2011

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

2011 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 EIGHTY FIRST MEETINGSPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI***********

NEXT MEETING - FLORENCE, ALABAMAJUNE 17 - 22, 2012***********

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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2011

2011

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

3

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Vision of Ministry and Priority Goals...............................................................................................Title Page
Program...........................................................................................................................................................4
Commissioners................................................................................................................................................6
Youth Advisory Delegates..............................................................................................................................7
Committees and Abbreviations.......................................................................................................................7
Committee Meeting Rooms............................................................................................................................7
Committee Assignments.................................................................................................................................8
Assembly Meetings and Officers....................................................................................................................9
By Laws of General Assembly Corporation.................................................................................................12
Memorial Roll of Ministers..........................................................................................................................22
Living General Assembly Moderators..........................................................................................................23
Membership of Boards and Agencies...........................................................................................................24
Reports
Moderator...............................................................................................................................................32
Stated Clerk............................................................................................................................................33
Ministry Council.....................................................................................................................................37
Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits..................................................................................125
Board of Trustees of the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home.................................................138
Board of Trustees of Memphis Theological Seminary.........................................................................150
Board of the Historical Foundation......................................................................................................161
Commission on Chaplains and Military Personnel..............................................................................170
Joint Committee on Amendments........................................................................................................172
Permanent Judiciary Committee..........................................................................................................173
Nominating Committee........................................................................................................................174
OUO Committee...................................................................................................................................177
Place of Meeting Committee................................................................................................................179
Unified Committee on Theology and Social Concerns........................................................................181
Board of Trustees of Bethel University................................................................................................185
Resolution
From Ashley Chambers, Commissioner, Grace Presbytery, Concerning Church Tithing...................187
Memorials
From Missouri Presbytery Concerning Active Elders Administering the Sacrament of the
Lord’s Supper..................................................................................................................................187
From Red River Presbytery Concerning Evaluating the New Structure..............................................189
Agency Budgets..........................................................................................................................................191
Audits .............................................................................................................................................................
Minutes.............................................................................................................................................................
Appendices........................................................................................................................................................
Inside Back Cover.............................................................................................................................................

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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2011

PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Assembly Meetings:
Retiring Moderator:
Host:
Worship Director:		
Music Director:

University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center
The Reverend Boyce Wallace, Cauca Valley PresbyteryFirst Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Springfield, Missouri
The Reverend Andy McClung, West Tennessee PresbyteryPeter Jeffery, Professor of Music/Senior Executive Director of Renaissance - Bethel
University

SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011
Location			

Time		Event

University Plaza  3:00 p.m. Orientation for Commissioners and Youth Advisory Delegates
John Q’s
Orientation for Committee Chairs and Co-Chairs(Packets may be picked up in the General Assembly Office Lake of the Ozarks
before or after the orientation session.)
Setup displaysBallroom/Lobby
  5:30 p.m BBQ and Singing
  7:30 p.m. Fellowship Time for International Comissioners & Guests
Texas

University Plaza
Springfield CPC
Univesity PlazaFIRST DAY - MONDAY, JUNE 20, 2011
University Plaza  8:30 a.m. Registration for Commissioners and Youth Advisory Delegates(for those who did not register on Sunday)
Lake of the Ozarks
  9:00 a.m. Pre-Assembly Workshops
(Texas, Arkansas, Kansas A-C, Colorado A &B)
10:15 a.m. Break
10:30 a.m. Pre-Assembly Workshops
(Texas, Arkansas, Kansas A-C, Colorado A &B)
11:45 a.m. Break
Convention Center   2:00 p.m. Opening Worship
Nebraska - Iowa
The Retiring Moderator: The Reverend Boyce Wallace,     Cauca Valley Presbytery
Worship Director: The Reverend Andy McClung  3:00 p.m. Break for Commissioners and YAD’s to move to Commissioners								Section for business session
  3:15 p.m. Constitution of the General Assembly
Adoption of the Agenda
Report of the Credentials Committee
Election of Moderator
Election of Vice-Moderator
Presentation by the Stated Clerk, Michael Sharpe
Communications
Corrections to preliminary minutes
Committee Appointments and Referrals to Committees
Welcome, Pastor Host, Local Officials
Presentation by the Discipleship Ministry Team (Susan Groce)
Presentation by Commissioners from Japan Presbytery
Introduction of Board and Agency Representatives
University Plaza  4:30 p.m. General Assembly Committees meet(Texas, Arkansas, Kansas A-C,
Colorado A &B)  5:30 p.m. Break for Dinner
EVENING PROGRAMFirst & Calvary  7:00 p.m. Moderator’s Reception honoring the Moderator and Vice-Moderator
Presbyterian Churchof the General Assembly, the Immediate Past Moderator, the President820 E. Cherry St.
Elect and the President of the Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Convention

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THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

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SECOND DAY - TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2011
Convention Center

University PlazaFirst & Calvary  
Presbyterian Church
820 E. Cherry St.
University Plaza
Convention Center  8:30 a.m. Devotional, Youth Advisory Delegate, Madison Crooks,     Cookeville, TN, Murfreesboro PresbyteryNebraska – Iowa
  9:00 a.m. Presentation Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home (Kevin Henson)
Presentation Missions Ministry Team (Bob Watkins)
Presentation by the Commission on Chaplains (Lowell Roddy)
Resolutions by Commissioners
10:00 a.m. Adjourn for Committee Meetings
10:30 a.m. Women’s Ministry Convention
Georgia
Committee Meetings
(Texas, Arkansas, Kansas A-C, Colorado A &B)
12:30 p.m. Children’s Home Luncheon
Oklahoma  1:30 p.m. Committee Meetings
(Texas, Arkansas, Kansas A-C, Colorado A &B)  5:30 p.m. Bethel University Dinner
EVENING PROGRAM
Committee Meetings Continue (Texas, Arkansas, Kansas A-C, Colorado A &B)
Women’s Ministry Convention
Georgia

THIRD DAY - WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2011
University Plaza
Convention Center
University Plaza  7:00 a.m. Ministry Council BreakfastOklahoma  8:30 a.m. Devotions in Committee Rooms
Committee Meetings
(Texas, Arkansas, Kansas A-C, Colorado A &B)
12:30 p.m. Memphis Theological Seminary Luncheon
Arizona  5:00 p.m. Conclusion of Committee Meetings
Dinner BreakEVENING PROGRAM

Convention Center
University Plaza  7:00 p.m. Worship/Holy Communion - The Reverend Sharon Huey,
Nebraska – Iowa     Grace CP Church, San Francisco, CA( a special offering will be received for the “Clergy Crisis Fund”)
  8:30 p.m. Reception Honoring Women in Ministry
Colorado(reception to begin following worship service)

FOURTH DAY - THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011
University Plaza  7:00 a.m. Program of Alternate Studies BreakfastConvention Ceneter   8:30 a.m. Devotional, Rev. Ricardo Castaneda, Andes Presbytery  9:00 a.m. General Assembly Business
12:00 noon Lunch Break
University Plaza
12:30 p.m. Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry Luncheon  2:00 p.m. General Assembly Business  5:00 p.m. Dinner BreakTake Down Displays

John Q’s
Nebraska - Iowa
Kansas - Oklahoma
Nebraska - Iowa

EVENING PROGRAM
Convention Center  7:00 p.m. General Assembly BusinessClosing Worship: The Reverend Andy McClungWest Tennessee Presbytery(In the event that business is not concluded on Thursday,the closing worship will be at the conclusion of businesson Friday morning.)

Nebraska - Iowa

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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2011

COMMISSIONERS
to theONE HUNDRED EIGHTY FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLYPRESBYTERYMINISTERCOMMITTEEELDERCOMMITTEE

Andes (2).......................... Ricardo Castaneda............... C/M/P
Arkansas (2)..................... Henry Jenkins........................TSC.................... Sarah Davidson..........................S/E........................... Alan Meinzer............................J....................... Glen Priebe........................... CPCH/HF
Cauca Valley (2)............... Boyce Wallace..................... C/M/P.................. Luis Angel Palacio.....................S/E
Choctaw (1)...................... Hannah Bryan...........................J....................... Jimmie Scott...............................S/E
Columbia (2).................... John Eatherly..........................HE..................... Carol Hale............................... C/M/P........................... William Rolman............... CPCH/HF............... Brenda Howell........................MC/C/D
Covenant (3)..................... Fred Fahl..................................J....................... Narvin Darnall......................... C/M/P........................... Chris Fleming.........................HE..................... Raymond Nelson........................S/E........................... Curtis Franklin....................MC/C/D................ Jackie Stull................................TSC
Cullman (1)...................... James Wilson.................... CPCH/HF
Cumberland (3)................ James Byrd.........................MC/C/D................ Ronald Gallagher.................. CPCH/HF........................... Billy Carter.............................S/E........................... Gary Whitworth........................J
Del Cristo (3)................... Jimmy Braswell................... C/M/P.................. Cindy Barton..............................HE........................... Aaron McMillan.......................J....................... Sherry Meier.................................J........................... Sharon Notley.....................MC/C/D
East Tennessee (3)............ Tammy Greene...................MC/C/D................ Jack Cooper..................................J........................... Mark Hester............................HE..................... Linda Diggs...............................TSC........................... Casey Nicholson............... CPCH/HF
Grace (3).......................... Wade Acton...................... CPCH/HF............... Ashley Chambers.................... C/M/P........................... Eddie Jenkins..........................HE..................... Charles Gould.............................S/E........................... Jerry Lawson......................MC/C/D................ Jim Phillips................................TSC
Hong Kong (1)Hope (1)............................ Charles Hood....................... C/M/P.................. Andy Hannah.............................TSC
Japan (1)........................... Kenta Karasawa................... C/M/P.................. Akimasa Nakano..................... C/M/P
Missouri (1)...................... Dale Brown...........................TSC.................... Dana Smith...................................J
Murfreesboro (3).............. B. J. Hancock.........................HE..................... Jerry Draper............................. C/M/P........................... Charles McCaskey.................TSC.................... Bob Faris....................................S/E........................... Joyce Merritt.................... CPCH/HF............... Lee Webb....................................HENashville (3)..................... Don Tabor...........................MC/C/D................ Bobby Garrett.........................MC/C/D........................... Dwayne Tyus..........................S/E..................... Maynor Schott..............................J........................... Nathan Wheeler.....................TSC.................... Jeff Smith...................................HENorth Central (2).............. Carroll Richards.................. C/M/P.................. Andy Pottorff..........................MC/C/D........................... Jesse Thornton..........................J....................... Roy Shanks........................... CPCH/HF
Red River (3).................... Jeff Gehle...............................HE..................... Mikel Davis...............................TSC........................... Kevin Henson.........................S/E..................... Cheryl McQueen.................. CPCH/HF........................... Tom Sanders........................ C/M/P.................. Annette Wells...............................J
Robert Donnell (1)........... Toy Brindley........................ C/M/P.................. Lorna Light........................... CPCH/HF
Tenn./Georgia (2)............. Cliff Hudson...........................S/E..................... James Condra.............................HE........................... Christian Smith................. CPCH/HF............... George Holland............................J
Trinity (2)......................... James Cantey..........................S/E..................... Karen Lock.............................. C/M/P........................... Rusty Rustenhaven.............MC/C/D................ Carol McDowell........................TSC
West Tennessee (5)........... Eugene Leslie.........................S/E..................... Steve Garner......................... CPCH/HF........................... Walter McClanahan................HE..................... Randy Seaton..........................MC/C/D........................... Andy McClung......................TSC.................... Kelly Shepherd.......................MC/C/D........................... Don McCurley.................. CPCH/HF........................... Ron McMillan.......................TSC.

2011

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

Arkansas..........................................................Beth Fleming.............................................................................. S/E..........................................................Lauren Barnes..........................................................................C/M/P
Choctaw
Columbia.........................................................McKenzie Green....................................................................... TSC..........................................................Kristin Howell............................................................................ HE
Covenant.........................................................Brandon Hayes.......................................................................... TSC..........................................................Allison Larkins......................................................................CPCH/HF
CullmanCumberland.....................................................Tyler Lindsey............................................................................. S/E
del Cristo.........................................................Hunter Hill............................................................................. MC/C/D..........................................................Megan Meier................................................................................ J
East Tennessee................................................Hannah Leavell...................................................................... MC/C/D..........................................................Noemi Urquiza......................................................................CPCH/HF
Grace ..........................................................Kelsey Lee................................................................................ TSC
Hope ..........................................................McKala Davis.......................................................................CPCH/HF..........................................................Allie Rodgers............................................................................ TSC
Japan
Missouri ..........................................................Sarah Agee...............................................................................C/M/P..........................................................Jonathan Bellis....................................................................... MC/C/D
Murfreesboro...................................................Madison Crooks..................................................................... MC/C/D..........................................................Amber Smith............................................................................C/M/P
Nashville.........................................................Brandi Drexler.........................................................................C/M/P
North Central..................................................Rebecca Small............................................................................ HE
Red River........................................................Houston Brown.......................................................................... S/E..........................................................Ely Franco.................................................................................. HE
Robert Donnell................................................Amanda Cambron.................................................................CPCH/HF
Tennessee Georgia
Trinity ..........................................................Nathan Jones................................................................................ JWest Tennessee...............................................Taylor Boulton............................................................................. J..........................................................Alex Ward.................................................................................. HECOMMITTEES ABBREVIATIONS AND MEETING ROOMS
University Plaza Hotel
ABBREV.
C/M/P
CPCH/HF
HEJ
MC/C/D
S/E
TSC

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

MEETING ROOM
Arkansas
Kansas A
Kansas B
Kansas C
Colorado B
Colorado A
Texas

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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2011

COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
1.

CHAPLAINS/MISSIONS/PASTORAL DEVELOPMENT
Chair: Rev. Jimmy Braswell
Co-Chair: Elder Karen Lock
Ministers: Toy Brindley, Ricardo Castaneda, Chuck Hood, Kenta Karasawa, Carroll Richards     Tom Sanders, Boyce Wallace
Elders: Ashley Chambers, Narvin Darnall, Carol Hale, Akimasa Nakano
Youth Advisory Delegates: Sarah Agee, Lauren Barnes, Brandi Drexler, Amber Smith

2.

CHILDREN’S HOME/HISTORICAL FOUNDATION
Chair: Rev. Joyce Merritt
Co-Chair: Rev. William Rolman
Ministers: Wade Acton, Don McCurly, Casey Nicholson, Christian Smith, James Wilson
Elders: Ronald Gallagher, Steve Garner, Lorna Light, Cheryl McQueen, Glen Priebe, Roy Shanks
Youth Advisory Delegates: Amanda Cambron, McKala Davis, Allison Larkins, Noemi Urquiza

3.

HIGHER EDUCATION
Chair: Rev. Jeff Ghele
Co-Chair: Elder Cindy Barton
Ministers: John Eatherly, Chris Fleming, B. J. Hancock, Mark Hester, Eddie Jenkins,     Walter McClanahan
Elders: James Condra, Jeff Smith, Lee Webb
Youth Advisory Delegates: Ely Franco, Kristin Howell, Rebecca Small, Alex Ward

4.

JUDICIARY
Chair: Rev. Aaron McMillan
Co-Chair: Elder Annette Wells
Ministers: Hannah Bryan, Fred Fahl, Alan Meinzer, Jesse Thornton, Gary Whitworth
Elders: Jack Cooper, George Holland, Sherry Meier, Maynor Schott, Dana Smith
Youth Advisory Delegates: Taylor Boulton, Nathan Jones, Megan Meier

5.

MINISTRY COUNCIL/COMMUNICATIONS/DISCIPLESHIP
Chair: Elder Kelly Shepherd
Co-Chair: Rev. Tammy Greene
Ministers: James Byrd, Curtis Franklin, Jerry Lawson, Sharon Notley, Rusty Rustenhaven, Don Tabor
Elders: Bobby Garrett, Brenda Howell, Jerry Draper, Andy Pottorff, Randy Seaton
Youth Advisory Delegates: Jonathan Bellis, Madison Crooks, Hunter Hill, Hannah Leavell

6.

STEWARDSHIP/ELECTED OFFICERS
Chair: Rev. Dwayne Tyus
Co-Chair: Elder Sarah Davidson
Ministers: James Cantey, Billy Carter, Kevin Henson, Cliff Hudson, Eugene Leslie
Elders: Bob Faris, Charles Gould, Raymond Nelson, Luis Angel Palacio, Jimmie Scott
Youth Advisory Delegates: Houston Brown, Beth Fleming, Tyler Lindsey

7.

THEOLOGY/SOCIAL CONCERNS
Chair: Rev. Charles McCaskey
Co-Chair: Elder Linda Diggs
Ministers: Dale Brown, Henry Jenkins, Andy McClung, Ron McMillan, Nathan Wheeler
Elders: Mike Davis, Andy Hannah, Carol McDowell, Jim Phillips, Jackie Stull
Youth Advisory Delegates: McKenzie Green, Brandon Hayes, Kelsey Lee, Allie Rodgers

8.

CREDENTIALS:
Chair: Jerry Lawson
Members: Henry Jenkins
Youth Advisory Delegate: Houston Brown

2011

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

Date		

Place

Moderator

Clerk

Members

1810, February..........................Sam McAdow’s House.........................Samuel McAdow............................... Young Ewing.....................3..................................................Dickson Co., TN
1810, March 20.........................Ridge Meeting-House,..........................Samuel McAdow............................... Young Ewing...................14..................................................Sumner Co., TN.
1810, October 23.......................Lebanon Meeting-House.......................Finis Ewing........................................ Young Ewing...................16
1811, March 19.........................Big Spring, Wilson Co., TN..................Robert Bell......................................... Young Ewing...................19
1811, October 9.........................Ridge Meeting-House...........................Thomas Calhoun................................ David Foster....................23
1812, April 7.............................Suggs Creek Meeting-House................Hugh Kirkpatrick............................... James B. Porter................28
1812, November 3.....................Lebanon, KY.........................................Finis Ewing........................................ Hugh Kirkpatrick.............22
1813, April 6.............................Beech Meeting-House...........................Robert Bell......................................... James B. Porter................34..................................................Sumner Co. TN
THE CUMBERLAND SYNOD, 1813-1828

1813, October 5.........................Beech Meeting-House...........................William McGee.................................. Finis Ewing......................13
1814, April 5.............................Suggs Creek..........................................David Foster....................................... James B. Porter................27
1815, October 17.......................Beech Meeting-House...........................William Barnett.................................. David Foster....................15
1816, October 15.......................Free Meeting-House, TN......................Thomas Calhoun................................ David Foster....................22
1817, October 21.......................Mt. Moriah, KY....................................Robert Donnell................................... Hugh Kirkpatrick.............27
1818, October 20.......................Big Spring, TN......................................Finis Ewing........................................ Robert Bell......................27
1819, October 19.......................Suggs Creek, TN...................................Samuel King....................................... William Barnett...............24
1820, October 17.......................Russellville, KY....................................Thomas Calhoun................................ William Moore................30
1821, Third Tues. in Oct...........Russellville, KY......................................Minutes not recorded
1822, October 15.......................Beech Meeting-House...........................James B. Porter.................................. David Foster....................47
1823, October 21.......................Russellville, KY....................................John Barnett....................................... Aaron Alexander..............48
1824, October 19.......................Cane Creek, TN....................................Samuel King....................................... William Moore................68
1825, October 18  .....................Princeton, KY........................................William Barnett.................................. Hiram McDaniel..............76
1826, Third Tues. in Oct...........Russellville, KY......................................Minutes not recorded
1827, November 20...................Russellville, KY....................................James S. Guthrie................................ Laban Jones.....................63
1828, October 21.......................Franklin, TN..........................................Hiram A. Hunter................................. Richard Beard..................94
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 18291829, May 19............................Princeton, KY........................................Thomas Calhoun................................ F. R. Cossitt.....................26
1830, May 18............................Princeton, KY........................................James B. Porter.................................. F. R. Cossitt.....................36
1831, May 17............................Princeton, KY........................................Alex Chapman................................... F. R. Cossitt.....................34
1832, May 15............................Nashville, TN........................................F. R. Cossitt........................................ F. R. Cossitt.....................36
1833, May 21............................Nashville, TN........................................Samuel King....................................... F. R. Cossitt.....................35
1834, May 20............................Nashville, TN........................................Thomas Calhoun................................ James Smith.....................48
1835, May 19............................Princeton, KY........................................Sam King........................................... James Smith.....................42
1836, May 17............................Nashville, TN........................................Reuben Burrow.................................. James Smith.....................43
1837, May 16............................Lebanon, TN.........................................Robert Donnell................................... James Smith.....................49
1838, May 15............................Princeton, KY........................................Hiram A. Hunter................................. James Smith.....................47
1840, May 19............................Elkton, KY............................................ Reuben Burrow................................. James Smith.....................55
1841, May 18............................Owensboro, KY....................................William Ralston................................. C. G. McPherson.............56
1842, May 17............................Owensboro, KY....................................Milton Bird........................................ C. G. McPherson.............57
1843, May 16............................Owensboro, KY....................................A. M. Bryan....................................... C. G. McPherson.............68
1845, May 20............................Lebanon, TN.........................................Richard Beard.................................... C. G. McPherson.............95
1846, May 19............................Owensboro, KY....................................M. H. Bone......................................... C. G. McPherson.............86
1847, May 18............................Lebanon, Ohio.......................................Hiram A. Hunter................................. C. G. McPherson.............71
1848, May 16............................Memphis, TN........................................Milton Bird........................................ C. G. McPherson...........100
1849, May 16............................Princeton, KY........................................John L. Smith..................................... C. G. McPherson.............75
1850, May 21............................Clarksville, TN......................................Reuben Burrow.................................. Milton Bird....................102
1851, May 20............................Pittsburgh, PA........................................Milton Bird........................................ Milton Bird......................71
1852, May 18............................Nashville, TN........................................David Lowry...................................... Milton Bird....................107
1853, May 17............................Princeton, KY........................................H. S. Porter......................................... Milton Bird....................108
1854, May 16............................Memphis, TN........................................Isaac Shook........................................ Milton Bird....................112
1855, May 15............................Lebanon, TN.........................................M. H. Bone......................................... Milton Bird....................101
1856, May 15............................Louisville, KY.......................................Milton Bird........................................ Milton Bird......................99
1857, May 21............................Lexington, MO......................................Carson P. Reed................................... Milton Bird....................106
1858, May 20............................Huntsville, AL.......................................Felix Johnson..................................... Milton Bird....................124
1859, May 19............................Evansville, IN.......................................T. B. Wilson....................................... Milton Bird....................131
1860, May 17............................Nashville, TN........................................S. G. Burney....................................... Milton Bird....................168
1861, May 16............................St. Louis, MO........................................A. E. Cooper...................................... Milton Bird......................51
1862, May 15............................Owensboro, KY....................................P. G. Rea............................................. Milton Bird......................58
1863, May 21............................Alton, IL................................................Milton Bird........................................ Milton Bird......................73
1864, May 19............................Lebanon, OH.........................................Jesse Anderson................................... Milton Bird......................65
1865, May 18............................Evansville, IN.......................................Hiram Douglas................................... Milton Bird......................78
1866, May 17............................Owensboro, KY....................................Richard Beard.................................... Milton Bird....................155
1867, May 16............................Memphis, TN........................................J. B. Mitchell...................................... Milton Bird....................176
1868, May 21............................Lincoln, IL............................................G. W. Mitchell.................................... Milton Bird....................184
1869, May 20............................Murfreesboro, TN.................................S. T. Anderson.................................... Milton Bird....................173
1870, May 19............................Warrensburg, MO..................................J. C. Provine....................................... Milton Bird....................167

10

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2011

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
2007, December 7............... Nashville, TN...................................Frank Ward..................................................... Robert D. Rush.......................62
2008, June 7........................ Japan.................................................Jonathan Clark............................................... Robert D. Rush.......................82
2009, June 15...................... Memphis, TN....................................Sam Suddarth................................................. Robert D. Rush.......................86
2010, June 13...................... Dickson, TN.....................................Boyce Wallace................................................ Robert D. Rush.......................88
2011, June 20...................... Springfield, MO................................Don Tabor...................................................... Michael Sharpe.......................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 powers which may be exercised by the Commissioners, Board of
Directors, or the officers of the corporation when acting in their corporate capacity shall not limit theirauthority when acting in their ecclesiastical capacity for the Church.
1.03 Church Authorities.  The doctrine of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, expressed in the
Confession of Faith, Constitution, Rules of Discipline, and Rules of Order of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, shall have precedence over any inconsistent provision of these Bylaws.
Article 2-Terminology
2.01 Delegates.  The corporation’s delegates shall be called “Commissioners.”
2.02 General Assembly.  A meeting of the Commissioners shall be called a “General Assembly.”
2.03 President.  The corporation’s president shall be called the “Stated Clerk.”
2.04 Ecumenical Representative.  A person who is not a member of a Cumberland Presbyterian
Chuch or presbytery but who supports the mission of a denominational entity and is elected to a term ofservice on that entity shall be called an “Ecumenical Representative.”
Article 3-Offices
3.01 Location.  The principal office of the corporation in the State of Tennessee shall be located in
Shelby County, Tennessee.  The corporation may have such other offices, either within or outside the Stateof Tennessee, as the General Assembly or the Board of Directors may direct from time to time.
Article 4–Commissioners
4.01 Commissioners.  The Commissioners shall have the powers and authority described in thecorporation’s charter and these Bylaws.  Included among them are the power to:a.  Elect the elected members of the Board of Directors.
b.  Approve any amendment to the corporation’s charter except an amendment to delete     the names of the original directors; to change the name of the registered agent, or to     change the address of the registered office;c.  Elect and remove the Moderator, Stated Clerk, and the Engrossing Clerkd.  Fill vacancies on the corporation’s various boards, agencies and committees, and on     the boards of any subsidiaries;e.  Approve the merger or dissolution of the corporation, or the sale of substantially all of     the corporation’s assets; andf.  Transact such other business of the corporation as may properly come before any     meeting of the Commissioners.
4.02 Selection of Commissioners: Number and Qualifications.  Commissioners shall be selectedby the presbyteries.  A presbytery shall be entitled to send one minister and one elder for each 1,000, or
fraction thereof, active members (including ordained clergy) in the presbytery.  Each elder selected as a

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

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as it may set.  Special meetings may be called by or at the request of the Stated Clerk or any three directors
at any place, either within or outside the state of Tennessee.
5.07 Notice.   Notice of any meeting shall be given at least five (5) days before the date of themeeting, except that notice by mail shall be given at least ten (10) days before the date of the meeting.  
Notice may be communicated in person; by telephone, fax, or electronic mail; or by first class mail orcourier.  Except as specifically provided by these Bylaws, neither the business to be transacted at nor the
purpose of any special or regular meeting of the Board of Directors need be specified in the notice of themeeting.
5.08 Notice of Special Actions.  Any meeting of the Board of Directors at which one or more of thefollowing actions shall be considered must be preceded by seven (7) days written notice to each memberthat the matter will be voted upon, unless notice has been waived.  Actions requiring such notice are:amendment or restatement of the corporate charter; approval of a plan of merger for the corporation; sale of
all or substantially all of the corporation’s assets; and dissolution of the corporation.
5.09 Officers of the Board of Directors.  The Board of Directors may have such officers of theboard as it may deem appropriate.
5.10 Quorum and Voting.  A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum for the transactionof business at any meeting of the Board of Directors.  When a quorum is once present to organize a meeting,it is not broken by the subsequent withdrawal of any of those present.  A meeting may be adjourned despite
the lack of a quorum.  The vote of a majority of the members present at a meeting at which a quorum ispresent shall be the act of the Board of Directors unless a greater vote is specifically required by the Charteror the Bylaws.
5.11 Conference Meetings.  Any or all the members of the Board of Directors or any committee
designated by it may meet by means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment
which permits all persons participating in the meeting to hear each other simultaneously.  A member who
participates in a meeting by such means is deemed to be present in person at the meeting.
5.12 Action by Written Consent.  Whenever the members of the Board of Directors are requiredor permitted to take any action by vote, such action may be taken without a meeting on written consent,
setting forth the action so taken and signed by all of the members entitled to vote,5.13 Emergency Actions.  If the Board of Directors determines by a vote of three-fourths of all its
members that an emergency exists of such magnitude as to threaten the work of the whole Church, or of allboards and other agencies of the Church, and that the emergency requires action before the next meeting of
the General Assembly, then the Board of Directors shall exercise the powers of the Commissioners in such
emergency.
5.14 Compensation.  Members of the Board of Directors shall receive no compensation in theircapacity as members of the Board of Directors.  Members may be paid their expenses, if any, of attendanceat each meeting of the Board of Directors.
5.15 Removal of Directors.  An elected member of the Board of Directors may be removed by theCommissioners for misfeasance or if he or she is no longer qualified to be elected to the Board of Directors.
Article 6-Waiver of 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

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

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

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

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10.03 Resignation or Removal.
01.  Any person serving on a denominational entity who is no longer qualified or eligible       to serve shall be deemed to have resigned.
02.  Any person serving on an incorporated denominational entity may resign by delivering         written notice of resignation to the secretary or an executive officer of the denominational      entity, who shall promptly report the resignation to the Stated Clerk.  Any person      serving on an unincorporated denominational entity may resign by delivering written      notice of resignation to the Stated Clerk.  A resignation is effective when delivered      unless some other effective date is specified in the written resignation.
03.  No member who continues to meet the standard  requirements for election or       appointment to any denominational entity shall be removed from office except for       misfeasance.  Removal of a person elected by the General Assembly shall be by vote       of the General Assembly.
10.04 Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits.  The corporation shall elect the eleven(11) directors of the Board of Stewardship as provided in its charter.
10.05 Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home.  The corporation shall elect the fifteen (15)directors of Children’s Home as provided in its corporate articles.  The corporation shall elect the directors
in such a manner that, immediately following any election, there shall be at least six (6) directors who aremembers of ecumenical partners of the Children’s Home.
10.06 Historical Foundation.   The corporation shall elect six (6) of the twelve (12) directorsof the Historical Foundation as provided in its charter.  The corporation shall elect the directors of theHistorical Foundation in such a manner that, immediately following any election, there shall be at least one(1) member from each synod and no person shall be elected if the election would cause two directors fromthe same presbytery to be serving simultaneously.  The remaining six (6) directors shall be elected by the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America.
10.07 Memphis Theological Seminary.  The corporation shall elect the twenty-four (24) directorsof Memphis Theological Seminary as provided in its charter.  The corporation shall elect the directors insuch a manner that, immediately following any election, there shall be at least eleven (11) directors who aremembers of ecumenical partners of the Seminary.
10.08 Ministry Council.
01.  The corporation shall elect the fifteen (15) directors of the Ministry Council as provided       in its charter.
02.  The corporation shall elect the directors of the Ministry Council in such a manner that       immediately following any election, there shall be three (3) directors from each synod;       at least six (6) but no more than nine (9) directors who are ordained clergy; and no more      than nine (9) directors of the same gender.
03.  The Stated Clerk, Moderator, and Immediate Past Moderator shall be designated as       Advisory Members to the board of directors of the Ministry Council.  In addition, the       corporation shall elect three (3) youth Advisory Members who shall be between the       ages of 16 and 19 years of age, inclusive, when elected.
10.09 Commission on Chaplains and Military Personnel.  The commission shall consist of three(3) members elected by the corporation.
Article 11-COMMITTEES
11.01 General.  The corporation shall have the committees provided for in these Bylaws and suchother standing or special committees as the General Assembly may create from time to time.  Except asotherwise provided in these Bylaws, the Moderator, in consultation with the Stated Clerk, shall appoint allcommittees.
11.02 Committees of Commissioners and Youth Advisory Delegates.   Prior to each General
Assembly, the Moderator, in consultation with the Stated Clerk, shall organize the Commissioners andYouth Advisory Delegates into the following committees: Chaplains/Missions/Pastoral Development,Children’s Home/Historical Foundation, Higher Education, Judiciary, Ministry Council/Communications/
Discipleship, Stewardship/Elected Officers, and Theology and Social Concerns.   Each committee shallconsider such matters expected to come before the General Assembly as are referred to it by the StatedClerk.  Any denominational organization the work of which is affected by a matter before a committee shallbe entitled to address the committee.
11.03 Committee on Nominations.

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1901.  The committee shall consist of ten (10) persons elected by the corporation in such a       manner that, immediately following any election, the committee shall have at least one      minister and one lay person from synod.  It is preferred but not required that no two      members shall be from the same presbytery.
02.  Approximately one third of the members of the committee shall be elected each year       by the Genera Assembly and shall serve one term not to exceed three years.
03.  The committee shall meet not earlier than February 15 each year and shall nominate to       the General Assembly qualified persons to fill all vacancies to be filled by vote of the       General Assembly, including vacancies on the Committee on Nominations, unless       another method of nomination is provided in these Bylaws.  The report of the                                    committee shall list the names of nominees, the presbytery if a minister, and the       presbytery and the local congregation if a lay person.  The Committee on Nominations      shall be intentional in nominating persons who represent the global nature of the      Church.
04.  Presbyteries and synods and their moderators and stated clerks are requested to assist        the Committee on Nominations by recommending persons for any position by providing      the name and qualifications of the potential nominees to the Stated Clerk no later than      February 1 on a form to be provided by the Stated Clerk.  Nominations from the                                         floor shall also be in order.
05.  No person shall be nominated for election by the General Assembly unless the nominee      has within the past year given his or her consent to the nomination.
11.04 Joint Committee on Amendments.  The Judiciary Committee shall appoint as many as fiveof its members to act in committee with an equal number of members of the Judiciary Committee of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America.  Upon the request of the General Assembly of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church or the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America, thisJoint Committee shall prepare for the consideration of both general assemblies proposed amendments to
the Confession of Faith, Catechism, Constitution, Rules of Discipline, Directory for Worship, and Rules ofOrder.
11.05 Judiciary Committee.
01.  The committee shall consist of nine (9) persons elected by the corporation in such a        manner that, immediately following any election, the committee shall have at least       four members (4) who are ordained ministers and at least three (3) members who are       licensed attorneys-at-law.  The Stated Clerk shall be staff liaison to the committee,       attending its meetings and providing resources and counsel.
02.  The committee shall meet at least annually upon the call of its chairperson or the Stated       Clerk.
03.  The committee shall provide advice and counsel to the Stated Clerk.  Upon the written       request of any judicatory or denominational entity made to the chairperson or Stated       Clerk, the committee shall render an advisory opinion on matters of church law or       procedure.  The chairperson shall secure the views of all members of the committee       and write the advisory opinion based on the majority view of the members.  The       committee shall not render legal opinions on matters of civil law nor otherwise engage       in the practice of law.
04.  At least one member of the committee shall attend each meeting of the General       Assembly to advise with its officers and Commissioners on matters of church law or       procedure.  At the Moderator’s request a member of the committee shall be available       to advise the Moderator during the business sessions of the General Assembly.
05.  The committee shall be a commission within the meaning of section 2.5 of the Rules       of Discipline to hear and determine appeals from synods.
11.06 Our United Outreach Committee.
01.  The committee shall consist of five (5) persons elected by the corporation in such a       manner that, immediately following any election, the committee shall have one person       from each synod.  Seven (7) additional members will include a member of the Ministry      Council, a member of the Corporate Board, a member of the Board of Stewardship,      Foundation and Benefits, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Historical      Foundation, and a Cumberland Presbyterian member of the Boards of Trustees of      Bethel University, the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home, and Memphis      Theological Seminary.  The executives of the above named denominational entities

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2011      shall serve as non-voting, Resource/Advocacy members.
02.  The Office of the General Assembly will be responsible for the expenses of the       representative of each synod.  The represented denominational entities will be       responsible for the expenses of their representatives and executives.
11.07 Place of Meeting.  The committee shall consist of the Moderator, the Stated Clerk and a
representative of the Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministries.
11.08 Program Committee.  The committee shall consist of the Moderator, Stated Clerk, Directorof Ministries, Assistant to the Stated Clerk who serves as secretary, the pastor of the host church, four elected
representatives designated by the Ministry Council from among its ministry teams, and one representative
designated by each of the following: Bethel University, Board of Stewardship, Foundation, and Benefits,
Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home, Historical Foundation, Memphis Theological Seminary, andthe Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry.  The committee will begin planning for two years prior tothe meeting of a particular General Assembly.
11.09 Unified Committee on Theology and Social Concerns.  The committee shall consist ofeight (8) members elected by the corporation, the Stated Clerk, and the President of Memphis TheologicalSeminary.  At least one member of the committee other than the Seminary’s president shall be a Cumberland
Presbyterian member of the faculty of Memphis Theological Seminary.
Article 12-Indemnification
12.01 Indemnification.  The corporation shall indemnify any director, officer or employee who
is, or is threatened to be, made a party to a completed, pending, or threatened action or proceeding fromany liability arising from the director’s, officer’s or employee’s official capacity with the corporation.  This
indemnification shall extend to the personal representation of a deceased person if the person would beentitled to indemnification under these Bylaws if living.
12.02 Costs and Expenses Covered by Indemnification.  Indemnification provided under these
Bylaws shall extend to the payment of a judgment, settlement, penalty, or fine, as well as attorney’s fees,
court costs, and other reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by the director or officer with respect tothe action or proceeding.
12.03 Limitation on Indemnification.  No indemnification shall be made to or on behalf of any
person if a judgment or other final adjudication adverse to that person establishes his or her liability:
01.  for any breach of the duty of loyalty to the corporation;
02.  for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a       knowing violation of law; or03.  for any distribution of the assets of the corporation which is unlawful under Tennessee       law.
Article 13-Trustee for the Corporation
13.01 Trustee.  The Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, a nonprofit corporation existing under the laws of the state of Tennessee, holds certain real property
and other assets of the Church as trustee for the use and benefit of the Church.  The Board of Stewardshipmay continue to hold such real property and other assets, but after the adoption of these Bylaws, it shall holdthose assets as trustee for the use and benefit of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church General Assembly
Corporation.
13.02 Other Assets.  Other, additional property may from time to time be conveyed to the Boardof Stewardship to be held by it as trustee for the corporation.  All assets held by the Board of Stewardshipas trustee for the corporation shall be held at the pleasure and direction of the General Assembly.
Article 14-Parliamentary Authority
14.01 Designation.  The parliamentary authority of the corporation in all meetings shall be thelatest revised edition of the Rules of Order as set out in the Confession of Faith and Government of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  In matters not provided for in the Rules of Order, the parliamentary
authority shall be Robert’s Rules of Order, latest revised edition.
14.02 Standing Rules.  The following shall be Standing Rules for meetings of the General Assemblyand may be suspended as provided in the parlimentary authority. (see Rules of Order 8.34c)

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

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MEMORIAL ROLL OF MINISTERS
IN MEMORY OF
MINISTERS LOST BY DEATH
NAME............................................PRESBYTERY.......................AGE.................DATE
Esch, Mable.....................................................Red River....................................97........................04/01/10
Estes, Loyce....................................................Trinity .......................................92........................06/09/10
Faith, Charles..................................................Arkansas..................................................................08/11/10
Fleming, Ronald T..........................................Missouri......................................71........................02/07/10
Garrett, William..............................................Columbia.................................................................10/10/10
Jones, William H.............................................Red River....................................94........................01/28/10
Laurance, G. Larry..........................................West Tennessee.......................................................09/30/10
Lindner, Ralph................................................Cumberland.................................79........................07/11/10
Ludlow, Elwood..............................................Choctaw..................................................................06/09/10
Melton, Howard..............................................Grace ...................................................................07/15/10
Morgan, Wayne...............................................Columbia.................................................................05/18/10
Pettit, William H.............................................Covenant.................................................................08/25/10
Russell, Walter E.............................................Red River....................................86........................09/01/10
Smith, Cordell.................................................Columbia.................................................................10/07/10
Vickers, Joe.....................................................Nashville.................................................................04/10/10
White, Jr, Earl R..............................................Arkansas..................................................................02/03/10
Wilkins, Tom...................................................Nashville.....................................59........................06/08/10

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LIVING GENERAL ASSEMBLY MODERATORS
2010—REV. BOYCE WALLACE, Cra 101 No 15-93, Cali, Colombia, South America
2009—ELDER SAM SUDDARTH, 206 Ha Le Koa Court, Smyrna, TN 37167
2008—REV. JONATHAN CLARK, 88 Woodcrest Drive, Winchester, TN 37398
2007—REV. FRANK WARD, 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016
2006—REV. DONALD HUBBARD, 2128 Campbell Station Road, Knoxville, TN 37932
2005—REV. LINDA H. GLENN, 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 Pointe 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
1998—REV. MASAHARU ASAYAMA, 3-15-9 Higashi, Kunitachi-shi, Tokyo, JAPAN
1996—REV. MERLYN A. ALEXANDER, 80 N. Hampton Lane, Jackson, TN 38305
1995—REV. CLINTON O. BUCK, 4986 Warwick, Memphis, TN 38117
1993—REV. ROBERT M. SHELTON, 7128 Lakehurst Avenue, Dallas, TX 75230
1992—REV. JOHN DAVID HALL, 109 Oddo Lane SE, Huntsville, AL 35802
1990—REV. THOMAS D. CAMPBELL, PO Box 315, Calico Rock, AR 72519
1989—REV. WILLIAM RUSTENHAVEN, Jr., 703 W. Burleson, Marshall, TX 75670
1988—ELDER BEVERLY ST. JOHN, 806 Evansdale Drive, Nashville, TN 37220
1987—ELDER WILBUR S. WOOD, Box 122, Palestine, AR 72372
1985—REV. VIRGIL H. TODD, 3095 Glengarry Road, Memphis, TN 38128
1982—REV. WILLIAM A. RAWLINS, 3100 Cook Lane, Longview, TX 75604
1981—REV. W. JEAN RICHARDSON, 7533 Lancashire, Powell, TN 37849
1979—REV. JAMES C. GILBERT, 3720 West 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

IN MEMORY OF:
Moderator of the 139th General Assembly

REV. LOYCE ESTESDied June 9, 2010

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GENERAL ASSEMBLY OFFICERS
MODERATOR
THE REVEREND DON M. TABOR
9611 MITCHELL PLACE
BRENTWOOD, TN 37027(615)776-7292
dontabor@comcast.net
VICE MODERATOR
THE REVEREND JOYCE MERRITT
3929 SNAIL SHELL CAVE ROADROCKVALE, TN 37153(615)274-6604
rockvalepastor@att.net
STATED CLERK AND TREASURER
THE REVEREND MICHAEL SHARPE
8207 Traditional Place
Cordova, TN 38016(901)276-4572
FAX (901)272-3913
msharpe@cumberland.org
ENGROSSING 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 2012)(2)REV. MELISSA MALINOSKI, 201 N Main Street, Greeneville, TN 37745
     mmalinoski@gcpchurch.org(2)MR. JERRY WEATHERSBY, 119 County Road 743, Cullman, AL 35055
     jerryw@cullmanelectric.com(Members whose terms expire in 2013)(1)MR. TIM GARRETT, 150 Third Avenue South, Suite 2800, Nashville, TN 37201
     tgarrett@bassberry.com(2)REV. ROY HALL, 87 Lee Hall Street, Scottsboro, AL 35769
     royhall@scottboro.org(Members whose terms expire in 2014)(3)REV. TERRY HUNLEY, 48 Charleston Square, Jackson, TN 38305
     thunley1@charter.net(3)MS. GRACE WHITFIELD, 245 Monterey Circle, Gadsden, AL 35901
     gracenaomi@aol.com*Ecumenical Partners     +Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America

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MINISTRY COUNCIL(The Ministry Teams under the Ministry Council are the successors to the program boards.)(Members whose terms expire in 2012)(1)MS. SALLY ALLEN, 3325 Poplar Hill, Clarksville, TN 37043(2)REV. CARLTON HARPER, 8764 Cody Dan Court, Ooltewah, TN 37363(1)REV. DREW HAYES, 2640 Mount Olivet Road, Bowling Green, KY 42101(1)MS. TONI PROSSER, 1021 Old State Route 76, Henry, TN 38231(1)REV. LISA SCOTT (address on file)(Members whose terms expire in 2013)(2)MS. JILL CARR, PO Box 1547, Lebanon, MO 65536(1)REV. TROY GREEN, 105 Cobb Hollow Lane, Petersburg, TN 37144(2)MS. ELIZABETH HORSLEY, 1200 Imperial Drive, Denton, TX 76201(2)MS. GWEN RODDYE, 3728 Wittenham Drive, Knoxville, TN 37921(2)REV. SAM ROMINES, PO Box 127, Lewisburg, KY 42256(Members whose terms expire in 2014)(2)MS. MANDY CLARK, 192 Williams Place, Columbus, MS 39702(2)REV. MICHELE GENTRY DE CORREAL, Calle 3 Norte #12-87, Armenia, Quinido,
COLOMBIA, SOUTH AMERICA(1)REV. LANNY JOHNSON, 163 Creek Lane, McMinnville, TN 37110(1)REV. TOM SANDERS, 4201 W Kent Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74012(3)MR. ROY SHANKS, 3997 N 100th Street, Casey, IL 62420
YOUTH ADVISORY MEMBERS
MR. RICKY KIRBY, 1413 Flowering Dogwood Lane, Dyersburg, TN 38024 (Term expires in 2012)
MS. MADISON RUSH, 513 Meadowlark Lane, Brentwood, TN 37027 (Term expires in 2013)
MR. BEN J. SWEET, 2711 Windmere Lane, Powell, TN 37849 (Term expires in 2014)
ADVISORY MEMBERS:
REV. MICHAEL SHARPE, 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016
REV. BOYCE WALLACE, Cra 101 No 15-93, Colombia, South America
REV. DON TABOR, 9611 Mitchell Place, Brentwood, TN 37027

COMMUNICATIONS MINISTRY TEAM

(Successor to the Cumberland Presbyterian Board.)(Members whose terms expire in 2012)(1)REV. JAMES D. MCGUIRE, 220-2 Southwind Circle, Greeneville, TN 37743(1)REV. MICHAEL CLARK, 134 Overlook Court, Winchester, TN 37398(Members whose terms expire in 2013)(1)REV. JAMES M. CANTEY, 3505 Elmira Drive, Longview, TX 75605(1)MR. PAUL EARHEART-BROWN, 866 N McLean, Memphis, TN 38107(Members whose terms expire in 2014)(2)MS. B. DENISE ADAMS, 126 Ray, Monticello, AR 71655(1)MRS. DUSTY SHULL, 938B North 37th Street, Paducah, KY 42001*Ecumenical Partners     +Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America

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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2011

DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRY TEAM

(Successor to the Board of Publication and Christian Education, Board of Publication.)(Members whose terms expire in 2012)(1)MS. JOANNA D. BELLIS, 17246 Highway K, Aurora, MO 65605(3)REV. JEFFREY A. GEHLE, PO Box 182, Burleson, TX 76097(3)REV. KIP RUSH, 513 Meadowlark Lane, Brentwood, TN 37027(Members whose terms expire in 2013)(2)REV. MINDY ACTON, 1413 Oak Ridge Drive, Birmingham, AL 35242(3)REV. TOM MARTIN, 1017 Rivermont Place, Chattanooga, TN 37415(3)REV. VERNON SANSOM, JR., 7810 Shiloh Road, Midlothian, TX 76065(Members whose terms expire in 2014)(3)MR. REESE BAKER, 1175 Rowland Cemetary Road, Fredonia, KY 42411(1)MR. ALAN BUTLER, 2608 N Whitehaven Drive, Colleyville, TX 76034(1)REV. AARON FERRY, 6840 Sonya Drive, Nashville, TN(2)MS. SAMANTHA HASSELL, 504 N Main Street, Sturgis, KY 42459

MISSIONS MINISTRY TEAM

(Successor to the Boards of Mission, Foreign Missions, Missions and Evangelism,
Missions and Church Erection.)(Members whose terms expire in 2012)(1)REV. JIM BARRY, 1405 Anna Street, Hixson, TN 37343(3)MRS. ATHALA JARAMILLO, 6248 SW 14th Street, West Miami, FL 33144(3)MRS. ROBIN McCASKEY-HUGHES, 1205 Olde Bridge Road, Edmond, OK 73034(1)MS. SHERRY POTEET, P.O. Box 313, Gilmer, TX 75644(1)MS. MARGIE VANDERLAAN, 5221 Old Mill Cove, Pelham, AL 35124(Members whose terms expire in 2013)(2)REV. MAKIHIKO ARASE, 3-355-4 Kamikitadai Higashiyamato-Shi, Tokyo, 207-0023 JAPAN(3)MR. MIKEL DAVIS, 102 Willow Wood, Ovilla, TX 75154(1)REV. VICTOR HASSELL, 510 N Main Street, Sturgis, KY 42459(3)MRS. JO ANN SHUGERT, 5208 Bellis Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76244(3)MR. SAM SUDDARTH, 206 Ha Le Koa Court, Smyrna, TN 37167(Members whose terms expire in 2014)(1)REV. JAMES BUTTRAM, 3917 Stonebridge Drive, Powell, TN 37849(2)REV. JIMMY BYRD, 718 Vanview Drive, Lebanon, TN 37087(2)REV. RICARDO FRANCO, 7 Hancock Street, Melrose, MA 02176(1)MRS. NANCY GORDAN, 822 County Road 1400 N, Lerna, IL 62440(3)MRS. BEVERLY STOTT, 200 East Main Street, Dresden, TN 38225

PASTORAL DEVELOPMENT MINISTRY TEAM
(Successor to the Commission on the Ministry.)(Members whose terms expire in 2012)(1)REV. LINDA SNELLING, 15791 State Highway W, Ada, OK 74820(2)REV. ROBERT E. SHELTON, 10508 Royalwood Drive, Dallas, TX 75238(Members whose terms expire in 2013)(1)MS. MICAIAH THOMAS , P.O. Box 863847, Tuscaloosa, AL 35486(3)REV. TOMMY THOMPSON, 9160 Tchulahoma Road, Southaven, MS 38671*Ecumenical Partners     +Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America

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THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

27(Members whose terms expire in 2014)(1)REV. AMBER CLARK, 134 Overlook Court, Winchester, TN 37398(1)REV. DON F. THOMAS, 400 Park Hill Road, Collierville, TN 38017

GENERAL ASSEMBLY BOARD OF:
I. TRUSTEES OF BETHEL UNIVERSITY(Members whose terms expire in 2011)(2)*DR. PAUL COWELL, c/o Whitestone Country Inn, 1200 Paint Rock Road, Kingston, TN 37763(2)REV. LINDA H. GLENN, 619 N 24th Avenue, Humboldt, TN 38343(2)*DR. RAY MORRIS, PO Box 924528, Norcross, GA 30010(1)MR. BOBBY OWEN, 1625 Cabot Drive, Franklin, TN 37064(1)REV. ROBERT (ROB) TRUITT, 1238 Old East Side Road, Burns, TN 37029(Members whose terms expire in 2012)(2)*MR. MICHAEL (MIKE) CARY, 181 Angel Cove, Huntingdon, TN 38344(3)MR. BILL DOBBINS, 5716 Quest Ridge Road, Franklin, TN 37064(1)MR. CHARLIE GARRETT, 107 Willow Green Drive, Jackson, TN 38305(2)*MS. CHARLENE P. JONES, 137 Moore Avenue West, McKenzie, TN 38201(1)REV. EUGENE LESLIE, 4541 Old Medina Road, Medina, TN 38355(3)MR. STEVE PERRYMAN, 2606 N Skyview Lane, PO Box 1499, Ozark, MO 65721(Members whose terms expire in 2013)(2)MS. NANCY M. BEAN, 3510 Clubhouse Drive, Somerset, KY 42503(2)REV. LARRY A. BLAKEBURN, 230 Heathridge Drive, Dyersburg, TN 38024(1)*JUDGE BEN CANTRELL, 415 Church Street #2513, Nashville, TN 37219(1)+DR. AMY DANIEL, 3125 Searcy Drive, Huntsville, AL 35810(2)MR. LAWRENCE (LADD) DANIEL, 13023 Taylorcrest, Houston, TX 77079(3)DR. JAMES (JIMMY) M. LATIMER, 7621 Richmond Road, Memphis, TN 38125(1)*DR. ROBERT LOW, c/o New Prime, Inc., 2740 W Mayfair Avenue, Springfield, MO 65803(3)+MR. CLARENCE NORMAN, 145 Jones Street, Huntingdon, TN 38344(3)*MR. DWIGHT REASONS, 256 State Route 152 W, Humboldt, TN 38343(2)MR. BEN T. SURBER, 1145 Hico Road, McKenzie, TN 38201
Trustee Emeritus – *Dr. Vera Low, 3653 Prestwick Court, Springfield, MO 65809

II. TRUSTEES OF CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIANCHILDREN’S HOME
(Members whose terms expire in 2012)(1)*MS. KAY GOODMAN, 1042 Bobcat Road, Sanger, TX 76266(2)MS. PAT HUFF, 249 Rancho Drive, Saginaw, TX 76179(1)REV. MELISSA KNIGHT, 2352 Stephen Way, Yuba City, CA 95991(2)MS. RUBY LETSON, 2921 Alexander, Florence, AL 35633(1)*MR. BARON H. SMITH, 3401 Hasland Drive, Flower Mound, TX 75022(Members whose terms expire in 2013)(2)*MR. RICHARD BROWN, 2724 Steamboat Circle, Arlington, TX 76006(2)REV. ALFONSO MARQUEZ, 389 Bethel Drive, Lenoir City, TN 37772(1)MS. PATRICIA LONG, 525 E Oak Street, Aledo, TX 76008(2)MR. MICKEY SHELL, 2143 Griderfield-Ladd Road, Pine Bluff, AR 71601(3)+MS. JOY WALLACE, 6940 Marvin D. Love Freeway, Dallas, TX 75237*Ecumenical Partners     +Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America

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2011(Members whose terms expire in 2014)(2)+MS. MAMIE HALL, 305 Tiffton Circle, Hewitt, TX 76643(2)REV. YOONG KIM, 8601 Dogwood Road, Germantown, TN 38139(1)*MR. JOEL MURO, 1616 Wood Ridge Court, Corinth, TX 76210(3)REV. NORLAN SCRUDDER, 29688 South 534 Road, Park Hill, OK 74451(2)REV. DON TABOR, 9611 Mitchell Place, Brentwood, TN 37027

III. TRUSTEES OF HISTORICAL FOUNDATION(Members whose terms expire in 2012)(2)REV. TOMMY JOBE, 807 Rockwood Drive, Nolensville, TN 37135(1)DR. SIDNEY L. SWINDLE, 4407 Swann Avenue, Tampa, FL 33609(Members whose terms expire in 2013)(2)+MS. VANESSA BARNHILL, 819 King Street, Sturgis, KY 42459(2)MS. PAMELA DAVIS, 5111 County Road 7545, Lubbock, TX 79424(2)+MS. NAOMI KING, 3850 Millsfield Highway, Dyersburg, TN 38024(1)MS. MARY KATHRYN KIRKPATRICK, 149 Roberta Drive, Memphis, TN 38112(2)MS. SIDNEY MILTON, 287 Golden Acres Loop, Calvert City, KY 42029(Members whose terms expire in 2014)(2)+MS. EDNA BARNETT, 7 Breezewood Cove, Jackson, TN 38305(1)MR. MICHAEL FARE, 401 E Deanna Lane, Nixa, MO 65714(1)*MS. DOROTHY HAYDEN, 3103 Carolina Avenue, Bessemer, AL 35020(2)+REV. RICK WHITE, 124 Towne West, Lorena, TX 76655

IV. TRUSTEES OF MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
OF THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH(Members whose terms expire in 2012)(2)*DR. DAVID BOYLE, 4750 St Elmo Street, Memphis, TN 38128(1)REV. KEVIN BRANTLEY, 729 Old Hodgenville Road, Greensburg, KY 42743(2)REV. JODY HILL, 4030 St Andrew Circle, Corinth, MS 38834(2)MS. JAN HOLMES, 5209 87th Street, Lubbock, TX 79424(1)MR. MARK MADDOX, 225 Oak Drive, Dresden, TN 38225(2)REV. J. CRAIG MARTINDALE, 2913 Pellas Place, Murfreesboro, TN 37127(1)MR. TAKAYOSHI SHIRAI, 25 Minami Kibogaoka Asahi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa-ken 241-0824 JAPAN(3)*DR. RANDOLPH MEADE WALKER, 2062 Jamie Drive, Memphis, TN 38116(Members whose terms expire in 2013)(1)MR. MICHAEL R. ALLEN, 149 Windwood Circle, Alabaster, AL 35007(3)*DR. CARMICHAEL CRUTCHFIELD, 7 Goldmyth Cove, Jackson, TN 38305(1)MS. DIANE DICKSON, 24 West Rivercrest, Houston, TX 77042(2)*MR. HARVEY G. FERGUSON, 630 Gaines Road, Hernando, MS 38682(2)*MR. DAN HATZENBUEHLER, 1544 Carr Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104(3)*REV. EMILY MATHENY, 1509 Granville Lane, Memphis, TN 38104(2)MR. TIM ORR, 1591 Laura Lane, Dyersburg, TN 38024(2)*MRS. K.C. WARREN, 215 Buena Vista Place, Memphis, TN 38112(Members whose terms expire in 2014)(3)*REV. D. TOM BELL Jr., PO Box 4286, Huntsville, AL 35815(2)REV. DOY DANIELS Jr., 6083 S First Street, Milan, TN 38358(1)*MS. DOROTHY HAYDEN(2)MS. PAT MEEKS, 8540 Edney Ridge Drive, Cordova, TN 38016*Ecumenical Partners     +Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America

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29(2)REV. ROBERT M. SHELTON, 7128 Lakehurst Avenue, Dallas, TX 75230(2)*MS. NANCY VERNON, 2612 Fresno Place, Fort Smith, AR 72901(2)+DR. JOE WARD, 2620 Rabbit Lane, Madison, AL 35758(2)*MS. RUBY WHARTON, 1183 E Parkway South, Memphis, TN 38114

V. STEWARDSHIP, FOUNDATION AND BENEFITS(Successor to the Boards of Finance, Trustees, Ministerial Relief,
Tithing and Budget, and the Commission On Educational Endowment.)(Members whose terms expire in 2012)(2)MR. JAMES CORDUM, 1469 Gills Chapel Road, Lewisburg, TN 37091(1)MR. ANDREW B. FRAZIER, JR., 107 Doris Street, Camden, TN 38320(2)MR. ROBERT LATIMER, RR 1 Box 123, Miami, MO 65344(Members whose terms expire in 2013)(2)MR. CHARLES G. FLOYD, 1617 Championship Drive, Franklin, TN 37064(1)MS. SUE RICE, 1301 Brooker Road, Brandon, FL 33511(1)MS. DEBBIE SHELTON, 1255 MG England Road, Manchester, TN 37355(3)REV. MICHAEL WILKINSON, 3515 Highway 14, Millbrook, AL 36054(Members whose terms expire in 2014)(2)MR. CHARLES DAY, 9312 Owensboro Road, Falls of Rough, KY 40119(2)MS. SYLVIA HALL, 930 Sherry Circle, Hixson, TN 37343(2)MR. JACKIE SATTERFIELD, 2303 County Road 730, Cullman, AL 35055(3)MRS. DEBRA SHANKS, 3997 North 100th Street, Casey, IL 62420

GENERAL ASSEMBLY COMMISSIONS:
I. CHAPLAINS AND MILITARY PERSONNEL(1) Term Expires in 2012--REV. LOWELL RODDY, 2583 Hedgerow Lane, Clarksville,
TN 37043(3) Term Expires in 2013–REV. PAUL COLLINS, 915 Warms Sands SE, Albuquerque,
NM 87123(1) Term Expires in 2014–REV. MARY MCCASKEY BENEDICT, 783 Isaac Drive, Clarksville,
TN 37040
These three persons and the Stated Clerk represent the denomination as members of the PresbyterianCouncil for Chaplains and Military Personnel, 4125 Nebraska Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016

GENERAL ASSEMBLY COMMITTEES
I. JUDICIARY(Members whose terms expire in 2012)(3)REV. HARRY CHAPMAN, 4908 El Picador Court, Rio Rancho, NM 87124
     wrightrev@gmail.com(2)MR. CHARLES DAWSON, PO Box 904, Scottsboro, AL 35768
     rdpfcd@scottsboro.org(1)MS. KIMBERLY SILVUS, 1128 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37040
     kgsilvus@gmail.com*Ecumenical Partners     +Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America

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2011(Members whose terms expire in 2013)(2)REV. SHERRY LADD, 4521 Turkey Creek Road, Williamsport, TN 38487
     swladd@local.net(1)REV. ANDY MCCLUNG, 919 Dickinson Street, Memphis, TN 38107
     scubarev@att.net(2)MS. FELICIA WALKUP, 179 Mary Anne Lane, Manchester, TN 37355
     fbwalkup@gmail.com(Members whose terms expire in 2014)(1)REV. PERRYN RICE, 537 Edgerowe Court, Cookeville, TN 38506
     perryn@cookevillecpchurch.org(1)REV. ROBERT D. RUSH, 17822 Deep Brook Drive, Spring, TX 77379
     rushrd74@comcast.net(2)MR. WENDELL THOMAS, JR., 1200 Paradise Drive, Powell, TN 37849
     volbaby@comcast.net

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

III. NOMINATING(Members whose terms expire in 2012)(1)REV. DUAWN MEARNS, 107 Westoak Place, Hot Springs, AR 71913
     lakehamiltonchurch@att.net(1)MS. KATHY WOOD-DOBBINS, 5716 Quest Ridge Road, Franklin, TN 37064
     kathydobbins@hughes.net(Members whose terms expire in 2013)(1)REV. J. DON CLARK, 1601 Lake Ridge Circle, Birmingham, AL 35216
     jdsjcl@charter.net(1)MS. DEWANA LATIMER, 1012 Junior Jones Road, Humboldt, TN 38343
     dlatimer@jscc.edu(1)MS. DIANN PHELPS, 4743 Happy Hollow Road, Hawesville, KY 42348
     haor@juno.com(1)REV. LYON WALKUP, 225 Bertha Owens Road, Morrison, TN 37357
     dirtroad@blomand.net(Members whose terms expire in 2014)(1)MRS. FRANCES DAWSON, PO Box 904, Scottsboro, AL 35768
     rdpfcd@scottsboro.org(1)REV. DON NUNN, 808 Toler Court, Longview, TX 75604
     dwnunn@earthlink.net(1)MR. KEN SMITH, 6197 34th Street, Lubbock, TX 79407
     knsmth@earthlink.net(1)REV. JESSE THORNTON, 16056 Jones Road, Athens, AL35613
     jessthornton@msn.com

IV. OUR UNITED OUTREACH COMMITTEE(Members whose terms expire in 2012)(1)MS. LYNNE LIVELY, 906 Lyle Circle, Greeneville, TN 37745(1)REV. TIMOTHY SMITH, 712 Morningside Drive, Fayetteville, TN 37334(Members whose terms expire in 2013)(2)MR. RON D. GARDNER, 8668 Wood Mills Drive W, Cordova, TN 38016(Members whose terms expire in 2014)(2)MS. SHARON RESCH, PO Box 383, Dongola, IL 62926(2)REV. WILLIAM RUSTENHAVEN III, PO Box 1303, Marshall, TX 75671*Ecumenical Partners     +Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America

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

VI. UNIFIED COMMITTEE ON THEOLOGY AND SOCIAL CONCERNS(Members whose terms expire in 2012)(3)REV. PAUL CRISS, 6813 Salem Road, Lakeland, TN 38002
     paul@newsalemcpc.org(3)REV. MITZI MINOR, 875 South Cox, Memphis, TN 38104
     mitziminor@msn.com(3)REV. HOWARD RODGERS, 336 County Road 1216, Vinemont, AL 35179
     drrodgers_1pc@yahoo.com(Members whose terms expire in 2013)(2)MS. LEZLIE P. DANIEL, 13023 Taylorcrest Road, Houston, TX 77079
     lululoop@me.com(1)+SISTER JIMMIE DODD, c/o Mt. Tabor CPCA, 1798 Campbell Street, Jackson, TN 38301
     dodd125@gmail.com(1)REV. BYRON FORESTER, 2376 Eastwood Place, Memphis, TN 38112
     bforester@bellsouth.net(2)REV. JANICE OVERTON, 3320 Pipeline Road, Birmingham, AL 35243
     janice@overtoninsurance.com(1)+DR. CHARLES E. REESE, 2903 Grand Avenue, Dallas, TX 79215
     creese213@yahoo.com(1)+ELDER JOY WALLACE, 541 Glen Arbor, Dallas, TX 75240
     jwallace@joyfoodsinc.com
President of Memphis Theological Seminary - Ex-officio Member(Members whose terms expire in 2014)(1)+DR. NANCY FUQUA, 1963 County Road 406, Towncreek, AL 35672
     fug23@bellsouth.net(1)REV. RANDY JACOB, PO Box 158, Broken Bow, OK 74728
     chocpres@pine-net.com(3)+REV. JACKIE LANG, 904  35th Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401(2)+REV. NOVALENE SITGRAVES, 3345 Grand Avenue, Louisville, KY 40211(2)+REV. BILLY TRIBBLE, 1202 South Evenside Avenue, Henderson, TX 75654

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

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2011

The Report of the Moderator
I still feel honored at being elected moderator of the General Assembly of our church for the 20102011 period.  I appreciate the support of Beth, my wife, Sam Suddarth, past moderator, Michael Sharpe,
new Stated Clerk of the Assembly and Harry Chapman, the vice moderator, who replaced me in a numberof meetings.  I would like to state here that Beth and I have appreciated the support we have received fromour church family all through the 48 years we are completing this year on the mission field.
Due to distance and family health problems, my on site presence was limited in meetings withchurches and presbyteries, but I have made a serious effort to pray for them and for our denomination asa whole.  In fact my prayer support was probably worth more than anything else.  I am deeply concerned
about our church and our future.  Although this is a concern shared by some it should be shared by all,believing that God is going to give light for our future.
During the year I have visited a number of churches and presbyteries in the United States andColombia.  Also, I attended two meetings of the Ministry Council.   Beth and I had the opportunity toparticipate in two church events by ooVoo.  I had to cancel a visit to Brazil and it was not feasible to go to
the far East.  Actually, my interest is more in the local churches than the presbyteries.  It is at the local levelthat Church growth and ministry take place.  We need more strong churches as just a glance at the Yearbook
statistics reveals.  This means strong committed pastors and leaders.  This year of the clergy is a good time
for us pastors and missionaries to reconsider our calling and obedience to that call in the light of God’s
purpose for the church.
Recommendation 1: Now that Mark Davis makes updates on the sick and dying, wehave the opportunities to pray daily for current situations. I would encourage Mark to extend the
updates to include more urgent concerns that we can pray for.
Recommendation 2: General Assembly approved last year the use of audio visualequipment in our church courts and this is being done. (For example, two candidates for the ministryfrom the Philipines were recieved by the Presbytery of East Tennessee via ooVoo.) This should be
encouraged more and insisted on by members of presbyterial, synodical and denominational agencies
in the light of travel, time and serious stewardship concerns for the Lord’s money.
Recommendation 3: Overseas delegates to General Assembly have a unique opportunity
to, visit our churches and promote the global church. But most have very little space and time to doso. Bob Watkins and Lynn Thomas have tried to remedy this situation and others have helped. I
recommend that the General Assembly planning committee consider ways that these delegates canhave opportunities to visit area churches and sites after the assemblies.
Recommendation 4: As we consider another period of evangelism in our churches, weneed to support those new overseas missions that want to evangelize but lack basic resources to do so.
The Missions Ministry Team can provide places and needs.
Moderator Boyce Wallace

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THE REPORT OF THE STATED CLERK
I. THE OFFICE OF THE STATED CLERKThe Stated Clerk was elected in June, 2010 and officially assumed the responsibilities of the officeon October 15.  The period of time between June and October was spent learning the duties of the office andworking with the Stated Clerk, Robert D. Rush, who retired from the office on September 30, 2010.  TheStated Clerk is grateful to Robert D. Rush who was extremely helpful in effecting the transition.
The Constitution, the Rules of Discipline, the Rules of Order, and the General Assembly Bylaws
list the many responsibilities for the person who holds the position of Stated Clerk, the primary task is tomaintain and strengthen a united witness for the Church.  The Stated Clerk shall also generally supervise
and control the business affairs of the Corporation, and see that all directives of the General Assembly are
implemented.
The Stated Clerk is grateful to the Church for calling him to serve in this position and appreciates
the support of the Church for the Office and for the person who holds this position.

II. STAFF
Ms. Elizabeth Vaughn serves as the Assistant to the Stated Clerk, which requires that she maintainaccurate records of ministers, probationers, congregations, record income and expenses and to authorize
payment of all items in the Office of the General Assembly budget.  The Church is indebted to Ms. Vaughn
for her dedicated service to the Church.  Ms. Vaughn has also been invaluable during the period of transitionin the Clerk’s office.
Dr. Tommy Craig is to be commended for his work in keeping accurate minutes, and his work withcommittees at each General Assembly.

III. ECUMENICAL RELATIOSHIPSThe Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church have
one heritage, one Confession of Faith and share in several co-operative relationships such as the HistoricalFoundation, the United Board of Christian Discipleship, youth ministry, Unified Committee on Theology
and Social Concerns.  The Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America and the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church also participate with other Reformed bodies in ministry.  Although working through partnerships,
the witness of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
would be greatly enhanced through a union of the two denominations.
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church has always been involved in ecumenical relationships, theoldest of which is the American Bible Society.   The American Bible Society seeks to make scriptures
available to every person in his/her language.  Support for the American Bible Society helps to fulfill thispurpose.  In order to be able to reach more persons, the American Bible Society works with other Bible
societies, some local and some international.  The Bible can and does change human lives.
The World Alliance of Reformed Churches and the Reformed Ecumenical Council merged into
the World Communion of Reformed Churches, June 18-28, 2010.  The World Communion of Reformed
Churches represents approximately eighty million members of two hundred thirty Denominations fromone hundred seven countries, including Reformed, Congregationalists, Presbyterian and United Churches.
Ms. Laurie Sharpe and Dr. Robert D. Rush represented the denomination at the uniting council.  Reverend
Michael Sharpe, newly elected Stated Clerk also attended as an observer.
Through co-operative ministries, chaplains for the military and veteran’s hospitals are endorsed,
migrant workers and persons in Appalachia are served, and missionaries are sent into a variety of countries.
Through ecumenical partnerships disaster relief funds are distributed.  Through working co-operatively
church school and camping materials are developed.   Habitat for Humanity enables many persons
throughout the world to secure better housing.  The Cumberland Presbyterian witness is more effective
through participation with other Christians in these and various other ministries.

IV. CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS34

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2011

The 180th General Assembly submitted to the presbyteries the following Constitutional
Amendments:
9.2a Delete 1,250 and insert 1,000 making the amendment to read “A presbytery having an active
membership (including ordained clergy) of 1-1000 shall be entitled to send one minister and one elder;
9.2 b Delete 1251-2500, and insert 1001-2000 making the amendment to read, “A presbytery having
an active membership (including ordained clergy) of 1,001 to 2,000 shall be entitled to send two ministers
and two elders.
In order for a Constitutional Amendment to be referred to the presbyteries three fourths of theGeneral Assembly must approve the amendment, “provided that there is present and voting not less then
75% of the full membership of the assembly based on the complete representation of the presbyteries”.
(Constitution 11.2)  The Constitution 11.3, 11.4a, b affirms that an amendment is approved if three fourthsof the presbyteries vote affirmatively within a year after the amendment is submitted to the presbyteries.
It is not necessary to record the number of affirmative and negative votes within a presbytery as a simple
majority vote either approves or denies a Constitutional Amendment within a particular presbytery.
The following presbyteries voted in the affirmative: Andes, Arkansas, Choctaw, Columbia,
Covenant, Cumberland, East Tennessee, Hong Kong, Hope, Japan, Missouri, Murfreesboro, Nashville,
Red River, Robert Donnell, Tennessee-Georgia, Trinity, and West Tennessee.
The following presbytery voted in the negative: del Cristo.
The following presbyteries did not report:  Cauca Valley, Cullman, Grace, North Central.
RECOMMENDATION 1: That the 181st General Assembly declare that the Constitutional
Amendments have been approved.

