Self-Development of People (SDOP) is a ministry of the PC(USA) that functions at the presbytery, synod and General Assembly levels of the church. Funds come from gifts given to the annual One Great Hour of Sharing offering received by Presbyterian congregations. Approximately one-third of this special offering is designated to SDOP.

Applications may be made for projects that enable the economically poor, oppressed and disadvantaged people to own, control and benefit directly from projects that promote long-term change in their lives and communities,

Application Form 

SDOP Committee Members

Stan Edwards, moderator–Detroit
Rena Kurburski-Mackinac
Chip Steele-Muskingum Valley
Lazara Aragon-Lake Michigan
Gerald Nevins-Western Reserve
Janet Fehlen, staff

Committee Information and Responsibilities

 A. Membership

1. The Synod Self-Development of People (SDOP) Committee shall consist of nine persons nominated by the Synod Nominating Committee to the Synod Assembly for election
2. Annually the Nominating Committee shall nominate to the Synod Assembly one of the members of the SDOP committee for election as moderator of the committee for a one-year term.
3. At least 75 percent of the committee must be members of the PC(USA)
4. A majority of the membership must be racial ethnic minority persons
5. Terms shall be for three years in three classes; no member shall serve more than six consecutive years

 B. Responsibilities

• Interpret the denomination’s Self-Development of People program and encourage support of the program within the Synod, guided by the handbook prepared by the General Assembly SDOP committee
• Review and validate self-development project proposals within the synod
• Assist communities of need in writing project proposals
• Report annually to the Synod Assembly
• Communicate with the General Assembly Self-Development of People committee on matters of committee certification, training and promotion of the SDOP program

— From the Bylaws of the Synod of the Covenant

GA Quick Link
www.pcusa.org/sdop