20172017 MINUTES OF THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Minutes of the General Assembly

Cumberland Presbyterian Church

2017

THE 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 the love of God to the glory of Jesus Christ.

1

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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Vision of Ministry ............................................................................................................................Title Page
Program ..........................................................................................................................................................3
Commissioners...............................................................................................................................................5
Youth Advisory Delegates .............................................................................................................................6
Committees and Abbreviations ......................................................................................................................6
Committee Meeting Rooms ...........................................................................................................................6
Committee Assignments ................................................................................................................................7
Referrals to Committees ................................................................................................................................8
Recommendations at a Glance .......................................................................................................................9
Assembly Meetings and Officers .................................................................................................................10
By Laws of General Assembly Corporation ................................................................................................13
Memorial Roll of Ministers .........................................................................................................................23
Living General Assembly Moderators .........................................................................................................24
Membership of Boards and Agencies ..........................................................................................................25
Reports
Moderator ..............................................................................................................................................33
Stated Clerk ...........................................................................................................................................34
Ministry Council....................................................................................................................................40
Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits ...................................................................................46
Board of the Historical Foundation .......................................................................................................77
Board of Trustees of Memphis Theological Seminary ..........................................................................85
OUO Committee....................................................................................................................................98
Commission on Chaplains and Military Personnel .............................................................................100
Permanent Judiciary Committee .........................................................................................................103
Nominating Committee .......................................................................................................................105
Place of Meeting Committee ...............................................................................................................108
Unified Committee on Theology and Social Concerns .......................................................................110
Unification Task Force ........................................................................................................................118
Board of Trustees of Bethel University ...............................................................................................125
Board of Trustees of the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home ................................................127
Joint Committee on Amendments .......................................................................................................135
Joint Committee on the Covenant Relationship between the General Assembly Corporation andBethel University ............................................................................................................................136
Joint Committee on the Covenant Relationship between the General Assembly Corporation andCumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home ...................................................................................140
Memorial ....................................................................................................................................................145
Agency Budgets .........................................................................................................................................147
General Assembly Minutes ........................................................................................................................156
Audits ......................................................................................................................................................164
Appendices.................................................................................................................................................306
Church Calendar ................................................................................................................ Inside Back Cover2017

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

3

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

Innisbrook Convention Center
Edinburgh Boardroom (Salon I)
Edinburgh Salon II
The Reverend Dwayne Tyus, Nashville Presbytery
Florida Churches of Grace Presbytery (CPC) & General Assembly Executive
Committee (CPCA)
The Reverend Eddie Jenkins, Grace Presbytery
The Reverend Jennifer Newell, Tennessee-Georgia Presbytery
The Reverend Chris Warren, Murfreesboro Presbytery

SUNDAY, JUNE 18, 2017
Location
Stirling Hall

Inverness Hall

Time

Event

Location

3:00 p.m. Orientation for Commissioners and Youth Advisory Delegates
Salon O-Q
Orientation for Committee Chairs and Co-Chairs(Commissioner/YAD packets may be picked up before or after the orientation session.)
Salon II
Registration for Women’s Ministry Convention
Setup displays
Edinburgh West
7:00 p.m. Joint Opening GA Worship/Communion Service
Inverness Ballroom

FIRST DAY - MONDAY, JUNE 19, 2017
Edinburgh Hall
Inverness Hall

Edinburgh/Stirling

Inverness Hall
Beth-El

8:00 a.m. Registration for Commissioners and Youth Advisory Delegates
Salon I
(for those who did not register on Sunday)
8:00 a.m. Women’s Ministry Registration (open until noon)
Salon II
8:30 a.m. Opening GA Business Session
Ballroom A.
Constitution of the CPC General Assembly.
Adoption of the Agenda.
Report of the Credentials Committee
Election of Moderator
Election of Vice-Moderator
Presentation by the Stated Clerk, Mike Sharpe
Communications
Corrections to Preliminary Minutes
Committee Appointments and Referrals to Committees
Welcome, Pastor Host, Local Officials
Introduction of Board and Agency Representatives
10:00 a.m.. Break
10:30 a.m. GA Committees meet
Various Locations (see bottom of page 6)
CP Women’s Ministry Regional Council Meeting
Stirling West(for Regional Delegates only)
12:00 p.m. CP Women’s Ministry Regional Council Luncheon
Stirling West2:00 p.m. Joint Field Trip to Beth-El Farmworker Ministry(staggered departure times beginning - 2:00, 2:30, 3:00 - departing Inverness Hall)
3:30 p.m. Beth-El Open House/Tour/Powerpoint/Music
5:00 p.m. Reception/light meal (finger foods)
Joint Moderator’s Reception (CPC/CPCA) honoring
the Moderator and Vice-Moderator of the General Assembly,
the Immediate Past Moderator, the President-Elect and
the President of the Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry
and National Missionary Society Officers
5:30 p.m. Return trip to Innisbrook (departing @ 5:30, 6:00, 6:30 p.m.)

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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2017

SECOND DAY - TUESDAY, JUNE 20, 2017
Location

Time

Event

Location

Edinburgh Hall
Edinburgh Hall
Edinburgh/Stirling
Edinburgh Hall
Edinburgh Hall
Edinburgh Hall
Inverness Hall
Edinburgh Hall
Edinburgh Hall
Stirling Hall

7:30 a.m.
8:30 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
12:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
5:00 p.m.

Convention Registration
Salon II
Joint Devotions led by National Missionary Society
Edinburgh EastGA Committee meetings (until 5pm)
Various Locations
Gathering of CP Women’s Ministry
Edinburgh East
Connecting with Neighbors through Prayer
Edinburgh East
Connecting with Neighbors through Training
Salon II & III
CPCA National Missionary Society Luncheon
Inverness Lobby
Connecting with Neighbors through Bible Study
Edinburgh East
Connecting with Neighbors through Service Salon III & off site locations
Bethel University Dinner
Stirling WestEVENING PROGRAM

Inverness Hall
Island Clubhouse

7:00 p.m.
8:30 p.m.

Joint Program/Worship (led by UTF)
Joint Reception Honoring Women in Ministry

Ballroom A
Toscana

THIRD DAY - WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 2017
Stirling Hall
Inverness/Stirling

7:00 a.m.
8:30 a.m.

Edinburgh/Stirling
Edinburgh Hall
Osprey Clubhouse

9:00 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
12:00 p.m.

Edinburgh Hall
Edinburgh/Stirling

2:00 p.m.
5:00 p.m.

CPCH Breakfast
Stirling West
Joint Devotions/GA Business
Ballroom A
Presentations by Bethel University & PCCMPBreakGA Committees Meet (until 5 pm)
Various Locations
Women’s Ministry Convention
Edinburgh East
Fellowship Luncheon (reservations required) Market Salamander Grille
Sponsored by Discipleship Ministry Team
Women’s Ministry Convention
Edinburgh East
Conclusion of Committee Meetings
Various Locations
EVENING PROGRAM

Inverness

7:00 p.m.

Evening Worship/Progam(offering for Beth-El Farmworker Ministry, including acollection of school supplies for their backpack program)Ballroom A

FOURTH DAY - THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017
Stirling Hall
Stirling Hall
Edinburgh Hall
Inverness Hall
Stirling Hall

8:30 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
12:00 noon
12:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
5:00 p.m.

Devotional, Ms. Shelby Stover,
Stirling Ballroom
Youth Advisory Delegate, Presbytery of East Tennessee
Break
General Assembly Business
Stirling Ballroom
Women’s Ministry Convention Reconvenes
Edinburgh East
Lunch Break
Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Luncheon
Inverness Lobby
General Assembly Business
Stirling Ballroom
Dinner BreakTake Down Displays
Edinburgh WestEVENING PROGRAM

Stirling Hall

7:00 p.m.

General Assembly Business
Stirling Ballroom
Closing Devotion::
Reverend Jennifer Newell, Tennessee-Georgia Presbytery(In the event that business is not concluded on Thursday,the closing worship will be at the conclusionof business on Friday morning.)

2017

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHCOMMISSIONERS
to theONE HUNDRED EIGHTY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLYPRESBYTERYMINISTERCOMMITTEEELDERCOMMITTEE

Andes (2)......................... John Correa..........................M/PD
Arkansas (2) .................... Bruce Hamilton .................MC/C/D................ Ben Fields ............................ S/E.......................... Gary Tubb .........................TSC/UTF............... Cathy Remy ..................... MC/C/D
Cauca Valley (3) .............. Wilson Lopez.......................M/PD
Choctaw (1)..................... Nathan Scott ..........................S/E.................... Linda Scott .........................C/HF
Columbia (2) ................... Tommy Clark ....................TSC/UTF............... Patty Clark ..........................C/HF.......................... Roger Reid..........................CH/HE................. John Koelz ........................... S/E
Covenant (3).................... Fred Fahl .................................J ...................... Pat Clark ......................... TSC/UTF.......................... Chris Fleming ....................MC/C/D................ Johnny Jenkins ................ MC/C/D.......................... Curtis Franklin..................... C/HF
Cumberland (3) ............... Marc Bell ............................. C/HF .................. Matthew Blair ................... CH/HE.......................... Earl West .............................M/PD.................. Diann Phelps ....................... S/E.......................... Brenda Wilson ....................CH/HE
Cumberland East Coast (1)Del Cristo (1) .................. Justin Richter ......................CH/HE................. Sherry Meier ..................... CH/HE
East Tennessee (3) ........... Jerry Scott ..............................S/E.......................... Thomas Sweet ....................CH/HE................. Tom Longmire ........................J.......................... Patrick Wilkerson ..............MC/C/D................ Mary McCarter ...................C/HF
Emaus (1) ........................ Josue Guerrero.....................M/PD
Grace (3) ......................... Daniel Barkley....................CH/HE................. Hedemarrie Dussan ............. S/E.......................... Ramon Garcia ......................M/PD.................. Billy Gandy ....................... M/PD.................................................................................................... Jim Phillips .............................J
Hong Kong (2) ................ (NONE)
Hope (1) .......................... Susan Parker .....................TSC/UTF............... Jimmie Moore ........................JJapan (1) .......................... (NONE)
Missouri (1)..................... Andy Eppard..........................S/E.................... Judith Steffen-Drake ...............J
Murfreesboro (4) ............. Amber Clark .......................CH/HE................. Kathy Powers ...................... S/E.......................... Larry Green .............................J ...................... Fred Schramm .................. CH/HE.......................... Lanny Johnson..................... C/HF .................. Richard Turner....................C/HF.......................... Lisa Oliver .........................MC/C/D
Nashville (3).................... Kenny Butcher...................MC/C/D................ Bill Dobbins ................... TSC/UTF.......................... Rickey Page .........................M/PD.................. Tim Odom ....................... MC/C/D.......................... Dwayne Tyus ...........................J ...................... Gene Stephens ................... M/PD
North Central (2) ............. J C McDuffee...........................J ...................... Dan Sager .......................... M/PD.......................... Lisa Scott ..........................TSC/UTF............... Roy Shanks .........................C/HF
Red River (3)................... Linda Howell .........................S/E.................... Steve Kaneaster ................. M/PD.......................... Charles Nelson .................... C/HF .................. Burt Hager ........................ CH/HE.......................... Tom Sanders .......................CH/HE
Robert Donnell (1) .......... Steven Howell-Diamond TSC/UTF............. Lorna Light ....................... CH/HE
Tenn./Georgia (3) ............ Theresa Martin .................... C/HF .................. James Condra ...................... S/E.......................... Rhonda McGowan...............M/PD.................. George Holland .............. TSC/UTF.......................... Jen Newell ...............................J ...................... Christy Miller .........................J
Trinity (2) ........................ Duane Dougherty ................ C/HF .................. Jack Holt ............................ M/PD.......................... J P Kessie.............................M/PD.................. Karen Lock ..................... TSC/UTF
West Tennessee (5) .......... Rob Harris ........................... C/HF .................. Eugenia Hancock............. MC/C/D.......................... Tony Janner ...........................S/E.................... (Patricia) Jo Laster............. M/PD.......................... Peter Jeffrey ......................TSC/UTF............... Bob Tucker ..................... TSC/UTF.......................... David Lancaster.................MC/C/D................ Molly Williams .......................J.......................... Mike Lavendar ........................J5

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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2017

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

Arkansas.........................................................Katelyn Bayless ........................................................................ S/E.........................................................Denver Warren .........................................................................C/HF
Choctaw .........................................................(no youth)
Columbia ........................................................(no youth)
Covenant ........................................................(no youth)
Cumberland ....................................................Carly Bell .................................................................................... J.........................................................Alise Butler ............................................................................ CH/HE
del Cristo ........................................................(no youth)
East Tennessee ...............................................Duncan Shelton ....................................................................... M/PD.........................................................Shelby Stover .............................................................................. J
Grace .........................................................Alina Ferraz .............................................................................. S/E
Hope.........................................................Calee Copely ........................................................................... M/PD
Japan .........................................................(no youth)
Missouri .........................................................Whitney Moyers................................................................... TSC/UTF
Murfreesboro..................................................Elizabeth Mahoney ................................................................... S/E.........................................................Brenna Truitt ............................................................................... J
Nashville ........................................................Savannah Lamb..................................................................... MC/C/D.........................................................Austin Womack ........................................................................... J
North Central .................................................Skyler Birch .............................................................................C/HF.........................................................Macie Clark............................................................................ CH/HE
Red River .......................................................Josh Moore .............................................................................. M/PD
Robert Donnell ...............................................Lydia Cook ............................................................................. CH/HE.........................................................Mary Cook ...............................................................................C/HF
Tennessee Georgia .........................................Sarah Rackley ...................................................................... TSC/UTF.........................................................Danny Ruiz ........................................................................... MC/C/D
Trinity .........................................................Aldan Webb.......................................................................... TSC/UTF.........................................................Cameron Wilkerson .............................................................. MC/C/D
West Tennessee ..............................................Audrey Adams .........................................................................C/HF.........................................................David Whalen ........................................................................ CH/HECOMMITTEES ABBREVIATIONS AND MEETING ROOMS
Stirling Hall
ABBREV.
C/HF
J
MC/C/D
M/PD
TSC/UTF

COMMITTEE
Chaplains/Historial Foundation
Judiciary
Ministry Council/Communications/DiscipleshipMissions/Pastoral Development
Theology & Social Concerns/Unification Task ForceMEETING ROOMSSalon O
Salon Q
Salon L
Salon M
Salon P

Edinburgh
ABBREV.
CHCP/HES/E

COMMITTEEChildren’s Home/Higher Education
Stewardship/Elected Officers

MEETING ROOMSSalon 6
Salon 5

2017

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

7COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
1.

CHAPLAINS/HISTORICAL FOUNDATION (Stirling Hall - Salon O)
Chair: Rev. Theresa Martin
Co-Chair: Rev. Duane Dougherty
Ministers: Marc Bell, Curtis Franklin, Rob Harris, Lanny Johnson, Charles Nelson
Elders: Patty Clark, Mary McCarter, Roy Shanks, Richard Turner
Youth Advisory Delegates: Audrey Adams, Skyler Birch, Mary Cook, Denver Warren

2.

CHILDREN’S HOME/HIGHER EDUCATION (Edinburgh - Salon 6)
Chair: Rev. Thomas Sweet
Co-Chair: Rev. Amber Clark
Ministers: Daniel Barkley, Roger Reid, Justin Richter, Tom Sanders, Brenda Wilson
Elders: Matthew Blair, Burt Hager, Lorna Light, Sherry Meier, Fred Schramm,
Linda Scott
Youth Advisory Delegates: Alise Butler, Macie Clark, Lydia Cook, David Whalen

3.

JUDICIARY (Stirling Hall - Salon Q)
Chair: Rev. Dwayne Tyus
Co-Chair: Elder Molly Wiliams
Ministers: Fred Fahl, Larry Green, Mike Lavender, J C McDuffee, Jen Newell
Elders: Tom Longmire, Christy Miller, Jimmie Moore, Jim Phillips, Judith Steffen-Drake
Youth Advisory Delegates: Carly Bell, Shelby Stover, Brenna Truitt, Austin Womack

4.

MINISTRY COUNCIL/COMMUNICATIONS/DISCIPLESHIP (Stirling Hall - Salon L)
Chair: Rev. David Lancaster
Co-Chair: Rev. Lisa Oliver
Ministers: Kenny Butcher, Chris Fleming, Bruce Hamilton, Patrick Wilkerson
Elders: Eugenia Hancock, Johnny Jenkins, Tim Odom, Cathy Remy
Youth Advisory Delegates: Savannah Lamb, Danny Ruiz, Cameron Wilkerson

5.

MISSIONS/PASTORAL DEVELOPMENT (Stirling Hall - Salon M)
Chair: Rev. Rickey Page
Co-Chair: Rev. Rhonda McGowan
Ministers: John Correa, Ramon Garcia, Josue Guerrero, J P Kessie, Wilson Lopez, Earl West
Elders: Billy Gandy, Jack Holt, Steve Kaneaster, Patricia Laster, Dan Sager, Gene Stephens
Youth Advisory Delegates: Calee Copely, Josh Moore, Duncan Shelton

6.

STEWARDSHIP/ELECTED OFFICERS (Edinburgh - Salon 5)
Chair: Rev. Tony Janner
Co-Chair: Elder Diann Phelps
Ministers: James Condra, Andy Eppard, Linda Howell, Jerry Scott, Nathan Scott
Elders: Hedemarrie Dussan, Ben Fields, John Koelz, Kathy Powers
Youth Advisory Delegates: Katelyn Bayless, Alina Ferraz, Elizabeth Mahoney

7.

THEOLOGY & SOCIAL CONCERNS/UNIFICATION TASK FORCE (Stirling Hall - Salon P)
Chair: Rev. Lisa Scott
Co-Chair: Rev. Tommy Clark
Ministers: Stephen Howell-Diamond, Peter Jeffrey, Susan Parker, Gary Tubb
Elders: Pat Clark, Bill Dobbins, George Holland, Karen Lock, Bob Tucker
Youth Advisory Delegates: Whitney Moyers, Sarah Rackley, Aldan Webb

8.

CREDENTIALS:
Chair: Elder Christy Miller
Members: Reverend Lanny Johnson, Reverend Roger Reid
Youth Advisory Delegate: Josh Moore

8

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2017

REFERRALS TO COMMITTEES
Referrals to the Committee on Chaplains/Historical Foundation
Page Report
77 The Report of the Board of Trustees of the Historical Foundation
100 The Report of the Commission on Military Chaplains and Personnel
Referrals to the Committee on Children’s Home/Higher Education
Page Report
85 The Report of the Board of Trustees of Memphis Theological Seminary
except Recommendation 4 which is referred to Missions/Pastoral Development
125 The Report of the Board of Trustees of Bethel University
127 The Report of the Board of Trustees of the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home136 The Report of the Joint Committee on the Covenant Relationship between the General
Assembly Corporation and Bethel University
140 The Report of the Joint Committee on the Covenant Relationship between the General
Assembly Corporation and Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home
Referrals to the Committee on Judiciary
Page Report
103 The Report of the Permanent Committee on Judiciary
135 The Report of the Joint Committee on Amendments
145 Memorial from Andes Presbytery Regarding Gender Diversity
Referrals to the Committee on Ministry Council/Communication/Discipleship
Page Report
40 The Report of the Ministry Council
except Section I.B.5 which is referred to Stewardship/Elected Officers,
except Section I.B.6. which is referred to Theology and Social Concerns/Unification
Task Force
except Section II.C which is referred to Missions/Pastoral Development
Referrals to the Committee on Missions/Pastoral Development
Page Report
43 The Report of the Ministry Council, Section II.C.
85 The Report of the Board of Trustees of Memphis Theological Seminary
Recommendation 4
Page
33
34
41
46
98
108
147

Referrals to the Committee on Stewardship/Elected Officers
Report
The Report of the Moderator
The Report of the Stated Clerk
The Report of the Ministry Council, Section I.B.5.
The Report of the Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits
The Report of the Our United Outreach Committee
The Report of the Place of Meeting Committee
Line Item Budgets Submitted by General Assembly Agencies

Referrals to the Committee on Theology and Social Concerns/Unification Task Force
Page Report
42 The Report of the Ministry Council, Section I.B.6
110 The Report of the Unified Committee on Theology and Social Concerns
118 The Report of the Unification Task Force2017

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

RECOMMENDATIONS AT A GLANCE
Report of the Moderator(No Recommendations)
Report of the Stated Clerk

Page

36

Recommendation 1

Page

41
42
43
44

Report of the Ministry Council
Recommendation 1
Recommendations 2-3
Recommendations 4
Recommendations 5-7
Report of the Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits(No Recommendations)

Page

78
79
82

Report of the Board of Trustees of the Historical Foundation
Recommendations 1 - 2
Recommendation 3
Recommendations 4 - 6

Page

86
90
92
94
97

Report of the Board of Trustees of Memphis Theological Seminary
Recommendation 1
Recommendation 2
Recommendation 3
Recommendation 4
Recommendation 5

Page

98

Report of the Our United Outreach Committee
Recommendation 1
Report of the Commission on Chaplains and Military Personnel(No Recommendations)

Page

103

Report of the Permanent Judiciary Committee
Recommendation 1
Report of the Place of Meeting Committee(No Recommendations)

Page
Page

110
111

Report of the Unified Committee on Theology and Social Concerns
Recommendations 1 - 3
Recommendations 4-5

Page
Page

122
123

Report of the Unification Task ForceRecommendations 1
Recommendations 2
Report of the Board of Trustees of Bethel University(No Recommendations)
Report of the Board of Trustees of the CP Children’s Home(No Recommendations)

Page
Page

135

Report of the Joint Committee on Amendments
Recommendations 1-2

Report of the Joint Committee on Covenant Relationship Between GAC/Bethel University
136
Recommendation 1

Report of the Joint Committee on Covenant Relationship Between GAC/CP Children’s Home
Page 140
Recommendation 1
Memorial from Andes Presbytery(Page 145-146)
Budgets of General Assembly Board/Agencies(Pages 147-155)

9

10

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2017

ASSEMBLY 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

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

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Date
Place
Moderator
Clerk
Members
1948, June 17 ..................... Nashville, TN ..................................Paul F. Brown................................................ Wayne Wiman......................105
1949, June 16 ..................... Muskogee, OK.................................Blake Warren................................................. Wayne Wiman......................109
1950, June 15 ..................... Los Angeles, CA..............................L. P. Turnbow ................................................ Wayne Wiman........................98
1951, June 14 ..................... Longview, TX ..................................John E. Gardner ............................................ Wayne Wiman......................105
1952, June 12 ..................... Memphis, TN ...................................Emery A. Newman ........................................ Wayne Wiman......................120
1953, June 18 ..................... Gadsden, AL ....................................Charles L. Lehning, Jr. .................................. Wayne Wiman......................107
1954, June 17 ..................... Dyersburg, TN .................................John S. Smith ................................................ Wayne Wiman......................124
1955, June 16 ..................... Lubbock, TX....................................Ernest C. Cross.............................................. Shaw Scates .........................118
1956, June 21 ..................... Cookeville, TN ................................Hubert Morrow ............................................. Shaw Scates .........................118
1957, June 21 ..................... Evansville, IN ..................................William T. Ingram, Jr. ................................... Shaw Scates .........................119
1958, June 18 ..................... Birmingham, AL ..............................Wayne Wiman ............................................... Shaw Scates .........................116
1959, June 17 ..................... Springfield, MO ...............................Virgil T. Weeks .............................................. Shaw Scates .........................120
1960, June 15 ..................... Nashville, TN ..................................Arleigh G. Matlock ....................................... Shaw Scates .........................130
1961, June 21 ..................... Florence, AL ....................................Ollie W. McClung ......................................... Shaw Scates .........................126
1962, June 20 ..................... Little Rock, AR................................Eugene L. Warren.......................................... Shaw Scates .........................126
1963, June 19 ..................... Austin, TX .......................................Franklin Chesnut ........................................... Shaw Scates .........................117
1964, June 17 ..................... Chattanooga, TN..............................Vaughn Fults ................................................. Shaw Scates .........................123
1965, June 16 ..................... San Francisco, CA ...........................Thomas Forester............................................ Shaw Scates .........................114
1966, June 15 ..................... Memphis, TN ...................................John W. Sparks .............................................. Shaw Scates .........................124
1967, June 21 ..................... Paducah, KY ....................................Raymon Burroughs ....................................... Shaw Scates .........................123
1968, June 19 ..................... Oklahoma City, OK .........................Loyce S. Estes ............................................... Shaw Scates .........................115
1969, June 18 ..................... San Antonio, TX ..............................J. David Hester .............................................. Shaw Scates .........................116
1970, June 17 ..................... Knoxville, TN ..................................L. C. Waddle ................................................. Shaw Scates .........................116
1971, June 16 ..................... Jackson, TN .....................................E. Thach Shauf .............................................. Shaw Scates .........................116
1972, June 19 ..................... Kansas City, MO .............................Claude D. Gilbert .......................................... Shaw Scates .........................110
1973, June 18 ..................... Ft. Worth, TX...................................Thomas H. Campbell .................................... Shaw Scates .........................101
1974, June 17 ..................... Bowling Green, KY .........................David A. Brown ............................................ Shaw Scates .........................116
1975, June 16 ..................... McKenzie, TN .................................Roy E. Blakeburn .......................................... Shaw Scates .........................120
1976, June 21 ..................... Tulsa, OK.........................................Hubert W. Covington .................................... T. V. Warnick .......................115
1977, June 30 ..................... Tampa, FL........................................Fred W. Bryson ............................................. T. V. Warnick .......................122
1978, June 19 ..................... McKenzie, TN .................................Jose Fajardo .................................................. T. V. Warnick .......................120
1979, June 18 ..................... Albuquerque, NM ............................James C. Gilbert ............................................ T. V. Warnick .......................126
1980, June 16 ..................... Evansville, IN ..................................Robert L. Hull ............................................... T. V. Warnick .......................126
1981, June 15 ..................... Denton, TX ......................................W. Jean Richardson ....................................... T. V. Warnick .......................126
1982, June 21 ..................... Owensboro, KY ...............................W. A. Rawlins ............................................... T. V. Warnick .......................124
1983, June 20 ..................... Birmingham, AL ..............................Robert G. Forester......................................... T. V. Warnick .......................127
1984, June 11 ..................... Chattanooga, TN..............................C. Ray Dobbins ............................................. T. V. Warnick .......................125
1985, June 17 ..................... Lexington, KY .................................Virgil H. Todd ............................................... Roy E. Blakeburn ................125
1986, June 23 ..................... Odessa, TX ......................................James W. Knight ........................................... Roy E. Blakeburn ................125
1987, June 15 ..................... Louisville, KY .................................Wilbur S. Wood ............................................. Roy E. Blakeburn ................125
1988, June 6 ....................... Tulsa, OK.........................................Beverly St. John ............................................ Robert Prosser .....................119
1989, June 12 ..................... Knoxville, TN ..................................William Rustenhaven, Jr. .............................. Robert Prosser .......................96
1990, June 25 ..................... Ft. Worth, TX...................................Thomas D. Campbell .................................... Robert Prosser .......................88
1991, June 24 ..................... Paducah, KY ....................................Floyd T. Hensley, Jr....................................... Robert Prosser .....................106
1992, June 22 ..................... Jackson, TN .....................................John David Hall ............................................ Robert Prosser .....................102
1993, June 21 ..................... Little Rock, AR................................Robert M. Shelton ......................................... Robert Prosser .....................100
1994, June 20 ..................... Albuquerque, NM ............................Donald C. Alexander..................................... Robert Prosser .....................100
1995, June 19 ..................... Nashville, TN ..................................Clinton O. Buck ............................................ Robert Prosser .....................102
1996, June 17 ..................... Huntsville, AL .................................Merlyn A. Alexander..................................... Robert Prosser .......................95
1997, April 11 .................... Nashville, TN ..................................Merlyn A. Alexander..................................... Robert Prosser .......................80
1997, June 16 ..................... Louisville, KY .................................W. Lewis Wynn ............................................. Robert Prosser .......................95
1998, June 15 ..................... Chattanooga, TN..............................Masaharu Asayama ....................................... Robert Prosser .......................97
1999, June 21 ..................... Memphis, TN ...................................Gwendolyn Roddye ...................................... Marjorie Shannon ..................96
2000, June 19 ..................... Bowling Green, KY .........................Bob G. Roberts.............................................. Robert D. Rush ......................96
2001, June 18 ..................... Odessa, TX ......................................Randolph Jacob ............................................. Robert D. Rush ......................88
2002, June 17 ..................... Paducah, KY ....................................Bert L. Owen................................................. Robert D. Rush ......................95
2003, June 23 ..................... Knoxville, TN ..................................Charles McCaskey ........................................ Robert D. Rush ......................96
2004, June 21 ..................... Irving, TX ........................................Edward G. Sims ............................................ Robert D. Rush ......................87
2005, June 27 ..................... Franklin, TN ....................................Linda H. Glenn.............................................. Robert D. Rush ......................91
2006, June 18 ..................... Birmingham, AL ..............................Donald Hubbard ............................................ Robert D. Rush ......................87
2007, June 18 ..................... Hot Springs, AR ..............................Frank Ward .................................................... Robert D. Rush ......................84
2007, December 7 .............. Nashville, TN ..................................Frank Ward .................................................... Robert D. Rush ......................62
2008, June 7 ....................... Japan ................................................Jonathan Clark .............................................. Robert D. Rush ......................82
2009, June 15 ..................... Memphis, TN ...................................Sam Suddarth ................................................ Robert D. Rush ......................86
2010, June 13 ..................... Dickson, TN ....................................Boyce Wallace............................................... Robert D. Rush ......................88
2011, June 20 ..................... Springfield, MO ...............................Don M. Tabor ................................................ Michael Sharpe ......................82
2012, June 18 ..................... Florence, AL ....................................Robert D. Rush.............................................. Michael Sharpe ......................90
2013, June 17 ..................... Murfreesboro, TN ............................Forest Prosser ................................................ Michael Sharpe ......................93
2014, June 16 ..................... Chattanooga, TN..............................Lisa Anderson ............................................... Michael Sharpe ......................86
2015, June 20 ..................... Colombia, South America ...............Michele Gentry ............................................. Michael Sharpe ......................91
2016, June 20 ..................... Nashville, Tennessee .......................Dwayne Tyus................................................. Michael Sharpe ......................84
2017, June 19 ..................... Palm Harbor, Florida .......................David Lancaster ............................................ Michael Sharpe ......................77

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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 tochange the address of the registered office;c. Elect and remove the Moderator, Stated Clerk, and the Engrossing Clerk.
d. Fill vacancies on the corporation’s various boards, agencies and committees, and on
the boards of any subsidiaries;
e. Approve the merger or dissolution of the corporation, or the sale of substantially all of
the corporation’s assets; andf. Transact such other business of the corporation as may properly come before any
meeting of the Commissioners.
4.02 Selection of Commissioners: Number and Qualifications. Commissioners shall be selectedby the presbyteries. A presbytery shall be entitled to send one minister and one elder for each 1,000, or
fraction thereof, active members (including ordained clergy) in the presbytery. Each elder selected as aCommissioner must be serving as a member of a session at the time of the General Assembly at which

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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
as it may set. Special meetings may be called by or at the request of the Stated Clerk or any three directors

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

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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. The
Moderator 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 thatconcern 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. The
Vice-Moderator shall perform such duties as may be assigned by the Moderator of the General Assemblyand perform the duties of the Moderator in the event of the Moderator’s disability or absence from office
for any reason.
7.06 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 accordancewith the Constitution, Rules of Order and Rules of Discipline.
02. Maintain records of the corporation and respond to requests for official records ofGeneral Assembly actions and interpretations of its actions.

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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 researchingpossible 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 insession.
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 theModerator’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 advisorydelegates 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 StatedClerk in writing by April 30.
14. Supervise the recording and publication of minutes and a summary of actions taken byeach 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 apermanent 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 otherleadership 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 thecommittee on appropriate matters.
26. Communicate with presbyteries and synods on behalf of the General Assembly andattend their meetings from time to time.
27. Provide training for presbytery and synod clerks and orientations for General Assemblycommissioners.
28. Generally perform duties as are prescribed in the Constitution or directed by the General
Assembly.
8.05 Removal. The Stated Clerk may be removed by the General Assembly whenever in its
judgment the removal would serve the best interests of the corporation.

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ARTICLE 9-OTHER OFFICERS
9.01 Secretary. The chief executive officer of the Ministry Council shall, by virtue of office, be thesecretary of the corporation, and shall in general perform all duties incident to the office of secretary.
9.02 Engrossing Clerk. The Engrossing Clerk shall be elected by the General Assembly to a termof four (4) years. The regular term of office begins on January 1 and ends on December 31. There is nolimit on the number of terms which may be served 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 Presbyterian

01. Subsidiary corporations: Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church; Memphis Theological Seminary of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church; Ministry Council of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
02. Related corporations: Bethel University; Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home;
Historical Foundation of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church in America.
03. Commissions: Chaplains and Military Personnel.
04. Committees: Committee on Nominations; Joint Committee on Amendments; Judiciary,
Our United Outreach; Place of Meeting Committee; Program Committee; Unified
Committee on Theology and Social Concerns.
10.02 Election and Tenure. The following qualifications and rules relate to service on any
denominational entity.
01. Unless elected as an Ecumenical Representative, no person shall be qualified to serve
except a member in good standing in a presbytery or local congregation of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
02. No person who is employed in an executive capacity including Chief Executive, VicePresident, 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 remainderof 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 toanother 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. When nominating persons
to boards and agencies, priority consideration be given to persons whose individual life
and/or church involvement demonstrates a commitment to support Our United Outreach.
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 thesame entity (except for an authorized consecutive term) until at least two (2) years haveelapsed since the conclusion of the previous service.
06. A Cumberland Presbyterian who is serving on any entity is not eligible to serve onanother 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.
10.03 Resignation or Removal.
01. Any person serving on a denominational entity who is no longer qualified or eligible

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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 voteof 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 morethan 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, thecorporation shall elect three (3) Youth Advisory Members who shall be between theages of 15 – 17 be elected for 1-year terms, with eligibility for re-election for one
additional term.
10.09 Commission on Chaplains and Military Personnel. The commission shall consist of three(3) members elected by the corporation.
ARTICLE 11-COMMITTEES
11.01 General. The corporation shall have the committees provided for in these Bylaws and suchother standing or special committees as the General Assembly may create from time to time. Except asotherwise provided in these Bylaws, the Moderator, in consultation with the Stated Clerk, shall appoint allcommittees.
11.02 Committees of Commissioners and Youth Advisory Delegates. Prior to each General
Assembly, the Moderator, in consultation with the Stated Clerk, shall organize the Commissioners andYouth Advisory Delegates into the following committees: Chaplains/Missions/Pastoral Development,Children’s Home/Historical Foundation, Higher Education, Judiciary, Ministry Council/Communications/
Discipleship, Stewardship/Elected Officers, and Theology and Social Concerns. Each committee shallconsider such matters expected to come before the General Assembly as are referred to it by the StatedClerk. Any denominational organization, the work of which is affected by a matter before a committee,
shall be entitled to address the committee.
11.03 Committee on Nominations.

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01. The committee shall consist of ten (10) persons elected by the corporation in such amanner that, immediately following any election, the committee shall have at least one
minister and one lay person from each synod. It is preferred but not required that notwo members shall be from the same presbytery.
02. Approximately one third of the members of the committee shall be elected each yearby the General Assembly and shall serve one term not to exceed three years.
03. The committee shall meet not earlier than February 15 each year and shall nominate to
the General Assembly qualified persons to fill all vacancies to be filled by vote of theGeneral Assembly, including vacancies on the Committee on Nominations, unless
another method of nomination is provided in these Bylaws. The report of thecommittee shall list the names of nominees, the presbytery if a minister, and thepresbytery 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 thanFebruary 1 on a form to be provided by the Stated Clerk. Nominations from thefloor 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 amanner 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 arelicensed 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 StatedClerk.
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 StatedClerk, the committee shall render an advisory opinion on matters of church law orprocedure. 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 orprocedure. 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 Rulesof 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 amanner that, immediately following any election, the committee shall have one personfrom each synod. Seven (7) additional members will include a member of the MinistryCouncil, 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 HistoricalFoundation, and a Cumberland Presbyterian member of the Boards of Trustees ofBethel University, the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home, and Memphis
Theological Seminary. The executives of the above named denominational entities

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shall serve as non-voting, Resource/Advocacy members.
02. The Office of the General Assembly will be responsible for the expenses of therepresentative 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 aknowing violation of law; or
03. 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 committee recommendations shall be
submitted in writing.
3. All materials from denominational entities for consideration or action by a General Assembly
shall be submitted to the Stated Clerk at least thirty (30) days before the meeting of General Assembly.
4. Resolutions and memorials proposed for adoption by individual commissioners rather thandenominational entities or judicatories of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church shall be introduced no later
than the close of business on the second day of a meeting of General Assembly, and, when introduced, shallbe referred by the Moderator, in counsel with the Stated Clerk, to the appropriate committee or committees
for report and recommendations to the Assembly.
ARTICLE 15-REPORTS AND AUDITS
15.01 Congregational Reports. Annually by December 1, the Stated Clerk shall send to session
clerks statistical forms for reporting congregational data. Session clerks shall mail the completed forms
to presbytery clerks by February 1. The presbytery clerk shall mail the composite statistical report for all
congregations of a presbytery to the Stated Clerk by February 10.
15.02 Institutional Reports. In order to be considered for inclusion in the General Assembly
budget, all denominational entities shall deliver to the Stated Clerk an annual report including a concise
description of the organization’s work during the previous year and a line item budget for the forthcoming
year. Financial reports should be condensed as much as possible while conveying all essential informationon the organization’s operations. All denominational entities except academic institutions on a fiscal year
are requested to maintain their books on a calendar year.
15.03 Reporting Schedule. An electronic copy and two written copies of the annual report signedby two officers of the organization shall be delivered to the Stated Clerk by March 15 each year. Organizations requesting funds from Our United Outreach shall submit multi-year program budgets to the Our
United Outreach Committee.
15.04 Audits. Organizations and operations included in the General Assembly budget shall be
audited annually by a certified public accountant. Copies of the auditor’s report, including any recommendations for changes in the procedures relating to internal financial controls, shall be delivered to the StatedClerk. Organizations with total receipts of $100,000 or less are not required to have an audit but shall submit their books and financial statements to the Stated Clerk annually.
15.05 Bonds. Each organization or person whose financial records are required to be audited shallhave a fidelity bond in an amount adequate to protect all funds held by the organization or person.
ARTICLE 16-AMENDMENTS
16.01 Manner of Amendment. Except as provided below, these Bylaws may be amended orrepealed only by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the votes cast in a duly constituted meeting of theGeneral Assembly. No portion of the Bylaws may be amended or repealed by the Board of Directors. Fair
and reasonable notice of any proposed amendment shall be provided as required by state law.
16.02 Extraordinary Actions. In order to be effective the following actions must be approvedby (1) the affirmative vote of two consecutive General Assemblies, or (2) a ninety percent (90%) vote of asingle General Assembly.
01. Terminating the existence of a denominational entity named in Bylaw 10.01
02. Creating a new denominational entity other than a temporary committee or task force.
03. Decreasing the Our United Outreach budget allocation to a denominational entity bymore 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 structureof the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

2017

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHMEMORIAL ROLL OF MINISTERS
IN MEMORY OF
MINISTERS LOST BY DEATH
NAME...........................................PRESBYTERY ......................AGE ................DATE
Benson, William .............................................Grace ......................................69 .......................11/06/16
Blakeburn, Roy E ...........................................East Tennessee ...........................87 .......................04/14/16
Fleming, Patrick T..........................................Arkansas.....................................53 .......................08/07/16
Gross, Ronald.................................................North Central .............................86 .......................01/15/17
Hatcher, Carlton .............................................Cumberland ................................87 .......................01/01/16
Hom, Paul ......................................................del Cristo ....................................85 .......................03/14/17
Jacob, Randy ..................................................Choctaw .....................................80 .......................01/29/17
Lunn, Calvin ..................................................Columbia ....................................70 .......................06/06/17
Malone, Michael ............................................Murfreesboro..............................49 .......................05/28/16
Maynard, Terrell.............................................Grace ......................................72 .......................03/14/17
Murrie, Willard ..............................................Covenant ....................................97 .......................04/20/17
Neafus, Kenneth .............................................Cumberland ................................71 .......................08/08/16
Ortiz, Jaime ....................................................Andes ......................................83 .......................03/29/16
Phelps, Earl ....................................................West Tennessee ..........................87 .......................04/20/16
Reid, Richard .................................................West Tennessee ..........................52 .......................07/13/16
Shelton, Robert E ...........................................Red River ...................................75 .......................11/01/16
Smith, Albert J ...............................................North Central .............................87 .......................02/10/17
Smith, Billy T.................................................Nashville ....................................86 .......................06/16/16
Talley, James E...............................................Cumberland ................................89 .......................03/15/16
Vasseur, Terry .................................................Covenant ....................................78 .......................02/05/17
Wallace, Andrew ............................................North Central .............................56 .......................08/14/16
Wallace, Boyce...............................................Cauca Valley ..............................87 .......................01/04/17
Westfall, Charles ............................................Covenant ....................................89 .......................03/12/17
Wooten, Wallace ............................................Arkansas.....................................88 .......................12/28/16

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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2017

LIVING GENERAL ASSEMBLY MODERATORS
2017—REV. DAVID LANCASTER, 426 Fuqua Road, Martin, TN 38237
2016—REV. DWAYNE TYUS, 426 Old Hickory Boulevard, Madison, TN 37115
2015—REV. MICHELE GENTRY, Urb San Jorge casa 28, Km 8 via a La Tebaida
Armenia, Quindio, COLOMBIA, SA
2014—REV. LISA HALL ANDERSON, 1790 Faxon Avenue, Memphis, TN 38112
2013—REV. FOREST PROSSER, 1157 Mountain Creek Road, Chattanooga, TN 37405
2012—REV. ROBERT D. RUSH, 12935 Quail Park Drive, Cypress, TX 77429
2011—REV. DON M. TABOR, 9611 Mitchell Place, Brentwood, TN 37027
2009—ELDER SAM SUDDARTH, 206 Ha Le Koa Court, Smyrna, TN 37167
2008—REV. JONATHAN CLARK, 88 Woodcrest Drive, Winchester, TN 37398
2007—REV. FRANK WARD, 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016
2006—REV. DONALD HUBBARD, 2128 Campbell Station Road, Knoxville, TN 37932
2005—REV. LINDA H. GLENN, 49 Mason Road, Threeway, TN 38343
2004—REV. EDWARD G. SIMS, 2161 N. Meadows Drive, Clarksville, TN 37043
2003—REV. CHARLES MCCASKEY, 679 Canter Lane, Cookeville, TN 38501
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, PO Box 770068, 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
1981—REV. W. JEAN RICHARDSON, 7533 Lancashire, Powell, TN 37849

IN MEMORY OF:
Moderator of the180th General Assembly

REV. BOYCE WALLACE
Died January 4, 2017

Moderator of the171st General Assembly

REV. RANDY JACOB
Died January 29, 2017

Moderator of the158th General Assembly

ELDER BEVERLY ST. JOHN
Died May 18, 2017

2017

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

GENERAL ASSEMBLY OFFICERS
MODERATOR
THE REVEREND DAVID LANCASTER
426 Fuqua Road
Martin, TN 38237
lancasterd@bethelu.edu(731)588-5895
VICE MODERATOR
THE REVEREND LISA SCOTT(address on file in GA office)lascott1979@att.net(816)332-0604
STATED CLERK AND TREASURER
THE REVEREND MICHAEL SHARPE
8207 Traditional Place
Cordova, TN 38016(901)276-4572
FAX (901)272-3913
msharpe@cumberland.org
ENGROSSING CLERKTHE REVEREND VERNON SANSOM
7810 Shiloh Road
Midlothian, TX 76065(972)825-6887
vernon@sansom.us

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
GENERAL ASSEMBLY CORPORATION(Members whose terms expire in 2018)(1)MS. CALOTTA EDSELL, 7044 Woodsong Cove, Germantown, TN 38138
cedsell@hotmail.com(1)REV. NORLAN SCRUDDER, 29688 S 534 Road, Park Hill, OK 74451
ndscrudder@gmail.com(Members whose terms expire in 2019)(2)MR. TIM GARRETT, 150 Third Avenue South, Suite 2800, Nashville, TN 37201
tgarrett@bassberry.com(2)REV. BOBBY COLEMAN, 704 E Webb Street, Mountain View, AR 72560
bobby.coleman@gmail.com(Members whose terms expire in 2020)(2)REV. JOHN BUTLER, 501 Cherokee Drive, Campbellsville, KY 42718
jbutler@iccable.com(2)MS. BETTY JACOB, PO Box 158, Broken Bow, OK 74728
chocpres@pine-net.com*Ecumenical Partners+Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America

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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLYMINISTRY COUNCIL(Members whose terms expire in 2018)(2)MR. KENNETH BEAN, 1035 Stonewall Street N, McKenzie, TN 38201(1)REV. KENNY BUTCHER, 4608 Cather Court, Nashville, TN 37214(1)REV. PHILLIP LAYNE, 10699 Griffith Highway, Whitwell, TN 37397(2)REV. RON MCMILLAN, 675 Kimberly Drive, Atoka, TN 38004(1)MS. VICTORY MOORE, 17388 Chandlerville Road, Virginia, IL 62691(Members whose terms expire in 2019)(1)MS. KAREN AVERY, 9420 Layton Court NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111(1)MS. CARLA BELLIS, 19264 Law 2170, Aurora, MO 65605(3)REV. TROY GREEN, 105 Cobb Hollow Lane, Petersburg, TN 37144(1)MS. TSURUKO SATOH, 8710 Hickory Falls Lane, Pewee Valley, KY 40056(1)REV. MIKE WILKINSON, 1504 Clear Brook Drive, Knoxville, TN 37922(Members whose terms expire in 2020)(3)REV. DONNY ACTON, 1413 Oakridge Drive, Birmingham, AL 35242(1)MR. DAVID CORREA, Calle 76 #87-14, Medellin, COLOMBIA, SOUTH AMERICA(1)MS. SAMANTHA HASSELL, 510 N Main Street, Sturgis, KY 42459(3)REV. LANNY JOHNSON, 120 S Mill Street, Morrison, TN 37357(1)MS. CHARELLE WEBB, 3507 Pickering Lane, Pearland, TX 77584
YOUTH ADVISORY MEMBERS(2)MR. CAMERON ALDERSON, 122 E Cherry Street, Chandler, IN 47610(1)MS. LEIGHANN MORGAN, 1468 Williams Cove Road, Winchester, TN 37398(2)MS. CHARLI UHLRICH, 250 County Road 1950 N, Bethany, IL 61914
ADVISORY MEMBERS
REV. DAVID LANCASTER, 426 Fuqua Road, Martin, TN 38237
REV. MICHAEL SHARPE, 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016

COMMUNICATIONS MINISTRY TEAM
(Members whose terms expire in 2018)(3)REV. MICHAEL CLARK, 80 Bryan Drive, Winchester, TN 37398(3)REV. JAMES D. MCGUIRE, 220-2 Southwind Circle, Greeneville, TN 37743(Members whose terms expire in 2019)(2)REV. NICHOLAS CHAMBERS, 11300 Road 101, Union, MS 39365(2)REV. STEVEN SHELTON, 7886 Farmhill Cove, Bartlett, TN 38135(Members whose terms expire in 2020)(1)MS. FREDERICKA JOHNS, PO Box 234, Calico Rock, AR 72519(2)MS. DUSTY LUTHY, 2026 Washington Street, Paducah, KY 42003*Ecumenical Partners+Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America

2017

2017

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHDISCIPLESHIP MINISTRY TEAM
(Members whose terms expire in 2018)(3)MS. JOANNA WILKINSON, 1174 Tanglewood Street, Memphis, TN 38114(2)MS. RACHEL COOK, 210 Bynum Street, Scottsboro, AL 35768(2)REV. CHRISTIAN SMITH, 475 State Street, Cookeville, TN 38501(Members whose terms expire in 2019)(2)REV. NANCY MCSPADDEN, 120 Roberta Drive, Memphis, TN 38112(2)REV. JOSEFINA SANCHEZ, 7 Hancock Street, Melrose, MA 02176(1)REV. JESSE THORNTON, 1016 S Fly Avenue, Goreville, IL 62939(Members whose terms expire in 2020)(2)MS. LE ILA DIXON, 4406 John Reagan Street, Marshall, TX 75672(2)REV. DREW GRAY, 8220 Timberland Drive, West Paducah, KY 42086(1)REV. BILLY PRICE, 12510 Buttermilk Road, Knoxville, TN 37932

MISSIONS MINISTRY TEAM
(Members whose terms expire in 2018)(2)MR. TIM CRAIG, 8958 Carriage Creek Road, Arlington, TN 38002(2)REV. CARDELIA HOWELL-DIAMOND, 1580 Jeff Road NW, Huntsville, AL 35806(3)MS. SHERRY POTEET, P.O. Box 313, Gilmer, TX 75644(2)MS. MELINDA REAMS, 10 W Azalea Lane, Russellville, AR 72802(Members whose terms expire in 2019)(2)REV. VICTOR HASSELL, 510 N Main Street, Sturgis, KY 42459(2)MR. DOMINIC LAU, 3820 Anza Street, San Francisco, CA(2)REV. BRITTANY MEEKS, 710 N Avalon Street, Memphis, TN 38107(2)REV. CHRIS WARREN, 906 Prince Lane, Murfreesboro, TN 37129(Members whose terms expire in 2020)(1)MS. DONNA CHRISTIE, 3221 Whitehall Road, Birmingham, AL 35209

PASTORAL DEVELOPMENT MINISTRY TEAM
(Members whose terms expire in 2018)(2)REV. DUAWN MEARNS, 15347 County Road 3537, Ada, OK 74820(3)REV. LINDA SNELLING, PO Box 61, Waxahachie, TX 75168(Members whose terms expire in 2019)(2)REV. SANDRA SHEPHERD, 1432 Wexford Downs Lane, Nashville, TN 37211(Members whose terms expire in 2020)(2)REV. AMBER CLARK, 80 Bryan Drive, Winchester, TN 37398(2)REV. DREW HAYES, 6322 Labor Lane, Louisville, KY 40291*Ecumenical Partners+Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America

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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2017

GENERAL ASSEMBLY BOARD OF:
I. TRUSTEES OF BETHEL UNIVERSITY(Members whose terms expire in 2017)(2)*MS. LISA COLE, PO Box 198615, Nashville, TN 37219(2)MR. CHESTER (CHET) DICKSON, 24 W Rivercrest Drive, Houston, TX 77042(1)REV. NANCY MCSPADDEN, 120 Roberta Drive, Memphis, TN 38112(3)MR. BOBBY OWEN, 1625 Cabot Drive, Franklin, TN 37064(2)DR. ED PERKINS, 721 Paris Street, McKenzie, TN 38201(1)MR. KENNETH (KEN) D. QUINTON, 2912 Waller Omer Road, Sturgis, KY 42459(3)REV. ROBERT (ROB) TRUITT, 1238 Old East Side Road, Burns, TN 37029(1)REV. ROBERT (BOB) WATKINS, 10950 West Union Hills Drive #1356, Sun City, AZ 85373(Members whose terms expire in 2018)(3)MR. CHARLIE GARRETT, 107 Willow Green Drive, Jackson, TN 38305(2)+REV. ELTON C. HALL, SR., 305 Tiffton Circle, Hewitt, TX 76643(2)MS. DEWANNA LATIMER, 1077 Jr. Jones Road, Humboldt, TN 38343(1)*DR. E. RAY MORRIS, PO Box 924628, Norcross, GA 30010(1)MR. STEVE PERRYMAN, 535 Ranch Road, Rogersville, MO 65742(Members whose terms expire in 2019)(2)MR. JEFF AMREIN, 11711 Paramont Way, Prospect, KY 40059(3)*JUDGE BEN CANTRELL, 1485A Woodmont Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37215(1)*MR. SCOTT CONGER, 551 Westmoreland Place, Jackson, TN 38301(3)+DR. ARMY DANIEL, 3125 Searcy Drive, Huntsville, AL 35810(2)MR. BILL DOBBINS 5716 Quest Ridge Road, Franklin, TN 37064(3)DR. ROBERT LOW, c/o New Prime, Inc., 2740 W Mayfair Avenue, Springfield, MO 65803(1)*DR. BROCK MARTIN, 419 Browning Avenue, Huntingdon, TN 38344
Trustee Emeritus – Dr. Vera Low, 3653 Prestwick Court, Springfield, MO 65809 (deceased)

II. TRUSTEES OF CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIANCHILDREN’S HOME
(Members whose terms expire in 2017)(1)MS. CAROLINE BOOTH, 2200 Westview Trail, Denton, TX 76207(3)MS. MAMIE HALL, 305 Tiffton Circle, Hewitt, TX 76643(1)MR. CHARLES HARRIS, 3293 Birch Avenue, Grapevine, TX 76051(1)MR. KNIGHT MILLER, 1035 Garden Creek Circle, Louisville, KY 40223(3)REV. DON TABOR, 9611 Mitchell Place, Brentwood, TN 37027(Members whose terms expire in 2018)(1)REV. DUANE DOUGHERTY, 212 County Road 4705, Troup, TX 75789(1)MRS. CAROLYN HARMON, 4435 Newport Highway, Greeneville, TN 37743(1)DR. ROBIN HENSON, 8220 Westwind Lane, North Richland Hills, TX 76182(1)REV. JOYCE MERRITT, 3929 Snail Shell Cove, Rockvale, TN 37153(Members whose terms expire in 2019)(2)*MR. RICHARD DEAN, 2140 Cove Circle North, Gadsden, AL 35903(1)MRS. KAY GOODMAN, 1042 Bobcat Road, Sanger, TX 76266(2)REV. MELISSA KNIGHT, 5730 Haley Road, Meridian, MS 39305(2)MS. PATRICIA LONG, 525 E Oak Street, Aledo, TX 76008(Members whose terms expire in 2020)(1)MR. PETE CARTER, 306 Jackson Hills Drive, Maryville, TN 37804(1)MR. CAMERON MARONE, 3933 Park Haven Drive, Denton, TX 76210(1)MR JAY THOMAS, 3301 Cooperbranch E, Denton, TX 76209*Ecumenical Partners+Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America

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III. TRUSTEES OF HISTORICAL FOUNDATION(Members whose terms expire in 2018)(1)REV. LISA OLIVER, 110 Allen Drive, Hendersonville, TN 37075(3)DR. SIDNEY L. SWINDLE, 4407 Swann Avenue, Tampa, FL 33609(Members whose terms expire in 2019)(1)MS. ROBIN MCCASKEY HUGHES, 1205 Olde Bridge Road, Edmond, OK 73034(3)REV. MARY KATHRYN KIRKPATRICK, 401 1/2 Henley-Perry Drive, Marshall, TX 75670(1)MS. ASHLEY LINDSEY, 2090 Claypool Boyce Road, Alvaton, KY 42122(Members whose terms expire in 2020)(3)+MS. EDNA BARNETT, 7 Breezewood Cove, Jackson, TN 38305(2)MR. MICHAEL FARE, 401 E Deanna Lane, Nixa, MO 65714(2)*MS. DOROTHY M. HAYDEN, 3103 Carolina Avenue, Bessemer, AL 35020(1)+MS. PAT WARD, 2620 Rabbit Lane, Madison, AL 35756(3)+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 2018)(3)REV. KEVIN BRANTLEY, 308 A Chestnut Street, Sacramento, KY 42372(1)REV. KEVIN HENSON, 1101 Bear Creek Parkway, Ste 3210, Keller, TX 76248(1)REV. LINDA HOWELL, PO Box 80050, Keller, TX 76244(3)MR. MARK MADDOX, 225 Oak Drive, Dresden, TN 38225(2)MS. SONDRA RODDY, 2583 Hedgerow Lane, Clarksville, TN 37043(3)MR. TAKAYOSHI SHIRAI, 25 Minami Kibogaoka Asahi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa-ken 241-0824 JAPAN(2)*REV. MELVIN CHARLES SMITH, 1263 Haynes Street, Memphis, TN 38114(2)*MS. LATISHA TOWNS, The Med, 877 Jefferson Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103(Members whose terms expire in 2019)(3)MR. MICHAEL R. ALLEN, 149 Windwood Circle, Alabaster, AL 35007(3)MS. DIANE DICKSON, 24 West Rivercrest, Houston, TX 77042(1)*MS. JANE ASHLEY FOLK, 4405 Dunwick Lane, Fort Worth, TX 76109(1)*MR. HARRY HILLIARD, 206 E Bankhead Street, New Albany, MS 38652(2)*DR. RICK KIRCHOFF, 2044 Thorncroft Drive, Germantown, TN 38138(3)*DR. INETTA RODGERS, 1824 S Parkway E, Memphis, TN 38114(1)*DR. DEBORAH SMITH, 584 E McLemore Avenue, Memphis, TN 38106(1)MS. MARIANNA (MOLLY) WILLIAMS, 947 Troy Avenue, Dyersburg, TN 28024(Members whose terms expire in 2020)(1)*REV. NANCY COLE, 3346 Arcadia Drive, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404(2)REV. ANNE HAMES, 118 Paris Street, McKenzie, TN 38201(1)*REV. JIMMY JOHNATHAN MOSBY, PO Box 45843, Little Rock, AR 72214(3)REV. JENNIFER NEWELL, 2322 Marco Circle, Chattanooga, TN 37421(2)REV. SUSAN PARKER, 655 York Drive, Rogersville, AR 35652(1)*MR. REGINALD PORTER, JR., 4458 Whitephine Cove, Memphis, TN 38109(1)REV. KIP RUSH, 516 Franklin Road, Breentwood, TN 37027(1)+MR. CRAIG WHITE, 134 McEntire Lane SW A36, Decatur, AL 35603(1)*MS. RUBY WHARTON, 1183 E Parkway South, Memphis, TN 38114

V. STEWARDSHIP, FOUNDATION AND BENEFITS(Members whose terms expire in 2018)(3)MR. ANDREW B. FRAZIER, JR., 107 Doris Street, Camden, TN 38320(1)MR. JAMES SHANNON, 2307 Littlemore Drive, Cordova, TN 38016(2)MR. MICHAEL ST. JOHN, 324 Carriage Place, Lebanon, MO 65536*Ecumenical Partners+Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America

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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2017(Members whose terms expire in 2019)(2)REV. CHARLES (BUDDY) POPE, 2391 Fairfield Pike, Shelbyville, TN 37160(3)MS. SUE RICE, 1301 Brooker Road, Brandon, FL 33511(3)MS. DEBBIE SHELTON, 1255 MG England Road, Manchester, TN 37355(1)MS. ANDREA SMITH, 1715 Water Cure Road, Winchester, TN 37398(Members whose terms expire in 2020)(2)MR. RANDY DAVIDSON, PO Box 880, Ada, OK 74821(1)REV. MARK HESTER, 763 Finn Long Road, Friendsville, TN 37737(1)REV. GARY TUBB, 103 Forest Drive, Mountain Home, AR 72653(1)REV. DWAYNE TYUS, 426 W Old Hickory Boulevard, Madison, TN 37115

GENERAL ASSEMBLY COMMISSIONS:
I. MILITARY CHAPLAINS AND PERSONNEL(1) Term Expires in 2018–REV. TONY JANNER, 104 Northwood Drive, McKenzie
TN 38201(2) Term Expires in 2019–REV. CASSANDRA THOMAS, 1920 Dancy Street, Fayetteville,
NC 28301(1) Term Expires in 2020–REV. CHARLES MCCASKEY, 679 Canter Lane, Cookeville,
TN 38501
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 2018)(2)REV. ANNETTA CAMP, 2263 Mill Creek Road, Halls, TN 38040
anetta@cumberlandchurch.com(3)MS. KIMBERLY SILVUS, 1128 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37040
kgsilvus@gmail.com(1)MR. BILL TALLY, 907 Tipperary Drive, Scottsboro, AL 35768
wtally@scottsboro.org(Members whose terms expire in 2019)(3)REV. ANDY MCCLUNG, 919 Dickinson Street, Memphis, TN 38107
scubarev@att.net(1)MS. RACHEL MOSES, 1138 Blaine Avenue, Cookeville, TN 38501
coachrach@aol.com(1)REV. JAN OVERTON, 3320 Pipe Line Road, Birmingham, AL 35243
jan@crestlinechurch.org(Members whose terms expire in 2020)(1)MS. PAMELA BROWN, 6400 North Grove Avenue, Warr Acres, OK 73012
pambrownlaw@cox.net(2)REV. HARRY CHAPMAN, 4908 El Picador Court SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124
wrightrev2gmail.com(1)REV. GEOFFREY KNIGHT, 2119 Avalon Place, Houston, TX 77019
geoff@cphouston.org*Ecumenical Partners+Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America

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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 2018)(1)REV. THOMAS CAMPBELL, PO Box 343, Calico Rock, AR 72519
tdcampbellar@gmail.com(1)MS. HEATHER MORGAN, 1468 Williams Cove Road, Winchester, TN 37398
htmorgan87@gmail.com(Members whose terms expire in 2019)(1)MS. FAYE DELASHMIT, 2705 Garrett Drive, Bowling Green, KY 42104
steve.delashmit@twc.com(1)REV. DEREK JACKS, 341 Shadeswood Drive, Hoover, AL 35226
pastorderek@homewoodcpc.com(1)REV. STEPHEN LOUDER, 98 Gallant Court, Clarksville, TN 37043
pastorsteve@clarksvillecpc.com(1)MS. JANIE STAMPS, 4008 Logan Lane, Fort Smith, AR 72903
bjstamps@msn.com(Members whose terms expire in 2020)(1)REV. BRIAN HAYES, 69 Cactus Drive, Benton, KY 42025
cprevbhayes@gmail.com(1)MR. LEE HOLDER, 6589 County Road 747, Cullman, AL 35055
lholder@tvpine.com(1)REV. TOM SPENCE, PO Box 802, Burns Flat, OK 73624
tomspence0302@gmail.com(1)MS. JENANN LESLIE, 300 Henley Perry Drive, Marshall, TX 75670
jenann.leslie@gmail.com

IV. OUR UNITED OUTREACH COMMITTEE(Members whose terms expire in 2018)(2)MR. RANDY WEATHERSBY, 6130 US Highway 278 E, Cullman, AL 35055(2)MS. ROBIN WILLS, 4607 E Richmond Shop Road, Lebanon, TN 37090(Members whose terms expire in 2019)(1)REV. BRUCE HAMILTON, 1037 Binns Drive, Monticello, AR 71655(Members whose terms expire in 2020)(1)MS. MARY ANN COLE, 1726 Karen Circle, Bowling Green, KY 42104(1)MR. MIKEL DAVIS, 102 Willow Wood Lane, Ovilla, TX 75154

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

*Ecumenical Partners+Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America

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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2017

VI. UNIFIED COMMITTEE ON THEOLOGY AND SOCIAL CONCERNS(Members whose terms expire in 2018)(2)REV. GEORGE ESTES, 7910 Cloverbrook Lane, Germantown, TN 38138
geoestes@gmail.com; (901)755-6673(2)REV. SHELIA O’MARA, PO Box 170, Gadsden, TN 38337
chaplainshelia@aol.com; (443)699-2321; (443)370-7218 cell(2)MR. DAVID PHILLIPS-BURK, 3325 Bailey Creek Cove N, Collierville, TN 38017
dlphillipsburk@aol.com; (256)520-1380(Members whose terms expire in 2019)(3)+MRS. JIMMIE DODD, c/o Hopewell CPCA, 4100 Millsfield Highway, Dyersburg, TN 38024
dodd125@gmail.com(3)REV. BYRON FORESTER, 2376 Eastwood Place, Memphis, TN 38112
bforester@bellsouth.net; (901)246-1242(1)REV. MARCUS HAYES, 2901 Sandage Avenue, Apt 304, Fort Worth, TX 76109
marcus.hayes@att.net(2)REV. JOHN A. SMITH, 916 Allen Road, Nashville, TN 37214
john.a.smith.81@gmail.com; (615)545-6486(3)+ELDER JOY WALLACE, 6940 Marvin D Love Freeway, Dallas, TX 75237
jwallace@wlgllc.net(Members whose terms expire in 2020)(1)+MS. SHARON COMBS, PO Box 122, Sturgis, KY 42459(270)860-4175(1)+REV. EDMOND COX, 249 Mimosa Circle, Maryville, TN 37801(865)789-6161(2)+DR. NANCY FUQUA, 1963 County Road 406, Towncreek, AL 35672
fuq23@bellsouth.net; (256)566-1226(1)REV. RICHARD MORGAN, 1468 Williams Cove Road, Winchester, TN 37398
icthuse@charter.net(1)REV. LISA SCOTT, (address on file in GA office)lascott1979@att.net(1)+REV. ROBERT E THOMAS, 1017 N Englewood, Tyler, TX 75702(903)592-0238
President of Memphis Theological Seminary - Ex-officio Member
REV. JAY EARHEART-BROWN, 866 N McLean Boulevard, Memphis, TN 38107
jebrown@memphisseminary.edu; (901)278-0367

OTHER DENOMINATIONAL PERSONNEL
REPRESENTATIVES TO:
American Bible Society: REV. MICHAEL SHARPE, 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016
Caribbean and North American Area Council, World Communion of Reformed Churches:
STATED CLERK MICHAEL SHARPE, 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016(Member whose terms expire in 2020)(1)MS. SHERRY POTEET, PO box 313, Gilmer, TX 75644
spoteet1@aol.com

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THE REPORT OF THE MODERATORFirst of all, I express my gratitude to the commissioners who elected me to serve as Moderator of
the 186th General Assembly. I have enjoyed all aspects of my term as Moderator, and I hope and pray that
my work in this role was satisfactory. I really wish to express my gratitude to the Reverend Michael Sharpe,
Stated Clerk, and to Elizabeth Vaughn, who serves as Assistant to the Stated Clerk, for their invaluable help
and guidance during my term of office. I thank the Reverend Nobuko Seki, Vice-Moderator, for her help
and her service, and I wish we could have had some more time together during our travels.
I chose, this year, to meet with as many stateside presbyteries as possible, especially those
who have perhaps been under served in the past. I attended meetings of the following presbyteries: delCristo, Missouri, North Central, East Tennessee, Hope, Murfreesboro, Arkansas, Tennessee-Georgia, East
Coast Cumberland, Nashville, Trinity, Red River, and West Tennessee. In addition, I also preached at a
Denomination Day celebration of the Robert Donnell Presbytery. Other preaching assignments included
del Cristo, Missouri, West Tennessee, and Nashville presbyteries.
The Office of Moderator also has other duties besides meeting with presbyteries. It was my pleasure
to meet with the Ministry Council; the Board of Stewardship, Foundation, and Benefits; the Board ofTrustees of Memphis Theological Seminary; and a special meeting to review the Denomination’s covenant
relationship with the Children’s Home in Denton, Texas.
One other thing really kept me busy during this year. I was able to write an article each month for
the Cumberland Presbyterian Magazine. Thanks to Editor Mark Davis for being patient with me in thisexciting chore. I pray that the joy I received from relating to friends old and new in the meetings of thepresbyteries and Boards was evident in the small articles I wrote. I hope my enthusiasm about the goodnews I found in all the various places I visited came through on the written page.
There is a lot to excite us in our church. We have growth in our institutions like Memphis TheologicalSeminary, Bethel University, the Children’s Home, and we added a new presbytery, Emaus, in Colombia.
I thank the Reverend Leslie Johnson, who serves as Moderator of Mission Synod, for his tireless work
representing the Synod, not only at the beginning of Emaus Presbytery, but also in the meetings of otherpresbyteries in the United States. The Cumberland Presbyterian Church is reaching a lot of new persons
in a lot of new places with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Although in our minds we may lump these places
together, each new preaching point, each new church building, is a victory for the church. Each of thesenew places represents a goal, a dream, an accomplishment of someone led by the Holy Spirit to preach thegospel in new places.
Last, but not least, I thank my wife of 42 years, Guin, for her help, patience, and her driving of long
distances to the meetings. She was with me at almost all the presbyteries.
Finally, I encourage each congregation’s continued giving to Our United Outreach, as well as to theStott-Wallace Fund, so that your congregation may share in all that God is doing through a people called
Cumberland Presbyterian.
Respectfully submitted,
Reverend Dwayne Tyus
Moderator of the 186th General Assembly

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

II. STAFF
Ms. Elizabeth Vaughn serves as the Assistant to the Stated Clerk, a position that requires her tomaintain accurate records of ministers, probationers, congregations, record income and expenses and toauthorize payment of all items in the Office of the General Assembly budget. The Church is fortunate tohave a person with such knowledge, efficiency and dedication to work. The Stated Clerk and the Assistantto the Stated Clerk are currently the only employees of the Office of the General Assembly.
Reverend Vernon Sansom continues to serves as Engrossing Clerk and is to be commended forthe accuracy in recording the minutes of the General Assembly. Vernon also leads the orientation session
for those who serve as chairperson and co-chairperson for each General Assembly appointed Committee
and provides valuable assistance in the preparation of committee reports at each meeting of the General
Assembly.