V. REVIEW OF THE COVENANT RELATIONSHIP WITH
BETHEL UNIVERSITY
The 171st General Assembly adopted a covenant relationship with Bethel University.   Therelationship requires that the General Assembly and the Trustees of Bethel University are to name acommittee to review the relationship every five years.  In order to reaffirm the relationship and to makeany desirable changes, it will be necessary for the General Assembly to name persons to work with persons
designated by the Board of Trustees of Bethel University and to report to the 182nd General Assembly
through the Office of the Stated Clerk.
RECOMMENDATION 2: That the General Assembly and the Board of Trustees of Bethel
University each name five persons to review the covenant relationship and to report to the 182nd
General Assembly.

VI. THE CORPORATE BOARD
In the called meeting in December 2007, the General Assembly elected a new board of directors
for the General Assembly Incorporation.  With the merging of program boards into the Ministry Council,
trust funds would become more vulnerable in the event the corporation was sued.  The General Assembly
Bylaws, Article 5 outlines the responsibilities for the Corporate Board.
The board has met twice this past year.  Actions include: reviewed and approved the proposed
budgets for 2011 and 2012 for the Office of the General; approved the 2010 and 2011 housing allowancefor the stated clerk, amended the Office of the General Assembly Personnel Manual; reviewed the current
status of loans.
As of March 31, 2011 the indebtedness is:
New Buildings
Maintenance debt on Union Avenue
Touch the Future
Organizational Task Force$238,257.70$226,113.52$  45,934.74$132,652.28

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The Shared Services budget for the operation of the Center includes $54,000 to pay on the maintenancedebt for the Union Avenue Property.  $168,493 per year is being paid on the Touch the Future Debt, which
will be paid in full at the end of August 2011.  Various individuals, congregations, and presbyteries continue
to make contributions on the building debt enabling the Office of the General Assembly to make monthly
payments, although a definite amount is not currently designated for note payment.  The Church is to becommended for the response in giving to the new buildings, and is encouraged to continue to give liberally
to pay off the buildings this year.  No payments have been made on the Organizational Task Force Debt,
however, regular payments will be made on this debt, once the Touch the Future Loan is paid in full.
All monies are borrowed from the Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits instead of commercial
lenders.

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

VIII. COMMITTEES AT GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The General Assembly has renamed committees many different times.  The most recent amendment
to Bylaw 11.01 states that the General Assembly will have the following committees: Children’s Home/
Historical Foundation, Higher Education, Judiciary, Stewardship/Elected Officers, Theology/Social
Concerns, Chaplains/Missions/Pastoral Development Committee and Ministry Council/Communication/
Discipleship Committee.

IX. ENDORSEMENT FOR MODERATORThe Reverend Don M. Tabor, Nashville Presbytery, has been endorsed as Moderator of the 181st
General Assembly.

X. STATISTICAL INFORMATION
The annual congregational report forms are mailed to the session clerk on December 1, and due inthe office of the Stated Clerk of the Presbytery on February 1, and all reports are to be in the Office of theGeneral Assembly by February 10.  Each year printing the yearbook is delayed due to congregations andStated Clerks of presbyteries being tardy in sending reports.
In 2010 one hundred and five (105) congregations failed to report, thus statistics are inaccurate.  
The statistics for a non-reporting congregation may be several years old, but it is the latest information
available.  The General Assembly Office is working to shorten and simplify the reporting process.  Efforts
continue to further simplify online reporting for those able to utilize the technology.  Hard copies of thereport forms will still be made available for those congregations who do not have access to the internet.
The 178th and 179th General Assembly directed “that each presbytery request that its Boardof 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 andoffer assistance when needed in preparation of these reports.’  If a congregation fails to receive a report, aduplicate can be requested from the Office of the General Assembly or one may be printed from the website (www.cumberland.org), clicking on the Office of the General Assembly, and going to the section oncongregational reports, which are listed by presbyteries.

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XII. CONTINGENCY FUND
Summary of 2010 Activity

Balance Forward 1/1/10

$ 24,085.80

Income:Our United Outreach $12,320.12
Interest			       714.75
			

   13,034.87$37,120.67

Expenditures:
General Assembly Office - 2010 Planning Committee$   2,486.31

Balance 12/31/10
**Restricted		**$ 34,634.36$   4,281.16

In Priority Goals Programming $9,000 was designated for the Pastoral
Development Ministry Team. (Beg. Bal. $9,000 less $4,718.84 spent to doworkshops for presbyterial committees on ministry.)    4,455.44

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 2003. In
2007, $4,500 was put back in the general fund. The current balance wasdesignated by the 178th General Assembly to print the Catechism in thevarious languages represented in the church. Less $400 spent in 2009.)

    1,000.00

Pastoral Development Ministry Team (Approved 1/03 - Beg. Bal. $15,000
less $9,866.53 used for Ordination Task Force. The Commission requests
that only $1,000 be kept in reserve.)301.142010 Program Planning Committee (Approved 6/06 - Beg. Bal. $20,000
less $1,638.79, $714.14 spent in 2006, $6,323.12 spent in 2007, $3,780.60
spent in 2008 and $4,750.90 spent in 2009 and $2,486.31 spent in 2010.)

		$10,037.74**Unrestricted: $24,596.62 12/31/10
		$34,634.36
Respectfully submitted,
Michael Sharpe, Stated Clerk

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THE REPORT OF THE MINISTRY COUNCIL
To To the 181st General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in session in Springfield,
Missouri, June 20-24, 2011.

I. MINISTRY COUNCIL

Edith Busbee Old, Director of Ministries
A. INTRODUCTION
1. OUR HISTORY
The 176th General Assembly formed an Organizational Task Force to evaluate, with the guidanceof an outside consultant firm, how the denominational organization and structure worked together; torecommend needed changes to the organization and/or structures as revealed through the evaluation process;to discern new and innovative ways to meet priority goals; and to improve the total ministry for the Churchof the future.
The Task Force reported to the 177th General Assembly, concluding that a major part of theorganizational dysfunction of the denominational structure had roots in the semi-autonomous board structure
as it existed at that time.  Program boards and their employees often functioned in a parallel manner that
hampered cooperative/collaborative efforts and encouraged competing agendas.   The Task Force report
included recommendations regarding a single governing board for all programming agencies.  The General
Assembly adopted the concept with some changes, approving a plan to dissolve the Board of Missions, theBoard of Christian Education, the Board of Publications, and the Commission on the Ministry and combine
them in a single board, the Ministry Council.
The Task Force report and the actions of General Assembly were more conceptual than procedural,
requiring that many of the initial meetings of the Ministry Council be spent in developing a process formaking the necessary changes.  The first Ministry Council meeting was held in August 2007, and we haveat present met a total of 15 times.
2. OUR CORPORATE MODEL
The following corporate model was adopted by the General Assembly, and is supported in the
Bylaws of the Ministry Council.
a. Ministry Council Members include fifteen individuals elected by the General Assembly, andthree Youth Advisory members, plus the Stated Clerk, Moderator and immediate Past Moderator of theGeneral Assembly as Advisory Members.  The Director of Ministries is also a member of the Council.
The Ministry Council serves as the primary long- and short-range 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 manner.  The Ministry Council
is accountable to the General Assembly.
b. The Director of Ministries is under direct employment of and is responsible to the MinistryCouncil.  The Director gives executive leadership to the Ministry Council in accomplishing duties definedin our Bylaws and supervises the Global Ministry Leadership Team.
c. The Global Ministry Leadership Team (GMLT) is made up of the Director of Ministries andthe Ministry Team Leaders.  This body works together to interpret the vision/ mission of the church to the
Ministry Teams, coordinating the ministries in a unified, collaborative manner.
d. The Ministry Council Teams are:   Communications Ministry Team, Discipleship MinistryTeam, Missions Ministry Team, and Pastoral Development Ministry Team.
Teams are made up of both Staff Team Members and Elected Team Members.  Staff Team Members
are employees of the Ministry Council; Elected Team Members are elected by the Ministry Council, as
dictated by the corporate model adopted by the General Assembly.  The Ministry Teams provide planningand implementation of the programs of the Church.  Ministry Teams report to the Ministry Council.
3. OUR CHALLENGES
a. Gaining an understanding of our role:  Early on, meetings revolved around grasping a visionof what our restructured organization needed to be and how it would work.  We met with Board executives
and staff to get feedback and gain a clearer understanding of how they worked.  We met with legal counsel
regarding how to proceed in the necessary steps to make a single programming board reality.  For a period

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of time after the Ministry Council was formed, the General Assembly Council continued to meet and work,
because the shift of authority was incomplete.
b. Delay in mergers:  In meeting with legal counsel, it became obvious that Boards could not
simply be instructed to dissolve.  In order to balance the requirements of civil law related to incorporated
bodies with requirements of ecclesiastical law and to protect the assets of the boards, it was necessary
to proceed with mergers rather than dissolutions.  The mergers involved a long legal process outside ourcontrol.  The mergers were not finalized until April 3, 2009. (19 months after the first Ministry Council
meeting)c. Ongoing work: It was crucial for current Boards to continue to function until a plan was inplace for merging the work of the Teams.  While the Ministry Council has responsibility for reviewing andassessing programs, we did not want to eliminate any current programs until we were able to get a feedbackon their effectiveness.
d. Resistance to change:  A major obstacle has been reluctance on the part of individuals andBoards to change from old ways of conducting programs and interacting to a new unified approach.  This
reluctance was born of the great sense of ownership and responsibility that comes from having worked
for the denomination as staff members or board members for years, and even decades.  We do not wish todisregard the value of those years of experience, but sometimes we have been required to press for change.  
For instance, because of confusion and reluctance about changing terminology from “Boards” to “Teams,”
we were compelled to direct all Ministry Teams to begin using the new terminology upon occupation of the
new Center Buildings in August 2008.
e. Financial issues:  At the outset, the Ministry Council was assigned work, but no budget.  In
addition, the $100,000 cost of the Organizational Task Force was assigned to the Ministry Council; and thecurrent balance is $34,764.27.  The Ministry Teams are all supported by Our United Outreach, which has
experienced many years of shortfall.  Financial concerns were exacerbated by an accounting system that did
not allow updated reports.  For example, in August 2009, the most current “closed month” of accounting
was November 2008.  This was “normal” for many years preceding the formation of the Ministry Council.
f. Attrition:  At present, only seven of the original 22 members remain on the Ministry Council,
and with this General Assembly that number will be reduced to five.   Reasons for attrition include: 1)
some of the members chose not to accept re-nomination when their terms expired; 2) some resigned due
to family or job obligations; 3) others lost the privilege of serving because they relocated to another synod(per General Assembly Bylaws 10.02.03 “if a person elected to serve on a denominational entity whereresidence in a particular synod is a qualification for election shall move to another synod while in office,the term to which he or she was elected shall terminate at the close of the next meeting of the General
Assembly”); 4) Youth Advisory Members rotated off; and 5) Moderators and past Moderators serve only
two years.   While we have been blessed with new members who bring great gifts and enthusiasm, we arenone the less diminished by the loss of consistency in membership.  We conduct orientation sessions to help
new members understand our work, but it is almost impossible to convey the broad scope of what we havedone and are doing in the period of an orientation session.
In addition, all within the first three years, we have experienced the retirements of two Team Leaders,
and the resignations of two others, as well as the retirement of the Stated Clerk.  Filling these positions
was the responsibility of the Ministry Council; and it took much time to carry out these responsibilities
appropriately.  All these changes affect us as we continue to develop relationships with the Ministry Teams.  
4. OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
It is important to start by acknowledging that without the support of the Ministry Teams, our list ofaccomplishments would be short indeed.  We are also grateful to the Center Agencies with whom we workas part of the Center Interagency Team, and to the Institutions outside the Center with whom we have done
cooperative work.  We appreciate and benefit from the skillful leadership provided by our Director, Edith
Busbee Old.
Below is a chronological summary of some major items we wish to note.
a.  Established the practice of providing a Summary of Actions of each of our meetings via The
Cumberland Presbyterian Magazine, CP Updates, The Missionary Messenger, and to Presbyterial Clerks
for inclusion in Preliminary Minutes.  Arranged for translation of the Summary in Spanish, Japanese,
Korean, and Cantonese.
b.  Developed appropriate recommendations regarding the process of merger of the programmingboards into the Ministry Council and saw the process through.
c.   Wrote a job description for the Director of Ministries, conducted a search, and hired Edith

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Gholson to fill the position.
d.  Assumed the duties of the General Assembly Council effective February 1, 2008.
e.  Wrote and approved Bylaws of the Ministry Council.
f.   Recommended that the General Assembly add General Regulation B.5.d. to read:   “TheCommittee on Nominations shall be intentional in nominating persons who represent the Global nature of
the Church.”g.  Developed a plan for Center phones to be answered by a receptionist rather than an answeringmachine.
h.  Cooperated with all agencies receiving OUO funding to recommend the formation of a new
permanent Our United Outreach Committee that reports to the General Assembly.
i.   Clarified responsibilities of Elected Team Members, and participated in retreats and joint
meetings with Ministry Teams to address challenges of the Council and Teams, strengthen relationships,
and re-imagine ministries.
j.  Approved travel by the Director of Ministries to both Asia and South America to visit with
Cumberland Presbyterians in Japan, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Laos, and Colombia.
k.   Worked collaboratively with all Center agencies to implement Microsoft Office and othertechnology updates so that all Center offices would function on common software with a common
communication system.  The Ministry Council led the effort for Center agencies to implement Raiser’s
Edge software, resulting in a much improved database management system.  Resources were invested in“cleaning up” multiple databases, formerly viewed as belonging to individual program boards; decades oferrors and duplications were purged, resulting in a more robust database.
l.  As part of CIT, hired Dan Scherf as Accounting Supervisor and implemented Financial Edgeaccounting software that have facilitated increasingly accurate and timely financial reports of all Center
Agencies and the Denomination.
m.  Developed a Personnel Manual for Ministry Council employees.
n.  Hired Mark J. Davis, Communications Ministry Team Leader, and Milton L. Ortiz, Pastoral
Development Ministry Team Leader.
o.  Adopted a new logo design to represent the Ministry Council.
p.   As directed, upon the resignation/retirement of the Stated Clerk, conducted a search andpresented a nominee for Stated Clerk to General Assembly in June 2010.  (This process has been changed
upon recommendation from the Ministry Council.)q.  Made difficult decisions related to insurance for employees of the Ministry Council, adopting
a 4-year plan to incrementally require employees to pay for premiums for dependents.  (To date in 2011,8.33% of the Ministry Council budget has gone to healthcare, with a projection of 8.98% for the remainderof the year.  The Ministry Council budget that has been submitted to General Assembly reflects 9.3% of thebudget will be required to pay for healthcare.)r.  Adopted a Covenant for Ministry Council Members that recognizes a call to serve and covenants
a high level of commitment to responsibilities and each member signs.
s.  Updated job description for Missions Ministry Team Leader, conducted a search and filled theposition.
t.  Approved Pastoral Development Ministry Team plans for “The Year of the Clergy” as outlined
in a memorial approved by General Assembly.
u.  Empowered the Missions Ministry Team to select a committee to develop a ten-year evangelism
plan, and appointed an elected Ministry Council Member to serve on the committee.
v.  Took action to develop new Ministry Council web pages (with contracted assistance), to beready by June 2011.
w.  Participated in a free IKON Document Efficiency Workflow Analysis Project.
x.   Currently reviewing vacant positions in Missions Ministry Team and Discipleship Ministry
Team in order to reflect on the needs and update job descriptions before filling positions.
y.  Realigned responsibilities of some staff positions to make better use of human and financial
resources.
z.   Established a new part-time position, Missions and Ministry Council Fund Development
Facilitator.
aa.  Created a Unified Publications Task Force to evaluate and bring recommendations regarding
the creation of a single source unified publication to represent the denomination, in order to improve bothstewardship and functionality.  The target date for final report is January 2012.
bb.  Asked Ministry Team Leaders to provide information about endowments 1) which could be
combined for greater earnings/greater funds available for ministries; 2) which could be earmarked for

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programs or ministries that are no longer active; 3) which could be utilized for other ministries within thescope of the Ministry Council; and 4) any endowments that are not program specific but are directed to a
general area of ministry.
cc.  Reviewed General Assembly priority goals in the January 2011 meeting through small groupbreakout sessions which included Ministry Council and Ministry Team members.  These three goals wererecommended by the General Assembly Council, intended to last 10 years, and established in 1995 by theGeneral Assembly.  Other areas needing attention within the scope of the Ministry Council discussed there-imagining and visioning efforts of these small groups in the April 2011 meeting and referred appropriate
items to the Global Ministry Leadership Team and Ministry Teams for further work.
This list is by no means a complete record of our actions, but does give an overview of the direction
our efforts have taken.   We are pleased to include information about exciting initiatives from specific
Ministry Teams within the body of our report.  We ask that the Church remain in prayer for the work of the
Ministry Teams and for the Ministry Council as we continue to pursue God’s will in our work.
5. OUR REPORT
Each Ministry Team submitted a report to the Ministry Council with information to be included inthis report to General Assembly.  The Ministry Teams’ information and appropriate Recommendations from
the Ministry Council are included in this report in the following order:  II. Communications Ministry Team;
III. Discipleship Ministry Team; IV. Missions Ministry Team; and V. Pastoral Development Ministry Team.  
B. GENERAL INFORMATION
1. ORGANIZATION AND MEETINGS
The Ministry Council elected Chairperson Jill Carr, First Vice Chairperson Reverend Rickey Page,
Second Vice Chairperson Reverend Carlton Harper, Secretary Elizabeth Horsley, and Assistant Secretary
Gwen Roddye to direct the work of the Council.
The Ministry Council unanimously agreed to create the office of Assistant Secretary and establishedthat the person serving as the Assistant Secretary of the corporation shall be authorized to assist the Secretaryin performing the duties incident to the office of Secretary and to perform duties of the Secretary during theabsence or disability or refusal of the Secretary, or in case of a vacancy in the office of the Secretary.  No
Bylaws change was required.
The Council met four times in regular session since the 180th General Assembly.   Meetings
included:  a) a regular meeting at the Center in August 2010, with Orientation for new members prior to themeeting; (b) a concurrent meeting with Ministry Teams at Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Germantown,
Tennessee in October 2010; (c) a joint meeting with Ministry Teams at Faith Church in Bartlett, Tennessee,
in January 2011; and (d) a regular session at the Center in April 2011.
The Ministry Council Covenant is signed annually by each member, acknowledging that servingon the Ministry Council is a Call to serve God through service in the church.   The Covenant outlines
expectations for Council Members to actively exercise good stewardship of that call.  Within the last year,
each member of the Ministry Council completed a self-evaluation, extending them the opportunity to reflect
on their contributions to the work of the Council.
Ministry Council members rotating off have the opportunity to complete a final evaluation.  Theinformation collected is used to enhance the work of the Ministry Council.
2. MINISTRY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND THOSE WHOSE TERMS EXPIRE
Members whose terms expire in 2011(1)Ms. Karen Breeding, Murfreesboro Presbytery, Tennessee Synod(1)Ms. Mandy Clark, Grace Presbytery, Synod of the Southeast(1)Rev. Michele Gentry De Correal, Andes Presbytery, Mission Synod(2)Rev. Iwao Satoh, Covenant Presbytery, Synod of the Midwest(2)Mr. Roy Shanks, North Central Presbytery, Synod of the Midwest
Members whose terms expire in 2012(2)Rev. Carlton Harper, Tennessee-Georgia Presbytery, Synod of the Southeast(2)Rev. Rickey Page, Nashville Presbytery, Tennessee Synod (resigned)(1)Ms. Toni Prosser, West Tennessee Presbytery, Synod of Great Rivers(1)Rev. Lisa Scott, Missouri Presbytery, Synod of Great Rivers(1)Rev. John Shoulta, Covenant Presbytery, Synod of the Midwest (resigned)

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Members whose terms expire in 2013(2)Ms. Jill Carr, Missouri Presbytery, Synod of Great Rivers(1)Rev. Troy Green, Nashville Presbytery, Tennessee Synod(2)Ms. Elizabeth Horsley, Red River Presbytery, Mission Synod(2)Ms. Gwen Roddye, Presbytery of East Tennessee, Synod of the Southeast(2)Rev. Sam Romines, Cumberland Presbytery, Synod of the Midwest
Youth Advisory Members
Ms. Emma Shoaf, West Tennessee Presbytery, Synod of Great Rivers (Term Expires In 2011)
Mr. Ricky Kirby, West Tennessee Presbytery, Synod of Great Rivers (Term Expires In 2012)
Ms. Madison Rush, Nashville Presbytery, Tennessee Synod (Term Expires In 2013)
Advisory Members
Rev. Michael Sharpe, Red River Presbytery, Mission Synod
Mr. Sam Suddarth, Columbia Presbytery, Tennessee Synod
Rev. Boyce Wallace, Cauca Valley Presbytery, Mission Synod
The terms of Karen Breeding, Mandy Clark and Sam Suddarth expire in 2011.  Ms. Breeding and
Ms. Clark are eligible for re-election.  Ms. Breeding has opted not to serve a second term.  The term ofReverend Iwao Satoh expires in 2011; but since he moved to a different synod, he is not eligible for reelection.  The Youth Advisory Member term of Emma Shoaf expires in 2011, and she is not eligible forre-election.  Reverend Rickey Page and Reverend John Shoulta, both whose terms expire in 2012, haveresigned.
The Council expresses appreciation to Reverend Rickey Page, Reverend John Shoulta and Ms.
Karen Breeding for their contributions to the work of the Ministry Council.   The Council expresses
sincere appreciation to Sam Suddarth for his leadership and participation as a Ministry Council Advisory
Member during his two years as Moderator and Past-Moderator of the General Assembly.  The Council
also expresses our appreciation to Reverend Harry Chapman, Vice-Moderator of the General Assembly.  
Reverend Chapman attended two Ministry Council meetings this year for Moderator Reverend Boyce
Wallace.
3. MINISTRY TEAM ELECTED TEAM MEMBERS
The Ministry Council, not the General Assembly, is responsible for electing the Team Members
for each Ministry Team.  Current guidelines for electing Team Members were followed for 2011, but theguidelines will be reviewed and possibly changed in the future.  In April 2011, future Elected Team Members
were recommended by the Ministry Teams and elected by the Ministry Council to terms beginning after
General Assembly.  Newly Elected Team Members are listed in the individual Ministry Team sections of
this report.
4. COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES TO 180th GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Ms. Jill Carr will be the Council’s representative to the 181st General Assembly and Reverend Sam
Romines will be the alternate.  In 2010, the Council decided that the representative needs another member
present to assist with questions and information and elected Mrs. Elizabeth Horsley to fill that position.  
Ms. Horsley has served in this capacity for several years, and the Council expresses appreciation to her for
sharing her wisdom and expertise in this capacity.  Director of Ministries, Ms. Edith B. Old will also attend
General Assembly.
5. MINISTRY COUNCIL STAFF
During the 180th General Assembly, Missions Ministry Team Leader Reverend Michael Sharpe
was elected to Stated Clerk, replacing Reverend Robert D. Rush who was retiring.  Reverend Sharpe began
his new position in October, 2010.  That same time, a new Missions Ministry Team Leader joined the staff:  
Reverend George Estes.
The Council expresses appreciation to Reverend Sharpe for his work as Missions Ministry Team
Leader through September 2010.
The Council expresses appreciation to Reverend Frank D. Ward for his work as Discipleship
Ministry Team Leader.   Reverend Ward retired in December, 2010, following 37 years with the (then)Board of Christian Education that became the Discipleship Ministry Team.
THE MINISTRY COUNCIL STAFF ROSTER42

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Ministry Council Administration
Edith Gholson, Director of Ministries, was married on March 20, 2011, and her new name is Edith
Busbee Old.
Megan Brown Warren, Executive Assistant to the Director of Ministries, began work for the
Ministry Council on January 11 and is a graduate of Old Dominion University in Virginia.
Communications Ministry TeamMark Davis, Team Leader
Discipleship Ministry Team
Reverend Frank D. Ward, Team Leader, retired December 31, 2010.   The Ministry Council
recognized that there is an opportunity to evaluate current staff skills and to consider future programmingin terms of different staffing.  As a result the Team Leader position is vacant while the evaluation is taking
place and DMT staff take on new responsibilities.
Reverend Elinor Swindle Brown, Stewardship education, Our United Outreach promotion and
Adult Christian Education;
Matthew Gore, Management, Promotion, and Distribution of Cumberland Presbyterian resources;
Susan Groce, Youth and Young Adult Education;
Cindy Martin, Children and Family Education and editing and production of resources;
Christine Tyler, Administrative Assistant.
Missions Ministry Team
Reverend George Estes, Missions Ministry Team Leader (October-Current); Evangelism andChurch Development, prior to October, 2010 (Cordova, Tennessee office);
Melody Collins, Office Assistant (Cordova, Tennessee office);
Reverend Pam Phillips-Burk, Congregational Ministries-Women’s Ministry (Huntsville, Alabama
office);Joyce Reeves, Secretary (Cordova, Tennessee office);
Marjorie Shannon, Administration and Finance (Cordova, Tennessee office);
Sowgand Sheikholeslami, Communications and Publications (Cordova, Tennessee office);
Reverend Lynn Thomas, Cross-Culture Ministry (Birmingham, Alabama office);
Reverend Robert Watkins, Global Missions (Somerset, Kentucky office).
Pastoral Development Ministry Team
Reverend Milton Ortiz, Team Leader
6. STAFFINGThe Ministry Council continues to address needs identified by the Organizational Task Force,among them, how to ensure better use of human resources.  During the past two years, performance reviews
have become opportunities for coaching and involve the staff at a greater level; written self-evaluations
with the supervisor’s evaluation provide a more comprehensive review.  In 2010, Team Leaders were tasked
with reviewing current staff job descriptions and when appropriate, making revisions.  Implementation of
new computer software has made many processes more efficient throughout the center, and the change inthe structure of the church almost four years ago has provided the opportunity to share human resourcesand equipment in a better way.  Less time is required for a number of formerly labor intensive tasks, freeing
staff to do more outreach.  Staff members completed “desk audits,” a new experience for all but two staff
with experience in the corporate arena, providing data that illustrates the time and resources required tosuccessfully complete team goals.  In January 2011, the Ministry Council unanimously moved forward withstaffing changes to chip away at barriers that existed between former boards.  Skill sets and staff expertiseare now being shared more easily between and among Teams, though work remains to be done.
Staffing changes include reducing the full time Missions Ministry Team Receptionist/Secretary
position to a part-time position effective June 2011.  The Ministry Council created a new part-time positionof Clerical Assistant to be shared equally/funded by Communications and Pastoral Development, effective
June 2011, and discontinued the position of Office Assistant for the Missions Ministry Team effective
June 30, 2011.  Tasks such as bulk mail projects are being reviewed for greater impact and more efficientdelivery.  Changes will include combining multiple projects, using electronic distribution, utilizing staff
from other Teams, and, if necessary, contracting with local vendors
Given the need to have graphic design as part of all Ministry Council external publications, rather

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than one team; and to ensure equitable accessibility to all teams, greater attention to cost controls, andconsistent images/look; the Missions Ministry Team Communications and Publications position will
be moved to the Communications Ministry Team effective January 2012.   In addition to providing art
services, this position will coordinate printing (on demand, outsourced, etc.) of all Ministry Council/Teampublications to affect measurable cost-saving measures and greater impact of deliverables.
Recognizing the importance of tradition, sensitivity to audiences and need to communicate with all
the Church, the Ministry Council initiated a Unified Publications Task Force to gather input and consider
ways to have a signature publication of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church that is published regularly,
supported financially and editorially by the church, and that can be produced as a quality publication lessexpensively than the current two largest publications, The Cumberland Presbyterian magazine (2,900
subscribers) and The Missionary Messenger (distribution of more than 20,000 households).
The Ministry Council affirms the church’s responsibility to be fervent in evangelism.  Conversations
with the MMT Leaders (former and current), pastors, church leaders, missionaries and new believers inSouth America and Asia affirm the need for concentrated efforts to nurture pastors and congregations andto provide education and church resources in English and in other languages.   Therefore, the MinistryCouncil created a new part-time position of Asian Consortium/Missions and Ministry Council Fundraising
Facilitator.  Reverend Bob Watkins will move from a full time position as Global Ministries Director into
this new part-time position in July 2011.  (Reverend Watkins requested a reduction from full-time to parttime in preparation for retirement some time in the future.)  Reverend Lynn Thomas will succeed Reverend
Watkins as the Global Ministries Director with additional responsibility for cross culture ministry in the
United States.  A tangible benefit of the Ministry Council “one team approach” is the assistance by Pastoral
Development Ministry Team Leader Reverend Milton Ortiz with the Cross Culture Ministry that currently
falls within the purview of the Missions Ministry Team.
A constant tension is the reality that Our United Outreach (OUO) goals have not been met in thepast few years, and with no increases on the horizon, result in decreased funding for ministries.
7. IDENTIFYING POTENTIAL LEADERS
The Ministry Council extends its appreciation to the Office of the General Assembly for theopportunity to provide an outline of the gifts and skills that are most useful to the MC in continuing thework set out for us by General Assembly.   In preparation for meeting with the Nominating Committee
in March, 2011, the Ministry Council provided a document that we believe to be helpful in identifying
potential leaders, and in helping those asked to serve to have a full understanding of their commitment.  
“WHO THE MINISTRY COUNCIL NEEDS,” the new document provided to the Nominating Committee,
is attached as Appendix A.
8. GLOBAL MINISTRIES LEADERSHIP TEAM (GMLT)The Global Ministries Leadership Team (GMLT) comprised of the Director of Ministries and thefour Team Leaders meets regularly to provide opportunity for collaboration and to improve efficiencies
among the Ministry Teams.  Minutes from these meetings are disseminated to the Ministry Council, staff
and all Elected Ministry Team Members.
9. CENTER INTER-AGENCY TEAM (CIT)The Center Interagency Team (CIT) is responsible for efficient management of the Center property
and daily operations of the four agencies based at the Center.  The CIT provided leadership and oversightof several key projects related to human resources, technology and budget.  The CIT meets monthly andminutes are disseminated to the boards of each of the four agencies and to the four Team Leaders.  Current
CIT members include Reverend Michael Sharpe (General Assembly Office), Reverend Robert Heflin(Board of Stewardship), Susan Knight Gore (Historical Foundation/Archives), and Edith B. Old (MinistryCouncil) as Chairperson.  Decisions and actions of the CIT include:a. Shared Expenses
The CIT oversees the budget of shared expenses, those common to all agencies at the Center.  Thisaction simplified the accounting process used in the past whereby each agency was “billed” for items suchas utilities, rent, etc.  The new process has these common costs, necessary to maintaining the denominational
headquarters, as a separate recipient of Our United Outreach revenue.  This allows enhanced transparency
as to “real cost” of daily operations.  The CIT performed due diligence to reduce expenses and as a result
cut some expenses by 50%.

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b. Information Technology
CIT in cooperation with the Global Ministries Leadership Team (Director of Ministries and thefour team leaders) and a number of subcommittees continued the implementation of RaisersEdge andFinancialEdge software with the ultimate goal of radically improving database management and financial
information management.   As of this writing, the database has been overhauled removing decades of
duplicate and erroneous entries.   Financial reports are provided on demand and have a higher level ofaccuracy than in the past.  An Information Security Team has been formed (Benefits Coordinator Mark Duck,
Communications Team Leader Mark Davis, and Matthew Gore) to review and make recommendations ofmeasures to ensure computer security.
c. Personnel Manuals
CIT agencies have added a policy to each personnel manual that current staff will not provide
letter(s) of recommendation on behalf of persons applying for Center staff postions.
d. Wish List
During monthly meetings, the CIT discusses items that are needed or that might enhance the facility.
Unbudgeted items that have merit and are approved by CIT are placed on a “Wish List” that appears on thewebsite, allowing potential match to interested donors.  As a result of this effort, landscaping and kitchenitems were donated.
C. ELECTED TEAM MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIESIn the 2010 Report to the General Assembly, the Ministry Council listed those areas of responsibility
for non-staff team members.
Ministry Team Elected Team Member Responsibilities:
1.  Elect Leadership (at least a Chairperson)
2.  Attend Team Meetings—including one Spring and one Fall concurrent/joint meeting with the
Ministry Council
3.  Plan, prioritize, and implement the Ministry
4.  Make recommendations to GMLT
5.  Follow directives of the Ministry Council
6.  Send a report to the Ministry Council to be included in the Council’s report to General Assembly.
Since last year, the Ministry Council has sought to further clarify those areas to assist Team Leaders,
their staff and non-staff team members to have a framework wherein they may confidently and comfortably
work.  At the April, 2011, Ministry Council meeting, this list of responsibilities was refined and will befinalized by August, 2011.
The August meeting will include an Orientation for new Elected Team Members.   Each of the
Ministry Teams operates under a Covenant signed by each member, committing their work in answer to a
Call.
D. BYLAWS AMENDMENT
After three officer elections, the Council decided to clarify the process before the fourth election byunanimously adopting an amendment to the Ministry Council Bylaws regarding the election of officers:
The original ARTICLE IV.B. of the Bylaws of the Ministry Council reads “The officers of the
Ministry Council shall be elected at the first meeting of the board following the annual meeting of theGeneral Assembly and shall hold office for a term of one year and until their successors are elected.
Any officer may be removed by the board of directors whenever in its judgment the removal would
serve the best interests of the corporation.”
ARTICLE IV.B. now reads:  “The officers of the Ministry Council shall be elected at the firstmeeting of the board following the annual meeting of the General Assembly (the “Election Meeting”)
and shall hold office for a term of one year or until their successors are elected. The person holding
the office of First Vice Chairperson at the time of the Election Meeting shall be nominated to the officeof Chairperson when the office becomes vacant or the end of term. Any officer may be removed by
the board of directors whenever in its judgment the removal would serve the best interests of thecorporation.”

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Notification of this proposed change was sent out 10 days prior to the vote and was passed by therequired 2/3 vote of the Ministry Council.
F. OUR UNITED OUTREACH
Reverend Carlton Harper and Director of Ministries, Edith B. Old serve on the Our United OutreachCommittee established by General Assembly.   As did representatives from other recipient agencies,
Reverend Harper and Reverend Sam Romines (substituted for Edith B. Old) presented a request for funding
to the Committee.  Details of that Committee’s work can be found in a separate report.  Reverend Elinor
Swindle Brown, Discipleship Ministry Team staffmember, is responsible for Stewardship Education.
G. DIRECTIVES FROM GENERAL ASSEMBLY
1. EVANGELISM TASK FORCE
The 180th General Assembly directed that “General Assembly will move forward with an evangelism
and church planting, and mission field expansion initiative by charging the Ministry Council to name a task
force consisting of Ministry Team members experienced in evangelism and church planting to develop aten-year global evangelism, missions and church planting plan, providing goals, staffing expectations andfunding estimates to accomplish the initiative.  The Ministry Council will present the completed proposal
at the 2011 General Assembly as the decadal evangelism and church planting initiative.”
The Council developed guidelines for naming a task force and the report is introduced in theMissions Ministry Team section and attached as Appendix C.
2. HANDBOOK FOR PRESBYTERIAL COMMITTEES ON THE MINISTRY OR
PREPARATION FOR THE MINISTRY
The 180th General Assembly directed “That the proposed handbook be referred back to the Pastoral
Development Ministry Team to clarify areas of concerns, including those listed above, and that the teambring a revised handbook before the 181st General Assembly.”
The Pastoral Development Ministry Team completed the further revisions and reported in the DMT
section of this report.  The Handbook is attached as Appendix E.
3. YEAR OF THE CLERGY
The 180th General Assembly adopted a resolution from West Tennessee Presbytery designating2011 as the “Year of the Clergy” and establishing a “Clergy Crisis Fund” with the following guidelines:
a. The “Clergy Crisis Fund is to be established and managed through the Board of Stewardship,
Foundation and Benefits, and under the direction of the Pastoral Development Ministry Team of the MinistryCouncil.”b. “The purpose of the Clergy Crisis Fund is to provide financial support to clergy who are in crisis
and in need of support and care.”c. The Pastoral Development Ministry Team is “charged with the responsibility of setting up
this program; establishing guidelines for potential recipients from the Fund, working with the respective
presbyteries in determining needs and appropriate responses; ascertaining the abilities of the respective
presbyteries to also provide financial assistance (perhaps on a matching basis) and exploring any need forcounseling or additional support.”
d. Invite “congregations, presbyteries, Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry, the General
Assembly and other organizations within the Church . . . to set a special time for prayers of thanksgiving,
blessing and intercession for ordained ministers, and to take a special offering during 2011 to support clergy
through the Clergy Crisis Fund.”e. The Ministry Council is to “develop promotional and supportive resources to assist congregations
and presbyteries in celebrating the Year of the Clergy and to raise awareness to and advocate for this special
emphasis in 2011.”
In August, 2011, the Council gave the “go ahead” to the Pastoral Development Ministry Team toproceed with plans for “The Year of the Clergy.”  The resulting document “A YEAR OF THE CLERGY
AND A CLERGY CRISIS FUND FOR THE MINISTERS OF THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIANCHURCH,” is attached as Appendix B.
H. CHURCH CALENDAR 2011-2012

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RECOMMENDATION 1: That the 181st General Assembly approve the following dates for the
church calendar.
CHURCH CALENDAR 2011-2012
JULY 2011
4
Denomination Center Closed
5
Bethel University-Second session
Registration/Classes begin
5-15 Doctor of Ministry Residency - MTS
9Program of Alternate Studies graduation
9-23 Program of Alternate Studies - Summer extension school
10-15 Cumberland Presbyterian Youth Conference
27-29 Consultant Training Event
AUGUST 2011
1-31 Church Paper Month1
Bethel University - Second session ends
6
Bethel University - commencement
22 Bethel University - Fall classes begin
25 Christian Education Season (through Sept. 28)
26 Ministry Council New Member orientation
27-28  Ministry Council meeting
27 MTS - Fall classes begin
28 Quarterly Missions Emphasis
30 Bethel University - convocation
31 MTS - convocation
SEPTEMBER 20111-28 Christian Education Season (cont. from Aug.)
5
Denomination Center, Bethel University & MTS - closed
9
MTS - last day to register/add classes
9-10 Board of Stewardship meeting
9-10 Memphis Thelogical Seminary board meeting
11 Senior Adult Sunday
16 Historical Foundation board meeting
16-17 CP Children’s Home board meeting
16-17 Theology & Social Concerns meeting
18 Christian Service Recognition Sunday
18 International Day of Prayer & Action for Human Habitat
30 Our United Outreach quarterly report
OCTOBER 2011
1-31 Clergy Appreciation Month
2
World Wide Communion Sunday
9
Clergy Appreciation Sunday
11-13 Minister’s Conference
13-16 Bethel University - Fall break
23 Native American Sunday
29-30 Ministry Council and Teams meet in concurrent sessions
NOVEMBER 2011
Any Sunday Love Loaf Program
1
All Saints Day
4
World Community Day (Church Women United)
4
Memphis Theological Seminary Inquirer’s Day
4-6 Young Adult Ministry Planning Council Meeting
6
Stewardship Sunday
12-15 Youth Ministry Planning Council (YMPC)

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Day of Prayer for People with Aids andOther Life Threatening Illnesses
20 Bible Sunday
21-25 Memphis Theological Seminary - Fall break
24-25 Denomination Center, Bethel University, MTS - closed
27 Quarterly Missions Emphasis
27-Dec. 25 Advent in Home and Church

DECEMBER 2011
Any Sunday Gift to the King Offering
1
Annual Reports mailed to congregations
11 Bethel University - commencement
23-Jan 2   MTS - Christmas break
23-26 Denomination Center closed
JANUARY 2012
1
New Year’s Day - Denomination Center & MTS closed
3
MTS - January term classes begin
3-13 MTS - D.Min. Convocation & Residency
6
Epiphany9
Bethel University - Spring Classes begin
13 Close center books - cut off date for
Our United Outreach for previous year
13-16 Grace Presbytery’s Convocation
13-16 Faith in 3D
16 Martin Luther King Day - Denomination Center, Bethel University & MTS - closed
20 MTS - New student orientation
21 Memphis Theological Seminary - Spring Classes begin
26 UBCD meeting
27-28 Ministry Council and Teams meet in joint sessions
FEBRUARY 2012
1-28 African American History Month1
Annual congregational reports due to presbyterial clerks
5
Denomination Day
5
Souper Bowl Sunday / Historical Foundation offering
3-4 Judiciary Committee meeting
9
MTS - Henry Logan Starks Scholarship dinner
10 Annual congregational reports due in GA office
10 MTS Board of Trustees meeting
10-11 OUO Committee meeting
17-18 CP Children’s Home Board of Trustees meeting
19 Youth Sunday
22 Ash Wednesday
24 Historical Foundation board meeting
24-25 30-Hour Famine
26 First Sunday in Lent
26 Quarterly Missions Emphasis
MARCH 2012
1-31 Women’s History Month
2
World Day of Prayer (Church Women United)
2
Memphis Theological Seminary - Inquirer’s Day
4
Seminary Sunday
9-10 Board of Stewardship meeting
10 Cauca Valley’s Women’s Ministry retreat
19-23 Bethel - Spring Break
25-31 National Farm Worker Awareness Week

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APRIL 20121
Palm Sunday
1
One Great Hour of Sharing
2-7 Memphis Theological Seminary - closed for spring break
5
Maundy Thursday
6
Good Friday - Denomination Center, Bethel University & MTS - closed
8
Easter Sunday
8
March of Missions (to May 27)
21-24 Presbyterian Youth Triennium Production Team meeting
27 Bethel - Last Day of Classes
May 2012
1
CPWM Local and Regional Reports due to Missions Ministry Teamto Missions Ministry Team
4
May Friendship Day (Church Women United)5
Bethel University - commencement
6-13 Family Week
11 MTS Board of Trustees meeting
12 Memphis Theological Seminary graduation
13 Mother’s Day (USA)13 Children’s Home Sunday
21 MTS - Summer Classes begin
26 Missions Festival in Cauca Valley Presbytery
27 Quarterly Mission Emphasis
27 Memorial Day Offering for the Presbyterian Council on
Chaplains and Military Personnel
27 Pentecost Sunday
27 World Missions Day
28 Memorial Day - Denomination Center closed
29 Bethel - First day of First Summer Term classes
31 CP Youth Missions (Uganda, Africa) to June 21
June 20123
Trinity Sunday
10 Children’s Sunday
17 Father’s Day (USA)17-22 General Assembly, Florence, Alabama
19-21 CP Women’s Ministry Convention, Florence, Alabama
27 CPYC Registration Cut-Off
I. FUTURE MEETING DATES
1. FORMULA FOR SETTING MEETING DATESThe Ministry Council established a formula for setting Ministry Council meeting dates withmeetings at the Center, a location close to Cordova, or possibly a retreat setting.  The Ministry Council
and Ministry Teams will meet in concurrent/joint session in August and January.  Teams are encouraged toschedule other necessary meetings at the same time as the other Council meetings to facilitate carpoolingand sharing expenses.   The Ministry Council plans for three meetings each year between meetings ofGeneral Assembly as follows:
Fourth weekend of August (Saturday/Sunday)—Ministry Council and Teams in concurrent sessions
Last weekend of January (Friday/Saturday)—Ministry Council and Teams in joint sessions
Third weekend of April (Friday/Saturday)—Ministry Council
In an effort to extend equity to lay persons who serve, and for whom taking time from work can
be costly, challenging or a prohibition to serve; the Ministry Council has scheduled one meeting a year toinclude a Sunday.  On that Sunday, a worship service at an area church is attended by the Ministry Council.

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2. MINISTRY COUNCIL MEETING DATES FOR 2011-2012
2011 Meeting Dates:
August 27-28 (Saturday/Sunday) at Cordova, TN; Ministry Council/Teams meet in concurrent sessions
2012 Meeting Dates:
January 27-28 (Friday/Saturday) at Cordova, TN; Ministry Council/Teams meet in joint sessions
April 20-21(Friday/Saturday) at Cordova, TN

II. COMMUNICATIONS MINISTRY TEAMMark J. Davis, Team Leader

A. INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSEThe Communications Ministry Team concentrates its efforts to focus and strengthen communication
within the denomination and with the world at large through written, verbal and electronic means.  We
understand the importance of trying to articulate clearly who we are as Cumberland Presbyterians—what
it means to be a Cumberland Presbyterian—and why we choose to be Cumberland Presbyterians.   Weunderstand the importance of well-defined communication strategies in strengthening our connectional
nature.   We recognize that the world into which the Church is being called to minister is clearly andprofoundly changing—to extents not seen for several centuries.
Within this context, it is incumbent upon the Church in general—and the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church specifically—to adapt quickly and resolutely to the cultural, sociological, political and technologicalchanges that are evolving daily.  “Adaptation” need not be a negative concept for the Church.  It need not
and should not mean abandoning our faith or our values.  But it should imply our willingness to be witnesses
to the good news in the language(s) being spoken in the cultural, sociological, and political communities
around us—to communicate in a way that first and foremost is consistent with our faith, but which also
clearly articulates the doctrines that define us, and which reinforces our connectional nature.
In order to effectively communicate to both our own membership and to the global community
in ways that keep our message relevant, we must consciously and intentionally nurture our Identity, ourConsistency and our Stewardship.
•
Identity:  One of the signature organizational trends of the last decade emphasizes the importanceand value of effective “branding” as a means of strengthening an organization both from within and from theperspective of the organization’s current and potential “clients.”  Branding is not the same as “marketing”,
and need not carry the negative associations that word often carries.  Work around developing a Cumberland
Presbyterian “brand” is work that aims to:a.  improve clarity around and understanding of our mission,b.  promote a disciplined approach to ensuring that the myriad activities of the Ministry Councilalign with that mission, andc.   establish a clear rallying point and a source of inspiration and information for Cumberland
Presbyterians around the globe.
It is an established principle of organizational dynamics that a clear vision describing theorganization’s goals and its trajectory toward those goals can help motivate its members to action.   IfChristianity is a verb, then having “motivation to action” as a goal of the Communications Ministry will bea good thing.
•Consistency:   Now that the internet—and specifically, the worldwide web—has become anubiquitous and primary source of information, uniformity, or consistency in the “look and feel” of anorganization’s communications has become a hallmark of success.  A sad but inescapable by-product of thedigital age has been a shortened attention span in human beings.  It is important that we work to condense
and “standardize” our communications—in all their various forms—to the greatest extent possible andpractical, to insure that we are delivering our message in ways that either satisfy needs quickly, or encourage“persistence” in further study, thought or action.
•
Stewardship:   The call to be good stewards of the gifts we’ve been given is neither new nor
old-fashioned.  In fact, perhaps more than ever before, effective stewardship of our resources is not only

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a Christian imperative, but has emerged as an absolute economic necessity as well.   The Cumberland
Presbyterian Church has become a denomination of many faces.  To some, it may be The Cumberland
Presbyterian magazine, or The Missionary Messenger.  To others, Cumberland Presbyterianism may besummed up in our presence on a social media site, the denominational web site, cumberlist, CP Updates, or
any of several other electronic or print media.  To some, unfortunately, the denomination has likely becomea seemingly endless series of mailings, many of which are so similar.  To be good stewards, we must findways of avoiding redundancies and take advantage of opportunities for consolidation.
B. GENERAL INFORMATION
1. ELECTED TEAM MEMBERSHIP AND TERMS
Members whose terms expire in 2011(1)Ms. B. Denise Adams, Rose Hill Congregation, Arkansas Presbytery, Synod of Great Rivers
Members Whose Terms Expire In 2012
(1)Rev. James D. McGuire, Presbytery of East Tennessee, Synod of the Southeast(1)Ms. Jennifer Jo Clark Williams, Covenant Presbytery, Synod of the Midwest
Members Whose Terms Expire In 2013
(1)Mr. Paul Earheart-Brown, Faith Congregation, West Tennessee Presbytery, Synod of Great Rivers
In April 2011, the following future and returning CMT Elected Team Members were recommended
by the CMT and elected by the Ministry Council to terms beginning after General Assembly:
Denise Adams, Rose Hill Congregation, Arkansas Presbytery, Synod of Great Rivers, to succeed
herself for a three-year term.
Reverend Michael Clark, Murfreesboro Presbytery, Tennessee Synod, to fill the one-year unexpired
term for Jennifer Jo Clark Williams.
Dusty Luthy Shull, New Hope Congregation, Covenant Presbytery¸ Synod of the Midwest, to fill
the two-year unexpired term for the vacant position in the Class of 2013.
2. STRUCTURE AND STAFF
Mark J. Davis is presently the only staff member, but upon action of the Ministry Council at its
January 2011 meeting, he will be joined by Sowgand Sheikholeslami at the end of June 2011.  Sowgand
will have responsibility for graphic arts, design and production activities for all Ministry Council teams.
We anticipate enhanced efficiency and effectiveness across the teams in terms of both print and electronic
communications as a result of this move.  Also by action of the Ministry Council, the Communications
Ministry Team will be served on a part-time basis by Joyce Reeves in an administrative capacity.  Thiswelcome addition to the team should also result in greater operational efficiency.   The team meets aminimum of twice annually during regularly-scheduled Ministry Council meetings.  Any other business isconducted electronically.
C. WORK OF THE COMMUNICATIONS MINISTRY TEAM
1. THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN MAGAZINE
a. Mission
The purpose of The Cumberland Presbyterian magazine is to engage, inspire and unify membersof the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  The magazine is published 11 times per year, with the November
and December issues comprising a combined issue.
b. Editorial policy
The Cumberland Presbyterian is a medium for the communication of the gospel of salvation throughJesus Christ.  The magazine will provide unbiased reporting of news, and will allow for open discussion oftheological, social, cultural and denominational issues.  Signed editorials express the views of the Editor andnot necessarily those of the administrative agency, the Ministry Council.  All submissions—both solicitedand unsolicited—will be subject to editing.  Not all submissions will be published.  Photographic images inany form will not be returned, but will be sent to the Archives of the Historical Foundation.
c. Circulation
As of the March 2011 issue, paid circulation averaged around 2,900 per month.  The subscriber
database was imported into the new corporate software (BlackBaud/Raiser’s Edge) as of the end of
December, 2010.  This has allowed for significantly better management of the current subscriber base, andallows for the development of innovative promotion programs that were not possible with the previous

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software.
d. Subscriptions
Subscription rates have not changed since the last General Assembly and currently are:  i.  $25.00 per year; $45.00 for two years
ii.  $22.00 per year when prepaid in groups of five or moreiii.  $2.27 per issue for billed subscriptions (minimum of five)iv.  $20.00 per year for churches that adopt the New Member Plan, providing a subscription
to each new member family for one year
e. Advertising
Advertisements for open church staff positions will be listed once at no charge to the church
placing the advertisement.   Congregations wishing to print memorials or to advertise items for sale orupcoming events are encouraged to do so for a nominal advertising fee of $5.00 per column inch.  Full-pagecommercial advertisements (e.g., books, events not sanctioned by an agency of the denomination, etc.) are$300.00.  Half-page commercial advertisements are $175.00.  Quarter-page commercial advertisements are$100.00.  And eighth-page commercial advertisements are $75.00.  All commercial advertisements must be
pre-paid.
The magazine has published several series over the past year, including one on the Beatitudes
for the 21st Century and one comprising profiles of Cumberland Presbyterian staff persons at Memphis
Theological Seminary.   We are currently running a series on Cumberland Presbyterian doctrine. The
magazine is a member of the Associated Church Press (ACP), and subscribes to both the Religion News
Service (RNS), and Associated Press (AP).
2. MINISTRY COUNCIL WEB PAGESAt the direction of the Ministry Council, we have identified a local firm to assume responsibility
for development of a complete redesign of the Ministry Council web pages.  After working with threevendors during the specification, discovery and bidding process, we have chose to work with Speak!
Creative of Memphis.  Besides having an impressive portfolio—which includes several prominent local
and regional religious and other non-profit organizations—Speak! not only demonstrated a rigorous project
management discipline and command of the medium, but presented the most affordable solution.  With thefull cooperation of the Ministry Council, the Ministry Teams are cautiously optimistic that we will have afunctional prototype (at the least) ready in time for General Assembly.  Initial estimates put the cost of thisproject in the neighborhood of $10,000, and an annual cost (for maintenance and upgrades) of approximately$4,000.  Features of the new site will include a full-function ecommerce site (for the Resource Center),user-editable content, a consistent look and feel across the entire site, training, on-line event registration,
on-line donation functionality, file download capability, multi-media capability, and links to various social
media sites.
3. UNIFIED PUBLICATIONS TASK FORCEAt the direction of the Ministry Council, the Communications Ministry Team has convened a task
force charged with exploring the possibility of a single-source, unified publication which would—among
other goals—answer the question, “What kind of publication would it take to generate excitement andinterest in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and its mission in the world?”   In its initial meetings,
the task force has brainstormed for those qualities that it feels would answer this question, as a means ofstimulating discussion in focus groups and on various types of survey instruments.  We have also developed
a series of questions which will be presented to a wide range of Cumberland Presbyterians in a wide rangeof settings, the purpose of which will be to solicit their ideas about what such a publication would look like.
The Ministry Council has asked that a full report be ready for its January 2012 meeting.
4. DENOMINATIONAL NEWS MEDIA
We wish to draw attention to CP Updates as a means of sharing news, updates, concerns, prayer
and ministry opportunities.  CP Updates is an email newsletter that can be accessed through subscription or
online at http://www.cpmag.org/cpupdates.php.
One result of the devastating earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Japan recently was a heightenedawareness of the importance of a timely, reliable, authoritative source for news about events that affect andare of interest to Cumberland Presbyterians.  We have used the tool CP Updates for news and announcements
for several years now, but have not been as intentional as we should have been about setting up a framework
for the denominational equivalent of a “corporate communications office,” to be used especially intimes of crisis.  To correct this, we have taken steps to, a) utilize CP Updates as the “official” electronic

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source of news for the denomination in times of crisis, b) establish direct lines of communication withauthoritative sources for specific events and c) use Ministry Council website to communicate urgent news/
announcements to a wider audience.  The Communications Ministry Team will be working with the StatedClerk and other denominational leaders over the coming months to formalize its role in communicating
news/announcements to the denomination at large, and if ever necessary, to the news media.

III. Discipleship Ministry TeamElinor Swindle Brown and Susan Carole Groce, Acting Team Leaders
A. INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE
Christian Discipleship is the life and practice of following Jesus Christ.
One may know about Jesus and even believe in Jesus as an important historical and spiritual figure.
But one becomes a disciple of Jesus by entering into a personal relationship with him and making him theguiding force of one’s life.  A disciple is not a “Jesus admirer” but a servant who follows faithfully andwillingly.
A disciple is a student—a life-long learner.  Christian disciples devote their lives to the reading andstudying of God’s inspired word as found in the Old and New Testaments, and come to know the teachingsof Jesus through them and through interaction with others who share this identity.
Prayer, worship, life experiences and God’s grace enable disciples to develop a personal relationshipwith God through Jesus Christ.  By being totally committed to Christ, disciples find their primary identity
in him.  Their faith is nurtured, shaped, and then expressed in and through the faith community called the“church.”Disciples exhibit joy, peace, humility, self-control, and are guided in all things by love, God’s
greatest command.  Through love, disciples are peacemakers and seek to relate to others with kindness,
integrity, generosity, and patience.
Disciples follow the example of Jesus, and give themselves—their time, energy, and money—tofurthering God’s kingdom by witnessing to the Good News, ministering to and with persons who are poorand those who are marginalized.
Above all, disciples share the love and grace of Jesus Christ with others, inviting them to a new life
in Christ.—Discipleship Statement from the Discipleship Ministry Team
It is the purpose of the Discipleship Ministry Team to encourage and support the ministry of all
Cumberland Presbyterian churches to make disciples according to the above statement.
B. GENERAL INFORMATION
1. DMT ELECTED TEAM MEMBERS
Members whose terms expire in 2011
(2)Mr. Reese Baker, Covenant Presbytery, Synod of the Midwest(1)Ms. Samantha Hassell, Covenant Presbytery, Synod of the Midwest(3)Rev. Sandra Shepherd, Robert Donnell Presbytery, Synod of the Southeast
Members whose terms expire in 2012(1)Ms. Joanna D. Bellis, Missouri Presbytery, Synod of Great Rivers(3)Rev. Jeffrey A. Gehle, Red River Presbytery, Mission Synod(3)Rev. Kip Rush, Nashville Presbytery, Tennessee Synod
Members Whose Terms Expire In 2013
(2)Rev. Mindy Acton, Grace Presbytery, Synod of the Southeast(3)Rev. Tom Martin, Tennessee-Georgia Presbytery, Synod of the Southeast(3)Rev. Vernon Sansom, Jr., Red River Presbytery, Mission Synod
The terms of Reese Baker, Samantha Hassell and Sandra Shepherd expire in 2011.  Sandra Shepherd
has faithfully served three terms and is not able to be reappointed.  We thank Sandra for her faithful service,generous spirit and bubbling creativity.
In April 2011, the following future and returning DMT Elected Team Members were recommended
by the DMT and elected by the Ministry Council to terms beginning after General Assembly:
Alan Butler, Trinity Congregation, Red River Presbytery, Mission Synod, to a three-year term.

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Aaron Ferry, Beaver Creek Congregation, Licentiate in Presbytery of East Tennessee, Synod of theSoutheast, to a three-year term.
Samantha Hassell, Covenant Presbytery, Synod of the Midwest, to succeed herself for a three-year
term.
2. STAFF MEMBERS
Present staff members are: Reverend Elinor Brown with responsibilities in the areas of stewardshipeducation, Our United Outreach promotion and adult Christian education; Matthew Gore (who works
half time) with responsibilities for management, promotion, and distribution of Cumberland Presbyterianresources; Susan Groce with responsibilities for youth and young adults; Cindy Martin with responsibilities
for children and family education and editing and production of resources; Christine Tyler with responsibilities
for the administrative work of the Discipleship Ministry Team.
The retirement of Reverend Frank Ward at the end of 2010 has been significant for staff and thechurch in general.   Frank will be sorely missed as his ministry of 37 years has come to a close at thedenominational staff level.  We continue to celebrate his ministry and his gifts.
C. WORK OF THE DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRY TEAMThe Discipleship Ministry Team (DMT) and the United Board of Christian Discipleship (UBCD),
a board made up of the DMT and the General Board of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America,
have been evaluating all program and events sponsored by the two groups.  Each program and event listed
below has a designation as to whether it is sponsored by the DMT or jointly through the UBCD or theMission Ministry Team (MMT).
1. PROGRAMS INITIATED
a. CP Youth Curriculum (DMT)—For youth workers and church leaders; initiating the writing
and offering of CP Youth Curriculum for church school or other youth settings.
b. Faith in 3D (DMT)—an event to invite young people of different faith groups to explore ourcommon faith in Jesus Christ through worship, education, and community building; January 13-16, 2012,
Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida; information at www.faithin3d.org/home.
c. Interactive Children’s Website (DMT)—a website for CP children to learn more about thevarious areas of the world where the Cumberland Presbyterian Church has a presence.
d. The Forum: Equipping Congregations with Tools of the Trade (UBCD)—an event for all
church leaders who are interested in learning new ways to develop and teach their members.
e. Our United Outreach Reporting (DMT)—OUO percentages figured on last year’s total
income as reported by session clerks on the General Assembly annual report; semi-annual reports will besent to churches in July and January rather than monthly; OUO Perspectives—find them on the CPC main
webpage at www.cumberland.org
f. Registration Online (DMT)—For all events; plans to be up and running for 2011 CPYC.
g. Revisions to Journey of Faith (DMT)—the need to revise and update Journey of Faith for use
in new member and confirmation classes has been heard.  This revision is a goal for the 2011-2012 year.
h. Uganda Mission Trip (DMT/MMT)—a Cumberland Presbyterian youth team to serve in
Uganda, Africa, Summer 2012; team consisting of 20 youth will conduct sports camps and evangelism;
lead by Lynn Thomas and assisted by Susan Groce and Nona Thomas.
2. PROGRAMS CONTINUED
a. CP Resources (DMT)—unique Cumberland resources available to Cumberland congregations;
2,257 orders shipped in 2010; $173,524.30 2010 gross sales.
b. Cumberland Presbyterian Youth Conference (UBCD)—Theme: Live Out Loud based on 1
Timothy 4:12; July 10-15, 2011.
c. Encounter (DMT)—Summer 2011, Cardelia Howell-Diamond, Joshua, Judges, & Ruth;
Fall 2011, Don Thomas, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, & Matthew; Winter 2011-12, Lezlie
Daniel, Genesis, Exodus, Luke, & Galatians; Spring 2012, Byron Forester, John’s gospel; Summer 2012,  
Jennifer Newell, Exodus, Leviticus, Deuteronomy, Psalm 146, Isaiah, Jeremiah, & Ezekiel; Fall 2012, Tom
Campbell, Hebrews, Acts; Winter 2012-13, Dwight Liles, Ephesians, Philippians, & Colossiansd. eVotions (DMT)—daily devotions written by Cumberland Presbyterians—find them on the
CPC main webpage at www.cumberland.org
e. God So Loves/Gifts of God: the Sacraments (DMT)—two DVDs mailed to each CP

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congregation via the session clerk in April
f. Miniversities 2011 (DMT)—regional workshops held in March and April (one in May) for all
Cumberland Presbyterians that focused on holistic stewardship.
g. Presbyterian Youth Triennium (UBCD)—Reverend Frank Ward was honored during the 2nd
worship service for his 30+ years of service to PYT.  Reverend Ward was a member of the denominational
staff team for the first Triennium held in the summer of 1980.
h. Resources Offered Online (DMT)—Bridges, a DMT newsletter and Encounter, our CP adultcurriculum will be offered electronically soon; Encounter will be downloadable for a small costi. Youth Evangelism Conference 2012 (DMT/MMT)—December 27-30, 2012 in Little Rock,Arkansas; B.J. Mathis is Conference Coordinator.
3. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHED
Consultant Program/Consultant Training Event (UBCD)—Consultants have been trained andavailable to CP congregations in the area of Christian education.  Due to the declining demand for thistraining, the UBCD decided this program has been more than effective and has served its purpose when it
began under the leadership of Virginia Malcolm.  Consultations will still be available to churches throughthe Discipleship Ministry Team, but training will be done through The Forum and available as needed/
requested.
D. CERTIFICATION OF YOUTH MINISTERS BY THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIANCHURCHThe following is an explanation and recommendation for creating a certification process for youth
ministers.  Youth Ministry is the Church’s efforts to help each and every young person grow personally andspiritually.  Youth Ministry is every effort by the Christian community to reach out to the youth with thelove of God as revealed to us in Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church has a long-standing history for helping people discern theircalls.  The call to youth ministry is a unique and valid call and should be recognized as such.  There is aneed to officially recognize the call, lifting up through certification those who feel this call, and validate thecall with an official designation.
Certification in youth ministry offered by presbyteries should be created out of the desire ofindividuals to serve the church more effectively and with excellence.  When persons are hired or contracted
in the local church, consideration should be given to their training qualifications.  Certification provides
biblical and theological training, knowledge of Cumberland Presbyterian structure and resources, skill
development, support, and accountability.
Certification is the way the Cumberland Presbyterian Church can recognize that an individual has
been called and is willing to serve, and has made a commitment to fulfill the required standards for academic
training, experience, and continuing study needed to serve with excellence in the area of youth ministry.
A certification process in which candidates are cared for under a presbytery’s Committee on the
Ministry will provide for accountability, training, and support during the certification process.  Those seeking
certification will be under the care as candidates for certification and will therefore not to be licensed.
CALL
A person who is experiencing a call to ministry with young people may gradually grow in awarenessand certainty with respect to the call.  It is often helpful to share one’s experiences with others, such as one’s
pastor.
STEPS TO CANDIDACY FOR CERTICATION OF YOUTH MINISTRY & PRESBYTERIALREQUIREMENTS
The first official step to be taken by someone called to youth ministry is for the person to confer
with the pastor and session of the church to which she or he belongs and to ask for a recommendation to thepresbytery to be received as a candidate for certification in youth ministry.
The second step is to contact the chairperson or a member of the Committee on the Ministry of
the presbytery for a conference regarding the desire to become a candidate for youth ministry certification
under the care of the presbytery.  The letter of recommendation from the session should be presented to thecommittee at this conference.

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At the first meeting with the committee, the person seeking to become a candidate for youth ministry
may expect to be examined with respect to personal religious experience, motives leading to the seeking ofcertification for youth ministry and the internal call to it, with plans for education.
The third step in the process is coming before presbytery to be received as a candidate for youth
ministry.  This action will be taken on recommendation from the Committee on the Ministry and following
the meeting with the committee.  The candidate will be expected to respond to further questions which
members of the presbytery may have and should be prepared to give a statement regarding their desire to
become a certified youth minister in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
After being received as a candidate for the certification of youth ministry, the person is “under
the care” of the presbytery and is directly responsible to the Committee on the Ministry.  This means thatthe candidate will be expected to confer periodically with the committee regarding what he/she is doing
in preparation for youth ministry as the committee requires.  The committee has the authority to direct thecandidate in such preparation as is required for certification and the responsibility to determine when thecandidate has met these requirements.
The fourth and final step in becoming a certified youth minister in the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church is certification.   When the Committee on the Ministry determines that a candidate has met therequirements for certification as set forth in the Constitution, it will recommend to the presbytery that suchaction be taken.  At the time the report of the committee is considered by the presbytery, the candidate will
be expected to respond to further questions which members of the presbytery may have.  On approval of
the recommendation of the committee, the presbytery will proceed to certify the candidate or to set a time
for a commissioning service to be held.  The presbytery shall require that a candidate for certification havea call to a ministry approved by the presbytery before proceeding with the certification.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Individuals seeking certification in youth ministry in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church mustmeet the following standards:•  Must be a member in a Cumberland Presbyterian church.
•  Knowledge of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church’s structure, polity, resources, program, andmission.
•  Must meet the educational requirements outlined below.
Professional Track•  A graduate degree - Master’s degree in Youth Ministry or Religion or Theological Studies or its
equivalent with a concentration in youth ministry from an accredited institution.
•  Must include Cumberland Presbyterian History & Doctrine and Cumberland Presbyterian Polity.
SAMPLE Course of Study could include:
Core Courses
Introduction to Interpreting the Old Testament
Introduction to Interpreting the New Testament
Christian Beliefs
Introduction to Church History
Introduction to Evangelism
Mission of the Church

3 hrs.
3 hrs.
3 hrs.
3 hrs.
3 hrs.
3 hrs.

Youth Ministry Courses
Theological Foundation of Youth Ministry
Advanced Studies in Youth, Church and Culture
Communicating the Gospel to Youth
Youth Minister as Pastor and Leader

3 hrs.
3 hrs.
3 hrs.
3 hrs.

Spiritual Formation (three semesters at 1hr ea.)
Youth Ministry Practicum (over 4 semesters)

3 hrs.
6 hrs.

Electives(Includes CP History & Doctrine and CP Polity)

9 hrs.

Total

48 hrs.

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Undergraduate/Paraprofessional Track•  A certificate in Youth Ministry - through an accredited course of study (i.e. CYMT, Princeton
Certificate programs)•  Plus - Cumberland Presbyterian History & Doctrine and Cumberland Presbyterian Polity
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN STUDIES: Understanding of and grounding in Cumberland
Presbyterian doctrine and polity, and history.  The course may include a study of doctrine, general rules,
social principals, and polity of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church as founded in the Confession of Faithand the history of the CPC.
PROFESSIONAL OR UNDERGRADUATE/PARAPROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION
Professional certification is available to persons with an undergraduate degree, seeking a graduate degree
in an area of specialization.
Undergraduate or Paraprofessional certification is available to persons who may not have an undergraduate
degree and are working in areas of specialized ministry.  Not all paraprofessional certification courses carryacademic credit. This certification is designed for persons seeking training in a specialized ministry.
CERTIFICATION BENEFITS•  Those entering the care of a presbytery will be awarded all support, both financial and counsel,
given to probationers on track to be ordained to word and sacrament.
•  Certified youth ministers will have a voice at presbytery.
•  Certified youth ministers will have a voice at General Assembly.
•  The Cumberland Presbyterian Church’s recognition of the call to youth ministry as a valid call.
RECEIVING CANDIDATES FOR YOUTH MINISTRY
The reception of candidates for the youth ministry shall be at a duly constituted meeting ofpresbytery.  Following the examination of the candidate and the various testimonials that may be given, amember of the Committee on the Ministry or a person appointed for that purpose shall address the candidate
as follows:
The Presbytery of _________________of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, having heard thetestimonials on your behalf and having sustained your examination thus far, now requires you tomake answer to the following questions:
I.  As far as you know in your heart, do you believe yourself to be called by God to the office of the Christianministry?
II.  Do you promise, in reliance upon the grace of God, to maintain a Christian character and conduct, andto be diligent and faithful in making full preparation for this ministry?
III.  Do you promise to work with the presbytery through its committee on the ministry in matters thatpertain to your preparation for this ministry?
IV.  Do you now desire to be received by this presbytery as a candidate for youth ministry in the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church?
Following formal reception by the presbytery, the person presiding shall offer an appropriate prayer.
Following the prayer, with the congregation standing, the person presiding shall address the candidate as
follows:
In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the great head of the church, I do now declare by the authorityof this presbytery that you are acknowledged and received as a candidate for certification of youth
ministry in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and I now direct that your name be entered on theroll of the presbytery as a candidate for the ministry.
The person presiding shall then extend to the candidate the hand of Christian fellowship, saying: The Lord
bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you; the Lord
lift up the light of his countenance upon you and give you peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

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Proper record of the reception shall be made in the minutes of presbytery.
COMMISSIONING/INSTALLATION of CERTIFIED YOUTH MINISTERS
Youth Ministers shall be certified by presbytery or by a commission of presbytery.  The service of installation
shall include a sermon appropriate to the occasion, a brief explanation of the nature of the youth minister
relation, and the asking of the following questions:
To the youth minister:I.  Are you willing to assume the responsibilities as youth minister of this church, according to the agreements
made in your acceptance of the call?
II.  Do you believe that in taking upon you these pastoral responsibilities you are influenced by a sincere
desire to promote the glory of God and the good of the church?
III.  Do you solemnly covenant that, in reliance upon the grace of God, you will endeavor faithfully tofulfill the responsibilities of a certified youth minister to this church, to teach and proclaim the Word of God
to young people, to be an advocate for young people, and to lead this church in its witness and ministry to
young people, as God gives you wisdom and strength?
When these questions have been answered in the affirmative, the following questions shall be asked:
To the congregation:
I.  Are you willing to enter into the relation with this person whom you have called to be your minister toyoung people?
II.  Do you covenant to encourage and assist him or her in the ministry which you share with him or her inthis congregation?
III. Do you covenant that through your stewardship and prayers you will continue that material and spiritualsupport by which he or she will be sustained in his or her ministry with you?
When these questions have been answered in the affirmative, the presiding minister shall say:
I now declare that____________ has been called and certified as youth minister of this congregation,agreeable to the Word of God and according to the government of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church. Therefore, ___________is entitled to all support, encouragement, and honor in the Lord. In
the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The presiding minister, or one appointed for the purpose, shall then deliver an appropriate charge to theyouth minister and to the congregation to fulfill the covenant made between them.  Then, by prayer, theminister shall commend them to the grace of God and to God’s holy keeping.
RECOMMENDATION 2: That the 181st General Assembly approve the proposed Programfor Certification of Youth Ministers by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and recommend its useto the church.
E. WORK OF THE UNITED BOARD OF CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP (UBCD)The United Board of Christian Discipleship (UBCD) met on January 27, 2011, to review ministry
programs and generally evaluate the work of the UBCD.   Updates were made on the Youth Ministry
Planning Council, the Cumberland Presbyterian Youth Conference (July 10-15, 2011, Theme: Live Out
Loud), Presbyterian Youth Triennium (July 16-20, 2013), the Young Adult Ministry Planning Team, Youth
Worker’s Summit (December 1-4, 2010, Theme: Sacred Space for Youth Workers: Gathering in Hope,
Rekindling the Light), and the Consultant Training Program.
The Board’s main work for its meeting was to review its purpose, intent and vision and to answer
the question “What is the value of UBCD to our two denominations, and what does it mean to us?”  Whilesome frustration was expressed over issues such as lack of communication, joint participation, generalcommitment and structure changes; all members of the board, upon being faced with three options—stay
the same, but work more efficiently, sponsor joint programs, but without the official title of UBCD or each
denomination sponsor their own programs inviting the other denomination as they wish—affirmed that

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there was still a need for the UBCD.
The Board signed a covenant that asked each board member to affirm their commitment to work
hard to make the UBCD the most effective that it can be.  The Board evaluated each of its joint programs,
affirmed that most of them needed to continue and brainstormed ways to increase participation from bothdenominations in them.
One program that UBCD decided to celebrate and “put to bed” was the Consultant Program andthe Consultant Training Event.  The Board decided to blend the Consultant Training Event with the former
Christian Education Conference forming The Forum, an annual leader development conference open to
all Cumberland Presbyterians who want to advance their leadership skills.  The first Forum will be held
November 2-5, 2011, at the Stephen Olford Center, 4000 Riverdale Road, Memphis, Tennessee.  The theme
will be “How to . . .” with workshops such as how to share your faith story, begin a Young Adult ministry,
begin and sustain a youth ministry, develop a church website, rejuvenate your small membership churchand many more.  The speaker will be Dietrich “Deech” Kirk of the Center for Youth Ministry Training.  
Deech is recognized throughout the United Methodist church for his expertise in leader development aswell as his experience in youth ministry.  Registration for the event will be $190 (2 people sharing a room),$290 (single), $375 (married couple—one queen bed), and $100 commuter (does not include breakfast).  
Meals are included with the exception of Thursday night, which will be on your own.

