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Note #7954 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

GAC picks 4 major priorities
03414
September 29, 2003

GAC picks 4 major priorities

Areas of emphasis will guide PC(USA)work for 2005-2006

by Bill Lancaster

MONTREAT, NC - The General Assembly Council affirmed four major areas of
emphasis for the mission work of the Presbyterian Church (USA) for 2005 and
2006 during its meeting here last week.

For each of these major areas - spiritual formation, justice, evangelism and
leadership development (and a fifth category for "everything else") - the
council identified specific issues that its Mission Work Plan (MWP) team is
to develop into objectives for presentation during the February GAC meeting.

If the process is approved by next year's 216th General Assembly of the
PC(USA), action plans and strategies will be put into place for
implementation in 2005.

The GAC used a "decision-by-consensus" model in establishing these
priorities.

The priority areas, principal issues, and matters to be developed into
objectives:

	   Spiritual formation

Acknowledge and celebrate different styles of Christian spirituality within
the Reformed tradition. Make conferences and other denominational events more
widely available by exploiting advanced technology, including electronic
forms of communication. Make available a variety of resources, including
Bible studies, in electronic and multimedia forms, and in versions for
various cultural and language groups. Have the GAC model spiritual leadership
and call Presbyterians to a year of daily prayer.

	       Justice

Emphasize inclusivity, in terms of age, gender, orientation, racial-ethnic
identity and disability. Embrace advocacy - for social witness, economic
justice, women's and ethnic concerns, legislative issues, fair housing,
health care, environmental protection, etc. Witness for peace and
non-violence, opposing domestic violence, oppression, nationalism, child
abuse, terrorism and unfair treatment of immigrants and illegal residents.

	      Evangelism

Resource small churches, including shared ministry partnerships. Devote time
and energy to "recapturing, equipping and developing passion for sharing the
good news of Jesus Christ throughout the world," notably through camps and
conferences. Strive to provide resources for new-church developments and
congregational transformation.

	      Leadership

Identify resources to help clergy and lay leaders sharpen their skills.
Enhance awareness of shared ministries and best practices. Support
congregations in terms of pastoral leadership, including finances. Encourage
Christian vocation among young people.

	      Miscellaneous

Improve communications, addressing issues of trust, public relations,
face-to-face contact and overcoming apathy. Address mission-funding concerns.
Seek ways of enhancing denominational identity and cultural diversity and of
improving GAC structure.

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