III. ECUMENICAL RELATIONSHIPSThe Cumberland Presbyterian Church has historically been involved in ecumenical relationships.
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. Throughecumenical partnerships disaster relief funds are distributed. Through working co-operatively church
school and camping materials are developed. The Cumberland Presbyterian witness is more effective
through participation with other Christians in these and various other ministries.

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A. CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church have
one heritage, one Confession of Faith and share in several co-operative relationships and ministries suchas the Historical Foundation, the United Board of Christian Discipleship, youth ministry, and the Unified
Committee on Theology and Social Concerns. The Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America andthe Cumberland Presbyterian Church also participate with other Reformed bodies in ministry. Althoughworking 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.
B. WORLD COMMUNION OF REFORMED CHURCHES
Both the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in a America
are members of World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC). The WCRC was formed in 2010 bya merger of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches and the Reformed Ecumenical Council. The WCRC
represents approximately eighty million members of two hundred thirty denominations from one hundred
seven countries, including Reformed, Congregationalists, Presbyterian and United Churches. Resources
and updates from the World Communion of Reformed Churches are available on their website: (www.wcrc.ch).
Reverend Christopher Ferguson serves as general secretary of the WCRC and offices in Hanover,Germany where the headquarters for WCRC is located.
The WCRC meets every seven years. The next meeting of the general Council will be held in
Erfurt, Germany, June 2017 and will coincide with the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. The theme
for the 26th general Council is Living God, Renew and Transform Us (based on Romans 12:2 and Luke
4:16-19).

IV. REVIEW OF THE COVENANT RELATIONSHIPSThe Covenant Relationship between the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and both Bethel
University and the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home were reviewed this past year, as requiredby the covenant agreement currently in place with both institutions. Separate reports regarding the review
and recommendations pertaining to each of the covenant agreements is included in this year’s preliminary
minutes.

V. THE CORPORATE BOARD
In the called meeting in December 2007, the General Assembly elected a new board of directors
for the General Assembly Incorporation, thus the Corporate Board was formed. The responsibilities for the
Corporate Board are listed in the General Assembly Bylaws, Article 5.
The Corporate Board met once this past year, which included a biennial review of the Stated Clerk.
The Center Interagency Team (CIT) comprised of the Center’s Principle Executive Officers, continues to be
responsible for oversight of the day-to-day maintenance and property needs at the Denominational Center.
Current CIT members include: Mike Sharpe (Office of the General Assembly), Robert Heflin (Board of
Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits), Susan Gore (Historical Foundation), and Edith Old (MinistryCouncil). The Shared Services budget covers the cost for maintaining the Center offices and property (seepage 133).

VI. LEGAL ISSUES
Last year the Stated Clerk reported on a lawsuit brought against the Milburn Chapel Church,
Coventry Presbytery, Synod of the Midwest, the General Assembly, and certain individual defendants.
That suit has been resolved by the agreement of all the parties and is concluded. The terms of the settlement
are confidential, but included a financial contribution from the General Assembly’s liability insurance
carrier. This experience is a reminder to all Cumberland Presbyterian churches and higher judicatoriesof the importance of adopting and following policies to protect minors and other vulnerable populations
in our churches. The suit also serves as a reminder of the importance of both insurance coverage andincorporation for all judicatories of the church.

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VII. MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The Office of the General Assembly continues to make the minutes of the General Assembly
available on a CD, and mailing them to persons requesting them. The resource center also prints and sellsa few printed copies of the General Assembly Minutes each year. For information contact Matthew Gore,
mhg@cumberland.org. It is permissible to download and print a copy of the minutes from the website(www.cumberland.org/gao).

VIII. STATISTICAL INFORMATION
The annual congregational report forms are sent to the session clerk on December 1, and due inthe office of the Stated Clerk of the Presbytery on February 1, and all reports are to be in the Office of theGeneral Assembly by February 10.
In 2016 a hundred and thirty-one congregations failed to report, thus statistics are not accurate. The
statistics for a non-reporting congregation may be several years old, but it is the latest information available.
The General Assembly Office continues to shorten and simplify the reporting process. Efforts also continue
to further simplify online reporting for those able to utilize the technology. Hard copies of the report forms
will still be made available for those congregations who do not have access to the internet.
The 178th and 179th General Assembly directed “that each presbytery request that its Board ofMissions or similar agency, as they minister to the needs of the churches within their presbyteries, remindthe churches that it is important that they submit annual reports which are part of our history and offer
assistance when needed in preparation of these reports.” If a congregation fails to receive a report, aduplicate form can be requested from the Office of the General Assembly or one may be printed from theweb site (www.cumberland.org/gao), and going to the section on congregational reports.
Compiled statistical information is available in the annual Yearbook available online (www.
cumberland.org/gao) or in print format, available through Cumberland Resource Distribution – resources@
cumberland.org (901-276-4581)

VIII. CHURCH CALENDAR 2017-2018
The 182nd General Assembly, directed the Office of the General Assembly to be responsible forreporting the “Church Calendar” to the General Assembly for adoption. Listed below are the dates received
from the Boards and Agencies of the denomination.
RECOMMENDATION 1: That the 187th General Assembly approve the following dates
for the 2017-2018 Church Calendar:
CHURCH CALENDAR 2017-2018
July-201788
8-22Children’s Fest, Bethel, McKenzie, Tennessee
Program of Alternate Studies Graduation
PAS Summer Extension School, Bethel, McKenzie, Tennessee

August-2017
1-Sept 30
5
6-Sept 24
19
20
21
29
30

Christian Education Season
Bethel University Commencement
Christian Education Season
MTS Fall Semester Begins
Seminary/PAS Sunday
Bethel University Fall Semester Begins
Bethel University Spring Convocation
MTS Opening convocation

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September-201710
Senior Adult Sunday
17
Christian Service Recognition Sunday
17
International Day of Prayer and Action for Human Habitat
October-2017
18
22

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

November-2017
Any Sunday Loaves and Fishes Program
1
All Saints Day
4
World Community Day (Church Women United)5
Bethel University Sunday
5
Stewardship Sunday
12
Day of Prayer for People with Aids and Other Life-Threatening Illnesses
19
Bible Sunday
26
Christ the King Sunday
December-2017
Any Sunday Gift to the King Offering
3-25
Advent in Church and Home
9Bethel University Commencement
24
Christmas Eve
25
Christmas Day
January-2018
6
Epiphany
8
BU Spring Semester Begins
8-9Stated Clerks’ Conference
7
Human Trafficking Awareness Day
15
Deadline for receipt of 2017 Our United Outreach Contributions
February-2018
Black History Month1
Annual congregational reports due in General Assembly office4
Denomination Day
4
Historical Foundation Offering
4
Souper Bowl Sunday
11
Our United Outreach Sunday
14
Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent
14–March 31 Lent to Easter
18
Youth Sunday
March-2018
18
25
25-31
29
30

Women’s History Month (USA)Children’s Home Sunday
Palm/Passion Sunday
National Farm Workers Awareness Week
Maundy Thursday
Good Friday

April-2018
1
1-7
8

EasterFamily Week
One Great Hour of Sharing

37

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May-2018
5
6
12
20
27

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

June-2018
3
17-21
18-20
24-29

Stott-Wallace Missionary Fund Offering/World penMission Sunday
General Assembly, Norman, Oklahoma
CPWM Convention, Norman, Oklahoma
Cumberland Presbyterian Youth Conference, Bethel University, McKenzie, Tennessee

July-2018
14
7
7-21

Children’s Fest
Program of Alternate Studies Graduation
PAS Summer Extension School, Bethel, McKenzie, Tennessee

August-2018
4
5-Sept 30
18
19
22
25
28
30

Bethel University Commencement
Christian Education Season
MTS Fall Semester Begins (tentative)
Seminary/PAS Sunday
Bethel University Fall Semester Begins
MTS Fall Semester Begins (tentative)
MTS Opening convocation (tentative)
Bethel University Spring Convocation

September-2018
4
MTS Opening convocation (tentative)
9
Senior Adult Sunday
16
Christian Service Recognition Sunday
16
International Day of Prayer and Action for Human Habitat
October-2018
7
7
21

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

November-2018
Any Sunday Loaves and Fishes Program
1
All Saints Day
2
World Community Day (Church Women United)
4
Bethel University Sunday
4
Stewardship Sunday11
Day of Prayer for People with Aids and Other Life-Threatening Illnesses
18
Bible Sunday25
Christ the King Sunday
December-2018
Any Sunday Gift to the King Offering
2-24
Advent in Church and Home8Bethel University Commencement
24
Christmas Eve
25
Christmas Day

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XI. CONTINGENCY FUND
The Stated Clerk is to hold, distribute and report annually the General Assembly Contingency Fund(see Bylaws 8.04, #24). Below is a summary Contingency Fund Activity for the 2016 Calendar Year.
Summary of 2016 Activity
Balance Forward 1/1/2016$ 16,475.95

Income in 2016:
Our United Outreach/Contributions
Interest
Total Income:$16,859.52
1,366.33$18,225.85

There were no expenditures in 2016:
Total Fund Balance as of 12/31/16*$34,701.80*Restricted Funds:$ 4,100.00

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

1,011.51

Pastoral Development Ministry Team/General Assembly Ordination Task Force

Total Amount of *Restricted Funds:$ 5,111.51 (12/31/16)

Total Amount of Unrestricted Amount:$45,341.55 (12/31/16)

Total Fund Balance:$50,453.06 (12/31/16)

Respectfully submitted,
Michael Sharpe, Stated Clerk

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THE REPORT OF THE MINISTRY COUNCIL
To the 187th General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church meeting in session in at theInnisbrook Resort and Conference Center, near Tampa, Florida on June 19-23, 2017.

I. MINISTRY COUNCIL
A. INTRODUCTION
The Ministry Council (MC) serves as the primary long- and short-range program planning agencyof the Church, striving to ensure that all segments work on a unified mission and human and material
resources are utilized to carry out ministries of the Church in an effective manner. The Ministry Council is
accountable to the General Assembly (GA).
Due to the scope of the work related to denominational ministries under the MC, our report hashistorically been quite lengthy, necessitating the division of the report to multiple GA committees. At theurging of the Stated Clerk, and with the intention of providing crucial information in a concise manner, we
made significant changes to our report format last year. This condensed report focuses on recommendations
to the GA. A more detailed annual report of the work of the MC and Ministry Teams is available tocommissioners and guests at this GA and on our web page https://cpcmc.org/mc/ga17-supplement/. We
encourage commissioners and others to visit the Ministry Council booth to meet elected members and staff
and to share ideas for enhancing ministries.
1. Ministry Council (MC) Elected Membership and Terms
MC elected members are subject to GA requirements of endorsement by presbytery (clergy)
or church (laity), as well as geographical (synodic) and gender representation. It is our belief that God
calls people from across the denomination to serve in leadership roles, and that the limited number of
Personal Data Forms and related endorsements on file in the Office of General Assembly does not reflect
the abundance of qualified leaders within the Church. The Ministry Council respectfully reminds all
Commissioners of an action of the 186th General Assembly that urged each presbytery “to proactively recruitand encourage qualified leaders to prayerfully consider opportunities to serve as elected board members at
the denominational level, to include the Ministry Council and all other denominational entities.”
The terms of Reverend Donny Acton, Reverend Michele Gentry, Reverend Lanny Johnson, Mr.
Adam McReynolds, and Reverend Tom Sanders expire in 2017. Acton, Johnson, McReynolds and Sanders
are eligible for an additional term of service. Gentry has completed three terms and is ineligible for reelection. McReynolds and Sanders asked not to be nominated for a successive term. Reverend Paula Louder
resigned following General Assembly 2016. The Council wishes to express appreciation to Reverend
Gentry, Reverend Louder, Mr. McReynolds and Reverend Sanders for their faithful service. The one-year
terms of Youth Advisory Members Mr. Cameron Alderson, Mr. Caleb Davis and Ms. Charli Uhlrich expire
in 2017. Alderson and Uhlrich are eligible for an additional one-year term. Davis has served two terms andis ineligible for re-election. We express our appreciation to Mr. Davis for his service. The Ministry Council
is the only denominational entity board with Youth Advisory Members.
2. Ministry Teams plan and implement the program ministries of the Church and are made up
of both Staff and Elected Team Members. Ministry Teams report to the Ministry Council. Elected Team
Members are elected by the MC and reflect the GA model to ensure representation among gender, laity andclergy.
Communications Ministry Team (CMT) elected member Denise Adams has completed three termsof service. The CMT and Ministry Council are grateful for her tenacity and creativity which will be sorely
missed.
Discipleship Ministry Team (DMT) elected member, Samantha Hassell, has also completed threeterms. DMT and Ministry Council are grateful for her diligent and faithful service. The MC elected
Reverend Billy Price to replace Ms. Hassell on DMT.
The MC re-elected Donna Christie to a second term on Missions Ministry Team (MMT). Elected
members, Reverend Jimmy Byrd and Reverend Ricardo Franco have completed three 3-year terms. Karen
Tolen completed a 3-year term vacated by Nancy Gordon. We are grateful for their passionate heart for
missions and for their faithful service on the MMT.
Reverend Patrick Wilkerson resigned from the Pastoral Development Ministry Team (PDMT) to
accept the call to missionary service in Colombia. We are thankful for Reverend Wilkerson’s exemplary

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service to PDMT and for his call to the Mission Field.
A complete list of Ministry Team members appears at https://cpcmc.org/mc/.
Staff Team Members are employees of the Ministry Council:• CMT: Senior Art Director Sowgand Sheikholeslami and CMT Leader Mark J. Davis.
• DMT: Coordinator of Resource Development and Distribution Matt Gore; Coordinator of Adultand Third-Age Ministry Cindy Martin; Shipping Clerk Greg Miller; Coordinator of Children and Family
Ministry Jodi Hearn Rush (Nashville, Tennessee office); Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministry
Reverend Nathan Wheeler; and DMT Leader Reverend Elinor S. Brown.
• MMT: Coordinator for Women’s Ministry and Congregational Ministry Reverend Pam PhillipsBurk; Cross-Culture Immigrant USA Ministry Reverend Johan Daza; Manager, Finance and Administration
Jinger Ellis; Evangelism and New Church Development Reverend T. J. Malinoski; Bilingual English/Korean
Administrative Assistant Julie Min; Director Global Missions Reverend Lynn Thomas (Birmingham,
Alabama office); and MMT Leader Reverend Milton Ortiz.
• PDMT: PDMT Leader Rev. Chuck Brown.
3. The Global Ministries Leadership Team (GMLT) is made up of the four Ministry Team Leadersand Director of Ministries. This body works together to apply the vision/mission of the MC to the manyvaried programs and resource materials planned and produced by the Ministry Teams, coordinating
ministries in a unified, collaborative manner. GMLT meets monthly and minutes are disseminated to allmembers of the MC and Ministry Teams.
4. Administration: Director of Ministries Edith Busbee Old gives executive leadership to the MCin accomplishing duties defined by its Bylaws and supervises the GMLT. The Director of Ministries isunder direct employment of and is responsible to the MC. The Assistant to the Executive Director positionis vacant due to budget constraints.
B. GENERAL INFORMATION
1. Meetings: The MC met twice in regular session since the 186th General Assembly. A Summaryof Action for meetings appears at https://cpcmc.org/mc/soa/.
2. Future Meeting Dates: August 17, 2017 (Thursday) – Orientation for newly elected MC andnewly elected Ministry Team Members at the Denominational Center, Cordova, Tennessee.
August 18–19, 2017 (Friday and Saturday) – MC and Teams meet concurrently at Faith Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, Bartlett, Tennessee (10 minutes from the Denominational Center).
February 17–18, 2018 (Saturday and Sunday) – MC Corporation Annual Meeting of the Board of
Directors with Team Leaders and Director of Ministries at the Denominational Center.
RECOMMENDATION 1: That the 187th General Assembly amend the Ministry Council
Bylaws, ARTICLE III, BOARD OF DIRECTORS, AUTHORITY, AND MEETINGS, SectionE., Meetings to add “5. Meetings. A special meeting of the Ministry Council shall be called whenrequested by five or more Directors. (Bylaws online at https://cpcmc.org/mc/bylaws/)
3. Elected member accountability and training: Elected MC members and elected Ministry
Team members receive orientation prior to their first MC/MT meeting. In 2016, we introduced a mentoring
approach, partnering current MC members with newly elected members. The response has been favorable.
Each year, all elected members sign a Covenant reinforcing their commitment to answering the call to serve
God through service to the Church. Elected members set individual annual goals and complete annual
self-evaluations reflecting on their service. These tools serve as metrics to help guide the MC and Ministry
Teams. The MC Covenant may be seen at https://cpcmc.org/mc/covenant/.
4. Human Resources: When a staff position becomes vacant, the MC invests time in a thoroughrevision of that job description. Input is gathered from elected members, GMLT and relevant staff. As
budget allows, resources are invested in staff development.
5. The Global Church in the Digital Age: An aging denomination and travel costs are often citedas real challenges to individuals/groups desirous of attending General Assembly. Widespread availabilityof and growing demand for online participation at meetings coupled with affordable cost of providing audio
and video streaming has prompted a growing number of denominations to include these to broaden access

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to persons wanting to attend (virtually/ remotely) their annual conferences/assemblies. Providing audio andvideo streaming offers accessibility to those unable to attend GA, including those outside the US.
RECOMMENDATION 2: That the 187th General Assembly calls for all future General
Assembly sites to have high speed, hard-wired internet access in the main meeting room, and that thiscondition be included in the contract negotiations with the host venue.
6. Unification: The Unification Task Force’s revised plan recommends that some boards andagencies of the Cumberland Presbyterian (CP) Church be merged and expanded, and some be restructured.
Merging two denominations and all their boards and agencies is a momentous task. As a reference, the177th GA consolidated four boards into the MC, in that case the GA named a special Organizational Task
Force (OTF) that worked with professional consultants and conducted numerous interviews with church
leaders, boards, agencies and the Office of General Assembly. The goal of merging two denominations at theGeneral Assembly and synodical level, reforming (unifying) all boards and agencies, creating new agencies
and positions, and restructuring some of those agencies is more involved than merging four ministry boards.
In order to facilitate a unification that is realistic, based on actual operational facts, and not disruptive tothe ministries of the Church(es), the General Assembly’s boards and agencies should be asked to outline
what unification looks like from their board, agency perspective. The CP Church’s boards and agencies
should do an assessment of unification from their perspective and report to General Assembly how they see
unification being implemented with respect to their board or agency. They should explain what changes or
new structures they believe should be made to their board or agency, and what costs they anticipate basedon the changes they suggest. The General Assembly can then use this information as follows: to assess
and anticipate the potential impact and costs on its boards and agencies, to give informed information to
the Unification Task Force of what the boards and agencies believe unification should look like from theirperspective, and ultimately to help develop an informed process of unification that is not disruptive to theministries of the Church.
RECOMMENDATION 3: That the Cumberland Presbyterian General Assembly instructboards and agencies listed in the Unification Task Force’s revised plan to provide a report to the next
General Assembly (188th) asking these boards and agencies to provide: 1.) Their ideas with respect tothe best ways to implement unification within their board or agency, 2.) Their assessment explaining
if their board or agency needs structural changes as part of unification and what those changes
should be, and 3.) What the board or agency anticipates will be the approximate costs implementing
unification and or restructure of their board or agency.

II. MINISTRIES
A. PARAMETERS – The MC created “Parameters to Guide the Work of Our Ministry Teams” as astandard for all work done by the Ministry Teams. Parameters appear on the MC website https://cpcmc.org/
mc/mt-work-params/ and in the 2016/2017 MC Annual Report.
B. SAFE SANCTUARY
The MC promotes the Safe Sanctuary initiative through its DMT in order to accomplish its
purpose to encourage and support the ministry of all CP churches and to provide Christian education to all
Cumberland Presbyterians through resources and events. Safe Sanctuary highlights the desire to create asafe environment for all people who walk through the doors of our churches and participate in the activities
and events associated with our churches.
Three of the last four General Assemblies recognized the importance of having all CP congregations,presbyteries, and synods do their part to protect children and any other vulnerable people to whom weminister by considering and adopting policies like the Safe Sanctuary initiative (183rd General Assembly,
184th General Assembly, and 186th General Assembly). Our system of government places the burden ofprotecting our congregants on the Session, with the presbytery exercising pastoral oversight and jurisdiction
by calling on the sessions within its bounds to attend to this important issue.
DMT staff have led a number of training events to educate congregations as to the informationneeded for writing their own policies. These training events included subjects and policies to consider assound practices. Examples of what a safe sanctuary policy might look like are on the MC website (https://
cpcmc.org/safe-sanctuary/). These are educational examples which may need to be tailored for the needsof each church or denominational body.

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The commitment to safe sanctuaries must take hold at the grassroots of our denomination, inthe churches themselves. Presbyteries must exercise their oversight responsibilities to see that Sessions
shoulder this burden.
RECOMMENDATION 4: That the 187th General Assembly continue to encouragecongregations, presbyteries, synods, and denominational groups to adopt and practice a written safe
sanctuary plan; encourage presbyteries to maintain a copy of the safe sanctuary plan of every churchand denominational entity within its jurisdiction; and encourage the Ministry Council to continue
offering training and sample policies to congregations, presbyteries, synods and denominationalgroups about subjects to consider and include when writing a safe sanctuary plan.
C. MISSIONS
1. Reverend Harry Boyce Wallace – Boyce Wallace died in January 2017 after more than 50
years as a missionary in Colombia. Just before Boyce’s death he and Beth were traveling in the US andactively promoting the Stott-Wallace Missionary Support Fund. They visited churches and individuals,
encouraging them to faithfully support all our missionaries. For information about Boyce’s missionary
career, a limited number of copies of the February 2017 issue of THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN
magazine and the Spring 2017 issue of The Missionary Messenger are available at the MC booth. The
booth also has information about the Stott-Wallace Missionary Support Fund. Beth continues to live in
Cali, Colombia as a missionary emeritus.
2. Reverend Randy Jacob – Randy Jacob died in January 2017, 3 days after his 80th birthday.
He was an ordained minister in the CP Church serving primarily in Choctaw Presbytery. Reverend Jacob
served as Moderator of General Assembly as well as on several denominational boards. The denomination
has lost a great leader and he will be greatly missed by the CP Church. For more information about Randy’s
ministry, a limited number of copies of the Summer 2017 issue of The Missionary Messenger are available
at the Ministry Council booth. That issue includes expanded features on Randy and Betty Jacob.
3. The Stott-Wallace Missionary Fund gained new donors over the past two years. The chart
below labels SW (donations to specific missionaries and general donation with no missionary designation);and Setup, (money new missionaries raise to pay their initial setup expenses when they move to the mission
field including but not limited to airfare, visa/legal expenses, furniture, car, office equipment).
In order to sustain the 15 missionaries the Cumberland Presbyterian Church supports through the
SW Missionary Fund we need $31,669 each month, or $380,028 annually in donations. We can only
maintain our missionaries and deploy new ones if enough donors contribute to this fund. A new pledge anddonation link are on the MC website https://cpcmc.org/mmt/sw.
Annual giving spikes are the result of Pentecost Sunday offerings, our Mission Sunday.

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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2017

RECOMMENDATION 5: That the 187th General Assembly encourages presbyteries inattendance to promote the Stott-Wallace Missionary Support Fund among the churches of theirpresbytery. That each presbytery stated clerk provides the presbytery with the promotional video
to be shown at presbytery and provides brochures for presbytery delegates to take back to theirchurches.
4. New Church Development (NCD): MMT is committed to starting new churches as an effectivemeans of evangelism and church growth, providing regular contact, administrative and financial support,
and supervision. MMT currently assists 19 NCDs in the US, nine of which are Cross-Culture, and three
NCDs overseas.
Much of the activity of NCD is in giving encouragement and guidance to the initial exploration,
studies and planning necessary for a successful new church development. At times, this is requested or
initiated by a presbyterial board of missions, a NCD task force or by the MMT itself. Not all initial
explorations, studies or planning result in NCDs or in viable CP congregations. However, efforts andattempts to start new churches are vital to sharing the gospel and for the building of God’s kingdom. Places
being explored for NCDs as future possibilities include Nashville, Tennessee area; Denver, Colorado;
greater Dallas, Texas area; and central Oklahoma. MMT is open to exploring new areas and securingleadership for potential projects.
RECOMMENDATION 6: That the 187th General Assembly calls the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church to be in diligent prayer for new exploration initiatives (formerly known as
Mission Probes), and new church development as a means of evangelism and denominational growthin the United States. For individuals, both lay and ordained, to answer the call to church planting
and for all judicatories of the Church to emphasize starting new exploration initiatives and/or new
churches by identifying individuals and geographical areas where a Cumberland Presbyterianpresence is needed and desirable.
5. Intercultural Internship Opportunities: The 2016 Intercultural Internship was hosted byCristo Salva CP Fellowship in Memphis, Tennessee. Miss Adriana Rodriguez, a member of Casa De Fe
CPC served as an intern for four weeks in Memphis, supporting the English-speaking ministry of Cristo
Salva CP Fellowship. She served in a variety of ways: developed and led a curriculum for Vacation Bible
School; served as an interpreter to assist Latino parents with their children’s school enrollment; and served
as an interpreter for sermons preached in English in the congregation. This year’s internship is a joint effort
among three Latino ministries in Memphis. Miss Karen Tejada, a covenant member of a NCD in Hialeah,
Florida, will serve as an intern for three weeks in Memphis, working with three Latino ministries. Funding
required for this internship is $2,000.00, and will only be made possible by donations from presbyteries,
local churches, and individuals.
RECOMMENDATION 7: That the 187th General Assembly encourages presbyteries, local
churches, and individuals to support Intercultural Internship opportunities through praying for theinterns, and also through financially support the ongoing internship opportunities throughout thecountry.

III. FUNDING
Since the inception of the “new structure” in 2007, the MC and Teams have shared in planning
new and ongoing ministries. Each year the collegial environment has grown stronger, enabling the realityof a truly comprehensive budget. Funding sources include Our United Outreach, other donations, grants,
the Investment Loan Program (ILP) and endowments (listed within the Board of Stewardship section of
the preliminary minutes). The endowment program is an important part of our funding, however small
endowments do not generate usable funds until they reach sufficient size to generate interest payments thatcan be used.
Ministry Council and Ministry Teams hope donors will contribute directly to programs of the
Church, thus providing us with funds to meet immediate programming needs.

2017

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

45

IV. MINISTRY COUNCIL CONCLUSION
The 52 MC/Ministry Team elected and advisory members and 17 staff members are committed toserving as conduits of information to and from the MC. We remain committed to serving God through the
CPC and ask that the Church remain in prayer for our collaborative work. We are thankful for the sustaining
guidance of the Holy Spirit as we work to enhance and implement ministries that draw people to Christ.
We encourage Commissioners to the 187th General Assembly and guests to learn about our neighbors at
the MC booth. Learn about the MC’s many diverse programs while you recharge your cell phone. Pick up
print materials to share with your congregation, groups and presbytery. Booth hosts are MC and Ministry
Team staff and elected members, eager to listen to ideas and to answer questions.
Like other denominations, ours is an aging denomination. We yearn to see a new generation of
Cumberland Presbyterians serving in leadership roles throughout the Church. We yearn for Cumberland
Presbyterians everywhere to commit to actively sharing in the work of the Church, for leaders to rise up
from across the globe to further the work of the Church around the world.
Respectfully Submitted,
The Ministry Council of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
Reverend Troy Green, President
Reverend Michele Gentry, First Vice President
Reverend Lanny Johnson, Second Vice President
Reverend Phillip Layne, Secretary
Edith B. Old, Director of Ministries/Treasurer

46

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2017

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
Randy Davidson, Vice-president Mike St. John, Secretary Debbie Shelton, and Treasurer Robert Heflin,
met two times in regular session.
B. BOARD MEMBERS WHOSE TERMS EXPIRE
Members whose terms expire at the 2017 General Assembly, with their years of service, are as
follows: Boyd Day, nine years; Sylvia Hall, nine years; Jackie Satterfield, nine years; and Randy Davidson,
three years. Boyd Day, Sylvia Hall and Jackie Satterfield are not eligible to serve another term. We want tothank them for their service and dedication to the Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits. Randy
Davidson is eligible and has agreed to serve another three year term.
C. BOARD REPRESENTATIVE TO THE 186TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The board’s representative to the 187th General Assembly is Boyd Day.
D. STAFF
Kathryn Gilbert Craig serves as Administrative Assistant, Mark Duck serves as Coordinator of
Benefits and Robert Heflin serves as Executive Secretary. Carolyn Harmon serves as the Planned Giving
Coordinator for the Presbytery of East Tennessee. The Board appreciates the work Carolyn Harmon doesin educating congregations of the legacy ministry that can be accomplished as individuals make planned
gifts to their local congregations.
E. 2018 BUDGETThe 2018 line-item budget has been filed with the Office of the General Assembly.
F. 2016 AUDIT
Certified copies of the 2016 audit reports from Fouts and Morgan will be filed with the Office of theGeneral Assembly in compliance with General Regulations E.5. and E.6. The 2016 audit will be printed in
the audit section of the 2017 minutes.

II. FINANCIAL FOUNDATION DEVELOPMENT AND
MANAGEMENT
A. PURPOSE
One area of the work of the board is in financial foundation development and management. The
purpose of this program is as follows:
To secure a firm financial undergirding for the ongoing ministry of congregations and the agencies
of presbyteries, synods, and the General Assembly as they bear witness to the saving love of God, the graceof our Lord Jesus Christ, and the fellowship and communion of the Holy Spirit.
B. 2016 IN REVIEWThe year 2016 can be viewed as a series of distinctly different investment environments. The firstsix weeks were marked by fears of a deflationary slowdown and hedge fund deleveraging before a Fedinspired relief rally. The first quarter was very challenging for investors. The second and third quarters
were more friendly to fundamental investors and proved fruitful for our diversified approach. The U.S.
Presidential election’s outcome dominated the fourth quarter, as the U.S. equity market initially dropped,
then euphorically rose.
We need to continue to be cautious about looking too far down the road. Sentiment and emotion
rule the short term. We are confident that our investment manager, Gerber/Taylor can continue to help us

2017

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

47

navigate the sometimes turbulent ups and downs of the market. Since October 1981, Gerber/Taylor has
done a wonderful job for the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
C. BOARD OF STEWARDSHIPThe Board of Stewardship is ever mindful of expenses incurred and try to be good stewards of what
has been entrusted to the Board. We are grateful for the faithful support from congregations and individuals
through their contributions to Our United Outreach.
1. PaperSave
In an effort to be better stewards, the Board of Stewardship has implemented a paperless document
management system. In excess of ten thousand pages of over 850 endowment files, over 300 retirement
files, over 280 Investment Loan Program account files and about 50 loan files have been scanned. Futurereports and documents will become a part of the paperless system. The staff enjoys the paperless system as
it provides quicker response and better service to those who call with questions.
D. MANAGEMENT OF FUNDSIn January 2013, we combined the Growth/Income Endowment Fund and the Total Return
Endowment Fund with a focus on not only interest and dividends but also growth in realized and unrealized
gains/losses.
At the end of 2016 the Endowment Fund portfolio was under the co-management of Gerber/Taylor
Management, RREEF America II, Clarion, Headlands Capital and Eagle MLP. The funds of the Retirement
Program were co-managed by Gerber/Taylor Management, RREEF America II, Headlands Capital andEagle MLP.
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 with the help of Hilliard Lyons.

III. ENDOWMENT PROGRAM
Since 1836, the board and its corporate predecessors have sought to be faithful trustees of thefunds given into their hands to provide a permanent financial foundation for the work of congregations,presbyteries, synods, and General Assembly agencies. The work of the Endowment Program is the oldest
responsibility of the board and fulfills a portion of that task to which all Cumberland Presbyterians arecalled: “Christian stewardship acknowledges that all of life and creation is a trust from God, to be used forGod’s glory and service.”—Confession of Faith for Cumberland Presbyterians 6:10.
A. COMMUNICATIONThe Endowment Program report will be distributed to all endowment program participants, general
assembly board members, churches, and individual contributors.
Agencies, other participants, and interested parties received quarterly detailed reports on thepostings to all their endowments. With the addition of names supplied by the agencies during the year, thenumber of persons receiving these reports continues to expand. In addition, special reports were made asrequested.
B. ASSETS, INVESTMENT MIX, AND PERFORMANCE
1. Assets and Investment Mix
The assets of the Endowment Fund totaled $55,377,108 for 2016 at market value. The following
table provides a breakdown of the investment mix:

48

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

14.3%
14.6%
14.1%
18.5%
15.3%
2.6%
12.0%
7.3%
1.3%
100.0%INVESTMENT MIX
Securities & Investments
US Equity
Real Assets
Fixed Income
Hedged Equity
Multi-Strategy
Opportunistic
International Stocks
Emerging Markets
Private Equity
Total

2017

$ 7,918,926$ 8,085,058$ 7,808,172$10,244,765$ 8,472,698$ 1,439,805$ 6,645,253$ 4,042,529$ 719,902$55,377,108

2. Performance of the Endowment Fund
The Endowment Fund generated $3,508,422 in investment earnings during 2016. Net contributions
and withdrawals were a negative $34,800. The change in market value was a positive of $3,473,622.
With the combining of the Growth/Income Fund and the Total Return Fund in January 2013, we
also began paying out 5% (annualized) to the congregations, presbyteries and agencies. Previously agencies
had difficulty in preparing budgets because of the unknown amount they would receive from endowment
income. Now, they realize they will receive 5% in endowment income over a twelve-month period. With
this information, they have a better idea how much endowment income they can expect. Earnings paid tocongregations, presbyteries and agencies totaled $1,478,865 for 2016.
3. Total Rate of Return for the Endowment FundThe following table gives the annualized rates of return as contained in the report from Gerber/
Taylor Associates for year end 2016:

Endowment FundOne Year Period
01/01/16 - 12/31/16
6.7%

Five Year Period
01/01/12 - 12/31/16
7.5%

Since Inception
09/30/81 - 12/31/16
9.8%

C. ESTABLISHING AN ENDOWMENT AS A LEGACY
The Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits manages over 800 endowments established forthe benefit of congregations, presbyteries, synods, agencies and other special ministries of the Cumberland
Presbyterian denomination. Many of these endowments were established by individuals as a legacy tocontinue to benefit long after they are no longer with us. Some of the endowments were established bycongregations, presbyteries and synods to help further their specific ministries. Some of the endowments
were started with very little. Through the years these endowments have grown and the beneficiaries are
reaping the gifts of the endowment income and using it in ministry in their local area or worldwide. Pleaseconsider establishing an endowment.

2017

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

49

List of Endowments
Board of Stewardship
Endowment
Grace J. Beasley Memorial
Donald Bierhaus Trust
C. C. Brock Endowment Fund
Lavenia Campbell Cole Annunity Endowment
Lavenia Cole Testamentary Trust 25%
Lavenia Campbell Cole Trust 20%
Lavenia Campbell Cole Finance Endowment
Foundation & Finance Trust
Freeman Trust
Floyd Hensley TrustP. F. Johnson Memorial Endowment
Robert H. Jordan Endowment Fund
Della Campbell Lowrie 20%
J. Richard Magrill, Jr. Endowment
Sam B. Miles Endowment
M. Dale Orr Endowment
William Dana Shriver Fund
Maymie Stovall - Frontier Press 25%
Evelyn & Gene Walpole Endowment
Eugene Warren Endowment Fund
Dixie Campbell Zinn Memorial
Total

Ending Balance
2015$29,897.34$70,376.12$4,879.10$66,408.31$581,419.01$49,327.13$9,965.66$9,146.45$108,123.78$27,956.52$9,450.98$6,696.04$448,889.26$45,300.91$83,094.54$38,665.73$212,760.42$30,940.49$26,120.66$24,987.82$15,165.31$1,899,571.58

Ending Balance
2016$30,153.47$70,979.03$4,920.87$66,977.22$587,966.51$49,750.00$10,051.02$9,226.65$109,050.04$28,196.03$9,531.94$6,753.39$452,734.68$45,905.65$83,807.86$38,996.99$214,583.04$31,205.52$27,742.87$25,201.88$15,295.35$1,919,030.01

Ending Balance
2015$793,336.10$30,512.53$6,551.54$41,580.01$39,526.16$11,588.51$156,418.39$1,708,210.52$86,005.50$96,117.11$2,969,846.37

Ending Balance
2016$805,699.24$32,407.47$6,958.40$44,162.31$41,980.85$12,308.27$166,132.61$1,814,297.60$90,871.73$102,086.39$3,116,904.87

Ministerial Aid
Endowment
Ministerial Aid Endowment
Ministerial Aid Surplus Endowment
CPWM Endowment for Minister Care
Jesse W. Hipsher Endowment
Annie Lee Hogue Endowment
Herschel E. Jones Ministers’ Trust
Kate H., Robert E. & Robert M. King
Della Campbell Lowrie Endowment 20%
Special Reserve Retirement Program
Sue Stiles Endowment Fund 50%
Total

50

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Ministry Council - Missions Ministry Team
Ending Balance
Endowment
2015
Church Loan Fund - General$1,344,826.15
McKenzie Endowment$41,506.90
Advance in Missions Trust Fund
$434,076.91
Missions & Evangelism Endowment$112,990.68
Grace Johnson Beasley Memorial$36,937.34
Grace Beasley - Small Rural Church$49,909.06
Bennett & Mildred Brown Trust$55,783.25
David Brown Endowment$11,648.86
CPW Leadership Trust Fund
$95,378.81
CPWM Bethel College Scholarship$172,702.34
Lavenia Campbell Cole Annuity Endowment$61,379.17
Lavenia Cole Testamentary Trust (25%)$610,642.40
Lavenia Campbell Cole Trust Endowment 20%$21,782.16
Rouine Vodra Coleman Endowment$1,422.87
Winnifred M. Dixon Endowment$57,505.60
Joseph B. Dungy Endowment$89,846.85
Louise & Sam R. Estes Endowment$13,964.03
Clifford Gittings Endowment$6,218.98
Lelia B. Goodman for Missions$3,196.05
P. F. Johnson Memorial End.
$18,913.74
Finis Ewing & Bessie Keene Memorial$147,534.56
Chow King Leong Endowment$50,746.49
Mary Katherine Mize Longwell Endowment$719.32
Della Campbell Lowrie Trust 20%$449,172.36
Jamie Roy Chaffin Endowment$2,203.19
Mark G. Lynch Choctaw Presbytery$10,726.88
Clifford W. & Sarah C. McCall NCD$7,232.39
Joe E. Matlock Endowment$51,496.69
Robert E. Matlock Endowment$161,988.67
Robert T. & Dona Milam Endowment$6,872.46
Nancy J. Orr Bequest$4,725.37
New Church Development Endowment$96,222.01
S. Q. Proctor Home Mission Endowment$11,444.68
Marguerite D. Richards Rural Church$24,370.17
Maymie Stovall - Home Missions 25%$12,014.28
Paul & Geneva Richards Memorial$12,143.88
William A. & Beverly St. John Endowment$13,038.20
Madge Sprague Memorial Endowment$6,095.94
Lela Swanson Stricklen NCD$64,276.80
Cornelia Swain Endowment$62,169.69
Marguerite D. Richards MM Magazine$8,935.32

2017

Ending Balance
2016$1,356,346.70$41,862.48$437,795.55$113,958.76$37,253.77$50,336.59$59,247.65$12,372.30$101,302.23$181,965.81$61,904.98$617,440.89$21,968.78$1,511.23$57,998.19$90,616.55$14,090.44$6,605.17$3,394.55$19,075.74$148,798.44$51,181.20$763.99$453,020.26$2,340.01$11,393.05$11,340.10$51,951.09$163,376.39$7,511.92$5,018.83$97,046.32$11,542.73$24,578.94$12,117.17$12,247.92$13,321.09$6,474.55$64,827.43$64,300.70$9,490.25

2017

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Walkerville CPC Memorial Endowment
Brown & Julia Welch Missions Endowment
Marvin O. Clement & Clement E. Wilkins Memorial
Endowment
Gina Marie Benzel Ableson Memorial
Ashburn-Graf Educational Endowment
Maree Blackwell Endowment
James A. Brintle II Scholarship
Mattie Ree Suddarth Brown Endowment - Missions
Gladys H. Bryson Scholarship Fund
Davis O. & Gladys H. Bryson Missionary
Mary Frances & William Carpenter
Mildred Chandler Scholarship Endowment
Colombian CPW Elementary Scholarships
Helen Deal Endowment
John A. Deaver Mission
Chester E. Dickson Endowment
Jose & Fanny Fajardo Endowment
Foreign Missions Endowment
Mrs. G. W. Freeman Bible Woman Trust
McAdow and Mae Gam Endowment
Samuel King Gam
Freda Mitchell Gilbert Endowment (MMT)
Bernice Barnett Gonzalez Endowment
Gleniel Grounds Endowment
Holzer Trust
Hong Kong Mission
Marvin C. & Ruth M. Kinnard Trust
Warren and Carline Lowe Trust
Mamie McAdoo Endowment
McClung/Fowler Memorial Endowment
Holly Katelyn McClurkin
Rubye Johnson May Memorial 50%
Lucie C. Mayhew Fund for U-P Children
Elizabeth A. & James W. Morrow Trust
Richard Nicks Memorial Endowment
Hamilton & Merion S. Parks Family Trust #2
Patron Membership
Myra Patton Foreign Mission Endowment
Perpetual Membership Fund
Don & Gwen Peterson Endowment Fund
Rose Ella Porterfield Scholarship
Carl Ramsey Scholarship Fund
Marguerite D. Richards Japan51$7,307.56$31,534.61$7,761.38$31,804.77$0.00$1,749.79$10,963.90$148,448.61$2,674.54$6,564.51$20,681.40$118,426.62$84,488.66$11,888.87$146,134.71$39,993.62$51,419.55$11,059.96$44,730.22$10,573.81$340,476.65$6,958.29$15,617.92$28,590.34$8,621.35$1,518.81$2,334.08$87,539.55$40,261.85$16,941.40$2,954.00$2,902.32$93,466.13$730.79$8,270.88$16,789.05$24,173.77$57,829.78$26,838.72$810,401.05$163,003.51$1,006,161.53$114,075.09$20,214.76$36,058.20$16,273.10$11,644.81$157,926.16$2,840.65$6,972.19$20,858.57$125,987.44$85,212.46$11,986.40$155,330.89$40,522.42$51,860.07$11,746.84$45,113.37$11,128.03$343,393.35$7,390.44$16,175.56$28,992.91$9,233.31$1,613.12$2,479.04$93,128.35$40,606.77$17,993.51$3,137.44$3,082.54$101,894.06$776.18$8,784.51$17,996.76$24,380.87$61,421.25$28,505.50$821,245.80$164,399.89$1,017,821.02$116,836.30$21,470.14$35,454.72$16,412.52

52

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Elise Sanders Endowment
Scholarship-Universidad Evangelica
Buddy & Beverly Stott Endowment
Maymie Stovall - Foreign Mission 25%
Irvin & Annie Mary Draper Swain
Walter Swartz - Jose Fajardo Scholarship Fund
William B. & Emma Jo Denson Todd Endowment
Boyce & Beth Wallace Endowment
Robert J. & Marilee B. Watkins
Bill & Kathryn Wood
Forester World Missions Endowment
Bill & Iona Wyatt Endowment
Rev. & Mrs. Tadao Yoshizaki Memorial

2017$300,712.73$11,790.86$27,502.53$12,015.37$30,234.37$46,025.13$7,243.11$50,059.18$2,119.07$69,680.61$3,544,780.14$12,985.78$690.14$12,256,494.59$303,288.79$12,523.12$27,736.55$12,118.26$32,378.65$48,963.15$7,692.94$50,488.49$2,250.67$74,510.25$3,575,146.89$13,097.00$733.02$12,455,690.62

Ministry Council - Communications Ministry Team
Ending Balance
Endowment2015
Masaharu Asayama/CPWM Endowment$11,029.88
Ky Curry Publishing Endowment$39,091.92
C. Ray Dobbins Endowment$36,675.31
Dennis H. Kiefer Endowment$992.55
Marguerite D. Richards CP Magazine$19,788.22
Pat White Endowment$7,808.61
Total$115,386.49

Ending Balance
2016$11,714.86$41,519.71$38,952.99$1,054.19$21,017.17$8,293.52$122,552.44

Ministry Council - Discipleship Ministry Team
Ending Balance
Endowment
2015
Paul Allen Endowment for C E$11,323.82
Grace Johnson Beasley Mem.
$10,828.54
Bennett & Mildred Brown for C E$25,192.01
Christian Education Mid-Century$247,287.21
Christian Education Season Endowment$183,965.59
Carl Cook Outdoor Ministry Endowment$4,822.45
Lavenia Campbell Cole Annuity End.
$35,600.25
Jill Davis Carr - Leadership Development$11,473.55
Consultant Training Fund
$57,380.91
C. P. Youth Conference$163,464.55
H. Harold Davis Endowment Fund
$163,877.51
Jack W. Ferguson, Jr. C E Endowment$10,830.98
Ira & Rae Galloway for C E$14,106.06
Jean Garrett Endowment for C E$4,088.65

Ending Balance
2016$11,427.75$10,921.30$25,407.83$249,405.65$185,755.10$4,864.37$35,905.20$11,577.33$57,872.49$164,950.71$165,281.59$10,923.77$14,226.90$4,129.07

Total

2017

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHLouise Adams Heathcock Memorial
John Gilbert Horsley - Youth Leaders
Donald & Jane Hubbard Endowment for C E
Into the Nineties for C E
Reverend Gayle J. Keown for C E
Earl King Memorial
Virginia Malcom Christian Education
Wesley & Jackie Mattonen Endowment
David & Mary McGregor C E Endowment
James D. McGuire Endowment for C E
Howell G. & Martha Jo Mims CPYC
Morris & Ruth Pepper for C E
Bill & Hazel Phalan Endowment
Claudette Hamby Pickle C E Endowment
Publishing House Endowment 33%
Dr. & Mrs. E. K. Reagin Endowment
Jodi Hearn Rush Endowment
Rev. Rusty Rustenhaven Youth Ministry
Give for Good Endowment
John W. Speer Endowment for C E
Cornelia Swain Endowment for C E
Irvin & Annie Mary Swain Endowment
Jake Tyler Children’s MinistryFrank & Linda Ward Endowment (CE)
William Warren Endowment for C E
Clark Williamson Memorial
Helen Wiman Memorial
Young Adult Ministry Endowment
Terence R. McCain, Sr. Endowment

53$10,880.92$13,230.83$11,379.97$273,493.76$3,544.60$10,833.52$113,068.84$34,146.73$55,027.42$16,088.92$28,337.11$51,496.76$14,471.00$20,451.63$142,108.44$56,366.84$11,164.69$13,511.69$2,530.12$19,703.15$19,447.46$23,458.86$2,432.70$35,878.42$11,624.82$40,943.50$4,241.45$23,332.49$6,130.08$2,013,568.80$10,974.10$13,346.48$11,477.44$275,836.70$3,574.92$10,926.33$114,037.46$34,439.24$55,502.12$16,332.13$29,107.77$51,937.97$14,599.43$20,626.79$143,326.11$56,849.67$11,260.42$13,627.44$2,687.27$19,871.92$20,954.50$25,000.63$3,848.24$36,197.83$11,727.60$41,294.27$4,277.79$23,532.39$6,192.52$2,036,016.54

Ministry Council - Pastoral Development Ministry Team
Ending Balance
Endowment
2015
Awards for CP Ministers & Spouses$25,595.19
Roosevelt and Ruth Baugh$4,922.50
LaRoyce Brown Endowment$1,532.18
James & Helen Knight Endowment$26,384.62
Ministerial Endowment$13,885.12
Ministers Conference$19,258.91
Melvin & Naomi Orr Endowment$21,619.88
James Lee Ratliff Endowment$11,323.74
Norlan & Ellie Scrudder Endowment$21,935.76
James & Geneva Searcy Endowment$33,413.54

Ending Balance
2016$25,832.84$5,228.20$1,627.35$26,629.56$14,014.06$19,437.86$21,820.59$11,569.19$22,139.39$33,723.74

Total

54

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

E. G. & Joy Sims Endowment
Leonard & Mary Jo Turner Endowment
Lyon Walkup Endowment
Arturo & Carmen Ortiz Endowment
Louisa M. Woosley Endow. for Sustaining Women in
Ministry

2017$23,272.95$14,189.33$14,703.16$14,139.49$23,489.00$14,320.93$15,366.19$15,017.63$11,529.67$12,245.69$257,706.04$262,462.22

Office of the General AssemblyEnding Balance
Endowment
2015
D. W. Fooks Memorial Endowment$18,465.84
Publishing House Endowment (33%)$32,013.41
Robert & Olene Rush Endowment$18,830.51
Trustee Endowment$363,181.23
Total$432,490.99

Ending Balance
2016$18,624.05$31,847.15$18,991.87$366,292.37$435,755.44

Total

Historical Foundation
Endowment
Anne Elizabeth Knight Adams Heritage Fund
Rosie Magrill Alexander TrustPaul H. & Ann Middleton Allen Heritage Fund
Grace J. Beasley Birthplace Shrine
Birthplace Shrine FundJames L. & Louise M. Bridges Heritage FundMark and Elinor Swindle Brown Heritage Fund
*Sydney & Elinor Brown Heritage FundCentennial Heritage Endowment
Walter Chesnut Endowment
Lavenia Campbell Cole Heritage Fund
C. P. Church in America Heritage FundCPW Archival Supplies Endowment
Bettye Jean Loggins McCaffrey Ellis Heritage Fund
Samuel Russell & Mary Grace Barefoot Estes
Family of Faith Endowment
Gettis & Delia Snyder Gilbert Heritage FundJames C. & Freda M. Gilbert Heritage FundJames C. & Freda M. Gilbert Trust (HF)
Mamie A. Gilbert Trust
Henry Evan Harper Endowment CP History
Ronald W. & Virginia T. Harper
Historical Foundation Trust
Donald & Jane Hubbard Heritage Fund

Ending Balance
2015$3,919.18$16,984.93$7,176.08$57,050.76$162,534.53$18,126.15$4,869.42$8,179.14$86,600.93$16,167.35$68,080.41$14,279.18$30,294.07$1,339.25$23,542.06$14,734.32$6,730.63$23,048.07$62,884.42$14,541.16$1,945.88$4,163.79$95,153.79$14,361.84

Ending Balance
2016$6,224.76$17,130.59$7,237.52$57,539.75$178,260.93$18,281.44$5,769.00$8,577.62$87,342.81$16,325.65$68,663.69$14,401.50$30,553.60$2,007.56$23,743.74$14,861.25$6,788.26$23,252.42$63,423.13$14,665.73$2,035.35$4,422.39$98,150.87$15,754.29

2017

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Cliff & Jill Hudson Heritage Fund
Robert & Kathy Hull Endowment
Into the Nineties Endowment
Joe Ben Irby Endowment
P. F. Johnson Memorial Endowment (HF)
Irene A. Kiefer Endowment
Mr. & Mrs. Chow King Leong Heritage Fund
Dennis L. & Elmira Castleberry Magrill 50%
J. Richard Magrill, Jr. Heritage Fund
Joe R. & Mary B. Magrill Trust
Jimmie Joe McKinley Heritage Fund
Edith Louise Mitchell Heritage Fund
Lloyd Freeman Mitchell Heritage Fund
Snowdy C. & Lillian Walkup Mitchell Heritage Fund
Rev. Charles & Paulette Morrow Endowment
Virginia Sue Williamson Morrow Heritage FundAnne E. Swain Odom Heritage Fund
Martha Sue Parr Heritage Fund
Florence Pennewill Heritage Fund
Morris & Ruth Pepper Endowment (HF)
Publishing House Endowment 33% (HF)
Mable Magrill Rundell Trust
Samuel Callaway Rundell Heritage FundPaul & Mary Jo Schnorbus Heritage Fund
Shiloh CPC Ellis County Texas Endowment
Hinkley & Vista Smartt Heritage FundJohn W. Sparks Heritage Fund
Irvin S. Annie Mary Draper Swain Heritage Fund
F. P. (Jake) Waits Heritage Fund
Roy & Mary Seawright Shelton Heritage Fund
Gwendolyn McCaffrey McReynolds Hertiage Fund
Total

55

$5,963.19$16,528.71$39,053.63$6,492.68$18,967.70$1,629.67$5,619.15$23,599.09$6,179.19$168,799.37$8,422.70$4,268.99$4,268.98$6,730.72$1,266.85$12,849.62$22,792.52$33,635.58$4,678.25$16,399.45$78,837.24$16,979.24$11,468.08$8,223.42$7,506.76$7,317.51$97,641.70$27,565.84$12,011.61$3,523.53$10,696.73$1,446,625.04$6,015.67$16,678.49$39,388.22$7,390.03$19,130.21$1,730.87$5,667.26$23,801.28$10,528.65$170,245.41$8,497.23$4,534.12$4,534.15$6,788.35$1,345.54$12,959.68$24,549.46$33,931.60$4,718.41$16,549.79$79,895.09$17,124.68$11,566.33$8,293.87$7,571.06$7,386.71$98,481.63$29,161.12$12,116.47$3,958.96$10,806.23$1,490,760.42

Ending Balance
2015$51,275.97$55,738.64$47,379.54$234,096.46$11,834.54$3,302.66$1,669,729.96$41,575.58

Ending Balance
2016$51,715.82$56,216.27$47,785.38$236,101.89$12,227.34$3,330.94$1,715,551.32$41,931.73

Our United Outreach
Endowment
George F. Battenfield Memorial
Daisy Bray Freeman Trust
Bertha Feazel Hammons Memorial
Kenneth & Myrtle Holsopple Memorial
Cliff & Jill Hudson OUO Endowment Fund
Knights of Honor Association Trust
Lowrie Estate Oil Royalties
Robert L. McReynolds Endowment 50%

56

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

The Moderators’ Endowment for Our United OutreachSanta Anna Church Memorial Fund
Tithing and Budget Endowment

2017$31,701.47$20,633.02$369,157.59$2,536,425.43$33,329.95$20,809.74$372,319.98$2,591,320.36

Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home
Ending Balance
Endowment
2015
Merlyn & Joann Kitterman Alexander$1,395.35
W. A. & Elizabeth Bearden Trust$15,886.68
Grace Johnson Beasley Mem$36,989.28
Bethlehem CPC, Maury County, TN$6,045.65
James L. & Louise Bridges Scholarship$41,319.92
J. T. & Dorothy Britt Trust$11,185.53
Children’s Home Endowment$322,681.83
Lavenia Campbell Cole Annuity Endow$82,633.58
Lavenia Cole Testamentary Trust - 25%$612,119.09
Lavenia Campbell Cole Trust (20%)$20,346.96
Mrs. A. L. Colvin Memorial Fund
$1,054.77
John H. & Eva Cox Trust Fund
$30,970.08
Steve Currie Trust$543,640.55
Daniel Class, Morningside CPC$31,983.96
Donnie Curry Davis Memorial$187,161.48
Mary Elberta Davis Memorial$19,970.91
Fred & Mattie Mae Dwiggins Memorial$80,188.26
J. S. Eustis Memorial Trust Fund
$12,659.86
Winnie & Clester H. Evans, Sr. Trust$21,136.12
John M. Friedel Trust$21,863.25
Joyce C. Frisby Memorial Endowment$28,117.20
Vaughn & Mary Elizabeth Fults Trust$20,167.28
Garner-Miller Memorial Trust$12,441.98
James C. & Freda M. Gilbert Endowment (CPCH)$113,803.58
Henry & Jayne Glaspy Memorial Fund
$8,253.56
Rev. W. J. Gregory Memorial$103,738.27
Glenn Griffin Endowment 33%$44,225.00
Rev. & Mrs. Henry M. Guynn Memorial$4,595.27
Chad Evan Harper Memorial Endowment$11,618.37
Newsome & Imogene Harvey Endowment$2,536.64
Clarence & Lula Herring Endowment$6,038.23
Kenneth & Clara M. Holsopple Trust$53,454.57
George & Lottie M. Hutchins Trust$1,136,843.86
Norma K. Johnson Memorial Library$11,408.94
P. F. Johnson Memorial Endow$18,939.27
Robert H. & Genevie Johnson Endowment$4,805.02

Ending Balance
2016$1,031.45$11,743.07$27,341.50$4,468.71$30,757.79$8,267.91$238,520.54$61,079.52$470,037.67$15,039.67$1,120.29$22,891.84$401,837.88$23,641.28$138,342.45$14,761.75$59,271.99$9,357.67$15,622.97$16,160.47$20,815.23$14,906.83$9,196.66$85,393.03$6,100.67$76,679.31$32,689.42$3,396.60$12,417.87$1,874.99$4,463.22$39,511.53$840,310.52$8,433.04$13,999.19$4,029.20

Total

2017

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Mr. & Mrs. Robert L. Johnson
Violet Louise Jolly Endowment
Eulava Joyce Memorial Trust
Ruth Cypert & Harlie Kugler Memorial
Blanche R. Lake Endowment
Wade P. Lane & Maude Dorough Memorial
Adolphus M. Latta Memorial Trust
Mr. & Mrs. Robert F. Little (CPCH)
Charles E. Addie Mae Lloyd Endowment
Tony & Ann Martin Endowment
Mrs. Lucille (Lucy) Mast Endowment
W. B. & Azalee McClurkan, Sr. Memorial
William J. McCall Memorial Trust
McEwen Church Trust
J. C. McKinley Endowment (CPCH)
Velma McKinley Trust Fund
McKinley & Barnett Families 33%
Mary McKnight Memorial Trust
Kenneth & Mae Moore Endowment Fund
Operational Trust Fund
Bert & Pat Owen Endowment for CPCH
^Martha Sue Parr Endowment
Mary M. Poole Endowment FundJack & Mary Lou Proctor Memorial Trust
Mary Acenal Prewitt Trust Fund
S. Q. & K. Maurine Proctor Trust
Rev. & Mrs. Joe Reed Memorial
Marguerite D. Richards Endowment
Agnew Durbin Richardson Trust
Pat N. & Essie H. Roberts Memorial
Frances Benefield Roberts Trust
Rev. & Mrs. John A. Russell Memorial
John, Ann & Mary Elizabeth Shimer
Rev. W. B. & Lydia Snipes Memorial
Don M. & Nancy E. Tabor Trust
Townsend Trust Fund
Hattie E. Wheelis Fund
Whitfield Family Endowment
Porter & Hattie S. Williamson Memorial
Helen and Lewis Wynn Endowment FundMaxie & Will Young Memorial Endowment
Dixie Campbell Zinn Memorial Trust
Joe Parr Trust Fund
Hamilton & Merion S. Parks Family Trust #3$11,933.62$1,204.89$9,957.88$20,052.88$14,451.69$9,512.03$51,324.41$35,504.98$22,606.93$2,509.24$2,550.74$19,328.08$9,957.83$7,650.13$18,856.28$18,856.42$821,798.54$10,616.74$7,040.70$148,142.93$1,566.19$1,598.18$957,753.96$63,858.62$90,276.57$5,656.11$2,867.14$25,433.44$30,168.99$58,884.79$2,332.47$4,553.90$14,990.31$19,864.76$34,437.88$38,432.10$19,770.29$12,031.27$171,481.46$11,013.00$20,756.97$6,240.08$78,284.57$16,146.86

57$8,820.83$890.62$7,360.47$14,822.35$10,682.12$7,030.93$37,936.97$26,653.36$16,710.16$2,665.06$2,709.17$14,286.52$7,360.45$5,654.70$13,937.82$13,937.94$617,113.33$8,294.59$5,203.97$109,496.12$1,157.59$1,181.46$707,913.54$47,199.52$66,725.70$4,180.55$3,045.20$18,798.71$22,298.66$43,524.12$1,724.01$3,365.44$11,079.95$21,098.44$25,466.23$28,407.27$14,613.17$8,905.67$126,746.24$11,696.95$15,342.17$4,612.22$57,861.91$13,483.26

58

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Dr. John P. Austin Endowment$20,224.82$6,634,701.82

Total
Memphis Theological SeminaryEnding Balance
Endowment
2015
African-American Studies Chair$8,341.39
Emerson A. Alburty Endowment$5,977.98
John W. Aldridge Memorial Scholarship$8,175.09
Merlyn A. & Joann K. Alexander$8,696.11
Alston Family Evangelistic Association$51,835.71
Polly Atterbury Aldridge Scholarship$10,257.27
Alternate Studies Endowment$9,583.55
Virgil R. Anderson Memorial Endowment$10,228.58
Baird-Buck Chair of CP Studies$355,785.62
Walter & Eula Baker Memorial Fund
$11,647.28
O. A. Barbee Endowment$1,680.49
Richard M. & Martha Carol Barker Scholarship$10,891.11
Barnes Seminary Endowment$61,014.23
Isaac R. Barnes Scholarship Endowment$16,008.98
George B. Bates Trust$3,497.39
Grace Johnson Beasley Endowment$90,126.98
Joseph E. Bedinger Memorial Library$4,852.52
Tarlton M. Belles Fund
$23,043.19
Marie Blackwell Endowment$470.06
Larry A. Blakeburn Endowment$2,649.55
Roy E. Blakeburn Scholarship$5,623.52
Bowen Chapel Church Trust$28,297.21
Bowen Lecture Fund
$20,084.90
Kyle D. Brantley, M. D. Memorial$22,305.25
Wes & Susan Brantley Endowment$12,999.99
Brockwell Library Endowment$11,046.38
Evelyn Brodeur$22,989.11
Brooksville CPC Endowment$21,762.89
Beth-Helen-Peggy Brown Endowment$28,082.45
Paul B. Brown Endowment - MTS$16,957.74
Paul F. & Mattie Suddarth Brown - MTS$36,112.99
W. W. Brown Scholarship$4,376.29
Finis McAdoo Bruington Board-Designated Endowment$41,391.51
Davis & Gladys Bryson Education 50%$25,234.42
Henry & Alfreda Bunton Scholarship$23,896.84
Hal & Gladys Burks Memorial Fund
$7,306.17
Thomas H. Campbell Library Endowment$4,538.19
Thomas H. & Margaret E. Campbell$30,621.80
Campbell-Todd Trust$10,684.56

2017$19,628.42$4,957,137.61
Ending Balance
2016$8,859.46$6,028.75$8,259.31$8,770.71$53,664.78$10,344.78$9,789.05$10,347.67$394,211.74$11,745.10$1,703.44$10,515.32$61,529.13$16,162.89$3,527.32$91,513.78$4,894.03$23,255.98$482.67$2,672.23$10,720.23$15,595.28$21,332.27$24,978.74$19,232.47$11,244.15$23,205.36$21,972.81$29,211.55$17,827.60$36,418.42$4,422.21$22,668.53$26,925.78$24,999.33$7,376.58$4,585.52$30,944.10$11,410.23

2017

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Carlock Memorial Trust
Cawthon Memorial Fund
Mildred Chandler Endowment
Rev. Walter & Mrs. Sarah Chesnut Scholarship Endowment
Gladys Chumbler Endowment
Marian Lisenbee Clark Endowment
Sallie H. Clay & Alice J. Cooksey
Faye E. & Ford F. Claytor Endowment
Lavenia Campbell Cole Annuity Endow.
Lavenia Campbell Cole Testamentary Trust 25%
Lavenia Campbell Cole Trust
George E. & Rouine V. Coleman Endowment
George E. Coleman Scholarship
Willene Cooper Scholarship
Hubert & Dortha Covington Memorial
James Covington Scholarship
Thelma Craig ScholarshipCora Hawkins Crutchfield Scholarship Endowment
Cumberland Hall Endowment
Cumberland Presbyterian Women
Sallie Stacy Davenport
Mary Elberta Davis Memorial (MTS)Paul & Nancy Dekar/Immersion Studies
James W. & Gladys Murray Diamond
Margaret M. Dirks
Houston Dixon Memorial
Winifred M. Dixon Endowment
C. Ray Dobbins Endowment (MTS)
Jesse R. & Virginia R. Durham Endowment
Rev. Dr. Loyce Estes Endowment Fund
Expansion & Development Fund
Faith CPC, Tulsa, OK - Scholarship
Alice Fay Finley
H. Glenn Finley Library Fund
E. H. & Millie Finley
Linda Hester Fooks Memorial
Jere B. Ford Family Endowment
Rev. J. C. & Willie Mae Forester Library
Vaughn Fults Endowment
Gadsden Area Churches Trust<
McAdow Gam Endowment FundJohn E. & Anna B. Gardner Endowment
Jessie B. & Noella Garner
W. L. & Dot Lacey Gaston Endowment$1,205.51$4,002.75$3,863.61$9,838.63$6,986.14$5,106.59$263,644.25$7,503.24$54,652.88$480,909.74$19,296.40$8,656.75$56,377.23$30,888.67$3,699.67$8,732.43$29,398.23$31,427.38$4,811.24$31,155.88$6,703.50$5,657.19$6,670.24$3,118.78$8,169.22$6,991.48$28,193.22$1,984.70$866,624.15$7,879.20$3,055.68$45,272.21$5,324.74$2,819.29$2,300.15$15,751.90$11,312.54$5,701.90$10,452.13$41,605.32$29,345.59$15,878.03$1,282.28$7,537.78

59$1,215.84$4,036.92$4,165.69$10,876.17$7,045.84$5,158.46$280,638.69$7,567.78$58,295.44$510,776.24$19,461.42$8,737.81$55,793.48$32,476.52$3,730.56$9,274.73$29,648.35$43,838.35$4,895.13$33,277.11$7,181.95$5,714.12$5,525.37$3,145.40$8,232.85$7,059.21$30,130.40$2,001.68$849,769.79$8,368.52$3,090.05$42,741.27$5,370.04$2,843.44$2,319.83$15,886.80$12,015.13$6,742.73$10,541.13$42,755.42$30,711.44$16,013.56$1,293.23$9,083.10

60

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLYLouis E. & Millie Coats Gholson
James C. & Freda M. Gilbert Endowment (MTS)James & Martha Gill Sacred Theology
David E. Glasgow Endowment
James A. & Lenora Greer Endowment
Mary Guice Memorial
Margaret I. Gunn Memorial
Hamilton Chapel Fund
Carlton & Margaret Ann Harper Endowment Fund
Mrs. George N. Harris Library Memorial
Newsome & Imogene Daniel Harvey
Bettye & Dick Hendrix Scholarship
Henshaw Family Endowment Fund
Frank & Margaret Henshaw Endowment 1
J. David & Barbara Hester Endowment
Rev. E. Samuel Hicks Endowment Fund
Dr. Alfred D. Hill Scholarship
Cortis E. Hill LibraryDavid & Patsy Hilliard
Francis A. Hobgood Trust
William Clarence Hodge Memorial
B. L. & Jewel Looper Holder
Lee Hollowell Trust
Barbara A. Holmes Lectures
Mr. & Mrs. J. S. Holmes Trust
Kenneth & Myrtle Holsopple Endowment
Jack & Gwen Hood ScholarshipRev. John William Howell Memorial
Cardelia Howell-Diamond Scholarship
Donald & Jane Hubbard Endowment for MTS
Bernice A. Humphreys Endowment
Charles E. & Helen Humphreys Endowment
Gerald S. & Louise Felts Hunter
George & Lottie M. Hutchins 33%
Mattie Hutchison Seminary Fund
Eugenia Turner Ingram Endowment
Lillian Johnston Ingram Library
Tom & Barbara Ingram Student Asst.
Virginia Howell Ingram Endowment Fund
Rev. W. T. Ingram, Sr. & Family Scholarship
William T. & Virginia H. Ingram Lectures
Joe Ben Irby Trust
Joe Ben & Julia Irby Endowment Fund
Virginia Irwin Memorial Endowment$155,097.93$14,279.01$11,798.85$1,453.90$3,237.89$13,190.98$24,685.62$558,189.58$10,890.63$3,397.89$6,682.18$15,996.94$5,575.93$13,479.43$53,134.28$4,474.28$7,391.54$3,660.16$10,502.89$26,958.65$3,276.89$11,546.06$13,770.40$9,017.66$4,991.40$26,847.28$54,283.88$2,237.26$74,734.92$10,317.10$16,693.90$10,469.91$2,772.15$213,659.20$1,653.73$3,069.68$5,616.85$43,413.40$83,165.00$98,838.81$117,705.44$4,092.84$84,745.83$4,808.09

