P&R News ² March 1999 Recording the Presbyterian & Story of the Presbyterian Church in America

Reformed News $2.75 per issue/$15.00 per year Volume 6 Number 1 Published by Presbyterian International News Service, Inc., Lawrenceville, Georgia January-February 2000 Tennessee Valley Declines To Investigate or Instruct Cedar Springs Church Regarding Female Preaching Presbytery Approves Unordained Persons ‘Speaking’ in Public Worship At its Winter Stated Meeting, held that the church had scheduled a woman to be he concluded, “she is not preaching because Church is only ministerial and declarative, and January 8, 2000, in Sweetwater, Tennessee, the plenary speaker at its missions conference she is not presenting authoritative teaching.” therefore whoever proclaims the Word of God Tennessee Valley Presbytery (TVP) of the in 2001. By way of illustration, he added that “just in the church is by that very preaching Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) At its November 1999 stated meeting, because it walks like a duck, looks like a duck, exercising authority over all who hear, declined to institute a judicial investigation of Western Carolina sent yet another letter to and quacks like a duck, doesn’t mean it’s a including the Session, which is not lawful for Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church, Knoxville, Tennessee Valley. After noting the action duck.” During his attempted defense of the women to do.” Two resolutions were Tennessee, or to instruct the Session and taken by Cedar Springs, the communique notion that a woman who fills the pulpit is not proposed in the overture: “1. The Tennessee Pastor that they must cease from the practice asked TVP to “intervene” and to “require the preaching, Mr. Wood suggested that his use Valley Presbytery exhort the Cedar Springs of women preaching. The Presbytery, rather, Cedar Springs Church to comply with the of terminology was not “Clintonesque.” Presbyterian Church, and all our churches, to gave its blessing to two resolutions in an PCA’s position on this issue.” Presbytery then delayed further cease and desist from inviting unauthorized overture from Cedar Springs, which allow that persons, men or women, as ‘plenary speakers’ unordained people may “speak” on occasion in their designated worship services, as this in public worship. Taken together, the actions practice is contrary to the Constitution of the appear to grant approval to female preaching. PCA. 2. The Tennessee Valley Presbytery at The action on these matters prevailed by an the same time encourages laymen and women estimated two to one margin. to participate in the worship services by The issue of women preaching has been praying, testifying, singing and so on, but bubbling in the PCA for almost a year, ever not usurping the place of verbal authority since it came to light that a woman had twice granted the minister of the Word in our preached at Cedar Springs in August 1998. Constitution.” The Senior Pastor of the prominent Knoxville The pastor of Wayside Church, Marshall congregation, John Wood, publicly defended St. John, began his argument in favor of the the practice in an interview in the March 1999 overture by reminding the court of a edition of P&R News. Since that time, charges fundamental tenet of all Protestant theology, have been brought against him by four PCA namely, that the authority of all preaching presbyteries, which petitioned the General Lookout Mountain (Ga.) Reformed Presbyterian Church was founded in the 1960’s and is resides in and is derived from the Word of Assembly to assume original jurisdiction over located just south of Covenant College. Its session has played a leading role in the discussion on God. He explained that if his wife preached Mr. Wood. The unusual Constitutional women preaching in Tennessee Valley Presbytery. his sermon, it would be no less authoritative, procedure, of having the Assembly exercise because she would be speaking the Word of original jurisdiction over a minister, was The Western Carolina letter was only one consideration of the Cedar Springs overture, God. Dr. St. John also mentioned that in the invoked after Tennessee Valley Presbytery had of several communications which brought the in order to take up the other two. The first of Reformed tradition the Word of God is failed to act in the matter. issue to the attention of Tennessee Valley these was from the Session of Wayside especially known in its proclamatory form, that One of the presbyteries which has been Presbytery at its January meeting. Also before Presbyterian Church, Signal Mountain, is, as what is preached. taking the lead in the matter is Western the court were three overtures, the Tennessee. This document declared that “the Several of the presbyters seemed Carolina, home of Dr. Morton H. Smith, the aforementioned letter from Cedar Springs, and Constitution of the PCA defines preaching as confused about this point, and one teaching PCA’s first Stated Clerk. At its March 1999 a protest. a broad general term meant to cover all kinds elder, the Rev. Mr. Dennis Griffith, Chairman stated meeting, the Presbytery communicated First to be considered was the overture of public proclamation and teaching of the of the Presbytery’s Mission to North America with Tennessee Valley, expressing concern from Cedar Springs, which asked for approval Word: for example reading, expounding, Committee, even objected to it. After some over the report of a woman having preached of three resolutions: “1. The ordinary declaring, beseeching and bearing glad debate, the Signal Mountain overture was in one of its pulpits and asking for an preaching and teaching ministry in the tidings.” The overture also said that the PCA voted down. investigation. Tennessee Valley Presbytery worship services of our churches is to be by Constitution “states that all authority in the Following lunch, the Presbytery did not formally respond to its neighbor in those ‘sufficiently gifted, and also duly western North Carolina, either after TVP’s approved and called to that office’ (WCF April or after its July stated meeting. Within Larger Catechism, Q&A 158). 2. However, NSIDE THIS SSUE two and a half weeks after TVP’s failure in Sessions are permitted by our Constitution to I I July to act on the matter, three PCA invite unordained persons to speak on those Women Preaching Story...... 1-4 presbyteries—Western Carolina, Calvary, and occasions when they believe that it would be MTW and Broadway...... 5 Ascension—had petitioned the Assembly for glorifying to God and good for the people original jurisdiction over Mr. Wood. (Directory for Worship, 53-6). 3. For the peace Westminster Presbytery Votes to Divide...... 6-7 October saw further action. Tennessee and health of our churches, the word Mt. Carmel Church Leaves the PCA...... 8 Valley voted, without formal investigation, to ‘preaching’ should not be used to describe vindicate the Cedar Springs Session, but also the speaking of unordained persons.” Louisiana to Discuss declared that female preaching is In arguing for his Session’s overture, Mr. ‘Serious Doctrinal Departure’ in PCA...... 9 inappropriate. Eastern Carolina Presbytery Wood attempted to explain that the Southern California Creation Debate...... 10 later that month joined in asking the Assembly controversy was essentially a to assume original jurisdiction in the case of misunderstanding of words, that is, a matter Are PCA Courts ‘Private’?...... 11 Presbyterian Church in America vs. John of semantics. He defended having a woman Who Wrote the Books of Moses?...... 12-13 Wood. perform the ministry of the Word on the The Cedar Springs Session reacted to the grounds that the only preaching women are Editorials and Letters...... 14-15 TVP meeting by sending a letter to the prohibited from engaging in is “authoritative News from the Presbyteries...... 16-26 Presbytery. In that letter, the Session averred teaching.” Mr. Wood argued that Quotes from the Quorums...... 25 that it saw nothing wrong with its having had “authoritative” preaching is only that which a woman to fill the pulpit, and it announced is done by an ordained minister. Therefore, Sponsors...... 26-27 2 P&R News ² January-February 2000 considered the overture from the Lookout of his professors at Gordon-Conwell · Certainly did not repent for having women our Constitution.” Mountain (Ga.) Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary, said: “Gordon Fee preach; “believing it to be proper.” · Certainly appears flagrant when the CSPC Church, which was presented by its pastor, taught us that the Bible does not mean what it · Certainly is not submissive to the session stated that it had permitted Kevin Skogen. This overture asked the says, but it means what it means.” brethren when it notifies the Presbytery women to teach in past worship services, Presbytery to “reaffirm its position against During one part of the debate, the Rev. of its intent to have a woman preach at a as if the session’s oversight of such women’s preaching in the pulpits of the Mr. Tim Rake objected to the notion of “non- future service, could supersede the authority of clear presbytery and instruct the pastor and session authoritative teaching.” He told the court that · Certainly appears especially egregious didactic inspiration in I Tim. 2:11-12, which of Cedar Springs PCA that they must cease in the church, the house of God, only the Word when TVP at its Oct. 12, 1999 meeting we take as authoritative “Thus saith the the practice and assure the presbytery in of God is to be spoken, and it is always adopted an overture from Mountain View Lord..” writing that they will do so.” It further called authoritative. He strongly urged the Presbyterian Church stating that TVP · Certainly appears inconsistent when the for an affirmation “that the presbytery presbyters to recognize that preaching is “openly and plainly declares that it is not CSPC session asserted that it believed it understands by ‘preaching’ the exposition and always and only the public proclamation of proper for women to preach and teach in was constitutional for women to preach application of the Scriptures and not the giving the Word of God, and therefore is the church’s corporate worship,” in worship services, and that Presbytery of personal testimonies or reporting of authoritative. Everything else, he said, is · Certainly appears incorrect when the would be in error to prevent such. Christian missions and other endeavors.” opinion, and that is not welcome or appointed CSPC session stated that women teaching · Certainly appears erroneous when the Mr. Skogen allowed Mr. Wood to contend in God’s house. in worship was not “inconsistent with CSPC session affirms that the BCO 53-6 that there was no real basis for the overture. One of the few ruling elders who spoke Mr. Wood repeated his earlier explanation that was Dr. Frank Brock from the Lookout a woman may preach (that is, may stand before Mountain (Tenn.) Presbyterian Church. (See the congregation in worship and perform the separate box for his comments.—Ed.) ministry of the Word) because “it is not Towards the end of the meeting, Frank Brock’s Perspective authoritative teaching.” Preaching as Presbytery received and spread on the minutes authoritative teaching can be done only by a letter of protest from the Rev. Dr. King Counts. One of the participants in the debate at the January meeting of Tennessee Valley an ordained minister because his office gives However, even this act generated controversy, Presbytery was Dr. Frank Brock. A ruling elder at Lookout Mountain (Tenn.) Presbyterian his message authority. Mr. Wood said that as the Rev. Dr. Paul Gilchrist, former Church, he is currently the president of Covenant College and has also served the the PCA’s Constitution speaks of preaching denominational Stated Clerk, asked that the church as Moderator of the 23rd General Assembly. We had included in our news story only as authoritative teaching; however, he title of the protest drop the words “Advising a summary of his added that the New Testament does have the Review and Control Committee of the remarks at the instances of preaching as non-authoritative General Assembly.” Dr. Counts kindly presbytery meeting, teaching, but offered no support for that acceded. Dr. Gilchrist also objected to the and sent that summary assertion. Because of the PCA Constitutional statement in the opening paragraph of the to him in order to verify position, Mr. Wood said that Cedar Springs protest that “no judicial proceedings or its accuracy. Dr. Brock would refrain from calling the ministry of the investigation by the Presbytery ever graciously responded Word performed by a woman “preaching,” occurred.” Dr. Gilchrist insisted an in order to help us and expressed regret that they had done so in investigation had occurred. However, Mr. paint a fuller picture. the October letter sent to TVP. Mark Wilson, a ruling elder who had been His response is as After long debate, the overture was not Presbytery Moderator at the spring and follows: adopted. summer stated meetings, immediately At that point, Mr. Wood presented and corrected him and stated that no investigation “One of the spoke to the overture from Cedar Springs. had taken place. few ruling elders who After much discussion, TVP adopted two spoke up was Frank resolutions. The first was modified by adding Brock. When asked the word “males,” so that the Presbytery The King Counts what he said at affirmed that the regular preaching was to be Presbytery, he was done by “males ‘sufficiently gifted, and also Protest willing to make the duly approved and called to that office.’ following statement: A similar attempt to amend the second The following protest was received and ‘I spoke resolution, so that it would read that “Sessions spread on the record of Tennessee Valley extemporaneously and are permitted by our Constitution to invite Presbytery (TVP) at its January 8, 2000, cannot recall exactly unordained males to speak” in public worship, meeting: what I said. I hate to see was defeated; and the original version as this issue debated on proposed by Cedar Springs was adopted. In We respectfully protest the actions of TVP at the basis of hearsay of speaking against the attempt to amend the its Oct. 12, 1999 meeting and the response by extemporaneous second resolution, Mr. Wood declared that one of its members churches, Cedar Springs remarks made at that would be an extra-Constitutional Presbyterian Church (CSPC) on 10/25/99. At Tennessee Valley’s imposition on the church, which would not the Oct. 12, 1999 meeting the TVP adopted an Presbytery. Therefore, be right, especially since it would be against overture that “found” (although no judicial I reluctantly state in “standing practice” in the PCA. In support of proceedings or investigation by the Frank Brock writing what I tried to that notion, he alluded to three other Presbytery ever occurred) that even though say at Presbytery. prominent PCA congregations—Perimeter in the Session of CSPC had invited and was ‘I keep asking why this incident seems to have stirred up such a controversy. It suburban Atlanta, Coral Ridge in Fort inviting women to preach in worship, seems to me that this is an example of the proverbial camel getting her nose under our Lauderdale, and Redeemer in New York City— nonetheless, tent. Aren’t we as males exhibiting our own insecurity? After all, it was a group of male where, it was suggested, women do speak on elders that asked a woman to speak because they wanted to hear what a woman had to occasions. 1. they were in accord with PCA standards; say. What is wrong with this? Why do some men want to deny other men this authority? The third resolution, that “the word As men, we have an advantage in having Jesus as our example. He was the only perfect ‘preaching’ should not be used to describe 2. they had not done anything injurious to the person who ever lived and He was a male. Yet He never asked people to listen to Him the speaking of unordained persons,” was not testimony of Christ by having women preach because of His maleness. Rather, He showed perfect male headship by giving us the adopted. in worship; and example of submission to His Father. He did not teach or exemplify positional authority. The debate on these matters was spirited If we would follow His example, we would be exhibiting biblical male headship. If we and lively. At one point, the Rev. Mr. Jim 3. they were submissive to the brethren on think that by passing some manmade rule about when or how women may or may not Barnes had a colloquy with Mr. Wood, asking this issue. speak to men, we will be exhibiting condescension toward women that will create division him what exactly he would call it if a woman between men and women for years to come. Such a rule will result in endless debate and sat in her study for several hours exegeting At the meeting, several representatives of the need for further adjudication in the church courts for years to come. The church will the Word and putting together her notes in CSPC Session admitted mistakes but resisted turn away many women and will be less biblical for that. The biblical issue is who may homiletical form and then stood before the repenting or promising not to have women hold the office of elder. Our Book of Church Order is clear on this issue; it is males. This congregation on Sunday morning and preach in the future, citing the fact that their other issue—when and how a woman can speak in church to men without violating the delivered the message. Mr. Wood replied that session had not as yet acted officially in this principle of having authority over men—cannot be solved by rules passed at general because the woman was not an ordained regard. Assurances were given by the CSPC assembly. We need to trust the local sessions’ men, who have been ordained as elders minister, she would not be preaching, if by elders, that a letter would be forthcoming, under the authority of God’s word, to know how to exhibit biblical headship when it preaching is meant “authoritative teaching.” before the next stated meeting of TVP, in which comes to seeking the perspective of the women in the church. If it gets to the point Mr. Barnes then asked Mr. Wood if he would the entire session would recognize its mistake where a session wants to ordain women as ruling or teaching elders, we will know it and define preaching, if preaching is not the in allowing the practice of women preaching we will know the difference between that and what happened at Cedar Springs. Let’s exposition of the Word. Mr. Wood did not and teaching in the corporate worship. not make a mountain out of a molehill. Let’s concentrate on being godly men that provide a definition of preaching and stated women will gladly submit to. To the extent that a denomination can insure that its men that the PCA does not agree on any definition Within two weeks, the CSPC Session met and will exhibit biblical headship, we have done so by restricting the office of church of it. sent a letter to all churches in TVP with headship, ruling and teaching elder, to men. Our Book of Church Order is clear on this The Rev. Mr. David Hall read from I positions that appear to be contrary to all three point. No matter what individual members of Cedar Springs’ session may think, Cedar Timothy 2 and I Corinthians 14, both of which items above. Much to our disappointment, Springs’ session is in accord with this position and we know it.’” enjoin women to silence and forbid them from rather than a humble apology or a promise not Frank Brock public ministry of the Word. Mr. Wood to offend in the future, the letter indicates objected to that reading; and, referring to one among other things that the CSPC session: P&R News ² January-February 2000 3 and WLC 158 were designed to advocate of this (BCO 40-5) and the appropriate and allow women to function as heralds committee should seek redress. We judge that and instructors of the Word of God in the the issue is of such substance as to warrant Ascension and Western public worship of God’s Church. the concern of the GA. · Certainly appears supercilious by communicating to the churches of TVP Desiring the peace within our bounds and not Carolina Respond to SJC that by following the explicit command wishing to either pursue judicial remedies nor of Scripture (I Tim. 2:12 But I do not allow perpetually occupy the presbytery’s time with a woman to teach or exercise authority [this] single issue, we therefore respectfully Officers’ Finding the John over a man, but to remain quiet.) is and humbly ask the R & C [Review and somehow restricting the freedom of the Control] committee, under the relevant session from exercising its discretion. sections of BCO 40-4 and 5 to redress this Wood Case ‘Out of Order’ issue and report its finding to the next Ascension and Western Carolina commission met on the evening of December Suffice it to say, the tenets and tone of this General Assembly. We consider this issue of Presbyteries of the Presbyterian Church in 28; at the same time, Western Carolina letter seem considerably different from what great importance to the well-being and health America (PCA) have acted in concert to Presbytery also met, in Asheville, North was conveyed at Presbytery. The tone seems of the Church, one which warrants purposeful respond to the finding by the officers of the Carolina. more one of willfulness and a desire to defend steps by the General Assembly. Standing Judicial Commission (SJC) that the Ascension and Western Carolina first women preaching in worship—which both the judicial case against the Rev. John Wood is appealed to the SJC to reconsider the recent 27th General Assembly and the recent We do not accept criticisms which suggest “out of order.” Both presbyteries have officers’ ruling. The presbyteries state: “We meeting of TVP denounced—than it does that our concern for biblical faithfulness in appealed to the officers and to the full SJC, do not believe there is a defect and therefore submissive to the brethren and in conformity the preaching and teaching of the Word of in contending that the case which revolves are unable to ‘cure the defect.’” They go with PCA standards. God in public worship, somehow indicates that around the issue of women preaching is on to say that the SJC has no authority to we lack evangelistic zeal or godly fervor for indeed in proper form. rule out of order a case that has come when Moreover, when it is noted that at least three the salvation of the lost. Or, that by bringing Under PCA rules, judicial process presbyteries have petitioned for the other PCA presbyteries have overtured the this protest, we are revealing a bitter, litigious against a minister is normally entertained Assembly to assume original jurisdiction. GA on this subject in the past few months, it or unloving spirit. Nothing could be farther by the presbytery of which he is a member. The presbyteries are asking the SJC to “refer is difficult to maintain—as TVP sought to do— from the truth. We bring this protest in sincere However, if his presbytery fails to act in a this case back to the Stated Clerk so that that nothing injurious has happened. regard and respect for our denomination, our case of doctrine or public scandal, two or the 28th General Assembly can decide how presbytery, and the session of CSPC. more presbyteries may petition the General best to deal with it. If the SJC has no ‘rules’ We sincerely believe that many trusting TVP Assembly to assume original jurisdiction, for how to deal with this type of an issue, presbyters gave the benefit of the doubt to a Dr. King Counts, who presented this protest, at which point the Assembly must assume then they should not deal with it until such session that voluntarily began the discussion pastors Mountain View Presbyterian said jurisdiction and conduct the case. time as it is a ‘judicial case’ and referred to with its own admission that things should have Church, Chattanooga, Tennessee. Joining In July, three PCA presbyteries— the SJC.” been done differently (if nothing was wrong, him in the protest were the Rev. Mr. Bob Western Carolina (located in North These two presbyteries further stated such explanation would not have been in order Borger (First Presbyterian Church, Fort Carolina), Calvary (South Carolina), and that even if the SJC has the authority to in the first place, since no charges were Oglethorpe, Georgia) and the Rev. Mr. Kevin Ascension (western New York, western declare a case such as this as judicially out pending). The presbytery was encouraged Skogen and Professor E. Calvin Beisner Pennsylvania, and northeastern Ohio)— of order, “the grounds cited by the officers to “trust” these brothers upon their own (Lookout Mountain [Ga.] Reformed petitioned the Assembly to assume original are grounds which rest on the facts of the announcements that they would clarify the Presbyterian Church). jurisdiction over Mr. Wood. The charges case . . . or interpretations of substantive matter, and be found in conformity with the have to do with his approval of a woman matters from the BCO and the record of the PCA constitution, and the resolution adopted filling the pulpit at his congregation, Cedar case. . . . However, because this is a situation by TVP that declared “openly and plainly. . . Comment From One Springs Presbyterian Church, Knoxville, where the General Assembly is being asked that it is not proper for women to preach and Tennessee, a prominent PCA church. to assume original jurisdiction, the facts of teach in the church’s corporate worship.” of the Participants According to the PCA Constitution, all the case have not yet been established. The judicial cases at the Assembly level are conclusions reached by the officers . . . are The subsequent “clarification,” however, only The Rev. Mr. Bob Borger, Pastor of First given to a 24-man Standing Judicial all based on ‘facts’ which could only come showed an unwillingness on the part of the Presbyterian Church, Fort Oglethorpe, Commission. The four officers of the SJC from the record of a case. But, there is no session either to admit wrong or to promise Georgia, has offered the following comments have the responsibility to determine if a case such record because the case has not been subjection to the brethren. Under any on the situation within Tennessee Valley is “administratively” in order; usually, such heard originally. Indeed, there are currently interpretation, they now profess to be Presbytery: a finding has to do with technical matters no ‘facts’ in this case because no court has unwilling to repent and graciously seek “There were approximately 100 presbyters, such as the timeliness of filing. A further met and considered evidence. . . . Until this harmony. many of them ministers, at the Tennessee review determines if a case is “judicially” in occurs, there ought not to be any Valley meeting on Saturday, January 8th. I order. Usually, a three-man judicial panel determinations made on anyone’s view of We can only interpret this latter action as a find it very curious that so many ministers in would make the determination of judicial the ‘facts’ of the case, some of which may declaration that CSPC will continue to invite a denomination l love very much could not orderliness. However, in those cases in well be in dispute.” The presbyteries women to preach in worship, contrary to agree on the definition of preaching, when which the officers decide that the full SJC “respectfully ask the SJC officers to produce Scripture, and should the General Assembly they had to do it the next day. How curious should hear a case, the officers themselves the documentation . . . which will fail to take notice of that, such neglect may be that we were so befuddled as to what the rule on the judicial orderliness. demonstrate either the truth or falsity of their an implicit encouragement for any in the future definition of ‘is’ is, what the definition of Because the SJC officers decided that statements.” who wish to have women to preach or teach ‘preaching’ is. In Malachi, the priest is the full SJC should hear the case, the officers The two presbyteries noted that “the in worship. supposed to guard knowledge; and here we themselves then ruled on whether the case original filings of the presbyteries all make find ourselves unable to know what that was judicially in order. And they concluded reference to the allegation of the teaching We believe that the next GA should be advised knowledge is.” that it was out of order for two reasons. elder’s having ‘publicly defended the First, they stated that since the Session practice of women preaching, teaching and of a church has the responsibility for the exhorting.’” Therefore, “the issue does not conduct of worship in a local church, the turn on whether