The entire General Assembly of the theologically conservative Presbyterian Church of America (PCA) unanimously and publicly adopted Overture 6 – perhaps the most robust statement on child protection adopted by any Christian denomination.  Though I was honored to serve alongside some amazing folks in drafting this historic resolution, I was quite skeptical that such a... Continue Reading

“The unofficial motto of the PCA is “we’re a grassroots denomination.” That may at one time have been true. But we need to stop lying to ourselves. The PCA is run by the denomination’s program committees and the large and influential churches and presbyteries. The only hope for a real grassroots PCA is the move... Continue Reading

The 42nd General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) has adjourned in Houston, Texas. There were many issues considered including Insider Movements, child abuse, and prayer for Christians facing penalties for their stance on abortion and homosexuality. What follows is an overview of some of the main actions of this year’s GA. Unlike previous... Continue Reading

This could have been a snapshot of the PCA 10 years ago, or 40 years ago. The PCA’s doctrine, confession, and the grassroots are about the same. There have always been reformers on the peripheries who sought to mold the PCA into a more conservative or a more liberal direction. Over the decades, the middle... Continue Reading

Be it resolved that the Presbyterian Church in America expresses its gratitude to the Lord for sustaining by His grace ministers of the gospel, chaplains, and Christians serving in the public sphere who are experiencing ostracism, penalties, and persecution for taking a Biblically faithful sand for the sanctity of human life and declining to participate... Continue Reading

The sessions on race, history, and diversity may have been pebbles dropping in the pond of the PCA. Pebbles, by definition are small, but they also cause ripples. And those ripples may begin to rock the cultural stagnation from segments of the denomination. But ripples take time to spread. Who knows how long it will be... Continue Reading

After briefly summarizing six points that are generally agreed upon, Dr. Thomas offered three points of clarity concerning the doctrine of sanctification. Each of those points are appropriately pastoral. That is, a proper doctrine of sanctification never finally remains theoretical but speaks to how we actually live.    On Wednesday of General Assembly, the Gospel Reformation... Continue Reading

Bryan Chapell, 59, is Senior Pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria, IL.  Since 1981, he was at Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis where he served as a professor, President and Chancellor. He continues as President Emeritus at Covenant. Before going to the seminary, Chapell pastored two churches, Woodburn Presbyterian Church and Bethel Reformed... Continue Reading

A number of important topics are before the Assembly this year probably led by Overture 6, “Child Protection in the PCA.” There are an additional 23 overtures with concurrences, commendations and affirmations of it bringing the total number of overtures this year to an unusually high 52. Earlier today this overture in slightly amended form,... Continue Reading

So the practical question is this: do we walk with these new believers, repeatedly drawing them back to the Scriptures, showing them the absolute claims of Christ on their lives, and yet expecting that not all of the “incongruities” in their lives will be worked out immediately?   As I’ve reflected on the majority and... Continue Reading