2017$164,916.50$15,165.79$11,906.15$1,466.35$3,438.94$14,010.19$26,218.73$592,855.53$11,566.99$3,426.97$7,097.16$15,432.45$5,623.52$13,617.09$49,402.04$4,512.46$7,915.87$3,691.51$11,155.19$28,632.85$3,304.99$11,273.04$13,904.93$9,577.73$5,034.14$28,700.95$70,999.61$2,264.93$71,441.39$10,957.89$16,835.61$10,590.07$2,795.82$213,895.24$1,667.87$3,104.47$5,673.42$46,374.72$85,295.33$98,654.26$121,363.86$4,127.91$85,461.95$4,849.27

2017

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Johns Lectures
P. F. Johnson Memorial
Robert A. & Jo S. Johnson (MTS)
Roby M. Johnston Endowment
Joiner Ministerial Scholarship
V. A. Jones Library Memorial
Kiningham-Kuehn Endowment
Franklin W. Latta Memorial Scholarship
Ruth Fumbanks Latta Endowment
Randal (Randy) Leslie Endowment Fund
C. S. Lewis & His Friends Lecture
Library Reserve - Seminary Development
Mr. & Mrs. Robert F. Little (MTS)James & Louella Lively Family Endowment
Inez Lovelace Endowment
Virgil L. & Della M. Lowrie Lectures
Della Campbell Lowrie Endowment 20% (MTS)
Dennis L. & Elmira C. Magrill 50%
Rev. George Malone / Rev. Edmong Weir
W. A. Johnson Family Endowment
Dessa Jane Manuel Scholarship 50%
Marshall (Texas) CPW Endowment
Dr. & Mrs. Arleigh G. Matlock ScholarshipCharles R. Matlock Library Endowment
Walter L. Mayo Endowment Fund
Mr. & Mrs. David M. McAnulty Memorial
Doris McCall Memorial Endowment
James W. & Mary H. McCulloch Memorial
Margaret McCulloch Scholarship
F. Dwight & Bernice K. McDonald
McGuinness-Wood Endowment
Jack B. McKamey Endowment Fund
^Velma McKinley Memorial Endowment
McKinley & Barnett Families 33% (MTS)
Wesley McKinney Memorial Endowment
Maude McLin Memorial Endowment
Robert W. McReynolds Memorial
Mr. & Mrs. W. J. McReynolds TrustJohn E. Meeks Family Endowment Fund
Memphis Methodist Conference Fund
Ed Mikel Doctoral Scholarship Memorial
Sam B. & Naurine W. Miles Endowment
Sam B. Miles Board Designated Endowment
Mary Elliott Miller Endowment$15,422.35$48,570.23$61,643.22$82,167.57$5,977.20$4,022.27$10,493.67$14,451.74$14,598.39$15,362.57$31,676.48$2,406.53$28,769.82$8,242.58$32,380.43$105,068.02$405,485.12$28,530.82$78,207.97$14,935.02$41,131.93$10,002.98$32,770.52$5,042.38$5,693.27$13,477.97$12,138.41$13,418.75$9,304.24$178,096.54$20,308.81$5,353.41$4,495.27$275,173.41$11,795.99$4,237.56$5,279.39$5,862.37$22,764.76$30,142.54$10,024.59$4,768.72$76,605.58$8,725.26

61$16,380.14$49,025.77$61,953.08$82,866.84$6,028.27$4,056.62$10,591.89$14,592.06$14,731.07$16,692.14$29,336.36$2,435.70$29,082.35$8,313.35$34,515.62$109,809.30$332,304.05$28,775.76$83,189.22$15,559.68$39,466.70$10,099.09$33,084.43$5,085.47$5,742.03$13,591.48$12,440.36$14,252.13$9,165.16$164,537.34$20,482.48$5,414.69$4,533.82$278,404.87$12,590.66$4,273.86$5,332.72$5,912.18$25,616.71$32,014.53$10,120.87$4,809.47$45,089.36$9,267.13

62

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Rev. & Mrs. W. E. Miller Scholarship
Robert Lynn & Elizabeth P. Mills
Ministerial Scholarship Endowment 40%
Missouri-Arkansas CO-OP PCUSAJohn L. Mize Scholarship
Clinton & Eva B. Moore Endowment
Frank C. Moore Endowment Fund
Mary E. Morefield Memorial 40%
Hubert W. Morrow Endowment PAS
Virginia Sue Williamson Morrow MT
Ruby Page Morton Endowment
William Taylor Morton Endowment
John & Gail Moss Endowment
Dr. Arthur Murrell Memorial Scholarship
Walter & Anna Murrie Endowment
Willard & Bettie Murrie Endowment
Gladys Teter Nichols
North Central Texas Presbytery ScholarshipNorthside Presby. Church, Cleveland, TN Seminary Ed.
Northside Presby. Church, Cleveland, TN PAS End.
William H. & Nola A. Oliver Scholarship
Bert & Pat Owen - Shepherd’s Rest
Palestine CPC Endowment at MTS
Walter G. (Pete) Palmer Endowment (PAS)
Paskell & Bernice Parker Endowment
Parr Scholarship Endowment
Rev. G. F. Phelps Memorial ScholarshipJohn W. Piper Endowment Fund
Platte-Lexington Seminary
Pleasant Hill CP Endowment
Bernice A. Humphreys Scholarship Endowment
Bettie Press Library Fund
S. Q. Proctor Ministerial Scholarship
Klahr & Iris Raney Endowment Fund
Eugene & Agnes Richardson Endowment
Evelyn B. Crick Richmond Endowment
Roy Roberts Memorial Endowment
Mrs. W. H. Rochelle Endowment Fund
Hudson & Robbie C. Roseberry
W. L. & Mary K. Rolman Scholarship
William & Dolores Rustenhaven Endowment
Beverly St. John/Theology & ArtsSaint Timothy CPC
Herschel A. & Iris L. Schultz$5,511.79$8,439.75$17,961.51$4,476.06$8,466.38$30,360.41$10,690.84$5,093.49$33,897.72$31,091.59$10,785.17$11,557.48$6,564.43$4,380.50$6,189.79$10,179.29$95,815.48$5,099.26
$0.00
$0.00
$5,418.24$100,415.04$3,688.52$143,848.10$4,326.52$52,529.03$16,914.18$23,395.38$20,469.48$6,405.14$139,979.48$4,576.13$7,950.51$18,241.71$7,296.25$51,812.10$1,601.75$9,642.21$78,154.52$19,292.26$5,280.62$8,392.14$3,343.34$126,269.05

2017$5,567.45$8,513.34$14,450.27$4,754.03$8,547.01$32,308.00$11,416.89$5,136.74$36,127.10$33,146.72$11,348.33$11,961.62$6,972.11$4,426.22$6,242.65$10,392.69$96,644.43$5,143.02$101,507.05$50,753.56$5,473.04$106,651.23$3,720.03$259,429.83$4,363.58$48,966.04$15,239.85$23,601.49$20,659.05$7,003.83$146,649.50$4,614.78$8,035.73$18,413.03$7,375.28$55,029.81$1,615.47$9,724.50$83,008.26$16,314.28$5,325.83$8,603.59$3,371.91$127,341.21

2017

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Clara Scott Family Chair - Part I
Clara Scott Family Chair - Part II
George W. Scott Endowment FundW. H. Scott Family Endowment
Marie C. Scrudder Memorial
Seminary Commitment Campaign
Seminary Development Fund Endowment
Seminary Scholarship Fund
Ed Shannon Endowment
E. Thach & Jerry Shauf Endowment
Robert E. Shelton Scholarship
Robert M. Shelton Scholarship
Ruby Burris Shelton Endowment
Dick & Virginia Singellton Endowment
Esther Smith & Search Parish Endowment
Odus H. Smith Memorial Endowment
Katherine Hinds Smythe Endowment
W. B. Snipes Memorial Scholarship
Truman Barrett Snowden Memorial
Dorothea Snyder Endowment
L. D. & Dathel Jones Stacey Endowment
Henry L. Starks ScholarshipAnne Stavely Endowmet Fund
Eva Jane Stewart Trust 50%
J.W. Stiles Lectures
Rev. Elizabeth Stone Mem. Schol.
Lela Stricklen Endowment
Maymie Stovall Memorial Trust 25%
Roy Stucker Scholarship Fund 50%
Charles Studdard Memorial
Emma Elizabeth Suddarth Memorial
Robert H. & Lois Went Taylor Endowment
Thomas V. Taylor Seminary Student
Verdys E. Taylor Trust
A. J. Terry Scholarship
Theological Seminary General Endowment
Virgil H. & Irene R. Todd - OT EXCL
Tri-Mu Bible Class Scholarship
R L Truax, M L Truax, R L Truax, Jr Award for Academic
AchCarl Walker Endowment
Mr. & Mrs. Carl Forbis Ward Memorial
Tom V. Warnick Memorial
Geneverette Warr Endowment

63$333,427.06$207,353.36$6,617.15$10,518.14$4,238.73$2,958.60$784.72$8,639.02$8,142.31$15,466.50$3,941.14$3,340.55$4,940.88$13,337.68$2,083.77$4,691.15$5,697.83$15,077.85$4,784.74$4,922.62$630.22$177,268.82$2,261.68$47,785.95$35,946.87$2,018.28$42,875.45$11,458.64$37,681.47$17,584.38$6,644.36$11,374.58$5,881.22$2,243.98$2,136.18$74,414.35$77,985.43$63,610.64$336,280.50$208,883.83$6,796.49$10,616.27$4,275.04$3,000.87$791.46$8,728.55$8,710.08$15,598.35$4,185.86$3,369.17$4,983.22$13,449.98$2,101.61$4,731.37$6,051.69$13,960.86$5,144.03$5,228.32$635.62$186,380.35$2,281.04$50,877.85$38,346.24$2,035.54$43,230.35$11,556.59$40,145.89$17,751.54$6,701.27$11,480.59$5,940.18$2,263.19$2,154.48$72,389.42$82,828.69$66,189.47$8,065.96$8,566.87$7,912.25$5,266.90$40,821.65$5,502.56$7,988.57$5,311.45$45,374.12$5,557.68

64

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Warren, MI, First CPC Endowment
Rev. David & Leota Watson Scholarship Endowment
The Rev. Harlon & Mary Edith Watson Endowment
Virgil T. & Sue B. Weeks
Lynn Westbrook Memorial Endowment
Mae Westbrook Memorial Endowment Fund
The Weston Endowment
J. W. Wilder Scholarship
Alline Williams Endowment
Wayne Wiman Scholarship
Davis/Winston Scholarship for National Baptist Students
Lamar & Ellen Wilson Memorial Scholarship
Women’s Issues in Ministry Endowment
Louisa Woosley Endowment Fund
Rev. Charles W. Hall Endowment for Pastoral Excellence
Dr. Thomas D. Campbell Endowment
Rev. Matthew Miller Endowment
Total

2017

$7,574.84$4,611.39$43,500.27$7,325.76$8,716.76$4,178.89$14,154.95$188,369.78$8,564.15$28,816.04$1,367.49$19,845.23$5,568.02$73,733.61$17,308.37$9,637.92$2,059.83$9,891,168.18$8,045.26$5,496.14$49,449.52$7,388.35$8,799.78$4,214.62$14,275.01$192,494.59$8,637.50$29,131.94$4,214.83$20,004.33$5,913.84$79,326.05$19,950.03$10,236.49$2,187.74$10,313,095.72

Ending Balance
2015$17,677.81$14,168.08$72,135.49$8,614.12$13,989.13$20,923.52$4,621.72$49.89$18,644.73$5,193.11$52,630.15$1,972,103.90$1,718.24$48,599.55$276,542.63$2,297,308.67$139,956.92$4,964,877.66

Ending Balance
2016$42,473.81$15,048.02$73,530.05$5,197.34$14,857.91$19,560.67$16,691.34$53.02$18,874.35$15,148.49$57,912.49$1,878,548.54$1,824.94$50,553.47$284,795.05$2,314,784.96$148,648.80$4,958,503.25

Ending Balance
2015

Ending Balance
2016

Miscellaneous
Endowment
Lavenia Cole Test. Trust Temp.
CP Retirement & Health Maintenance (Sue Galey)
Lillie M. Dickerson Memorial Fund
Verna Fillius Green Charities Endowment
Hodgeville Cemetery Association
Laddie Lollar Scholarship
McKinley & Barnett Families Temp.
Matching Gift Endowment Fund
Terrell D. and Jacqueline C. Maynard Endowment
Anay Ortega Montroy Missionary Endowment Fund
Ethel Phillips Endowment
Premium Stabilization
Thomas P. & Barbara J. Semmens Scholarship
Stobbe Mathematics Scholarship
Maymie Stovall Trust
Mary Ann Walton Trust
Parr Estate/Mission Synod Ministerial Aid
Total
Bethel University
Endowment

2017

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

J. E. Ash Memorial
Daisy J. Barger & Lena J. Davis
Grace Johnson Beasley (Memorial)
Herman Osteen Beasley Memorial
Bethel CPC, Columbia Presbytery
Boyett Trust
Rev. & Mrs. C. L. Bruington Library
Davis O. & Gladys Bryson Educ. 50%
Lavenia Campbell Cole Annuity End
Lavenia Campbell Cole Trust - 20%
Cumberland Presbytery Scholarship
J. Claud & Mary L. Dickinson Fund
Mary L. Claud Dickinson Educ.
Rev. & Mrs. Walter E. Dillow Memorial
Winifred M. Dixson Endowment
Jack & Ewie Freeman Trust
Vaughn & Mary E. Fults Min. ScholarshipSamuel K. Gam & Mamie S. Gam Endowment
Greensburg CPC Memorial Scholarship
Glenn Griffin Endowment - 33%
Fenner Heathcock Memorial Fund
Roy Hickman & Ruth Hughes Hickman
Francis A. Hobgood Trust 25%
George & Lottie M. Hutchins (Trust)
Dr. P. F. Johnson Memorial Endowment
Joiner Ministerial Scholarship (Bethel)Rev. E. R. & Forest Ladd Memorial
Robert F. & Jane L. Little (BC)Della Campbell Lowerie 20%
Dessa Jane Manuel Scholarship 50% (Bethel)
Albert & Belle McDonald Trus
Cliff McElroy Memorial Trust
Nyta Miller Scholarship
Nell Miller Scholarship
Ministerial Scholarship Endowment 60%
Bert & Pat Owen Endowment for Bethel
Max & Ethel Mize Parker Scholarship
S. Q. Proctor Ministerial Scholarship
Agnes D. Richardson Endowment FundPauline Rucker Memorial
Rev. & Mrs. J. Howard Scott Memorial
Esther M. Smith Trust
Martha S. & W. Horace Snipes Scholarship
Eva Jane Stewart Trust - 50%$7,689.71$19,502.09$17,169.23$42,377.57$1,950.29$34,304.05$11,460.39$42,752.55$77,018.99$18,751.52$12,581.99$7,736.65$439,762.33$24,344.04$48,875.75$20,028.29$38,720.29$24,647.68$7,836.43$37,537.77$80,344.98$42,130.86$32,989.26$270,430.43$59,796.23$6,479.78$2,544.55$28,636.85$386,567.45$180,705.37$485,322.12$20,625.28$7,232.79$3,235.71$127,215.28$2,158.51$20,983.32$12,466.68$9,870.50$4,434.17$10,825.23$7,337.40$2,473.77$61,777.71

65$7,755.74$19,669.20$17,316.30$42,740.59$1,967.04$34,597.92$11,558.56$43,118.84$77,678.78$18,912.18$12,689.75$7,802.93$443,529.66$24,552.59$49,294.42$20,199.90$39,052.01$25,016.44$7,903.56$37,859.36$81,033.27$42,491.76$33,271.87$272,747.14$60,308.49$6,535.26$2,566.39$28,926.03$389,879.12$182,253.42$489,479.72$21,906.18$7,294.79$3,263.42$128,305.09$2,176.98$21,163.12$12,573.46$9,955.04$4,472.16$10,917.96$7,400.24$2,502.45$62,306.95

66

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Roy Stucker Scholarship 50%
Richard Swain Memorial Scholarship
Weigel Bible CLass2017$52,208.28$23,964.90$10,331.63$2,888,136.65$52,655.56$24,170.17$10,420.15$2,914,191.96

Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America
Ending Balance
Endowment
2015
CP Church in America Min. Education$4,417.62
CP Church in America World Mission$9,009.50
Total$13,427.12

Ending Balance
2016$4,691.96$9,569.04$14,261.00

Total

Congregational
Endowment
Kate Maxwell Allen Trust
Grace Bright Circle Missions
Brunswick Cumberland Presbyterian Church Trust
Jane and Ed Chapman Endowment
Chinese Mission of San Francisco
Christ (FL) Tom W. Kelley Ed Fund
Christ (FL) Mary Beth Swindle Scholarship
Calico Rock CPC - Christian Service Center End
The Mary Cloud Fund
Lavenia Campbell Cole Endowment
Dyersburg - Charles F. Moore C/T
Dyersburg - Jenny Edwards Endowment
Elliottsville - Gillis Endowment
Elliottsville - Kent Endowment
Fairfield C P Church TrustFrankie Floyd Fund for Education
Faith-Hopewell CPC Ministries Endowment
Germantown - Christian Education Ministry
Germantown - Outreach Ministry
Germantown - Worship Ministry
Germantown - Eugene/Rosa Mae Warren
Germantown - William Pickle Member Care
Basil & Gertrude Green Scholarship Fund
Glenn Griffin Endowment 33% (Congregational)
Francis A. Hobgood Trust 50%
Hohenwald CPC (Congregational)
Hopewell Cumberland Presbyterian Church Endowment
Albert M. & Delia Jackson Memorial
Albert S. Johnston TrustEnding Balance
2015$6,103.50$10,034.98$13,257.26$3,312.18$27,502.39$30,515.24$87,641.77$5,821.13$42,772.62$262,396.17$52,636.38$31,501.97$10,593.79$7,931.69$87,787.94$13,502.15$1,006.15$27,758.05$6,728.52$2,147.06$13,879.66$5,695.97$61,460.28$44,522.96$66,771.96$340,853.20$503.10$4,888.39$59,637.87

Ending Balance
2016$6,155.81$10,658.21$14,080.58$2,434.30$27,738.27$30,940.91$90,272.75$6,182.62$43,139.12$220,510.12$55,905.32$33,458.37$11,251.72$8,424.26$57,936.63$14,340.67$1,068.65$29,508.20$7,146.35$2,280.39$13,478.37$6,069.92$63,436.04$44,904.45$67,344.04$343,773.00$534.35$4,936.55$60,148.80

2017

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Orn/Laughlin Trust
Lawrenceburg CPC - Jack & Marjorie Anderson Endowment
Lawrenceburg CPC - Mason/Jennings
Della Campbell Lowrie Trust
Lucado Endowment
Manchester CPC - Christian Education Endowment
Marshall (MO) David Guthrie YouthMarshall (MO) 50 Year Church Member Rec
CPC of Marshall (TX) Endowment
Marshall (TX) Ewing Chapel Cemetery
McKenzie CPC - Beasley Endowment
McKenzie CPC - Julia Patterson Irby
Medina CPC Trust
Mesquite CPC - Every Member Endowment
Louise Moffitt Trust Fund
Mount Moriah Cemetery Fund (W. TN Presbytery)
Murfreesboro First CPC Trust
New Salem Cemetery Fund
Oliver’s Chapel Cemetery Trust
Trimble CPC - Horace J. Coffer Memorial Trust
Trimble CPC - Howard Glasgow Memorial Trust
Trimble CPC - Bob & Chris Page Family Trust
Carolyn Smythe Parks Memorial Trust
E. E. Parks Memorial Trust
Hamilton & Merion S. Parks Family
Rev. Hamilton Parks Memorial TrustW. H. Parks Memorial TrustFranklin Pierce Memorial Trust
William W. & Lou W. Pierce Memorial
J. Dixie Johnson Primm Endowment
Red Bank CPC Endowment
Robinson Cemetery Endowment
Saint Timothy CPC Trust
Short Creek CPC Memorial Fund
Swan Cumberland Presbyterian Church
Inman & Mildred Swain Memorial
Thomas D. & Mary Jo (Adams) VaughanThomas & Mary Jo Vaughan OutreachWest Union Cemetery - Old Committee
Rev. Jonathan Clark Endowment
Calico Rock CPC - Mildred B. Curless Danielson
Calico Rock CPC - Every Member Endowment
Calico Rock CPC -Dixie Jennings Gray Endowment
Calico Rock CPC - Ernie Horton Gray Endowment$6,585.44$133,154.79$95,600.36$80,760.94$666,118.63$11,562.50$6,294.86$7,377.39$211,073.89$62,638.81$72,136.86$12,977.76$2,616.05$11,447.80$294,513.26$325,623.46$1,747.30$100,550.24$96,596.58$5,481.98$5,481.98$3,420.17$161,882.01$4,196.76$42,440.95$11,817.92$6,659.53$9,595.15$1,917.65$1,724.51$29,668.69$35,862.79$28,616.11$19,473.59$14,390.28$64,506.49$541,709.97$54,487.94$62,410.46$685.43$1,766.27$9,059.25$8,181.61$7,206.28

67$6,641.86$141,424.29$96,419.41$81,452.88$707,487.38$13,268.05$6,685.82$7,835.53$164,413.40$66,582.18$72,754.89$13,088.94$2,778.55$0.00$297,036.07$336,480.02$0.00$104,468.39$102,595.65$5,529.18$5,529.18$3,449.80$163,269.32$4,232.72$53,053.64$12,116.05$6,716.59$9,677.36$1,934.08$1,831.66$31,763.29$38,090.02$28,865.72$21,032.29$15,284.03$65,059.11$546,350.33$54,954.69$61,228.28$728.01$1,875.96$9,621.88$8,689.71$7,653.82

68

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Calico Rock CPC - Willis Newton Hankins End.
Calico Rock CPC - Joann Smith Hudson Endowment
Calico Rock CPC - Zelda Killian Endowment
Calico Rock CPC - James & Ariel Utt-Landrus End
Calico Rock CPC- John & Ernette “Ernie” Parker
Calico Rock CPC - Ray & Velma Perryman End
Calico Rock CPC - Beatric Virginia Pino End
Calico Rock CPC - Pietro “Pete” Pino Endowment
Calico Rock CPC - Muriel Thompson Ryan End
Calico Rock CPC - Sean Vann Endowment
Calico Rock CPC - Wayland - Seay Endowment
Calico Rock CPC - Wayne & Gaye Wood End
Calico Rock CPC - Trimble House Maintenance Endowment
Calico Rock CPC - Pete & Betty Riggins
Total

2017

$729.32$2,041.28$1,554.42$7,271.93$1,627.93$8,023.16$637.93$5,024.18$1,563.79$4,227.46$14,106.31$11,341.96$6,873.21$1,924.80$4,728,132.70$774.60$2,168.05$1,650.97$7,723.57$1,728.99$8,521.43$677.56$5,336.20$1,660.91$4,490.00$15,087.30$12,046.33$6,295.34$2,044.37$4,728,214.42

Ending Balance
2015$25,891.25$62,883.21$11,949.69$31,128.44$100,669.85$439,649.00$30,800.80$9,929.06$11,537.19$54,270.37$38,155.47$22,112.47$23,939.27$829,097.63$44,744.97$8,439.81$26,679.68$12,128.79$745,895.81$96,710.49$157,870.45$17,948.00$12,346.81$62,791.14$5,341.01

Ending Balance
2016$26,135.07$63,421.93$12,800.88$33,061.63$123,553.80$485,807.37$32,713.66$10,545.67$11,636.08$57,640.75$43,263.42$26,224.06$25,426.01$1,414,115.86$47,523.82$8,963.94$29,357.97$19,217.78$811,205.22$111,978.71$123,744.85$19,062.67$13,113.56$63,329.03$5,385.77

Presbyterial
Endowment
Arkansas Presbytery - Camp Peniel
Arkansas Presbytery - Higher EducationRev. Leo E. Smith Min. Memorial Scholarship
Daisy Bell Belcher Estate
Cauca Valley Presbytery - Hogar Samaria
Columbia Presbytery Endowment
Crystal Springs Camp - Fred Ramsey
East Tennessee - Philip Norris Jones
William J. Eldredge Trust Fund
Ephraim McLean Sr. Memorial Fund
Missouri Presbytery - Education Fund
Missouri Presbytery - Church Development & Revitalization
Missouri Presbytery - Missions Growth
Oklahoma/Kansas/Nebraska Mission (Red River Presbytery)
Red River Presbytery - CampRed River Presbytery Christian Ed. General
Tennessee Georgia Presbytery Capital
Tennessee Georgia Presbytery Candidate Education
Trinity Presbytery - Trinity Investment Fund
Trinity Presbytery - Trinity Church Development Fund
W. Tennessee Presbytery - Grace Beasley Fund
W. Tennessee Presbytery - Camp Clark Williamson
Covenant Presbytery - Russ Milton Scholarship Endowment
Cumberland Presbytery -Missions - McInteer End
Cumberland Presbytery - Missions - Millwood

2017

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Cumberland Presbytery -Missions - Ray A. Morris
Cumberland Presbytery - Missions - NCD
Cumberland Presby Missions - Reid’s Chapel End
Cumberland Presbytery - Missions-Royal Oak End
Cumberland Presby - Scholarships - Freeman End
Cumber Pres Scholarships - E. L. Freeman Farms
Cumberland Presby - Scholarships - Howard End
Cumberland Presby - Min. Educ - Bremen CPC 25%
Cumberland Presby - Cont. Educ - Hampton End
Cumberland Presbytery - Cont. Edu - KY Synod
Cumberland Presby - Gen. Prog - Bremen CPC 75%
Cumberland Presby - General Program - KY Synod
Cumberland Presby -Gen Prog - Eugene A. Leslie
Cumberland Presby - Gen Prog - Wilcoxson End.
Cumberland Presby Christian Ed - Camp Koinonia
Cumberland Presby - Christian Ed - Cecil Huff
Cumberland Presby - Christian Ed - Sam Macy
Cumberland Presby Higher Ed - Joseph H. Butler
Cumberland Presby - Higher Ed - Sharon Church
Cumberland Presbytery -Robert L. McReynolds 50%
Total$1,962.15$136,817.19$45,131.03$43,168.88$131,468.75$184,835.75$49,055.53$50,936.86$117,733.45$4,893.06$152,810.53$9,811.16$2,855.77$3,924.42$32,012.88$4,159.30$1,443.05$1,825.76$26,549.55$41,776.56$3,926,082.29

69$1,978.96$138,627.13$45,517.61$43,543.06$132,594.89$186,419.12$49,475.72$51,373.20$118,741.94$4,934.99$154,119.53$9,895.20$2,880.26$3,958.03$32,287.10$4,194.96$1,457.68$1,841.37$26,776.98$42,134.47$4,671,981.71

70

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2017

D. 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
survey of old files in the Historical Foundation and in the vault of the Board of Stewardship reveals theimportant role played by this aspect of the investment policy. Over the past sixty-five years from 1944
to 2009, 841 loans were made to congregations, presbyteries, and synods. From 2010 through 2016 anadditional 17 loans have been made. Through these loans, $42,714,405 has been provided in financing for
expansion of facilities and extension of witness.
A look at the different periods during which loans have been made provides a picture of growing
endowments (and of post World War II inflation!).
Period Loans
Total Loaned
Average
1944-4935$ 145,755$ 4,164
1950-59171$ 1,360,441$ 7,955
1960-69208$ 3,056,891$ 14,697
1970-79
166$ 3,609,084$ 21,741
1980-89
1990-99
2000-092010-16

101
102
58
17

$ 4,349,120$ 14,440,837$ 10,571,723$ 5,180,554$ 43,061$ 141,577$ 182,271$ 304,738

While looking at the table, it should be noted that the Cumberland Presbyterian Church Investment
Loan Program began January 1, 2001. Since its creation most of the larger loans are made through theInvestment Loan Program. At the end of the year the Endowment Loan Balance was $2,242,093.
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.
E. OTHER CHURCH LOANS
In addition to loans from the Investment Loan Program and the Endowment Program there isanother source available to the board for loans to churches.
1. Small Church Loan FundThis fund, formerly known as the Revolving Church Loan Fund, was created through an endowment
established by Lavenia Cole and gifts to the “Into the Nineties” Capital Gifts Campaign. All interest earned
by the loans is added to the fund to increase the amount available for loans. There were seven loans fromthe Small Church Loan Program at the end of 2016 totaling $176,054.
The rate of interest for the Small Church Loans made during 2016 was based on the loan rateestablished by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church Investment Loan Program at the beginning of eachquarter. These loans are generally small loans of $70,000 or less, most are amortized over five years.
F. REGIONAL PLANNED GIVING COORDINATORS
1. History
In 1993, the 163rd General Assembly commended the Board of Stewardship for “its vision indeveloping a program of planned giving in local congregations” and urged congregations “to be open to thisnew program and to take advantage of the assistance being offered” by the Board.
Further, it adopted recommendations to:Approve a church-wide annual emphasis on planned gifts as a complementary part of the observationof the Family Week focus provided by the Board of Christian Education during May of each year; andUrge each congregation to recognize the importance of promoting planned gifts as a part of its
overall nurture of Christian stewardship among its members.
In response to the 1993 action, staff of the Board of Stewardship have made presentations to morethan 150 congregations on the need to develop congregational endowments and encourage planned givingby church members.
At one time there were four Regional Planned Giving Coordinators. At the moment Carolyn
Harmon is the only Regional Planned Giving Coordinators. She is an elder in the Cedar Hill Church,

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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.
She can educate congregations and individuals regarding stewardship opportunities in planned
giving. Often times the results of her work is not easily measured. It may be several years before her work
bears fruit. Presentations can plant seeds which may bear fruit immediately or years down the road. Whatis of utmost importance is that the seeds are being planted.
The Board of Stewardship works to continue efforts of educating local congregations about theopportunities available through planned giving. It is through planned giving that current Cumberland
Presbyterians can provide for effective ministry long after they are gone.
It is our prayer that God will bless the work of encouraging Cumberland Presbyterians to give
generously to enhance the future ministry of all our churches.

IV. CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHINVESTMENT LOAN PROGRAM, INC.
In 1976, the board began a program to provide an opportunity for flexible investment of current
temporary cash assets of congregations and agencies of the church. The primary purpose of the programis to provide income to participants as a foundation for ministry. On 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 2016, the assets for the Investment Loan Program were $22,407,583 compared
to $16,853,197 in 2015. This is a 33% increase in assets in one year. There were 309 individual,
congregation and agency accounts. At year end, deposits on account totaled $14,788,707. The total loans
were $7,618,876 at year end.
For 2016, the corporation complied with the regulatory requirements in the states of Tennessee andKentucky and was able to offer investment opportunities to individual Cumberland Presbyterians in thestates of Tennessee, Kentucky, Texas, Missouri and New Mexico.
The board of directors is composed of the following: Mike St. John, president; Sue Rice, vicepresident and Debbie Shelton, secretary, and Jackie Satterfield. Robert Heflin serves as Treasurer andExecutive Secretary. During the past year, the board met twice in regular session.
In order to simplify administration and focus on the strengths of the Investment Loan Program, theboard took action to limit the offering of notes and depository accounts to “ready access accounts.” All note
holders (individuals) and depository account holders (churches and church agencies) with funds invested
in these “on demand” accounts participated in the $504,923 which the program paid in interest. For 2016
the interest rate paid to account holders was 3%. The interest rate paid to account holders can fluctuatefrom one quarter to the next. In recent years there has been renewed interest for congregations to open new
accounts because the interest paid is higher than current CD rates.
The table below provides a breakdown of the investment mix.

20.5%
9.9%
0.9%
68.5%
0.2%
100.0%INVESTMENT LOAN PROGRAM
Securities & Investments
Cash Equivalents$ 3,104,855
Preferred Stocks$ 1,495,872
U. S. Equity Bond Funds $ 139,512
Taxable Fixed Income$10,394,755
Multi Asset$
42,164$15,177,158

At the end of 2016 there were 23 loans to congregations made through the Investment Loan
Program. The loan balance was $8,617,980. Every accountholder is investing in the future ministry of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church as well as receiving interest on that investment.

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

IX. RETIREMENT PROGRAM
Since 1952, the board has provided a retirement program open to all church employees of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The program gives opportunity for churches and their employees toprovide a source of retirement income based on voluntary contributions. In 1987, a new Cumberland
Presbyterian Retirement Plan No. 2 was established as a qualified 403(b) defined contribution plan andin 1990 the General Assembly amended the plan to include the churches and employees of the Second
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, now known as the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America.
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. In 2012 a revised plan document was approved by the General
Assembly.
B. YEAR END REPORTOn December 31, 2016, there were 310 active participants in the Retirement Plan. There were 10
receiving direct monthly payments as a result of their elections. In addition to these participants, there were
14 persons who were receiving annuity payments purchased through the Plan and for whom the Plan issues
1099-R’s.
During 2016, $1,578,924 was dispersed to or for participants, an increase of 8% over 2015s$1,461,432. Contributions totaled $686,942 and were up 3.6 % over 2015s $663,084. Realized andunrealized gain on investments totaled $1,256,899 compared to a loss in 2015 of $310,078. The rate of
return credited to the accounts for the year was 6.5% compared to -0.8% for 2015. (Comparative annual
rates of return for: previous three years +3.7%, previous five years +7.3%, and from the beginning ofprofessional management in March, 1982 +9.3%.)
Effective January 1, 2011, Gerber/Taylor Management was retained to manage our stock portfolio.
We have continued our relationship with Met West, a bond manager, and RREEF, a private real estate
investment trust manager. Matt Robbins and Stacy Miller of Gerber/Taylor continue to be very helpful withkeeping the board updated on market conditions and investment strategies.

X. MINISTERIAL AID PROGRAM
A. MINISTERIAL AID
1. Full Benefit Recipients
As of March 2017 there are 5 Cumberland Presbyterian Church recipients of the full benefit of $519
(adjusted for inflation yearly) per month (increased from $300 on July 1, 2010). The monthly total of these

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payments is $2,595.00; annually, $31,140.00 is paid. Beginning May 1, 2015, the method of distributing
funds to overseas presbyteries was revised with the help of the Missions ministry team. Ministerial aid
will now be offered in overseas presbyteries on an individual basis. Presently there are 5 recipients in
Cauca Valley Presbytery and 5 recipients in Andes Presbytery that are receiving aid in the amount of $300
a month, for a total of $3,000 a month or $36,000 annually.
In October 2005, the board decided to distribute 75% of the previous year’s surplus to the remaining
recipients. No distribution was made December 2016 due to negative performance of endowments for2015. The Board of Stewardship has approved a cap of a maximum of $4,000 in lieu of large distributions
that may have a negative effect on other benefits received, such as SSI, or state assistance.
2. Basic Requirements.
The new basic requirements and amount for stateside recipients for the Ministerial Aid program
were approved at the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in June 2010. The poverty
levels have been updated to the latest available figures. They are as follows:
Full Benefit of $519 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 of 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 $12,060 a year or $1005 a month for 2017.
6. Couples income cannot exceed federal poverty guidelines set forth for the year by the US
Census Bureau. Poverty level is $16,240 a year or $1,353.33 a month for 2017.
(The GA Board of Stewardship is authorized to look at each case in light of unusual financial
hardship; thus, application may be made even if income levels exceed the ceiling.)
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 affect his or her SSI, Social Security or other benefits.
Cumberland Presbyterian Church applicants must submit to the board a listing of assets andliabilities so the net worth can be determined. The board urges presbyteries to maintain contact withpersons under the Ministerial Aid Program who live within their bounds. Should there be serious unmet
needs, the presbytery is urged to contact the board so that it may determine how the Ministerial Aid program
can be of assistance in meeting those needs.
3. Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America
The CPCA currently has 3 participants who receive monthly payments. As of June 1, 2015, the aid
amount increased from $109 a month to $510 a month and the CPCA contributes 50% of the yearly aid andthe CP Ministerial Aid Endowments 50%. The current amount received monthly per participant is $519.
The CPCA normally pays its share in June or July following their General Assembly.
4. Ministers in Overseas Presbyteries
As of May 1, 2015, with the help of the Missions Ministry Team, aid is available to those inoverseas presbyteries who qualify on an individual basis. The Cumberland Presbyterian Church is present
in 13 different countries and each country presents its unique legislation of how they manage pension plansaccording to laws and standards for salaries. The Mission Ministry Team will be the liaison between the
Board of Stewardship and the Presbyteries outside of the United States aiding the Board in identifying theneeds overseas and interpreting pension laws and standards for salaries. At present, aid is being sent to the
Cauca Valley Presbytery and Andes Presbytery in Colombia, South America.

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B. SPECIAL FINANCIAL NEEDS AID
At the Spring 2014 Board of Stewardship meeting, the Board approved the use of funds from the
Ministerial Aid Cash Fund ILP to be used in special situations where illness has caused a financial hardshipfor those that are not eligible for Ministerial Aid. There were no funds disbursed in 2015 and 2016.

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 204 men, women, and children depend on this program to meet theirhealth care needs.
A. PROPERTY & CASUALTY INSURANCEThe Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits secures property and casualty insurance
coverage against accidental loss for the General Assembly Corporation, Board of Stewardship, Discipleship
Ministry Team, Missions Ministry Team, Ministry Council, Communications Ministry Team, Pastoral
Development Ministry Team, Memphis Theological Seminary, and Historical Foundation.
Our broker is Lipscomb & Pitts of Memphis, Tennessee. For 2017, Travelers Insurance carries
our Property & Casualty policy and $2,500,000 in earth quake coverage, Evanston Insurance Company
provides an additional $16,797,258 in earthquake coverage. Philadelphia carries our Directors & Officers
coverage and Hanover carries our General Liability, Professional Liability, Crime, Automobile, andUmbrella policies. Workers Compensation coverage as of 10/23/2014 is with Bridgefield Casualty.
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 currently throughCigna. This leaves only four stateside presbyteries (Choctaw, Hope, Grace and Tennessee Georgia) without
a program. The quarterly rate applied to participant’s salaries is .45 per $100 of salary.
There are three primary reasons for ministers to want the coverage and for presbyteries to wantto provide the protection. The group rate is significantly lower than individual policy rates and does
not require a large cash outlay to cover all full-time ministers in a presbytery; housing allowance and/or the fair rental value of a manse is included in the definition of salary for ministers; and, there is no
medical qualification requirement in order to enroll. These advantages over individual policies makethis coverage very attractive, especially to those who have previously purchased their own policies. In
addition, a provision was negotiated with Cigna by the Board’s consultant, whereby ministers, upon leaving
a participating presbytery to serve in a non-participating presbytery, may continue the coverage if he or she
so desires. The new employing church is then billed for the quarterly premium. There are now 8 ministers
and two employees who are receiving or have received benefits from this insurance program. There are 174
participants as of January 1, 2017.
C. GROUP TRAVEL ACCIDENT INSURANCE
This policy provides twenty-four hour coverage on “named employees” for accidental death,dismemberment, or loss of sight while on business travel. The maximum benefit is $50,000 and there isalso a $1,000 medical benefit. The annual premium is $900. We renew this policy every 3 years. Thirtyone named positions are covered under this policy.
D. GROUP HEALTH & LIFE INSURANCE
The board has used a fully-insured, managed care approach to provide group health insurance
for Cumberland Presbyterian clergy and lay employees since March 1, 1999. Blue Cross / Blue Shield ofTennessee is our insurance carrier in 2017. In 2016, the group plan was split into 4 separate community
rated groups which provided more competitive rates. For 2017, the plans realized a 10% increase due topremium increase of 5.4% and less funds being used from the Premium Stabilization Reserve due to lower
returns of the endowments. Lipscomb & Pitts, a Memphis based insurance company, is our insurance
broker, and Craig Wright, our agent.

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1. Loss Ratio
Due to the change to community rated plans, the insurer does not provide loss information for thegroups.
2. Premiums
Efforts to maintain affordable premiums and comprehensive coverage are the biggest challenges weface. Premiums for 2017 are listed below and reflect the assistance from the Premium Stabilization
Reserve. The goal for 2017 is to utilize approximately $123,000 from the Premiums Stabilization
Reserve to help reduce the premiums participants pay for health insurance. In 2016 we utilized$185,191 from the Premium Stabilization Reserve.
Health Insurance Premiums for 2017
Option 1
Option 2
Employee Only
$ 686
$ 550
Employee & Spouse$1,361$1,087
Employee & Child(ren)$1,256$1,003
Family$1,953$1,562
The Health Plans are on a calendar year as far as deductible and pricing is concerned. It is our
objective to have the renewal pricing by no later than September 1 so presbyteries and agencies can havethe figures for their fall meetings and better plan their budgets for the coming year. Periodically we seek
bids from other carriers in an effort to keep premiums competitive. When this is done, we may not have thenew premium information by September 1.
Open enrollment period is the month of December. It is during this time that an employee canenroll or change their health insurance coverage unless there are special circumstances.
3. Participation
As of February 1, 2017, 123 employees and 81 dependents for a total of 204 people depend on
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church Health Insurance Program. A breakdown of family units by size at
February 1, 2017 is listed below.
FAMILY UNITS BY SIZE
Number of Units
Employee Only78
Spouse Only
0
Employee & 1
1
Employee & 2
5
Employee & 3
0
Employee & Spouse
22
Families of 3
4
Families of 4
12
Families of 5
1
Families of 600Families of 7
Total
123

Total
78
0
2
15
0
44
12
48
5
0
0
204

The following table shows the enrollment figures from January 2016 to December 2016. As one
can see the numbers fluctuate from month to month.

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January
February
March
April
May
June
July
AugustSeptember
OctoberNovember
December

MONTHLY GROUP INSURANCE ENROLLMENTEMPLOYEE COVERAGE DEPENDENT COVERAGE
90
45
87
45
88
44
86
44
85
45
85
45
85
45
84
46
81
47
79
49
80
48
78
47

2017

TOTAL
135
132
132
130
130
130
130
130
128
128
128
125

4. Premium Stabilization Reserve (Formerly Emergency Reserve)
The Premium Stabilization Reserve is invested in the Endowment Program Total Return Fund
account which had a balance of $1,857,625 as of December 31, 2016. The Emergency Health Insurance
Reserve was established in compliance with the 1992 General Assembly directive to be used in “emergency”
situations to match presbyterial emergency fund disbursements. The 1998 General Assembly approved theBoard’s recommendation to allow the Board to use the Emergency Reserve to maintain the stability of thegroup health and life insurance plan. This allows these funds to be used for purposes outside of the original
scope of the reserve. In 2016, the Board of Stewardship used $185,191 to help offset some of the cost of thehealth insurance premiums and have estimated that approximately $123,000 will be used in 2017 to help in
reducing premiums for the health insurance participants.
5. Dental and Vision Insurance
On December 1, 2008, we began offering Dental and Vision insurance, on a voluntary basis, foranyone working at least 30 hours or more for any Cumberland Presbyterian Church, its agencies, boards,
and institutions. Peter Whitely is the agent of record. At present there are 79 participating employees.
6. Jessie W. Hipsher Health Insurance Endowment
The Jesse W. Hipsher Health Insurance Endowment was created as the first step in the board’s
goal to raise $10,000,000 in endowments for the support of the Cumberland Presbyterian Health and Life
Insurance Program. The endowment was established on March 6, 2004. At its establishment $11,450 had
been raised. The balance of the endowment as of December 31, 2016 was $44,162.31.
7. Health Education / E-Mail Newsletter
To further educate participants in matters concerning healthcare, participants receive a monthly
e-newsletter entitled, TopHealth, published by Oakstone Publishing. The monthly e-newsletter is full of
health related tips that can be easily implemented by readers. The two page newsletter can be read within amatter of minutes. Doctor Ann tips on healthy eating are also included with the e-newsletter monthly. Also
initiated in 2008 is the E-Mail newsletter that is designed as an information tool to help the participants ofthe Health and Retirement programs.
8. Wellness Program
Blue Cross offers a Preventive Health Guide and the Blue 365 discount program for a range of itemfrom fitness, healthy eating, personal care and wellness and even information on financial health. Also
offered are the Nurse chat 24/7/365 and Physician Now where you can speak to a physician on call.
Respectfully submitted,
Boyd Day, Board Member
Robert Heflin, Executive Secretary.

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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: Reverend Rick White, president; Pat Ward, vice-president;
and Michael Fare, secretary. Susan Knight Gore is the director and treasurer of the Historical Library andArchives.
B. BOARD REPRESENTATIVES TO THE CPC & CPCA GENERAL ASSEMBLIESThe board’s representative to the 187th General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
is Robin McCaskey Hughes. The alternate is Reverend Lisa Oliver.
The board’s representative to the 142nd General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
in America is Reverend Rick White. The alternate is Edna Barnett.
C. MEMBERSHIP AND MEETINGS OF THE BOARD
The board is currently composed of the following members: from the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church in America—Edna Barnett, Dorothy Hayden, Willie Lynk, Pat Ward, and Rick White, from the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church—Michael Fare, Robin McCaskey Hughes, Mary Kathryn Kirkpatrick,Ashley Lindsey, Lisa Oliver, and Sidney Swindle.
The Board of Trustees met, September 16, 2016, and February 24, 2017.
D. MEMBERS WHOSE TERMS EXPIRE
The second term of Michael Fare expires with the 2017 meeting of the Cumberland Presbyterian
General Assembly, and he is eligible for reelection.
The third terms of Edna Barnett and Rick White expire with the 2017 meeting of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church in America General Assembly, and they are not eligible for reelection. The second
term of Dorothy Hayden expires with the 2017 meeting of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America
General Assembly, and she is eligible for reelection. The first term of Pat Ward expires with the 2017
meeting of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America General Assembly, and she is eligible forreelection.
E. STAFF
Susan Knight Gore serves as the Archivist of the Historical Foundation. Missy Rose is the archival
assistant for the Foundation.

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

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

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RECOMMENDATION 1: That the General Assembly make congregations and presbyteries
aware of the 1810 Circle and encourage new members to support this endeavor annually.
2. Patrons
Persons who contribute $100 or more to one of the endowments of the Historical Foundation
become patron members and receive a certificate. Patron memberships may also be given in honor or inmemory of an individual.
3. Heritage Churches
Congregations contributing a minimum of $1,000 to an endowment of the Historical Foundation
become Heritage Churches and receive a framed certificate. There are six categories of recognition andchurches can move from one level to another.
Heritage Church $1,000 - $4,999
Silver Heritage Church $5,000 to $9,999
Golden Heritage Church $10,000 to $24,999
Platinum Heritage Church $25,000 to $49,999
Diamond Heritage Church $50,000 to $99,000
Jubilee Heritage Church $100,000 and up
4. Presbyterial Heritage Committees/Presbyterial Historians
To promote interest in the work of the Foundation and to nurture work in history on the presbyterial
level, the Historical Foundation seeks to work cooperatively with the Presbyterial Heritage Committees/
Presbyterial Historians of both general assemblies. The brochure, Suggestions for Heritage Committees
and Presbyterial Historians, is available from the Foundation. The board expresses its appreciation to thepresbyteries that have Heritage Committees/Presbyterial Historians.
5. Denomination Day Offering
The 2017 Denomination Day Offering was designated to fund the conversion of fragile anddeteriorating analogue media to digital formats in order that it might better be preserved.
The Foundation expresses appreciation to congregations and others groups who received special
offerings for the work of the Historical Foundation on Denomination Day. This special offering provides
an opportunity for congregations to directly contribute to the support of the Historical Foundation as wellas the Foundation supplying educational materials to each congregation.
RECOMMENDATION 2: That congregations be encouraged to have a special offering on
the Sunday designated as Denomination Day to help support the special project designated for thatyear.
B. PUBLICATIONS
1. Promotional Materials
The Historical Foundation provides promotional materials describing its purpose and work, thevarious means of financially supporting this work, and listings of available publications and prints for salethrough 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 ofthese items goes into the Historical Foundation Trust, a permanent endowment supporting the Foundation’swork. Titles available are:1883 Confession of Faith.
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.

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God So Loved by Roy Hall.
History of East Side Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Memphis, Tennessee, Memphis Tennessee:
1926-1986, by the Historical Committee.
History of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church by B. W. McDonnold.
Jerusalem Cumberland Presbyterian Church: A Documentary and Pictorial History by Anne
Elizabeth Swain Odom.
Legacy of Grace: Louisiana and Texas Cumberland Presbyterian People & Places of Trinity
Presbytery by Rose Mary Magrill.
Life and Thought of Finis Ewing by Joe Ben Irby.
Life and Thought of Milton Bird by Joe Ben Irby.
Life and Thought of Reuben Burrow by Joe Ben Irby.
Life and Thought of Robert Verrell Foster by Joe Ben Irby.
Life and Thought of Stanford Guthrie Burney by Joe Ben Irby.
Life and Times of Finis Ewing by F. R. Cossitt.
Soundings by Morris Pepper.
Theological Snippets by Joe Ben Irby.
This They Believed by Joe Ben Irby.
What Cumberland Presbyterians Believe by E. K. Reagin.
Women Shall Preach: Celebrating 125 Yeas of Ordained Women in Ministry in the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church.
Prints of the Samuel McAdow Home and the First Meeting of Cumberland Presbytery.
These items are available for sale from Cumberland Presbyterian Resources.
RECOMMENDATION 3: That the General Assembly make presbyteries, congregations,and individuals aware that the Historical Foundation is interested and has funds to publish books on
topics concerning the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and Cumberland Presbyterian Church in
America.
3. Denomination Day Resources
All the Past is but the Beginning of Beginning (Denomination Day resource) is available on theFoundation’s web site under the Resources section: http://www.cumberland.org/hfcpc/resource/
It includes eight dramas intended to present the birth of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church andthe Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America. A hard copy may be requested from the Foundation
office.
4. Online Promotion
Recognizing the increasing value of emerging social media, the Historical Foundation employsa Facebook group, “Historical Foundation of the CPC & CPCA,” to engage an expanding audience of
Cumberland Presbyterians in denominational history and heritage. By showcasing collection acquisitions,
the Foundation expands the knowledge of those materials sought for preservation as well as the nature ofarchival development.
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 CPC or CPCA history subject which meets inform and content the requirements set by the Board of Trustees and judged by the board appointed awardscommittee. All manuscripts submitted to the competition become property of the Foundation and are added
to the Historical Library and Archives.
The contest follows the calendar year, and entries for the 2017 competition are encouraged. All
entries will be accepted through December 2017 for this year’s contest. Any entries received following thedeadline of December 31st will be automatically entered in the 2018 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 Historical

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Foundation appreciates the participation of past and future CPCA and CP historians in this program.
The 2016 Award went to Courtney Krueger of Cleveland, Tennessee for the paper “Devil Witha Blue Dress On: What History Teaches About How Cumberland Presbyterians Can Live in Unity with
Widely Divergent Perceptions of Truth and God’s Will.”
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 50 years or moreas members of a local congregation or presbytery; individuals who have served for 40 years or more in acontinuing leadership role (including pastors) within a local church. Individuals, churches, or presbyterial
heritage committees may make application for the issuing of an award by contacting the Foundation office.
Application forms are supplied by the Foundation office as well as the internet, http://www.cumberland.org/
hfcpc/Awards.htm.
D. RELATIONSHIPS
Presbyterian Historical Society of the Southwest
The Presbyterian Historical Society of the Southwest is an agency of The Synod of the Sun,
Presbyterian Church (USA) and Cumberland Presbyterian Churches in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma
and Texas. Members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church who serve on the board of this organization
are Reverend Norlan Scrudder, Reverend Perryn Rice, and Doctor Rose Mary Magrill.

IV. HISTORICAL LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES
A. RESEARCH SERVICEThe Foundation’s main research commitment is to the agencies, local congregations, and membersof the Cumberland Presbyterian Churches. Since the Historical Library and Archives of the HistoricalFoundation serves as the official repository for the Cumberland Presbyterian General Assemblies, this is
our focus. Although the separation of research into two types designated by their mode of access has been
rapid and dramatic, both the traditional and “cyber” mode contribute to and enhance the other.
1. Traditional/Physical Access
Hands on access to primary source material remains the vital heart of historic and theologicalresearch. Rather than being diminished by increased electronic resources, traditional research has broadened
due to heightened awareness of primary sources in an expanding information age. The Foundation receives
research requests by personal visitors, mail, e-mail, and telephone. As time permits, requests are researched.
Responses are sent to the requestor, as well as pertinent information on ministers, congregations, presbyteries
and synods being placed on our website for future researchers.
2. Electronic Access
The Foundation’s website continues to expand in order to provide greater access to the materials in
the Historical Library and Archives. As well as being a research tool, the internet provides an invaluable
and inexpensive means of promotion for the physical collections of the Historical Library and Archives,
the activities of the Historical Foundation, and for the greater community of faith called Cumberland
Presbyterians. Information at the site includes: general information about the Foundation, entire texts ofimportant historical documents, historical information on particular congregations, ministers, presbyteries,and synods. The gateway URL to the Foundation’s website is http://www.cumberland.org/hfcpc/.
B. ACQUISITIONSThe Historical Library and Archives regularly receives items published by the two denominations,
Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Preliminary Minutes of theGeneral Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Yearbook of the General Assembly of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, The Cumberland Presbyterian, Missionary Messenger, Minutes of theGeneral Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America, Preliminary Minutes of the General

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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 2016 Accession List closed with 102 accession groups.
Some of the highlights added to the collection in 2016 include:
Audiovisual Items
Chinese Cumberland Presbyterian Church. San Francisco, California. Worship Services.
Books
Agudelo, Gildardo. Un Misionero Sin Elogios. Cali, Colombia, 2015.
Announcement and Catalogue of Mrs. M. E. Clark’s Select School for Young Ladies, Nashville,
Tennessee. 1885-1886. Nashville, Tenn.: Cumberland Presbyterian Publishing House, 1886.
The Constitution of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, In the United States of America:
Containing the Confession of Faith, A Catechism, the Government and Discipline, and the Directory for
the Worship of God. Nashville, Tennessee: Printed by M. & J. Norvell, for the Publishers, 1815.
Mink, Ken. The Rag Tag Gang: The Hilarious Story of America’s Zaniest College Football Game:
Ga. Tech 222, Cumberland 0. CreateSpace, 2011.
Psalms and Hymns, Adapted to Social, Private, and Public Worship, in the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church. “Authorized and Adopted by the General Assembly, at her Sessions in Lebanon, Tennessee, A.D.
1845.” Stereotyped by J. A. James, Cincinnati, Ohio. Cumberland Presbyterian Board of Publication, 1848.
Wallace, Boyce. El Cristianismo Básico. Primera edición. Cali, Valle, Colombia, Octubre de 2013.
Periodicals
Ladies’ Pearl. (1872).
Our Little Children. Volume 12, Part 3 (November 18, 1917).
The Cumberland Flag, 1995-1999.
The Cumberland Presbyterian, 1896-1909.
Institutions
Cumberland Female College. McMinnville, Tennessee. Autograph book, 1885.
Cumberland University. Lebanon, Tennessee. The Phoenix. 1908.
Missouri Valley College. Marshall, Missouri. The Sabiduria. 1915.
Museum Items
Cloverdale CPC, Obion, Tennessee. Baptismal font.
Hopkinsville CPC, Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Commemorative plate.
St. Timothy CPC, Bedford, Texas. Shirt, 40th Anniversary, 1870-2010.
Trinity University. Waxahachie, Texas. Toothpick holder, Wheelock pottery.
Other Congregational Records
Caney Fork CPC. Sumner County, Tennessee. Organization Document, March 20, 1827.
Goodlettesville CPC. Goodlettesville, Tennessee. Church Directory, 1989.
Halls Creek CPC. Waverly, Tennessee. Cookbook.
Newton Chapel CPC. Star City, Arkansas. Guest Book 1975-2008.
Photographs
Bethel College. McKenzie, Tennessee. 1886.
McKenzie CPC. McKenzie, Tennessee. Young People’s Society for Christian Endeavor, about
1895.
New Hope Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Paducah, Kentucky.
Southern Illinois College. Enfield, Illinois.
Postcards
Erin CPC. Erin, Tennessee.
Loudon CPC. Loudon, Tennessee.
Princeton CPC. Princeton, Kentucky.
Punxsutawney CPC. Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.
Presbyterial Records
Ohio Valley Presbytery. Colored Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Minutes. 1932-1947 & 19571963.
Japan Presbytery CPC. Minutes. 2006-2016.
Holly Grove CPC (Princeton, Alabama). 1965-1997.

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Mangum CPC (Mangum, Oklahoma). 1990-2015.
Mount Hebron CPC (Goreville, Illinois) 1989-2012.
Mount Joy CPC (Parsons, Tennessee) 1881-1947
New Providence CPC (Clarksville, Tennessee) 1963-1985, 1987-2005.
Paris CPC (Paris, Arkansas) 1987-2009.
Shiloh CPC (Palmyra, Tennessee) 1972-2012.
St. Andrew CPC (El Dorado, Arkansas) 1958-2001.
Sermons
James Hilmon “Pete” Hegwood (1939-2012)
Lawrence Earl Phelps (1928-2016)
Session Records
Hopewell CPCA. Leighton, Alabama. 1997-2016.
Cloverdale CPC. Obion, Tennessee. 1900-1931
Salt Fork CPC. Nelson, Missouri. 1871-1901
Silverdale CPC. Chattanooga, Tennessee. 1984-2000
Synodical Records
Alabama Synod. Colored Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Minutes. 1953.
In all judicatories, from the session of the congregation through presbytery, synod, and the General
Assemblies of both the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in
America, minutes form the legal record of the judicatory. Without these records there is often nothing
to document persons joining the church, ordination as elder and clergy, disciplinary actions, etc. It is
important to be aware that legally original minutes are always the property of the judicatory for which they
are created. Should that judicatory cease to exist, the next higher judicatory becomes custodian responsible
for securing and preserving the records of the extinct body. It can be difficult to convince persons thatrecords kept by their relative are not family property but the General Assemblies of both denominations
have ruled the only legal repository for the records of extinct judicatories is the Historical Foundation.
RECOMMENDATION 4: That the General Assembly encourage all congregations topreserve their session records by depositing them in the Historical Foundation.
RECOMMENDATION 5: That the General Assembly instruct each synod and presbytery
to deposit their minutes in a timely fashion with the Historical Foundation.
The Historical Foundation can provide on-site assistance to both presbyteries and individual
congregations. On the presbyterial level, we can assist the appropriate agency to evaluate materials left whena church has ceased to be viable and has been closed. This can eliminate speculation on the presbytery’spart as to what is, or is not, material to be preserved. For congregations we can provide a similar service
helping them to determine what can and should be archived.
RECOMMENDATION 6: That the General Assembly instruct presbyteries to locate thesession records when closing a church and then deposit them in the Historical Foundation.

V. BIRTHPLACE SHRINE
The Birthplace Shrine located at Montgomery Bell State Park near Dickson, Tennessee wasdedicated June 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 theBirthplace Shrine. Four endowments provide funds for maintenance and repairs: the Grace Johnson BeasleyBirthplace 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 theFoundation office. Another means of support are the 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 formaintenance and special projects. The Board encourages individuals and groups to visit the Birthplace
Shrine as an act of remembering our heritage and envisioning our future as Cumberland Presbyterians.
Groups and individuals are encouraged to contact the Foundation to set up work days and special

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projects. The Foundation thanks the Heritage Committee of Nashville Presbytery and the Charlotte
Cumberland Presbyterian Church for their continuing volunteer upkeep of the property.

VII. FINANCIAL CONCERNS AND 2018 BUDGET
A. BUDGETS
The 2018 line-item budget of the Historical Foundation has been filed with the CPC General
Assembly Office.
B. ENDOWMENTS
Anne Elizabeth Knight Adams Heritage Fund
Rosie Magrill Alexander TrustPaul H. and Ann M. Allen Heritage Fund
Grace Johnson Beasley Birthplace Shrine Fund
Birthplace Shrine FundJames L. and Louise M. Bridges Heritage FundMark and Elinor Swindle Brown Heritage Fund
Sydney and Elinor Brown Heritage FundCentennial Heritage Endowment
Walter Chesnut Heritage Fund
Lavenia Campbell Cole Heritage Fund
Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America Heritage Fund
Cumberland Presbyterian Women Archival Supplies Endowment
Bettye Jean Loggins McCaffrey Ellis Heritage Fund
Samuel Russell & Mary Grace (Barefoot) Estes Endowment
Family of Faith Endowment
Gettis and Delia Snyder Gilbert Heritage FundJames C. and Freda M. Gilbert Heritage FundJames C. and Freda M. Gilbert Trust
Mamie A. Gilbert Trust
Henry Evan Harper Endowment for Cumberland Presbyterian History
Ronald Wilson and Virginia Tosh Harper Endowment
Historical Foundation Trust
Donald and Jane Hubbard Heritage Fund
Cliff and Jill Hudson Heritage Fund
Robert and Kathy Hull Endowment
Into the Nineties Endowment
Joe Ben Irby Heritage Fund
P. F. Johnson Memorial Endowment
Irene A. Kiefer Endowment
Chow King Leong Endowment
Dennis Lawrence & Elmira Castleberry Magrill Trust
J. Richard Magrill Heritage Fund
Joe Richard and Mary Belle Magrill Trust
Gwendolyn McCaffrey McReynolds Heritage Fund
Jimmie Joe McKinley Heritage Fund
Edith Louise Mitchell Heritage Fund
Lloyd Freeman Mitchell Heritage Fund
Snowdy Clifton and Lillian Walkup Mitchell Heritage Fund
Rev. Charles and Paulette Morrow Endowment
Virginia Sue Williamson Morrow Heritage FundAnne Elizabeth Swain Odom Heritage Fund
Martha Sue Parr Heritage Fund
Florence Pennewill Heritage Fund
Morris and Ruth Pepper Endowment
Publishing House Endowment
Mable Magrill Rundell Trust

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Samuel Callaway Rundell Heritage FundPaul and Mary Jo Schnorbus Heritage FundRoy and Mary Seawright Shelton Heritage Fund
Shiloh CPC Ellis County Texas Endowment
Hinkley and Vista Smartt Heritage FundJohn William Sparks Heritage Fund
Irvin Scott and Annie Mary Draper Swain Heritage Fund
F. P. Waits Historical Trust

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

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THE REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEESOF MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
Introduction
Memphis Memphis Theological Seminary is the only seminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church. Our history is traced back through the Cumberland Presbyterian Theological Seminary in McKenzie
to the organization of the graduate School of Theology at Cumberland University and the Theological
Department at Bethel College, both of which began in 1852. Those two schools of theology continued thelegacy begun in the work of founder Finis Ewing, who educated candidates for the ministry in his home,and many other ministers, who trained young candidates in homes, churches, and on the trail. For one
hundred fifty seven years, Cumberland Presbyterians have been providing formal theological education forthe church’s ministers. For almost two hundred years, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church has valued theimportance of an educated ministry.
With the denomination’s decision to move its seminary to Memphis in 1964, Memphis TheologicalSeminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church began to serve a larger and more diverse student body.
Though students from other denominations were admitted during the McKenzie years, the move to a major
metropolitan area opened the opportunity to attract more students from more denominations. Today,
Memphis Theological Seminary has one of the most diverse student populations, in terms of denomination
and race, of any seminary in the United States. This theological and denominational diversity provides arich environment for educating pastors, chaplains, Christian educators, and other leaders for the church of
Jesus Christ. The sign on our campus that faces Union Avenue reads: “Memphis Theological Seminary:an Ecumenical Mission of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.” Every Cumberland Presbyterian can beproud of the mission our seminary fulfills of educating our own church leaders, and leaders from more than
25 other denominations.
We, the trustees and administration of Memphis Theological Seminary, are privileged to be a part ofthis legacy, born out of and guided by the ecumenical and evangelical spirit of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church. We look forward to what God has in store for our ministry in the future. With gratitude for God’s
grace, guidance and provision in the past year, we make the following report to the 187th General Assemblyof the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, meeting June 19-23 in Palm Harbor, Florida.

