Contributions to Per Member Asking (PMA) received by the Office of the General Assembly in fiscal year 2021 (FY21) through February 28 total $1,585,346.
The total is $219,918 (13.4 percent) more than the $1,645,094 FY21 PMA support projection to fund the EPC’s Collaborative Ministries, Connectional Support, and Custodial Operations.
While FY21 support remains strong, contributions the first eight months of FY21 (which runs from July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021) are $83,146 (3.6 percent) behind the $1,668,492 contributed over the same period in FY20. In addition, February PMA support of $175,524 lowers the 12-month rolling average for monthly PMA contributions to $192,394—approximately 5.8 percent less than the rolling average as of February 28, 2020. The rolling average has declined over the previous year’s level for the sixth consecutive month.
“The ongoing downturn in our monthly rolling average is a cause for concern, because that is an indicator of longer-term trends,” said Jeff Jeremiah, EPC Stated Clerk. “At the same time, I think the strong PMA support we are seeing is a good indication that not only are our churches demonstrating their commitment to the EPC, they also are experiencing commitment to financial stewardship from their members. I praise the Lord for how He continues to bless and work in the lives of His people.”
Of the $1,585,346 received, $317,069 (20 percent) was contributed to EPC World Outreach.
In addition to PMA contributions, $3,733,540 in designated gifts were received through February 28. This total was $363,671 (8.9 percent) lower than the $4,097,211 in designated gifts received in the same period in FY20.
“At face value, the decrease in designated giving is disappointing,” Jeremiah said. “However, in our previous fiscal year we received an anonymous $500,000 gift for church planting, plus we received more than $360,000 into our Emergency Relief Fund in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian and wildfires in the West. If we don’t consider those two items, designated giving to EPC ministries and causes is actually up significantly. I am grateful for this incredible generosity!”
Designated gifts include support for World Outreach global workers and projects, and contributions to EPC Special Projects such as Emergency Relief, church planting and revitalization initiatives, and the EPC’s Thanksgiving and Christmas offerings.
Of the total, $3,647,476 was designated for World Outreach workers and projects, and $86,063 was designated for EPC projects. These amounts only reflect gifts received and distributed by the Office of the General Assembly, and do not reflect donations given directly to WO global workers or other projects.