What exactly is it that the Trustees of Synod do?

The Trustees of Synod (ToS) (1) oversee the treasurer’s office and its staff, (2) handle the denominational investments—virtually all of which are held for specific congregations or boards of the denomination—to insure both a good rate of return and also that stocks are owned that are consistent with Christian principles, (3) approve or deny loans to congregations and Synod employees, (4) arrange for and then receive an annual audit of the denominational finances, (5) publicize RP Missions and Ministries fund (RPM&M), and (6) oversee the denominational finances generally—such as watching to see that congregations are current on their assessments or mortgage payments.

Could you explain how the denominational ministries of the church are funded?

First of all, there is a congregational assessment (currently 2% of a congregation’s offerings) that pays for denominational expenses such as the travel fund for Synod and study committees of Synod as well as supporting the pension fund. The other ministries of the denomination are funded by a combination of (1) direct giving, (2) tuition, book sales, etc., (3) investment income, and (4) funding from RPM&M. The combination of funding will vary greatly from say, Geneva College, whose major source of income is from tuition, to the East Asia Commission, which is largely funded by RPM&M.

What is the advantage of giving to the RPM&M fund, as opposed to supporting each of the denominational ministries individually?

When you give to RPM&M, the Synod is able to have flexibility and input on denominational priorities. Some ministries tend to be more visible and as a result receive greater support from congregations and individuals, whereas equally important ministries may be less visible and therefore under-supported. Synod can adjust support depending upon what it perceives is the greatest need and usefulness in a given year.

As you complete your tenure as the chairman of the ToS Board, what do you feel are the greatest financial and administrative challenges that the denomination will face in the years ahead?

The greatest potential threat is the loss of all government funding of Geneva College and the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary due to our stand against homosexuality, etc. The other concern I have is that, similar to what is happening in the larger society with the issue of income inequality, the gap in salaries between some of our pastors is growing. More pastors may be forced to become bi-vocational in order to survive economically.

What has been the most encouraging part of the work you have done as chairman of the ToS?

I have tremendously enjoyed working with the board. With all its different gifts, abilities, and insights, its members have maintained great unity and harmony. It is good to see the different gifts that God has given to the RPCNA. The other encouraging part of the work is seeing God’s faithfulness in providing an abundance of financial resources so that no major cuts in programs have been needed for a number of years.

What has been the most challenging aspect of your work as chairman of the ToS?

Both the ToS and the Finance Committee of Synod have been recommending for many years that every congregation give something to RPM&M each year. There are still 20 percent of congregations that give nothing. This figure has not changed significantly over the years. As the pastor of a new work whose finances are tight, I understand the pressures on some congregations, but it would be good to have at least a small contribution from every congregation.

How should we, as Christians and members of the body of Christ, view the money/funds of the church under our management? What does it mean to be stewards of the resources the Lord has given to us? How do we “keep track of our flocks and herds” (Prov. 27:23) but at the same time function with a generous and trusting spirit?

I believe it begins at the congregational level with a frank and open discussion of finances and why God has given various resources to us. A key question is, “How does God want us to be using what we have for service in His kingdom and the glorifying of His name?” Generosity by God’s people is commanded in numerous places in Scripture. The work here in Terre Haute, Ind., has been blessed by several gifts to us in the past.

It is also good to keep in mind that, as the body of Christ, when one part of the body suffers, the whole body suffers. Some parts of the body are suffering right now, while others are supplied with an abundance with which they could help. One advisor to Christian organizations recommends that only enough money for one month of expenses be kept on hand in savings. He suggests that anything above this God has given be used in service in the kingdom of God right now. Being more conservative financially, a church might want to limit its savings to two months of expenses—unless they are saving money for a specific cause such as a new roof or funding a new work.

Has anything taken you by surprise, as you have been a member of the ToS?

At the most recent meeting of Synod, when the report of the Finance Committee recommended that every congregation give at least one opportunity for the local congregation to support the larger denomination, there were a number of no votes. If congregations don’t give, much work of the denomination—such as the Home Mission Board, the RP Home, the East Asia Commission, RPTS, Global Missions, and Education & Publication—would need to cut back to differing degrees, in some cases severely. In my mind, it is contrary to the organic nature of the RPCNA.

How can we pray for the ToS?

You can pray (1) by giving thanks for the congregations and individuals that give faithfully and generously, (2) for wisdom for the ToS in its decision making regarding the financial matters of the RPCNA, (3) for congregations that are struggling financially and otherwise, (4) that a spirit of generosity will pervade the denomination, and (5) for the daily work of Jim McFarland, Trevor York, and Anna Dinkledine in the treasurer’s office.