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 Jennifer Newell (Cumberland Presbyterian minister, Tennessee-Georgia
Presbytery); Vice-moderator – Reverend Kevin Henson (Cumberland Presbyterian minister, Red River
Presbytery); Secretary – Mrs. Sondra Roddy (Cumberland Presbyterian elder, Clarksville, Tennessee);
Treasurer – Mrs. Cassandra Price-Perry (Vice President of Operations and CFO, MTS).
B. BOARD REPRESENTATIVE
Reverend Susan Parker, Hope Presbytery, was elected to serve as the Board’s representative to thismeeting of the General Assembly. Mrs. Sondra Roddy was elected alternate.
C. MEETINGSThe Board of Trustees has met twice since the last meeting of General Assembly: October 6-7,
2016 and February 9-10, 2017. The Board is scheduled to meet one more time before the meeting ofGeneral Assembly, on May 11-12, 2017. In addition to full Board meetings, standing committees meet ona regular schedule between Board meetings, usually by conference call.
Members of our Board of Trustees devote significant time and resources to their work on behalfof the seminary. By rule of the General Assembly, thirteen of the twenty-four members are Cumberland
Presbyterians. The other eleven members of the Board represent six different denominations.
D. EXPIRATION OF TERMS
The terms of eight of twenty-four members of the Board of Trustees expire each year. Five of theeight whose terms expire this year are eligible to succeed themselves and have agreed to serve another86

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three year term: Reverend Nancy Cole (United Methodist, Tuscaloosa, Alabama); Reverend Anne Hames(Cumberland Presbyterian, McKenzie, Tennessee); Reverend Jennifer Newell (Cumberland Presbyterian,
Chattanooga, Tennessee); Reverend Susan Parker (Cumberland Presbyterian, Rogersville, Alabama), andReverend Stewart Salyer (Cumberland Presbyterian, Clarksville, Tennessee). All have served faithfully
and contributed greatly to the life of the seminary. We are grateful for their willingness to continue serving
if re-elected.
One trustee who was eligible to serve for another term had declined to serve. Reverend RobertMarble (United Methodist, Little Rock, Arkansas) will be unable to serve a third term. Two trustees
have completed their eligibility having served three terms: Doctor Joe Ward (Cumberland Presbyterian in
America, Huntsville, Alabama) and Mrs. Ruby Wharton (Roman Catholic, Memphis, Tennessee).
Trustee Mr. Johnny Coombs (United Methodist, Ripley, Mississippi) submitted his resignation
effective May of 2017 because of expanded work responsibilities.
RECOMMENDATION 1: That the General Assembly express its gratitude to trustees
Marble, Ward, Wharton, and Coombs for their 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 ten years we have had 100% participation bytrustees in giving to the Annual Fund, and in participating actively in the work of MTS.
The Board has prioritized strategic planning and the development of alternate revenue streams forthe coming year. We will be considering a strategic plan for the next 3 to 5 years at our May Board of Trustees
meeting. The plan has been developed with guidance and input from our Board and our broad constituency,
and specific goals have been identified by seminary administrators in all areas of the seminary’s life.
F. “MINISTRY FOR THE REAL WORLD”
The 183rd General Assembly approved a recommendation from our Board granting us permission
to engage in a major capital campaign for Memphis Theological Seminary. After two years in the quiet
phase, the Board authorized a comprehensive campaign, titled, “Ministry for the Real World,” which waslaunched publicly in October of 2015. The Board authorized a goal of $25 million to be raised through2020, with approximately $10 million committed to operations, $10 million to capital improvements,
including the construction of a new chapel, and $5 million for endowment.
As of the writing of this report, we have secured approximately $14 million in gifts and pledges
toward the goal, including an additional gift of $2 million in the past year for the Hamilton Chapel project.
We anticipate breaking ground for the chapel before the end of 2017. What follows is the case statement
for the campaign.
MINISTRY FOR THE REAL WORLD
Scholarship, Piety and Justice
MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
March 24, 2014
MINISTRY FOR THE REAL WORLDTWO CENTURIES OF MAKING A DIFFERENCE.
“Academic scholarship is a major hallmark of Memphis Theological Seminary. The school feeds
both the minds and spirits of its students. Rigorous scholastic study and intellectual discussion of the Bible
from different points of view are encouraged.” “The goal is to foster informed critical thinkers. It is not topromote the agenda of Memphis Theological Seminary. When students graduate, they have the knowledge
and practical tools to be effective ministers. They live their lives according to the teachings and values of
the Bible. Graduates are well prepared to positively impact individuals, congregations and society.” – Mrs.
Ruby Wharton, Esq., Trustee
In 1821, a pastor’s dedication to theological education and inclusiveness gave rise to the first
theological school west of the Mississippi. Thirty years later, out of the same Spirit, a theological department
was established at Bethel College (now Bethel University) in McKenzie, Tennessee, an institution of the

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Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Over one hundred years later, in 1964, in order to reach more ministers for the Gospel, the seminary
was moved to Memphis and renamed Memphis Theological Seminary. It was intentionally opened as an
ecumenical seminary that welcomes men and women of all faiths, cultures and ages. The philosophy andvalues of the seminary are as meaningful today as they were two centuries ago. The school focuses onscholarship, piety and justice. Inherent in these three words are powerful concepts that differentiate MTS
from other seminaries.
• Scholarship implies disciplined, traditional study, but it also involves becoming a
discerning critical thinker. Graduates are compelling spiritual servant leaders and thoughtful ministers.
They are able to explain Biblical passages within both their historical context and their relevancy in today’s
world—and in such a way that lives are transformed.
• Piety involves our heart-felt devotion to God. True piety leads to compassion, selflessness,
universal love and respect for all of God’s creation. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. described so eloquently
when he wrote, “Our goal is to create a beloved community, and this will require a qualitative change in oursouls as well as a quantitative change in our lives.”• Justice does not refer to civil law. It is much more. Without the practice of justice as
described in the Bible, love, liberty and even life cannot flourish. Love alone does not ensure equality.
Biblical justice involves care for the poor and powerless and leads to inclusiveness, understanding
and compassion. It is respecting all people, even those who are very different from you. It is actively
participating in righting wrongs whenever and however they present themselves.
Our student population is very diverse and reflects the real world. There are no age, gender,
economic, cultural, theological or racial barriers here. Our graduates will be ministering to many different
populations and denominations. Their experience at MTS helps them understand how to work toward a
beloved community.
Some of the most respected and influential ministers in the Mid-South are graduates of Memphis
Theological Seminary. They are acknowledged for their depth of Biblical and religious knowledge andtheir ecumenism. They are respected for their ability to influence both religious and secular communities.
Wherever our graduates serve, they impact the lives of those they touch. They are formed to beministers in the real world.
Our graduates touch thousands of lives in their chosen ministry. They become pastors, youth
ministers, educators and chaplains in hospitals, prisons and the military.
For over fifty years, the seminary has occupied the magnificent turn-of-the-century Newburger
Mansion in midtown Memphis. We have worked hard to maintain the original beauty of this grand home.
Warmth and intimacy are created by cascading stairways, arched doorways, and handcrafted woodwork. It
is the beautiful face we show to the public. In more recent years, we have added two adjoining mansions
in response to a growing student body and the faculty and staff hired to serve them.
The three homes have served us well, but with enrollment reaching 325 students, we have outgrownthem. Because of the reputation and impact of our graduates, our enrollment continues to grow. We believe
we can reach an enrollment of 450 students in the not-too-distant future. Together students will represent
over 30 denominations, several states and a few countries.
The Newburger Mansion’s prized Ballroom is our makeshift chapel. Unfortunately it can only
seat one-fifth of our student body. We are grateful to have resided in the homes on beautiful East Parkway
during our time of growth. We will always maintain them. They will continue to serve us well as library
space, offices and intimate gathering spaces for small discussion groups. But it is urgent that we expand
our campus and construct a chapel and an academic building. We have acquired property adjacent to our
campus for both structures. Now we must build. Our future depends on it.
PREPARING FOR ANOTHER TWO HUNDRED YEARS OF MINISTRY FOR THE REAL WORLDThe Board and administration of Memphis Theological Seminary have thought long and hard about
the future of the seminary. We have prayed for God to guide us in our decision making. In order to ensure
our future, we must undertake three important and much-needed projects without delay.
1. A new chapel is a top priority. We have made do with a small converted ballroom for too long.
2. We need a building to house our new, groundbreaking Methodist House of Studies. Methodists
represent the single largest contingent of students at MTS. With faculty offices and meeting space, theMethodist House of Studies will relieve pressure on MTS’s limited academic facilities.

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3. Significantly increasing our endowment and underwriting an important faculty chair will enable
MTS to prosper and grow. It will help us become financially stable and ready to withstand any potential
financial crises for the next two hundred years. Like most seminaries, we are tuition dependent. At lastreport our endowment was $9.2 million. This does not generate sufficient interest income to meet thegrowing demands of our expanding student body. It is crucial that we double the endowment immediately.
It will allow us to meet the increasing need for scholarships and financial aid. And it will be a cushion toprotect MTS from unforeseen emergencies.
While MTS serves a variety of denominations, its’ roots extend back to the Cumberland Presbyterian
tradition. By fully endowing the Baird-Buck Chair in Cumberland Presbyterian Studies, we will ensure that
our Cumberland Presbyterian students are fully prepared to serve the congregation to which they are sent.
Successfully completing these projects will enable MTS to aggressively pursue its mission wellinto the twenty-first century: To educate men and women for ordained and lay Christian ministry in the
church and the world by shaping and inspiring lives devoted to scholarship, piety and justice.
Project One: Construct a new free-standing chapel
We are blessed to have already received two wonderfully generous gifts designated for our newchapel. The first is an extraordinary cash donation of $1 million. This significant gift is a vote of confidence
in Memphis Theological Seminary. It recognizes the difference our graduates make in the world.
The second is one of the oldest and finest pipe organs in the South. It was donated to us by theUnion Avenue United Methodist Church. It is an acknowledgement of the role we play in preparing strong
spiritual leaders. The pipe organ was manufactured in 1924 by the M.P. Moller Organ Company. In today’s
dollars, it is estimated to be worth $550,000—a valuable and prestigious gift. Moller pipe organs are also
installed in the chapels at Camp David and Lincoln Center.
Both gifts are true blessings and will enable MTS to construct a chapel that
• Reflects our identity, purpose and excellence.
• Is large and adaptable enough for different denominations within the seminary to conduct worshipservices reflective of their cultures and expressions of faith.
• Provides a place of worship that will accommodate our entire student body.
• Replicates in a small way the churches in which graduates will preach. This will give students
the experience of speaking from a real pulpit rather than a small podium.
• Has the proper acoustics to showcase the beautiful Moller pipe organ.
• Will allow us to offer certificates or degrees in church music and organ music.
Project Two: Construct a home for the Methodist House of Studies
There has long been a perceived gap between “the academy” and “the church.” We at MTS havebecome convinced that such a binary way of thinking is deeply flawed. The relationship between seminary
and church ought to be marked by an organic, mutually beneficial partnership. Within that partnership, itis the seminary’s calling to be in service to the church—preparing women and men for pastoral leadershipand resourcing the current ministry needs of pastors and congregations.
We at MTS believe that there is a point of intersection between the mission of the seminary and themission of the church. Our commitment is to focus our resources and attention at that point of intersection.
We are planning a major new initiative in the life of MTS—the Methodist House of Studies. Under the
direction of faculty member Dr. Andrew C. Thompson, the Methodist House of Studies will serve as a“community within a community” where our Methodist students can take advantage of the best in Wesleyan
theological formation within MTS’ richly ecumenical context. The House of Studies will also serve as avehicle for connecting the resources of MTS with the needs of the wider church. This link will offer pastors
and congregations new avenues and contexts for mission and ministry.
The proposed building will house professors’ offices and provide meeting space for this groundbreaking program. Given our facilities limitations, the additional space will contribute to the success of thisimportant program.
The ecumenical partnership between Memphis Theological Seminary and the United Methodist
Church goes back for decades. And from a strong foundation we believe a vital future can be cultivatedand grown. At this crucial juncture in the life of both seminary and church, we are excited to anticipate
advancing the relationship between the two with the creation of a home at MTS for the Methodist House ofStudies.

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Project Three: Significantly increase our endowment and endow the
Baird-Buck Chair in Cumberland Presbyterian Studies
Without a larger endowment, we cannot fully execute our mission. Cassandra Price-Perry, Vice
President of Operations/CFO, explains this very well.
“I am here to use my financial skills to help students respond to their call by God to ministry.
Because of our small endowment, the number and size of our scholarships and financial aid packages arelimited. We are not able to enroll as many highly qualified and motivated students as we would like because
they can’t afford the cost of attendance—books, fees, travel, food and other miscellaneous expenses.”
Our tuition is certainly not exorbitant, but nor is it cheap. Many students find it difficult to fund theentire three years required to receive a degree.
Sadly, this compromises our commitment to being an ecumenical school that welcomes everyone
who meets our academic requirements. We have cut our operating expenses to the bone during the economic
downturn. Still, we can only offer financial assistance to just a portion of the students who apply. Only withphilanthropy will it be possible to provide financial assistance to the many motivated and qualified students
who are called to serve.
Founded by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Memphis Theological Seminary has proclaimed
the inclusiveness of the Gospel message for more than 150 years. A fully endowed Baird-Buck Chair in
Cumberland Presbyterian Studies will ensure that the vibrant tradition which has guided MTS for eight
generations will inspire seminarians for many years to come.
MAKING A REAL DIFFERENCE: MINISTRY FOR THE REAL WORLD
The graduates of Memphis Theological Seminary proclaim and embody God’s message ofredemption, justice and peace in service to others. Our graduates guide people in their faith and help themunderstand why they believe. This is powerful. They ignite people’s hearts in love for Jesus Christ andsupport them in walking in His way. They model Christ-like behavior, and in doing so they transform thelives of those they touch—in church, in the grocery store, on a bus or in prisons. They shatter prejudice.
They stand in the face of desperation and offer hope. They provide for those with nothing, and they teachothers to do the same. The world is a better place because of their real world ministry—a ministry that ispersuasive, practical and purposeful.
“Today, mainline religions are grappling with retaining membership. Our emphasis is on academics,
practical application and an inclusive approach to theology. This prepares our graduates to be relevant andmeaningful ordained and lay ministers in the real world today. This is the only way they can serve andembody God’s mission of redemption, justice and peace in service to the New Creation of Jesus Christ.
“My father attended this seminary, so it was only natural that I followed in his footsteps. Now that I am
president, I am blessed to be leading the initiative to bring our facilities into the twenty-first century. We
cannot wait. Our campus must reflect the extraordinary academic excellence within its walls.” – Dr. Daniel
J. Earheart-Brown, President
Angel, must I give again, I ask in dismay. And must I keep giving and giving and giving it away?
Oh no, said the angel, his glance pierced me through. Just keep giving ’til the Lord stops giving to you.
THIS MINISTRY FOR THE REAL WORLD CAMPAIGNIS NOT REALLY ABOUT NEW BUILDINGS
It is about the people.
It is about the highly qualified professors who work inside them. It is about the committed andpassionate students who are following God’s call to ministry. Sometimes they leave successful careers.
Their families make significant economic and lifestyle changes. They do this to serve God, humanity andall of creation. Their lives are transformed. And as a result, our lives are changed. And the world is a better
place because of them. Adequate classrooms and a student center will support students on their rigorous
academic and spiritual journey. They deserve a real chapel in which to pray, preach, meditate and seek
God’s further counsel. A chapel filled with the music of a real pipe organ. And joyous voices joined inpraise. Finally, Memphis Theological Seminary deserves facilities that truly reflect the excellence of its
high academic standards. Its commitment to forming extraordinary ministers for the real world must be
celebrated with quality facilities.
You have the power make a real and powerful difference. Your support ensures the success of
our campaign. It also secures the future of Memphis Theological Seminary. With your support we will

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be able to continue to graduate outstanding ministers for the real world. Prayerfully consider your role insupporting our important undertaking. And as you do, please consider the wisdom of this poem. It reflects
the insights of a very generous philanthropist.
YOUR SUPPORT HAS A POWERFUL RETURN
A donation to Memphis Theological Seminary means that your investment will be leveraged in
extraordinary ways.
A message from Tim Orr, former Chair of the Board Trustees, Memphis Theological Seminary:
Dear Friends,
As you consider your participation in the Ministry for the Real World Campaign, you can rest
assured that your investment will be leveraged in extraordinary ways. The check I write to Memphis
Theological Seminary is multiplied many times over. I am not just writing a check for the seminary. My
donation impacts global society.
Here is what I mean. People come here because they are called to ministry. MTS forms them into
leaders—Christian leaders with Christian values. Their lives are changed forever. But it doesn’t stop there.
Everyone touched by one of our graduates is changed also. MTS prepares ministers to be relevant andcompelling in the real world. In a world that is spiritually bankrupt, they are effective in their congregationand in all of society. Their lives are transformed, and they are given the tools and skills to transform thespirit of our global society— and they do. I ask you, ‘what investment has this powerful a return?’
I hope you will join me at this turning point in the life of Memphis Theological Seminary. Your
prayers and generosity will ensure that MTS continues to prepare men and women for transformation
ministry to the real world.
Faithfully,
Tim Orr
RECOMMENDATION 2: That the General Assembly encourage individuals, churches,and groups across the Cumberland Presbyterian Church to consider investing in the development of
future leaders through the “Ministry for the Real World” campaign.
II. Administration
A. PRESIDENT
Daniel J. (Jay) Earheart Brown, Ph.D., became the seventh President of Memphis TheologicalSeminary August 1, 2005. Jay had served on the faculty of MTS since August, 1997, having previously
served as a pastor in Nashville, Tennessee, and Lexington, Kentucky. He is a life-long Cumberland
Presbyterian and son of a Cumberland Presbyterian minister. He is a graduate of Bethel College (B.A.),
Memphis Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, VA (Ph.D.). He
will complete his twelfth year in this position at the end of the current academic year.
B. VICE PRESIDENT OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS/DEAN
Reverend R. Stan Wood, D.Min., was appointed to serve as Interim Vice President of Academic
Affairs and Dean in May, 2010. Dr. Wood had previously served MTS as Clara Scott Associate Professorof Ministry and Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program. He is an ordained minister in the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church in America and currently serves as Pastor of the Mt. Tabor CPCA in Jackson, Tennessee.
Dr. Wood has announced his retirement effective at the end of next academic year July 31, 2017.
The Board began an open search in the fall of 2016 for our next VP of Academic Affairs andDean. Members of the search committee identified three candidates to interview, two external and one
internal. After interviewing the candidates, the search committee recommended, and the Board confirmed
the election of Dr. Peter Gathje, Professor of Ethics at MTS, to serve as our next Vice President of Academic
Affairs and Dean beginning in the summer of 2017.
D. VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVANCEMENT
In October 2014, Doctor Keith Gaskin began work as Vice President of Advancement, coming to
MTS after over twenty years of experience in development work for higher education, including service

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at Mississippi State University and the University of Alabama. He is a layman in the Presbyterian Church(USA). Keith holds a Ph.D. in higher education leadership from Mississippi State University.
Keith has brought to his work at MTS a proven track record of higher education fundraising, acommitment to the mission of MTS, and the ability to manage and build on the efforts of those who havegone before him. He has worked well with faculty and staff to encourage participation across the seminary
in the work of development.
E. VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS/CFO
Ms. Cassandra Price-Perry began work with MTS in August 2010 as Vice President of Operations
and Chief Financial Officer. She is a Certified Public Accountant with over 20 years of experience inbusiness and accounting. Cassandra is an active laywoman in her Roman Catholic Church in Southaven,
Mississippi. She has received high praise from our auditors and our Board for her work over the past almost
seven years.

III. INSTRUCTION
A. DEGREE PROGRAMSMemphis Theological Seminary offers four degree programs and three certificate programs,
including the certificate offered through the Program of Alternate Studies. The Master of Divinity is thebasic degree program for persons preparing for ordained ministry in many denominations. It continues tobe our largest degree program, with over 70% of students enrolled. The M.Div. requires 84 semester hours
and takes three years of full-time study to complete.
The Master of Arts (Religion) degree is an academic degree for persons seeking to pursue further
graduate studies. The M.A.R. requires 36 semester hours and takes two years of full-time study to complete.
The faculty launched a major revision to the MAR in the fall of 2015 to clarify its role as an academic
degree.
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. It
usually takes 3-5 years to complete.
In the spring of 2013, we awarded our first new degree in several years: the Master of Arts in Youth
Ministry (MAYM). Through our partnership with the Center for Youth Ministry Training in Brentwood,
Tennessee, and the new certificate program in youth ministry through the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
we have over 40 students enrolled in this degree program. MTS currently has, we believe, the largest
master’s program in youth ministry in the United States.
In the spring of 2016, we were approved by our accrediting bodies (The Southern Association ofColleges and Schools, and the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada) to offer
a new degree, the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (MACM). This degree program began in the fallof 2016 with concentrations offered in Christian Education, Urban Ministry, and Social Justice Ministry.
The MACM is a 42 hour degree for persons interested in pursuing specialized ministries. We plan to offer
additional concentrations in the future (possibly rural ministry, counseling, etc.)
At Commencement in May of 2016, Memphis Theological Seminary awarded the Master of Arts inYouth Ministry degree to ten graduates. Three persons were awarded the Master of Arts (Religion) degree.
Thirty-two persons were awarded the Master of Divinity degree, and ten were awarded the Doctor of
Ministry degree. Seven students were awarded the Graduate Certificate in Addiction Counseling Studies.
Of these sixty-two graduates, seven were Cumberland Presbyterians.
Cumberland Presbyterian Master of Divinity graduates were:
Lynette Hamilton Dalton, West Tennessee Presbytery
Johan Esteban Daza Rivera, Andes Presbytery
Emily K. Fowler, Red River Presbytery
William McKinley Price, West Tennessee Presbytery
Michael D. Reno, Missouri Presbytery
Anna Sweet-Brockman, Presbytery of East Tennessee
Brandon Taylor Young, Nashville Presbytery

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B. CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
In addition to the five degree programs, MTS offers the following certificates:
Program of Alternate Studies of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
Drug and Alcohol Addiction Counseling Graduate Certificate
James Netters Certificate in Ministry
Certificate in Wesleyan Studies
C. FACULTY
For the current academic year, Memphis Theological Seminary has fifteen full-time teachingfaculty and two administrative faculty members who teach part-time. In addition, the seminary curriculum
is greatly enhanced by the work of twenty-five to thirty adjunct professors, most of whom are active inpastoral or other ministries.
Members of the MTS faculty continue to publish books and articles both for the academy andthe church. Many faculty members preach in area churches on a regular basis, deliver lectures for local
churches and judicatories, deliver papers at academic conferences, and write articles for a wide range ofreaders.
Two new tenure track faculty members joined the MTS community for the current academic year.
Doctor Michael Turner (Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University) is Associate Professor of Wesleyan Studies.
Doctor Paula McGee (Ph.D. from Claremont Graduate University) serves as Assistant Professor of African
American Church Studies.
Under the leadership of VP/Dean Wood, the faculty has implemented our new M.Div. curriculumin the fall of 2016. Under the new curriculum, there will be greater emphasis on integration of learning for
pastoral leadership. It will also continue to strengthen our focus on the practice of ministry as imaginative
leadership drawing from the resources of scripture and tradition in particular cultural contexts.
D. ENROLLMENT
Total enrollment in Memphis Theological Seminary for the fall term of 2015 was 329, including
all degree and certificate programs. We continued to see a slight drop in enrollment in our largest degree
program, the Master of Divinity. This dip in our enrollment in the fall led to budget adjustments during theyear, and an increased effort to recruit new students. We invested in a new recruiter to focus on our African
American constituency. Our largest number of students come from the United Methodist Church, with
25% of total enrollment. Cumberland Presbyterians are the second largest denomination represented in thestudent body with just under 15% of all students.
We continue to work to recruit Cumberland Presbyterian students, and to lift up the call of God to
ordained ministry in the church. We call on all Cumberland Presbyterians to pray that God will continue tocall men and women to the office of ministry, and that they will be well prepared through our educational
institutions to lead growing and vibrant congregations in the ministry of Jesus Christ to the world.
RECOMMENDATION 3: That the General Assembly urge all probationers to consider
Memphis Theological Seminary and the Program of Alternate Studies as their first options formeeting educational requirements for ordained ministry.
E. PROGRAM OF ALTERNATE STUDIESThe Program of Alternate Studies (PAS) is a non-degree program of educational preparation forministry authorized by the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Its chief purpose
is to enable persons who are prevented from accessing a traditional theological education to adequately
prepare for ordained ministry. It is administered by Memphis Theological Seminary. With the ongoingsupport of MTS the Program of Alternate Studies has faithfully filled a vital niche for the Cumberland
Presbyterian denomination for over thirty years.
There are currently 112 students active in our files. This number includes 58 traditional PAS
students, 21 seeking CP studies-only certification, 27 enrolled in PAS-Colombia, and 6 students in the
recently formed Haiti Council of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
SUMMER EXTENSION SCHOOL
The annual SES held on the campus of Bethel University in McKenzie, Tennessee, continues to be
the mainstay of our program. SES 2017 will be held July 8-22 with graduation on the first day, Saturday

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July 8th. Retiring Dean of Memphis Theological Seminary, Dr. Stan Wood, will bring our commencement
address. The courses offered and the faculty are:Block I
Min. In Residence – Steve and Teresa Shauf
CP History – Matt Gore
The Pentateuch – Pat Pickett
The Gospels – Anne Hames
CP Theology I – Jay Earheart-Brown
Christian Ministry – Clinton Buck & Michael Qualls
Introduction to the Bible – William Montague
CP Polity – Andy McClung
Pastor & Public Worship – Tiffany McClung
Ministerial Ethics – Milton Ortiz
Block II
Min. In Residence – Jason Mikel
Wisdom Literature – Pat Pickett
Evangelism – T. J. Malinoski
Work of the Elder – Robert Watkins
Ministry in the Small Church – Joe Butler
Conflict in the Church – Bruce Hamilton
The Art of Public Speaking – Susan Parker
World Missions – Robert Watkins
History of the Christian Church I – Ron McMillan
Message of the Old Testament – Roy Hall
Block III
Min. In Residence – William Robinson
Race & Reconcilliation – Michael Qualls & Mitchell Walker
Pastoral Care & Counseling – Tom Sanders
Biblical Exegesis – Marcus Hayes
Epistles of the Early Church – David Lancaster
Principles of Preaching – Perryn Rice
Message of the New Testament – Jon Carlock
Practicum in Pastoral Counseling – Tom Sanders
CPCA/CP COOPERATIVE WORKAt the request of the General Assembly the Program of Alternate Studies Director, Dr. Michael
Qualls, and MTS president, Dr. Jay Earheart-Brown, met with representatives of the School for Continuing
Education of the CPCA in Huntsville, Alabama. Those in attendance from CPCA were Dr. Lynne Herringand Dr. Mitchell Walker. The intent was to begin to understand the alternate education processes in thesister denominations and begin searching for synergies and brainstorming what the future might look likewith (or without) unification. The meeting was productive and informative, with much information being
shared about the respective programs. Further relationship building steps are being taken including:1) open a position on the advisory board of each program to the Director of the sister program;2) pursue reciprocal agreements that allow students in one program to receive credit for approved courses
in the sister program and pay the tuition to their original certifying program;
3) initiate sharing and standardizing forms and certification procedures; and
4) investigate strengthening relationship between MTS and the School of Continuing Education.
While tentative, these are promising movements. We will continue to build on these initial steps.
A report was made to the Joint Unification Task Force.
RACE AND RECONCILIATION: A CASE STUDY
We are very excited to feature a special course available to MDiv. students, traditional PAS
students, and the two Cumberland Presbyterian denominations at large during our summer school at
Bethel University. This course will engage in close examination of the current “Plan for Unification of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America” and the issues of94

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race and reconciliation surrounding the process. It will dig beneath the surface of the current proposal tounify these historically “white” and historically “black” denominations and facilitate an honest, respectful
dialogue across the difficult barriers that divide. We believe this will be a valuable and timely learning
experience. It is important to include a broad spectrum of perspectives in the conversation.
MTS Administration has approved ten (10) auditor scholarships to be made available from theregular distributions of the Pete Palmer Scholarship Endowment for PAS. A minimum of five (5) will bereserved for representatives of the CPCA due to its under-representation in PAS. Including 5 nights roomand board the cost will be $350 per student ($3500).
REQUEST PROCEDURAL CHANGE
When a presbytery approves a candidate to prepare for ministry through the Alternate Studies routethe vote must be by two-thirds and the reasons for the exception are noted in the minutes of presbytery. An
additional step has emerged over the years which involves notification (now) to the Pastoral Development
Ministry Team. We include a form for this in our application process and get the necessary signature forthe student’s file. It has become a perfunctory and unnecessary step which has outlived its usefulness.
Currently, there is no one in the PDMT office and the administrative detail falls to others within the MinistryCouncil. The Ministry Council office would favor reprieve. Change would require a General Assembly
action.
RECOMMENDATION 4: That the General Assembly approve discontinuance of theprocess of requiring PDMT to review exceptions made for candidates to prepare for ministry throughthe Program of Alternate Studies.
Respectfully,
Michael Qualls, Director
F. NEW ACADEMIC INITIATIVESIn Fall 2010, we began offering courses toward a certificate in drug and alcohol addiction counseling.
This new program, which was initially led by Cumberland Presbyterian minister and counselor Dr. Johnie
Welch, promises to meet an important need in our society and in our region. Due to health concerns,
Dr. Welch was unable to continue in this role after the 2012 academic year. Currently, Reverend Terry
Kinnaman, a Cumberland Presbyterian minister from Columbia Presbytery and licensed counselor working
for the State of Tennessee, is coordinating this program in a part-time capacity.
In the spring of 2012, we began a new certificate program targeted for African American ministers
in the Memphis area who do not have the educational background to enroll as degree students at MTS. The
James Netters Certificate Program, we believe that there is a need for such certificate level education formany in our area and hope to expand this work in the future.
In the spring of 2016 we received word from our accreditors that we have been approved for a
new degree program, the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry. This degree is designed for persons who arecalled to ministries other than ordained pastoral ministry. The new two-year degree will begin enrolling
students in the fall of 2016. Students will choose between concentrations in Christian Education, Urban
Ministry, and Social Justice. Additional concentrations to be added may include Children and Family
Ministries, Rural Ministry, and other specialized ministries.
Our Master of Arts in Youth Ministry degree is, we think, now the largest graduate degree program
in youth ministry in the United States. We continue to cooperate with the Center for Youth Ministry
Training in Brentwood, Tennessee to offer a graduate residency in youth ministry.
In the fall of 2016 we implemented a major revision to our Master of Divinity curriculum. The
revised curriculum will provide more opportunity for team teaching and cross-disciplinary work focused on
integration of theology and practice for ministry.
With assistance from Bethel University leaders, we are planning to expand significantly our distanceeducation offerings in the 2017-2018 academic year. New classroom technology will enable us to provide
educational services far beyond our geographic base.
G. ACCREDITATIONMemphis Theological Seminary holds dual accreditation by the Association of Theological Schools
in the United States and Canada (ATS), and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
Every ten years, member schools go through an extensive process of re-accreditation review.

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Our last accreditation visit occurred in 2008, at which time we were fully affirmed for the next ten
years by both accrediting bodies. We will be submitting our decennial reaffirmation reports to SACS and
ATS in the fall of this year in preparation for our site visits in the spring of 2018.

IV. FACILITIES
A. LEADERSHIP
Since the fall of 2015, our facilities and safety department has been ably led by Mr. Greg Spencer
and a dedicated staff of facilities technicians. Mr. Spencer has more than twenty years of experience inconstruction and facilities management. He served in this role for two years previously, and after a brief
stint in facilities management in corporate environment, Greg returned to our MTS leadership. We are
grateful for his service.
B. DEBT ON PROPERTY
In 2015 we were able to secure a commercial loan to repay our debt to the Board of Stewardship forthe purchase of properties adjacent to our campus. That long term debt now stands at less than $1.5 million,
less than a third of our annual budget amount. This low debt allows us to operate as efficiently as possible.
C. COMMUTER HOUSING
MTS began to convert its student housing from individual rentals to commuter housing in the 1998.
Currently, MTS provides commuter housing, with very reasonable nightly rates, for about fifty students
each week of the regular term. The need for such commuter housing has continued to grow, as has income
from such rentals. Our ability to serve students from about a 250 mile radius around Memphis, throughblock scheduling of classes and provision of affordable commuter housing, has had a significant impact on
the growth of the student body over the past ten years.
D. CAMPUS WORK GROUPS
We have been blessed in recent years by adult and youth work groups who have come to MTS
during the summer months to help repair and maintain our campus housing. Groups have come from
Trilla, Illinois; Greeneville, Tennessee; Florence, Alabama; Bowling Green, Kentucky; and Collierville,
Tennessee, and the youth from West Tennessee Presbytery to volunteer their time in a variety of areas. We
encourage work groups who would be willing to help the seminary in this way to contact Mr. Greg Spencer
in the Facilities Office of the seminary.
E. SAFETYThe Office of Safety of MTS continues to explore ways to enhance the safety of our students inthe context of our urban campus. Through the use of lighting, security officers, secure locks, and wellarticulated safety plans, the seminary seeks to provide a safe environment for students and visitors to our
campus.
During past seven years, MTS has contracted with a local security company to provide regularpatrols around our neighborhood. This additional safety measure has been well received by our students
and by our neighbors. We continue to seek ways to provide a safe environment for our campus community.

V. ADVANCEMENT AND FINANCE
A. BUDGETOur Board of Trustees will approve a budget for the 2013-2014 academic year at its May meeting.
Copies of that budget will be provided at the meeting of General Assembly.
After two years of significant budget reductions in the worst of the recession, we have begun to
restore some of the cuts as income has improved the past two years. We continue to be very conservative inour budget planning as we work to recover from the effects of the recession. We were able to give modest
raises to our employees last year. Our employees deserve much credit for hanging in with us through sometough economic times.
B. SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS
We continue to cultivate relationships with foundations whose mission closely aligns with ours.

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The following grants for scholarships and other projects have been received in recent years:
1. The Wilson Family Foundation
The Wilson family, founders of the Holiday Inn hotel chain and great philanthropists in Memphis,has renewed their funding of the Wilson Scholarships at $15,000 for 2013-14.
2. The H.W. Durham Foundation
In 2013, the Memphis-based H.W. Durham Foundation renewed its gift of $5,000 to provide 5$1,000 scholarships for students who are 55+ years of age. These Durham Scholars will represent much of
our student body who are second-career students.
3. The Lilly Endowment (2013-2018)
With a three-year grant totaling $249,371, followed by a second grant of $140,000 MTS is creatinga unique program to increase financial literacy and decrease debt among our student population, and longterm, the congregations they serve. We have just received word that we have been approved for a new
Lilly Endowment planning grant of $50,000 for the 2017-2018 academic year to develop a program to help
encourage and sustain younger ministers in the early post-seminary years of their ministry.
C. ENDOWMENTS
1. The Baird-Buck Chair of Cumberland Presbyterian Studies
Dr. Clinton Buck, Professor Emeritus of Christian Education at MTS, knowing the need for more
focused teaching in CP heritage, has converted an existing endowment that was originally begun withthe hopes of endowing a chair in Christian Education. Subsequent to Dr. Buck’s decision, the late Mrs.
Thalia Baird, widow of former President and Professor Dr. Colvin Baird, converted an endowment they
had designated for general operations. Together with The Rev. J.T. Buck Scholarship Endowment Fundestablished in 1979 to provide scholarship assistance for Cumberland Presbyterian students at Memphis
Theological Seminary, the new endowment was established with an initial principal balance of approximately$112,000. To-date, the fund has grown to more than $350,201, thanks to generous contributions from many
Cumberland Presbyterians. The purpose of this endowment is to strengthen the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church by establishing an 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 to raise $1.5 million to fully fund this endowed chair.
2. Rev. Hillman and Lorene Moore Endowed Scholarship Fund
Hillman Moore established this endowment fund on October 10, 2013, to be funded with a future
gift of a bequest from his estate. It will be used to provide scholarship funds for training Cumberland
Presbyterian students at Memphis Theological Seminary.
3. Wes and Susan Brantley Endowment
On October 15, 2013, the Brantley family of Ada, OK, was deeply saddened by the death of Susan
Brantley, wife of former MTS trustee Wes Brantley, and mother of current trustee Kevin Brantley. In
her memory, Wes has established the Wes and Susan Brantley Endowment to support general operating
expenses of the seminary.
4. The Davis/Winston Scholarship for National Baptist Students
In the waning days of the spring semester 2013, one CP and one United Methodist student listened
as three fellow students talked about the struggles they have in paying their seminary tuition. For these
two students, all or most of their tuition is paid by their denomination. For the others, all National Baptists,
humble servants with sweet spirits, the story is completely different.
Moved by the Holy Spirit through their student colleagues, they sought a way to establish ascholarship to help future National Baptist students. In recognition of the blessing received when seminary
education is paid in full or in part by scholarship and/or denominational assistance, and in honor of exemplary
and invigorating teaching by professors Dr. Christopher B. Davis and Dr. Eric Winston, they established ascholarship to support National Baptist students at MTS.
5. Rev. David and Leota Watson Scholarship Endowment FundA new endowment has been established to honor the ministry of the late Reverend David Watson.
His widow, Mrs. Leota Watson, has chosen to direct the endowment earnings to support scholarships for
Cumberland Presbyterian students attending MTS. Those who knew and loved Reverend Watson andappreciate his and Leota’s ministry are invited to send a gift to fully establish the Reverend David and Leota
Watson Scholarship Endowment Fund. Every gift matters. Perhaps in the Fall semester 2014, a David
Watson Scholar will be announced.
6. Rev. Walter (Pete) Palmer Endowment for the Program of Alternate Studies
This endowment was funded from a significant bequest from Reverend Palmer. The endowment
will provide program support for the PAS summer extension school and scholarship aid for needy students.

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7. Paul Blankenship Endowed Scholarship
Mrs. Nancy Blankenship, widow of former MTS Professor Dr. Paul Blankenship, has given a
generous gift to endow a new scholarship for a United Methodist student in the Master of Divinity program,with preference to a student from the Memphis Annual Conference.
8. Other Endowment funds
Many Cumberland Presbyterians and others continue to support endowments that have been
established through the years to fund our work. Currently, the total MTS endowment, managed by the
Board of Stewardship of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, is just over $10.5 million. The Advancement
Office and President are available at any time to discuss endowment gifts with potential donors.
D. ESTATE GIFTS
We continue to have conversations with friends and donors about the importance of remembering
MTS (and their local churches, and other ministries they care deeply about) in their estate plans. We
publish a list of those who have informed our office that they have included MTS in their will. That groupis known as the Heritage Society. The Heritage Society is listed in every issue of The Lamp, our magazine
for alumni and friends.
F. SEMINARY/PAS SUNDAY
We have many churches in our denomination, and in other denominations we serve who recognize
Seminary Sunday in their local churches. This provides time for education of members about the work of
MTS and the Program of Alternate Studies and provides an opportunity for members to make a special onetime gift to support the work of the seminary. Please contact the seminary for more information on how you
can recognize Seminary Sunday in your local church, and to request a speaker for the occasion.
RECOMMENDATION 5: That the third Sunday in August, (August 20, 2017 and August19, 2018) be included in the General Assembly Calendar as Seminary/PAS Sunday, and that theGeneral Assembly encourage all churches to share information about MTS and PAS and receive a
special offering on that day, or on a more convenient day of the session’s choosing.
G. ANNUAL FUND
Memphis Theological Seminary could not operate without the faithful contribution of its alumni
and friends. Annual Fund contributions help us keep the cost of tuition down, so that students do not leaveseminary with a large burden of debt to have to pay during their early years in ministry. Annual Fundcontributions have grown steadily over the past fifteen years, as income from Our United Outreach has
declined.
In some respects, the income we receive from OUO puts us in a better position than many theologicalseminaries, whose income from denominational sources has declined significantly over the past twenty
years. Our income from OUO has remained relatively steady and over that time period. However, as apercentage of our total income, OUO has fallen from almost 20% to about 3% of our operating budget. We
are grateful for the commitment of Cumberland Presbyterians to the ministry of MTS, and all our common
ministries, expressed so tangibly through giving to Our United Outreach.
At the same time, we do not expect income from denominational contributions to increasesignificantly in the future. This means that we are required to put more time and energy into fund raisingthan ever before. We are grateful for the many alumni who have made a financial contribution to our
ministry this year. We are also grateful for all the faithful laypersons who have given to the Annual Fundbecause they know the importance of an educated ministry to the life and health of our denomination.
H. AUDIT REPORTThe auditing firm of Zoccola Kaplan, P.C. has audited the books of Memphis Theological Seminary
for the 2014-2015. The audit was unqualified, and noted several significant improvements in the financial
position of MTS. Copies of that report have been filed with the office of the Stated Clerk.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Newell, Moderator of the Board of Trustees
Daniel J. Earheart-Brown, President
Memphis Theological Seminary

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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 meets annually unless there is a needed called meeting.
A goal of the Our United Outreach Committee is to encourage ALL churches to contribute to Our
United Outreach. Approximately 30 percent of the churches do not give anything with a high percentage
of other churches not giving at the 10 percent level. This past year, 2016, the budgeted goal for Our United
Outreach was $2,800,000 – 89% giving was achieved. While this was an admirable achievement, theCommittee seeks to involve ALL churches with Our United Outreach giving and at a greater level of giving.

I. OUR UNITED OUTREACH FUNDS ALLOCATIONThe Our United Outreach Committee met March 3, 2017, to allocate the Our United Outreachfunds for the 2018 year. The Our United Outreach allocation basis for 2018 is $2,800,000.
A line item of $25,000 for Legal Fees has been continued for 2018. These requests, along with theDevelopment Coordinator’s salary/benefits, have been approved as guaranteed amounts and are deductedfrom the goal amount prior to allocation purposes.
RECOMMENDATION 1: That General Assembly adopt the following Our United Outreach
allocations for 2018:
The allocation is to be as follows:$2,800,000.00

Development Coordinator
Legal Fees
Unification Task Force

92,044.00
25,000.00
35,000.00
Sub-total

152,044.00(Amount to be allocated)

2,647,956.00

Ministry Council
Bethel University
Children’s Home
Stewardship
General Assembly OfficeMemphis Theological Seminary/
Program of Alternate Studies
Historical Foundation
Shared Services
Contingency(Next four items total 1%)
Comm. on Chaplains
Judiciary Committee
Theology/Social Concerns
Nominating Committee
Our United Outreach Goal

$ 1,323,978.00
132,398.00
79,439.00
158,877.00
211,836.00
185,357.00

50%
5%
3%
6%
8%
7%

79,439.00
436,913.00
13,240.00

3%
16.5%
.5%

10,247.00
9,665.00
3,601.00
2,966.00
2,647,956.00

.387%
.365%
.136%
.112%

$2,800,000.00

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.

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II. OUR UNITED OUTREACH COMMITTEEThe Our United Outreach Committee is made up of individuals who possess the leadership abilities
to identify the focus of the entities of the denomination. The denominational nominating committee always
strives to find the best candidate for vacancies on denominational boards and agencies. At General Assembly
2017, three new members will be placed in nomination for the Committee. The existing committee would
like to express appreciation to the out-going members, who have served since the inception of the Our
United Outreach Committee, for their dedication and support of the goals of the Committee. The out-goingmembers being:* Rev. Don Tabor – Children’s Home
* Rev. Rusty Rustenhaven – Mission Synod* Dr. Sharon Resch – Midwest Synod
The Our United Outreach Committee members are enthusiastic in their approach to the developmentof total participation in this program of the church.
Respectfully submitted,
Rev. Rusty Rustenhaven, Chairperson
Randy Weathersby, Vice-Chairperson
Dr. Sharon Resch, Secretary
and the Our United Outreach Committee

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THE REPORT OF THE COMMISSION ON
MILITARY CHAPLAINS AND PERSONNELThe Commission on Military Chaplains and Personnel represents the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church on the Presbyterian Council for Chaplains and Military Personnel (PCCMP). The commission
does its work through the Council which has its headquarters in Washington D.C. and represents also the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America, Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Korean Presbyterian
Church Abroad. The Cumberland Presbyterians who are members of the Commission for the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church and hence the broader group known as the PCCMP include the Reverend Mary
McCaskey Benedict (Class 2017), the Reverend Cassandra (Sandy) Thomas (Class 2019), the Reverend
Doctor Tony Janner (Class 2018), and Stated Clerk, the Reverend Michael Sharpe.

I. REPRESENTATION
For 2017, the Reverend Cassandra (Sandy) Thomas is Chairperson of the Operations Area thatoversees personnel, finance, and development. The Reverend Mary McCaskey Benedict is the Chairpersonof the Personnel Committee. The Reverend Tony Janner is member on the Chaplaincy Committee. The
Chair of the PCCMP is the Reverend Don Nisbet (PCUSA) and the Vice-Chair is the Reverend John Kim(KPCA).

II. RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PCCMP
1. Provide ecclesiastical endorsement for chaplains of the United States Armed Forces who areserving on active duty or in the Reserves/National Guard. The PCCMP also endorses chaplains for the
Department of Veterans Affairs. In addition, the PCCMP endorses CPC and PCUSA teaching elders into
chaplaincy positions with the Civil Air Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
2. Provide training to chaplains and pastoral support to chaplains and their families.
3. Provide a unified and influential voice for member denominations to the National Council on
Ministry to the Armed Forces in matters relating to the ministry and welfare of PCCMP-endorsed clergy.
4. Provide representation to denominational agencies and ecumenical bodies with respect to mattersrelating to United States military personnel, veterans and their families.
5. Promote closer communications between chaplains and denominational judicatories.
6. Carry out other duties as may be requested by the member denominations.

III. ANNUAL PCCMP MEETING AND OTHER UPDATESThe annual meeting of the PCCMP takes place in the fall, with representatives of the member
denominations in attendance. In 2016, the Council met at the PCUSA Headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky.
The Reverend Cassandra Thomas and the Reverend Mike Sharpe represented the CPC at this meeting.
During this meeting, the Council discussed the renewal of the Missional Agreement Partnership between
the PCCMP and the PCUSA. The new PCUSA Stated Clerk, Reverend J. Herbert Nelson, and PCUSA staff
with the Presbyterian Mission Agency, under which the PCCMP is assigned, met with the council to discuss
the history, current agreement, and current challenges that face the internal structuring of the PCUSA aspertains to the PCCMP. Positive dialogue occurred and a special committee was formed to work on theagreement beyond the meeting. The CPC does not have any type of missional agreement with the PCCMP
and may want to look into this aspect of ecumenical partnership. Reverend Mike Sharpe, CPC Stated Clerk,
was instrumental and insightful in representing the CPC in this predominantly PCCMP/PCUSA discussion.
The PCCMP’s director, the Reverend Lawrence (Larry) P. Greenslit, guided the staffing and programming
reductions needed to sustain primary missions and ministries in the face of denominational budget cuts andlower denominational offerings. Due to family needs, he tendered his resignation in February 2017 to takeeffect no later than September 1, 2017. There will be a search for a new director with a CPC representative
as part of the search committee. There will be a Chaplains Training in Montreat, NC in August 2017 toprovide training to chaplains and support to family members. In October 2017, the Council will meetin Huntsville, Alabama for its annual meeting to be hosted by CPCA members and supported by CPC
members.

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IV. SUPPORT FOR THE COUNCILThe Council receives financial support from the four denominations, as well as individuals,
judicatories, and churches. The current economic challenges in our country are creating a need to redesign
how to minister to our chaplains and their families. We will be faithful stewards as we care for our chaplains
and their families.
The Cumberland Presbyterian Churches support this ministry by taking an annual Memorial
Day Offering. The PCCMP has also developed resources (a 2½ minute video and a bulletin insert) for
congregations that may wish to conduct an offering on Four Chaplains Sunday, which is traditionally heldon the first Sunday in February. Congregations may conduct a special offering at a time it deems convenient,such as the Sundays closest to Independence Day or Veteran’s Day. In this way, CPC congregations canshow support for all men and women, who serve or have served in the United States Armed Services,
Reserves, Guard, VA, Federal Bureau of Prisons and CAP, as well as their families. The offerings are sent
to the General Assembly Stated Clerk and are then forwarded to the Council for its outreach, mission, andmaintenance efforts. The Commission would like to express its deepest appreciation to all churches thatcollected offerings for the PCCMP during 2016 and 2017 to date. All Cumberland Presbyterian Churches
are urged to consider their involvement in this vital ministry to God, country, and Presbyterians.

V. CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHAPLAINS
Total Number of CPC Ministers serving as Federal Chaplains = 18
Active Duty Military = 5
Army – Captain Tim Baranoski
Colonel Gale Cotton
Major Ramon Santillano
Air Force – Captain Zachary Nash
Navy – Lieutenant Glyn Turner
Reserve Military = 4
Army – Captain James Messer (National Guard)
Colonel William “Curtis” Prewitt
Air Force – Captain John Smith
Navy – Lieutenant Jason Chambers
Chaplain Candidates = 3
Army – Jin Ho Park
Navy – John Phelps
Garrett Burns
VA = 5
Reuben Ferrol
Tony HeadrickDarren Kennemer
David LeFavor
Lisa Scott

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DOJ (Federal Bureau of Prisons) = 1
David McBeth
2016 CPC Endorsements:
6/6/16 - The Reverend David McBeth was endorsed for service as chaplain within the Department of Justice(Federal Bureau of Prisons). He is now serving as a staff chaplain at FCI La Tuna, in Anthony. Texas.
11/5/16 - The Reverend Jacqueline DeBerry was endorsed for service as a VA chaplain.
2016 CPC Retirements: None2017 CPC Endorsements (to date):
2/18/17 - The Reverend Lisa Scott was endorsed for continued service within the VA. This is an updatedendorsement that she needed in preparation for applying for another position.
2/20/17 - The Reverend John Phelps was endorsed for service as an active duty chaplain in the Navy.
3/2/17 - The Reverend Gale Cotton was endorsed for service as a VA chaplain.
2017 CPC Retirements:
The Reverend Gale Cotton will retire this year; exact date TBD.
Please remember to pray for those servings in this important ministry and their loved ones. Names
and addresses are included in the Yearbook of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Anyone desiring more
information can check the CPC website: www.cumberland.org/ ccmp or the PCCMP website: www.pccmp.
org.
Respectively Submitted,
Reverend Cassandra (Sandy) Thomas

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THE REPORT OF THE
PERMANENT JUDICIARY COMMITTEEThe Judiciary Committee met February 24, 2017, in Huntsville, Alabama. Present were Annetta
Camp, Harry Chapman, Robert Rush, Kimberly Silvus, Bill Tally, Wendell Thomas, Andy McClung, andRachel Moses. Also present were Mike Sharpe, stated clerk of General Assembly, and Jaime Jordan, legal
counsel. Jan Overton was excused.

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

II. REFERRALThe 186th General Assembly referred to this committee and the Missions Ministry Team a proposedconstitutional amendment intended to addresses the need to provide judicatory services where there is
no presbytery as the Cumberland Presbyterian Church expands around the world. This committee, in
consultation with the Missions Ministry Team, developed a new proposed constitutional amendment andrecommended it to the Joint Committee on Amendments.

III. JOINT COMMITTEE ON AMENDMENTS
This committee appointed Robert Rush and Harry Chapman to represent the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church on the Joint Committee on Amendments, meeting February 24 in Huntsville, Alabama.
This committee also recommended to the joint committee a proposed amendment to the Rules of Order.

IV. AMENDMENT TO GENERAL ASSEMBLY BYLAWS
The constitutional amendment recommended by the Joint Committee on Amendments will allow
General Assembly to empower its missions entity to act in place of a presbytery when doing ministry
outside the United States and outside the bounds of any existing presbytery. If the amendment is adopted
we need to amend the Cumberland Presbyterian Church’s General Assembly Bylaws to insure that themissions entity so tasked has oversight analogous to a presbytery’s oversight by a synod.
RECOMMENDATION 1: That the General Assembly Bylaw 11.05, which refers to the
Judiciary Committee, be amended by inserting 11.05.06. “The committee shall have oversight ofand responsibility for ecclesiastical decisions made by a body acting in the place of a presbytery
with respect to mission work and mission fields. The oversight and responsibility exercised by thecommittee shall be the same as that exercised by a synod with respect to a presbytery under its care,specifically Constitution 8.5, a, b and c.

V. PROTECTION
In order to protect God’s people, this committee re-emphasizes the 184th General Assembly’s
encouragement for each congregation to adopt and practice a Safe Sanctuary plan. Help for developing
such a plan can be found at cpcmc.org/safe-sanctuary/. A copy of each congregation’s plan should beplaced on file with the presbytery’s clerk.
In order to protect God’s property, this committee additionally encourages all congregations,presbyteries, and synods both to incorporate and to secure liability insurance. Help for incorporating canbe found at cumberland.org/gao/incorporation/.
For further protection, presbyteries are encouraged to ensure that any actions and events occurring
within their constituent congregations are in accordance with our Constitution, as a presbytery may belegally liable for any such actions or events.

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VI. REVIEW OF SYNOD MINUTES
The committee reviewed the minutes of all five synods and found the following:
Mission Synod’s 2016 minutes seemed to be in order, but no appendices were attached. It wasalso noted that someone named as a member of the General Board is no longer Cumberland Presbyterian.
Synod of Great Rivers’ 2016 minutes were in order, with the exception that no Disciplinary
Commission or Judiciary Committee are named. The committee was concerned that West Tennessee
Presbytery submitted no minutes for several of its meetings.
Synod of the Midwest’s 2016 minutes were in order.
Synod of the Southeast‘s 2016 minutes were in order.
Tennessee Synod’s 2016 minutes were in order, with one exception: a nominating committee’sreport should place nominees’ names in nomination, not present recommendations.

VII. PRESERVING MINUTES
Minutes of sessions, presbyteries, synods, and General Assemblies are both historical records andlegal documents. As affirmed by our Cumberland Presbyterian Constitution 3.08 such minutes belong to
the judicatory and not to any individual. Properly recording and preserving these minutes is important.
This committee encourages all Cumberland Presbyterians to help ensure that no minutes are lost and that
all minutes, or copies thereof, are given to the Historical Foundation for safekeeping. On its website,
cumberland.org/hfcpc/, the Historical Foundation maintains a list of minutes it has on file, under each
judicatory’s name.

VIII. GENERAL ASSEMBLY REPRESENTATIVES
Andy McClung will serve as this committee’s representative to the 187th General Assembly andHarry Chapman 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. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
GENERAL ASSEMBLY CORPORATION(Members whose terms expire in 2020)(2) REV. JOHN BUTLER, Cumberland Presbytery, to succeed himself for a three-year term.
(2) MS. BETTY JACOB, McGee Chapel Church, Choctaw Presbytery, to succeed herself for a three-year
term.

II. MINISTRY COUNCIL(Members whose terms expire in 2020)(3) REV. DONNY ACTON, 1413 Oakridge Drive, Birmingham, AL 35242, to succeed himself for a threeyear term.
(1) MR. DAVID CORREA, Calle 76 #87-14, Medellin, COLOMBIA, LaRosa Congregation, Mission
Synod, Emaus Presbytery, for a three-year term.
(3) REV. LANNY JOHNSON, 120 S Mill Street, Morrison, TN 37357, to succeed himself for a three-year
term.
(1) MS. SAMANTHA HASSELL, 510 N Main Street, Sturgis, KY 42459, Sturgis Congregation, Synod of
the Midwest, Covenant Presbytery for a three-year term.
(1) MS CHARELLE WEBB, 3507 Pickering Lane, Pearland, TX 77584, Houston First Congregation,
Mission Synod, Trinity Presbytery for a three-year term.
(Members whose terms expire in 2018)(1) REV. KENNY BUTCHER, 4608 Cather Court, Nashville, TN 37214, Brush Hill Congregation,
Tennessee Synod, Nashville Presbytery, to fill a one-year unexpired term
YOUTH ADVISORY MEMBERS(shall be between the ages of 15 and 17 years of age, elected for a one year term
and is eligible for an additional one term)(2) MR. CAMERON ALDERSON, 122 E Cherry Street, Chandler, IN 47610, to succeed himself for a oneyear term.
(1) MS. LEIGHANNE MORGAN, 1468 Williams Cove Road, Winchester, TN 37398, Goshen Congregation,
Tennessee Synod, Murfreesboro Presbytery, for a one-year term.
(2) MS. CHARLI UHLRICH, 250 County Road 1950 N, Bethany, IL 61914, to succeed herself for a oneyear term.

III. TRUSTEES OF HISTORICAL FOUNDATION(Members whose terms expire in 2020)(3) MR. MICHAEL FARE, 401 E Deanna Lane, Nixa, MO 65714, to succeed himself for a three-year term.

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IV. TRUSTEES OF MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
OF THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH(Members whose terms expire in 2020)(2) *REV. NANCY COLE, 3346 Arcadia Drive, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404, to succeed herself for a three-year
term.
(2) REV. ANNE HAMES, 118 Paris Street, McKenzie, TN 38201, to succeed herself for a three-year term.
(1) *REV. JIMMY JONATHAN MOSBY, PO Box 45843, Little Rock, AR 72214, for a three-year term.
(3) REV. JENNIFER NEWELL, 2322 Marco Circle, Chattanooga, TN 37421, to succeed herself for a threeyear term.
(2) REV. SUSAN PARKER, 655 York Drive, Rogersville, AR 35652, to succeed herself for a three-year
term.
(1) REV. KIP RUSH, 516 Franklin Road, Brentwood, TN 37027, Brenthaven Congregation, Tennessee
Synod, Nashville Presbytery, for a three-year term.
(1) +MR. CRAIG WHITE, 134 McEntire Lane SW A36, Decatur, AL 35603, for a three-year term.
(1) *MR. REGINALD PORTER JR., 4458 Whitepine Cove, Memphis, TN 38109, for a three-year term.
(Members whose terms expire in 2019)(1) *MR. LARRY HILLIARD, 206 E Bankhead Street, New Albany, MS 38652, to fill an expired two-year
term.

V. STEWARDSHIP, FOUNDATION AND BENEFITS(Members whose terms expire in 2020)(2) MR. RANDY DAVIDSON, PO Box 880, Ada, OK 74821, to succeed himself for a three-year term.
(1) REV. DWAYNE TYUS, 426 W Old Hickory Boulevard, Madison, TN 37115, St Luke Congregation,
Tennessee Synod, Nashville Presbytery, for a three-year term
(1) REV. MARK HESTER, 763 Finn Long Road, Friendsville, TN 37737, Synod of Southeast, Presbyteryof East Tennessee,for a three-year term
(1) REV. GARY TUBB, 103 Forest Drive, Mountain Home, AR 72653, Fellowship Congregation, GreatRivers Synod, Arkansas Presbytery, for a three-year term

GENERAL ASSEMBLY COMMISSIONS:
VI. MILITARY CHAPLAINS AND PERSONNEL(Members whose terms expire in 2020)(1) REV. CHARLES McCASKEY, 679 Canter Lane, Cookeville, TN 38501, Cookeville Congregation,
Tennessee Synod, Murfreesboro Presbytery, for a three-year term.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY COMMITTEES
VII. JUDICIARY(Members whose terms expire in 2020)(2) REV. HARRY CHAPMAN, 49008 El Picador Court SE, Rio Rancho, NM, 87124, to succeed himself
for a three-year term.
(1) REV. GEOFFREY KNIGHT, 2119 Avalon Place, Houston, TX 77019, Houston First Congregation,
Trinity Presbytery, Mission Synod, for a three-year term
(1) MS. PAMELA BROWN, 6400 North Grove Avenue, Warr Acres, OK,73012, Stonegate Congregation,
Mission Synod, Red River Presbytery, for a three-year term.

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VIII. NOMINATING(Members whose terms expire in 2020)(1) REV. BRIAN HAYES, 69 Cactus Drive, Benton, KY 42025, Covenant Presbytery, Midwest Synod, fora three year term.
(1) REV. TOM SPENCE, PO Box 802, Burns Flat, OK 73624, Red River Presbytery, Mission Synod, fora three-year term.
(1) MS. JENANN LESLIE, 300 Henley Perry Drive, Marshall, TX 75670,Trinity Presbytery, Mission
Synod, for a three-year term
(1) MR. LEE HOLDER, 6589 County Road 747, Hope Presbytery, Synod of the Southeast, for a three-year
term

IX. OUR UNITED OUTREACH COMMITTEE(Members whose terms expire in 2020)(1) MR. MIKEL DAVIS, 102 Willow Wood Lane, Ovilla, TX 75154, Shiloh Congregation, Red River
Presbytery, Mission Synod; for a three-year term.
(1) MS. MARY ANNE COLE, 1726 Karen Circle, Bowling Green, KY 42104, Bowling Green Congregation,
Cumberland Presbytery, Synod of the Midwest, for a three-year term.

X. UNIFIED COMMITTEE ON THEOLOGY AND SOCIALCONCERNS(Members whose terms expire in 2020)(1) REV. LISA SCOTT, (address on file in GA office), North Central Presbytery, Synod of the Midwest, fora three-year term.
(1) REV. RICHARD MORGAN, 1468 Williams Cove Road, Winchester, TN 37398, Murfreesboro
Presbytery, Tennessee Synod, for a three-year term.

XI. OTHER DENOMINATIONAL PERSONNEL
REPRESENTATIVE TO Caribbean and North American Area Council, World Communion of Reformed
Churches:(Member whose terms expire in 2020)(1) Ms Sherry Poteet, PO Box 313, Gilmer, TX 75644, Elmira Chapel Congregation, Trinity Presbytery,
Mission Synod, for a three -year term.

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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 ASSEMBLIES
Continued discussions with the leadership of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America
regarding joint meetings of the General Assemblies in 2019 and 2020 may impact future meeting locations.
It is helpful to continue scheduling a few years in advance of the meeting to assure that adequate
hotel/convention space is available and to negotiate a good rate. If a congregation or a presbytery isinterested in hosting the General Assembly/Convention, the Office of the General Assembly will provide
information on hosting responsibilities. Hosting the General Assembly/Convention is a service to the
Church, allowing the Church to celebrate the good ministries occurring within a particular presbytery, andprovides 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.

II. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE GENERAL ASSEMBLIES
188th
Norman, Oklahoma (near Oklahoma City)
June 17-21, 2018
(co-hosted by Choctaw Presbytery and the Oklahoma Churches of Red River Presbytery

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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THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Nashville
Cauca Valley & Andes
TN/GA
Murfreesboro
Hope & Robert Donnell
Missouri
Nashville
West Tennessee
Japan
Arkansas
Grace
Columbia

Respectfully submitted,
Michael G. Sharpe
Pam Phillips Burk
Dwayne Tyus

2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005

Red River
East Tennessee
Covenantdel Cristo
Cumberland
Tennessee-Georgia
Robert Donnell
Nashville
North Central
Trinity
Hope
Murfreesboro

2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1998
1996
1995
1980
1969
1961
1956

109

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THE REPORT OF THE UNIFIED COMMITTEE ON
THEOLOGY AND SOCIAL CONCERNS
I. MEETING AND OFFICERSThe Unified Committee on Theology and Social Concerns (UCTSC) met in Huntsville, Alabama
October 14-15, 2016 and by teleconference February 18, 2017. The following officers were elected during
the fall meeting: Reverend Shelia O’Mara (CPC) and Reverend Edmund Cox (CPCA) Co-Chairs; andReverend Nancy Fuqua (CPCA), Secretary.

II. EXPIRATION OF TERMS
The Committee notes that the terms of service for Elder Sharon Combs, Reverend Edmund Cox,
Doctor Nancy Fuqua, and Reverend Robert Thomas all expire in 2017. Each member is eligible to bereelected.
In addition, Reverend LaRuth Jefferson submitted her resignation for the October 2016 meeting.
Her term expires in 2017.
The UCTSC was saddened by the deaths of two committee members whose terms expire in 2017:
Reverend Randy Jacob and Doctor Phillip Redrick. We commend their faithful service to the church andcontinue to pray for their families.

III. GENERAL ASSEMBLY REPRESENTATIVEThe Committee elected Doctor Nancy Fuqua to serve as the representative to the meeting of the
CPC/CPCA General Assembles in Tampa, Florida.

IV. GENERAL ASSEMBLY REFERRALThe 186th General Assembly directed “that the Resolution from Japan Presbytery be accepted as
information and be referred to the Permanent Committee on Theology and Social Concerns for study andclarification.”
RECOMMENDATION 1: That the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church commend Japan Presbytery for their diligent theological work in response to the social
concerns that face them on a daily basis.
RECOMMENDATION 2: That this paper be distributed to all presbyteries as a study
document and that General Assembly direct presbyteries to use the resolution as a model for thework of presbytery committees on theological and social concerns in order that presbyteries might
begin to use their declarative authority and speak theologically to the social issues that confront the
Church.

V. STUDY PAPERS
The Committee presents the following papers for consideration by the General Assemblies: “A
Question of Hermeneutics” (Dr. George Estes) and “Identifying and Addressing Elder Abuse –A Social
Response” (Elder Sharon Combs).
RECOMMENDATION 3: That the General Assemblies accept the papers, “A Question of
Hermeneutics” and “Identifying and Addressing Elder Abuse-A Social Response” as study papers andthat they be used to initiate thought and discussion within the Cumberland Presbyterian Church andthe Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America.

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RECOMMENDATION 4: That the Office of the General Assembly of both denominations
makes these papers available to churches through the stated clerks of the presbyteries.
The Committee had explored writing a paper on racism/racial profiling in the USA. In lieu of apaper on the topic, the Committee is recommending a book for study. The book is available in book or
audio format and has a study guide written for it.
RECOMMENDATION 5: That the General Assemblies recommend to presbyteries thebook “America’s Original Sin” by Jim Wallis as a resource on addressing racism in America.

VI. WORKS IN PROGRESSThe UCTSC has struggled with how to respond in a timely way to theological and social concernsthat may be affecting Cumberland Presbyterians as we seek to be faithful in the world today. The Committee
is developing guidelines for a theological/social concerns panel made up of representatives of the CPC/
CPCA to address emerging issues. A select group of persons has been invited to serve on a panel that could
be asked to respond to issues in a more timely way. It is not assumed that such responses would have theofficial sanction of the CPC or CPCA, but that they could provide useful reflections for persons in our two
churches. Details are still being worked out and the Committee hopes to activate the panel during 2017.
Respectfully Submitted,
Unified Committee on Theology and Social Concerns

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A Question of Hermeneutics
The Christian community today is divided over many issues, despite persistent claims of “unity in
Christ.” Apart from the obvious doctrinal distinctions between denominations and traditions, a basic rift
historically has been between “liberals’ and “conservatives,” with all sorts of gradations in between. The
differences are theological, ecclesiastical, political and social. Yet the lines of demarcation are more fluid
than is often realized, changing in relation to the topics under consideration. For example, though many
conservative Protestants hardly regard the Catholic Church as Christian (and vice versa), the two mightcome together on attitudes about Roe v. Wade, or the ordination of women. Though liberal Protestants
generally differ with the Catholic Church’s official position on abortion and birth control, many applauded
Pope Francis’ comments on immigration, advocacy for the poor, and climate change in his recent visit
to the United States. Liberal Christians, typically open to advocating for justice in the public sector, aresuspicious of right wing Christians who display a political agenda. Yet both sides claim to believe in theseparation of church and state, rejecting any notion that the state should have a regulatory role in church’s
life. Practically all Christian groups proclaim the Bible to be the Word of God. However, they diverge
significantly when it comes to the interpretation and application of that sacred text. It is the thesis of thisessay that attitudes toward Scripture are at the root of many divisions in the Christian community.
How is the Bible the Word of God? And then, how should it be determinative for contemporary
life? These are questions of hermeneutics, a term used so speak of the principles of interpretation of
Scripture, as well as other ancient literature. Hermeneutics is like a “lens” through which Scripture isviewed. Inevitably the Bible reader is confronted with the challenge of bridging from the original senseand cultural context of the biblical text to our contemporary life, with application of biblical truth to today’s
culture and circumstances. Some scholars refer to the “three worlds of the text,” meaning (a) the world
behind the text, its background; (b) the world of the text, its situation in history and geography, along with
its literary characteristics, such as poetry or narrative; and (c) the world before or in front of the text, thatis, the contemporary situation of today’s readers. Because we affirm the Bible as the Word of God, we
consider not only what is said to the original hearers but also what the text is saying to us. Though ourattention often is directed at interpreting Scripture, the issue also is how Scripture interprets us! Sermons,
Bible studies, presentations of Christian teaching and doctrine are exercises in hermeneutics. The serious
Bible student engages in what might be called “creative listening” to the text, that is, seeking to discern thesort of material a particular passage is (such as poetry, prophecy, parable, history, narrative, exhortation,
instruction, etc.) and what it may have meant to its original audience, then asking how God is speaking
through that passage to our situation today.
There are those who adhere to a dogma of “the verbal plenary inerrancy of Scripture,” by which
they mean every word of the Bible is absolutely true and unassailable, with the caveat that this is thecase in the original texts – none of which are extant today. The principle of inerrancy affirms that God isspeaking through the Bible, but it scarcely takes note of the fact that it was written by human hands overmany centuries. Further, Scripture has been copied, translated and published innumerable times, always
involving human agency.
On the other end of the theological spectrum there are those who regard the Bible as little morethan “helpful hints” for living. Scripture, they feel, is ancient and therefore has practically no bearing
on contemporary life. They may appreciate the Golden Rule or some other biblical dictum that fits
their own personal perspective, but to regard Scripture as determinative for their attitudes and decisions
seems absurd. They adhere to the oft-repeated belief that ‘you can justify almost anything on the basis of
Scripture’ as a means of dismissing the authority of the Bible. They note that the Crusades, the Inquisition,
pogroms, slavery, racial and gender discrimination, papal infallibility, paternalism, divine right of kings andantagonism toward scientific discovery have all been supported by appeals to Scripture.
Somewhere in between these two extremes reside most of us. As part of the Presbyterian and
Reformed family of Churches that traditionally takes a high view of Scripture, Cumberland Presbyterians
revere the Bible as the Word of God. Nevertheless, we do not always look first to Scripture for guidance onmatters of politics, business or life choices. Our worship services typically include multiple presentations
and references to Scripture. Calls to worship, offertory sentences, responsive readings and benedictions
are scriptural, and a sermon without biblical foundation is no sermon at all, we believe. Further, many
congregations offer small group Bible studies, Sunday school lessons based on Scripture, seasonal biblicalcurricula for the Christian Year, and more. Our members and ministers utilize the wide range of Bible
translations available today, along with study helps, commentaries and devotional literature. Even so,
devout church folks too often neglect the study of Scripture and may express a sense of inadequacy andunfamiliarity with the content of the Bible.

