of the Report of the Joint Committeeon Amendments, “that Sections 6.200 shall be renumbered 6.300 and all subsequent sections under
Section 6 be renumbered,” be adopted.
Recommendation 26: That Recommendation 11 of the Report of the Joint Committeeon Amendments, “that the former 6.205 (now 6.305) be amended by adding the following sentence:(A licentiate serving as stated supply of a particular church may be given authority by the presbytery
to administer sacraments in that particular church. Such authority may be granted for no morethan one year, and may be renewed by the presbytery on recommendation of the committee on theministry), thus (6.305) would read:“A licentiate may, with the approval of the committee on the ministry of the presbytery and of thepresbytery, serve as stated supply of one or more particular churches of the presbytery. (A licentiate
serving as stated supply of a particular church may be given authority by the presbytery to administer
the sacraments in that particular church. Such authority may be granted for no more than one year, andmay be renewed by the presbytery on recommendation of the committee on the ministry.),” be adopted.
Recommendation 27: That Recommendation 12 of the Report of the Joint Committee on
Amendments, “that the title of Section 7.00 be amended by adding (CERTIFIED LAY MINISTERS)
between the words MINISTERS and LICENTIATES: RELATIONS BETWEEN MINISTERS,(CERTIFIED LAY MINISTERS), LICENTIATES, OR CANDIDATES AND CHURCHES,” beadopted.
Recommendation 28: That Recommendation 13 of the Report of the Joint Committeeon Amendments, “that Section 7.04 be amended by adding to the first sentence (a certified lay
minister) after the words “a licentiate”, and adding to the last sentence (or certified lay minister) after
the words “a licentiate”, and adding the following sentence: (Presbytery may grant a licentiate orcertified lay minister in a stated supply relationship authority to administer sacraments for not morethan one year at a time under the supervision of the presbytery appointed moderator), thus making
Section 7.04 to read:“The office of stated supply may be held by an ordained minister, a licentiate, (a certified lay minister),or a candidate, whom the particular church has called for an indefinite time, or, in the case of an interim
supply, for a definite time, for less than full time work. An ordained minister serving as stated supply may
fulfill all duties and functions pertaining to the spiritual care of the church, including moderating thesession. A licentiate (or certified lay minister) serving as stated supply may fulfill the duties and functions
except moderating the session, administering the sacraments, and solemnizing marriages. (Presbytery
may grant a licentiate or certified lay minister in a stated supply relationship authority to administer
the sacraments for not more than one year at a time under the supervision of the presbytery appointed
moderator.) A candidate serving as a stated supply may fulfill the duties and functions except moderating
the session, administering the sacraments, and solemnizing marriages.,” be adopted.
Recommendation 29: That Recommendation 14 of the Report of the Joint Committeeon Amendments, “that Section 7.07 be amended by adding (certified lay minister) between the words“minister” and “licentiate”, thus the section would read:“The relationship between a minister, (certified lay minister), licentiate, or candidate and a particularchurch may be dissolved only by presbytery, acting on the request of both parties, or on the request of
one party if sufficient reasons are presented, or when, in the opinion of the presbytery, the well-being of
the particular church demands its.,” be adopted.
Recommendation 30: That Recommendation 15 of the Report of the Joint Committeeon Amendments “that Section II. of the Directory of Worship, THE SACRAMENTS, be amended byadding (licentiate or certified lay minister) in each place the word minister appears,” be adopted.
Respectfully submitted,
Committee on Judiciary

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AND STEWARDSHIP(Appendix E)

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I. REFERRALS
Referrals to this committee are as follows: The Report of the Board of Christian Education Except
Section VI. which is referred to the Committee on Judiciary, The Report of the United Board for ChristianDiscipleship, and The Report of the Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits.

II. PERSONS OF COUNSEL
Appearing before this committee were: from the Board of Christian Education Reverend Frank Ward,
Executive Director; Cindy Martin, Coordinator of Children’s Ministries and Consultant Program; and board
representative Reverend Tom Martin; from the Board of Stewardship Reverend Elinor Brown, Coordinator of
Stewardship; and board president Ms. Janie Stamps.

III. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATIONThe Board staff presented additional material to the committee that describes some of theministries provided by this agency. After discussing their report we, the committee, make the following
recommendations.
RECOMMENDATION 1: That Recommendation 1 of the Report of the Board of Christian
Education, “that presbyterial boards of Christian education be encouraged to strengthen partnershipwith the GA board by inviting a staff representative to attend a meeting of the respective board to
discover what ministries are being planned and implemented and to share information about services
and opportunities,” be adopted.
RECOMMENDATION 2: That Recommendation 2 of the Report of the Board of Christian
Education, “that congregations be strongly encouraged to take advantage of this Cumberland
Presbyterian resource for leadership development,” be denied.
We recommend the following substitute for the Board’s Recommendation 2:
RECOMMENDATION 3: That congregations be strongly encouraged to utilize Opening
Doors to Discipleship, a Cumberland Presbyterian-sponsored online resource for leadershipdevelopment.
We, the committee, commend the Christian Education staff for their work and dedication to theeducational ministry of the church. We commend them in their efforts to develop and publicize programs.
We encourage them to continue to seek new ways to interact with congregations and presbyteries so that the
church as a whole can better utilize the available educational resources.
We also commend the staff for their vision and desire to create and implement new, innovative
learning techniques. This vision supports ever-changing technology and trends in Christian educationteaching and training.
IV. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF STEWARDSHIP, FOUNDATION AND BENEFITSThe Board staff presented additional information to the committee that supported their report.
This information included the positive growth in our Endowment funds. We also recognize the staff’s
determination to work with their consultants to ensure that our health care program is provided at the best
possible cost. Their report had no recommendations to act upon.
We commend the staff for their dedication and hard work in this area of ministry
Respectfully submitted:
The Committee on Christian Education/Stewardship

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON
THEOLOGY AND SOCIAL CONCERNS(Appendix F)

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I. REFERRAL
Referral to this committee is as follows: The Report of the Stated Clerk Section II.B, The Report of
the Unified Committee on Theology and Social Concerns, and The Report of the Catechism Committee.

II. PERSONS OF COUNSEL
Appearing before this committee were: Reverend Jay Earheart-Brown, Representative of thePermanent Committee for Theology and Social Concerns and Doctor Thomas J. Craig, Jr., representating
the Stated Clerk.

