Our Protestant forefathers in the British North American colonies—later, the United States, as we will soon celebrate—established the Christian Sabbath as one of the pillars of their new societies. They brought the Sabbath with them from England and Scotland. While the day’s observance varied widely—particularly in the South where Sabbath-keeping was never as rigorous as... Continue Reading

For reasons of polity and perception, limiting representation before the higher courts to officers is unnecessary, potentially unwise, and may create a hinderance to a just process. But no matter the breadth of the pool of potential representatives, it still remains to be seen whether accused persons routinely have access to that representation.   Chapter... Continue Reading

I am not asking the committee to settle every debate. Church history shows debates will always continue. But I do ask they present the live debates honestly, acknowledging the strength of the contextual adjustment reading, and draw clearer distinctions in the ordo amoris section. Our presbyteries can exercise discernment in good faith subscription, but only... Continue Reading

The work of reforming and strengthening worship is never finished by adopting a document. But it can be helped by one. A good Directory will not do the work of pastors and elders for them. But it can help pastors and elders do their work better.   A constitutional Directory for Worship will not, by... Continue Reading

I hope PCA congregations and agencies will learn from Allberry’s tragic fall and disgrace: do not platform those who seek to build their credibility or brand on the basis of their sinful desires. Stop exposing young people to such men. It is time PCA officers, congregations, and agencies take seriously both our Constitution and the... Continue Reading

What changed was not that a brand new theology suddenly appeared. What changed was that many elders and churches who had long held these convictions, but had less cultural influence in the Assembly, the committees, and the nominating process, finally came forward in greater force. Their views were not new. They were simply no longer... Continue Reading

The ethos of the PCA is decidedly not “in non-essentials liberty.” And I cannot think of a single denomination where that is actually the practice. As I stated earlier, I have seen this statement bandied about by those who have publicly stated their disagreement and disgust with the overwhelming decision of the General Assembly to... Continue Reading

According to Ramsay, when qualified deacons could not be obtained it was the elders who discharged the duties of both offices. Looking back, that makes perfect sense because in the Jerusalem church of Acts 6 there were no deacons until the apostles realized they needed help. If all agree that the office of elder is... Continue Reading

Greco currently serves as senior pastor of Christ Church in Katy, Texas. He grew up near Buffalo, New York, and studied Classics and history at the University of Buffalo, after which he completed a master’s degree in Classics at the University of Chicago. After earning his law degree at the University of Michigan Law School,... Continue Reading

What will happen if this lament, that uses terminology born far outside Scripture, becomes a driving force? Terms originating from some who reject Scripture may unintentionally shape how congregants interpret sin and reconciliation. How can we expect restitution or peace when worldly expressions replace our ecclesiastical language? Naming a group as inherently grieved and another... Continue Reading