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

A. INTRODUCTION
1. PURPOSE AND MEETINGS
God’s mission is the Church’s reason for being.  It is, therefore, the purpose of the Missions Ministry
Team to serve as an enabling agency of the General Assembly’s Ministry Council whereby the congregationsof the Cumberland Presbyterian Church are better equipped to address God’s mission of redemption andreconciliation.  Specifically, the Missions Ministry Team facilitates those phases of the Church’s mission
which are concerned with outreach in terms of evangelism and the establishing of congregations, and othermeans of Christian witness in the USA and around the world.
As an enabling agency, it shall be the purpose of the Missions Ministry Team to serve congregations
through a dual endeavor:  (1) Through the creation and dissemination of information and materials designed
to create evangelistic and missionary action, thus enabling congregations to fulfill their mission of outreachin their local communities, in the nation, and in the world as a whole; (2) Through the coordination andsupervision of such field programs of outreach which require the cooperative effort of all the congregations
working through the Missions Ministry Team.  To this end, the Missions Ministry Team shall gather funds
for mission and church extension activities of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and, it shall appoint,commission and send forth qualified missionaries.
The Missions Ministry Team has met twice since General Assembly in June 2010.
2. MMT ELECTED TEAM MEMBERS
Members whose terms expire in 2011
(1)Rev. Jimmy Byrd, Murfreesboro Presbytery, Tennessee Synod(3)Rev. Steve Delashmit, Cumberland Presbytery, Synod of the Midwest(1)Rev. Ricardo Franco, Presbytery of East Tennessee, Synod of the Southeast(3)Rev. Jefferson Sledge, Presbytery of East Tennessee, Synod of the Southeast(2)Mrs. Beverly Stott, West Tennessee Presbytery, Synod of Great Rivers
Members Whose Terms Expire In 2012(3)Rev. R. Tony Janner, West Tennessee Presbytery, Synod of Great Rivers(3)Mrs. Athala Jaramillo, Grace Presbytery, Synod of the Southeast(3)Mrs. Robin McCaskey-Hughes, Red River Presbytery, Mission Synod(1)Ms. Sherry Poteet, Trinity Presbytery, Mission Synod(1)Ms. Margie Vanderlaan, Grace Presbytery, Synod of the Southeast
Members Whose Terms Expire In 2013
(2)Rev. Makihiko Arase, Japan Presbytery, Mission Synod(3)Mr. Mikel Davis, Red River Presbytery, Mission Synod(1)Rev. Victor Hassell, Covenant Presbytery, Synod of the Midwest(3)Mrs. Jo Ann Shugert, Red River Presbytery, Mission Synod(3)Mr. Sam Suddarth, Columbia Presbytery, Tennessee Synod2011

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Elected members having completed their terms of service on the Missions Ministry Team this year
are Reverend Steve Delashmit and Reverend Jeff Sledge.  Also, Reverend Tony Janner has submitted his
resignation due to work schedule.  The MMT is grateful for their diligent and faithful service.
In April 2011, the following future and returning MMT Elected Team Members were recommended
by the MMT and elected by the Ministry Council to terms beginning after General Assembly:
Reverend Jim Barry, Tennessee/Georgia Presbytery, Synod of the Southeast, to fill the one-year
unexpired term for Tony Janner.
Reverend James Buttram, Jr., East Tennessee Presbytery, Synod of the Southeast, to a three-year
term.
Reverend Jimmy Byrd, Murfreesboro Presbytery, Tennessee Synod, to succeed himself for a threeyear term.
Reverend Ricardo Franco, Presbytery of East Tennessee, Synod of the Southeast, to succeed himself
for a three-year term.
Nancy Gordon, Good Prospect Congregation, North Central Presbytery, Synod of the Midwest, toa three-year term.
Mrs. Beverly Stott, West Tennessee Presbytery, Synod of Great Rivers, to succeed herself for athree-year term.
B. CONGREGATIONAL MINISTRIES
Pam Phillips-Burk, Unit Leader
1. CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN’S MINISTRY
a. Women’s Ministry Convention in June 2010
The 2010 Women’s Ministry Convention was held in Dickson, Tennessee, June 16-17.  Officers
are Martha Chambers (President); Mary Ann Cole (President-elect); Mary Lyn Childs (Past President);
Peggy West (Secretary); and Glynda Corbin (Secretary-elect).  Convention selected the construction of a
new “Chapel in Cucurrupi, Colombia” as the 2011-2012 project and the “Publication & Translation Fundfor CP Resources as the 2012 Convention Offering.  The Convention outreach project was to assemble
260 hygiene kits for Church World Services and over $1,000 was collected during the luncheon to cover
the processing and shipping cost of the kits.  The annual Bethel College Scholarship was awarded to Anna
Sweet from Knoxville, Tennessee.  Jo Ann Shugert provided staff leadership as Convention Coordinator.
b. Women’s Spirituality Conference
Taste and See… Women’s Spirituality Conference was held in Dyersburg, Tennessee, July 22-24,
2010 with 76 women present.  Participants enjoyed several creative workshops and three moving worshipexperiences.
c. Women Work Trips
The 2010 Work Trip to Christ’s Outreach to the Blind, Mt. Vernon, Kentucky was organized andled by the women of Holly Grove CP Church in Brighton, Tennessee June 17-July 3.  This was the sixthyear for such a trip.  A strong relationship with this ministry has been forged through the years, and wecelebrate what God is doing through Christ’s Outreach to the Blind.  Future work trips to Christ’s Outreachare uncertain at this time.
d. Women Clergy
Clergy women were treated to a reception during General Assembly 2010, along with those who
support them in their ministry.  This event is sponsored jointly by the Mission Ministry Team, Memphis
Theological Seminary, and the Pastoral Development Team.   According to the Office of the General
Assembly there are currently 96 ordained women; 17 Licentiates; and 34 candidates.
Significant Ordination Dates in 2011:
5 Years - Melissa Reid Goodloe, Abby Cole Keller, Michele Gentry, Barbara Jean Brewer,
Cardelia Howell Diamond
10 Years - Theresa Martin, Jo Warren, Judy Taylor Sides
15 Years - Nancy McSpadden, Lynn Hamilton
20 Years - Mitzi Minor
32 Years – Margaret McKee
51 Years – Betty Shirley
Note:  There are 925 total clergy according to the GA Office of which 96 are women (10.38%)
2. ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONSThe Missions website continues to be an effective resource with over 900 pages (including web

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pages, pdfs, and word documents).   The Missions electronic newsletter is distributed monthly to 981
subscribers.  Our subscriber list grew by 7.2% this past year.
C. SPECIAL SERVICES
1. LEADERSHIP REFERRAL SERVICES
Through the Leadership Referral Services, assistance is provided to church search committees andfor pastors seeking a call.  An Opportunities List is maintained on the Missions Team website, along withdownloadable Church Information Forms and Personal Information Forms for ministers.  Norlan Scrudder
continues to serve as coordinator for LRS and has recently updated a manual for this ministry.
2. BIRTHPLACE SHRINE CHAPLAINCYThe Missions Ministry Team provides a summer chaplaincy program at the Birthplace Shrine inMontgomery Bell State Park.  The chaplain conducts Sunday morning worship at the chapel and also visits
the park guests, sharing information about the history of the denomination.  The program runs from the firstweekend in June through Labor Day weekend.  MTS student Jennifer Hayes served as chaplain in 2010.
3. ECUMENICAL PARTNERSHIPS
Ecumenical partnerships continue to be a vital part of the work of the Missions Ministry Team.
Among the ministries supported by Cumberland Presbyterian workers and funds are the following:  
Coalition for Appalachian Ministry; Appalachian Ministries Educational Resource Center (AMERC);
National Farm Worker Ministry; Beth-El Farm Worker Ministry, Inc.; Project Vida (Texas-Mexico Border)
Ministry; Ministry in Israel
D. EVANGELISM AND CHURCH DEVELOPMENT
1. EVANGELISM TASK FORCE
Last year’s General Assembly called on the Ministry Council to appoint a task force to provide
a ten-year plan for evangelism, church planting and mission expansion.  The six-person task force wasappointed and has prepared a report to be submitted to the General Assembly through the Ministry Council.  
The report includes goals for all levels of the church.  Presbyteries and Congregations are encouraged todevelop their own evangelism strategies for implementation.  (See Appendix C)
RECOMMENDATION 3: That the 181st General Assembly approve the report of theEvangelism, Church Planting and Missions Task Force in terms of theme and goals for the ten-yearplan framework, and that the Ministry Council and other denominational agencies be directed toproceed with further amplification and implementation of the plan.
2. NEW CHURCH DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT
New Church Development efforts continue in the US, though the decadal emphasis has been
completed.   In 2010 new buildings were dedicated by Glory Church (Korean) near Atlanta, and Faith
Fellowship Church (near Knoxville).   Increasingly it is evident that resources to provide a full-time
NCD pastor, purchase a minimum of three acres, and construct a first building are stretching the limits ofpresbyteries, the Missions Team, and the new church plant.  Bi-vocational leadership and extended time intemporary rented facilities are among the ways new churches seek to cope with these realities.
Builders Fellowship is an essential contributor to our denomination’s capacity to assist new
churches with building projects.   Despite the economic challenges of recent years, Builders Fellowship
members have faithfully responded to calls for their donations.  To be a part of this outstanding hands-on
ministry, please contact the Missions Ministry Team for information, or go to the website at http://www.
cumberland.org/bom/churchgrowth/buildersfellowship.htm.
A fresh approach to congregational revitalization is in the offing with a pilot project in the Gadsden,
Alabama, area this year, featuring regional “coaches” as outside consultants.
In the absence of a staff person for this unit, the responsibilities for program support and limited
NCD and redevelopment supervision continue.  However, it will not be possible to continue the programof church growth consultations for congregations.  This is a ministry which has served the church since theDecade of the Eighties Church Growth program.  Resources for congregational self-study will be available
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3. YOUTH EVANGELISM CONFERENCE - 2012
The Third Youth Evangelism Conference is scheduled for December 27-30, 2012.
4. CROSS CULTURE DEVELOPMENT (USA)a. Prep 1:8
The Missions Ministry Team approved a new missionary recruitment and training program
called Prep 1:8 (Preparation Acts 1:8).  This program will be used to gather those exploring their call to
missionary service and provide them orientation and training.  It will also be used as a way to recruit future
CP missionaries. (Appendix D)
RECOMMENDATION 4: That the 181st General Assembly provides an opportunity for abrief presentation on the new endorsement process for Cumberland Presbyterian Missionaries.
b. Grace Presbytery Hispanic NCD
A Hispanic New Church Development probe was approved by Grace Presbytery and will be
initiated in Naples, Florida in July 2012.
c. Mexico
The mission work in Mexico took a significant step this year with the formation in January of acouncil of CP Churches in Mexico.  There are 3 CP provisional churches in Mexico City, 1 in Juarez and
one CP mission in Juarez.  The council approved calling a missionary to work in Mexico and the MMT is
exploring how to meet that request.
d. Guatemala
The Guatemala Clinic continues to serve the children of the Casa Shalom orphanage.  The clinic
has a CP missionary that administers the clinic and it employees a pediatrician that works each day at theclinic.
e. Japanese Speaking NCD, Louisville, Kentucky
The Japanese speaking New Church Development (NCD) in Cumberland Presbytery has madegood progress this year.  There is presently a core group of approximately 25 people.  The Japanese NCD
has a core group in Louisville, and steady preaching points in Lexington and Cincinnati, Ohio.
f. CP Youth Team Trip, Uganda, Africa
The Missions Ministry Team will lead a CP Youth Team to Uganda, Africa in the summer of 2012.
Preparations and team recruitment are underway.
g. Cooperative Endeavor with Pastoral Development Ministry TeamDue to his specialized knowledge and expertise, PDMT Leader Milton Ortiz is assisting with the
Cross-Culture Ministry in the USA.
E. COMMUNICATION AND PUBLICATION
Sowgand Sheikholeslami, Unit Leader
1. The Missionary Messenger
The Missionary Messenger is an eight-page newspaper published bi-monthly and distributed withoutcharge to every active household in the denomination as that information is available.  The Messenger ismailed to more than 20,000 households.
2. MEMO
The Quarterly MEMO (Missions Engagement Ministry Outreach) Packet is produced and mailed
to pastors, session clerks, CPWM presidents and missions committee chairs each quarter.   The packet
includes flyers announcing Second Mile Projects and other missions activities and a QME Bulletin insert.
3. QUARTERLY MISSIONS EMPHASIS BULLETIN (QME)
QME is a brief two-sided newsletter sent to churches through standing-order subscriptions.  TheMissions Team distributes more than 24,000 bulletin inserts each quarter.
4. MARCH OF MISSIONSThe March of Missions, observed during the weeks between Easter and Pentecost each year, isintended to call Cumberland Presbyterian congregations to greater commitment to missions.  This material
is especially designed for congregational use in worship and in other contexts.

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2011

F. GLOBAL MISSIONS
Robert Watkins, Unit Leader
1. SOUTH KOREAN COUNCIL OF CHURCHES INTERNSHIP
Justin Choi was contracted to serve a one year internship under the South Korean Council ofChurches in Seoul.
2. ASSESSOR OF CHURCH DEVELOPMENTDavid Montoya continues as the Assessor of Church Development in Andes and Cauca Valley
Presbyteries.
3. NEW MISSIONARY ENDORSEMENT PROGRAM
A new program for endorsing Cumberland Presbyterian missionaries was written and will bepresented to the MMT in 2011.  The program integrates the Program of Missions Partners, the Fraternal
Missionary Program, the Staff Missionary Program and the Short-term Mission Program into one cohesive
program.
4. LOAVES AND FISHES
Income from the 2010 Loaves and Fishes Program was given to humanitarian ministries conductedby the Cambodia New Church Development Program.
5. GIFT TO THE KINGThe Iloilo Cumberland Presbyterian Church in the Philippines was the recipient of the 2010 Gift tothe King.
6. MISSIONARIESThe Cumberland Presbyterian Church had 30 missionaries in 15 countries deployed during 2010.  
For a complete listing see:  http://www.cumberland.org/bom/globalmissions/globalmissions.htm
7. CAMBODIA NEW CHURCH DEVELOPMENT
The Cambodia New Church Development and English Teaching Program continues to develop
positively with three national leaders assuming major leadership under the CP missionaries that discipledthem in another Southeast Asian country.
8. VISITS TO NON USA FIELDS
Edith Old, Director of Ministries of the Ministry Council, and Bob Watkins, Director of Gobal
Missions, visited Cauca Valley Presbytery, Andes Presbytery, Japan Presbytery, Hong Kong Presbytery, andCambodia during 2010.
9. MATA DE SAO JOAO, BRAZIL
Mata de Sao Joao was constituted as a Cumberland Presbyterian Church in 2010 in Brazil.
10. SECOND MILE GIFTSThe MMT depends heavily on Second Mile and undesignated gifts in order to continue existing
programs.  We urge your promotion of such gifts.
11. MARANATHA CHURCH IN GUAPI, COLOMBIAMaranatha Church in Guapi, Colombia, has plans for a vigorous evangelization of the villages
unreached for Christ, based on Acts 1:8 as a point of reference.
12. MINISTRIES IN DANGEROUS COUNTRIESThe Cumberland Presbyterian Church continues to minister in areas of the world that are quite
dangerous for Christians.  For example, the “Jesus is the Solution” in Popayan, continues to grow in thecity and outside.  They have opened two new churches located in “hot zones” where the guerrillas are very
active.

V. PASTORAL DEVELOPMENT MINISTRY TEAM

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Reverend Milton L. Ortiz, Ministry Team Leader
A. INTRODUCTION
1. LEADERSHIP
Reverend Milton L. Ortiz has served as Team Leader of the Pastoral Development Ministry Team(PDMT) since December 1, 2009.
2. PDMT ELECTED TEAM MEMBERS
Members whose terms expire in 2011(2)Rev. David Lancaster, West Tennessee Presbytery, Synod of Great Rivers (not returning)(3)Rev. Glenda Melson, Missouri Presbytery, Synod of Great Rivers (not eligible)
Members Whose Terms Expire In 2012(3)Rev. Mark Davenport, Robert Donnell Presbytery, Synod of the Southeast (not returning)(1)Rev. Linda Snelling, Red River Presbytery, Mission Synod(2)Rev. Robert E. Shelton, Red River Presbytery, Mission Synod
Members Whose Terms Expire In 2013(2)Ms. Pat Owen, Covenant Presbytery, Synod of the Midwest (resigned)(1)Ms. Micaiah Thomas , Rocky Ridge Congregation, Grace Presbytery, Synod of the Southeast(3)Rev. Tommy Thompson, West Tennessee Presbytery, Synod of Great Rivers
The Reverend Glenda Melson completed three terms and is not eligible for re-election.  Mrs. Pat
Owen resigned in October.  The Reverend David Lancaster and Reverend Mark Davenport won’t continue
serving the PDMT due to difficulties with schedules.  The Classes of 2012 and 2013 have been reduced
from three to two members each.
In April 2011, the following future and returning PDMT Elected Team Members were recommended
by the PDMT and elected by the Ministry Council to terms beginning after General Assembly:
Reverend Amber Clark, Murfreesboro Presbytery, Tennessee Synod, to a three-year term.
Reverend Don F. Thomas, West Tennessee Presbytery, Synod of Great Rivers, to a three-year term.
B. PURPOSE OF THE PASTORAL DEVELOPMENT MINISTRY TEAM
•  To keep God’s call before the church as a whole,•  To provide and promote a deeper biblical and theological understanding of ministry in the church,•  To nurture and care for ordained ministers and probationers, and•  To provide resources and events to improve the pastoral ministry of clergy.
C. WORK OF THE PASTORAL DEVELOPMENT MINISTRY TEAM
1. CURRENT PROGRAMS/PROJECTS
a. Pastor’s Recognition Month
The month of October is Clergy Appreciation Month and the second Sunday is Clergy Appreciation
Sunday.  We encourage and remind all congregations of the opportunity to honor their clergy.
b. The Minister’s Conference
Last year’s conference was held in Russellville, Arkansas.  The emphasis of this conference was“Evangelism” and the plenary speaker was Tony Campolo.  A total of 85 ministers, probationers, and spouses
attended the conference.  Many ministers expressed satisfaction with the conference.  The 2011 Conference
will be held October 11-13, at the Union Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Knoxville, Tennessee.  Thetheme is “At the edge of effectiveness” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18) and the plenary speaker is Reverend Rick
Ezell.  The 2012 Conference will be held October 9-11, in Memphis, Tennessee.
c. Pastoral Encouragement
PDMT continues to give portable Communion sets to those who are newly ordained in the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Also, when individuals become candidates, or become licentiates PDMT
gives them books and a copy of the Confession of Faith as a way to congratulate them in their journey.
d. Handbook for Committees on the Ministry or Preparation for the Ministry
The Handbook was presented to the 180th General Assembly with a recommendation that it
be approved.   The recommendation was denied and referred back to the PDMT for clarification.   The

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2011

following work was done on the handbook:  Clarifications on the definitions of “provisional,” “ordinand”
and “ordained”; clarification regarding the committee’s responsibilities; clarification regarding an elder
serving on an ordination commission was included and referenced; the language of the handbook was mademore inclusive of the Global Cumberland Presbyterian Church; references to the Confession of Faith were
included and a section on Recognition of Ordination of Ministers of Other Denominations was included.  
(See Appendix E)
RECOMMENDATION 5: That the 181st General Assembly approve the 2011 Handbook for
Presbyterial Committees on the Ministry or Preparation for the Ministry as the official Cumberland
Presbyterian manual for presbyterial committees on the ministry or its equivalent.
e. Translation Program
The PDMT in cooperation with the Discipleship Ministry Team has been working to translate
and print Cumberland Presbyterian resources and update the Confession of Faith into the languages of thechurch.  The update of the Confession of Faith in Spanish is done.
f. Healthy Congregations Initiative
Presbyterial Committees on Clergy Care or its equivalent and Boards of Missions were invited to a
training session planned by the PDMT and the Missions Ministry Team, regarding Healthy Congregations
Initiative: The Pastor/Parish Relations Committee.  The workshop was led by Reverend Dr. Jerry L. Harberon August 27-28, 2010.  About 15 people attended the workshop.
2. NEW PROGRAMS
a. 2011 The Year of the Clergy & the Clergy Crisis FundThe General Assembly established 2011 as the “Year of the Clergy” in the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church and a Clergy Crisis Fund was established to provide financial support to clergy who are in crisis
and in need of support and care.  The PDMT was charged with the responsibility of setting up this program;establishing guidelines for potential recipients from the fund; working with respective presbyteries indetermining needs and appropriate responses; ascertaining the abilities of the respective presbyteries toprovide financial assistance on a matching basis and exploring any need for counseling or additional support.  
Congregations, presbyteries, Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry, the General Assembly, and otherorganizations within the church have been invited to set a special time for prayers of thanksgiving, blessing,and intercession for ordained ministers and to take a special offering during 2011 to support clergy throughthe Clergy Crisis Fund.  These funds will be for Emergency Care only and will be a part of the Clergy Care
Committee’s duties.
The following guidelines were established regarding disbursement of funds:   (1) Death in theimmediate family i.e. minister, spouse, dependent child in the amount of $500.00; (2) Medical bills in
the maximum amount of $500.00 per year; (3) counseling $20.00 per session up to $500.00 per year;(4) termination $500.00 one time expenditure; (5) other considerations will be taken under advisement.
Presbytery must request the funds and provide a matching amount. (See Appendix B)
b. Committees on Ministry and Clergy Care Conference
The purpose is to establish and maintain a working relationship with presbyterial committees on
Ministry and Clergy Care, to offer trainings for members of those committees, and to help committee
members understand guidelines and procedural policies of PDMT.  The conference will be concurrent with
the Stated Clerk’s Conference in January 2012.
c. Handbook for the Clergy Care Committee
The work on a second handbook for Clergy Care Committees was initiated and will include:  Howthe church is governed, recognizing the retirement of a minister (example), what care of ordained clergymeans, duties of the committee, process of crisis response, sexual issues.
d. Spanish Program of Alternate Studies (PAS) and CPC Studies
The PDMT Leader has been in dialogue with the PAS director regarding the future of PAS in
Spanish in the USA, Colombia, and Mexico.
e. Covenant of Ministerial Ethics
The PDMT Leader is working on his doctoral dissertation, which will include a case study ofministers in the state of Tennessee in order to develop a “Covenant of Ministerial Ethics for Ministers andCongregations of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church” that could serve as a model for ministers, churches,
and Cumberland Presbyterian institutions to utilize, adapt, and adopt if they so choose, as guidelines thatreflect basic ethical obligations for the ministerial profession, and as a support to protect the individual
minister.

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VI. ENDOWMENTS
While Our United Outreach is a major funding source for the ministries overseen by the MinistryCouncil, OUO goals have not been met in many years.  To that end, identifying additional funding sources
is even more important to ensure that vital programming may continue.  Planned giving and endowments
can help to support programs; however, endowments generally require the corpus to be $10,000 before
income is distributed.   Simply, if any endowment has less than the required corpus, then the funds aredormant, unusable, for the program for which they were established.
The Ministry Council gratefully acknowledges the generosity of persons who have establishedendowments and looks with enthusiasm to acknowledging additional supporters who will enable income to
be distributed from some funds not yet accessible for programming.
A listing of endowment funds for each Ministry Team of the Ministry Council follows with thebalances as of April 26, 2011:
Communications Ministry Team Endowments		
CMT Balance
Masaharu Asayama/CPWM Endowment$            8,278.89
Ky Curry Publishing Endowment             29,341.74
C. Ray Dobbins Endowment             27,527.82
Dennis H. Kiefer Endowment                  745.01
Marguerite D. Richards CP Magazine             14,852.71
Pat White Endowment               5,861.02
Total CMT Endowments			
$86,607.19
Discipleship Ministry Team Endowments			
DMT Balance
Bennet & Mildred Brown for C E$          22,932.69
Bill & Hazel Phalan Endowment             13,003.86
C. P. Youth Conference           132,555.31
Christian Education Mid-Century           225,109.85
Christian Education Season Endowment           163,185.12
Clark Williamson Memorial             37,271.50
Claudette Hamby Pickle C E Endowment             18,617.46
Consultant Training Fund             52,231.25
Cornelia Swain Endowment for C E
             16,475.94
David & Mary McGregor C E Endowment             40,780.41
Donald & Jane Hubbard Endowment for C E
             10,358.89
Dr. & Mrs. E. K. Reagin Endowment             51,311.68
Earl King Memorial               9,861.96
Frank & Linda Ward Endowment (CE)             30,949.05
Grace Johnson Beasley Memorial               9,857.35
H. Harold Davis Endowment Fund           148,834.10
Helen Wiman Memorial               3,756.13
Into the Nineties for C E
           248,956.99
Ira & Rae Galloway for C E
             12,840.90
Irvin & Annie Mary Swain Endowment             20,029.26
Jack W. Ferguson, Jr. C E Endowment               9,859.68
James D. McGuire Endowment for C E
             14,540.92
Jill Davis Carr - Leadership Development             10,350.75
Jodi Hearn Rush               9,957.92
John W. Speer Endowment for C E
             17,936.14
Lavenia Campbell Cole Annuity Endowment             32,407.51
Louise Adams Heathcock Memorial               9,905.07
Morris & Ruth Pepper for C E
             46,774.34
Paul Allen Endowment for C E
               9,838.79
Rev. Rusty Rustenhaven Youth Ministry             12,299.95
Reverend Gayle J. Keown for C E
               3,226.77
Virginia Malcom Christian Education           102,928.50
Wesley & Jackie Mattonen Endowment             31,084.38

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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

William Warren Endowment for C E
Young Adult Ministry Endowment
Carl Cook Outdoor Ministry Endowment
Howell G. & Martha Jo Mims CPYC
Jake Tyler Children’s Ministry
Jean Garret Endowment for C E
Jeff & Angie Sledge Endowment
John Gilbert Horsley - Youth Leaders
Publishing House Endowment 33%
Terence R. McCain, Sr. Endowment
Total DMT Endowments			

               9,964.54
             21,239.12               2,548.76
             21,658.80               1,811.93
               3,195.24
               1,908.26
             11,085.77           126,152.29
               1,963.96$ 1,781,559.09

Missions Ministry Team Endowments				
MMT Balance
Advance in Missions Trust Fund$         395,276.67
Bennett & Mildred Brown Trust             47,248.14
Bernice Barnett Gonzalez Endowment               1,257.45
Bill & Iona Wyatt Endowment             11,825.04
Bill & Kathryn Wood             55,504.84
Boyce & Beth Wallace Endowment             35,182.49
Brown & Julia Welch Missions Endowment             28,715.82
Buddy & Beverly Stott Endowment             24,856.43
Chester E. Dickson Endowment             40,731.92
Chow King Leong Endowment             46,210.49
Church Loan Fund - General        1,224,617.92
Colombian University Scholarships             62,915.88
Cornelia Swain Endowment             54,364.07
David Brown Endowment               9,450.40
Davis O. & Gladys H. Bryson Missionary             76,936.63
Della Campbell Lowrie Trust 20%           409,022.82
Elise Sanders Endowment           273,833.35
Elizabeth A. & James W. Morrow Trust             22,012.94
Fines Ewing & Bessie Keene Memorial           134,347.01
Foreign Missions Endowment           310,042.82
Forester World Missions Endowment        3,227,911.52
Gina Marie Benzel Ableson Memorial               9,076.78
Gleniel Grounds Endowment               1,932.35
Grace Beasley - Small Rural Church             45,447.92
Grace Johnson Beasley Memorial             33,635.64
Helen Deal Endowment             46,823.31
Holly Katelyn McClurkin                  604.95
Hong Kong Mission             36,663.08
Irvin & Annie Mary Draper Swain             25,830.13
Jamie Roy Chaffin Endowment               1,823.91
Joe E. Matlock Endowment             46,445.46
John A. Deaver Mission               9,156.27
Jose & Fanny Fajardo Endowment               7,702.57
Joseph B. Dungy Endowment             81,815.88
Lavenia Campbell Cole Annuity Endowment             55,892.74
Lavenia Campbell Cole Trust Endowment 20%             19,835.18
Lavenia Cole Testamentary Trust 25%           406,094.61
Lela Swanson Stricklen NCD             58,531.34
Lelia B. Goodman for Missions               2,645.87
Louise & Sam R. Estes Endowment             12,003.97
Lucie C. Mayhew Fund for U-P Children             14,454.58
Madge Sprague Memorial Endowment               5,046.70
Mamie McAdoo Endowment               2,402.80
Maree Blackwell Endowment               2,214.19
Marguerite D. Richards Japan             14,818.51

2011

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THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Marguerite D. Richards MM Magazine
Marguerite D. Richards Rural Church
Mary Frances & William Carpenter
Mary Katherine Mize Longwell Endowment
Mattie Ree Suddarth Brown Endowment
Maymie Stovall - Foreign Mission 25%
Maymie Stovall - Home Missions 25%
McAdow and Mae Gam Endowment
McClung/Fowler Memorial Endowment
McKenzie Endowment
Missions & Evangelism Endowment
Mrs. G. W. Freeman Bible Woman Trust
Myra Patton Foreign Mission Endowment
Nancy J. Orr Bequest
New Church Development Endowment
P. F. Johnson Memorial Endowment
Patron MembershipPaul & Geneva Richards Memorial
Perpetual Membership Fund
Rev. & Mrs. Tadao Yoshizaki Memorial
Richard Nicks Memorial Endowment
Robert E. Matlock Endowment
Robert J. & Marilee B. Watkins
Robert T. & Dona Milam Endowment
Rouine Vodra Coleman Endowment
Rubye Johnson May Memorial 50%
S. Q. Proctor Home Mission Endowment
Samuel King Gam
Walkerville CPC Memorial Endowment
Warren and Carline Lowe Trust
William A. & Beverly St. John Endowment
Winnifred M. Dixon Endowment
Ashburn-Graf Educational Endowment
Carl Ramsey Scholarship Fund
Clifford Gittings Endowment
Clifford W. & Sarah C. McCall NCD
Colombian CPW Elementary Scholarships
CPW Leadership Trust Fund
Don & Gwen Peterson Endowment Fund
Freda Mitchell Gilbert Endowment
Gladys H. Bryson Scholarship Fund
Holzer Trust
James A. Brintle II ScholarshipMark G. Lynch Choctaw Presbytery
Marvin C. & Ruth M. Kinnard Trust
Mildred Chandler Scholarship Endowment
Rose Ella Porterfield Scholarship
Scholarship-Universidad Evangelica
Walter  Swartz - Jose Fajardo Scholarship Fund
William B. & Emma Jo Denson Todd Endowment
Total MMT Endowments			

               7,397.24
             22,191.74
             10,870.86                  595.48
             18,780.70             10,941.35             10,940.44             14,226.34             74,160.18             37,796.76
           102,663.60
               5,760.61
           148,433.37
               3,912.07
             87,621.03
             17,223.18
           714,831.48
             11,058.43
           895,762.83                  571.03
             48,708.86           147,509.19
               1,754.31
               5,689.48
               1,177.92
               6,847.21             10,421.73
             19,266.45
               6,049.69
               2,445.48
             11,242.33
             52,365.45           126,488.32             32,105.46
               4,692.01
               5,456.56             31,501.82
             74,425.44             86,066.39
               4,520.18
           100,907.55
             74,589.77
               4,952.74
               8,093.16
             13,368.95
           120,080.24             15,251.49
               8,762.11             39,013.10               5,464.67$ 10,698,120.17

Pastoral Development Ministry Team Endowments		
PDMT Balance
Arturo & Carmen Ortiz Endowment$            5,658.02
Awards for CP Ministers & Spouses             20,364.47
E. G.  & Joy Sims Endowment             18,422.47
James & Geneva Searcy Endowment             26,585.11
James & Helen Knight Endowment             20,992.62

67

68

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLYJames Lee Ratliff Endowment
LaRoyce Brown Endowment
Leonard & Mary Jo Turner Endowment
Lyon Walkup Endowment
Melvin & Naomi Orr Endowment
Ministerial Endowment
Ministers Conference
Norlan & Ellie Scrudder Endowment
Roosevelt and Ruth BaughTotal PDMT Endowments			

               5,350.23               1,215.99             11,292.68
             11,536.62             17,011.48
             10,958.33
             15,319.90
             17,452.99
               2,862.96$
185,023.87

Ministry Council Grand Total 			$ 12,751,310.32

2011

VII. MINISTRY COUNCIL CONCLUSION
In the life of any organization, there are seasons of “storming” and “norming”.   The MinistryCouncil has had both in our first three years:  “storming” - passionate discussions and difficult decisions
that needed to take place in order to move forward, and “norming” - settling in and adapting to approaches
new to staff and elected team members.  Both seasons support the belief that the Ministry Council is “living
into” the work of the Church.  We’ve accomplished some important benchmarks and recognize there areothers still to be addressed.  We are thankful for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we work to enhanceand implement ministries that draw people to Christ.  We remain committed to serving God through the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church and ask that the church remain in prayer for our work.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jill Carr, Chairperson
Rickey Page, First Vice Chairperson
Carlton Harper, Second Vice Chairperson
Elizabeth G. Horsley, Secretary
Edith M. Gholson, Director of Ministries/Treasurer
MINISTRY COUNCIL APPENDICESWHO THE MINISTRY COUNCIL NEEDS(Appendix A)
Cumberland Presbyterians with experience garnered from leadership in varied programs, preferably
to include some at middle and higher judicatory levels; persons who understand and are committed to aunified approach to programming, incorporating the financial and human resources of all components of the
Ministry Council and Teams.  Knowledge, Skills and Abilities in four particular areas would be helpful:
1)Visioning—The Ministry Council identifies and implements the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church’s vision for ministry.   Creative thinkers and those with an appreciation of CP history temperedwith a passion for moving into “new frontiers” are vital to the work of the Ministry Council, those whocare for the past of the church as well as the future.  Those who understand and can frame ways to keep the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church relevant.
2)Strategic Planning—The Ministry Council provides primary long and short-range planning for
the Church, striving to ensure that all segments will be working on a common mission and the duplications
and gaps in the Church’s ministry will be minimized.   Particularly helpful would be results-oriented
professionals with success as agents of change.
3)Leader Development—Programs to benefit the whole Church must and will concentrate onleadership development, grooming new leaders and expanding ways of involving those who’ve left the
Church and/or those who have deferred leadership to others, thus limiting the talent pool.  Those with broad
networks, who possess understanding and a gift for recruiting and encouraging, would be especially helpful
to the Ministry Council, as would those who can work easily with all cultures, all ages and all types ofpeople.  Those highly regarded by the youth and young adults in the CP Church would be a strong asset to
the Ministry Council.
4)Finance/Legal—The Ministry Council would benefit from immediate access to persons with

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professional experience in these areas.  Specifically, the ongoing efforts to combine four formerly separate
budgets with the addition of an administrative budget could be strengthened by having individuals with thatexpertise.
Skills and Expertise:•   Communication Skills—Effect Council members are conduits of information, both sharing
with and gathering from congregations, presbytery, synod and all related groups to support the Counciland further the work of the Church.  Effective Council members are comfortable in considering innovative
communication technology to improve access for the whole church.
•   Understand the cultural and global diversity of the Church—Effect Council members
demonstrate willingness to work with people of other cultures and languages; cross-cultural experience has
proven helpful.
•   Our United Outreach Skills—Effect Council members are enthusiastic supporters of andactive advocates for OUO to their respective congregation, presbytery and synod.  Council members areencouraged to assist Ministry Council staff to identify potential resources for additional income, throughEndowments, grants or other appropriate sources.
Time Requirement:•  The average time commitment is eight hours per month including preparation for and attendanceat meetings.  All Council members are expected to participate in the planning and activities of at least oneof the Ministry Teams or committees of the Ministry Council.
•  Recognizing that representation on the Council is both laity and clergy, and in an effort to approacha more equal sharing of the burden of taking time away from family and work, the Ministry Council has set
one meeting a year to include a Sunday.
•  A half-day Orientation will be provided prior to the first meeting for new members each August.
•   Each year, there are three Ministry Council meetings held in Cordova, Tennessee:   the lastweekend (Friday and Saturday) in January; mid-April (Friday and Saturday) and the last weekend in August(Saturday and Sunday).  The dates for 2011/2012 are:
August 26 (Friday) Orientation for new Ministry Council and Ministry Team members
August 27-28, 2011 (Saturday/Sunday)—Ministry Council and Ministry Teams meet concurrently.
January 27-28, 2012 (Friday/Saturday)—Ministry Council and Teams meet in joint sessions.
April 20-21, 2012 (Friday/Saturday)—Ministry Council
August 24 (Friday) Orientation for New Ministry Council and Ministry Team Members
August 25-26, 2012 (Saturday/Sunday)—Ministry Council and Teams meet concurrently.
Non-attendance at 51% of the meetings within a church year will result in a Council Member being replaced.
•  Council members serve three-year terms which may be repeated up to a total of three consecutive
terms.  If a person elected to serve on a denominational entity, where residence in a particular synod is aqualification for election, shall move to another synod while in office, the term to which he or she waselected shall terminate at the close of the next meeting of the General Assembly.
________________________________________________________A YEAR OF THE CLERGY AND A CLERGY CRISIS FUND FOR THE MINISTERS OF THE
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH(Appendix B)
The 180th General Assembly established the year of 2011 as the “Year of the Clergy” in the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church and a Clergy Crisis Fund was established to provide financial support toclergy who are in crisis and in need of support and care.
Our Confession of Faith says that the office of minister of word and sacrament is unique in the lifeof the church as to responsibility and usefulness.  God calls persons and sets them apart for this ministry.  It
also says that these persons are not by virtue of their office more holy or righteous than other Christians.
An investigation from Barna, Focus on the Family, and Fuller Seminary, reveals a reality in the lifeof ministers in America:•  “Fifteen hundred pastors leave the ministry each month due to moral failure, spiritual burnout, or
contention in their churches.
•  Fifty percent of pastors’ marriages will end in divorce.

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2011•  Eighty percent of pastors feel unqualified and discouraged in their role as pastor.
•  Fifty percent of pastors are so discouraged that they would leave the ministry if they could, buthave no other way of making a living.
•   Eighty percent of seminary and Bible school graduates who enter the ministry will leave theministry within the first five years.
•  Seventy percent of pastors constantly fight depression.
•  Almost forty percent polled said they have had an extra-marital affair since beginning theirministry.
•  Seventy percent said the only time they spend studying the Word is when they are preparing theirsermons (This is Key).”
The Pastoral Development Ministry Team was charged with the responsibility of setting up thisprogram; establishing guidelines for potential recipients from the fund; working with respective presbyteries
in determining needs and appropriate responses; ascertaining the abilities of the respective presbyteries toprovide financial assistance on a matching basis and exploring any need of counseling or additional support.
(Krejcir, Richard J.  What is Going on with the Pastors in America? Francis A. Schaeffer Instituteof Church Leadership Development. www.intothyword.org, 2007.)
The first questions we had in mind when we started talking about this task in front of us were how
do we start and how do we finance this commitment?
A mass media campaign was developed to outreach ministers, congregations, presbyteries, CP
Women’s Ministry, the General Assembly, and other organizations within the church to invite them to set
a special time for prayers of thanksgiving, blessing, and intercession for ordained ministers and to take aspecial offering during 2011 to support clergy through the Clergy Crisis Fund.
These funds will be for Emergency Care only and will be a part of the Clergy Care Committee’s
duties.   The following guidelines were established regarding disbursement of funds:   (1) Death in theimmediate family i.e. minister, spouse, dependent child in the amount of $500.00; (2) Medical bills in
the maximum amount of $500.00 per year; (3) counseling $20.00 per session up to $500.00 per year;(4) termination $500.00 one time expenditure; (5) other considerations will be taken under advisement.
Presbytery must request the funds and provide a matching amount.
January 28, 2011 was the kick-off celebration of 2011 as the Year of the Clergy in the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church.  We had about 100 people at Faith CP Church in Bartlett, Tennessee.  Reverend Harry
Chapman, Vice Moderator of the General Assembly, addressed the present followed by special music by
Ms. Stephanie Saber.  Dr. Andy McClung delivered the sermon followed by Mrs. Edith Old, Director of
Ministries of the Ministry Council, praying a special prayer for the Ministers of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church.
PRAYER FOR OUR CLERGY
Father, we thank You that our clergy are faithful and that You preserve them.  That as they aboundin your blessings and strength they do not grow weary in well doing.  We affirm that You who called themand began a good work in them will perfect it.  They are Your workmanship created in Christ Jesus, andequipped by Your Holy Spirit in every good thing to do Your will.
Lord work in them so that what they do is well pleasing in Your sight.  Let all grace abound toward
them, having sufficiency in all things.  Because they have sowed bountifully, they will reap bountifully, andwhether they plant or water, Father, You give the increase.  We pray that they continually triumph in Christ,
diffusing the fragrance of His knowledge and compassion in every place.  We pray that all blessings comeupon them and overtake them, as they obey the voice of their God.
Instruct them and teach them in the way they should go; reveal the deeper things of God to themby Your Spirit.   Let them be vessels of honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every
good work.  Encourage them to shepherd the flock willingly, eagerly, and be an example.  Allow them tohear You, following the counsel of Your Word and those You place in their lives.  May their speech andpreaching be a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, and we pray that they be instant in season and outof season to preach the Word.
Every place the soles of their feet tread upon has been given to them by You.  We pray You makethem strong and of good courage for You, Lord, go with them.  As they wait on You, we pray You strengthen

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them in their heart.  Help them set in order things that are lacking, and work in harmony with their sessions
and congregations.
We tear down the strongholds that restrain the word from being preached from the pulpit.  We liftup our ministers and cover them with the blood of Jesus as they stand as leaders before their congregations
and communities.  May sickness and disease not come near them, for they are redeemed and prophets in ourland.  Prosper them and let them lack for nothing material that their families need.  We pray that no weapon
formed against them will triumph, and every tongue raised against them as they follow Your will be shown
to be in the wrong.
Father, let the gifts and anointing on their lives come forth.  Birth the things that You have spoken
to them in their hearts, as they continually give themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word.  Amen.
Prayer adapted from www.prayingscriptures.com________________________________________________________
EVANGELISM, CHURCH PLANTING AND MISSIONSTASK FORCE(Appendix C)
General Assembly (2010) charged the Ministry Council (MC) with naming a task force to develop
a ten-year plan for evangelism, church planting and missions expansion.  The plan was to include goals,
staffing expectations and funding estimates, and the MC was to present the completed plan to the 2011
General Assembly.
The task force, composed of representatives from each Ministry Team and the Ministry Council,
offers this report.
PLAN THEME: STEP OUT!
“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Good News!”(Romans 10:15)

Theology

called to tell . . .
sent to share . . .

The evangelism, church planting and mission expansion movement of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church arises from the theological perspective of the Cumberland Presbyterian Confession of Faith.
Salvation:  4.05 Repentance is that attitude toward God wherein sinners firmly resolve to forsake
sin, trust in Christ, and live in grateful obedience to God.  4.08 Saving faith is response to God, promptedby the Holy Spirit, wherein persons rely solely upon God’s grace in Jesus Christ for salvation.  Such faithincludes trust in the truthfulness of God’s promises in the scriptures, sorrow for sin, and determination
to serve God and neighbor.  4.10 When persons repent of sin and in faith embrace God’s salvation, theyreceive forgiveness for their sin and experience acceptance as God’s children.
Evangelism:  5.05 The church is apostolic because God calls her into being through the proclamationof the gospel first entrusted to the apostles.   The church thus is built on the apostolic message which
is faithfully proclaimed by messengers who follow in the footsteps of the apostles.   Verses cited in the
Confession of Faith explain the apostolic message: Matthew 28:18-20- Then Jesus came to them and said,“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey
everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  Acts
10: 42,43  He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed
as judge of the living and the dead.  43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him
receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”  Romans 10:14-18 How, then, can they call on the one they
have not believed in?  And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?  And how canthey hear without someone preaching to them?  15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent?  As itis written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”  16 But not all the Israelites accepted

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the good news.  For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?”  17 Consequently, faith comes fromhearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.   18 But I ask: Did they not
hear?  Of course they did:  “Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.”  
I Corinthians 15:1,2 Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which
you received and on which you have taken your stand.  2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to
the word I preached to you.  Otherwise, you have believed in vain.  2 Corinthians 5:18-21 All this is from
God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God wasreconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.  And he has committed
to us the message of reconciliation.  20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making
his appeal through us.  We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.  21 God made him who had
no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.  (Verses not quoted above
John 20:21-23, I Corinthians. 1:21-25, I Corinthians 15: 3-11, I Peter 1:10-12)
Scriptures related to the apostolic call to evangelize can be summarized as follows:
Evangelism is a continuation of the apostles’ message that anyone who believes and expresses faithin Jesus Christ will have forgiveness of sins and will be saved from judgment and separation from God.
The Christian is to continue the work of the apostles who were servants, teachers, evangelists, pastors andmissionaries. Furthermore, evangelism requires helping the converted grow in their salvation by baptism
and teaching the obedience of Christ’s commands. Evangelism is the role of believers to be ambassadors
for Christ so that all may be reconciled to God.
New Church Development:  5.03 The church is holy because she is founded on the finished andcontinuing work of Christ in setting her apart for God’s glory and witness in the world.  Her holiness thus
rests on God’s sanctifying her for her redemptive mission, not upon any personal holiness of her members.  
5.29 Growth is natural to the church’s life.  The church is called into being and exists to reach out to those
who have not experienced God’s grace in Christ, and to nourish them with all the means of grace.
Evangelism and church growth are not the same, but church growth is one fruit of an effective andfaithful ministry of evangelism. Church planting, since New Testament times, has been the most effective
methodology for evangelism.
Missions:   5.09 The church in the world never exists for herself alone, but to glorify God andwork for reconciliation through Christ.  Christ claims the church and gives her the word and sacraments
in order to bring God’s grace and judgment to persons.  5.30 In carrying out the apostolic commission, thecovenant community has encountered and continues to encounter people who belong to religions which do
not acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord.  While respecting persons who adhere to other religions, Christians
are responsible to share with them the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.** Act 10:34-36 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism
35
but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. 36 You know the message God
sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.
PrayerAn emphasis of this kind is, first and foremost, a call to prayer for the Church.  Indeed it is a call torepentance for our neglect of sharing the Good News with neighbors, friends, co-workers, and our tendency
to become self-absorbed in church life.  Regular, disciplined times of prayer are required if this plan is torepresent a genuine surrender to the leading of God’s Spirit.  Pray that our church becomes evangelistic bynature – that evangelism becomes an organic attribute of who we are as Christians.
Goals
The task force envisioned the need for practical, measurable goals for this ten-year emphasis.  This
document is not intended to be a theoretical essay but rather a call to action at every level of the Church.  
Listed below are General Goals for the emphasis, as well as suggested goals related specifically to local
churches, presbyteries and the denomination.   Needs for staff and financial support to implement thisprocess are noted.
General Goals in order of priority
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identity.  This is more than a program; it is the development of an identity and a movement. (MC/GM)
2. Place evangelism “on the front burner”—a priority at all levels.  This will be reflected in the
Ministry Council and Global Ministries Leadership Team.  The Communications Ministry Team will havea particularly active role in promoting the initiative.
3. Develop a clear and shared understanding of important terms:   evangelism (faith-sharing,intentional, results-oriented); conversion; missions/mission fields; cross-cultural ministries.  (Evangelism/
MMT)
4. Produce or identify concrete and diverse evangelism programs to assist local churches.  Dueto diversity of the CP Church, one program will not fit all the expectations or needs, necessitating thedevelopment of a variety of different programs.  (Evangelism)
Local Church Goals
Each local church will:•  Hold training events for members on faith-sharing (Coordinated by Evangelism)•  Do evangelism through service outside their congregation, such as NCD and mission projects, inaddition to local community evangelism efforts (MMT)•  Participate in a program to develop lay leaders which will help with NCD (PDMT & NCD Staff
Person)•  Identify those with the gift of evangelism (Evangelism)•  Develop a prayer network for the evangelism emphasis (Evangelism)•  Establish an accountability group to maintain an emphasis on evangelism (Evangelism)•  Establish evangelism growth of 10% per year based on present active church membership.
(Ambitious goals will reinforce evangelism as a priority.)•  Support a denominationally-endorsed missionary.  (The modern model of missions requires CP
missionaries to raise their own support.)  (GMLT)
Presbytery Goals
Each presbytery will:•   Hold local churches accountable for evangelism to the Presbytery Board of Missions.  (Evangelism)•  Promote among CP youth a vocational call to NCD, missions, evangelism and pastoral ministry
through youth events and other means.  (DMT/ PDMT)•  Consider planting churches where there are no CP churches.  Presbytery boundaries should not
be considered s a limiting factor to church planting.  (NCD/ Cross-Cultural Ministries)•  Hold a fund drive for their NCD projects (NCD/BOS)•  Plant 10% of the present number of churches over the 10 year period.  NCD Staff will conduct
workshops for presbyteries to learn about different methods and styles of NCD.  (NCD/ Cross-Cultural
Ministries)•  Name one NCD task force that will work with all NCD projects in the presbytery, with task force
members rotating.  (NCD)•  Host Miniversities on Evangelism and NCD (DMT/ NCD)
•  Adopt a denominationally-approved mission field and provide program support for that field.  (GM)
Denominational Goals•  Implement the General Assembly focus on evangelism at all levels (MC & ministry teams, MTS,
BU, PAS, MC & GMLT)•  Provide leadership to enable local churches and presbyteries to adopt/support missionaries and/or mission field programs (Global Ministries)•  Create/staff appropriate denominational staff positions to implement goals (MC)•  Recommend  and/or develop a diversity of evangelism programs and resources for churches andpresbyteries (Evangelism Staff Person)•  Open a new non-USA mission field (Global Ministries)•  Gather all potential missionaries in denomination into a team for new mission field(s) (Global
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Staff positions and resources needed
The Ministry Council recognizes that we need staff and resources to support this initiative andthe Ministry Council is in the process of reviewing staffing needs.  Additional staff and revenue will benecessary to fully implement the evangelism initiative.
•   Denominational fund-raising to be started by Ministry Council staff with a ten-year goal of$1,000,000 for missions/evangelism/NCD programs________________________________________________________
PREP 1:8(Appendix D)

Approved by the MMT (Jan 2011)
Missionary Training and Mission Field Preparation
Missionary Prep Team Acts 1:8
Prep 1:8
Missionary:
The Cumberland Presbyterian (CP) Church defines a missionary as a person who works in service
to the cause of Jesus Christ in a culture different from their own.
Prep 1:8
The Missionary Prep Team Acts 1:8 (referred to as Prep 1:8) is a group of prospective future
Cumberland Presbyterian missionaries and/or missionaries in transition to a new CP mission field.  
Membership in Prep 1:8 is by invitation of the Missions Ministry Team.  This invitation can be initiatedby the MMT or come as a result of interested persons contacting the MMT.  The Missions Ministry Team
(MMT) will lead and supervise Prep 1:8.  Based on the following objectives, the Missions Ministry Teamwill:
1. Discover individuals who are exploring the call to the mission field for career service amongcollege or seminary students, those new to the pastorate, or missionaries in transition to a new mission field.
2. Develop a pool of candidates from which the CP Church can draw missionaries for future mission
work of the CP Church, including a team for the new CP mission field.
3. Provide a platform for missionary training and mission field development led by the Missions
Ministry Team in the context of the mission program of the CP Church.
4. Appraise talents and gifts of missionary candidates so they can serve in the most productive andfulfilling ways.
Prep 1:8 will conduct one or two events each year with persons interested in becoming CP
missionaries.  The MMT will develop special short-term mission trips as training tools, and Prep 1:8 teammembers may be used to assist the MMT in preparing mission fields for the deployment of CP missionaries.  
In addition, Prep 1:8 team members will actively promote the mission work of the CP Church, throughwhich they can develop connections needed for their own future missionary support.
Implementation:
Prep 1:8 will be launched in 2011.  The MMT will provide funding and staff to conduct annual orbi-annual events, gathering missionary candidates at a central place for training and relationship building.  
Besides formal training events, MMT will develop projects for Prep 1:8 team members to carry out thatwill benefit the mission work of the CP Church and prepare these candidates for future missionary service.  
In order to maintain the relationships developed, the MMT will make active use of video conferencing andemail.
________________________________________________________
2011 HANDBOOK FOR PRESBYTERIAL COMMITTEES ON THE
MINISTRY OR PREPARATION FOR THE MINISTRY(Appendix E)

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UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESSFOR ORDINATIONIn the Cumberland Presbyterian Church

HANDBOOKFOR PRESBYTERIALCOMMITTEES ON THE MINISTRY OR
PREPARATION FOR THE MINISTRY

2011

1

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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLYMINISTERS OF THE WORD AND SACRAMENTThe office of Minister of Word and Sacrament is unique in the life of
the church as to responsibility and usefulness. God calls persons and setsthem apart for this ministry.
The persons who fill this office should be sound in the faith, exemplary in
conduct, and competent to perform the duties of the ministry. Persons who
become ministers of word and sacrament are due such respect as belongs
to their office, but are not by virtue of their office more holy or righteousthan other Christians.
They share in the same vocation that belongs to all Christians to bewitnesses to the gospel in word and deed. They differ from other
Christians only with regard to the office to which they are called, which istheir station in life.
(Constitution 2.61)
While the type of ministry most basic to the life of the church is that of apastor, God has given different gifts to ministers of the word andsacrament and the church recognizes various types of ministry.
Presbytery may authorize ministers to exercise their gifts not only as
pastors of particular churches but as teachers of religion in various kindsof schools, editors of religious publications, chaplains to the militaryforces and to various types of institutions, missionaries, evangelists,
counselors, administrators of church programs and institutions, directorsof Christian education in particular churches, and as leaders in other fieldsof service directly related to the church.
Presbytery shall authorize persons to perform such types of ministry
through a service of worship in which the minister is commissioned topractice his or her ministry in one of these ways.
In every type of ministry, the minister should seek appropriate ways toperform the duties as pastor, minister, presbyter, evangelist, prophet,priest, preacher, and teacher.
(Constitution 2.64)

2

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UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS FOR ORDINATION
IN THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
A Handbook for Presbyterial Committees on the Ministryor Preparation for the Ministry

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface........................................................................................................ 2
Introduction ..................................................................................................... 3
Definition of Terms ......................................................................................... 3
I.

OVERVIEW OF THE PROCESS
a. Duties and Responsibilities of the Committee .............................. 5b. Nurturing Those God Has Called: A guide for those serving onpresbyterial committees ................................................................ 6
c. Helping Potential Candidates to Understand Themselves .......... 10
d. Process for Ordination ................................................................ 11
e. The Ministry of Mentoring ......................................................... 16
f. Recognition of Ordination of Ministers of other Denominations 17
g. Working With Provisional Pastors in Cross-Culture Ministry ... 19

II. GOVERNMENT & THEOLOGICAL BACKGROUND
a. How the Church is Governed ...................................................... 21
b. Ministry in a Litigious Society .................................................... 23
c. “The Call” in Historical and Theological Perspective ................ 24
III. APPENDIX
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

Questions for Ordination Examination ....................................... 37
Sample Report to the Presbytery ................................................. 40
New Candidate Information Form .............................................. 41
Request for PAS Approval Form ................................................ 42
New Licentiate Information Form .............................................. 43
Ordinand Information Form ........................................................ 44

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PREFACEYou have been elected as a member of your presbytery’s Committee on the Ministry or
Committee on Preparation for the Ministry. Your presbytery has given you a high honor. Your
participation in the committee’s work and its recommendations will impact not only thepresbytery but also the entire Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Moreover, it will impact the
lives of people for decades to come. I am confident you will approach this ministry withpatience, understanding, mature judgment and openness to the leadership of the Holy Spirit.
This Handbook is intended to assist you in the committee’s work. Please:• Read through it to familiarize yourself with its contents• Allow it to guide your supervision of probationers toward their ordinations• Return it to your committee chair at the end of your term of service.
Members of the Pastoral Development Ministry Team at the time of this manual’s adoption are:
Rev. James Lively
Ms. Pat Owen
Rev. Tommy Thompson
Rev. David LancasterRev. Glenda Melson
Mrs. Mary Jo Turner
Rev. Mark Davenport
Rev. Linda SnellingRev. Robert E. Shelton
Former PDMT Leader Rev. Stephanie S. Brown was also instrumental in the initial efforts on
this project.
The Pastoral Development Ministry Team serves the Cumberland Presbyterian Church by• Keeping God’s call before the church as a whole• Providing and promoting a deeper biblical and theological understanding of ministry inthe church• Nurturing and caring for ordained ministers and probationers and• Providing resources and events to improve pastoral ministry
Please feel free to contact me.

Rev. Milton L. Ortiz, Team Leader
Pastoral Development Ministry
Cumberland Presbyterian Church
www.cumberland.org
8207 Traditional Place
Cordova, TN 38016
901-276-4572 x 235
MOrtiz@cumberland.org

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UNDERSTANDING
THE PROCESS FOR ORDINATION
IN THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHINTRODUCTION
In the gospel story as told by Matthew, Jesus
gives a command to the disciples just prior
to his ascension. Jesus tells them to go into
every nation proclaiming the gospel, making
disciples, instructing them and baptizingthem in the name of the Father, and of theSon, and of the Holy Spirit. This command
belongs to every person who follows Jesus
and longs to see God’s reign on earth.
Jesus’ command, however, belongs to thechurch in an even more intimate way,particularly where the church is concernedwith the education and oversight of those
who have sensed God’s call into ministry.
The church is commanded to shepherd andcare for those seeking ordination as well as
those already involved in that work. The
church’s care is lived out with the same
sense of responsibility that Jesus spoke of in
the great command to the disciples.
Oversight, education, preparation, andguidance for ministers and ministerial
candidates fall to the church through thevarious structures of the church’s
organization, but most notably through thework of Committees on
Ministry/Preparation within the presbyteries.
Aware of that presbyterial responsibility andaware of the greater church’s responsibility,
The Pastoral Development Ministry Team of
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church hasdeveloped this handbook for use bypresbyterial Committees on the
Ministry/Preparation. It is our hope that ourcollective work with ministers andcandidates for ministry will be more fruitful,
more consistent, and more sensitive to theunique demands that the call to ministry
places upon an individual.
May God’s grace and mercy be upon thework we are all called to accomplish. May
our work bring light and life through thesharing of the good news of the gospel ofJesus the Christ.

DEFINITION OF TERMS
Approved graduate school of theology: A
seminary authorized by a presbytery toprovide for the education of thatpresbytery’s ministerial probationers.
Courses and credit hours from non-5

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approved seminaries may not berecognized by the presbytery.

preach under the supervision of thepresbytery.

Bethel University: The
undergraduate/graduate educational
institution affiliated with the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church andlocated in McKenzie, Tennessee.

Memphis Theological Seminary (MTS):
A graduate school of theology affiliatedwith the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church and located in Memphis,
Tennessee.

Candidate: A person in the first stage ofpreparation for the ministry and under
the care of a presbytery.

Minister of Word and Sacrament: A
person who has been ordained into theministry of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church or Cumberland Presbyterian
Church in America.

Committee on Clergy Care: A
presbytery’s agency for the oversight ofand support for its clergy members andtheir families; names may vary withpresbyteries.
Committee on Preparation for the
Ministry: A presbytery’s agency for theoversight of ministerial probationers;
names may vary with presbyteries.

Ordinand: A person who has been
recommended for ordination as a
Minister of Word and Sacrament but has
not been ordained yet.
Ordination: The act of a presbytery to set a
person a part for the ministry of Wordand Sacrament.

Committee on the Ministry: A
presbytery’s agency for the oversight ofministerial probationers and ordainedclergy, unless these responsibilities are
divided between two committees.

Particular church: As used in theConstitution, a congregation of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church or
Cumberland Presbyterian Church in
America.

Confession of Faith (1984): The creedal
statement and governmental standards
for the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
and Cumberland Presbyterian Church in
America. Major divisions are:Pastor: The title for an ordained minister
who has been installed by thepresbytery to provide spiritualleadership in a particular congregation.
ALSO Associate/
Assistant Pastor: The title for an
ordained minister who has been
installed by the presbytery to assist the
pastor in providing spiritual leadershipin a particular congregation.

Confession of Faith
Constitution
Rules of Discipline
Directory for Worship
Rules of Order
Constitution: The document, contained in
the Confession of Faith, delineating thegovernment of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church and Cumberland
Presbyterian Church in America.
Licentiate: The status of a ministerial
probationer between candidate andordained; licentiates are authorized to6

Presbytery: The primary governing bodywithin the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church/ Cumberland Presbyterian
Church in America and consisting of
ordained ministers and elders elected torepresent sessions within a defined area.
Probationer: A person preparing for theministry under the care of a presbytery.

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scripture and salvation by grace throughfaith. They follow a representative formof government led by elders or“presbyters”.

Probationers may be candidates or
licentiates.
Program of Alternate Studies (PAS): A
Cumberland Presbyterian Church
program for the education of ministerial
probationers who, in the opinion of theirpresbyteries, cannot attend seminary.
Provisional Status: An ethnic ordained
minister desiring to come into the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church fromanother denomination, serving in across-culture ministry, and whose
educational preparation does not yet
meet CPC standards, may be received
under Provisional Status with all rights
and privileges of ordination.
Reformed/Presbyterian tradition: Refers
to those churches that trace their roots toJohn Calvin, a key player in theProtestant Reformation. Theologically,
these churches emphasize thesovereignty of God, the authority of81

Rules of Discipline: The section of theConfession of Faith setting forthprocedures for dealing with misconduct
or unusual situations within the church.
Session: The governing body of a particularchurch (congregation), consisting of thepastor and members elected by the
congregation.
Stated Supply: An ordained minister, alicentiate, or a candidate approved by thepresbytery to serve as minister of aparticular church (congregation). A
stated supply is not an installed pastor
and may perform only those pastoral
functions set forth in the Constitution.
“Under care”: The description of the statusof a ministerial probationer under thesupervision of a presbytery.

I. OVERVIEW OF THE PROCESS
A. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMITTEE
The following is intended to help thecommittee recall the range of their
responsibilities. It would be helpful if,
before each meeting, a member reviewed thecommittee's activities against the list andreported on responsibilities receiving little
or no attention. These duties andresponsibilities may need to be emphasized,
and programs developed accordingly. Also,

remember that some presbyteries may fromtime to time assign other responsibilities tothe committee. 1
1Please feel free to contact Pastoral
Development Ministry Team Leader forresources and/or assistance. (See thePreface to this Handbook for contact
information)
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To keep before the congregations theimportance of the call to Christianministry in the church.

•

To provide appropriate materials andresources to guide those considering
vocations in the church.

•

To serve as the presbytery’s standing
committee for supervising andsupporting probationers for the ministry(Constitution 6.10 - 6.30).

•

To guide probationers in their
exploration of Christian ministry and/or
vocations in the church.

•

To help those experiencing a call to
Christian service, but not ordination, toaffirm their calling as followers of Jesus
Christ and members of the covenantcommunity.

•

To recommend to presbytery appropriate
actions in the supervision ofprobationers.

•

To examine members of congregations
seeking to be received as candidates(Constitution 6.10).

•

To examine candidates and licentiates as
they move through the process towardordination (Constitution 6.200).

2011

•

To stay in close contact withprobationers throughout their journey –encouraging, uplifting and guiding them.

•

To encourage and require probationers
to complete educational requirements inapproved colleges and graduate schoolsof theology.

•

To recommend to presbytery that a
student be enrolled in the Program of
Alternate Studies if attendance in an
approved graduate school of theology is
not a valid possibility.

•

To meet, when directed by presbytery,with ordained clergy of otherecclesiastical bodies and recommend
actions concerning their status in the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

•

To work with the Committee on Clergy
Care to ensure that the newly ordained
ministers have designated mentors forthree years after ordination.

B. NURTURING THOSE GOD HAS CALLED:
A guide for those serving on presbyterial committees
Every presbytery has a committee thatoversees the growth of ministerial
probationers (Constitution 6.11). The
committee may go by various names, but thefunction is the same: to walk withprobationers through the process of
8ordination, and to ensure that those called
are mentally, emotionally and spiritually
prepared to serve as ministers. Neither thepresbytery nor the committee calls persons
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THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

committee and the presbytery are thevehicles by which God’s call is confirmed.
Our tradition assumes that, once persons
submit to an internal call, they also must
submit to a larger body responsible for theircare and they must prepare for ministry.
Preparation includes education at accredited
schools, growing in one’s sense of call,gaining competence in ministerial skills, aswell as taking up disciplines that lead tospiritual maturity. Your committee exists to
help probationers in this process.
Inevitably, probationers face difficulties as
they pursue ordination. Some won’t receive
support from family and friends. Others will
struggle with education requirements. Many
will have periods of doubt about their call.
Still more will worry about their finances.
Your committee cannot solve all the
problems a probationer will face. But yourpresbytery will be able to help in someconcrete ways (such as providing grants foreducation). And your committee canprovide what those seeking ordination often
need the most: caring, listening ears.
You also help probationers by upholding the
educational standards for ordination. Whenpersons face difficulties, we often desire to
relieve them. But compromising thestandards of ordination is only short- term
relief. Probationers need as much education
as they can get so that they are well rounded,knowledgeable people who can do what God
asks of them.
Similarly, committee members must notassume that a person is ready for ordination
simply because they have completed theirclasses in college and seminary. Throughout
the process, you should look for signs ofspiritual maturity and help probationers see
areas where they may need to grow in order
to be faithful ministers of the gospel. It’s

83

not fair to probationers or the church to send
them out poorly prepared for the demands ofordination.
The responsibilities of your committee aresobering. But when you do your job well,
the church receives the well-equipped
ministers it deserves, and you will discoverthat the burden of your labor is also a joy.
The Constitution of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church outlines therequirements for candidacy, licensure andordination (sections 6.10 to 6.30). The steps
below give detail to that process from theperspective of you, the committee member.
Step 1: The first meeting with thepotential candidate
Check for the letter from the session. No
one can be accepted as a candidate unless
his or her session has written a letter ofrecommendation (The Constitution, 6.41).
Those closest to the candidate should be
willing to vouch for his or her sincerity,
character and faith.
Introduce yourself to the candidate, and at
the appropriate time ask questions that allow
the candidate to share his story. Meetingstrangers who will be overseeing his life canbe overwhelming to a person seeking
candidacy. Knowing that committee
members care about him and are interested
in his well-being will bring great comfort.
Ask the candidate about her experience ofthe call. It may not be clear to the candidate
yet exactly what her call is. Expect someambiguity. But the potential candidate
needs practice reflecting on her call andtrying to articulate what God wants with herlife. She will continue to do this throughout
her preparation.

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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Explain what presbytery requires forordination. Before he leaves the meeting,the person seeking candidacy should knowwhat education is expected; how often thecommittee anticipates meeting with him;
when psychological inventories will beadministered and for what purpose; when
the next presbytery meeting will be andwhat questions will be put to him in order toenter candidacy; and finally who will serveas the candidate’s mentor, assumingpresbytery accepts him.
The standard educational requirement forordination in the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church is a bachelor’s degree and master of
divinity degree from accredited schools. In
some cases, persons request to enter the
Program of Alternate Studies (PAS). PAS
exists to educate candidates who might haveextreme difficulty attending college andseminary. Those difficulties might include
limited finances, family constraints or age.
PAS requires 60 hours of college work
(course list available from the director ofPAS) and three full years of extension
school (intense class time, followed byhome assignments). PAS is not a
replacement for seminary, but an alternate
route for those in extreme circumstances.
Presbytery alone decides who may take thisalternate route. For anyone to enter PAS,presbytery must approve by a two-thirds
majority vote. The presbytery looks for thecommittee to make this recommendation, if
applicable, in its report.
Your committee should weigh carefully
whether to recommend a candidate for the
PAS program. Remember that all persons
will face difficulty in the pursuit ofordination. You must answer the question
whether a potential candidate’s
circumstances make it nearly impossible forhim to take the standard route.