III. Report of the UNIFIED Committeeon Theology and Social Concerns
Information was shared, both through the written report and presentation by Reverend Jay
Earheart-Brown, on the works in progress of the Unified Committee on Theology and Social Concerns.
The Committee on Theology and Social Concerns read, discussed, and concurred with the Report of the
Unified Committee on Theology and Social Concerns.
RECOMMENDATION 1: That the Ministry Council meet with the Unified Committee on
Theological and Social Concerns to explore ways of strengthening and supporting the work of that
Committee.
RECOMMENDATION 2: That the General Assembly direct all Presbyteries to form a
Committee on Theology and Social Concerns and encourage that Committee to systematicallystudy the various documents prepared by the Unified Committee on Theology and Social Concerns.
Furthermore, we would encourage the Presbyterial Committees to take those documents to the local
churches for continued prayer and study.
RECOMMENDATION 3: That the Unified Committee on Theology and Social Concerns
publicize its desire to solicit papers and studies from the denomination at large, so that concerns
arising on a local level be addressed.

IV. Report of the Stated Clerk, Section II B
The Committee heard Doctor Thomas J. Craig, Jr. concerning this report. Our committee discussed
our denominational relationship with the World Alliance of Reformed Churches. We believe that a continued
affiliation with this organization is important to foster community and Christian love with believers fromother countries.

V. Report of the Catechism Committee
The committee reviewed the final report of the Catechism Committee (James W. Lively, Rose Mary
Magrill, and James D. McGuire) and was impressed with the thoroughness of their work. We therefore
make the following recommendations.
RECOMMENDATION 4: That Recommendations 1 of the Report of the Catechism
Committee, “that the proposed catechism be approved for study alongside the Confession of Faith,”
be adopted.
RECOMMENDATION 5: That Recommendations 2 of the Report of the Catechism
Committee, “that funds be appropriated for the necessary revision of the study guide, and that therevised study guide remain available,” be adopted.
RECOMMENDATION 6: That Recommendations 3 of the Report of the Catechism
Committee That the Catechism Committee be dissolved,” be adopted.
RECOMMENDATION 7: That the General Assembly Office name coordinators to translate
documents into various languages represented by the Cumberland Presbyterian denomination.

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RECOMMENDATION 8: That the Catechism document be made available online forbroader publishing and access.
RECOMMENDATION 9: That the Office of the General Assembly commend the Catechism
committee for their many years of hard work, dedication, and completion of this project.

VI. Paper offered for information
by Reverend Masaharu Asayama
Introduction of the document Christians to serve this world: Contributing to the society as a response
to grace. This document was based on the CPC Confession of Faith, from the Committee on Theology
and Social Concerns, Japan Presbytery. We received the document and presented copies to the Unified
Permanent Committee on Theology and Social Concerns so that it may be made available for study to thedenomination at large. We commend the work and contribution of The Committee on Theology and Social
Concerns, Japan Presbytery.
Respectfully submitted,
Committee on Theology and Social Concerns

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON
MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY AND
THE HISTORICAL FOUNDATION(Appendix G)
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 the Historical Foundation.

II. PERSONS OF COUNSEL
Appearing before this committee were: Reverend Daniel J. Earheart-Brown, President, Memphis
Theological Seminary; Ms. Marianna Williams, Moderator of the Board of Trustees, Memphis TheologicalSeminary; Ms. Susan Knight Gore, Archivist of the Historical Foundation; and Reverend Tommy Jobe,
Representative of the Historical Foundation.

III. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEESOF MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
A. BOARD OF TRUSTEES
1. Expiration of Terms
Three trustees have completed three terms and are not eligible to succeed themselves: Mr. Wes
Brantley (CPC, Ada, OK), Doctor David Goatley (National Baptist, Washington, DC), and Doctor Lynne
Herring (CPCA, Huntsville, AL). Reverend Jean Richardson (CPC, Knoxville, TN) has decided to resignfrom the Board for personal reasons.
RECOMMENDATION 1: That Recommendation 1 of the Report of the Board of Trusteesof Memphis Theological Seminary, “that the General Assembly express its gratitude to Mr. Wes
Brantley, Doctor David Goatley, Doctor Lynne Herring, and Reverend Jean Richardson for theirfaithful service to Memphis Theological Seminary and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,” beadopted.
2. Recommendation from the 177th General Assembly
We remind this body of the 177th General Assembly action (Recommendation 5, p. 433, of the2008

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minutes). We concur that the Ministry Council should “develop a plan to recruit Cumberland Presbyterianscholars and give financial support for their pursuit of teaching degrees; . . .” and “work with the Memphis
Theological Seminary Board of Trustees and Administrators to ensure that these scholars be recruited
as Memphis Theological Seminary faculty members; and that the plan be submitted at the next General
Assembly (179th General Assembly).”
B. INSTRUCTION
1. Faculty
We note that Doctor Paul Dekar, Professor of Mission and Evangelism at MTS since 1995, retired
from full-time teaching at the end of the 2007-08 academic year. A Baptist, Doctor Dekar has traveled
widely across the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in the U.S. and in other countries to support the workof our denomination.
RECOMMENDATION 2: That Recommendation 2 of the Report of the Board of Trustees ofMemphis Theological Seminary, “that the General Assembly express its appreciation to Doctor Paul
Dekar for his thirteen and a half years of faithful service to the church through his work at Memphis
Theological Seminary,” be adopted.
C. INSTRUCTION
1. Lifetime
The Lifetime initiative seeks to provide lay and continuing clergy education in one day workshop
formats. Twenty-four classes have been offered in different areas of the denomination since the inceptionof the program in July 2006.
RECOMMENDATION 3: That future Lifetime classes/workshops be planned in cooperation
with the Ministry Council.
D. ADVANCEMENT AND FINANCE
1. Theological Education Sunday
Theological Education Sunday is an important tool in educating Cumberland Presbyterians about
the ministry of MTS and PAS. Sunday, March 1, 2009 has been designated for this special Sunday.
RECOMMENDATION 4: That Recommendation 3 of the Report of the Board of Trustees ofMemphis Theological Seminary, “that the General Assembly encourage all Cumberland Presbyterian
Churches to recognize Seminary Sunday by praying for the work of Memphis Theological Seminary
and the Program of Alternate Studies, praying for students who are being educated through MTS
and PAS, educating its members on the importance of theological education to the life and health ofthe denomination, and giving its members, through whatever means the session deems appropriate,
an opportunity to make a contribution to the work of theological education in the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church,” be adopted.
E. COMMENDATION
1. The committee notes with gratitude the outstanding progress of the seminary on many fronts,
including an anticipated increased enrollment of Cumberland Presbyterian students in the fall, and excellent
efforts with regard to financial development that will make the new Hilliard Hall ready for use this fall anda new chapel within the next few years.
2. The committee commends Reverend Daniel J. Earheart-Brown for his extraordinary service andthe outstanding progress that the seminary is experiencing through his leadership.

