This year continued a several year trend of encouragement. The GA continues to do good work to strengthen the PCA, and give us cause for great optimism.   This week was the 53rd General Assembly (GA) of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). Over 2,000 Teaching and Ruling Elders joined in Louisville, Kentucky, to do... Continue Reading

Outcomes of this Assembly could perhaps settle some matters, sparing continued advocacy for the near term. Then, again, the PCA may have over one hundred overtures next time around if the enthusiasm for procedural improvement continues.   Between the assemblies, attention had been given to the nomination of the next Stated Clerk and the attempts... Continue Reading

The 53rd General Assembly completed its work by acting on the full slate of Overtures Committee recommendations, approving several key BCO changes and committee reports, while rejecting others. The Assembly then adjourned sine die after worship, with the 54th General Assembly scheduled for Milwaukee in 2027. Full details and vote tallies are in the report.... Continue Reading

The first two days of the PCA General Assembly have gone remarkably well…The successes of Wednesday do not guarantee the outcome of Thursday’s business.   While much business remains to be settled by the PCA General Assembly, the first two days have been full of accomplishments for the Old School wing of the PCA. Tomorrow... Continue Reading

On Wednesday the 53rd General Assembly approved the majority of Review of Presbytery Records recommendations and heard reports from Mission to the World, Mission to North America, Covenant College, Covenant Theological Seminary, and others. The Ad Interim Committee on Christian Nationalism also presented its partial report. Full details and vote tallies in the report.  ... Continue Reading

Christian Nationalism is ascending thanks largely to the decline of denominations and the absence of effective gatekeepers in American Christianity. Today, American religion increasingly is led and governed by popular online personalities who are fueled by controversy. The PCA preliminary report is an intelligent resource for resistance against Christian Nationalism. But sadly, it likely will... Continue Reading

Nominating Duncan was Richard Phillips, the current senior pastor of Second Presbyterian. Phillips said Duncan has the experience, competence, trust, and goodwill necessary to lead the General Assembly proceedings. He noted Duncan’s considerable experience at the Assembly and the competence with which he leads.   The 53rd General Assembly has elected Melton “Mel” Duncan, ruling... Continue Reading

The Assembly ratified most BCO amendments approved last year (with Item 3 defeated and Item 7 approved. The Overtures Committee continued its work, recommending approval for electronic meetings of committees, four-year terms for coordinators, and an amendment requiring both wine and grape juice for the Lord’s Supper at GA   Assembly Convenes The 53rd General... Continue Reading

Among key recommendations: a day of prayer and fasting for revival (as amended), thanksgiving for adult professions of faith, and gratitude for the nation’s 250th anniversary. The committee also voted to keep current BCO language on deacons, rejecting overtures to allow women in the office, while advancing several targeted amendments on judicial processes, session records,... Continue Reading

AI has made it easier for the true desires of our hearts to be exposed in inglorious new ways. Instead of allowing ourselves to be turned inward toward our new idols, we must help each other turn outward to the God who gave us the precious breath for both life and redemption   [Modern Reformation]... Continue Reading