a teaching elder ‘has Session is the body which should have been jurisdiction over worship in the local church’ addressed regarding the matter. Secondly, . . . . It also turns on TE [Teaching Elder] they stated that Mr. Wood’s presbytery, Wood’s stated views and whether those are Tennessee Valley, had indeed acted, in that in conformity with the Standards of the INTEGRITY FINANCIAL it had cleared the Cedar Springs Session of Church. This clearly rises to the level of a any wrongdoing when it adopted a ‘doctrinal case.’” resolution to that effect. That “action” by The presbyteries further contend that Tennessee Valley came at its October stated the one-year statute of limitations in the MANAGEMENT INC. meeting, which was more than two months PCA Constitution “would seem to mean after the petitioning of the Assembly by that the TE’s presbytery needed to have John B. Challies, Financial Advisor* the three presbyteries. acted within that one year period. Actions The SJC officers waited more than three taken after that point cannot, then, months after the charges were brought to constitute action” with respect to the Personal Branch Office/Mailing rule on the case. Their ruling, which was necessity of a presbytery having to “act.” 100 Galleria Parkway 187 Colonial Drive sent to the relevant presbyteries in a letter Moreover, the action referred to with respect dated November 29, 1999, came about a to the one-year statute of limitations “is Suite 400 Woodstock, Georgia 30189 month after the October meeting of process. In no sense can the adoption of Atlanta, Georgia 30339 Phone: 770 516 4642 Tennessee Valley. overtures constitute process. Both the These three presbyteries which had teaching elder and the Church have a right Phone: 770 649 9985 Fax- 770 592 2405 petitioned had thirty days from receipt of to process so that one position may be notice that the case was out of order, to formally vindicated. Overtures taken after correct the defects and to put it in order, if the fact do not accomplish this. Moreover, *Securities offered through Mutual Service Corp., a registered broker dealer possible. At a called meeting on December any overture may be rescinded, thus 21, 1999, Ascension Presbytery appointed undoing the very ‘action’ which stayed and investment advisor, member NASD, SIPC a commission to perfect its response. That process to begin with. This seems an unjust (Paid Advertisement) 4 P&R News ² January-February 2000 possibility. We would also point out that this is the corollary question—is this even to be in order was by addressing the by Ascension, Calvary, and Western the overtures adopted by [Tennessee Valley a case before it is received by the General responsibility of the Cedar Springs Session Carolina Presbyteries. Presbytery] do not explicitly address all the Assembly itself)? 3) Given that the SJC for the public worship at that congregation. The PCA was formed in 1973 out of the issues raised by the presbyteries, and they Manual states “A case is judicially in order Ascension Presbytery accordingly Southern Presbyterian Church, because of appear to be contradictory (Overture 2 when a Panel or the Commission determine submitted an amended overture “to include that denomination’s increasing liberalism. states ‘it is not proper for women to preach that the relevant portions of BCO 41, 42, the Session of Cedar Springs Presbyterian Among the points of apostasy cited as just and teach in the church’s corporate and 43 have been followed . . .,’ may the SJC Church, both individually and corporately.” ground for ecclesiastical separation was the worship’ while overture 1 admits that this (or the General Assembly as a whole) The presbytery attached a revised petition ordination of women. Many observers happened and states that the session is in declare as judicially out of order any case which was submitted “to cure the ‘judicial believe that the toleration of women submission).” which comes to the General Assembly under defects’ which the officers of the SJC preaching is a prelude to an eventual drive If the officers and members of the SJC a provision not covered by one of those currently believe exist with our original for female ordination. do not agree with the presbyteries’ chapters (e.g., an action arising on the basis overture. This does not change our basic The scandal of having women preach contentions regarding the judicial of BCO 34-1), or must the SJC (or the contentions that the case as already in a PCA pulpit has been rocking the orderliness of the case, both presbyteries Assembly) hear such a case if it is brought is indeed judicially in order.” denomination for almost a year. The story have also directed questions to the administratively in order? 4) In a case arising Western Carolina Presbytery, however, with regard to Cedar Springs and John Wood denominational Constitutional Business under the provisions of BCO 34-1, may the declined to submit a revised petition. was originally broken in the March 1999 Committee. The questions posed are as SJC or its officers determine all or some of The third presbytery which had petitioned issue of Presbyterian & Reformed News. follows: “1) When presbyteries act under the ‘facts’ of the case as a basis for a in July for original jurisdiction was Calvary. According to the newspaper’s the provisions of BCO [Book of Church determination as to whether a case is No effort was made in that presbytery to December 1999 edition, the SJC officers Order] 34-1 [i.e., petitioning for original judicially in order without hearing evidence call a meeting in order to address the ruling made at least four factual errors in their jurisdiction], may the case be declared out and arguments from both parties, or must by the SJC officers. “Statement of Facts.” An ad in the same of order without being heard, or does the the case go forward (assuming it is The ruling by the SJC officers issue offers a $500 reward for anyone who word ‘must’ in 34-1 indicate that the General administratively in order) so that such apparently does not directly affect the is able to demonstrate that the SJC officers Assembly is obligated to take up the case evidence may be presented under the petition by a fourth presbytery, Eastern were factually accurate in their statement of and hear evidence? 2) Regardless of the provisions of the BCO . . .?” Carolina, which in mid-October also asked the facts; those wishing to claim the reward answer to question 1, does the reference to In early December, the annual meeting the Assembly to assume original money are encouraged to submit the the General Assembly in 34-1 mean that it is of the stated clerks of all the presbyteries jurisdiction over Mr. Wood. That petition evidence to a post office box in Charlotte, the Assembly as a whole which must occurred in Atlanta. At that meeting, had not been received by the General North Carolina. According to the party determine to take up such a case, or may General Assembly Stated Clerk L. Roy Assembly Stated Clerk at the time that the which placed that ad, no one to date has the SJC make that determination (implicit in Taylor suggested that one way for the case SJC officers made their ruling on the petition attempted to claim the prize. Louisiana Keeps Up Women Preaching Story Picked Up by Secular Press the Pressure on TVP In days gone by, the affairs of At its stated meeting on January 15, the church were headline news in the 2000, Louisiana Presbytery of the secular press. In more recent years, Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) church news has often been viewed voted to urge Tennessee Valley Presbytery as irrelevant by the world. to “act . . . with Biblical and Constitutional But in the current controversy integrity” with regard to the practice of in the Presbyterian Church in women preaching. America (PCA) over women The matter came before the Cajun State preaching, the watching world is court by overture from John Knox once more paying attention to the Presbyterian Church, Ruston, Louisiana. Body of Christ. And that fact has As adopted by the Presbytery, the overture been underscored by a page one reads as follows: story on Sunday, February 13, 2000, in the leading newspaper in upstate Whereas due to the public nature of the South Carolina. letter from TE John Wood and his Session The headline story in the of Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church Greenville (S. C.) News proclaimed, dated October 25, 1999 to the Tennessee “Presbyterians Clash Over Whether Valley Presbytery, it is our concern that this Women Should Preach.” The article overture be handled in a timely and God- notes that two PCA ministers “with honoring manner; and Greenville ties are at the center of a Whereas the Scriptures clearly teach that a denominational clash over women woman is not to teach or exercise authority should be allowed to address a over a man, but is to remain silent (I Timothy congregation from the pulpit.” 2:12); and The two antagonists are the Presbyterian story takes top billing over politics and an environmental disaster. Whereas the PCA Book of Church Order Rev. John Wood, who used to pastor should be interpreted consistently rather Mitchell Road Presbyterian Church in authored the article, referred Dr. Pipa as different approach to sexuality and marriage than in a way that is contrary to the Greenville, and the Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Pipa, saying that “allowing a woman to preach and things like that.’” Scriptures; and President of Greenville Presbyterian before a congregation ‘is a serious departure Quoted in the article is Merle Dunson, Whereas to permit a woman to preach or Theological Seminary, who has been of the from what we believe the Bible teaches.’ . . . who has been at Mitchell Road Church for teach in the context of worship would be a major figures who has brought charges ‘As denominations have changed their sixteen years. According to the story, she gross violation of I Timothy 2:12 and BCO against Mr. Wood for his adherence to stance [on women preaching and female “said that including different perspectives 53-6; and female preaching. Miss Cara Bonnett, who ordination], they also begin to take a is important to a church’s growth and Whereas the Session of Cedar Springs success. When Wood was pastor at Presbyterian Church has made it known that Mitchell Road, she said, church a woman has been invited to be the plenary www.cono.org membership doubled, from 600 to about speaker for the 2001 World missions A CHRISTIAN 1,200. conference, “‘Larger churches are reaching a lot Therefore Be It Resolved that the Louisiana BOARDING & more people, and it must be because Presbytery urge the Tennessee Valley they’re changing their methods,’ she Presbytery to consider it their duty to DAY SCHOOL said.” uphold BCO 40-4, and NOT “to neglect to The church at the center of the perform their duty, by which neglect CONO controversy is Cedar Springs Presbyterian heretical opinions or corrupt practices may Church in Knoxville, Tennessee, the be allowed to gain ground;” we therefore PCA’s fourth largest. Dr. Jim Lockett, Clerk encourage the TVP to act upon this with of Session at Cedar Springs, was quoted Biblical and Confessional integrity. Fresh Air. in the article. Miss Bonnett’s piece ends with this paragraph: “‘Some What effect, if any, this latest overture denominations look at what’s going on in will have on Tennessee Valley Presbytery our denomination and chuckle,’ said remains to be seen. To date, the Tennessee Fresh Start. Lockett, the lay leader in the Knoxville court has refused to respond formally to church. ‘We are not trying to make other either of two communiques sent by Western churches see and interpret scripture like Carolina Presbytery, a neighboring Eric WALKER, IA we do. We’re trying to do what the Lord’s bailiwick; and did not have the latest of 9th grader 52352 USA (888) 646-0038 leading us to do, where we can be most Western Carolina’s letters read to the from Iowa effective in reaching our community.’” commissioners. (Paid Advertisement) P&R News ² January-February 2000 5 Benevolence Money Spent for Broadway Tickets A Reported $5,000 Goes for MTW Personnel to See a Play in the Big Apple According to several reports, benevolence money from Mission to the World (MTW), the world missions arm of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), was used to purchase tickets for Broadway shows. The expenditure came during the LEAD conference, held in October 1999 in New York City. Participants in this conference included MTW team leaders and regional leaders from around the world, as well as MTW senior staff from Atlanta. Approximately 60 to 80 people participated in the event, including the Rev. Dr. Paul Kooistra, Coordinator of MTW. According to reports, about $5,000 was spent on the Broadway tickets. Participants could choose from one of several plays, including “Annie Get Your Gun” and “Les Miserables.” Those attending the conference were informed that if they did not specify a choice, a play would be selected on their behalf. The money did not come from the missionaries’ work budgets. Rather, it was part of the fund which had been raised for leadership training. Besides the trip to Broadway, those attending the conference were treated to a boat ride around New York harbor. The dinner cruise included loud music from live entertainers on board the vessel. According to at least some participants, the loudness of the music prevented meaningful discussion to occur. MTW administrators refused to respond to repeated requests for information regarding the expenditures for the October gathering. Participants in the MTW conference could choose from several plays, including Les Misérables and Annie Get Your Gun. MTW Mum, Refuses to Answer Questions The administration of Mission to the World Conference? (MTW) has so far refused to answer questions 2. How many of them were staff from Atlanta? Established in 1810, the Reformed Presbyterian which were posed to them. 3. How much did the conference cost? Theological Seminary provides a noble heritage, Mr. Bruce Terrill is the person in charge of 4. How much of the money was spent on the LEAD Conference, and P&R News was entertainment? qualified and gifted professors (all with years of referred to him. However, after he did not return 5. Where did the money come from? pastoral experience), faithful Reformed teaching, full a phone call, Joan Tarleton, Administrative 6. Did MTW inform the donor(s) to the fund Assistant to MTW Coordinator Paul Kooistra, from which the conference was paid, that at least accreditation, a new two-year Master of Theological indicated that Dr. Kooistra would return the phone $5,000 was spent on entertainment? Studies in addition to the Master of Divinity degree call. As of press deadline, he had not done so. 7. How is this expenditure for entertainment going R Besides trying to contact Dr. Kooistra to be recorded on the books of MTW? program, affordable tuition, a nurturing environment, telephonically, P&R News also emailed to him a 8. When and where else has this leadership list of questions, to which he has also not training taken place? and a vision for discipling the nations of the world. responded. The questions which he has declined 9. Has this sort of entertainment been done in the to answer are as follows: past? 10. Does MTW plan on having this type of What more could you want? 1. How many people attended the LEAD entertainment in the future?

