Grace Presbyterian Church Discernment Process Session Provisional Decision on Denomination As the Session of Grace reviewed the discernment process to date they came to the conclusion the people cannot discuss whether they should leave the PC(USA) without knowing where they would go. As a result the Session asked its Denomination Affairs Committee to present a recommendation as to what denomination Grace should seek dismissal to if the session chooses to move forward to a congregational meeting on the dismissal question. Based on discussions with other churches and a brief review of the polity and theology of other denominations, the Denomination Affairs Committee concluded that the two denominations with the best fit to Grace were the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) and ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians. The committee met with representatives from each of these two denominations and reviewed their polity and theology documents. Based on this review the committee unanimously recommended ECO as the provisional choice should the Grace session choose to go forward with a meeting on dismissal. The reason for this conclusion was a better match with Grace on women s ordination, theology and culture. This recommendation was presented to the Session at its regular stated meeting on February 18, 2014 in the form of the following motion: If the Session of Grace votes after discernment to call a congregational meeting seeking dismissal in accordance with the Presbytery of the New Covenant's Gracious Reconciliation and Dismissal Procedure, then ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians (ECO) shall be the particular Reformed body to which the congregation would request to be dismissed. The Session agreed to consider it for one week and then at a called meeting on February 27th the motion was approved. Again this motion does not decide the question as to whether the Session will call a congregational meeting. Its purpose was to let us intelligently discuss PC(USA) in comparison to our future potential denomination. The report of the Denominational Affairs Committee is attached along with a chart the committee prepared comparing the PC(USA), EPC and ECO.
February 14, 2014 To the Session of Grace Presbyterian Church of Houston: The Denominational Affairs Committee (the Committee) of the Session of Grace Presbyterian Church (Grace) makes the following recommendation to the Session of Grace for its consideration and action: If the Session of Grace votes after discernment to call a congregational meeting seeking dismissal in accordance with the Presbytery of the New Covenant s Gracious Reconciliation and Dismissal Procedure, then ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians (ECO) shall be the particular Reformed body to which the congregation would request to be dismissed. The Committee was charged in November 2013 by the Session to develop a provisional recommendation to the Session as to which Reformed body should Grace seek dismissal if the Session votes to call a congregational meeting to seek such dismissal from the PC(USA). In order to narrow the focus of the Committee s efforts, the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) and ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians (ECO) were selected for further consideration based on conversations with leaders of other Presbyterian churches as well as members of the Grace staff. The Committee then reviewed EPC and ECO documents on their respective theological and doctrinal positions and polity, and interviewed leaders in each denomination. Based on this review the Committee concluded that ECO would be the best cultural and theological fit for Grace. The Committee s reasoning follows: ECO is explicit regarding the ordination of women, identifying it as a core value and including it in the commentary contained in its Essential Tenets document. The EPC holds that the ordination of women is not an essential of the faith. All EPC presbyteries ordain women elders and most presbyteries allow the ordination of female pastors; however, the geographic EPC presbytery which would be our natural home does not permit the ordination of female pastors which would require us to join an adjoining, more distant presbytery. ECO is more doctrinally compatible with us given their adoption of the same eleven creeds and confessions as the PC(USA). The EPC has only the Westminster Confession and its Catechisms as