The congregation near Phoenix hires the Barna Group to survey people, says its time to end family arguments

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church recently announced its intent to sever ties with the 2.1 million-member Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) while remaining in the Reformed family as an independent church.

“I’m looking forward to ending the cyclical family arguments so I can be free to discuss other things,” said senior pastor Jim Noble in the congregation’s latest newsletter. “While I am committed to encouraging people to question and grow in their faith, I am not interested in rethinking and re-imagining the Christian faith. I stand with the historic and biblical Christian faith.”

Desert Hills took the unique approach of commissioning The Barna Group to survey the congregation on attitudes toward the PC(USA) and their satisfaction with the church.

The survey found that 48 percent of surveyed members and attendees said the PC(USA) no longer reflects their beliefs and 30 percent said they’re concerned about recent PC(USA) actions but not enough to leave Desert Hills church at this point.

Meanwhile, 23 percent said the denomination can do whatever it wants as long as Desert Hills church continues to reflect their beliefs and values.

For most Desert Hill attendees, denominational loyalty is not important.

READ MORE: http://www.christianpost.com/article/20100507/ariz-church-time-to-move-out-of-pcusa-house/index.html