IV. REPORT OF THE HISTORICAL FOUNDATION
A. HISTORY INTERPRETATION AND PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES
1. The 1810 Circle
The Foundation wished to show appreciation to all members of the 1810 Circle and encourage othermembers of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America tojoin this donor group.
RECOMMENDATION 5: That Recommendation 1 of the Report of the Historical Foundation,“that General Assembly make congregations and presbyteries aware of the 1810 Circle and encourage
new members to support this endeavor annually,” be denied.
RECOMMENDATION 6: That General Assembly make congregations and presbyteries

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aware of the 1810 Circle and encourage new contributors to support this endeavor annually.
2. Denomination Day Offering
This special offering provides an opportunity for congregations to directly contribute to the
support of the Historical Foundation as well as the Foundation supplying educational materials to eachcongregation.
RECOMMENDATION 7: That Recommendation 2 of the Report of the HistoricalFoundation, “that congregations be encouraged to have a special offering on the Sunday designatedas Denomination Day to help support the programs of the Historical Foundation,” be adopted.
B. HISTORICAL LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES
1. Acquisitions
The Historical Library and Archives regularly receives items published by the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church and Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America.
RECOMMENDATION 8: That Recommendation 3 of the Report of the Historical Foundation,“that General Assembly encourage congregations to consider the need for proper preservation of
their session records and to contact the Foundation for assistance,” be adopted.
C. COMMENDATION
1. The committee commends Ms. Susan Knight Gore for her excellent leadership of the HistoricalFoundation, and we are particularly appreciative of her hard work while preparing for the relocation of theHistorical Foundation later this year.
Respectfully submitted,
Committee on Memphis Theological Seminary/Historical Foundation

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PROGRAM PLANNING(Appendix H)
I. REFERRALS
Referrals to this committee are as follows: The Report of the Moderator Except Section IV. whichis referred to the Committee on Judiciary and Section VI. which is referred jointly to the Committee on
Judiciary with Program Planning to report, The Report One of the Stated Clerk Except Section II. B. whichis referred to the Committee on Theology and Social Concerns and Except Section III. and Section VI.
which are referred to the Committee on Judiciary, The Report of the Ministry Council Except Sections III.,
VIII., and IX. which are referred to the Committee on Judiciary, The Report Number Two of the Boardof Christian Education, The Report of the Board of Missions Section IV. D., The Report of the Board ofTrustees of the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home, Section IV. Recommendation 1, The Reportof the Cumberland Presbyterian Publication Board Except Section V. which is referred to the Committee
on Judiciary, The Report of the Place of Meeting Committee, The Report One of the General AssemblyCenter Task Force, The Memorial from Presbytery del Cristo, The Proposed Budgets, The Report Two of
the Stated Clerk, and The Report Two of the General Assembly Center Task Force.

II. PERSONS OF COUNSEL
Appearing before this committee were: Doctor Thomas Craig on behalf of the Stated Clerk,
Reverend Robert Rush; Ms Patricia White, editor of “The Cumberland Presbyterian” and Mr. Joe Malloy,
Jr. , President of the Cumberland Presbyterian Publication Board; Reverend Frank Ward, retiring Moderator;
Reverend Sam Romines, Representative of the Ministry Council; Doctor Thomas Craig, Center Task
Force; and Reverend Michael Sharpe, Executive Director of the Board of Missions.

III. Report of the Moderator
The committee has reviewed the report of the Moderator. The committee expresses appreciation to2008

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the Reverend Frank Ward for his leadership as Moderator.
A. MODERATOR’S ROLE
The committee shares the concern that a schedule and itinerary for the Moderator be established assoon as possible after his or her appointment.
Recommendation 1: That Recommendation 1 of the Report of the Moderator, “thatthe Stated Clerk meet with the newly elected Moderator shortly after the meeting of GA to discuss
the ministry opportunities, the budget for the office, the role of the Vice-Moderator, and to plan anitinerary for the upcoming year. Furthermore, that a communications system be established withpresbyteries and other agencies hosting the Moderator or Vice-Moderator so that there is clear
understanding of expectations and that full information is provided from the hosts including themeeting location, time, and lodging and any pre-meeting documents that are being made available toall other participants,” be denied.
Recommendation 2: That the Stated Clerk meet with the newly elected Moderator
within 30 days of the meeting of GA to discuss the ministry opportunities, the budget for the office,the role of the Vice-Moderator, and to plan an itinerary for the upcoming year. Furthermore, that acommunications system be established with presbyteries and other agencies hosting the Moderator
or Vice-Moderator so that there is clear understanding of expectations and that full information
is provided from the hosts including the meeting location, time, and lodging and any pre-meeting
documents that are being made available to all other participants.
B. OFFICE OF THE STATED CLERK
There are two recommendations related to the evaluation and supervision of the office of the StatedClerk. Since the Stated Clerk works closely with the permanent committee on Judiciary and they are in aposition to provide policies, support, review, and evaluation for the Stated Clerk, we are in agreement that therecommendation of the Moderator should be adopted, therefore we make the following recommendation:
Recommendation 3: That Recommendation 2 of the Moderator’s Report, “that theGeneral Assembly assign the role of providing counsel, evaluation, and support to the General
Assembly office to the Permanent Committee on Judiciary and that Article G.2.g. be added to theGeneral Regulations and read as follows: The Committee shall serve as the agency of the General
Assembly to provide counsel and support to the General Assembly Office and to do an evaluation of
the Stated Clerk during every odd numbered year and report to the General Assembly of that year,”be adopted.
C. SPIRITUAL RENEWAL AND VISIONING
The committee shares a vision for a fresh approach to the way General Assembly functions.
However, we feel that this falls within the vision and discernment of the Ministry Council. Therefore we
make the following recommendation:
Recommendation 4: That Recommendation 4 of the Moderator’s Report, “that theGeneral Assembly continue to meet annually; that beginning in 2009 all boards and agencies willreport every odd numbered years; that in every even numbered year beginning in 2012 (plans havealready been made for the 2010 General Assembly’s celebration of the church’s birth) the General
Assembly will gather for worship, spiritual renewal, visioning, and listening for God’s voice and thevoice of the church related to the church’s mission and ministries; that a General Assembly Planning
Team (GAPT) comprised of the Moderator, Stated Clerk, a representative (staff or elected member)from each Ministry Team of the Ministry Council and each institution, plus two members at large
appointed by the Moderator be charged with planning, developing a theme, securing leadershipand implementing the program for the meetings of the General Assembly in these even numberedyears; and, that funding for this GAPT be provided through the Office of the General Assembly,” bedenied.
Recommendation 5 was referred jointly to Program Planning and Judiciary. The two committees
met and jointly make the following recommendation.
Recommendation 5: That Recommendation 5 of the Moderator’s Report, “that a
General Assembly Implementation Team (GAIT) be charged with the responsibilities of: determining
and recommending a new structure and model for building the agenda and processing the reports
and recommendations; implementing a new model of worship planning via a worship planning teamappointed by the GAIT; selecting the theme and theme scripture(s) for the respective Assembly;

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making any additional plans to enable the effective functioning of the Assembly grounded in theleadership of the Holy Spirit; and proposing revisions of the appropriate General Regulations to reflect
the recommended changes. That the GAIT be composed of the Moderator (convener/facilitator),
Stated Clerk, two members from the host presbytery, one member of the Permanent Committee
on Judiciary, two representatives from the Ministry Council (staff or elected), one Cumberland
Presbyterian faculty representative from Memphis Theological Seminary, and two young persons;that these team members be named and called to serve by the Moderator and the Stated Clerk; andthat funding for the GAIT be provided through the Office of the General Assembly,” be denied.
RECOMMENDATION 6: That the concepts of Recommendation 4 of the Moderator’sReport and Recommendation 5 of the Moderator’s Report be referred to the Ministry Council for
their consideration in planning for future General Assemblies.

