The Presbyterian Church (USA)'s mission arm has recommended a smaller budget in the next two years amid reduced giving, leading to fewer paid positions as the denomination highlights efforts to sharpen its world mission focus and reach out to more young adults.

The General Assembly Mission Council on Friday recommended reducing the mission budget by 8.4 percent in 2013 and 12.2 percent in 2014 compared with 2012 levels. A decision on the recommendation will be made at the denomination's 220th General Assembly in late June.

The 2012 mission budget is $89.1 million, would decrease in 2013 to $81.6 million and $78.2 million in 2014. The staff size would drop to 308 from 321.
The General Assembly Mission Council advises the General Assembly on priorities, programs, and strategies for addressing matters of concern for the ministries of the church.

Responsibilities of the Mission arm of the church include cultivating leaders, making and sending "compassionate and prophetic" disciples, starting new worshipping communities, and guiding young adults.

Hundreds of staff and elected leaders participated in making aa new Mission Work Plan, GAMC executive Director Linda Valentine told the Presbyterian News Service.

"The plan builds upon the work of the previous Mission Work Plan by continuing a shift away from doing ministry on behalf of the church and toward inspiring, equipping and connecting the church for Christ's mission."

World Mission Director Hunger Farrell said his unit worked with more than 1,800 partners to identify three "critical global issues" that it will focus on: root causes of poverty, especially as they impact women and children, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ; and reconciliation amidst cultures of violence.

The Rev. Eric Hoey, director of Evangelism and Church Growth said he wants the PC (USA) to be a "turnaround denomination" during his tenure, adding that efforts are increasing for more creative approaches to church development and leadership development and raising up more young adult disciples.

Sara Lisherness, director of Compassion, Peace and Justice ministries says that through measures emerging from the new Mission Work Plan "we are trying to put into practice what we've heard over and over again ― that justice and evangelism cannot be separated, that we must weave them together into a single tapestry of ministry."

The 2013 budget is "$5 million more than the GAMC actually spent in 2011," said Joey Bailey, the GAMC's chief financial officer.