The U.S. State Department now classifies faith-based organizations as one of the top five “at risk” groups in the world today. Gideon Protective Services, Inc. will offer comprehensive church security training, security consulting and executive protection to churches and synagogues of all faiths. An executive protection and private security guard firm local to Southern California... Continue Reading

“We left on very amicable terms,” Chandler said. “Our conflict is not with other local Presbyterian churches. The conflict is on the national level.” The largest Presbyterian church in the San Joaquin Valley has realigned with a more conservative denominational entity, citing discontentment with a growing ideological divide between the congregation and its former national... Continue Reading

Denominations are certainly not the answer to the world’s ills, nor are they our last and only hope. But a denominational structure can be a valuable tool… Denominations appear to have fallen on difficult times. Theological controversies over core Christian beliefs have weakened some denominations. Others have succumbed to classic liberalism. A handful of denominations... Continue Reading

“I can find no record of formal church discipline being exercised on the issue of racism in any Presbyterian circles” Though racial extremists had previously caused rifts in PCA churches, the recent tumult at Friendship Presbyterian Church near Asheville, N.C., was perhaps unprecedented in that it led to church litigation (church discipline) regarding racism. (Original... Continue Reading

Some Episcopal clergy keep their offices in Starbucks as they await the end of this three-year, multimillion-dollar case. Virginia’s Supreme Court struck a blow to Anglican conservatives Thursday, ruling against nine congregations who split from the Episcopal Church after a series of doctrinal disputes that culminated with the 2003 installation of an openly gay bishop.... Continue Reading

As previously reported in this journal, allegations have been brought in two separate Presbyteries (Regional groups) of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. In First Presbytery, Ruling Elder Dr. Parker Young. a member of the Pinecrest ARP Church in Flat Rock, NC (near Hendersonville) has been accused by the Session of New Perth ARP in Troutman,... Continue Reading

“Overseed” is actively recruiting seminary students from theological schools not historically affiliated with mainline denominations Acknowledging the precipitous decline of all the historic mainline denominations in North America, self-described “renewalists” are trying something new. They call it Overseed. How it works: 1. Identify a once fruitful ministry field that now lies fallow. 2. Identify a... Continue Reading

The negotiated settlement was approved at Whitewater Valley Presbytery’s June 2 meeting by a 200-6 vote One of the largest churches in Indiana’s Whitewater Valley Presbytery has been dismissed from the Presbyterian Church (USA), and plans to affiliate with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC). The 1,200-member Southport Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis voted in late 2009... Continue Reading

A Southern Baptist pastor is urging younger Baptists who may have doubts about the denomination not to abandon ship just yet. “I’d urge you not to be caught on the sidelines in this strategic hour of battle.” As the Southern Baptist Convention prepares to embrace the Great Commission Resurgence this month, Pastor J. D. Greear... Continue Reading

A May 4 response from Pinecrest contain no assurances that they would indeed commence church discipline, prodding New Perth to encourage First Presbytery to assume original jurisdiction As previously reported here, Second Presbytery of the ARP Synod, is expected to respond to a request to bring charges against Teaching Elder (Minister) Jay Hering for his... Continue Reading