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The Confession of Faith for Cumberland Presbyterians affirms Scripture to be “the infallible ruleof faith and practice, the authoritative guide for Christian living,” [COF 1.05]. The first question posed
for the ordination of ministers, elders and deacons is: “Do you believe the scriptures of the Old and New
Testaments to be the inspired word of God, the authority for faith and practice?” [Constitution 2.92, 6.36]
The Directory for Worship suggests a form for public profession of faith and church covenant which includes
a similar question of the new member: “Do you believe the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be
the inspired word of God, the source of authority for faith and practice, and will you read and study them for
guidance in living the Christian life?” [DFW, emphasis added] The Confession also offers comments about
the proper interpretation of Scripture, a hermeneutic. “In order to understand God’s word spoken throughthe scriptures, persons must have the illumination of God’s own Spirit. Moreover, they should study thewritings of the Bible in their historical settings, compare scripture with scripture, listen to the witness of thechurch throughout the centuries, and share insights with others in the covenant community.” [COF 1.07]
We do not have an ‘anything goes’ hermeneutic! Our Confession, firmly based on the Bible, is our standardof doctrine and interpretation. Note what this statement does not affirm: that God wrote or dictated thescriptures; that the scriptures are viewed as “inerrant,” rather as “infallible” in matters of faith and practice.
Instead of a rigid “bibliolatry,” the scriptures are considered to be the “authoritative guide.” It may seemto be splitting hairs to differentiate between “infallible” and “inerrant,” but there is in fact an importantdistinction between the two. The latter case often comes across as God literally dictating the Scripture –much like the views of adherents to the Koran or the Book of Mormon. But our Confession understands
the matter differently. God speaks through the Bible, but does so by using the language, customs, culture,and (yes) weaknesses of human beings. Further, the doctrine of inspiration of the Holy Spirit we espouseincludes not only the centuries-long process of writing the Scriptures, but also the canonization process, andthe continuing work of interpretation and application of biblical truth from generation to generation. In thisconnection we can allow for a reasonable distinction between the ‘letter’ and the ‘spirit’ of many Scripture
texts, taking seriously the original context of the writing and today’s situation in mission and service.
While it is unlikely that differences between denominations in approach to Scripture will beovercome, perhaps it is not quite as unrealistic to work toward a common understanding of biblicalinterpretation within our own Churches. This has practical implications for our attitudes toward one anotherin small group Bible discussions, Sunday school classes, responses to messages from the pulpit and so on.
At a time when unification between our two sister denominations is under prayerful consideration, let us
make the conscious effort to remove any impediment to our unity that has biblical interpretation as a basis.
We acknowledge that within both Cumberland Presbyterian denominations there is a wide range of biblicalunderstanding and interpretation. With that said, we should resolve – first and foremost – to love one
another, and as an expression of that love to listen to each other, affirming the even greater common ground
we enjoy and embrace as Cumberland Presbyterians. Our goal need not be one hundred percent agreement
on biblical interpretation, but rather a mature awareness and consideration of the diversity of theologicalperspectives that a global and multi-ethnic denomination manifests.
We believe Scripture to be the written Word of God. At the same time we affirm that Jesus Christ,
God’s only Son, is the Word of God Incarnate, so that Scripture “should be understood in light of the birth,
life, death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth.” [COF 1.06]. This suggests our reading of Scripture
is Christocentric. Yet we readily understand that, for example, passages such as the Suffering Servant
prophecies in Isaiah had an original meaning and impact that was not focused on Jesus Christ, though we
in our reading and proclamation of those texts find him there. We believe further that God’s Word is also
spoken – through creation, through prophets and apostles, and the proclamation and witness of the church.
It is remembered that much of Scripture existed as oral tradition before being written. The conviction of
inspiration by the Holy Spirit, necessary for understanding of Scripture, is an important component of ourhermeneutic, so that the role of the individual believer as well as the corporate community of faith is taken
seriously. In other words, we believe the Word of God is still speaking today!
What if we added a “missional” calibration to our hermeneutic lens? The word “missional” hascome to mean the recognition that God’s mission, revealed in Scripture and supremely in Jesus Christ, is the
only legitimate purpose of the church in the world. In fact the church is God’s strategy for mission in theworld. We are a “sent” people -- sent to proclaim and demonstrate, teach and learn, the gospel of Christ ina world of spiritual, physical, emotional, economic, political need. It is sometimes not recognized that the
Bible is a book about mission from beginning to end, that it was written by missionaries for missionaries[Kirk, p. 20]! This is a way of saying that Scripture points God’s faithful people outward to share (and seek
to live out) God’s gracious Good News in a world overburdened with bad news. Scripture was written fromfaith for faith, indeed to inspire others to faith. It was written from within a specific culture and history,
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missional in their desire to spread the gospel across a vast frontier. The frontier of the 21st century beckons
us to a reading, proclaiming and demonstrating of the biblical message that is missional for the time inwhich God has granted us to serve.
One of the strengths of the Cumberland Presbyterian Churches, again, is the wide latitude withregard to biblical understanding, worship style, approaches to ministry and mission. What needs greater
cultivation, perhaps, is an appreciation of varying opinions. It would be helpful to lay aside the labels
intended to diminish the faithfulness and motives of our brothers and sisters in Christ – conservative andliberal, evangelical and traditional, right and left wing, along with the “isms” and “phobias” in currency
today. If we agree that our calling is to serve God’s mission in the world, then a healthy dialog about
strategies, ideologies, and emphases is more attainable, and genuine unity in Christ can grow.
Works Cited
Confession of Faith for Cumberland Presbyterians. Cordova, Tennessee: Office of the General Assembly,
2014, print.
Kirk, J. Andrew. What Is Mission? Theological Explorations. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2000, print.
For Reflection
1. What governing principles should characterize our use of Scripture?
2. Many Christians take some portions of Scripture literally, but not all. How is this difference indetermination made?
3. Study Bibles and commentaries are helpful tools for biblical understanding. Does our church library
include some of these?
Suggested Resources:
Bible Dictionary
Harper Study Bible
Interpreter’s Bible Commentary Series
Interpretation Bible Commentary Series
4. If a small group were to devise a “Bill of Rights” for biblical discussion and attitudes towarddiffering viewpoints, what would that look like?
5. What role does prayer play in the ongoing work of biblical interpretation?

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Identifying and Addressing “Elder Abuse” - (A Social Response)
What is Elder Abuse?
The Administration on Aging (AoA) has reported that each year hundreds of thousands of older
persons are abused, neglected, and exploited. Many victims are people who are older, frail, and vulnerable
and cannot help themselves. They depend on others to meet their most basic needs. Abusers of older adults
are both women and men, and may be family members, friends, or “trusted others.”
In general, elder abuse is a term referring to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiveror any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult. Abuse can come inmany forms: Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation, Emotional Abuse, Abandonment, andSelf-neglect.
Physical Abuse: hitting punching, slapping, burning, kicking, restraining, false imprisonment,
giving excessive or improper medication;
Sexual Abuse: forcing a person to take part in any sexual conduct without consent, including
making them participate in sexual conversation, forced to watch pornography; may also include cases
where elder is no longer able to give consent (dementia);
Neglect: Depriving a person of food, heat, clothing, comfort or essential medication and needed
services; deprivation –may be intentional - considered (active neglect); or, it could happen out of lack ofknowledge or resources which is then considered (passive neglect);
Exploitation: warning signs -Significant withdrawals from the elder’s banking accounts; suddenchanges in the elder’s financial condition; items or cash missing from the senior’s household; suspicious
changes in wills, power of attorney, titles, and policies; addition of names to the senior’s signature card;
unpaid bills or lack of medical care, although the elder has enough money to pay for them; financial activity
the senior could not have done, such as an ATM withdrawal when the account holder is bedridden;
Emotional Abuse: This is a verbal or nonverbal act that inflicts emotional pain, anguish, or distresson an older adult. Emotional elder abuse is almost always accompanied by another form of abuse, such as
physical abuse. Emotional abuse of the elderly can range from a simple verbal insult to an extreme form of
verbal punishment;
Abandonment: - Deserting a dependent elderly person with the intent to abandon them or leavethem unattended at a place for even a while which is likely to endanger their health or welfare;Self-neglect: warning signs-unusual weight loss, malnutrition, dehydration, unsanitary living
conditions: dirt, bugs, soiled bedding and clothes, dirty or unbathed, unsuitable clothing or covering for theweather, unsafe living conditions (no heat or running water; faulty electrical wiring, other fire hazards).
Addressing Elderly in the HomeAll seniors are reluctant to leave their homes, as you and I would be; for no one wants to give up
their independence. Seniors are the last to admit to no longer being self-sufficient or able to take care ofthemselves properly.
The line between capable and dependent is often blurred, and it is often difficult to notice the signs
when a senior is no longer capable of living alone. The fact is, while most independent seniors are perfectly
capable of caring for themselves, others may not be aware of their declining faculties, such as weight loss
(forgetting to eat); messy finances (stacks of unpaid bills); suspicious new friends who hang around. While
this can be a harmless and a beneficial relationship, it can also indicate the beginnings of a confidence scam.
Addressing Pastoral Peace to the Family
Pastoral peace can be provided if pastors and leaders are more educated on the topic of Elder
Abuse. This would help to properly address issues with families where an elderly person might reside; or,
how or what signs to look for in single elderly households.
2.63 of the Confession of Faith addresses the responsibilities for the pastors. The current
responsibilities (g) and (j) below would work in conjunction with proper understanding of the subject title
whereas it could be incorporated into discussion.
2.63(g) states: visit the people, especially the poor, the sick, the dying, and those with other criticalneeds. (Elderly is a stage of people. Because the word elderly is not categorically mentioned in the list, it
would be difficult to recognize the need for attention in this areas).
2.63(j) states: counsel with people, in light of the scriptures, about their personal needs and116

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problems… (one would need more understanding of the subject to incorporate it into discussion).
2.72 states: elders should inform the pastor of any concerns that need his or her attention.
(This concern must be recognized first whereas it can be shared with the pastor).
Under Introduction to the 1984 Confession of Faith, Page XV, Paragraph 3 states: The ancienttruth which guides this confession of faith is of two sources: (1) the scriptures; and (2) the previous
confessions of both Cumberland Presbyterian churches and the previous confessions of the church in its
universal expression. All testimony to Jesus Christ must be tested by the scriptures which are the only
unfailing and authoritative word for Christian faith, growth, and practice. All testimony to Jesus Christ
is made within the context of the church universal and therefore must not be made in a narrow, sectarianmanner or spirit.
The paragraph above attests to the fact that Confession of faith is more than a personal affirmationof faith; it is a scripturally driven testimony based on action through faith.
1 Timothy 5:8 says “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his
household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
Our Confession of Faith affirms that the Cumberland Presbyterians are believers of the scripture;
therefore, scripturally it would deem the Church as unbelievers if it failed not to at least try to help this stageof people who are considered as part of the church household.
We know it was not the intention that this fragile topic be excluded years ago; for “elderly abuse”,
in any form, was unthought of due to honor bestowed upon those of old. It appears however that today, theelderly have become “the forgotten ones” of God’s children.
Reiterating and giving reference to paragraph 4, on Page XV under the Introduction to the 1984
Confession of Faith, we are indeed greatly indebted to the Confession of Faith of 1883, the Confession of
Faith of 1814, and the Westminster Confession of Faith out of which the other two arose.
Let this now be the time that we, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, not only embrace the youth
who are the future of our denomination, but “vigilantly” be there for our elderly who yet represent the spiritof the cornerstone upon which our denominational heritage stands.
Psalms 71:9 says “Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.”
There is little that you can find in the scriptures on the Christian or Church’s responsibility regarding elderly
abuse.
Question: Should the Cumberland Presbyterian Church speak out?
Does it go against our belief? Is it deemed meddling to discuss or report suspected elder abuse?
Scripturally, this could fall somewhere close to Genius 4:9 “Am I my brother’s keeper?” According
to Matthew Henry, “When a person is unconcerned in the affairs of others and takes no care when they haveopportunity to prevent hurt--especially in their souls, -- that person in effect speaks Cain’s language.”
Question: How can we, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, show more concern in preventing
harm or hurt on behalf of our elderly and more importantly, prevent the loss of souls?
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says -Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies,
and the God of all comfort; who comforted us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort themwhich are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
Question: How can we as Cumberland Presbyterians assist in comforting the community of elderly
who are recognizably in trouble?
In conclusion, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, who looks to the“Confession of Faith” for guidanceand direction, and seeks to be the voice of Jesus through his love, also seek to encourage our denominationof Christians to be that witness to the world who says, “We care about our Elderly and as Christians, we will
be careful to stay vigilant in upholding God’s word by not casting the elderly off in their time of old age;
but be more attentive to that which appears to be but is not, and to recognize the unrecognizable cry for help
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STUDY QUESTIONS – Elder Abuse
1. How can one recognize the warning signs of elder abuse?
Answer: Changes in personality or behavior
2. What good works am I (or my church) doing for the elderly in my community?
3. What can I or my church do to help make a difference?
a. Assess the targeted community needs of the elderly.
b. Educate the church on recognizing the warning signs of Elder Abuse.
c. Incorporate elderly home visit programs in the church.
d. Periodically inquire about medications they’re taking; example -do they run out often?
e. Watch for possible financial abuse…no money for food or necessities.
f. Call and visit as often as you can. Help them to consider you trustworthy.
g. Allocate a church group which occasionally donates relief time for the caregiverh. Cautiously intervene when abuse is suspected; contact local government officials.
4. Share examples of what you, your church or community is doing or has done to help offset, bringawareness to or help prevent suspected elder abuse, keeping in mind it can come in several forms including
self-neglect. Below is an example of an increasing problem with aging:
Example: When dad will not give up the keys to his vehicle, the family will be the last ones he will listen
to. This is when you bring in outside friends of the family or acquaintances who can assist you by being
a witness to the concern of his driving. If the family is that concerned, neighbors, even towns’ people (ifsmaller town), will be concerned for his safety, not to mention possibly harming someone else. Also, ask
a non-family member (he respects) to gently talk with him on a personal level and speak the possibilityof community concern for his well-being. Then, re-address the issue. (If in a larger city, a patrolman will
volunteer to speak to your father out of concern to help the family address the situation.)
If all else fails, you have one or two options: 1) Have their doctor write a letter to declare them
incompetent to drive, therefore restricting their driver license; or 2) unnoticeably disable part of the cablefrom the battery whereas it will disable the vehicle. Depending on their mental awareness, this could resolve
the problem.
No situation is addressed the same; however, their safety and protection is what matters.
5. Finally, if we as church members individually chose not to position ourselves personally to help, thendonate money to the cause and sole purpose of educating and bringing awareness to the people about therealism of elder abuse…Who knows, you could possibly be protecting your own life down the line.
Your input and thoughts are encouraged. Please send to any member of the Unified Committee for
Theology and Social Concerns. Member names and contact info can be found on the USTSC webpage.
Works Cited
Dept. of HHS Administration on Aging (Elder Abuse) Last Modified 7/22/16
Confession of Faith 1984; Confession of Faith of 1883; Confession of Faith of 1814
Westminster Confession of Faith; Matthew Henry Bible Commentary

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THE REPORT OF THE UNIFICATION TASK FORCE
I. MEETING AND OFFICERSThe Unification Task Force (UTF) of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America (CPCA)
and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church (CPC) has met twice since the 2016 meetings of the General
Assemblies: November 17-18, 2016 and April 6-7, 2017. Both meetings were held in Nashville, Tennessee.
Officers elected at the November 2016 meeting were: Co-chairs Perryn Rice and Robert Rush, Co-secretaries
Jay Earheart-Brown and Craig White.
Other members of the UTF from the CPCA include Leon Cole, Elton Hall, Lynne Herring, William
Robinson, and Mitchell Walker. Other members from the CPC include Gloria Villa-Diaz, Steve Mosley,
Pam Phillips-Burk, Mike Sharpe, and Joy Warren.
William Robinson and Joy Warren were elected to represent the UTF at the 2017 meetings of theGeneral Assemblies in Tampa, Florida.

II. PROPOSED PLAN FOR UNION
The 2014 General Assemblies, in concurrent session at Chattanooga, Tennessee, approved forstudy a Proposed Plan of Union. That plan has been distributed widely across both denominations, and has
generated a great deal of discussion and feedback. For two years, the plan was studied in both churches,
generating many responses from individuals and church sessions. We are grateful for all the responses
received, both positive and negative.
The 2016 General Assemblies, in concurrent session at Nashville, Tennessee received a revised
draft of the Proposed Plan for Union which incorporated many of the suggestions we had heard from acrossthe two churches. We are not proposing any changes to last year’s Proposed Plan for Union at the 2017
General Assembly meetings, but reprint it here with the prayer that it will continue to be studied for the
next two years, which we are proposing to be a time of continuing relationship building between our two
churches at every level. Both Assemblies are planning concurrent meetings for 2017 (Tampa, Florida) and2018 (Norman, Oklahoma), and we encourage all who participate in those gatherings to be intentional aboutbuilding and deepening relationships with persons from the other denomination.
Proposed Plan for Union of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America“There is one, holy, universal, apostolic church. She is the body of Christ, who is her Head andLord” (Confession of Faith 5.01). “The church is one because her head and Lord is one, Jesus Christ. Her
oneness under her Lord is manifested in the one ministry of word and sacrament, not in any uniformity ofcovenantal expression, organization, or system of doctrine” (5.02). “The church, as the covenant communityof believers who are redeemed, includes all people in all ages, past, present, and future, who respond infaith to God’s covenant of grace, and all who are unable to respond, for reasons known to God, but whoare saved by his grace” (5.06). It is on this belief that the Unification Task Force recommends the union of
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America (CPCA) and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church (CPC).
We are one in Christ by the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit! We believe that becoming
one will strengthen our witness as Christian believers in the world, and that together we will be able toaccomplish more for the glory of God. United together in Christ by faith, we are united to one another inlove. In this communion we share the grace of Christ with one another, bear one another’s burdens, andreach out to all other persons (Confession of Faith5.10).
1.00 Mission Statement for the New Church
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church United affirms the great commission of Christ: “Go,therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, andof the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember I am
with you until the end of the age”(Matthew 28:19-20). We celebrate our oneness in faith. As disciples, weseek through worship, global witness, and service to be the hands and feet of Christ and to live out the loveof Jesus Christ to the glory of God.

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2.00 The Confession of Faith and Government
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church United will use the Confession of Faith and Government of
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America, approved byboth General Assemblies of the former denominations in 1984 as its system of faith and government.
NOTE: It should be noted that in the Constitution (4.6, 5.6p) the CPC allows for a session torequest permission from Presbytery for a designated elder to be trained and granted permission to serve
communion for a one year period of time. This is an exception, NOT A RULE for general practice, for thosepresbyteries that have difficulty supplying each church with an ordained minister. The responsibility lies
with presbytery for proper training and oversight of the designated elder. Again, is this an EXCEPTION.
No presbytery is required to apply this exception.
2.01 The Cumberland Presbyterian Church United will use the Catechism for Cumberland Presbyterians(2008) for instruction in the faith and will include it in an updated edition of the Confession of Faith andGovernment of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church United.
2.02 The CP Digest (CPC) and Summaries of Actions (for both denominations) will continue to serve as
resource tools. A new Digest will begin with the formation of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church United.
3.00 The Presbyteries and Synods
3.01 In an effort to make union something more than just an idea on paper, and to engage the grassroots increating the new church, we recommend a restructure of the synod boundaries to create eight synods for the
new church, with the following presbyteries in each –Synod A*
Brazos River
Del Christo
Red RiverHong KongJapan

Synod B*
Angelina
Arkansas
Choctaw
East Texas
Trinity
Andes
Cauca Valley

Synod C
Covenant
Missouri
New Hopewell
Purchase
West Tennessee

Synod D
Cleveland, Ohio
Cumberland
North Central
Ohio Valley

Synod E
Columbia
Elk RiverMurfreesboro
Nashville

Synod F
East Tennessee
Hiawassee
Tennessee-Georgia
East Coast Korean

Synod G
Florence
Hope
HuntsvilleRobert Donnell
Tennessee Valley

Synod H
Birmingham
Grace
South Alabama
Tuscaloosa

For relationship building during the first six years, all synods will be encouraged to hold an annual
general meeting (Constitution 8.2) as opposed to a delegated meeting. Synods may petition General
Assembly at any point for a change in boundaries.
* NOTE: There are plans for organizing a new presbytery in Central and/or South America in thenear future, as well as dreams for organizing a third presbytery in Asia. As soon as it is practical to do so,whether before or after union, two additional synods should be constituted. Synod I would include Andes,
Cauca Valley, and any other presbyteries organized in Latin America. Synod J would include Hong Kong,Japan, and any other presbyteries organized in Asia.
3.02 Presbyteries will remain as they are constituted at the time of union. During the first six years of the
new church’s life, synods will be encouraged to study the most beneficial presbyterial boundaries within
their jurisdictionto fulfill of the mission of the church. Presbyteries may petition their synod at any time fora change in boundaries.

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4.00 Commissioners and Youth Advisory Delegates to the General Assembly
4.01 Commissioners to the General Assembly
Each Presbytery will be entitled to send 2 minister commissioners and 2 elder commissioners to theGeneral Assembly.
NOTE: If presbytery boundaries remain as currently constituted at the time of unification, thiswill allow for a total possible membership in the General Assembly of 152 commissioners. Of thesepotential commissioners, 60 would come from former presbyteries of the CPCA, and 92 would come fromthe former CPC.
4.02 Youth Advisory Delegates
Each presbytery will be entitled to send up to two Youth Advisory delegates to the General Assembly.
5.00 Moderator and Vice Moderator of General Assembly
5.01 The moderator/vice moderator will be elected each year during the first six years with the two offices
alternating between persons from the two former denominations.
5.02 The moderator and vice moderator of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church United will reflect its diverse
nature, to include international representatives. The church expects the moderator and vice moderator totravel within the denomination, sharing and gathering information among its local churches. Expenses andparticular duties will be detailed in the Standing Rules of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church United.
6.00 Stated Clerk and Associate Stated Clerk of the General Assembly
6.01 The new church shall employ a Stated Clerk and an Associate Stated Clerk. Both positions will be
full-time jobs. During the first six years of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church United, the Stated Clerk
will serve six years and the Associate Stated Clerk will serve four years, after which each would be elected
for a four-year period. One position will be filled by a former CPCA and the other position filled by aformer CPC during their first terms. The subsequent election of each position will allow for continuity
during transitions. Particular duties and responsibilities of the Stated Clerk and Associate Stated Clerk will
be detailed in the Standing Rules of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church United.
7.00 Boards and Agencies of the General Assembly
7.01 Each church has programs in various stages of planning and implementation that are the result ofcommitment to ministry through the church. Insofar as possible, these plans and programs will be continued
without interruption for a period of three years. The Cumberland Presbyterian Church has covenantal
relationships with the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home in Denton, Texas and Bethel University
in McKenzie, Tennessee. These covenantal relationships will remain in effect as they exist at the time ofUnification, to be renewed every four years. The Cumberland Presbyterian Church United will continue
ecumenical partnerships, such as with the World Communion of Reformed Churches.
7.02 Institutional Boards
The General Assembly shall have the following institutional boards: Trustees of Memphis
Theological Seminary to include the Program of Alternate Studies and School of Continuing Education
Committee, and Trustees of the Historical Foundation. Representation on each Board of Trustees willremain as they are constituted at the time of union.
7.03 Administrative Boards
The General Assembly shall have the following administrative Boards: The Board of Stewardship,
Foundation and Benefits and The Board of Directors of the General Assembly Corporation. During the transition
period, each of these boards will have equal number of members from each of the former denominations.
7.04 Commission
The General Assembly shall have the following commission: Chaplains and Military Personnel.
Representation on the commission will be merged as they are constituted at the time of union until naturalrotation occurs.

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7.05 Standing Committees
The General Assembly shall have the following standing committees: Theology and Social
Concerns, Judiciary, Our United Outreach, Nominating, and Multi-Cultural Ministry.
Committee representation on the Theology and Social Concerns Committee will remain asconstituted at the time of union until natural rotations occurs.
Judiciary and Nominating committees in both denominations will each be merged at the time ofunion.
Committee representation for Our United Outreach will be expanded to include two elected
representatives from each new synod (one voting representative from each of the former denominations
until natural rotation occurs).
The Committee on Multi-Cultural Ministry is a new committee that will reflect the diversity of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church United. This committee will be comprised of eight (8) elected persons
that will reflect the celebrative understanding of humanity in the areas of culture, language, heritage, andexperience in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church United. Believing that all have been created in God’s
image, this committee works to answer the question of our sameness in God’s image lived out in diverse ways.
7.06 The Cumberland Presbyterian Church United will have a Mission Programming Agency to provide
coordination and oversight for those ministries formally planned and implemented by the two former
denominations. After the three-year period, the new programming and denominational structure willconsist of the following ministries and entities –Christian Education & Nurture (Youth Convention & National Sunday School Convention
Missions (Evangelism, Missionary Auxiliary, Women’s Ministry)
Clergy Care & Development
Communications (Cumberland Flag, Cumberland Presbyterian Magazine, Missionary
Messenger, website)
Composition of each ministry entity will include equal number of persons from each of the former
denominations in the new church at the time of union. Composition of the new Mission Programming
Agency will include one staff person and one elected member from each ministry entity, along with one
elected member representing each of the synods. The elected members will be equally representative ofthe two former denominations for the first six years. A Ministry Coordinator would provide executive
leadership for the Mission Programming Agency.
8. Denominational Staff & Personnel
Currently, the CPCA employs two full time staff members; the CPC employs twenty-five
staff members.
8.01 The new organizational structure will discontinue the positions of Administrative Director (CPCA)
and the Director of Ministries (CPC) and will create the positions of Associate Stated Clerk and Ministry
Coordinator. The duties and parameters of each position and corresponding selection processes will be
determined during the Implementation Phase and detailed in the Standing Rules.
8.02 Staffing for the Cumberland Presbyterian Church United will reflect the diversity of the new church.
As new staff positions become available, equal opportunity employment practices will prevail.
8.03 Denominational Offices –During the first six years, steps are to be taken to assure that regional sites
be located in a minimum of three and a maximum of five locations. Thus, neither the Center in Huntsvillenor the Center in Memphis will be designated as “the denominational center.” By placing regional sites
in a variety of locations this will assure that all areas of the church will be served equally. These regionalsites can make use of offices in existing churches, or in homes of regional staff persons. Possible regional
locations could be Memphis, Huntsville, Louisville, Texas, South America, Asia, etc.
8.04 Global Staff
There will be endorsed missionaries and partner missionaries in the new church. The new church
will continue to support current and future missionaries and global work. Current missionaries include– CP Missionaries: Boyce and Beth Wallace (Colombia, South America), Patrick and Jessica Wilkerson(Colombia, South America), Carlos and Luz Dary Rivera (Mexico), Anay Ortega (Guatemala), Fhanor andSocorro Pejendino (Guatemala), Jacob and Lindsey Sims (Brazil), Daniel and Kay Jang (Philippines), John

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and Joy Park (Philippines), DSL (Cambodia-Laos). CP Missionaries working with non-denominational
missions: Kenneth and Delight Hopson (Uganda),TTG (Kyrgyzstan). Global Work, there are CP Churches
in: Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Colombia, Guatemala, Haiti, Hong Kong, Japan, Laos, Mexico, Philippines,
South Korea, and the USA.
9.00 Stewardship and Finance9.01 Legal control of assets of both churches will be transferred to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
United through appropriate legal transaction. The intent of all designated gifts and endowments will behonored.
9.02 The Cumberland Presbyterian Church United will develop an approach to the financing of the programsof the church that reflects the stewardship understanding of the new constituency. Such a unitary approach
will be developed as soon as possible after formation and no later than the end of the first six years.
10.00 Recognition of Ordination
All ordinations, both clergy and lay (elders and deacons), of both denominations will be recognizedby the Cumberland Presbyterian Church United. All future ordinations will be governed by the conditions
specified in the Constitution. Persons who are recognized by their respective presbyteries as candidates andlicentiates at the time the new church is formed will fulfill the requirements as specified by presbytery at thetime they became probationers.
11.00 The Name of the New Denomination
The name of the denomination shall be the Cumberland Presbyterian Church United.
12.00 The Logo of the New Church
A new logo will be fashioned by the new church.
RECOMMENDATION 1: That the General Assemblies encourage pastors, elders, sessions,churches, presbyteries and synods to continue their study and discussion of the Proposed Plan ofUnion, and that responses be directed to the UTF through the Office of the Stated Clerk of the CPC
or Office of the Executive Director of the CPCA.

III. REVISED TIMELINE
As we have engaged this work over the past five years, the last couple of years have been particularly
challenging due to increased tensions in American society. The publicity surrounding incidents of violenceby and against police officers, the Black Lives Matter movement, and those who critique it with the slogan
All Lives Matter, increasing incidents like the shooting and killing of church members at Mother Emmanuel
AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina by a troubled young white man; all of these and more havemade the work of racial reconciliation more difficult in our time. Such incidents, we are convinced, also
make the work we are doing to try to heal our denominational divide as Cumberland Presbyterians moreurgent and hopeful than ever.
In our Spring 2017 meeting, the UTF wrestled with the urgency of moving forward, and the realities
that our two churches still have not learned to trust each other fully yet. Torn between our desire to moveahead in faith, and our fears of pushing unification before its time, the UTF proposed the following tentative
timeline toward the organic union of our two churches, which the General Assemblies asked us to seek in
2012.
2017 – 2019
June 20192019 – 2020
June 2020

Two years devoted to intentional relationship building and trust development.
A Plan for Union with any additional revisions is presented to the two General
Assemblies for approval.
The Plan is submitted to the Presbyteries of the CPC and the CPCA for ratification.
The CPC and CPCA General Assemblies meet concurrently to celebrate theadoption of the plan and begin a new church together, walking into God’s futurewith 20-20 vision.

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IV. UNIFICATION SUNDAY
We proposed to the 2016 General Assemblies that a day be set aside in the church calendars ofboth denominations to pray for and educate our people about the Unification of our churches. The date we
proposed in February was not acceptable, and the two assemblies approved the idea, but set the date at a timethat we think will not gain much attention in the life of our congregations (fourth Sunday in December). In
trying to think about a better solution to this issue, we discussed the possibility of celebrating Unification
Sunday just after the GA meetings, since that should be a time when we have been together in worship andwork for a week. In light of these considerations, we make the following:
RECOMMENDATION 2: That the fourth Sunday in June be set aside in the church
calendars as Unification Sunday beginning in 2018.

V. REFERRALThe 2016 General Assembly of the CPC adopted a recommendation “That the Unification Task
Force meet with representatives of Memphis Theological Seminary, the Program of Alternate Studies, andthe School of Continuing Education and Certification to discuss the pathways of education for clergy.” In
its fall meeting, the UTF tasked members Mitchell Walker, Lynne Herring (both of whom have significant
leadership roles with the CPCA’s School of Continuing Education), and Jay Earheart-Brown (Presidentof MTS) to meet with Michael Qualls, Director of the Program of Alternate Studies in response to thisdirective.
In our spring meeting, we heard from the four persons delegated this responsibility about a significant
meeting in Huntsville, Alabama at the CPCA Denominational Center on April 3, 2017. Leaders from thetwo certificate programs shared information about the two programs, and ways that both programs could
work together to provide alternate education for clergy for our two denominations. Further relationshipbuilding steps are being taken including:1) Open a position on the advisory board of each program to the Director of the sister program.
2) Pursue reciprocal agreements that allow students in one program to receive credit for approved
courses in the sister program and pay the tuition to their original certifying program.
3) Initiate sharing and standardizing forms and certification procedures.
4) Investigate strengthening relationship between MTS and the School of Continuing Education,with the hopes that SCE could have a similar relationship to MTS as PAS does.
Plans for a course to be held at the PAS Summer Extension School in McKenzie, Tennessee wereshared. Mitchell Walker and Michael Qualls will co-teach this course that will focus on the relationshipbetween the CPC and CPCA and past and current efforts toward unity between the two.
While there is much work to be done on these fronts, leaders from both programs are deeplycommitted to the effort to bring the two programs into closer alignment as we move toward Unification.

IV. PLAN FOR OUR WORK AS A TASK FORCE
We voted to organize the larger task force into two subcommittees for the next two-year period.
One of the subcommittees would focus on educating, supporting, and equipping unification advocates who
have volunteered their time and energy toward helping to bring our churches together. This sub-committee,
the Relationship Building and Advocate Support Team, is made up of the following persons: Pam PhillipsBurk, Mitchell Walker, Gloria Villa-Diaz, William Robinson, Perryn Rice, Elton Hall, Lynne Herring, andMike Sharpe.
The second sub-committee will focus its efforts on legal matters related to the By-laws and Standing
Rules that will need to be revised to begin implementation of Unification. The By-laws and Standing
Rules Team will focus its efforts on assessing the cost of Unification and doing all that it can to answer
outstanding concerns about how implementation may affect current programs in both churches. This Teamwill be made up of the following persons: Jay Earheart-Brown, Craig White, Robert Rush, Leon Cole, Joy
Warren, Steve Mosley, Lynne Herring, and Mike Sharpe.
Our plan is that the full UTF will not meet in the fall of 2017 so that the two working Teams canmeet (electronically or by conference call) to plan their work. The full UTF will come together in the springof 2018 to assess the effectiveness of both groups and prepare a report to the next General Assemblies.
We are working to plan the program for a major presentation to a joint session on Tuesday evening

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during this year’s General Assembly. This program will focus on current relationships between CPC’s and
CPCA’s at every level of our life together. Presenters will share news of the experiences they have had in
the past few years building closer ties with brothers and sisters from the other denomination. The evening’s
program will close with a time for Unification Advocates to hear from leaders of the UTF about concrete
steps they can take in the coming months.
Respectfully submitted,
The Unification Task Force of the CPCA and CPC
Perryn Rice and Robert Rush, co-chairs

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THE REPORT OF BOARD OF TRUSTEESOF BETHEL UNIVERSITYAs the 2016 school year at Bethel University got underway, a total of 5,367 students took part inone of 26 programs of study that will lead to associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Around 80 percentof those 26 programs have projected 10-year job growth rates of around 10 percent with some fields having
as much as a 17 percent growth rate promising many job possibilities for graduates. Salary projections
were also favorable for these programs with an average starting salary being anywhere between $34,000
and $60,000 across most fields.
Our work continues to be far reaching as we have served a student population this year that represents
43 states and 25 foreign countries. This diverse population brings many world traditions together, andstudents learn a great deal from this exposure.
Continuing with our tradition of helping our students grow spiritually, Bethel University offeredboth a weekly chapel service and a weekly communion service during the Fall 2016 and Spring 2017semesters. Worship was led by a number of denominational worship leaders who exposed students to abroad range of Christian doctrines and styles. During the 2016 school year, Bethel’s student group, theCumberland Presbyterian Ministry, has also actively fellowshipped keeping a firm focus on the Cumberland
Presbyterian ideals upon which Bethel is built. In fact, Bethel has a number of student organizations thatare centered around Christian ideals. There is the Wesley Foundation, the Baptist Collegiate Ministry and
Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
A number of local and global opportunities for mission work were also offered to students with local
work being covered by Greek and other student organizations and by students who are part of the Student
Engagement Scholarship program. Students have visited nursing homes, collected needed materials for
local organizations, conducted cleanup projects and worked with students in an after school at risk program.
Global mission work offered through Bethel’s Program of Global Studies was also an opportunity forstudents this year with trips to Cuba, Peru and Belize and with an upcoming summer opportunity planned
for Colombia, South America.
Bethel University has also earned a number of high level recognitions during the past year. Its
May 2016 nursing graduates achieved a 100 percent pass rate on the NCLEX – the licensure examinationthat determines nurse readiness. This is the third time in the last four years that a Bethel nursing class
has achieved the perfect pass rate. Additionally, students from Bethel’s Physician Assistant program won
the state Medical Challenge Bowl allowing them to compete at the national level in April 2017. Bethel
was also named the top accredited online school in Tennessee by Accreditedschoolsonline.org. Similarly,
Bethel’s College of Professional Studies was recognized as the top university in Tennessee for its supportof careers in criminal justice and corrections, according to rankings published by CorrectionalOfficer.org.
Bethel University’s Criminal Justice program was also ranked 7th in the nation by Affordable Colleges
Online. This ranking was based on academic quality, accommodation, guidance and affordability.
Bethel’s traditional undergraduate programs are also continually adding value to the classroom
experience with various learning enrichment projects. A Steinway piano was purchased, and Odom Lecture
Hall stage was renovated for recitals. Additionally, a music department faculty recital was held. The art
department hosted an exhibit and lecture by a visiting artist – Al Shull, a professor of art at Lincoln Land
Community College in Springfield, Illinois. Furthermore, graduating art majors exhibited their senior workand presented a lecture defending their approaches to art, and the annual Humanities Art Exhibit showcased
the talent of approximately 150 students. There was also a symposium on Postmodernism organized by four
Bethel faculty members and a 12 Film Lecture Series that gave students the chance to look at history fromdifferent perspectives. Other things included Bethel hosting the Kentucky Lake Section of the American
Chemical Society Meeting, Bethel’s Student Government Association hosting a West Tennessee Summit
for SGA teams at area colleges and a trip by some Bethel students to Washington University in St. Louisthat also included the opportunity to hear retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens speak andto sit in on a criminal law class taught by a Washington University law professor.
In athletics, Bethel’s women’s basketball team and shooting teams have taken part in National
Tournament play this year, and our Bass Fishing Team won the Bassmaster College Bracket Series withBethel Angler John Garrett moving forward from that event to serve as the only collegiate competitor in the2017 Bass Masters Classic. Showing character along with physical dominance, Bethel’s athletic program
was also recognized as one of only 19 NAIA schools to reach Gold Level status for its commitment to theChampions of Character five core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant
leadership.

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Bethel’s performing arts focus continues to be strong too with the Renaissance Performing Arts
Scholarship drawing a large number of students to Bethel studies. This year, 280 students have participatedin Renaissance. An Emmy picked up by Renaissance Technical Director Daniel Howell for recording,
mixing and production shows Bethel’s commitment to bringing in teachers and mentors who are committed
to their craft and who can share their expertise with students. Also recognized was Renaissance Bluegrass
Director Stephen Mougin who was chosen as Mentor of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music
Association primarily for his work with Renaissance. Renaissance students continue to have the opportunity
to travel across the country to perform and to be exposed to music industry professionals. A new and recent
trip was an invitation to the Bethel Marching Band to march in Chicago’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Finally, Bethel University is scheduled for the decennial review by the Southern Association ofCollege and Schools Commission on Colleges. According to President Walter Butler, “the ten-year reportis due on September 11, 2017.”

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THE REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHILDREN’S HOME
Thank you for reviewing our report giving you a balance between heart and head.
We strive to be good stewards of your gifts and donations to us. Many of you come to our campus
to visit and work. Most of you send money to pay for the expensive work of ending the cycle of abuse andneglect by bringing healing and hope to children and families. All of you support our mission with yourprayers and your commitment of time and energy to support the work. Thank you and God bless you.

I. OVERVIEW
Our 113th year of ministry at the Children’s Home serves children and families in different ways:· Children’s Residential Care,· Children’s Emergency Shelter Care,· Single Parent Family Services, and· Cumberland Family Services Counseling.
In the 21st Century, we focus our ministry on ending the maltreatment of children. Child abuse andneglect not only injure children, but impact the lives and families of adults who were once abused. We muststop the cycle of harm, a harm that can be measured in many ways. Foremost, I believe we are called to thisredemptive ministry by God. God has called us to feed, clothe, teach, and love the little, the last, the lost
and the least.
The harm also creates a toll in human tragedy correlated with crime, addiction, unemployment,
incarceration, broken relationships, mental and emotional dysfunction, ill health, violence and self
destructive actions. The cost to society is numbing.
So Cumberland provides a safe, nurturing and loving residence where children and families canlive and grow. It also provides tools for healing and health through counseling and parenting training. And
most importantly, the Children’s Home enacts Christ’s command to serve in His name. Here are somenumbers to give you a flavor of the scope of our ministry.
Cumberland helps children and families in residential and non-residential programs during 2016.
In its residential programs, Cumberland served 134 children and 20 single parents. Over 1,191 additionalchildren and families were served through intake and referral services, counseling sessions, or classes in
our non-residential programs. Cumberland held over 1,635 separate counseling sessions. More than 2,450
hours of service were performed by volunteers. In all, 1,345 lives were touched with healing and hope by
the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home during 2016.
MissionIn response to Christ’s love and example,
we serve children and families
by providing healing and hope.
CampusCumberland’s 17-acre campus in Denton, Texas, includes three residential cottages for children
and teens and 9 apartments for single parent families. Other features include the Parr Family Resource
Building, which houses the Library and Technology Center, therapy rooms, meeting facilities and staff
offices. The campus is also home to the Gilbert-Parr Activities Building, which houses Cumberland’srecreational facilities and a chapel, the 250-seat Lela Stricklen Hall.
Corporate entity and governance
Cumberland is a non-profit corporation incorporated under the laws of the state of Texas.
Cumberland is tax-exempt under IRS Code section 501(c)(3). Cumberland is governed by a board of 18
Trustees. The Cumberland Board of Trustees hired the President, CEO & General Counsel to manage theagency.
Trustees: There are currently 18 trustees: ten Cumberland Presbyterians and eight ecumenicalpartners.

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Ecumenical Partners: Patricia Long, Caroline Booth, Cameron Morone, Charles Harris, Knight
Miller and Kay Goodman
Cumberland Presbyterians: Mamie Hall, Reverend Melissa Knight, Doctor Robin Henson,
Reverend Joyce Merritt, Reverend Don Tabor, Richard Dean, Jay Thomas, Carolyn Harmon, and Reverend
Duane Dougherty
Officers: Chair—Richard Dean; Vice-Chair—Patricia Long; Secretary—Caroline Booth.
Leadership
President, CEO & General Counsel: Reverend Richard A. Brown, Esq., LCCA
Vice President, Programs: Doctor Jennifer Livings, LPC-S
Interim Chaplain: Reverend Katie Klein
Organizational Structure
Because our mission calls us to a ministry of service, we have adopted the following “Pyramidof Care©” 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.

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II. OUTCOMES

Memorandum
To:
From:
Date:
Re:

The Board of Trustees
Dr. Jennifer Livings, LPC-S
2-17-2017
Vice President Report

Growing together has been our recent theme in programming since we last met in September. Allof our programs are growing and expanding to new horizons to meet our future and current goals. 2016 and2017 are our years for growth and expansion that have come with challenges and successes. Our continued
goal is to increase revenue and serve more clients while maintaining the high quality of care that we havecome to expect and provide.
Cumberland Family Services hired a new therapist, Carley Shannon LPC-S. Carley specializes inplay therapy and has a background with youths in foster care and those who have experienced trauma. We
are on track to soon take various types of Medicaid to expand our revenue possibilities. The addition of our
new Intake Specialist, Lizbeth Moreno, has proven to be a wonderful compliment to our already establishedprogramming team. Our therapists are ready to take on new challenges in 2017 by expanding caseloads andbilling potential. Our CFS program had some challenges and we were not at full capacity in 2016. We havea wonderful team of interns who help serve our SPF families and our community. As always, our therapists
are trained and designed to treat trauma and we are eager to have a fully staffed therapy program again for2017. We are also pleased to report that Robert Mood, our Clinical Coordinator, will be taking a lead role
in redesigning and tracking our outcome measures as he has the skill level to take us to new heights with amore focused look at the impact our programs has on individuals lives.
The General Residential Operation team has been doing a great job of preparing the emergency
cottage for expansion. Our staff were on board with our decision and were more than willing to adjust toaccommodate changes. Our GRO team is a huge compliment to our success.
With some of our renovations being completed at the beginning of February we are on target to serve
more children and increase revenue. We see our children responding well to these changes and we have
had our kids making space and prepare for living with more children. We had a wonderful Christmas andholiday season with fluid communication of needs from programming with fulfillment from our wonderfuldevelopment team. Our donations this year where better than ever and no child or family went without bothneeds and wants for Christmas. Our GRO program continues to be a research site. Currently, Dr. Jacquelyn
Vickery and her team are conducting a focus group with our youth to understanding how children in foster
care respond to current media portrayals of foster care youth.
Single Parent Family program is reaching new heights. We discovered an additional revenue
source for SPF. With a few remodeling additions to an already existing building, we added another unit toour program taking us to 9 units total. We will be partnering with Dallas Housing Authority. Regardlessthat these families are coming from another referral source, our SPF service model continues to be theframework for working with clients. Our SPF Coordinator, Christine Snow, has been busy taking financial
trainings and learning about services in our communities to build relationships and serve our families.
Since Christine is back at Cumberland we again have the potential to train social work interns that is nototherwise possible as many of the advanced social work programs require a LCSW to be supervising. In
community news, UNT and TWU recently announced they will be partnering to great a Master’s Social
Work program. This is amazing news for Cumberland and our community.
Our Chaplain, Pastor Katie Klein, has been very busy this holiday season and is an integral partof the Cumberland family and has brought a wonderful sense of fellowship and relationship building toour campus. The Spiritual Enrichment program is growing and we are working on a model for life skills,
spiritual enrichment, and volunteering as a systemic model to be delivered across campus. Katie has beenworking well with our other coordinators to provide what our children and families need regarding life
skills, fellowship, and volunteers. We have seen a great sense of consistency and reliability in our current
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community. Finally, Katie is overseeing our ReNew Center as it will a fresh new look due to the dedicationof volunteers overseeing this service.
Our Executive Assistant, Melanee Fabbri, has done a wonderful job taking on duties in HR, billing,
and benefits. Melanee has been instrumental in helping Cumberland get organized. Melanee has taken on
duties of reporting payroll and providing reports to our accounting firm, Merki and Associates. In addition,
to those duties she continues to teach Love and Logic Parenting classes and frequently goes on speaking
engagements to share her story and the work she does at Cumberland.
Facilities continues to offer successes and challenges. Our maintenance team has been working
hard to keep our campus looking great. All of our roofs and gutters were replaced in 2016. Of course, ourteam continues to work hard to meet the growing needs of our campus and take on the various renovations
that are necessary for our expansion. Our kitchen in Stricklen Hall is complete offering a wonderful spacefor our staff and residents to fellowship together. A fresh look at revenue potential for Stricklen Hall
continues to be on the horizon. The completion of the kitchen, supported by a grant, was a step in the right
direction for this goal.
Programming and Development. Our programming team is working hard on communication
with development to fulfill our pyramid of support by driving what is being asked by what is needed bythose we serve. With the creation of Debbie Garrett’s listing of needs and grant proposal documentation,
programming has a way to communicate what is needed in various areas. Our other integral member of
the team, Mary Dickerman is working on putting programming needs first and foremost when creating PR
communication with our donors and community. Mary’s diligence to organize and catalog deposits anddonations makes managing our financials much easier.

III. GIVING
Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home exists today because of the commitment Cumberland
Presbyterian individuals and congregations have made in giving every year and through planned gifts. In
her will, Miss Victoria Jackson of Bowling Green, Kentucky, created a home for widows and orphans. Her
final act of generosity has allowed thousands of lives to be touched by this ministry. For the past 111 years,
many faithful and forward thinking people have blessed the children’s home, including the increasingly
needed family services, with annually recurring and estate gifts.
We are grateful that more than half of CP churches made direct gifts to the children’s home thislast year. Through these reliable annual gifts and the endowment built from planned giving, Cumberland
Presbyterian Children’s Home can keep the church’s promise to do more than house, clothe and feed ourchildren. The opportunities for spiritual growth and practical life skills for children and families would
not exist without the continued prayers and support from the women and men of Cumberland Presbyterian
Churches.
We promise to be good stewards of what you give. When you do your own kitchen table bookkeeping,
you know that costs for basic goods increase. We never take the sacrifice you are making for granted.
Thank you for helping us keep up with the high cost of providing the one on one relationship buildingthat true change requires, especially when we are focused upon vulnerable and traumatized children andfamilies.
We strive to fulfill the mission to which we believe we have been called. The Cumberland
Presbyterian Children’s Home does not warehouse residents. We seek to enrich the lives of children, teensand families who have been trapped in the cycle of abuse and neglect like so many children and families
in our community and yours. Through your donations, we provide direct care to vulnerable children andfamilies.
We also strive to create a model for care that can be duplicated in homes and campuses anywhere.
How can we not take care of the need in front of us? But how can we limit our reach to just the need in
front of us? We partner with you to become Christ’s tender and caring touch to His traumatized children inwhatever place and circumstance. Thank you for your generous giving.

IV. FINANCIAL
Expenses
Based on the unaudited 2016 Financial Statements, Cumberland spent just over $3 million bringing
healing and hope to children and families. About 87% of our costs provided care to our residents and clients2017

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IncomeAgain based on the unaudited 2016 Financial Statements, Cumberland derived operational income
from the following sources:
Contributions
Service Compensation
Investment Income
Other
Total

47.7%
41.8%
8.2%
2.3%
100.0%

NOTE: The fee for service we receive in Service Compensation covers only a fraction of what
it takes to enrich the lives of our cottage residents. Your gifts and contributions make it possible fortraumatized youth to make a new beginning.

V. STRATEGIC PLAN
Strategic Vision
1. Define, implement and celebrate the Cumberland Model
2. Engage, educate and energize the Cumberland Community
3. Achieve financial viability
3-Year Strategic Objectives
1.

Define, implement and celebrate the “Cumberland Model”● Protect, prevent, educate and lead
● End abuse and neglect by stopping the cycle of violence● Provide trauma informed care to children and families● Equip families with tools to be happy and successful through counseling, case management andparenting training● Increase client success and staff satisfaction by driving programs with evidence based results● Research and publish about the Cumberland Model in sufficient detail for other service providers
to use it as a pattern● Brand the “Cumberland Model” and promote it● Increase Cumberland’s profile among State, Federal and private child and family social service
providers2.

Engage, educate and energize the Cumberland Community.
● Engage- Inform and educate the Board at least monthly regarding service and finances- Expand the Volunteer Program for more direct involvement opportunities- Develop an on going board curriculum and training program about trauma informed careand Board governance- Implement effective communication among stakeholders- Create a plan for continuously identifying, vetting, recruiting and orienting new board
members- Use Board committees as well as the full board for effective long and short term impact(e.g., add a Building and Grounds Committee and use ad hoc committees for projects)- Plan and practice board led donor identification and recruiting- Recruit new board members strategically to fill gaps in expertise and financial capacity● Educate- Provide accurate, consistent and timely financial reports to Board and staff- Develop Board new member orientation as well as continuing education- Become the primary child and family social service resource for the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church and other faith based communities

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2017● Energize- Promote the CPCH brand locally with the Denton, faith, business, denominational, legal
and nonprofit communities- Initiate an annual six figure signature fundraising event- Consider the most effective name for the agency
3.

Achieve financial viability.
● Balance the annual budget● Revenue- Add a fourth leg on the revenue stool by creating and implementing a social enterpriseplan- Initiate a Planned Giving Program- Plan and execute a Capital Campaign to revitalize infrastructure and grow the annual
fund- Transform our Denton real estate into a long term sustainable revenue stream- Apply for no fewer than 12 grants per year●
Stewardship- Prepare a contingent plan responsive to exigent circumstances by moving from directcare to case management staffing (e.g., Single Parent Family rather than Foster Care,
Supervised Independent Living program rather than Foster Care, or add a Child Placing
Agency)- Continue to improve the management of the agency by rewarding cooperation,communication and collaboration among the programs and administration- Manage Agency budget at the direct care, program administration, executive and board
levels by improving cooperation, communication and collaboration

VI. PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Norman Rockwell “Freedom From Fear”
We are not the first to live in challenging times. Will lessons from thepast inform and inspire?
A few monthw ago I attended the third of four funerals during Januarythat touched our Cumberland community. Dr. Livings’ grandfather,
Donald Fielding, died at the age of 94. Mr. Fielding survived thedepression, served in the Army Air Corp during WWII, became a successful
small businessman in Highland Park, Dallas (at a time when what is now
North Park Mall was farmland “far north” of downtown Dallas) and spenta lifetime serving the powerless. He truly represented the greatest
generation.
Mr. Fielding received the Boy Scout’s Silver Beaver Award for his
distinguished service, in large part for the work he did in the poorest of poor neighborhoods of west Dallas
to bring Scouting to kids who got few breaks and had fewer resources. He became an early proponentof school desegregation and fair representation for minorities on the Dallas City Council. His legacy ofcompassion and protection for the weak, forgotten and young survives through the generations in the work
his granddaughter, Dr. Jennifer Livings, tirelessly provides to the Children’s Home today.
We are faced with numerous and overwhelming challenges at the Children’s Home. I wonder what
Don Fielding would say to us? What might Victoria Jackson, Reverend J. L. Elliott, Doctor James Gilbert,
Doctor. Judy Keith or Doctor Kevin Henson say to encourage and inspire us? Our almost 113 year history
has included many moments of great stress and uncertainty. Yet we have continued to serve children andfamilies despite dark challenges. We do what our foremothers and forefathers have always done: we pay
attention to what is going on around us, our hearts be broken with compassion and we roll up our sleeves.
It would be easy to succumb to a paralyzing fear that saps our strength and blunts our reason. I
confess that moments during the last year have seemed more than I personally could bear. But as I sat
reflectively at Mr. Fielding’s funeral service, thinking I was there to represent Cumberland and support acolleague, I began to receive far more than I could give. We have hope. We have strength as a committed
body of the community of faith. We act in love, whose power casts out fear. Reading news headlines

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about the death of children in foster care and listening to legislators jockey for power on the backs ofsociety’s most vulnerable populations sometimes seems like we are battling with principalities and powers.
At Cumberland we lift up a vision of God’s care for the little children and God’s nurture of the families inwhich the children live.
Let FDR’s speech and Norman Rockwell’s image focus our attention. Let us seek freedom fromfear. Our residents are safe. Our clients are learning to withstand threats. The political and economic
forces that threaten our future cannot overwhelm the vision God has given us to take care of children
and families. God has truly shined in the darkness--for almost 113 year at the Cumberland PresbyterianChildren’s Home--and the darkness couldn’t put it out. May we be faithful to God’s vision as we discern it,
may we be courageous to act and may we humbly seek God’s blessing as we try to follow God’s leading.
So now we roll up our sleeves.
2016 Recap
1. Programs● We served children and families. Our outputs remained stable or increased in the General
Residential Operation and Single Parent Family programs, with an increase in the number of people weserved. Cumberland Family Services provided higher outcomes for the clients served but operated muchof the year with fewer counselors so fewer clients were served compared to 2015.
● We have seen a dramatic increase in the number of engaged volunteers and interns under Debbie
Garrett’s, Katie Klein’s and Christine Snow’s leadership. This is a cost effective way to help accomplish
our mission.
● We are learning to play smarter and measure our results better. Leadership has taken advantage
of an anonymous donation and a scholarship to attend training on measuring outcomes and obtaining moregrants.
2. Development● We focused efforts on identifying donors and asking them for money.
● We vastly improved communication with stakeholders through media and personal visits.
● We have received wisdom and guidance from the Advisory Committee.
● We increased Social Media presence through the work of Debbie Garrett who coordinated with
the Program staff.
● Saw gains in PR, media penetration and external exposure in the faith based and local community
through Mary Dickerman’s efforts.
● Previous Board and Executive leadership increased engagement and support.
3. Finance● Our 2016 fee for service revenue exceeded our budget projection.
● Several Building & Grounds expenses exceeded our budget: roofing hail damage, Parr HVAC
heat handlers, Stricklen kitchen renovation, replacement of phone system and Shelter expansion.
● Our largest cost center, our payroll, was under our budget estimate for 2016.
● We had an increase in Property and Casualty insurance premium.
● We vetted and adopted a 2017 budget sustaining our current service delivery model.
● Spent 2016 learning a new accounting process with our external accounting service.
● Began the discussion about alternative revenue sources beyond our current endowment, fee forservice and contributions.
4. Administration● We successfully updated the Strategic Vision and Strategic Goals● Cumberland’s reputation among foster care peers and stakeholders continued to expand.
● We focused on engaging long time friends of the agency with efforts like the Advisory Committee,
reconstituted Ambassador program and creation of the Board Alumni Association.

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2017 Plan
1. Monitor Shelter expansion to see if CPS continues to need it, to see if it can give effective
service, and if the agency can be sustained fiscally.
2. Increase our share of Section 8 SPF revenue by serving qualified families.
3. Continue the conversation and effort and effort we’ve begun to maximize our revenue by using
our natural resources, social enterprise opportunity, endowment and planned giving.
4. Continue to monitor the foster care industry trends, especially as they relate to our service
delivery model.
5. Consider the cost, benefit and alternatives to our service delivery model.
Conclusion: Tough Choices and Hard Work but no Spirit of Fear
2016 did not end as well as we had hoped. The challenges continue. 2017 may bring economic
increase. But we must focus on the means under our control to eliminate the deficit. I believe if we
faithfully act to serve the children and families, we will be sustained, as we have for almost 113 years.
2 Timothy 1:7 King James Version
7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Respectfully Submitted,
Reverend Richard A. Brown, Esq., LCCA
President, CEO & General Counsel

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THE REPORT OF THE
JOINT COMMITTEE ON AMENDMENTS
The Joint Committee on Amendments met February 24, 2017, in Huntsville, Alabama. Representing
the CPCA were Willie Cowan and Vanessa Midgett. Representing the CPC were Harry Chapman andRobert Rush. Also present were Craig White (Stated Clerk, CPCA), Mike Sharpe (Stated clerk, CPC),
Jaime Jordan (legal counsel, CPC), and Andy McClung (secretary).

I. RULES OF ORDER
Currently, our Rules of Order 12.5 reads, “No member should vote on a question in which themember has a direct personal or pecuniary interest not common to other members of the judicatory. This
does not mean that members are prevented from voting for themselves for an office or other position towhich members generally are eligible (see Robert’s Rules of Order, Section 44).”
This rule helps judicatory members maintain personal integrity by saying no member of a judicatory
should vote on a question in which he or she has a conflict of interest, be it personal, financial, or other. It
does not, however, prohibit such a member from voting or participating in discussion. This leaves open thepossibility and temptation for a member with a conflict of interest to unduly influence the discussion andvote during a judicatory meeting. Therefore, to help preserve personal integrity of members and to prevent
biased and undue influence in such discussion and votes, the Joint Committee on Amendments recommends
to the 187th general Assembly of the CPC and the 142nd General Assembly of the CPCA the following
amendment to our shared Rules of Order:
RECOMMENDATION 1: That Rules of Order 12.5 be amended to read “No member of a
judicatory shall participate in debate or vote on a matter in which the member has a pecuniary interest, apersonal interest, or other conflict of interest not common to other members of the judicatory. A memberof a judicatory has such a conflict of interest when the member also belongs to a lower judicatory whose
action is the subject of an appeal to or review by the higher judicatory. In such a case, the member may
participate as a representative of the lower judicatory but may not participate as a member of the higher
judicatory. Members are not prevented from voting for themselves for an office or other position to which
members generally are eligible (see Robert’s Rules of Order, Section 45).”
Note that revisions to Robert’s Rules of Order necessitate the change from “Section 44” to “Section 45.”

II. CONSTITUTION
The exciting and robust mission efforts of the CPC in developing new churches, elders, and ministers
outside of the United States have been fruitful. They have also revealed the need to do some portions ofsuch ministry slightly different than how we do things within the U.S. The CPC’s Missions Ministry
Team and Permanent Judiciary Committee have developed a solution. In order to maintain constitutional
integrity while continuing this expansion of the Church, the Joint Committee on Amendments recommends
to the 187th general Assembly of the CPC and the 142nd General Assembly of the CPCA the following
amendment to our shared Constitution:
RECOMMENDATION 2: That Constitution 9.5 be renumbered as 9.6 and a new 9.5 beinserted, reading as follows: “9.5 The General Assembly, in order to promote the mission work of the
Church and the development of new churches outside the United States, may authorize a synod or its
missions entity (utilizing ordained personnel) to act in place of a presbytery with respect to persons,ministers, and churches outside the United States and outside the bounds of any existing presbytery. The
missions entity or synod may attach mission work to an existing presbytery, with the presbytery’s approval.
The General Assembly shall provide for the oversight and responsibility of the body’s ecclesiasticalactions.”
Respectfully,
The Joint Committee on Amendments

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THE REPORT OF THE
JOINT COMMITTEE ON THE COVENANT
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE
GENERAL ASSEMBLY CORPORATION
AND BETHEL UNIVERSITY
A special committee to review the covenant relationship between Bethel University and theGeneral Assembly Corporation of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church met on the campus of Bethel
University. Sandra Boaz, Lisa Oliver, Tony Janner and Steve Delashmit, representing the General Assembly
Corporation, met with the Bethel Board of Trustees Committee members Board Chairman Ben Cantrell,
Dewanna Latimer, Nancy McSpadden and Bill Dobbins. Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, Mike
Sharpe and Bethel University President, Walter Butler, were in attendance. Naomi Orr of the General
Assembly Committee and Ken Quinton of the Bethel Board of Trustees were unable to attend.
Stated Clerk Mike Sharpe discussed the history of the covenant between the church and theuniversity. The closeness of the two had remained intact with this covenant. Walter Butler stressed theimportance of being connected to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and told of some things that are
happening at Bethel in its 175th year of existence. The Board members and its president commented of
their commitment to always being the Cumberland Presbyterian University and adhere to its values. They
will continue to report to the General Assembly Corporation. The support of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church and its membership towards Bethel was noted and greatly appreciated. The university continues toserve Cumberland Presbyterian students, host Cumberland Presbyterian events and support the Memphis
Theological Seminary.
The only change in the document was changes made by the Bethel Board of Trustees in its mode ofdelivery in the mission statement. This reflects Bethel’s large online enrollment.
RECOMMENDATION 1: The Joint Committee on the Covenant Relationship Recommends
the Adoption of the Following Document:
THE COVENANT BETWEEN BETHEL UNIVERSITYAND CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

I. HISTORICAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BETHEL UNIVERSITY
AND THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Bethel University was established in McLemoresville, Tennessee in 1842 as a Cumberland
Presbyterian School, under the auspices of the Synod of West Tennessee. The initial purpose was theeducation and training of ministers, but the school was open to anyone who wanted an education in amoral and religious environment. The school was chartered under the laws of the State of Tennesseein 1847. Bethel College came into being in 1850 under a new state charter granting the college all therights and privileges of a full collegiate institution.
The Civil War brought hard times to Bethel College and McLemoresville. The area wasequally divided between Union and Confederate forces and the college was occasionally occupied byeach army. The structures and equipment were damaged, but the greater loss was, the student body
who served on both sides of the conflict. Bethel College was re-organized at McLemoresville after the
Civil War and in 1872 it was relocated to McKenzie, Tennessee, to take advantage of the crossroads
between North Carolina and St. Louis and the L&N Railways. J.M. McKenzie deeded the land forBethel to the Bethel Board of Trustees on February 2, 1872.
The Synod of West Tennessee ceded Bethel College to the General Assembly of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church in 1919. McKenzie, Tennessee was voted as the permanent location for thecollege at the General Assembly of 1922 in Greenville, Tennessee.
Bethel College was thoroughly re-organized and standardized in 1923. Bethel College
became a four-year Liberal Arts college, chartered by the State of Tennessee and accredited by theCommission on Colleges of Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. In light of Bethel’s growth,

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complexity and impact, the Board of Trustees recognized the need for Bethel College to become
Bethel University which occurred in 2009. The University is chartered by the State of Tennessee andaccredited by the Commission on Colleges of Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

II. NATURE AND PURPOSE OF THE COVENANT RELATIONSHIPThe relationship that exists between Bethel University and the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church 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 level of 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 conditions of our world.
This covenant, moreover, frees each party from being controlled or ultimately responsible for or toeach other, but unites the two parties through their common vision and missions. It seeks to honor
the legal independence of each party while retaining and ongoing, mutual moral responsibility.
This covenant relationship does not preclude the university from forming other covenant
relationships with other Church bodies.

III. THE ONGOING MISSION OF EACH COVENANT PARTY
A. THE MISSION OF BETHEL UNIVERSITY
Bethel University’s mission is to create opportunities for members of the learning community
to develop in a Christian environment their highest intellectual, spiritual and social potential. This
includes synchronous and asynchronous modes of education.
B. THE MISSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY CORPORATION
Vision of Ministry of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
Biblically based and Christ-centered
Born out of 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 andservice to the world and above all the Cumberland Presbyterian Church lives out the love of God to
the glory of Jesus Christ.

IV. THE CORPORATE INTEGRITY OF EACH COVENANT PARTY
A. Bethel University and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church are separate, legally independentand individually responsible entities.
B. Bethel University will be governed by a self-perpetuating Board of Trustees, with no less than amajority of its total membership as active members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
C. Neither the General Assembly Corporation nor any of the General Assembly’s councils, boards,
agents, officers, or employees shall be liable for any of the debts of Bethel University. In similar
fashion, Bethel University is not liable for any of the debts of the Cumberland Presbyterian Churchor its agencies, nor does it have a claim on any of the assets of the Cumberland Presbyterian Churchor its agencies.

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V. COMMITMENT OF EACH PARTY TO THE COVENANT
Both Bethel University and the General Assembly Corporation will demonstrate mutual
concern and support for one another. The primary expression of mutual concern and support will
involve relationships between the two parties that provide services for each other.
A. THE COMMITMENTS OF BETHEL UNIVERSITY
Bethel University will be a resource to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and its
constituencies for educational purposes related to the Church’s mission.
Bethel University is free to solicit funds for both capital and operating expenses from individual
and Cumberland Presbyterian and other persons, congregations, presbyteries, trustees, foundations,
estates, and any other sources. Any major capital campaign initiated by Bethel University withtargets primarily Presbyteries, Synods, and Congregations of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
will be scheduled by mutual consent of Bethel University and the General Assembly Corporation
through the Office of the Stated Clerk.
B. The General Assembly Corporation will provide financial support for the university by regularbenevolent giving in accordance with an objective funding formula developed by the General
Assembly Corporation.
The General Assembly Corporation will encourage support of Bethel University by Synods,
Presbyteries, sessions and individual Cumberland Presbyterians through planned giving programs.
The General Assembly Corporation pledges programmatic support to the university byencouraging use of personnel and facilities of the university for denominational events, emphasizing
the opportunities afforded by church-related higher education in its youth ministry programs, andproviding the specialized services of the denominational Board of Stewardship, Foundation and
Benefits.

VI. REVIEW AND REAFFIRMATION OF THE
COVENANTAL RELATIONSHIP
There will be a review, and if necessary, revision of the covenant relationship every five years.
The General Assembly Corporation and the Board of Trustees of Bethel University will see that sucha review is accomplished through appropriate committees. These committees will be appointed by
the respective entities.
The review process will be initiated by the administration of the university and the review/
reaffirmation process shall consist of an in-depth review of all aspects of the university. The review
process will be designed by the administration of the university and a review committee electedby the General Assembly Corporation. The review shall include consideration of changes and/or
amendments to the Covenant relationship, as well as any suggestions to the university and the General
Assembly resulting from the review. The administration of the university and the General Assembly
Corporation committee shall produce a joint written report of the review process to be signed by theGeneral Assembly Corporation Committee and the President of the university and submitted to boththe Bethel Board of Trustees and the General Assembly Corporation.
Responsibility for approval of any change in the covenant resides with the Board of Trusteesof Bethel University and the General Assembly Corporation. This agreement may be modified oraltered prior to the reaffirmation process only with the consent of both parties.

VII. COMMUNICATION BETWEEN COVENANT PARTNERS
Bethel University and the Church will communicate concerning the affairs of the university
and the strength of the relationship at least every five years during the reaffirmation and renewal of
the covenant. However, Bethel University is encouraged to submit information-only reports throughthe Stated Clerk to any meeting of the General Assembly Corporation.

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VIII. APPROVAL OF THE COVENANT
This document establishes and contains the terms of the covenant relationship between the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church and Bethel University. By formal action, the Board of Trustees ofBethel University and the General Assembly Corporation adopt this Covenant and pledge themselvesto carry out its provisions.
Approved by the Board of Trustees Bethel University_______________________
President, Bethel University
Board of Trustees_______________________
President, Bethel University
Approved by the 187th General Assembly Of the Cumberland Presbyterian_________________________
General Assembly Stated Clerk_______________________
Date
Respectfully Submitted,
The Bethel University Covenant Review Committee

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THE REPORT OF THE
JOINT COMMITTEE ON THE COVENANT
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE
GENERAL ASSEMBLY CORPORATION AND THE
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHILDREN’S HOME
Consistent with Article VI of the Covenant Between the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Homeand the Cumberland Presbyterian Church General Assembly Corporation (“Covenant”), representatives
from the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home (“Children’s Home” or “CPCH”) Board of Trustees
and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church General Assembly Corporation (“General Assembly” or “GA”)
representatives, a Covenant Review Committee (“Committee”) met on the grounds of the Children’s Homeon 21 April 2017 to review the Covenant. The Committee fully and without reservation embraced the intent
and purpose of the Covenant and recommends renewal and affirmation of the Covenant (see Appendix A)
with the following revisions.
The revisions are offered in the form of Addendum Number One which preserves the language ofthe original Covenant while reflecting an update via additions and supplements to the original terms.
RECOMMENDATION 1: The Joint Committee on the Covenant Relationship Recommends
the Adoption of the Following Document:
The Addendum Number One
22 April 2017

I. HISTORICAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE CUMBERLANDPRESBYTERIAN CHILDREN’S HOME AND
THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
The Mission Statement of the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home has been revised to read.
“In response to Christ’s love and example, we serve children and families by providing healing and hope.”
The Children’s Home is in its 113th year of operation as a ministry of the General Assembly.
As the Children’s Home entered the 21st Century, it maintained its core values while updating itsdelivery of services to fulfill its ministry. Today, CPCH is one ministry with four interrelated programs -Long Term Residential Foster Care, Emergency Residential Foster Care, Single Parent Family residential
and service program and Cumberland Family Services counseling.

