I like to think of our goals in two areas. First, we have a goal of celebrating the unity that we already have in Christ. And second, we have a goal of furthering our relationship with the ARP church by promoting dialogue and interaction on a variety of levels. To be clear, this is not... Continue Reading

The final two chapters in the ARP version of the Westminster Confession, adopted in the early twentieth century to emphasize the role of the Holy Spirit and to soften the Calvinism of the Confession, were mercifully removed in a near-unanimous voice vote after no discussion (!). The matter now goes to the presbyteries for their consideration.  ... Continue Reading

At the conclusion of the Synod of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (ARP), Rev. Jamie Hunt was elected as Moderator-elect for the 2015 Synod. Hunt is pastor of Coddle Creek ARP Church, Mooresville, N.C., and will be retiring in three weeks after serving there for 33 years. Rev. Boyce Wilson nominated Hunt for Moderator-elect. “We... Continue Reading

At its June 11, 2014 meeting, the Synod of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (ARP) unanimously approved the recommendations of its study committee to amend their version of the Westminster Confession of Faith by removing Chapters 34, Of the Holy Spirit, and Chapter 35, Of the Gospel, along with the appended note “(b)”to Chapter 3,... Continue Reading

The candidate believed he could meet those standards. Cliff Smith, a spokesman for Erskine, declined to name the candidate, but said that he withdrew because, based on “the views of some board members and church members, he felt he would be in the position of creating tension or dissension and further conflict” at the college... Continue Reading

The much-celebrated vote to reclaim Synod’s rights to remove Erskine Board members with cause, as well as the solid slate of new trustees which were elected, should indeed encourage all who believe the schools, both college and seminary, are agencies of the Church.  However, as necessary as these steps are, it must be remembered that the... Continue Reading

The ARP has a rich and storied heritage in the faith. This blessed heritage is a direct result of the faithfulness of God, which he has demonstrated time and time again to us over the past 200+ years. He was present with our Scottish forefathers as they sought the reformation of the church in Scotland.... Continue Reading

The 2013 meeting of General Synod was a very good one. I can safely say it was one of the best meetings of Synod that I have ever attended. Many good things are happening in the ARP Church, and theologically we are trending in the right direction. If we can overcome our mistakes, I expect... Continue Reading

Synod’s Committee on Inter-Church Relations recommended that the ARP Synod extend an invitation to the Reformed Presbyterian Church in North America (RPCNA) to hold concurrent synods at Bonclarkin in 2015. Both synods would conduct business in separate facilities in Bonclarkin, but the worship services would be conducted together and opportunities for fellowship would be built... Continue Reading

RUF Newberry is slated to begin ministry on January 1, 2014, after TE Starkey transfers his credentials to Second Presbytery. This has been exciting not only for Newberry ARP, but also for the presbytery. It is no secret that Second Presbytery has been badly divided over Erskine-related issues for going on eight years now, but... Continue Reading