FPC MIDLAND AND THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA) FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Introduction Following the decisions and actions of the 2014 General Assembly (GA) of the Presbyterian Church (USA), FPC s Session approved and empowered a Denominational Task Force (DTF) to gather information regarding the issues facing our church and our affiliation with the PC(USA). The DTF has compiled the following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). We have strived to maintain objectivity in the answers as much as possible. We hope these will answer some of your questions, help to clear up any misinformation or misunderstanding, and provide stability and unity as FPC evaluates its affiliation with the PC(USA). A. ON THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA) 1. What is the Presbyterian Church (USA)? It is the denomination to which FPC belongs. It is one of several Presbyterian denominations in the United States. The PC(USA) was established at the Reunion of 1983, when a northern Presbyterian denomination known as the United Presbyterian Church in the USA (UPCUSA) joined with a southern Presbyterian denomination known as the Presbyterian Church in the United States (PCUS). The PC(USA) now has about 10,000 congregations, 1.7 million members, and 20,000 pastors. 2. What are the other Presbyterian Denominations in the USA? A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians (ECO) Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) Cumberland Presbyterian Church (CPC) Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (ARP) Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC) Bible Presbyterian Church (BPC) FAQ Revised 12/18/14 Page 1
Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPCNA) Reformed Presbyterian Church in the United States (RPCUS) Reformed Presbyterian Church General Assembly Reformed Presbyterian Church Hanover Presbytery Covenant Presbyterian Church Presbyterian Reformed Church Westminster Presbyterian Church in the United States Korean American Presbyterian Church Free Presbyterian Church of North America 3. Has FPC decided to disaffiliate from the Presbyterian Church (USA)? No. The Session has only appointed a Denominational Issues Task Force (DTF) to gather information surrounding the potentially divisive issues within PC(USA), with particular attention to the decisions made at this year s GA and report back to the Session. The DTF has submitted its report to the Session and a retreat has been scheduled for January for the Session to discuss the materials and arrive at a recommendation for the congregation. 4. How many churches have disaffiliated from the PC(USA) in the past few years? In 2000, the PC(USA) had about 2.5 million members. Currently the PC(USA) has 1.7 million members. The PC (USA) is declining by approximately 60,000 members each year. 96 churches disaffiliated from the PC(USA) in 2011. 110 disaffiliated in 2012. 148 disaffiliated in 2013. 5. Where are these churches and people going? Churches that disaffiliate from the PC(USA) must be dismissed to another Reformed denomination. Most churches that have disaffiliated from the PC(USA) have gone to either ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians, or the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC). Some have affiliated elsewhere as listed above. People who have disaffiliated from the PC(USA) churches go to another church/denomination, or they cease to attend a local church altogether. 6. What is the Presbytery? All Presbyterian churches are grouped into regional councils called Presbyteries. FPC belongs to the Presbytery of Tres Rios, which covers all of West Texas and includes 26 churches. Some of the responsibilities of the Presbytery include: 1) Relating to congregations by providing encouragement, guidance and resources; giving pastoral care to congregations, starting new churches, support and oversight for sessions through annual review of each session s minutes. 2) Relating to pastors and candidates pastors are members of Presbytery rather than the local congregation and are supported by and accountable to the Presbytery; the Presbytery has the power to ordain, receive, dismiss, install, remove, and discipline pastors. 3) Relating to Synod and General Assembly the Presbytery sends commissioners to both higher governing bodies, the Synod and the General Assembly, and has the power to send overtures to General Assembly to be considered at their biennial gatherings. 7. How many churches in the Presbytery of Tres Rios have disaffiliated from the PC(USA)? One: First Presbyterian Church, Eldorado, TX. Additionally, First Presbyterian Church, San Angelo is currently in the dismissal process with Tres Rios Presbytery and has voted to seek dismissal from the PC(USA). 8. If FPC disaffiliated from the PC(USA), how would it affect our Presbytery? (1) FPC would no longer be a congregation of the Presbytery of Tres Rios, and no longer participate in the Presbytery s ministries and business. (2) FPC would need to decide whether to continue for a time our voluntary benevolence giving to the Presbytery. FPC s current annual contribution ($112,000) comprises approximately 30% of the Presbytery s annual budget. 9. Does FPC have to be affiliated with a denomination? As a Presbyterian church, FPC has embraced a particular (Reformed) theology and methodology. This includes the core belief that we are connected to FAQ Revised 12/18/14 Page 2