II. . . . .
III. . . . .
IV. THE LEGAL RELATIONSHIP AND THE CORPORATEINTEGRITY OF EACH COVENANT PARTY
Separate Legal Entities.
a. Governance of CPCH. CPCH’s Certificate of Formation and By-Laws provide that it shallbe managed by a Board of Trustees, of which at least 10 of the 18 Trustees must be members of a local
Cumberland Presbyterian Church or Presbytery.

VII. APPROVAL OF THE COVENANT
This document and subsequent Addendums establishes and contains the terms of the Covenant
relationship between the Board of Trustees of the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home and the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church General Assembly Corporation.

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This Addendum Number One is signed on the _____ day of ________ 2017.
Cumberland Presbyterian Church
General Assembly Corporation

Board of Trustees of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home__________________________The Rev. Michael SharpeStated Clerk_____________________________The Rev. Dr. Richard A. Brown
President, CEO & General Counsel

Respectfully,
The Joint Committee on the Covenant Between the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Homeand the General Assembly Corporation

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APPENDIX A
THE COVENANT BETWEENTHE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHILDREN’S HOMEAND
THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
GENERAL ASSEMBLY CORPORATION

I. HISTORICAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEENTHE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHILDREN’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 ENTITIESThe 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 CORPORATIONGA 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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MEMORIAL
I. MEMORIAL FROM ANDES PRESBYTERYREGARDING GENDER DIVERSITYOn April 10, 2017, in a duly convened called meeting, Andes Presbytery approved this Memorial
to be submitted for consideration by the 187th General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
WHEREAS the church in Colombia has been pressured by [the politics of] gender ideology that in ourcontext involves promoting a diversity of genders that is openly contrary to the Bible;
WHEREAS our source of authority is from the Bible, and the Bible teaches:That in Genesis 1:26 God created humankind as man and woman.
That according to Leviticus 18:22 homosexuality is an aberration before God.
¨Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable.¨ (NIV)That according to Romans 1:26-27 homosexuality is contrary to God´s original design.
¨Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural
relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations withwomen and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men,and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.¨ (NIV)That according to 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, practicing homosexuals will not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.
¨Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither
the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor
thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanders nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.¨(NIV);
WHEREAS we are Cumberland Presbyterians and take our doctrinal and practical framework from biblicalprinciples;
WHEREAS we note with concern influences from other denominations and groups that are contrary to ourdoctrine and historical practice;
WHEREAS some of those influences, especially with reference to the Youth Triennium, have alreadynegatively impacted some of our youth;
WHEREAS we wish to prevent those same influences from permeating our educational material and thedevelopment and experiential practice of the church´s ministries;
BE IT RESOLVES, that Andes Presbytery requests the General Assembly to closely review and monitor
programs and institutions that may unduly influence the doctrine and work of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church and thus prevent an infiltration of concepts that are foreign to our doctrine and practice, with specialreference to any ideology that promotes a multiplicity of genders [besides man and woman].
I certify that this copy is true to the Memorial approved by Andes Presbytery on April 10, 2017.
Respectfully,
Rev. Diana Maria Valdez

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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2017

Spanish version
El 10 de abril de 2017, en reunión extraordinaria debidamente convocada, el Presbiterio de losaprobó este Memorial para ser sometido para la consideración de la Asamblea General de la Iglesia
Presbiteriana Cumberland en su reunión ordinaria en 2017.
MEMORIAL DEL PRESBITERIO DE LOS ANDES PARA LA ASAMBLEA GENERAL #187 DE 2017
Por cuanto la iglesia en Colombia ha sufrido influencias de la ideología de género. Que en nuestro
contexto implica promover una diversidad de géneros que es abiertamente contraria a la Biblia,
Por cuanto nuestra única fuente de autoridad es la Biblia.
La Biblia enseña:
Que Dios creó un hombre y una mujer, en Génesis 1:26
Que la homosexualidad es una aberración delante de Dios:Lv.. 18:22“No te acostarás con varón como los que se acuestan con mujer; es una abominación.”
Que la homosexualidad quebranta el diseño original de Dios: Ro 1:26,27“26 Por esta razón Dios los entregó a pasiones degradantes; porque sus mujeres cambiaron la función natural
por la que es contra la naturaleza; 27 y de la misma manera también los hombres, abandonando el uso naturalde la mujer, se encendieron en su lujuria unos con otros, cometiendo hechos vergonzosos hombres con
hombres, y recibiendo en sí mismos el castigo correspondiente a su extravío.”
Que los homosexuales practicantes no entrarán en el Reino de los Cielos: 1Co 6:9,10“9 ¿O no sabéis que los injustos no heredarán el reino de Dios? No os dejéis engañar: ni los inmorales, ni
los idólatras, ni los adúlteros, ni los afeminados, ni los homosexuales, 10 ni los ladrones, ni los avaros, ni losborrachos, ni los difamadores, ni los estafadores heredarán el reino de Dios.”
Por cuanto somos Presbiterianos Cumberland y tomamos nuestro marco doctrinal y de práctica de losprincipios bíblicos.
Por cuanto percibimos con preocupación influencias de otras denominaciones y grupos que son contrarias
a nuestra doctrina y práctica histórica.
Por cuanto algunas de esas influencias, especialmente en el trienio juvenil, ya han causado impacto negativo
en algunos de nuestros jóvenes.
Por cuanto quisiéramos prevenir que esas mismas influencias llegaran a permear nuestro material educativo
y el desarrollo y práctica vivencial de los ministerios
Entonces el Presbiterio de los Andes, solicita a la Asamblea General que revise y vigile muy de cerca losprogramas e instituciones que puedan influir en el pensamiento doctrina y trabajo de la Iglesia Presbiteriana
Cumberland, y así impedir infiltraciones de pensamientos ajenos a nuestra doctrina y práctica, especialmente
con referencia a la ideología de género.
Certifico que es copia fiel del Memorial aprobado por el Presbiterio de los Andes el 10 de abril de 2017.
Respetuosamente,Rev. Diana María Valdez
Secretaria, Presbiterio de los Andes

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147

GENERAL ASSEMBLY AGENCIES
I. OFFICE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
A. GENERAL ASSEMBLY OFFICE

Revised2017

Proposed2018

INCOME
Our United Outreach
Endowments/Interest
Interest on Cash Funds Management
Sales of yearbook/digest
TOTAL INCOME$212,836
20,0002,500
2,000$237,336$ 211,836
20,0002,500
2,000$236,336$$

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

$

6,000
2,000
1,000
9,000

$

6,000
2,000
1,000
9,000

$ 10,000
5,000
500
2,500
8,500
8,500
$ 35,000$ 10,000
5,000
500
2,500
8,500
8,500
$ 35,000$ 2,000
2,500
2,000$ 6,500$$$139,420
4,300
6,800
30,000800$181,320$139,420
4,300
6,800
30,000800$181,320

$

$

2,000
2,500
2,000
6,500

STATED CLERK’S CONFERENCE/BOARD EXPENSE
Legal Fees / Clerk’s Conference
Corporate Board Expense
Sub-Total$

TOTAL EXPENSE
From Reserves$235,783$ 1,553$235,783$
553

INCOME
Contingency
Nominating Committee
Commission on Chaplains
Judiciary Committee
Theology and Social Concerns Committee
Our United Outreach Committee$ 14,000
2,981
10,296
9,710
3,618
92,044$ 13,240
2,966
10,2479,965
3,601
92,044TOTAL INCOME$132,649$132,065

1,963
2,000
3,963

$

1,963
2,000
3,963

B. GENERAL ASSEMBLY COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES148

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2017

Revised2017

Proposed
2018

EXPENSE
Contingency
Nominating Committee
Commission on Chaplains
Judiciary Committee
Theology and Social Concerns Committee
Our United Outreach Committee$ 14,000
2,981
10,296
9,710
3,618
92,044$ 13,240
2,966
10,2479,965
3,601
92,044TOTAL EXPENSE$132,649$132,065

II. MINISTRY COUNCIL
INCOME
Endowments
GrantsILP Transfers
MMT Budget Reserve Fund: out ILPDMT Contingency Fund: in Wells Fargo
DMT Contingency Fund: in ILP (reimburse)
DMT Leader Development: out ILP
CMT: out ILP

$

0

$

0

821,992
114,380(37,484)
2,002
1,308

728,797
21,832(39,457)
7,344
0

0
0
0
2,900
5,900
0

0
0
0
500
5,900
0

992,386
6,720

1,002,915
6,720

Birthplace Shrine Chaplaincy

3,750

3,750

Children’s Fest

6,874

10,100Clergy Crisis

6,000

6,000

CP Magazine Subscriptions

30,00030,000

Cumberland Presbyterians Resources

80,11280,112CPWM
Convention
Convention Offering
GeneralSales Merchandise

10,000
250
1,000
700

10,000
250
1,000
700

CPYC

66,13286,707

Discipleship Blueprints

2,400

2,400

105,224

105,224

9,000

0Contributions/Gifts
Teacher of the Year
Patron Membership (DMT)
Christian Education Season Offering
DMT - General
MC - General
CMT - General
Our United OutreachOUO Income
In lieu of Our United Outreach

Encounter
Faith Out Loud

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Revised2017
Faith in 3D

$

5,000

Proposed2018$

0

Family Week: Brochure Fees

1,500

300

Global Missions Interns and Consultants: out ILP

20,00036,000Intersections

2,380

0

Ministers Conference

10,00010,000Missionary Setup

124,000

0

Missionary Support

327,601

333,078

New Church Development (NCD) Subsidies

213,646

213,646

New Exploration Iniative - NCD

12,00012,000

NPI: Children’s CP Curriculum

600

0

NPI: Learning Circles

00Presbyterian Youth Triennium

0

6,500

920

920

Stir

5,000

5,000

The Forum

9,992

0

Young Adult Ministry

2,500

1,168

Youth Evangelism Conference

36,0000Youth Ministry Planning Council

648

648

TOTAL INCOME$2,903,333$2,684,334

EXPENSES
Ministry Council Administration Salaries
Salaries
Clergy Housing Allowance
Health Insurance
Retirement
FICA
Tax Sheltered Annuity
Insurance/Disability$ 805,041
167,216
133,248
37,537
34,774
6,287
3,168

$

754,985
163,108
133,248
43,092
32,4686,287
4,096$ 3,6780
10,000
0
3,000
2,500

$

3,678
0
10,000
0
3,000
2,500

Program Planning Calendar - Sales

Ministry Council Administration General Expenses
Annual Credit Card Fees
Computer Equipment
Computer Software (Wufoo, Adobe, BaseCamp)
CPCA Partnership
Educational Publications for Distribution
Employee Events

150

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Employee Recognition
Foundation Direcory Online
Government Fees (annual reports)
Legal
MC Supplemental Report
P & C Insurance
Staff Resource Materials
Subscriptions/Membership
Telephone/Internet
Temporary Help
MC/Elected Team Member Recognition
Office Supplies
Postage
Professional Development
Beth-El Farmworker

2017

Revised2017

Proposed
2018

3,450
500
40
2,000
5,000
17,162
1,997
2,558
624
29,1501,040
12,000
1,800
0

3,450
500
40
2,000
0
19,090
1,997
2,246
624
29,1501,040
12,0001,800
0$ 40,500$

40,500Birthplace Shrine Chaplaincy: Chaplain’s Stipend

3,750

3,750

Children’s Fest

7,154

10,100Clergy Crisis Support: Distribution

6,000

6,000

Coalition of Applachian Ministry

12,70012,700Congregational Expenses

3,000

3,000

CP Magazine

54,03354,033

Cumberland Presbyterian Resources

67,62867,628CPWM
GeneralSales Merchandise
Convention
Offering

7,100
5,300
11,950
250

7,100
2,000
11,950250

CPYC

65,55086,050

Cross-Culture Immigrant Leadership Training

4,000

4,000

Discipleship Blueprints

2,400

2,400

Ecumenical Stewardship Center

4,500

4,500

500

0

Encounter

38,01238,012Faith in 3D - Partnership

5,000

0

Faith Out Loud

9,000

0

Ecumenical Youth Ministry Staff Team Partnership

Family Week

$

1,500

$

300

2017

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151

Revised2017

Proposed2018

General Assembly

32,80032,750General Consultants

34,80036,000Global Mission Interns and Consultants

20,0007,200Intersections

6,270

0

Kaleo

5,000

0

Leadership Referral Services

2,100

2,100

0

5,492

Ministers
Conference
Encouragement & Recognition
Retreat16,0003,818
1,000

16,0003,818
1,000Missionary Messenger

78,34875,144

Missionary Setup

124,000

0

Missionary Support

372,601

388,078

National Farm Worker

3,500

3,500

National Youth Workers Conference

2,000

0

New Church Development (NCD) Subsidies

215,996

215,996

New Exploration Initiative

12,00012,000

New Program Iniatives
Children’s Curriculum
CPWM Girls and Young Women Council
CP Learning Circles
DMT

600
10,200
6,000
12,000

200
9,800
6,000
12,000

PREP Staff Expenses

996

996

Presbyterial Expenses

3,000

3,000

Presbyterian Youth Triennium

10,0005,000

Presbyteries/Councils

141,220130,120

Program Planning Calendar

5,150

5,150

Project Vida

8,500

8,500

200

200

Stir

5,000

5,000

Support Ministries

1,000

1,000

The Forum

300

0Third Age Ministry

500

500

85,21078,410

Leader Development

Prostestant Church Owned Pub Assoc (DMT)

Travel (includes elected member travel)
Web Development/Maintenance

$

1,200

$

2,000

152

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2017

Revised2017

Proposed
2018

Young Adult Conference

18,5000Young Adult Ministry

2,500

8,000

Young Adult Volunteers

5,000

5,000

Youth Evangelism Conference

10,00010,000Youth Ministry Planning Council - UBCD

2,500

2,500

$2,901,405$
1,927$ 2,682,126$
2,208

TOTAL EXPENSES
Surplus/(Deficit)

III. BOARD OF STEWARDSHIPINCOME
Contributions
Contributions/Gifts
ILP Contributions
Endowment Contributions
Total Contributions$ 26,000
2,000
400
28,400$26,0002,000
1,000
29,000Our United Outreach

136,000

136,000

Investment Earnings
Endowment Earnings
ILP Earnings
Endowment WF Income
Total Investment Earnings

92,00014,00018,000124,000

98,00016,00019,000133,000

Realized Gain/Loss - Endowment
Unrealized Gain/Loss - Endowment
Total Investment Gains/Losses

20,00094,000114,000

22,00099,500121,500

Service FeesManagement Fees - Acct CoordinatorManagement Fees
Total Service Fees

1,600
51,00052,6001,600
55,00056,600$455,000$ 476,100

Salaries
Housing Allowance
Total Salaries$214,277
21,000235,277$

Health Insurance
Retirement
FICA
Insurance/Disability
Total Benefits

64,00010,7469,630
800
85,17670,00010,7469,630
800
91,176

500
3,700
4,200

500
3,700
4,200

TOTAL INCOME
EXPENSE
Salaries

Benefits

EventsConference/Events
Tax Guide for Ministers
Total Events
Board Expense
Board/Agency Travel
Board/Agency Recognition
Total Board Expense$

12,000600
12,600$220,159
21,000241,159

15,000600
15,6002017

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153

Revised2017
Resource Purchases
Subscriptions
Total Resources Purchases
Contracted Services
Legal
Temporary Help
Total Contracted Services
Insurance
Insurance/Liability
Professional Development
Subscriptions & Membership
Total Professional Development
Payment/Subsidies
ESC Stewardship Expense
ILP Withdrawal
Endowment Distribution
Total Payments/Subsidies
Equipment
Office Equipment
Computer Equipment
Computer Maintenance
Computer Software
Total Equipment
Supplies
Computer Supplies
Office Supplies
Total Supplies
Postage/Shipping
Postage
Shipping
Total Postage/Shipping
Employee Recognition
Employee Recognition
Total Employee Recognition
TravelStaff Travel
Total Travel
Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous
Total Miscellaneous
Organization
Organizational Expense
Total Organization
TOTAL EXPENSE

Proposed
2018

100
100

100
100

500
1,000
1,500

500
1,000
1,500

4,000
4,000

4,000
4,000

500
500

500
500

3,500
2,500
92,00098,0003,500
2,500
98,000104,000

800
2,000
150
$ 500
3,450

800
2,000
150
500
3,450

$

500
2,500
3,000

500
2,500
3,000

1,000
167
1,167

1,000
167
1,167

1,000
1,000

1,000
1,000

4,500
4,500

4,500
4,500

430
430

648
647

100
100

100
100

$455,000$ 476,100

IV. HISTORICAL FOUNDATIONINCOME
Our United Outreach
Endowments
Gifts
ILP Earnings
Denomination Day Offering
TOTAL INCOME$

79,43955,00011,0006,550
5,000$ 79,439
55,00011,0007,550
5,000$ 156,989$ 157,989

154

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

EXPENSE
Salaries
FICA / Retirement
Insurance
Board Travel
Legal Fees
Continuing Education
Subscriptions/Memberships
Archival Equipment
Computer Supplies
Office Supplies
PostageAcquisitions
Birthplace Shrine
Employee Recognition
Staff Travel
Denomination Day Project
TOTAL EXPENSE

2017

Revised2017

Proposed2018

93,141
14,053
10,034
5,000
200
1,000
2,000
2,000
500
2,000
300
8,000
4,000
600
7,000
5,000

$ 95,088
14,404
10,034
5,000
200
1,000
2,000
2,000
500
2,000
300
8,000
4,000
600
7,000
5,000

$ 154,828$ 157,126$

V. MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
REVENUE
Student Tuition Fees
Investment
Gifts and Grants
Other Revenues
TOTAL REVENUE$$2,591,335
306,608
1,671,667
129,682$4,699,292$ 2,420,370
306,608
1,731,945
128,700$ 4,587,623

EXPENSES
Business OfficeDean’s Office
ChapelFormation For Ministry
Financial Leadership Ministry
Educational Development Committee
Advancement Office
Doctor of Ministry
Facilities
Faculty
Summer Classes
January Classes
Financial Aid
Information Technology
Library
President’s Office
Admissions
Student Services
Registrar & Institutional Research
Annual Fund/Alumni Affairs
Communications
Student Housing
Certificate & Continuing Education
Methodist House of Studies
Student Government
Theology & Arts
Scholarships
Program of Alternate Studies
Depreciation
TOTAL EXPENSES
Increase (decrease) in net assets$ 333,191
150,325
42,689110,840
82,123
15,500341,718
74,400568,778
1,063,461
37,60011,00063,616
156,765
264,658
263,612163,224
84,540129,347
049,58897,81025,93802,775
43,216
407,972
130,177
214,658$5,071,360(372,058)$ 340,464
156,616
44,316
92,60593,435
15,500389,775
60,200567,204
940,01737,60011,00064,084142,426
255,496
261,823
158,603
84,943
134,161
100,779
49,82591,642
16,95037,037
2,775
37,359423,208
130,801
185,891$4,926,535(338,912)

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155

Revised2017

Proposed2018

VI. SHARED SERVICESREVENUE
Our United Outreach
TOTAL REVENUE$
EXPENSES
Salaries
Health Insurance
Retirement
FICA
Accounting Coordinator
Audit
Payroll Service
Bank Charges
Technology System Consultants - EMS
Software Maintenance Agreement - Blackbaud
Building & Maintenance
Pest Control
Lawn & Ground Maintenance
Lawn Treatment
Utilities - Building 1
Utilities - Building 2
Janitorial Service
Security System Monitoring
Trash Collection
Telephone/Internet
Heating & AC Maintenance Agreement
Insurance/Liability
Office Equipment Maintenance
Computer Maintenance
Computer Software
Office Supplies
Postage
Employee Events
TOTAL EXPENSE
Surplus/Deficit$ 341,066$ 341,066$

51,011
27,651
2,488
3,807
1,600
21,0006,500
17,50018,00014,50045,845840
18,5001,500
23,49018,106
8,100
1,100
1,850
9,400
10,00011,84414,000
500
2,500
2,500
750
1,000
$ 335,282$ 5,784

343,420
343,420$$

52,28630,441
2,614
4,000
1,600
21,0006,900
17,50018,00015,70045,845840
18,5001,500
24,65018,500
8,100
1,100
1,850
9,400
10,00011,84414,000
500
2,500
2,500
750
1,000
$ 343,420
$
0

156

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2017

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

PALM HARBOR, FLORIDA
June 18 - 23, 2017
At Palm Harbor, Florida and within the facilities of the Innisbrook Resort, there theeighteenth day of June in the year of our Lord, two thousand seventeen, at the appointed hour ofseven o’clock in the evening, Minister and Elder Commissioners from the various presbyteries,
youth advisory delegates and visitors assembled for Concurrent meetings of the General Assembliesof the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America.

FIRST DAY – SUNDAY – JUNE 18, 2017
OPENING WORSHIPIn the Inverness Ballroom of the Innisbrook Resort, the one hundred eighty-seventh General
Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, the one hundred forty-second General Assembly of
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America, the Convention of Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s
Ministry, and visitors gathered for worship at 7:00 p.m. Liturgists for the service were Ms. Yvonne Frierson,
National Missionary Society President (CPCA), Reverend Jennifer Newell, Worship Director, TennesseeGeorgia Presbytery CPC) and Ms. Jamie Kay Berkley, Women’s Ministry Convention President (CPC).
The music director was Reverend Chris Warren, Murfreesboro Presbytery (CPC). The special music wassung by Elder John Rainey, Cleveland Ohio Presbytery (CPCA). The pianist was Reverend Michael Sharpe,
Stated Clerk (CPC). Ushers were Reverend Chuck Reed, Reverend Eddie Jenkins, Tom Beckmeyer, Lisa
Beckmeyer, Max White, Ginger White, Spiro Cachia, Donna Cachia, and Carol Felicia.
The Reverend Michael Jones, Vice Moderator, Tennessee Valley Presbytery (CPCA) presented
the sermon, “The Evidence of Love,” taken from Luke 10:29-37. The Sacrament of Holy Communion
was led by Co-Celebrants Reverend Dwayne Tyus, Moderator, Nashville Presbytery (CPC) and Reverend
Ann Williams Pierre, Hiwassee Presbytery (CPCA). Reverend Kay Ward Creer, Ms. Jerlene Rather, Mr.
Moses Chein, Ms. Joy Wallace, Mr. Glee Thompson, Mr. Thomas Ward, Reverend Stan Wood and Mr.
Glenn Strain (all from the CPCA) assisted with Communion. Also the following CPC Elders assisted with
Communion: Bill Dobbins, Tom Longmire, Lorna Light, Elder Jimmie Moore, Elder Judith Steffen-Drake,
Karen Lock, and Linda Scott; and Reverend Roger Reid.

2017

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157

FIRST DAY – MONDAY – JUNE 19, 2017
MORNING DEVOTIONAL
The morning began at 8:30 a.m. with a Devotional. The service was led by liturgist, Reverend
Jennifer Newell, Tennessee-Georgia Presbytery and music leader, Reverend Chris Warren, Nashville
Presbytery. The devotion was presented by Retiring Moderator, Reverend Dwayne Tyus. His message
was taken from Colossians 1:15 – 20.
THE ASSEMBLY IS CONSTITUTEDThe Moderator, the Reverend Dwayne Tyus, called the assembly to order at 8:50 a.m.
The Constituting Prayer was offered by Reverend Rickey Page, Nashville Presbytery.
WELCOME
Moderator Tyus introduced Pastor Host, Reverend Eddie Jenkins, Grace Presbytery, who welcomed
the General Assembly to Florida. Reverend Jenkins introduced Ms. Kelli Snow, Board of Directors of thePalm Harbor Chamber of Commerce, Marketing Director for Chick-fil-A, and co-pastor of World Wide
Word of Faith Church. Ms. Snow brought greetings to the body on behalf of the Palm Harbor area andintroduced Ms. Kim Adams, Honorary Mayor of Palm Harbor, who also brought greetings to the body.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
After thanking the pastor host and the host committee for their hard work, Moderator Tyus asked
for a motion that the agenda be adopted. On Motion, the agenda was adopted.
CREDENTIALS REPORTElder Christy Miller, Tennessee-Georgia Presbytery presented the Report of the Credentials
Committee. There were forty-two (42) ministers, thirty-five (35) elders, for a total of seventy-seven (77)commissioners present at 8:30 a.m. There were twenty-one (21) Youth Advisory Delegates present. On
motion, the report of the Credentials Committee was received, marked Appendix “A” and filed.
VOTE FOR MODERATOR
Moderator Tyus declared the floor open for nominations for the Office of Moderator of the one
hundred eighty-seventh General Assembly.
Reverend Tony Janner, West Tennessee Presbytery, nominated Reverend David Lancaster, West
Tennessee Presbytery to be Moderator of the 187th General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church. There being no other nominations, a motion was made that nominations cease and we move toelect by acclamation. Motion passed. By vote, Reverend David Lancaster was elected Moderator of the187th General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Moderator Lancaster was escorted to the
podium by Reverend Janner. Former Moderator Tyus presented the Moderator’s Cross, gavel and stole to
newly elected Moderator Lancaster. A prayer for Moderator Lancaster was offered by Reverend Janner.
Moderator Lancaster assumed the podium and addressed the body, thanking the body for the honor
to serve. The Moderator spoke with humility of his walk in faith in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
VOTE FOR VICE-MODERATOR
Moderator Lancaster opened the floor for nominations for Vice-Moderator. Elder Roy Shanks,
North Central Presbytery, nominated Reverend Lisa Scott, North Central Presbytery, to be Vice-Moderatorof the 187th General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. There being no other nominations,a motion was made that nominations cease and we move to elect by acclamation. Motion passed. By vote,
Reverend Lisa Scott was elected Vice-Moderator of the of the 187th General Assembly of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church.
Elder Shanks escorted Reverend Scott to the podium and introduced her to the body. ViceModerator Scott addressed the body thanking the body for the humbling honor of serving the church asVice Moderator.

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PRESENTATION BY THE STATED CLERKThe Stated Clerk, Reverend Michael Sharpe, invited retiring Moderator, Dwayne Tyus and his
wife, Guin, to the podium. The Stated Clerk thanked the Tyus’ for their service to the 186th General
Assembly with Guin Tyus serving as “Official Chauffer.” The Stated Clerk presented the former Moderator
with replicas of the Moderator’s cross and gavel, representing the ones used by the 186th General Assemblyof the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
COMMUNICATIONSThe Stated Clerk announced that there were no official communications. An invitation was given
for the presentation of resolutions or memorials. There were none.
CORRECTIONS TO THE PRELIMINARY MINUTESThe Stated Clerk reported that a copy of all corrections to the preliminary minutes were handed out
to all commissioners during orientation and would be reflected in the final printing of the minutes.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS AND REFERRALSThe Stated Clerk reported that all referrals to the committees will be printed in the minutes aspresented in the preliminary minutes with the changes handed out during orientation.
INTRODUCTION OF BOARD/AGENCY REPRESENTATIVESThe Stated Clerk introduced the following Board/Agency Representatives:
Bethel University
Commission on Military ChaplainsChildren’s Home
Historical Foundation
Judiciary
Memphis Theological Seminary
Ministry Council
Our United Outreach
Stewardship
Theology & Social Concerns
Unification Task Force

Walter Butler
Cassandra Thomas
Duane Dougherty
Robin McCaskey Hughes/Lisa Oliver
Andy McClung
Linda Howell
Tom Sanders/Lanny Johnson
Cliff Hudson
Boyd Day
Nancy Fuqua
Joy Warren (CPC)
William Robinson (CPCA)

RECESS
Moderator Tyus declared the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in recess.
The committees will reconvene on Tuesday at 9:00 am.
FIELD TRIP TO BETH-EL FARMWORKER MINISTRY
The opportunity was made available for all who desired to travel by chartered bus to Beth-El
Farmworker Ministry. While there, participants enjoyed a reception for the Moderators and ViceModerators of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America,
Moderator Reverend David Lancaster (CPC), Vice-Moderator Elder L. Leon Cole, (CPCA), Reverend
Lisa Scott (CPC); the Immediate Moderator, Reverend Dwayne Tyus (CPC); the Cumberland Presbyterian
Women’s Ministry President, Ms. Jamie Kay Berkley; the Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry
President- Elect, Faith Parra; National Missionary Society President (CPCA), Ms. Yvonne Frierson. BethEl Farmworker Ministry provided walking and bus tours of their facilities as well as finger foods and a
Mariachi band. This was a very enjoyable outing for General Assembly commissioners and visitors.

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SECOND DAY – TUESDAY – JUNE 20, 2017
The General Assembly began their day with committees meeting at 9:00 a.m. While some committees
held a devotional in their meeting rooms, Joint Devotions were led by the National Missionary Societyof the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America. Participants in the Joint Devotions were worshipleader, Elder Justina Johnson (CPCA), Reverend Pam Phillips-Burk (CPC) – invocation, Sister Mamie Hall
(CPCA) – scripture reading, The Missionary Choir (CPCA) – special music, Sister Ann Buchanan (CPCA)– offertory, Sister Edna Sheridan (CPCA) – introduction of speaker, Elder Yvonne Frierson (CPCA) –President’s Moments, and Moderator Leon Cole (CPCA) – benediction.
The speaker was Reverend Endia Scruggs, pastor of Madkins Chapel CPCA. Reverend Scruggs
presented a moving devotional taken from Luke 10:29-39 which conveyed the message that we are allneighbors.
The day was devoted to committee work until 5:00 p.m. Attendance for the day: forty-five (45)minister commissioners, thirty-seven (37) elder commissioners for a total of eighty-two (82) commissioners
and twenty-one (21) Youth Advisory Delegates.
EVENING PROGRAM
At 7:30 p.m. in Inverness Hall, commissioners and visitors participated in a Joint Worship Service
led by the Unification Task Force. Worship leadership included liturgists, Reverend William Robinson(CPCA) and Reverend Joy Warren (CPC); music director, Melody Dieking (CPCA); accompanist Patti
Needham (CPC) and special music, Reverend Chris Warren (Cumberland Presbyterian Church). The
message, presented by Reverend Stan Wood, entitled “The Blending of Two Sticks,” based upon Ezekiel
37:16-18, 21-22. Reverend Wood presented a moving sermon calling upon the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church in America and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church to join together as one. Reverend Joy Warren
led the congregation in two activities: “Responding To The Message” and “Connecting With Our Neighbor.”
At 8:30 p.m. the annual reception honoring women in ministry was held at Toscana Clubhouse.
Attendees enjoyed rich fellowship and refreshments as they celebrated women in ministry.

THIRD DAY – WEDNESDAY – JUNE 22, 2016
The General Assembly and visitors began the day with a Joint Devotional at 8:30 a.m. Moderator
Elder L. Leon Cole, (CPCA), welcomed the congregation and introduced Dr. Walter Butler, Presidentof Bethel University. Dr. Butler spoke about Bethel University and introduced the video presentation
celebrating Bethel’s 175 years of educational excellence.
Captain Lawrence P. Greenslit, Presbyterian Council for Chaplains and Military Personnel was
introduced. Captain Greenslit spoke of the partnership that the Cumberland Presbyterian Church andCumberland Presbyterian Church in America has with other presbyterian bodies endorsing chaplains for the
military, the Veterans Administration and federal prisons. Following his presentation, Reverend Michael
Walker and Reverend Cassandra Thomas presented Captain Greenslit with awards in honor of his service
to the PCCMP and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America
upon his upcoming retirement.
The session was closed by Moderator Reverend David Lancaster.
The committees used the remainder of the day in meetings, preparing and reviewing reports andcollecting signatures. Attendance for the day: thirty-five (35) minister commissioners, thirty-six (36) elder
commissioners and seventeen (17) youth advisory delegates.
At 7:00 p.m., the 187th General Assembly and visitors gathered for worship. The worship was
led by liturgist, Reverend Jennifer Newell, Tennessee-Georgia Presbytery with music by Loida Garcia andNacion Santa Internacional Group. The guest speaker was Reverend Kathy Dain (PCUSA), Director at
Beth-El Farmworker Ministry. Her message, “Your NeighborHood” taken from Luke 8:26-39.
An offering of $2,219 was received and given to Beth-El Farmworker Ministry.

FOURTH DAY – THURSDAY – JUNE 23, 2016
At 8:30 a.m., the General Assembly and visitors began the day with joyful singing and a devotional
led by youth advisory delegate, Ms. Shelby Stover, Presbytery of East Tennessee. Her devotional was
taken from Luke 10:29-37. Liturgist was Reverend Jennifer Newel – Tennessee-Georgia Presbytery; music
director was Reverend Chris Warren, Murfreesboro Presbytery; pianist was Ms. Robin McCaskey Hughes,
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CALL TO ORDER
The Moderator, Reverend Doctor David Lancaster, called the assembly to order at 9:10 a.m.
There were forty-four (44) ministers, thirty-one (31) elders for a total of seventy-five (75)commissioners, and eighteen (18) youth advisory delegates present as of 9:10 a.m. The opening prayer was
given by Reverend Daniel Barkley, Grace Presbytery.
PARLIMENTARIAN APPOINTEDThe Moderator appointed the Reverend Andy McClung, West Tennessee Presbytery, as
Parliamentarian.
GREETINGS AND PRESENTATIONS
Reverend Susan Parker, Hope Presbytery brought greetings from Haitian Council of Church.
Reverend Parker expressed thanks for support from the Cumberland Presbyterian Church on behalf of thechurches and clergy in training.
The body received a presentation from Ms. Jodie Rush, Discipleship Ministry Team, who reported
that the Connect @ GA children had reached out to Commissioners and the Innisbrook staff. She charged
all to challenge churches to allow children to be a part of the local churches’ service ministry.
Reverend Milton Ortiz presented the inspirational Stott Wallace Video featuring our newest
missionaries: the Sims (Brazil) and the Wilkersons (Colombia). Reverend Ortiz introduced Reverend Lynn
Thomas who introduced Reverend Patrick Wilkerson (Presbytery of East Tennessee) and wife, Jessica
and family. Reverend Thomas also asked Reverend Josue Guerrero, Emaus Presbytery, to come forward.
Reverend Thomas conducted a commissioning service for Reverend Patrick Wilkerson and his wife, Jessica,as they prepare to leave for the mission field in Colombia. Reverend Josue Guerrero offered a prayer to the
Wilkersons. Reverend Wilkerson then addressed the body, thanking the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
for their support and speaking about future plans for the mission field and encouraging continued support
for all missions and missionaries. Reverend Thomas offered a prayer for the Wilkersons, commissioning
them for their future work. Reverend Ortiz pronounced the benediction and charge. The body joined insinging, “Here I Am, Lord.”Moderator Lancaster took a moment of personal privilege to speak to the commissioning of the
Wilkersons and the importance of the work the Cumberland Presbyterian Church is doing as a denominationin the mission field.
Greetings were extended on behalf of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America from ElderL. Leon Cole, Moderator (CPCA). Moderator Cole spoke of the work that we have done together this week,
looking forward to our march together both at the General Assembly level as well as out in the world.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Stated Clerk gave the following announcements and instructions:• Reminded commissioners and YADs to sit in front tables.
• Please turn in attendance cards.
• Instructed Commissioners/YAD’s wishing to address the Assembly to approach the aisle
microphone, introduce themselves by name and the presbytery they represent.
• Anyone making a motion should write out the motion and give a copy to the Engrossing
Clerk before returning to their seat.
• Committees will be seated in the front together during the presentation of the committee’sreport.
ASSEMBLY BUSINESS
Moderator Cole presented a Resolution of Forgiveness, Unity, and Resolve issued to the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church General Assembly by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America General
Assembly. Moderator Cole asked the Cumberland Presbyterian Church General Assembly to receive theresolution.
A motion was made to receive the resolution. The resolution was received by a vote of Halleluiah!
The Moderator declared that the resolution was received unanimously. Resolution Marked “B” and filed.

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NOMINATING COMMITTEEThe Report of the Nominating Committee was presented in the preliminary minutes. A motion wasmade to accept the report. The Moderator opened the floor for further nominations. There being no further
nominations, by vote, all persons nominated were elected.
THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARYThe Report of the Committee on Judiciary was presented by Reverend Dwayne Tyus (Nashville
Presbytery). The report was read by YADs Brenna Truitt (Murfreesboro Presbytery), Shelby Stover(Presbytery of East Tennessee), Carly Bell (Cumberland Presbytery), and Austin Womack (Nashville
Presbytery).
A motion was made by Elder Mollie Williams (West Tennessee Presbytery) that the report beconcurred in and the recommendations be adopted. Motion passed by the necessary 2/3rd majority. The
report was marked “C” and filed.
THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN’S HOME/HIGHER EDUCATIONThe Report of the Committee on Children’s Home/Higher Education was presented by Reverend
Thomas Sweet (Presbytery of East Tennessee). The report was read by youth advisory delegates, Lydia
Cook (Robert Donnell Presbytery), Macie Clark (North Central Presbytery), and David Whalen (WestTennessee Presbytery). A motion was made by Reverend Sweet that the report be concurred in and therecommendations be adopted. Motion passed. The report was marked “D” and filed.
THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON THEOLOGY AND SOCIAL CONCERNS/UNIFICATION TASKFORCEThe Report of the Committee on Theology and Social Concerns was presented and read by Reverend
Lisa Scott (North Central Presbytery) and Reverend Tommy Clark (Columbia Presbytery). A motion wasmade to concur in the report and adopt its recommendations by Reverend Scott with an editorial change.
The motion passed. Report marked “E” and filed.
VICE MODERATOR TAKES THE PODIUM
Moderator Lancaster asked Vice-Moderator Lisa Scott to moderate the meeting.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY COUNCIL/
COMMUNICATION/DISCIPLESHIPThe Report of the Ministry Council/Communications/Discipleship Committee was presented by
Reverend Lisa Oliver (Murfreesboro Presbytery). Reverend Oliver made the motion that the report beconcurred in and the recommendations be adopted. Motion passed. The report was marked “F” and filed.
MODERATOR RESUMES THE PODIUM
Moderator Lancaster returned to the podium.
RECESS
The Moderator declared a 15 minute recess at 11:06 a.m.
CALL TO ORDER
The Moderator called the meeting back to order at 11:30 a.m.
VICE MODERATOR TAKES THE PODIUM
The Moderator asked the Vice-Moderator to moderate the meeting.

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Dr. Barry Anderson, Executive Director of Student Service - Memphis Theological Seminary,announced that the winner of the Clergy Stole was Reverend Emily Trapp (West Tennessee Presbytery).
Reverend Rickey Page (Nashville Presbytery) made a motion to excuse YAD Calee Copely (Hope
Presbytery) and Steve Kaneaster (Red River Presbytery) from the remainder of the meeting. Motion passed.
THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MISSIONS/PASTORAL DEVELOPMENTThe Report of the Committee on Missions/Pastoral Development was presented by Reverend
Rickey Page (Nashville Presbytery). The report was read by youth advisory delegate, Duncan Shelton(Presbytery of East Tennessee). A motion was made by Reverend Rhonda McGowan (Tennessee-Georgia
Presbytery) that the report be concurred in and the recommendations be adopted. Motion passed. The
report was marked “G” and filed.
THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON CHAPLAINS/HISTORICAL FOUNDATIONThe Report of the Committee on Chaplains/Historical Foundation was presented by Reverend
Theresa Martin (Tennessee-Georgia Presbytery). The report was read youth advisory delegates, Audrey
Adams (West Tennessee Presbytery), Skylar Birch (North Central Presbytery) and Mary Cook (RobertDonnell Presbytery). A motion was made by Reverend Duane Dougherty (Trinity Presbytery) that thereport be concurred in and the recommendations be adopted. Motion passed. The report was marked “H”
and filed.
CPWM GREETINGS
Greetings were brought from the Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry President, Mrs.
Faith Parra, who invited the body to next year’s General Assembly sponsored by Choctaw and Red River
Presbyteries.
ASSEMBLY BUSINESS
Reverend Tony Janner made a motion to excuse Elder Hedemarrie Dussan (Grace Presbytery)whose husband was taken to the hospital on Wednesday evening. Motion passed. Reverend Janner offereda prayer for the family.
THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON STEWARDSHIP/ELECTED OFFICERS
The Report of the Committee Stewardship/Elected Officers was presented by Reverend Tony
Janner (West Tennessee Presbytery). The report was read by youth advisory delegates, Elizabeth Mahoney(Murfreesboro Presbytery), Katelyn Bayless (Arkansas Presbytery), and Alina Ferraz (Grace Presbytery).
A motion was made by Reverend Janner that the report be concurred in and the recommendations be
adopted. The motion passed. The report was marked “I” and filed.
MODERATOR RESUMES THE PODIUM
Moderator Lancaster returned to the podium.
RESOLUTION OF GRATITUDE
A Resolution of Gratitude was presented by the Reverend Susan Parker (Hope Presbytery). A
motion was made to adopt the resolution. Motion passed.
Thank You Resolution for General Assembly
The 187th General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church is grateful first to Almighty
God for the opportunity to meet together to worship and serve. We are humbled and awed by the presenceof the Holy Spirit in this meeting in our worship, meetings and interactions with our brothers and sisters.
The 187th General Assembly wishes to thank Reverend Eddie Jenkins, from Hope CP church, Grace
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who were involved in planning and preparing this meeting.
We are grateful for the leadership in our moving and inspiring worship services. We were blessed
to have heard the Holy Spirit speak through Reverend India Scruggs, Reverend Stan Wood, Reverend Kathy
Dain, youth advisory delegate, Shelby Stover, and Reverend Jennifer Newell.
This General Assembly was blessed to have Reverend Jennifer Newell also as worship leader andReverend Chris Warren as music director. They were assisted by other music leaders, numerous musicians,
singers, choirs, and other musically talented individuals who blessed us with wonderful songs and music.
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church has benefited and is thankful to our current moderator,
Reverend David Lancaster and vice-moderator, Reverend Lisa Scott as well as former moderator, Reverend
Dwayne Tyson. We wish to express gratitude to our leader, Reverend Michael Sharpe for his diligent workat General Assembly and throughout the year. And we recognize this work would not be accomplishedwithout his able assistant, Mrs. Elizabeth Vaughn and all the staff who work so hard to accomplish so manytasks.
We also give thanks for each committee chairperson, for each commissioner and youth delegate
who has participated in the deliberations of the Assembly.
This General Assembly has been particularly blessed to be able to share many activities with ourbrother and sisters from the Cumberland Presbyterian Church of America. Our candid discussions andloving exchanges have blessed us all and hopefully inspire us all to return to our homes and explore more
options for opportunities to worship with our CPCA brothers and sisters.
We also thank the wonderful staff at Innisbrook Resort for their competence and friendliness andwe thank the Good Lord for the beautiful surroundings provided for our enjoyment.
As we go forward, may our wonderful, omnipotent and awesome God help us to lead and guide the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church as it carries out the recommendations adopted by this body. May God bewith us, sustain us and inspire us for the future and give us safe journeys home.
READING OF THE MINUTES
A motion was made to approve the minutes of Sunday – Wednesday as printed in the packet with
one editorial change. Motion passed.
A motion was made to not break for lunch. Motion passed by necessary 2/3rd vote.
The minutes for Wednesday and Thursday were read by the Engrossing Clerk. On motion, theminutes were approved as corrected.
RECESS
The Moderator announced a short recess to prepare for closing worship.
CLOSING WORSHIPThe closing worship was led by Reverend Jennifer Newell (Tennessee-Georgia Presbytery), andpianist, Reverend Mike Sharpe, Stated Clerk. Reverend Newell’s devotional was based on Mathew 9: 9-13.
A memorial roll of ministers, who died during the past year, was read during worship. The list was printed
in the Preliminary Minutes on page 23.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made to adjourn the Meeting of the 187th General Assembly of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church to meet June 17-21, 2018 at Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center (Norman,
Oklahoma), near Oklahoma City. Motion passed. The closing prayer was offered by Moderator Lancasterat 1:01 p.m.

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BETHEL UNIVERSITYFINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AND OTHER INFORMATIONJULY 31, 2016 AND 2015

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BETHEL UNIVERSITY

Table of Contents
Page

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT .................................................................

1-3

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Statements of Financial Position .....................................................................

4

Statements of Activities ...................................................................................

5-6

Statements of Cash Flows ................................................................................

7-8

Notes to Financial Statements ........................................................................

9 - 31

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
Financial Responsibility Composite Score ......................................................

32 - 33

University Key Financial Ratios ......................................................................

34 - 36

Unrestricted Net Assets Exclusive of Plant, Property, Equipment,
and Related Debt and Obligation Under Financing Arrangement...............

37

OTHER INFORMATION
Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards .................................................

38

Notes to Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards ...................................

39

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROLOVER FINANCIAL REPORTING AND ON COMPLIANCE AND
OTHER MATTERS BASED ON AN AUDIT OF FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS PERFORMED IN ACCORDANCE WITH
GOVERNMENT AUDITING STANDARDS ............................................................

40 - 41

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT ON COMPLIANCE FOR
EACH MAJOR PROGRAM AND ON INTERNAL CONTROLOVER COMPLIANCE REQUIRED BY UNIFORM GUIDANCE ......................

42 - 44SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS ...................................

45 - 46SCHEDULE OF PRIOR YEAR FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS...........

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Independent Auditor’s Report

The Board of Trustees
Bethel University
McKenzie, Tennessee
Report on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying financial statements of Bethel University (the “University”),
which comprise the statements of financial position as of July 31, 2016 and 2015, and therelated statements of activities and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes tothe financial statements.
Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial
statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ofAmerica; this includes the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevantto the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
Auditor’s Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We
conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the UnitedStates of America and the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government
Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States. Those standards
require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether thefinancial statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts anddisclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s
judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial
statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor
considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of thefinancial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in thecircumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of theentity’s internal control. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes
evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant
accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of thefinancial statements.
The Astoria • 3803 Bedford Avenue, Suite 103 • Nashville, Tennessee 37215 • phone: 615-320-5500 • fax: 615-329-9465 • www.crosslinpc.com
An Independent Member of The BDO Alliance USA

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We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide abasis for our audit opinion.
OpinionIn our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects,
the financial position of Bethel University as of July 31, 2016 and 2015, and the changes in its
net assets and its cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America.
Other Matters
Other Information
Our audits were conducted for the purpose of forming an opinion on the financial statements as
a whole. The accompanying schedule of expenditures of federal awards, as required by Title 2
U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost
Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), is presented for
purposes of additional analysis and is not a required part of the financial statements. Suchinformation is the responsibility of management and was derived from and relates directly to theunderlying accounting and other records used to prepare the financial statements. The
information has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the financial
statements and certain additional procedures, including comparing and reconciling suchinformation directly to the underlying accounting and other records used to prepare the financial
statements or to the financial statements themselves, and other additional procedures inaccordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. In our
opinion, the information is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the financial
statements as a whole.
Disclaimer of Opinion on Supplementary Information
Our audits were conducted for the purpose of forming an opinion on the financial statements as
a whole. The Schedules of Financial Responsibility Composite Score, University Key Financial
Ratios, and Unrestricted Net Assets Exclusive of Property, Buildings, Equipment, Related Debt
and Obligation Under Financing Arrangement, which are the responsibility of management, arepresented for purposes of additional analysis and are not a required part of the financial
statements. Such information has not been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in theaudit of the financial statements and, accordingly, we do not express an opinion or provide any
assurance on it.

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Other Reporting Required by Government Auditing Standards
In accordance with Government Auditing Standards, we have also issued our report dated
November 11, 2016, on our consideration of the University’s internal control over financial
reporting and on our tests of its compliance with certain provisions of laws, regulations,contracts, and grant agreements and other matters. The purpose of that report is to describe thescope of our testing of internal control over financial reporting and compliance and the results ofthat testing, and not to provide an opinion on internal control over financial reporting or oncompliance. That report is an integral part of an audit performed in accordance with
Government Auditing Standards in considering the University’s internal control over financial
reporting and compliance.

Nashville, Tennessee
November 11, 2016

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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2017

BETHEL UNIVERSITY
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITIONASSETS

July 31,2016

Cash and cash equivalents
Perkins loan cash
Receivables:
Contributions, net (Note B)
Students, net of allowances of $1,422,292
and $1,642,713 respectively
Perkins loans, net of allowances of $237,841 and $227,246, respectively
Other
Note receivable
Inventories
Prepaid expenses, deposits, and other assets (Note F)
Investments (Note C)
Beneficial interest in assets held by others (Note D)$

Property, buildings, and equipment:
Land
Buildings and improvements
Equipment, furniture and automobiles
Library books
Property held under capital leases (Note F)
Construction in progress
Less: Accumulated depreciation
Total property and equipment, net
Total assets

1,494,925
78,2142015$

1,629,656
121,257

12,113,005

3,095,957

1,333,506
188,367
918,376
260,658
1,145,071
3,556,561
3,552,714

1,894,824
229,462
303,045
7,792,839
236,476
171,460
6,415,396
3,660,425

260,851
85,468,815
8,566,821
1,284,514
274,289
95,855,290(21,691,537)
74,163,753

461,570
64,058,325
8,172,402
1,284,514
405,440
2,249,390
76,631,641(19,347,823)
57,283,818$

98,805,150$

82,834,615$

6,438,104
443,545
2,793,384
385
5,547,696
47,951,755
346,924$

6,689,778
758,835
4,373,119
45,625,243
61,048411,781

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Accrued payroll and benefits
Deferred tuition revenue
Annuities payable
Debt (Note E)
Obligation under financing arrangement, net (Note F)
Obligations under capital leases (Note F)
Advances from the federal government
Total liabilities
Net Assets:
Unrestricted
Temporarily restricted (Notes G and H)
Permanently restricted (Notes G and H)
Total net assets$

Total liabilities and net assets
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
-4-

63,521,793

57,919,804

22,874,163
2,074,644
10,334,550

12,074,952
2,252,644
10,587,215

35,283,357

24,914,811

98,805,150$

82,834,615

2017

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

215

BETHEL UNIVERSITY
STATEMENTS OF ACTIVITIESYear Ended July 31, 2016
Temporarily
Permanently
Restricted
Restricted

Unrestricted
Revenue, gains and other support:
Regular tuition and fees
Degree completion tuition
Institutional scholarships and grants
Net tuition and fees
Bookstore income
Private gifts and contracts
Investment loss
Unrealized loss on beneficial
interests in assets held by others
Auxiliary fund revenues
Government grants
Other income
Net assets released from restrictions
Reclassification
Total revenue, gains andother support$

51,512,171
7,480,380(13,071,993)
45,920,558
1,324,252
10,461,052(15,480)$

612,551(12,262)$

12,975-

Total$

51,512,171
7,480,380(13,071,993)
45,920,558
1,324,252
11,086,578(27,742)

7,264,067
2,163,269
1,648,420
776,627
159,591-(107,711)-(776,627)(1,662)(157,929)(107,711)
7,264,067
2,163,269
1,648,420-

69,702,356(178,000)(252,665)

69,271,691

Expenses:
Education and general:
Instruction
Academic support
Student services
Institutional support
Auxiliary enterprises
Total expenses

27,466,606
10,325,896
10,008,562
6,493,886
4,608,195
58,903,145--

27,466,606
10,325,896
10,008,562
6,493,886
4,608,195
58,903,145

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

10,799,211(178,000)(252,665)

10,368,546

Net assets, beginning of year

12,074,952

2,252,644

10,587,215

24,914,811

Net assets, end of year$

22,874,163$-5-

2,074,644$

10,334,550$

35,283,357

216

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Year Ended July 31, 2015
Temporarily
Permanently
Restricted
Restricted

Unrestricted$

54,803,497
9,969,474(13,489,677)
51,283,294
1,603,502
2,453,030
40,153$$32,990-$(32,133)-

54,803,497
9,969,474(13,489,677)
51,283,294
1,603,502
2,822,829
80,1597,012,353
1,143,928
1,538,379
1,825,176(479,780)(1,825,176)-

479,780(32,133)
7,012,353
1,143,928
1,538,379-

66,420,035(1,448,361)

480,637

65,452,311-

36,237,140
9,762,945
7,191,508
6,169,543
4,166,901
63,528,037-

36,237,140
9,762,945
7,191,508
6,169,543
4,166,901
63,528,037$

336,80940,006

Total-

2,891,998(1,448,361)

480,637

1,924,274

9,182,954

3,701,005

10,106,578

22,990,537

12,074,952$

2,252,644$

10,587,215$

24,914,811

See accompanying notes to financial statements.
-6-

2017

2017

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH217

BETHEL UNIVERSITY
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWSCASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Increase in net assets
Adjustments to reconcile increase in net assets to net
cash provided by operating activities
Non-cash:
Allowance for doubtful student accounts, contributions
and Perkins loans receivable
Gain on disposal of property and equipment
Unrealized (gain) loss on investments and beneficial interests
in assets held by others
Non-cash contributions
Gain on the change in fair value of interest rate swap
Depreciation and amortization(Increase) decrease in:
Perkins loan cash
Contributions receivable
Student accounts receivable
Perkins loans receivable
Other receivables
Inventories
Prepaid expenses, deposits, and other assets
Increase (decrease) in:
Accounts payable and student account deposits
Accrued payroll and benefits
Deferred tuition revenue
Contributions restricted for long-term investments
Total adjustments

Year ended July 31,
2016
2015
$

10,368,546

99,331-(218,454)(45,000)
2,588,126(107,868)(171,180)(245,586)
2,918,820

43,043(9,017,048)
781,739
30,500(615,331)(24,182)(986,996)(44,613)(343,451)(627,463)
47,249(219,321)
37,360(18,014)(251,674)(315,290)(1,579,735)(12,975)(9,858,767)

1,804,845
235,699(2,335,519)(32,990)997,299509,779

2,921,573

7,792,839(1,602,512)(14,628,089)
31,589143,012205,615(1,598,218)(1,886,348)-(8,406,173)(3,135,939)

385
8,378,862
48,300,000(48,456,409)(409,293)
12,975(64,857)

11,512,988(10,357,854)(403,092)
32,990-7,761,663

785,032

Net cash used in investing activities
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Increase in annuity obligations
Proceeds from notes payable and line-of-credit
Proceeds from financing arrangement, net
Payments on notes payable and line-of-credit
Repayments of financing arrangement and capital lease obligations
Contributions restricted for long-term investments
Changes in advances from the federal government
Net cash provided by in investing activities

See accompanying notes to financial statements.
-7-

1,924,274(207,322)(28,168)

Net cash provided by operating activities
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Withdrawal of investments, net
Payments received on note receivable
Payment of accounts payable for property, buildings and equipment
Purchases of property, buildings and equipment
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment

$

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2017

BETHEL UNIVERSITY
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - Continued
Year ended July 31,
2016
2015
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents(134,731)

570,666

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

1,629,656

1,058,990

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year$

1,494,925$

1,629,656

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest paid$

2,416,773$

2,722,774

Non-cash financing and investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment
Amount financed through capital leases, accounts payable, debt,
or received through donations
Total paid for property and equipment$

16,593,084

2,057,628(1,964,995)(171,280)

14,628,089

Property held for investment of $3,185,000 was placed in service
during fiscal 2016 and transferred to property and equipment.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.
-8-$

1,886,348

2017

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

BETHEL UNIVERSITYNOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTSJULY 31, 2016 AND 2015

A.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIESOrganization and Business Purpose
Bethel University (the “University”) is a private, residential, coeducational University
affiliated with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, dedicated primarily to educating
students in the liberal arts and science while also offering select pre-professional
programs, a graduate teacher education program, a master of business administration
program, a master of criminal justice program, and a master of physician’s assistantprogram. In addition to its traditional academic programs, the University also offers adegree-completion program. The University is accredited by the Southern Associationof Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, and its education emphasizes
academic excellence, high achievement, intellectual and personal integrity, andparticipation in community life. Its Christian heritage finds expression in commitment
to the values of personal growth, justice, community, and service.
Accrual Basis and Financial Statement Presentation
The financial statements of the University have been prepared on the accrual basis ofaccounting.
The University classifies its revenues, expenses, gains, and losses into three classes of
net assets based on the existence or absence of donor-imposed restrictions. Net assets of
the University and changes therein are as follows:
Unrestricted net assets - Net assets that are not subject to donor-imposed
stipulations and net assets where donor-imposed stipulations have been met
within the reporting period.
Temporarily restricted net assets - Net assets subject to donor-imposed
stipulations that may or will be met by actions of the University.
Permanently restricted net assets - Net assets subject to donor-imposed
stipulations that the University is required to maintain permanently. Generally,
the donors of these assets permit the University to use all or a part of the income
earned on related investments for general or specific purposes.
The amount of each of these classes of net assets is displayed in the statements offinancial position and the amount of change in each class of net assets is displayed in thestatements of activities.

-9-

219

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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

BETHEL UNIVERSITYNOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTSJULY 31, 2016 AND 2015

A.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICES - Continued
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to makeassumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure ofcontingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported
amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The more significant
areas include the recovery period for property and equipment, the allocation of certain
operating expenses to functional categories, the collection of contributions receivable,
and the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful student receivables. Management
believes that such estimates have been based on reasonable assumptions and that such
estimates are adequate. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Contributions
The University reports gifts of cash and other assets as restricted support if received withdonor-imposed stipulations that limit the use of the donated assets. When a donorimposed restriction expires, i.e., when the purpose of the restriction is accomplished,temporarily restricted net assets are reclassified to unrestricted net assets and reported in
the statement of activities as net assets released from restrictions. The University has
elected to report contributions received with donor-imposed restrictions as an increase tounrestricted net assets if the restrictions are met in the same fiscal year that thecontributions are received.
The University reports gifts of land, equipment, and other assets as unrestricted support
unless explicit donor-imposed stipulations specify how the donated assets must be used.
Gifts of long-lived assets with explicit restrictions that specify how the assets are to be
used and gifts of cash or other assets that must be used to acquire long-lived assets arereported as restricted support. Absent explicit donor-imposed stipulations regarding how
long the long-lived assets must be maintained, the University reports expirations ofdonor-imposed restrictions when the donated or acquired long-lived assets are placed inservice.
Contribution of services are recognized if the services received (a) create or enhance
non-financial assets or (b) require specialized skills, provided by individuals possessing
those skills and would typically need to be purchased if not provided by donation.
In the event a donor makes changes to the nature of a restricted gift, which affects its
classification among the net asset categories, such amounts are reflected asreclassifications in the statements of activities.

- 10 -

2017

2017

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

BETHEL UNIVERSITYNOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTSJULY 31, 2016 AND 2015

A.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Continued
Perkins Loan - CashAs required by federal regulations, cash related to the Federal Perkins Loan Program ismaintained in a separate bank account.
Student Accounts Receivable
The University records accounts receivable at their estimated net realizable value. An
allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded based upon management’s estimate of
uncollectible accounts determined by analysis of specific student balances and a generalreserve based upon agings of outstanding balances. Past due balances and delinquent
receivables are charged against the allowance when they are determined to beuncollectible by management.
Notes Receivable - Students
Notes receivable from students at July 31, 2016 and 2015, totaled $188,367 and$229,462, respectively, net of allowances of $237,841 and $227,246, respectively.
Student loans are granted by the University under the federally funded Perkins loan
program. These funds are disbursed based upon the demonstration of financial need on
the Perkins loan, at which time the loan will also begin accruing interest. Perkins loan
amounts are then repaid through a third party billing service. Student loans are
considered past due when payment has not been received within 30 days. At July 31,
2016 and 2015, student loans represented 0.19% and 0.28%, respectively, of total assets.
The allowance for doubtful accounts is established based on prior collection experienceand current economic factors which, in management’s judgment, could influence theability of loan recipients to repay the amounts per the loan terms. Loan balances are
written off only when they are deemed to be permanently uncollectible.
Contributions Receivable
Contributions receivable are recorded at their estimated fair value using a discount ratecommensurate with the rate on U.S. Government Securities whose maturities correspondto the maturities of the contributions. Contributions receivable are considered to beeither conditional or unconditional promises to give. A conditional contribution is one
which depends on the occurrence of a specified uncertain future event to become
binding on the donor. Conditional contributions are not recorded as revenue until thecondition is met, at which time they become unconditional. Unconditional contributions
are recorded as revenue at the time verifiable evidence of the promise to give isreceived.

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221

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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2017

BETHEL UNIVERSITYNOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTSJULY 31, 2016 AND 2015

A.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Continued
Inventories
Inventories consist primarily of books and supplies and are stated at the lower of cost or
market. Cost is determined using the average cost method.
Investments
Investments in marketable equity securities with readily determinable fair values andinvestments in debt securities are stated at their fair values in the statements of financial
position. Fair value of investments is determined based on quoted market prices or using
Level 2 or 3 inputs as described in Note I. All gains and losses (both realized andunrealized) and other investment income are reported in the statements of activities.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are recorded at cost at the date of acquisition or fair value at thedate of donation in the case of gifts. Depreciation on property and equipment iscalculated on the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of 20 - 40 years forbuildings and improvements, 5 – 7 years for equipment and furniture, 5 years forautomobiles, and 20 years for other property. Property held under capital leases are
depreciated on the straight-line method based on the shorter of the estimated useful lifeof the property to the University or the life of the capital lease. Library books andrepairs/renovations to buildings and equipment that do not add value or extend the usefullife of the assets are expensed as incurred. Depreciation, operation, and maintenancecharges are allocated to appropriate functional expense categories.
The estimate to complete construction in progress is $2,925,711 as of July 31, 2016.
Deferred Revenue
Deferred revenue consists primarily of charges and cash receipts collected prior to yearend for services rendered after year-end. These receipts pertain to upcoming tuition andfees.
Advances from the Federal Government for Student Loans
The Perkins Loan Program is a campus-based program providing revolving loan funds
for financial assistance to eligible postsecondary school students based on financial
need. The Department of Education provides funds along with the University, which areused to make loans to eligible students at low interest rates. Refundable government
advances for Perkins at July 31, 2016 and 2015 was $346,924 and $411,781,
respectively.

2017

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

BETHEL UNIVERSITYNOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTSJULY 31, 2016 AND 2015

A.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Continued
Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and totaled approximately $1,294,097 and$1,373,849 for the years ended July 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Tax Status
The University is exempt from Federal income taxes under §501(a) of the Internal
Revenue Code (“IRC”) as an organization described in IRC §501(c)(3). Accordingly, no
provision for income taxes has been made in the accompanying financial statements.
The University is not classified as a private foundation.
The University accounts for the effect of any uncertain tax positions based on a more
likely than not threshold to the recognition of the tax positions being sustained based on
the technical merits of the position under examination by the applicable taxing authority.
If a tax position or positions are deemed to result in uncertainties of those positions, theunrecognized tax benefit is estimated based on a cumulative probability assessment that
aggregates the estimated tax liability for all uncertain tax positions. Tax positions for the
University include, but are not limited to, the tax-exempt status and determination ofwhether certain income is subject to unrelated business income tax; however, theUniversity has determined that such tax positions do not result in an uncertainty
requiring recognition.
Fair Value Measurements
Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the statements of financial position are
categorized based on the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure
their fair value. Related disclosures are included in Note I. Level inputs, as defined by
Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820,
Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, are as follows:
Level 1 - Values are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in
active markets accessible at the measurement date.
Level 2 - Inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active
markets, quoted prices from those willing to trade in markets that are not active, orother inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by market data for the term of
the instrument. Such inputs include market interest rates and volatilities, spreads andyield curves.
Level 3 - Certain inputs are unobservable (supported by little or no market activity)and significant to the fair value measurement. Unobservable inputs reflect the
University’s best estimate of what hypothetical market participants would use todetermine a transaction price for the asset or liability at the reporting date.
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2017

BETHEL UNIVERSITYNOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTSJULY 31, 2016 AND 2015

A.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Continued
Classification of Expenses
Expenses are classified functionally as a measure of service efforts andaccomplishments. Direct expenses incurred for a single function are allocated entirely tothat function. Joint expenses applicable to more than one function are allocated on thebasis of objectively summarized information or management estimates.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2015 financial statements in order forthem to conform to the 2016 presentation.

B.

CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVABLE
Contributions receivable at July 31, 2016 and 2015 consist of the following:

Contributions receivable (present value)
Less: allowance for doubtful contributions

2016

2015

$ 12,283,098( 170,093)$ 3,263,547( 167,590)$ 12,113,005$ 3,095,957

Expected maturities of contributions receivable at July 31, 2016 are as follows:
Fiscal YearEnding July 31,

Amount

2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Thereafter
Total expected contributions
Less: allowance for net present value using a weighted
average discount rate of 1.00%
Present value of contributions receivable- 14 -$ 2,467,440
1,731,076
1,575,785
1,475,577
1,477,886
3,979,270
12,707,034(

423,936)$ 12,283,098

2017

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

225

BETHEL UNIVERSITYNOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTSJULY 31, 2016 AND 2015C.

INVESTMENTS
The investments of the University are principally administered by the University or by
the Board of Stewardship of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Inc. (the “Board”).
The funds administered by the Board are co-mingled with funds of other agencies of the
Church. The University’s portion represents approximately 5.2% and 5.3% of the funds
administered by the Board at July 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The investments of
the University, including investment property with a book value of $472,810 and$3,185,000 as of July 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, are invested as follows:

D.

2016

2015

Administered by the Board:
Marketable equity and debt securities$2,880,910$3,039,801

Administered by the University:
Marketable equity and debt securities
Certificates of deposits
Investment Property and Other

6,948
100,292
568,411

12,669100,092
3,262,834$3,556,561$6,415,396

BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN ASSETS HELD BY OTHERS
Beneficial interest in assets held by others represents arrangements in which a donor
establishes and funds a perpetual trust administered by an individual or organization
other than the University. The fair value of perpetually held trusts in which the
University had a beneficial interest as of July 31, 2016 and 2015, was $3,552,714 and$3,660,425, respectively. The University records these trusts at estimated fair value.
Income distributed to the University from the beneficial interest assets is temporarily
restricted for scholarships.

- 15 -

226

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2017

BETHEL UNIVERSITYNOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTSJULY 31, 2016 AND 2015

E.

DEBT
The University has the following debt obligations at July 31, 2016 and 2015:2016
Note payable to Kubota Credit Corporation,
U.S.A., 0% interest, collateralized by specified
equipment.

$

2015

185

$

2,411

Note payable to Regions Bank, payable in monthly
installments of $180,180 including interest of
5.25% through June 20, 2018, with a final
payment of $15,593,640 due July 20, 2018;
collateralized by substantially all real property.
Paid in full December 31, 2015.

-

19,219,554

Note payable to Farmers and Merchants Bank,
bearing interest at 6% with the full principal
payment due on February 28, 2017;
collateralized by accounts receivable.
Paid in full December 31, 2015.

-

720,450

Note payable to Farmers and Merchants Bank,
bearing interest at 6% with the full principal
payment due on July 29, 2015; collateralizedby accounts receivable; paid in fullAugust 18, 2015.

-

400,592

Note payable to Farmers and Merchants Bank,
bearing interest at 6% with the full principal
payment due on August 25, 2015; collateralizedby accounts receivable; maturity extended to
February 23, 2016. Paid in full January 19, 2016.

-

400,590

Line-of-credit totaling $2,000,000 with Centennial
Bank; bearing variable interest calculated as Prime
Rate as published by The Wall Street Journal plus
1.00 % with a floor of 5%; line-of-credit maturesand full payment due February 1, 2018;
collateralized by accounts receivable, equipment,
and inventory.

2,000,000-- 16 -

2017

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

227

BETHEL UNIVERSITYNOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTSJULY 31, 2016 AND 2015

E.

DEBT - Continued
2016

2015

Construction line-of-credit totaling $607,800(maximum) with Centennial Bank, bearing interest
at 5% with the principal draws due in full on
January 31, 2017; collateralized by future grant
payments.