their confessional standard. Both bodies have defined their essential tenants. The ECO essential Tenets are identical to the Fellowship of Presbyterian essential Tenets that the Session adopted when it elected to join the Fellowship in October 2012. ECO appears to be a better cultural match with Grace. They have a leaner and flatter hierarchy than EPC and a polity that is built on horizontal accountability rather than top-down control. The ECO Book of Order is 30 pages long (with no worship section) versus the EPC Book of Order which is 232 pages (with a worship section as is consistent with the PC(USA)). Also being involved with ECO at this early stage would be an opportunity for Grace to participate in the development of a new denomination, which matches the traditionally entrepreneurial culture at Grace. In summary, while we believe that Grace could pursue its mission of Building a faith family by encouraging people experiencing the joys and stresses of life to trust Christ in everything as a member of either denomination, we believe ECO best aligns with the vision and values of Grace. Therefore, the Committee recommends ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians (ECO) be the particular Reformed body to which the congregation would request to be dismissed. We appreciate the trust the Session of Grace has placed in the Denominational Affairs Committee by giving it responsibility for this important recommendation. It has been an honor to serve Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, the Grace congregation, and the Grace Session in this effort. Denominational Affairs Committee Session of Grace Presbyterian Church of Houston
Full name Presbyterian Church (USA) Evangelical Presbyterian Church ECO: Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians Year founded Formed as a result of reunion in 1983. Earliest presbytery dates to 1706. 1980 2012 Number of member churches 10,262 Approximately 500 109 What are its Confessional Documents? The Book of Confessions, which contains 11 confessional documents The Westminster Confession and Catechisms plus Essentials of Our Faith The Essential Tenets. The Book of Confessions, which contains 11 confessional documents has been adopted as a faithful foundation of Reformed theology by which its leaders vow to be guided, but not as constitutional documents. Confessions included in Yes Yes Essential Tenets only. constitution Essential Tenets defined? No Yes Yes Council hierarchy Session/Presbytery/Synod/General Assembly (GA) Session/Presbytery/General Assembly (GA) Session/Presbytery/Synod Number of presbyteries and synods Length of Book of Order Standard to change Book of Order Standard to change confessional documents How does it participate in foreign missions? Pastor versus Elder voting 173 presbyteries and 16 synods 11 presbyteries Nine presbyteries 346 pages (foundations, government, discipline and worship) GA amendment with approval by majority vote in majority of presbyteries GA approval of amendment by majority with approval by majority vote in at least 2/3s of presbyteries with ratification by subsequent GA PC(USA) s Presbyterian World Mission has nearly 200 mission co-workers in 50 countries. Equal numbers Elders and Pastors vote at Presbytery & GA. All Pastors eligible to vote. 232 pages (government, discipline and worship) GA approval of amendment by majority vote with approval by majority vote in at least 75% of presbyteries with ratification by subsequent GA GA approval of amendment by majority with approval by majority vote in at least 75% of presbyteries with ratification by subsequent GA EPC s World Outreach Committee oversees the sending of over 90 missionaries to over 20 different countries. Two Elders for each Pastor in a Church plus all active Pastors in the Presbytery. 30 pages (government and discipline) Synod approval of amendment by majority vote with approval by majority vote in at least 2/3s of presbyteries Synod approval of amendment by 2/3s vote with approval by 2/3s vote in at least 2/3s of presbyteries (essential Tenets only) ECO has formed relationships with the Outreach Foundation, Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship, and Antioch Partners that they anticipate will develop into a foreign mission program. Equal numbers Elders and Pastors vote at Presbytery & Synod. Only Pastors on a congregation s pastoral staff can vote which excludes pastors teaching at seminaries and retired pastors among others.
