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Per
Capita Information
Perhaps one of the most confusing aspects of how the Presbyterian Church
functions is "per-capita". Each year our church encourages its
members to pay their per-capita apportionment. Why do we do this? Where
does this money go?
One of the great strengths of our denomination is its connectionism. We
who worship in Hartford are tied to the larger church in ministry. One
concrete form of that connection is through our per-capita. Every
Presbyterian church in the country is required to pay a certain amount
for each active member on its rolls. This money goes to support the work
and ministry of our church throughout the country. Each governing body
above the Session has staff members and expenses that support the work
of the church. Unlike pastors, these individuals have no congregation to
support their ministry. Although their ministry may not be as
"glamorous" as missionary work in South America, they are
essential to the life of the Presbyterian Church. These are the people
who prepare the curriculum that our children use, the offering materials
that we receive, and countless other resources.
For the year 2006, our per-capita apportionment is $27.00, which is
split for the work of the Presbytery of Des Moines, the Synod of Lakes
and Prairies and our General Assembly.
Many people view per-capita as their "membership dues" to the
church. This is not true. The church is not like a fraternal or service
organization that will dismiss their members for unpaid dues. Yes, the
church is required to pay its per-capita to the large church. Many
congregations encourage their members to help by inviting them to pay
their own per-capita along with their regular giving. If members of the
church are unwilling or unable to pay, then the church will use other
funds to complete its per-capita commitments. Normally, the church pays
their per-capita for its members early in the calendar year.
Consider per-capita not as your dues to be paid to the church, but
rather as a form of mission giving to the larger work of the
Presbyterian Church.
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