Per Capita

Per Capita is a fundamental way in which all of the nearly 10,000 congregations and mid councils of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) connect, participate, and share in the work of the wider church.

Per Capita is the primary source of funding for the Presbytery, as well as the Synod and GA, and is how Presbyterians mutually and equitably share the costs of coming together to discern the Spirit’s leading for the future.

• It is how Presbyterians are trained to become better ruling elders, teaching elders and deacons, and ministers.
• It is how Presbyterians are helped to discern God’s call in their lives.
• It is how Presbyterians participate in the life of the wider church by serving committees and commissions, regardless of distance or financial resources.
• It is how Presbyterians participate in the life of the Church universal as we commit ourselves to work and live in fellowship with “all persons in every nation” (Book of Order, G-4.0101)

All Presbyterians are called to take part in the ecclesiastical and administrative work shared by the whole church though per capita giving.

The GA and Synod annual rates are a per-member apportionment that is assessed biennially by the General Assembly (Book of Order, G-3.0106).

Likewise, the Presbytery does an annual assessment to ensure the best possible solution for our congregations.

All congregations — large and small — are encouraged to participate, either through an annual budget item or through a special direct appeal to their congregations.