Education standard for pastors. Bachelor s degree and a Master of Divinity degree from an accredited seminary (if acceptable to the Presbytery, and including coursework and exegesis skills in both Greek and Hebrew), as well as passing ordination examination. Bachelor s degree and a degree from an approved seminary, requiring at least three years of study with courses in the original languages of the Scriptures and shall complete an exegesis in one such language on a passage assigned by the Presbytery. Ordination exams required. Fidelity and chastity standard No Yes Yes for ordination? Affirms the view that Yes but may change in future. Yes Yes marriage is between one man and one woman View on abortion Pro-choice Pro-life Pro-life View on divorced persons holding church office. Does it support ordination of women? Who may administer sacraments? How does it provide care, guidance and accountability for its pastors? Divorced persons can be remarried in the church and hold church office. Appears more restrictive on issue than ECO or EPC. They have a very detailed position paper on the subject. Yes Non-essential (local option) Yes Normally an ordained Pastor and, if authorized by presbyteries, Commissioned Ruling Elders. Sacraments may be administered by specific Ruling Elders with consent of the Presbytery. Normally an ordained Pastor. In special circumstances may be exercised by Ruling Elders with consent of the Session or by a Commissioned Pastor with consent of the Presbytery. Bachelor s degree (or equivalent) and ordinarily a master s degree from an accredited theological seminary in biblical or theological studies, as well as appropriate hands-on ministry experience and mentoring. Presbyteries have responsibility for examining candidates and ordination exams will be required. Divorced persons can be remarried in the church and hold church office. Pastors plus sessions may authorize elders and deacons Through presbytery committee on ministry Through presbytery committee on ministry Through presbytery committee on ministry and pastor covenant groups Per capita Approximately $30 per member voluntary $23 per member voluntary 1% of budget mandatory Does it affirm property is Subject to trust clause for benefit of PC(USA) Yes Yes owned by local congregation? Dismissal process Varies by presbytery but subject to trust clause 2/3s congregational vote to be dismissed with property and assets 2/3s congregational vote to be dismissed with property and assets
Ordination Standards Call to Ordered Ministry The call to ordered ministry in the Church is the act of the triune God. This call is evidenced by the movement of the Holy Spirit in the individual conscience, the approval of a community of God s people, and the concurring judgment of a council of the Church. Gifts and Qualifications a. To those called to exercise special functions in the church deacons, ruling elders, and teaching elders God gives suitable gifts for their various duties. In addition to possessing the necessary gifts and abilities, those who undertake particular ministries should be persons of strong faith, dedicated discipleship, and love of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Their manner of life should be a demonstration of the Christian gospel in the church and in the world. They must have the approval of God s people and the concurring judgment of a council of the church. b. Standards for ordained service reflect the church s desire to submit joyfully to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life (F-1.02). The council responsible for ordination and/or installation (G-2.0402; G- 2.0607; G-3.0306) shall examine each candidate s calling, gifts, preparation, and suitability for the responsibilities of ordered ministry. The examination shall include, but not be limited to, a determination of the candidate s ability and commitment to fulfill all requirements as expressed in the constitutional questions for ordination and installation (W-4.4003). Councils shall be guided by Scripture and the confessions in applying standards to individual candidates. The office of Minister: For dignity and usefulness, this office historically has been considered first in the Church. Many titles are attached to this office such as Bishop, Pastor, Minister, Presbyter, Elder, Ambassador, Evangelist, Preacher and Teacher. All these titles refer to various aspects of the whole ministry to which one is called in this office. Those who fill this office should, according to the Scripture, have certain qualifications. They should be sound in the faith and have an aptitude for teaching. Their lives should reflect holiness and discipline which brings honor to Christ and which causes them to be well thought of by those outside the Church. They should have wisdom and discretion and should have adequate training to equip them for their task. Qualifications of officers Elders and deacons are ordained and installed by the session. Pastors are ordained and installed by the presbyteries. Ordaining bodies must ensure that all officers adhere to the Essential Tenets of ECO. Failure of officers to continue to adhere to these standards is grounds for a session or presbytery to remove an officer from service according to the Rules of Discipline in this Constitution. Preparation and ordination of officers Ordaining bodies shall determine the appropriate course of preparation, ensuring that candidates for ordination meet all the requirements in this Form of Government. After demonstrating their readiness for service through an examination process, the candidates shall affirm their vows and be ordained by representatives of that ordaining body in a service of public worship.
Ordination Standards (continued) Freedom of Conscience It is necessary to the integrity and health of the church that the persons who serve it in ordered ministries shall adhere to the essentials of the Reformed faith and polity as expressed in this Constitution. So far as may be possible without serious departure from these standards, without infringing on the rights and views of others, and without obstructing the constitutional governance of the church, freedom of conscience with respect to the interpretation of Scripture is to be maintained. It is to be recognized, however, that in entering the ordered ministries of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), one chooses to exercise freedom of conscience within certain bounds. His or her conscience is captive to the Word of God as interpreted in the standards of the church so long as he or she continues to seek, or serve in, ordered ministry. The decision as to whether a person has departed from essentials of Reformed faith and polity is made initially by the individual concerned but ultimately becomes the responsibility of the council in which he or she is a member.