Take seriously the responsibility and solemn duties that are yours as officers in Christ Church. Finally, watch out for the dangers that come with the territory. Keep your eyes on Christ, and remember His commands as you do the work Christ has called you to do.

It is that time of year again when many NAPARC denominations will have annual denominational meetings. The OPC GA is about to conclude. The ARPC begins today. The RPCNA and PCA will be in the next couple of weeks.

I have thought a lot recently about my work at the presbytery and synod levels. One of my local church elders warned me 15 years ago to be careful because this can be heady stuff. He was right. However, it is work that we are called to do—necessary work for the peace, purity, prosperity, and unity of the church.

There is a real joy in doing this work, especially for pastors. It can be a great encouragement to be with fellow pastors. I like the fact that the ARPC General Synod has a homecoming or family reunion feel to it. It can be the embodiment of Psalm 133. It is a joy to do the work of presbytery and synod. Helping develop and shape students of theology, planting churches, creating programs to bless local churches, and helping the church function should be a joy in our ministry.

There is also a sense of responsibility. Pastors and Elders are shepherds, and we must protect the church from wolves. This means diligence, and when wolves are found, battles. The ARPC has endured a difficult period where we uncovered ministers and elders who have shown themselves as wolves in the flock. They refused the discipline of the church and have become schismatic, fled jurisdiction, and, in one case, declared himself to be apostate. Dealing with these wolves required men to step up to the responsibilities of being a presbyter and holding those counted as once brothers and friends accountable to the Word for their soul’s sake.

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