IV. Report of the Stated Clerk
The committee has reviewed the report of the Stated Clerk. We express gratitude to the Reverend
Dr. Robert Rush for his service to the church as our Stated Clerk.
A. COMMISION ON THE OFFICE OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Since this committee recommended approval of the Moderator’s recommendation related to theproviding counsel, evaluation, and support to the office of the Stated Clerk and since it is the feeling of thecommittee to create an additional commission for that purpose would be poor stewardship for the church,
we make the following recommendations.
Recommendation 7: That Recommendation 2 of the Report of the Stated Clerk, “thatthe General Assembly establish a Commission on the Office of the General Assembly using theguidelines above,” be denied.
Recommendation 8: That Recommendation 3 of the Report of the Stated Clerk, “thatthe Commission on the Office of the General Assembly report annually to the General Assembly,” bedenied.
B. STATISTICAL INFORMATION
Recommendation 9: That Recommendation 7 of the Report of the Stated Clerk, “thateach presbytery request that its Board of Missions or similar agency, have a representative to meetwith the session of a congregation which has not reported to impress upon the church the importanceof filing the annual report which is part of history,” be denied.
Recommendation 10: That each presbytery request that its Board of Missions or similar
agency as they minister to the needs of the churches within their presbyteries remind the churches
that it is important that they submit annual reports which are part of our history and offer assistancewhen needed in preparation of these reports.
C. THE CONTINGENCY FUND
The committee in our discussion agreed that the Catechism should be made available to the global
church. We therefore make the following recommendation.
Recommendation 11: That Recommendation 8 of the Report of the Stated Clerk, “thatthe amount listed for the Catechism Committee be used to print 1000 copies of the catechism, revise
the Study Guide printed in 2003, and that any excess be transferred to unrestricted funds in thecontingency fund,” be denied.
Recommendation 12: That all funds approved for the Catechism Committee remain
restricted for the purpose of translating and publishing the Catechism into the languages of the
global church.

V. Report Two of the Stated Clerk
The committee has reviewed report two of the Stated Clerk and concurs in its recommendation. It
has been called to our attention that the name of the organization objecting to the demolition is Memphis

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Heritage Incorporated.
Recommendation 13: That Recommendation 1 of Report Two of the Stated Clerk,“that the General Assembly instruct the Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits, to make abridge loan up to $700,000 until the closing on the Union Avenue Property,” be adopted.
Our committee is troubled by the fact that the Memphis Heritage Incorporated has become an
obstacle to the closing of the sale. We therefore make the following recommendation.
Recommendation 14: That the Stated Clerk be instructed to write a letter stating thatwith one voice the 178th General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church affirms ourdesire and intent to sell our property at 1978 Union Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee to Chick-Fil-A andthat a copy of this letter be sent to Memphis Heritage Inc. , to the Memphis City Council, and to theagent handling the sale for Chick-Fil-A.

VI. Report of the Ministry Council
We have reviewed the report of the Ministry Council. The new direction for the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church was put in place at last year’s General Assembly. The Ministry Council has been
setting our course and we express appreciation to all members of the Ministry Council.
A. The committee concurs in the following recommendations of the Ministry Council.
Recommendation 15: That Recommendation 1 of the Report of the Ministry Council,“that the following changes in terminology be approved: “Advisory Committee” to “Ministry Team”
and “Global Missions” to “World Wide Missions,” be adopted.
Recommendation 16: That Recommendation 2 of the Report of the Ministry Council,“that the programming ministries be named Communications Ministry Team, Discipleship MinistryTeam, Missions Ministry Team, and Pastoral Development Ministry Team,” be adopted.
B. Church Calendar 2008-2009
The committee noted that the “May 18 Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home Sunday” isan error; also we note the absence of the following dates: Bethel College Fall Semester, Native American
Sunday, and Easter which is April 12.
Recommendation 17: That Recommendation 3 of the Report of the Ministry Council,“that the 178th General Assembly approve the following dates for the church calendar,” be adopted.
CHURCH CALENDAR 2008-2009
July 2008				
7 Bethel College 2nd Session Registration/Classes Begin				 7-25 Memphis Theological Seminary Second Term Summer School				
12 Program of Alternate Studies Graduation				 12-26 Program of Alternate Studies Summer Extension School				 13-18 CP Youth Conference		 30-8/1 Christian Education Consultant Training Event
August 2008				 1Bethel College Second Session Ends				 1-31 Church Paper Sunday (Any Sunday in August)				
24 Quarterly Missions Emphasis				
30 Memphis Theological Seminary Fall Classes Begin				31-9/28 Christian Education Season
September 2008							

14 Senior Adult Sunday
21 International Day of Prayer and Action for Human Habitat

October 2008			 1 - 31 Clergy Appreciation Month				
5 Worldwide Communion Sunday				
12 Clergy Appreciation Sunday

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November 2008 		Any Sunday
Love Loaf Offering			
Any Sunday
Commitment Sunday				
1 Memphis Theological Seminary Inquirer’s Day
				
2 Stewardship Day
				
9 Day of Prayer for People with AIDS and Other Life-Threatening
Illnesses
				
16 Bible Sunday				
23 Quarterly Missions Emphasis			30-12/24 Advent
December 2008 		Any Sunday
Gift to the King Offering (11/30-12/24)
				
13 Memphis Theological Seminary Final Day of Fall Classes
				
25 Christmas Day
January 2009				 4Epiphany				
5-6 Stated Clerk’s Conference				 5-16 Memphis Theological Seminary D.Min. Residency				
9 Cut-off Date for OUO Receipts for Previous Year				
12 Bethel College Classes Begin				 20-22 Ministers’ Conference (Brenthaven CP Church)				
23 Memphis Theological Seminary New Student Spring Orientation
				
24 Memphis Theological Seminary Spring Classes Begin
February 2009			

1
1
				
1
				
1
				 1-28
				
10
				
15
				
22
				
25
				25-4/12

Denomination Sunday
Souper Bowl Sunday
Historical Foundation Offering
Annual Reports Due to Presbytery Clerks
Black History Month
Annual Reports Due to Stated Clerk of the General Assembly
Youth Sunday
Quarterly Missions Emphasis
Ash Wednesday
Lent to EasterMarch 2009				
				
