Task Force Charter

• To understand the implications of the 218th General Assembly’s actions on denominational polity, and the likelihood of future actions by denominational leadership on issues involving Biblical authority.

• To understand the implications of maintaining our membership in the Presbytery of San Francisco and the PCUSA, both now and in the future, on our own congregation and ministries, including how we can be advocates for a return to Biblical authority in the denomination.

• To fully “count the cost” of any action to separate from the PCUSA, or staying in and fighting to restore Biblical authority, a principle that is advocated in Luke 14:28-31.

• To assess the impact of leaving the denomination on our congregation, including Church unity, real estate holdings, and ministry.

• To assess the impact of leaving the denomination on our pastors and staff, including Ordination status for pastors, MPPC sponsored candidates under care, retirement and other benefits under the PCUSA pension system, and future employability and ability to respond to calls from other congregations.

• To assess the impact of leaving the denomination on our Presbytery, and to the extent possible, coordinate actions with other congregations in our Presbytery who share our values and concerns.

• Survey the processes and results that other congregations have experienced in seceding from the PCUSA, and use those experiences to minimize negative impacts on the ministry of MPPC.

• To survey what God is doing throughout the Body of Christ overall in regards to leadership and accountability structures.

• Create a set of choices for future MPPC governance, in terms of denominational affiliation (if any) and assess the implications of each on MPPC leadership.

Target Outputs

• A report for the Session that outlines impacts of decisions for MPPC to stay in the PCUSA, and to leave it, with options for governance of MPPC if the Session chooses to secede.

Task Force Members

Task force has been approved by Session.

* Milo Medin, chair
* Larry Langdon, vice chair
* Colin Eakin, secretary
* Duane Clapp
* Erik Davenport
* Rob Faisant
* Amy Hsieh
* Cindy Marty
* Gordon Pilcher