Vanguard Presbytery has had wonderful fellowship for these past two years. Except for this late unpleasantness caused by a few parties who have now left due to their desire to rush to judgment on one issue in violation of the Scripture and our Constitution. Vanguard has new churches that are starting in various places and other existing churches talking with us about becoming part of us. Our goal is primarily to start new churches through evangelism and the Lord is indeed blessing our denomination in various ways.
As I was boarding a plane on my way to a Vanguard Presbytery meeting on Friday, May 13, I received a text from a fellow presbyter about an article written by the Christ Reformed Presbyterian Church that was on The Aquila Report. When I landed I opened the article and read what could only be described as slanderous accusations against the good name of Vanguard Presbytery. It is easy to slander with a broad brush when facts do not have to be provided. I hope everyone reading this article will carefully consider that point.
Vanguard Presbytery was accused by a few (who have left to start a new denomination) of constitutional and theological abuses. No evidence was given to support such accusations. Thus, I will reply by simply stating where Vanguard Presbytery stands on its constitution and doctrinal standards.
First, we believe, as does the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) and most every Reformed and Presbyterian denomination, that Matthew 18:15-18 is a basic principle of church government, and few are the instances in which it can be ignored. Requiring people to follow Matthew 18:15-18 is not an abuse of Presbyterian polity and does not constitute a constitutional crisis. The failure to do so would constitute the crisis.
Second, the polity of Vanguard Presbytery clearly makes committees of all church court levels subordinate to the courts and prohibits those committees from acting on any matter which is not given to them by the court. Upholding our polity is not a constitutional crisis. The failure to do so would constitute the crisis.
Third, Vanguard Presbytery upholds the rights of due process for all members at every court level. Preventing a rush to judgment in violation of the rights of due process of any person is not a constitutional crisis. The failure to do so would constitute the crisis.
Fourth, Vanguard Presbytery believes, as does the PCA and other Reformed or Presbyterian denominations, that discipline must be exercised in a dispensation of mercy and grace. If any member is accused of an error in doctrine or practice, the court must proceed carefully in order to attempt to reclaim the erring brother. The goal is to bring the brother to repentance. Proceeding cautiously does not constitute a constitutional crisis.
Vanguard Presbytery has upheld our constitution in all our decisions and we have certainly not adopted any theological error. The few who have left did not proceed through the court with their matters to its final decision and did not wait for the courts to act. Vanguard Presbytery has neither swept anything under the rug nor adopted any theological error. Anyone saying otherwise is bearing false witness. Without going into details, that is all I can say in response. Thus, I categorically deny what was written about us. Other elders in Vanguard Presbytery have contacted me to express that they feel we have been slandered. We have!
Vanguard Presbytery has had wonderful fellowship for these past two years. Except for this late unpleasantness caused by a few parties who have now left due to their desire to rush to judgment on one issue in violation of the Scripture and our Constitution. Vanguard has new churches that are starting in various places and other existing churches talking with us about becoming part of us. Our goal is primarily to start new churches through evangelism and the Lord is indeed blessing our denomination in various ways.
Anyone who has ever started a new congregation knows how easy it is to gather some people in the beginning who later prove not to be good fits for the congregation. It is no different in starting a new denomination. It is nice to write an irenic sounding purpose statement, but true irenicism is proved by actions.
Dewey Roberts is Pastor of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Destin, FL, a member congregation of Vanguard Presbytery.
