The PC (USA) and PCOS: Where We Stand I. Where We Stand: A Summary II. For decades the Presbyterian Church (USA) has been conducting a reassessment of its beliefs as a church of Jesus Christ. This reassessment has been driven largely by those seeking to reconcile church and society. This reassessment typically revolves around three issues: the divinity of Jesus Christ and the exclusivity of Christianity, the authority of Scripture, and human sexuality. This level of discussion and change is not a three- or four-year project. It happens over decades and even centuries. It happens at a glacial pace and the system favors the continued presentation of new ideas, no matter how many times previous bodies have voted against any change. The effort and energy surrounding these changes has imposed an enormous toll on individual members, pastors, and congregations within the PC (USA). Hundreds of thousands of members, thousands of congregations have departed from the denomination. This departure has only expedited the changes to the denomination and perhaps even hastened the decline. The last few years have seen several important changes to doctrine and practice, likely presaging even larger changes to come. The Presbyterian Church of Stanley has remained largely isolated and apart from these changes and challenges. We have not been very involved in our presbytery or denomination and we have been blessed with strong leadership that has attempted to make clear what it is we believe. It is understandable to ask, How do these changes impact us? This document has been prepared by The Presbyterian Church of Stanley Session to help understand and promote prayerful discussion on: How this denominational change affects our congregation, and each one of us individually, as well as our pastors, staff, and church leaders; How these developments continue to distract us from our church mission/discipleship efforts; and, How the results of these developments are being reflected by the eroding membership and loss of congregations within our denomination. Your pastors and elders remain committed to approaching any differences with our presbytery and denomination in a biblical manner that will glorify God, serve others, and help each of us to grow in our walk with Christ Jesus. It is important that we not just point fingers or simply separate ourselves from others with whom we disagree. At the same time we must recognize that our denomination is changing rapidly around us. Each member of our congregation is encouraged to seize this opportunity to prayerfully reflect on these issues so, as a continuing part of the Presbyterian Church (USA), we can understand the status of the situation and how we should respond to our current circumstances as we move forward. Theological Change in the PC (USA) We Presbyterians trace our roots back to the Protestant Reformation of the 16 th century, when reformers like John Calvin and Martin Luther helped recover the teaching of: a) the Bible as God's authoritative revelation of Himself as the first and final authority for faith and life; and b) Jesus Christ, by His divine nature, sinless life, and purchase of our sinful lives on the cross, as alone sufficient for our salvation and reconciliation with God the Father. 1
Upon ordination, all pastors, elders, and deacons are required by the PC (USA) Constitution (made up of the Book of Confessions and the Book of Order) to avow that they sincerely receive and adopt the essential tenets of the Reformed faith... Over the past 50 years, the Reformers' high view of Scripture as the very Word of God inspired by the Holy Spirit, and their trust in Jesus Christ as the only way to God have been reinterpreted. The following are just a few examples of this erosion: In 1967 a Book of Confessions was adopted, which, while it acknowledged that the Bible may contain the Word of God, departed from prior Confessions by emphasizing that it is nevertheless the words of men. 1 In 2001 the General Assembly of the PC (USA) rejected an overture to reaffirm the singular, saving Lordship of Jesus Christ. In 2006 the General Assembly of the PC (USA) approved the Peace, Unity, and Purity report which allows local option on certain ordination standards for pastors, elders, and deacons. This effectively removes all denomination-wide standards of belief for church officers (pastors, elders, and deacons). In 2010 the General Assembly passed Amendment 10A to the Book of Order, removing the standard for ordination of church officers that had required fidelity in marriage between a man and a woman and chastity in singleness. (W-4.9001) On February 11, 2012, by a vote of 92 to 54, Heartland Presbytery adopted an overture 2 to General Assembly to amend the Book of Order to remove language defining marriage as between a man and a woman and substituting a definition of marriage as between two people. 3 The body also affirmed the statement, There is no consistent biblical model for marriage. In 2012 the PC (USA) General Assembly narrowly defeated a motion to alter the Book of Confessions (Part I of the PC (USA) Constitution) and to amend the Book of Order to allow same gender marriage. 4 This overture is proposed again for the 2014 General Assembly. In 2012 the majority of presbyteries rejected the requirement that all officers of the church should live lives marked by repentance and making diligent use of the means of grace. In 2012 the highest court in the PC (USA), the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission (GAPJC), in the case of Parnell v. San Francisco, dated May, 2012, declined to affirm the Scripture as the only rule of faith and practice. The Commission wrote in its decision: The Book of Confessions reflects that the church listens to a multitude of voices in shaping its beliefs, and affirmed the synod judicial commission's ruling that found a vast diversity of interpretation of the meaning of Scripture and the Confessions. The General Assembly of the PC (USA) has consistently taken what can most fairly be described as liberal political stands at their biennial meetings: advocating support of Marxist rebels in Latin America; boycotts against corporations such as Nestle, Taco Bell, and Caterpillar; support for a single-payer health care system; support for the Occupy movement; advocacy for pro-choice policies, and even, at times, late-term abortions. III. Denomination s Statistical Decline Some may think the denominational movement toward a greater unity with culture would result in increased growth in membership; however, the denomination is in drastic statistical decline: Since 1965 the number of members in the PC (USA) has declined by 54% from 4,254,397 to 1,952,287 (in 2011). 