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(Paid Advertisement) (Paid Advertisement) 6 P&R News ² January-February 2000 Westminster Presbytery Votes to Divide Overture to GA Cites Doctrinal Differences as Reason for Creating New Presbytery Westminster Presbytery, which protest should be recorded on the minutes. “elective affinity” presbyteries, in which another has close to two hundred. historically was known as the most And the acrimony has increased. theological differences, rather than Not incorporated into the overture, but conservative in the Presbyterian Church in At the January 2000 stated meeting, the geographical boundaries, determine the adopted as part of the package, was a America (PCA), has been wracked by Presbytery had before it an overture from memberships of the presbyteries. provision to divide Westminster internal doctrinal conflict over the past half of its churches and several of its For instance, while the continuing Presbytery’s assets effective September 1, several years. And now, in an attempt to ministers, which called for a division of the Westminster Presbytery would be located 2000, “with each Presbytery receiving a alleviate the tension, the court has voted to Presbytery. Prior to the meeting, some of in Virginia, several of the more conservative share in proportion to the number of divide, ostensibly geographically, but in the conservatives objected to certain churches are in Tennessee. The expectation churches that affiliate with it.” An reality along theological lines. The vote to phraseology in the overture—especially therefore is that churches such as additional proviso was that “the Conflict overture the General Assembly for the because they believed that the proposal was Westminster and Bridwell Heights in Resolution Committee be charged with the division was approved at the January 8, essentially dishonest, in that it pretended Kingsport; Grace Reformed Presbyterian in duty of proposing a Covenant for Sessions 2000, stated meeting, 28-15-1. to be prompted by geographical rather than Greeneville; Providence Presbyterian in that would touch such matters as ongoing Located in upper east Tennessee and philosophical considerations. Limestone; and Midway Presbyterian of missions support, the name of the new southwest Virginia, Westminster A minority on the Committee on Conflict Jonesborough, would continue with Presbytery, church planting parameters and Presbytery was the fourth presbytery of the Resolution—the Rev. Dr. D. Steven Westminster Presbytery, despite being other concerns brought to its attention by Continuing Presbyterian Church movement, Meyerhoff, newly-elected members of Presbytery.” which became the PCA. The first formal Stated Clerk of the The proposal now goes to the meeting of the court occurred on April 24, Presbytery; the Rev. Ben denominational Mission to North America 1973. The first members of the presbytery Konopa, member of the Committee for consideration and reflected the bi-state nature of the court: denominational Standing recommendation to the General Assembly. there were three churches in Virginia, and Judicial Commission; and Whether such a blatant admission of two ministers in Tennessee. From those Ruling Elder Charles theological conflict as the primary impetus humble beginnings, Westminster has grown Newland—brought in a for the division will pass muster, remains to until she now has 26 organized churches, 2 substitute proposal, which be seen. At the meeting of the Presbytery mission works, and about 35 ministers. sought to recognize the Stated Clerks in December 1999, the In the early days, many of the pastors objections. In a prefatory consensus was that creating elective were relatively young, and very Reformed statement, these three affinity presbyteries was not a good thing, in their theology. Many of them had trained members of the Committee and that brethren need to be encouraged to at Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, stated: work through their differences in love. Mississippi, under Dr. Morton H. Smith. Their vision was that of promulgating Old The Committee has School Southern Presbyterianism in the adopted a Majority Report rolling hills in their section of Appalachia. that asks for more time and A Plea Not to For many years, the presbytery could more discussion of our be counted on as maintaining a “strict differences. We, the Divide subscriptionist” view toward the doctrinal Minority, do not believe standards. It also often distanced itself from that there would be any The Rev. Larry Ball, Pastor of Bridwell the denominational bureaucracy. substantial change in views Heights Presbyterian Church, Kingsport, Over the past two to three years, or in votes within Tennessee, served as Stated Clerk of however, the “progressive” wing of the Presbytery should such Westminster Presbytery from 1976 to presbytery has become emboldened to take lengthy discussion take October 1999. He was one of the on the more conservative elements. The place. On the contrary, we presbytery’s first ministers. Below is his resulting infighting has produced believe that a strategic speech given at the January 2000 stated headaches and heartaches on both sides. moment has been placed meeting of the presbytery, in which he In December 1998, without informing before us at the present pleaded with the brethren not to vote to Westminster Presbytery, a goodly number time. Our differences have Larry Ball divide. He persuaded many of the “Truly of the “progressives” scheduled a meeting only sharpened during Reformed” brethren, but not those of a less with representatives of Tennessee Valley recent debates. Complaints against within the geographical bounds of the new strict theological understanding. Presbytery, to inquire as to the possibility Presbytery have increased in spite of our district. of their joining that presbytery. A month plea that we show more forbearance Most of the churches in the Old Fathers and Brethren of Westminster later, at the stated meeting of Westminster toward one another. If matters continue Dominion would also probably stay with Presbytery, Presbytery, the issue of joining Tennessee on their present course, we foresee only Westminster Presbytery. Two which would Valley seemed moot as the “progressives” more acrimony, rancor and sharp division definitely not would be Draper Valley I stand before you today to inform you staged a coup by overturning several of the among us in the future. Delay, we believe, Presbyterian and Pulaski (Va.) Presbyterian, that I am greatly disheartened about the key nominations set forth by the will bring forth more division, not less. which would be transferred, along with two proposals before us to divide Westminster Nominating Committee. Particularly Therefore, we, the Minority, submit the counties, to New River Presbytery. Presbytery. targeted was the home missions committee, following Report as our humble attempt Without the conservative churches Unlike most of you, I was not ordained at the time still called by the presbytery its before the Lord to bring about a situation from Tennessee joining with their Virginia in the PCA. I was ordained in the old Mission to the United States Committee. In whereby those holding each perspective brethren, there would be at most nine Southern Presbyterian Church. I served a a symbolic victory for the progressives, the may serve in a Presbytery where brethren organized churches and one mission in the pastorate in the PCUS before the PCA was presbytery renamed it the Mission to North are more nearly of one mind, and still continuing Westminster Presbytery, with a even formed. I have been a member of America Committee. But more significantly remain in the Presbyterian Church in total membership of about 676. The minimal Westminster Presbytery since her than that symbolic gesture was the change America. We pray the Lord will enable us recommended guidelines for erecting a new beginnings in 1973 (over 26 years ago). in philosophy signaled when the presbytery to find agreement in these things. presbytery specify at least ten churches, at I left the PCUS because it was apostate, adopted the perspective of the least three of which have membership of a position Westminster Presbytery declared denominational MNA Committee: for the The overture proposed by the Minority, 125 or more, and a total membership of 1000. many years ago, although the General first time in its history, Westminster which would divide the Presbytery at the Only one of these churches has more than Assembly would not make such a Presbytery voted to require that church Tennessee-Virginia border, claims that 125 members. declaration. When I was ordained in the planters sent out under its auspices attend “there is a lack of regional cohesiveness in If the expected crossovers occurred, PCUS there were sitting in the Court of the the denominational Assessment Center (or the Presbytery due to its spanning two the continuing Westminster Presbytery Church, women ordained to preach (all of at least have had previous church planting states and historical precedence for a would have about fifteen churches and whom voted against me, I might add). The experience). geographical division along these lines.” about 1067 total members. However, authority of the Bible had been destroyed At that same meeting (January 1999), However, the thrust of the overture is that according to the latest available by neo-orthodoxoy, and there were some in Westminster Presbytery erected a division is necessary since the theological denominational statistics, there would be the denomination that denied the deity of Committee on Conflict Resolution, with differences “are too fundamental for only two churches with 125 members or Christ and the resurrection of the body. equal numbers from each of the two reconciliation.” more. When I compare where I was, to where I am theological parties. That ad hoc committee While providing for a geographical If the conservative churches from today, there is no comparison. Many of has met over the past year, in an effort to division, the proposal would also allow for Tennessee would decide to participate with you have no idea what it was like in those bring about reconciliation. ministers and churches to affiliate with Westminster Presbytery, the new days. Even with all her errors and heresies, But the conflicts have continued. They either of the two resulting presbyteries. presbytery in upper east Tennessee would I was still a part of that Church until the have ranged from a controversy concerning And, in point of fact, if the Assembly have ten churches and one mission work, PCA was formed. I guess I know what it is a home missions work in Wytheville, approves the overture, many observers with a total of approximately 1800 members. to live in much worse circumstances than Virginia, to doctrinal complaints, to the expect that it will have essentially created Three of the Tennessee churches have we face today. The number of my years in approval of men for licensure, to whether a what historically have been known as several hundred members each, and the ministry, beginning with the PCUS, P&R News ² January-February 2000 7 influences greatly my perspective and To divide without an attempt at more than the statements of the Confession. we write. makes me feel all alone among you. reconciliation, without an attempt to see if The Confession does not demand this. It I would encourage us to follow the Book Another thing I have learned over the there are not some parameters with which may be a clear implication to some, but not of Church Order as we have agreed to in years is he who controls the language we can live, I believe is sin against God. As to all. We must tolerate our brethren who the past as being the procedures we will controls the people. What we are doing Jesus said, “first be reconciled with your disagree with us here. It is a decision that use in the future. I would remind the here today has been referred to as “adding” brother”. The way of reconciliation will be belongs to the head of the family and not to brethren that if you get to the point where another Presbytery, or simply “dividing” hard. I know many of you suffer from the Church. you cannot in good conscience remain in into two PCA presbyteries. I think those fatigue, but fatigue should never be an The tongues issue we have already the PCA or Westminster Presbytery (on who watch us have enough sense to excuse for doing what is right. Having lived spoken to as a Presbytery. I disagree with either side of the aisle), then I would perceive the reality of what we do, and with Crohns Disease for many years, I can the view that non-revelatory tongues encourage you to leave, using the would better describe it with such words as testify to that, and know what it means by continue today. We have declared such a provisions of the Book of Church Order of “splitting”, and “schism”. Call it what you experience. view as an exception to the Confession, but which we covenanted together to abide by. want, the action we take today to divide I am disheartened about the more vocal ordained those who in good conscience One of my greatest fears is that I am will be viewed by those outside of this body, voices, and sometimes the less vocal voices hold such view. I may weep over this