				
				
				
				

Theological Education Sunday
Women’s History Month
Bethel College Mid-Term
World Day of Prayer (Church Women United)
Memphis Theological Seminary Inquirer’s Day
Bethel College Spring Break

April 2009			

1
1-31
6
6
7
9-13

5
5
6-11
9
10
10-12
12
12
12-5/31				 20-24
May 2009				
1				 3-10
				
9
				
16
				
17
				
24
				
24
31
31

One Great Hour of Sharing
Palm Sunday
Memphis Theological Seminary Closed for Holy Week
Maundy Thursday
Good Friday
Bethel College Easter BreakEasterNative American Sunday
March of Missions, Easter to Pentecost
National Farm Worker Week
May Friendship Day (Church Women United)
Family Week
Bethel College Commencement
Memphis Theological Seminary Graduation
CP Children’s Home Sunday
Memorial Day Offering
Quarterly Missions Emphasis
Pentecost
World Missions Day

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1				 1-27
				
14
		 15-19
16-18
26

385

Bethel College First Session Registration/Classes Begin
Memphis Theological Seminary Summer Term
Children’s Sunday
General Assembly, Memphis, Tennessee
Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry Convention
CP Youth Conference Registration Cut-Off

26 Bethel College First Session EndsVII. The Report Two of the Board of Christian Education
There is much talk among Cumberland Presbyterians about our being and becoming a global
church. The insights, discoveries, frustrations, and vision arising from the global ministry retreat reported
here will no doubt be important issues and understandings for the global church of which we are a part. We
therefore make the following recommendation.
Recommendation 18: That Recommendation 1 of Report Two of the Board of
Christian Education, “that this report be referred to the General Assembly Ministry Council andthat the Council develop strategies for expanding and enhancing the church’s ministry to and withcongregations and presbyteries, especially those outside of the USA and those presbyteries within the
USA who have members outside the USA,” be adopted.

VIII. The Report of the Board of Missions
A. SPECIAL DAYS CALENDAR FOR 2009
It appears to this committee that is would be advisable and helpful to the whole church that in the
future the “Special Days Calendar” run concurrently with the church calendar presented by the MinistryCouncil.

IX. The Report of the Board of Trustees of
the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home
A. RECOMMENDATIONS
The committee noted that it would be redundant to approve the Sunday designated and Children’sHome Sunday since it is recommended in the church calendar presented by the Ministry Council. Therefore
we make the following recommendations.
Recommendation 19: That Recommendation 1 of the Report of the Board of Trusteesof the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home, “that May 17, 2009, be designated as Children’sHome Sunday and that the Assembly encourage congregations to emphasize the importance of theChildren’s Home Sunday Offering as a significant source of revenue for the care of children andfamilies,” be denied.
Recommendation 20: That on May 17, 2009, designated as Children’s Home Sunday on the
2008-2009 church calendar the Assembly encourage congregations to emphasize the importance of
the Children’s Home Sunday Offering as a significant source of revenue for the care children andfamilies.

X. The Report of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Publication Board
The committee reviewed the Report of the Cumberland Presbyterian Publication Board. We express
great appreciation to Ms. Patricia White, editor of “The Cumberland Presbyterian” magazine, and her staff
for producing an award winning publication on a very restricted budget.
A. THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN
We concur in the importance that all members of Cumberland Presbyterian churches be subscribers
to “The Cumberland Presbyterian” magazine. We therefore make the following recommendation.

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Recommendation 21: That Recommendation 1 of the Report of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Publication Board, “that Sessions be encouraged to establish a group plan to provide
the magazine for their members in one of the following ways: (1) the church budget include funds toprovide the magazine for every family, (2) the church budget include funds to provide the magazine
for every elder and church leader, or (3) the sessions designate a person to receive individual checks
from members and provide the names, addresses, and payment in one check to encourage members
to subscribe and to establish a group plan that enables members to receive the magazine at a reduced
rate,” be adopted.

XI. The Report of the Place of Meeting
The committee reviewed the Report of the Place of Meeting. We express appreciation to thosepresbyteries who have graciously hosted General Assembly over the years and to those who will be hosts
in the future.
A. FUTURE INVITATIONS
Recommendation 22: That Recommendation 1 of the Report of the Place of Meeting,“that we accept the invitation of Hope Presbytery to host the 182nd General Assembly,” be adopted.

XII. The Report Number One of the Center Task Force
The committee has reviewed The Report Number One of the Center Task Force. The committee
is deeply appreciative of the committed efforts of the Center Task Force in finding a new home for the
Cumberland Presbyterian Center. We are also grateful for their tireless efforts in raising significant funds
for this task.

XIII. The Report Number Two of the Center Task Force
A. STREET NAME
We have been advised by the Task Force that they have been informed by the City Planning
Commission that any name with “Cumberland” will not be available to us.
B. GIFT BROCHURE
Since the new structure of the church is continuing to emerge in the Ministry Council and theconcept of ministry teams, and seeing as we are unsure at this point how the center agencies might be
named, we are of the opinion that distribution of a named gifts brochure would be premature. However, weagree that the naming of the two buildings could happen at this point if donors were identified. Therefore
we make the following recommendations.
Recommendation 23: That Recommendation 1 of Report Number Two of the Center
Task Force, “that the invitation to share in the “Memorial and Honor Named Gift Opportunities” beapproved,” be denied.
Recommendation 24: That Recommendation 2 of Report Number Two of the Center
Task Force, “that proceeds from the Named Gifts be applied to the loan on the Traditional Place
property with the Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits,” be denied.
Recommendation 25: That Recommendation 3 of Report Number Two of the Center
Task Force, “that the named gifts opportunity be continued indefinitely and that once the Center Task
Force completes its work, the General Assembly Board of Directors distribute future contributions
according to the guideline above,” be denied.
Recommendation 26: That the Center Task Force be granted the authority to solicit
funds for the naming rights for the two Center buildings.
We feel that there is a need to continue the “I Love my Church” campaign as well as other creative
fundraising approaches and that the current Center Task Force would be the best entity to help expedite this.
We also feel that a part of the reason for the limited results in fundraising is because there is not a broad
representation on the Task Force across the church. Therefore we make the following recommendation.

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Recommendation 27: That the current Task Force continue to raise funds throughthe “I Love My Church” campaign along with other creative fundraising approaches and that theModerator in consultation with the Stated Clerk appoint an appropriate person or persons from eachof the Synods not currently represented on the Center Task Force.

