What Is Per Capita Apportionment?

Different denominations have different ways of funding the infrastructure that supports the various levels of the denomination’s mission beyond the local congregation. Some denominations require each congregation to give a set percentage of their total budget (usually 10%), or some amount based on a series of complicated factors. Our Presbyterian system is the most equitable of all by asking each congregation to give a set amount based on the number of active members in that congregation at the end of the year.  This year’s per capita amount was set through normal parliamentary process at $20.46. In a connected, covenantal church such as ours, this amount helps to fund the foundational framework of our presbytery, synod and General Assembly, which includes the ecclesiastical, legislative, and judicial functions that identify a Reformed church. Presbyterians have always understood that our work and witness for the gospel is more effective when we do it together. As a covenant community, we share both benefits and responsibilities with one another. The session of Bensalem Presbyterian church concluded that this information should be available to all our members and that each member should be given the opportunity to contribute directly to this expense of our congregation. To that end, you will find a convenient envelope in this mailing, which we hope many people will choose to use in order to help defray our congregation’s obligation to the larger church. Thank you very much!