afraid that Presbyterian history will repeat as minimally a split, if not a schism. They with quiet anger in the heart, controlling decision, but it is not grounds to divide the itself with any new Presbytery. If we divide will see, whether we do or not, that the the direction of this Presbytery. I greatly Church. now, I think within two years, division will Emperor has no clothes. disagree with many actions we have taken. We have spoken to the 6-day creation face many of us again. I expect this to This bothers me for one major reason, I go home and weep and lose sleep, but the issue. I rejoice over this decision of our happen, even though I am no prophet or because in John 17, Jesus says that the thought of division never enters my mind. Presbytery. The court has spoken, and I son of a prophet. Then many of us will sit world will know that the Father had sent Having read Augustine and Calvin on would encourage submission to the in disillusionment, just as we sit here today. Him because of the unity they see in the the Church, I perceive a great divide between Presbytery. The PCA was founded on the I have already been through one Church Church. By our very actions today, I believe modern churchmen and our great fathers in basis that local courts can draw their own division 26 years ago, now I am going we grieve our great God. It seems ironic to the faith. Calvin said in the Institutes, “Holy theological parameters, as long as we do through another, and I expect to see one me that we are often reminded that we do Scripture bids us correct our brother’s vices not drift into the boundary of heresy. We more before I die (and I am just 52 years not quote from the Bible enough, but when with more moderate care, while preserving are only being good members of the PCA old). When I look at most of my brethren it comes to such a major step as splitting sincerity of love and unity of peace. This as this principle has been demonstrated outside the PCA whom I respect greatly the Church, the use of Scriptures appears principle they prostitute to the sacrilege of through adjudication time and again in the theologically, I usually see men in unknown strangely absent in our discussions. Oh, schism and the occasion for cutting off the PCA. The Freemasonry issue was settled denominations with names we cannot how quickly we become theological brethren from the fellowship”. In at the General Assembly level on the basis remember, unknown presbyteries with two pragmatists. The only passage quoted as administering the Lord’s Supper, he said, of the right of a local Presbytery to determine or three churches, who cannot live together. supporting division of this Presbytery is “Therefore . . . in the name and authority of its own theological parameters without As much as I respect these men, I have no the separation of Paul and Barnabas. What our Lord Jesus Christ, I excommunicate . . . going into the boundary of heresy. desire to be apart of that. I hear as to the application of this text is, to all heretics and those who create private Theonomy should not be an issue Theological precision is not always the say the least, dubious. From two sects in order to break the unity of the among us. I find few today who really highest virtue, and seeking the peace of the missionaries with a disagreement, to the Church . . . I warn them to abstain from this understand what theonomy is. I have Church is no vice. With men of wisdom division of a Church Court, is a big Holy Table, lest they defile and contaminate studied it for 20 years, and am not always and maturity, I believe peace and purity can hermenutical step, to say the least. I think the holy food which our Lord Jesus Christ sure myself what it is. We must be careful live together in the same house. John 17 is much more applicable to what we gives to none except they who belong to of prejudgment on this issue. We have If Presbytery divides I will be in do here today. To use the disagreement His household of faith.” Augustine said, never really dealt with a theonomy issue in subjection to the brethren, but honestly, between Paul and Barnabas as justification speaking about the Church, that Christians this Presbytery. We have never had to. brethren, it will affect my ministry, it will to divide and to further the Kingdom of are “mercifully to correct what they can; The place of women in the Church is dissipate my zeal for Christ that has borne Christ, is highly suspect as a proper use of patiently to bear and lovingly to bewail and something we must deal with. I think, this me up over the years. It will make me much Scripture. It may be a modern baptistic mourn what they cannot; until God either is an issue that should not cause us to split. less effective as a minister in the Church of methodology for Church growth, but surely amends or corrects or in the harvest uproots I think we are all closer on this issue than Jesus Christ. I will mourn, I will hurt, I will it must not be ours, even if God has the tares and winnows the chaff.” we think. be disillusioned, but I will go on as God overruled sins of the past and blessed us in We must be sure that we differentiate Westminster Presbytery is different gives me grace. his providence. between what we mourn over as being error, than the PCA as a whole. The stated goal Our view of the Church greatly affects and what justifies a division of the Church. of some of you is to make us more mainline. what we do here today. If we view the Those are two separate issues. I can live I think the goal of us all should be to make Church as a voluntary association, then with error that I perceive in my brother’s us more “biblical” regardless of the mainline what we do here today is really not views to a degree that many here cannot. PCA. From what I hear about the PCA, most important. I would suggest that a better My toleration level is different. I am of you will not want to be mainline. We MID-AMERICA model for describing the Church is the model reminded of Luther and Machen. Their view now have a woman “preaching” in at least of a covenant marriage. Volunteerism of the Church was much different than one of our pulpits. We have a seminary Reformed Seminary smacks of Americanism, not historic modern America. They did not believe the professor that believes the civil magistrate “ hold out the Word of life ” Christianity or biblical ecclesiology. The answer was in dividing the Church, but has no right to legislate anti-sodomy laws. Philippians 2:16 models of the Bible most often used in fighting against error until they were chased We have our denominational college choir describing the Church is the model of out of the Church. If only we had men of participating in a worship service of the ______marriage. If the Church is a covenant such caliber today. Only when they were Roman Catholic Church during the marriage, it does not mean that the driven out, did they leave the Church, with administration of the “mass”. We have a relationship cannot be severed, but it does great despair in their own souls. The large proportion of our ministers who can’t mean we cannot sever that relationship on reformation view of the Church was lost accept the fact that God created the world Discover the riches of the grounds of incompatibility or when democracy became the religion of in six 24-hour days. We have a man who § Worldview Calvinism irreconcilable differences. If we as elders America, and might I add the religion of the has gone on record denying the existence of the Church split over the issues before American Church. Sadly, as one who never of Hell, preaching in the seminaries that train § Reformational Theology us, then what hope can I give to a young had any intention of seeing this Presbytery our ministers. Brethren, I think you need to § Presuppositional Apologetics couple facing a divorce because they have divide, I am being forced to make decisions reconsider becoming more mainline PCA. § Pastoral Apprenticeship Training decided they don’t like each other? If I am that I would never have made if some of our Think about what is happening, and our § Spiritual Formation consistent with our practices here today, other leaders had taken more leadership. I, responsibility to protect the flock from these then my response would be, just split up, now, because of your actions, may have to things. Think about the opportunity we ______remarry, and call it adding to the Kingdom. repair in the Church where I am an overseer, have as being a witness not only in the PCA, Another thing which greatly a divided session and a divided but also to the PCA. disheartens me is the language I hear from congregation. I only pray that the devil Some say the seeds of apostasy have Come and study with us! both sides of our Presbytery. I, theologically, does not use your decisions to further split been sown, and the die has been cast. The find myself most often on one side, but I the local bodies of Christ. We need great PCA will be apostate in a few years. That —Where ministry is have not always voted with my side. leaders today who can give us direction and may be, but I think we should wait until we more than a degree, Sometimes I have voted with the other side. correction, but I fear we do not have any. I see more evidence of the harvest of it’s a calling I have friends on both sides and hold no think the things that unite us are stronger apostasy before we divide the Church. The — bitterness, rancor, or animosity toward than the things that divide us. Because of existence of seeds, however distasteful, is ______anyone in this Presbytery (as Paul would a lack of leadership, we are unable to get a no basis for division. If it were, none of us say, God is my witness). What I hear from proper perspective on who we really are in would probably be here today. some on both sides, the language and light of a much longer history than our own I would also encourage all the brethren representations of their own brothers in the generation. to be men of integrity. The original proposal Call toll free: faith, greatly bothers me. To divide the I believe that there may exist parameters for dividing Presbytery was not honest in 1-888-440-MARS Presbytery with such a spirit in our hearts that we can set whereby we can live together my opinion. It was a facade to evade the is to deny that gospel, which we proclaim is as a Presbytery. For example, demanding real issues. The least we can do is be honest, 229 Seminary Drive so powerful that it can reconcile the enmity that all our children attend Christian schools up front, and adherents to the Book of of the world to Christ. If we cannot even or be home schooled may be something Church Order. Let’s not play the world’s Dyer, IN 46311 (near Chicago) talk civilly to each other or about each other, with which I sympathize, but it is “extra- postmodern game and use language which E-mail: [email protected] then what gospel do we have to offer to an confessional.” We cannot bind the evades the issues. The world is watching Website: www.m-ars.com irreconciled people living in a sinful world? consciences of our brethren to any extent and the world reads well behind the words (Paid Advertisement) 8 P&R News ² January-February 2000 Mount Carmel Church Pulls Out of PCA Pastor Alleges Unwillingness of PCA to Take Appropriate Stances Local Issues Also a Factor in Decision to Depart On December 4, 1999, Mount Carmel congregation discovered that there were our difficulties in public—black people don’t that they were interested in his becoming Church of Somerset, New Jersey, voted to numerous places where the PCA allowed do that.” He stated: “Most black people were Associate Pastor with the expectation of his withdraw from the Presbyterian Church in “exceptions” to the Westminster Standards. upset with Anita Hill,” not only because she eventually becoming Senior Pastor when Dr. America (PCA). According to its pastor, Dr. On the regional level, New Jersey waited eight years to bring charges against Cameron retired. Robert Cameron, precipitating the move to Presbytery about a year ago reversed itself Clarence Thomas, but also because she Because of the interest shown him by break the bonds of fellowship was an and declared that anything other than adhering brought that matter out into the open. Pastor the Mt. Carmel Church, and based on the unwillingness by the PCA to take positions to six literal days of creation is an exception to Cameron said that he revealed openly to New unanimous election by the congregation, he on various matters, especially with regard to the Standards. This reversal came after the Jersey Presbytery the rationale for the elders’ resigned from his pastorate at Locktown. Now the doctrine of creation. 