1 2 3 4 1967 Confession, 9.29 The Bible is to be interpreted in the light of its witness to God s work of reconciliation in Christ. The Scriptures, given under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, are nevertheless the words of men, conditioned by the language, thought forms, and literary fashions of the places and times at which they were written. Overtures from synods and presbyteries are a source of General Assembly business. These governing bodies use Overtures to bring recommendations and matters of concern before the whole church. Heartland Presbytery, Minutes, February 11, 2012; www.heartlandpby.org. See, How the 220 th General Assembly almost threw out the confessions: A Guest Commentary by Winfield Casey Jones, The Presbyterian Outlook Magazine, Dec. 24, 2012; Out of Order: The Self-Destruction of a Mainline Denomination, by Charles Powell Sykes, Sr., p. 106. 2
IV. From 2011 to 2012, individual memberships in the PC (USA) dropped by 102,791, the number of congregations dropped by 204, and contributions made to the denomination decreased by $92,769,555 (from $2,003,565,190 in 2011 to $1,190,795,635 in 2012). Although this decline may not be solely a PC (USA) problem, 5 this is the denomination within which God continues to nurture our PCOS witness of Jesus Christ to the world. Impact upon This Congregation To most it is not readily apparent how The Presbyterian Church of Stanley (PCOS) is directly impacted by the changes in the PC (USA) and the challenging positions of the Heartland Presbytery. It is true PCOS is going strong with solid biblical teaching from the pulpit, active and participative mission efforts, and continual growth in membership. We are growing pretty steadily at an annual rate of 4-5%. Significant numbers are also developing closer relationships in the many discipleship groups. There is an exciting vision at PCOS! However, as the denomination changes, and all signs point to more rapid change, this vitality will become more difficult to maintain. That day may yet be sometime away but we can point to some immediate challenges. As our denomination moves further away from the authority of the Bible as God s infallible Word, and Jesus Christ as the only way to salvation, we find ourselves increasingly out of step with our partner congregations. This is not to say there are no like-minded congregations in the PC (USA), but there are an increasingly fewer number who share our core convictions and passions. At some point we must ask, What is our role in a denomination that differs so greatly from our core beliefs? 6 Some PCOS members are weary of the denominational drift and are struggling with whether to leave PCOS to find a congregation in a denomination more compatible with their beliefs. Others fearing what change might come to PCOS have already departed. Potential members searching for a new congregation do not consider PCOS because they assumption of what we believe is based upon our affiliation. Attracting new staff in line with our mission has at times proven difficult because of our affiliation. When the need arises to call new pastors, this could be even more problematic. The Presbyterian employee benefits documents now reflect a change in terminology to include partner instead of spouse. PCOS is required to pay for these benefits. There is no relief clause for those who disagree with financially supporting unmarried people living together. In recent court battles with churches seeking to leave the denomination, Heartland Presbytery has spent over $600,000 attempting to obtain these congregations property. Much of this money (whether directly or indirectly) has come from per capita contributions made by local churches that are designated for mission programs across the country. Whether we agree or not, as a member congregation of Heartland Presbytery, this action is taken on our behalf. Conclusion / Goals / Objectives The goal of this document is to create a greater level of understanding about the complex challenges facing PCOS with regard to the denomination. There are no easy answers or quick fixes, as much as we might like to have them. Overall, there are three approaches that we can envision as your elders. 5 6 See Pew Research Center Forum on Religion & Public Life. http:www.pewforum.org/home.aspx. Please see Appendices A and B: The Core Beliefs and Core Practices of PCOS. 3
