Dallas, Texas – The 36th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America, meeting in Dallas, Texas, held its opening worship service on Tuesday, June 10, 2008. The retiring moderator, Mr. E.J. Nusbaum, a ruling elder at Village Seven Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado, gave the opening sermon before an audience of over 2,000.

 
Mr. Nusbaum spoke on the theme of "Transformed Leaders" from Romans 12:1-3. He stated, "I believe that the concept of transformation has significant implications for all types of service. But for those who are serving as leaders in the church, I believe that the implications are even more critical.” He emphasized three reasons why about the nature of transformed leadership:
 
(1) Why do leaders need to be transformed? (2) What does a transformed leader look like? (3)
How do we become transformed? Nusbaum also emphasized, “Transformed leaders lead in such a way that they clearly demonstrate that they believe that what God says is really true.” And again, “Transformed leaders remember this: When looking at a new proposal or concept, the first question is not "can we afford this?" The first question is, is this what God would have us do?”
 
The worship service concluded with a communion service.