1997 restructure of the Presbytery, when its decision to rescind the call, only after the court that the call has been rescinded, he has been The doctrine of creation came to the fore northern half was given to the new insisted on knowing the reasons. dependent upon the benevolence of New at the General Assembly level via a complaint Metropolitan New York Presbytery. According to Mr. Graham, Dr. Cameron Jersey Presbytery, which, he said, “very lodged by Mt. Carmel Church against New graciously and shockingly agreed to Jersey Presbytery. The complaint took issue compensate me in the amount I would have with the failure of New Jersey Presbytery to received from the Mt. Carmel Church.” recognize that adherence to anything other However, that support from the Presbytery than six literal days of creation is an exception will cease at the end of February. Accordingly, to the Confessional Standards. The 1998 Mr. Graham is having to look into the General Assembly approved, by about a two- possibility of getting a job in his old line of to-one margin, the majority report from the employment—that of being a commercial Standing Judicial Commission (SJC), which driver. maintained that not affirming six literal days Mt. Carmel Church, which was organized of creation does not constitute an exception in 1979 as a Reformed Episcopal congregation, to the Standards. transferred into the PCA in 1987, along with The creation issue for the Mt. Carmel its organizing pastor, Bob Cameron. The Session was bound up with the way in which church was a PCA mission work for two years, the complaint was handled. Dr. Cameron before being organized as a PCA alleges that the SJC portrayed the complaint congregation in 1989. was against Presbytery procedure. However, Mt. Carmel’s corporate charter stipulates the pastor states that “there was not one word that a vote to withdraw from a denomination of procedure in our complaint”; and he insists must be by a two-thirds vote. Dr. Cameron that “the delegates on the floor didn’t know Mt. Carmel Church, Somerset, New Jersey states that this provision demonstrates how what they were voting on.” About a year But despite the fact that the restructured “did bring out some things that were of a seriously the church regards denominational ago, Mt. Carmel circularized a letter to all the Presbytery was willing to adopt Mt. Carmel’s personal nature but I think in the opinion of disaffiliation, and that the church did not take presbyteries in the PCA, noting what it viewed view, the Session has not been satisfied with myself and others were rather petty. . . . The the matter to leave the PCA lightly. as the irregularities in the way that the SJC the regional body. Indeed, Dr. Cameron said one issue that was raised that I agreed with At an October 1999 meeting, a vote to characterized the dispute. It was the Session’s that the elders were “very upset with some of him about is the issue of my weight. . . . It’s a leave the PCA failed by two votes. At the way of trying to set the record straight, since the actions by New Jersey Presbytery that we problem I’ve had all my life. Right now, I’m meeting on December 4th—ironically, the very few commissioners ever see the original thought were violations of the Book of Church working on this before the Lord. . . . They knew twenty-sixth anniversary of the founding of complaint or the briefs in the case; instead, Order.” He spoke of a judicial case in which about my weight when they issued the call. . . the PCA—the requisite supermajority was the SJC itself is authorized to style the the Session had administratively censured a . When they wanted to get rid of me, then they achieved. complaint. woman, who thereupon issued an “appeal” raised it as an issue. Although the church is now But while the allegedly unethical manner to the Presbytery. The Presbytery appointed “Then there were other issues that when independent, Dr. Cameron remains as a of dealing with the Session’s complaint was a committee, and later a commission, to deal they brought them to my attention at the end ministerial member of New Jersey Presbytery. painful, it was not determinative in terms of with the “appeal,” instead of ruling it out of of September in a meeting [with Pastor Cameron Dr. Cameron, one of the few African- the decision to leave. The elders decided to order, as the BCO says that only someone and two elders], I thought of the movie, The American pastors in the PCA, is the author recommend withdrawal from the PCA because who has submitted to a trial may “appeal” a Invasion of the Body Snatchers, because of The Last Pew on the Left, a book which of the broader issue of the doctrine itself and decision. (According to Pastor Cameron, no people whom I thought I knew seemed attacks racism in America’s churches. He has because of concern that the denomination trial had been held.) Pastor Cameron said that suddenly to change.” had a radio ministry throughout the seems “not willing to take positions on the Session declined to meet with the According to Keith Graham, one of the Metropolitan New York area for several years. matters.” In Bob Cameron’s eyes, “We [in the Presbytery committee. When asked how the issues raised was that he didn’t seem to notice He also serves on the Board of Trustees of PCA] don’t want to debate these things, we Session could administratively censure needed repairs to the church building—a piece Greenville (S. C.) Presbyterian Theological just want to listen to the theologians.” He someone, Dr. Cameron stated that he was not of carpet that needed replacing, and a crack in Seminary. questions the wisdom of the Assembly sure of the Constitutional warrant for the the plaster. Another issue was with regard to spending thousands of dollars on the judicial action taken by the Session. a discipline matter on which the Session had Creation Study Committee, when to him the More recently, the Session of Mt. Carmel previously ruled but which was still before the Scripture is clear that God created in six days. was at loggerheads with the Presbytery over court when the Associate Pastor-elect began The pastor is also concerned about the fact the rescinding of a call which the congregation meeting with the Session. Mr. Graham that the Assembly voted that any findings of NOW had issued to the Rev. Keith Graham as expressed his opinion in the matter, essentially this ad interim committee would not be binding Associate Pastor. Mr. Graham, who resigned agreeing with what the Session had on the church—another instance, in his view, as Pastor of Locktown Presbyterian Church, determined. However, Mr. Graham says that of where the denomination refuses to take Flemington, New Jersey, in order to accept the Clerk of Session told him that he should positions on matters which, to him, seem quite the call to Mt. Carmel, had been in the employ not be making his own judgment on the case, 50% clear. “I defended the Session’s complaint on of the Mt. Carmel Church for two years as an but submit to the previous judgment simply the basis of Scripture,” claims Dr. Cameron, office manager. The call to him as Associate because the elders said so. while the Presbytery respondent based his Pastor had been issued last summer, and Further creating concern among the ruling response on the views of various people who approved by the Presbytery at its September elders, according to Mr. Graham, was his desire are in the denomination and whose views are MORE! stated meeting. But before the installation to sing psalms in public worship and his tolerated. could occur, the elders decided unilaterally to openness to explore adopting the Presbyterian Another instance of disappointment and rescind the call from the congregation. position of exclusive psalmody. He broached P&R NEWS IS alarm which Pastor Cameron cites is the John Dr. Cameron defends this action by citing the topic at a private gathering with the two Wood situation, where, to date, efforts to bring the BCO provision about the Session having ruling elders over Labor Day weekend last PLEASED TO the case against the Knoxville pastor over the the right to make decisions in the best spiritual year—just a few weeks before he was informed issue of women preaching have been interests of the congregation. He stated that that there was a problem with regard to his frustrated by the SJC officers. subsequent to the issuance of the call to Mr. continuing at Mt. Carmel Church. ANNOUNCE THAT Because of this situation, the Session Graham, the elders had discovered things Particularly galling to Mr. Graham was the therefore concluded “that instead of being about him that, in their estimation, made him fact that the idea of his becoming a pastor at WE WILL NOW BE continually upset, we would just move on and unfit to fill a pastoral role in the church. Pastor Mt. Carmel came from the elders there, not from preach the gospel.” According to Dr. Cameron, Cameron suggested that the Session did not himself. Mr. Graham says that although he “We feel that we were deceived coming into want to have a congregational meeting to was in the employ of the church as an PUBLISHING SIX the PCA,” in that the congregation was told rescind the call, because that would force the administrative assistant, he did not aspire to that the PCA is a “confessional church.” Session to air the “dirty laundry” regarding succeed Dr. Cameron upon his expected TIMES PER YEAR Shortly after the church joined the Mr. Graham before the congregation. Dr. retirement. Rather, Mr. Graham said that the denomination in the late 1980s, the Cameron, who is black, said: “We don’t air elders of Mt. Carmel approached him and said P&R News ² January-February 2000 9 Louisiana Schedules Discussion Regarding ‘Serious Doctrinal Departure’ in PCA Agenda Will Sound Themes of Separation and Reform Louisiana Presbytery of the Presbyterian Word of God, the faithful administration of the centralization of power and bureaucracy contrary ecclesiastical setting is a sensitive issue for Church in America (PCA), at its stated meeting sacraments, and the faithful exercise of church to true, historic principles of presbyterianism.” Auburn Avenue and several other churches of on January 15, 2000, voted to schedule a discipline.” Next is a reminder that the PCA, Moreover, “there is a growing tendency in Louisiana Presbytery, whose elders have discussion regarding “serious doctrinal which was formed less than thirty years ago, at the PCA to view missions from a modernistic, adopted the doctrine of paedo-communion (that departure” by the denomination. The discussion its birth “declared to the churches its fidelity to church growth perspective and an increasing is, the belief that small children, even before has been set for July 15, 2000, in a special meeting the Scriptures and commitment to the Reformed tendency to tolerate and engage in activities in making a conscious profession of faith, should which will be held in lieu of the regular summer faith.” worship and evangelism, which are more man- be admitted to the Lord’s table). stated meeting. After that is the assertion that the PCA “has centered than God-honoring.” The possibility of losing a whole presbytery, Sparking the unusual move was an overture begun tolerating serious doctrinal departures The overture observes that “there is strong or a significant portion of it, would strike a serious from Auburn Avenue Presbyterian Church, from the truth of Scripture as contained in its evidence of an increasing antipathy by those in blow to the PCA’s efforts to reach much of Monroe, Louisiana, pastored by noted author constitutional Reformed standards; specifically positions of authority in the PCA to those who Louisiana. The state is mostly Baptist and Roman and Southern scholar Steve Wilkins. The on the issues of creation, the Apostolic gifts and have more traditional, Reformed views.” The Catholic territory, and Reformed churches do not Auburn Avenue proposal not only alleges the role of women in the church, which errors will document claims that “private and public efforts abound. Southeast Louisiana Presbytery, which doctrinal infidelity by the PCA; it also claims that inevitably lead to others.” have been made for numerous years to address covers the population centers of Baton Rouge “there is little prospect, humanly speaking, of Singled out for criticism are “seminaries and correct the aforementioned concerns with and New Orleans, has six organized and two this troublesome drift away from our standards considered Reformed by many” which “tolerate no discernible success.” mission churches, with a total membership of reversing itself.” The solution proposed by the doctrinal teaching on these issues which are The overture notes that “any church may 1,394, according to the latest available Monroe congregation was that of discussion of constitutionally withdraw from the PCA by a denominational statistics. Louisiana Presbytery, these matters in the congregations of the majority vote of its congregation at any time it which covers the rest of the state and a portion Presbytery, with a very real prospect of wished for reasons deemed sufficient by it (BCO of southwest Arkansas, has ten churches and “peaceably withdrawing from the PCA as a 25-11).” It also states that the Auburn Avenue about 1,100 members. presbytery in order that we might continue to Session had, in six separate meetings, presented The Presbytery also has experienced two serve the Lord in fidelity to His Word” [italics in to the congregation a tenative plan “concerning recent defections to the Evangelical Presbyterian the original—Ed.]. the willingness of the Session for [the church] to Church (EPC), a denomination which allows the The Presbytery, however, was not willing peaceably and with animosity toward none ordination of women to all ecclesiastical offices. to go quite that far. Instead, it modified the withdraw from the PCA under certain conditions, In 1997, Grace Presbyterian Church, Alexandria, overture by eliminating the wording concerning which tentative plan was overwhelmingly one of the PCA’s original churches, departed for ecclesiastical withdrawal and resolved rather that approved in a straw poll held at [the church].” the EPC. In December, First Presbyterian Church a special meeting of presbytery be called simply The document says that “the conditions of Oakdale, which had dwindled to a handful of “to discuss these issues.” The Christian Aubern Avenue Presbyterian Church for withdrawal deemed necessary by the . . . congregants, likewise made the switch to the EPC. Education Committee was directed “to invite contrary to the Reformed faith and are sending Session include being joined in the withdrawal The other Reformed presence in the state is speakers to present papers on these issues of forth candidates for the ministry who have been by a number of like-minded congregations in represented by the Orthodox Presbyterian Biblical separation and Reform at the called indoctrinated with these erroneous Louisiana Presbytery to form a new presbytery Church (OPC), which has a congregation in meeting using the funds of Presbytery.” perspectives.” and the adoption of constitutional standards Pineville and a mission work in the New Orleans Forming the basis of the Auburn Avenue Furthermore, the overture declares that “the expressly setting forth agreed-upon Reformed area. The Pineville OPC was begun several years overture are the assertions that “the Word of PCA is increasingly becoming controlled by its doctrinal standards, including areas where there ago by disaffected members from Grace Church God is truth, and denominational unity must be committees and agencies with little meaningful will and will not be doctrinal deviation.” in Alexandria, who were upset about the less- founded upon truth” and that “the historic marks oversight from the General Assembly and The notion of setting forth areas where than-traditional approach to ministry and worship of the church are the faithful preaching of the presbyters, which is creating a dangerous doctrinal deviation would be allowed in a new evident there.