XIV. Memorial From Presbytery Del Cristo
Concerning Actions of 177th General Assembly
The committee reviewed the memorial from Presbytery del Cristo. The committee understands thefrustration of Presbytery del Cristo and other Cumberland Presbyterians as to how the changes in churchorganization came about. It would be detrimental, however, to reverse the action named in the memorial.
Recommendation 28: That the memorial from Presbytery del Cristo:“WHEREAS, the 177th General Assembly meeting in Hot Springs, Arkansas approved by 2/3 vote,the recommendations of the Organizational Task Force Committee, and
WHEREAS, since that time both the entities affected and general consensus of a broader surveyof Cumberland Presbyterians reveals some Cumberland Presbyterians to have either
misinterpreted, misunderstood, or outright disapproved of the action, and
WHEREAS, given the fact that the recommendations of entities involved in the early planning of
the Task Force assignment to not proceed without possible extensive loss of endowments andhuman resources precious to our history and identity, were all but ignored,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Stated Meeting in August of 2007 of the Presbytery
del Cristo memorialize the 178th General Assembly to reconsider the action and rescind theapproval of the recommendations of the Organizational Task Force Committee at the 177th
General Assembly and all actions taken since be corrected to previous state, according to thelaws of Tennessee in such cases made and provided,” be denied.

XV. Line Item Budget Submitted by General Assembly Agencies
A. The committee noted that four agencies presented budgets with deficits.
Respectfully submitted,
Committee on Program Planning

REPORT ONE OF THE COMMITTEE ON missions,ministry and military chaplains(Appendix J)
I. REFERRALS
Referrals to this committee are as follows: The Report of the Board of Missions Except Section IV.
D. which is referred to the Committee on Program Planning, The Report of the Commission on Chaplainsand Military Personnel, The Report of the Commission on the Ministry Except Section IV. which is referredto the Committee on Judiciary, and The Memorial from Red River Presbytery.

II. PERSONS OF COUNSEL
Appearing before this committee were: Reverend Charles McCaskey, Commission on Chaplainsand Military Personnel; Board of Missions Staff: Reverend Michael Sharpe, Executive Director; Ms. Gaye
Wood, representative; Pam Phillips-Burk, Congregational Ministry Unit; Marjorie Shannon, Director of
Administration and Finance; Reverend George Estes, Evangelism and Church Development; Reverend
Stephanie Brown, Executive Director of Commission on Ministry; Reverend Tommy Thompson Board
Representative; Reverend Jonathan Clark, Moderator; Ms. Pat White, Editor CP Magazine; Reverend FrankWard, Director Board of Christian Education; Reverend Sam Romines, Representative Ministry Council
and Reverend Jay Earheart-Brown, President Memphis Theological Seminary.

388

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2008

III. THE REPORT OF THE BOARD OF MISSIONS
A. Women in Ministry
We would call the Assembly’s attention to the study paper “Theological and Biblical Reflection on
Women in Ministry.” In an effort to encourage the wider use of this study paper, the Board of Missions will
make the study paper available on its website and send hard copies upon request.
RECOMMENDATION 1: That Recommendation 1 of The Report of the Board of Missions,“that General Assembly urge all presbytery agencies and congregations to find ways to utilize thisrevised study paper for theological review and study,” be adopted.
B. Builder’s Fellowship
The Builder’s Fellowship is a vital program of the Board that assists new churches with their initialconstruction projects. The program has shown growth in recent years.
RECOMMENDATION 2: That Recommendation 3 of The Report of the Board of Missions,“that General Assembly encourage presbyteries to promote Builders Fellowship by appointing apresbyterial advocate for the program, and that time be set aside at a presbytery meeting for a BF
presentation by the advocate or staff of the Board of Missions,” be adopted.
RECOMMENDATION 3: That Recommendation 4 of The Report of the Board of Missions,“that General Assembly alert presbyteries and congregations to the special opportunities forparticipating in Builders Fellowship, including the Builders Fellowship Church, Builders Fellowship
Sponsor, Builders Fellowship Pioneer, Builders Fellowship Perpetual Member, and Memorial Gifts,”
be adopted.
RECOMMENDATION 4: That Recommendation 5 of The Report of the Board of Missions,“that General Assembly urge congregations, groups and individuals to support new church efforts
through the matching grant program, Quarter Card program, Second Mile projects, and other special
gifts,” be adopted.
The committee would like to note that the correct spelling of two staff members of the Koza CP
Church as shown on page 105 of the report was incorrect. The correct spelling should be Marie Taira andMoto Kodera.

IV. THE REPORT OF COMMISSION ON
CHAPLAINS AND MILITARY PERSONNEL
The committee reviewed the Report of Commission on Chaplains and Military Personnel andconcur in it. In addition, we would like to submit the following recommendation.
RECOMMENDATION 5: That the General Assembly encourage all presbyteries andchurches to receive an annual offering the Sunday before the last Monday in May for the Commission
on Chaplains and Military Personnel and that the Office of the Stated Clerk be charged to promote
the offering on behalf of the Commission and place it on the church calendar.

V. THE REPORT ON THE COMMISSION ON MINISTRY
The committee reviewed the Report of Commission on Minsitry and concur in it.

VI. THE MEMORIAL FROM RED RIVER PRESBYTERY
concerning the soliciting ofcontributions by the Church of St. Giles
While the committee is extremely sensitive of the funding needs of St. Giles, we feel approval ofthis memorial would set a precedent for other solicitations of this nature. This does not preclude St. Giles
from asking for assistance in their local area.
RECOMMENDATION 6: That the Memorial from Red River Presbytery which states:“WHEREAS, the Church of Saint Giles in Tulsa, Oklahoma is a mission congregation that is
primarily an outreach to a select group of physically challenged people, and
WHEREAS, the Church by its very nature will always have a small core congregation and2008

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

389

corresponding small financial base, and
WHEREAS, the Church of Saint Giles’s ministry is very similar to the Bethel Farm Ministry withtightly focused services and resources, and
WHEREAS, numerous congregations across the denomination and beyond are showing interest inoffering financial support for the Saint Giles ministry,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the members of Red River Presbytery ask the 178th General
Assembly to grant The Church of Saint Giles permission to solicit contributions from acrossthe Cumberland Presbyterian Church,” be denied.
We the Committee on Missions, Ministry and Chaplains, commend the Board of Missions, theCommission on Ministry, and the Commission on Chaplains and Military Personnel for their diligence ininforming this committee of their work.
Respectfully submitted,
Committee on Missions, Ministry and Chaplains