other Christians in a covenantal relationship that is best expressed by collaboration, oversight, and accountability. This is best done in the context of a Reformed denominational structure. 10. If we were to disaffiliate from the PC(USA), with which denomination would we affiliate? If FPC decided to disaffiliate from the PC(USA), the decision to which denomination we would be dismissed would initially be decided by the Session and then the congregation would vote on whether to approve such affiliation decision. A denominational comparison chart is included in this packet and available online from the Denomination Task Force which will highlight key issues from some of the viable denominational options. 11. What are the issues about which some in our congregation are concerned and over which other congregations have voted to leave the PCUSA? Historically Presbyterians have not been in agreement upon various theological and social issues which confront the church. Current actions of the General Assembly (GA) have caused some in our congregation to conclude that it is time for our congregation to find a new denominational home. Such issues for some include, but are not limited to: In 2010-11 the GA approved in giving local churches and presbyteries the autonomy to ordain noncelibate homosexuals if they so choose. At the GA in June 2014, the Assembly voted to allow pastors to officiate at same-gender marriages in states where it is legal. At the GA in June 2014, an amendment to the constitution was passed changing the language of marriage from between a man and a woman to between two persons. That amendment must now be approved by the presbyteries. Approval of divesting Board of Pension funds from companies that provide Israel with products used in Israel s occupation of Palestine. Approval of a recommitment to working with legislators to pass laws on gun control/gun violence measures. Approval of an overture calling all countries to halt the use of unmanned aerial vehicles ( drones ). Concerns have been raised about theological questions such as the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the authority and interpretation of Scripture which have not been voted on by GA. 12. What would it mean for FPC to remain affiliated with the PC(USA)? Uncertain. There may be people at FPC who are indifferent to the PC(USA) and the actions of the GA. People tend to join FPC not because we re a PC(USA) church, but because we re a vibrant, growing, Christ-centered church with a commitment to children, youth, families and generosity. There may be some people who are opposed to the PC(USA) and the actions of the GA. Likewise there may be some people who are supportive of the PC(USA) and the GA actions. 13. Would a change in our denominational affiliation affect me personally? Possibly. It depends on your views on biblical authority and interpretation, Christian theology, the Confessions, and several social issues. But FPC has a long history of focusing on the centrality of Jesus Christ and His gospel, and calling all people to know God s love and grace. We have tended to center on the things that unite us, instead of those that divide us. 14. What decisions has FPC s Session made regarding GA decisions or the PC(USA)? 1996 FPC Session voted to withhold per capita giving to the General Assembly. The money was designated instead to various mission organizations. 2010 Formed Denominational Task Force 2011 Changed FPC s bylaws to include the previous language from G6.0106b from the 2010 Book of Order regarding ordination standards that was changed by the GA in 2010-2011. 15. What was the current Denominational Task Force (DTF) asked to do? At the July 21, 2014 meeting of the Session, the Session authorized the DTF to research and report back to the Session on the following topics: 2014 GA Votes and Actions FAQ Revised 12/18/14 Page 3
