The sessions on race, history, and diversity may have been pebbles dropping in the pond of the PCA. Pebbles, by definition are small, but they also cause ripples. And those ripples may begin to rock the cultural stagnation from segments of the denomination. But ripples take time to spread. Who knows how long it will be... Continue Reading

This is a moment of constitutional and confessional crisis for the PCUSA. If the Assembly proceeds down the path of allowing consideration and ultimately passing an Authoritative Interpretation of the Constitution that creates an express contradiction, the Assembly will be willfully disregarding its own constitution. How are we functionally a constitutionally formed people if we no... Continue Reading

The divestment resolution targets companies that divestment supporters say supply electronic and earth-moving equipment that help Israel violate Palestinian rights. Presbyterians in support of the resolution described it as a long overdue stand on behalf of Palestinians suffering under the occupation, which began in 1967 when Israel pushed back attacks from neighboring countries.   (RNS) The Presbyterian Church (USA) voted... Continue Reading

God will not be mocked and those who substitute their own felt desires for God’s unchangeable Truth will not be found guiltless before a holy God.  The Presbyterian Lay Committee will continue to call for repentance and reform: repentance of those who have clearly erred at this General Assembly and reform of the PCUSA according... Continue Reading

By a 76-24 percent vote, the General Assembly of the 1.8 million-member PCUSA voted to allow pastors to perform gay marriages in states where they are legal. Delegates, meeting in Detroit this week, also approved new language about marriage in the church’s Book of Order, or constitution, altering references to “a man and woman” to “two persons.”... Continue Reading

After briefly summarizing six points that are generally agreed upon, Dr. Thomas offered three points of clarity concerning the doctrine of sanctification. Each of those points are appropriately pastoral. That is, a proper doctrine of sanctification never finally remains theoretical but speaks to how we actually live.    On Wednesday of General Assembly, the Gospel Reformation... 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

Bryan Chapell, 59, is Senior Pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria, IL.  Since 1981, he was at Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis where he served as a professor, President and Chancellor. He continues as President Emeritus at Covenant. Before going to the seminary, Chapell pastored two churches, Woodburn Presbyterian Church and Bethel Reformed... Continue Reading

A number of important topics are before the Assembly this year probably led by Overture 6, “Child Protection in the PCA.” There are an additional 23 overtures with concurrences, commendations and affirmations of it bringing the total number of overtures this year to an unusually high 52. Earlier today this overture in slightly amended form,... Continue Reading

So the practical question is this: do we walk with these new believers, repeatedly drawing them back to the Scriptures, showing them the absolute claims of Christ on their lives, and yet expecting that not all of the “incongruities” in their lives will be worked out immediately?   As I’ve reflected on the majority and... Continue Reading