Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1995 - Rparchives.org

REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHnew work. Continuation of reducing aid depends on the outcome of thisevaluation.The Lord admonishes us to evaluate our progress in such Scriptures asEphesians 5:15-17.Study of the "Time to Plant" ProgramThe HMB Representative from the Presbytery of the Alleghenies, Dr.Dean Smith, has done his D.Min. research project on the Time to Plantprogram, initiated in 1988. He studied certain aspects of our churchplanting efforts to determine if we have become more effective in serving theLord according to certain criteria. One of the conclusions is that we mustcontinue to emphasize evangelism in the new works. Each presbyteryrepresentative has a copy of Dean's dissertation which is available for review.You may also speak with him directly about his findings.Working Together with the Other Boards of SynodOver the past two years there has been significant progress in the effortto coordinate and focus the entire Synod's efforts toward common goals.Last year one Presbytery forwarded a paper to Synod with its endorsementcalling for the establishment of a "Strategic Planning Committee". This wasgiven to the Business of Synod committee (now respectfully referred to asBOSCom). Also, the BOSCom desired to have representatives of the majorboards of Synod work together to "hash out" a unified financial request toSynod's Finance Committee. The HMB has tried to cooperate fully withthese developments. BOSCom has laid out a process for this year's Synodwhich will attempt to develop such a unified financial request to Synod. Wewill eagerly participate in this very important development in the life of thisdenomination.FinancesIn light of the current financial pressures at the Synod level, the HMB hasendeavored to trim costs and reduce budgets wherever possible thus enablingus to present a lower request to RPMscM than we had anticipated earlier.Total HMB aid budgeted for new works in 1995 in all the Presbyteries is$157,000.Exploratory Developments FundsAs was announced last year, PET funds have now been terminated. Anew line item in the HMB budget entitled "Exploratory Development" hasbeen added. Funds continue to be available on an as-needed basis to thePresbyteries in order to help with some of the costs of exploring a new field.These funds are for work on the field before the church planter arrives.Time to Plant FundIn order for the Home Mission Board to help Presbyteries fund newworks, money is received not only from endowment funds and RPMscM, butalso from the Time to Plant Fund. The source of income for the Time toPlant Fund is contributions to home missions from congregations andindividuals who believe in this ministry.IU