First Presbyterian Church PC(USA) Discernment Frequently Asked Questions

First Presbyterian Church PC(USA) Discernment Frequently Asked Questions Q1. What is the PC(USA) denomination and its relationship to First Presbyterian Church Harrisonburg? A1. First Presbyterian Church Harrisonburg is a member of the Presbyterian denomination called the Presbyterian Church (USA); abbreviated PC(USA). The PC(USA) is one of several Presbyterian denominations in the United States and has its national headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky. The PC(USA) denomination was established in 1983 through the merger of two other Presbyterian denominations. The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) consists of two parts: Part one is The Book of Confessions, and part two, the Book of Order, consisting of the Foundations of Presbyterian Polity, Form of Government, Directory for Worship, and Rules of Discipline. Presbyterian churches are governed based on a representative form of government and a connection to other churches. Each local congregation elects elders to sit with the pastors on a Session which governs the local church. Each church belongs to a presbytery, which is a regional body designed to supervise, oversee and serve the local churches within a geographic area. First Presbyterian Church Harrisonburg is a member of the Shenandoah Presbytery. Presbyteries are further organized into larger regional groups called Synods. Representatives from every presbytery come together every two years at the General Assembly, which is a national meeting where denomination- wide policies are proposed, debated and approved or rejected by vote. Q2. Why is First Presbyterian Church evaluating its affiliation with the PC(USA) denomination? A2. Historically, First Presbyterian Church Harrisonburg has been traditional in its theology and beliefs, including foundational truths, such as; Jesus Christ alone is the Way of salvation and the Bible alone is the Word of God and our sole authority for faith and life. Over the years, the PC(USA) denomination has demonstrated a shift in beliefs inconsistent with orthodox theology. The following paragraphs provide a few important examples of this shift by the PC(USA). a. The Authority and Interpretation of Scripture: The 2010 General Assembly passed a troublesome amendment to the denomination s Book of Order. The approval of this amendment highlights the differences we at First Presbyterian have with many in the PC(USA) regarding the authority and interpretation of Scripture. Prior to this amendment, language in the Book of Order read: Those who are called to office in the church are to lead a life in obedience to Scripture and in conformity to the historic confessional standards of the church. This language was replaced with: Governing bodies shall be guided by Scripture and the confessions in applying standards to individual candidates (for ordination). We believe we are not merely guided by Scripture, but are in fact called to live in obedience. This puts the PC(USA) in the unfortunate position of affirming the Lordship of Jesus Christ while subverting the authority of Scripture. This amendment also eliminated the requirement that ruling and teaching elders live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a October 10, 2014 PC(USA) Discernment FAQ 1

woman, or in chastity in singleness. Removal of the language of marriage and chastity, coupled with removal of the language about repentance from what Scripture identifies as sin, puts the PC(USA) in the position of being at odds with Scripture while claiming to submit to Jesus Christ as Lord. b. Differences in How We View Jesus Christ: There is no longer agreement within the PC(USA) and its leadership about who Jesus is and what He did. The Book of Confessions has not changed, so the denomination appears, on paper, to have an orthodox faith. However, in reality there is a wide range of unbiblical beliefs about Jesus held and affirmed within the PC(USA). For example, according to a recent survey by the Research Services of the PC(USA), less than half of PC(USA) members, elders and pastors believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation. c. A Problem of Divided Loyalties and Diverted Energies: When a denomination is healthy, the connections between churches are not just an encouragement but also a real benefit to the mission of those churches. A denomination should enable churches to do more together than all of them could do independently and multiply the effectiveness of the resources they invest together. Sadly, over the past several decades our denomination has become increasingly dysfunctional. Today, the PC(USA) has become so divided that our affiliation is now a greater hindrance rather than a benefit for the ministries of our church. We see little hope of overcoming the theological differences at the root of these divisions. As a result of these divided loyalties and the need to address these conflicts, we divert large amounts of time, energy, and finances away from our core ministries. Over the past several years, churches and individuals within the PC(USA) that promote causes and other actions that are inconsistent with our church s core beliefs have become increasingly dominant in the PC(USA) denomination. Churches in our denomination that hold core beliefs similar to our church have increasingly decided to leave the PC(USA) denomination rather than remain and fight repeated losing battles. Q3. What are the main reasons for considering this change? A3. a. In recent years, statements made and actions taken by the PC(USA) and its leaders have increasingly been at odds with the core beliefs of our church. Continued affiliation with the PC(USA) denomination provides a confusing and conflicted message regarding our core beliefs to current and prospective members. b. Every year First Presbyterian is asked to provide funds and volunteer resources to the Shenandoah Presbytery. Although less than requested, in 2013 our church provided $28,000 in funding to Presbytery. In addition, elders of our church volunteer hundreds of hours each year actively participating on various Presbytery committees and attending Presbytery meetings. Our church and other like- minded churches have found it difficult to voice their opinions inside October 10, 2014 PC(USA) Discernment FAQ 2

