Both sides agreed that there was a serious problem in raising sufficient funds to maintain the essential functions of the Administrative Committee

Editor’s note: Due to mechanical problems, the wrong version of this story was originally sent for uploading. This is the corrected story.
Meeting in the sanctuary of their first and newly purchased building for Eagle Heights PCA in Winchester, Virginia, the Presbytery of the Blue Ridge voted on October 9 to overwhelmingly reject both of the proposed BCO 14 amendments designed to provide guaranteed funding for the PCA’s Administrative Committee.

Vote Counts were as follows:

On BCO 14-1 Yes – 12; No – 33 ; Abstain – 0

On BCO 14-2 Yes – 0 ; No – 34 ; Abstain – 9

Both sides agreed that there was a serious problem in raising sufficient funds to maintain the essential functions of this committee, including arrangements for annual General Assemblies, supporting crucial denominational bodies such as the Standing Judicial Commission, the Interchurch Relations Committee, and others.

However, there was a deep divide as to the proper solution to the problem.

On the one hand, those in favor desired that ALL of the work the AC handles be fully supported. Those opposed pointed out that much of the work was not essential, with publication of the denominational magazine, byFaith, the primary target. Others argued that important works such as the Historical Center and Pastor Search Support were valuable, but could not be considered essential.

The fear of the ‘slippery slope’ of other committees seeking similar funding methods, the feeling that this proposed format looked very much like a ‘head tax’, and – in a moving speech from a young Presbyter – that this was not the Biblical way to solve the problem were presented as reasons by those speaking against the changes.

A major argument for those in favor was the fact that not just in the PCA, but in almost every ministry in any faith group, raising money through voluntary gifts for administrative functions is not only difficult, but in most cases unsuccessful. The current proposal appeared to be the best possible solution. One speaker, explaining that he agreed with many of the principles argued by those opposed, but that this was a problem of long standing that needed fixing now and this was the only practical way to do that.

One new argument introduced was the fact that, even if this change were approved, it could be quickly made ineffective if the denomination moved to a delegated assembly, as more PCA leaders have been suggesting.

Ultimately, it was overwhelmingly clear that the vast majority felt that this proposal was not the best way to solve this serious problem and the vote on both proposed amendments failed.

With debate limited to 30 minutes total per proposal and only 3 minutes per speaker, the tenor among this highly diverse Presbytery was orderly and non-combative

The Presbytery has two large churches (Trinity, Charlottesville with over 1,300 members and Covenant, Harrisonburg with over 800). Five of the churches have been planted since the formation of the Presbytery 8 years ago, with 4 more at various stages of formation.

A special gathering of the Presbytery in September to have outside representatives speak to members in a 3 hour question and answer session held in Roanoke, Virginia was clearly a plus to make things go smoothly during the meeting as few questions needed answers before the debate began. (Audio and Video copies of this event are available at

http://www.barkerproductions.net/shop.asp?action=cat&catID=21494)

In other actions, Teaching Elder Chris Hutchinson of Blacksburg, Virginia was chosen as Moderator-in-Nomination for 2011; a plan to move from 4 meetings a year to only 3 received first-vote approval for a Standing Rules Change; a 16% budget increase was approved to help facilitate 2 new church plants and fund a ninth Virginia RUF Chapter; and discussions on how to move from per member basis to a percentage of annual Tithes and Offerings for Presbytery askings from member churches were introduced but no action was taken.