REPORT TWO OF THE COMMITTEE ON missions,ministry and military chaplains(Appendix I)
After extensive discussion of the 177th General Assembly’s 5-year emphasis on evangelism
and the future of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church that included representatives of the Board ofMissions, Ministry Council, Board of Christian Education, Publication Board, Commission on Ministry,
Memphis Theological Seminary, and the Moderator of 178th General Assembly we make the following
recommendations.
RECOMMENDATION 1: That Recommendation 2 of the Report of the Board of Missions,that “General Assembly re-affirm the priority focus on evangelism and continue to urge presbyteries
and General Assembly agencies to engage the whole Church in “fleshing out” the intentions of thepriority in the commitment to reach many new persons for the cause of Christ,” be denied.
Recommendation 2: We recommend that the General Assembly re-affirm the 5-year
priority focus on evangelism, directing the staffs of the Board of Missions, Commission on the Ministry,
Board of Christian Education, and Publication Board, or their successor entities in collaboration withany other General Assembly agencies necessary, to develop an integrated plan to lead presbyteries
and the several churches to engage in evangelism focused on bringing new persons to salvation in
Jesus Christ.
The plan shall include, but not be limited to, the Publications Board informing its readerswith articles and research on evangelism; the Board of Christian Education identifying or creating
curriculum to teach the Gospel to non-believers and to train disciples to reach out to non-believers; theCommission on Ministry offering training to equip pastors and lay leaders in the area of evangelism;
and the Board of Missions engaging the whole church in reaching new persons for the cause of
Christ.
Special care should be taken in the development of the plan to include strategies for urban,
suburban, rural, and international churches.
Work in progress plans shall be submitted to the fall 2008 (November) meeting of the MinistryCouncil and executable plans shall be submitted to the winter 2009 (February) meeting of the MinistryCouncil and be posted on the denominational web site. Progress reports of the plan shall be submitted
to each of the General Assemblies through the year of 2012.
The intended essence of this recommendation is to call all of the identified agencies andresources of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church to a 5-year emphasis on evangelism focused onbringing new persons to Christ.
Respectfully submitted,
Committee on Missions, Ministry and ChaplainsIndexSymbols
30-Hour Famine..................................................................71
1810 Circle........................................................................156

A
Adult/Family Ministry........................................................70
Adult Ministry Resources...................................................70
Agencies of the General Assembly.....................................19
Alternate Pastoral Leadership Models................................91
American Bible Society................................................31, 35
Andes Presbytery..............................................................105
Appalachian Ministries Educational
Resource Center (Amerc)...............................................87
Appendices........................................................................368
Assembly Meetings and Officers..........................................7
Assembly’s Minutes............................................................21
Assembly’s Standing Rules................................................15
Assembly Year and Reporting.............................................19
AuditsAgencies........................................................................212
Bethel College...............................................................265
Children’s Home...........................................................311
Historical Foundation....................................................328
Memphis Theological Seminary...................................337

B
Bethel College.............................................................25, 185
Beth-El Farm Worker Ministry, Inc.,
Wimauma, Florida...........................................................87
Birthplace Shrine..............................................................163
Board of Directors of theGeneral Assembly Corporation.......................................24
Book of Common Worship.................................................72
Border Ministry...................................................................88
Bridges................................................................................67
Budgets.............................................................................200
Builders Fellowship............................................................99
Bylaws of General Assembly..............................................10
Bylaws of the Ministry Council..........................................47

C
Camp Staff Training............................................................67
Caribbean and North American Area Council....................31
Catalyst Church Planting Specialist....................................96

Catechism Committee Report...........................................187
Cauca Valley Presbytery...................................................107
Center Task Force Reports Number One..................195, 197
Chaplains and Military Personnel...............................29, 165
Children in the Sanctuary....................................................66
Children’s Home.........................................................26, 205
Children’s Home/Bethel College Committee Report.......368
Children’s Home Report...................................................134
Children’s Ministry Resources............................................71
Children’s Sunday...............................................................71
Choctaw Presbytery............................................................91
Christian Education...............................................59, 80, 201
Christian Education Conference.........................................78
Christian Education Plan Book...........................................67
Christian Ed Website...........................................................68
Christian Service Recognition Sunday Resource Packet....92
Church Calendar 2008-2009...............................................54
Church Library Resources..................................................67
Church Membership Resources..........................................64
Church Officer Training......................................................68
Church Redevelopment (USA)...........................................99
Church School Curriculum.................................................63
Church Women United (CWU)...........................................89
Climate For Learning:
Educational Planning for Your Congregation................68
Coalition for Appalachian Ministry (CAM).......................87
Commissioners......................................................................4
Commission on the Ministry.....................................168, 207
Committee Assignments.......................................................6
Committee on Christian
Education/Stewardship Report......................................376
Committee on Judiciary Report........................................369
Committee on Memphis Theological Seminary/The Historical Foundation Report...............................379
Committee on Missions/Ministry/Military Chaplains Reports..................................388, 390
Committee on Program Planning Report..........................381
Committee on Theology and Social Concerns Report......377
Committees...........................................................................5
Communications Ministry Team.........................................26
Congregational Ministries Unit...........................................86
Consultant Training.......................................................77, 78
Consultations and Seminars................................................93
Contingency Fund...............................................................45
Covenant of Grace: A Thread Through Scripture...............65
Credentials Committee Reports........................................368
Cross-Culture Leader Conferences.....................................93
Cumberland Presbyterian Publication Board............152, 208

D

J

Denomination Day Offering.............................................158
Discipleship Ministry Team................................................26
Divorce Recovery...............................................................70

Japan Presbytery...............................................................110
Joint Committee on Amendments...............................30, 174
Judiciary Committee...................................................30, 173

E

K

Ecumenical Ministries........................................................86
Ecumenical Stewardship Center.......................................115
Election of Moderator.........................................................15
Election of Vice Moderator.................................................15
Engrossing Clerk.................................................................19
Evangelism and Church Development................................92

Kerygma..............................................................................65
Korean Ministry Coordinator..............................................96
Korean New Church Development.....................................95

F
Family Gathers for Worship................................................64

L
Leadership Referral Services..............................................91
Living General Assembly Moderators................................23
Logos..................................................................................65

M
G
General Assembly Commissions........................................29
General Assembly Committees...........................................30
General Assembly Office..................................................200
General Assembly Officers.................................................24
General Assembly Rulings..................................................21
General Regulations............................................................15
Gift to the King...........................................................85, 101
Global Ministries Retreat..................................................117
Global Missions................................................................102
God So Loves......................................................................65

March of Missions............................................................101
Memorial Roll of Ministers................................................22
Memorials.........................................................................199
Memphis Theological Seminary.........................27, 138, 211
Ministerial Aid Program...................................................128
Minister’s Conferences.....................................................169
Ministry Council...................................................25, 47, 201
Ministry in Israel.................................................................88
Miniversities.......................................................................67
Minutes of the General Assembly.....................................358
Missionary Messenger......................................................101
Missions................................................................28, 84, 202
Moderator......................................................................16, 32

H
Hispanic, Korean and Sudanese Attendance.......................95
Hispanic New Church Development..................................95
Historical Foundation..........................................27, 156, 209
Historical Library and Archives........................................160
Hong Kong Presbytery......................................................108
Hymnals..............................................................................72

