Synod Assembly Highlights Ministry, Partnerships, and Priorities for 2026

The Synod of the Sun gathered for its Stated Meeting February 23–24, 2026, at the Presbyterian Mission Center in Irving, Texas, where commissioners met to review ministry work, share reports, and set priorities for the coming year. After organizing for the meeting and approving the agenda and previous minutes, the Assembly participated in an orientation designed to help commissioners better understand Synod operations, available resources, and expectations for service.

Synod Leader and Stated Clerk Mitch Miller lead the Assembly in Commissioner Training

Synod Treasurer Bill Wiles presented the 2026 budget, highlighting the Synod’s commitment to equipping, connecting, and empowering presbyteries. While the operating budget reflects a modest deficit, strong investment income and reserve funds create an overall surplus. Wiles emphasized that the Synod continues to return roughly twice the amount it receives from presbyteries in support of mission and ministry, encouraging commissioners to view resources through a perspective of abundance and strategic generosity.

Several ministry reports highlighted ongoing partnerships and programs across the Synod. Thomas Riggs reported that the Communications Services Program continues to provide affordable communications support—including websites, newsletters, and social media—to presbyteries across the denomination. Libby Janes, Director of the Synod Partnership for Disaster Recovery, also shared updates on disaster preparedness efforts, noting that disasters can include not only natural events but also community disruptions that require additional support. The program continues to offer grants and training while encouraging congregations to provide emotional and spiritual care in times of crisis.

With Rev. John Williams looking on, Libby Janes closes her Installation Service with a charge and blessing.

A highlight of the Assembly was the Installation of Libby Janes as the Director of SPDR at the Assembly worship service on Monday night. The Reverend Ted V. Foote, Jr., the Louis H. and Katherine S. Zbinden Distinguished Chair of Pastoral Ministry and Leadership at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, preached at the worship service, blessing Libby for her new ministry in the Synod (CLICK HERE for more on the Installation and Examination of Libby at Assembly and at Mission Presbytery).

Synod Leader and Stated Clerk Mitch Miller outlined several priorities for 2026 following a recent leadership retreat. These include strengthening support for commissioners, expanding the “Flourishing in the Spirit” initiative for commissioned pastors and small congregations, increasing participation in the Synod Youth Workshop, and updating the Synod’s operations manual. Commissioners also approved a renewed covenant partnership with the Noroeste Synod of the National Presbyterian Church of Mexico, affirming a shared commitment to ministry, learning, and fellowship across borders.

Committee reports reflected the wide range of ministries supported by the Synod. Updates included work with border ministries and the Hispanic Ministries Mission Network, plans for the 2026 Synod Youth Workshop at the University of Tulsa, and ongoing efforts to gather feedback from presbyteries to guide training and resource development. The Assembly also renewed a covenant with the Presbyterian Historical Society of the Southwest and heard presentations from Ghost Ranch and Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services, which celebrated its 123rd year of ministry and expanding family resource centers. The meeting concluded with prayer and thanksgiving for the Synod’s shared work in ministry.