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Pray for the potential candidate at theconclusion of the meeting. You may ask
how the committee can best pray for her andencourage committee members to keep theseconcerns alive in their prayers between
meetings.
Step 2: The meeting of presbytery
Not all committee members are required toattend presbytery. Most likely, the chair
will attend to present the report. (A sample
report can be found in the Appendix.) If
you have been assigned as the candidate’s
mentor, your presence at presbytery canstrengthen the relationship. A phone callfollowing the meeting from any committee
member would help the candidate feel
supported.
While the committee has examined thecandidate already, the presbytery is affordedthat opportunity, also. After the candidate
shares her sense of call, the floor will be
open for questions from the presbytery.
This doesn’t mean your committee’s work is
inadequate, but shows that the presbytery
has final authority for those preparing forordination.
If your committee decided that a particular
candidate is eligible for PAS, make therecommendation as part of your report tothis meeting of presbytery. Remind theclerk of the presbytery that a request for
PAS approval must be sent to the Pastoral
Development Ministry Team. (SeeAppendix for the form.)Also, if appropriate, report thatpsychological inventories have been
administered and reviewed by a trained
psychologist. By no means should theresults of the inventories be shared with thepresbytery. Those matters are confidential.
The inventories are a means of helping

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candidates understand themselves, anessential part of being a faithful, effective
minister.
Emphasize attendance at presbytery. All
candidates are required to attend all
meetings of presbytery - not just the one at
which they are received - unless they areexcused upon their request.
Inform the Pastoral Development Ministry
Team when a new candidate comes undercare of the presbytery. (See Appendix forform.) The team sends each new candidate
An Introduction to Ministry by Dr. Morris
Pepper.
Step 3: Subsequent meetings with thecandidate
Meet with candidates no less than once ayear. In those meetings, give candidates achance to share any concerns they might
have. Most candidates will have something
they need to discuss as they travel down theroad to ordination. Your committee canserve as a sounding board, offer wise
counsel and be like a pastor to the aspiring
candidate.
Check for progress in the candidate’s growththrough very simple, open-ended questions:
How is the candidate doing in school? How
has the candidate’s sense of call clarified orchanged? Has the candidate had opportunity
to preach, teach or otherwise lead in the
church and what has that experience been
like? What does the candidate understandabout his or her responsibility to session andpresbytery?
Committees are beginning to rediscover theimportance of the candidate’s spiritual
formation. Some candidates won’t haveexperience with daily prayer, selfexamination or devotional reading.
Encourage candidates to embrace a85

discipline, and be willing to ask about theirexperiences when you meet. The goal ofsuch disciplines is the growth of thecandidate, not the satisfaction of rules laid
down by the committee. Candidates mostneed encouragement from the committee todevelop and maintain spiritual disciplines.
Of course, keeping your own spiritualdisciplines will put you in a better position
to speak about spiritual formation with thecandidate.
Step 4: Licensure
In our system, candidates who show
sufficient growth are licensed to preach.
Candidates are eligible for licensure after
completing their bachelor’s degree or theirrequired college work for PAS. However,licensure should be reserved for those whom
the committee feels have not only met theeducation requirements, but also havedemonstrated a level of competence thatwarrants additional responsibility andauthority.
Licensure is a mile marker on the way toordination. Licentiates currently cannot
perform more ministerial duties thancandidates, but the title communicatesprogress and a new level of respect due theperson. You should use licensure as anopportunity to affirm the candidate’s hard
work, faithfulness to the task and growth.
Licensure takes place at a meeting ofpresbytery upon the recommendation of thiscommittee. Again, this affirms presbytery’s
authority over and responsibility for those
preparing for ordination. The committee
will continue to meet with the licentiate on
at least a yearly basis.
Inform the Pastoral Development Ministry
Team when a candidate has been licensed by
the presbytery. (See Appendix for form.)

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2011

The team sends each new licentiate a book
as a way to congratulate him/her in his/her
journey.

an ordination examination. Sample
questions are included in the Appendix.
Along with a written examination, thecommittee should question the candidate
verbally, ascertaining her readiness forministry.

Step 5: Ordination

Assuming the committee is satisfied with theparticular call and the examinations, it will
recommend to presbytery that the licentiate
be ordained. Again, presbytery will havethe opportunity to examine from the floor.
Often licentiates wish to be ordained in theirhome church rather than at a meeting ofpresbytery. If so, include in your report a
recommendation that a commission beelected for that purpose. Include names, aswell as the date and time of the ordination, if
known. The commission must include atleast four members, at least two of whichmust be ordained ministers and at least oneof which must be an elder active on thesession and a member of presbytery(Constitution 6.35 and Rules of Order 6.2).
As a committee member, you are notrequired to attend ordinations, butattendance would encourage the newly
ordained.

Upon successful completion of seminary or
PAS course work and upon receipt of a callto a particular ministry, licentiates are
eligible for ordination. The call to aparticular ministry signifies that not only has
the committee and the presbytery confirmed
the licentiate’s call, but the larger church has
as well. Since ordination is for service
instead of status, the particular call isessential before presbytery ordains.
A particular call may include a call to serveas pastor, associate pastor or some otherposition in a local congregation. It may also
include a call to serve as a teacher in acollege or university, as a chaplain or in adenominational office. Your committee will
have to decide if a call meets therequirements for ordination. Sinceordination is reserved for those called to aministry of word and sacrament, not all job
offers will necessarily fit the criteria.
Examine the licentiate prior to presbytery.
It’s appropriate for a committee to require

Inform the Pastoral Development Ministry
Team of the upcoming ordination. (SeeAppendix for form.) The team will send a
portable communion set to the new ministerto mark the occasion.

C. HELPING POTENTIAL CANDIDATESTO UNDERSTAND THEMSELVES
Before the committee recommends that aperson be received as a candidate for12ministry, the committee should makeprovision for the administration of

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THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

personality/psychological testing and aclinical interview by the tester. The tester
should be a member of the American
Psychology Association or of an equivalentcrediting organization of professional
psychologist in other nations.
Instruments used in testing should be chosenfrom among the following categories:•

Personality inventories•

Temperament evaluators•

Emotional intelligence indicators•

Career, aptitude and ability inventories

The choice of specific instruments should be
the tester’s. The report to the committee
should include a description of the
instruments and clinical interview withfindings and recommendations.
A criminal background check should also bemade of each potential candidate.

87

Members of the supervising committee
should:•Treat psychological reports with thestrictest confidence•

Use the reports only to help guideprobationers•

Relinquish copies of reports to thecommittee chair for disposal when
probationers are no longer under care,
EXCEPT•One sealed copy should be given to thepresbyterial clerk for safekeeping

In no way should this procedure beinterpreted as a substitute for or compromise
to the call of the Holy Spirit. Quite thecontrary, testing of this nature can be a toolof the Holy Spirit for guiding those who
supervise probationers and for the
probationers’ self-understanding.

The person who fills the office of the ministry has in the scriptures different titles,
expressive of various duties: pastor, minister, elder or presbyter, evangelist, prophet,priest, preacher, and teacher.
These titles do not confer privilege in the church nor designate different grades ofoffice but indicate the scope of responsibilities that belong to the office of ministry.
(Constitution 2.62)

D. PROCESS FOR ORDINATIONThis section of the handbook is primarily forcandidates to help them to understand theprocess for ordination in the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church. Although allcommittee members should be familiar withit, it will help you to understand the process
through the candidate’s eyes. You may
make copies of So, You’re Sensing a Call
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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY(pages 13-16) and distribute them to those
who are just beginning the process. You
may also let the pastors in your presbytery

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know this document exists so they can giveit to anyone who comes to them sensing acall.

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89

SO YOU’RE SENSING A CALL:

Mapping the Journey to Ordination in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
If you’re reading this, you’re probably
thinking about becoming a candidate forministry. Presbyterial Committees on the
Ministry/Preparation will be familiar withthis material, also. But this information is
directed primarily toward you, the potential
candidate. It aims to describe in some detailthe process for responding to God’s call in
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church
believes in an internal call. God moves on
the hearts of persons, drawing them toward
ordained ministry. Yet, this internal callneeds the external confirmation of thechurch. As you move toward ordination,
you will do so in the company of others whoare charged with overseeing your growth.
These people will help you discern if
ordination is in fact your vocation in life.
Just as God acts to call you personally, God
acts through the corporate body of thechurch to support your work and confirm
your call.
So, what do you do when you sense God
may be calling you to ordained ministry?

First, talk with your pastor.
Your pastor will help you navigate the initialsteps in the process. He or she also canrelate to the various questions you have andthe emotions you are feeling. When thetime comes for you to share your call withthe local session, your conversations withthe pastor will allow her or him to support
you confidently before the body. If yourchurch does not have a pastor, you should
speak with the minister appointed by thepresbytery to moderate your session. One of
the elders can help you know who thisperson is.

After informal conversations with the
pastor, you will meet with the session.
It’s the first official step in becoming acandidate for ministry.
The session has the responsibility to endorse
you as a candidate. You must be a member
in good standing of a Cumberland
Presbyterian congregation, and you musthave the session’s endorsement before thepresbytery accepts you as a candidate. Your
family knows you best. A recommendationfrom the leadership of your church family
speaks volumes. The local session clerk will
write a letter to the presbytery’s Committee
on the Ministry/Preparation in your support,
provided the session votes to recommendyou. (Constitution 6.14)

The presbyterial Committee on the
Ministry/Preparation will want tomeet with you after they receive thesession’s letter.
Each committee handles its interviews in its
own way. But certainly the members will
want to hear your experience of the call.
Your work with your pastor and session
should prepare you well for this meeting.
Be honest with the committee. Share with
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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

them your fears as well as your joys as you
consider your call. The more they know
you, the better they can help you. The more
real you are, the more they will want to helpyou.

The committee has the responsibility
to recommend you as a CANDIDATEat the next meeting of presbytery.
You will attend this meeting. Presbytery has
the responsibility of examining you. So,
persons may ask questions of you from thefloor. You may be asked to share your senseof call. Then, in keeping with theConstitution of the church, the following
questions will be put to you.
I.

As far as you know your heart, do you
believe yourself to be called by God tothe office of the Christian ministry?

II.

Do you promise, in reliance upon thegrace of God, to maintain a Christiancharacter and conduct, and to bediligent and faithful in making full
preparation for the ministry?

III.

Do you promise to work with thepresbytery through its committee on
the ministry in matters that pertain to
your preparation for the ministry?

IV.

Do you now desire to be received bythis presbytery as a candidate for theministry in the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church/Cumberland
Presbyterian Church in America?

If you answer these questions affirmatively,
and the presbytery so votes, you will bereceived as a candidate under care of thepresbytery. You will attend all subsequentmeetings of presbytery after youracceptance.

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Presbytery will care for you through theCommittee on the Ministry or its equivalent.
You will meet with them at least once ayear. The committee probably will appoint
one member to serve as your liaison or
mentor. This person will stay in close
contact with you as you move through therequirements of ordination. But you should
always feel free to contact the committee
when you need help. These persons arecharged to support you and to struggle withyou. The committee also may provide
financial support for your education. The
amount and type of support vary frompresbytery to presbytery.
Some seminaries provide excellent financial
help to seminary students. For example, ourdenominational seminary, Memphis
Theological Seminary, provides 70% service
loans for probationers pursuing their divinity
degree.
Ordained ministry (what we often call theministry of Word and Sacrament or the
Gospel ministry, and what we most typicallyassociate with the pastorate) requires a fouryear degree from a college or university.
Exceptions are sometimes made for those
whose circumstances make such an
education almost impossible. In these cases,
only with presbytery approval, candidates
may enter the Program of Alternate Studies.
The candidate enrolled in PAS is required tocomplete a list of college courses totaling 60
hours. With the plethora of community
colleges now available, those courses arevery much within reach.
Preparation for ministry includes more thanformal education. Committees oversee thedevelopment of the whole person toward
ministry. So it is within their purview to
explore a candidate’s spiritual life,
emotional health and giftedness. Candidates
may be asked to submit to psychological2011

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

examination from a trained professional.
They may also be asked to complete
spiritual gifts inventories. Such instruments
shall not be used to decide if a person iscalled or not, but will serve to increase acandidate’s knowledge of self (strengths aswell as weaknesses) and to help identify
goals for growth.
As you are moving through candidacy, thecommittee will continue to help you clarify
your call. They will ask regularly if you feel
led toward ordained ministry.

Once you have completed the collegelevel education requirements, and thecommittee is satisfied with yourgrowth and development, you will berecommended for LICENSURE by thecommittee.
The presbytery will examine you on thefloor prior to licensure.
Does being licensed mean you are given
responsibilities you did not have as a
candidate? No, but licensure is a sign thatyou are making progress and that the church
recognizes your growth. It’s a significant
mile marker toward the full embrace of yourcalling. The questions asked to licentiates
are listed below:
I.

Do you believe the scriptures of the
Old and New Testaments to be theinspired word of God, the authority forfaith and practice?

II.

Do you sincerely receive and adopt theConfession of Faith of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church/Cumberland
Presbyterian Church in America as
containing the essential doctrines
taught in the Holy Scriptures?

91

III.

Do you promise to promote the peace,
unity, and purity of the church?

IV.

Do you promise continued cooperation
with the presbytery through its
committee on the ministry as you
continue preparation for ordination,
and as you perform those functions ofministry which pertain to a licentiate,
as set forth in the Constitution?

Those licensed are required to complete a
Master of Divinity degree from anaccredited seminary before ordination. If
you have been accepted in the PAS program,you must complete a three-year course of
study for ordination. The PAS programadministers these courses through its
director.

Once educational requirements arecomplete and the committee issatisfied with your progress, you will
be eligible for ORDINATION.
To be ordained, you must receive a formal
call to ministry from a congregation,
hospital, hospice program, university, etc.,
and must sustain examination by presbytery.
If you answer affirmatively and presbytery
so votes, a time and date will be set for yourordination. At the service for ordination,
you will be asked the following questions:I.

Do you believe the scriptures of the
Old and New Testaments to be theinspired word of God, the authority forfaith and practice?

II.

Do you sincerely receive and adopt theConfession of Faith of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church/Cumberland
Presbyterian Church in America as
containing the essential doctrines
taught in the Holy Scriptures?

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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

III.

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

IV.

In participating as a minister in the
judicatories of the church, do you
promise to share in a responsible way
in the decisions that are made, toabide by those decisions, and topromote the welfare of the church?

V.

As far as you know your heart, haveyou been induced by the Holy Spirit toanswer the call to the ministry fromlove of God and neighbor and asincere desire to glorify God andadvance his Kingdom in the world?

VI.

As God may enable you, do you
promise to be zealous and faithful inmaintaining the truths of the gospel
and the purity and peace of the church,irrespective of any opposition that may
arise to you on that account?

VII. Do you promise to be faithful anddiligent in the exercise of all yourduties as a Christian and a minister ofthe gospel, and endeavor to so conduct
yourself both privately and publicly as
not to give offense to Christ and his
church?

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Once you have answered the questions
affirmatively, you will kneel. Ministers of
the presbytery will lay hands on you as aprayer is offered. When you rise and thedeclaration is made, you will be an ordained
minister with all the responsibility andrespect that accompany that title.
Sometimes, a person becomes a candidate,even a licentiate, only to discover that he or
she is not called to ordained ministry. If you
are faced with this difficult situation, you
should keep these things in mind. Most
ministers struggle to understand theircalling. In this you are not alone. Neither isthere any shame in removing yourself fromthe committee’s care. It would be muchworse to save embarrassment by continuing
in a vocation to which God has not calledyou. Being honest and open with thecommittee as you work through the process
will lay a good foundation should you needto change courses before ordination.
Consult the Constitution of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, section 6.00, for amore formal description of the above
process. The Constitution can be foundonline at www.cumberland.org.

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93

E. THE MINISTRY OF MENTORING
Mentor: a trusted counselorteacherguide
coach
shepherd
Almost everyone can remember a time ortimes when someone, with more experienceor greater knowledge than we had, came toour assistance. As a result, we learned
something we needed to know, avoided
making a mistake, gained new insights or
became more proficient in what we were
doing. In such instances we were mentored.

•

The ultimate goal is to equip thelearner and give him/her the freedom
to act. Good mentors do notcultivate co-dependent relationships.

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

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

•

ASK
Ask questions tounderstand the other person’s
situation or concern.

•

LISTEN Listen carefully to theother person’s thoughts and plans fora successful solution.

•

SHARE Share out of your life
experiences if pertinent.

The most important fact in mentoring isthat it isn’t about the mentor; it is about
the learner. Therefore:•

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

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

•

FOLLOW UP Follow up with aconversation or de-briefing about thelearner’s experiences.

You now have the opportunity, or have beenasked, to become a mentor to a new
candidate or to an ordained minister new toyour presbytery. Mentoring is not difficult,but it can be, at times, intense. Most of theknowledge required of a mentor comes fromexperience rather than from academic
disciplines.

••

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

MENTORING IN THE CHURCH IS,
INDEED, A HOLY CALLING –A MINISTRY

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2011

F. RECOGNITION OF ORDINATION OF MINISTERSOF OTHER DENOMINATIONSIn the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
ordination is for life. Thus, clergy ordainedin another denomination who wish to
become ministers in the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church are not re-ordained.
Rather, the presbytery recognizes theirordination by the process outlined below.
The presbytery and its Committee on the
Ministry or Committee on Preparation for
the Ministry (hereinafter called “thecommittee”) are bound by the procedures set
forth in the Constitution, “Recognition of
Ordination” (6.40-6.43) and “Ordination of
Ministers” (6.30-6.36). The presbytery andcommittee are also to follow related
constitutional interpretations by the General
Assembly. They stipulate that a ministerholding ordination in another denomination:•••

does not have to become a member of a
Cumberland Presbyterian congregation
before being considered for admission as
an ordained minister in the church(Minutes, 1956, p. 128)
has the status of a probationer while in
the process of having his/her ordination
recognized and is permitted only theduties approved for probationers(Minutes, 2007, p. 430) andmust have an approved call before
his/her ordination can be recognized by
the presbytery. (Minutes, 2007, 430)

a. Whether the minister has proper
credentials from his or her
ecclesiastical body;b.
Whether the minister has adegree from a college and a
graduate school of theology;c.
Whether the minister has aknowledge of the history, theology
and government of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church;d.
Whether the minister seems fit
for service as a minister in the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
NOTE: The following documents
may be helpful in making thisdetermination:
Dossier or personal information
form
Education transcripts
Character and professionalreferences
Verification of pastdenominational affiliation(s)Ministerial and lay
positions/responsibilities
Assessment of personality andpsychological inventories
Criminal background check•

IN PREPARATION FOR THE
RECOGNITION OF ORDINATION••The committee interviews the minister.
Per the Constitution 6.41 the committee
investigates to determine:•

If the committee is not satisfied with
its investigation of the four areas
above, except item “c,” it does nothave to report to the presbytery or
recommend action to grant the statusof a probationer to the minister.
(The completion of item “c” requires
more time than can be allocated ininitial inquiry steps.)
The committee should expect that aperson seeking to have his/her

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••THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
ordination recognized will meet theeducational requirements forordination to the Ministry of Wordand Sacrament in the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church:o A person who does not havea college degree from anapproved institution of higher
education or has notcompleted the Program of
Alternate Studies (orcomparable program) shallhave the status of a candidate(Constitution 6.43)
o A person who has degrees
from an approved institutionof higher education and from
(1) an approved graduate
school of theology or (2) acertificate from the Programof Alternate Studies (orcomparable program) shallhave the status of a licentiate.
(Constitution 6.43)
The committee should require theminister to complete prescribedstudies in Cumberland Presbyterian
Church history, doctrine andgovernment in Memphis TheologicalSeminary (or another accredited
seminary offering such courses) or
the Program of Alternate Studies.
Before the committee concludes theinterview, the minister should be
informed of the church’s
expectations in preparation forhaving the ordination recognized.
The minister should also be told ofcommittee’s and presbytery’s
procedures and how he/she isexpected to relate to the committee,
the presbytery and the church.

•

•

•
•

95

A member of the presbytery,
preferably also a member of thecommittee, should be assigned as aliaison/mentor.
The committee makes a report topresbytery noting the minister’s
desire, the initial findings andrecommendations to grant the statusof probationer (candidate or
licentiate) during the probationary
period and to authorize his/her
enrollment in the Program of
Alternate Studies if appropriate..
After adoption of therecommendations, the minister
addresses the presbytery..
The committee continues to monitor
and assist the minister in his/her
assimilation into the church.

RECOGNITION OF ORDINATION
When the committee verifies that theminister has successfully completed theconstitutional requirements for therecognition of ordination (Constitution,
6.41), has received a call and can be ofservice to the church, the committee reports
with appropriate recommendations to thepresbytery.
Upon adoption of the recommendations andexamination by the presbytery, theminister’s previous ordination is recognizedby his/her answering affirmatively thequestions put to licentiates at theirordination (Constitution, 6.36). The
minister’s name is then inscribed upon thepresbytery’s role of ordained ministers andthe proceeding is certified to the StatedClerk of the General Assembly.

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G. WORKING WITH PROVISIONAL PASTORSIN CROSS-CULTURE MINISTRY
The 169th General Assembly (1999, p. 367)
approved an innovative opportunity towiden the Church’s ministry by allowing
ordained ministers from other culturalcommunions desiring to join our Church that
may not have had the same opportunity toacquire the typical educational credentials
called for in our Constitution. Some may
come from nations where economic or
political conditions greatly limited theircapacity for formal training. Yet they haveboth expertise and experience in developing
and serving congregations of their own
ethnic background.
The provisional status for such ministers
enables the individual to become part of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church and to
exercise the full privileges andresponsibilities of their ordination while
engaging in a course of study and mentoringover a period of two years. This provisional
period assists both the minister and thepresbytery to become acquainted and growin their relationship, to share mutual
concerns, to exchange ideas and plans forministry. It allows the ministers to become
conversant with the “culture” of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, including
doctrine, polity, history, and the range ofcongregational and judicatory life and style.
At the same time, it grants members ofpresbytery and the Church at-large firsthandcontact with the minister’s ethnicity and/or
culture, and thus enriches, broadens andextends the Church’s witness.
Evaluations of the minister’s progress inwhat is termed the “assimilation process”
are an important part of the provisional
period. When the goals of the provisional

22

period have been reached, and both theminister and presbytery desire to finalize thecovenant between them, the minister’s
ordination is fully recognized by presbytery
and the provisional status concluded.
In receiving ordained ministers underProvisional Status for Cross-Culture
Ministry, the presbytery may appoint theCommittee on the Ministry to work with the
pastor during the provisional period, or may
assign that responsibility to the presbytery’s
Board of Missions, or new church
development task force. The General
Assembly Missions Ministry Team isavailable as a consulting resource for theProvisional Status process.
Can a non-ordained ethnic pastor bereceived under the provisional period?
No. A non-ordained ethnic pastor isreceived as a candidate for the ministry, andthe Committee on the Ministry/Preparation
will work with the candidate as it would anyother probationer. The same process applies
for an ethnic person who is sensing God’scall to ordained ministry. The Program of
Alternate Studies now has a Multi-Culture
Ministry track to help train cross-culture
pastors.
Should the presbytery receive a crossculture pastor under provisional period if
he/she does not pastor a church or
fellowship and is not involved in arecognized ministry?
No. The provisional period is designed toallow ethnic pastors the freedom to continue
ministry in which they are already involved.

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97

However, if the presbytery plans to develop
a ministry to a particular ethnic group, anduse the ordained ethnic pastor in thisministry, then the pastor could be accepted
into the presbytery under provisional status.

church, it also brings new perspectives, idea
and ethnic sensitivity to the presbytery.
Can a cross-culture pastor continue in theprovisional period for an indefinite
amount of time?

Can an ethnic pastor who is underprovisional status do the sacraments?

No. At some point the presbytery and/or
ethnic pastor have to make a decision. Aftera fair amount of time getting to know eachother (the purpose of the provisional status),
both parties must commit one way or theother.

Yes. In most cases the ethnic pastor has
been doing the sacraments in his ethnic
community before coming into the CP
church.
Can a presbytery remove an ethnic pastor
from provisional status if the ministry theethnic pastor is working in is terminatedor fails?
Yes. The thing that validates a provisional
pastor is his/her ministry. With no ministry,
it is hard to justify keeping a pastor underprovisional status. However, it is possiblethat the ethnic pastor could be switched to a
new or different ministry to his/her ethnicity
and thus continue in the provisional status.
Can cross-culture pastors and layleadership under provisional status serveon presbytery boards?
Yes. Presbyteries should involve ethnic
pastors and lay leaders who are underprovisional status in the boards andcommittees of the presbytery. Not only does
this provide a fast way to learn about the

When an ethnic pastor has been received
under provisional status, should he/she be
asked to receive further training andinstruction?
Yes. In some cases this may only involve
CP history, doctrine and polity. In othercases there may be a need for other training
and instruction. The point is to prepare thepastor, as best we can, with the resources wehave, to reach his/her ethnicity.
After the two-year provisional period,
does the presbytery have to receive theethnic pastor and/or congregation?
No. The two-year term is a minimum
amount of time. Provisional status mayneed to be extended because specific goals
in the assimilation process have not beenaccomplished. To do assimilation well, theprocess should take no less than two years ofintentional activities that are planned andexecuted by the presbytery.

23

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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2011

II. GOVERNMENT & THEOLOGICALBACKGROUND
A. HOW THE CHURCH IS GOVERNED“The purpose of church government is to aid
the church in performing its mission.”2
The easiest way to understand Presbyterianchurch government is to think back to what
you learned in high school civics. (In fact,
our judicial system is patterned after
Presbyterian church law, also called polity.)
In our national judicial system:•

A federal magistrate acts at thedirectives of higher courts in handlingless serious matters, thus allowing thesuperior courts to focus upon the more
serious•More serious civil or criminal matters
are heard in district court, which renders
verdicts in these cases•

The court of appeals rules on theregularity of procedure and/or
conformity to law in the decisions of
district courts•

The Supreme Court rules on theadherence to the Constitution in thedecisions of the lower courts.

In a general way, the courts—commonly
called “judicatories”—in the Presbyterian
2Preamble to the Constitution, Confessionof Faith, 1984
24

system of government parallel our federal
court system. Those judicatories are•

The session of a congregation (called aparticular church in the Constitution). It
consists of the pastor and members
elected by the congregation. (For a listof sessional responsibilities, see theConstitution 4.5.)•

The presbytery consisting of theordained ministers and elders elected bysessions to represent congregations
within a specific area. Presbyteries haveoversight of congregations, ministers
and probationers within its bounds andhear appeals brought from sessions.
(For a list of presbyterial responsibilities,
see the Constitution 5.6.)•

The synod consists of at least threepresbyteries within a prescribed area.
Synods have oversight of presbyteries
and hear appeals brought from them.
Some also have program responsibilities.
(For a list of synodic responsibilities, see
the Constitution 8.5.)•

The General Assembly, the highest
judicatory in the church, has oversight ofthe entire church, including doctrine,
polity, discipline, property andjudicatories. It also hears appeals. (Fora list of General Assembly2011

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

responsibilities, see the Constitution
9.4.)
A set of checks and balances comes intoplay at each level of church government:•

Sessions elect delegates to presbytery•

Presbyteries have oversight of ministers,
probationers and sessions within theirbounds; they also hear appeals fromsessions•

Synods have oversight of presbyteries
and hear appeals from presbyteries•

Delegates to synods are elected bypresbyteries•

The General Assembly has oversight
responsibilities for the entire church•

Presbyteries elect commissioners toGeneral Assembly and must approvechanges in the Confession of Faith,
Constitution and Catechism referred tothem by the General Assembly.

Each judicatory serves a unique function andhas a specific oversight responsibility.
However, the presbytery is the pivotal
church court. In its oversight ofcongregations and ordained ministers, it
functions as a bishop. Presbyteries also hold
another important balance of power or
responsibility. They elect minister and elder
commissioners to meetings of the General
Assembly.
Because presbyteries, meeting at statedintervals, do not have the time or expertiseto conduct programs and exercise oversight,
they assign these responsibilities to ad hocor standing committees and/or commissions

99(See the Constitution 3.10.) These agencies
focus upon their assigned spheres ofministry and make recommendations to theirpresbyteries.
Oversight of ministerial probationers(candidates, licentiates, ordinands) andordained clergy may be given by apresbytery to its Committee on the Ministry.
Or these responsibilities may be divided
between a Committee on Preparation for the
Ministry (or similar function/name) and a
Committee on Clergy Care (or similarfunction/name). Regardless of where apresbytery lodges these responsibilities,“oversight” involves both supervision andsupport.
Stresses upon the ordained clergy and theirfamilies can be both sharp and acute. It is,therefore, important that members ofpresbyteries’ committees charged withoversight of ordained clergy be aware ofthese stressors. They should also convey a
spirit of understanding and support where
needed and impartial discipline whereappropriate.
Oversight of clergy probationers also
requires sensitive, mature judgment andapproachability. Probation is a time of
exploring the nature of God’s call as well as
preparing for ministry. Committee members
must always remember that theirpresbyteries ordain not just for theirpresbytery but also for the entire church. It
is important, therefore, that the ordination
standards contained in the Constitution(6.34) be honored.

25

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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2011

B. MINISTRY IN A LITIGIOUS SOCIETY
Churches and religious organizations can nolonger consider themselves immune fromcivil suit. We are as vulnerable as any otherorganization. Nor are all suits brought
against churches groundless and frivolous.
Some are brought to correct wrongs or to seek
legitimate compensation for real damage
inflicted.
Moreover, our primary emphasis should not
be upon avoiding suit but upon not fostering
practice harmful to people. In
accomplishing that goal, we also minimize
our risk of suit.
Presbyteries and their agencies should beaware of areas of potential liability. Most
have to do with failure or neglect:•••

Failure to investigate a known violent or
antisocial inclination or history before
approving a person for ministry
Negligence in supervision (failure to act
after becoming aware of an illegal or
harmful activity)
Failure to investigate accusations of
misconduct or malfeasance, particularlyof sexual, child or elderly misconduct or
abuse
NOTE: most states/countries require
citizens to report allegations of or
knowledge of child and elderly abuse toproper civil authorities•

Complicity (cover up)•

Disclosure of confidential information•

Defamation of character (libel andslander)26

WHAT TO DO IF THREATENEDWITH SUIT•

Take it seriously; a threatened suit may
change the dynamics of the committee’s
procedure. Note: presbyteries should
consult an attorney for appropriate
action in the event of allegations of or
suspicion of misconduct and/or
malfeasance•

If a suit is filed, it must be answered anddefended•Tell the presbyterial clerk immediately;
he/she should inform the insurance
agent/carrier if applicable and Office of
the General Assembly•

Follow meticulously the Constitution,
Rules of Discipline and other written
standards, including pertinent
presbyterial standing rules•

Cooperate with the insurance carrier if
applicable•

Do not discuss proceedings or the suit
publicly•

Do not talk with the media. Understandthat your presbytery is at risk of being
tried in the court of public opinion.

Each presbytery should have a media
response team, including one person who
understands the media and who, alone,serves as spokesperson for the presbytery.
Any number of books and online resources
provide information about the church andmedia.

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101

C. “THE CALL” IN HISTORICAL AND THEOLOGICALPERSPECTIVE
A study paper prepared for the Permanent Committee on
Theology and Social Concerns by Jay Earheart-Brown

The Call of God
The 1984 Confession of Faith of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Churches begins
with the affirmation that “God speaks to thehuman family.” 3 In various ways, throughmany different means, we confess that “byword and action God invites persons into acovenant relationship.” 4 This invitation ofGod, is the foundation of any Christianunderstanding of the call. The Christian life
is a life lived in response to the call of God.
Thus Paul refers to Christians as those whoare “called to be saints” (Rom. 1:7, 1 Cor.
1:2). The Greek word for church, whilecommonly used in the Greek world for any
assembly, is literally, “those who are calledout” (ekklesia). God takes the initiative tocall together, to assemble a people andfashion them for God’s purpose in theworld.
The history of Israel as God’s chosen people
was grounded in God’s call to Abraham andSarah to leave their homeland to follow
God’s directing. God’s intent for the people
was further intensified in God’s calling of
the descendants of Abraham and Sarah out
3

Heading for section 1.00, Confession of
Faith, in the Confession of Faith andGovernment of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church and the Second
Cumberland Presbyterian Church(Memphis: Frontier Press, 1984), p. 1.
Hereafter COF.
4
COF, sec. 1.03, p. 1.

of Egypt in the Exodus. Israel is chosen,
called, elected by God not because of thepeople’s righteousness, our power, or any
other intrinsic quality. The nation is called
not to special privilege, but to be a “light tothe nations.” God’s call to Israel, then, is apart of God’s larger intention to reclaim all
God’s wayward children.
Jesus’ public ministry began with his callingof the twelve. They followed Jesus,
according to the Gospel accounts, not fromtheir own initiative, but in response to Jesus’
call to leave their nets (and otheroccupations) and follow him. In Jesus’ deathand resurrection, those disciples became
convinced that God was calling all people,
the Jews and gentiles alike, into covenant
relationship. The preaching and teaching of
the earliest Christians was the means bywhich the call of God went out from
Jerusalem into the Greco-Roman world andbeyond.
God’s call to all people to salvation and life,
what the Confession refers to, as “the call tocovenant relationship,” is the foundation of
any adequate theology of the call. This
primary call of God is what the early Puritan
theologians referred to as the “generalcalling.” It is a calling that all who respond
to God in faith hear. It is common to all
Christians. The Confession also refers to it
as “the call and work of the Holy Spirit:”
The call and work of the Holy Spirit
is solely of God’s grace and is not a
response to human merit. The callprecedes all desire, purpose, and102

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
intention of the sinner to come to
Christ. While it is possible for all to
be saved with it, none can be saved
without it. Whoever will, therefore,
may be saved, but not apart from theilluminating influence of the Holy
Spirit. (1984 COF, section 4.03)

All Christians are called to salvation; all
Christians are called to the ministry of Jesus
Christ.
The general call of God is also a call to thechurch, the people of God, the communityof faith. It is more than an individual call; it
is fully corporate as well. The church’s task
is to ask not only what God is calling eachof us to do, but also what God is calling thechurch to be and do. As the Confession says,“The church is called into being and exists
to reach out to those who have notexperienced God’s grace in Christ, and tonourish them with all the means of grace”(1984 COF, section 5.29).

The Call and Christian Ethics
This invitation, this call, while
fundamentally a call to covenant
relationship with God, is at the same time allcall to a particular way of life. Like God’scall to Israel, it is not a call to special favor.
It is a call to righteousness, love and service.
The ethical dimensions of God’s call areraised through considering the question,“What does it mean, in practical terms, tolive in covenant relationship with God?”Paul’s ethical instructions to the earlychurches can be summarized in the counsel
to “lead a life worthy of the calling to which
you have been called” (Eph. 4:1). God’s callis a call to a specific way of life patterned
after the life and ministry of Jesus. The
ethical dimensions of God’s call flow from
God’s grace in Jesus Christ, and are

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2011

incumbent on all who would live as God’s
people in the world.
The task of Christian ethics is to specify
what it means to live in response to God’scall. This task is often difficult. While thegeneral contours of a life lived in covenant
relationship with God are clear from reading
the Scriptures, Christians often disagree on
how those contours inform specificdecisions in specific circumstances. How
should Christians respond to situations the
Biblical writers could not have foreseen?
Christians in good conscience may disagree
on how God’s general calling to the life offaith may best be demonstrated in specificsituations. But they cannot escape theimperative to live out the call to discipleshipin every sphere of their lives.
A second type of difficulty arises throughcompeting claims on one’s attention andenergy. How does one manage thecompeting callings to be a faithful andloving husband or wife, son or daughter,father or mother, with the calling to be a
responsible employee or employer, and thecalling to responsible membership in thecommunity of faith? Sometimes the deepest
ethical conflicts arise over how we are to
relate the overlapping callings andcommitments that make up our lives.
The call to covenant relationship with God,
then, is at the same time a call to covenant
relationship with the people of God, inservice to the world. It is not a call toprivilege or status; it is not a call toindividual salvation apart from thecommunity of faith and the life of sacrificial
service. The one call of God in Jesus Christ
is a call to love God with our heart and souland strength and our neighbors as ourselves.

Particular Callings and the Idea ofVocation

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THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Historically, the people of God have alsointerpreted the call of God to encompass
callings to particular ministries both within
and outside the covenant community, and to
specific tasks in specific circumstances.
Such particular calls are given to individuals
within the community of faith, but are at thesame time intended to serve the one call of
God to faith and service. One aspect of theparticular calling of God for individuals
relates to how one earns a living.
Before the toleration of Christianity in the
Roman Empire, those who responded toGod’s calling to the life of faith in Jesus
Christ and participation in the covenantcommunity were liable to suffer serious
consequences. Those consequences included
disruption of family relationships, alienationfrom the Roman government (including
imprisonment and even death), and, forsome at least, a change in occupation. The
Apostolic Tradition of Hippolytus, written
around 215 A.D., gives instruction to thechurches about those who seek membership:
Inquiry shall be made about the crafts
and professions of those who arebrought for instruction. If a man is abrothel-keeper, let him cease or be
rejected. If anyone is a sculptor or apainter, let them be instructed not tomake idols; let them cease or be
rejected. If anyone is an actor or
gives theatrical performances, let him
cease or be rejected. He who teaches
children had best cease, but if he has
no craft, let him have permission.
Similarly, a charioteer who competes
in the games, or goes to them, let him
cease or be rejected. One who is a
gladiator or teaches gladiators tofight, or one who fights with beasts in
the games, or a public official
employed on gladiatorial business, let
him cease or be rejected. If anyone is103

a priest, or keeper of idols, let him
cease or be rejected. A soldier underauthority shall not kill a man. If he isordered to, he shall not carry out theorder; nor shall he take the oath. If heis unwilling, let him be rejected. He
who has the power of the sword, or isa magistrate of a city who wears the
purple, let him cease or be rejected.
Catechumen or believers who want tobecome soldiers should be rejected,
because they have despised God. 5
For the early church, the general call had
specific consequences for the ways converts
earned a living. Some "crafts andprofessions" were considered appropriate for
Christians; others were not.
With the toleration of Christianity underConstantine, and later the recognition of
Christianity as the official religion of the
Roman Empire, the list of approved
professions changed decisively. For
instance, service as a magistrate or soldier
was no longer prohibited when the Empire
was considered Christian. Still, all
Christians were considered called to the lifeof faith and service. The specifics of whatforms of earning one's living could andcould not be allowed as consistent with thecall of God changed depending on the social
context.
Another consequence of Christianity's
adoption as the official religion of theempire was the rise of monasticism. With
the end of persecution, many Christians felt
called by God to demonstrate their faith in amanner that would set them apart from the"ordinary" Christian. One of the more
5

Hippolytus, The Apostolic Tradition, trans.
Geoffrey J. Cuming, as quoted in James F.
White, Documents of Christian Worship(Louisville: Westminster/John Knox Press,
1992), p. 151-52.
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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

popular ways of doing so in the fourth andfifth centuries was for devout men andwomen to renounce family and goods for alife of perpetual prayer. This monastic
movement in the church led to a limiting of
the idea of vocation (calling) to those whoentered these intentional communities ofmen and women devoted to the life ofprayer. By the time of the sixteenth century
Reformation, Christians were commonly
divided into "the religious" (those who
followed the monastic way, who had a callto a religious vocation) and "secular"
Christians. Secular Christians could
participate in and benefit from the devotionof the religious by endowing monasteries.
But secular Christians (and even “secular”
priests) were often considered inferior to the“religious” Christians who truly lived out
their faith.

Vocation in Luther and Calvin
At the time of the Protestant Reformation in
the sixteenth century, Martin Luther rejected
the restriction of the idea of vocation or
calling to monastic life. Such division of
Christians into "secular" and "religious"
Luther found flawed on several counts. First,
he had found from personal experience thatthe life of monastic rigor could not bring
him to peace with God. The attempt to earn
God's favor through renunciation of theworld Luther found to be seriously at odds
with the doctrine of God's free grace inJesus Christ.
Instead, Luther committed himself to arecovery of the idea of the "priesthood ofbelievers." The general call to discipleshipwas elevated to a place of priority over the
specific calling of God. What distinguishes
ordained ministers from other disciples,
according to Luther, is not that they arecalled, and lay Christians are not. Ordained

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2011

ministers, as a part of their calling, are set
apart for a specific function within the life of
the community. The distinction is nothierarchical. Nor is it a distinction of piety,as if clergy are more religious than lay
Christians. The distinction is one offunction. God's gift of leadership in the
church is "to equip the saints for the work ofministry" (Eph. 4:11-13). All Christians areministers of the gospel. Within that one
ministry, we have a variety of gifts for manydifferent types of service.
While calling into question the two-tiered
piety of medieval Catholicism and theclericalism of the church, Luther did notcompletely do away with the distinction
between clergy and laity, as some of themore radical reformers did. In this, Calvin
and the Reformed tradition followed Luther.
Ordination to a specialized ministry of
preaching and administering sacraments was
retained by Lutherans and the Reformed.
But that ordination was seen as a functional
distinction given by God for the purpose ofserving the general calling to ministry of all
disciples of Jesus Christ.
In developing his idea of vocation, Lutherurged all Christians to see themselves as
called, not only to be disciples of Jesus
Christ, but to their particular station in life.
Farmers, merchants, and nurses wereencouraged to see their work as a part oftheir calling to serve God. The "lowest"
domestic servant had a God-given purpose
every bit as important as that of the pastor orteacher or magistrate. A Christian's calling
includes doing his or her duty, in family,society, and church, as a sacred calling. 6
Luther's concept of vocation was
revolutionary in its day. It gave new value to
6

See Gustaf Wingren, Luther on Vocation(Philadelphia: Muhlenberg Press, 1957).

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work, challenging the medieval division of
the world into sacred and secular. All work
could be done as religious work, if done in
God's service and for the sake of loving
one's neighbor. But Luther's idea of vocation
was also deeply conservative in many
senses. One should not question one's given
place in society, but see it as a part of God's
purpose. There was no sense that a person
should seek God's purpose apart from one's
given station in life. The cobbler's sonshould be content in the knowledge that by
his birth, God had called him to continue hisfather's work, even if that work was infusedwith new religious vitality.
At this point, Calvin's doctrine of vocation
presented an advance beyond Luther. Calvin
did not believe that one should simply
accept one's given station in life. A Christianmust actively seek his or her calling. Calvinagreed with Luther that God calls persons tomany different occupations, but he refused
to limit the concept of vocation to theoccupation dictated by one's birth. God'scalling may lead some Christians to change
occupations or professions. "It would beasking far too much," Calvin wrote, "if atailor were not permitted to learn anothertrade, or a merchant to change to farming." 7
A person may feel called by God to different
occupations at different times in her life.
Thus the Reformed tradition, while agreeing
with Luther's emphasis on the vocation of all
Christians, developed a more dynamic
7

John Calvin, The First Epistle of Paul the
Apostle to the Corinthians, Calvin's New
Testament Commentaries, ed. David W. andThomas F. Torrance, trans. John W. Fraser(Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1960), p. 153.
Quoted in Donald K. McKim, "The 'Call' in
the Reformed Tradition," in Major Themesin the Reformed Tradition, ed. McKim(Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1992), p. 340.

105

approach to discerning the call of God on
one's life. 8
Recovering Vocation
The Puritans who settled New England
carried the Reformed tradition’s emphasis
on vocation with them across the Atlantic.
The Puritan work ethic has been the subjectof much debate, but whatever its limitations
or corruptions, it certainly led Puritan
Christians to understand their work, inwhatever form, as a part of their religious
calling. John Wesley, who had been deeply
influenced by English Puritanism, counseled
his followers to “Earn all you can; save all
you can; give all you can.” Thus every formof earning a living could be turned to theservice of God’s purpose in the world.
In our time, when the concept of vocation
has been divorced from its Christian roots
and secularized, many Reformed Christians
are arguing for a renewal of the concept ofvocation. The word “vocation” has come inpopular usage to be a synonym for“profession” or “job.” There is little senseamong many Christians of any connection
between the work they do to make a living
and their calling to be disciples of Jesus
Christ. Work and faith are too often
compartmentalized into different andunrelated arenas of life. Ironically, among
Protestants today the idea is prevalent thatordained clergy are the ones who have beencalled; other Christians work "secular jobs"
to support the "religious" work of clergy andmissionaries. The medieval division of work8

See also John H. Leith, John Calvin’s
Doctrine of the Christian Life (Louisville:
Westminster/ John Knox Press, 1989); andRonald S. Wallace, Calvin’s Doctrine of theChristian Life (Edinburgh: Oliver & Boyd,
1959).
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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

into secular and sacred has reappeared asstrong as ever.
As Wendell Berry notes, preachers are theones we speak of as being in "full-time
Christian service." In his experience, Berrynotes that this term is used
exclusively to refer to the ministry,
thereby at once making of the devoted
life a religious specialty or career andremoving the possibility of devotion
from other callings. Thus the $50,000-ayear preacher is a "full-time Christianservant," whereas a $20,000- or a
$10,000-a-year farmer, or a farmer
going broke, so far as the religious
specialists are concerned must serve"the economy" in his work or in his
failure and serve God in his spare time.
The professional class is likewise free
to serve itself in its work and to serve
God by giving the church its ten
percent. 9
For Berry, the consequence of our modern
clericalism is not only the separation it
creates between clergy and laity, but more
importantly the loss of a sense of calling
about our work, whether we farm or engage
in professional work or any other type of
employment. The economy, business, andprofessional work are seen as realms outside
our Christian faith and commitment, rather
than areas in which we are to live out ourcalling as disciples of Jesus Christ.

9

Wendell Berry, from What Are People
For? (New York: North Point Press, 1990),
as quoted in From Christ to the World:
Introductory Readings in Christian Ethics,
ed. Wayne G. Boulton, Thomas D.
Kennedy, and Allen Verhey (Grand Rapids:
Eerdmans, 1996), p. 525.
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2011

Not all Christians have a deep internal senseof call about their employment. But some dohave as strong a sense of God's having
called them to teach children or practice
medicine or farm or any number of different
means of working as any ordained minister.
Though it may sometimes be the case thatwhat distinguishes the call to service
experienced by clergy and laity is theintensity of the sense of call, this is certainly
not always true. Those Christians who feel
deeply a call to some other ministry besides
that of ordination to pastoral ministry should
know that their call is honored by the
church, not discounted as in any way lessimportant that a call to ordained ministry ofword and sacrament. Those whose
employment is not undertaken out of astrong sense of God's call, should be
encouraged to find creative ways to live out
their general calling as Christians within thecontext of their work.

Particular Callings within the life of
the Covenant Community
In the epistles of the New Testament, there
is a clear understanding that God calls
members of the community of faith toparticular tasks within the church. These
particular callings are closely related to what
Paul identifies as spiritual gifts. Within thehousehold of faith there is a great diversityof gifts given so that together, the church
may grow in grace and faith. "The gifts
Christ gave are that some should be apostles,
some prophets, some evangelists, somepastors and teachers, to equip the saints forthe work of ministry, for building up the
body of Christ . . ." (Eph. 4:11-12; see also 1
Corinthians 12:1-31; Romans 12:3-8). Every
gift is given for the sake of building up thechurch for its ministry in the world.

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In recent years, many churches haveconducted workshops and conferences on
spiritual gifts, in which members areencouraged to identify their own gifts for thework of ministry. Once the gifts are
identified, members are encouraged to findways to exercise those gifts within the life of
their particular congregation and its
ministry. Such spiritual gifts workshops are
one example of an attempt to recover a focus
on the particular call of God to every
Christian within the general call to faith andservice. Theologically, this is an emphasisthat lies at the heart of our own tradition as
Reformed Christians.
Those who are gifted by the Spirit forteaching should be encouraged to put theirgift to work for the church and its ministry.
Those who have the gift of hospitality need
to be identified and enlisted in the church’s
work of welcoming strangers into the life of
the church. Some members have the ability
to oversee the property of the church, andothers have gifts for planning, or generosity,or ministries with the poor or homeless, or
caring for the sick and dying. The list could
go on and on. Within the one call of God tofaith and service, there are also particularcallings to specific tasks within thehousehold of faith. It is the church’s task to
assist all its people to discern their particularcalling and how it can serve God’s larger
purpose in the world.
Within the Reformed tradition there has
been special emphasis on God’s call to threeparticular offices within the church: that of
deacon, elder, and minister of word andsacrament. Those who enter one of theseoffices are called by God, through the voiceof the church, to exercise leadership within
the community of faith for the sake of theministry of the whole church. While there ismuch greater attention given to the call tothe ministry of word and sacrament, the107church should emphasize that every call to
one of these offices should be seen as a callfrom God. The first question to prospective
elders and deacons should be, “You havebeen called by the church to lead us in our
ministry. Do you feel yourself called by God
to this office in the church?”
Some particular churches have found thatthe most effective way to recruit members
for various tasks within the life of the church
is to do so by issuing a “call.” Instead ofasking for volunteers, committees
responsible for securing teachers for the
church school, for instance, consider who inthe church has the gifts necessary to do thework. Then those persons are issued a “call”
to serve. Those issuing the call are preparedto say why they think the person’s gifts andtalents are suited to the particular task. The
person is free to accept or reject the call, ofcourse, but such a call often prompts persons
to serious reflection about whether or not
God is truly calling them to this ministry
within the church. Such a “call system” isfully consistent with our theologicalcommitment as Cumberland Presbyterians to
the idea that all Christians have particular
gifts and callings within the community offaith.

The Particular Call to the Ministry ofWord and SacramentOver forty years ago, H. Richard Niebuhr
proposed that the call to ordained ministryof word and sacrament includes in addition
to the general call to discipleship at least
three elements:[1] the secret call, namely, that innerpersuasion or experience whereby aperson feels himself [or herself]
directly summoned or invited by God
to take up the work of the [ordained]
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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
ministry; [2] the providential call,which is that invitation and commandto assume the work of the [ordained]
ministry which comes through theequipment of a person with the talents
necessary for the exercise of the officeand through the divine guidance of his[or her] life by all its circumstances; [3]the ecclesiastical call, that is, thesummons and invitation extended to a[person] by some community or
institution of the Church to engage inthe work of the ministry [of word andsacrament]. 10

What Niebuhr said about the call to ordained
ministry of word and sacrament could easily
be said of the call for all Christians. In otherwords, all Christians should work to discern
their secret call. Each should be challenged
to assess their gifts and the circumstances oflife for what they may contribute to theirunderstanding of God’s call. Finally, every
Christian should listen to the voice of thechurch and its invitation to specificministries of service. Thus, all of what will
be said about call in this section can beapplies to the particular call of all Christians.
But for now, we turn our attention to the callto ordained ministry of word and sacrament.
At various times in history, more or lessemphasis has been given to one or anotherof Niebuhr’s three elements of the call toordained ministry of word and sacrament. In
the early church, there was relatively littleemphasis on the internal call. For instance,
Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, intended after
his conversion to Christianity to spend hislife in a lay monastic community, in a life ofstudy and writing. However, while he wasattending a service in the nearby city of10

H. Richard Niebuhr, The Purpose of the
Church and Its Ministry (New York: Harper& Row, 1956), p. 64.
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2011

Hippo, on the North African coast, the local
bishop and people recognized him. He hadalready made something of a name forhimself through his writings in defense of
the Christian faith. On the spot, the peopleof Hippo called Augustine to be a priest in
their city, refusing his protests, unwilling totake “no” for an answer. As Augustine later
recounted, "I came to this city to see afriend, whom I thought I might gain for
God, that he might live with us in themonastery. I felt secure, for the place
already had a bishop. I was grabbed. I was
made a priest . . . and from there, I became
your bishop." 11 Against his own wishes,
Augustine agreed to accept the people’s callas the call of God on his life, and he settled
in Hippo for the duration of his long anddistinguished career, devoting himself to thetask of serving as priest, then assistantbishop, and finally as bishop. Had hefollowed his own desires, Augustine would
have preferred the secluded life of a scholar,
but the ecclesiastical call overpowered his
own sense of God’s call in his life.
Similarly, John Calvin, the great sixteenth
century Reformer of Geneva, did not set out
to be a public leader of the Reformmovement in Switzerland. He detoured
through Geneva on his way to Strasbourg
because the more direct route from his
native city was blocked by war. In
Strasbourg, he intended to take up a life
similar to what Augustine had envisioned
for himself. Calvin thought his gifts could
best be used as a scholar and writer for the
Reformed cause. But upon hearing thatCalvin was in Geneva, the fiery leader of the11

Augustine, Sermon 355, 2, as quoted inPeter Brown, Augustine of Hippo (Berkeley:
University of California Press, 1967), p.
138. The full account of Augustine's call tobe priest and bishop in Hippo is recounted in
Brown, pp. 138-145.

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THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

109

Reform in Geneva, William Farel, went to
the inn where Calvin was staying and urged
him to settle in the city. When Calvinrefused, Farel threatened him with the wrathof God. “You are simply following yourown desires. And I tell you in the name of
Almighty God, that if you refuse to take partin the Lord's work in this church, God willcurse the quiet life that you want for yourstudies.” 12 Calvin, unable to convincehimself that it was not God’s will that hestay, agreed to help Farel with the reform of
the Genevan Church. With the exception ofa three-year exile in Strasbourg, Calvinwould spend the rest of his life as a pastor
and leader of the Genevan Church. For
Calvin, as for Augustine, the ecclesiasticalcall preceded any sense of internal call toordained ministry.

of elevating the importance of the internalcall.

By contrast, most Protestant churches in the
United States, at least since the Great
Awakening of the 1740s, have placed amuch larger emphasis on what Niebuhr calls
the "secret call," or , as it is more commonly
designated in the Cumberland Presbyterian
tradition, the "internal call." Gilbert
Tennent's 1741 sermon, "The Danger of an
Unconverted Ministry," was one of the more
incendiary tracts of the Awakening period.
In it, Tennent accused the majority of
Presbyterian ministers not only of nothaving an internal call to ordained ministry,
but of being bereft any true piety. For
leaders of the Awakening, it was essentialthat one be able to narrate one's experienceof conversion and call. The Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, as a product of what
has been called the second Great
Awakening, clearly stands in this tradition

Both the Confession of 1883 and theConfession of 1984 continue the emphasison the internal call. 15 However, theConfession of 1984 seems to move awayfrom Irby's contention that the internal calltakes precedence over the ecclesiastical in
the provision that a "licentiate shall beordained only if he or she has a call to achurch or to a ministry approved by thepresbytery." 16 While this constitutional
provision has long been a part of the practiceof other Presbyterian bodies, it was new to
Cumberland Presbyterian practice with the12This incident is recounted in Dawn
DeVries, "'The Meaning of Call andOrdination' A Theological Perspective,"
http://www.utsva.edu/copy/newspubs/Publications/focus-devries_themeaning.html.

As Joe Ben Irby notes, the Westminster
Confession makes no reference to theinternal call. But the Constitution of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church has since1814 instructed its presbyteries to test the"real piety" of candidates for ordained
ministry and "to examine them respecting
their experimental acquaintance withreligion, and the motives which influencethem to desire the sacred office. And theirinternal call to this important work." 13 Irby
concludes that "Cumberland Presbyterians
have from the beginning emphasized thenecessity and importance of an 'internal call'to the ministry. Such a call takes precedence
over an 'ecclesiastical call' . . ." 1413

Confession of 1814, Form of Government
XII, 2; as quoted in Irby, This They
Believed: A Brief History of Doctrine in the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church (Chelsea,
MI: Joe Ben Irby, 1997), p. 546. Italics
added by Irby.
14
Irby, p. 546.
15
References to the internal call can also befound in the 1883 Constitution, paragraphs
51 and 56; and in the 1984 Constitution,sections 6.14, 6.15, 6.32, and 6.36.
16Constitution 1984, 6.31, p. 48.
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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Confession of 1984. It represents a renewed
insistence that the ecclesiastical call be taken
into consideration before a licentiate isordained to the ministry of word andsacrament. 17
Still, Irby’s contention that the internal calltakes priority over all other aspects of thecall probably continues to reflect thepractice of many Cumberland Presbyterians
and the presbyteries’ committees on
ministry. Where that is the case, committees
find it difficult to question a candidate’s call,and to help the candidate examine his or hercall, to test whether he or she has heard
God’s call rightly. A common attitude seems
to be, “If a person claims to be called to theministry of word and sacrament, who are weto question that call?” Ultimately, such an
attitude on the part of committees does noservice to those who, sincerely believing
themselves to be called, do not exhibit thegifts and graces necessary to the fulfilling of
the office of ordained minister of word andsacrament in the church. Such persons,
sometimes after years of preparation forordained ministry, may find themselves
unable to secure a call to exercise theirministry. They may rightly wonder why nochurch will call them as pastor. They have,after all, satisfied their committee on
ministry. When a committee finds itself
unable to question seriously a person’s
providential call, that is, a person’s abilities
17

Recent Cumberland Presbyterian authors
who have emphasized the ecclesiastical callinclude Morris Pepper, An Introduction to
Christian Ministry for Lay and Clergy
Persons in the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, ed. Mark Brown and James Knight(1992), pp. 21-22; and John Ed Gardner,“The Biblical Basis of Call,” unpublishedpaper presented at the Cumberland
Presbyterian Christian Education
Conference (date unavailable).
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2011

to do the work of ordained ministry, it canunwittingly set up a candidate for a lifetimeof frustration. The providential call and theecclesiastical call need to be considered asimportant to the long term viability ofchurch leaders as the internal call.
That does not mean that the internal call is
unimportant. It is essential if a person is tohave the spiritual resources for thedemanding work of pastoral leadership. But
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church has
always affirmed that zeal alone, without
education, and without gifts for leadership,
will not serve effectively the larger ministryof the people of God. The ideal call is one inwhich the internal sense of call, the gifts forministry given by the Spirit, and thechurch’s confirmation of the call cometogether to empower ordained ministers forthe work of leading the covenant community
in its response to God’s call to discipleship.
Our near exclusive focus on the internal call
can also lead the church to take a passive
approach to identifying potential leaders forthe church. Unlike the church ofAugustine’s and Calvin’s time, we often
wait patiently for persons to hear the internal
voice of God, rather than identifying thosewith gifts for leadership in the church andchallenging them to discern whether or notthey should interpret those gifts and graces,
and the church’s need of their leadership, asa part of God’s providential andecclesiastical call on their life. Again, this is
not to say that the internal call is
unimportant; only that a person’s serious
consideration of the internal call may attimes be prompted by the external call andchallenge of the church.
The variety of experience among those whohear and respond to God’s particular call toordained leadership in the church is suchthat no one pattern can cover all cases.

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THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
need for ministers, we may bechallenged to consider it.

Morris Pepper has identified nine different
means through with God may call persons.
The call may come through:1. The life and fellowship of the church andthe influence of the gospel in our lives.
In other words, it arises out of our own
Christian experience which kindles aninterest and a desire to do more.
2. The suggestions of well meaning people.
They may ask at some time and place,“Have you ever considered theministry?” Thus the idea is dropped into
our minds. They may have observed
something about us which indicated that
we had the ability to become a minister.
3. The spiritual atmosphere of thecongregation, a conference, a church
camp, or some other group may have
moved us and brought the call into
focus.
4. God may speak to us through a time ofworship and/or a sermon in which theidea was born in our minds or the
impression made upon us.
5. The influence of ministers. We may see
something in them which appeals to us
and makes us want to be like them. They
become good models. They may bepastors or parents whose children follow
in their footsteps.

111

9. Or, through other means, such as a
growing conviction over a period of timethat the ministry is God’s will for us.
Interviews with a number of people inrecent years indicate that this is the kindof experience many have had. 18
Whatever the internal experience, God is theone who calls, and the church must test andvalidate that call.

Discerning the Call of God
It is seldom an easy task to discern God’s
particular call on our lives. One recent writer
has noted that God’s call comes to us in theplace where our deep joys and longings
meet the world’s great need. For some,
finding that place is like stumbling across apearl of great value, with little or no effort.
For others, a clear call from God is moreelusive. There is always something of amystery to the call of God. Still, there are
guideposts to help us in the work of
discernment.

6. A direct confrontation by some person:“Have you ever considered the ministry?
Can you say you have not been called?”
In the early years of our denominationsuch recruitment was done more than it
is today.

First, discovering God’s call is a task ofspiritual discernment. It requires prayer,
study, and deep self awareness. We must
constantly ask whether we are hearing God’scall or our own desires. This task of
discernment is not one to be undertaken
alone. It requires the support and counsel ofour brothers and sisters in the community offaith. Selfish motives can cloud ourjudgment. Trusted guides are needed to help

7. A recognition on our part of havingsome ability for ministry.

18

8. A challenge of need and opportunity.
Upon hearing about or observing theMorris Pepper, An Introduction to
Christian Ministry for Lay and Clergy
Persons in the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, ed. Mark Brown and James Knight(1992), p. 21.
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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

us listen attentively for God’s direction. The
work of Committees on Ministry is best seen
as one of spiritual direction for those who
are testing their sense of call to the ordained
ministry of word and sacrament.
Second, it must always be remembered thatthe particular call to such a ministry is God’scall for the sake of the church. Ordained
ministry exists for the church; the church
does not exist for its ordained ministers.
The particular call, if it is authentic, always
serves the general call of God to the life offaith and service. Some speak of the call toordained ministry of word and sacrament as
the “highest calling in the church.”
However, it is easy for such an idea to leadto the kind of hierarchy of callings theReformed tradition at its best has always
resisted. There may be no higher calling in
the church, but this is not the same as callingordained ministry the highest calling.
Among Christians, there is no place forspeaking of “higher” or “lower;” all are in
Christ Jesus. The 1984 Constitution rejects“grades of office” in the church in its
description of this ministry:
The office of minister of word andsacrament is unique in the life of thechurch as to responsibility andusefulness. God calls persons and setsthem apart for this ministry. The persons
who fill this office should be sound in
the faith, exemplary in conduct, andcompetent to perform the duties of theministry. Persons who become ministersof the word and sacrament are due suchrespect as belongs to their office, but are
not by virtue of their office more holy or
righteous than other Christians. They
share in the same vocation that belongs
to all Christians to be witnesses to thegospel in word and deed. They differ
from other Christians only with regard to
the office to which they are called, which

38

2011

is their station in life. (1984Constitution, section 2.61)
The distinction is one of responsibility, notof status. Those who seek leadership in the
church out of a desire for status or prestige
have not heard the call of God rightly. The
call to ordained ministry is a call to live as aservant of the servants of God.
Often, those who present themselves to thechurch as candidates for ordained ministry
have different levels of certainty about theircall. This is to be expected. The
probationary period is a time for testing thecall. As educational and spiritual
preparation for ordained ministry
progresses, persons will often have theirsense of call confirmed. Of course, others
may decide that their original sense of call
was mistaken.
The experience of Louisa Woosley, the firstwoman ordained to the ministry of word andsacrament in the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church provides an interesting study of how
one person's call was confirmed through herstudy and practice of ministry. Woosley
recounts an internal call to ministry that she
experienced soon after her conversion. But
she knew of no women ministers in her
time, so over time she decided that she must
be mistaken about her sense of call. As ayoung woman, she resolved to get her
husband to respond on her behalf, but heresisted. She resolved to study the Bible
from beginning to end, hoping to find there
an answer to her questions. At the end ofalmost a year of study, she became
convinced that the scriptures did not prohibit
women preachers. Still, she hesitated,knowing she would encounter opposition in
the church. She literally became sick withher struggle, and finally resolved to respond
to God’s call. Again, something held herback, but when her daughter was stricken

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THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

with an illness and expected to die, shepromised God that she would preach if God
would spare her daughter. The daughter
recovered, and Woosley knew what she had
to do. Still, she did not tell anyone of her
sense of call, resolving to wait for an
opportunity to speak in public.
Soon the session of her church called on her
to lead the evening service when the pastor
was absent. In the experience of standing
before the church, she felt the first
confirmation of her call, despite theopposition of many of her friends and family
members. Later that year she presented
herself for candidacy in Nolin Presbytery,
and was ordained in November 1889. At
first, she rarely was called to preach, but
soon her services as an evangelist andpreacher were in great demand. In that,again, she found confirmation of God’s call,
despite the fact that the General Assembly
refused to seat her and instructed her
presbytery to drop her name from the roll of
ordained ministers. 19
Louisa Woosley’s call had all three of
Niebuhr’s elements. She had a strong andpersistent internal call. By God’s
providence, she was called upon to speak at
her home church, and she obviously
demonstrated gifts for leadership such that
her own presbytery was willing to break theunwritten tradition that women could not be
ordained to the ministry of word andsacrament. Finally, the churches of herhome area called her to serve them as an

19Louisa Woosley’s eloquent account of her
call is recounted in the last chapter of herbook, Shall Woman Preach, Or the Question
Answered (Canneyvill, KY, 1891); reprinted
by the Cumberland Presbyterian Board of
Christian Education (Memphis: Frontier
Press, 1989), pp. 96-101.

113

evangelist, providing the ecclesiastical callwithout which she could not have served.
The church should be willing to help those
who do not find their sense of call confirmed
to find their call in some other ministry of
the church. Jesus’ saying about “those who,
having put their hand to the plow, turn back”
is not directed to ministers of the word andsacrament. It is directed to those who turnback from the call to discipleship.
It is to them that Jesus directs the warning
about not being fit for God’s kingdom. A
minister of the word and sacrament who
feels called to give up his or her office in the
church should not be shamed. On the other
hand, the church must always take care to
see that those who have responded to thisparticular call are encouraged and supported
in their ministry as long as that ministry
promises useful for the life of the church.

The Call to Particular Persons as
Pastors
Any discussion of the call would beincomplete without a brief discussion of ourcall system for matching ordained ministers
with particular churches. Churches withPresbyterian government have longcherished the call system. Churches,through their sessions, call whom they will
to serve as their pastor. Pastors are free toaccept or decline calls from particularchurches. At its best, our system values thedesires and needs of both pastors andpeople, rather than depending on a system of
appointment for assigning pastoralleadership to churches.
One of the liabilities of the call system,
however, is that if often fails to serve theneeds of both pastors and churches. Rural
churches often find it difficult to attract
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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

candidates for pastor. Many pastors,
especially women and older men, find it
difficult to get churches to consider them fora call. What many have spoken of recently
as a “crisis in pastoral leadership” in ourchurch is not due to a lack of ordained
pastors. We have many pastors who areunder-employed because they do not fit the
profile of what churches are looking for in
their “ideal” pastor. While there are no easyanswers to the difficulty we are experiencing
in this matter, churches and pastors should
be challenged to examine whether their idea
of call is grounded in God’s will. The taskof spiritual discernment in this area of thecall is as critical as in any other.
Some churches need to be educated tounderstand the difference between calling apastor and hiring a chief executive officer.
The call to a person to be pastor of aparticular congregation must be undertaken

2011

in the spirit of God’s general call to thechurch to be a faithful witness to the gospelof Jesus Christ. At the same time, pastors
should have a clear sense of the difference
between entertaining a call and climbing acareer ladder.
God’s call to us as Cumberland
Presbyterians in the 21st century demands
that we look and pray for the leaders God is
calling us to recognize. Sometimes thoseleaders will not be the ones we had
previously envisioned. Like David’s father
Jesse, we should be prepared that we may
often be surprised at who God calls. May
God help us to look beyond the appearances,to the heart, both our own, and that of theleaders God graciously continues to send us,
and calls us to recognize, equip, and support
in our service of the one call of God in Jesus
Christ.

III. APPENDIX
A. QUESTIONS FOR ORDINATION EXAMINATIONPERSONAL FAITH AND GROWTH
1. Describe your faith pilgrimage in termsof your relationship to Christ and thechurch.
2. What is your understanding of the placeof prayer in one’s relationship with God?

40

3. Have you grown in your faith since you
have been under the care of presbytery?
In what ways?

CALL TO MINISTRY
4. Describe your sense of call. Has itchanged since you responded to it? In
what ways?

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THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

115

5. How do you interpret your calling inlight of what Cumberland Presbyterians
believe that all Christians are a “called”
people? How is your calling different?
How is it the same?

17. What are some of the principal
elements of Cumberland Presbyterian
theology?

HOLY SCRIPTURES

19. What is your definition of thefollowing: sin, repentance, forgiveness,reconciliation, covenant, grace, faith,
and works?

6. What do you understand by the phrase:“…the inspiration of the scriptures?”
7. What do you understand by the phrase:“…the infallible rule of faith andpractice?”
8. Why is it important to know the timeframe and authorship of the books of the
Bible?
9. What do you understand by the term
“biblical criticism?”
10. In what ways do the synoptic gospels
differ from each other? From the fourthgospel?
11. What is meant by the phrase“comparing scripture with scripture?”
Why is it important? Or, what’s wrong
with proof texting, anyway?
12. Briefly describe the picture of Jesus
presented in the Gospel of Mark.
13. Briefly describe the unity and diversityof the Bible.
14. Briefly comment on Christianity’s
indebtedness to Judaism in thefollowing areas: understanding thenature of God, the covenant, law andgrace.
15. What do Cumberland Presbyterians
mean by the “authority of scripture?”

THEOLOGY
16. Describe your thoughts about
Cumberland Presbyterian theology.
Describe your feelings.

18. Discuss some of the different “theories”
of the atonement.

20. What does Cumberland Presbyterian
theology say about the preservation ofbelievers?
21. What does Cumberland Presbyterian
theology say about the Holy Spirit?
22. Discuss the Cumberland Presbyterian
theology of both sacraments: theLord’s Supper and baptism.
23. What is the importance of theresurrection for the Christian’s life andthe Christian faith?
24. Why are the following important to thedevelopment of Christian theology(selectively chosen): Augustine, Martin
Luther, John Calvin, John Knox,
Huldrych Zwingli and John Wesley.

CHURCH HISTORY
25. Discuss the growth of the early church
as related in scripture.
26. What issues led to the Protestant
Reformation?
27. Discuss the development of the
Presbyterian/Reformed churches andthe place of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church within the
Reformed family of churches.
28. Briefly describe the social, political andreligious conditions just prior to (l) theGreat Awakening and (2) the Second
Great Awakening.
29. Name some of the contributions of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church to
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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Christianity, both nationally andinternationally.

30. Briefly discuss the development ofmajor theological movements in the20th and 21st centuries.

PASTORAL CARE
31. Describe the pastor’s role as “shepherd”
to the congregation.
32. Why is confidentiality important in the
pastoral role?
33. Discuss the pastor’s role in counselingas related to advantages, limitations,referrals and balance with other pastoral
responsibilities.
34. What are your personal guidelines for
conduct when visiting in a hospital?

PREACHING AND WORSHIP
35. Is the sermon important? Why or why
not?

2011

NURTURE AND
ADMINISTRATION
41. Among other roles, a minister is ateacher. Briefly describe your feelings
about this role.
42. What are the attitudes and aptitudes
needed to be an effective administratorof church programs and ministries?

THE CHURCH IN MISSION
43.

What does the Confession of Faith say
about the church in mission?

44.

What is a “healthy” congregation?
Describe some characteristics.

45.

Describe the unity and diversity of thechurch.

46.

What have your experiences been withconnectional and independent
congregations? Why have you chosen
to do ministry in a connectional church?

36. What goes into making a sermon?
What are its goals? What is the placeof the Bible in preaching? What makesa sermon prophetic?

THE CUMBERLANDPRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

37. Describe your method of preparation
and approach to sermon planning,
preparation and preaching.

48. What are the responsibilities of thepresbytery, as outlined in theConstitution?

38. Name of the most commonly usedlectionary. Do you use a lectionary?
Why or why not?

49. What are the responsibilities of theGeneral Assembly, as outlined in theConstitution?

39. What is your opinion of traditional
worship, blended worship andcontemporary worship?

50. Discuss the accountability of ministers
and probationers to the presbytery.

40. How do you plan for worship? What
resources do you use, if any?

47. What are the responsibilities of thesession, as outlined in the Constitution?

51. Discuss the accountability of sessions
to the presbytery.
52. Discuss the Constitution’s statements
relating to congregational property.
53. What is the purpose of discipline, as
defined in the Rules of Discipline?

42

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117

B. SAMPLE REPORT TO THE PRESBYTERYCOMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR THE MINISTRY
To the Presbytery of Catawba

Date)

Presbyters:
The committee has met twice since the last stated meeting of presbytery. A quorum was present
at both meetings.
PROBATIONERS: The committee interviews probationers annually in person or by conference
call. In addition, committee members serve as liaisons to assigned probationers and are incontact with them at least once more annually. All probationers have been interviewed in thelast six months, except one.
The following is a list of probationers (candidates and licentiates), with notations of their current
status and pertinent personal information:
INCOMING CANDIDATE MARY MARGARET MATURE, a member of the Sacred Harp
congregation, has been endorsed by her session. She has been interviewed by the committee.
Psychological testing and an interview and a criminal background check have been conducted.
Ms Faithfull holds the MBA degree and has her own market consulting firm. She plans to enroll
in Memphis Theological Seminary in the fall and to continue a limited consulting schedule.
Recommendation 1: that she be received as a candidate for licensure and ordination
after she has shared her faith journey, received testimonials upon her behalf andsuccessfully sustained the presbytery’s examination.
LICENTIATE CARL ZUCK has graduated from Memphis Theological Seminary with a Masterof Divinity degree. He has been called as Associate Pastor of the Sinking Springs congregation,
Seminole Presbytery. The committee recommends:
Recommendation 2: that, upon his successfully sustaining the presbytery’s examination,
Mr. Zuck be approved for ordination, to take place at the Sinking Springs congregation;
andRecommendation 3: that a commission be appointed for the purpose of ordaining Mr.
Zuck.
Respectfully submitted,
Wesley Leatherhead, Chair

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2011

Pastoral Development Ministry TeamCUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHNEW CANDIDATE INFORMATION FORM
Presbytery: ________________________________________________________________Name of New Candidate: _____________________________________________________
Address: __________________________ City: _____________ State: ____

Zip: ____

Phone: ______________________ Email: ______________________________________Day of candidacy: ____________

Send completed form to:
Cumberland Presbyterian Center
Pastoral Development Ministry Team
8207 Traditional Place
Cordova, TN 38016

Upon receiving this form, the PDMT will send the new Candidate for the Ministry a copy of Dr.
Morris Pepper’s book, An Introduction to Christian Ministry and Dr. Tom Campbell’s book, The
Bible and the Calendar.