the denomination and have even found denominational meetings to be hostile and unwelcoming. Denominational issues and disagreements have consumed a significant amount of time and resources that could be better used fulfilling what we are commanded to do by Scripture. c. Other Presbyterian denominations (such as EPC or ECO) that are more like- minded in theology and mission can provide support, training, and encouragement that can benefit our congregation as a whole, but especially our church leadership and pastors. For example, the Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians (ECO) has adopted essential tenets consistent with the traditional evangelical beliefs of our church. Those essential tenets are summarized as follows: I. God s Word: The authority for our confession. II. Trinity and incarnation: The two central Christian mysteries. III. Essentials in reformed tradition: A. God s grace in Christ B. Election for salvation and service C. Covenant life in the church D. Faithful stewardship of all of life E. Living in obedience to the Word of God. d. Affiliation with a reformed Presbyterian denomination with consistent evangelical beliefs can provide a consistent message to members and prospective members regarding what we believe and who we really are in Christ. This affiliation with like- minded churches can help provide support to our pastors, elders, staff, and members as we focus and actively pursue missions and other activities to fulfill Christ s Commandment and Commission. Simply, we can focus on who we should be as faithful followers of Jesus Christ. Q4. I thought joining the Fellowship of Presbyterians took care of this situation. Why are we still dealing with this issue? A4. Joining the Fellowship of Presbyterians provided First Presbyterian Church Harrisonburg an affiliation with like- minded evangelical Presbyterian churches. Although our church leadership has benefited from the affiliation with the Fellowship of Presbyterians, it is not a separate denomination. As a result, our church must still participate in PC(USA) Presbytery meetings, support various Presbytery committees, and can send representatives to the national General Assembly. In addition, our church is expected to provide significant financial support to the PC(USA) denomination. In summary, our church has benefited from membership in the Fellowship of Presbyterians, but that membership does not insulate our church from the ongoing issues of the PC(USA) denomination. Q5. Are other PCUSA churches going through a similar evaluation? October 10, 2014 PC(USA) Discernment FAQ 3

A5. Many churches are evaluating their affiliation with the PC (USA) denomination. The rapid growth of the Fellowship of Presbyterians provides evidence of the large number of PC(USA) churches in some stage of evaluation. Since the Fellowship of Presbyterians was first formed in 2011, over 295 churches have joined the Fellowship. In addition, many PC(USA) churches have requested dismissal to other Presbyterian denominations including the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) and A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians (ECO). Q6. Why are the denominational issues coming to a head now? A6. With many churches that share core beliefs similar to First Presbyterian leaving the denomination, or considering such action, our church and its leaders will become even more isolated within the denomination and our time and resources will be less effective than they otherwise could be. Q7. What are the main options available to First Presbyterian Church? A7. a. Remain in the PC(USA)denomination and continue to actively resist efforts by the churches and individuals that do not share our core Biblical beliefs. b. Remain affiliated with the PC(USA)and attempt to isolate our church from the denominational issues (focus on relationship with Fellowship of Presbyterians). c. Request to be dismissed from the PC(USA)to an evangelical denomination more in line with First Presbyterian Church Harrisonburg s traditional beliefs. Q8. Can First Presbyterian simply remain affiliated with the PC(USA), but worship as it has in the past? A8. As a member of the PC(USA), we, as a congregation, are viewed by others as representing the doctrines and beliefs of our denomination. Churches like ours are questioned about our acceptance of the non- orthodox views held by the PC(USA). This is confusing to our members and to outsiders and serves as a conflicted witness to our beliefs. We are placed in a defensive position that impacts the effectiveness of our ministry and mission. In addition, a denomination should be a support to its churches, encouraging them and enabling them to further their mission. Unfortunately, our denomination has become more and more divisive and we find ourselves in the position of addressing our differences. Valuable time, energy, and finances are diverted away from our church s mission. It is becoming increasingly more difficult to remain affiliated with a denomination whose theological views differ from our own and from scripture. Q9. If First Presbyterian Church decides to separate from the PC(USA), what is the process? A9. The Shenandoah Presbytery recently revised its Policy for Discernment toward Reconciliation or Gracious separation of Congregations in Shenandoah Presbytery. October 10, 2014 PC(USA) Discernment FAQ 4

