January 20, 2010

As I begin my new role as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Presbyterian Foundation, my sentiment is excitement for several reasons.

First, I am excited because I love our Presbyterian Church, and the agencies that make up our General Assembly, like the Foundation.  I love our people, our ministries, and our culture.  I love how grace and community stand as our core values.  And whenever I have engaged in worthwhile pursuits like service to our church that I love, I thrive.

I am also excited because the Presbyterian Foundation’s hiring team, the board members of the Foundation, and members of my presbytery who called me to this position are all on the same page.   We all want to reconnect the people of our Presbyterian congregations with what the Foundation does so beautifully – offering meaningful giving opportunities, managing funds wisely and disbursing those funds for critical ministries for the mission of Jesus Christ.  We want to ignite our people’s passions to invest the fruit of their life’s work in ways that will help heal sick people, feed hungry people, or give spiritual light and education to those in darkness.

Finally, I am excited about taking on this position at the Presbyterian Foundation because above all else, I know that God is in this.  God was present in the prayers of the search team who nominated me.  God was in the discussions of the Presbyterian Foundation Board members who unanimously offered me this position.  And God was at the center of my and my family’s prayers for discernment as I considered taking this position.

For the past three years, I have had the exceptional experience of being the Deputy Executive Director of Mission for the General Assembly Mission Council. Overseeing and working with bright and passionate Presbyterians was a daily thrill, as we sought God’s guidance for the work of the 700-800 employees of our national offices world-wide, including leaders, teachers, medical personnel, pastors, mission co-workers and administrative personnel.

At the Presbyterian Foundation, I will continue working for our Presbyterian mission, but from a different perspective.  Now, I have the opportunity to help those Presbyterians who sense God’s conviction to invest their financial resources in ministries that will truly help others in need.  It may be an international work that someone feels compelled to start or support, or maybe a ministry associated with a local congregation. I envision my role to be in collaboration with all congregations, middle governing bodies and all other agencies as we work towards furthering the work of Christ’s mission.

In any case, I am delighted to be able to inspire them with confidence in their giving, based on the Foundation’s sterling reputation for creative and wise financial management and for honoring the donor’s intent.

I’m thrilled to have been asked to lead the Presbyterian Foundation in this new way.  To all in our Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) who made this possible, from the bottom of my heart, thanks for this opportunity.

Tom Taylor

President and Chief Executive Officer