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Pastoral Development Ministry TeamCUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHREQUEST FOR PAS APPROVAL FORM
Presbytery: ________________________________________________________________Day of presbyterial meeting: ____________Name of Candidate: _________________________________________________________
Address: __________________________ City: _____________ State: ____

Zip: ____

Phone: ______________________ Email: ______________________________________
Circumstances that make it nearly impossible for this candidate to take the standard route:

Send completed form to:
Cumberland Presbyterian Center
Pastoral Development Ministry Team
8207 Traditional Place
Cordova, TN 38016

Upon receiving this request, the PDMT will send a letter of approval to the presbytery, thecandidate and to PAS.

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2011

Pastoral Development Ministry TeamCUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

NEW LICENTIATE INFORMATION FORM
Presbytery: ________________________________________________________________Name of New Licentiate: _____________________________________________________
Address: __________________________ City: _____________ State: ____

Zip: ____

Phone: ______________________ Email: ______________________________________Day of Licensure: ____________

Send completed form to:
Cumberland Presbyterian Center
Pastoral Development Ministry Team
8207 Traditional Place
Cordova, TN 38016

Upon receiving this form, the PDMT will send the new Licentiate for the Ministry a book as away to congratulate him/her in his/her journey.

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Pastoral Development Ministry TeamCUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

ORDINAND INFORMATION FORM
Presbytery: ________________________________________________________________Name of Person to be Ordained: _______________________________________________
Address: __________________________ City: _____________ State: ____

Zip: ____

Phone: ______________________ Email: ______________________________________Day of Ordination: ____________
Ordination Service to be Held at:Name of Congregation: ______________________________________________________
Address: __________________________ City: _____________ State: ____

Zip: ____

Phone: ______________________ Email: ______________________________________
If a member of the PDMT cannot be present for the ordination service to present the portablecommunion set, we will send it to a person in the presbytery who we will ask to be responsible
for making the presentation on behalf of the PDMT. Please list the name of a designated person
below.
Name: ____________________________________________________________________
Address: __________________________ City: _____________ State: ____

Zip: ____

Phone: ______________________ Email: ______________________________________
Send completed form to:
Cumberland Presbyterian Center
Pastoral Development Ministry Team
8207 Traditional Place
Cordova, TN 38016

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Understanding the Process for Ordinationin the Cumberland Presbyterian Church:
Handbook for Presbyterial Committees on the Ministryor Preparation for the Ministry
Entire contents ©2011 by the Pastoral Development Ministry Teamof the Ministry Council of the General Assemblyof the Cumberland Presbyterian Church

THIS HANDBOOK
IS MADE POSSIBLE BY
OUR UNITED OUTREACH

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PASTORAL DEVELOPMENT MINISTRY TEAM
OF THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES – OUR DNA
What we do best•

Provide opportunity to Cumberland Presbyterian ministers for continuing
education as well as networking with other CP ministers through the annual
Minister’s Conference.

•

Assist presbytery committees on the ministry and clergy care committees bydeveloping a handbook of guidelines and procedural policies.

MISSION STATEMENT – OUR CORE PURPOSE
Why we exist
The purpose of the Pastoral Development Ministry Team is:•

To keep God’s call before the church as a whole, and to provide and promote a
deeper biblical and theological understanding of ministry in the church.

•

To nurture and care for ordained ministers and probationers, and to provide
resources and events to improve their pastoral ministry.

VALUES STATEMENT – OUR CORE VALUES
What we stand for
•
•
•
•
•
•

The office of minister of word and sacrament is unique in the life of the church
as to responsibility and usefulness.
God calls persons and sets them apart for this ministry.
The persons who fill this office should be sound in the faith, exemplary in
conduct, and competent to perform the duties of the ministry.
Persons who become ministers of the word and sacrament are due such respect
as belongs to their office, but are not by virtue of their office more holy or
righteous than other Christians.
They share in the same vocation that belongs to all Christians to be witnesses to
the gospel in word and deed.
They differ from other Christians only with regard to the office to which they
are called, which is their station in life.

VISION STATEMENT – Our Future
Where we are headed•

The vision of the Pastoral Development Ministry Team is to be the mostinfluential ministry in the Global Cumberland Presbyterian Church regarding
God’s call and the nurture, education and continuing spiritual grow of thosecalled by God.

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2011

THE REPORT OF THE
BOARD OF STEWARDSHIP,
FOUNDATION, AND BENEFITS
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
A. BOARD MEETINGS AND ORGANIZATIONThe Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits under the direction of its officers, President
Charlie Floyd, Vice-president Rob Latimer, Secretary Debbie Shanks, and Treasurer Robert Heflin, met two
times in regular session.
B. BOARD MEMBERS WHOSE TERMS EXPIRE
Members whose terms expire at the 2011 General Assembly: Charles Day, Sylvia Hall, Jackie
Satterfield and Debbie Shanks.  All are eligible for re-election.
C. BOARD REPRESENTATIVE TO THE 180th GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The board’s representative to the 181st General Assembly is Reverend Mike Wilkinson.
D. STAFF
Kathryn Gilbert Craig serves as Administrative Assistant, Mark Duck serves as Coordinator of
Benefits and Robert Heflin serves as Executive Secretary.  Carolyn Harmon serves as the Planned Giving
Coordinator for the Presbytery of East Tennessee.  The Board appreciates the work Carolyn Harmon doesin educating numerous congregations of the legacy ministry that can be accomplished as individuals makeplanned gifts to their local congregations.
E. 2012 BUDGETThe 2012 line-item budget has been filed with the Office of the General Assembly.
F. 2010 AUDIT
Certified copies of the 2010 audit reports from Fouts and Morgan will be filed with the Office of theGeneral Assembly in compliance with General Assembly Bylaws 15.06.  The 2010 audit will be printed in
the audit section of the 2011 minutes.

II. FINANCIAL FOUNDATION DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT
A. PURPOSE
One area of the work of the board is in financial foundation development and management.  Thepurpose of this program is as follows:
To secure a firm financial undergirding for the ongoing ministry of congregations and the agencies
of presbyteries, synods, and the General Assembly as they bear witness to the saving love of God, the graceof our Lord Jesus Christ, and the fellowship and communion of the Holy Spirit.
The Financial Foundation Program is reported in this section in general terms and more specificallyunder the headings III. Endowment Program, IV. Cash Funds Management Program, and V. Property andCasualty Insurance.
B. 2010 IN REVIEW

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Overall 2010 was a better year, though there remains uncertainity in the market and the economy
as a whole.  The outlook on jobs has improved slightly, however many people continue searching for ajob.  Real Estate continues to be unstable as well.  Consumer confidence has improved to a small degree.
International markets and economies are also uncertain.
The Growth Income Endowment Fund began the year with a balance of $33,013,770.  The Growth
Income Endowment Fund ended 2010 with a balance of $35,112,979.  The return on investments for 2010
was up 11.7% compared to a composite benchmark which was up 9.2%.
The Total Return Endowment Fund began the year with a balance of $8,978,623.  The ending balance
for the Total Return Endowment Fund was $6,787,616.  The Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home
withdrew their endowments from the Total Return Fund.  The amount of the withdraw was $2,076,250.  Thereturn on investments for 2010 was up 15.7% compared to a composite benchmark which was up 13.1%.
The Cumberland Presbyterian Investment Loan Program paid out $256,428 to agencies, churches
and individual account holders having funds in the program.  Throughout 2010 the interest paid to accountholders was consistently higher than the rates received from most “on demand” money market accounts.
The interest rate paid to account holders averaged 2.33%.
C. BOARD OF STEWARDSHIPThe Board of Stewardship ended 2010 with an unrestricted surplus of $143,815.   We are evermindful of expenses incurred and try to be good stewards of what has been entrusted to the Board.
D. MANAGEMENT OF FUNDS
During 2010 the Endowment Program Growth/Income Fund portfolio was under the comanagement of Wedge Capital Management, Victory Capital Management, Metropolitan West AssetManagement, RREEF America II and Templeton Institutional Foreign Equity Fund.  The portfolio for theEndowment Program Total Return Fund was under the co-management of Wedge Capital Management,
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 comanaged by Wedge Capital Management, 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 Cumberland Presbyterian Church Investment Loan Program, Inc. were under the management ofboard staff.   Gerber/Taylor Associates continues to provide independent analysis and evaluation of theperformance of Victory, MetWest, PIMCO, RREEF America II, NewSouth, Templeton and Wedge Capital.

III. ENDOWMENT PROGRAM
Since 1836, the board and its corporate predecessors have sought to be faithful trustees of thefunds given into their hands to provide a permanent financial foundation for the work of congregations,presbyteries, synods, and General Assembly agencies.  The work of the Endowment Program is the oldest
responsibility of the board and fulfills a portion of that task to which all Cumberland Presbyterians arecalled: “Christian stewardship acknowledges that all of life and creation is a trust from God, to be used forGod’s glory and service.”—Confession of Faith for Cumberland Presbyterians 6:10.
A. COMMUNICATIONThe Endowment Program report will be distributed to all endowment program participants, general
assembly board members, churches, and individual contributors.
Agencies, other participants, and interested parties received quarterly detailed reports on thepostings to all their endowments.  With the addition of names supplied by the agencies during the year, thenumber of persons receiving these reports continues to expand.  In addition, special reports were made asrequested.
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2011

1. Assets and Investment Mix — Growth/Income FundThe assets of the Endowment Program’s Growth/Income Fund totaled $35,112,979 for 2010 atmarket value.  The following table provides a breakdown of the investment mix:

    3.3%
  25.9%
    9.1%
  55.4%		    6.3%
100.0%GROWTH/INCOME INVESTMENT MIX
Securities & Investments
Cash/Cash Equivalents$  1,170,936
US Equities$  9,083,356
Real Estate Investment Trusts $  3,212,371
Fixed Income$19,447,327
International Stocks		$  2,198,989
Total$35,112,979

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 $6,787,616 for 2010 at market
value.
The following table gives a breakdown of the investment mix of the total assets:    0.0%
  50.9%
    9.9%
  21.0%		  18.2%		
100.0%TOTAL RETURN INVESTMENT MIX
Securities & Investments
Cash/Cash Equivalents$            64US Equities$3,453,119
Real Estate Investment Trusts $   675,204
Fixed Income$1,424,281
International Stocks		
$1,234,948
Total$6,787,616

3. Performance of Growth/Income Fund
The Endowment Program Growth/Income Fund generated $1,289,956 in dividend and interest
income during 2010.  Net contributions and withdrawals were (1,783,726).  Capital Appreciation (Realized
Gain/(Loss) plus Unrealized Gain/(Loss)) was $1,289,956.  The total investment earnings for 2010 was$3,882,935 and the change in market value was $2,099,209.
Growth/Income earnings paid and payable to agencies totaled $1,288,808 for 2010.   Growth/
Income Fund  investment management fees totaled $211,139 for 2010.  Other expenses were $19,405 for a
total of $230,544.
When comparing the performance of the Endowment Program with other funds it is important tokeep in mind the various components included in the reported rates: interest and dividend income, realized
capital gains/losses, and unrealized capital gains/losses due to the difference between the current market
value of investments and their original cost or market value in previous reports.
Investment funds typically report their total rates of return.  A total rate of return includes the effectof the fluctuation in market value of the various investments together with all realized/accrued income andcapital gains/losses generated as investments are sold for more/less than their original cost.  Because of the
impact of fluctuation in market value, the total rate of return for any given year may be positive or negative.
Such total rates of return are important indicators of a fund’s overall performance.  However, the rate of
crucial importance for the Growth/Income Fund relates to the amount of income (interest and dividends)
which it generates since for the endowments in this fund only income is available for support of the various
ministries for which these endowments are established.  This Rate of Income Paid Out is distinct from Total
Rate of Return.

3.9%.

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 2010 was2011

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Percentage of Income Paid Out2010 3.90%
2009 3.79%
2008 4.03%
2007 4.19%
2006 4.05%
2005 4.20%
2004 4.01%
2003 4.40%
2002 4.45%
2001 4.60%
5. Total Rate of Return for the Growth/Income FundThe following table gives the annualized rates of return as contained in the report from Gerber/
Taylor Associates for year end 2010:

Growth/Income FundOne Year Period
01/01/10
12/31/10
11.7%

Five Year Period
01/01/05
12/31/10
5.3%

Since Inception
09/00/81
12/31/10
10.4%

6. Performance of Total Return Fund
The Endowment Program Total Return Fund generated a gain of $946,632 in total investment
earnings consisting of $160,811 in interest/dividends and capital appreciation (realized gain/(loss) andunrealized gain/(loss)) of $785,821.  Net contributions/(withdrawals) were (3,137,639).  Change in market
value was ($2,191,007).
Total Return Fund expenses including fees paid to the investment managers totaled $50,482 for2010.  Total Return Fund payments made and payable to agencies totaled $218,649 for 2010.
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
2010.

Total Return FundOne Year Period
01/01/10
12/31/10
15.70%

Three Year Period
01/01/08
12/31/10
1.60%

Since Inception
09/01/04
12/31/10
7.50%

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-six years from 1944 to
2000, 783 loans were 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!).

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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Period1944-49
1950-59
1960-69
1970-79
1980-89
1990-99
2000-09

Loans
  35
171
208
166
101
102
  58

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

2011

Average$    4,164$    7,955$  14,697$  21,741$  43,061$141,577$182,271

While looking at the table above, it should be noted that the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
Investment Loan Program began January 1, 2001.  Since it’s creation most of the larger loans are madethrough the Investment Loan Program.
Down through the years, donors to endowments have found satisfaction in the knowledge that theprudent investment of their gifts strengthened not only the work of the particular churches, institutions, andcauses which they designated to receive the income but also the broader witness of the Church.
D. OTHER CHURCH LOANS
Although not a part of the Endowment Program, there are two other sources available to the board
for investment in loans to churches.
1. Revolving Church Loan FundThis fund was established through gifts to the “Into the Nineties” Capital Gifts Campaign and allinterest earned by the loans is added to the fund to increase the amount available for loans.  There were six
loans from the Revolving Church Loan Program at the end of 2010 totaling $118,755.  In the revolving
church loan account, there was also cash in the amount of $242,999, bringing the total of the fund to$361,754.
The rate of interest for revolving loans made during 2010 was based on the loan rate establishedby the Cumberland Presbyterian Church Investment Loan Program at the beginning of each quarter.  Themaximum available for a single loan is $35,000, amortized over five years.
2. Cole Church Loan FundThis fund was established through the generosity of Lavenia Campbell Cole, a member of the
Trinity Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Fort Worth, Texas.   The purpose of the fund is to provide
loans at low interest rates to Cumberland Presbyterian churches “that have the potential for growth anddevelopment by increasing their ministry to the community in which they reside through the availability ofadditional money.”  Applications are available upon request.
Loans from the fund must have the approval of both the Board of Stewardship and the Missions
Ministry Team.  There is no established limit for the amount that may be loaned.  Loans must, however, berepaid within five years.  Currently there is no Cole loan in effect as of year end 2010.  There is $360,319
in cash in the fund.
E. 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 142 congregations on the need to develop congregational endowments and encourage planned givingby church members.
At one time there were four Regional Planned Giving Coordinators.   At the moment Carolyn

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Harmon is the only Regional Planned Giving Coordinators.   She is an elder in the Cedar Hill Church,
Greeneville, Tennessee, serving the Presbytery of East Tennessee.  The other coordinators can no longer
serve due to health conditions or other reasons.  Though Carolyn is employed by the Presbytery of East
Tennessee she has made presentations beyond her presbytery.
Through these regional coordinators education concerning the stewardship opportunities in planned
giving has been made readily accessible to many churches.  Often times the results of their work is noteasily measured.  It may be several years before their work bears fruit.  The regional coordinators use theirpresentations to plant the seeds which may bear fruit immediately or years down the road.  What is ofutmost importance is that the seeds are being planted.
Regional coordinators are employed and their salaries paid by their respective presbyteries or by
the Board of Stewardship.  They are the living links of a partnership between the General Assembly andtheir presbyteries and they join in the semi-annual meetings of the Board of Stewardship and the biennial
meetings of the North American Conference on Christian Philanthropy.  In this partnership, the cost of theirmaterials, travel, and continuing education opportunities are paid by the Board from Our United Outreachfunds specifically designated for the purpose.
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.

VII. CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHINVESTMENT 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.
For the year ending 2010, the assets for the Investment Loan Program were $14,563,841.  There
were 279 individual, congregation and agency accounts.  Deposits on account totaled $11,726,656.
For 2010, 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: Rob Latimer, president; Charlie Floyd, vicepresident and Debbie Shanks, secretary.  Robert Heflin serves as Treasurer and Executive Secretary.  During
the past year, the board met twice in regular session.
During 2010, there were seven new loans made.
New Investment Loan Program Loans
			Church					Amount of Loan
Glory Church, Atlanta, GA     $ 1,200,000
Faith Fellowship, Loudon, TN     $    500,000
1st CPC, Springfield, MO     $    100,000
New Life CPCA, Town Creek, AL     $    109,000
Manchester CPC, Manchester, TN     $    100,000
Donelson CPC, Donelson, TN     $    275,000
CPC of Germantown, Germantown, TN      $    471,248
Total     $ 2,755,248
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 $256,428 which the program paid in interest.  For 2010
the interest rate average paid to account holders was 2.33%.  As a result there has been renewed interestfor congregations to open new accounts because the interest paid out is higher than current CD rates.  Theinterest rate paid on accounts can change depending on the amount of income received from the investment
income.
The table below provides a breakdown of the investment mix.

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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY2011

INVESTMENT LOAN PROGRAM
Securities & Investments
    2.00%
Mutual Funds$   110,817.40
  14.80%
Cash Equivalents$   820,048.75
  83.20%
Taxable Fixed Income $4,610,003.75
100.00%$5,540,869.90
At the end of 2010 there were 23 loans to congregations made through the Investment Loan
Program.  The total loans were $9,001,096.

VIII. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION AND RESEARCH
A. PURPOSE
The second of two 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 IX. Retirement Program, X. Ministerial
Aid Program, and XI. Insurance Program.
B. VISION
The board has a vision of uniform benefits for all Cumberland Presbyterian clergy, including grouphealth insurance, group long-term disability coverage, and participation in the General Assembly’s 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.
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 inmuch 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 employees of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

IX. RETIREMENT PROGRAM
Since 1952, the board has provided a retirement program open to all church employees.   Theprogram gives opportunity for churches and their employees to provide a source of retirement income
based on voluntary contributions.  In 1987, a new Cumberland Presbyterian Retirement Plan No. 2 wasestablished as a qualified 403(b) defined contribution plan.
A. PLAN AMENDMENTS
As new needs arise or deficiencies in the original plan document for Cumberland Presbyterian
Retirement Plan No. 2 become apparent, the General Assembly has the authority under Article IX Section
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, 2010, there were 370 active participants in the Retirement Plan.  In addition there  
were 7 receiving direct monthly payments as a result of their elections under Plan 1.  In addition to theseparticipants, there were 12 persons who were receiving annuity payments purchased through the Plan andfor whom the Plan issues 1099-R’s.
During 2010, $3,082,860 was dispersed to or for participants, an increase of 15.8% over 2009s$2,661,506.   Contributions totaled $725,571 and were down 16.2% over 2009s $865,861.   Investment

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expenses totaled $105,799 a decrease of 13.3% over 2009s $121,997.  Realized and unrealized gain on
investments totaled $2,292,001 a decrease over 2009s   $2,929,958.   The rate of return credited to theaccounts for the year was 15.3%   compared to 20.5% for 2009.   (Comparative annual rates of return
for: previous three years—+2.4%, previous five years—+6.3%, and from the beginning of professional
management in March, 1982—+10.1%.)
Effective January 1, 2011, our relationship with Victory Capital Management, Wedge Capital, NewSouth Capital, and Templeton were terminated in accordance to the Board’s decision at our last meeting.
Funds previously managed by these managers are now managed by Gerber- Taylor Management.  We havecontinued our relationship with Met West, a bond manager, PIMCO, also a bond manager and RREEF,
a private real estate investment trust manager.  The transfer of funds has been completed and has gone
relatively smoothly with the help of Matt Robbins and Stacy Miller of Gerber - Taylor.

X. MINISTERIAL AID PROGRAM
A. MINISTERIAL AID
1. Full Benefit Recipients
As of March 2011 there are an equivalent of 5 Cumberland Presbyterian Church recipients of thefull benefit of $500 per month (increased from $300 on July 1, 2010).  The monthly total of these payments
is $2,500.00; annually, $30,000.00 is paid.  The equivalent of benefits for four participants at $260, or$1040 per month,$12,480 annually, is sent to Cauca Valley Presbytery in Columbia.  The payments aredesignated 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 2010 with the 5 state side recipients receiving $1,040.04
each for a total distribution of $5,200.20.
2. Basic Requirements
The new basic requirements and amount for stateside recipients for the Ministerial Aid program
were approved at the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in June 2010.  They are as
follows:
Full Benefit revised to $500 a month for State Side Recipients
1.  Minimum age is full retirement age set forth by the Social Security Administration.
2.  Minimum years of service to the church - 15.
3.  Can qualify for aid if a participant in the Cumberland Presbyterian Retirement Plan if income isbelow poverty level as established by the US Census Bureau.
4.  Physical and/or mental disability (doctor’s statement required) at any age, however, a minimumof ten years service is required if less than 60 years of age.
5.  Individuals’ income cannot exceed federal poverty guidelines set forth for the year by the US
Census Bureau. Poverty level is $10,830 a year or $902.50 a month for 2010.
6.  Couples income cannot exceed federal poverty guidelines set forth for the year by the US Census
Bureau. Poverty level is $14,570 a year or $1,214.17 a month for 2010.  (The GA Board of Stewardship isauthorized to look at each case in light of unusual financial hardship; thus, application may be made even if
income levels exceed the ceiling.)
7.  Presbytery obtains information and approves (approval can be given by the committee or board
charged by presbytery with this responsibility); certification of approval is sent to the General Assembly
Board of Stewardship.
8.  Surviving spouse is eligible if above items 2, 3 and 4 have been met.
**Note: Recipient is responsible to verify if receiving Ministerial Aid would effect his or her SSI,
Social Security or other benefits.
Cumberland Presbyterian Church applicants must submit to the board a listing of assets andliabilities so the net worth can be determined.   The board urges presbyteries to maintain contact withpersons under the Ministerial Aid Program who live within their bounds.  Should there be serious unmet

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needs, the presbytery is urged to contact the board so that it may determine how the Ministerial Aid program
can be of assistance in meeting those needs.
3. Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America
The CPCA now has 3 participants who receive monthly payments at the originally agreed upon
amount of $109 per month.  Benefits for these recipients total $327.00 per month or $3,924.00 annually.
The CPCA normally pays its share in June or July following their General Assembly.
4. Ministers in Overseas Presbyteries
Payments for ministers serving in overseas presbyteries (presently, a total of $12,480 annually) arebeing made to Cauca Valley Presbytery and administered through its budget.
B. RETIREMENT RESERVE
Under Retirement Plan No. 1, retirees whose benefits fell below $150 per month could receivea supplement from the Special Reserve Retirement Fund Endowment to bring their benefits up to thislevel.  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.  One individual now receive $150
a month from this fund.  Annually, $1,800.00 is paid to the recipient.  This endowment had a balance of$1,071,903 as of December 31, 2010, an increase of $53,565 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.  Dental and Vision Insurance is the newest, begun in December 2008.
Property and casualty insurance is the oldest, begun in 1951.  While all of the insurance programs areimportant, group life and health insurance, begun in 1961, touches many lives in a personal way and often
at times of deep anxiety.  In all, about 369 men, women, and children depend on this program to meet theirhealth care needs.
A. PROPERTY & CASUALTY INSURANCEThe Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits secures property and casualty insurance
coverage against accidental loss for the General Assembly Corporation, Board of Stewardship, Discipleship
Ministry Team, Missions Ministry Team, Ministry Council, Communications Ministry Team, Pastoral
Development Ministry Team, Memphis Theological Seminary, and Historical Foundation.
Since  January 1, 2008, Philadelphia Insurance Company has carried our P & C insurance as well
as D & O coverage, Crime, Automobile, Umbrella and Earthquake coverage.  Philadelphia recently was
acquired by the Tokio Marine Group Insurance of Japan, thus we were faced with a possible 20% increasein premiums for P & C and Earthquake coverage.  Our broker, Lipscomb & Pitts has split up our various
insurance polices in the following manner to help hold down cost.  For 2011, Travelers Insurance carries our
P & C policy, Philadelphia carries our D&O coverage, Crime, Automobile, Umbrella policy and $2,500,000
in earthquake coverage.  Axis Specialty Insurance Company will carry $5,000,000 earthquake and Lloyds
will carry $11,000,000 earthquake coverage.  Our Workers Comp coverage is through FFVA Mutual since
October of 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, West Tennessee  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 andTennessee Georgia) without a program.  The quarterly rate applied to participant’s salaries is 1.50 per $100
of salary.

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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 overindividual 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 seven ministers and one employee who are receiving or have received benefits from thisinsurance program.  There are approximately 215 participants and Peter Whitely, of Sinclair-Whitely in
Nashville, Tennessee is our broker.
C. GROUP TRAVEL ACCIDENT INSURANCE
This policy provides twenty-four hour coverage on “named employees” for accidental death,dismemberment, or loss of sight.  The maximum benefit is $50,000 and there is also a $1,000 medical
benefit.  The annual premium is $900.  Thirty named positions including four at MTS and three at CPCH
are covered under this policy.  This policy is purchased through the Sinclair-Whitely Company and Cigna
is the carrier.
D. LONG TERM CARE INSURANCEWith the assistance of New York Life agent, Bill Stegall, a letter has been sent to all ministers in
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church stating that any pastor or member interested in purchasing Long Term
Care insurance may contact Bill Stegall for further information.  Mr. Stegall will handle all aspects of thisinsurance.  A second letter providing additional information will soon follow.
E. GROUP HEALTH & LIFE INSURANCE
The board has used a fully-insured, managed care approach to provide group health insurance
for Cumberland Presbyterian clergy and lay employees since March 1, 1999.  As of January 1, 2010 our
insurance provider is Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee.  Blue Cross of Tennessee is an independent,
not-for-profit, locally governed health plan company that insures more than 5 million people nationwide.
With an extensive network, Blue Cross is able to effectively service the employees of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church.   In 2011 the deductible   was increase for the two plans that were offered, $1,500
deductible and a $3,500 in -network deductible for the employee.   Spouse and Family deductibles aretwice the amount of the employee only product.  We have also acquired the services of Lipscomb & Pitts,
a Memphis based insurance company, as our insurance broker.
1. Loss Ratio
A comparison of paid medical premiums and claims is made in order to calculate a loss ratio.  Thetable below contains monthly and cumulative figures for the calendar year of 2010.  For 2010, 72% of the
medical premiums paid to Blue Cross were used to pay claims and stop-loss premiums.  Please note that
this is not a “full year” of claims due to the fact it takes 30 to 60 days for claims to be processed with a newplan, thus realistic claims data is not reflected in the first two months of 2010.  This compares to a loss ratioof 105% for the same period in 2009, 98% for 2008 and 112% for 2007 with our previous carrier, Unicare.

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MEDICAL EXPERIENCE REPORT		                    MONTHLY                		                CUMULATIVE               MEDICALPAID
LOSS
MEDICAL
PAID
LOSS
MONTH
PREMIUM
CLAIMSRATIOPREMIUM
CLAIMS
RATIO
Jan, 2010
179,908
  18,178
  10%
   179,908
    18,178
10%Feb, 2010
181,305
  95,474
  53%
   361,213
   113,652
31%
Mar, 2010
166,513
135,540
  81%
   527,726
   249,192
47%
Apr,  2010
178,229
144,077
  81%
   705,955
   393,269
56%
May, 2010
176,170
128,760
  73%
   882,125
   522,029
59%
Jun,  2010
166,798
201,277
121%
1,048,923
   723,306
69%
Jul,   2010
173,896
  89,131
  51%
1,222,819
   812,437
66%
Aug, 2010
170,163  86,270
  51%
1,392,982
   898,707
65%
Sept 2010
164,976
142,493
  86%
1,557,958
1,041,200
67%
Oct,  2010
164,124
  76,273
  46%
1,722,082
1,117,473
65%
Nov, 2010
153,970
118,430
  77%
1,876,052
1,235,903
66%
Dec, 2010
160,053
221,878139%
2,036,105
1,457,781
72%
The table below shows that for the months of January 2010 through December 2010, 9 claims
amounted to 36% of the claims paid by Blue Cross.  For the time period March through December in 2009
we had 13 high cost medical claims that resulted in 60% of claims paid with our previous carrier, Unicare.
Numberof Claims
    9
374
383		

Total Group Medical Claims
Percentage ofAmountTotal Claims
Paid    2%High cost claims$   529,971
  98%
All other claims$   927,811
100%
Total Claims$1,457,782

Percentage
of Total
  36%
  64%
100%

2. Premiums
Efforts to maintain affordable premiums and comprehensive coverage are the biggest challenge weface.  Premiums in 2010 were $520.36 for employee only coverage and $1,561.08 for family coverage in
Option 1 and $424.44 for employee only coverage and $1,273.32 for family coverage in Option 2.  For the2011 renewal, the initial proposal from Blue Cross was an average increase of over 17% between the two
options, but with our good October claims figures and our proposal to increase the deductible by $500 for
individuals and $1,000 for families without increasing the annual out of pocket maximum, we were able
to reduce the average increase to 6.92% at renewal time.  For 2011, Option 1 employee only coverage is$551.81 and $1,655.43 for family coverage.  Option 2 is $464.87 for employee only coverage and $1,394.61
for family coverage.
The Blue Cross Health Plan is now on a calendar year as far as deductible and pricing is concerned
and in 2011 our objective is to have the renewal pricing by no later than September 1 so presbyteries andagencies can have the figures for their fall meetings and better plan their budgets for the coming year.  Also,
the open enrollment period will be the month of December for a January 1 effective date from here forward.
Due to the State of Tennessee not approving some of the provisions we previously had with Unicare,
we have chosen to participate in COBRA as of 1/1/2011.  Blue Cross will administer the COBRA programfor a small monthly fee and a participant will be charged the rate of the plan they are on plus 2% for COBRA
coverage.
In the summer of 2011, for the 2012 renewal of the Denominational health plan, the staff of theBoard of Stewardship will again invite members from the largest presbyteries and agencies to meet anddiscuss options and alternatives for the program.
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, 2011, 369 people depend on the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church Health Insurance Program.  A breakdown of family units by size at February 1, 2011is listed below.

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FAMILY UNITS BY SIZE
Number of Units
Total
Emp. only
  96
  96
			
Spouse only		
2		
2
E&1
    7
  14
E&2
    3
    9
E&3
    2
    8
E&S
  39
  78
Families of 3
    9
  27
Families of 4
  23
  92
Families of 5
    6
  30
Families of 6
    1
    6
Families of 71		7
				Total		189		369The following table shows the enrollment figures from March 2010 to January 2011.  As one cansee the numbers fluctuate from month to month.  During this period there was a decrease of 22 participants.

		
		
		

		

10-Mar		
10-Apr		
10-May		10-Jun10-Jul10-Aug
10-Sep		
10-Oct10-Nov
10-Dec11-JanMONTHLY GROUP INSURANCEENROLLMENTEMPLOYEE
DEPENDENT
COVERAGE
COVERAGE
114			
98			113			98			111			
96			     111     96     108     97     104     97
101			
97			       98     94       96     92       94     94       98     92

TOTAL
212
211
207
207
205
201
198
192
188
188
190

4. Premium Stabilization Reserve (Formerly Emergency Reserve)
The reserve is invested in the Endowment Program Total Return Fund account which had a balance of$993,289 on December 31, 2010.  The Emergency Health Insurance Reserve was established in compliancewith the 1992 General Assembly directive to be used in “emergency” situations to match presbyterial
emergency fund disbursements.  The 1998 General Assembly approved the Board’s recommendation toallow the Board to use the Emergency Reserve to maintain the stability of the group health and life insurance
plan.  This allows these funds to be used for purposes outside of the original scope of the reserve.
5. Dental and Vision Insurance
On December 1st 2008, we began offering Dental and Vision insurance for anyone working atleast 30 hours or more for any Cumberland Presbyterian Church, its agencies, boards, and institutions on a
voluntary basis.  Brain Sinclair-Whitely brokered the insurance through Guardian Life Insurance Company
and as of January 2010, Peter Whitely is the agent of record.  At present there are 73 participant employees,
an decrease of 5 over 2010 totals.
6. Jessie W. Hipsher Health Insurance Endowment
The Jesse W. Hipsher Health Insurance Endowment was created as the first step in the board’s
goal to raise $10,000,000 in endowments for the support of the Cumberland Presbyterian Health and Life
Insurance Program.  The endowment was established on March 6, 2004.  At its establishment $11,450 had
been raised.  The balance of the endowment as of December 31, 2010 was $30,540.
7. Health Education / E-Mail Newsletter
To further educate participants in matter concerning health care participants receive a monthly
e-newsletter entitled, TopHealth, published by Oakstone Publishing.  The monthly e-newsletter is full of

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health related tips that can be easily implemented by readers.  The two page newsletter can be read withina matter of minutes.  It is hoped that the newsletter is the beginning of a wellness program designed to
improve the health of all participants.  Also initiated in 2008 is the E-Mail newsletter that is designed as an
information tool to help the participants of the Health and Retirement programs stay on top of happenings
within the Board of Stewardship.
8. Wellness Program
With their Well+Wise program, Blue Cross offers health coaching to help make positive lifestylechanges to improve health and wellness, provide support and answer any questions about medical conditions
or surgical procedures and treatment decisions.  A preventive health guide is also available and has been
sent to all participants in the CP health program.
Respectfully submitted,
Reverend Mike Wilkinson
Robert Heflin, Executive Secretary2011

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THE Report of the Board of Trustees of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s HomeI. OVERVIEW
Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home (CPCH) directly served more than 900 children, teens,parents and families in 2010.  CPCH helps children and families in residential and non-residential programs.
In its residential programs, CPCH served 70 children and 18 single parents.  Almost 900 additional children
and families were served through intake and referral services, counseling sessions, or classes in our nonresidential programs.  In addition to that, CPCH fielded almost 650 calls for service, which were either
handled internally or referred to other agencies.
CPCH is one ministry with three programs:•  Residential Care protects children and teens who need a safe place to live.
•  Single Parent Family sustains families working toward self-sufficiency.
•  Family Outfitters equips communities for success through educational programming andsliding fee scale counseling.
CPCH’s 17-acre campus in Denton, Texas, includes three residential cottages for children andteens and 10 apartments for single parents.   Other features include the Parr Family Resource Building,which houses the Library and Technology Center, therapy rooms, meeting facilities and staff offices andthe Gilbert-Parr Activities Building, which houses CPCH’s recreational facilities and the 250-seat Lela
Stricklen Hall.
1. Mission
As an ecumenical ministry of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in response to Christ’s loveand example, the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home exists to provide a safe and wholesome
environment for the development of children and to bring healing and hope to children and their families.
2. Message
CPCH’s theme verse is 2 Corinthians 5:17: “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation:
everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!”Once a young person or family comes to CPCH, we want them to see that a new way of living ispossible.  Hope for the future is unique, as is each individual and family we serve.  CPCH is a strengthfocused agency, meaning that we help our clients identify their strengths and build on them to deal creatively
with the challenges in their lives.
3. Guiding Values
We categorize our guiding values under the headings of faith, agency, care, and excellence.
Faith: In response to the gift of life given to us by Jesus Christ and the ministry entrusted to us byGod, we serve God by serving others.
Agency: Agency is the active force by which change happens; we serve others by helping themdevelop the agency for change in their own lives.
Care: Our service to others is framed by a positive, strength-focused approach to all our
relationships.
Excellence: In our service to others, we strive for excellence, efficiency and professionalism in allthat we do.
A. Financial Information
1. Expenses
Based on the unaudited 2010 Financial Statements, CPCH spent more than $1.5 million bringing
healing and hope to children and families Expenses break down into the following categories:

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Residential Childcare
Single Parent Family
Family Outfitters
Administrative
Fundraising

2011

62.0%
18.5%
10.5%
  4.5%
  4.5%

2. Income
Based on the unaudited 2010 Financial Statements, CPCH derived $1.6 million in operational
income from the following sources:
Denomination
Estates
Gifts
GrantsInvestment Income
Service Compensation
Special Events/Other  4.64%16.40%
28.51%
13.05%
12.40%
22.38%
  2.62%

3. Organizational Structure
Because our mission calls us to a ministry of service, we have adopted the following “Pyramid of
Support©” as an organizational structure.  Rather than organizing from the top down, we wish to follow in
Christ’s example of servant leadership.  We place the people we serve, both in residential care and in nonresidential care, at the top of the pyramid.

People We
ServePrimary Support
youth care workers, caseworkers,
counselors

Secondary Support
supervisors, maintenance, administrative,
accounting

Directors
chaplain, clinical, operations, advancement
executive

Board of Trustees

General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church

4. Corporate entity and governance
CPCH is a non-profit corporation incorporated under the laws of the state of Texas.   CPCH is
tax-exempt under IRS Code section 501(c)(3).  The General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church is the only member of the corporation and has the power to appoint and remove all Trustees of thecorporation.  CPCH is governed by a board of 15 Trustees.  The CPCH Board of Trustees hires an Executive
Director to manage the agency.

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5. Trustees
There are 15 trustees: six ecumenical partners and nine Cumberland Presbyterians.  Two of ourecumenical partners are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America.
Ecumenical Partners: Mamie Hall, Joy Wallace, James King, Kay Goodman, Baron Smith, andRichard Brown
Cumberland Presbyterians: Reverend Melissa Knight, Patricia Huff, Reverend Don Tabor, Mickey
Shell, Reverend Dr. Yoong Kim, Ruby Letson, Reverend Norlan Scrudder, Reverend AlfonsoMarquez, Dr. Robert McClure
Officers: President-Richard Brown; Vice-President-Reverend Norlan Scrudder; Secretary-Patricia
Huff
Executive Director: Reverend Dr. Kevin R. Henson (Red River Presbytery)
Chaplain: Reverend Stephanie Brown (Red River Presbytery)

II. PLANNED GIVING
Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home exists today because of planned giving.  In her will,
Miss Victoria Jackson of Bowling Green, Kentucky, left her home to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
for the creation of a home for widows and orphans.  Her final act of generosity has allowed thousands of
lives to be touched by this ministry for the past 107 years.
Throughout CPCH’s history, many faithful people have blessed CPCH with their estate gifts.  It isa fact that some of these gifts kept the ministry going through lean economic times, such as the one we areexperiencing now.
Planned giving is an important part of CPCH’s operating budget.  We are grateful this year for theplanned gifts from the following estates and trusts:•  Mac and Marzee Bruington•  Mary Harting•  Virginia Ekiss•  Jo M. Wedde

III. BUILDING TOGETHER CAPITAL CAMPAIGN SUMMARY
In conjunction with CPCH’s 100th birthday celebration, the Board of Trustees conducted the
Building Together Capital Campaign.  This successful campaign had three main priorities for the $6 million
raised:Buildings and Campus Enhancements -- $4 million
New Program Development and Implementation -- $1 million
Endowment -- $1 million
With the completion of the last duplex and the Lela Stricklen Hall, the final expenditures of theCapital Campaign met the priorities as follows:
Buildings and Campus Enhancements -- $4.6 million
New Program Development and Implementation -- $646,000
Endowment -- $646,000

IV. STRATEGIC PLAN
Introduction to the Strategic Plan
Last year at General Assembly, we celebrated the 200th anniversary of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church.  As I drove through the Montgomery Bell Park leaving one of the meetings, I pondered what it musthave been like for those early church leaders.  After the prayerful decisions they made, what emotions did

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they feel?  Certainly, they did not commit to such a major change without some emotion.  Were they a little
anxious about change?  Were they excited about the possibilities brought about by change?  Maybe a little
bit of both emotions.
Then I thought, did they see it as change at all?  Perhaps they simply saw what they were doing as
an innovation.  A new way of doing the essential ministry they had already been doing.  Their service toChrist didn’t change; they were just doing it in a new and innovative way.  They saw that the new frontierdemanded innovative ways to fulfill the mission and calling of Jesus.   The history of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church is a history of innovation.
I see the history of CPCH as a parallel of innovation.  In 1904, Victoria Jackson’s house in BowlingGreen, Kentucky, became the first Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home.   For over a quarter of acentury, that house served as a place of ministry for children and widows.  In 1932, when the Board of
Ministerial Relief was considering closing the home in Bowling Green because of the harsh economic
times, Cumberland Presbyterians from the Texas Synod solicited help from the Denton, Texas, Chamber ofCommerce to raise $4,000 (the average annual salary at the time was $1,368).  This money brought CPCH
to its current location.  When these innovative Cumberland Presbyterians realized that their resources alone
could no longer support the needs of the ministry, they reached out to others for help.
From this simple, yet innovative, action, CPCH was no longer just a Cumberland Presbyterianministry.  It was now an ecumenical ministry of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  In 1971, the General
Assembly realized that it was important to share the leadership of CPCH by allowing six of the 15 Trustees
to be non-Cumberland Presbyterians.  The mission to serve children had not changed.  The frontier hadchanged, and the means of service adapted to the new environment.  By incorporating ecumenical partners
to help meet our financial needs and to labor beside us in the field of service, CPCH served more vulnerable
children than could have ever been possible in the original Bowling Green house.
Sixty years later, in the 1990s, CPCH’s Board of Trustees began to see changes in the needs ofchildren and families.  No longer was it going to be enough to provide a safe place for children to live.  Thechanging needs involved families and behavioral health.  CPCH needed to provide counseling and services
to families.  These changing needs led to the innovative Single Parent Family program and the Family
Outfitters counseling and education program.  In 1999, CPCH served 32 children in residential care.  With
the new ministries added over the next decade, CPCH served the needs of more than 900 people including
18 single parent families and 70 children in the residential programs in 2010.
Continuing in this history of innovation, the CPCH Board of Trustees has developed a Strategic
Vision and a 10-year Strategic Plan.  The strategic vision looks to a self-sustaining, fully-staffed ministry in
our current location.  This vision also sees the replication of our existing programs in other locations, andthe vision recognizes the possibility of new programs serving children and families.  The 10-year Strategic
Plan will work toward fulfilling the vision by improving programs, expanding our outreach and creating
sustainability.
A. Strategic Vision
1. Self-Sustaining, fully-staffed agency in Denton, Texas
2. Replication of our 2009 programs (Children’s Residential, Single Parent Family, or Family
Outfitters)
3. Work toward complete social service ministry for children and families
B. 10-Year Strategic Objectives
1. Program Development•  CPCH will examine, continue to improve on, and strive for excellence in the existing
programs (Children’s Residential, Single Parent Families, and Family Outfitters) as well as add at least one
new, self-sustaining program to the agency’s continuum of care.
•  CPCH’s Denton campus will be a beautiful fully-functioning, synergistic model for othermultiple program agencies. CPCH will replicate one or more programs its programs in at least one newgeographic location.
2. Outreach Development•   CPCH will develop reciprocal professional relationships with institutions such as
hospitals, area churches, social service agencies, Bethel University, Memphis Theological Seminary, Texas
Woman’s University and University of North Texas combining relevant research and mature faith ensuring2011

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the long-term sustainability of social service ministry.  CPCH will develop relationships at the highest levelwith the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services by serving on committees and boards at thestate and local level.
•  CPCH will be a significant provider of social services to children and families in Texas
and will be the primary social service resource to the Cumberland Presbyterian denomination.
3. Agency Development•   CPCH will have a minimum operating budget of $2.5 million with contributions
accounting for no more than 20% of the income, be fully staffed for optimum programming outcomes in all
locations, and have a total endowment valued at more than $10.2 million.
•  CPCH will become a self-governing agency within a covenant, but not legal relationship,with the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  The Board of Trustees will meet aminimum of three times per year and become more active in resource development, i.e. recruiting major
donors, planned giving, forming relationships with businesses, participating in special events and making
gifts of their own that indicate significant support for the agency.
The vision and objectives of the plan set before you are far-reaching and innovative.  As has been
the case at other periods in CPCH’s history, finding adequate resources to meet the needs of the innovative
ministries is difficult.  CPCH has sought creative ways to overcome these difficulties.  As we seek to involve
more ecumenical partners and more non-Cumberland Presbyterian donors and grantors, CPCH needs tobecome even more innovative.  Following the path so successfully laid out for us by Bethel University, it isnecessary for the health and sustainability of CPCH to enter into a covenant relationship with the General
Assembly.  The covenant relationship pioneered for us by Bethel University has proven to be a successfulmodel.  Bethel has demonstrated that a relationship based on Biblical principles of covenant can lead to aneven more vibrant ministry.  Therefore, the Board of Trustees of the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’sHome asks the General Assembly to enter into a covenant relationship with CPCH.  A proposed covenant
based on the 2006 covenant with Bethel University is attached as an Appendix.
C. RESOLUTION NUMBER 1 OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE CUMBERLANDPRESBYTERIAN CHILDREN’S HOME
WHEREAS, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church has from its inception been an innovative servantof Christ’s church;
WHEREAS, for the last 107 years the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home has been an
innovative ministry of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church;
WHEREAS, innovation in ministry often necessitates organizational change;
WHEREAS, the relationship that exists between the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Homeand the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church should defined and characterized by theword “covenant.”  The term “covenant” is rooted in biblical and theological understanding.  It has found its
highest expression among God’s people.  Thus, covenant within the family of God implies the deepest levelof trust between covenanting parties and of commitment to one another.  A Christian covenant is a living
agreement that offers both parties opportunities for creative adaptation to meet the ever changing conditionsof our world.  This covenant, moreover, frees each party from being controlled or ultimately responsible foror to each other, but unites the two parties in common mission.  It seeks to honor the legal independence ofeach party while retaining an ongoing, mutual moral responsibility;
WHEREAS, since Bethel University has been a shining example of how positively a covenant
agreement can affect an institution of the church while, at the same time, actually strengthening therelationship between the church and the institution;
WHEREAS, a covenant relationship will support the health and sustainability of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Children’s Home;
WHEREAS, a covenant relationship will protect the church from any potential legal liability,
WHEREAS, if, for any reason, Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home should cease to exist,
then all of the assets will be distributed to the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church;
BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Trustees of the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home
recommendation that the relationship of the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home and the General
Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church be based on the Biblical concept of Covenant rather
than the legal concept of ownership and that the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church

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authorize the Board of Trustees of the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home and the Stated Clerk of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church to take whatever legal steps necessary to form a Covenantal relationshipand consents to the removal of the General Assembly as the sole member of the Cumberland PresbyterianChildren’s Home be approved.
RECOMMENDATION 1: That the General Assembly adopt the above Resolution removing
the General Assembly as the sole member of the Board of Trustees of the Cumberland PresbyterianChildren’s Home.
D. RESOLUTION NUMBER 2 OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE CUMBERLANDPRESBYTERIAN CHILDREN’S HOME
WHEREAS, if the General Assembly approves RECOMMENDATION 1, then amending the
Articles of Incorporation of the Board of Trustees of the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home isnecessary to accomplish this change;
BE IT RESOLVED, that RECOMMENDATION 2 of the Board of Trustees of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Children’s Home be approved.
ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT TO THE
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATIONOFBOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE CUMBERLANDPRESBYTERIAN CHILDREN’S HOME
Pursuant to the provisions of Title 2, Chapter 22 of the Texas Business Organizations Code, theundersigned corporation adopts the following Restated Certificate of Formation, which is adopted for the
purpose of establishing that all Trustees shall be appointed as stated in the By-laws of the corporation;
removal of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church as the Corporation’s solemember and establishing that the corporation shall have no members; providing that the Board of Trustees
has authority to dispose of all or substantially all assets of the corporation; and adopting a covenantal
relationship between the corporation and the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Articles I, III and IV of the Articles of Incorporation are unchanged.
The following amendment to the Articles of Incorporation, Article II, is adopted to read as follows:
The Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home is organized exclusively for one or more of the
purposes as specified in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, including, for such purposes, themaking of distributions to organization that qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of
the Internal Revenue Code.  Specifically, the Board of Trustees of the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’sHome is formed to support a charitable undertaking: to care for neglected and dependent children andfamilies through appropriate services and to own, lease, occupy, construct, maintain, and control property
for use in the services provided to neglected and dependent children and families.  In the maintenance of sucha Home or Institution, the Board would have the power to:  (1) purchase, lease, hold, occupy, and otherwise
lawfully receive or control real estate; (2) bargain, sell, transfer, lease or otherwise convey or demise realestate; (3) construct or cause to be constructed, or rent or otherwise lawfully secure and maintain, occupy,
control and operate permanent or semi-permanent structure and chattels real; (4) purchase or otherwise
lawfully acquire personal property of any nature, and to own, maintain, control, possess, and use such
personal property; and to bargain, sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of such personal property; (5) operate,use, and exploit any property owned for the use and benefit accrue directly or indirectly; (6) solicit, receive,and otherwise lawfully obtain for the use of said Corporation, and to utilize said funds in its discretion for
the use and benefit of the children and families served by the Corporation; (7) save, store, conserve, invest,
and utilize any and all assets of the Corporation for the future use and benefit of the Corporation; (8) admit
into, maintain in, or expel or otherwise release from the children’s home any child, children or family;(9) give oversight to the employment of sufficient personnel to operate the children’s home and related
ministries and to maintain, utilize and conserve any or all assets of the Corporation; (10) have and exercise
any power, and to do and perform any act, not prohibited by law, which is customarily or permissibly done

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in the creation, operation and maintenance of a children’s home and related ministries; (11) accept custodyand guardianship of minors in accordance with the principles of the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’sHome and under the applicable laws of the State of Texas.
The following amendment to the Articles of Incorporation, Article V, is adopted to read as follows:V.
The number of Trustees shall be fifteen (15).  Trustees may serve no more than three (3) successive
terms of three (3) years each.  However, after an absence of one (1) year following three consecutive terms(seven to nine years) of service, a non-Cumberland Presbyterian Trustee may be eligible for re-election,and two (2) years for a Cumberland Presbyterian Trustee to be eligible for re-election.  Trustees shall be
appointed each year by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the non-expired terms of the current Trustees to replacethose Trustees whose terms expire.  A Trustee may be removed by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Trusteesof the Corporation, with or without cause, by written notice thereof to the Trustee and to the President or
Secretary of the Corporation.
The following amendment to the Articles of Incorporation, Article VI, is adopted to read as follows:
VI.
The Corporation shall have no members.
The following amendment to the Articles of Incorporation, Article VII, is adopted to read as follows:VII.
The Board of Trustees shall have the full responsibility for the management and control of thebusiness property and affairs of the Corporation, including, but not limited to, the authority to sell, lease,exchange or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its property.
The following amendment to the Articles of Incorporation, Article VIII is adopted to read as follows:
VIII.
The Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation may be amended in such manner as is provided by
the laws of the State of Texas.
The following amendment to the Articles of Incorporation, Article IX is adopted so as to read as follows:
IX.
The Corporation and the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church has entered intoa covenantal relationship, which sets forth the nature, relationship and responsibilities of the Corporationand the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
RECOMMENDATION 2: That the General Assembly adopt the above Articles of Amendment
to the charter of the Board of Trustees of the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home.
E. RESOLUTION NUMBER 3 OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE CUMBERLANDPRESBYTERIAN CHILDREN’S HOME
WHEREAS,  if the General Assembly approves RECOMMENDATION 1, then amending the ByLaws of the Board of Trustees of the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home is necessary to accomplish
this change;
BE IT RESOLVED, RECOMMENDATION 3 of the Board of Trustees of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Children’s Home be approved.
AMENDMENT TO THE BY-LAWS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE CUMBERLANDPRESBYTERIAN CHILDREN’S HOME CORPORATION
The following amendment to the By-Laws, Article I, Section 3 is hereby adopted to read as follows:
Section 3. Purpose: The Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home is organized exclusively for
one or more of the purposes as specified in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, including,for such purposes, the making of distributions to organization that qualify as exempt organizations under
Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.  Specifically, the Board of Trustees of the Cumberland

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Presbyterian Children’s Home is formed to support a charitable undertaking: to care for neglected anddependent children and families through appropriate services and to own, lease, occupy, construct, maintain,
and control property for use in the services provided to neglected and dependent children and families.  
In the maintenance of such a Home or Institution, the Board would have the power to:   (1) purchase,lease, hold, occupy, and otherwise lawfully receive or control real estate; (2) bargain, sell, transfer, lease orotherwise convey or demise real estate; (3) construct or cause to be constructed, or rent or otherwise lawfully
secure and maintain, occupy, control and operate permanent or semi-permanent structure and chattels
real; (4) purchase or otherwise lawfully acquire personal property of any nature, and to own, maintain,
control, possess, and use such personal property; and to bargain, sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of such
personal property; (5) operate, use, and exploit any property owned for the use and benefit accrue directly
or indirectly; (6) solicit, receive, and otherwise lawfully obtain for the use of said Corporation, and to utilize
said funds in its discretion for the use and benefit of the children and families served by the Corporation;(7) save, store, conserve, invest, and utilize any and all assets of the Corporation for the future use andbenefit of the Corporation; (8) admit into, maintain in, or expel or otherwise release from the children’s
home any child, children or family; (9) give oversight to the employment of sufficient personnel to operate
the children’s home and related ministries and to maintain, utilize and conserve any or all assets of the
Corporation; (10) have and exercise any power, and to do and perform any act, not prohibited by law, which
is customarily or permissibly done in the creation, operation and maintenance of a children’s home andrelated ministries; (11) accept custody and guardianship of minors in accordance with the principles of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home and under the applicable laws of the State of Texas.
The following amendment to the By-Laws, Article II, Section 3 is hereby amended to read as follows:
Section 3. Term of Office: Trustees may serve no more than three (3) successive terms of three(3) years each.   However, after an absence of one (1) year following three consecutive terms (seven tonine years) of service, a non-Cumberland Presbyterian Trustee may be eligible for re-election, and two(2) years for a Cumberland Presbyterian Trustee to be eligible for re-election.  Trustees shall be appointed
each year by a majority vote of the non-expired terms of the current Trustees of the Corporation to replacethose Trustees whose terms expire.  A Trustee may be removed by a majority vote of the Trustees of the
Corporation, with or without cause, by written notice thereof to the Trustee and to the President or Secretaryof the Corporation.
The following amendment to the By-Laws, Article II, Section 5 is hereby amended to read as follows:
Section 5. Authority of Board of Trustees: The Board of Trustees shall have the full responsibility
for the man¬agement and control of the business property and affairs of the Corporation.  The Board shallhave authority to appoint such ad¬visory committees as it may deem necessary.
The following amendment to the By-Laws, Article V, Section 4 is hereby adopted to read as follows:
Section 4. Periodic Report: The Board shall cause any annual or periodic report required under law
to be prepared and delivered to an office of this state to be so prepared and delivered within the time limits
set by law.
The following amendment to the By-Laws, Article VI, Section 1 is hereby adopted to read as follows:
Section 1. Amendments to Articles of Incorporation: The Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation
may be amended in such manner as is provided by the laws of the State of Texas.
The following amendment to the By-Laws, Article VI, Section 2 is hereby amended to read as follows:
Section 2. Amendments to By-Laws: These By-Laws may be amended by the Board of Trustees
at any regular or special meeting provided a copy of such proposed amendments has been mailed to eachmember of the Board of Trustees at least ten days prior to the date of the meeting.  A vote of at least twothirds (2/3) of the total membership of the Board of Trustees shall be necessary for the adoption of any
amendment at such meeting.
The following amendment to the By-Laws, Article VII, Sections 1, 2 and 3 is hereby adopted to read as2011

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follows:
Section 1. Limitations on Activities: No substantial part of the activities of this corporation shallbe the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation (except as otherwise
provided by Section 501(h) of the Internal Revenue Code), and this corporation shall not participate in, orintervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements), any political campaign on behalf of,or in opposition to, any candidate for public office.  Notwithstanding any other provisions of these bylaws,
this corporation shall not carry on any activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation exempt
from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or (b) by a corporation,
contributions to which are deductible under Section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Section 2. Prohibition Against Private Inurement: No part of the net earnings of this corporation
shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, its members, directors or trustees, officers, or other private
persons, except that the corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation forservices rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes of this corporation.
Section 3. Distribution of Assets: Upon the dissolution of this corporation, its assets remaining
after payment, or provision for payment, of all debts and liabilities of this corporation, shall be distributedfor one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code orshall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose.  Such
distribution shall be made in accordance with all applicable provisions of the laws of this state.
The following amendment to the By-Laws Article VIII, is hereby adopted to read as follows:
If there is any conflict between the provisions of these bylaws and the articles of incorporation ofthis corporation, the provisions of the articles of incorporation shall govern.
Should any of the provisions or portions of these bylaws be held unenforceable or invalid for any
reason, the remaining provisions and portions of these bylaws shall be unaffected by such holding.
All references in these bylaws to the articles of incorporation shall be to the articles of incorporation,
articles of organization, certificate of incorporation, organizational charter, corporate charter, or otherfounding document of this corporation filed with an office of this state and used to establish the legal
existence of this corporation.
All references in these bylaws to a section or sections of the Internal Revenue Code shall be tosuch sections of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended from time to time, or to corresponding
provisions of any future federal tax code.
RECOMMENDATION 3: That the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church adopt Article of Amendment to the By-Laws of the Board of Trustees of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Children’s Home Corporation.
RECOMMENDATION 4: That May 13, 2012, be designated as Cumberland PresbyterianChildren’s Home (CPCH) Sunday and that General Assembly encourage congregations to emphasize
the importance of this offering as a significant source of funding for CPCH.
Respectfully submitted,
Richard A. Brown, J.D., President of the Board of Trustees
Reverend Kevin R. Henson, Executive Director

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Appendix
THE COVENANT BETWEENTHE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHILDREN’S HOMEAND
THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
GENERAL ASSEMBLY CORPORATION
I. HISTORICAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIANCHILDREN’S HOME AND THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
The mission statement of the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home reminds all that CPCH isand always has been a ministry of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  The mission statement reads: “Asan ecumenical ministry of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church 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.”
CPCH has a proud 107-year history of bringing healing and hope to vulnerable children, teens andfamilies.  Founded in 1904 in Bowling Green, Kentucky, CPCH was created by the gift of a home to be
used to house widows and orphans of Cumberland Presbyterian ministers.  In 1932, at the request of what
was then called the Texas Synod of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church (CPC), CPCH moved to Denton,
Texas, and occupied a home on the corner of Avenue A and Greenlee streets.  Subsequently, acreage was
acquired at the corner of Bernard and Greenlee streets, and CPCH moved to that location in 1939 uponcompletion of the construction of the Old Main building.
For 94 years, CPCH specialized solely in caring for children and teens in Residential Care.  After
careful consideration of society’s needs at the time and with the goals of  preserving families and reducing
the need for its residential care services, CPCH launched a transitional housing program for adult single
parents in 1999.
In 2007, after further examination of the needs of the community and how CPCH might be able topositively affect the lives of children and families not living on its campus, CPCH began the Family Outfitters
Program.  The Family Outfitters Program offers parenting and pre-marital education and individual, maritaland family counseling on a sliding fee scale.
Today, CPCH is one ministry with three interrelated programs – Residential Care, Single Parent
Family, and Family Outfitters – that help children and families find healing and hope through identifying
their strengths and finding solutions to the challenges in their lives.
II. NATURE AND PURPOSE OF THE COVENANT RELATIONSHIP
A. Covenant Relationships in General
The relationship that exists between CPCH and the CPC is defined and characterized by the word
“covenant.”  The term “covenant” is rooted in biblical and theological understanding and has found its
highest expression among God’s people.  Thus, covenant within the family of God implies the deepest levelof trust between covenanting parties and of commitment to one another.  A Christian covenant is a living
agreement that offers both parties opportunities for creative adaptation to meet the ever-changing conditionsof our world.  This covenant, moreover, frees each party from being controlled or ultimately responsible foror to each other, but unites the two parties through their common vision and missions.  It seeks to honor thelegal independence of each party while retaining an ongoing, mutual moral responsibility.
b. Confirmation of the Covenant Relationship
CPCH and CPC hereby confirm their covenant relationship recognizing that the life and work ofeach is enriched and made more dynamic through this relationship and also recognizing that each party has
its own role that can be strengthened through the mutual exchange of ideas, resources, and support for the
mission of the other.  This covenant does not restrict either party from entering into a covenant relationshipwith other parties.

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a. Purpose of this Document
This document is a current statement of the covenant relationship between CPCH and the CPC.  It is
intended that this covenant reflect the spiritual bond between the parties and that the governing documentsof each party not be inconsistent with this covenant.
III. THE ONGOING MISSION OF EACH COVENANT PARTY
A. The Mission of CPCH
As an ecumenical ministry fostered by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in response to Christ’s
love and example, the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home exists to provide a safe and wholesome
environment for the development of children and to bring healing and hope to children and their families.
B. The Mission of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
The Cumberland Presbyterian church holds the following Vision of Ministry:   Biblically basedand Christ-centered, born out of a specific sense of mission, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church strives
to be true to its heritage: to be open to God’s reforming Spirit, to work cooperatively with the larger Bodyof 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 of the love of God to the glory of Jesus Christ.
IV. THE LEGAL RELATIONSHIP AND THE CORPORATEINTEGRITY OF EACH COVENANT PARTY
A. Separate Legal Entities
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church conducts ministry through its corporate body, Cumberland
Presbyterian Church General Assembly Corporation (GA Corporation).  CPCH and GA Corporation are
separate legal entities.
B. Governance of CPCH
CPCH’s Articles of Incorporation provide that it shall be managed by a Board of Trustees at leastnine of the 15 Trustees must be members of a local Cumberland Presbyterian Church or Presbytery.
C. Distribution of Assets upon CPCH Dissolution
Upon the dissolution of CPCH and pursuant to a plan of dissolution adopted according to Texas
law, assets shall be distributed to GA Corporation.
V. THE COMMITMENT OF EACH PARTY TO THE COVENANT
A. The Commitment of Both Parties
i.  Mutual Concern and Support
Both CPCH and the GA Corporation shall at all times demonstrate mutual concern and support for
one another and for their respective missions.  The primary expression of mutual concern and support shallinvolve program relationships between CPCH and GA Corporation.
ii. Governing Boards and Communication
In fulfilling the responsibilities of this covenant, CPCH normally acts through its Board of Trustees
and GA Corporation through its General Assembly.  Continuing communication between CPCH and the
CPC should be affirmed and maintained.

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B. The Commitment of CPCH
CPCH will be a resource to GA Corporation and its constituencies for social service ministry andeducation related to the Church’s mission.  CPCH is free to solicit funds for both capital and operating
expenses from individual Cumberland Presbyterian and other persons, congregations, presbyteries,
trustees, foundations, estates and any other source.  Any major capital campaign initiated by CPCH whichtargets primarily presbyteries, synods, and congregations of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church will bescheduled by mutual consent of CPCH and GA Corporation through the office of the Stated Clerk.
c. The Commitment of General Assembly Corporation
GA Corporation will annually consider providing financial support for CPCH through GA
Corporation’s annual budget process and the funding formula developed by GA Corporation’s OUO
Committee.   GA Corporation will encourage synods, presbyteries, sessions, and individual Cumberland
Presbyterians to support the mission work of CPCH through planned giving programs.
VI. REVIEW AND REAFFIRMATION OF THE COVENANTAL RELATIONSHIP
CPCH and GA Corporation enter into this Covenant with the hope and expectation that it will be
reviewed, refined, and affirmed at least every five years.
VII. APPROVAL OF THE COVENANT
This document establishes and contains the terms of the covenant relationship between the Boardof Trustees of the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
General Assembly Corporation.

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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, Tennessee 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 ministry in
his home, and many other ministers, who trained young candidates in homes, churches, and on the trail.  Forone hundred fifty-nine years, Cumberland Presbyterians have been providing formal theological education
for the church’s ministers.  For almost two hundred years, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church has valued
the importance of an educated ministry.
With the denomination’s decision to move its seminary to Memphis, Tennessee in 1964, Memphis
Theological Seminary 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 most diverse student populations, in terms of denomination and race, of any seminary in the UnitedStates.  This theological and denominational diversity provides a rich environment for educating pastors,
chaplains, Christian educators, and other leaders for the church of Jesus Christ.  The sign on our campus thatfaces Union Avenue reads: “Memphis Theological Seminary: an Ecumenical Mission of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church.”  Every Cumberland Presbyterian can be proud of the mission our seminary fulfills of
educating our own church leaders, and leaders from more than 25 other denominations.
We, the trustees and administration of Memphis Theological Seminary are privileged to be a part ofthis legacy, born out of and guided by the ecumenical and evangelical spirit of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church.  We look forward to what God has in store for our ministry in the future.  With gratitude for God’s
grace, guidance and provision in the past year, we make the following report to the 181st General Assemblyof the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, meeting in Springfield, Missouri.
We warmly invite all commissioners and visitors at the Assembly to attend the MTS Luncheonscheduled for Wednesday, June 22nd at noon in the University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center and the
PAS Breakfast on Thursday, June 23rd at 7:00 am in the University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center.  
Tickets for these events can be purchased at the hotel at registration, or from an MTS staff person.

I. Board of Trustees
A. Officers
The following officers were elected by the Board of Trustees to serve during the past academic
year: Moderator – Reverend Jody Hill (Cumberland Presbyterian minister, Corinth, Mississippi); Vicemoderator – Reverend Tom Bell (United Methodist minister, Huntsville, Alabama); Secretary – Ms. Jan
Holmes (Cumberland Presbyterian elder, Lubbock, Texas); Treasurer – Ms. Cassandra Price-Perry (VicePresident of Operations and CFO, MTS).
B. Board representative
Reverend Jody Hill was elected to serve as the Board’s representative to this meeting of the General
Assembly.
C. Meetings
The Board has met twice since the last meeting of General Assembly:   September 9-10, 2010,
and February 17-18, 2011.  The Board is scheduled to meet one more time before the meeting of General
Assembly, on May 13-14, 2011.  In addition to full Board meetings, standing committees meet on a regularschedule between Board meetings, usually by conference call.

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Members of our Board of Trustees devote significant time and resources to their work on behalfof the seminary.  By rule of the General Assembly, thirteen of the twenty-four members are Cumberland
Presbyterians.  The other eleven members of the Board represent six different denominations.
D. Expiration of Terms
The terms of eight of twenty-four members of the Board of Trustees expire each year.   Sevenof the eight whose terms expire this year are eligible to succeed themselves and have agreed to serve
another three year term:  Reverend Tom Bell (United Methodist, Birmingham, Alabama); Reverend Doy
Daniels (Cumberland Presbyterian, Milan, Tennessee); Mrs. Pat Meeks (Cumberland Presbyterian, Bartlett,Tennessee); Dr. Robert M. Shelton (Cumberland Presbyterian, Dallas, Texas); Dr. Joe Ward (Cumberland
Presbyterian in America, Madison, Alabama); Mrs. Ruby Wharton (Roman Catholic, Memphis, Tennessee);and Mrs. Nancy Vernon (United Methodist, Fort Smith, Arkansas).  All seven have served faithfully andcontributed greatly to the life of the seminary.  We are grateful for their willingness to continue serving if
re-elected.
One trustee has completed three terms and is not eligible to succeed herself:  Mrs. Marianna (Molly)
Williams (Cumberland Presbyterian, Dyersburg, Tennessee).  Molly has served in an exemplary way her
time on our Board.  She has held several offices, including service as Moderator for two years.  We give
thanks to God for the service she has given to Memphis Theological Seminary.
Recommendation 1: That the General Assembly express its gratitude to Mrs. Marianna
Williams for her faithful service to Memphis Theological Seminary and the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church.
E. Work of the Board
The trustees continue to develop their administrative procedures and practices to provide the best
possible governance to the life of the seminary.  For the past three years, we have had 100% participation
by trustees in giving to the Annual Fund, and in participating actively in the work of MTS.
The Board takes its governance role seriously, and is focusing its attention in the year ahead on
strategic long range planning and fiscal health.  In the past year, the Board conducted a self-assessment
which was useful in planning for the work of the Board.
F. Priority Focus on Evangelism
The 177th General Assembly approved a resolution establishing a priority focus for the denomination
for the next five years.  That priority focus is “to be evangelism, with an emphasis on leading congregations
in how to do and to do personal evangelism that is appropriate to the congregation’s cultural context.”  In
addition the GA recommended that “every agency and institution of the church adjust its overall mission
to support this five year priority focus by identifying how it can help the church accomplish this and reportto 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 the January 2009 term we focused our course offerings around the theme of “Evangelism andMission,” offering several new courses in this field.  Two of those courses were taught by Cumberland
Presbyterian adjunct professors.  Dr. Michael Qualls (Pastor of Faith CPC, Bartlett, Tennessee and D.Min.
in Evangelism from Columbia Theological Seminary) taught “REvangelism: Retooling, Refueling,
Reconsidering, and Reclaiming the Church’s Disciple-making Directive.”  Dr. Charles McCaskey (Pastorof Cookeville First CPC, D.Min. in New Testament, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary) taught“Evangelism and The Short-Term Mission Imperative” to teach students how to plan and lead shortterm mission trips for the local church.  We continue to seek new opportunities to teach our students theevangelistic imperative of Christ: that we make disciples of all nations.  The Spring 2009 edition of The
Lamp focused on evangelism and mission and its central role in the life of the church.

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Early in 2009, the President met with members of the Foundation for Evangelism board to begin
discussions about funding for an additional faculty position in Evangelism for MTS.  We are in the initialstages of developing a proposal for the Foundation that we believe holds promise for this new venture.
In fall 2010, MTS hosted a major lecture series and conference around the theme of Evangelism.
We have been worked with Dr. George Estes of the Missions Ministry Team to plan this event.  The lecturer
will be Dr. H. Stanley Wood, Ford Chair Associate Professor of Congregational Leadership and Evangelism
at San Francisco Theological Seminary, one of the leading voices in Evangelism among Presbyterians.
He is the editor of Extraordinary Leaders in Extraordinary Times (Eerdmans, 2006), a major study of
pastors who have established or led churches that are successful at reaching unchurched people.  Alongwith the lectures, there will be workshops geared toward local and presbyterial leaders who are interested
in revitalizing evangelism in the church.
In July of 2011, Dr. Wood will teach a course on evangelism at the PAS summer extension schoolin McKenzie on the campus of Bethel University.  Both MTS and PAS students will have opportunity toenroll in this course.

