Confessionalism is at odds with the market. Historically, Presbyterians have sought to be faithful to our ecclesiology and what we believe the Scriptures teach. That is one reason our churches are not as adaptive to the market as our Evangelical friends. We would never think of having a communion service on Thursdays like some megachurches because we believe in the importance of the Lord’s Day. We would never let “just anyone” speak in a worship service. We do not bestow the title “Pastor” to the guitar (or piano) player guiding the congregation in singing.

“If we start spending time with them, we’ll eventually be able to gain some influence and have a say.”– Said Every Presbyterian Wanting to Be Liked By the Cool Kids Ever

Remember when the PCA used that oft-repeated claim “fastest growing denomination in the United States?” I am not sure if that applies any longer, but I still see it on many websites. I wish I’d never seen that phrase but I did use it to justify to concerned friends and family that I was not joining a cult when I left my Baptist roots to join with the “baby sprinklers.”

There is something about the PCA when it comes to its relationship to American Evangelicalism, though. Our denomination seems to really crave the acceptance of Evangelicals. But, no matter how hard we try, we never seem to gain full admission.

A few not-meant-to-be-comprehensive examples:

Dr. David Nicholas, of Spanish River PCA, was the co-founder of Acts29. Any idea what PCA pastor is on the executive leadership of America’s sexiest church planting network? No one.

I remember when the Gospel Coalition began while I was in seminary. I thought to myself, “Finally people will see how right we Presbies are and we’ll attract more people into the PCA!” Then, the GC launches its New City Catechism and its ecclesiology is so weak that Baptists and Presby-lites can both agree on baptism and communion. (Yes, I just tied ecclesiology to sacraments like the Reformers.) Furthermore, the Gospel Coalition blogs, which are great resources to many, have become seemingly less PCA and more TULIPy Evangelical.

In my own time as a PCA minister, I cannot begin to think of how many times I’ve gone to the meeting, made the connection and attended the “joint” event thinking that my PCA credentials would give me better access and influence. So far, I’m still waiting to see if anyone cares about what I have to say – even when I’m the most credentialed (Rev’d, BS, MDiv, MA, PhD ABD!!!) person in the room.

From where does that mindset come?

I think the fact that PCA pastors have to seek credentials, obtain formal training, continually have our theology pillaged by others (see: Trueman’s review of Hart’s excellent Calvinism: A History), and our Book of Church Order with the Confession and Catechisms give us a mindset that people will want to learn from us.

The truth is, they do! But only as far as the market will take them. Gospel-centered is great as long as sacraments aren’t involved!

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