“The term evangelical is not understood within mainstream culture,” said the Rev. Art Pavelski, pastor. What’s in a name? A lot, especially when the name is combined with the real estate adage about location, location, location. The Evangelical Free Church of Vestal (in South Central New York State) will change its name next Sunday to... Continue Reading

“The evangelical community has been eager to lead the charge in the culture wars but has remained largely uncurious about sports.” The pillars of religion and sports undergird the house of American culture. Over 40 percent of Americans tell pollsters (perhaps with some bit of fibbing) that they attend weekly worship, and Sports Illustrated puts... Continue Reading

Tennessee Valley Presbytery (PCA), meeting in Knoxville, Tenn., voted on October 12 against the BCO 14 amendments which would change the funding plan for the PCA Administrative Committee. The vote was Yes 20, No 29, and Abstain 2. In addition, here is an update on a previous story concerning the vote of Westminster Presbytery which... Continue Reading

Conservatives, upset with the Washington agency’s support for progressive issues like gay rights and abortion rights, have long sought to limit the issues in the board’s political portfolio. The United Methodist Church’s public policy agency can advocate on causes beyond alcoholism and temperance without violating the terms of its endowment, a District of Columbia judge... Continue Reading

The Presbyterian Renewal Network’s Reclaim Biblical Teaching campaign recently announced new tactics in reaching out to Presbyterians in advance of voting on proposed changes to the Presbyterian Church (USA) constitutional. The campaign was launched in August and will target presbytery voting on Presbyterian Church (USA) ordination standards. Another goal is providing resources on the proposed... Continue Reading

The denomination has offered counseling to victims. None of the abusers are currently serving in overseas mission programs with the church, but in six cases the panel sent its findings to officials…for possible disciplinary action. Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) leaders formally apologized Friday to 30 people who they determined were sexually or physically abused in mission... Continue Reading

The Pacific Northwest Presbytery, meeting in Boise, Idaho on October 8-9, 2010, voted to accede the ruling of the PCA’s Standing Judicial Commission (SJC) to try Presbytery member TE Peter Leithart on his theological views. Last March the SJC deemed Leithart’s views as “touching fundamentals of the system of doctrine set out in the Record,... Continue Reading

Others…are concerned that Christians may be chipping away on the one day a week that God commanded to be set aside and kept holy. Doug DeVries describes Sunday evening worship as “a lot less formal” than the morning service at Plymouth Heights Christian Reformed Church. It’s also a lot less crowded. The Grand Rapids, Michigan,... Continue Reading

The midwestern governing body of the Presbyterian Church has upheld a decision by area church leaders to allow the ordination of an openly gay Madison man in a committed relationship. The judicial commission of the Lakes and Prairies Synod voted 7-2 Saturday in favor of the ordination of Scott Anderson, 55. The synod is one... Continue Reading

As of October 9, 2010, the vote of Presbyteries on the BCO 14 Amendments is 8-4 against. Three Presbyteries voted on October 9, Westminster, Blue Ridge, and Northern California. Westminster Presbytery voted against approving the amendments. The vote tally on BCO 14-1 was Yes 6; No 25; and Abstain 2. On BCO 14-2, the vote... Continue Reading