Assembly Council
Assembly Council
Serving the church on behalf of General Assembly
The Assembly Council is responsible for ensuring that the work of the church is carried out efficiently, effectively and within the policies established by the General Assembly. It meets twice annually and is both a coordinating and prophetic body.
The Council coordinates the work of the national agencies of the church, recommends policy, and prepares national budgets all the while seeking a vision for mission and what the church might be in the future. The membership on Assembly Council is drawn from across the country so that it can benefit from the broadest possible viewpoint on proposed changes in policy direction.
Funds & Other Groups
Fund for Ministerial Assistance
The purpose of the Fund for Ministerial Assistance is to provide financial support for ministers and diaconal workers of the Presbyterian Church in Canada who are at or near minimum stipend as set by the General Assembly.
Experimental Fund
The Experimental Fund makes grants to individuals or groups within The Presbyterian Church in Canada, or to projects recommended by them, to support experimental projects which will help to spread the message of Jesus Christ and further the Kingdom of God. It has helped fund more than 95 projects since 1981, and has given grants in excess of $206,105.
Assembly Council Committees
Archives and Records Management Committee
The Archives and Records Management Committee oversees the work of The Presbyterian Church in Canada Archives. The Archives appraises, acquires, preserves, catalogues and makes available for research, the church’s most historically significant records.
Audit Committee
With the approval of the General Assembly, the Audit Committee obtains the services of auditors to review the financial statements of The Presbyterian Church in Canada and oversees the audit process on behalf of the Assembly Council.
Benevolence Committee
The Benevolence Committee supervises the administration of the benevolent funds and bursary funds that have been entrusted to the Assembly Council.
Commission on Assets of Dissolved and Amalgamated Congregations
The Commission on Assets of Dissolved and Amalgamated Congregations acts on behalf of the Assembly Council and the Trustee Board in dealing with matters of property in which the national church has an interest.
Commission on Proxies
The Commission on Proxies represents the Assembly Council at stockholder meetings, whenever necessary, to voice opinions or vote on matters affecting investments held by The Presbyterian Church in Canada.
Committee on Church Architecture
Congregations that are considering building a church or education building, or are planning a major renovation or extension of an existing structure are to submit the architect’s proposals to the Committee on Church Architecture for approval.
Executive of Assembly Council
The Executive of the Assembly Council guides the work of the council and deals with emergent issues referred to it by council during the year.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee provides financial oversight and produces statements representing the operations of The Presbyterian Church in Canada for approval by the Assembly Council and for the information of the General Assembly.
Lending Fund Committee
The Lending Fund Committee reviews congregational funding applications for the building and renovation of churches and manses up to a maximum of $100,000 per loan. The Lending Fund Committee requires completion of an application form and an environmental questionnaire for all applications.
Long Range Planning Committee
The Long Range Planning Committee makes recommendations regarding plans, programs and resources for future ministries of the denomination.
Management Team
The Management Team is made up of the three general secretaries (Principal Clerk, General Secretary of Life and Mission Agency and Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer). They are charged with managing and co-ordinating the work of the national office.
Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee prepares a slate of members for Assembly Council committees and recommends the names to Assembly Council for approval.
Personnel Policy Committee
The Personnel Policy Committee reviews and makes recommendations regarding personnel policies affecting the staff of the national office of The Presbyterian Church in Canada and any other related matters referred to it by the General Assembly.
The Assembly Council also appoints ad hoc committees as necessary.