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

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