The origin of the word ecology from the Greek oikos, Ortberg explained, “Every organism lives in a larger system. A healthy ecosystem filters out toxins so that organisms can thrive.”

“Are you ready for a miracle?” was the opening worship song and the question in the room at the Thursday morning worship service of the Fellowship of Presbyterians Covenanting Conference in Orlando. The miracle in the making is called The Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterians, the name of the new Reformed body of the Fellowship of Presbyterians.

Wil Brown, Christian recording artist and worship leader at First Presbyterian Church Orlando, led the 2,200 congregants in exuberant song before Dr. John Ortberg, pastor of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church opened the Word.

After reciting Acts 2:42-47, Ortberg cast the vision for what he revealed would be called “ECO,” The Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterians. Ortberg said, “This is not just a denominational alternative but a structure that enables ministry.”

The origin of the word ecology from the Greek oikos, Ortberg explained, “Every organism lives in a larger system. A healthy ecosystem filters out toxins so that organisms can thrive.” That, Ortberg says, is the vision of the new reformed body. Specifically he said, “the goal is to build a spiritual ecosystem that in turn builds flourishing churches that make disciples of Jesus Christ.”

Ortberg then acknowledged that “it’s going to be messy” in part because “decision-making in Presbyterian churches can be complex.” He reiterated the tone of the Fellowship to “walk through all this in such a way that honors God and respects our brothers and sisters in the PCUSA and bears positive witness to the world.”

The speaker then acknowledged that some may ask, “Why bother?” and pushed those present to genuinely examine “what problem are you trying to solve?”

Ortberg’s pace of speech accelerated further and his fervor rose as he declared the truth that “The problem is not denominational ambiguity or ecclesiastical dividedness or even ineffectiveness. The problem is that people are going to hell.”

He continued, “Our problem is hell,” and “our job is to put hell out of business – that’s why Jesus went to the cross on a Friday and laid in a tomb and rose on Easter morning.”

He concluded by challenging all those present, “I wonder, will we give everything we have — not based on the pensions and benefits that are going to be provided – but I wonder who is ready to a servant and a partner and soldier in an army that is advancing against hell?…Will you devote the rest of your life to be part of such a church?”

Those present rose to their feet in spontaneous standing ovation, giving the speaker his answer.

Carmen Fowler LaBerge is president of the Presbyterian Lay Committee and executive editor of its publications. This article first appeared on The Layman website and is used with permission.