Dave Crittenden, co-executive of the Synod of Lincoln Trails, has resigned his position with the synod in order to accept a call to become director of stewardship with the General Assembly Mission Council, PC(USA).

He has been a member of the Lincoln Trails staff for 16 years, the last 10 as co-executive. Among his responsibilities have been managing the synod's investment and loan program, supervising synod financial activities and representing the synod at mission funding meetings for PC(USA). He is a recognized expert in the field of congregational stewardship and financial discipleship. Prior to his service with the synod, Crittenden served as a pastor and associate pastor for 20 years.

Carol McDonald, co-executive for Lincoln Trails, said, "Dave Crittenden is without a doubt one of the PC(USA)'s best voices for stewardship. He thinks of the whole church when he talks about giving and never fails to inspire abundance in a day and age when scarcity is usually our first response to most anything. I will miss Dave as colleague and friend - more than words can express. But he loves an adventure and I wish him only smooth motor-boating as he embarks on this next phase of his journey. What seems right now like a loss for Lincoln Trails is really a gain for the entire PC(USA) and I am eager to see what will happen for all of us as Dave pursues this ministry."

"Throughout my years of service in the synod, Dave has offered guidance, counsel and provided a balanced way of looking at difficult situations. He has blessed colleagues, commissioners and presbyteries with his ministerial gifts," said Eddie Knox, synod moderator. "We will miss him being a member of the staff and an important servant in the synod. I wish him well and much success in his new call. We trust God's continued blessing on Dave and his family."

Beginning in January 2011, Crittenden will serve in a newly created position within the Communications and Fund Development area of PC(USA)'s General Assembly Mission Council. He will work with GAMC leadership to help the denomination adapt to new modes of religious funding and to strengthen support for stewardship within the church.

The Synods of Lincoln Trails and Covenant are partners in a project to nurture the work of presbytery leaders and to strengthen the ministry of Committee on Ministry and Committee on Preparation for Ministry members. This partnership began in September 2010 and is funded largely through a generous grant from the Heiserman Fund - a fund made available by the General Assembly Mission Council to synods working in partnership to develop and nurture leaders for the 21st century church.

Executive and general presbyters for each presbytery have received registration forms and those who are interested should contact their presbytery's leader.

This workshop is presented in support of presbyteries and congregations of the synod and beyond. It will give particular attention to the social and theological implications of the Belhar Confession for the North American church today and the ecclesial implications of its proposed inclusion in the PC(USA) Book of Confessions.