What is the scriptural authority for or against GA s votes and actions Staying in PC(USA) pros, cons, etc. Staying in PC(USA): affiliating with the Fellowship Community pros, cons, etc. Leaving PC(USA): going to ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians pros, cons, etc. Leaving PC(USA): going to Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) pros, cons, etc. Leaving PC(USA): Tres Rios Presbytery practical issues regarding property and impact on other churches. 16. Who are the DTF members? The Session approved the following people (all active elders on the Session): Jim Alsup, Mary Beth Anton, Miles Boldrick, Rick Davis, Ken Dickeson, Laura Earl, Jess Gilmour, Jim Hill, Pat Hunter, Wendell Iverson, Susan Richardson, Steve Schorr, Laura South, Kelly Strickling, Jack Swallow, Walter Thompson, Shannon Weisenfels, and Tom Woodside. B. ON SCRIPTURE AND THEOLOGY 19. What s the difference between being guided by Scripture and being obedient to Scripture? Some people in the PC(USA) that have sought to relax the imperatives of Scripture to allow for more freedom of conscience, and have preferred guided by over obedient to. The current Book of Order reflects this view, especially regarding Ordination Standards. The difference is significant. In simple terms, guided by suggests more flexibility when it comes to adhering to the teaching of Scripture. Obedient to affirms the authority of Scripture, and affirms the imperative to submit to the teaching of Scripture. 20. Scripture and Christian tradition are being cited on different sides of debates. How can we know which side to trust? Many people on both sides of issues are faithful Christians, who love Jesus and affirm biblical scholarship. The PC(USA) has enjoyed a long history of diversity of perspectives, but sometimes that diversity causes divisiveness. An abiding principle of the PC(USA) is that God alone is Lord of the conscience. The task of faithful Christians is to study the Scriptures, seek the mind of Christ, weigh particular passages by the whole counsel of Scripture, consider the teaching of Christian theology and church history, and determine what to believe and how to live. C. ON CHURCH PROPERTY 22. What is the Trust Clause regarding church property? Since the 1983 Reunion of the PCUS and the UPCUSA, the Book of Order has stated that all property of a local PC(USA) church is held in trust for the benefit of the PC(USA) (Book of Order, G-4.0203). The rationale for this clause is to affirm the connectional nature of the PC(USA), and to maintain oversight and accountability. As churches have sought to disaffiliate from the denomination, tension has emerged when congregations have sought to keep their property, which most often has been acquired through funds provided by the individual members of that congregation. 23. If FPC decided to disaffiliate from the PC(USA), would we lose our property? Uncertain. The Presbytery of Tres Rios has a Reconciliation and Dismissal Process Policy which provides a process for a church to be dismissed to another Reformed denomination. Once a church votes by a 2/3 majority to be dismissed from the PC(USA), the Presbytery decides whether or not to allow the departing congregation to keep the property. According to the Policy, the Presbytery will consider many factors in deciding the property issue. Legal precedent regarding PC(USA) church property is not yet completely clear in Texas. 24. Could FPC retain ownership of our property through negotiation? Yes. As mentioned above, Tres Rios Presbytery has a Reconciliation and Dismissal Process Policy that addresses the issue of property. Once a congregation votes to be dismissed from the PC(USA), the Presbytery and the church enter into negotiation FAQ Revised 12/18/14 Page 4
regarding church property and the possibility of a financial gift from the departing church to the Presbytery. The Policy has very few specifics regarding this negotiation process. D. ON FPC S PASTORS AND STAFF 25. If FPC decided to disaffiliate from the PC(USA), what would happen to our ordained pastors and staff? If a church decides to disaffiliate from the PC(USA), pastors will have the option of moving their ordination to the denomination to which their church is dismissed, or they could remain in the PC(USA). If they choose to remain affiliated with the PC(USA), they would need to seek a new call to another PC(USA) church/ministry. The non-ordained staff is unaffected, since they are not under the jurisdiction of the Presbytery. 26. What about the pastors pensions and medical insurance? After three years of continual service in the PC(USA), pastors are fully vested in the pension plan of the PC(USA) s Board of Pensions and will not lose their pension. If FPC were dismissed to another Reformed denomination, contributions to the PC(USA) Board of Pensions would cease, but contributions would be made to whatever plan the new denomination has in place. Medical insurance would cease to be provided through the PC(USA) Board of Pensions, but employees would be covered by whatever plan the new denomination has in place. 