Per Capita – supports our common good

WHAT IS PER CAPITA AND HOW IS IT USED?

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
(1 Corinthians 12:7)

Per capita was first mentioned in the 1700’s and formally adopted in the mid 1800’s to cover expenses for those traveling to join other commissioners at General Assembly meetings.  Over time it evolved to fund “ecclesiastical and administrative” functions of the whole church.  In 1995, the following definition was adopted:

Per capita is an opportunity for all members to participate equally, responsibly, and interdependently by sharing the cost of coordination and evaluation of mission; and of performing ecclesiastical, legislative, and judicial functions that identify a reformed church, while at the same time strengthening the sense of community among all Presbyterians . 

(GA Minutes Part I, 1995)

Our per capita provides over 60% of the annual budget of the Presbytery of the Coastlands.  For 2024, we voted as commissioners that each church in the Presbytery will contribute $40 per member.  It covers our share of the costs of belonging to the denomination and is collected at the beginning of a new year.  With it we claim the core structures that keep us together as a larger church supporting the common good.  The poster shows specific activities supported by this offering.

Click here to learn more about Per Capita.

Click here for our Mission Remittance form.