Discernment Summit 4 – Towards Synod 2025

The final Discernment Summit in our Year of Discernment took place on November 1-2, gathering 50 leaders from Presbyteries and Synod Mission Services to consolidate work from previous Summits on form, function, and funding.

In a significant decision, Presbytery leaders reached a consensus to bring forward a transformative proposal at the Synod meeting in July 2025, aimed at:

• Restructuring Presbyteries: Dissolving our 12 existing Presbyteries, and creating 3 new, larger, better-resourced Presbyteries.
• Transforming Culture: Shifting beyond structural changes to empower congregations in mission by rethinking culture, staffing, and funding.
• Enhancing Connectivity: Developing new ways to connect within and across the restructured Presbyteries.
• Reallocating Resources: Optimizing Synod Mission Support Staff and establishing a Presbytery Resource Fund.
• Transitioning Smoothly: Creating a transition plan to build robust, pastoral teams with the support of the new fund.

Across the weekend, participants envisioned this new structure’s potential for a culture of relational oversight and consistency in Presbytery resourcing and roles. Key areas for resource allocation include ministry and mission development, governance, finance, and administration.

Next Steps

In preparation for Synod meeting in July 2025, we will:

• Form a PRF Committee with Presbytery representation to oversee the Presbytery Resourcing Fund.
• Host virtual town halls to discuss the proposal’s background and impacts.
• Draft a proposal for Presbytery review in early 2025, ensuring feedback before Synod deliberates.

There is much work ahead, but through prayer and collaboration, we trust that this vision will provide the resources and support needed for the flourishing of our Presbyteries and Congregations and their mission objectives.

Catch up on the Year of Discernment with Previous Articles

DISCERNMENT SUMMIT 1

DISCERNMENT SUMMIT 2

DISCERNMENT SUMMIT 3

DISCERNMENT SUMMIT HEARS FROM YOUNG LEADERS