What makes Presbyterian churches special?
Presbyterian churches are “connectional.” Local churches are branches of the larger ministry of Presbyterians in a given area. And that means that when any of its churches faces serious challenges or difficulties, it affects all—and it’s addressed together.

What is a Presbyterian Administrative Commission?
Effective spring 2024, the Presbytery of North Central California has convened a specially chosen team to come alongside Bethany during the congregation’s time of membership decline and lack of pastor. This “Administrative Commission” is comprised of elder colleagues and partners in ministry.

Who is on the AC?
The Administrative Commission includes Barbara Greene (Bethany Ruling Elder), Rev. Rick Hull (Teaching Elder, honorably retired; chair), Deb Kanner (Faith Presbyterian Church Ruling Elder), Rev. Jason Ku (Teaching Elder, honorably retired), and Aaron Truong (Grace Presbyterian Church Ruling Elder). This group meets regularly with Bethany’s Shepherd-Elders (formerly known as the Session).

How will the AC work? Who makes decisions?
The AC is functioning with what is called “Original Jurisdiction” and will—for a time—be the decision-making body at Bethany. This absolutely does not mean that Bethany’s Session (made up of elected elders) is removed … but rather that the AC is working in partnership with the congregation’s Elder Shepherds.

Updates from the Administrative Commission

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Administrative Commission Update • December 27, 2024

A long process of prayerful and thoughtful consultation is coming to a conclusion at the beginning of 2025.

It is now time for the members to indicate their preference for a pathway to pursue—knowing that brothers and sisters in the presbytery stand with you in whatever choice is made.

As we have described in our December 15th presentation, and published in the summary document that you have seen, there are three pathways to choose from.

in our capacity as the Bethany Session we have called a congregational meeting for Sunday, January 12th,to meet in the sanctuary immediately following worship, for the purpose of determining the preference of Bethany members for one of the available pathways forward.

Administrative Commission Update • December 17, 2024

Last Sunday the Administrative Commission shared its findings and recommendations for the future of this beloved church fellowship.

Many had feared that the Presbytery intended to close the church, but the substance of the AC report was quite the opposite. While a variety of factors have contributed to the decline of the church over many years, and at this moment the church is not sustainable under present conditions, it is not necessary to close.

And, in fact, there is a model of how to be a vital small church. Churches adopting this model have made healthy changes by streamlining programs, simplifying operating systems, reducing property and financial burdens, and focusing on the aspects of ministry and mission that are manageable for very small groups of workers.

Administrative Commission Update • December 9, 2024

The Administrative Commission is approaching the conclusion of its collaboration with the leaders and members of Bethany Presbyterian Church.

Your partnership in the ongoing discernment process, and the friendships we have developed together mean a great deal to us, and we would like to share our hearts and thoughts and our upcoming Presbytery Report with you.

You are invited to join us in the fellowship hall immediately after worship on Sunday, December 15th to receive a summary of our final report.

Administrative Commission Update • September 3, 2024

Notes from the August 28th Stated Meeting of the AC/Session.

"Take it from someone with over 50 years' experience working with elders all across our denomination, you have a really good Session. The five elders who are serving right now as 'Elder Shepherds' come together with good hearts, positive hopes, good skill sets, and forward-looking perspectives."

Administrative Commission Update • July 16, 2024

On behalf of the Administrative Commission let me share a word of encouragement. You remain very much in our prayers as you think and talk together about God's plans for the future of the fellowship, and of Bethany's ministry life. As you think about the future, I'd like to speak three hopeful thoughts.

Administrative Commission Update • July 3, 2024

"There is a deep desire for a healthy ministry in the midst of church decline. And some creative thinking is already percolating among the fellowship."

Administrative Commission Update • June 4, 2024

This is a special invitation to join in the focus groups set for Sunday, June 9 and Sunday, June 23, following the morning worship service. There are, indeed, challenges ahead — financial questions to be answered, property management to be considered, and, most important, the worship and program life of the historic Bethany fellowship to be discussed. And your prayerful, creative insights are essential to this process.

Administrative Commission Update • May 14, 2024

“During this time of ministry transition we want you to know that you are not alone. You have brothers and sisters praying for you, partnering with you, and looking forward as you seek God's guidance and blessings.”

Administrative Commission Update • April 7, 2024

Rev. Rick Hull, Chair of the Presbytery Administrative Commission, introduced members of the AC to the Bethany congregation on April 7. He then went on to tell of the AC’s work.