PC(USA) Unified Agency Unveils New Structure, Four Areas of Work

The leadership of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s emerging unified agency has shared its new organizational structure and ministry alignment with staff, the Presbyterian News Service reported from Louisville. The plan follows months of discernment, meetings and prayer. It will require a shift in ministry structure and placement, but existing ministry work will continue with no planned staff reductions.

The Rev. Jihyun Oh, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly and Executive Director of the Unified Agency, said the new alignment is intended to position the agency as a partner both within and beyond the PC(USA). “The hope is that it will foster more and better collaboration with partners, as well as within the agency, while also building toward an organization of accountability, trust and sustainability,” Oh said (Luke 12:48).

In September, the Unification Commission approved the new organizational structure, which divides the agency’s work into four areas. This week, Oh announced the leaders of those four areas, as well as the sub-areas and their leaders.

According to the report, Oh said the work is being shaped by four values, built on the foundation of Presbyterian values of representation and full participation. The agency is to be nimble, trustworthy, learning and courageous. It will also focus on five priorities: thriving mid councils, disciple formation and leader development, life of the denomination, restorative justice and witness, and unifying.

Oh acknowledged that the transition will take time. “We recognize that moving to this new model will take time and will require us to be flexible,” she said. She also linked the changes in the agency and the church to God’s mission, saying, “I’m grateful for all those who are praying as we continue this journey.”

Source: Read the original report