Membership

All persons engaged in administrative support work in any local church or church-related institution, governing body or agency of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the Reformed Church in America, the Presbyterian Church in Canada, or any church organization on a full or part-time basis is eligible to join the Administrative Personnel Association.

There are several forms of membership:

Active Member – persons employed in positions whose duties are paid annually.      

Affiliate Member – may be issued to a member of the Administrative Personnel Association who has been employed by a local church, church-related institution, governing body or agency of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) or any church organization on a full or part-time basis for a minimum of five years or has begun the certification process and is no longer employed due to a life-changing event.

Honorary Member – may be conferred upon a person deemed by the Executive Committee to have contributed significantly to the organization.  Members are not eligible.

Inquirer – may attend any conference or continuing education event in a given year without paying dues and without receiving credit toward certification.  If within the same calendar year the Inquirer decides to join the Administrative Personnel Association, classes taken will be credited towards certification as long as membership dues and the Level I certification fees have been paid.

Honorary Life Member – may be issued at the Region’s request to any member upon retirement from employment or upon leaving a Presbytery entity, who has been a member in good standing for at least ten years and served as either a regional or national officer, elected or appointed.

Retired Member – a member who automatically qualifies upon retirement. 

Non-Active Member – issued to those who are away in the armed forces, have taken a leave of absence from their jobs, or have been terminated. 

Volunteer Member – Same as an active member but may not hold office.

Organizational Member – Churches, Presbyteries, Synods, and related institutions or agencies may hold membership. 

Attending conferences is a great way to complete courses towards Certification in Church Administration.  Once you complete a level of certification, you will be able to use the title “Church Administration Level ___”.  To maintain your active status in the Administrative Personnel Association, you must make sure that your dues are paid each year.  If you fail to do so, any credits you have earned towards your certification will be lost.

For more information about membership in the Administrative Personnel Association, please consult the Membership Council Handbook or contact Nancy Fine, Florida Region Membership Chair at nancyfine@covad.net.