All of these factors will inevitably create considerable agitation within our denomination to take a more Laodicean approach and end our opposition to homosexual marriage.  Those who doubt this need only look at what has happened in the mainline denominations and in formerly evangelical denominations, including our closest denominational analogue, the CRC. We also need... Continue Reading

The following are a few hopes I have for myself during that week and beyond: That I would pray before I speak. That I would take my thoughts captive for Christ. That I would be hopeful and not cynical. That I would assume the best about my brothers with whom I disagree. That I would rejoice in any news that... Continue Reading

My suggestion is that the Assembly thank the committee for its work and send the report to the Presbyteries for study. The report establishes guidelines for in-depth discussion. If there are any substantive actions to be taken, they must come from the Presbyteries. Because, even if the report is adopted, it would have no binding... Continue Reading

I realize that we all do not agree on every issue in the PCA. I even realize that there are sharp disagreements about significant matters in the PCA. But it would do us all well to remember that in the midst of our disagreement, we are brothers. The belief that Jesus Christ is fully God,... Continue Reading

A serious problem arises, however, when networks and partnerships constituted of PCA teaching and ruling elders go beyond public and transparent ministry to private meetings and ecclesiastical intrigues for the purpose of winning votes and transforming the denomination. If a real time, vote-by-vote, running conversation on the assembly floor becomes a regular practice by denominational... Continue Reading

The Committee carefully describes the diversity within the PCA.  Some of our churches encourage women to teach classes to everyone including men, and others not.  In some churches women read Scripture and lead in prayer in public worship, in others not. Some have women deaconesses, others not, and some deliberately do not ordain men as... Continue Reading

The James River Presbytery approved an overture at its April 8, 2017 Stated Meeting, asking the 45th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America to amend the Rules of Assembly Operation (RAO) Article IX by inserting a new paragraph 9-2. This new paragraph, if amended, would state: “Recommendations for the appointment of ad-interim or study... Continue Reading

  When the PCA began, North American society was in flux on the issue of women’s roles. Today, the society is settled on the full inclusion of women in every sphere. This presents us with a challenge and opportunity. In this moment, we need positively and persuasively to make the case for biblical complementarity in... Continue Reading

There has, in the past five years, been a decidedly gracious movement in our denomination, and you have much to do with this. Crucial votes and Issues that matter most to us, along with Committees that are populated with likeminded people and a movement toward less stridency and a more diverse and outwardly focused and... Continue Reading

The Western Carolina Presbytery approved an overture at its February 25, 2017 Stated Meeting, asking the 45th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America to “Revise Rules of Assembly Operation (RAO) 11-5 to direct [the stated] clerk to refer overtures regarding committees and agencies and ad interim committees to overtures committee also.” The Presbytery... Continue Reading