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, Virginia (Ph.D.).
He will complete his sixth year in this position at the end of the current academic year.
B. Annual Review of the President
The Board of Trustees conducted its annual evaluation of the President at the February 2010
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.
C. Vice President of Academic Affairs/DeanAt the February 2010 Board meeting, Dr. Barbara Holmes submitted her resignation from the
Dean’s office.  The Board approved a sabbatical year for Dr. Holmes, after which she intends to return to
MTS in a teaching role.
The Board of Trustees approved the appointment of Dr. R. Stan Wood (Cumberland Presbyterian in
America minister), long-time teacher in the field of pastoral ministry and director of the Doctor of Ministry
program at MTS, to serve as Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the seminary in May
of 2010.  Dr. Wood continues to serve effectively in this important position.
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 laywoman, active in her local church in Collierville, Tennessee, a Memphis
suburb.   There she sings in the choir and the praise team, is chair of the Worship Design committee,organizes many of the congregation’s service projects, and takes an active part in all the programs of thechurch.  Cathi’s skills and experience have been a great asset to the seminary more than four years.

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E. Vice President of Operations/CFO
Mrs. Cassandra Price-Perry of Southaven, Mississippi, began her work at MTS in August 2010
as Vice President of Operations and Chief Financial Officer.   Cassandra has brought a new level ofprofessionalism and competency to the work of MTS as we have sought to manage faithfully our resourcesin these difficult economic times.  The Board commended her in their February meeting on her work, theimprovements she has made in reporting, budgeting, and managing the expenditures of the seminary, andthe unqualified audit received from our auditors.

III. Instruction
A. Degree Programs
Memphis Theological Seminary continues to offer three degree programs, two certificate programson our main campus (one in Youth Ministry, and one in Addiction Counseling) and one certificate program
through the Program of Alternate Studies.  The Master of Divinity is the basic degree program for persons
preparing for ordained ministry in many denominations.  It continues to be our largest degree program, withover 70% of students enrolled.  The M.Div. requires 87 semester hours and takes three years of full-time
study to complete.
The Master of Arts in Religion degree is a two year degree for persons seeking a general theologicalstudies degree and is useful for educators, United Methodist deacons, and laypersons who are called tosome form of specialized ministry.  The M.A.R. requires 48 semester hours and takes two years of full-time
study to complete.
The Doctor of Ministry degree is a professional degree designed for pastors and other ministers
who have at least three years of full-time work in ministry after their M.Div. and who want to engage 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 2010, Memphis Theological Seminary awarded the M.A.R. degree
to thirteen persons.  Forty-three persons were awarded the M.Div. degree, and eleven were awarded theD.Min. degree.  Of these sixty-seven graduates, thirteen were Cumberland Presbyterians.
Cumberland Presbyterian Master of Divinity Graduates were:
Kevin Alspaugh, Robert Donnell Presbytery
Leo Chang, Arkansas Presbytery
Youngkun Choi, East Tennessee Presbytery
Eric Corbin, West Tennessee Presbytery
Donna Davenport, Covenant Presbytery
Rob Harris, Cumberland Presbytery
Drew Hayes, Cumberland Presbytery
Richie Lockhart, West Tennessee Presbytery
Chris Todd, West Tennessee Presbytery
Cumberland Presbyterian Doctor of Ministry Graduates were:
Joey Edwards, West Tennessee Presbytery
Anne Hames, West Tennessee Presbytery
Kevin Henson, Red River Presbytery
Lori Kleinjan, West Tennessee Presbyery
B. Faculty
For the current academic year, Memphis Theological Seminary has twelve full-time teachingfaculty and four administrative faculty members who teach part-time.  In addition, the seminary curriculum
is greatly enhanced by the work of twenty-five to thirty adjunct professors, most of whom are active inpastoral or other ministries.  As finances allow, the Board and Administration are committed to increasing
the size of the faculty to meet the demands of our growing student body.
We will lose two faculty members at the end of the current academic year, both of whom havebeen recruited by other schools.  Dr. Virginia Lee, Associate Professor of Christian Education, has accepted2011

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a position with Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary near Chicago, and Dr. Aliou Niang, Netters
Professor of Biblical Interpretation, has accepted a position with Union Theological Seminary in New York.
We are grateful to both of these outstanding professors for their dedicated work at Memphis TheologicalSeminary.
We have a new faculty member in the field of Wesleyan studies joining us in the fall.  Andrew
Thompson, an elder in full connection with the Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church isfinishing his dissertation at Duke University this summer and will begin teaching at MTS in August.
Due to budget constraints, we will have five faculty positions open in the fall, two of which we plan
to fill during the upcoming academic year.
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.
The faculty is continuing its work on curriculum revision, including the examination of options
related to distance education.
C. Enrollment
Total enrollment in Memphis Theological Seminary for the fall term was 313.  January and summer
term enrollment continues strong as more courses have been offered during those shorter terms over the
past three years.  The largest number of students comes from the United Methodist Church, with about 25%of total enrollment.  Cumberland Presbyterians are the second largest denomination in the student body thiswith about 14% of all students (44 out of 313).
The following table presents a picture of the growth in the student body at MTS since 1990.  Thefigures are based on fall semester enrollment.  Figures included are for total enrollment, enrollment in 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
2008
2009
2010

Total enroll
M.Div.
M.A.R.
D.Min.
CPC
140		114		12		-		37
189		126		22		14		40
198		130		23		21		37227		155		23		24		37238		175		27		18		37268		181		29		24		40287		184		37		29		42282		191		32		34		47
266		177		34		28		40286		197		26		26		34282		201		31		25		37323		212		45		32		39
326		211		50		34		39
349		230		58		30		38351		240		51		27		42346		236		57		24		37332		236		44		26		42305		218		38		26		39
313		206		41		34		43352		234		40		35		46313		218		31		22		44

We saw a dip in enrollment this year, largely due to the economy.  We anticipate a larger enteringclass and a smaller graduating class this year, hoping to bring our enrollment back closer to the 340-350
mark.
D. Program of Alternate Studies
The Program of Alternate Studies (PAS) continues to serve the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,

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following in the footsteps of earlier programs that have provided alternative approaches to ministerial
education in the church since at least 1896.   The present program was created in 1984 and succeededthe Home Study Course/Ministers In-Service Training School that went from the 1940s through the early
1980s.
Dr. Thomas D. Campbell served as Director of PAS from August 1, 1994 until December 31, 2010.
Earlier directors were Dr. William Rustenhaven, who served from 1984 to 1990, and Reverend Norlan
Scrudder, who was director from 1990 to 1994.
In December 2009, Dr. Campbell announced his intention to retire from his position at the end of
2010.  The Board of Trustees appointed a search committee that conducted their work in the late summer
and early fall of 2010.  Dr. Michael Qualls, formerly pastor of the Faith Cumberland Presbyterian Church
in Bartlett, Tennessee, was selected as the next Director of the Program of Alternate Studies.  He began his
work April 1, 2011.
The 2011 PAS Summer Extension School (SES) will be held July 9-23 on the campus of Bethel
University in McKenzie, Tennessee, with three five-day schools (Blocks): July 9-13; July 14-18; and July
19-23.   The partnership of PAS/MTS with the Missions Ministry Team of the denomination regarding
cross-cultural ministries continues as we work to provide part of the education and nurture for cross-cultural
students.
The PAS Summer Extension School welcomes lay people, Seminary graduates, PAS graduates,and others to the July sessions to audit classes, for a modest fee. Ordained ministers can check with theirrespective presbyteries regarding Continuing Education Units earned from auditing one, two, or three courses.  
Persons are invited to call the PAS office (901)334-5853; e-mail the office mqualls@memphisseminary.edu
or write to us at 168 East Parkway South, Memphis, Tennessee 38104.
Graduation exercises will be held on Day One of Block I, Saturday, July 9 at 10:45 A.M. in Bouldin
Auditorium within the Dickey Fine-Arts Building on the campus.
Enrollment in PAS continues to be around 45-50 regular students at any given time.  In order for a
Presbytery to direct a candidate or licentiate to PAS, a two-thirds vote of the Presbytery is required.
The PAS Advisory Council meets with the Director once a year to provide advice and counsel
on the program and its implementation.  Members of the Advisory Council include two administrators ofMemphis Theological Seminary:  Jay Earheart-Brown, and Stan Wood.  It also includes the Director of the
Pastoral Development Ministry Team, Milton Ortiz.
The PAS Director reports to the Board of Trustees through the Vice President of Academic Affairs/
Dean of the Seminary.
E. New Academic Initiatives
In February 2009, the Board approved a partnership between MTS and the Center for Youth Ministry
Training of Brentwood, and agreed to work toward a MA in Youth Ministry degree at MTS.  Beginning in
the fall of 2009, students admitted to CYMT and MTS in the Youth Ministry certificate program will earnseminary level credit for their course work.  We are enthusiastic about the prospects for this new partnershipto create a certificate, and future degree program focused on Youth Ministry.
In Fall 2010, we began offering courses toward a certificate in drug and alcohol addiction counseling.
This new program, led by Cumberland Presbyterian minister and counselor Dr. Johnie Welch, promises tomeet an important need in our society and in our region.
The administration and faculty continue to explore the possibility of distance education through online delivery of courses.  Our first on-line course was offered in the spring of 2010 with eighteen students
enrolled.  We continue to explore avenues for expanding our mission through this method.
F. 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.
Our last accreditation visit occurred in 2008, at which time we were fully affirmed for the next ten
years by both accrediting bodies.

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A. Purchase of Property
Thanks to the support of the 177th General Assembly, we have been given approval to purchaseadditional properties within the bounds of our long range campus plan.  Because of the recession we havenot purchased any properties in the past 30 months, and do not intend to borrow any more money for thispurpose.
We are seeking funding for a feasibility study before beginning a capital campaign in what we hope
will be the near future.
B. 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.
C. 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 the Facilities Office, or Mrs. Cathi Johnson in the Advancement
Office of the seminary.
D. 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, MTS 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
our neighbors.
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 2011-2012 academic year at its May meeting.
Copies of that budget will be provided at the meeting of General Assembly.  The budget for the current year
represents an eight percent decrease in expenditures, to $4.15 million.  In order to accomplish this decrease,salaries and benefits have been frozen, travel expenses curtailed, and other expenses cut to the bone.  In thecurrent economic climate, we have taken measures to be as conservative as we can with next years’ budget
in order to be good stewards of the resources entrusted to us.  Next year’s budget will be in the range of $4.2
million, a slight increase from last fiscal year.
B. ATS Financially Stressed Schools ProjectIn the fall of 2009, MTS was one of fifteen theological schools in the United States and Canada

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selected to participate in a grant program announced by the Association of Theological Schools.   Theproject provides two years of consulting to schools that are under financial stress to develop a sustainablemodel for fiscal viability.  As a part of our participation in that project, MTS is working with a consultant
to assess our current financial position and make any necessary changes to strengthen us for the future.  A
copy of the initial report prepared for the project is appended to this report.
C. Scholarships and Grants
We continue to cultivate relationships with foundations whose mission closely aligns with ours.  
The following grants for scholarships and other projects have been received or renewed in this fiscal year:
1.  The Henry Luce Foundation (2009-2011) - Update
To support At the River: Theology & Arts Program at MTS.  The Henry Luce Foundation has granted$75,000 payable over 3 years.  The Luce Foundation is located in New York City and funds programs likethese on a large scale across the country.  It is a sign of the value of this emerging work that a foundation ofthis caliber is willing to provide financial support.
2.  The Varnell Artist-in-Residence - Update
For three years, Henry and Jeanne Varnell, long-time friends of MTS, have provided financial andpractical support for the Artist-in-Residence of At the River: Theology & Arts program.  For two years, they
have hosted in their home, a penthouse overlooking the Mississippi River, a pre-event leading up to theDr. Henry Logan Starks Scholarship Dinner.  At the February 2011 meeting, the Board of Trustees voted
to name this annual event the Henry and Jeanne Varnell Fireside Chat.  They have also recently agreed tocontinue funding the Artist-in-Residence for another year.
3.  The Wilson Family Foundation - Update
The Wilson family, founders of the Holiday Inn hotel chain and great philanthropists in Memphis,has renewed their funding of the Wilson Scholarships at $15,000 x 3 years, which provides scholarshipsupport for 3 Wilson Scholars each year.
4.  The H.W. Durham Foundation - Update
The Memphis-based H.W. Durham Foundation has renewed its gift of $5,000 to provide 5 $1,000
scholarships for students who are 55+ years of age.  These Durham Scholars will represent much of ourstudent body who are second-career students.
5.  The Chatlos Foundation
The Chatlos Foundation has provided a generous gift of $15,000 to fund the removal and storageof the historic Moller Pipe Organ donated to MTS from the (now closed and demolished) Union Avenue
United Methodist Church.  This is the third significant gift in four years from this foundation.
6.  Charles Hubbert Honorarium
In specific recognition of Dr. Aliou Niang, Assistant Professor of New Testament at Memphis
Theological Seminary, for his outstanding scholarship and teaching, and as encouragement for all MTS
faculty to continue toward teaching excellence, Dr. Charles H. Hubbert has given a gift of $5,000 to support
the Professional Development for MTS faculty members.
7.  The First Tennessee Foundation
The foundation partnered with MTS in support of the course “Money, Markets & Ministry,” taught
by president Dr. Jay Earhear-Brown.   Foundation representatives agreed with our assessment that thiscourse will generate positive results for many faith-based organizations that must make critical decisions in
the area of business management.  Together, we worked to deliver essential education and insights that will
make a difference in the daily lives of church leaders and church members.
D. Endowments
1.  The Baird-Buck Chair of Cumberland Presbyterian Studies - Update
In December 2008, original three endowments were combined for a new purpose, to permanently

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endow a Chair of CP Studies at MTS.  At the time, the balance was $112,000.  Today, the balance has grown
to $250,000!
The purpose of this endowment is to strengthen the Cumberland Presbyterian Church by establishingan endowed professorship with a primary focus of teaching Cumberland Presbyterian history, theology,
church administration and the practice of ministry that is particular to the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church.  The goal is $1.5 million, which can be reached through current gifts or estate gifts (with proper
documentation provided).
2.  Finis McAdoo Bruington Board-Designated Endowment
The Board of Trustees of Memphis Theological Seminary, in appreciation for the legacy gift of
Mr. Finis McAdoo Bruington, given at his request upon his death by his son, Mr. Charles S. Bruington,
established a board-designated endowment to support general operating expenses of the seminary.
In a letter provided by Charles Bruington (a leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day
Saints), he explained that his grandfather was a Cumberland Presbyterian minister who named his son Finis
McAdoo (sic) in honor of two of the founders of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Finis Ewing andSamuel McAdow.  Mac, as he was called, asked his son to make a gift from his estate to support the workof Memphis Theological Seminary.  In the letter, Charles stated that this gift represents the life savings of
his father, and mentioned putting it into an endowment.
3.  Sam B. Miles Board-Designated Endowment
The Board of Trustees of Memphis Theological Seminary, in appreciation for the legacy gift of
Mr. Sam B. Miles, established a board-designated endowment to support general operating expenses of theseminary.
Sam Miles was born on October 15, 1914, was married and widowed twice, and had no children.  He
was faithful to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, serving as an elder for over 60 years.  He also servedin the Eighth Army Air Force during WWII.  Sam was quite the businessman and community participantin Hopkinsville, Kentucky.  In addition to owning Barnes Motor Company until his retirement in 1976, he
was on the boards of a bank, the Salvation Army, a medical center, the county historical society and a local
museum.  He knew the value of “giving” – and he gave of his time, energy, enthusiasm, business acumen
and financial gifts.
On November 24, 2010, Sam died at age 96 of natural causes.  His will specified an unrestricted giftof 10% of his estate for MTS.
4.  Cora Hawkins Crutchfield Scholarship Endowment
In honor of Cora Crutchfield’s dedication to education and in support of the mission of the seminary
to prepare faith leaders for the future, Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield established a scholarship for married
CME pastors who are attending MTS.
Mrs. Cora Hawkins Crutchfield was a dedicated and committed public school educator, having
taught for 33 years.  At the time of her death at age 56 on February 15, 2011, she was a third grade teacher
at Beech Bluff Elementary School in the Jackson Madison County (Tennessee) School System.  She wasfaithful, loyal, devoted, dedicated, compassionate, loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt,
cousin, friend, teacher, and Christian disciple who supported everyone in all their endeavors, especially herhusband and children.  She and Dr. Crutchfield were married for 33 years.
Cora was a lifelong CME who understood the importance of educated clergy.   Throughout
Carmichael’s three seminary journeys when he earned a Master of Divinity degree, Doctor of Ministry
degree and a Ph.D., she learned to appreciate the results of trained clergy.   She was able to recognize
prepared pastors and how they made a difference in the lives of parishioners.
While Carmichael was in seminary earning two degrees from MTS, and in all his endeavors in the
CME Church, Cora was a rock of support.  With the challenges of CME local churches to pay full-timecompensation packages to pastors, Cora was the source of allowing Carmichael to be in full-time ministry
as she provided fringe benefits through her employment as a public school educator.  She was his helpmate
in every way.
5.  The Dr. Thomas D. Campbell Endowment
As a way of honoring Dr. Thomas D. Campbell on the occasion of his retirement as Director of The
Program of Alternate Studies at Memphis Theological Seminary, his family, friends, current and former
students and co-workers established an endowment as a testament to their love and respect for him, and asa means of providing future support for the program for which he has worked tirelessly for 16.5 years.

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Tom Campbell was born in Decatur, Texas, in 1939 to a family steeped in Cumberland Presbyterian
history.  His father, the late Dr. Thomas H. Campbell, was a pastor, professor, and at times served as boththe president and the dean of the Cumberland Presbyterian Theological Seminary at Bethel College in
McKenzie, Tennessee, and in its current form as Memphis Theological Seminary in Memphis, Tennessee.  
Tom’s mother, Margaret, is the oldest of seven children of the Estes clan, another well-known family in the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Tom served 16 months as stated supply/student pastor of Oak Grove and Wesson’s Chapel
Cumberland Presbyterian Churches in Decatur County, Tennessee, then after graduation in 1961, moved
to Batesville, Arkansas, to serve Faith Cumberland Presbyterian Church, a new church development.  He
married Linda Victoria Coleman in 1963 and together they raised three daughters.
After earning a Bachelor of Arts from Bethel College in 1961, he earned a Bachelor of Divinityfrom the Cumberland Presbyterian Theological Seminary (1964), and a Master of Theology (1969) anda Doctor of Ministry (1980) from Brite Divinity School of Texas Christian University.  He has been theInstructor in Preaching for PAS since its inception, and has attended every PAS summer extension schoolat Bethel University, for a total of 27 years.
Decades of service in the church include serving as moderator and stated clerk of several
presbyteries, as trustee of Bethel College and member of commissions and boards in the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, adjunct professor at Memphis Theological Seminary and instructor for the Programof Alternate Studies, and commissioner to the General Assembly.  Tom has authored books and articles,
served as worship director, commencement speaker, lecturer and preacher.  In 1994, he became Director of
PAS and led this program for 16.5 years.
6.  The Timothy and Lisa Baranoski Scholarship for US Military Chaplain Candidates
In support of the mission of the seminary to prepare faith leaders for the future, Timothy and Lisa
Baranoski have included Memphis Theological Seminary as a beneficiary in their wills in the amount of$25,000 to establish a memorial scholarship for US Military Chaplain Candidates.
Timothy and Lisa Baranoski were married on June 28, 2002.  At that time, they had no idea thatthey were beginning anything more than their life together.  While living in Pennsylvania, both Timothyand Lisa were educators and actively involved in their local church in various parts of the ministry of thechurch.
After moving to Nashville, Tennessee, Timothy and Lisa became more involved in their local church
and found a church home with Tusculum Cumberland Presbyterian Church.   They enjoyed fellowshiptimes, Sunday school, and being part of the annual Passion Play.   With blessings from Lisa and after
many prayers and conversations with members of the Tusculum congregation, Timothy accepted his call topursue ordained ministry.
While at Memphis Theological Seminary, Timothy was blessed with the opportunity to explore his
calling to ministry under the guidance of the faculty and administration.  After prayerfully considering his
direction in ministry, and with Lisa’s blessing, Timothy began the process of becoming an Army Chaplain.
With graduation in May 2011, Timothy and Lisa, with their daughter Sophia (born in 2007), lookforward to the future of their ministry together.
E. Named Lecture Series and Faculty Chairs
1.  The Dr. Barbara A. Holmes Lectures in African American Studies
This lecture series and endowment to fund it was established with an inaugural lecture in February
2009.  The 2011 lecture was held in conjunction with Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church and featured
Dr. Allan Boesak as the speaker.
2.  The Dr. James L. Netters Chair in New Testament Studies (2009-2011)- Update
MTS is dedicated to becoming the premier seminary in the country for those who are devoted to
racial reconciliation under the banner of the gospel.  This named professorship signals to the local andglobal community that we at MTS are serious about working toward the fulfillment of peace and justice.  
Although in its final year, the Elders for Education are in the planning stages of preparing to continue thischair for an additional three years.

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F. Estate Gifts
1.  Elizabeth Dannelly Estate
2.  Finis McAdoo Bruington Estate
3.  Anna Belle Harris Estate
4.  Sam Miles Estate$11,280$54,338$6,516$50,000 (first distribution)

We give thanks for the life and witness of these men and women, and encourage others to remember
the ministry of MTS in their estate planning.
G. Seminary Sunday
In this current fiscal year, the following churches have already held a Seminary Sunday and sent
gifts to support the mission of MTS:		

Total – 41 gifts					Cumberland Presbyterian – 35 churches
Other denominations – 5 churches
Individual gifts – 1$12,132$  9,472$  2,160$     500

We know that other churches are planning to hold a Seminary Sunday throughout the year.
H. Annual Fund
Memphis Theological Seminary could not operate without the faithful contribution of its alumni
and friends.  Annual Fund contributions help us keep the cost of tuition down, so that students do not leaveseminary with a large burden of debt to have to pay during their early years in ministry.  Annual Fundcontributions have remained steady in the last few years of economic stress, although income from Our
United Outreach has remained declined slightly.
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.  However, as a percentage 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.
I. Audit Report
The auditing firm of Zoccola Kaplan, P.C. audited the books of Memphis Theological Seminary forthe 2009-2010 fiscal year.  The Board received its report at its February 2011 meeting.  Copies of that report
have been filed with the office of the Stated Clerk.
Respectfully submitted,
Jody Hill, Moderator of the Board of Trustees
Jay Earheart-Brown, President
Memphis Theological Seminary

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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; Rick White, vice-president;
Sidney Milton, secretary.  Susan Knight Gore is the director and treasurer of the Historical Library andArchives.
B. BOARD REPRESENTATIVE TO THE 137th CPCA GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The board’s representative to the 137th General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
in America (CPCA) is Edna Barnett.  The alternate is Rick White.
C. BOARD REPRESENTATIVE TO THE 181st CPC GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The board’s representative to the 181st General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church(CPC) is Sidney Swindle.  The alternate is Sidney Milton.
D. MEMBERSHIP AND MEETINGS OF THE BOARD
The board is currently composed of the following members:  from the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church in America—Edna Barnett, Vanessa Barnhill, Naomi King, and Rick White, from the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church—Pam Davis, Tommy Jobe, Mary Kathryn Kirkpatrick, Gwen McReynolds, Sidney
Milton, and Sidney Swindle.
The Board of Trustees met, September 17, 2010 and February 25, 2011.
E. MEMBERS WHOSE TERMS EXPIRE
The third term of Gwen McReynolds expires with the 2011 meeting of the Cumberland Presbyterian
General Assembly, and she is not eligible for reelection.  The first terms of Edna Barnett and Rick White
expire with the 2011 meeting of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America General Assembly, andthey are eligible for re-election.
F. STAFF
Susan Knight Gore serves as the Archivist of the Historical Foundation.  Reverend Missy Rose is
the archival assistant for the Foundation.
G. EVALUATION OF ARCHIVISTAt the direction of the General Assembly, the board conducted the annual evaluation of the archivist,
Susan Knight Gore at its February 2011 meeting.

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

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1. The 1810 Circle
In order to enlist the financial support of interested members of our churches in the work of
the Foundation, the 1810 Circle was created.   Membership is based on a financial contribution of $25
or more per year.   Income through such gifts enables the Foundation to meet expenditures and is vitalto the continued work of the Foundation.  Members making such gifts were:  Juanita Benson (Camden,
Arkansas), Wesley Brantley (Ada, Oklahoma), Reverend Clinton Buck (Memphis, Tennessee), Reverend
Gordon & Forda Campbell (Springfield, Missouri), Ron & Madeleine Cooley (Downers Grove, Illinois),
Chet & Diane Dickson (Houston, Texas), Michael & April Fare (Nixa, Missouri), John H. Ford (Dyersburg,
Tennessee), Dr. & Mrs. John Gam (Auburn, Alabama), Reverend & Mrs. James C. Gilbert (Fort Worth,
Texas), Heath & Melody Harper (Medina, Tennessee), Dr. J. David Hester (Knoxville, Tennessee), Tom
Hunter (Hendersonville, Tennessee), Clifton Key (Olney, Texas), Helen Knight (Bartlett, Tennessee),
Robert & Jane Little (Dyersburg, Tennessee), Rodney & Pauline McCord (Mineola, Texas), Reverend Jim& Maribeth McGuire (Greeneville, Tennessee), Jimmie McKinley (Longview, Texas), Belle McMahen(Magnolia, Arkansas), Rose Mary Magrill (Marshall, Texas), Virginia Mauck (Clarksville, Indiana), D.
L. & Martha Moody (Russellville, Arkansas), Anne Elizabeth Swain Odom (Smyrna, Tennessee), Alvin
Richards (White, Georgia), Reverend Robert & Olene Rush (Spring, Texas), Beverly St. John (Nashville,
Tennessee), Jon W. Sparks (Memphis, Tennessee), Joe & Patricia Ward (Madison, Alabama), Edward White(Tampa, Florida), Grace Whitfield (Gadsden, Alabama), 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 the General Assembly, through its minutes and summary ofactions, make congregations and presbyteries aware of the 1810 Circle and encourage new members
to support this endeavor annually.
2. Patrons
Persons who contribute $100 or more to one of the endowments of the Historical Foundation
become patron members and receive a certificate.   Patron memberships may also be given in honor orin memory of an individual.  New patrons of the Foundation include: Mrs. Lillian Y. Cross (Dyersburg,
Tennessee) and Bettye Ellis (Dyer, Tennessee).
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 to $  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 thepresbyterial level, the Historical Foundation seeks to work cooperatively with the Presbyterial Heritage
Committees/Presbyterial Historians of both general assemblies.  The brochure, Suggestions for Heritage

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Committees and Presbyterial Historians, is available from the Foundation.   The board expresses its
appreciation to the presbyteries that have Heritage Committees/Presbyterial Historians.
5. Denomination Day Offering
In January, congregations received bulletin inserts, for the project: Historical Foundation Trust.  In
addition, the insert was available on the Foundation’s website.  The Trust is an endowed fund established tolast in perpetuity, with only the earnings from the fund spent each year to support the Historical Foundation’s
ministry and mission.
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.  As of March 21, 2011, $3,646.85
was generously donated by individuals, congregations, and presbyteries for this special project.
RECOMMENDATION 2: That congregations be encouraged to have a special offering on the
Sunday designated as Denomination Day to help support the programs of the Historical Foundation.
B. PUBLICATIONS
1. Promotional Materials
The Historical Foundation maintains a supply of promotional materials which describes its purpose
and work, the various means of financially supporting this work, and listings of available publications andprints for sale through the Foundation.  These materials are available on the Foundation’s website.
2. Publication Series
The Foundation has a number of titles and prints available for purchase.  Income from the sale of these
items goes into the Historical Foundation Trust, a permanent endowment supporting the Foundation’s work.  
Titles available are the 1883 Confession of Faith (CPC), the 1895 Cumberland Cook Book, Cumberland
Presbyterianism and Arminianism Compared/Contrasted on Selected Doctrines by Joe Ben Irby, Faith
Once Delivered; Some Indispensable Doctrines of the Christian Faith, by Joe Ben Irby, Family of Faith:
Cumberland Presbyterians in Harrison County [Texas], 1848-1998 by Rose Mary Magrill, History of East
Side Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Memphis, Tennessee, History of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church by B. W. McDonnold, Life and Thought of 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 ofRobert Verrell Foster by Joe Ben Irby, Life and Thought of Stanford Guthrie Burney by Joe Ben Irby, Lifeand Times of Finis Ewing by F. R. Cossitt, 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, and printsof the Samuel McAdow Home and the First Meeting of Cumberland Presbytery. These items are available
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 means ofpromoting such writing is the Historical Foundation Award in Cumberland Presbyterian History.  A $300
prize is awarded to the author entering the best paper on any CP or CPCA history subject which meets inform and content the requirements set by the Board of Trustees and judged by the board appointed awardscommittee.  All manuscripts submitted to the competition become property of the Foundation and are added
to the Historical Library and Archives.
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entries will be accepted through December 2011 for this year’s contest.  Any entries received following thedeadline of December 31st will be automatically entered in the 2012 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 of Awards of Recognition:
Progress CPC, Pleasant Hill, Louisiana, for 100 years, April 25, 2010
Bush Chapel CPCA for 136 years, October 10, 2010
Alice L. Hackworth for her years of service, October 10, 2010
Edward T. Robinson for his years of service, October 10, 2010
Arthur Robinson for his years of service, October 10, 2010
Gurley Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Gurley, Alabama, recognized for its participation in“Celebrating Our Past.”
D. RELATIONSHIPS
Presbyterian Historical Society of the Southwest
The Presbyterian Historical Society of the Southwest is an agency of The Synod of the Sun,
Presbyterian Church (USA) and Cumberland Presbyterian Churches in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma
and Texas.  Members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church who serve on the board of this organization
are Reverend Norlan Scrudder and Dr. Rose Mary Magrill.  The 34th annual meeting was held March 4-5,
2011, at the First Presbyterian Church of Shreveport, Louisiana.

IV. HISTORICAL LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES
A. RESEARCH SERVICEThe Foundation’s main research commitment is to the agencies, local congregations, and membersof the Cumberland Presbyterian Churches.   Since the Historical Library and Archives of the HistoricalFoundation serves as the official repository for the Cumberland Presbyterian General Assemblies, this is
our focus.  Although the separation of research into two types designated by their mode of access has been
rapid and dramatic, both the traditional and “cyber” mode contribute to and enhance the other.
1. Traditional/Physical Access
Hands on access to primary source material remains the vital heart of historic and theologicalresearch.  Rather than being diminished by increased electronic resources, traditional research has broadened
due to heightened awareness of primary sources in an expanding information age.  The Foundation receives
research requests by personal visitors, mail, e-mail, and telephone.  As time permits, requests are researched.
Responses are sent to the requestor, as well as pertinent information on ministers, congregations, presbyteries
and synods being placed on our website for future researchers.
2. Electronic Access
The Foundation’s website continues to expand in order to provide greater access to the materials in
the Historical Library and Archives.  As well as being a research tool, the internet provides an invaluable

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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 900 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,
Assembly Meetings & Officers, Awards, Birthplace Shrine, Books Online, Books Needed, Collection
Development, Congregations, Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America, Curriculum, Endowments,
Heritage Churches, Historical Library and Archives, Lay Leaders, Ministers, Opportunities for Giving,
Patron Memberships, Periodicals, Presbyteries, Publications and Prints for Sale, Resources for Denomination
Day, Schools, Sermons, Stated Clerks, Synods, Union of 1906.
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 2010 Accession List closed with 171 accession groups.
Some of the highlights added to the collection in 2010 include:
Books
Blakeburn, Roy E.  Faithful Living Outside the Box: Selected Sermons.  By the author, 2009
Bryson, James Davis.  A Missionary Journey: The Ministry of Davis Ozell Bryson and Gladys Holt Brysonas Missionaries Commissioned by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church 1931-1971.  By the author,
March 2010.
Campbell, Thomas D.  Campbell’s Collection: Over 800 Stories, Observations, Personal Experiences, andMinority Opinions.  Illustrated by Dudley Condron.  By the author, 2009.
Cardenas, Luciano Jaramillo.  Ahora Entiendo :Hermenéutica Bíblica : Diferentes Sentidos de las Escrituras.
Miami, Florida : Vida, 2005.
Fajardo, Jose D.  From the Heights of the Andes to the Heights of Evangelism: The Life and Ministry of Dr.
Jose D. Fajardo.  Miami, Florida: Biblica Internacional, 2009.
Gore, Matthew.  A Brief History of Cumberland College 1825-1861. The Original Cumberland Presbyterian
Educational Institution in Princeton, Kentucky.  Ellendale, Tennessee: Boardman Books, 2010.
Hail, J. B.  Twenty-Five Years in Japan.  Osaka, Japan: Osaka Jogakuin, 2009.
Kim, Yoong.  Korean Cumberland Presbyterian Churches, 1999-2010.  Complied and printed by theauthor, 2010.
Shelton, James Robert, compiler.  Christian Heretic: A Collection of Stories about Reverend Dr. Robert
Shelton.  By the compiler, 2009.
Museum Items
Bethel Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Gage, Kentucky.  Commemorative Plate.
Ninevah Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Ninevah, Pennsylvania.  Paperweight.
Swartz, Reverend and Mrs. Walter.  Organ, portable.  Used in mission work to Colombia, South America.
Waynesburg College.  Waynesburg, Pennsylvania.  Commemorative Spoon.
Presbyterian Youth Triennium.  Purdue University July 20-24, 2010.  T-Shirt. 2010.
Other Church Records
Birmingham, First Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Birmingham, Alabama.  Directory. 1898.

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Chapel Hill Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Marshall County, Tennessee.  Ladies Aid society.  Minutes.
October 20, 1906-December 7, 1921.
Honey Grove Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Honey Grove, Texas.  “Pastor’s Report of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church of Honey Grove, Texas, February 2, 1896.
Periodicals
Monthly Topic Leaflet.  1925-1926, 1928.
Our Little Children.  1917 and 1936.
Photographs
Beard, Richard (1799-1880).  Photograph.
Camp Gilmont.  Texas Synod.  Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  1961.
Ellettsville Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Ellettsville, Indiana.
General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  1873.  Huntsville, Alabama.
Hope Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America.  San Antonio, Texas.
Postcards
Bloomfield Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Bloomfield, Greene County, Indiana.
Catlin Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Catlin, Vermilion County, Illinois.
Centerburg Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Centerburg, Knox County, Ohio.
Crystal Springs Youth Camp.  Kelso, Tennessee. Tennessee Synod.  Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Jackson, First Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Jackson, Madison County, Tennessee.
Texas Female Seminary.  Weatherford, Parker County, Texas.
Presbyterial Records
Little River Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Minutes. December 5-6, 1883.
Obion Presbytery. Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Minutes. September 17, 1918-March 11, 1924; March
10-11, 1924-September 15-16, 1931; March 15, 1932-September 15-16, 1936.  Three original
manuscript volumes.
Sermons
Chesnut, Reverend Walter Lewis.  Sermons.  4 boxes.
Wallace, Reverend Charles.  Sermon Notes.  One small binder.
Session Records
Special recognition is given to congregations who have deposited their session records for preservation in
the Historical Library and Archives.  They include:
Bates City Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Bates City, Missouri.  1925-1961.
Bell Buckle Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Bell Buckle, Bedford County, Tennessee.  1917-1978
Chapel Hill Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Marshall County, Tennessee.  1868-1899, 1924-1944, 19501965.  3 original volumes.
Christ Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Lutz, Florida.  2002-2010.
Clinch View Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Lenoir City, Loudon County, Tennessee.  1889-1960, 19601982, 1983-1995.  3 original volumes.
Colonial Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee.  1994-1997, 1998-2002,
2003.  3 original volumes.
Flippin Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Flippin, Lauderdale County, Tennessee.  1971-1984.
Hopewell Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Montrose, Henry County, Missouri.  1872-1928, 1928-1956.
2 original volumes.
Lansdowne Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Lexington, Fayette County, Kentucky.  1969-1972, 19731981, 1981-1990, 1991-1997.  4 original volumes. 1997-2006. Looseleaf.
Liberty Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Campbellsville, Kentucky.  1994-1999.  Looseleaf.
Liberty Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Princeton, Caldwell County, Kentucky.  1853-1877, 1877-1910,
1911-1946, 1946-1956, 1956-1967, 1968-1979, 1979-2006.  8 original volumes.
Linebarier Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Camden, Ouachita County, Arkansas.  1947-1955.
Mount Carmel Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Clinton, Henry County, Missouri.  1888-1917.
Mount Hebron Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Odessa, Lafayette County, Missouri.  1860-1866, 1895-

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1905.  2 original volumes.
Mount Liberty Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Charlotte, Tennessee.  1890-1904, 1907-1954.  2 original
volumes.
Mount Olivet Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Bowling Green, Warren County, Kentucky.  1924-1936.
Newbern Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Newbern, Dyer County, Tennessee.  1990-2007.
Odessa Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Odessa, Lafayette County, Missouri.  1909-1913.
Owen’s Prairie Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma.  1957-1971.
Pleasant Grove Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Chapel Hill, Marshall County, Tennessee.  1840-1866.
Saint Paul Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Austin, Travis County, Texas.  1962-1974, 1975-1979, 19801989, 1993-1999.  4 original volumes. 1990-1992, 2000-2004.  Looseleaf.
San Antonio, First Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas. 1938-1944.
Sharon Grove Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Sharon Grove, Todd County, Kentucky.  1880-1902.
Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Chilhowee, Johnson County, Missouri.  1918-1979.
Synodical Records
Columbia Synod.  Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Minutes.  October 15-16, 18. 1880.
Mississippi Synod.  Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Minutes.  November 8-10, 1905.

V. BIRTHPLACE SHRINE
The Birthplace Shrine located at Montgomery Bell State Park near Dickson, Tennessee was dedicatedJune 18, 1960.  This site consists of the Memorial Chapel and a replica of the Reverend Samuel McAdow’s
log house.  Since 1994, the Foundation has been responsible for the preservation of the Birthplace Shrine.  
Four endowments provide funds for maintenance and repairs: the Grace Johnson Beasley Birthplace Shrine
Fund, the Birthplace Shrine Fund, the Henry Evan Harper Endowment for Cumberland Presbyterian
History, and the P.F. Johnson Memorial Endowment.  Gifts to these endowments provide for the continued
preservation of the Birthplace Shrine.  Interested donors are encouraged to contact the Foundation office.
Another means of support are the wedding fees collected from couples who use the chapel for their wedding
ceremony.  These funds are added to the Birthplace Shrine Fund and earnings are used for maintenance andspecial projects.  The Board encourages individuals and groups to visit the Birthplace Shrine as an act ofremembering our heritage and envisioning our future as Cumberland Presbyterians.
Groups and individuals are encouraged to contact the Foundation to set up work days and special
projects.   The Foundation thanks the Heritage Committee of Nashville Presbytery and the Charlotte
Cumberland Presbyterian Church for their continuing volunteer upkeep of the property.
Projects completed for the 200th Anniversary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in 2010:
New stone walkway between the chapel and log house, native plants placed around log house, two granitemonuments engraved with the names of all congregations in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America as of January 2010.

VI. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR 2010
On January 1, 2010, the Historical Foundation became part of Central Accounting at the Cumberland
Presbyterian Center.  Therefore, our 2010 audit will be part of the center audit.

VII. FINANCIAL CONCERNS AND 2011 BUDGETS
A. BUDGETS
The 2011 line-item budget of the Historical Foundation has been filed with the CPC General
Assembly Office.
The 2011 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2011

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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
Samuel Russell & Mary Grace (Barefoot) Estes Endowment
Family of Faith Endowment
Gettis and Delia Snyder Gilbert Heritage FundHenry Evan Harper Endowment for Cumberland Presbyterian History
James 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
J. Richard Magrill Heritage Fund
Joe Richard and Mary Belle Magrill Trust
Gwendolyn McCaffrey McReynolds Heritage Fund
Jimmie Joe McKinley Heritage Fund
Edith Louise Mitchell Heritage Fund
Lloyd Freeman Mitchell Heritage Fund
Snowdy Clifton and Lillian Walkup Mitchell Heritage Fund
Virginia Sue Williamson Morrow Heritage FundAnne Elizabeth Swain Odom Heritage Fund
Martha Sue Parr Heritage Fund
Florence Pennewill Heritage Fund
Morris and Ruth Pepper Endowment
Publishing House Endowment
Mable Magrill Rundell Trust
Samuel Callaway Rundell Heritage FundPaul and Mary Jo Schnorbus Heritage FundRoy and Mary Seawright Shelton Heritage Fund
Shiloh CPC Ellis County Texas Endowment
Hinkley and Vista Smartt Heritage FundJohn William Sparks Heritage Fund
Irvin Scott and Annie Mary Draper Swain Heritage Fund
F. P. Waits Historical Trust
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

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important to the heritage of any community of faith.
The Foundation expresses its thanks to the following for their gifts to endowments:
Beverly Pepper Brown (Memphis, Tennessee), Pam Davis (Lubbock, Texas), Jeff & Kathleen McGuire
Cheatham (Clermont, Florida), Reverend Walter Chesnut (Greeneville, Tennessee), Bettye Ellis (Dyer,
Tennessee), Jaime & Susan Groce (Collierville, Tennessee), Heath & Melody Harper (Medina, Tennessee),
Don & Jane Hubbard (Knoxville, Tennessee), Rose Mary Magrill (Marshall, Texas), Anne Elizabeth Swain
Odom (Smyrna, Tennessee), Rick & Shirley Pryor (Madisonville, Kentucky), Betty Waits (Henderson,
Texas), Longview CPC (Longview, Texas).
Mevis (Kingston Springs, Tennessee).
C. GIFTS FROM CHURCHES, PRESBYTERIES & SYNODSThe Foundation expresses its thanks to the following for their gifts:
Holly Grove CPC (Brighton, Tennessee), Pleasant Mount CPC (Columbia, Tennessee), North Central
Presbytery (CPC), Synod of Great Rivers (CPC).
Respectfully submitted,
Gwen McReynolds, President
Susan Knight Gore, Archivist

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THE REPORT OF THE COMMISSION ON
CHAPLAINS AND MILITARY PERSONNELThe Commission on Military Chaplains and Personnel represent the Cumberland Presbyterian  
Church on the Presbyterian Council for Chaplains and Military Personnel.  The Commission does its work  
through that Council which has its headquarters in Washington, DC and represents also the Cumberland  
Presbyterian Church in America, Presbyterian Church (USA), the Associate Reformed Presbyterian  Church
and the recently added Korean Presbyterian Church in America.  The  Cumberland Presbyterians who aremembers of the Commission for the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and hence the broader group known
as the PCCMP include Lowell Roddy, Paul Collins, Charles McCaskey, and Stated Clerk Michael Sharpe.

I. REPRESENTATION
The term of the Reverend Charles McCaskey expires in 2011 and he is not eligible for re-election.
The Nominating Committee will present a name for this vacancy.
The Reverend Lowell G. Roddy will represent the Commission at this meeting of the General
Assembly.
The PCCMP Director is the Reverend Edward Brogan.  The Reverend Thomas Chadwick,  Associate
Director, is retiring this summer and a search for his replacement is underway.

II. RESPONSIBILITY OF THE COMMISSION
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.
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 communications between chaplains and their judicatories.

III. DEPLOYMENTOur chaplains have been personally involved in support of military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan.  
Our chaplains suffer the same hardship as other military and their ministry is often in harm’s way.  TheCouncil seeks to help them in their stressful time and upon their return and give them all the support wepossibly can.  Just like the soldiers they serve, Presbyterian chaplains have been deployed to warzones up to
4 times.  At least two have been wounded.  Several have PTSD diagnoses.  Chaplains, their families, and theircongregations have served well and are strained and tired from this long war.  Ever since 9-11, Reserve andNational Guard chaplains have been mobilized in large numbers.  For the most part, their families do not live
near military bases where they can receive much needed support and assistance.  Cumberland Presbyterians
who live near these husbands, wives, children, mothers and fathers are urged, where appropriate, to offer
assistance and support.  With many forces deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait, Djibouti, and the region,
the tempo of reserve components utilization may remain high for years.
The chaplain’s ministry is well received and supported by each of our five denominations.  Eachcandidate is required to submit an application, school transcripts, presbyterial approval, and a letter ofreference.  After the documents are gathered, we interview the candidates to determine if they should beendorsed for Active Duty or service with the Reserve/National Guard.
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 at  times.  The Council receives its financial support from the five denominations, individuals, judicatories andchurches.  The currently economic upheaval is creating a need to redesign how we minister to our chaplains

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and their families.  We will be faithful stewards as we care for those who care for our military and veterans.

iv. Memorial Day Offering
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church receives a special offering for the PCCMP on the Sunday  nearest Memorial Day each year to remember all men and women who serve their country.  The offerings  
are sent to the General Assembly Stated 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 during  
2010.  All Cumberland Presbyterian Churches are urged to consider receiving this yearly offering.

V. CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHAPLAINS
Currently the Cumberland Presbyterian Church has 8 chaplains on Active Duty, 3 chaplains in the
Reserve and National Guard, 1 Part-time VA and 2 full-time VA chaplains in medical centers.  Please pray
for members of the Reserve, National Guard and Active Duty troops serving, and their families.  The names
and addresses of these military chaplains are included in the 2011 Yearbook of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church.  Presbyteries and churches are encouraged to keep in constant contact with these chaplains who
represent the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in service to our country.
It should be noted that we also have 21 Cumberland Presbyterian ministers who have retired frommilitary chaplaincy.
Anyone wishing more information can check our website: www.pccmp.org or call our office in  
Washington DC – 202-244-4177.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lowell Roddy
Paul Collins
Charles McCaskey

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THE REPORT OF THE
JOINT COMMITTEE ON AMENDMENTS
I. AMENDMENT ON PROPERTY
In 2009 the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America amended the Constitution to adopt
the same statements on property used by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.   Prior to 2009, the two
denominations had different statements on property.  The Joint Committee on Amendments prepared theamendment for the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America.   Section 3.30 reads, “This section isdeclaratory of principles to which the Cumberland Presbyterian Church/Cumberland Presbyterian Church
in America and their antecedent church bodies have adhered from the inception of the Presbyterian formof church government. Sections 3.32, 3.33 and 3.34 need to be amended to add Cumberland Presbyterian
Church in America in several portions.
This item was referred by the 180th General Assembly to the Permanent Committee on Judiciaryand the Joint Committee on Amendments to prepare the proper Constitutional Amendments to present to
the 181st General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
3.32a The Cumberland Presbyterian Church is a connectional church and all lower judicatories of
the church to-wit: synod, presbytery, and the particular churches are parts of that body and therefore allproperty held by or for a particular church, a presbytery, a synod, the General Assembly, or the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, whether legal title is lodged in a corporation, a trustee or trustees, or an unincorporated
association, and whether the property is used in programs of the particular church or of a more inclusive
judicatory or retained for the production of income, and whether or not the deed to the property so states, isheld in trust nevertheless for the use and benefit of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
3.32b The Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America is a connectional church and all lower
judicatories of the church to-wit: synod, presbytery, and the particular churches are parts of that body andtherefore all property held by or for a particular church, a presbytery, a synod, the General Assembly, or
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America, whether legal title is lodged in a corporation, a trustee ortrustees, or an unincorporated association, and whether the property is used in programs of the particularchurch or of a more inclusive judicatory or retained for the production of income, and whether or not
the deed to the property so states, is held in trust nevertheless for the use and benefit of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church in America.
3.33 Whenever property of, or held for, a particular church ceases to be used by the church, as aparticular church of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church/Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America inaccordance with this Constitution, such property shall be held, used, applied, transferred or sold as provided
by the presbytery in which that particular church is located.
3.34 Whenever a particular church is formally dissolved by the presbytery, or has become extinct
by reason of dispersal of its members, the abandonment of its work, or other cause, such property as it may
have shall be held, used, and applied for such uses, purposes, and trusts as the presbytery in which said
particular church is located may direct, limit, and appoint, or such property may be sold or disposed of as
the presbytery may direct, in conformity with this Constitution.
RECOMMENDATION 1: That the above Constitutional Amendments be approved andreferred to the presbyteries.
Respectfully Submitted,
Harry Chapman
Andy McClung

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THE REPORT OF THE
PERMANENT JUDICIARY COMMITTEEThe Judiciary Committee met February 4, 2011 in Huntsville, Alabama.  Present were James Byrd,
Harry Chapman, Charles Dawson, Andy McClung, Kimberly Silvus, Wendell Thomas, Dwayne Tyus, andFelicia Walkup.  Also attending were James Jordan, legal counsel, and Michael Sharpe, Stated Clerk ofGeneral Assembly.  Sherry Ladd was excused.

I. ORGANIZATION OF THE COMMITTEE
Harry Chapman was elected chairperson and Andy McClung was elected secretary.

II. MEMORIAL FROM MISSOURI PRESBYTERY
Missouri Presbytery plans to present a memorial to the 2011 General Assembly.  The committee
found the memorial to be in proper form, but offers the following Statement of Opinion:  The memorialfrom Missouri Presbytery regarding all elders being able to administer communion without the presence ofan ordained minister fails to address 1) the training by presbyteries and 2) the one-year time limit institutedby the 2003 General Assembly (C. P. Digest, 4.6, Interpretive).

III. MINISTRY TEAM MEMBERS TO MINISTRY COUNCIL
The committee considered the question of whether or not there must be an intervening one-year
wait for a Ministry Team member to be eligible to serve on the Ministry Council and determined that the
restriction of a one-year wait in General Assembly Bylaw 10.03 (06) applies only to persons serving on the
denominational entities listed in Bylaw 10.01.

IV. REVIEW OF SYNODICAL MINUTES
The committee reviewed the minutes of Mission Synod, Synod of Great Rivers, Synod of theMidwest, and Synod of the Southeast and found each to be in order.

V. HEARING OF AN APPEAL
The committee received an Appeal of Actions of Southeast Synod, but found the wording of theappeal insufficiently clear to allow a decision to be made and therefore asked the appellants to reword andresubmit their appeal.

VI. ATTENDANCE BY TECHNOLOGYThe 2010 General Assembly adopted a memorial to allow attendance at presbyterial, and other,meetings by means of technology.   This committee suggests the following practices to help keep suchattendance constitutional:
A.  The moderator or stated clerk could declare whether or not presbyters may attend a particular
meeting by technology,
B. Persons being received as candidates and persons being ordained or approved for ordinationmust attend in person, and
C. Disciplinary meetings must be conducted in person.

VII. GENERAL ASSEMBLY REPRESENTATIVESJames Byrd will serve as this committee’s representative to General Assembly and Dwayne Tyus
will serve as the alternate.
Respectfully submitted,
The Judiciary Committee

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

The Committee submits the following list of nominees:

I. MINISTRY COUNCIL
Ms. Sally Allen, Clarksville Congregation, Nashville Presbytery, Tennessee Synod, to fill the two year
unexpired term of Reverend Rickey Page.
Ms. Mandy Clark, Beersheba Congregation, Grace Presbytery, Synod of the Southeast to succeed herself
for a three year term.
Reverend Michele Gentry de Correal, Andes Presbytery, Mission Synod to succeed herself for a threeyear term.
Reverend Drew Hayes, Cumberland Pressbytery, Midwest Synod to fill the two year unexpired term ofReverend John Shoulta.
Reverend Lanny Johnson, Murfreesboro Presbytery, Tennessee Synod for a three year term.
Reverend Tom Sanders, Red River Presbytery, Mission Synod for a three year term.
Mr. Roy Shanks, New Hope Congregation, North Central Presbytery, Synod of the Midwest to succeed
himself for a three year term.
Ben J. Sweet, Youth Advisory Member, Beaver Creek Congregation , Presbytery of East Tennessee,  Synodof the Southeast, for a three year term.

II. BOARD OF DIRECTORS, GENERAL ASSEMBLY CORPORATION
Reverend Terry Hunley, West Tennessee Presbytery, Synod of Great Rivers, to succeed himself for a threeyear term.
Ms. Grace Whitefield, Gadsden Congregation, Grace Presbytery, Synod of the Southeast, to succeed herself
for a three year term.

III. CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHILDREN’S HOME
+Ms Mamie Hall, an ecumenical representative, to succeed herself for a three year term.
Reverend Yoong Kim, West Tennessee Presbytery, Synod of Great Rivers, to succeed himself for a threeyear term.
Ms.Patricia Long, St. John’s Congregation, Red River Presbytery, Mission Synod to fill the two year
unexpired term of Mr. Robert McClure.
*Mr. Joel Muro, an ecumenical representative, for a three year term.
Reverend Norlan Scrudder, Red River Presbytery, Mission Synod, to succeed himself for a three year term.
Reverend Don Tabor, Nashville Presbytery, Tennessee Synod, to succeed himself for a three year term.

IV. HISTORICAL FOUNDATION+Ms Edna Barnett, an ecumenical representative, to succeed herself for a three year term.
Mr. Michael Fare, Springfield Congregration, Missouri Presbytery, Great Rivers Synod for a three year term*Ms. Dorothy Hayden, an ecumenical representative, for a three year term.
+Reverend Rick White, an ecumenical representative, to succeed himself for a three year term.

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V. MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY*Reverend D. Tom Bell, Jr., an ecumenical representative, is eligible to succeed himself for a three year
term.
Reverend Doy Daniels, West Tennessee Presbytery, Synod of Great Rivers, is eligible to succeed himself.
Ms. Pat Meeks, Faith Congregation, West Tennessee Presbytery, Synod of Great Rivers, is eligible tosucceed herself for a three year term.
Reverend Jenniefer Newell, Tennessee Georgia Presbytery, Synod of the Southeast, for a three year term
Reverend Robert M. Shelton, Red River Presbytery, Mission Synod, is eligible to succeed himself.
*Ms. Nancy Vernon, an ecumenical representative, is eligible to succeed herself for a three year term.
+Mr. Joe Ward, an ecumenical representative, is eligible to succeed himself for a three year term.
*Ms. Ruby Wharton, an ecumenical representative, is eligible to succeed herself for a three year term.

VI. BOARD OF STEWARDSHIP, FOUNDATION AND BENEFITS
Mr. Charles Day, Short Creek Congregation, Cumberland Presbytery, Synod of the Midwest is eligible tosucceed himself for a three year term.
Ms. Sylvia Hall, Red Bank Congregation, Tennessee-Georgia Presbytery, Synod of the Southeast, is eligible
to succeed herself for a three year term.
Mr. Jackie Satterfield, Welti Congregation, Hope Presbytery, Synod of the Southeast, is eligible tosucceed himself for a three year term.
Mrs. Debra Shanks, New Hope Congregation, North Central Presbytery, Synod of the Midwest, is eligible
to succeed herself for a three year term.

VII. COMMISSION ON CHAPLAINS AND MILITARY PERSONNEL
Reverend Mary McCaskey Benedict, Murfreesboro, Tennessee Synod for a three year term.

VIII. JUDICIARY
Reverend Perryn Rice, Murfreesboro Presbytery, Tennessee Synod for a three year term.
Reverend Robert D. Rush, Trinity Presbytery, Mission Synod for a three year term.
Mr. Wendell Thomas, Beaver Creek Congregation, Presbytery of East Tennessee, Tennessee Synod, tosucceed herself for a three year term.

IX. NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Mrs. Frances Dawson, Christ Congregation, Robert Donell Presbytery, Synod of the Southeast, for a threeyear term.
Reverend Duawn Mearns, Arkansa Presbytery, Synod of Great Rivers to fill the two year unexpired termof Reverend Ann Holley.
Reverend Don Nunn, Trinity Presbytery, Mission Synod for a three year term.
Mr. Ken Smith, Mission Synod for a three year term.
Reverend Jesse Thornton, North Central Presbytery, Synod of Midwest, for a three year term.

X. UNIFIED COMMITTEE ON THEOLOGY AND SOCIAL CONCERNS+Dr. Nancy Fuqua, an ecumenical representative, for a three year term.
Reverend Randy Jacob, Choctaw Presbytery, Mission Synod for a three year term.
+Reverend Jackie Lang, an ecumenical representative, is eligible to succeed herself for a three year term.
+Reverend Novalene Sitgraves, an ecumenical representative, is eligible to succeed herself for a three year
term.
+Reverend Billy Tribble, an ecumenical representative, is eligible to succeed himself for a three year term.

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XI. OUR UNITED OUTREACH COMMITTEE
Ms. Sharon Resch, Mt. Zion Congregation, Covenant Presbytery, Synod of Midwest, to succeed herself fora three year term.
Reverend William Rustenhaven III, Trinity Presbytery, Mission Synod, to succeed himself for a three year
term.

XII. REPRESENTATIVE TO CARIBBEAN AND NORTH AMERICANCOUNCIL, WORLD ALLIANCE OF REFORMED CHURCHES
Ms. Laurie Sharpe, Faith Congregation, West Tennessee Presbytery, Synod of Great Rivers, to succeed
herself for a three year term.

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THE REPORT OF THE
OUR UNITED OUTREACH COMMITTEE
The 2009 General Assembly established a denominational Our United Outreach Committee tobe made up of 12 voting representatives, one from each Synod and the rest from the church programs
and institutions.  Executives from the church programs and institutions participate on the Committee asadvisory members.  This Committee has met three times since the 2009 General Assembly.
Meeting in November, 2009, the Committee elected officers and defined its purpose andresponsibilities.  The first goal set by this Committee was that ALL churches participate in Our United
Outreach 2010 – the 200th birthday of our denomination.  To accomplish this, it was determined that amember of the Committee would speak at each of the 19 presbyteries and tell the story of Our United
Outreach during the spring or fall, 2010.  While the goal of total participation was not reached, there wasparticipation by some churches who had not before.
The second goal of the Committee was to endorse the idea of 2010 as being a “mitey” year and thiswould help accomplish the Committee’s goal of all churches participating in Our United Outreach even if
the participation was a “mite.”
The second meeting of the Our United Outreach Committee was March 19, 2010, and progress wasevaluated.  Presentations had already commenced at presbyteries; a script had been prepared; a letter sent
to the 230 non-participating Our United Outreach churches with 15 financial responses.  Brochures were
presented to the Committee for approval; one emphasizing the “Mitey Year” giving and the other a general
purpose of Our United Outreach participation.  Plans were made for a display at General Assembly and apresence on the Cumberland Presbyterian website.
With 230 of our Cumberland Presbyterian Churches having zero giving to Our United Outreach andthe majority of our other churches giving at a less than 10% level, the Committee decided to recognize those
Churches who gave at the 8% or above level (2009).  As the Committee members presented information
at presbyteries, representatives from churches giving at this 8% level or above level were asked to comeforward and receive a certificate.  Public recognition was given; churches that participated at a lower level
were sent the certificates.  For year 2010 giving, churches were sent their certificates indicating how theirgiving was distributed among the various programs/entities.

I. Our United Outreach Funds Allocation
The Our United Outreach Committed met for just the third time April 1, 2011.  The primary purposeof this meeting was the allocation of Our United Outreach funds for the 2012 year.  The Our United Outreach
allocation basis for 2012 is $2,704,000, which is a four percent increase over the 2011 goal of $2,600,000
with $2,546,695 being contributed and distributed during the 2010 calendar year.  Although the $168,493
Touch the Future debt (Debt Retirement Fund) is included in the total of $2,704,000, the percentage is notincluded as it will be taken out first leaving $2,535,507 as the actual allocation basis.
The Touch the Future debt will be retired in August, 2011.  At that point, the Debt Retirement line
will commence paying on another outstanding loan.  The current plan is to pay off Touch the Future, thenbegin paying on Organizational Task Force, then Computer Software, then Old Building/Maintenance, andthen Capital Campaign, if needed.
RECOMMENDATION 1: That the following allocation for incoming 2012 Our United
Outreach funds be adopted:
Ministry Council Combined
Bethel University
Children’s Home
Board of Stewardship
Office of General Assembly
Memphis Theological Seminary/Program of Alternate Studies
Historical Foundation
Shared Services
Commission on Chaplains
Judiciary Committee$1,267,754
    126,776      76,065
    152,130
    202,841
    177,485      76,065
    431,036       8,874       8,367( 50%)(   5%)(   3%)(   6%)(   8%)(   7%)(   3%)( 17%)(.35%)(.33%)

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THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Theology/Social Concerns Committee
Nominating Committee
Contingency Fund
Debt Retirement Fund         3,119         2,612         2,383     168,493$2,704,000

177(.123%)(.103%)(.095%)The permanent committees plus Contingency Fund equal 1% of the $2,535,507 or $25,381; each of
those is a fractional percentage of that 1%.
From the agencies listed above, all should be self-explanatory except maybe Shared Services.  
Maintenance, utilities, mowing, trash pick-up, pest extermination, and custodial are all examples of Shared
Services for agencies sharing the Cumberland Presbyterian Center.

II. Education and Promotion of Our United OutreachIn an effort to promote and educate every facet of our denomination about Our United Outreach andits direct effect upon our denominational entities, the following recommendations are made:RECOMMENDATION 2: That information about Our United Outreach be included in
Memphis Theological Seminary and Program of Alternate Studies coursework, such as in the Polity
course.
RECOMMENDATION 3: That within each Presbytery, the board or agency that works with
Cumberland Presbyterian probationers and in-coming ministers of other denominations serving
Cumberland Presbyterian Churches be charged with the responsibility of providing Our United
Outreach information and how it affects the various entities of the denomination.
RECOMMENDATION 4: That the Board of Missions in each Presbytery continue toencourage newly organized churches to pay Our United Outreach.
The Our United Outreach Committee members are enthusiastic in their approach to the developmentof total participation in this program of the Church.
Respectfully submitted,
Ron Gardner – Chairperson
Sharon Resch – Secretary
and the Our United Outreach Committee

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2011

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

I. INFORMATION ABOUT FUTURE GENERAL ASSEMBLIESThe 178th General Assembly accepted the invitation of Hope Presbytery for the 182nd General
Assembly to meet in Florence, Alabama.  Cullman and Robert Donnell will assist in hosting responsibilities.
Murfreesboro Presbytery has extended an invitation to host the 183rd General Assembly.
Tennessee-Georgia Presbytery has issued an invitation to host the 184th General Assembly.  The Convention
Coordinator of the Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry, the Moderator and the Stated Clerk havemade site visits and have determined that there is adequate facilities in both Murfreesboro and Chattanooga.

II. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE GENERAL ASSEMBLIES
182nd
183rd
184th

Florence, Alabama
June 17-22, 2012
Murfreesboro Presbytery
June 17-21, 2013
Tennessee-Georgia Presbytery June 16-20, 2014

III. FUTURE INVITATIONSThere are no invitations on file for hosting the General Assembly/Convention after 2014.  There has
been some initial communication with Andes Presbytery and Cauca Valley Presbytery about the possibilityof hosting General Assembly in Colombia, South America in 2015.  It is essential to continue schedulinga few years in advance of the meeting to assure that adequate hotel/convention space is available.  If acongregation or a presbytery is interested in hosting the General Assembly/Convention, the Office of theGeneral Assembly will provide information on hosting responsibilities.  Hosting the General Assembly/
Convention is a service to the Church, allowing the Church to celebrate the good ministries occurring
within a particular presbytery, and provides persons within a presbytery the opportunity to participate more
fully in the annual meeting.
In the event that no invitation is received in a particular year or a situation arises requiring a change
of venue for a particular year, the Corporate Board will be responsible for selecting a place of meeting.

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

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Nashville
2010
Cumberland
2000
West Tennessee
2009
Tennessee-Georgia
1998
Japan
2008
Robert Donnell
1996
Arkansas
2007
Nashville
1995
		Grace			2006		North Central		1980
Columbia
2005
Missouri
1972
Red River
2004
Trinity
1969
East Tennessee
2003
Hope
1961
Covenant
2002
Murfreesboro
1956
		del Cristo		2001
Respectfully submitted,
Michael Sharpe
Jo Ann Shugert
Boyce Wallace

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The Report of the Unified Committee on
Theology and Social Concerns
I. Meeting and Officers
The permanent committee met at the Cumberland Presbyterian Church Center on September 17,
2010, and February 25-26, 2011, and by videoconference on March 21, 2011, and March 29, 2011.  Officers
elected at the September, 2010, meeting were the Reverend Charles Reese (CPCA), Chairman; the Reverend
Paul Criss (CPC), Vice Chairman; the Reverend Jan Overton, (CPC), Secretary.  The treasurer’s position
will continue to be handled by the Office of the Stated Clerk (CPC).
As with most committees, this committee’s members are spread out geographically.  Therefore, tobetter assist in communication between the members, equipment was authorized, purchased, and distributed
to the committee members to facilitate meeting by video conference.  Papers are now to be presented during
the September face-to-face meeting with further editing done by video conference meetings.  Final editingof the papers is to be completed during the spring face-to-face meetings.
The Unified Committee determined the purpose of a church should be to think Biblically andtheologically, and to act accordingly.  It is hoped that all future actions of this committee will reflect thispurpose.

II. Unity of the CPCA and the CPC Denominations
The Committee believes that an effort toward unifying the two denominations should begin as soon
as possible.  To achieve that end, the committee voted to send a representative from each of the denominations
to each of the two general assemblies in an effort to begin the unifying effort.  The representatives elected
for this year are:  the Reverend Charles Reese, as the Committee’s representative from the CPCA, and theReverend Steve Mosley, as the Committee’s representative from the CPC.

III. PAPER - REFLECTIONS ON A DIVIDED CHURCH
The committee presents the following new paper by the Reverend Dr. Charles Reese:
Reflections on a Divided Church(Theological Imperatives for the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America)
R. C. Sproul, noted evangelical theologian within the Evangelical Presbyterian Church andprofessor of systematic theology and apologetics at Knox Theological Seminary, tells an interesting story of
the old city of Geneva, Switzerland.  A public park in the city contains a lasting memorial to the sixteenthcentury Protestant Reformation.  The central attraction is a very interesting wall adorned with statues ofJohn Calvin, John Knox, Huldrych Zwingli, Theodore Beza, and others.  Chiseled into the stone, Sproul
points out, are the Latin words Post tenebras lux (After darkness, light.)
These words, according to Sproul, “…capture the driving force of the Reformation.  The darkness
referred to is the eclipse of the gospel that occurred in the late Middle Ages.  A gradual darkening of thegospel reached its nadir, and the light of the New Testament doctrine of justification by faith alone was all
but extinguished.”
While the purpose of this paper is not necessarily a defense of justification by faith, it hopefully
will serve as a catalyst and a reminder that church structures, irrespective of their institutional and/or denominational formations, are forever struggling between the poles of light and darkness.  The late
Howard Thurman of Howard University refers to such a reality as the luminous darkness, which he suggeststhat even during periods of chaotic and/or creative tension, the sovereignty of God yet reigns, and does soin spite of its practitioners.
The history of theological discourse has always been an ever-spiraling mandate toward some higher
and noble goal.  Such is demonstrated in the readings of the Reformation.  As Cumberland Presbyterians
believing in the grace of God and the priesthood of all believers, we come together in “one Lord, one faith,
one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”  (Ephesians 5:5-6, NIV.)  

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Therefore our commanded blessing is to approach God hand in hand.
Throughout history, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
in America (from this point on to be referred to as the CPC and the CPCA), have been joined at the hip.  
Having been grounded and influenced by our birth in the Cumberland region, both denominations haverightly sought unification.
At times unity looked promising, only to falter at the altar of style, culture, economics, politicalstructure, and social realities found in mainstream America.  No one can logically ignore the impact anddevastation inflicted upon the Cumberland denominations by the external forces from without and theinternal forces from within.  Both struggle over issues dealing with the human psyche; namely cultural
sensitivity, racism, classism, sexism, hermeneutical issues, and others.
Out of such a context, suspicion, unfamiliarity, and the unwillingness to learn from the other arise.  
The realities of culture have at times been brutal and seemingly unforgiving.   Such realities must notprevent unity and inclusiveness between the Cumberland denominations.  To succumb to this reality would
be to engage ungodly morality at the expense of true reconciliation.  Human beings do have the capacity to“set things right,” but only if there is the joint effort between two or more parties.  As Rheinhold Niebuhr
suggests, “…Man is moral…society is immoral.”  Using this paradigm as a structured vision, one could
assume that humankind has the moral authority to transform darkness into light because it, more than any
other entity, is God’s greatest creation, “…a little lower than the angels.”
At present, with all due respect to the many attempts on the part of both denominations, bothdenominations are divided along the lines that have previously been mentioned.   The ongoing divide
is neither convenient nor healthy.   Reflecting on the biblical and theological imperatives that confront
our consciousnesses, such strides, or lack thereof, on both sides demonstrate the worst in theologicalformulations.  Citing Acts 2, for example, the various racial/ethnic representatives present were of “oneaccord.”  Their cultures, as evidenced in their language, worship, and the like, were neither primal nor
necessary to their receiving the visitation of the Holy Spirit.  The fact that they were of one accord, in spiteof their varying cultures, was an attestation of their primary focus; Jesus, the Christ!  H. Richard Niebuhr’sbook, Christ and Culture, is a literary example of the fact that Christ works “in culture, around culture,beneath culture, and beyond culture.”  The religious life of our congregations can ill afford to be defined interms of the use of language, worship styles, hermeneutics and the like.  Christ wishes to meet us where weare and not where we have been.
All too often church fathers and mothers have sacrificed spiritual opportunity for ecclesiastical
expediency.   We place too much emphasis on organizational structure over spiritual formation.   There
must be a balance of the two.   Caught between ecclesiastical mandates and political correctness, bothdenominations have missed addressing significant moral and social issues in history because of covert andovert mindsets.  In reality, in spite of all the great things both have accomplished in the name of Christ,much more could have been achieved if only radical faith and practice would have persevered.  What more
could our congregations have accomplished during periods of great debate concerning the brokenness of
the world such as warfare, the Civil Rights Movement, the HIV AIDS controversy, Apartheid, genocide in
Africa, the brutality against women and children in Asia, the Middle East, and other parts of the world bywalking hand in hand?  What can be accomplished now and in the future
If theology is to be investigated, as Barth points out, it must be acted upon.  The involvement intheological discourse cannot cease in the classroom or in safe havens called church sanctuaries. Theology
must move from scrutiny to activation within the arena of human habitation.  We Cumberland Presbyterians
must join hands; we must live out unity.  Our congregations must be encouraged to involve themselves not
merely in short-term mission trips, noble and important as they may be, but long-term mission concerns athome and abroad.  If God is the God of all people, then the Church, as an institution, must discover ways
and means to address the critical needs of an oppressed humanity.  And to this end, it matters not who starts
the process.
Unity cannot and will not occur without a serious effort on the part of all Cumberland Presbyterians
and congregations.  The embracing of “radicalism” must be a part of the evangelistic equation.  Radicalism
does not imply or suggest violence or unethical or unlawful courses of action on the part of the church.  
For every action there is a reaction, and the church must be willing to answer the call of our one Lord
Jesus to “deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Me.”  We can no longer accommodate ourselves
to a comfortable religion at the expense of souls being lost by our unwillingness to act.   Cumberland
Presbyterians must not merely speak of unity but insist upon unity.  As we were reminded by Martin LutherKing, Jr.: “Either we learn how to live together as brothers and sisters, or die as fools.”
What if our beginning point is formulated on the principle of the cross?  Only then will we be able
to join hands and work in Christian unity so we can follow one Lord in one faith with one baptism as is

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commanded in Scripture.
Included with this report are two papers, one a follow-up to last year’s paper, “Violence,” and a newpaper, “Reflections on a Divided Church.”
Recommendation 1: That this paper be accepted as a study paper.
Recommendation 2: That the following Action Steps be implemented as soon as
possible:
1. This committee encourages each presbytery to move forward with the recommendation of
the General Assemblies of each church to form a committee on theology and social concerns, if notpreviously formed, to take proposed actions to deal with relevant issues that face the body of Christ
daily.
2. That each presbyterial committee encourage local congregations where the churches
have overlapping boundaries to organize joint activities between the CPC and CPCA to provide
opportunities to build better relationships between the two churches such as holding joint activities
through worship, pulpit exchange, times of fellowship, revivals, VBS, and discussion of the papers
produced by this committee.
3. In addition, presbyteries might also consider ways that committees , boards and agencies
might begin working together. Committees on ministry and missions, Christian education committees,
and camping programs would all benefit from joint interaction. Examples of ways presbyteries canwork together include having advisory members participate in the other denomination’s meetings,
workshops, projects for the Cumberland Presbyterian Women, working together on local, regional,
and even denominational mission efforts including Habitat for Humanity, and raising money fordisaster areas around the world.
4. To encourage the Ministry Council of the CPC and the General Assembly Mission Boardof the CPCA to meet jointly to explore opportunities and to share ideas, set goals and objectives forthe future, engage in joint activities in Christian education, stewardship, missions, and evangelism.
5. Since we have had 20 years with no discussion on union, we recommend that both general
assemblies again begin dialogue on how we can live out our oneness in Christ.

