GC45 WF33: GCE04 Funding Strategic Growth Initiatives for Summer 2025

Most groups supported this proposal, naming the priority of pursuing growth in a variety of expressions, including creating new ministries and renewing and strengthening existing communities of faith. 

Some groups were curious about how to ensure that this work does not only occur in some parts of the country, but is present in all Regional Councils. 

Other groups name the importance of ongoing reporting. This reporting already occurs in the annual strategic plan reporting and in the General Secretary’s reporting to the General Council Executive. 

As in other proposals about allocating resources, participants name the continuing value of global partnership in our Mission and Service giving. 

Therefore, the Way Forward Team proposes: 

That, in response to GCE04 Funding Strategic Growth Initiatives, the 45th General Council, 2025  

1. Authorize 10% of Mission & Service givings over the course of the 2025-2028 triennium as follows - 5% in 2026, 7.5% in 2027 and 10% by 2028 - be earmarked for new, renewing and emerging ministries, and
2. direct the General Secretary to develop and communicate the criteria and process for how the funds will be expended, and
3. direct the General Secretary that implementation should:

• include initiatives from all three streams of the growth initiative – renew, create, invite.
• consider setting proportional targets for diverse intercultural ministry expressions;
• consider accessibility and engagement by rural, remote and other communities
• Prioritize First Third Ministry
• Consider equity across Regional Councils

4. invite Regional Councils to identify resources within their bounds (e.g., revenues from property, sales or bequests) which they can use to contribute to regional initiatives.