184,998

Note payable to City of Paris, bearing interest at
0%, with monthly principal payments of $8,663
due beginning on September 30, 2014,
through final maturity on August 31, 2022.

632,363736,313

Line-of-credit totaling $500,000 with First Bank,
bearing interest at 4.5%, maturing on August 1,
2015; collateralized by real property; paid in fullon August 24, 2015.

-

13,610Note payable at First Bank, bearing interest at
5%, maturing on August 23, 2015; collateralized
by real property; paid in full on August 21, 2015.

-

400,000

Note payable to Carroll Bank & Trust, bearing interest
at 5.0%, with the full principal balance maturing
June 11, 2016; collateralized by certain real
property. Paid in full December 31, 2015-

1,965,573

Note payable to Carroll Bank & Trust, bearing interest
at 5.0%, with the full principal balance maturing
October 8, 2015; collateralized by certain real
property; maturity extended and paid in fullDecember 31, 2015.

-

500,150

Note payable to Carroll Bank & Trust, bearing interest
at 5.25%, with the full principal balance maturing
February 17, 2017; collateralized by certain real
property.
2,000,150-- 17 --

228

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2017

BETHEL UNIVERSITYNOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTSJULY 31, 2016 AND 2015

E.

DEBT - Continued
2016
Note payable to Renasant Bank, payable in monthly
installments of $13,609 including interest of 4.50%
through June 12, 2018, with a final payment of$469,356 due July 12, 2018; collateralized byan agreement not to transfer or encumber
certain real property.

2015

730,000-

Note payable to a related party private company
totaling $16,666,000, bearing interest at one year
LIBOR plus 7%, payable in monthly installments
of interest only. Starting on August 1, 2016,
and continuing until August 1, 2018, principal
payments due in monthly installments of$126,258, with the remaining balance due atfinal maturity on August 31, 2018. Balance paidin full December 31, 2015. (See Note R).

-

16,666,000

Line-of-credit with a related party private company
totaling $5,000,000, bearing interest at one year
LIBOR plus 9%, payable in monthly installments
of interest only starting on August 31, 2013, andcontinuing until August 31, 2018; at which time
the outstanding balance is due. Paid in fullDecember 31, 2015.

-

4,600,000$5,547,696$45,625,243

The anticipated maturities of the University’s notes payable are as follows:
Fiscal YearEnding July 31,

Amount

2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Thereafter$2,422,471
2,700,762
103,950
103,950
103,950
112,613$5,547,696- 18 -

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THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

BETHEL UNIVERSITYNOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTSJULY 31, 2016 AND 2015

E.

DEBT - Continued
Interest Expense
For the years ending July 31, 2016 and 2015, Bethel University incurred interest expenseof $2,416,773 and $2,722,774, respectively.
Compliance with Covenants
The Renasant Bank loan agreement contains a debt service coverage ratio that requires
the University to maintain a debt coverage ratio of 1.25x, tested annually by the bank.
Based on the University’s calculations as of July 31, 2016, the University was incompliance with this covenant and ratio.

F.

OBLIGATIONS UNDER CAPITAL LEASES AND
FINANCING ARRANGEMENTThe University entered into capital lease agreements primarily for computer equipment
relating to the University’s notebook computer program and a phone system. The
agreements expired at various dates through March 2016. The equipment at July 31,
2016 and 2015, totaled $405,440, net of accumulated depreciation of $391,833 and$385,204, respectively.
Interest rates on capitalized leases for computer equipment ranged from 4.26% to 4.37%
and were imputed based on the lessor’s implicit rate of return.
On December 28, 2015, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) funded aCampus Facility Acquisition through a Rural Development Communities Facilities Loan
with NCCD - Bethel Properties LLC, a separate legal entity independent of the
University. The loan to NCCD - Bethel Properties LLC totaled $48,300,000, bearing afixed interest of 3.25% with a repayment term of 40 years. NCCD - Bethel Properties
LLC utilized the proceeds of the loan to lease certain University buildings, in which the
University leased back from NCCD - Bethel Properties LLC. The University remits thelease payments to NCCD - Bethel Properties LLC, who in turn repays USDA. The
monthly lease payments equal the monthly note payment. The agreement expires
December 28, 2055. Due to easement and right of way concerns, substantially all of the
McKenzie campus is incorporated into the lease, lease-back transaction (“financing
arrangement”). Buildings held under the capital lease at July 31, 2016 totaled$57,998,848, net of accumulated depreciation of $6,062,642.

- 19 -

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2017

BETHEL UNIVERSITYNOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTSJULY 31, 2016 AND 2015F.

OBLIGATIONS UNDER CAPITAL LEASES AND FINANCINGARRANGEMENT - Continued
In compliance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, the University elected
to capitalize certain debt-refinancing costs and amortize these costs over the life of thecapitalized lease. The original amount of the debt-refinancing costs capitalized was$914,837 and have been reflected in the statement of financial position under thecaption, prepaid expenses, deposits and other assets. Accumulated amortization andamortization expense as of and for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016 was $13,385.
Annually, the University will incur amortization expense of $22,871, until the lease
expires December 28, 2055.
Minimum future lease payments under capital leases as of July 31, 2016, are as follows:
Fiscal YearEnding July 31,

Amount

2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Thereafter$ 2,161,908
2,161,908
2,161,908
2,161,908
2,161,908
74,187,905
84,997,445

Less: Amount representing interest(37,045,690)

Present value of net minimum lease payments$ 47,951,755- 20 -

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231

BETHEL UNIVERSITYNOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTSJULY 31, 2016 AND 2015

G.

TEMPORARILY AND PERMANENTLY RESTRICTED NET ASSETSAt July 31, 2016 and 2015, temporarily restricted net assets are available for thefollowing purposes:

Scholarships
Time restrictions and other

2016

2015

$ 457,896
1,616,748$ 108,963
2,143,681$2,074,644$2,252,644

At July 31, 2016 and 2015, permanently restricted net assets are as follows:

Beneficial interest in assets held by others
Endowments

2016

2015

$ 3,552,714
6,781,836$ 3,660,425
6,926,790$10,334,550$10,587,215

The endowments represent nonexpendable funds that are subject to restrictions requiring
the principal to be invested and only the income used as specified by the donors.
Net assets were released from donor restrictions by incurring expenses satisfying the
restricted purposes. The following is a summary of the assets released from restrictions
for the years ended July 31, 2016 and 2015:

Institutional support expenditures
Scholarship and grant expenditures
Other- 21 -

2016

2015$373,745
402,882-$ 443,222
353,854
1,028,100$776,627$1,825,176

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BETHEL UNIVERSITYNOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTSJULY 31, 2016 AND 2015

H.

ENDOWMENTThe University’s endowment consists of individual donor-restricted funds established fora variety of purposes. As required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, net
assets associated with endowment funds are classified and reported based on theexistence or absence of donor-imposed restrictions.
Interpretation of Relevant Law
The Board of Trustees of the University has interpreted the applicable state laws asrequiring the preservation of the original gift as of the gift date of the donor-restricted
endowment funds absent explicit donor stipulations to the contrary. As a result of thisinterpretation, the University classified as permanently restricted net assets (a) theoriginal value of gifts donated to the permanent endowment, (b) the original value ofsubsequent gifts to the permanent endowment, and (c) accumulations to the permanentendowment made in accordance with the direction of the applicable donor gift
instrument at the time the accumulation is added to the fund. The remaining portion of
the donor-restricted endowment fund that is not classified in permanently restricted net
assets is classified as temporarily restricted net assets until those amounts areappropriated for expenditure by the University in a manner consistent with the standardof prudence prescribed by applicable state laws. In accordance with applicable state
laws, the University considers the following factors in making a determination toappropriate or accumulate donor-restricted endowment funds:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

The duration and preservation of the fundThe purposes of the University and the donor-restricted endowment fund
General economic conditions
The possible effect of inflation and deflation
The expected total return from income and the appreciation of investments
Other resources of the University
The investment policies of the University- 22 -

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BETHEL UNIVERSITYNOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTSJULY 31, 2016 AND 2015

H.

ENDOWMENT - Continued

Changes in Endowment Net Assets

Endowment net assets, August 1, 2014

Temporarily
Restricted

Permanently
Restricted

Total

$

-

$ 10,106,578$ 10,106,578

619,998

479,780

1,099,778

Reclassification
Investment return:
Investment income
Net depreciation (realized and unrealized)
Total investment return
Contributions

40,00640,006-

Appropriation of endowment assets
for expenditure (scholarships)((-

Endowment net assets, July 31, 2015

660,004

Reclassification
Investment return:
Investment income
Net depreciation (realized and unrealized)
Total investment return
Contributions(

Appropriation of endowment assets for
expenditure (scholarships)

40,00632,133)
7,873
32,990--

10,587,215

11,247,219(

157,929)(

159,591)( 12,262)( 12,262)-((

107,711)
107,711)
12,975(((

12,262)
107,711)
119,973)
12,975$ 646,080- 23 -(

1,662)-

Endowment net assets, July 31, 2016

32,133)32,133)32,990$ 10,334,550$ 10,980,630

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BETHEL UNIVERSITYNOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTSJULY 31, 2016 AND 2015

H.

ENDOWMENT - Continued
Return Objectives and Risk Parameters
The University has adopted investment and spending policies for endowment assets that
attempt to provide a predictable stream of funding to programs supported by its
endowment while seeking to maintain the purchasing power of the endowment assets.
Endowment assets include those assets of donor-restricted funds that the University must
hold in perpetuity or for a donor-specified period(s). Under this policy, as approved by
the Board of Trustees, the endowment assets are invested with an overall total returnobjective as established for each time horizon: 1) Short Term, 2) Intermediate, and 3)
Long Term according to the funding needs of the University. The returns will becompared with the generally accepted indices, i.e., the S&P 500, certain Bond Indices,
and MSCI EAFE stock indices, and an index of U.S. Treasury Bills depending on thetime horizon in place. At July 31, 2016 and 2015, the endowment assets consist ofinvestments in certificates of deposit, marketable debt and equity securities, andbeneficial interests in assets held by others.
Strategies Employed for Achieving Objectives
To satisfy its rate-of-return objectives, the University relies on a total return strategy inwhich investment returns are achieved through both capital appreciation (realized andunrealized) and current yield (interest and dividends). The University targets aninvestment allocation based on the three time horizons described above and that placesemphasis on diversification of assets within prudent risk constraints.
Spending Policy and How the Investment Objectives Relate to Spending Policy
During fiscal year 2009, the University’s Board of Trustees adopted a spending policy,
which is based on the “Total Return” concept of determining the amount available for
distribution. Total Return takes into consideration all of the elements of long-term
investment return. The appropriate spending amount is based on the projected long-term
Total Return of the funds, less an estimate of future inflation. The goal of the Total
Return approach is to provide for a level of current income that protects the futurepurchasing power of the fund, thereby providing for increasing amounts of future
income. The University anticipates that this percentage will be in the range of 3 to 5%of market value based on historical measurements of Total Return and Inflation. The
market value of the fund will be noted each year on a specific date and a three-year
rolling average market value will be established. The rolling three-year market value
will be multiplied by the approved spending percentage which will be set annually.

- 24 -

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235

BETHEL UNIVERSITYNOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTSJULY 31, 2016 AND 2015

I.

FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Required disclosures concerning the estimated fair values of financial instruments arepresented below. The estimated fair value amounts have been determined based on the
University’s assessment of available market information and appropriate valuation
methodologies. The following table summarizes required fair value disclosures under
ASC 825, Financial Instruments, and measurements at July 31, 2016 and 2015 for theassets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis under ASC 820, Fair
Value Measurements and Disclosures:
Carrying
AmountEstimated
Fair Value

Measured at
Fair Value

Fair Value Measurements Using
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3

July 31, 2016
Assets:Investments:
Cash and cash
equivalents$ 223,019
Certificates ofdeposits
100,292
Equity funds:
U.S. Equities
130,212Venture Capital 2,630,228
Investment
Property
472,810
Total
Investments $3,556,561
Beneficial
interests
in trusts
Liabilities:
Debt andfinancingarrangement$ 223,019$ 223,019$223,019

100,292

100,292

100,292--

130,2122,630,228

130,2122,630,228

130,212--2,630,228

472,810472,810--472,810$3,556,561$3,556,561$453,523-$3,103,038

3,552,714

3,552,714

3,552,714-

3,552,714-$53,499,451$59,493,600

-

-

-

-

- 25 -

$

$

-

$

-

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2017

BETHEL UNIVERSITYNOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTSJULY 31, 2016 AND 2015

I.

FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Continued
Carrying
AmountEstimated
Fair Value

Measured at
Fair Value

Fair Value Measurements Using
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3

July 31, 2015
Assets:Investments:
Cash and cash
equivalents$ 251,867
Certificates ofdeposits
100,092
Equity funds:
Mutual Funds
102,626
U.S. Equities
421,017
Total Equity
Funds
523,643
Venture Capital 2,354,794
Investment
Property
3,185,000
Total
Investments $6,415,396
Beneficial
interests
in trusts
Liabilities:
Notes payable
and long-term
obligation$ 251,867$ 251,867$251,867

100,092

100,092

100,092--

102,626
421,017

102,626
421,017

102,626
421,017--523,6432,354,794

523,6432,354,794

523,643--2,354,794

3,185,000

3,185,000--

3,185,000$6,415,396$6,415,396$875,602-$5,539,794

3,660,425

3,660,425

3,660,425-

3,660,425-

45,686,291

50,805,043

-

-

-

-

- 26 -

$

$

-

$

-

2017

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

BETHEL UNIVERSITYNOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTSJULY 31, 2016 AND 2015

I.

FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Continued
Changes in Level 3 assets are as follows:
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
2016
2015
Beginning Balance
Purchases and sales, net$ 5,539,794(2,436,756)$ 5,711,244( 171,450)

Ending Balance$ 3,103,038$ 5,539,794

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of eachclass of financial instruments:
Cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable and accrued payroll and benefits,deferred revenue and advances from the Federal government for student loans
The carrying values of these items approximate their fair values due to the shortmaturities of these instruments.
Investments
Fair values are based on quoted market prices, where available, and Level 2 and 3
inputs. The carrying amounts and the fair values of the University’s investments arepresented in Note C.
Notes payable and obligations under financing arrangement and capital leases
For fixed rate debt, fair value was estimated using discounted cash flow analyses basedon the University’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing
arrangements.

J.

FUND RAISING ACTIVITIESThe University conducts fundraising activities each year. The total cost of these
activities for fiscal years 2016 and 2015, was $896,376 and $1,030,307, respectively.

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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

BETHEL UNIVERSITYNOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTSJULY 31, 2016 AND 2015

K.

RETIREMENT PLAN
The University’s full-time employees may participate in either a retirement plan
administered by the Cumberland Presbyterian Board of Finance or the TIAA/CREF
Plan, which is a national pension plan. The University makes payments to the plans by
withholding an employee-elected percentage from the employee’s salary with the
University matching the employee’s deduction up to five percent (5%). Total matching
contributions were made by the University for fiscal years 2016 and 2015, of $449,299
and $454,206, respectively.

L.

CONCENTRATION OF RISKS
Concentration of Risk
The University generates revenue predominantly from tuition and fees, investment
income, gifts, auxiliary enterprises and contributions. In planning and budgeting during
a fiscal year, significant reliance is placed on meeting tuition, gift, auxiliary, investment
earnings and contribution goals in order for the University to sustain successful
operations. In the event that enrollment or gifts and contributions significantly decreasein any one year, operations could be adversely affected.
Financial instruments that potentially subject the University to concentrations of credit
risk and market risk consist principally of cash equivalents, investments, and student
receivables.
The University, in connection with its activities, grants credit to students that involves,to varying degrees, elements of credit risk. The maximum accounting loss from credit
risk is limited to the amounts that are recognized in the accompanying statements offinancial position as student accounts receivable at July 31, 2016 and 2015.
The University also has two bank deposits in excess of those insured under regulatory
insurance limits.

- 28 -

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239

BETHEL UNIVERSITYNOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTSJULY 31, 2016 AND 2015

M.

OPERATING LEASESThe University leases office and classroom space for satellite campuses for programs
offered through its College of Professional Studies, office space for University services,
and an activities space for a University athletic program. These leases expire at various
dates through fiscal year 2023. Minimum future rental payments under non-cancelable
operating leases as of July 31, 2016 are as follows:
Fiscal YearEnding July 31,

Amount

2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Thereafter$1,333,573
1,264,059
1,152,870
247,11296,000106,800$4,200,414

Operating lease payments under the non-cancelable leases totaled $2,078,036 and$2,906,508 for the years ended July 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
On July 31, 2013, the University entered into a sale-leaseback agreement with a related
party for a building in Paris, Tennessee. The purchasor entered into a note receivablewith the University for $8,200,000, which approximated the carrying value of thebuilding, and therefore, no gain or loss was recognized. The purchasor was paying thenote receivable over 30 years at an interest rate of 2%. The University was leasing thebuilding for six years with monthly payments of $120,275. The note receivable totaled$7,792,839 at July 31, 2015.
On December 31, 2015, the University purchased the building in Paris, Tennessee backfrom the related party with proceeds from USDA that were provided within the lease,
leaseback transaction with NCCD Bethel Properties LLC, as discussed in Note F. The
sales price of $14,246,061 approximated the original sales price to the related party plus
the remaining lease payments.
On August 10, 2011, the University entered into a ten (10) year lease, which expires
August 31, 2021, with a related party. The building leased provides office space for
University services to students. Operating lease payments under the non-cancelable lease
totaled $50,400 for each of the years ended July 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

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2017

BETHEL UNIVERSITYNOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTSJULY 31, 2016 AND 2015N.

FUNCTIONAL ALLOCATION OF EXPENSES
During the years ended July 31, 2016 and 2015, the University allocated the cost ofcertain professional fees and the operation and maintenance of physical plant, including
depreciation and amortization expense of $2,574,741 and $2,918,920 respectively, overthe cost of providing instruction, academic support, student services, institutional
support, and auxiliary enterprises as follows:

Instruction
Academic support
Student services
Institutional support
Auxiliary enterprises
Total operation and maintenanceof physical plant

O.

2016

2015

$ 4,690,617
1,763,408
1,709,215
1,108,995
786,965$6,113,190
224,105
990,753
849,960
574,061$10,059,200$8,752,069

LITIGATION AND CONTINGENCIESThe University is a defendant in legal actions from time to time in the normal course ofoperations. It is not currently possible to state the ultimate liability, if any, in thesematters. In the opinion of management, any resulting liability from these actions will
not have a material adverse effect on the financial position of the activities of the
University.

P.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
During fiscal years 2016 and 2015, the University had an agreement with a company
owned by a member of the University’s faculty. Under the agreement, the company
developed and is maintaining the following online programs of study for the University:
Master of Business Administration
Master of Arts in Education
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science in Emergency Services Management
Associates of Arts
Associates of Science
Dual Enrollment- 30 -

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THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

BETHEL UNIVERSITYNOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTSJULY 31, 2016 AND 2015

P.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - Continued
Specifically, the company is responsible for developing course work, producing lecturesand graphic presentations, and maintaining student records. Fees under the agreement
range from $149 to $319 per student, per course. The most recent agreement was
executed effective April 1, 2015 for twelve (12) months, and automatically renews for an
additional term of twelve (12) months unless terminated in accordance with theagreement. Total fees incurred during fiscal years 2016 and 2015 were $6,473,190 and$7,096,337, respectively.
During fiscal years 2016 and 2015, the University entered into an agreement with acompany co-founded by a member of the Board of Trustees. Under the agreement, thecompany was granted rights as the University’s exclusive technology supplier for theRegistered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) online program ofstudy. The company has developed a learning management system (LMS) that is used asa platform for online curriculum delivery for the Colleges of Arts and Sciences and
Health Sciences. The curriculum is developed by and remains the property of the
University. Additionally, the company provides online support for students and faculty
and has developed a process within the LMS to obtain other analytical data. Fees under
the agreement are $50 per user per class for licensing rights to the product, including allenhancements, modifications, and new releases or modules. The agreement was
executed March 9, 2015 and shall continue for five (5) years, which will automaticallyextend for an additional two (2) years unless terminated in accordance with theagreement. Total fees incurred during fiscal years 2016 and 2015 were $419,750 and $0,
respectively.
The University entered into a note payable and a line-of-credit with a private company
owned by a member of the Board of Trustees. On December 31, 2015, the University
paid the note payable and line-of-credit in full with proceeds from USDA that were
provided within the lease, leaseback transaction with NCCD Bethel Properties LLC.
Total outstanding balances during fiscal year 2016 and 2015 were $-0- and $21,266,000
respectively (See Note E).
At various times throughout the fiscal year, the University transacts business with arelated party as part of the normal business operations of the University.
The University entered into leasing arrangements with related parties as described in
Note M.

Q.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTSThe University has evaluated subsequent events through November 11, 2016, theissuance date of the University’s financial statements, and has determined that there areno subsequent events requiring disclosure.
- 31 -

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SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

2017

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THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH243

BETHEL UNIVERSITY
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATIONYEAR ENDED JULY 31, 2016

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY COMPOSITE SCORE
As explained on the United States Department of Education’s(https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/about/data-center/school/composite-scores),websiteSection 498(c) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, requires forprofit and non-profit institutions to annually submit audited financial statements
to the Department to demonstrate they are maintaining the standards of financial
responsibility necessary to participate in the Title IV programs. One of many
standards, which the Department utilizes to gauge the financial responsibility of
an institution, is a composite of three ratios derived from an institution's audited
financial statements. The three ratios are a primary reserve ratio, an equity ratio,
and a net income ratio. These ratios gauge the fundamental elements of thefinancial health of an institution, not the educational quality of an institution.
The composite score reflects the overall relative financial health of institutions
along a scale from negative 1.0 to positive 3.0. A score greater than or equal to
1.5 indicates the institution is considered financially responsible.
Schools with scores of less than 1.5 but greater than or equal to 1.0 are consideredfinancially responsible, but require additional oversight. These schools are subject
to cash monitoring and other participation requirements.
For the fiscal years ended July 31, 2014, 2015, and 2016, management calculated the
University’s financial responsibility composite scores as follows:- 32 -

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BETHEL UNIVERSITY
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATIONYEAR ENDED JULY 31, 2016
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY COMPOSITE SCORE - Continued

Ratios:Primary Reserve Ratio:
Expendable Net Assets
Total Expense

2014
0.0102$
700,412$ 68,701,441

Equity Ratio:
Modified Net Assets
Modified Assets

0.2794Net Income Ratio:
Change in Unrestricted Net Assets
Total Unrestricted Revenue

0.05972015
0.02072016
0.0017$ 1,312,554$ 63,528,037
0.3008$ 22,990,537$ 82,297,078$
99,357$ 58,903,145
0.3571$ 24,914,811$ 82,834,615
0.0435$ 4,362,204$ 73,063,645$ 35,283,357$ 98,805,150
0.1549$ 2,891,998$ 66,420,035$ 10,799,211$ 69,702,356

Strength Factor Scores:
Primary Reserve strength factor score
Equity strength factor score
Net Income strength factor score0.10201.67623.00000.20661.80473.00000.01692.14263.0000Composite Score:
Primary Reserve Weighted Score
Equity Weighted Score
Net Income Weighted Score

0.04080.67050.60000.0826
0.72190.60000.00670.85700.6000Total Composite Score (Rounded):

1.3

1.4

1.5

UNIVERSITY KEY FINANCIAL RATIOSThe financial health of the University can be evaluated through the use of ratios. The following
ratios are customarily utilized by higher education institutions to measure financial condition.
There are four fundamental financial questions addressed by analysis of four core ratios.
••••

Are resources sufficient and flexible enough to support the mission? - Primary Reserve
Ratio
Do operating results indicate the institution is living within available resources? - Net
Operating Revenues Ratio
Does asset performance and management support the strategic direction? - Return on
Net Assets
Are financial resources, including debt, managed strategically to advance the mission? Viability Ratio

When combined, these four ratios deliver a single measure of the University’s overall financial
health, referred to as the Composite Financial Index. The following charts analyze theaforementioned ratios for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2014, 2015, and 2016:- 33 -

2017

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

BETHEL UNIVERSITY
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATIONYEAR ENDED JULY 31, 2016

UNIVERSITY KEY FINANCIAL RATIOS - Continued
Composite Financial Index
The Composite Financial Index (CFI) is calculated based upon the values of its four component
ratios: 1) Primary Reserve, 2) Net Operating Revenue, 3) Return on Net Assets, and 4) Viability
Ratio. Once each of the four ratios is calculated, further weighting is conducted to measure therelative strength of the score and its importance in the composite score. The CFI combines thefour core ratios identified below into a single score. The combination, using a prescribedweighting plan, allows a weakness or strength in one ratio to be offset by another ratio result.
The CFI reflects a picture of the financial health of the institution at a point in time.
COMPOSITE FINANCIAL INDEX (CFI)
FY14

FY15

FY16

2.2

1.1

3.0

Primary Reserve Ratio
The Primary Reserve Ratio is intended to address the question of sufficiency and flexibility forsupport of the mission. The ratio measures the financial strength of the University by comparing
expendable net assets, which includes those assets the University can access and spend quickly
to meet obligations, to total expenses at the end of every fiscal year. This ratio identifies the
University’s financial strength and flexibility by identifying how long the University canfunction by using reserves without the generation of any new net assets. A primary reserve ratioof .40 or 40% is advisable, implying that the university has the ability to cover over 4 ½ monthsof expenses. Key items that can impact this ratio include principal payments on debt, using net
assets to fund capital construction projects, endowment returns, and total operating expenses.
Although not reaching the benchmark, the University’s ratio is trending in a positive direction.
PRIMARY RESERVE RATIOEXPLANATION

FY14

FY15

FY16

$ 9,182,954$12,074,952$22,874,163$ 3,701,005$ 2,252,644$ 2,074,644$58,145,110$57,283,818$74,163,753+ unrestricted net assets EOY+ temporarily restricted net assets
EOY-- land, building, and equipment,
net of depreciation EOY$44,715,695$42,019,386$49,314,303+ long-term debt EOY$68,701,441$63,528,037$58,903,145

total expenses

-0.01

-0.01

0.00

Ratio

-0.09

-0.11

0.01

strength factor

0.0

0.0

0.0

weighted value- 34 -

245

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BETHEL UNIVERSITY
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATIONYEAR ENDED JULY 31, 2016

UNIVERSITY KEY FINANCIAL RATIOS - Continued
Net Operating Revenues Ratio
The Net Operating Revenues Ratio is intended to indicate if the University is living within its
available resources. The University needs to generate some level of surplus over long periods oftime because operations are one source for reinvestment in future initiatives. Short-term deficits
may occur as a result of strategic decisions. It is when deficits are unplanned or unmanaged andoccurring as a result of core operations that evaluation of operations is necessitated. A positive
ratio indicates the University is in good financial condition. An organization should establish atarget percentage, and establishing a benchmark should be in line with operating growth. A ratioof 2 to 4 percent indicates the University operated within its means and should be maintained
over time; however, fluctuations from year to year are normal. A large ratio identifies anoperating surplus and a stronger financial position. While a negative ratio indicates an operating
loss for the year, universities need to be careful about too large of a positive ratio, indicating
under spending on mission critical initiatives.
NET OPERATING REVENUES RATIO (%):
Using Change in Unrestricted Net Assets

EXPLANATION

FY14

FY15

FY16

$ 4,362,204$ 2,891,998$10,799,211$73,063,645$66,420,035$69,702,356

6.0

4.4

15.5

ratio

4.59

3.35

10.00

strength factor

0.5

0.3

1.0

weighted valuechange in unrestricted net assets
total unrestricted revenue

Return on Net Assets Ratio
The Return on Net Assets Ratio is intended to assess if the asset performance and management
support the strategic direction. The ratio measures whether the University is financially betteroff than in the previous year by measuring total economic return or the level of change in total
net assets. This ratio is the most comprehensive measure of growth or decline in wealth overtime. There is not a specific threshold; however, 3 to 4 percent is a generally acceptable real rateof return. An improving trend in this ratio indicates the university is increasing its net assets andis likely to be in a position to set aside financial resources to strengthen its future financial
flexibility. Key items that may impact this ratio include changes in the net operating revenue
ratio, endowment returns, capital gifts and grants, capital transfers, and endowment gifts. This
indicator can be greatly impacted when borrowing money for a capital project and when thecapital item is added to Net Assets. Looking at the trend will even out the anomalies.

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BETHEL UNIVERSITY
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATIONYEAR ENDED JULY 31, 2016

UNIVERSITY KEY FINANCIAL RATIOS - Continued
Return on Net Assets Ratio - Continued
RETURN ON NET ASSETS RATIO (%)

EXPLANATION

FY14

FY15

FY16

$ 3,440,711$ 1,924,274$10,368,546

change in net assets$19,549,826$22,990,537$24,914,811

total net assets BOY

17.6

8.4

41.6

ratio

8.80

4.18

10.00

strength factor

1.8

0.8

2.0

weighted value

Viability Ratio
The Viability Ratio is intended to address the question of whether financial resources are being
strategically managed to advance the mission of the University. It measures availability of
expendable net assets for coverage of debt should the University be required to settle its
obligations as of the date on the balance sheet. A 1:1 ratio is desired, indicating adequate net
assets to meet obligations. This ratio is one of the most basic determinants of clear financial
health and is regarded as governing the University’s ability to assume new debt. A ratio of 1.25
or greater indicates a strong creditworthy University with sufficient resources to satisfy debt
obligations; however, each university should identify the ratio that is right for its mission
specific needs. A viability ratio that falls below 1:1 hinders the university’s ability to respond toadverse condition, to secure external capital, and to have flexibility to fund new objectives. Key
items that may impact this ratio include principal payments on debt, using net assets for capitalconstruction projects, issuance of new debt, and endowment returns. Although not reaching thebenchmark, the University’s ratio is trending in a positive direction.
VIABILITY RATIOEXPLANATION

FY14

FY15

FY16

$ 9,182,954$12,074,952$22,874,163$ 3,701,005$ 2,252,644$ 2,074,644$58,145,110$57,283,818$74,163,753+ unrestricted net assets EOY+ temporarily restricted net assets
EOY-- land, building, and equipment,
net of depreciation EOY$44,479,635$42,019,386$49,314,303+ long-term debt EOY$44,479,635$42,019,386$49,314,303

long-term debt EOY

-0.02

-0.02

0.00

ratio

-0.04

0.05

0.00

strength factor

0.0

0.0

0.0

weighted value- 36 -

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BETHEL UNIVERSITY
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATIONYEAR ENDED JULY 31, 2016
UNRESTRICTED NET ASSETS EXCLUSIVE OF PLANT, PROPERTY,EQUIPMENT, RELATED DEBT AND OBLIGATION UNDERFINANCING ARRANGEMENTThe Southern Association of School and Colleges, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), hasvarious core requirements for meeting standards. One such standard is core requirement 2.11.1
requiring, among other things, the University to present a statement of financial position ofunrestricted net assets, exclusive of plant assets and plant-related debt, which represents thechange in unrestricted net assets attributable to operations. The chart below is provided to meetthis SACSCOC requirement. Although the University’s net unrestricted assets, excluding plant,
property, equipment, and related debt is negative, the trend over the past three fiscal years is
positive, indicating the University has taken measures to strengthen its financial stability.

Statements of Financial Position ofUnrestricted Net Assets, Exclusive of Plant
Assets and Plant-Related Debt
July 31,
2016

2015

2014

Unrestricted Net Assets$ 22,874,163$ 12,074,952$ 9,182,954

Less: property, plant, and equipment, net(74,163,753)(57,283,818)(58,145,110)

Add: plant-related debt

49,499,301

36,624,268

38,989,174$ (1,790,289)$ (8,584,598)$( 9,972,982)

Restatement of Net Assets without plant and plant-related
debt

URNA not including plant and debt

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BETHEL UNIVERSITYSCHEDULE OF EXPENDITURES OF FEDERAL AWARDSYEAR ENDED JULY 31, 2016

Federal Grantor/Pass-through Grantor/
Program or Cluster Title

Federal
CFDA Number

FederalExpenditures

84.26884.03884.033$55,601,116
664,049
145,29384.00784.063334,921
12,745,014

84.379143,198

U.S. Department of Education - Direct Awards
Student Financial Assistance - Cluster: (1)Federal Direct Student Loans Program (Note C)
Federal Perkins Loan Program (Note B)
Federal Work-Study Program (Note D)
Federal Supplemental Educational
Opportunity Grants Program (Note D)
Federal Pell Grant Program
Teacher Education Assistance for University andHigher Education Grant
Total Student Financial Assistance - Cluster

69,633,591

U.S. Department of Education - Pass-throughProgram from:Special Education: Grants to States
Tennessee Teachers Assistants Grant

84.027A

Total U.S. Department of Education

7,106
69,640,697

U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Pass-throughProgram from:State Department of Military:
Hazard Mitigation Grant (1) (Note D)

97.039Total Expenditures of Federal Awards(1) Tested as a major program

See independent auditor’s report.
- 38 -

1,997,498$71,638,195

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THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

BETHEL UNIVERSITYNOTES TO SCHEDULE OF EXPENDITURES OF FEDERAL AWARDSYEAR ENDED JULY 31, 2016

A.

BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying schedule of expenditures of federal awards is presented inaccordance with the requirements by Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit
Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), on the accrual basis ofaccounting consistent with the basis of accounting used by the University in the
preparation of its financial statements.
The University has elected not to use the 10-percent due minimis indirect cost rate
allowed under the Uniform Guidance.

B.

FEDERAL PERKINS LOAN PROGRAM - CFDA #84.038
The outstanding loan balance for the Federal Perkins Loan Program at July 31, 2016 was$426,208, net of the allowance for uncollectible loans of $237,841. Total loan
disbursements for the program for the year ended July 31, 2016, were $22,000. Other
disbursements include an expenditure for repayment of fund capital in the amount of$64,857.

C.

FEDERAL DIRECT LOANS PROGRAM - CFDA #84.268
During the fiscal year ending July 31, 2016, the University processed $55,601,116 of
new loans under the Federal Direct Loans program (which includes subsidized andunsubsidized Stafford Loans, Parents’ for Undergraduate Students, and Supplemental
Loans for Students)

D.

MATCHING FUNDSThe University provided matching funds of $111,641 for the Federal Supplemental
Educational Opportunity Grants program and $48,431 for the Federal Work Study
program during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016.
The University provided matching funds, the majority of which were in-kind, of$161,823 for the Hazard Mitigation Grant, while the State of Tennessee, Department ofMilitary also provided matching funds of $161,823.

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Independent Auditor’s Report on Internal Control Over
Financial Reporting and on Compliance and Other Matters
Based on an Audit of Financial Statements Performed in
Accordance with Government Auditing Standards

The Board of Trustees
Bethel University
McKenzie, Tennessee
We have audited, in accordance with the auditing standards generally accepted in the UnitedStates of America and the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government
Auditing Standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States, the financial
statements of Bethel University (the “University”), which comprise the statements of financial
position as of July 31, 2016, and the related statements of activities and cash flows for the year
then ended, and the related notes to the financial statements, and have issued our report thereon
dated November 11, 2016.
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
In planning and performing our audit of the financial statements, we considered the University’s
internal control over financial reporting (internal control) to determine the audit procedures thatare appropriate in the circumstances for the purpose of expressing our opinion on the financial
statements, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the
University’s internal control. Accordingly, we do not express an opinion on the effectiveness of
the University’s internal control.
A deficiency in internal control exists when the design or operation of a control does not allow
management or employees, in the normal course of performing their assigned functions, toprevent, or detect and correct misstatements on a timely basis. A material weakness is a
deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control such that there is a reasonable
possibility that a material misstatement of the entity’s financial statements will not be prevented,
or detected and corrected on a timely basis. A significant deficiency is a deficiency, or a
combination of deficiencies, in internal control that is less severe than a material weakness, yet
important enough to merit attention by those charged with governance.

The Astoria • 3803 Bedford Avenue, Suite 103 • Nashville, Tennessee 37215 • phone: 615-320-5500 • fax: 615-329-9465 • www.crosslinpc.com
An Independent Member of The BDO Alliance USA

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The Board of Trustees
Bethel University

Our consideration of the internal control was for the limited purpose described in the firstparagraph of this section and was not designed to identify all deficiencies in internal control thatmight be material weaknesses or significant deficiencies. Given these limitations, during our
audit we did not identify any deficiencies in internal control that we consider to be material
weaknesses. However, material weaknesses may exist that have not been identified.
Compliance and Other Matters
As part of obtaining reasonable assurance about whether the University’s financial statements
are free from material misstatement, we performed tests of its compliance with certain
provisions of laws, regulations, contracts, and grant agreements, noncompliance with which
could have a direct and material effect on the determination of financial statement amounts.
However, providing an opinion on compliance with those provisions was not an objective of ouraudit, and accordingly, we do not express such an opinion. The results of our tests disclosed no
instances of noncompliance or other matters that are required to be reported under Government
Auditing Standards.
Purpose of this Report
The purpose of this report is solely to describe the scope of our testing of internal control andcompliance and the results of that testing, and not to provide an opinion on the effectiveness of
the University’s internal control or on compliance. This report is an integral part of an audit
performed in accordance with Government Auditing Standards in considering the University’s
internal control and compliance. Accordingly, this communication is not suitable for any otherpurpose.

Nashville, Tennessee
November 11, 2016

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Independent Auditor’s Report on Compliance For Each Major
Programs and on Internal Control Over Compliance
Required by Uniform Guidance

The Board of Trustees
Bethel University
McKenzie, Tennessee

Report on Compliance for Each Major Federal Program
We have audited Bethel University’s (the “University”) compliance with the types ofcompliance requirements described in the OMB Compliance Supplement that could have a direct
and material effect on the University’s major federal programs for the year ended July 31, 2016.
The University’s major federal programs are identified in the summary of auditor’s results
section of the accompanying schedule of findings and questioned costs.
Management’s Responsibility
Management is responsible for compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms andconditions of its federal awards applicable to its federal programs.
Auditor’s Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on compliance for each of the University’s major
federal programs based on our audit of the types of compliance requirements referred to above.
We conducted our audit of compliance in accordance with auditing standards generally acceptedin the United States of America; the standards applicable to financial audits contained inGovernment Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States; andthe audit requirements of Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform
Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards(Uniform Guidance). Those standards and the Uniform Guidance require that we plan andperform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether noncompliance with the types ofcompliance requirements referred to above that could have a direct and material effect on amajor federal program occurred. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence about
the University’s compliance with those requirements and performing such other procedures as
we considered necessary in the circumstances.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion on compliance for eachmajor federal program. However, our audit does not provide a legal determination of the
University’s compliance.

The Astoria • 3803 Bedford Avenue, Suite 103 • Nashville, Tennessee 37215 • phone: 615-320-5500 • fax: 615-329-9465 • www.crosslinpc.com
An Independent Member of The BDO Alliance USA

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The Board of Trustees
Bethel University

Opinion on Each Major Federal Program
In our opinion, the University complied, in all material respects, with the types of compliancerequirements referred to above that could have a direct and material effect on each major federal
program for the year ended July 31, 2016.
Report on Internal Control Over ComplianceManagement of the University is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal
control over compliance with the types of compliance requirements referred to above. In
planning and performing our audit of compliance, we considered the University’s internal
control over compliance with the types of requirements that could have a direct and material
effect on each major federal program to determine the auditing procedures that are appropriate
in the circumstances for the purpose of expressing an opinion on compliance for each major
federal program and to test and report on internal control over compliance in accordance with
the Uniform Guidance, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness ofinternal control over compliance. Accordingly, we do not express an opinion on theeffectiveness of the University’s internal control over compliance.
A deficiency in internal control over compliance exists when the design or operation of acontrol over compliance does not allow management or employees, in the normal course of
performing their assigned functions, to prevent, or detect and correct, noncompliance with atype of compliance requirement of a federal program on a timely basis. A material weakness ininternal control over compliance is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal
control over compliance, such that there is a reasonable possibility that material noncompliancewith a type of compliance requirement of a federal program will not be prevented, or detected
and corrected, on a timely basis. A significant deficiency in internal control over compliance isa deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over compliance with a type ofcompliance requirement of a federal program that is less severe than a material weakness ininternal control over compliance, yet important enough to merit attention by those charged withgovernance.
Our consideration of internal control over compliance was for the limited purpose described in
the first paragraph of this section and was not designed to identify all deficiencies in internal
control over compliance that might be material weaknesses or significant deficiencies. We did
not identify any deficiencies in internal control over compliance that we consider to be material
weaknesses. However, material weaknesses may exist that have not been identified.

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The Board of Trustees
Bethel University

The purpose of this report on internal control over compliance is solely to describe the scope of
our testing of internal control over compliance and the results of that testing based on therequirements of the Uniform Guidance. Accordingly, this report is not suitable for any otherpurpose.

Nashville, Tennessee
November 11, 2016

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BETHEL UNIVERSITYSCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTSYEAR ENDED JULY 31, 2016

I. SUMMARY OF INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S RESULTS
Financial Statements
Type of auditor’s report issued:

Unmodified

Internal control over financial reporting:••Material weakness(es) identified?
Significant deficiency(ies) identified?

Noncompliance material to financial statements
noted?

Yes X NoYes X None Reported

Yes X No

Federal Awards
Internal control over major program:••Material weakness(es) identified?
Significant deficiency(ies) identified?

Type of auditor’s report issued on compliance formajor program:Any audit findings disclosed that are required
to be reported in accordance with
2 CFR 200.516(a)?

- 45 -Yes X NoYes X None Noted

Unmodified

Yes X No

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BETHEL UNIVERSITYSCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTSYEAR ENDED JULY 31, 2016

I. SUMMARY OF INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S RESULTS - Continued
Major Programs:
CFDA Number
SFA Cluster:
84.06384.26884.03884.00784.03384.03884.379Name of Federal Program
Federal Pell Grant Program
Federal Direct Student Loans
ProgramFederal Perkins Loan Program
Federal Supplemental Educational
Opportunity Grants Program
Federal Work-Study Program

Amount Expended$12,745,014
55,601,116
664,049
334,921145,293

Perkins Loans ($426,208
outstanding balance of loans)-

TEACHER Education Assistancefor College and Higher
Education Grant
143,198

97.039Hazard Mitigation Grant$1,997,498

Dollar threshold used to distinguish between type A
and type B programs
Auditee qualified as low-risk auditeeII.

$750,000
X Yes

FINANCIAL STATEMENT FINDINGS
A. Material Weakness in Internal Control
None Reported.
B. Compliance Findings
None Reported.

III.

FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS FOR FEDERAL AWARDS
None Reported.

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BETHEL UNIVERSITYSCHEDULE OF PRIOR YEAR FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTSYEAR ENDED JULY 31, 2016

The University had no prior audit findings related to the testing of its federal award programs.

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Memphis Theological Seminaryof the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
Financial Statements
July 31, 2016 and 2015

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MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY OF THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Table of Contents

July 31, 2016 and 2015
Page

Independent Auditor’s Report .................................................................................................................................... 3
Financial Statements
Statements of Financial Position ......................................................................................................................... 5
Statement of Activities ......................................................................................................................................... 6
Statement of Functional Expenses ...................................................................................................................... 7
Statements of Cash Flows ................................................................................................................................... 8
Notes to the Financial Statements ....................................................................................................................... 9
Supplementary Information
Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards ................................................................................................... 20
Non-Financial Section
Independent Auditor's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting and on
Compliance and Other Matters Based on an Audit of Financial Statements
Performed in Accordance with Government Auditing Standards ...................................................................... 22
Independent Auditor's Report on Compliance for a Major Program and on
Internal Control over Compliance Required by the Uniform Guidance ............................................................. 24
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs .................................................................................................... 26
Summary Schedule of Prior Audit Findings ....................................................................................................... 27

2017

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHINDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORTTo the Board of Trustees
Memphis Theological Seminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
Memphis, Tennessee
Report on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying financial statements of Memphis Theological Seminary of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church (a nonprofit organization), which comprise the statement of financial position as of July 31,
2016, and the related statements of activities, functional expenses, and cash flows for the year then ended, andthe related notes to the financial statements.
Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordancewith accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; this includes the design,
implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial
statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
Auditor’s Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our
audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America and the standards
applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of
the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance
about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in thefinancial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of therisks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk
assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of thefinancial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the
purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. Accordingly, we express nosuch opinion. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and thereasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
presentation of the financial statements.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit
opinion.
OpinionIn our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of Memphis Theological Seminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church as of July 31, 2016, and thechanges in its net assets and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America.

CANNON WRIGHT BLOUNT PLLC 756 RIDGE LAKE BLVD
PHONE 901.685.7500

FAX 901.685.7569

MEMPHIS TN 38120

WWW.CANNONWRIGHTBLOUNT.COM

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Other Matters
Other Information
Our audit was conducted for the purpose of forming an opinion on the financial statements as a whole. The
accompanying schedule of expenditures of federal awards, as required by Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements forFederal Awards, is presented for purposes of additional analysis and is not a required part of the financial
statements. Such information is the responsibility of management and was derived from and relates directly to theunderlying accounting and other records used to prepare the financial statements. The information has been
subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the financial statements and certain additional
procedures, including comparing and reconciling such information directly to the underlying accounting and otherrecords used to prepare the financial statements or to the financial statements themselves, and other additional
procedures in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. In our
opinion, the information is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the financial statements as a whole.
Other Reporting Required by Government Auditing Standards
In accordance with Government Auditing Standards, we have also issued our report dated November 15, 2016,
on our consideration of Memphis Theological Seminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church’s internal control
over financial reporting and on our tests of its compliance with certain provisions of laws, regulations, contracts,
and grant agreements and other matters. The purpose of that report is to describe the scope of our testing ofinternal control over financial reporting and compliance and the results of that testing, and not to provide an
opinion on internal control over financial reporting or on compliance. That report is an integral part of an audit
performed in accordance with Government Auditing Standards in considering Memphis Theological Seminary of
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church’s internal control over financial reporting and compliance.
Report on Summarized Comparative Information
We have previously audited the Memphis Theological Seminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church’s 2015
financial statements, and we expressed an unmodified audit opinion on those audited financial statements in ourreport dated November 20, 2015. In our opinion, the summarized comparative information presented herein as ofand for the year ended July 31, 2015, is consistent, in all material respects, with the audited financial statementsfrom which it has been derived.

Memphis, Tennessee
November 15, 2016

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Statements of Financial Position

July 31, 2016 and 2015

ASSETS
2016
Cash and cash equivalents
Investments, at fair value
Tuition and fees receivable, net of allowance of$80,448 in 2016 and $274,323 in 2015
Pledges receivable, net of discounts on pledges
Other receivables
Capital assets, net of accumulated depreciation
Cash value of life insurance
Land held for sale
Other assets
Total assets$

417,767
10,272,557

2015$

125,517715,178
242,364
3,153,924
36,69227,44843,437605,352
10,419,542
155,851
800,740
103,298
3,219,212
36,97227,44878,211$

15,034,884$

15,446,626$

303,359
100,000
1,647,333$

286,106
123,667
170,000
1,515,251

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Prepaid revenue
Line of credit
Notes payable
Total liabilities
Net Assets
Unrestricted
Board designated
Other unrestricted
Temporarily restricted
Permanently restricted
Total net assets
Total liabilities and net assets

See independent auditor’s report and notes to the financial statements$

2,050,692

2,095,024

74,114
2,965,501
3,247,881
6,696,696

79,437
3,391,099
3,419,361
6,461,705

12,984,192

13,351,602

15,034,884$

15,446,626

5

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MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY OF THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Statement of Activities

For the Year Ended July 31, 2016
(with summarized comparative totals for the year ended July 31, 2015)

Unrestricted
Operating Revenues and Support
Tuition and fees, net of scholarships of$472,805 and $460,331
Contributions and grants
Other revenue and support
Net assets released from restrictions

2016
Total

4,098,154(156,112)

234,991

4,177,033

4,577,303

1,771,063
360,000
298,726
71,546130,849
120,725--

1,771,063
360,000
298,726
71,546130,849
120,725

1,752,064
232,297272,384
93,390144,785
136,663

1,191,013
585,630--

1,191,013
585,630

975,553
658,437

4,529,552--

4,529,552

4,265,573

Increase (decrease) in net assets fromoperations(431,398)(156,112)

234,991(352,519)

311,730

Non-operating revenues and expenses
Investment income (loss) (Note 3)477(15,368)-(14,891)

342,572

Change in net assets(430,921)(171,480)

234,991(367,410)

654,302

Net assets, beginning of year

3,470,536

3,419,361

6,461,705

13,351,602

12,697,300$ 3,039,615$ 3,247,881$ 6,696,696$ 12,984,192$ 13,351,602

Total expenses

Net assets - end of year

See independent auditor’s report and notes to the financial statements$

1,862,835
2,093,891
220,307
-

2015
Total

234,991-

Expenses
Educational program services
Instruction
Library
Student services
Financial leadership for ministry
Program for alternative studies
Academic support
Supporting services
Institutional support
Development and fundraising$

Permanently
Restricted- $455,205(611,317)

Total operating revenues and support$ 1,862,835
1,403,695
220,307611,317

Temporarily
Restricted$

2,150,542
2,230,759
196,002
-

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MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY OF THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Statement of Functional Expenses

Instruction
Salaries andWages$ 1,115,779
Benefits
184,781
Professional
Development
30,156
Travel/AutoExpense2,211
Office Supplies
and Expense
13,742
Consultants /Professional
18,672
Special Events
29,913Student /Covenant
Groups40,550
Repairs andMaintenance165
Utilities
Insurance
ExpenseProperty Taxes
Other Expense
7,596Interest Expense
Capital Campaign
ExpenseDepreciation
Allocation of Facilities
Operations &Security
327,499$ 1,771,064

For the Year Ended July 31, 2016
(with summarized comparative totals for the year ended July 31, 2015)

Educational Program Services
Financial
Program forStudent
Leadership Alternative
Services for Ministry
Studies
Library

Academic
SupportFacilities
Operations

Security
Services

Institutional
Support$111,351
36,545$204,766
31,596

71,266
13,860$ 89,795
18,162$ 172,615
37,640$-$ 478,096
83,719

-

1,745

-

1,670

1,715

-

1,685

$

43,187
1,416$-

Supporting Services
Development
and FundRaising

$

2016
Total

2015
Total

250,837
51,378$2,537,692
459,097$2,473,723
429,134

3,905

40,876

15,521

235

2,111

1,359

4,631

3,195

1,988

-

5,203

4,670

25,603

23,68550,701

7,879

1,847

1,907

1,923

7,353

-

49,997

49,774

185,123

148,040

-

6,299

2,135
6,063

32,307--59,661-

81,51029,90974,570161,978
179,061

133,188
133,248

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

40,55044,913

1,286
-

-

-

-

-

143,358
77,328

-

1,760
-

-

146,569
77,32874,70578,981

793
-

5,656
-

6,576
-

604
-

154
-

108,704
12,051(2,742)
70,126-

142,435-

43,357-

108,704
12,051
204,42970,12699,954
20,36882,181
71,411

-

-

-

-

-

183,309--

97,056-

97,056
183,309

252,573
183,948

159,089

38,674$360,000$298,726

8,963$

71,546

$

6,274

5,826

130,849$ 120,725

See independent auditor’s report and notes to the financial statements(813,445)$-$(59,661)

316,699-$1,191,013$

10,082--585,629$4,529,552$4,265,573

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MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY OF THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Statements of Cash Flows

For the Years Ended July 31, 2016 and 20152016

Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Change in net assets
Adjustments to reconcile change in net assets to net
cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation
Capital (gains) losses on investments
Bad debt expense
Discount on pledges
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:(Increase) decrease in assets
Tuition, fees and other receivables
Pledges receivable
Other assets
Increase (decrease) in liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Prepaid revenue

$

2015

(367,410) $654,302

183,309
89,914
100,656(10,893)

183,948(271,823)
25,656(12,867)(209,388)
96,45534,774(100,322)(6,097)(46,353)

17,253(123,667)(5,148)(6,021)(188,997)

415,275

Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Purchases of investments
Reinvestments of investment earnings
Sale of investments(Increase) decrease in cash surrender value of life insurance
Purchases of property and equipment(190,139)(67,542)
314,752
280(118,021)(448,989)(76,233)
378,950
3,308(91,932)

Net cash flows from (used for) investing activities(60,670)(234,896)(70,000)
1,680,262(1,548,180)(100,000)(92,242)

62,082(192,242)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents(187,585)(11,863)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

605,352

617,215

Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities

Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Increase (decrease) in line of credit
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable
Principal payments on notes payable
Net cash flows from (used for) financing activities

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year$

417,767$

605,352

Supplemental Disclosure:Interest paid during the year$

69,059$77,092

See independent auditor’s report and notes to the consolidated financial statements

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MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY OF THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Notes to the Financial Statements

July 31, 2016 and 2015

Note 1 – Organization and Purpose
The Memphis Theological Seminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church (the “Seminary”) is an ecumenicalProtestant seminary serving the mid-south region from its campus in Memphis, Tennessee. Memphis TheologicalSeminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church provides postgraduate theological education to clergy andchurch leaders of the parent denomination and qualified students from other denominations. Memphis
Theological Seminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church is governed by a Board of Trustees elected by theGeneral Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Note 2 – Significant Accounting Policies
Financial Statement Presentation
Memphis Theological Seminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church prepares its financial statements inaccordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which involves theapplication of accrual accounting. Under generally accepted accounting principles, Memphis TheologicalSeminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church reports information regarding its financial position and activities
according to three classes of net assets as follows:
Unrestricted Net Assets — Net assets that are not subject to donor-imposed stipulations. Unrestricted net
assets may be designated for specific purposes by action of the Board of Trustees or may otherwise belimited by contractual agreements with outside parties.
Temporarily Restricted Net Assets — Net assets whose use by the Seminary is subject to donor-imposed
stipulations that can be fulfilled by actions of the Seminary pursuant to those stipulations or that expire by
the passage of time.
Permanently Restricted Net Assets — Net assets subject to donor-imposed stipulations that they be
maintained permanently by the Seminary. Generally, the donors of these assets permit the Seminary to
use all or part of the investment return on these assets.
Contributions
Contributions received by Memphis Theological Seminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church are recorded
as unrestricted, temporarily restricted, or permanently restricted support depending on the existence and/or
nature of any donor restrictions. Temporarily restricted net assets are reclassified to unrestricted net assets uponsatisfaction of the time or purpose restrictions.
Investment Valuation and Income Recognition
Investments are reported at fair value. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid totransfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. See Notes 3
and 4 for discussion and computation of fair value.
Unrealized holding gains and losses are included in current year revenue and support as a component ofinvestment income. Realized gains and losses are computed using the specific identification method.
Capital Assets
All acquisitions of property and equipment and expenditures for repairs and maintenance that prolong the useful
lives of assets in excess of $1,000 are capitalized at cost. Expenditures for normal repair and maintenance are
expensed to operations as they occur. Depreciation is provided through the straight-line method over the assets’estimated useful lives which range from three to ten years for equipment, fifteen years for library books andtwenty-five to forty years for buildings.

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MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY OF THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Notes to the Financial Statements

July 31, 2016 and 2015

Note 2 – Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents are defined as short term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known
amounts of cash and are so near maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because ofchanges in interest rates.
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements andaccompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Income Taxes
Memphis Theological Seminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church is a not-for-profit organization that is
exempt from income taxes under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) and is also exempt from state income
taxes. The Seminary is generally no longer subject to federal and state audit for tax years prior to the year ended
July 31, 2013.
Donated Property, Equipment and Services
Donations of property and use of property are recorded as support at their estimated fair value at the date of
donation. Such donations are reported as unrestricted support unless the donor has restricted the donated asset
to a specific purpose. The value of donated property was $0 in 2016 and 2015.
Donated services are recognized as contributions if the services (a) create or enhance non-financial assets or (b)require specialized skills, are performed by people with those skills, and would otherwise be purchased by theOrganization. There were no contributed services recorded for accounting and consulting in 2016 and 2015.
Functional Allocation of Expenses
The cost of providing the various educational programs and supporting services has been summarized on afunctional basis in the statement of functional expenses. Accordingly, certain costs have been allocated among
the programs and services benefited.
Reclassification of Prior Year Amounts
Certain amounts in the July 31, 2015, financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the July 31, 2016,
presentation.
Subsequent Events
Memphis Theological Seminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church evaluated all events or transactions that
occurred through November 15, 2016, the date Memphis Theological Seminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church approved these financial statements for issuance.

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289
MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY OF THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Notes to the Financial Statements

July 31, 2016 and 2015

Note 3 – Fair Value Measurement
The FASB ASC Subtopic 820-10 Fair Value Measurements,(formerly SFAS No. 157), defines fair value as theexchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or mostadvantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at themeasurement date. SFAS No. 157 established a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used tomeasure fair value. This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize theuse of unobservable inputs.
The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows: Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
 Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar
assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets
that are not active; or inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
 Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to thefair value of the assets or liabilities. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow
methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.
The estimated fair value of Memphis Theological Seminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church's financial
instruments has been determined by management using available market information. However, considerable
judgment is required in interpreting market data to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the fair values
are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that Memphis Theological Seminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church could realize in a current market exchange. The use of different market assumptions may have a material
effect on the estimated fair value amounts.
The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, net receivables, cash value of life insurance, payables,
accrued liabilities, and debt are a reasonable estimate of their fair value, due to their short term nature, method ofcomputation and interest rates for current debt.
All financial assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis (at least annually) have been segregatedinto the most appropriate level within the fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used to determine the fair value
at the measurement date.

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MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY OF THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Notes to the Financial Statements

July 31, 2016 and 2015

Note 3 – Fair Value Measurement (continued)
The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the Seminary’s financial instruments at fairvalue as of July 31, 2016:

Total
Investment securities
Cash/cash equivalents
Money market funds
Bonds and bond funds
Common and preferred stocks
Real estate investment funds
Mutual funds
Private investment entities
Total investments
Land held for sale$

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3728,900
10,04625,434
120,713736,330
214,2888,436,846$

728,900
10,04625,434
120,713214,288-$736,330-$

8,436,846$ 10,272,557$

1,099,381$

736,330$

8,436,846

$

$

-

$

-

$

27,44827,448The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the Seminary’s financial instruments at fairvalue as of July 31, 2015:

Total
Investment securities
Cash/cash equivalents
Money market funds
Bonds and bond funds
Common and preferred stocks
Real estate investment funds
Mutual funds
Private investment entities
Total investments
Land held for sale$

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3446,350
4,274
1,449,162
136,617736,910
409,957
7,236,272$

446,350
4,274
10,971
136,617409,957-$

1,438,191
736,910-$

7,236,272$ 10,419,542$

1,008,169$

2,175,101$

7,236,272

$

$

-

$

-

$

27,44827,448The private investment entities are investments entered into by the Board of Stewardship to achieve greater rates
of return. They include funds whose inputs used to determine fair value are considered unobservable and are
therefore Level 3 inputs.
The carrying value of the above land held for sale is based on expected recoverability at the time of sale.
Memphis Theological Seminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church uses appraised values and otherinformation available to determine the carrying value. The inputs used to determine fair value are consideredunobservable and are therefore Level 3 inputs.

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MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY OF THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Notes to the Financial Statements

July 31, 2016 and 2015

Note 3 – Fair Value Measurement (continued)
Transactions in Level 3 assets for the years ended July 31, 2016 and 2015, were as follows:

2016

2015

Private investment entities
Beginning balance
Change in allocation of investments
Reinvestments
Realized/unrealized gains (losses)$

7,236,272 $(250,521)
1,409,870
41,225

6,967,450(168,572)
37,735
399,659

Ending balance$

8,436,846$

7,236,272

Beginning balance$

27,448$27,448Ending balance$

27,448$27,448Land held for sale

Investment income (loss) was as follows for the years ended July 31, 2016 and 2015:

2016

2015

Investment income
Realized investment gains (losses)
Unrealized investment gains (losses)$

75,023 $59,487(149,401)

70,75035,462
236,360

Net investment income (loss)$(14,891) $342,572

Note 4 – Endowments
Nearly all of Memphis Theological Seminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church’s investments, which containendowments, are managed by the Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, Inc., and maintained in pooled investment accounts with other funds. The investments
generally originate from gifts and contributions for which separate identifiable investment accounts are createdthat indicate the source of the funds and/or the purpose for which the funds are to be used. Many of theseaccounts are designated for monthly distributions to Memphis Theological Seminary of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church based on one-twelfth of 5% of the rolling average value. The Board of Stewardship,
Foundation and Benefits, issues an aggregate amount to Memphis Theological Seminary of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church and charges the applicable accounts for their proportionate share. In addition, Memphis
Theological Seminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church can request on an as needed basis, additional
distributions that will be used for the purpose for which the account was created.

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MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY OF THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Notes to the Financial Statements

July 31, 2016 and 2015

Note 4 – Endowments (continued)
The Seminary has interpreted the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act (“UPMIFA”) requiring a
portion of a donor restricted endowment of perpetual duration be classified as permanently restricted assets. The
amount of the endowment that must be retained permanently is in accordance with explicit donor stipulations as
outlined in their respective endowment agreements. The Seminary has other endowment funds that are
temporarily restricted by the donor as to purpose and are classified as temporarily restricted until they are
expended on their respective purposes. Investment income and net appreciation on these permanently andtemporarily restricted endowments is classified as temporarily restricted or permanently restricted if so directed by
the donor in the respective endowment agreements or as unrestricted in the absence of donor instructions. The
Seminary has other donated funds and board designated funds that are included in investments and are not
restricted as to use. These funds, as well as investment income and net appreciation on these funds areclassified as unrestricted. Expenditures (withdrawals) of the temporarily restricted and unrestricted funds areapproved by management. The funds held by the Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Inc. are invested with the primary objective of providing a balance between
capital appreciation, preservation of capital, and current income. This is a long-term goal designed to maximize
returns without undue risk. The Board of Stewardship selects the investment portfolio where the endowments will
be invested as described in the Investment Policy of The Cumberland Presbyterian Church Center, which outlines
the asset allocations, permissible investments, and objectives of the portfolios.
Changes in endowment net assets for the years ended July 31, 2016 and 2015, were as follows:

Balance at July 31, 2014

Unrestricted
Board
Designated
Other

Temporarily
Restricted

Permanently
Restricted

$

$

$

Investment return:
Investment income
Change in market value
Total investment return
Contributions
Appropriation of endowment
assets for expenditure
Reclassifications
Balance at July 31, 2015
Investment return:
Investment income
Change in market value
Total investment return
Contributions
Appropriation of endowment
assets for expenditure
Balance at July 31, 2016$82,263$

1,585,815

2,080,907

Total

6,252,462$ 10,001,447

720
2,500
3,220
-

28,871
134,328
163,199
251,10235,842
123,638
159,480-

11,356
11,356
197,887

65,433271,822337,255448,989(6,046)-(213,403)(5,009)(148,700)
5,009-(368,149)-

79,437

1,781,704

2,096,696

6,461,705

10,419,542

595
3,487
4,082
-

31,864(42,950)(11,086)
105,148

35,083(50,451)(15,368)-

84,991

67,542(89,914)(22,372)
190,139(4,945)(179,699)(130,108)-(314,752)

6,546,696$ 10,272,557

78,574$

1,696,067$

1,951,220

$

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293

MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY OF THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Notes to the Financial Statements

July 31, 2016 and 2015

Note 5 – Capital Assets
Capital assets are as follows at July 31, 2016 and 2015:

2016
Building and improvements
Furniture and equipment
Library books
Vehicles$

4,357,318
892,587
1,853,526
44,014
7,147,445
4,597,189
2,550,256
208,650
395,018$

4,292,602
886,529
1,809,944
48,514
7,037,589
4,418,380
2,619,209
208,650
391,353$

3,153,924$

3,219,212

Less accumulated depreciation
Land
Construction in progress
Capital assets, net

2015

Depreciation expense for the years ended July 31, 2016 and 2015, was $183,309 and$183,948, respectively.
Note 6 – Concentration of Credit Risk
Memphis Theological Seminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church has cash equivalents invested by the
Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits. At July 31, 2016, these funds total $246,559 and are not insured
by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).
In addition, Memphis Theological Seminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church maintains cash balances inaccounts at a well-established financial institution located in Memphis, Tennessee. These balances are insured by
the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to certain limits. At July 31, 2016, Memphis Theological Seminaryof the Cumberland Presbyterian Church had no uninsured balances.
Memphis Theological Seminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church's tuition and fees receivable are fromstudents for which the majority receive some form of financial assistance. Management maintains an allowance
for uncollectible based on periodic reviews of each individual student's account.
Note 7 - Pledges Receivable
Pledges receivable primarily represent pledges from numerous donors to be used for a capital campaign which
was initiated in a prior year. The campaign has three purposes: 1) to help fund the construction of a new freestanding chapel; 2) to fund construction of a new classroom/office building; and 3) to increase endowments. At
the beginning of the current fiscal year, the fund raising campaign was changed from a capital campaign to acomprehensive campaign in which pledges made could still be designated to the capital campaign, but could also
be designated to support facilities maintenance, support the annual fund, or be undesignated. Pledges receivablefor the capital/comprehensive campaign totaled $604,642 and $651,097 at July 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Pledges receivable also include a pledge to offset the cost of a faculty member. Pledges receivable to offset thecost of the faculty member totaled $150,000 and $200,000 as of July 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Theseamounts have been discounted to present value using a rate of 3.07%. Management considers all pledges
receivable at July 31, 2016 and 2015, to be fully collectible.

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MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY OF THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Notes to the Financial Statements

July 31, 2016 and 2015

Note 7 - Pledges Receivable (continued)
The pledges, net of the discount, are due to be received as follows:

Less than one year
One year to five years
Gross contributions receivable$2016
310,345444,297754,642

Less: discount to present value
Contributions receivable, net$(39,464)$2015
145,269
705,828851,097(50,357)

715,178$

800,740

Note 8 – Line of Credit
Memphis Theological Seminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church has a $400,000 revolving line of credit
agreement with a local bank that matures September 2017. Borrowings outstanding under the agreement($100,000 at July 31, 2016 and $170,000 at July 31, 2015) bear interest at the bank’s prime rate (3.50 percent at
July 31, 2016). The line is guaranteed by the Board of Stewardship, Foundation and Benefits.
Note 9 – Notes Payable
Notes payable consist of the following at July 31, 2016 and 2015:2016
Note payable, due in monthly installments of $5,360 at a variableinterest (4.75% at July 31, 2015) through January 2031

$

2015

-

$

718,284

Note payable, due in monthly installments of $5,058 at a variableinterest (4.75% at July 31, 2015) through April 2032-

486,441

Note payable, due in monthly installments of $1,618 at a variableinterest (4.75% at July 31, 2015) through April 2033-

248,051

Note payable, due in monthly installments of $1,436 at a variableinterest (4.75% at July 31, 2015) through September 2033-

62,475

1,647,333-

Note payable, due in monthly installments of $10,052 bearing
interest at 3.85% through November 2025 and a single balloon
payment of the remaining unpaid balance in December 2025
Total notes payable$

1,647,333$

1,515,251

The note payable at July 31, 2016, is secured by property owned by the Seminary and located at 168 East
Parkway, Memphis, Tennessee.

