Covenant Commitment

Covenant Commitment is the way congregations in the Presbytery of Plains and Peaks share the costs of being a connected church. It supports the constitutional and ecclesial work that allows the churches, Presbytery, Synod and General Assembly to function as one body. It funds the ministry of  those Councils by providing resources for governance, pastoral care, judicial processes, constitutional interpretation, leadership development, ecumenical relationships, and the work of stated clerks and other essential staff. It is assessed on a per-member basis so that every congregation contributes fairly to the shared ministry of the whole church.

Paying per capita is more than meeting a financial obligation—it is an expression of our covenant with one another. As Presbyterians, we believe that no congregation stands alone; we are connected in mutual support, accountability, and shared discernment of God's mission. Through Covenant Commitment, larger and smaller congregations alike invest in a system that equips leaders, strengthens churches, responds faithfully during times of conflict and transition, and enables the church to make decisions together. When a congregation pays its per capita, it affirms that we are stronger together than apart and participates in sustaining the ministry and witness of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) for future generations.

In 2026, the total Covenant Commitment for our Presbytery is $195,440.  That is $56.00 per member for 3,490 members.  The Presbytery keeps 75% of that with the other 25% going to the General Assembly and Synod.

At the end of June, 24 of our 34 churches have paid at least a portion of their per capita.  Eleven churches have already paid their entire 2026 commitment.

The $195,440 per capita is equal to about 77% of our total budgeted expenditures for 2026.  Obviously, our main source of revenue.

Typically, 75 to 80 percent of our churches pay 100% of their per capita in any given year.

Covenant Commitment is a way of saying “We belong together,” or “we are stronger together