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Japan (July 28 - August 20) Each project is unique, based on the particular needs and current events of the host Syracuse, New York (July 3 - August 4) congregation, but typical activities might include: assisting with vacation Bible schools, door-to- If you would like more information about RP Missions, please door evangelism, street evangelism and literature distribution, leading investigative Bible studies, visit our website at: providing able hands for manual labor, studying the history of Christianity in each respective country, leading conversational English classes, learning about the language and culture of each www.rpmissions.org country, working in inner city and homeless centers, and more. RP Missions works with college age young people ages 18-25 who are members in E-mail: [email protected] good standing in their local churches and who have a heart for serving and learning. Applica- tions are available by writing to the address listed, or by visiting our website. The application or you can visit with our Missions Director at the following deadline is January 1, 2000.* If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. address: We look forward to hearing from you! RP Missions c/o Matt Filbert 7418 Penn Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15208-2594 (412) 243-4037 (Paid Advertisement) 10 P&R News ² January-February 2000 Southern California Debates Doctrine of Creation By Michael DiPeppino California. The Committee divided 5 to 4, with 5 The Committee’s report emphasizes Any redefining must be done consciously by Carson, California (February 4-5, 2000)—The Framework advocates and 4 Traditional historical precedent in the OPC allowing and with the full knowledge of the Church. 3.The First Stated Meeting 2000 of the Presbytery of Interpretation advocates, despite the apparent divergent views on the interpretation of the reinterpretation must fit within the possible range Southern California of the Orthodox Presbyterian majority of Traditional Interpretation advocates Westminster Standards regarding the phrase “in of meaning of the original wording if the wording Church (OPC) commenced under overcast skies within the Presbytery. The Committee distributed the space of six days.” Also emphasized is the is not altered. The Minority denies that the and drizzle. The first Friday and Saturday of a report defining and defending the Framework notion of Animus Imponentis. Animus Framework Hypothesis has been duly February brought more than the regular business Hypothesis, while a Minority of the Committee Imponentis means “the intention of the imposing established as within Confessional bounds, it of the Church. Long anticipated, a special argued for a literal interpretation of Genesis one body.” The Committee argues that the Church cannot possibly fit with the Confession’s committee was to present a report to the and challenged the Framework Hypothesis as has exercised her right to redefine the meaning wording, and therefore candidates do not have Presbytery on the view of Genesis one and two un-Scriptural and contrary to the Westminster of the Secondary Standards and what is essential the protection of the Confession for Framework most commonly known as the Framework Standards. to the system of doctrine ministers swear to views. Hypothesis. Similar to the weather outside, the An order of the day was set for 10:15 a.m. uphold, thus allowing for a variety of Both sides of the Committee understand Framework Hypothesis exists under a storm Saturday for the presentations of the reports. interpretations on what “in the space of six days” that hermeneutics is at the center of the debate, cloud of controversy within the Southern The presentation of the reports began with each means. whether the hermeneutics involves exegesis of California Presbytery. A large presence of side of the Committee giving a summary of their There was little exegesis defending the the Scriptures or the Secondary Standards. Both Southern California OPC congregants at the respective reports, a period of questions and Hypothesis from Scripture in the Committee’s the defense of the Hypothesis and arguments meeting substantiated the significance of the answers, and debate on the recommendations. report. Their challenge to the 24 hour, sequential- as to its dangerous precedent and implications issue to be debated, as did the presence of often The Committee suggested that only teaching chronological view centers on the literal view pivot upon how the Church will approach its absented Presbyters. elders and commissioned ruling elders be allowed proponents having to answer how there can be authoritative documents. The Committee’s The last several years ordination candidates to ask questions. Various teaching elders and light created on day one before the sun was hermeneutic on Scripture is that if a passage of espousing Framework Hypothesis views faced members of the Minority Committee argued to created on day four (deemed an extra-textual Scripture is “undeniably contradicted by other pointed and searching questions by the allow all seated ruling elders to ask questions. supernaturalism if the light of day one is not passages, we will consider the interpretation to Presbytery’s members. Various positions Presbytery allowed all ruling elders to ask solar), a suggestion that the seventh day is an have failed. Otherwise, we must consider the presented over time concerned the Presbytery questions. With summaries made and a few eternal Sabbath, how days one through three interpretation to fall within the bounds of our about the definition of the Framework clarifying questions asked, the debate on the can be considered the same kind of days as days Confession’s hermeneutic.” In response, the Hypothesis, and inquiries abounded as to recommendations continued until 4:30 p.m., the four through six given that they are all named Minority report argues that such a hermeneutic whether there was a single view on the order of the day. An adjourned meeting was ‘days’ by God, the anthropomorphic nature of is only part of the Biblical and Confessional Framework. A special committee was erected to scheduled for February 26, 2000 at Westminster the days of Genesis one, and the assertion that Standards’ hermeneutic. The Minority makes a clarify what exactly the Framework Hypothesis OPC, Westminster, California at 9:00 a.m. normal providence, not special providence, was reductio of the Committee’s hermeneutic by was, and whether it was in accords with both the The Committee as a whole was given the in operation during the creation week in light of showing events and teachings with only single Primary and Secondary Standards of the OPC. charge to “evaluate the conformity of the Genesis 2:4-9. mention in Scripture, asking if such passages The instance of an ordination candidate holding Framework Hypothesis to the teaching of The Minority report emphasizes an were left open to literal or figurative Framework views who refused to take an Scripture and the Westminster Confession and exegetical defense of the chronological, interpretations(e.g. 2 Kgs 6:5; John 2:9; Acts exception to the Secondary Standards provided Catechisms...[and] bring information and sequential nature of Genesis one with its literal 20:10; Rom 2:15). One can see why the Committee additional motivation to organize the study recommendations to the Presbytery which will 24 hour days. Considerable attention is also given believes that it is at liberty to give a figurative committee. The motion was passed in November aid the Presbytery in evaluating the fitness of to the exegetical difficulties with the Framework interpretation of Genesis one, since they allege 1997 to form the Committee, and it was organized ministerial candidates who hold the Framework Hypothesis. The critique of the Framework in that a figurative interpretation is not contradicted by January 1998. Hypothesis.” Comparing the reports from the the Minority report points out how the elsewhere in Scripture. These allegations persist The Presbytery learned by the Fall of 1999 Committee and the Minority reveal the differences obfuscating extravagance of the Hypothesis despite the Scriptures establishing the Sabbath that it would be reviewing two reports, both of of emphasis and methodology between the sides challenges the perspicuity of Scripture in a day upon God’s example at the end of the which were received more than three months as they attempted to fulfill the Presbytery’s foundational text apparently misunderstood for Creation week. prior to the February 2000 meeting in Carson, purpose for organizing the Committee. millennia, the novelty of the view, the many Ruling Elder A. M. Laurie made a stunning various understandings of the Framework by departure from the rest of the Committee when those who hold to it, some asymmetry between he argued from the Presbytery floor that to adopt the creation days, ignoring of textual indicators the Minority’s stand was in essence a rejection of chronological sequence, dangerous of scientific advances made in physics, biology hermeneutics, making regular providence an and geology. Mr. Laurie reasoned that the Bible aspect of the Creation week, its opening the door had to be harmonized with science in order for to evolution, creating problems that do not exist Christians, especially those in the physical (e.g. creation of the sun on day four allegedly sciences, to maintain intellectual integrity. No one changes the nature of the days already named), on the Committee rose to challenge Laurie’s errant application of anthropomorphism, and stance, nor challenge him as to what constitutes improper reliance on Genesis 2:4-9 to understand scientific knowledge. The Minority stated what has preceded in Genesis one. repeatedly that they believe other Committee Besides differing on the interpretation of members when they said they are not motivated Genesis one, each side of the Committee offers by a desire to harmonize Scripture with different understandings about the nature of evolutionary philosophy and secularist science. ecclesiastical precedent and its relationship to Yet, Laurie’s views lent support to the Minority’s interpreting and applying the Secondary concern that even if the Committee’s report does Standards of the OPC. The Committee argues not argue for such harmonization, many that there is at least an indirect endorsement of advocates in Christianity today lean toward non- liberty concerning an ordination candidate’s literalist views because of such motivations and interpretation of “in the space of six days.” It is that Framework hermeneutics offer no prevention Alan Pontier Donald M. Poundstone maintained that the 19th Century Presbyterian against opinions like that of Mr. Laurie. Taken Church in the U.S.A. accepted a latitudinarian literally, Genesis one contradicts evolutionist view of the Confession at this point, and that the science specifically on the issues of time, OPC followed in the footsteps of the pre-1936 sequence, Divine activity, and process regarding Church. Machen’s espousal of the day-age view Earth’s origin. and the lack of historical knowledge as to whether Other interesting aspects of the Committee’s Machen took an exception to the Confession is report is their definition of the days of Genesis offered as an example of OPC precedent. one. “The Framework Interpretation of Genesis In response, the Minority argues that what 1:1 through 2:3 is the view which maintains that, has been does not imply necessarily what ought while the six days of creation are normal solar A.M. Laurie to be, and that even if in the past candidates days, the total picture of God’s completing His were not required to offer scruples or state creative work in a week of days is not to be taken exceptions to the Secondary Standards about literally, but functions as a literary framework for non-literal interpretations of Genesis one due to the creation narrative; and that the eight creative laxity, such precedents are not Constitutionally historical works of God have been arranged binding. Further, the Minority asserts that such according to other than strictly sequential precedents must be subject to specific guidelines considerations, and that where there is sequential if they are to become authoritative for Presbyteries order it must be determined by factors other than judging a candidate’s qualifications. If a the order of narration alone.” The Presbytery denomination cannot change the actual wording sought clarification on what is meant by ‘solar, of the Confession, then redefining the non-literal days.’ The Committee offered that the Confessional Standards would have to be days of Genesis one were ordinary, non-literal according to such guidelines as: 1. Making the days, but avoided using ‘figurative’ or Confession more Scriptural and not more ‘metaphorical’ in their explanations. Ken Gentry C. Lee. Irons accommodating to a broad range of opinions. 2. The Minority informed the Presbytery that P&R News ² January-February 2000 11 the Committee’s consensus definition arrived at during Committee meetings and printed in the Committee’s report sent to the Minority is Are PCA Courts ‘Private’? different than what was placed in the report distributed to the rest of Presbytery. The According to the notes taken at the restriction.”