One of the largest Presbyterian Church (USA) congregations in the United States is presently weighing the possibility of leaving the denomination due to theological differences. First Presbyterian Church of Houston, founded in the early nineteenth century and with an estimated 3,600 members, voted earlier this year to enter a discernment process over the possibility of seeking dismissal.

One of the largest Presbyterian Church (USA) congregations in the United States is presently weighing the possibility of leaving the denomination due to theological differences.

First Presbyterian Church of Houston, founded in the early nineteenth century and with an estimated 3,600 members, voted earlier this year to enter a discernment process over the possibility of seeking dismissal.

James T. Birchfield, senior pastor at First Presbyterian Church, told The Christian Post that the congregation wants to consider where they stand in relation to the views of PC(USA).

“Our congregation is attempting to discern the best place – the best denominational relationship – that will allow us to fulfill our mission statement, which is to ‘carry the gospel to Houston and the world’,” said Birchfield.

“The issues that prompted our season of discernment include a sense that the PC (USA) may be drifting theologically – especially around issues having to do with the authority of Scripture and the nature and work of Jesus Christ – and that it has drifted away from its historical mission of evangelism and church planting.”

Birchfield also told CP that First Presbyterian Church was only recently beginning the process of discernment and that it would not be a quick decision.
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