They are all ignoring the facts that (1) Christianity is somewhat irrelevant to the world (I Corinthians says that the faith is “foolishness” to the world); and (2) they are all grasping at the wrong straws to appease the wrong people

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I don’t have a bone to pick with the framers of the the PCA’s Strategic Plan. As far as I know, their all decent men. Some are friends. I just don’t think this “Plan” constitutes much of a plan. And, I certainly see no evident strategy other than funding the Administrative Committee.

The Southern Baptists are currently confronting the stagnation in their own denomination. Ironically, it somewhat mirrors the stagnation of the PCA.

It seems to me that all the rich white churches (denominations) woke up one day and realized that the world had passed them by. While our ‘Brooks Brothers’ approaches of the 80s and 90s worked well then, they aren’t working well currently. Now, they are scrambling to regain “relevance.” But, they are all ignoring the facts that (1) Christianity is somewhat irrelevant to the world (I Corinthians says that the faith is “foolishness” to the world); and (2) they are all grasping at the wrong straws to appease the wrong people.

I’m not saying we have to be “Old School” or “Strict Subscriptionists” in order to reach the world. Those methods are still equally shallow as those grasping for relevance, and don’t address the real issue: obeying God in word and deed.

Currently, the only two denominations not experiencing decline are charismatic (Church of God and Assemblies of God). Ever wonder why? I think it’s because they actually believe in the work and ministry of the Holy Spirit. As I see it, the PCA believes that the Spirit guides us into salvation and leaves us to manipulate the various systems according to our own “wisdom.”

I heard that a “LEADER” recently asked his presbytery to nominate him to the SJC. This same leader is one of the ones seeking “more seats at the table” and the creation of “safe places,” but appears unwilling to leave a seat empty for someone else. Same old, same old……

He’s not the only one guilty of being a manipulator. This is happening on all sides of the issues. And, it’s wrong. The Broad guys (of which I’m probably more akin) are scared that the Strict guys will gain control while the Strict guys are equally scared that “THE LIBERALS are coming!!” They are both grappling for CONTROL of something that is not theirs to control: The Church. As long as this power struggle continues, the PCA will continue it’s slide into greater irrelevance. Christ never called anyone to control or execute power of the Church. He only calls us to SERVE his Bride.

Henry Blackaby was right: “Find out where God is at work and join Him.” Too often, though, the PCA is guilty of starting a work and THEN asking God to join us. It makes no difference if we are targeting the cities, the arts, the safe places, or the tables. If God is not in it from the beginning, it will fail.

I don’t see what all the fuss is over. According to Scripture (Romans 12 and I Corinthians 12) God has equipped his people with varied gifts that (1) glorify Him and (2) bless his people. Why don’t we quit worrying about plans and just use those gifts wherever he has called us?

My hope is that someone with some sense will seek a 2 year moratorium on any form of overture, change to the BCO, or legislation within the PCA. I doubt we could do it because, for too long, we’ve lived to litigate. But, imagine what God could do if we spent more time in ministry rather than manipulating the system.
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Bill Lamkin, is a minister in the Presbyterian Church in America who also holds a double-major in Business Administration and Management. He currently serves as Assistant Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Panama City, Florida