Noting that giving to the Reformed Presbyterian Mission and Ministry Fund (RPM&M) has essentially plateaued around $300,000 since the late 1980s, the 2007 Synod approved a series of “Step Up” Goals for 2008. As each of these higher goals is attained, more funds will be available for the growing needs of the Home and Foreign Mission Boards as well as other ministries of the denomination. The table below shows the percentages of each dollar that will be distributed in the $100,000 “step” from $300,000 to $400,000 and each additional “step” up to $600,000.

Is an ultimate goal of $600,000 at all realistic? Synod’s Finance Committee believes that congregations are giving generously to various mission efforts, but RPM&M has frequently failed to generate enthusiasm in part due to a lack of communicating a clear link to missions. In addition to giving nearly $300,000 to RPM&M in 2006, congregations gave over $600,000 to “Other RP Works,” so significant funds are being donated. We realize the giving to other RP works needs to continue at a high level, but please consider placing a high priority on RPM&M in the congregational budgeting process.

Sixty years ago Chuck Yeager broke the speed of sound in the Bell X-1. Many thought the sound “barrier” could not be penetrated without destroying the aircraft and killing the pilot. We soon learned that once the barrier was penetrated, it was easy to travel many times the speed of sound. We need to burst through the $300,000 barrier that has been limiting some ministry efforts for many years!

The extra dollars over the basic goal are like discretionary funds in a home budget. The first $300,000 contributed to RPM&M essentially covers the basic necessities of the boards and agencies of the denomination. This is much like the large amount of funds needed to cover the tithe, housing, utilities, food, clothing, taxes, transportation, and other basic needs each of us faces every year in our personal budgets. Once we have covered those expenses, we are able to do more exceptional things with our discretionary dollars such as traveling, investing, making major purchases and making generous gifts.

The boards and agencies of the church operate much as we do at home. They have a variety of important projects including expanded mission opportunities that they would love to be able to pursue, but cannot do so until funds are available over and above what is needed for basic operations. To attain the total goal of $600,000 ($300,000 to cover basic needs plus $300,000 for expanded ministry opportunities) for RPM&M in 2008 would take an average contribution of $130 per communicant member in the RPCNA! That is about two combo meals at a fast food restaurant each month–certainly not out of reach for many of us.

In order to set the stage for a successful 2008, it is important that congregations finish 2007 with strong giving to RPM&M so that the full amount of $300,000 is reached this year. Watch for the “One Great Day of Sharing” materials and encourage your congregation to take up a special offering. If at all possible, please increase the amount your congregation budgets for RPM&M in 2008. If $600,000 is raised, nearly 50% of the total will go directly to missions! Together, let’s break the barrier once and for all.

Steve McMahan is chairman of Synod’s Finance Committee and a member of the Board of Trustees of Synod. He is a ruling elder in the Hebron (Clay Center, Kan.) RPC.