The backdrop for this proposal is a growing sense that middle governing bodies — the denomination’s presbyteries and synods — are struggling, trying to find their way in a financially precarious time

In May, when the General Assembly Mission Council meets again, the budget difficulties of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) are likely to be top on the agenda. PC(USA) leaders are looking for a way to cut about $15 million in expenses while sticking to the core commitments of the denomination.

“We may have to say goodbye to some long-treasured programs that no longer serve the needs of the church,” said Matt Schramm of Michigan, a council member, during the council’s recent meeting in Louisville.

And that’s not all. Presbyterians are gearing up for a General Assembly this summer that already feels like a hub airport on Thanksgiving weekend — wall-to-wall action. Both the General Assembly Mission Council and the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly (COGA) met in Louisville the last week of February, talking about everything from middle governing bodies to the Middle East.

Here’s some of the business they dealt with.

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