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295

MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY OF THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Notes to the Financial Statements

July 31, 2016 and 2015

Note 9 – Notes Payable (continued)
Scheduled principal payments required for the years ending July 31 are as follows:

Amount
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Thereafter$

58,21760,49862,86965,18067,887
1,332,682

Total notes payable$

1,647,333

Note 10 – Retirement Plan
Memphis Theological Seminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church sponsors a qualified defined contribution
retirement plan for eligible employees as defined by the plan under IRC Section 403(b). Employees are eligible toparticipate in the plan immediately upon hire and contributions to the plan are vested immediately. Eachparticipant in the plan may make voluntary contributions to the plan of up to the lesser of twenty percent (20%) ofannual compensation received by the participant during the plan year, or the maximum allowed by law. Memphis
Theological Seminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church matches participant’s contributions to a maximumof 3.5%. Contributions to the plan by Memphis Theological Seminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church forthe years ended July 31, 2016 and 2015, were $54,380 and $55,409, respectively.
Note 11 – Related Party
Memphis Theological Seminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Board of Stewardship are
separate corporations but both are affiliated with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in that the governing boardof the Church elects the members of the Board of Trustees of Memphis Theological Seminary of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church and the Board of Stewardship. There are no common board members between Memphis
Theological Seminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Board of Stewardship. Amounts due toand from the Board of Stewardship as of July 31, 2016 and 2015, are as follows:

2016

2015

Due the Board of Stewardship from the Seminary:Notes Payable
Accrued Interest$$

Seminary assets held by the Board of Stewardship:
Seminary cash held
Seminary investments held
Other Receivables$$ 10,116,325$
69,689-$$1,515,251
1,889$
239,082$ 10,267,769$
90,290296

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2017

Presbyterian Church
MEMPHISTHEOLOGICAL SEMINARY OF THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Notes to the Financial Statements

July 31, 2016 and 2015

Note 12 – Temporarily Restricted Net Assets
Temporarily restricted net assets consist of the following at July 31, 2016 and 2015:

Endowment restrictions
Capital campaign restriction
Comprehensive campaign restriction
Faculty salary restriction
Financial Leadership for Ministries
Other restrictions

$

$

2016
1,951,220
920,229
42,142
141,722
152,567
40,001
3,247,881

$

$

2015
2,096,696
1,009,418
188,696
110,433
14,1183,419,361

Note 13 – Concentration of Revenue
In the year ended July 31, 2016, approximately 15% of total operating revenues and support was received from
one individual.

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Presbyterian Church
PresbyterianSEMINARY
Church
MEMPHISTHEOLOGICALOF THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards

For the Year Ended July 31, 2016

Federal Grantor/
Pass-Through Grantor/
Program or Cluster Title

CFDA
Number

U.S. Department of Education Federal
Family Education Loan Program

84.032

Total
Expended$

2,199,664

Basis of Presentation
The accompanying schedule of expenditures of federal awards (the “Schedule”) includes the federal award
activity of Memphis Theological Seminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church under programs of the federal
government for the year ended July 31, 2016. The information in this Schedule is presented in accordance withthe requirements of Title 2 CFR U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative
Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance). Because theSchedule presents only a selected portion of the operations of Memphis Theological Seminary of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, it is not intended to and does not present the financial position, changes in net assets or
cash flows of Memphis Theological Seminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Expenditures reported on the Schedule are reported on the accrued basis of accounting. Such expenditures arerecognized following the cost principles contained in OMB Circular A-21, Cost Principles for Educational
Institutions, wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement.

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Non-Financial Information

299

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INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
AND ON COMPLIANCE AND OTHER MATTERS BASED ON AN AUDIT OF FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS PERFORMED IN ACCORDANCE WITH GOVERNMENT AUDITING STANDARDSTo the Board of Trustees
Memphis Theological Seminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
Memphis, Tennessee
We have audited, in accordance with the auditing standards generally accepted in the United States ofAmerica and the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards
issued by the Comptroller General of the United States, the financial statements of Memphis TheologicalSeminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church (a nonprofit organization), which comprise thestatement of financial position as of July 31, 2016, and the related statements of activities, functional
expenses, and cash flows for the year then ended, and the related notes to the financial statements, andhave issued our report thereon dated November 15, 2016.
Internal Control over Financial Reporting
In planning and performing our audit of the financial statements, we considered Memphis TheologicalSeminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church’s internal control over financial reporting (internal
control) to determine the audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances for the purpose of
expressing our opinion on the financial statements, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on
the effectiveness of Memphis Theological Seminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church’s internal
control. Accordingly, we do not express an opinion on the effectiveness of Memphis Theological Seminaryof the Cumberland Presbyterian Church’s internal control.
A deficiency in internal control exists when the design or operation of a control does not allow
management or employees, in the normal course of performing their assigned functions, to prevent, or
detect and correct, misstatements on a timely basis. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a
combination of deficiencies, in internal control, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material
misstatement of the entity’s financial statements will not be prevented, or detected and corrected on atimely basis. A significant deficiency is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control
that is less severe than a material weakness, yet important enough to merit attention by those charged
with governance.
Our consideration of internal control was for the limited purpose described in the first paragraph of thissection and was not designed to identify all deficiencies in internal control that might be material
weaknesses or significant deficiencies. Given these limitations, during our audit we did not identify any
deficiencies in internal control that we consider to be material weaknesses. However, material
weaknesses may exist that have not been identified.
Compliance and Other Matters
As part of obtaining reasonable assurance about whether Memphis Theological Seminary of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church’s financial statements are free from material misstatement, we
performed tests of its compliance with certain provisions of laws, regulations, contracts, and grant
agreements, noncompliance with which could have a direct and material effect on the determination offinancial statement amounts. However, providing an opinion on compliance with those provisions was not
an objective of our audit, and accordingly, we do not express such an opinion. The results of our tests
disclosed no instances of noncompliance or other matters that are required to be reported under
Government Auditing Standards.

CANNON WRIGHT BLOUNT PLLC 756 RIDGE LAKE BLVD
PHONE 901.685.7500

FAX 901.685.7569

MEMPHIS TN 38120

WWW.CANNONWRIGHTBLOUNT.COM

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Purpose of this Report
The purpose of this report is solely to describe the scope of our testing of internal control and complianceand the results of that testing, and not to provide an opinion on the effectiveness of the organization’s
internal control or on compliance. This report is an integral part of an audit performed in accordance with
Government Auditing Standards in considering the organization’s internal control and compliance.
Accordingly, this communication is not suitable for any other purpose.

Memphis, Tennessee
November 15, 2016

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INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT ON COMPLIANCE FOR A MAJOR PROGRAM AND ON
INTERNAL CONTROL OVER COMPLIANCE REQUIRED BY THE UNIFORM GUIDANCE

To the Board of Trustees
Memphis Theological Seminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
Memphis, Tennessee
Report on Compliance for a Major Federal Program
We have audited Memphis Theological Seminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church’s compliancewith the types of compliance requirements described in the OMB Compliance Supplement that could
have a direct and material effect on Memphis Theological Seminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church’s major federal program for the year ended July 31, 2016. Memphis Theological Seminary of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church’s major federal program is identified in the summary of auditor’s results
section of the accompanying schedule of findings and questioned costs.
Management’s Responsibility
Management is responsible for compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms andconditions of its federal awards applicable to its federal program.
Auditor’s Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on compliance for Memphis Theological Seminary of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church’s major federal program based on our audit of the types of compliancerequirements referred to above. We conducted our audit of compliance in accordance with auditing
standards generally accepted in the United States of America; the standards applicable to financial audits
contained in Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States;
and the audit requirements of Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative
Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance). Thosestandards and the Uniform Guidance require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonableassurance about whether noncompliance with the types of compliance requirements referred to abovethat could have a direct and material effect on a major federal program occurred. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence about Memphis Theological Seminary of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church’s compliance with those requirements and performing such other procedures as we
considered necessary in the circumstances.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion on compliance for the major federal
program. However, our audit does not provide a legal determination of Memphis Theological Seminary of
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church’s compliance.
Opinion on a Major Federal Program
In our opinion, Memphis Theological Seminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church complied, in allmaterial respects, with the types of compliance requirements referred to above that could have a direct
and material effect on its major federal program for the year ended July 31, 2016.
Report on Internal Control over ComplianceManagement of Memphis Theological Seminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church is responsible
for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over compliance with the types of compliancerequirements referred to above. In planning and performing our audit of compliance, we considered
Memphis Theological Seminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church’s internal control overcompliance with the types of requirements that could have a direct and material effect on a major federal
program to determine the auditing procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances for the purposeof expressing an opinion on compliance for a major federal program and to test and report on internal
CANNON WRIGHT BLOUNT PLLC 756 RIDGE LAKE BLVD
PHONE 901.685.7500

FAX 901.685.7569

MEMPHIS TN 38120

WWW.CANNONWRIGHTBLOUNT.COM

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control over compliance in accordance with the Uniform Guidance, but not for the purpose of expressing
an opinion on the effectiveness of internal control over compliance. Accordingly, we do not express an
opinion on the effectiveness of Memphis Theological Seminary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church’s
internal control over compliance.
A deficiency in internal control over compliance exists when the design or operation of a control overcompliance does not allow management or employees, in the normal course of performing their assigned
functions, to prevent, or detect and correct, noncompliance with a type of compliance requirement of afederal program on a timely basis. A material weakness in internal control over compliance is a
deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over compliance, such that there is areasonable possibility that material noncompliance with a type of compliance requirement of a federal
program will not be prevented, or detected and corrected, on a timely basis. A significant deficiency ininternal control over compliance is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control overcompliance with a type of compliance requirement of a federal program that is less severe than a material
weakness in internal control over compliance, yet important enough to merit attention by those charged
with governance.
Our consideration of internal control over compliance was for the limited purpose described in the firstparagraph of this section and was not designed to identify all deficiencies in internal control overcompliance that might be material weaknesses or significant deficiencies. We did not identify any
deficiencies in internal control over compliance that we consider to be material weaknesses. However,material weaknesses may exist that have not been identified.
The purpose of this report on internal control over compliance is solely to describe the scope of our
testing of internal control over compliance and the results of that testing based on the requirements of the
Uniform Guidance. Accordingly, this report is not suitable for any other purpose.

Memphis, Tennessee
November 15, 2016

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MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY OF THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs

For the Year Ended July 31, 2016

SECTION I - SUMMARY OF AUDITOR'S RESULTS
Financial Statements
Type of auditor's report issued:

Unmodified

Internal control over financial reporting:- Material weakness(es) identified?

yes

X

no

- Significant deficiencies identified that are notconsidered to be material weaknesses?

yesXnone noted

yes

X

no

- Material weakness(es) identified?

yes

X

no

- Significant deficiencies identified that are notconsidered to be material weaknesses?

yesXnone noted

yes

X

no

- Noncompliance material to financial statements
noted?
Federal Awards:
Internal control over major programs:

Type of auditor's report issued on compliance formajor program:

Unmodified

Any audit findings disclosed that are required
to be reported in accordance with
2 CFR section 200.516(a)?
Identification of major programs:
CFDA 84.032

U.S. Department of Education Federal
Family Education Loan Program

Threshold for distinguishing type A and B programs:$750,000

Auditee qualified as low risk auditee:

X

yes

no

SECTION II - FINANCIAL STATEMENT FINDINGS
There are no financial statement findings for the year ended July 31, 2016.
SECTION III - FEDERAL AWARD FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
There are no federal award findings or questioned costs for the year ended July 31, 2016.

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MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY OF THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Summary Schedule of Prior Audit Findings

For the Year Ended July 31, 2016

There were no findings or questioned costs for the year ended July 31, 2015.

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APPENDICESREPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE(Appendix A)
The Credentials Committee certifies the list of commissioners on pages 5 and 6 of the Preliminary
Minutes with the following changes:
On the part of Elder Delegates, Denise Gales, Red River Presbytery, is not present.
On the part of Youth Advisory Delegates, Stephen McKoon, Red River Presbytery, is not present.
Enrollment as of 8:30 a.m. is certified as thirty-one (31) ministers and twenty-eight (28) elders fora total of fifty-nine (59) Commissioners with twenty-one (21) Youth Advisory Delegates.
Respectfully submitted,
Lanny Johnson
Roger Reid
Christy Miller, ChairRESOLUTION OF FORGIVENESS, UNITY, AND RESOLVE(Appendix B)
WHEREAS, we Cumberland Presbyterians are considering the call of God as we embrace our2017 Theme of “Connecting With Our Neighbor” (Luke 10: 29-37) during the 142nd convening of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America (CPCA), General Assembly; andWHEREAS, Jesus commands his followers with specific instructions: go, teach, baptize, forgive
and make disciples.(Matthew 28:18-20), and
WHEREAS, the Colored Cumberland Presbyterian Church was formed in May of 1874 as aresult of the racism and segregation practices that existed within the Cumberland Presbyterian Churchand directed towards its African American membership. Where, in defense of Cumberland Presbyterian
institutionalized segregation and resulting unequal representation, African American members petitioned
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church for assistance in organizing a separate body for African Americans,allowing the African American membership) to become independent and self-reliant, to develop its own
clergy and other leaders, and maintain its own church buildings, all with encouragement and financial
support from the parent denomination. The resulting predominately African American (black) church was
re-named as the Second Cumberland Presbyterian Church before assuming its current name; andWHEREAS, we proudly celebrate the faith and conviction of our early CPCA fathers, our committed
African American Presbyterians ancestors. We recognize their witness as fellow pilgrims on the journeyof faith and as our spiritual ancestors who “earnestly contended for the faith that was once delivered to thesaints” (Jude 1:3). We commend them for their vision and proclaim those Church Fathers as our spiritualancestors who taught us not only to reverence the mystery of God through word, thought, and deed, but also
to celebrate the African American heritage of Christianity through witness in the tradition of those few, but
brave and faithful men and women of color: andWHEREAS, we joyfully acknowledge that God is truly the sustainer of us all! We recognize thatfact as evident in that the CPCA and CPC entities both are still in existence and are both focused, working
to carry out the Great Commission; and, although in many ways working separately in God’s vineyard, both
CPC and CPCA congregations have a willingness and desire to live in His heavenly will as is evident intheir continued partnership; andWHEREAS, relations between the two Cumberland Presbyterian Churches have for the most partbeen very cordial, with many of the CPCA ministers having received training at Memphis TheologicalSeminary. The two denominations continue to share a Confession of Faith and cooperate in many common
ministries; andWHEREAS, in true Christian fashion the 186th General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian

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Church does recognize,confess, and condemn and repent of past failures to love brothers and sisters fromminority cultures in accordance with what the Gospel requires, as well as failures to lovingly confront theirbrothers and sisters concerning racial sins and personal bigotry, and failing to “learn to do good, seek justiceand correct oppression (Isaiah 1:17);” andWHEREAS, the186th General Assembly of the CPC has resolved to apologize to us, their African
American brothers and sisters, and seeks our forgiveness, and has further resolved to work to restore thebroken relationships their sin has caused. The CPC has resolved to recommit itself to the gospel taskof racial reconciliation, diligently seeking effective courses of action to further that goal, with humility,
sincerity and zeal, for the glory of God and the furtherance of the Gospel; andWHEREAS, we also seek the healing of our division as Cumberland Presbyterians. We know, notjust in our hearts and minds, but where our faith resides, that the path of forgiveness is the direction weare meant to take. “All of this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us
the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to him…and entrusting themessage of reconciliation to us.” (2 Corinthians 5:18–19); and have therefore hereby
RESOLVED, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America in its entirety hopes and prays that
the Apology will be words of action and sincerity not only in the sanctuary, but in every facet of our daily
lives. In the new spirit this Apology has created, let us unite our hearts and minds in the wholeness of lifethat God has given us. May God grant us strength and vision for the journey towards right relations andwellbeing and see the possibilities and promise of healing; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America accepts the CPC apology andwe extend to you our forgiveness in the name of our lord and savior, Jesus Christ. Ephesians 4: 31-32, says,“ let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice,
and be kind, one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God, for Christ’s sake, hathforgiven you”; and be it further
RESOLVED, because of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior and His great love toward us, we extend
that same love, forgiveness, grace and mercy towards you. We pray that the genuineness of your repentanceand our forgiveness will be reflected in the attitudes and actions of all. We forgive you, for Christ’s sake,
Amen.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY(Appendix C)
I. REFERRALS
Referrals to this committee are as follows: The Report of the Permanent Committee on Judiciary,
The Report of the Joint Committee on Amendments, and The Memorial from Andes Presbytery Regarding
Gender Diversity.
II. PERSONS OF COUNSEL
Reverend Andy McClung, Permanent Judiciary Committee; Reverend Elinor Brown, Discipleship
Ministry Team; and Stated Clerk Mike Sharpe appeared before the committee.
III. CONSIDERATION OF REFERRALS
A. REPORT OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON AMENDMENTS
Rules of Order 12.5 bars members of a judicatory from voting on matters in which they have aconflict of interest, but it does not limit their ability to participate in debate on those matters. Recognizingthat influence can be wielded in debate or discussion which may impact the vote on that issue, the Committee
offers the following:
RECOMMENDATION 1: That Recommendation 1 of the Report of the Joint Committeeon Amendments, “that Rules of Order 12.5 be amended to read “No member of a judicatory shallparticipate in debate or vote on a matter in which the member has a pecuniary interest, a personal
interest, or other conflict of interest not common to other members of the judicatory. A member of a

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judicatory has such a conflict of interest when the member also belongs to a lower judicatory whose
action is the subject of an appeal to or review by the higher judicatory. In such a case, the member
may participate as a representative of the lower judicatory but may not participate as a member ofthe higher judicatory. Members are not prevented from voting for themselves for an office or otherposition to which members generally are eligible (see Robert’s Rules of Order, Section 45).”,” beadopted.
Note that revisions to Robert’s Rules of Order necessitate the change from “Section 44” to “Section 45.”
We note with joy the expansion of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church into new mission fields
across the globe. While we celebrate this growth, it seems to have out-paced our rules. In order to provide
the best possible support to these new churches and their pastors, we offer the following:
RECOMMENDATION 2: That Recommendation 2 of the Report of the Joint Committeeon Amendments, “that Constitution 9.5 be renumbered as 9.6 and a new 9.5 be inserted, reading asfollows: “9.5 The General Assembly, in order to promote the mission work of the Church and thedevelopment of new churches outside the United States, may authorize a synod or its missions entity(utilizing ordained personnel) to act in place of a presbytery with respect to persons, ministers, andchurches outside the United States and outside the bounds of any existing presbytery. The missions
entity or synod may attach mission work to an existing presbytery, with the presbytery’s approval.
The General Assembly shall provide for the oversight and responsibility of the body’s ecclesiasticalactions.”,” be adopted.
B. REPORT OF THE PERMANENT COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
Should Recommendation 2 be adopted by the General Assembly and ratified by Presbyteries, thatchange in structure requires a companion change in our Bylaws. We commend the Permanent Judiciary
Committee for bringing this to our attention in a timely manner, and offer the following:
RECOMMENDATION 3: That Recommendation 1 of the Report of the PermanentCommittee on Judiciary, “that the General Assembly Bylaw 11.05, which refers to the Judiciary
Committee, be amended by inserting 11.05.06. “The committee shall have oversight of and responsibility
for ecclesiastical decisions made by a body acting in the place of a presbytery with respect to mission
work and mission fields. The oversight and responsibility exercised by 4 the committee shall be thesame as that exercised by a synod with respect to a presbytery under its care, specifically Constitution
8.5, a, b and c.”,” be adopted.
C. THE MEMORIAL FROM ANDES PRESBYTERY REGARDING GENDER DIVERSITYThe Committee discussed the Memorial from Andes Presbytery, and its request that the General
Assembly closely review and monitor programs and institutions that may unduly influence the doctrine andwork of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and thus prevent an infiltration of concepts that are foreign toour doctrine and practice.”
We heard from Reverends Elinor Brown and Michael Sharpe, and considered past actions andcurrent policies of the General Assembly and its agencies regarding our relationship with outside “programs
and institutions.” Specifically, we direct your attention to the following:• Cumberland Presbyterian Digest 9.4n INTERPRETIVE, 1951, which states that “if membershipin or affiliation with such organization outside the denomination involves a change in doctrine of the churchor the commitment of the church board or agency to some matter of doctrine contrary to our Confession of
Faith, prior approval must be had from three-fourths of the presbyteries of the church as well as the priorapproval of not less than 75 percent of the full membership of the General Assembly.”• 2015 Minutes of the General Assembly (page 41) “Referrals from General Assembly” to the
Ministry Council, Section C.1: Presbyterian Church USA Evaluation: “The Ministry Council andDiscipleship Ministry Team in particular have been and will continue to be vigilant to ensure any content or
program in association with the PCUSA does not run counter to CP beliefs as articulated in the Confessionof Faith.”2017

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We are satisfied that our past commitment to “review and monitor” all joint ministry efforts is still
being honored.
RECOMMENDATION 4: That the Memorial from Andes Presbytery, “REGARDINGGENDER DIVERSITY” which states:“On April 10, 2017, in a duly convened called meeting, Andes Presbytery approved this Memorial
to be submitted for consideration by the 187th General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church.
WHEREAS the church in Colombia has been pressured by [the politics of] gender ideology that in
our context involves promoting a diversity of genders that is openly contrary to the Bible;
WHEREAS our source of authority is from the Bible, and the Bible teaches:That in Genesis 1:26 God created humankind as man and woman.
That according to Leviticus 18:22 homosexuality is an aberration before God.
¨Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable.¨ (NIV)That according to Romans 1:26-27 homosexuality is contrary to God´s original design.
¨Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural
relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations withwomen and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with othermen, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.¨ (NIV)That according to 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, practicing homosexuals will not enter into the Kingdom of
Heaven.
¨Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived:
Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual
offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanders nor swindlers will inherit the
kingdom of God.¨ (NIV);
WHEREAS we are Cumberland Presbyterians and take our doctrinal and practical framework frombiblical principles;
WHEREAS we note with concern influences from other denominations and groups that are contrary
to our doctrine and historical practice;
WHEREAS some of those influences, especially with reference to the Youth Triennium, have alreadynegatively impacted some of our youth;
WHEREAS we wish to prevent those same influences from permeating our educational material andthe development and experiential practice of the church´s ministries;
BE IT RESOLVES, that Andes Presbytery requests the General Assembly to closely review andmonitor programs and institutions that may unduly influence the doctrine and work of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church and thus prevent an infiltration of concepts that areforeign to our doctrine and practice, with special reference to any ideology that promotes amultiplicity of genders [besides man and woman].
I certify that this copy is true to the Memorial approved by Andes Presbytery on April 10, 2017.
Respectfully, Rev. Diana Maria Valdez,” be denied.
Spanish version
El 10 de abril de 2017, en reunión extraordinaria debidamente convocada, el Presbiterio
de los aprobó este Memorial para ser sometido para la consideración de la Asamblea General de la
Iglesia Presbiteriana Cumberland en su reunión ordinaria en 2017.
MEMORIAL DEL PRESBITERIO DE LOS ANDES PARA LA ASAMBLEA GENERAL #187 DE 2017
Por cuanto la iglesia en Colombia ha sufrido influencias de la ideología de género. Que ennuestro contexto implica promover una diversidad de géneros que es abiertamente contraria a la

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Biblia,Por cuanto nuestra única fuente de autoridad es la Biblia.
La Biblia enseña:
Que Dios creó un hombre y una mujer, en Génesis 1:26
Que la homosexualidad es una aberración delante de Dios:Lv.. 18:22“No te acostarás con varón como los que se acuestan con mujer; es una abominación.”
Que la homosexualidad quebranta el diseño original de Dios: Ro 1:26,27“26 Por esta razón Dios los entregó a pasiones degradantes; porque sus mujeres cambiaron la
función natural por la que es contra la naturaleza; 27 y de la misma manera también los hombres,abandonando el uso natural de la mujer, se encendieron en su lujuria unos con otros, cometiendo
hechos vergonzosos hombres con hombres, y recibiendo en sí mismos el castigo correspondiente a su
extravío.”
Que los homosexuales practicantes no entrarán en el Reino de los Cielos: 1Co 6:9,10“9 ¿O no sabéis que los injustos no heredarán el reino de Dios? No os dejéis engañar: ni los inmorales,
ni los idólatras, ni los adúlteros, ni los afeminados, ni los homosexuales, 10 ni los ladrones, ni losavaros, ni los borrachos, ni los difamadores, ni los estafadores heredarán el reino de Dios.” Porcuanto somos Presbiterianos Cumberland y tomamos nuestro marco doctrinal y de práctica de losprincipios bíblicos.
Por cuanto percibimos con preocupación influencias de otras denominaciones y grupos que son
contrarias a nuestra doctrina y práctica histórica.
Por cuanto algunas de esas influencias, especialmente en el trienio juvenil, ya han causado impacto
negativo en algunos de nuestros jóvenes.
Por cuanto quisiéramos prevenir que esas mismas influencias llegaran a permear nuestro material
educativo y el desarrollo y práctica vivencial de los ministerios
Entonces el Presbiterio de los Andes, solicita a la Asamblea General que revise y vigile muy de cerca
los programas e instituciones que puedan influir en el pensamiento doctrina y trabajo de la Iglesia
Presbiteriana Cumberland, y así impedir infiltraciones de pensamientos ajenos a nuestra doctrina ypráctica, especialmente con referencia a la ideología de género.
Certifico que es copia fiel del Memorial aprobado por el Presbiterio de los Andes el 10 de abril de2017.
Respetuosamente,Rev. Diana María Valdez, Secretaria, Presbiterio de los Andes,” ser negado.
Respectfully submitted,
The Committee on Judiciary

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON
CHILDREN’S HOME AND HIGHER EDUCATION(Appendix D)
I. REFERRALS
Referrals to this committee are as follows: The Report of the Board of Trustees of Memphis
Theological Seminary, The Report of the Board of Trustees of Bethel University, The Report of the Board

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of Trustees of the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home, The Report of the Joint Committee on theCovenant Relationship between the General Assembly Corporation and Bethel University, and The Reportof the Joint Committee on the Covenant Relationship between the General Assembly Corporation andCumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home.
II. PERSONS OF COUNSEL
Appearing before this committee were: Reverend Duane Dougherty, member of the Board ofTrustees of the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home and Jennifer Livings and Debby Garrett also
from the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home; Reverend Jay Earheart-Brown, President Memphis
Theological Seminary; Reverend Linda Howell, member of the Board of Trustees for Memphis TheologicalSeminary; and Reverend Michael Qualls,Director of Program of Alternate Studies; Dr. Walter Butler,
President of Bethel University, and his wife, Jennifer Butler; Nancy McSpadden, Elton Hall, Nancy Bean,and Robert Truitt.
III. THE REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEESOF MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
For 157 years Memphis Theological Seminary has witnessed to the importance of an educatedministry. MTS continues to minister in an ever changing world. The mission of the seminary is to be kept
before the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in thought and prayer and in such tangible ways as Seminary/
PAS Sunday on August 20, 2017.
We are grateful for the vital work of Memphis Theological Seminary and especially its trustees who
have served with honor.
RECOMMENDATION 1: That Recommendation 1 of the Report of the Board of Trustees ofMemphis Theological Seminary, “that the General Assembly express its gratitude to trustees Marble,
Ward, Wharton, and Coombs for their faithful service to Memphis Theological Seminary and the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church,” be adopted.
The Ministry for the Real World campaign is a vital strategy to insure that Memphis TheologicalSeminary continues to fulfill its calling. Having secured around $14 million in gifts and pledges toward its
goal of $25 million, the campaign is moving ahead of schedule and hopes to continue raising needed support
and funds. The committee agrees in principle with the Board of Trustees recommendation noting only that
the General Assembly’s role is to work first through presbyteries who in turn work through churches andother groups.
RECOMMENDATION 2: That Recommendation 2 of the Report of the Board of Trusteesof Memphis Theological Seminary, “that the General Assembly encourage individuals, churches, andgroups across the Cumberland Presbyterian Church to consider investing in the development of
future leaders through the “Ministry for the Real World” campaign,” be denied.
RECOMMENDATION 3: That the General Assembly encourage presbyteries who in turn
encourage churches, groups, and individuals across the Cumberland Presbyterian Church to consider
investing in the development of future leaders through the “Ministry for the Real World” campaign.”
The committee notes the retirement of Reverend Stan Wood, D.Min. after long years of diligent
service to MTS in a variety of roles, most recently as Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean.
RECOMMENDATION 4: That the General Assembly express its gratitude to Reverend
R. Stan Wood, D.Min. for his faithful service to Memphis Theological Seminary as well as the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church/ Cumberland Church in America.
We pray that God will continue to call women and men to the office of ministry, and that they
will be well prepared to fulfill their calling. We encourage those God calls to find Memphis TheologicalSeminary as a priority in their educational journey of faith. The committee agrees in principle with therecommendation of the Board of Trustees noting that presbyterial probationary care committees are central
to encouraging probationers to attend MTS.

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RECOMMENDATION 5: That Recommendation 3 of the Report of the Board of Trusteesof Memphis Theological Seminary, “that the General Assembly urge all probationers to consider
Memphis Theological Seminary and the Program of Alternate Studies as their first options formeeting educational requirements for ordained ministry,” be denied.
RECOMMENDATION 6: That the General Assembly urge presbyteries through theirprobationary care committees to guide probationers toward considering Memphis TheologicalSeminary and the Program of Alternate Studies as their first options for meeting educational
requirements for ordained ministry.
The committee agrees in principle with the Board of Trustees recommendation concerning
Seminary/PAS Sunday and simply directs encouragement first through the presbytery.
RECOMMENDATION 7: That Recommendation 5 of the Report of the Board of Trustees ofMemphis Theological Seminary, “that the third Sunday in August, (August 20, 2017 and August 19,2018) be included in the General Assembly Calendar as Seminary/PAS Sunday, and that the General
Assembly encourage all churches to share information about MTS and PAS and receive a special
offering on that day, or on a more convenient day of the session’s choosing,” be denied.
RECOMMENDATION 8: That the third Sunday in August, (August 20, 2017 and August 19,2018) be included in the General Assembly Calendar as Seminary/PAS Sunday, and that the General
Assembly encourage all presbyteries who in turn encourage churches to share information about
MTS and PAS and receive a special offering on that day, or on a more convenient day of the session’s
choosing.
(Note: August 20, 2017 and August 19, 2018 as the date of Seminary/PAS Sunday are included in
the Stated Clerk’s Report under Church Calendar 2017-2018)
IV. THE REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF BETHEL UNIVERSITY
Bethel University for 175 years has lived out its educational calling. The University continues togrow and reach students in an ever changing world. The mission of Bethel University is to be kept before
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in thought and prayer and in such tangible ways as Bethel University
Sunday on November 5, 2017. Every five years Bethel’s covenant relationship is reviewed. Only minorchanges in wording of the mission relative to the online aspect of education were made from the last review.
V. THE REPORT OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON THE COVENANT RELATIONSHIPBETWEEN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY CORPORATION AND BETHEL UNIVERSITYRECOMMENDATION 9: That Recommendation 1 of The Joint Committee on theCovenant Relationship Between GAC/Bethel University, “that the Joint Committee on the Covenant
Relationship Recommends the Adoption of the Following Document:
THE COVENANT BETWEENBETHEL UNIVERSITY AND CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
I. HISTORICAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEENBETHEL UNIVERSITY AND THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Bethel University was established in McLemoresville, Tennessee in 1842 as a Cumberland
Presbyterian School, under the auspices of the Synod of West Tennessee. The initial purpose was theeducation and training of ministers, but the school was open to anyone who wanted an education in amoral and religious environment. The school was chartered under the laws of the State of Tennesseein 1847. Bethel College came into being in 1850 under a new state charter granting the college all therights and privileges of a full collegiate institution.
The Civil War brought hard times to Bethel College and McLemoresville. The area wasequally divided between Union and Confederate forces and the college was occasionally occupied byeach army. The structures and equipment were damaged, but the greater loss was, the student body2017

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who served on both sides of the conflict. Bethel College was re-organized at McLemoresville after the
Civil War and in 1872 it was relocated to McKenzie, Tennessee, to take advantage of the crossroads
between North Carolina and St. Louis and the L&N Railways. J.M. McKenzie deeded the land forBethel to the Bethel Board of Trustees on February 2, 1872.
The Synod of West Tennessee ceded Bethel College to the General Assembly of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church in 1919. McKenzie, Tennessee was voted as the permanent location for thecollege at the General Assembly of 1922 in Greenville, Tennessee. Bethel College was thoroughly
re-organized and standardized in 1923. Bethel College became a four-year Liberal Arts college,
chartered by the State of Tennessee and accredited by the Commission on Colleges of Southern
Association of Colleges and Schools. In light of Bethel’s growth, complexity and impact, the Board ofTrustees recognized the need for Bethel College to become Bethel University which occurred in 2009.
The University is chartered by the State of Tennessee and accredited by the Commission on Collegesof Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
II. NATURE AND PURPOSE OF THE COVENANT RELATIONSHIPThe relationship that exists between Bethel University and the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church 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 level of 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 conditions of our world.
This covenant, moreover, frees each party from being controlled or ultimately responsible for or toeach other, but unites the two parties through their common vision and missions. It seeks to honor
the legal independence of each party while retaining and ongoing, mutual moral responsibility. This
covenant relationship does not preclude the university from forming other covenant relationships
with other Church bodies.
III. THE ONGOING MISSION OF EACH COVENANT PARTY
A. THE MISSION OF BETHEL UNIVERSITY
Bethel University’s mission is to create opportunities for members of the learning community
to develop in a Christian environment their highest intellectual, spiritual and social potential. This
includes synchronous and asynchronous modes of education.
B. THE MISSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY CORPORATION
Vision of Ministry of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church Biblically based and Christcentered Born out of specific sense of mission, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church strives to betrue 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 andservice to the world and above all the Cumberland Presbyterian Church lives out the love of God to
the glory of Jesus Christ.
IV. THE CORPORATE INTEGRITY OF EACH COVENANT PARTY
A. Bethel University and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church are separate, legally independentand individually responsible entities.
B. Bethel University will be governed by a self-perpetuating Board of Trustees, with no less than amajority of its total membership as active members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
C. Neither the General Assembly Corporation nor any of the General Assembly’s councils, boards,
agents, officers, or employees shall be liable for any of the debts of Bethel University. In similar
fashion, Bethel University is not liable for any of the debts of the Cumberland Presbyterian Churchor its agencies, nor does it have a claim on any of the assets of the Cumberland Presbyterian Churchor its agencies.

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V. COMMITMENT OF EACH PARTY TO THE COVENANT
Both Bethel University and the General Assembly Corporation will demonstrate mutual
concern and support for one another. The primary expression of mutual concern and support will
involve relationships between the two parties that provide services for each other.
A. THE COMMITMENTS OF BETHEL UNIVERSITY
Bethel University will be a resource to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and its
constituencies for educational purposes related to the Church’s mission. Bethel University is free tosolicit funds for both capital and operating expenses from individual and Cumberland Presbyterian
and other persons, congregations, presbyteries, trustees, foundations, estates, and any other sources.
Any major capital campaign initiated by Bethel University with targets primarily Presbyteries,
Synods, and Congregations of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church will be scheduled by mutual
consent of Bethel University and the General Assembly Corporation through the Office of the StatedClerk.
B. The General Assembly Corporation will provide financial support for the university by regularbenevolent giving in accordance with an objective funding formula developed by the General
Assembly Corporation.
The General Assembly Corporation will encourage support of Bethel University by
Synods, Presbyteries, sessions and individual Cumberland Presbyterians through planned giving
programs. The General Assembly Corporation pledges programmatic support to the university byencouraging use of personnel and facilities of the university for denominational events, emphasizing
the opportunities afforded by church-related higher education in its youth ministry programs, andproviding the specialized services of the denominational Board of Stewardship, Foundation and
Benefits.
VI. REVIEW AND REAFFIRMATION OF THE COVENANTAL RELATIONSHIP
There will be a review, and if necessary, revision of the covenant relationship every five years.
The General Assembly Corporation and the Board of Trustees of Bethel University will see that sucha review is accomplished through appropriate committees. These committees will be appointed by
the respective entities.
The review process will be initiated by the administration of the university and the review/
reaffirmation process shall consist of an in-depth review of all aspects of the university. The review
process will be designed by the administration of the university and a review committee electedby the General Assembly Corporation. The review shall include consideration of changes and/or
amendments to the Covenant relationship, as well as any suggestions to the university and the General
Assembly resulting from the review. The administration of the university and the General Assembly
Corporation committee shall produce a joint written report of the review process to be signed by theGeneral Assembly Corporation Committee and the President of the university and submitted to boththe Bethel Board of Trustees and the General Assembly Corporation.
Responsibility for approval of any change in the covenant resides with the Board of Trusteesof Bethel University and the General Assembly Corporation. This agreement may be modified oraltered prior to the reaffirmation process only with the consent of both parties.
VII. COMMUNICATION BETWEEN COVENANT PARTNERS
Bethel University and the Church will communicate concerning the affairs of the university
and the strength of the relationship at least every five years during the reaffirmation and renewal of
the covenant. However, Bethel University is encouraged to submit information-only reports throughthe Stated Clerk to any meeting of the General Assembly Corporation.
VIII. APPROVAL OF THE COVENANT
This document establishes and contains the terms of the covenant relationship between the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church and Bethel University. By formal action, the Board of Trustees of

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Bethel University and the General Assembly Corporation adopt this Covenant and pledge themselvesto carry out its provisions. Approved by the Board of Trustees Bethel University_______________________
President, Bethel University
Board of Trustees_______________________
President, Bethel University
Approved by the 187th General Assembly Of the Cumberland Presbyterian_________________________
General Assembly Stated Clerk_________________________
Date
Respectfully Submitted,
The Bethel University Covenant Review Committee,” be adopted.
VI. THE REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEESOF THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHILDREN’S HOME
The Children’s Home continues to be the arm of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church reachingout to broken families in crises. For 113 years, the Children’s Home has fulfilled its calling to servechildren and families offering healing and hope. The mission of the Children’s Home is to be kept before
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in thought and prayer and in such tangible ways as Children’s Home
Sunday on March 18, 2018. Every five years the Children’s Home’s covenant relationship is reviewed.
Renewal of the Covenant with updated revisions is recommended.
The Children’s Home continues to need our help, our financial gifts and volunteer efforts areconcrete ways that we can participate.
RECOMMENDATION 10: That the General Assembly urge presbyteries and in turnchurches and other groups to support the Children’s Home with volunteer help, financial assistance,
as well as celebrating Children’s Home Sunday on March 18, 2018.
VII. THE REPORT OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON THE COVENANT RELATIONSHIPBETWEEN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY CORPORATION AND
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHILDREN’S HOME
RECOMMENDATION 11: That Recommendation 1 of the Report of the Joint Committee
on the Covenant Relationship Between the General Assembly Corporation and Cumberland
Presbyterian Children’s Home, “that the Joint Committee on the Covenant Relationship Recommends
the Adoption of the Following Document:
The Addendum Number One 22 April 2017
I. HISTORICAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHILDREN’S HOME AND
THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
The Mission Statement of the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home has been revised
to read: “In response to Christ’s love and example, we serve children and families by providing
healing and hope.” The Children’s Home is in its 113th year of operation as a ministry of theGeneral Assembly. As the Children’s Home entered the 21st Century, it maintained its core values
while updating its delivery of services to fulfill its ministry. Today, CPCH is one ministry with fourinterrelated programs -- Long Term Residential Foster Care, Emergency Residential Foster Care,
Single Parent Family residential and service program and Cumberland Family Services counseling.
II. . . . .

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III. . . . .
IV. THE LEGAL RELATIONSHIP AND THE CORPORATE INTEGRITYOF EACH COVENANT PARTY
Separate Legal Entities.
a. Governance of CPCH. CPCH’s Certificate of Formation and By-Laws provide that it shall be
managed by a Board of Trustees, of which at least 10 of the 18 Trustees must be members of a local
Cumberland Presbyterian Church or Presbytery.
VII. APPROVAL OF THE COVENANT
This document and subsequent Addendums establishes and contains the terms of the Covenant
relationship between the Board of Trustees of the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home andthe Cumberland Presbyterian Church General Assembly Corporation.
This Addendum Number One is signed on the _____ day of ____________2017.
Cumberland Presbyterian Church Board of Trustees of theGeneral Assembly Corporation Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home_____________________The Rev. Michael SharpeStated Clerk__________________________The Rev. Dr. Richard A. Brown
President, CEO & General Counsel

Respectfully,
The Joint Committee on the Covenant Between the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home and
the General Assembly Corporation,” be adopted.
Respectfully Submitted,
The Committee on the Children’s Home and Higher Education

THEOLOGY AND SOCIAL CONCERNS/ UNIFICATION TASK FORCE(Appendix E)
I. REFERRALS
Referrals to this committee are as follows: The Report of the Ministry Council, Section 1.B.6; The
Report of the Unified Committee on Theology and Social Concerns; and The Report of the Unification Task
Force.
II. PERSONS OF COUNSEL
Appearing before this committee were: Reverend William Robinson (CPCA) and Reverend Joy
Warren (CPC), representatives of the Unification Task Force; Elder Joy Wallace and Reverend Nancy
Fuqua, representative from the Unified Committee of Theology and Social Concerns; and Ministry Council
staff: Mrs. Edith Old, Reverend Milton Ortiz and Reverend Lynn Thomas.
III. CONSIDERATION OF REFERRALS
A. REPORT OF THE UNIFIED COMMITTEE OF THEOLOGY AND SOCIAL CONCERNSRECOMMENDATION 1: That Recommendation 1 of the Report of the Unified Committeeon Theology and Social Concerns, “that the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church commend Japan Presbytery for their diligent theological work in response to the social
concerns that face them on a daily basis,” be adopted.

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RECOMMENDATION 2: That Recommendation 2 of the Report of the Unified Committeeon Theology and Social Concerns, “that this paper be distributed to all presbyteries as a study
document and that General Assembly direct presbyteries to use the resolution as a model for thework of presbytery committees on theological and social concerns in order that presbyteries might
begin to use their declarative authority and speak theologically to the social issues that confront the
Church,” be adopted.
RECOMMENDATION 3: That Recommendation 3 of the Report of the Unified Committeeon Theology and Social Concerns, “that the General Assemblies accept the papers, “A Question of
Hermeneutics” and “Identifying and Addressing Elder Abuse-A Social Response” as study papers
and that they be used to initiate thought and discussion within the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America,” be adopted.
RECOMMENDATION 4: That Recommendation 4 of the Report of the Unified Committeeon Theology and Social Concerns, “that the Office of the General Assembly of both denominations
makes these papers available to churches through the stated clerks of the presbyteries,” be denied.
The Committee offered the following recommendation in its place:
RECOMMENDATION 5: That the office of the General Assembly of both denominations
make these papers available to the church (members) through the stated clerks of the presbyteries,
denominational publications, all forms of digital media, and directing attention and traffic to www.
cumberland.org/uctsc, which is the website for the Unified Committee on Theology and Social
Concerns.
RECOMMENDATION 6: That Recommendation 5 of the Report of the Unified Committeeon Theology and Social Concerns, “that the General Assemblies recommend to presbyteries the book
“America’s Original Sin” by Jim Wallis as a resource on addressing racism in America,” be denied.
The Committee offered the following recommendation in its place:
RECOMMENDATION 7: The General Assemblies recommends to the presbyteries works
such as; but not limited to “America’s Original Sin” by Jim Wallis, “Race Rules: Navigating theColor Line” by Michael Eric Dyson, “Understanding Every Day Racism” by Philomena Essed, and“The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Color Blindness” by Michele Alexander as
resources on addressing racism in America.
B. REPORT OF THE UNIFICATION TASK FORCE
The Committee was in support of the Unification Task Force.
RECOMMENDATION 8: That Recommendation 1 of the Report of the Unification Task
Force, “that the General Assemblies encourage pastors, elders, sessions, churches, presbyteries andsynods to continue their study and discussion of the Proposed Plan of Union, and that responses be
directed to the UTF through the Office of the Stated Clerk of the CPC or Office of the Administrative
Director of the CPCA, “be adopted.
RECOMMENDATION 9: That Recommendation 2 of the Report of the Unification Task
Force, “that the fourth Sunday in June be set aside in the church calendars as Unification Sunday
beginning in 2018,” be adopted.
In light of the discussion on how to improve the process of unification the committee offeredsuggestions that embrace the global church.
RECOMMENDATION 10: That the General Assemblies encourage pastors, elders, sessions,churches, presbyteries, and synods to be more proactive in creating, diverse, meaningful sharedcommunity experiences world wide between CPC and CPCA. Recommended activities include
pastor/choir swaps, sporting events, VBS, and revivals, and also more effectively utilize all forms of318

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social media and digital communication to promote unification.
C. REPORT OF THE MINISTRY COUNCIL, SECTION 1.B.6
The CPC Commissioners met with members of the Ministry Council Staff who explained theimportance of self-assessment, nature of missions, and expanding dialogue with the Unification Task Force.
Unification Task Force representative, Reverend Joy Warren was invited back to speak to the commissioners.
She indicated that the Unification Task Force welcomes feedback from all avenues.
RECOMMENDATION 11: That Recommendation 3 of the Report of the Ministry Council,
Section 1.B.6, “that the Cumberland Presbyterian General Assembly instruct boards and agencies
listed in the Unification Task Force’s revised plan to provide a report to the next General Assembly(188th) asking these boards and agencies to provide: 1.) Their ideas with respect to the best ways toimplement unification within their board or agency, 2.) Their assessment explaining if their board
or agency needs structural changes as part of unification and what those changes should be, and 3.)
What the board or agency anticipates will be the approximate costs implementing unification and or
restructure of their board or agency,” be adopted.
Respectfully Submitted,
Committee on Theological and Social Concerns/Unification Task Force

MINISTRY COUNCIL/COMMUNICATIONS/DISCIPLESHIP(Appendix F)
I. REFERRALS
Referrals to this committee are as follows: The Report of the Ministry Council, except shaded
section 1.B.5 which is referred to Stewardship/Elected Officers, section 1.B.6 which is referred to Theology
and Social Concerns/Unification Task Force, and section II.C which is referred to Missions/Pastoral
Development.
II. PERSONS OF COUNSEL
Appearing before this committee were: Ms. Edith Old, Director of Ministries; Reverend Tom
Sanders, Representive from Ministry Council; Reverend Elinor Brown, Discipleship Ministry Team; andMr. Mark Davis, Communications Ministry Team.
III. CONSIDERATION OF REFERRALS
A. REPORT OF THE MINISTRY COUNCIL EXCEPT SHADED SECTION 1.B.5 WHICH IS
REFERRED TO STEWARDSHIP/ELECTED OFFICERS, SECTION 1.B.6 WHICH IS REFERREDTO THEOLOGY AND SOCIAL CONCERNS/UNIFICATION TASK FORCE, AND SECTION II.C
WHICH IS REFERRED TO MISSIONS/PASTORAL DEVELOPMENT.
We commend the Ministry Council on their hard work, continued exceptional stewardship of all
their resources, and the creation of a cooperative and empowering environment, and make the following
recommendations:
RECOMMENDATION 1: That Recommendation 1 of the Report of the Ministry Council,
that the 187th General Assembly amend the Ministry Council Bylaws, ARTICLE III, BOARD OF
DIRECTORS, AUTHORITY, AND MEETINGS, Section E., Meetings to add “5. Meetings. A special
meeting of the Ministry Council shall be called when requested by five or more Directors. (Bylaws
online at https://cpcmc.org/mc/bylaws/),” be adopted.
RECOMMENDATION 2: That Recommendation 4 of the Report of the Ministry Council,“that the 187th General Assembly continue to encourage congregations, presbyteries, synods, and2017

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denominational groups to adopt and practice a written safe sanctuary plan; encourage presbyteries
to maintain a copy of the safe sanctuary plan of every church and denominational entity within its
jurisdiction; and encourage the Ministry Council to continue off ering training and sample policies
to congregations, presbyteries, synods and denominational groups about subjects to consider andinclude when writing a safe sanctuary plan,” be adopted.
In hearing all the great work and programs being facilitated by the Ministry Council, we desire
to hear the voice of the Council, presbyteries, and congregations about their perception and vision of ourpresent and future Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
RECOMMENDATION 3: That the following questions be submitted to the Ministry Council
to address, sample the local congregations, and report results to the Ministry Council Committee ofthe 188th General Assembly in 2018 and publish for the denomination to view for visioning on all
church levels.
1. Where are the greatest opportunities for our congregations to thrive in the futurethat you see?
2. What do you see as the greatest threat(s) to continued, effective ministry in and throughour congregations?
3. What can we do individually, collectively, and institutionally to overcome these dangers?
Respectfully submitted:
The Committee on Ministry Council/Communication/Discipleship

MISSIONS AND PASTORAL DEVELOPMENT(Appendix G)
I. REFERRAL
Referral to this committee is as follows: The Report of the Ministry Council, section II.C.
II. PERSONS OF COUNSEL
Appearing before this committee were: Reverend Michael Qualls, Director of the Program of
Alternate Studies and from the Ministry council: Mrs. Edith Old, Director; Reverend Milton Ortiz, Team
Leader, Missions Ministry Team; Reverend T.J. Malinoski, Evangelism and New Church Development;
Reverend Johan Daza, Cross Cultural Ministries; Reverend Pam Phillips-Burk, Women’s Ministries;
Reverend Lynn Thomas, Global Missions; Mrs. Jinger Ellis, Finance and Administration; and Reverend
Lanny Johnson, Ministry Council representative.
III. CONSIDERATION OF REFERRAL
A. THE REPORT OF THE MINISTRY COUNCIL, SECTION 11.C
The Committee is grateful for the life and witness of Reverend Harry Boyce Wallace and we ask
our denomination to pray for his family as well as future missionaries.
The Committee is grateful for the life and witness of Reverend Randy Jacob and we ask ourdenomination to pray for his family as well. Our committee was informed that because the life and ministryof Reverend Randy Jacob was chronicled so well in The Cumberland Presbyterian Magazine, it will not be
duplicated in The Missionary Messenger as was reported in the preliminary minutes.
RECOMMENDATION 1: That Recommendation 5 of the Report of the Ministry Council,“that the 187th General Assembly encourages presbyteries in attendance to promote the StottWallace Missionary Support Fund among the churches of their presbytery. That each presbytery
stated clerk provides the presbytery with the promotional video to be shown at presbytery andbrochures for presbytery delegates to take back to their churches,” be adopted.

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RECOMMENDATION 2: That Recommendation 6 of the Report of the Ministry Council,“that the 187th General Assembly calls the Cumberland Presbyterian Church to be in diligent prayer
for new exploration initiatives (formerly known as Mission Probes), and new church development asa means of evangelism and denominational growth in the United States. For individuals, both lay andordained, to answer the call to church planting and for all judicatories of the Church to emphasize
starting new exploration initiatives and/or new churches by identifying individuals and geographicalareas where a Cumberland Presbyterian presence is needed and desirable,” be adopted.
The committee agrees in principle with the Report of the Ministry Council concerning
Recommendation 7, however, the General Assembly’s role is to work through presbyteries who in turnwork through churches and other groups.
RECOMMENDATION 3: That Recommendation 7 of the Report of the Ministry Council,“that the 187th General Assembly encourages presbyteries, local churches, and individuals to support
Intercultural Internship opportunities through praying for the interns, and also through financially
support the ongoing internship opportunities throughout the country,” be denied.
RECOMMENDATION 4: That the 187th General Assembly encourages presbyteries who
in turn encourage churches, group, and individuals across the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
to support Intercultural Internship opportunities through praying for the interns, and also throughfinancially supporting the ongoing internship opportunities throughout the country.
B. THE REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
The committee recognizes that the ordination of ministers is the function of the presbytery. As thepresbytery is required to approve preparation for ministry the Alternate Studies route by a vote of two-thirds
with the reasons for the exceptions noted in the minutes, the committee agrees that approval from anotherbody is not necessary.
RECOMMENDATION 5: That Recommendation 4 of the Report of the Board of Trustees ofMemphis Theological Seminary, “that the General Assembly approve discontinuance of the processof requiring PDMT to review exceptions made for candidates to prepare for ministry through theProgram of Alternate Studies,” be adopted.
Respectfully submitted,
Committee on Missions and Pastoral Development

CHAPLAINS/HISTORICAL FOUNDATION(Appendix H)
I. REFERRALS
Referrals to this committee are as follows: The Report of the Board of Trustees of the HistoricalFoundation and the Report of the Commission on Chaplains and Military Personnel.
II. PERSONS OF COUNSEL
Appearing before this committee were: Ms. Susan Knight Gore, Archivist, Historical Foundation;
Robin McCaskey Hughes, Representative, Historical Foundation; Ted Acklin, CPCA, Huntsville Presbytery,
Olivia Brandon, CPCA, Huntsville Presbytery, Lawrence Greenslit, Director of the Presbyterian Council
for Chaplains and Military Personnel, and Reverend Cassandra Thomas, representative to the PresbyterianCouncil for Chaplains and Military Personnel.
III. CONSIDERATION OF REFERRALS
A. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE HISTORICAL FOUNDATION
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a. 1810 Circle - After hearing from Ms. Susan Knight Gore, the committee agreed that the 1810
Circle is a giving program that needs our continued support. After some discussion with our brothers andsisters from the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America, we concluded that the name of the program
would better represent both denominations if it were changed to the 1810/1874 Circle.
Upon further discussion, the committee agreed with the Historical Foundation recommendation
concerning the 1810 circle noting that the General Assembly’s role is to first work through the presbyteries
who in turn work through churches and other groups.
RECOMMENDATION 1: That Recommendation 1 of the Report of the Board of Trustees ofthe Historical Foundation, “that the General Assembly make congregations and presbyteries awareof the 1810 Circle and encourage new members to support this endeavor annually,” be denied.
RECOMMENDATION 2: That the General Assembly instruct presbyteries to makecongregations aware of the 1810 Circle and encourage new members to support this endeavorannually.
RECOMMENDATION 3: That, in solidarity with our brothers and sisters of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church in America, the Board of the Historical Foundation change the name of the1810 Circle to the 1810/1874 Circle.
b. Denomination Day Offering
The committee agreed with the Historical Foundation recommendation concerning encouraging
congregations to have a special offering on the Sunday designated as Denomination Day, noting again that
the General Assembly’s role is to first work through the presbyteries who in turn encourage the support oftheir congregations.
RECOMMENDATION 4: 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 special project designated for that year,”be denied.
RECOMMENDATION 5: That the GeneralAssembly instruct presbyteries to encourage
their congregations to have a special offering on the Sunday designated as Denomination Day to help
support the special project designated for that year.
2. PUBLICATIONS
Upon further discussion, the committee agreed with the Historical Foundation recommendation
concerning the making others aware of the availability of funds to publish books on topics concerning
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America, again notingthat the General Assembly’s role is to first work through the presbyteries who then inform churches andindividuals.
RECOMMENDATION 6: That Recommendation 3 of the Report of the Board of Trusteesof the Historical Foundation, “that the General Assembly make presbyteries, congregations, andindividuals aware that the Historical Foundation is interested and has funds to publish books on
topics concerning the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and Cumberland Presbyterian Church in
America,” be denied.
RECOMMENDATION 7: That General Assembly make presbyteries aware that the HistoricalFoundation is interested and has funds to publish books on topics concerning the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America, and instruct them toshare this information with the churches and individuals of their presbytery.
3. ACQUISITIONS
Following discussion, the committee agreed with the Historical Foundation, that the preservationof session records are vital to the work and ministry of each congregations. We also noted that there is noplace better qualified, or equipped to do the work of preservation than the Historical Foundation. Likewise,
we agreed with the recommendation encouraging congregations to preserve their session records through

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the Historical Foundation, once again only noting that the General Assembly’s role is to first work throughthe presbyteries who in turn encourage their congregations.
RECOMMENDATION 8: That Recommendation 4 of the Report of the Board of Trustees ofthe Historical Foundation, “that the General Assembly encourage all congregations to preserve their
session records by depositing them in the Historical Foundation,” be denied.
RECOMMENDATION 9: That the General Assembly instruct presbyteries to encourage allcongregations to preserve their session records by depositing them in the Historical Foundation.
The committee agreed with the Historical Foundation’s report that, because the minutes of a bodyare the legal record of the actions of that body, it is vital that we maintain accurate, up to date records
from our synods and presbyteries. The committee agreed that closing churches is never an easy thing, but
preserving the history of those churches remains essential to understanding who we are as Cumberland
Presbyterian.
RECOMMENDATION 10: That Recommendation 5 of the Report of the Board of Trusteesof the Historical Foundation, “that the General Assembly instruct each synod and presbytery todeposit their minutes in a timely fashion with the Historical Foundation,” be adopted.
RECOMMENDATION 11: That Recommendation 6 of the Report of the Board of Trusteesof the Historical Foundation, “that the General Assembly instruct presbyteries to locate the session
records when closing a church and then deposit them in the Historical Foundation,” be adopted.
4. COMMENDATION OF HISTORICAL FOUNDATION STAFF
The committee was impressed with the passion and diligence with which the staff of the HistoricalFoundation works in preserving the heritage of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church in America. Their efforts in preserving our historical records and artifacts and ineducating our churches and individuals about their heritage should not go unnoticed. For that reason,
the committee expresses its gratitude to the staff of the Historical Foundation for their tireless work inpreservation of the heritage of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and Cumberland Presbyterian Church
in America.
B. REPORT OF THE COMMISSION ON MILITARY CHAPLAINS AND PERSONNEL
Having reviewed the report from the Commission on Military Chaplains and Personnel and having
heard from Lawrence Greenslit and Reverend Cassandra Thomas, the committee would like to note thatthe ongoing support of all of our Military Chaplains and Personnel is a vital part of the ministry of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and we commend those members of the commission for their work
representing the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America asa part of the PCCMP.
Respectfully submitted:
The Committee on Chaplains/Historical Foundation

STEWARDSHIP/ELECTED OFFICERS(Appendix I)
I. REFERRALS
Referrals to this committee are as follows: The Report of the Moderator, The Report of theStated Clerk; The Report of the Ministry Council, section 1.B.5., The Report of the Board of Stewardship,
Foundation and Benefits; The Report of the Our United Outreach Committee; The Report of the Place ofMeeting Committee; and The Line Item Budgets Submitted by General Assembly Agencies.
II. PERSONS OF COUNSEL2017

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323

Appearing before this committee were: Reverend Robert Heflin; and Mr. Mark Duck (Board of
Stewardship); Reverend Cliff Hudson (Our United Outreach Committee); Reverend Michael Sharpe, StatedClerk; and Moderator of the 186th General Assembly, Reverend Dwayne Tyus.
III. CONSIDERATION OF REFERRALS
A. REPORT OF THE MODERATOR
We reviewed the Report of the Moderator. There were no recommendations in the report. We
would like to thank the moderator of the 186th meeting of General Assembly, Reverend Dwayne Tyus, for
his work and love of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Reverend Tyus was able to touch the heart ofthe denomination as he visited presbyteries and visited with clergy and elders around the world.
B. REPORT OF THE STATED CLERK.
We commend the excellent work of the Stated Clerk, Reverend Michael Sharpe. The report of theStated Clerk was received and the following recommendation is made.
RECOMMENDATION 1: That Recommendation 1 of the Report of the Stated Clerk, “thatthe 187th General Assembly approve the following dates for the 2017-2018 Church Calendar:
CHURCH CALENDAR 2017-2018
July-20178Children’s Fest, Bethel, McKenzie, Tennessee 8 Program of Alternate Studies
Graduation
8-22 PAS Summer Extension School, Bethel, McKenzie, Tennessee August-2017
1-Sept 30
Christian Education Season 5 Bethel University Commencement
6-Sept 24
Christian Education Season 19 MTS Fall Semester Begins
20
Seminary/PAS Sunday
21
Bethel University Fall Semester Begins 29 Bethel University Spring Convocation
30
MTS Opening convocation
September-2017
10 Senior Adult Sunday
17 Christian Service Recognition Sunday
17 International Day of Prayer and Action for Human Habitat
October-2017
Clergy Appreciation Month
1
Worldwide Communion Sunday 8 Pastor Appreciation Sunday
22
Native American Sunday
November-2017
Any Sunday Loaves and Fishes Program 1 All Saints Day
4
World Community Day (Church Women United) 5 Bethel University Sunday
5
Stewardship Sunday
12
Day of Prayer for People with Aids and Other Life-Threatening Illnesses 19 Bible
Sunday26
Christ the King Sunday
December-2017
Any Sunday Gift to the King Offering
3-25 Advent in Church and Home
9Bethel University Commencement 24 Christmas Eve
25
Christmas Day
January-2018
6
Epiphany
8
BU Spring Semester Begins 8-9 Stated Clerks’ Conference
7
Human Trafficking Awareness Day
15
Deadline for receipt of 2017 Our United Outreach Contributions

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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2017

February-2018
Black History Month1
Annual congregational reports due in General Assembly office4
Denomination Day
4
Historical Foundation Offering
4
Souper Bowl Sunday
11
Our United Outreach Sunday
14
Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent 14–March 31 Lent to Easter
18
Youth Sunday
March-2018
Women’s History Month (USA)18Children’s Home Sunday
25
Palm/Passion Sunday
25-31 National Farm Workers Awareness Week 29 Maundy Thursday
30
Good Friday
April-2018
1
Easter
1-7
Family Week
8
One Great Hour of Sharing
May-2018
5
Bethel University Commencement
6
Friendship Day (Church Women United)
12
MTS Closing Convocation & Graduation
20
Pentecost
27
Memorial Day Offering for Military Chaplains & Personnel for USA churches
June-20183
Stott-Wallace Missionary Fund Offering/World penMission Sunday
17-21 General Assembly, Norman, Oklahoma 18-20 CPWM Convention, Norman,
Oklahoma24-29 Cumberland Presbyterian Youth Conference, Bethel University, McKenzie, Tennessee
July-20187
Program of Alternate Studies Graduation
14
Children’s Fest
7-21 PAS Summer Extension School, Bethel, McKenzie, Tennessee
August-2018
4
Bethel University Commencement
5-Sept 30
Christian Education Season
18
MTS Fall Semester Begins (tentative)
19
Seminary/PAS Sunday
22
Bethel University Fall Semester Begins
25
MTS Fall Semester Begins (tentative)
28
MTS Opening convocation (tentative)
30
Bethel University Spring Convocation
September-2018
4
MTS Opening convocation (tentative)
9
Senior Adult Sunday
16
Christian Service Recognition Sunday
16
International Day of Prayer and Action for Human Habitat
October-2018
Clergy Appreciation Month
7
Worldwide Communion Sunday
7
Pastor Appreciation Sunday
21
Native American Sunday
November-2018
Any Sunday Loaves and Fishes Program
1
All Saints Day
2
World Community Day (Church Women United)
4
Bethel University Sunday

2017

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325

4
Stewardship Sunday11
Day of Prayer for People with Aids and Other Life-Threatening Illnesses
18
Bible Sunday25
Christ the King Sunday
December-2018
Any Sunday Gift to the King Offering
2-24 Advent in Church and Home8Bethel University Commencement
24
Christmas Eve
25
Christmas Day,” be adopted
C. THE REPORT OF THE MINISTRY COUNCIL, SECTION 1.B.5
We are thankful for the work of our Ministry Council and their focus on the future of our denomination andits work around the world.
RECOMMENDATION 2: That Recommendation 2 of the Report of the Ministry Council,“that the 187th General Assembly calls for all future General Assembly sites to have high speed,
hard-wired internet access in the main meeting room, and that this condition be included in thecontract negotiations with the host venue,” be adopted.
D. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF STEWARDSHIP, FOUNDATION AND BENEFITSRECOMMENDATION 3: That the General Assembly instruct the presbyteries to informthe congregations and individuals of our endowment programs and encourage churches to open theirown endowment accounts; emphasizing the average return on investments since 1981, has averaged
9.8%.
RECOMMENDATION 4: We request the Board of Stewardship explore opportunities for
Cumberland Presbyterians in all states to be able to have a saving account through the Investment
Load Program.
RECOMMENDATION 5: That General Assembly direct the Board of Stewardship to
instruct the presbyteries to inform the congregations and individuals of the Ministerial Aid Program,in giving aid for retired ministers and surviving spouses.
E. REPORT OF THE OUR UNITED OUTREACH COMMITTEE
We express our thanks to Reverend Cliff Hudson the OUO Development Coordinator, and the Our
United Outreach Committee for their council and service to our denomination. We have a problem with theDevelopment Coordinator title in the allocations report. One would believe that this allowed money was asalary package, which it is not. It is the allotment for several personnel, and office.
RECOMMENDATION 6: That Recommendation 1 of the Report of the Our United OutreachCommittee, “that General Assembly adopt the following Our United Outreach allocatsions for 2018,
The allocation is to be as follows:
Development Coordinator
Legal Fees
Unification Task Force$2,800,000.00
92,044.00
25,000.00
35,000.00(Amount to be allocated)
Ministry Council
Bethel University
Children’s Home
Stewardship
General Assembly OfficeSub-total 152,044.00
2,647,956.00$ 1,323,978.00
50%
132,398.00
5%79,439.00
3%
158,877.00
6%
211,836.00
8%

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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Memphis Theological Seminary/
Program of Alternate Studies
Historical Foundation
Shared Services
Contingency(Next four items total 1%)
Comm. on Chaplains
Judiciary Committee
Theology/Social Concerns
Nominating Committee

2017

185,357.00

7%79,439.00
436,913.00
13,240.00

3%
16.5%
.5%

10,247.00 .
9,665.00 .
3,601.00
2,966.00

387%
365%
.136%
.112%
2,647,956.00
Our United Outreach Goal $2,800,000.00,” be adopted.

RECOMMENDATION 7: That the General Assembly direct the Our United OutreachCommittee to change: “Development Coordinator” to “Development Coordinator Office.” This
name change would reflect the reality of the work performed by those who make up the ministry, notjust a Director.
RECOMMENDATION 8: That the General Assembly direct Our United Outreach Committee
to extend a call to all congregations to pray and “rethink their giving” to Our United Outreach, bygiving at least a tithe, if not more, to fund the denomination and its programs and ministries.
F. REPORT OF THE PLACE OF MEETING COMMITTEEWe are thankful for the work of the Place of Meeting Committee, which consists of the Moderator,
Stated Clerk, and the representative of the Women’s Ministry. This committee has worked hard to serve
the people of our denomination and to ensure they have a wonderful experience at the annual General
Assembly meetings. The report of the Place of Meeting Committee was received and concurred in.
G. LINE ITEM BUDGETS SUBMITTED BY GENERAL ASSEMBLY AGENCIESThis committee thanks the Reverend Michael Shape, Stated Clerk, for his help in explaining the line
item budgets to this committee and answering questions that were a concern to members of the committee.
No actions were required by this committee.
Respectfully submitted:
The Committee on Stewardship/Elected Officers

CHURCH CALENDAR 2017-2018
JULY 201788
8-22

January-2018
Children’s Fest, Bethel, McKenzie, Tennessee
Program of Alternate Studies Graduation
PAS Summer Extension School, Bethel,
McKenzie, Tennessee

6
8
8-9
7
15

AUGUST 2017
1-Sept 30 Christian Education Season
5
Bethel University Commencement
6-Sept 24 Christian Education Season
19
MTS Fall Semester Begins
20
Seminary/PAS Sunday
21
Bethel University Fall Semester Begins
29
Bethel University Spring Convocation
30
MTS Opening convocation

SEPTEMBER 2017
10
17
17

Senior Adult Sunday
Christian Service Recognition Sunday
International Day of Prayer and Actionfor Human Habitat

OCTOBER 20171
8
22

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

NOVEMBER 2017
1
4
5
5
12
19
26

Any Sunday Loaves and Fishes Program
All Saints Day
World Community Day(Church Women United)
Bethel University Sunday
Stewardship Sunday
Day of Prayer for People with Aids andOther Life-Threatening Illnesses
Bible Sunday
Christ the King Sunday

Epiphany
BU Spring Semester Begins
Stated Clerks’ Conference
Human Trafficking Awareness Day
Deadline for receipt of 2017
Our United Outreach Contributions

February-2018
Black History Month
Annual congregational reports due
in General Assembly office4
Denomination Day
4
Historical Foundation Offering
4
Souper Bowl Sunday
11
Our United Outreach Sunday
14
Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent
14–March 31 Lent to Easter
18
Youth Sunday
1

March-2018
18
25
25-31
29
30

Women’s History Month (USA)Children’s Home Sunday
Palm/Passion Sunday
National Farm Workers Awareness Week
Maundy Thursday
Good Friday

April-2018
1
1-7
8

EasterFamily Week
One Great Hour of Sharing

May-2018
5
6
12
20
27

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

June-2018
DECEMBER 2017
Any Sunday Gift to the King Offering
3-25
Advent in Church and Home
9Bethel University Commencement
24
Christmas Eve
25
Christmas Day

3

Stott-Wallace Missionary Fund Offering/World penMission Sunday
17-21 General Assembly, Norman, Oklahoma
18-20 CPWM Convention, Norman, Oklahoma
24-29 Cumberland Presbyterian Youth
Conference, Bethel University,
McKenzie, Tennessee