First, we can do nothing with regard to the denomination. We can continue to build a strong ministry for the gospel at PCOS and hope that the denominational changes do not impact us negatively. In the long term, our denomination is likely not viable. There will need to be some sort of restructuring simply because of financial realities. The old, mainline edifice is crumbling right before our eyes. The denomination may simply cease to be a factor someday and we will wonder what all the fighting was for. Second, we can advocate for change and greater health within the denomination and our presbytery. We would take this step because there remain bright lights still within the PC (USA), some things still worth struggling for and our faithful witness demands that we declare the wonderful words of life, in word and deed, among our own denomination. Third, we can seek a new denominational affiliation. This is a step that many congregations have already taken. Just as there are no perfect people, there are no perfect congregations or denominations. At the same time, we need to seek the best affiliation for the long-term health of PCOS and the proclamation of the gospel in our community. Every path has benefits and challenges. In our view as the elders, we are not yet ready as a congregation to commit to or rule out any of the above. We need not make a decision yet but the time is coming when we will need to take that step, deliberately and confidently trusting that we are following the will of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. In the meantime, we have taken the following steps as a Session. First, we have joined The Fellowship of Presbyterians. The Fellowship is a group of Presbyterians both from within and outside of the PC (USA) who are dedicated to building flourishing congregations that make disciples. Members of PCOS have attended three of their conferences and Pastor Eric is a frequent presenter at their conferences. In the Fellowship we see an exciting chance to connect and partner with other Presbyterians with whom we share much in common. The Fellowship is not a new denomination. The Fellowship is not a political advocacy organization, rather it seeks to help churches focus on actively pursuing mission and ministry. Affiliating with the Fellowship strengthens us to live out our mission to Know Christ and Make Him Known, and helps us share more effectively with others all that we are learning and doing. To learn more about the Fellowship you can view www.fellowship-pres.org. Second, we have entered into discussions with Heartland Presbytery about the best stewardship of our per capita dollars. As the second-largest congregation in our presbytery, we are hopeful that a more focused contribution of those dollars may cause a change of direction, particularly with regard to the policy regarding the utilization of the secular courts to obtain the property of congregations seeking to join another denomination. Finally, what can the average PCOS member do? It is easy to get sidetracked and allow these issues and discussions to dominate. That is not our intent. We want to allow the church to do the work of the church and keep the main thing in front of us the proclamation of the Good News of Jesus Christ. The book of Jude talks about the church facing difficult times and provides us with solid teaching on how to live and be. But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life (Jude 1:20-21). Jude teaches us to: 1. Continue to build our own relationship with Jesus Christ and foster our own discipleship. 2. Pray seeking the power and the leading of the Holy Spirit. 3. Remain in God s love and grace. 4. Trust that Jesus will prevail and that He intends all of this for our good and His glory. The best way for us to achieve these ends is together as a congregation and, in humility, realizing that we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God and that nothing good dwells within in any of us 4
(Romans 7:7) outside of the work of Jesus Christ. As with all things, we invite dialogue and discussion. There are certainly no easy answers or simple solutions to any of these complex issues but we trust that Jesus is Lord and He will redeem all things done in faith by His power and grace. Appendix A: The PCOS Core Beliefs The Triune God: We believe that there is only one true, living, sovereign, holy, and eternal God. He exists in three co-equal persons Father, Son and Holy Spirit each being a distinct person but all of one essence with all possessing the same nature, perfection, and attributes. The triune God is the creator and sustainer of all things, the source of all truth, and is worthy of worship, confidence, and obedience. (Deuteronomy 6:4-5, Genesis 1:31) Jesus Christ: We believe that Jesus Christ is God. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, performed many miracles, shed His blood on the cross as a payment for the sin of all humanity, died, resurrected in the body, ascended to the right hand of the Father where He intercedes for humanity. Jesus will return literally, visibly, and personally in glory and power. (John 1:1-3, 14, Matthew 1:18-25, Philippians 2:5-9, Colossians 1:15, 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, Acts 1:11) The Holy Spirit: We believe that the Holy Spirit is God, co-equal and co-existent with the Father and the Son. He is our divine helper, convicting us of sin, regenerating and sanctifying us so that we might transform the world. The Holy Spirit indwells every believer and empowers every believer to live a godly life. (John 14:16-19, 16:7-15, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Romans 8:9, 11, Titus 3:5) The Bible: We believe that, through the Holy Spirit, God inspired and directed human beings to craft the entire Bible, all 66 books of the combined Old and New Testaments. The Bible is the infallible rule of faith and life and without equal in its authority for all humanity. (2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:20-21) Humanity: We believe that, in the beginning, God created humankind, male and female, in His image as the capstone of His creation. Humanity was created with the ability to live perfectly for God s glory. Because we are created in His image, our humanity, under the direction of His Word, helps us to know God. (Genesis 1:17, 31) Sin: We believe that sin is rebellion against God and any desire of conformity to His law. The whole of the earth has fallen under the curse of humanity s sin. All have been born sinful and therefore have lost their ability to live for the glory of God and have brought the curse of death and misery into the world. (Genesis 3:1-24, Romans 3:10-23, 5:12-21, 6:23) Salvation: We believe the salvation of a fallen humanity is foremost a work of God s free grace, eternally determined from before the foundations of the earth were laid. This free gift of God s grace, apart from human works, is made possible only by the work and life of Jesus Christ and is made effective by the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. (Ephesians 2:8-10, 2 Corinthians 5:21) The Church: We believe that the church is the body of Christ and the family of God. Jesus is the Head of the Church and she exists as His bride for the purpose of demonstrating the character of God to the world. As the Father sent the Son into the world and the Son sent the Spirit, the Spirit sends the church into the world. Every church is subject to mixture and error. God will preserve His church against the sinful and evil powers of the world. (Matthew 16:18, 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, Hebrews 10:25) 5
