About CDM

Click the image to watch a video interview with Teaching Elder Dr. Stephen Estock, Provisional Coordinator of CEP. This brief video was produced by Covenant Theological Seminary, where Stephen earned his MDiv degree in 1995.

Estock, a native of Alabama, received his BA from Rhodes College, MDiv. from Covenant Theological Seminary, and his Phd. from Cappella . He served at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Montgomery, AL , and most recently serves on the staff of Kirk of the Hills in St. Louis, MO. With his wife Susan, the Estocks have three children: Brandon, Nathan, and Morgan.

Stephen has also taught numerous classes at Covenant Seminary, spoken at various CEP Conferences, including CEP’s women’s leadership conference. He has served on the CEP Committee and chaired the committee for two years which gives him first hand experience and knowledge of CEP’s operation, staff, and procedures.

With the background of Christian education and its discipleship focus, Estock demonstrates the gifts and experience that the CEP Committee believes to be needed for this role. He also is aware of the need to work together with the other committees and agencies of the church. He served as one of CEP’s six board members in the PCA’s joint venture, Great Commission Publications, with the Orthodox Presbyterian Church.

The Committee believes that his understanding of the importance of Christian education and the role of CEP in the PCA, along with his commitment to a team building approach, growing out of his on hands experience in the local church further qualifies him for this position.

According to teaching elder Will Hesterberg, chairman of the CEP search committee, “Stephen Estock has experience of PCA operation and the administration level and appreciates the opportunity to strengthen cooperation between agencies. He is known and respected throughout the PCA.” Hesterberg further stated, “Through our interview and our personal relationships, we believe him to be of a gracious and humble spirit, teachable, and a man who loves God, the church, and his family.”

Dunahoo believes that Estock is God’s provision for CEP at this time, bringing with him a desire to develop a vision for the continuation of CEP’s role in the life of the church and kingdom. Dunahoo said, “Our kindred spirit leads me to believe that he will continue to keep CEP front and center of the PCA’s ministry and make the training and resources for local churches a top priority.”

I think my church supports CDM. Why do you need to ask individuals for financial support? First, please check with your church treasurer to make sure. CDM estimates that if every church gave $7 per communicant member per year, then the ministry assigned to CDM by the General Assembly would be fully funded. Since over one-half of all PCA churches are not able to give at this level (many never have and others have had to recently cut benevolent budgets), CDM needs individuals who are able to give gifts to make up for this shortfall.

I recently paid to attend a CDM training event. Doesn’t that support the CDM ministry? All CDM training events are budgeted to break-even in that fees charged cover only the out-of-pocket expenses associated with the event (travel, printing, food functions, etc.) Sometimes the Lord blesses and attendance exceeds expectations and certain overhead costs are offset. However, more often they are not.

Can we designate our gift to a particular ministry? Yes. Gifts may be designated to particular ministries or projects which are under the purview of CDM.

If I send a gift, how will I be informed about the progress of CDM and its ministry? All donors are provided a two-year subscription to Equip to Disciple, a quarterly resource publication. We also invite you to visit our website regularly for even more timely updates.

We buy books from the Bookstore. Doesn’t that help CDM? Yes it does! Sales (of books and materials) primarily cover the cost of operation of the Bookstore but also help offset some of the general overhead expenses of CDM. Since our merchandise is discounted, the margins are very thin but each sale is a benefit to our ministry.

Our church buys Great Commission Publications Sunday school curriculum. Doesn’t that financially benefit CDM? No. CDM does not receive a financial benefit from the sales of the curriculum. All proceeds have been used to fund the continued development of curriculum by GCP.

Is a gift to CDM tax deductible? Yes. CDM, as a committee of the Presbyterian Church in America is designated by the I.R.S. as 501(c)(3) organization. You will receive a receipt by U.S. mail acknowledging your gift. If any merchandise is given in response to a donation, the value of that item is to be subtracted.

How can we contact you to learn more about CDM’s ministry and particular needs? We welcome the opportunity to speak further with you so please call our toll free number 1-800-283-1357 and press 7 to speak to one our staff. You may also email us at cdm@pcanet.org or correspond in writing to CDM, 1700 North Brown Road, Lawrenceville, GA 30043.

How can I give to CDM’s ministry?Thank you for your consideration of supporting CDM. You may send a check to the office (CDM, 1700 North Brown Road, Suite 102, Lawrenceville, GA 30043). Or, click here to give using our secure website.