Q&A


Larry Deal, FPCA’s new business administrator, reflects on being called to serve on staff


What has been your relationship with First Presbyterian Church of Allentown?


I have a long-standing relationship with First Presbyterian dating back to joining with my wife, Sherry, in 1983, when we relocated to the area. Since that time, I have had the privilege of serving the church in many different capacities, including on the Board of Trustees and Session. I was also privileged to serve on two pastoral search committees. As our daughters grew up in the church, I served as a Youth Club table parent as well as both a junior and senior high advisor.


What motivated you to take on this new leadership position?


When the position became available last fall, I began processing a couple of thoughts. Te fact that this position would be occupied by the fourth person in a relatively short period of time was concerning to me from a church stability perspective, and I thought that—if fortunate enough to be selected—I could provide some longevity to the role. As I had for several years been contemplating a career change from the health care industry, the timing seemed right, and I concluded that perhaps I should explore the opportunity. Fortunately for me, after making my intentions known to the search committee about my enthusiastic desire to contribute and make a difference in the ongoing growth of FPCA, I was afforded the opportunity to join the church in this position.


What are your responsibilities?


My primary responsibilities are to oversee the financial and administrative functions of the church. In addition, I have responsibility to oversee the church property. While these responsibilities may seem very daunting, they are much more manageable with the help of a capable and caring staff, along with a very supportive congregation. In addition overseeing these functions every day, I serve as a staff resource to many of our Session ministry teams, including Finance, Long- Range Planning, Assurance, Investment, and Stewardship.


Can you describe some steps that you’ve taken?


Given the timing of my arrival on December 1, one of the most critical issues requiring attention was helping to bring closure to the 2018 Stewardship Campaign. Tis required a detailed analysis of the pledging activity to date and then, working with others, to determine a plan for helping to reach a successful result. Given the results of the Stewardship Campaign, along with a further determination of anticipated giving for 2018, the next task was to develop a balanced budget for 2018. Again, with the engagement of both staff and many volunteers, the budget was ultimately prepared and approved by Session at the January 2018 meeting.


Attention has since been focused on getting the year-end work completed in preparation for the auditors to come and do their annual work. Concurrently, I have been meeting with staff to better understand their respective functions and how I might work best with them.


What are some of your goals?


Te first goal would be to make sure that the goals and plans of operation as established by the Session and the congregation are executed in the most efficient manner possible. In order to do this, one exercise I will be starting with is to evaluate all contracts and business relationships we have to ensure they are appropriate and continuing to add value to our operations. From a personal perspective, I want to gain more knowledge of all our operating systems to be better equipped to answer questions as they relate to FPCA.


How can the congregation help?


I believe the best way the congregation can help is to be in constant dialogue with one another. With all the resources in our staff and membership, by sharing of our financial resources and talents, there is so much we can do in our community and the world, and I would encourage us all to respond to the call when needs are identified!


“For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of


life.” — EPHESIANS 2:10


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