27. Are FPC s pastors prohibited from participating in the discernment process? No. While some presbyteries take an aggressive position and penalize clergy who participate in conversations about denominational affiliation, this is not the current approach of Tres Rios Presbytery. We believe there can be an open process of evaluation, which includes our pastors, without concern that the Presbytery might remove FPC s pastors and/or Session with an Administrative Commission. E. ON THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 28. What is the General Assembly? The Presbyterian Church (USA) is structured into four councils. They are the (1) Session (elders and installed pastors of a particular church), (2) Presbytery (a regional grouping of churches), Synod (a regional grouping of presbyteries), and (4) General Assembly (the collection of all PC(USA) churches in the country). The GA has a biennial gathering of the national PC(USA), and includes about 600 voting commissioners (half pastors/half elders) elected from each of the 173 presbyteries. GA is a week-long meeting in which many business items are considered. These can include changes to the Book of Order and/or the Book of Confessions, or other policy issues. 29. How do the GA decisions affect FPC? Each congregation in the PC(USA) is governed by the PC(USA) Constitution, which consists of the Book of Confessions and the Book of Order. Any changes to the Constitution, as approved by the GA and/or a majority of the 173 presbyteries, become authoritative for local churches. Beyond the Constitution, and because of the connectional nature of the Presbyterian Church (USA), FPC might be perceived to be in agreement with the actions and decisions of the GA. However, FPC is highly autonomous in that we seek to be obedient to Jesus Christ and the Bible, and guided by our core values. These override any particular GA actions or decisions. Furthermore, to the extent that the PC(USA), though the GA, takes certain positions that some view as social and political, members of our congregation may either be comfortable or uncomfortable with those positions. Where our congregation supports and affirms those positions, we have no conflict with our denomination. When our congregation or individual members are uncomfortable with the positions taken by GA, this discomfort can have a negative impact on the membership, its unity and hence all of FPC. 30. I ve heard something about an Authoritative Interpretation (AI) being used at this year s GA. What is an AI? Until recently, AIs were only used by the GA to clarify something that was ambiguous or unclear in the Book of Order of the PC(USA). It was used to provide an authoritative answer on an unclear issue. When an FAQ Revised 12/18/14 Page 5
AI is used, it does not require the concurrence of the presbyteries (like an amendment would), and it becomes binding on the PC(USA) the moment the GA ends. Recently, the AI has been used as a strategy to get the GA to make a binding decision on issues, thus circumventing our polity, which requires a majority of presbyteries to approve a change before it becomes binding and a part of the Constitution. The 2014 GA passed an AI regarding marriage that interprets the Book of Order (W-4.9000) in such a way to allow PC(USA) pastors to perform same-sex weddings in states where it is legal. The 2014 GA also voted to approve an amendment of that same Book of Order passage (W-4.9000) that essentially removes the requirement that marriage be only between a man and a woman. By passing both the AI of the current Book of Order language and an amendment of the same passage, the 2014 GA has created a logical conundrum and has used the AI in ways that were not originally intended. 31. Isn t the real issue about homosexuality and same-sex marriage? No. The approval of same-sex marriages (where legal) is one of the key GA decisions that have caused dissent within our congregation. FPC affirms that all people are sinners in need of God s grace and forgiveness. Everyone is welcome at FPC, regardless of condition or orientation. At the same time, everyone is also called to be transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ and conformed to the image of Christ. The discussion is whether the PC(USA) continues to espouse and represent the theology and views of FPC, along with our core values and strategic initiatives. F. ON THE DISMISSAL PROCESS 33. If we decide that we want to disaffiliate from the PC(USA), what is the process? The process is outlined in the Tres Rios Presbytery Reconciliation and Dismissal Policy (RDP). The complete policy is available if you would like to request a copy from the church office. These are the basic requirements: The Session must vote