Eternity: We believe humanity was created to exist forever. Human beings will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or in union with God through salvation. At death, the soul is separated from the body and rejoined at the resurrection of all who have ever lived. Some will be resurrected to eternal death devoid of God s grace and some to eternal life. At the resurrection, the Heavenly City, New Jerusalem, will descend with Jesus Christ and perfect and renew the cosmos for all eternity. (Daniel 12:2, John 3:16, 2:25, Romans 6:23, Revelation 21:1-4) Good Works: We believe that our necessary repentance from evil to good works is the product of salvation rather than the cause. Repentance is the fruit of the Holy Spirit living within us and we are unable to do any true good apart from Him. Good works are the privilege of the child of God to mold His creation and reveal His character to the world. (Ephesians 2:10, Luke 18:19, John 17:23) Appendix B: The PCOS Core Practices KNOW Glorious Worship: The purpose of worship is to ascribe all praise, honor, and glory to the Triune God. We shall bend our knee only to God and therefore we will not worship any person, style, music, or building. Worship is our invitation to know Jesus, so we will endeavor to approach our Lord in spirit and in truth, knowing that all we say or do is to be to the glory of God so that reverent worship may permeate every moment of our lives. (Psalm 100:3, 1 Corinthians 10:31, John 4:24, Exodus 20:4-6) Overflowing Joy: Our life together in Christ is to be marked with joy. Joy is not circumstantial but comes about through obedience to God. Joy is the mark of a confidence in the love of God. As the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, we are to be joy-filled, with praise of Jesus work on our lips. Stumbling, we are made blameless from sin, and our joy overflows into a world made miserable from sin and death. (Psalm 100:1-2, John 15:11, Galatians 5:22, Jude 1:24) Love of God s Word: The infallible truth of God s Word is to saturate our heads as well as our hearts. All Scripture is useful for teaching, showing us our sins, and for training us to be all that the Father has made us to be. The love of God s Word helps us know peace, gives us courage, blesses us, makes us wise, and fills our spirit with life. (Psalm 119:97, Psalm 119:105, 2 Timothy 3:16, Deuteronomy 28:1-2) GROW Devoted Discipleship: We are to grow daily in Him, Jesus Christ, who is the head of the church, through obedience to His will. God s grace and love come afresh every morning and His expectation for our lives is that we grow consistently in love of God and neighbor by experiencing His presence in a time devoted to daily prayer and Bible study. (Lamentations 3:22-23, Luke 9:23, Matthew 22:36-40, Ephesians 4:15) Holy Spirit Dependence: We are the dwelling place, the temple of the Holy Spirit of the Living God. Jesus asked the Father to send the Spirit as a helper for His people so we might be renewed, set free from the flesh, and transformed into a vessel for great works in His name as the Spirit fills us. God has poured out His Spirit upon all flesh, so we must consistently look for His work in the world in surprising places. (Psalm 139:7, Joel 2:28, John 14:16-17, Galatians 5:16-17) Transforming Relationships: The church is made of people transformed by a relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus uses relationships with other believers to help us grow into His likeness. Together we hold in common our concerns and joys and join together to become a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit. Faith in Christ is not learned but is caught from other believers as we strive together to know Christ. (John 1:14, Acts 2:44-47, Ephesians 2:22, Hebrews 3:13) 6
SHOW Humble Stewardship: God is the owner of all. He has made us to be stewards of His creation. We will work both individually and corporately, with grateful and generous hearts, to use for His purposes that which He has entrusted to us. We will endeavor to practice the tithe, believing the tithe creates spiritual abundance. (Psalm 24:1, Acts 2:45-46, 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, Malachi 3:10) Passionate Evangelism: The coming of Jesus into the world to redeem us from sin is good news that demands a telling. The people privileged to see and live in the light of Jesus should be passionate and persistent in sharing with all who have ears to hear that Jesus came to seek and save the lost. Proclamation is the work of the believer. Salvation is the work of the Spirit. (Psalm 105:1, Romans 1:16, Matthew 28:20, 1 Peter 2:9) Personal Mission: Jesus sends us out of our comfort zone and fills us with the Holy Spirit to build His kingdom in our community, nation, and world. Using our homes, our families, our vocations, and every God-given resource He has placed in our hands, Jesus bids us to choose to serve Him daily, wherever we find ourselves. We are His witnesses to our neighbors, our city, our enemies, and even to the ends of the earth. (Genesis 12:1-3; 2, Joshua 24:15, Acts 1:8, Psalm 67) 7