By the end of this third Chattanooga Assembly, many of the PCA founding cultural interests and efforts to avoid centralization were distant memories. With strong efforts, the conservatives who sought to bring the high-level officers more in line with certain notions had some success. Moreover, the progressive wing seemed more determined and efficient than ever... Continue Reading

The Assembly continued its work hearing reports, debating, and approving recommendations.   The Assembly reconvened at 8:30 a.m. and heard the report from the Cooperative Ministries Committee and then the report from the Review of Presbytery Records. You can read about RPR’s work here. After debates on several items pertaining to individual presbyteries, the report... Continue Reading

TE Kevin DeYoung was elected to serve as moderator. The Assembly heard various reports including those from the Stated Clerk, the Review of Presbytery Reports, and the Standing Judicial Commission. Four BCO amendments were ratified, and the Overtures Committee made recommendations on several overtures.   The Assembly opened with a worship service. Ruling Elder Steve... Continue Reading

DeYoung earned his doctoral degree from University of Leicester. In addition to his pastoral responsibilities, he is associate professor of systematic theology at Reformed Theological Seminary Charlotte. He has also written, edited, or contributed to more than 25 books.   DeYoung is the senior pastor of Christ Covenant Church in Matthews, North Carolina, where he... Continue Reading

The Overtures Committee on Monday morning convened and elected Ruling Elder Mel Duncan to serve as chairman. Teaching Elder Stephen Spinnenweber was elected vice chairman. The committee made recommendations on the following 20 overtures: Overture 40, “Amend BCO 35-9 to Require Recording All Parts of a Trial,” in the affirmative. The vote was 119-0-1. Overture... Continue Reading

Accountability was slowly developing as the PCA outgrew its cradle. Some were not pleased about this, but fortunately, they were not having their way. The new PCA was emerging. And it was one that would not be crushed by the concerns of caucus groups. The 1995 Assembly certainly did not adopt the Vision Caucus agenda,... Continue Reading

What I did find persuasive was George’s appeal to grace. I hear George’s plea to let grace prevail. But I have to say that Bryan’s current path speaks the more apt message for our day: pursue the path of humility even if it leads to obscurity. This too might be grace prevailing.   The ongoing... Continue Reading

The consequences of his withdrawing his resignation I have mentioned above. The office of stated clerk would be reduced in effectiveness and esteem by doing so, and the PCA would be worse for it. Chapell would be put in an impossible position which he lacked the personal capital – the respect and confidence of others... Continue Reading

“Since the devotional life and spiritual maturity of each person are unique, local church elders are best suited to evaluate the spiritual needs and maturity of those considering the book. Elders should converse with members and recommend alternative or remedial devotional materials as needed.”   In 2024, the 51st General Assembly passed an overture instructing... Continue Reading

I implore you to ask your commissioners to the General Assembly to call on the Administrative Committee and Committee of Commissioners to ask Dr. Chapell to reverse his decision to retire and continue to serve as Stated Clerk. Of course, the expectation would be for Dr. Chapell to continue his personal efforts at reconciliation with... Continue Reading