After presbytery leadership becomes aware the church is considering separation from the PCUSA, a Listening Response Team (LRT) will be formed. The LRT will engage the church session and, as appropriate, members of the congregation, to identify the congregation s concerns and determine if reconciliation is possible. If the LRT determines reconciliation is not possible and gracious dismissal is preferred by the congregation, the LRT will notify Presbytery leadership and an Administrative Commission will be appointed. The Presbytery Administrative Commission shall conduct additional work necessary to make a recommendation to Presbytery on whether to support recommending dismissal, to present to presbytery a plan of gracious separation (in agreement with the church session), and to ensure support and care for those congregation members wishing to stay in the PCUSA. The presbytery shall consider and vote on the proposed plan of dismissal with a simple majority yes/no vote. The revised dismissal policy in its entirety is available on the Shenandoah Presbytery website at: http://www.shenpres.org/forms- and- policies/ Q10. If the church leadership decides to pursue leaving the PC(USA) what percentage of the congregation must vote to support dismissal? A10. Although our church leadership is committed to understanding the will of the congregation, a recent General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission (GAPJC) case, Tom v. Pby of San Francisco, prohibited the use of vote percentages as a guideline in the dismissal process. As a result, the Shenandoah Presbytery was required to update its church dismissal guideline and a summary of that revised process is provided in A9. Q11. What will happen to the church property if First Presbyterian Church leaves the PC(USA)? A11. The session shall provide a list of all assets and liabilities to the Presbytery. This includes real property and liquid assets. At this point, the Presbytery enters negotiations with representatives of the congregation to reach a settlement in terms of church property. These negotiations generally take three to six months. Results of these negotiations differ from Presbytery to Presbytery and have ranged from gracious dismissal of a church with its property while paying little or nothing, payment of a large settlement amount for the congregation to leave and keep their property, and years of costly litigation with victories and defeats on both sides. As an example, in the Shenandoah Presbytery, Spring Hill Presbyterian Church, with a membership of 100 and a property value of $2.3 million, was dismissed to ECO at a cost of $40,000. Once negotiations are completed, the congregation again votes on their acceptance of the terms of negotiation. This is also followed by a vote by Presbytery to accept the terms for dismissal. Q12. To what denomination would First Presbyterian Church be dismissed? October 10, 2014 PC(USA) Discernment FAQ 5

A12. PC(USA) dismissal guidelines require that we be dismissed to a Reformed denomination whose organization is conformed to the doctrine and order of the PC(USA). Likely choices would be the Evangelical Presbyterian Church or EPC or ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians, a spin- off denomination from the Fellowship of Presbyterians, of which we are a member. Our Church Session has been investigating both denominations and will continue to research both. Q13. What impact would leaving PC(USA) have on our pastors and staff? A13. Regardless of the denomination our church chooses, under Federal ERISA rules, our staff will have their vested rights as provided under the terms of the PC(USA) pension plan. Those rights cannot be terminated just because we leave the denomination. Given their tenure in the PC(USA) plan, the longer serving members of staff have either fully or a nearly fully vested interest and potential payouts under this defined benefit plan. Both the EPC and ECO offer a competitive and market- based benefits package for staff. The Personnel Committee, with the help of the church administrator, will need to compare plans to find the best available package for our staff. Q14. What is the current position of the church Session? A14. The session is continuing in prayer to discern the will of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Q15. What is the timing for resolving the denomination issue? A15. While there is no necessary, definitive timeline established for resolution, it is the view of the PCUSA Study Team, the Session, and the Pastoral leadership that, by the close of summer of 2014, the TAG consultation process will be largely complete, the dissemination of information on the denominational issue, and the prayerful seeking of Holy Guidance should be sufficiently complete such that decisions will be reaching finalization with respect to the denominational issues. Should the Session then reach a conclusion to seek dismissal, at that point the processes set forth above through the Presbytery rules will largely govern the remaining timing. It is realistic to presume that by late spring or early summer of 2015 to have completed the process. Q16. What should members of the congregation do at this time? A16. Church members should, above all else, earnestly pray for the discernment of the Holy Spirit in all aspects of this matter, both personally and corporately, for the church membership and for the leadership, for the church witness to the end that the actions, the words, and the documents produced will most accurately honor the will of God and bring glory and honor to His name. Just as Paul urged Timothy to Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth so should every Church member be also carefully and prayerfully studying the issues and seeking via various channels a good understanding of the facts and implications of the courses of action available to October 10, 2014 PC(USA) Discernment FAQ 6

the church. Seek out the leadership and seriously question them, read and study, pray with confidence. Try to understand what other churches have done and why. Q17. Where can members of the congregation obtain more information? A17. Information is being provided through various channels. The church website will continue to have more and more information as time goes on. Watch for emails. Town hall meetings as well as informal, informational meetings between services will be held. Schedule members of the PCUSA Study Team to visit and share with your Sunday school class, Small Group, yourself or your family, or a gathering of church members at your home. Go online to the Layman.com and search the various articles. Go to the ECO and EPC websites and seek to learn more about what each denomination believes and practices. October 10, 2014 PC(USA) Discernment FAQ 7