The General Assembly support the proposal to establish a Development Fund utilising a portion of the funds allocated for home mission to be distributed by the Home Missions Board in accordance with its strategy for the promotion of ministry and mission. They instruct the Home Missions Board to move towards a system whereby support is provided to Presbyteries and congregations via time-limited funding from the Development Fund rather in the form of long term subsidy.
The General Assembly endorse the Board’s view that Presbyteries should hold primary responsibility for issues relating to congregational ministry within their bounds. They recognize, however, that during a period of transition as envisaged by the movement away from long term central support, some Presbyteries will need additional support from the Home Missions Board in the short term.