IV. Violence
The Unified Committee on Theology and Social Concerns has decided to include a portion of thereport each year on the subject of violence, addressing ways in which we Christians can lead nonviolent
lives and promote nonviolence.  The following is this year’s contribution.
We live in a world motivated by power, fame, and greed.  When legitimate means are neither known
nor available to persons, often the result is violence as a means of controlling persons and events, achieving
recognition, or getting that which we want.  Fear becomes rationalization for violence, especially fear ofloss.  The goal is selfish, whether intentional or unintentional.  The solution is the emotional, spiritual, or
physical death of that which keeps us from achieving that which we want.  The world would offer death
solutions for the problems that ail us from personal issues to relationship issues to social and political issues
to international issues.
From the abusive domestic relationship to the brokenness of a marriage, from controlling crime inthe streets to dealing with political opposites, from philosophical and theological differences to enemies
abroad; the world offers solutions of death.  Keep persons or nations “in line” by stripping them of powerand self esteem.  Put perpetrators of the law in the electric chair.  Build bigger bombs and carry guns to doaway with enemies.  Divorce a person when the relationship is broken.  Steal that which you cannot acquire
otherwise.  Fire the boss, the coach, or even the pastor when things are not going the way we want them togo.  After all, do not the ends justify the means?

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It so easy for people to be preoccupied with death.  It seems so natural to be violent.  Yet death isthe enemy of the Lord!  Violence is not the solution for life!
We are people of the Resurrection!  We believe in life.  It is the Resurrection that gives meaningand purpose to our belief systems and to our ways of living.  Christian Faith is about living, not dying.  TheResurrection determines how we should live, how we should relate with others, how we approach issues
that confront us daily, how we think, and even how we face death.  What does the Resurrection say about
how we live with family, people on the job, persons in the church, humans we come in contact with on thestreet, and even our enemies?
The empty grave is our celebration of God’s victory over death.   It is the celebration of God’s
conquering our sinfulness and bringing us back into relationship.  The empty grave changes how we act,
how we think, how we believe, and how we relate to others.  The empty grave is not just a place.  It is ourcall to live a life for the kingdom of God.  The empty grave enables us, empowers us, shapes us, and molds
us into the disciples we are called to be.
Death is not the only solution.  It is not even a viable solution.  We may not know how to live, but
we must start trying.
Our challenge to Cumberland Presbyterians is to LIVE IN THE RESURRECTION.
RECOMMENDATION 3: That we as Cumberland Presbyterians have meetings to pray
about, hold bible studies on, and create study groups to struggle with how we might LIVE IN THE
RESURRECTION.
Respectfully submitted,
Unified Committee on Theology and Social Concerns

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the report of board of trusteesof BETHEL UNIVERSITYThe Cumberland Presbyterian tradition is a strong and vibrant tradition.  Bethel University is one
example of how that tradition can flourish and grow.
Bethel University is a Cumberland Presbyterian institution.   The tie that binds Bethel to the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church is stronger than an ownership relationship and stronger than a legal
relationship.  It is a Covenant relationship.  This relationship is to be re-examined and reaffirmed every
five years.  We ask that the General Assembly elect persons to participate in this review process who will
give the time and energy to the process that it will take to understand the complex structure of higher
education today and bring to this complexity the insights that come from the well spring of the Cumberland
Presbyterian tradition.
Bethel University was founded by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  In 1842 the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church was pushing forward into the frontier that was then West Tennessee.   Ignorance
and superstition were doing their destructive work among the populace.   Education was needed.   TheCumberland Presbyterian Church responded by starting a process that has led to today’s Bethel University.  
Ignorance has not been overcome.  With the growth in population and the growth in knowledge, the need to
put knowledge in the Christian perspective and communicate it to more and more people is as pronounced
as ever.
Bethel’s target audience is given by the Cumberland Presbyterian tradition, the “who so everwill” tradition.  Many Universities select for admission only the “brightest and the best” Bethel admits awide spectrum of individuals who need the benefits that education can bring.  Need for knowledge drives
recruitment and enrollment.  This brings to Bethel the brightest of the bright and persons whose preparation
has been limited.  In this diverse community, Bethel believes the best educational experiences occur.
Cumberland Presbyterian students were awarded $491,559.50 in scholarships, in the 2010-2011
academic year.
The majority of Bethel University Board of Trustees is and will continue to be Cumberland
Presbyterians.  This grounds Bethel firmly in the Cumberland Presbyterian ethos.
We wish now to update you on the progress of your university.  This will be in the form of snapshots.  
It will not be a comprehensive analysis.  Too many important things are happening to cover them all within
the limits of this report.  We will cover:
1.  Construction in Progress
2.  Enrollment
3.  Finances
4.  New Programs

I. Construction in Progress
Bethel University has engaged in significant development of the College of Liberal Arts in orderto strengthen that college.  Last year a new science building, the Ray & Linda Morris Science Complex
and a new residence hall, University Hall, were constructed.  This year another new residence hall and the
Vera Low Center for Student Enrichment are under construction and Odom Hall is being renovated.  TheVera Low Center for Student Enrichment will ultimately contain a cafeteria, Student Life and admission
centers, activity and recreation space, a gymnasium, Renaissance rehearsal space and a chapel.  Together
the facilities will provide classroom, activity, dining and residence space for a student population of nearly
2,000 students, a number which can be self sustaining.

II. Enrollment
Bethel’s enrollment growth has averaged increasing 16.7% each year over the past 10 years making
Bethel the fastest growing independent college in the state of Tennessee.   Last year Bethel University
served 4,141 students.

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III. Finances
Bethel’s budget has grown to sixty million dollars and Bethel has balanced its budget each of thelast 13 years.  This fiscal performance requires a sophisticated and aggressive business plan and a committed
and disciplined work force aggressively performing there functions.  Bethel is proud to be an institutionof the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and views funds received from OUO, from congregations andindividuals of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church as a trust and pledges to perform all aspects of theBethel University mission in the spirit of the Cumberland Presbyterian tradition.

IV. New Programs
Bethel’s motto is “Where Heritage Meets Innovation.”  Some of the innovation can be found inexciting new programs.   Bethel has garnered national attention with its scholarship Bass Fishing teamwhich won the Southeast Regional Tournament defeating Auburn University on the final day to seal thetrophy.  The team was declared regular season National Champions by virtue of the points accumulated in
all tournaments and also won the National Championship tournament.
A new sport at Bethel that has a national tournament is In-Line Hockey.  Bethel made it to the final
four, losing to the University of Miami Hurricanes at that level.  Bethel’s new shooting sports team finishedthird in the nation.  All in all, in these new sports and women’s basketball, Bethel defeated the following
NCAA Division one schools at various times during the year:  Auburn, Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi
State, UAB, Georgia, Troy, Jacksonville, South Alabama, Southeast Missouri State, Miami, MTSU,
East Carolina, George Mason, Florida State, North Carolina State, Virginia Tech, James Madison, South
Carolina, California-Berkeley, Ball State, Pittsburg, Southeastern Illinois, Missouri, Texas A&M, Colorado
State, Kentucky, Vermont, Yale, Oklahoma State, Central Missouri, Purdue, Kansas State, Florida, Iowa
State, Texas, Notre Dame, and Texas State.
Bethel’s MBA program is now in its 3rd year and is the largest or second largest in the State ofTennessee.  Bethel’s Criminal Justice program is in its first year and has over 500 students enrolled.
Together these new academic and extracurricular programs illustrate the drive for excellence thatpermeates Bethel University.  Excellence in planning must be followed up with excellence in execution.  
This can only be accomplished by capable people who approach their tasks with passion and commitment.

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MEMORIALS
i. MEMORIAL FROM MISSOURI PRESBYTERYCONCERNING ACTIVE ELDERS ADMINISTERINGTHE SACRAMENT OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
WHEREAS, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church states that we are a community of the priesthood of all
believers, and
WHEREAS, there is often a need for communion to be served in the church and to individuals, and
WHEREAS, there is often not an ordained Cumberland Presbyterian minister available in a timely manner,and
WHEREAS, there are Cumberland Presbyterian Churches served by ministers of other denominations or
are without any minister and,
WHEREAS, the Constitution of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church (2.52) states that the elders whomake up the session in a church without a pastor, within the limits of their offices (2.70), areresponsible to lead the people in ALL ministries that belong to the church, and
WHEREAS, 4.6 states the session may designate one elder who, when given authority by the presbytery,
may administer the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper to the congregation, and
WHEREAS, having only one elder that has been designated to serve the Lord’s Supper, still limits
availability to serve the needs of the congregation.
BE IT RESOLVED that all active elders of a church session be authorized to administer the sacrament of
the Lord’s Supper to their congregation when called upon.
Missouri Presbytery Cumberland Presbyterian Church, at Fall Meeting of Presbytery passed thisMemorial to be submitted to General Assembly for 2011 consideration on September 18, 2010.
Respectfully submitted,
Larry Nottingham
Stated Clerk, Missouri Pesbytery

iI. RESOLUTION CONCERNING CHURCH TITHING
Introduction to a Resolution on Church Tithing:
Resources to do the work of the church are always a challenge and there is a need to consider a new
approach to church funding.  The present presbytery and General Assembly system of funding judicatories
is by presbytery dues/apportionments and Our United Outreach (OUO).  The following memorial attempts
to do several things:  It establishes the concept of the tithe as the guiding principle for all churches, and it
unifies presbytery dues and denominational OUO into one payment.  It respects the constitutional structureof churches participating in presbytery and presbyteries participating in the General Assembly.  It places
the presbytery over its churches and the General Assembly over its presbyteries with respect to funding.  It
promotes real connectionalism.  It will increase income into our denominational and presbyterial budgets
while in many cases lowering what has been previously expected through presbytery dues and OUO fromeach church.   It will give a clear picture each year of how to structure presbytery and denominational
budgets because expected income can better be determined.
Resolution -- The Tithe
WHEREAS the Constitution of the Cumberland Presbyterian (CP) Church states a Presbytery can raise
funds by assessing shares of its churches (5.6 q);
WHEREAS the Constitution ofthe CP Church states the Synod and General Assembly (9.4 h) can raise
funds by assessing shares of its presbyteries;
WHEREAS the present program of Our United Outreach (OUO) suggest a voluntary offering from each
local church of 10% of congregational giving sent directly to the General Assembly, and that thisform of acquiring denominational funds is not in harmony with the spirit of our constitution which
has a chain of accountability, presbyteries are under synods and the General Assembly, churches

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are under their respective presbyteries;
WHEREAS in reality churches in the CP Church, on average give less than 5% to OUO, only a few givethe full 10%, some make no contribution, overall contributions are declining armually, and thearmual goals are not being met;
WHEREAS churches teach their members the importance of the tithe as an expression of our faith and as achurch the session should practice the same faith expression by setting an example of what the
church teaches;
WHEREAS presbyteries have different formulas for assessing shares of their churches, some churches
comply and some do not;
WHEREAS the work of the church at both the Presbytery level and General Assembly program and agency
level is dependent on these OUO shares, and often the perceived inefficiency of the church at thepresbytery and General Assembly level is in reality a lack of resources to provide needed or adequate
services;
WHEREAS Church Planting is a high priority and will guarantee a positive future for the CP Church, and
it is also a very expensive endeavor that needs strong resources, and in the light of the priority ofevangelism and new church development there is a growing need for resources for Presbyteries andGeneral Assembly;
WHEREAS the missions portion of the CP Church’s budget continues to decrease as more overseas mission
opportunities develop, there are less QUO resources now for missions than at any time in decades;
WHEREAS the CP Church should unambiguously expect its constituent presbyteries and their member
churches to be connected in word and deed and support the work of the CP church and affirm theircommitment to the church by such financial support as is expected for church members in local
churches, as well as be examples to them by tithing;
WHEREAS at times a local church becomes concerned about the direction or decisions of the Ministry
Teams, Institutions and Agencies of the CP Church and have no real way to express their concern,thus withholding their QUO as a form of protest;
WHEREAS a presbytery, through its delegate system to General Assembly has the opportunity to question,
influence and even help establish the direction of the Ministry Teams, Institutions and Agencies andas a voting member of the General Assembly has its rightful place to express concems.or help
develop future directions, it should be the case that those that have voice and vote over church
programs and institutions/agencies should also be those that directly support the work of the church;
WHEREAS General Assembly has no clear picture as to the income it can expect from year to year because
each local church voluntarily contributes to QUO;WHEREAS the CP Church is a global church with presbyteries overseas that have different legal andfinancial demands than the churches in the USA and this should be taken into consideration whenassessing presbyteries;
WHEREAS the tithe has always been an established way to support ministry;
WHEREAS individual churches are scripturally compelled, and should strive, to be in submission to theauthorities above them;
WHEREAS the denomination through QUO and presbyterial apportionment currently asks more ofchurches than a tithe of their income;
WHEREAS requesting more than a tithe places a heavier burden on churches, who are striving to be insubmission to its authorities, than is necessary;
Be it therefore resolved:
RESOLVED -A new method of assessing shares will be initiated that is in harmony with the authority
structure of the CP constitution and affirms the concept of a tithe;
RESOLVED -Presbyteries will assess their churches a percentage amount that will be both for Presbytery
and General Assembly and that the presbytery will be responsible for collecting these shares anddistributing the QUO portion to the GA;
RESOLVED - Presbytery will assess 10% of congregational giving of all of its churches -in reality a tithefrom each church.  The GA will set a suggested QUO percentage for its presbyteries (example 6%of the 10% tithe would be suggested as an QUO contribution by the presbytery to the GA).  Thegoal is each church will tithe to the presbytery and the presbytery will divide those funds between
the presbytery and the QUO.  Additional benefits that a presbytery may provide (such as healthinsurance) would be in addition to this 10%.  The presbytery will assess church shares based on theprevious year’s information found in the General Assembly yearbook;

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RESOLVED- If a church does not pay their share to the Presbytery, the Presbytery is still obligated toinclude that church’s OUO amount as part of the Presbytery’s share to the QUO fund; however, thepresbytery has various constitutional remedies to require compliance, the presbytery’s committeeon ministry will also be expected to meet with the pastor and session of the congregation todetermine what the problem is and what can be done to help the church tithe.  The presbytery cantake any actions permissible by the constitution to assure Cumberland Presbyterians that its member
churches are compliant and connected in a meaningful way to the church;
RESOLVED- If a presbytery does not pay its share to the General Assembly it will not be seated at General
Assembly or synod, and if it is delinquent for more than one year those in the presbytery that serveon General Assembly level ministry positions (council/teams) or committees will be suspended
from those positions until the presbytery is in compliance, and the General Assembly will informthe presbytery’s synod of the presbytery’s non-compliance with the view that synod may feel itbeneficial to consider how to make the presbytery more connected;
RESOLVED - If a church cannot pay its share because of a congregational crisis, they can appeal topresbytery to be given a lower share (percentage) and this will be reflected in the amount given by
the Presbytery to QUO;RESOLVED - The General Assembly will work with overseas presbyteries to establish an appropriate sharein the light of the different legal and financial realities found in those countries;
RESOLVED - Provisional Churches and New Church Developments may be exempt from paying the full
10% but should strive to do so.  The presbytery board of missions or the task force of the NCD orprovisional church will determine an appropriate share (percentage).
Respectfully submitted,
Ashley Chambers
Commissioner from Grace Presbytery

III. MEMORIAL FROM RED RIVER PRESBYTERYCONCERNING EVALUATION OF NEW STRUCTURE
WHEREAS, Red River Presbytery memorialized the 176th General Assembly (2006) to initiate a study ofthe structure of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church;
WHEREAS, the goals of this study were to evaluate how our present denominational organization andstructure work together, to recommend needed changes to the organization and/or structures
revealed through the findings of the evaluation, to discern new and innovative ways to meet thepriority goals , and to improve the total ministry of the church of the future (General Assembly
Minutes 2006, page 418);
WHEREAS, the Priority Goals of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church are: 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;
WHEREAS this exhaustive and expensive study eventually led to dissolving most of the boards andconverting those board members to “elected team members,” in addition the new structure formed
the Ministry Council with a Global Center director functioning as the Chief Executive Officer;
WHEREAS the new structure has been in place for more than two years and many changes have takenplace; the intent of these changes were to restructure to accomplish the goals of the General
Assembly, these major changes merit an evaluation in the light of the intent of the General
Assembly;
WHEREAS the new structure was created by the General Assembly and it is the General Assembly thatshould continue to evaluate the restructure and its progress through its operations toward thegoals;
WHEREAS an evaluation committee should be formed at this general assembly meeting so that it can
expedite its work over the next 12 months;
THEREFORE, be it resolved that Red River Presbytery memorialize the 181st General Assembly toname a committee of seven people with at least one representative from each synod (5), withparticular emphasis placed on people who have leadership experience and expertise in the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, who are not members of a Ministry Team or members of the
Ministry Council or staff of the Global Center to do an evaluation of how the new structure,including the Ministry Council, the Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits, the Historical2011

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Foundation and the General Assembly Office is working in the light of its original intent.  Thisobjective evaluation committee will be tasked to interview Ministry Council Members, Elected
Team Members, Global Center staff, and Cumberland Presbyterians at large.  All interviews will
be considered confidential.  The committee will also look at the goals that the General Assembly
desired as a result of the new structure and report as to what progress has been made toward thesegoals.  The committee will evaluate how well the Ministry Council, which is elected andempowered to serve the church on behalf of the General Assembly, is a representative of the goals
and ambitions of General Assembly.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the evaluation committee report back to the next General Assemblywith any relevant recommendations that address any concerns or issues they discover;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that any expenses incurred as a result of this evaluation be paid by theGeneral Assembly Office out of the Contingency Fund and that the committee be convened by theStated Clerk of the General Assembly and assisted by the Stated Clerk of the General Assemblywith respect to phone conferences or video conferences.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that these clergy and lay leaders be named as the evaluation committee:
Great Rivers - Reverend Ron McMillan
Midwest - Reverend Kevin Brantley
Mission - Elder Mikel Davis , Elder Gwen Peterson
Southeast - Reverend Sherrlyn Frost, Reverend J. Don Clark
Tennessee - Reverend Charles McCaskey
I certify that this is a true copy of a memorial adopted by Red River Presbytery on April 16, 2011.
Respectfully submitted,
Vernon Sansom
Stated Clerk, Red River Presbytery

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GENERAL ASSEMBLY AGENCIES
I. OFFICE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
A. GENERAL ASSEMBLY OFFICE
                 Revised     Proposed					
2011		2012
INCOME
Our United Outreach
194,521 $202,841
Endowments/Interest
13,00013,000Interest on Cash Funds Management
500
500
Sales of yearbook/digest
200
200
Our United Outreach Committee
7,000
7,000
TOTAL INCOME			$215,221 $223,541
EXPENSEECUMENICAL RELATIONSWorld Communion of Reformed Churches
CANAAC
Ecumenical Travel
Sub-Total		
LIAISON WITH CHURCH
General Assembly Meeting
Preliminary Minutes
GA Minutes/Mailing
Yearbook/Mailing
Travel/Moderator
Travel/Stated Clerk & Staff
Sub-Total		
OFFICE
Computer Supplies
Equipment/Supplies
Postage
Sub-Total			PERSONNEL
Salaries/Housing
FICA (Asst to Stated Clerk)
Retirement
Health Insurance
Disability Insurance/Worker’s Compensation
Sub-Total			
Liability/Earthquake Insurance
STATED CLERK’S CONFERENCE/BOARD EXPENSE/
COMMITTEE EXPENSE
Legal Fees / Clerk’s Conference
Corporate Board Expense
Our United Outreach Committee		
Sub-Total			
TOTAL EXPENSE			
From Reserves$    5,000
1,5000$    6,500$    5,000
    1,5000$    6,500$  4,000
8,500
1,000
9,000
7,200
  7,200$ 36,900$    4,000
    8,500
    1,000
    9,000
    7,200
    7,200$ 36,900$   1,000 $    1,000
2,500
    2,500
  8,000		   8,000$ 11,500 $   11,500$135,938
4,160
5,947
  32,000      1,000$179,045$135,938
    4,160
5,947
  32,000
    1,000$179,045300

300$    1,000 $    1,000      2,500
    2,500
      7,000		
    7,000$  10,500 $  10,500$248,345 $248,345$- 33,124 $ -24,804

B. GENERAL ASSEMBLY COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEESINCOME
Contingency
Nominating Committee
Commission on Chaplains
Judiciary Committee
Theology and Social Concerns Committee
TOTAL INCOME		$   2,316
2,500
8,500
8,000
     3,000$ 24,316

$

2,383
2,612
8,874
8,367
    3,119$ 25,355

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THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH					
EXPENSE
Contingency
Nominating Committee
Commission on Chaplains
Judiciary Committee
Theology and Social Concerns Committee
TOTAL EXPENSE		

191

Revised
Proposed2011		2012$    2,316 $       2,383
2,500       2,612
8,500       8,874
8,000       8,367
    3,000		       3,119$24,316$ 25,355

II. MINISTRY COUNCIL
INCOME
Our United Outreach
Endowment Earnings
Interest Earnings
CP Magazine subscriptions
Sales (Planning Calendar)
Sales (QME - Quarterly Missions Emphasis)
In lieu of Our United OutreachContributions
Sales (resources, advertising)/Fees
Opening Doors
Curriculum Resources
Publications/OtherTOTAL Sales/Fees
Gifts/Donations
Program Events
CP Youth Conference
Miniversities
Minister’s Conference Fees
Youth Evangelism Conference Fees
Women’s Conference FeesTOTAL Program Events$1,300,000
457,055
63,94400000$1,267,754
   458,655     67,444     58,200     11,050       6,000       1,600     11,600

8,871
0
0
              0115,000
   125,000
  113,000		     37,500$236,871$ 162,500
2,000

   112,500

47,358              049,000     45,000
13,200              00       8,0000     24,0000		     18,000$109,558 $     95,000

Grants				Reserves-transferred
TOTAL INCOME			0		
0316,620		     51,000$2,486,048 $2,303,303

EXPENSE
Salaries/Benefits
Salaries
Retirement
FICA
Housing Allowance
Health Insurance
Disability Insurance
Staff Resources/Cont. Ed.
TOTAL Salaries/Benefits$1,079,624     $   768,651
53,564     45,511
37,439     34,353
0   140,315
224,744
   214,378400       4,747      10,338		       6,900$1,406,109     $1,214,855

Publications/Curriculum
Missionary Messenger - Printing
Missionary Messenger - Postage
Missionary Messenger - Mailing Service
Mission Education - various

36,53730,0006,500
35,000     36,000     30,000     36,600
     
0

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Proposed2011		2012

Electronic Publications
Bridges
These Days
Planning Calendar
Resource Packets
Opening Doors
Curriculum Resources
CP Magazine Printing
Publications/Other
Subscriptions & Memberships
Magazine Printing
Magazine Postage
TOTAL Publications/Curriculum0       7,200
2,000       2,000200          2000       7,850
500       6,8000       
038,000     38,0000     42,000
20,720     22,5000       1,650
48,000              0   27,600		
    10,200$245,057$241,000

Ministries
Partnerships
   Church Development Subsidies
   Church Paper Sunday
   Colombia South America Missionary Council
   Missionaires Office   China Field Budget
   Choctaw Field Budget
   Choctaw Ministerial Scholarships
   Missionary Support: Short Term
   International GA Commissioner Subsidies
Volunteers in Action			   General Consultants
   Presbytery Partnerships
   Presbytery Chairs’ Meeting
TOTAL Partnerships

325,000
  275,5000       500117         1201,174      1,500
12,000      9,600
50,000    60,000
3,000      3,000
3,288      3,000
5,000      5,000
587		
600
0
    22,000
1,000      4,600     4,800		 00$405,966      $ 385,420

Ecumenical Partnerships
   Church Women United
   National Farm Worker
   Project Vida
   Coalition-Appalachian Min.
   Beth-El Farm Worker
   Ecumenical Stewardship Center   Cooperative Uniform Series
   Protestant Church Owned Publications Association
   Pres. & Reformed Educational Partners
TOTAL Ecumenical Partnerships

1,300      1,300
2,200      2,200
8,500      8,500
11,500    11,500
45,000    45,000
4,000      4,000
1,000      1,000100         1000		0$73,600$  73,600

Program Events
   Women’s Convention
   New Church Development/Cross-Culture Pastor’s Retreat
   CPWM Leadership Development
   Birthplace Shrine Chaplaincy
   Rural Church Development
   New Program Iniatives
   New Program Iniatives: Children’s Ministry
   New Program Iniatives: Online youth Curriculum   New Program Iniatives: Missionary Leadership Development
   New Program Iniatives: Clergy Crisis Fund   CE Conference

0
11,022
12,779
1,714
6,000
2,994
11,0000000500             0    12,000      5,000      1,714      6,000      5,000             0      7,000      6,000      6,500      6,000             02011

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Revised
Proposed2011		2012					   Leadership Development Conference   General Assembly   General Assembly Meals
   Consultant Program   Miniversities
   CP Youth Conference   Young Adult Ministry
   Youth Ministry Planning Council
   Faith in 3D
   Youth Evangelism Conference   Stewardship Ed
   Youth Triennium   Promotion   Ministers’ Conference   Ministers’ Awards & Encouragement
   Ministry Council/Team Recognition
   Conference/Event
TOTAL Program Events

193

0         3,0000         1,500
3,000            5007,500                014,000            50050,000       50,000
4,000         4,000
2,500         2,5000         5,0000       30,000
9,000         4,500500            500800                012,000         8,000
4,800         2,4000         1,300
0		         1,000$154,109$   169,914

TOTAL MINISTRIES$633,675

Office Expense
Computer Equipment
Web Development/Maintenance
Office Supplies
Computer Software
Postage
Phone
Employee Recognition
Employee Events
P & C Insurance
Organizational Expense
Memberships
TOTAL Office Expense

5,376         2,4000         4,800
30,709       23,2030         2,100
20,985       18,740
11,000         8,000500         3,454
1,000         1,300
1,539                0100            100     2,550		
0$  73,759$     64,097

Other Expenses
Planning Team Expenses
Board/Agency Expense
TravelStaff Travel
Team Travel
Vehicle Insurance & MaintenanceConferences/Cont. Ed.
Board/Agency Recognition
Fund Development Travel & Materials
Misc				TOTAL Other Expense0       15,475
46,359                086,10000       83,3240       25,765
7,243         8,000
2,800                0300                00       15,000     1,500		
0$144,302$   147,564

TOTAL EXPENSES			     Surplus/(Deficit)$2,494,387		
$2,296,450($  8,339)    ($  6,853)

INCOME
Our United Outreach
Endowments$   628,934

III. BOARD OF STEWARDSHIP$145,890
65,472$     153,185       67,500

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Proposed2011		2012Management Fees
Interest
Gifts				TOTAL INCOME
		

59,000       57,000
22,000       15,000      2,000		         2,000$294,362$ 294,685

EXPENSE
Salaries/Housing
Health, LTD, Dental & Vision Insurance
FICA
Retirement
Sub-Total			$174,138
68,4378,135      9,142$259,852

Office & Computer Expense
Subscriptions/Memberships
Postage
TravelOther Staff Expense
Legal Fees
Board Expense
Miscellaneous				
Sub-Total			

9,000		9,0003,310         3,334
2,000         4,000
4,000         5,000
2,000         2,000500            50012,200       12,500
500		 500$    33,510		
$     36,834

Planned Giving
TOTAL EXPENSE			        1,000		       1,000$ 294,362$ 294,685$     174,138       66,259         7,747        8,707$   256,851

IV. THE CHILDREN’S HOME
INCOME
Total Contributions
Denominational Support
GrantsInvestment Income
Total Service Compensation
Special Events/OtherTOTAL INCOME
EXPENSES
Assistance to Individuals and Families
Board Expense
Building/Grounds R&M
Total Children’s Expenses
Total Computer Expenses
ConsultationCounseling & Contract Therapy
Equipment Repairs
Food and Dining Out-Staff
Total Fund Raising
Furniture and Fixtures
Insurance
Licenses and Fees: Professional/Audit
Total Payroll
Permits and Fees: Operating
Property Taxes
Scholarships and Aftercare
Spiritual Life		$500,000
160,000
350,000
265,000
400,000
    105,000$1,780,000$   525,000     80,000
   350,000
   365,000
   425,000
   105,000$1,850,000$       3,600
12,00066,000113,000
15,50012,0006,000
27,0006,000
48,00012,00060,00014,0001,153,959
6,300
2,200
2,400
4,000

$            0     10,000     66,000
   125,000     15,000     10,000       6,000     25,000       4,000     48,000     10,000     50,000     15,000
1,300,000       5,000       1,000       2,400       3,600

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Proposed2011		2012

Staff Recruitment/Retention
Staff Training, Memberships & Development
Supplies - Campus
TravelUtilities
Vehicle Expense
Volunteer Recognition

3,000
19,00017,50020,000120,000
30,000    8,000

TOTAL EXPENSES
    Surplus/(Deficit)		       2,000     18,000     16,000     10,000
   125,000     25,000         2,000$1,781,460 $ 1,894,000($1,460)      ($44,000)

V. HISTORICAL FOUNDATION
A.  BASIC  SERVICESINCOME
Our United Outreach
Endowments1
Gifts
Denomination Day Offering
TOTAL INCOME

		

EXPENSE
Board Expense$    72,945 $    72,945
36,000    36,000
9,000      9,000       5,000		      5,000$ 122,945 $  122,945$     5,000$      5,000$        100
670
1,000
       3,000$      4,670$

OfficeLegal Fees
Memberships
TravelSupplies Postage
Sub-Total		
Personnel
Salaries
FICA / Retirement
Health Insurance
Employee Recognition
Sub-Total			$    73,314 $    73,314
12,374
    12,382
6,923      9,214300		 300$    92,911 $    95,210

Historical Library & Archives
Equipment & Supplies
Publications (ILP)
Acquisitions
Photography / Framing
Records (ILP)
Sub-Total			$      2,855 $      2,000
2,200      2,000
1,500      1,500500         500       2,600		
      2,600$    9,655 $      8,600

Birthplace Shrine
Insurance (ILP)
Travel & Maintenance (ILP)
Interpretation & Publicity (ILP)
Sub-Total			$     1,100
2,302       2,302$     5,704$      1,100$      2,000      1,365$      4,465

Denomination Day
Materials / Postage
Project
Sub-Total			
TOTAL EXPENSE$     1,000       4,000$     5,000$ 122,945$      1,000      4,000$      5,000$  122,945

100         670      1,000      3,000$      4,670

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VI. MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
Revised
Proposed2011		2012

					REVENUE
Student Tuition Fees
Investment
Gifts and Grants
Other Revenues
TOTAL REVENUE$			

$2,390,050
475,000
1,200,000     275,000$4,340,050

EXPENSES
Business OfficeDean’s Office
Chapel
Educational Development Committee
Associate Dean’s Office
Advancement Office
Doctor of Ministry
Facilities
Faculty
Summer Classes
January Classes
CYMT
Financial Aid
Information Technology
Library
President’s Office
Admissions & Student Services
Registrar & Institutional Research
Public Relations
Student Housing
Certificate & Continuing Education
Student Government
Theology & Arts
Scholarships
Program of Alternate Studies
TOTAL EXPENSES			
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets$   198,816$  257,952
214,524
    248,715
35,095      52,068
6,400      18,400
0               0281,460
    286,067
49,150      69,540
562,642    547,662
832,620
    802,774
35,000      30,000
12,000      11,000
98,580      98,800
65,749      66,913
125,843
    175,037
300,054
    297,109
199,614    221,787
158,861    170,370
114,951
    121,022
128,902
    122,856
300,637
    248,400
0               03,500        4,125
55,000      67,500
261,900
    269,849     108,695		     127,995$4,149,993$4,639,941
190,057        (296,947)$ 2,453,175
    405,275
1,251,000
    233,544$ 4,342,994

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VII. SHARED SERVICES
Revised
Proposed2011		2012

					REVENUE
Our United Outreach
TOTAL REVENUE$			$   413,356$ 413,356

EXPENSES
Salaries
Health Insurance
Retirement
FICA
Audit
Payroll Service
Bank Charges
Technology System Consultants - EMS
Technology System Consultants - Blackbaud
Technology System Consultants
Building & Maintenance
Pest Control
Lawn & Ground Maintenance
Lawn Treatment
Loan Interest
Utilities - Building 1
Utilities - Building 2
Janitorial Service
Security System Monitoring
Trash Collection
Telephone/Internet
Heating & AC Repairs
Building & Maintenance Debt - Union
Insurance/Liability
Depreciation Expense
Office Equipment Maintenance
Computer Maintenance
Office Supplies
Postage
Employee Events
P & C Insurance
Future Maintenance FundTOTAL EXPENSE
Surplus/Deficit$     96,000$    45,0000      11,916
0        2,2500        3,444
12,000      15,000
9,600        9,600
4,000      18,000
18,000               018,300               00      48,000
18,000      12,000600           60012,400      15,000
3,450        2,520
0      45,000
22,200      22,000
14,800      14,800
7,200        7,800
960           9601,800        1,800
14,400      14,400
6,000        6,000
54,000      54,0000      30,000
65,652               09,600        9,600
12,000      12,000
3,000        3,000
7,200        7,200
1,000        1,000
7,750               0    10,000		
0$ 429,912$  413,090$  (16,556) $         266$

    431,036
431,036

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The
Proceedingsof theONE HUNDRED EIGHTY-FIRST
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
of theCUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
session held in

SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI
June 20-24, 2011

At Springfield, Missouri, and within the facilities of the University Plaza Hotel and Convention
Center, there the twentieth day of June in the year of our Lord, Two Thousand Eleven, at the appointed hourof two o’clock in the afternoon, Minister and Elder Commissioners from the various presbyteries, youth
advisory delegates and visitors assembled.

FIRST DAY - MONDAY - JUNE 20,2011
PRE-ASSEMBLY WORKSHOPS
Commissioners, Youth Advisory Delegate, and visitors were invited to attend the following
workshops.  Each was presented twice so attendees could participate in two separate workshops.
1) “Reaching Youth and Young Adults,” led by Reverend Dietrich Kirk, Executive Director,
Center for Youth Ministry Training.
2) “Opening the Digital Door:  Social Media for Ministries,” led by Ms. Lynette Hawkins,
President, Beyond Marketing Group, Inc.
3) “Our United Outreach,” led by Mr. Ron Gardner and Reverend Rusty Rustenhaven, Our United
Outreach Committee.
4) “Show Me How to Survive the Sandwich Generation,” led by Ms. Carla Bellis, High SchoolCounselor.
5) “Show Me How to Prepare for End of Life Issues,” led by Reverend Linda Rodden.
OPENING WORSHIPIn the University Plaza Convention Center, Springfield, Missouri, the one hundred eighty-first
General Assembly, the Convention of Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry, and visitors sharedin worship.   The worship director, the Reverend Andy McClung, West Tennessee Presbytery, presided
in worship.   Bethel University’s “Renaissance: Vocal Authority” presented the musical prelude under
the direction of the Reverend Peter Jeffrey, Murfreesboro Presbytery, assembly music director.  A praisesolo was sung by Ms. Amy Cofer, Missouri Presbytery.  Ms. Martha Chambers, Cumberland Presbyterian
Women’s Ministry President, led the Call to Confession.  Reverend McClung conducted a reaffirmation ofcall for Elders and Ministers from the Confession of Faith questions for ordination.  The Youth Advisory
Delegates were also asked to commit themselves to their service to the General Assembly.  A song andmovement presentation from the PHASE team, Praising Him As Savior Eternally, Marshall Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, Marshall, Missouri, was presented.  Youth Advisory Delegate Taylor Boulton, West
Tennessee Presbytery, read the scripture, John 4: 31-42.   The retiring Moderator, the Reverend Boyce2011

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Wallace, delivered the sermon, “Lift Up Your Eyes and Look.”   Ms. Amy Cofer presented the closing
special music.  Reverend McClung pronounced the blessing and benediction.  Vocal Authority sang thepostlude.
THE ASSEMBLY IS CONSTITUTEDThe Moderator, the Reverend Boyce Wallace, called the assembly to order.  The Reverend Jerry
Lawson, Grace Presbytery, chairperson of the Credentials Committee, presented the report of the Credentials
Committee certifying the list of commissioners with changes.   There were forty-six (46) ministers andthirty-six (36) elders enrolled, making a total of eighty-two (82) commissioners present at 3:15 p.m.  There
were twenty-five (25) youth advisory delegates present.  The report was concurred in, marked “Appendix
A” and filed.  Reverend Lawson stated a quorum was present.
The Reverend Billy Carter, Cumberland Presbytery, prayed the constituting prayer.
WELCOME AND GREETINGS
Moderator Boyce Wallace introduced the mayor of Springfield, Missouri, the Honorable Mr. James
E. O’Neal.  Mayor O’Neal welcomed the assembly to Springfield, expressed his gratitude to the church forselecting the city, and gave his best wishes for a successful week.  Mayor O’Neal then read the following
proclamation declaring June 20, 2011, Cumberland Presbyterian Church Day in Springfield, Missouri.
Proclamation
WHEREAS, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church was founded on February 4, 1810 in Dickson
County Tennessee; andWHEREAS, this church was created to help meet the growing need for religious teaching in thewestern frontier of the United States of America; andWHEREAS, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church has been present in Springfield, Missouri for
167 years following the organization of the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church on May 19, 1844; andWHEREAS, the “Confession of Faith” adopted in 1883 and revised in 1884 explains the generalprinciples of the church and the system by which it is governed; andWHEREAS, the Cumberland Presbyterian Denomination has over 70,000 members in over 700
churches located in the United States, Colombia South America, Hong Kong and Japan; andWHEREAS the Cumberland Presbyterian Church has more than 25 missionaries in 15 countries
around the world;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, James E. O’Neal, Mayor of the City of Springfield, Missouri, do hereby
proclaim June 20, 2011 to be Cumberland Presbyterian Church Day and commend this dedicatedfellowship of men, women and youth who serve others.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and have caused the official seal of theCity of Springfield, Missouri, to be affixed this twentieth day of June, in the year of our Lord, two thousand
eleven.
James E. Oneal						Mayor
The Reverend George Estes, Missions Ministry Team Leader, presented Mayor O’Neal a check for$5,000.00 on behalf of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church to be used in the relief efforts for the recent
tornado disaster in Joplin, Missouri.  Additional collections will be made throughout the week by both the
General Assembly and the Convention of Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry for the relief work
conducted by the Joplin Case Management Office.  
The Pastor Host, the Reverend John Appling, Missouri Presbytery, welcomed the assembly toSpringfield, read Revelation 7: 9, and challenged the assembly to be the body of Christ.
Moderator Boyce Wallace introduced the Reverend Lynne Herring, Administrative Director of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America, who brought greetings from the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church in America and expressed a desire for a blessed meeting under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
ASSEMBLY BUSINESS
Moderator Boyce Wallace declared the floor open for nominations for the office of Moderator of

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the one hundred eighty-first General Assembly.
A MODERATOR IS ELECTED
The following nomination, previously endorsed by Nashville presbytery was presented.
The Reverend Dwayne Tyus, Nashville Presbytery, nominated the Reverend Don Tabor, Nashville
Presbytery.
The Reverend Larry Bagby, West Tennessee Presbytery, gave the nominating speech for Reverend
Tabor.
Nominations were closed and the Reverend Don Tabor was elected Moderator by acclamation.  
The Reverend Dwayne Tyus escorted Moderator Tabor to the podium.  Retiring Moderator Boyce Wallace
placed the Moderator’s cross on Reverend Tabor, presented him the gavel, and read the Nature of the
Office of Moderator from Section 7.02 of the By-laws of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Retiring
Moderator Wallace prayed for the newly elected Moderator and asked the assembly to give its full support
to him.
Moderator Don Tabor expressed his appreciation to the Reverend Larry Bagby for his long timefriendship and his endorsement.   Moderator Tabor shared his humility to Nashville Presbytery for theirnomination and to the General Assembly for their selecting him Moderator.  Reverend Tabor introduced his
wife, Cheryl; his niece, Ms. Kaye Phelps; her husband, Doug, and recognized members of congregations
he pastored who were in attendance at assembly.  Moderator Tabor then introduced his pastor, the Reverend
Kip Rush, Brenthaven Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Brentwood, Tennessee, who offered a prayer of
blessing for Moderator Tabor.
VICE-MODERATOR IS ELECTED
Moderator Don Tabor opened the floor for nominations for Vice-Moderator.   Elder Bob Faris,
Murfreesboro Presbytery, nominated the Reverend Joyce Merritt, Murfreesboro Presbytery.  Nominations
were closed and Reverend Merritt was elected by acclamation.  Elder Faris escorted Vice-Moderator Merritt
to the podium.  Reverend Merritt addressed the assembly briefly.
PRESENTATIONSThe Stated Clerk, Michael Sharpe, recognized Ms. Beth Wallace for her assistance and support to
the retiring Moderator, Boyce Wallace.  He then presented Reverend Wallace a replica of the Moderator’s
cross and a gavel representing the one used in the one hundred eightieth General Assembly.  Ms. Wallace
addressed the assembly expressing her thanks to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and challenged theassembly to be united in serving the Lord.   She requested continued prayer for them as they return toColombia, South America.
The Moderator, Don Tabor, made necessary announcements.
Ms. Susan Groce, Coordinator of Ministries for Youth and Young Adults, presented information on
the Center for Youth Ministry Training which is providing training for persons called to be youth ministers.  
The Center also serves as a resource for the Cumberland Presbyterian Youth website and has assisted in thedevelopment of the new Cumberland Presbyterian youth curriculum, “Faith Out Loud!” authored by theReverend Andy McClung, West Tennessee Presbytery.
Ms. Groce introduced the Reverend Dietrich “Deech” Kirk, Executive Director of the Center for
Youth Ministry Training, who made a presentation on the three year training program conducted by theCenter and Memphis Theological Seminary.  The residency program offers the opportunity for participants
to receive theologically based training as youth pastors and service in partner churches.  The program leads
to a Master of Arts in Youth Ministry degree.
The Reverend Jay Earheart-Brown, President of Memphis Theological Seminary, shared with theassembly the vision Reverend Kirk had as a seminary student.  Reverend Kirk is now a national leader onyouth minister training and the cooperative effort with the seminary will provide a practical ministry for the
church.   
The Reverend Iwao Satoh, Cumberland Presbytery, and the commissioners from Japan Presbytery,the Reverend Kenta Karasawa and Elder Akimasa Nakano made a presentation on the devastating earthquake
and tsunami that struck Japan on March 11, 2011.  They shared pictures of the destruction and informationon the loss of life, those still missing, and the economic impact to the country.  While no Cumberland
Presbyterian churches in Japan were in the area, the far reaching impact of the disaster will take years to2011

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correct.  Japan Presbytery responded quickly with immediate support and relief efforts and will continue
to be responsive in the long term.  Reverend Satoh shared a letter from Japan Presbytery expressing their
gratitude for the financial aid and prayer support from the Cumberland Presbyterian Churches in the UnitedStates.  The continuing prayers of the church at large are requested.  The Stated Clerk, Michael Sharpe, statedthat the financial aid from the Cumberland Presbyterian Church to Japan has been around $100,000.00.
Commissioners Karasawa and Nakano presented a check from Japan Presbytery in the amount of$5,000.00 to the Moderator, Don Tabor, for relief efforts for the tornado victims in Missouri.
BOARD AND AGENCY REPRESENTATIVESThe Stated Clerk, Michael Sharpe, introduced the following board and agency representatives:
Bethel University
Commission on ChaplainsChildren’s Home
Historical Foundation
Judiciary
Memphis Theological Seminary
Ministry Council
OUO
Stewardship
Theology and Social Concerns

Nancy Bean
Lowell Roddy
Norlan Scrudder
Sidney Swindle
James Byrd
Jody Hill
Jill Carr
Ron Gardner
Mike Wilkinson
Steve Mosley

REFERRALS TO COMMITTEES
Referrals to the Committee on Children’s Home and Historical Foundation
Page Report
138 The Report of the Board of Trustees of the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home
161 The Report of the Board of Trustees of the Historical Foundation
Referrals to the Committee on Higher Education
Page Report
34 The Report of the Stated Clerk, Section V
150 The Report of the Board of Trustees of Memphis Theological Seminary
185 The Report of the Board of Trustees of Bethel College
Referrals to the Committee on Judiciary
Page Report
33 The Report of the Stated Clerk, Section IV
172 The Report of the Permanent Committee on Judiciary
173 The Report of the Joint Committee on Amendments
187 The Memorial from Missouri Presbytery regarding Active Elders Administering the     Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
189 The Memorial from Red River Presbytery regarding Evaluating the New Structure
Referrals to the Committee on Chaplains/Missions/Pastoral Development
Page Report
32 The Report of the Moderator, Recommendations 3 & 4
58 The Report of the Ministry Council, Sections IV & V
170 The Report of the Commission on Chaplains and Military Personnel
Referrals to the Committee on Ministry Council/Communication/Discipleship
Page Report
32 The Report of the Moderator, Recommendation 1
37 The Report of the Ministry Council, Sections I, II, & III

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Referrals to the Committee on Stewardship/Elected Officers
Page Report
32 The Report of the Moderator     Except Recommendation 1 which is referred to Ministry Council/Communication/Discipleship       Except Recommendations 3 & 4 which are referred to Chaplains/Missions/Pastoral Development
33 The Report of the Stated Clerk
     Except Section IV which is referred to Judiciary     Except Section V which is referred to Higher Education
125 The Report of the Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits
177 The Report of the Our United Outreach Committee
179 The Report of the Place of Meeting Committee
187 The Resolution from Ashley Chambers, Commissioner, Grace Presbytery, regarding Church Tithing
191 Line Item Budgets Submitted by General Assembly Agencies
Page

Referrals to the Committee on Theology and Social Concerns
Report181
The Report of the Unified Committee on Theology and Social Concerns
SPECIAL INTRODUCTION

Reverend Steve Mosley, Representative of the Unified Committee on Theology and Social
Concerns, introduced the Reverend Charles Reese, Chairperson of the committee, who addressed theassembly.  Reverend Reese spoke to the unity of all God’s people and declared that Christ works with andthrough all cultures.  He challenged the assembly to be proactive in its deliberations and considerations of
the issues from the committee.
RECESS DECLARED
The Moderator, Don Tabor, led the assembly in prayer for the upcoming committee work and forthe brothers and sisters in Japan affected by the tragic earthquake and tsunami.
Recess was declared until 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.  Committees met briefly to organize.
THE EVENING PROGRAM
The General Assembly, the Convention of Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry, and visitors
participated in a reception at the First and Calvary Presbyterian Church, to honor the past Moderator, theReverend Boyce Wallace; the newly elected Moderator, the Reverend Don Tabor; the newly elected ViceModerator, the Reverend Joyce Merritt; the President of the Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry,
Ms. Martha Chambers; and the President-elect of the Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry, Ms.
Mary Ann Cole.

SECOND DAY – TUESDAY – JUNE 21, 2011
The General Assembly and visitors began their day in worship.  Assembly worship director, theReverend Andy McClung, prayed the opening prayer.  Ms. Cheryl Brown, Missouri Presbytery, sang “It Is
Well with My Soul,” accompanied by assembly music director, the Reverend Peter Jeffrey.  Youth Advisory
Delegate Madison Crooks, Murfreesboro Presbytery, delivered the morning devotional.  Reverend Jeffrey
led the assembly in singing “Victory in Jesus.”  Reverend McClung closed by sharing the peace of Christ.
ASSEMBLY RECONVENESThe Moderator, Don Tabor, called the assembly to order.  There were thirty-eight (38) ministers,
thirty-four (34) elders, and twenty-two (22) youth advisory delegates present.
The General Assembly seated the following visiting ministers as members in counsel:  the Reverend
Lynne Herring, Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America; the Reverend Charles Reese, Cumberland
Presbyterian Church in America; and the Reverend Ed Brogan, Executive Director of the PresbyterianCouncil for Chaplains and Military Personnel.

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Youth Advisory Delegate Ely Franco, Red River Presbytery, led the assembly in prayer.
SPECIAL INTRODUCTION
The Reverend Bob Watkins, Missions Ministry Team, informed the assembly that Asian missionaries
Matt and Heather Wallace would be in attendance later in the week.   Reverend Watkins introduced theReverend Sarah Lee and her husband the Reverend David Lee, missionaries to Southeast Asia.  Reverend
Watkins stated that the Cumberland Presbyterian Church has approximately thirty missionaries serving in
fifteen countries.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Reverend Watkins presented the Endorsed Missionary Program, a new approach for missionary
service for the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  New guidelines have been set up for missionaries andpotential missionaries to become endorsed missionaries.  Reverend Watkins requested prayer for the newprogram and all current and future missionaries.
The Reverend George Estes, Missions Ministry Team Leader, announced that the Reverend Bob
Watkins would be assuming the new roles of Asia Consortium Facilitator and Missions/Ministry Council
Fund Development Facilitator.  Reverend Estes also announced that the Reverend Lynn Thomas would beassuming the new role of Director of Global Cross Culture Missions.
The Reverend Lowell Roddy, Representative for the Commission on Chaplains and Military
Personnel, described some of his experiences as a former active duty Army Chaplain.  He introduced theReverend Ed Brogan, Executive Director of the Presbyterian Council for Chaplains and Military Personnel
who addressed the assembly.  He described the interdenominational nature of the Chaplaincy and called
attention to the fact that today’s military personnel face multiple deployments to many areas of danger
throughout the world.
COMMISSIONING CEREMONY
Reverend Brogan introduced Chaplain Jason Chambers, LT USN, Arkansas Presbytery, who
conducted the commissioning ceremony for Memphis Theological Seminary student Garrett Burns,
Arkansas Presbytery.   Mr. Burns was sworn in as an Ensign in the United States Navy.  Reverend Brogan
led the assembly in prayer for all personnel serving in the military.
ANNOUNCEMENTThe Reverend Jay Earheart-Brown, President of Memphis Theological Seminary, introduced theReverend Michael Qualls, the new director of the Program of Alternate Studies.  Reverend Qualls addressed
the assembly briefly and announced the upcoming summer instruction at Bethel University.
PRESENTATIONThe Reverend Kevin Henson, Executive Director of the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home,
gave an overview of the programs and service the Children’s Homes has to offer.  A video was shown withtestimonies from current and former recipients of services from the home.  Reverend Henson expressed
his appreciation for the support of the church and directed attention to the new strategic plan before theassembly.
RESOLUTIONS FROM COMMISSIONERS
A resolution from the Reverend Charles McCaskey, Murfreesboro Presbytery, concerning property
issues for church desiring to unite with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church was referred to the Committee
on Judiciary.
A resolution from the Reverend Tom Sanders, Red River Presbytery, concerning church wide
intercessory prayer was referred to the Committee on Stewardship/Elected Officers.

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RECESS DECLARED
The Reverend Christian Smith, Tennessee/Georgia Presbytery, led the assembly in prayer.  Theassembly recessed for committee work until 8:30 a.m. Thursday.

THIRD DAY – WEDNESDAY – JUNE 22, 2011
Committees met and began the day with devotions.  There were forty-five (45) ministers, thirtynine (39) elders, and twenty-five (25) youth advisory delegates present.  The day was devoted to committee
work.
THE EVENING PROGRAM
The General Assembly, the Convention of Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry, and visitors
gathered in worship.  A trumpet prelude was played by Mr. Mark Breuggemann, Missouri Presbytery,followed by a choral prelude by Bethel University’s Vocal Authority.  Assembly worship director, theReverend Andy McClung, led in worship assisted by assembly music director, the Reverend Peter Jeffrey.  
Gospel Harmony, Marshall Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Marshall, Missouri, sang the opening special.  
Reverend McClung led the people in the Prayer of Confession and the Assurance of Forgiveness.  Under
the direction of Reverend Jeffrey, special offertory music was presented by Vocal Authority and jointlywith the Missouri Presbytery Choir.  Selections included “The Lord’s Prayer,” “Blessed Assurance,” and“Whosoever Will.”   The evening offering was applied to the denominational Clergy Crisis Fund.   TheSpringfield Cumberland Presbyterian Korean Dancers performed several dances using traditional Korean
dress and instruments.  The Reverend Sharon Huey, Presbytery del Cristo, read the scripture, Colossians 1:
15-20 and Mark 6: 30-44, and delivered the sermon, “Blessed, Broken, and Given Away.”
The Reverend Andy McClung and the Reverend Sharon Huey officiated for the service of Holy
Communion.   Assisting in serving communion were Elders Michael Fare, Missouri Presbytery; Carol
McDowell, Trinity Presbytery; Cindy Barton, Presbytery del Cristo; Kelly Shepherd, West Tennessee
Presbytery; and Jeff Smith, Nashville Presbytery; and Youth Advisory Delegates Houston Brown, Red
River Presbytery; McKenzie Green, Columbia Presbytery; Allie Rodgers, Hope Presbytery; and Alex
Ward, West Tennessee Presbytery.  Reverend Huey pronounced the benediction.  Vocal Authority sang thepostlude.

FOURTH DAY – THURSDAY – JUNE 23, 2011
The General Assembly and visitors began their day in worship.  The assembly worship director,
the Reverend Andy McClung, led the assembly in prayer.   Reverend McClung announced the previous
evening’s offering for the Clergy Crisis Care Fund was slightly over $3,200.00.   The Reverend Randy
Shannon, Pastor of Marshall Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Missouri Presbytery, presented the specialmusic.  Youth Advisory Delegate Brandon Hayes, Covenant Presbytery, read John 21:1-19.  The Reverend
Ricardo Castaneda, Andes Presbytery, delivered the morning devotional.
ASSEMBLY RECONVENESThe Moderator, Don Tabor, called the assembly to order.  There were forty-seven (47) ministers,
thirty-seven (37) elders, and twenty-three (23) youth advisory delegates present as of 9:00 a.m.
Moderator Don Tabor announced the death of the Reverend E. H. Denman, Murfreesboro Presbytery.  
The assembly stood in memory of Reverend Denman.  The Reverend Charles McCaskey, Murfreesboro
Presbytery, led the assembly in prayer for the family of Reverend Denman.
RESOLUTION OF THANKS
thanks:The Reverend Ron McMillan, West Tennessee Presbytery, presented the following resolution of
The 181st General Assembly wishes to give thanks to God our Father for His Son
Jesus Christ and for the incalculable gift of grace that has been given us through the shedblood of Jesus Christ his Son on the cross.  Further, we give thanks for the heritage of thepeople called Cumberland Presbyterian and the opportunity and privilege to serve of our2011

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Lord Jesus Christ through the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
The 181st General Assembly wishes to thank Reverend John Appling for his
leadership as Pastor Host and the members and staff of the Springfield Cumberland
Presbyterian Church for all their diligent work in preparation for and implementation of the
181st General Assembly.  A special word of thanks must be given to the Host Committeeof the Springfield Cumberland Presbyterian church and especially to Martha Brooks, Vera
Lowe, and Michael Fare, the co-chairs of that committee, for their exemplary work in
hosting the 181st General Assembly.  In addition, we wish to express our appreciation to
the churches and members of Missouri Presbytery for their support and participation in the
hosting of the 181st General Assembly.  We also wish to thank Mayor O’Neal and the cityof Springfield, Missouri for graciously welcoming us into their community.
The 181st General Assembly was truly blessed by well prepared, theologicallygrounded and skillfully implemented worship services and inspiring messages.  Therefore,
we wish to express our gratitude to Reverend Andy McClung, Worship Director, and toReverend Peter Jeffery, Music Director, for their planning and leadership of the worshipservices.  As always we were blessed by Bethel Renaissance: Vocal Authority in conjunction
with the Missouri Cumberland Presbyterian Choir and we enjoyed immensely the
Springfield Cumberland Presbyterian Korean Dancers.  We thank Reverend Sharon Huey
for boldly sharing the word of God with us on Wednesday evening, and Madison Crooks
and Ricardo Castaneda for their insightful morning devotionals.
We offer our thanks to former Moderator, Reverend Boyce Wallace, and former
Vice Moderator, Reverend Harry Chapman for their leadership prior to the 181st General
Assembly, and to Moderator Don Tabor and Vice Moderator Joyce Merritt for theirleadership during the 181st General Assembly.  In addition, we wish to thank the staff ofthe General Assembly Office: Reverend Michael Sharpe, Stated Clerk, Doctor Tommy
Craig, Engrossing Clerk and Mrs. Elizabeth Vaughn, Assistant to the Stated Clerk, fortheir tireless leadership and support.  We also give thanks for each committee chairperson
and for each commissioner and youth delegate who has participated in the deliberations of
the Assembly.
Our prayer is that the Holy Spirit, which illuminated the deliberation of the 181st
General Assembly, might continue to lead and guide the Cumberland Presbyterian  Church
as it seeks to implement the decisions that have been made at this General Assembly.  MayGod be ever glorified by and through the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Amen
The resolution was adopted.
SPECIAL INTRODUCTIONS
Ms. Judy Steffen-Drake, 1st Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Springfield, Missouri, recognized
Ms. Martha Brooks, Mr. Michael Fare, and Ms. Vera Low for their work in preparation for the General
Assembly meeting.
PARLIAMENTARIAN APPOINTED
Moderator Don Tabor appointed the Reverend Dwayne Tyus, Nashville Presbytery, parliamentarian.
ASSEMBLY BUSINESSThe Stated Clerk, Michael Sharpe, introduced the use of indicator cards for commissioners andyouth advisory delegates.
The Reverend Tiffany McClung, West Tennessee Presbytery, explained the use of “Twitter” forposting real time comments online for General Assembly.
The Reverend Aaron McMillan, chairperson of the Nominating Committee, presented the report of
the Nominating Committee.  The report was received and the floor was opened for additional nominations
for the various boards and agencies.  There were no additional nominations, thus the slate of nominees
was elected.  The floor was opened for two additional agencies, Our United Outreach Committee and the
Caribbean and North American Council, which were omitted on the first vote.  Nominations were closed
and those nominees were elected by acclamation.

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Moderator Don Tabor stated he would be polling the youth advisory delegates for their input on theReport Number One of the Committee on Judiciary was presented, concurred in, its recommendation
adopted by the necessary 75 votes, marked “Appendix B” and filed.
The Report of the Committee on the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home/HistoricalFoundation was read, concurred in, its recommendations adopted, marked “Appendix C” and filed.
Report Number Two of the Committee on Judiciary was read.  The report was divided.  Section
E was discussed, amended, concurred in, and its recommendations adopted.   Recommendation 5 wasreconsidered to clarify the agencies to be evaluated and change the date the evaluations are to be completed.  
Recommendation 5 was adopted as amended.
GREETINGS FROM CP WOMEN’S MINISTRY
Moderator Don Tabor recognized Ms. Mary Ann Cole, President of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Women’s Ministry, who brought greetings to the assembly and reported on the work of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Women’s Ministry.
ASSEMBLY BUSINESS
Section C of Report Number Two of the Committee on Judiciary was considered, concurred in,
and its recommendations adopted.  Section F of the report was considered, amended, concurred in, and its
recommendations adopted.  The remainder of the report was concurred in, the report marked “Appendix D”
and filed.
RECESS DECLARED
Moderator Don Tabor declared a 10 minute recess.
ASSEMBLY RECONVENESThe assembly reconvened at the proper time.   The Vice-Moderator, Reverend Joyce Merritt,assumed the chair.
The Reverend Charles McCaskey, chairperson of the Committee on Theology and Social Concerns,
stated that due to the historic nature of this deliberation, he had invited Ms. Beverly St. John, Nashville
Presbytery and Moderator of the 158th General Assembly, to sit with the committee for their presentation.  
Ms. St. John has been deeply involved in the joint efforts and works between the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church in America and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church concerning reunification.
The Reverend Andy McClung gave a history of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America
and their relationship with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church throughout the years.  He described themultiple attempts of unification attempted by both denominations.   Many plans have been adopted, but
none have come to completion.
Ms. St. John addressed the assembly on reunification attempts and expressed her joy in being
present for this assembly.  Ms. St. John led the assembly in prayer.
RECESS DECLARED
Vice-Moderator Joyce Merritt declared a recess for lunch until 2:00 p.m.
ASSEMBLY RECONVENESThe assembly reconvened at the proper time.  Vice-Moderator Joyce Merritt called the assembly toorder.  The Reverend Casey Nicholson, Presbytery of East Tennessee, led the assembly in prayer.
The Report of the Committee on Theology and Social Concerns was read, concurred in, its
recommendations adopted by a unanimous standing vote, marked “Appendix E” and filed.
Moderator Don Tabor assumed the chair.  The youth advisory vote on the Report of the Committeeon Theology and Social Concerns was also unanimous.
The Report of the Committee on Ministry Council/Communications/Discipleship was read,
concurred in, its recommendations adopted, marked “Appendix F” and filed.

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The Report of the Committee on Stewardship/Elected Officers was read, concurred in its
recommendations adopted, marked “Appendix G” and filed.
The Reverend Steve Mosley, Representative of the Unified Committee on Theology and Social
Concerns, thanked the assembly for allowing him to serve on the committee.  Reverend Mosley shared amessage from the Reverend Charles Reese, chairperson of the committee, about the unification vote, “Myeyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord!  The church of Jesus Christ can now move toward
union.”The Reverend Jay Earheart-Brown, President of Memphis Theological Seminary, led the assemblyin prayer for unification as the result of the actions of the General Assemblies of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church in America and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
The Vice-Moderator, Joyce Merritt, assumed the chair.
The Report of the Committee on Chaplains/Missions/Pastoral Development was read, concurredin, its recommendations adopted, marked “Appendix H” and filed.
The Reverend Lynn Thomas, Missions Ministry Team, explained Prep 1:8, the new missionary
recruitment and training program.
RECESS DECLARED
Moderator Don Tabor assumed the chair and declared a 10 minute recess.
ASSEMBLY RECONVENESThe assembly reconvened at the proper time.
The Report of the Committee on Higher Education was read, concurred in, its recommendations
adopted, marked “Appendix I” and filed.
Stated Clerk Michael Sharpe made necessary announcements.
Elder Maynor Schott, Nashville Presbytery and youth advisory delegate Tyler Lindsey, Cumberland
Presbytery were excused from the afternoon session.
The printed minutes of the previous three days were reviewed.  The minutes of the fourth day wereread and the minutes as a whole were approved.
Moderator Don Tabor expressed his gratitude and congratulations to the General Assembly on
the complete and historic actions taken.   He thanked the youth advisory delegates for their work andparticipation.
THE CLOSING WORSHIPThe General Assembly and visitors gathered for the closing worship.  Assembly music director, theReverend Peter Jeffrey, played the prelude.  Assembly worship director, the Reverend Andy McClung readthe memorial roll.
Reverend E. H. Denman
Reverend Mable Esch
Reverend Loyce Estes
Reverend Charles Faith
Reverend Ronald T. Fleming
Reverend William Garrett
Reverend William H. Jones
Reverend Larry G. Laurance
Reverend Ralph Linder
Reverend Elwood Ludlow
Reverend Howard Melton
Reverend Wayne Morgan
Reverend William H. Pettit
Reverend Walter E. Russell
Reverend Cordell Smith
Reverend Joe Vickers
Reverend Earl R. White, Jr.
Reverend Tom Wilkins

Murfreesboro Presbytery
Red River Presbytery
Trinity Presbytery
Arkansas Presbytery
Missouri Presbytery
Columbia Presbytery
Red River Presbytery
West Tennessee Presbytery
Cumberland Presbytery
Choctaw Presbytery
Grace Presbytery
Columbia Presbytery
Covenant Presbytery
Red River Presbytery
Columbia Presbytery
Nashville Presbytery
Arkansas Presbytery
Nashville Presbytery

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Reverend McClung led the assembly in the memorial prayer concluding with the Lord’s Prayer.  
Reverend McClung delivered the closing devotional based on Genesis 22: 1-14.  He shared the Peace ofChrist and pronounced the blessing.  Reverend Jeffrey led the assembly in singing “God Be With You” toclose the worship.
ADJOURNMENT
At 4:20 p.m. the General Assembly adjourned to meet in Florence, Alabama, June 17-22, 2012.  
Moderator Don Tabor prayed the closing prayer and pronounced the benediction.

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APPENDICESREPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE(Appendix A)
The Credentials Committee certifies the list of commissioners on pages 6 and 7 of the Preliminary
Minutes with the following change:
On the part of the Minister Commissioners, the Reverend Carroll Richards, North Central Presbytery,
will be serving in place of the Reverend James Messer.
On the part of the Elder Commissioners, Elder Jimmie Scott, Choctaw Presbytery, will be serving
in place of Elder Louella Reid, and Elder Lorna Light, Robert Donnell Presbytery, will be serving in placeof Elder Ava Cambron.  Elder Nancy Kennedy, West Tennessee Presbytery, will not be attending.
On the part of the Youth Advisory Delegates, add Youth Delegate Tyler Lindsey, Cumberland
Presbytery, Committee on Stewardship/Elected Officers, and Youth Delegate Hunter Hill, Presbytery del
Cristo, Committee on Ministry Council/Communications/Discipleship.
Enrollment as of 2:00 p.m. is certified as forty-six (46) ministers, thirty-five (35) elders and twentyfive (25) youth advisory delegates.
Respectfully submitted,
Jerry Lawson, Chair
Henry Jenkins
Houston Brown

REPORT ONE OF THE
COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY(Appendix B)
I. REFERRALSThis report pertains to the referral from the Joint Committee on Amendments only.

II. CONSIDERATION OF REFERRAL
A. REPORT OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON AMENDMENTS AMENDMENT ON PROPERTY
In 2009 the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America amended the Constitution to adopt the samestatements on property used by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Prior to 2009, the two denominations
had different statements on property.  The Joint Committee on Amendments prepared the amendment for the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America.  Section 3.30 reads, “This section is declaratory of principles
to which the Cumberland Presbyterian Church/Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America and theirantecedent church bodies have adhered from the inception of the Presbyterian form of church government.  
Sections 3.32, 3.33 and 3.34 need to be amended to add Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America inseveral portions.  This item was referred by the 180th General Assembly to the Permanent Committee on
Judiciary and the Joint Committee on Amendments to prepare the proper Constitutional Amendments topresent to the 181st General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
3.32a The Cumberland Presbyterian Church is a connectional church and all lower judicatories of
the church to-wit: synod, presbytery, and the particular churches are parts of that body and therefore allproperty held by or for a particular church, a presbytery, a synod, the General Assembly, or the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, whether legal title is lodged in a corporation, a trustee or trustees, or an unincorporated
association, and whether the property is used in programs of the particular church or of a more inclusive
judicatory or retained for the production of income, and whether or not the deed to the property so states, isheld in trust nevertheless for the use and benefit of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
3.32b The Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America is a connectional church and all lower

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judicatories of the church to-wit: synod, presbytery, and the particular churches are parts of that body andtherefore all property held by or for a particular church, a presbytery, a synod, the General Assembly, or
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America, whether legal title is lodged in a corporation, a trustee ortrustees, or an unincorporated association, and whether the property is used in programs of the particularchurch or of a more inclusive judicatory or retained for the production of income, and whether or not
the deed to the property so states, is held in trust nevertheless for the use and benefit of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church in America.
3.33 Whenever property of, or held for, a particular church ceases to be used by the church, as aparticular church of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church/Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America inaccordance with this Constitution, such property shall be held, used, applied, transferred or sold as provided
by the presbytery in which that particular church is located.
3.34 Whenever a particular church is formally dissolved by the presbytery, or has become extinct
by reason of dispersal of its members, the abandonment of its work, or other cause, such property as it may
have shall be held, used, and applied for such uses, purposes, and trusts as the presbytery in which said
particular church is located may direct, limit, and appoint, or such property may be sold or disposed of as
the presbytery may direct, in conformity with this Constitution.
RECOMMENDATION 1: That Recommendation 1 of the Report of the Joint Committeeon Amendments, “that the above Constitutional Amendments be approved and referred to thepresbyteries,” be adopted.
Respectfully submitted,
The Committee on Judiciary

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON
children’s home and historical foundation(Appendix C)
I. REFERRALS
Referrals to this committee are as follows: The Report of the Board of Trustees of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Children’s Home and the Report of the Board of Trustees of the Historical Foundation.

II. PERSONS OF COUNSEL
Appearing before this committee were:   Reverend Kevin R. Henson, Executive Director of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home; Ms. Ruby Letson, member of the Board of Trustees of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home; Reverend Stephanie Brown, Chaplain of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Children’s Home; Ms. Pat Huff, secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Children’s Home; Reverend Norlan Scrudder, Vice-President of the Board of Trustees of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home; Mr. Barry Smith, member of the Board of Trustees of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home; Mrs. Susan Knight Gore, Executive Director of the HistoricalFoundation; and Mr. Sid Swindle, member of the Board of Trustees of the Historical Foundation.

III. THE REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEESOF THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHILDREN’S HOME
The Children’s Home staff and board are to be commended for their dedication and work.
We support the strategic vision of the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home to become aself-governing agency within a covenant, but not a legal relationship, with the General Assembly of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  This will allow them to become active in resource development, i.e.
recruiting major donors, planned giving, forming relationships with businesses, participating in special
events and making gifts of their own that indicate significant support for the agency.