by a 2/3 majority to enter the Reconciliation and Dismissal Process with Tres Rios Presbytery. The Session calls a congregational meeting in order for the congregation to vote to approve (by a simple majority) participation in the discernment process. The Presbytery s Missional Ministry Team and the Session will select their own representatives for the Discernment Team. The Discernment Team will consist of four representatives from the Presbytery (two pastors and two elders) and four representatives from FPC (one church staff, one session member and two at-large active members of the congregation). In addition to those eight members, the Discernment Team will select a facilitator/moderator who will have voice but no vote. The Discernment Team is required to have at least five meetings as they discern the congregation s common ground and conflicts with the denomination. Following those five meetings, the Discernment Team will report to the congregation. At that point, the Session will decide whether or not to seek dismissal from the PC(USA). If the Session decides to remain in the PC(USA), there are guidelines for restoring fellowship included in the policy. If the Session decides to seek dismissal from the PC(USA) then they will call a congregational meeting and follow the procedure for dismissal. Any period of education or discussion for the congregation is decided at this point by the Session. Procedure for Seeking Dismissal: The Congregational Meeting is called by verbal announcement and written letter with at least 30 days notice. FAQ Revised 12/18/14 Page 6
Active Members of the congregation will be allowed voice and vote at the meeting. Representatives from the Presbytery will also be allowed voice at the meeting. The vote will be taken by written ballot. If the dismissal is approved by a 2/3 majority, the Presbytery will agree to the dismissal. Prior to the dismissal, the Session and the Presbytery will enter into a legal agreement regarding the disposition of property. Specifics of this agreement are not outlined in the policy. If a minority of at least 10% vote to remain in the PC(USA), a separate meeting must be convened to discern interest in starting a PC(USA) congregation. If 25 or more members desire to do so, then a formula will be followed in order for the church to provide funds to organize the new church. The basic formula is the value of FPC s property and assets multiplied by the percent of members wishing to start a new congregation. 34. What will happen to our congregation if half want to disaffiliate and half want to remain affiliated with the PC(USA)? According to the Presbytery RDP, we are required to have a 2/3 majority vote by a 30% quorum of the congregation. If half voted no, then we would remain affiliated with the PC(USA). The real question, of course, is about FPC s unity. With a conflict of this magnitude the church would need to work hard to bring reconciliation among FPC s members. 35. Do the pastors vote on whether FPC disaffiliates from the PC(USA)? No. Pastors are members of Session and of the Presbytery. They do not vote in congregational meetings. 36. How long does the Reconciliation and Dismissal Process take? If we choose to enter the Presbytery RDP, the process could last 6 months to a year, although FPC s Session is committed to complete the process as quickly as possible. 37. If other churches in the West Texas area want to consider disaffiliating from the PC(USA), is there a possibility of disaffiliating from the PC(USA) along with these churches? No. Each church should make this decision on its own, based on its values, personality, etc. 38. How much would it likely cost FPC financially if we choose to disaffiliate from the PC(USA)? Uncertain. Tres Rios Presbytery s policy does not define any financial settlements. The settlement would be negotiated following the congregation s vote to disaffiliate with the PC(USA). H. ON CONGREGATIONAL COMMUNICATION 39. When will the Session have a recommendation for action (if any)? The DTF delivered its written report to the Session in December 2014. The process of educating and surveying the congregation, along with gathering relevant information on the issues, will take some time, but the Session will report to and possibly make recommendations to the congregation by February 2015. 40. How will FPC be kept informed of the issues and deliberations? Relevant items will be posted at fpcmid.org, and will be emailed and mailed via USPS. This evaluation must be done with a high degree of transparency and trust. The process will be communicated clearly so that everyone knows the steps and progress. The Session is committed to making sure that members of the congregation have sufficient opportunities to express their opinions as well. FAQ Revised 12/18/14 Page 7