I
I Have Been Baptized.........................................................71
Institute for Peace and Justice.............................................70
Insurance Programs...........................................................129
International Youth Mission Trips......................................93
Investment Loan Program.................................................126

N
National Farm Worker Ministry (NFWM)..........................87
Native American Sunday..................................................102
New Church Development
Matching Grant and Quarter Cards.................................99
New Earth: Christian Resources for the Outdoors Series...64
Nominating Committee.........................................16, 30, 178
Nominations........................................................................16O
One Family Under God andStudy Guide for One Family Under God........................65

Opening Doors to Discipleship...........................................69
Ordained Clergy Women.....................................................89
Our United Outreach...........................................................53

Study Guide for the Confession of Faith............................66
Study Guide for the Proposed Catechism...........................66
Sudanese New Church Development..................................95
Sunday School Year Packet.................................................69

P
Park Chaplaincy..................................................................92
Pastoral Development Ministry Team.................................29
Place of Meeting.........................................................30, 181
Planned Giving Coordinators............................................125
Planning Guide for Family Ministry...................................65
Planning Guide for the Christian Year................................64
Planning Guide for the Worship Committee.......................65
Presbyterian Council for Media (PCM)..............................87
Presbyterian Youth Triennium............................................76
Presbytery Board Partnerships/Support..............................68
Priority Focus on Evangelism.....................................92, 140
Priority Goal for New Church Development......................97
Priority Goals Statement.......................................................2
Program of Alternate Studies......................................94, 144
Program Planning Calendar................................................68
Program Schedule of General Assembly..............................2
Proposed Catechism..........................................................188

T
Table of Contents..................................................................4
The Cumberland Presbyterian Publication Board.............152
Theology and Social Concerns...................................31, 183
These Days..........................................................................64
Third Age Ministry.............................................................70
Thoughtful Christian...........................................................66
Touch the Future...............................................................116

U
United Board for Christian Discipleship Report.................75

V

Q

Vacation Bible School Resources.......................................63
Vision....................................................................................2
Volunteers in Action (VIA) Ministry..................................92

Quarterly MEMO(Mission Engagement Ministry Outreach) Packet........101
Quarterly Missions Emphasis Bulletin (QME).................101

W

Referrals To Committees..................................................361
Resolutions..........................................................................15
Retirement Program..........................................................127

Welcome to the Lord’s Table..............................................71
Women’s Conference..........................................................89
Women’s Ministry...............................................................88
Workshop Rotation.............................................................66
World Alliance of Reformed Churches.........................31, 36
Worship Bulletins and Resources.......................................72
Writers’ Conference..........................................................154

S

Y

Searchings: For Third Agers Who Are
Seeking Something More................................................65
Second Mile Giving............................................................85
Seeing The Face Of God.....................................................66
Small Church and Rural Church Leadership Events..........91
Souper Bowl of Caring.......................................................71
Staff Consulting..................................................................68
Stated Clerk.............................................................17, 35, 46
Statistical Information.........................................................44
Stewardship, Foundation And Benefits...............28, 114, 204
Stewardship Resources.....................................................115

Young Adult Ministry.........................................................77
Youth Advisory Delegates..............................................5, 70
Youth Conference...............................................................76
Youth Evangelism Conference............................................93
Youth Ministry....................................................................70
Youth Ministry Planning Council.......................................75
Youth Packet.......................................................................71
Youth Sunday......................................................................71

R

CHURCH CALENDAR 2008-2009
JULY 2008
7
		
7-25
12
12-26
13-15
30-8/1		Bethel College 2nd Session
Registration/Classes Begin
MTS Second Term Summer School
PAS Graduation
PAS Summer Extension School
CPYC
Christian Education Consultant
Training Event

AUGUST 2008
any Sunday
Church Paper Sunday
1
Bethel College 2nd Session Ends
24
Quarterly Missions Emphasis
30
MTS Fall Classes Begin
31-9/28 Christian Education Season

SEPTEMBER 200814
Senior Adult Day
21
International Day of Prayer and		
Action for Human Habitat
30
Quarterly OUO Report

OCTOBER 2008
1-31
Clergy Appreciation Month
5
Worldwide Communion Sunday
12
Clergy Appreciation Sunday

NOVEMBER 2008
any Sunday
Love Loaf Offering
any Sunday
Commitment Sunday
1
MTS Inquirer’s Day
2
Stewardship Day
9
Day of Prayer for People with AIDS		and Other Life Threatening Illnesses
16
Bible Sunday
23
Quarterly Missions Emphasis30-12/24
AdventDECEMBER 2008
any Sunday
Gift to the King Offering
13
MTS Final Day of Fall Classses
25
Christmas Day
31
Our United Outreach, YE report

JANUARY 2009
4
5-6
5-16
9
		
12
20-22
23
24

Epiphany
Stated Clerk’s Conference
MTS D.Min. Residency
Cut-off Date for OUO Receipts forPrevious Year
Bethel College Classes Begin
Ministers’ Conference (Brenthaven CP Church)
MTS New Student Spring Orientation
MTS Spring Classes BeginFEBRUARY 20091
Denomination Sunday
1
Souper Bowl Sunday
1
Historical Foundation Offering
1
Annual Reports Due to Presbytery Clerks
1-28Black History Month
10
Annual Reports Due to Stated Clerk
15
Youth Sunday
22
Quarterly Missions Emphasis
25
Ash Wednesday
25-4/12 Lent - Easter
MARCH 2009
1
1-31
6
6
7
9-13
16
31

Theological Education Sunday
Women’s History Month
Bethel College Mid-Term
World Day of Prayer (Church Women United)
MTS Inquirer’s Day
Bethel College Spring BreakOne Great Hour of Sharing
Quarterly OUO Report

APRIL 2009
5
One Great Hour of Sharing
5
Palm Sunday
6-11
MTS Closed for Holy Week
9
Maundy Thursday
10
Good Friday
10-12 Bethel College East Break
12
Easter12
Native American Sunday
12-5/31 March of Missions, Easter to Pentecost
20-24 National Farm Worker Week
MAY 2009
1
3-10
9
16
17
24
24
31
31

May Fellowship Day (Church Women United)
Family Week
Bethel College Commencement
MTS Graduation
CP Children’s Home Sunday
Chaplain’s Memorial Day Offering
Quarterly Missions Emphasis
Pentecost
World Missions Day

JUNE 2009
1
		
1-27
14
15-19
15-19
		
26
26

Bethel College 1st Session
Registration/Classes Begin
MTS Summer Term
Children’s Sunday
General Assembly, Memphis, Tennessee
Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s
Convention, Memphis, Tennessee
CPYC Registration Cut-Off
Bethel College 1st Session Ends30

OUO Quarterly Report