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We offer this support with the assurance that the CPCH Board of Trustees will continue to maintainthe Christian mission and values of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Our hope is that this support
will enable the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home to be as effective as possible in its mission toprovide a safe and wholesome environment for the development of children and to bring healing and hope
to children and their families.
Resolution Number One“WHEREAS, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church has from its inception been an innovative
servant of Christ’s church;
WHEREAS, for the last 107 years the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home has been an
innovative ministry of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church;
WHEREAS, innovation in ministry often necessitates organizational change;
WHEREAS, the relationship that exists between the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Homeand the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church should defined and characterized by theword “covenant.”  The term “covenant” is rooted in biblical and theological understanding.  It has found its
highest expression among God’s people.  Thus, covenant within the family of God implies the deepest levelof trust between covenanting parties and of commitment to one another.  A Christian covenant is a living
agreement that offers both parties opportunities for creative adaptation to meet the ever changing conditionsof our world.  This covenant, moreover, frees each party from being controlled or ultimately responsible foror to each other, but unites the two parties in common mission.  It seeks to honor the legal independence ofeach party while retaining an ongoing, mutual moral responsibility;
WHEREAS, since Bethel University has been a shining example of how positively a covenant
agreement can affect an institution of the church while, at the same time, actually strengthening therelationship between the church and the institution;
WHEREAS, a covenant relationship will support the health and sustainability of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Children’s Home;
WHEREAS, a covenant relationship will protect the church from any potential legal liability;
WHEREAS, if, for any reason, Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home should cease to exist,
then all of the assets will be distributed to the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church;
BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Trustees of the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home
recommendation that the relationship of the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home and the General
Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church be based on the Biblical concept of Covenant rather
than the legal concept of ownership and that the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
authorize the Board of Trustees of the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home and the Stated Clerk of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church to take whatever legal steps necessary to form a Covenantal relationshipand consents to the removal of the General Assembly as the sole member of the Cumberland PresbyterianChildren’s Home be approved.”
RECOMMENDATION 1: That Recommendation 1 of the Report of the Board of Trusteesof the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home, “that the General Assembly adopt the above
Resolution removing the General Assembly as the sole member of the Board of Trustees of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home,” be adopted.
If Recommendation 1 is adopted, it is legally necessary that Recommendations 2 and 3 be adopted.
“ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT TO THE
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATIONOFBOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE CUMBERLANDPRESBYTERIAN CHILDREN’S HOME
Pursuant to the provisions of Title 2, Chapter 22 of the Texas Business Organizations Code, the undersigned
corporation adopts the following Restated Certificate of Formation, which is adopted for the purpose of
establishing that all Trustees shall be appointed as stated in the By-laws of the corporation; removal of
the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church as the Corporation’s sole member andestablishing that the corporation shall have no members; providing that the Board of Trustees has authority

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to dispose of all or substantially all assets of the corporation; and adopting a covenantal relationship between
the corporation and the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Articles I, III and IV of the Articles of Incorporation are unchanged.
The following amendment to the Articles of Incorporation, Article II, is adopted to read as follows:
The Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home is organized exclusively for one or more of the purposesas specified in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, including, for such purposes, the makingof distributions to organization that qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal
Revenue Code.  Specifically, the Board of Trustees of the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home isformed to support a charitable undertaking: to care for neglected and dependent children and families
through appropriate services and to own, lease, occupy, construct, maintain, and control property for use
in the services provided to neglected and dependent children and families.  In the maintenance of such aHome or Institution, the Board would have the power to: (1) purchase, lease, hold, occupy, and otherwise
lawfully receive or control real estate; (2) bargain, sell, transfer, lease or otherwise convey or demise realestate; (3) construct or cause to be constructed, or rent or otherwise lawfully secure and maintain, occupy,
control and operate permanent or semi-permanent structure and chattels real; (4) purchase or otherwise
lawfully acquire personal property of any nature, and to own, maintain, control, possess, and use such
personal property; and to bargain, sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of such personal property; (5) operate,use, and exploit any property owned for the use and benefit accrue directly or indirectly; (6) solicit, receive,and otherwise lawfully obtain for the use of said Corporation, and to utilize said funds in its discretion for
the use and benefit of the children and families served by the Corporation; (7) save, store, conserve, invest,
and utilize any and all assets of the Corporation for the future use and benefit of the Corporation; (8) admit
into, maintain in, or expel or otherwise release from the children’s home any child, children or family;(9) give oversight to the employment of sufficient personnel to operate the children’s home and related
ministries and to maintain, utilize and conserve any or all assets of the Corporation; (10) have and exercise
any power, and to do and perform any act, not prohibited by law, which is customarily or permissibly donein the creation, operation and maintenance of a children’s home and related ministries; (11) accept custodyand guardianship of minors in accordance with the principles of the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’sHome and under the applicable laws of the State of Texas.
The following amendment to the Articles of Incorporation, Article V, is adopted to read as follows:V.
The number of Trustees shall be fifteen (15). Trustees may serve no more than three (3) successive terms of
three (3) years each.  However, after an absence of one (1) year following three consecutive terms (sevento nine years) of service, a non-Cumberland Presbyterian Trustee may be eligible for re-election, and two(2) years for a Cumberland Presbyterian Trustee to be eligible for re-election.  Trustees shall be appointed
each year by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the non-expired terms of the current Trustees to replace those
Trustees whose terms expire.  A Trustee may be removed by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Trustees of the
Corporation, with or without cause, by written notice thereof to the Trustee and to the President or Secretaryof the Corporation.
The following amendment to the Articles of Incorporation, Article VI, is adopted to read as follows:
VI.
The Corporation shall have no members.
The following amendment to the Articles of Incorporation, Article VII, is adopted to read as follows:VII.
The Board of Trustees shall have the full responsibility for the management and control of the businessproperty and affairs of the Corporation, including, but not limited to, the authority to sell, lease, exchange
or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its property.

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The following amendment to the Articles of Incorporation, Article VIII is adopted to read as follows:
VIII.
The Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation may be amended in such manner as is provided by the lawsof the State of Texas.
The following amendment to the Articles of Incorporation, Article IX is adopted so as to read as follows:
IX.
The Corporation and the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church has entered into acovenantal relationship, which sets forth the nature, relationship and responsibilities of the Corporation and
the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.”
RECOMMENDATION 2: That Recommendation 2 of the Report of the Board of Trustees of
the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home, “that the General Assembly adopt the above Articlesof Amendment to the charter of the Board of Trustees of the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’sHome,” be adopted.
“AMENDMENT TO THE BY-LAWS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHILDREN’S HOME CORPORATION
The following amendment to the By-Laws, Article I, Section 3 is hereby adopted to read as follows:
Section 3. Purpose: The Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home is organized exclusively for one or moreof the purposes as specified in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, including, for such purposes,
the making of distributions to organization that qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of
the Internal Revenue Code.  Specifically, the Board of Trustees of the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’sHome is formed to support a charitable undertaking: to care for neglected and dependent children andfamilies through appropriate services and to own, lease, occupy, construct, maintain, and control property
for use in the services provided to neglected and dependent children and families.  In the maintenance of sucha Home or Institution, the Board would have the power to: (1) purchase, lease, hold, occupy, and otherwise
lawfully receive or control real estate; (2) bargain, sell, transfer, lease or otherwise convey or demise realestate; (3) construct or cause to be constructed, or rent or otherwise lawfully secure and maintain, occupy,
control and operate permanent or semi-permanent structure and chattels real; (4) purchase or otherwise
lawfully acquire personal property of any nature, and to own, maintain, control, possess, and use such
personal property; and to bargain, sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of such personal property; (5) operate,use, and exploit any property owned for the use and benefit accrue directly or indirectly; (6) solicit, receive,and otherwise lawfully obtain for the use of said Corporation, and to utilize said funds in its discretion for
the use and benefit of the children and families served by the Corporation; (7) save, store, conserve, invest,
and utilize any and all assets of the Corporation for the future use and benefit of the Corporation; (8) admit
into, maintain in, or expel or otherwise release from the children’s home any child, children or family;(9) give oversight to the employment of sufficient personnel to operate the children’s home and related
ministries and to maintain, utilize and conserve any or all assets of the Corporation; (10) have and exercise
any power, and to do and perform any act, not prohibited by law, which is customarily or permissibly donein the creation, operation and maintenance of a children’s home and related ministries; (11) accept custodyand guardianship of minors in accordance with the principles of the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’sHome and under the applicable laws of the State of Texas.
The following amendment to the By-Laws, Article II, Section 3 is hereby amended to read as follows:
Section 3. Term of Office: Trustees may serve no more than three (3) successive terms of three (3) years
each.  However, after an absence of one (1) year following three consecutive terms (seven to nine years)of service, a non-Cumberland Presbyterian Trustee may be eligible for re-election, and two (2) years for a
Cumberland Presbyterian Trustee to be eligible for re-election.  Trustees shall be appointed each year by amajority vote of the non-expired terms of the current Trustees of the Corporation to replace those Trustees

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whose terms expire.  A Trustee may be removed by a majority vote of the Trustees of the Corporation,with or without cause, by written notice thereof to the Trustee and to the President or Secretary of the
Corporation.
The following amendment to the By-Laws, Article II, Section 5 is hereby amended to read as follows:
Section 5. Authority of Board of Trustees: The Board of Trustees shall have the full responsibility for theman¬agement and control of the business property and affairs of the Corporation.  The Board shall haveauthority to appoint such ad¬visory committees as it may deem necessary.
The following amendment to the By-Laws, Article V, Section 4 is hereby adopted to read as follows:
Section 4. Periodic Report: The Board shall cause any annual or periodic report required under law to beprepared and delivered to an office of this state to be so prepared and delivered within the time limits set
by law.
The following amendment to the By-Laws, Article VI, Section 1 is hereby adopted to read as follows:
Section 1. Amendments to Articles of Incorporation: The Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation may
be amended in such manner as is provided by the laws of the State of Texas.
The following amendment to the By-Laws, Article VI, Section 2 is hereby amended to read as follows:
Section 2. Amendments to By-Laws: These By-Laws may be amended by the Board of Trustees at any
regular or special meeting provided a copy of such proposed amendments has been mailed to each memberof the Board of Trustees at least ten days prior to the date of the meeting.  A vote of at least two-thirds (2/3)
of the total membership of the Board of Trustees shall be necessary for the adoption of any amendment atsuch meeting.
The following amendment to the By-Laws, Article VII, Sections 1, 2 and 3 is hereby adopted to read as
follows:
Section 1. Limitations on Activities: No substantial part of the activities of this corporation shall be thecarrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation (except as otherwise provided
by Section 501(h) of the Internal Revenue Code), and this corporation shall not participate in, or intervene in(including the publishing or distribution of statements), any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition
to, any candidate for public office.  Notwithstanding any other provisions of these bylaws, this corporation
shall not carry on any activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation exempt from federal
income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or (b) by a corporation, contributions towhich are deductible under Section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Section 2. Prohibition Against Private Inurement: No part of the net earnings of this corporation shall inure
to the benefit of, or be distributable to, its members, directors or trustees, officers, or other private persons,
except that the corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services
rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes of this corporation.
Section 3. Distribution of Assets: Upon the dissolution of this corporation, its assets remaining after
payment, or provision for payment, of all debts and liabilities of this corporation, shall be distributed forone or more exempt purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code orshall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose.  Such
distribution shall be made in accordance with all applicable provisions of the laws of this state.
The following amendment to the By-Laws Article VIII, is hereby adopted to read as follows:
If there is any conflict between the provisions of these bylaws and the articles of incorporation of thiscorporation, the provisions of the articles of incorporation shall govern.
Should any of the provisions or portions of these bylaws be held unenforceable or invalid for any reason,

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the remaining provisions and portions of these bylaws shall be unaffected by such holding.
All references in these bylaws to the articles of incorporation shall be to the articles of incorporation, articles
of organization, certificate of incorporation, organizational charter, corporate charter, or other founding
document of this corporation filed with an office of this state and used to establish the legal existence of
this corporation.
All references in these bylaws to a section or sections of the Internal Revenue Code shall be to such sectionsof the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended from time to time, or to corresponding provisions of any
future federal tax code.”
RECOMMENDATION 3: That Recommendation 3 of the Report of the Board of Trusteesof the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home, “that the General Assembly of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church adopt Article of Amendment to the By-Laws of the Board of Trustees of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home Corporation,” be adopted.
In order that the plan to become a self-governing agency within a covenant might be as transparent
as possible and all congregations within the denomination may be informed of the plan, we make thefollowing recommendation:
RECOMMENDATION 4:
That the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home
communicate with and thoroughly explain to all Cumberland Presbyterian congregations its planfor self-government, its strategic vision for the future, and its covenant relationship with the General
Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Furthermore, we recommend:
RECOMMENDATION 5: That Recommendation 4 of the Report of the Board of Trustees of
the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home, “that May 13, 2012, be designated as Cumberland
Presbyterian Children’s Home (CPCH) Sunday and that General Assembly encourage congregations
to emphasize the importance of this offering as a significant source of funding for CPCH,” be adopted.

IV. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE
HISTORICAL FOUNDATION
In order to enlist the financial support of interested members of our churches in the work of thefoundation, the 1810 Circle was created.  Membership is based on a financial contribution of $25 or more
per year.  Income from such gifts enable the Foundation to meet expenditures and is vital to the continued
work of the Foundation.
Churches should be encouraged to send their original session records to the Archives as well asother items (specially designed t-shirts, mugs, plates, etc.).  The archive provides an environment conducive
to maintaining documents.  Most churches do not have such capabilities.
The committee was very impressed with the presentation.  We commend the staff and board fortheir passionate dedication on such an important part of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
RECOMMENDATION 6: That Recommendation 1 of the Board of Trustees of the HistoricalFoundation, “that the General Assembly, through its minutes and summary of actions, makecongregations and presbyteries aware of the 1810 Circle and encourage new members to support thisendeavor annually,” be adopted.
RECOMMENDATION 7: That Recommendation 2 of the Report of the Board of Trusteesof the Historical Foundation, “that congregations be encouraged to have a special offering on the
Sunday designated as Denomination Day to help support the programs of the Historical Foundation,”be adopted.

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Respectfully submitted,
Committee on Children’s Home/Historical Foundation

REPORT OF TWO OF THE
COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY(Appendix D)
I. REFERRALS
Referrals to this committee are as follows: The Report of the Stated Clerk, Section IV, the Reportof the Permanent Committee on Judiciary, the Memorial from Missouri Presbytery regarding Active Elders
Administering the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, the Memorial from Red River Presbytery regarding
Evaluating the New Structure, and the Resolution from Reverend Charles McCaskey.

II. PERSONS OF COUNSEL
Appearing before this committee were:  Reverend Michael Sharpe, Stated Clerk; Reverend James
Byrd, representative of the Permanent Judiciary Committee; Reverend Jay Earheart-Brown, Memphis
Theological Seminary; Ms. Jill Carr and Reverend Sam Romines, representatives of the Ministry Council;
and Reverend Charles McCaskey, Commissioner from Murfreesboro Presbytery.

III. CONSIDERATION OF REFERRALS
A. REPORT OF THE STATED CLERK, SECTION IV
Having reviewed the Stated Clerk’s report, we concur that amendments to 9.2a and 9.2b changing
the ratio of commissioners to active members have been ratified by three-fourths majority of Presbyteries.
RECOMMENDATION 1: That Recommendation 1 of the Report of Stated Clerk, “thatthe 181st General Assembly declare that the Constitutional Amendments have been approved,” beadopted.
B. REPORT OF THE PERMANENT COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
In reviewing the work of the committee we make the following observation.  With the action of the180th General Assembly approving Attendance by Technology at presbyterial and other meetings there is agreat need for the development of further guidance as Cumberland Presbyterians make adjustments to thisnew opportunity in being connectional.  During a conversation with Reverend James Byrd, representativeof the Permanent Judiciary Committee, we were advised that guidelines for the use of technology are being
developed and will be available in the coming months.  We are gladdened by news of this work and lookforward to its completion.
C.
MEMORIAL FROM MISSOURI PRESBYTERY REGARDING ACTIVE ELDERSADMINISTERING THE SACRAMENT OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
A Memorial from the Missouri Presbytery asks that in situations where pastors are not available thepresbyteries be able to authorize all active elders to administer the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper to theircongregation when called upon.
RECOMMENDATION 2: That the Memorial from Missouri Presbytery which states:“WHEREAS, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church states that we are a community of the2010

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priesthood of all believers, and
WHEREAS, there is often a need for communion to be served in the church and to individuals,
and
WHEREAS, there is often not an ordained Cumberland Presbyterian minister available in atimely manner, and
WHEREAS, there are Cumberland Presbyterian Churches served by ministers of otherdenominations or are without any minister and,
WHEREAS, the Constitution of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church (2.52) states that theelders who make up the session in a church without a pastor, within the limits of their offices (2.70),
are responsible to lead the people in ALL ministries that belong to the church, and
WHEREAS, 4.6 states the session may designate one elder who, when given authority by thepresbytery, may administer the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper to the congregation, and
WHEREAS, having only one elder that has been designated to serve the Lord’s Supper, still
limits availability to serve the needs of the congregation.
BE IT RESOLVED that all active elders of a church session be authorized to administer thesacrament of the Lord’s Supper to their congregation when called upon.
Missouri Presbytery Cumberland Presbyterian Church, at Fall Meeting of Presbytery passed
this Memorial to be submitted to General Assembly for 2011 consideration on September 18, 2010.
						
Respectfully submitted,						
Larry Nottingham						
Stated Clerk, Missouri Pesbytery”, be denied.
Our committee agrees with the intent of the Missouri Memorial but feel that the availability of twoelders would be sufficient to address this challenge.
RECOMMENDATION 3: That the following proposed amendment to section 4.6 of theConstitution, “The session may designate two elders, one primary and one alternate, who, whenauthorized by the presbytery, may administer the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper to the congregation,”be referred to the Permanent Committee on Judiciary and the Joint Committee on Amendments to
prepare the proper Constitutional Amendments to present to the 182nd General Assembly.
We further affirm the C.P. Digest, 4.6, Interpretive.
“4.6 INTERPRETIVE, 2003.
The elder designated by the Session must be an active elder of the particular church where the
Lord’s Supper is to be served. The elder chosen must be trained by the Committee on the Ministry of thepresbytery, and the one chosen must serve under the authority of an ordained Cumberland Presbyterianminister. The period is granted for one year. 2003, p. 175.”
D. MEMORIAL FROM RED RIVER PRESBYTERY REGARDING EVALUATING THE NEW
STRUCTURE
After meeting with some of the parties that would be directly affected by the adoption of theMemorial from Red River Presbytery, it was the conclusion of the Judiciary Committee that the 181st
Meeting of the General Assembly approve the following recommendations.
RECOMMENDATION 4: That the Memorial from Red River Presbytery Concerning
Evaluation of New Structure,“WHEREAS, Red River Presbytery memorialized the 176th General Assembly (2006) toinitiate a study of the structure of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church;
WHEREAS, the goals of this study were to evaluate how our present denominational

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organization and structure work together, to recommend needed changes to the organization and/or structures revealed through the findings of the evaluation, to discern new and innovative ways
to meet the priority goals , and to improve the total ministry of the church of the future (General
Assembly Minutes 2006, page 418);
WHEREAS, the Priority Goals of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church are: 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;
WHEREAS this exhaustive and expensive study eventually led to dissolving most of the boards
and converting those board members to “elected team members,” in addition the new structure
formed the Ministry Council with a Global Center director functioning as the Chief Executive Officer;
WHEREAS the new structure has been in place for more than two years and many changes
have taken place; the intent of these changes were to restructure to accomplish the goals of theGeneral Assembly, these major changes merit an evaluation in the light of the intent of the General
Assembly;
WHEREAS the new structure was created by the General Assembly and it is the General
Assembly that should continue to evaluate the restructure and its progress through its operations
toward the goals;
WHEREAS an evaluation committee should be formed at this general assembly meeting sothat it can expedite its work over the next 12 months;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Red River Presbytery memorialize the 181st General
Assembly to name a committee of seven people with at least one representative from each synod(5), with particular emphasis placed on people who have leadership experience and expertise in the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, who are not members of a Ministry Team or members of the
Ministry Council or staff of the Global Center to do an evaluation of how the new structure, including
the Ministry Council, the Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits, the Historical Foundationand the General Assembly Office is working in the light of its original intent. This objective evaluationcommittee will be tasked to interview Ministry Council Members, Elected Team Members, Global
Center staff, and Cumberland Presbyterians at large. All interviews will be considered confidential.
The committee will also look at the goals that the General Assembly desired as a result of the new
structure and report as to what progress has been made toward these goals. The committee will
evaluate how well the Ministry Council, which is elected and empowered to serve the church on
behalf of the General Assembly, is a representative of the goals and ambitions of General Assembly.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the evaluation committee report back to the next General
Assembly with any relevant recommendations that address any concerns or issues they discover;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that any expenses incurred as a result of this evaluation be paidby the General Assembly Office out of the Contingency Fund and that the committee be convened by
the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly and assisted by the Stated Clerk of the General Assemblywith respect to phone conferences or video conferences.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that these clergy and lay leaders be named as the evaluationcommittee:
			Great Rivers - Reverend Ron McMillan			Midwest - Reverend Kevin Brantley			Mission - Elder Mikel Davis , Elder Gwen Peterson			Southeast - Reverend Sherrlyn Frost, Reverend J. Don Clark			
Tennessee - Reverend Charles McCaskey
I certify that this is a true copy of a memorial adopted by Red River Presbytery on April 16,
2011.
						
Respectfully submitted,						Vernon Sansom						
Stated Clerk, Red River Presbytery,” be denied.
The reason for our action is that the committee feels it was the intent of the General Assembly in2007 that the current structure, involving the development of the Ministry Council, be given an opportunity

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to succeed at the task that it was designed to complete.  With this in mind the Judiciary Committee puts
forth the following substitute recommendations to the 181st Meeting of General Assembly, with the hopethat they satisfy the desire of Red River Presbytery, yet keep intact the integrity of the action of the General
Assembly of 2007 and the structure that was put in place by their action.
RECOMMENDATION 5: That a committee should be formed at this general assemblywith the task of evaluating the current denominational organizations of General Assembly toinclude the Ministry Council, the Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits, and the General
Assembly Office. The purpose of this process is to ascertain the success of these organizationsin implementing the current structure. The process of evaluation will include meetings with thefollowing organizations as a whole, Ministry Council Members, Elected Team Members, the Board of
Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits, and the General Assembly Office. The process of evaluation
will also include individual meetings with members from the above-mentioned organization as well aswith Cumberland Presbyterians at large. All information that results from such individual meetings
will be considered confidential. The evaluation committee will then complete a report on both thesuccesses and possible ways that the current structure can be improved and made more efficient.
This report needs to be presented by January 15th of 2012 to the denominational organizations thatwere evaluated, and these organizations will be asked to respond to the committee’s report. The
committee’s report, along with the organizations’ statements of response, will be submitted to themeeting of the 182nd General Assembly.
RECOMMENDATION 6: That the evaluation committee consist of 7 members who are notcurrently members of the Ministry Team, or Ministry Council, or staff of the Global Center, and thatthe seven members consist of at least one representative from each synod (5), with particular emphasis
placed on people who have leadership experience and expertise in the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church.
RECOMMENDATION 7: That the expenses incurred as a result of this evaluation be paidby the General Assembly Office out of the Contingency Fund and that the committee be convened by
the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly and assisted by the Stated Clerk of the General Assemblywith respect to phone conferences or video conference.
RECOMMENDATION 8: That the following clergy and lay leaders be named as theevaluation committee:
		Great Rivers – Reverend Ron McMillan, Elder Sarah Davidson		Midwest – Reverend Kevin Brantley		Mission – Elder Gwen Peterson		Southeast – Reverend Sherrlyn Frost, Reverend J. Don Clark		
Tennessee – Reverend Charles McCaskeye.
RESOLUTION FROM REVERENDMURFREESBORO PRESBYTERYCHARLESMCCASKEY,

COMMISSIONER,

After reviewing the Resolution involving the transfer of church property, submitted by the Reverend
Charles McCaskey, it is the committee’s conclusion that this resolution may indeed have conflicts with thepresent Constitution.  With this in mind the committee makes the following recommendations.
RECOMMENDATION 9: That the resolution involving the transfer of church property
submitted by Reverend Charles McCaskey which states:“WHEREAS, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church has a long lasting relationship with the
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and many cooperative programs at every judicatory level of the two
churches; and350

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WHEREAS, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church laments the divisions that have occurredwith the PCUSA over questions of ordination standards and the interpretation of scripture; andWHEREAS, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church has carefully avoided any action thatwould foster deeper division or the recruiting of dissatisfied churches to leave the PCUSA; andWHEREAS, some congregations formerly affiliated with the PCUSA have decided to affiliate
with other Presbyterian bodies in recent years, most often with churches that do not require church
property to be held in trust by the presbytery for the larger denomination; andWHEREAS, there may be congregations that would be more theologically and practicallysuited to join the Cumberland Presbytery Church than other Presbyterian and Reformed
denominations, but who are reluctant to consider membership in the CPC because of concerns about
control of their own property; andWHEREAS, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church ordained its first female minister in 1889,
and by General Assembly ruling opened all the offices of the church to men and women who arecalled by God to serve and gifted with graces for ministry in 1920; andWHEREAS, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church has a two-hundred year heritage ofevangelical Presbyterian witness, a desire to foster the growth and vitality of the church of Jesus
Christ, and a demonstrated spirit of ecumenical cooperation with Christians of many different
demoninations; andWHEREAS, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church continues to adhere to the historic
Presbyterian principle that all property be held in trust by the presbytery as an expression of theconnectional nature of the church and to prevent future generations from diverting the use of property
intended for use in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church to uses that would violate the sacred trustof inherited property; andWHEREAS, the property provisions of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church’s Constitution
have seldom if ever been used to keep a particular church with significant theological differencesfrom leaving the denomination where that separation seemed to be in the best interest of Christianfaith and witness; therefore, be it
RESOLVED that the Stated Clerk be instructed to inform Presbyteries about the option ofusing Provisional Status (section 10.3) when bringing new churches into the presbytery if there is an
issue concerning the property rights of the church. With provisional status the church retains theirproperty rights until they complete assimilation into the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The
Global Center Staff should be instructed to develop a program to instruct and guide presbyteries
who might be interested in using Provisional Status when dealing with new churches entering a
Presbytery.
RESOLVED that the 181st General Assembly instruct the stated clerk of the General
Assembly and the Permanent Committee on Judiciary to begin a study of the property provisions
in the Constitution (sections 3.31-3.35) of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church to determine if they
continue to be appropriate as a means of expressing our connectional commitment as Cumberland
Presbyterians; and be it further
RESOLVED that the 181st General Assembly communicate this action by all appropriate
means so that churches who may be theologically and practically suited to join our body of Christians
may have opportunity to do so; and be it further
RESOLVED that this action is not to be construed as calling into question the theological,
ethical, or polity decisions of any other body of Christians, nor as a license for any Cumberland
Presbyterian to engage in any action that would promote division within the body of Christ, but is a
simple invitatiion for other Presbyterian and Reformed churches who may be called by God to sharewith us the work of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to have time and space to seek God’s will in this matter.
			
Respectfully submitted,
			Charles McCaskey, Commissioner, Murfreesboro Presbytery,” be adopted.
Respectfully submitted,
The Committee on Judiciary

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REPORT OF THE UNIFIED COMMITTEE ON
THEOLOGY AND SOCIAL CONCERNS(Appendix E)
I. REFERRAL
Referral to this committee is as follows: The Report of the Unified Committee on Theology andSocial Concerns.

II. PERSONS OF COUNSEL
Appearing before this committee was: Reverend Steve Mosley and Dr. Charles Reese of the Unified
Committee on Theology and Social Concerns, Dr. Lynne Herring, administrative director of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church in America, and Dr. Jay Earheart-Brown, President of Memphis Theological Seminary.
Those people appearing before us offered valuable advice and direction as we approached asubjection and action that has lain dormant for over 20 years.  We note that the term of Reverend Steve
Mosley as a member of the Unified Committee on Theology and Social Concerns will expire with thismeeting of General Assembly and on behalf of the General Assembly we wish to express our gratitude forhis years of service and vision to this Unified Committee on Theology and Social Concerns.

III. DISCUSSION AND INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFICATIONIn preparation for discussion and action the Unified Committee on Theology and Social Concerns
engaged in a discussion of the history of the development and division of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America.  The committee determined and concluded
that there had been failure on the part of both the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church in America.  As disheartening as this has been, we concluded that this is a part of thepast and not the present and surely not of the future.  Our common faith reminds us that this separation has
been wrong and the time has arrived to take steps necessary to end the divide and become one unified andstrengthened denomination, brothers and sister together in Christ.  We believe we can embrace the uniquenessof our cultures and traditions while moving forward toward becoming one unified body of believers.  In
this journey toward unification we realize that we are about to embark on a journey which will inevitably
include a range of experiences.  We will encounter the excitement and pride, fear of change, and difficult
work that this journey will encompass.  We will cooperate, encourage, and participate in a wide range ofjoint activities on the grassroots level and will support the suggestions of the joint denominational Unified
Committee on Theology and Social Concerns.  While not recommending time constraints or scheduleddecisions, we see the need for accountability and communication.  We believe that a chain of accountability
can and must be instituted for inclusion and distribution in the general church.  Communication will be
critical from all levels of the church and we encourage the sharing of information from each level of thechurch as we embark on this exciting time of conversation between the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
in America and the Cumberland Presbytery Church toward unification.
While we did not have the information as an official document, we considered the actions of the137th General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America as it considered the same
report and recommendations we had before us, and noted that they overwhelming approved the report andadopted its recommendations.
Recommendation 1: That Recommendation 1 of the Report of the Unified Committeeon Theology and Social Concerns, “that Study Paper (Reflections on a Divided Church) be accepted
as a study paper,” be adopted.
Recommendation 2: That Recommendation 2 of the Report of the Unified Committeeon Theology and Social Concerns, “that the following Action Steps be implemented as soon as possible:

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1. This committee encourages each presbytery to move forward with the recommendation of
the General Assemblies of each church to form a Committee on Theology and Social Concerns, if notpreviously formed, to take proposed actions to deal with relevant issues that face the body of Christ
daily.
2. That each presbyterial committee encourage local congregations where the churches
have overlapping boundaries to organize joint activities between the CPC and CPCA to provide
opportunities to build better relationships between the two churches such as holding joint activities
through worship, pulpit exchange, times of fellowship, revivals, VBS, and discussion of the papers
produced by this committee.
3. In addition, presbyteries might also consider ways that committees, boards and agencies
might begin working together. Committees on ministry and missions, Christian education committees,
and camping programs would all benefit from joint interaction. Examples of ways presbyteries canwork together include having advisory members participate in the other denomination’s meetings,
workshops, projects for the Cumberland Presbyterian Women, working together on local, regional,
and even denominational mission efforts including Habitat for Humanity, and raising money fordisaster areas around the world.
4. To encourage the Ministry Council of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and theGeneral Assembly Mission Board of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America to meet jointly
to explore opportunities and to share ideas, set goals and objectives for the future, engage in joint
activities in Christian education, stewardship, missions, and evangelism.
5. Since we have had 20 years with no discussion on union, we recommend that both General
Assemblies again begin dialogue on how we can live out our oneness in Christ,” be adopted.
RECOMMENDATION 3: In a effort to promote accountability we recommend the following
actions:a. That the Denominational Stated Clerk on behalf of the Unified Committee on Theology
and Social Concerns distribute the study paper “Reflections on a Divided Church” and our committee
report to the presbyterial stated clerks, with the request that presbyterial stated clerks distribute thepaper “Reflections on a Divided Church” and our committee report to the clerks of the session in
their presbytery;b. That we encourage the Unified Committee on Theology and Social Concerns to develop asurvey for the reporting of joint activities such as suggested in Recommendation 2, Actions Steps 2
and 3 of the Report of the Unified Committee on Theology and Social Concerns;
c. That the survey be distributed to the stated clerk of each presbytery with the request thatthose presbyterial stated clerks respond as scheduled by the Unified Committee on Theology andSocial Concerns with those surveys being required from every presbytery.
RECOMMENDATION 4: Recognizing that communications will be critical to the unification
efforts, we recommend that Churches and Presbyteries participating in joint activities be encouraged
to communicate their successes to the Communication Ministry Team of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, The Cumberland Flag of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America, the Unified
Committee on Theology and Social Concerns, and the local media as appropriate.

IV. VIOLENCE

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The issue and presence of violence exists in many ways in many people’s lives.  That violence does
not attack any certain age but is an evil agent confronting all ages, men and women, all races.  We recognizethat any discussion of violence will raise concerns in many ways to most all people.  We abhor violenceand believe that the church should not only speak out against violence and the many violent acts committed
toward human kind, therefore;
RECOMMENDATION 5: We recommend that Recommendation 3 of the Report of the
Unified Committee on Theology and Social Concerns, “that we as Cumberland Presbyterians havemeetings to pray about, hold bible studies on, and create study groups to struggle with how we might
LIVE IN THE RESURRECTION,” be denied.
Because we believe that our faith and action should be more specific and because we want toencourage each member of the 181st General Assembly to not only think about the evil of violence but tobecome proactive in the eradication of violence, and we believe that as we adopt this report our responsibility
takes on a shape of participation, therefore;
RECOMMENDATION 6: We recommend that the commissioners of the 181st General
Assembly commit to work against violence by praying about, holding Bible Studies on, and creating
study groups to struggle with how we might live in the resurrection.
Respectfully submitted,
Committee on Theology and Social Concerns

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON
MINISTRY COUNCIL/COMMUNICATIONS/DISCIPLESHIP(Appendix F)
I. REFERRALS
Referrals to this committee are as follows:  The Report of the Moderator, Recommendation 1 andthe Report of the Ministry Council, Sections I, II and III.

II. PERSONS OF COUNSEL
Appearing before this committee were: Former Moderator, Reverend Boyce Wallace; Ms. Edith Old,
Director of Ministries; Ms. Jill Carr, representive of Ministry Council; Mr. Mark Davis, Communications
Team Leader; Reverend Elinor Brown and Ms. Susan Groce, Discipleship Ministry Team; Stated Clerk,
Reverend Michael Sharpe; Reverend Robert Heflin, Executive Secretary, Board of Stewardship, Foundation
and Benefits; and Ms. Susan Knight Gore, Archivist, Historical Foundation.

III. CONSIDERATION OF REFERRALS
A. REPORT OF THE MODERATOR
The committee feels that more appropriate wording for the Recommendation is in order andmakes the following recommendations.
RecommendatION 1: That Recommendation 1 of the Report of the Moderator, that“now that Mark Davis makes updates on the sick and dying, we have the opportunities to pray
daily for current situations. I would encourage Mark to extend the updates to include more urgent
concerns that we can pray for,” be denied.

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RECOMMENDATION 2: That Recommendation 1 of the Report of the Moderator, that“now that Mark Davis makes updates on the sick and dying, we have the opportunities to pray daily
for current situations. I would encourage Mark to extend the updates to include additional concernsthat we can pray for.
B. REPORT OF THE MINISTRY COUNCIL
1. CHURCH CALENDAR 2011-2012
In consultation with Ministry Council representatives, several dates on the calendar were adjusted
editorially and corrected in the calendar below.
RECOMMENDATION 3: That Recommendation 1 of the Report of the Ministry Council,“that the 181st General Assembly approve the following dates for the church calendar,” be adopted.
CHURCH CALENDAR 2011-2012
JULY 2011
4
Denomination Center Closed
5
Bethel University-Second session
Registration/Classes begin
5-15 Doctor of Ministry Residency - MTS
9Program of Alternate Studies graduation
9-23 Program of Alternate Studies - Summer extension school
10-15 Cumberland Presbyterian Youth Conference
AUGUST 2011
1-31 Church Paper Month1
Bethel University - Second session ends
6
Bethel University - commencement
22 Bethel University - Fall classes begin
25 Christian Education Season (through Sept. 28)
26 Ministry Council New Member Orientation
27 MTS - Fall classes begin
27-28 Ministry Council Meeting
28 Quarterly Missions Emphasis
30 Bethel University - convocation
31 MTS - convocation
SEPTEMBER 20111-28 Christian Education Season (cont. from Aug.)
5
Denomination Center, Bethel University & MTS - closed
9
MTS - last day to register/add classes
9-10 Board of Stewardship meeting
9-10 Memphis Thelogical Seminary board meeting
11 Senior Adult Sunday
16 Historical Foundation board meeting
16-17 CP Children’s Home board meeting
16-17 Theology & Social Concerns meeting
18 Christian Service Recognition Sunday
18 International Day of Prayer & Action for Human Habitat
30 Our United Outreach quarterly report
OCTOBER 2011
1-31 Clergy Appreciation Month
2
World Wide Communion Sunday
9
Clergy Appreciation Sunday

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11-13 Minister’s Conference
13-16 Bethel University - Fall break
23 Native American Sunday
28-30 Bethel University “The Weekend”
NOVEMBER 2011
Any Sunday Love Loaf Program
1
All Saints Day
2-5 Leadership Forum
4
World Community Day (Church Women United)
4
Memphis Theological Seminary Inquirer’s Day
4-6 Young Adult Ministry Planning Council Meeting
6
Stewardship Sunday
12-15 Youth Ministry Planning Council (YMPC)
13 Day of Prayer for People with Aids andOther Life Threatening Illnesses
20 Bible Sunday
21-25 Memphis Theological Seminary - Fall break
24-25 Denomination Center, Bethel University, MTS - closed
27 Quarterly Missions Emphasis
27-Dec. 25 Advent in Home and Church
DECEMBER 2011
Any Sunday Gift to the King Offering
1
Annual Reports mailed to congregations
5-9 Bethel University - final exams
10-16 MTS - final Exams
11 Bethel University - commencement
23-Jan 2   MTS - Christmas break
23-26 Denomination Center closed
JANUARY 2012
1
New Year’s Day - Denomination Center & MTS closed
3
MTS - January term classes begin
3-13 MTS - D.Min. Convocation & Residency
6
Epiphany9
Bethel University - Spring Classes begin
13 Close center books - cut off date for
Our United Outreach for previous year
13-16 Grace Presbytery’s Convocation
13-16 Faith in 3D
16 Martin Luther King Day - Denomination Center, Bethel University & MTS - closed
20 MTS - New student orientation
21 Memphis Theological Seminary - Spring Classes begin
26 UBCD meeting
27-28 Ministry Council and Teams meet in joint sessions
FEBRUARY 2012
1-28 African American History Month1
Annual congregational reports due to presbyterial clerks
5
Denomination Day
5
Souper Bowl Sunday / Historical Foundation offering
3-4 Judiciary Committee meeting
9
MTS - Henry Logan Starks Scholarship dinner
10 Annual congregational reports due in GA office
10 MTS Board of Trustees meeting
10-11 OUO Committee meeting
17-18 CP Children’s Home Board of Trustees meeting

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19 Youth Sunday
22 Ash Wednesday
24 Historical Foundation board meeting
24-25 30-Hour Famine
26 First Sunday in Lent
26 Quarterly Missions Emphasis
MARCH 2012
1-31 Women’s History Month
2
World Day of Prayer (Church Women United)
2
Memphis Theological Seminary - Inquirer’s Day
4
Seminary Sunday
9-10 Board of Stewardship meeting
10 Cauca Valley’s Women’s Ministry retreat
19-23 Bethel - Spring Break
25-31 National Farm Worker Awareness Week
APRIL 20121
Palm Sunday
1
One Great Hour of Sharing
2-7 Memphis Theological Seminary - closed for spring break
5
Maundy Thursday
6
Good Friday - Denomination Center, Bethel University & MTS - closed
8
Easter Sunday
8
March of Missions (to May 27)
21-24 Presbyterian Youth Triennium Production Team meeting
27 Bethel - Last Day of Classes
30-May 4   Bethel University - final exams
May 2012
1
CPWM Local and Regional Reports due to Missions Ministry Teamto Missions Ministry Team
4
May Friendship Day (Church Women United)5
Bethel University - commencement
5-11 MTS - final exams
6-13 Family Week
11 MTS Board of Trustees meeting
12 Memphis Theological Seminary graduation
13 Mother’s Day (USA)13 Children’s Home Sunday
21 MTS - Summer Classes begin
26 Missions Festival in Cauca Valley Presbytery
27 Quarterly Mission Emphasis
27 Memorial Day Offering for the Presbyterian Council on
Chaplains and Military Personnel
27 Pentecost Sunday
27 World Missions Day
28 Memorial Day - Denomination Center closed
29 Bethel - First day of First Summer Term classes
31 CP Youth Missions (Uganda, Africa) to June 21
June 20123
Trinity Sunday
10 Children’s Sunday
17 Father’s Day (USA)17-22 General Assembly, Florence, Alabama
19-21 CP Women’s Ministry Convention, Florence, Alabama
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RECOMMENDATION 4: In order for the calendar to be approved prior to publishing andlead to more efficient planning, it is recommended that the church calendar structure, as presented in
the ministry council report, extend beyond the present calendar year to at least 24 months in advance.
This means that all entities will need to plan accordingly to facilitate this change.
2. COMMUNICATIONS MINISTRY TEAM
The committee discussed the Ministry Council’s individual website in relation to the denominational
website and other agency web pages.
RECOMMENDATION 5: It is the will of our committee that the Ministry Council, Boardof Stewardship, Office of the General Assembly, and the Historical Foundation work together toensure that their websites are uniform in design and operation in order to be more user friendly forchurches.
3. DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRY TEAM
This recommendation affirms that the call to youth ministry is a valid call and should be supportedby the denomination.  We feel that this certification process will add credibility to the call to youth ministry
and provide an educational track and support for this call.
For clarification, there are several editorial changes that need to be made in the youth minister
certification guidelines.
Those changes are listed below:
On page  54 of the Preliminary Minutes, CERTIFICATION OF YOUTH MINISTERS BY THE
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, last paragraph:  STRIKE “to” so that it should say “Thoseseeking certification will be under the care of presbytery as candidates for certification and, therefore, will
not be licensed.”
On page 55 of the Preliminary Minutes, STEPS TO CANDIDACY FOR CERTIFICATION OF
YOUTH MINISTRY & PRESBYTERY REQUIREMENTS, last paragraph:  STRIKE “as set forth in theConstitution” so that it should say “When the Committee on the Ministry determines that a candidate has
met the requirements for certification, it will recommend for the presbytery that such action be taken.”On page 56 of the Preliminary Minutes, CERTIFICATION BENEFITS:  STRIKE “Certified youth
ministers will have a voice at Presbytery” and STRIKE “Certified youth ministers will have a voice atGeneral Assembly.”
On page 56 of the Preliminary Minutes, RECEIVING CANDIDATES FOR YOUTH MINISTRY:STRIKE “the” and ADD “youth” so that it should say “In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the great headof the church, I do now declare by the authority of this presbytery that you are acknowledged and received
as a candidate for certification of youth ministry in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and I now directthat your name be entered on the roll of the presbytery as a candidate for youth ministry.”
On page 57 of the Preliminary Minutes, COMMISSIONING/INSTALLATION of CERTIFIEDYOUTH MINISTERS, to the youth minister, Roman numeral II.  STRIKE “pastoral” so that it should say“Do you believe that in taking upon these responsibilities you are influenced by a sincere desire to promote
the glory of God and the good of the church?”
RECOMMENDATION 6: That Recommendation 2 of the Report of the Ministry Council,“that the 181st General Assembly approve the proposed Program for Certification of Youth Ministers
by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and recommend its use to the church,” be adopted.
We express our gratitude to the youth advisory delegates for their presence and input as it was
extremely relevant to the matters before the body and the business of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Respectfully submitted:
The Committee on Ministry Council/Communication/Discipleship358

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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON
STEWARDSHIP/ELECTED OFFICERS(Appendix G)
I. REFERRALS
Referrals to this committee are as follows: The Report of the Moderator Except Recommendation
1 which is referred to Ministry Council/Communications/Discipleship Committee and Recommendations
3 and 4 which are referred to Chaplains/Missions/Pastoral Development Committee, the Report of theStated Clerk Except Section IV which is referred to Judiciary Committee and Section V which is referred toHigher Education Committee, the Report of the Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits, the Reportof the Our United Outreach Committee, the Report of the Place of Meeting Committee, the Resolution
from Ashley Chambers, Commissioner, Grace Presbytery regarding Church Tithing, Line Item Budgets
Submitted by General Assembly Agencies, the Resolution from Commissioner Ashley Chambers regarding
Church Tithing and the Resolution from Commissioner Tom Sanders regarding Intercessory Prayer.

II. PERSONS OF COUNSEL
Appearing before this committee were: Reverend Boyce Wallace, Immediate Past Moderator;
Reverend Tom Sanders; Mr. Ron Gardner of the OUO Committee; Reverend Robert Heflin, Executive
Secretary and Mr. Mark Duck from the Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits; Reverend Mike
Wilkinson, board representative for Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits; Reverend Michael
Sharpe, Stated Clerk; Elder Ashley Chambers, Commissioner; and Reverend Kevin Vanderlaan of Grace
Presbytery.

III. CONSIDERATION OF REFERRALS
A. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF STEWARDSHIP, FOUNDATION AND BENEFITS
We note with pleasure the hard work and innovation of all team members on the Board of
Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits.  We applaud their diligence in taking good care of the God-given
financial assets of the church.  We call attention to the Board’s stated vision for uniform benefits for all
Cumberland Presbyterian clergy.  We pray that this vision will become reality through the co-operative
efforts of the presbyteries and the Board.
RECOMMENDATION 1: That the Report of the Board of Stewardship, Foundation and
Benefits be concurred in with appreciation.
B. RESOLUTION FROM REVEREND TOM SANDERS, COMMISSIONER FROM RED RIVERPRESBTERY REGARDING INTERCESSORY PRAYER
We considered the implications of the Resolution on Intercessory Prayer with great interest andrespect. We noted that the Confession of Faith calls on Cumberland Presbyterians to be in constant prayer
for one another, the church, and the world. We further state our belief that intercessory prayer is a duty,
obligation, and privilege for all believers. While we align ourselves with the spirit of the resolution, we
submit:RECOMMENDATION 2: That the resolution from Reverend Tom Sanders regarding
Intercessory Prayer which states:“WHEREAS the Cumberland Presbyterian Church is re-committing itself to a new 10 year
focus on evangelism, which is making Christ known;
WHEREAS the Scriptures tell us that the Holy Spirit is the One Who makes Christ known,

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and does the “heavy lifting” of transforming the human heart, and
WHEREAS we need to more fully experience the power of the Holy Spirit in our own lives
and churches so that our efforts to “make disciples” are effective, and
WHEREAS in our history, the Revival of 1800 was preceded by focused and regular prayer
for the church and society by individuals and groups who desperately interceded with fasting, solemn
assemblies, and other kinds of corporate gatherings, and
WHEREAS today, intercessory prayer ignites church growth, church planting, and personalevangelism,
BE IT RESOLVED THAT, intercessory prayer to empower our evangelistic efforts become apriority within the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and our prayer for our church be focused on
two themes: fullness in Christ and fulfillment of our mission, and special, significant, and intentionaltime for intercessory prayer be given at all future gatherings of the General Assembly, presbytery,and Synod, and each local church be encouraged to make this kind of intercessory prayer become a“normal part” of its life together, and that it be emphasized by special sermon series, Bible and bookstudies, and public prayer meetings.
				
				

Respectfully Submitted,
Rev. Dr. Thomas R. Sanders, Red River Presbytery,” be denied.

RECOMMENDATION 3: That the General Assembly concur in and adopt the following:
WHEREAS, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church has committed to a new 10 year focus onevangelism, which is making Christ known, and
WHEREAS, the Scriptures tell us that the Holy Spirit is One Who makes Christ known, anddoes the “heavy lifting” of transforming the human heart, and
WHEREAS, we need to more fully experience the power of the Holy Spirit in our own lives
and churches so that our efforts to “make disciples” are effective, and
WHEREAS, in our history, the Great Revival of 1800 was preceded by focused and regularprayer for the church and society by individuals and groups who desperately interceded with fasting,solemn assemblies, and other gatherings, and
WHEREAS, in our own time intercessory prayer ignites church growth, church planting, andpersonal evangelism,
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that intercessory prayer to empower our evangelistic
efforts become a priority within the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
C. REPORT OF THE STATED CLERKRECOMMENDATION 4: That the Report of the Stated Clerk be concurred in with thanks
for hard work during a year of transition.
During our meeting with Stated Clerk Michael Sharpe, we were informed that Cauca Valley andAndes Presbyteries had issued a formal invitation to host the 185th General Assembly meeting in 2015 inCali, Colombia.
RECOMMENDATION 5: That the invitation from Cauca Valley and Andes Presbyteries tohost the 2015 General Assembly be accepted with joy.
RECOMMENDATION 6: That the Stated Clerk’s office be instructed to communicate theinvitation and acceptance to all presbyteries by the Fall 2011 meetings for planning purposes.
D. REPORT OF THE MODERATOR
We note with great pleasure and appreciation of Reverend Boyce Wallace’s term of service as
Moderator of the 180th General Assembly. We thank Boyce and Beth for their extensive travels, their

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challenging yet encouraging message, and their personal sacrifice in performing this service for the church
they love.
Recommendation 7: That the Report of the Moderator be concurred in and that
Recommendation 2 of the Report of the Moderator that, “General Assembly approved last year
the use of audio visual equipment in our church courts and this is being done. (For example, twocandidates for the ministry from the Philipines were recieved by the Presbytery of East Tennessee via
oovoo.) This should be encouraged more and insisted on by members of presbyterial, synodical anddenominational agencies in the light of travel, time and serious stewardship concerns for the Lord’s
money,” be adopted.
E. REPORT OF THE OUR UNITED OUTREACH COMMITTEE
We commend the Our United Outreach Committee for their diligence, perseverance, and innovation
during the last two formative years. We urge the Committee to consider a re-branding of or a new namefor the term “Our United Outreach” that is more inclusive and reflective of the overall goal of wide-spread
support for our common denominational goals. We further urge all presbyteries who have not heard froman OUO representative to issue invitations for that purpose as soon as possible.
RECOMMENDATION 8: That Recommendation 1 of the Report of the Our United OutreachCommittee, “that the following allocation for incoming 2012 Our United Outreach funds
Ministry Council Combined						$1,267,754( 50%)
Bethel University							126,776( 5%)
Children’s Home							76,065( 3%)
Board of Stewardship							152,130( 6%)
Office of General Assembly						202,841( 8%)
Memphis Theological Seminary/Program of Alternate Studies
177,485( 7%)
Historical Foundation							76,065( 3%)
Shared Services							431,036( 17%)
Commission on Chaplains						8,874(.35%)
Judiciary Committee							8,367(.33%)(.123%)
Theology/Social Concerns Committee					3,119Nominating Committee						2,612(.103%)
Contingency Fund							2,383(.095%)
Debt Retirement Fund							 168,493
										$2,704,000,” be adopted.
RECOMMENDATION 9: That Recommendation 2 of the Report of the Our United OutreachCommittee, “that information about Our United Outreach be included in Memphis TheologicalSeminary and Program of Alternate Studies coursework, such as in the Polity course,” be adopted.
RECOMMENDATION 10: That Recommendation 3 of the Report of the Our United
Outreach Committee, “that within each Presbytery, the board or agency that works with Cumberland
Presbyterian probationers and in-coming ministers of other denominations serving Cumberland
Presbyterian Churches be charged with the responsibility of providing Our United Outreach
information and how it affects the various entities of the denomination,” be adopted.
RECOMMENDATION 11: That Recommendation 4 of the Report of the Our United
Outreach Committee, “that the Board of Missions in each Presbytery continue to encourage newly
organized churches to pay Our United Outreach,” be adopted.
F. RESOLUTION FROM ASHLEY CHAMBERS, COMMISSIONER, GRACE PRESBYTERY,

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REGARDING CHURCH TITHING
We discussed at great length the content of the Memorial from Elder Commissioner, Ashley
Chambers of Grace Presbytery concerning “Church Tithing.” We found the document to be well thought
out and compelling in many ways. We agree with its most basic premise: that all of our churches and allof our church members ought to be obedient to the Biblical mandate of tithing. However, we feel that thisresolution as presented goes too far and would place too many additional burdens on our presbyteries.
While affirming much of the thinking behind this resolution we recommend:
RECOMMENDATION 12: That the Resolution on Church Tithing offered by ElderCommissioner Ashley Chambers, “that states:
Introduction to a Resolution on Church Tithing:
Resources to do the work of the church are always a challenge and there is a need to consider
a new approach to church funding. The present presbytery and General Assembly system of funding
judicatories is by presbytery dues/apportionments and Our United Outreach (OUO). The following
memorial attempts to do several things: It establishes the concept of the tithe as the guiding principle
for all churches, and it unifies presbytery dues and denominational OUO into one payment. It respects
the constitutional structure of churches participating in presbytery and presbyteries participating in
the General Assembly. It places the presbytery over its churches and the General Assembly over its
presbyteries with respect to funding. It promotes real connectionalism. It will increase income into
our denominational and presbyterial budgets while in many cases lowering what has been previously
expected through presbytery dues and OUO from each church. It will give a clear picture each yearof how to structure presbytery and denominational budgets because expected income can better be
determined.
Resolution -- The Tithe
WHEREAS the Constitution of the Cumberland Presbyterian (CP) Church states a Presbytery
can raise funds by assessing shares of its churches (5.6 q);
WHEREAS the Constitution ofthe CP Church states the Synod and General Assembly (9.4 h)
can raise funds by assessing shares of its presbyteries;
WHEREAS the present program of Our United Outreach (OUO) suggest a voluntary offeringfrom each local church of 10% of congregational giving sent directly to the General Assembly, andthat this form of acquiring denominational funds is not in harmony with the spirit of our constitution
which has a chain of accountability, presbyteries are under synods and the General Assembly,
churches are under their respective presbyteries;
WHEREAS in reality churches in the CP Church, on average give less than 5% to OUO, only
a few give the full 10%, some make no contribution, overall contributions are declining armually, andthe armual goals are not being met;
WHEREAS churches teach their members the importance of the tithe as an expression of ourfaith and as a church the session should practice the same faith expression by setting an example ofwhat the church teaches;
WHEREAS presbyteries have different formulas for assessing shares of their churches, somechurches comply and some do not;
WHEREAS the work of the church at both the Presbytery level and General Assembly
program and agency level is dependent on these OUO shares, and often the perceived inefficiency ofthe church at the presbytery and General Assembly level is in reality a lack of resources to provide
needed or adequate services;
WHEREAS Church Planting is a high priority and will guarantee a positive future for the
CP Church, and it is also a very expensive endeavor that needs strong resources, and in the light ofthe priority of evangelism and new church development there is a growing need for resources for362

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Presbyteries and General Assembly;
WHEREAS the missions portion of the CP Church’s budget continues to decrease as more
overseas mission opportunities develop, there are less OUO resources now for missions than at any
time in decades;
WHEREAS the CP Church should unambiguously expect its constituent presbyteries andtheir member churches to be connected in word and deed and support the work of the CP church andaffirm their commitment to the church by such financial support as is expected for church members
in local churches, as well as be examples to them by tithing;
WHEREAS at times a local church becomes concerned about the direction or decisions of the
Ministry Teams, Institutions and Agencies of the CP Church and have no real way to express theirconcern, thus withholding their OUO as a form of protest;
WHEREAS a presbytery, through its delegate system to General Assembly has the opportunity
to question, influence and even help establish the direction of the Ministry Teams, Institutions andAgencies and as a voting member of the General Assembly has its rightful place to express concems.
or help develop future directions, it should be the case that those that have voice and vote over church
programs and institutions/agencies should also be those that directly support the work of the church;
WHEREAS General Assembly has no clear picture as to the income it can expect from year
to year because each local church voluntarily contributes to OUO;
WHEREAS the CP Church is a global church with presbyteries overseas that have different
legal and financial demands than the churches in the USA and this should be taken into consideration
when assessing presbyteries;
WHEREAS the tithe has always been an established way to support ministry;
WHEREAS individual churches are scripturally compelled, and should strive, to be insubmission to the authorities above them;
WHEREAS the denomination through OUO and presbyterial apportionment currently asks
more of churches than a tithe of their income;
WHEREAS requesting more than a tithe places a heavier burden on churches, who are
striving to be in submission to its authorities, than is necessary;
Be it therefore resolved:
RESOLVED -A new method of assessing shares will be initiated that is in harmony with theauthority structure of the CP constitution and affirms the concept of a tithe;
RESOLVED -Presbyteries will assess their churches a percentage amount that will be bothfor Presbytery and General Assembly and that the presbytery will be responsible for collecting theseshares and distributing the OUO portion to the GA;
RESOLVED - Presbytery will assess 10% of congregational giving of all of its churches -in
reality a tithe from each church. The GA will set a suggested OUO percentage for its presbyteries(example 6% of the 10% tithe would be suggested as an OUO contribution by the presbytery to theGA). The goal is each church will tithe to the presbytery and the presbytery will divide those funds
between the presbytery and the OUO. Additional benefits that a presbytery may provide (such as
health insurance) would be in addition to this 10%. The presbytery will assess church shares basedon the previous year’s information found in the General Assembly yearbook;
RESOLVED- If a church does not pay their share to the Presbytery, the Presbytery is still
obligated to include that church’s OUO amount as part of the Presbytery’s share to the OUO fund;however, the presbytery has various constitutional remedies to require compliance, the presbytery’scommittee on ministry will also be expected to meet with the pastor and session of the congregation
to determine what the problem is and what can be done to help the church tithe. The presbytery cantake any actions permissible by the constitution to assure Cumberland Presbyterians that its member
churches are compliant and connected in a meaningful way to the church;
RESOLVED- If a presbytery does not pay its share to the General Assembly it will not be
seated at General Assembly or synod, and if it is delinquent for more than one year those in thepresbytery that serve on General Assembly level ministry positions (council/teams) or committees will
be suspended from those positions until the presbytery is in compliance, and the General Assembly2010

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will inform the presbytery’s synod of the presbytery’s non-compliance with the view that synod may
feel it beneficial to consider how to make the presbytery more connected;
RESOLVED - If a church cannot pay its share because of a congregational crisis, they canappeal to presbytery to be given a lower share (percentage) and this will be reflected in the amountgiven by the Presbytery to OUO;RESOLVED - The General Assembly will work with overseas presbyteries to establish an
appropriate share in the light of the different legal and financial realities found in those countries;
RESOLVED - Provisional Churches and New Church Developments may be exempt frompaying the full 10% but should strive to do so. The presbytery board of missions or the task force of
the NCD or provisional church will determine an appropriate share (percentage).
				
				

Respectfully submitted,
Ashley Chambers, Commissioner from Grace Presbytery,” be denied.

Respectfully submitted:
The Committee on Stewardship

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON
chAPLAINS/MISSIONS/PASTORAL DEVELOPMENT(Appendix H)
I. REFERRALS
Referrals to this committee are as follows: The Report of the Moderator, Recommendations 3 and4, the Report of the Ministry Council, Sections IV and V and the Report of the Commission on Chaplainsand Military Personnel.

II. PERSONS OF COUNSEL
Appearing before this committee were: Reverend George Estes, Reverend Lynn Thomas andReverend Sam Romines representing the Mission Ministry Team; Reverend Milton Ortiz and Reverend Sam
Romines representing Pastoral Development Ministry Team; Reverend Robert Heflin, Executive Secretary,
Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits; Reverend Jay Earheart-Brown, President, Memphis
Theological Seminary, Reverend Michael Qualls, Director, Program of Alternate Studies; Reverend Lowell
Roddy, representative of Chaplains and Military Personnel and Reverend Ed Brogan representing the
Presbyterian Council on Chaplains and Military Personnel.

III. CONSIDERATION OF REFERRALS
A. REPORT OF THE MODERATOR
The committee would like to commend and thank the Reverend Boyce Wallace for his service as
Moderator this past year.  We concur in this report and make the following recommendations:
Recommendation 1: That Recommendation 3 of the Report of the Moderator, “thatoverseas delegates to General Assembly have a unique opportunity to, visit our churches and promote
the global church. But most have very little space and time to do so. Bob Watkins and Lynn Thomas
have tried to remedy this situation and others have helped. I recommend that the General Assemblyplanning committee consider ways that these delegates can have opportunities to visit area churches
and sites after the assemblies,” be adopted.

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Recommendation 2: That Recommendation 4 of the Report of the Moderator, “thatas we consider another period of evangelism in our churches, we need to support those new overseas
missions that want to evangelize but lack basic resources to do so. The Missions Ministry Team canprovide places and needs,” be adopted.
B. REPORT OF THE MINISTRY COUNCIL SECTIONS IV & V
Last year’s General Assembly called on the Ministry Council to appoint a task force to provide
a ten-year plan for evangelism, church planting and mission expansion. The six-person task force wasappointed and has prepared their report which includes goals for all levels of the church. Presbyteries andCongregations are encouraged to develop their own evangelism strategies for implementation.
RECOMMENDATION 3: That Recommendation 3 of the Report of the Ministry Council,“that the 181st General Assembly approve the report of the Evangelism, Church Planting and Missions
Task Force in terms of theme and goals for the ten-year plan framework, and that the MinistryCouncil and other denominational agencies be directed to proceed with further amplification andimplementation of the plan,” be adopted.
The committee congratulates and commends the Missions Ministry Team on the development of
the Endorsed Missionary Program presented on Tuesday.  After meeting with the Missions Ministry Teamrepresentatives and at their suggestion, an opportunity to present a related program on the recruitment andtraining of missionaries, Prep 1:8 is requested.
RECOMMENDATION 4: That Recommendation 4 of the Report of the Ministry Council,“that the 181st General Assembly provides an opportunity for a brief presentation on the newendorsement process for Cumberland Presbyterian Missionaries,” be denied.
RECOMMENDATION 5: That the 181st General Assembly provides an opportunity fora brief presentation on PREP 1:8 for the training and recruitment of new missionaries for the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
The committee approves the Report of the Pastoral Development Ministry Team.
In consultation with the Director of the Program of Alternate Studies and the Pastoral Development
Ministry Team representatives, certain editorial changes and clarifications are recommended.
RECOMMENDATION 6: That Recommendation 5 of the Report of the Ministry Council,“that the 181st General Assembly approve the 2011 Handbook for Presbyterial Committees on
the Ministry or Preparation for the Ministry as the official Cumberland Presbyterian manual forpresbyterial committees on the ministry or its equivalent,” be denied.
RECOMMENDATION 7: That the 181st General Assembly approve the 2011 Handbook
for Presbyterial Committees on the Ministry or Preparation for Ministry as the official Cumberland
Presbyterian manual with the following editorial changes:
On Page 82 of minutes, page 7 of the handbook left column under Program of Alternate
Studies, insert the “reasonably after cannot, so it will read; “cannot reasonably attend seminary.
On page 83 of minutes, page 8 of handbook right hand column, third bullet: strike “not a valid
possibility and insert “not a reasonable option.”
On Page 85 and page 120 minutes, page 10 and page 45 of handbook: strike “nearly impossible”
and insert “not a valid possibility.”
On page 85 of minutes, page 10 of handbook, left hand column, second paragraph 8th sentence
down strike the word “extreme” and insert the word “great.” So the sentence shall read; “PAS exists
to educate candidates who might have great difficulty attending college and seminary.” Last sentence ofsame paragraph strike the word “extreme” and insert the word “difficult” so the sentence would read:2010

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365“PAS is not a replacement for seminary, but an alternate route for those in difficult circumstances.” In the
4th paragraph of same page, last sentence strike “nearly impossible” and insert “highly impractical,”On page 91 of the minutes, page 16 of handbook right hand column, 2nd paragraph; omit(70%). So that it reads “provides service.”
On page 91, page 16 of handbook, 3rd paragraph, 8th line; omit “almost impossible” andinsert “highly impractical.”On page 98 of the minutes, page 23 of the handbook, right hand column, strike third paragraphand insert; “Yes, with presbyterial approval.”
C. REPORT OF THE COMMISSION ON CHAPLAINS AND MILITARY PERSONNEL
Upon suggestions from the representative of the Commission on Chaplains and Military Personnel
and from Committee members from Japan Presbytery the following three editorial changes will need to bemade in the Report.
Page 170 of the minutes, first paragraph, 5th sentence, strike the words “in America”  and insert“Abroad” so the sentence will read: “and added Korean Presbyterian Church Abroad.
Page 171 of the report first paragraph, last sentence insert the words “United States”; so the sentence
will read: “All United States Cumberland Presbyterian Churches are urged to consider receiving this yearly
offering and recognize we are a global church.”
Page 171 change the date of Yearbook from “2010” to “2011.”
RECOMMENDATION 8: That the General Assembly instruct our churches to please pray
for members of the Reserve, National Guard, and Active Duty troops serving and their families.
RECOMMENDATION 9: The Commission be sensitive to the global nature of the churchand make sure future reports are only pertinent to the churches in the United States or churches
served by the United States armed services.
Reverend Lowell Roddy informed the Committee that the Associate Reformed Presbyterian
Church, a founding member of the Presbyterian Council for Chaplains and Military Personnel back in 1972,
voted at its 2011 General Synod on June 9 to depart from membership within the Presbyterian Council for
Chaplains and Military Personnel. It voted to join the PRJC (Presbyterian & Reformed Joint Commission
on Chaplaincy). The move should be complete by the fall of 2011 shifting approximately 20 Chaplainsendorsements.
Respectfully submitted:
The Committee on Chaplains/Missions/Pastoral Development

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON
HIGHER EDUCATION(Appendix I)
I. REFERRALS
Referrals to this committee are as follows:  The Report of the Stated Clerk, Section V; The Reportof the Board of Trustees of Memphis Theological Seminary and The Report of the Board of Trustees ofBethel University.

II. PERSONS OF COUNSEL
Appearing before this committee were: Reverend Jay Earheart-Brown, President Memphis
Theological Seminary; Reverend Jody Hill, Moderator of the Board of Trustees for Memphis Theological

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2010

Seminary; Reverend Michael Qualls, Director of Program of Alternate Studies; Reverend Robert Prosser,
President Bethel University; Mr. Bill Dobbins, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Bethel University; and Ms.
Nancy Bean, board representative for the Board of Trustees of Bethel University.

III. CONSIDERATION OF REFERRALS
A. REPORT OF THE STATED CLERK, SECTION V
In the Report of the Stated Clerk in the Preliminary Minutes of the General Assembly (Item V.),we were given the task to name five persons to work with an additional five persons named by Bethel
University for a review of the covenant relationship between the Cumberland Presbyterian Church andBethel University as adopted to be done every five years (set in place in the 171st General Assembly) andreport to the 182nd General Assembly.
RECOMMENDATION 1: That Recommendation 2 of the Report of the Stated Clerk, “thatthe General Assembly and the Board of Trustees of Bethel University each name five persons toreview the covenant relationship and to report to the 182nd General Assembly,” be adopted.
After discussion, the following persons have agreed to serve in this capacity:
1.  Ms. Dewana Latimer
2.  Rev. Chris Fleming
3.  Rev. Steve Delashmit
4.  Mr. Bobby Garrett
5.  Ms. Pat Huff
RECOMMENDATION 2: That the General Assembly approve these five persons to serveon the committee to review the covenant relationship with Bethel University and report to the 182nd
General Assembly.
B. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
We recognized the energy and excitement of the Seminary representatives and appreciated hearing
in more detail of the visions for Memphis Theological Seminary and Program of Alternate Studies.
RECOMMENDATION 3: That the General Assembly affirm its appreciation and support ofthe leadership, faculty, staff, administrators, donors and students as Memphis Theological Seminary
continues in ministry.
RECOMMENDATION 4: That the General Assembly reaffirm the need to have a full-time
professor of Cumberland Presbyterian studies and call attention to the need for contributions andrequest donations to The Baird-Buck Chair of Cumberland Presbyterian Studies Endowment tomake that possible.
RECOMMENDATION 5: That the General Assembly recommend every church set asidea Seminary Sunday each calendar year for the purpose of praying for our Seminary, to keep ourchurch members informed of the ever-changing ministry of MTS and PAS and to receive a special
offering.
C. BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF BETHEL UNIVERSITY
The information shared was exciting and energetic and we appreciated hearing from therepresentatives.
In addition to the report found on page 185 of the preliminary minutes, it was noted:

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THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
•
•
•
•
•

367

Enrollment up from approximately 225 to 4,141 in about 12 years.
Five new campus locations in Tennessee
On target to add 1,500 new students in 2011
Fastest growing independent institution of higher learning in Tennessee
Endowment has almost doubled in about 10 years

RECOMMENDATION 6: That the General Assembly affirm its appreciation and support ofthe leadership, faculty, staff, administrators, donors and students as Bethel University continues inministry.
Respectfully submitted,
Committee on Higher Education

CHURCH CALENDAR 2011-2012
JULY 2011
4
Denomination Center Closed
5
Bethel University-Second session
Registration/Classes begin
5-15 Doctor of Ministry Residency - MTS
9Program of Alternate Studies graduation
9-23 Program of Alternate Studies - Summer extension school
10-15 Cumberland Presbyterian Youth Conference
27-29 Consultant Training Event
AUGUST 2011
1-31 Church Paper Month1
Bethel University - Second session ends
5-6 Ministry Council Meeting
6
Bethel University - commencement
22
Bethel University - Fall classes begin
25
Christian Education Season (through Sept. 28)
27
MTS - Fall classes begin
28
Quarterly Missions Emphasis
30
Bethel University - convocation
31
MTS - convocation
SEPTEMBER 20111-28 Christian Education Season (cont. from Aug.)
5
Denomination Center, Bethel University & MTS - closed
9
MTS - last day to register/add classes
9-10 Board of Stewardship meeting
9-10 Memphis Thelogical Seminary board meeting
11
Senior Adult Sunday
16
Historical Foundation board meeting
16-17 CP Children’s Home board meeting
16-17 Theology & Social Concerns meeting
18
Christian Service Recognition Sunday
18
International Day of Prayer & Action for Human Habitat
30
Our United Outreach quarterly report
OCTOBER 2011
1-31 Clergy Appreciation Month
2
World Wide Communion Sunday
9
Clergy Appreciation Sunday
11-13 Minister’s Conference
13-16 Bethel University - Fall break
23
Native American Sunday
29-30 Ministry Council and Teams meet in concurrent sessions
NOVEMBER 2011
Any Sunday Love Loaf Program
1
All Saints Day
4
World Community Day (Church Women United)
4
Memphis Theological Seminary Inquirer’s Day
4-6 Young Adult Ministry Planning Council Meeting
6
Stewardship Sunday
12-15 Youth Ministry Planning Council (YMPC)
13
Day of Prayer for People with Aids andOther Life Threatening Illnesses
20
Bible Sunday
21-25 Memphis Theological Seminary - Fall break
24-25 Denomination Center, Bethel University, MTS - closed
27
Quarterly Missions Emphasis
27-Dec. 25 Advent in Home and Church
DECEMBER 2011
Any Sunday Gift to the King Offering
1
Annual Reports mailed to congregations
11
Bethel University - commencement
23-Jan 2   MTS - Christmas break
23-26 Denomination Center closed
JANUARY 2012
1
New Year’s Day - Denomination Center & MTS closed
3
MTS - January term classes begin
3-13 MTS - D.Min. Convocation & Residency
6
Epiphany9
Bethel University - Spring Classes begin
13
Close center books - cut off date for
Our United Outreach for previous year

13-16 Grace Presbytery’s Convocation
13-16 Faith in 3D
16
Martin Luther King Day - Denomination Center, Bethel
University & MTS - closed
20
MTS - New student orientation
21
Memphis Theological Seminary - Spring Classes begin
26
UBCD meeting
27-28 Ministry Council and Teams meet in joint sessions
FEBRUARY 2012
1-28 African American History Month1
Annual congregational reports due to presbyterial clerks
5
Denomination Day
5
Souper Bowl Sunday / Historical Foundation offering
3-4 Judiciary Committee meeting
9
MTS - Henry Logan Starks Scholarship dinner10
Annual congregational reports due in GA office10
MTS Board of Trustees meeting
10-11 OUO Committee meeting
17-18 CP Children’s Home Board of Trustees meeting
19
Youth Sunday
22
Ash Wednesday
24
Historical Foundation board meeting
24-25 30-Hour Famine
26
First Sunday in Lent
26
Quarterly Missions Emphasis
MARCH 2012
1-31 Women’s History Month
2
World Day of Prayer (Church Women United)
2
Memphis Theological Seminary - Inquirer’s Day
4
Seminary Sunday
9-10 Board of Stewardship meeting
10
Cauca Valley’s Women’s Ministry retreat
19-23 Bethel - Spring Break
25-31 National Farm Worker Awareness Week
APRIL 20121
Palm Sunday
1
One Great Hour of Sharing
2-7 Memphis Theological Seminary - closed for spring break
5
Maundy Thursday
6
Good Friday - Denomination Center, Bethel University& MTS - closed
8
Easter Sunday
8
March of Missions (to May 27)
21-24 Presbyterian Youth Triennium Production Team meeting
27
Bethel - Last Day of Classes
May 2012
1
CPWM Local and Regional Reports due to Missions
Ministry Teamto Missions Ministry Team
4
May Friendship Day (Church Women United)5
Bethel University - commencement
6-13 Family Week
11
MTS Board of Trustees meeting
12
Memphis Theological Seminary graduation
13
Mother’s Day (USA)20Children’s Home Sunday
21
MTS - Summer Classes begin
26
Missions Festival in Cauca Valley Presbytery
27
Quarterly Mission Emphasis
27
Memorial Day Offering for the Presbyterian Council on
Chaplains and Military Personnel
27
Pentecost Sunday
27
World Missions Day
28
Memorial Day - Denomination Center closed
29
Bethel - First day of First Summer Term classes
31
CP Youth Missions (Uganda, Africa) to June 21
June 201210
Children’s Sunday
19
Trinity Sunday
17
Father’s Day (USA)17-22 General Assembly, Florence, Alabama
19-21 CP Women’s Ministry Convention, Florence, Alabama
27
CPYC Registration Cut-Off