Each year, congregations within the Presbytery of New Hope receive requests to support three different funding streams. While they may appear similar, each serves a distinct purpose within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Per Capita: Supporting the Wider Church
Per Capita is a shared responsibility that supports the governance and constitutional work of the Presbyterian Church beyond the local congregation. It is assessed based solely on a congregation’s reported membership.
The PC(USA) General Assembly Per Capita funds the denomination’s constitutional and governance responsibilities, including the biennial General Assembly, the Moderator, committees and commissions, ecumenical relationships, administrative and personnel expenses, and building operations. The PC(USA) is currently reassessing its Per Capita funding model, and the Presbytery of New Hope is participating in this year’s Funding Model Development Cohort as new approaches are explored.
The Synod of the Mid-Atlantic Per Capita supports the work of the Synod, including the Office of the Synod Executive/Stated Clerk, administrative staff, the annual Synod Assembly, ecclesiastical committees, and the Synod Council.
For 2026, the Per Capita rates are:
• PC(USA) General Assembly: $11.26 per member
• Synod of the Mid-Atlantic: $1.50 per member
These amounts are calculated using each congregation’s reported membership as of December 31, 2024. The Presbytery simply collects these funds and forwards them to the General Assembly and the Synod. They do not provide financial support for the ministries or operations of the Presbytery of New Hope.
Presbytery Mission Giving: Supporting Ministry Close to Home
Unlike Per Capita, Presbytery Mission Giving is the primary source of funding for the ministries and mission of the Presbytery of New Hope. The annual mission giving request is based on a congregation’s financial receipts rather than membership alone.
These gifts support ministries that directly serve congregations and communities across central and eastern North Carolina, including:
• Campus Ministries
• Camp Albemarle
• Small Church Grants
• Passion Driven Ministries Grants
• Career counseling
• Church consulting and assessments
• Ordination exams and minister transfers
• Older Adult Ministry
• Youth Ministries
• Administration of the Presbytery office
• And many other ministries that strengthen congregations and leaders.
Several important ministries—including Church Development Grants, New Congregation initiatives, Hunger Fund Grants, the Black Caucus Ministry, and Peacemaking Programs—are now mainly supported through designated funds rather than annual Mission Giving.
As financial support from congregations has declined while administrative costs have continued to rise, the amount available for mission and ministry has decreased. This has required reductions in funding for several programs, with some ministries currently receiving little or no annual Mission Giving support.
By understanding the difference between Per Capita and Presbytery Mission Giving, congregations can better see how each contribution serves the church in a unique way. Per Capita sustains the governance and connectional work of the wider church, while Presbytery Mission Giving enables the Presbytery of New Hope to carry out the ministries and services that directly support congregations, pastors, and communities throughout our region.