The tensions are longstanding, and may be here to stay. But what is behind them? Are they inherent in the Reformed faith? How can members reflect Christ while agreeing to disagree? And can the whole situation be leveraged into an opportunity for the PCA to thrive?

According to a number of PCA leaders, conflict within the denomination is nothing new.

· “Actually, I don’t believe there are more tensions now than in the early days of the PCA,” said Dr. Ligon Duncan, senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Jackson, Miss…

· Dr. Tim Keller, pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City, sees a history of conflict not only within the PCA, but also within the much longer lifespan of the Reformed faith…

· “What’s facing us is not new,” said Dr. Sean Lucas, senior minister of First Presbyterian Church of Hattiesburg, Miss. “That should give us confidence—it’s part of living as Christ’s church together.

· David Coffin, senior pastor of New Hope Presbyterian Church in Fairfax, Va., agrees. “From the beginning of American Presbyterianism the brethren agreed that when a majority vote is passed you either actively concur, passively submit or, if conscience will permit you to do neither, you peaceably withdraw…

· Greg Thompson, senior pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Charlottesville, Va., believes that the PCA’s tensions have more to do with cultural than generational differences…

Read More: http://byfaithonline.com/page/in-the-church/thankful-for-internal-struggles-can-tensions-in-the-pca-make-us-stronger

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