—Dr. David C. Calhoun, church sin situations, information should be restricted consensus definition stated that days of Genesis Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) history professor, Covenant Theological to the parties involved and to those needed were not solar. This is a complete and significant Presbytery Stated Clerks’ Meeting, held Seminary. to help rectify the problem to God’s glory. turn around by those advocating the Framework December 3-4, 1999, near the Atlanta airport, “The use of secrecy in the military for Hypothesis, possibly to import the idea that the one or more church leaders maintained that “I am not sure the meetings of the national defense and material in the area of light of day one was solar light. the meetings of church courts are closed to sessions and presbyteries are closed to the crime prevention can be legitimately classified The success of either sides’ the public. These notes, which were public. On the other hand I would not state as confidential. recommendations rests upon whether the distributed by the General Assembly Stated they are open. I think generally speaking it is “But the pertinent issue for our purposes Presbytery is intellectually and morally satisfied Clerks’ Office to all of the presbytery clerks, best if persons other than the session do not is whether ‘secrecy’ is legitimate in dealing with Framework methodology or with the state that “Sessions and presbytery meetings attend session meetings unless they have with truth about God and man’s spiritual need. Minority’s success in making its point that a are defined as ‘restricted membership business there. We do have visitors to the Truth is never to be hidden (Matt. 5:14-16). serious, system-challenging position threatens organizations’ per Roberts Rules. Therefore, Presbytery meetings and to our GA. GA The Gospel of Christ is the good news to be the authority of Scripture and the Confession in they are not open to general public and it Minutes are printed and available in libraries preached to all persons. Jesus insisted that the OPC. The debate logically precludes any would be a bad policy to state they are open etc. Generally Presbytery minutes are his teaching was not in secret, but it was open middle position that the Framework is an to the general public. Their documents should distributed to ministers and sessions. I do for all to see (John 18:19-21). acceptable exception for future ordination not be considered as open, public information. not think there is a hard and fast rule that “Freemasonry, while claiming that its The minutes are for members of that local others could not see them but I would not secrets contain truth good for all men, are to church or local presbytery only, should not publish them widely. be in secret so that the profane not be even be available to someone outside that “I do think we need to think some about privileged to it. The stationing of the Tyler church or presbytery even if that person is a what goes on the web. We do have clerks of outside the door of the lodge symbolizes the PCA member. At least one presbytery puts Presbyteries on the web. We publish an OPC restriction of Masonry’s mysteries to its on every page of their minutes ‘All rights Directory, which has ministers and churches initiates only. Pike has declared: ‘Secrecy is reserved by ______Presbytery.’” in it. We do not put the whole thing on the indispensable in a Mason of whatever Degree. The question was asked “whether or not web but only churches, locations and times It is the first and almost the only lesson taught one set of presbytery minutes following of services. to the Entered Apprentice.’ (Morals and review at General Assembly is (or should be) “We have been very careful not to put Dogma, p. 109). sent on to the PCA Historical Center.” The on the web some matters such as the report of “If Freemasonry is the basis of all true answer given was that “the BCO does not the Committee on Foreign Missions to the religion, as some of its spokesmen affirm, if it require each presbytery to send a copy of GA because of missionaries in sensitive areas is in constant search for the truth, and if those their approved minutes to the PCA Historical of the world.”—Donald Duff, Stated Clerk of who are not initiated into its mysteries are Center.” the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. considered profane and have walked in Further enforcing the notion that the darkness (including non-Masonic Christians!) church is a private affair were at least two “A mailing list cannot be copyrighted. It prior to being enlightened with Masonic truth, points made during a discussion led by the seems strange to me that a pastor would not then why should Freemasonry conceal such Rev. Robert Fiol, Assistant to the Stated Clerk want to put himself in a position that would important truth from the world? Is such a of the Assembly. Point 6 was “List of be accessible to as many people as possible, message to be hid from the world?” Presbytery Clerks: The current list was especially in our mobile society today. It would On February 2, 2000, P&R News distributed. Should all or part of this seem to me that that would be an outreach interviewed Grand Master Thomas L. Reese, information be made available on the web tool, to have the pastor’s name identified with II, Milledgeville, Georgia, of the Grand Lodge page? The consensus was that it should not the congregation. of Georgia. He stated that the lodge’s records be on an open website. It would be okay if it “It doesn’t look good, any way you slice “are open for an historical search. If there was protected with a user name and password it, for that level of secrecy to be maintained. was a specific purpose for going through the Grace OPC, Carson, California so there would be some control over who has The damage of secrecy is the loss of trust.”— records, that could be done on an individual candidates. access to it.” Point 7 was “Church listings on The Rev. Robert P. Mills, Associate Editor, basis.” He added that those records are “not The Presbytery will also have to consider website: It seemed to generally be acceptable Presbyterian Layman (independent magazine a matter of public record,” in that “the Masonic the recapitulation of the 19th and 20th Modernist to print church name, address and phone but which covers the Presbyterian Church organization is not a ‘sunshine organization.’” and Liberal plea for “Scripture alone is the some did not want their name attached as (USA)). He stated that he did not know, off-hand, of authority” inherent in the Committee’s report. pastor and others did so [if] it would be listed any request for an historical searching of the The Westminster Standards assert the primacy only as permission was granted.” records that had been turned down. and ultimacy of the Scripture’s authority in the The annual meeting of the Presbytery Mr. Reese insisted that Freemasonry is Church, but not as an opposition to real, Stated Clerks has no authority to make or “not a secret organization; it is an organization secondary authority in Confessions and Creeds. enforce decisions. Nevertheless, the The PCA and that has secrets.” He also said that “there’s a Creeds and Confessions exist for the purpose of discussion recorded in the minutes reflects difference between our lodge list of members, stating just what the Church means the current thinking of many of the church’s the Lodge and the historical record of the lodge. If we when she says she believes what the Bible leaders. released that list publicly, we might be sued teaches. Any rewording, deletions, and [Editor’s note: the notes of the meeting from In 1985, the Presbyterian Church in for reasons of confidentiality.” However, “as redefining of the Secondary Standards must be which this report was written were apparently America (PCA) General Assembly answered far as what the organization is, who we are done consciously, constitutionally, carefully, and not copyrighted, nor was any mention made in the affirmative an overture from Westminster and what we do, we are very open.” competently to comply more with Scripture’s in the notes that they were to be treated as Presbytery, asking for a study of Freemasonry. The Grand Lodge of Georgia has its own teaching. Any method of change or change of confidential.] Included in the overture was a resolution website (www.glofga.org). A perusal of its content that undermines the Secondary which stated that “it has been noted that webpages reveals an open listing of various Standard’s adherence to Scripture is immoral vow Masonry’s secrecy and destructive oaths are officials, photos of them and their wives, and breaking requiring clerical and congregational contrary to Scripture.” Two years later, the their addresses and email addresses. Among resistance. Comments on the Assembly adopted the recommendations the officials listed are the Grand Master, The Committee report ends with the from its Ad Interim Committee on Free Deputy Grand Master, Senior Grand Warden, recommendation that ordination candidates Notion that Church Masonry. Among the recommendations Junior Grand Warden, Grand Treasurer, Grand holding to a view of the Framework Hypothesis adopted was that “the 15th General Assembly Secretary, Grand Chaplain, Grand Marshal, consistent with the definition and qualifications Courts are ‘Private’ exhort all members of Freemasonry and those Grand Orator, Senior Grand Deacon, Junior in the report be credentialed and not be obligated considering membership in Freemasonry, who Grand Deacon, First Grand Steward, Second to take an exception to the Secondary Standards. Meetings are also members of the PCA, to reconsider Grand Steward, Third Grand Steward, and The Minority report concludes with the their relationship with that organization in the Tyler. recommendation that the Presbytery refuse The following are comments from various light of the evidence given in this report . . . The website declares the principles of licensure and ordination to candidates holding people regarding the notions of privacy set and particularly in light of such passages as I Freemasonry, including the following: “Its to a Framework Hypothesis. forth in the meeting of the PCA Presbytery Thessalonians 5:21, 22 and Matthew 6:22-24.” principles are proclaimed as widely as men The Committee is composed of The Revs. Stated Clerks: Point 11 in the report stated: “Secrecy in will hear. Its only secrets are in its methods of William J. Baldwin, Dr. Steven M. Baugh, C. Lee segments of society is not prohibited by recognition and of symbolic instruction.” The Irons, and Donald M. Poundstone, and Ruling “I don’t know about Roberts’ Rules of Scripture; secrecy in the church and its webmasters invite “comments, opinions, Elder A. M. Laurie. The Minority of the Order—I’m not a parliamentarian. However, message is. Perhaps a better word for secrecy suggestions and questions.” Committee is composed of The Revs. Dr. Kenneth in terms of church history, it strikes me as in some situations is the term ‘confidential.’ L. Gentry, Jr. and Alan Pontier, and Ruling Elders being unduly restricted. I can’t remember Our committee sees no problem with Grand Master Thomas L. Reese, II David Bulthuis and Michael R. Butler. either in Scotland or America where that much organizations who choose not to divulge some Grand Lodge of Georgia, Free and Accepted restriction would apply either to the meetings information under certain circumstances. This Masons or the information regarding church courts. is often done by the practice of executive PO Box 864 Mr. DiPeppino is a Ruling Elder in Grace “It’s not in line with our tradition. It session. Some information, because of its Milledgeville, Georgia 31061 Orthodox Presbyterian Church, Costa Mesa, doesn’t represent our tradition, and I certainly sensitive nature, should be kept confidential. (912)452-5044 California wouldn’t want to support that type of Matthew 18 would indicate that in dealing with email: [email protected] 12 P&R News ² January-February 2000 WTS OT Profs Not Sure Who Wrote the Books of Moses Who wrote the books of Moses? This whole gamut—have tried to locate when the final important point to make is this. I am not so much question has been raised recently as a result of form of the Pentateuch was given its shape. I interested in systematizing the Old Testament Reaction from Other the teachings of some faculty members at think those questions are essentially impossible per se. Rather, I am interested in systematizing Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. to answer. Hence, I have elsewhere referred to Scripture as a whole. And you do that from the Schools Founded by J. Gresham Machen in 1929 in my position as ‘reverential open-mindedness’. I vantage point of the empty tomb. And that brings the midst of the modernist-fundamentalist think such a posture is very important to maintain. you back to look at the whole story in a different P&R News has asked other seminaries controversy, Westminster Seminary has always “I do believe that what eventually became and fuller light than what you had before. And about the views which these Old Testament tried to maintain orthodoxy in the Old Princeton the Pentateuch essentially had its origins in so I think that our systematic theologies should faculty members of Westminster Seminary in tradition, coupled with the best of scholarship. Mosaic times. Moreover, I do believe that Moses be more occupied with the canon as a whole Philadelphia have espoused. While none of these What follows are the responses by three members wrote, since the point is explicitly made, for than simply the Old Testament. This is where responses should be viewed as being the of the institution’s Old Testament faculty. example, in Exod 17:14; 24:4; 34:1, 27, 28; Deut Vos’s work on Biblical Theology, which is itself “official” position of any of these other schools, 31:9, 19, 22, 24; 32:1. I feel very reticent to add to an attempt to systematize the OT in light of the we believe nonetheless that they are revealing. this more than what I see Scripture allowing. I NT, remains very valuable.” Peter Enns should also make very clear that I find the classic Biblical Theological Seminary, Hatfield, higher critical explanation, the Documentary Pennsylvania: What is your view of the authorship of the Hypothesis, to be an exceedingly poor Pentateuch? Did the historical Moses actually explanation for the Pentateuch, and therefore Doug Green Dr. Frederic Clarke Putnam, Professor of Old pen the Pentateuch? wrong. Testament: “Thank you for forwarding the “But to get to the heart of this, at least in my What is your view on the authorship of the transcript of your interview with members of the “I am always very happy to talk with people opinion, the question that always comes up, with Pentateuch? OT faculty at Westminster Theological Seminary. about this and other issues, since neither the the Pentateuch in particular, is ‘What is at stake “In two words: ‘Essential Mosaic.’” I read their responses carefully and with great church nor the academy live in isolation from the if Moses did not write the final form of the interest. other. But, as straightforward a question as this Pentateuch as we have it?’ I think that is a more What does that mean? I unfortunately lack adequate time to interact seems, it is actually one that necessarily involves valuable question, at least as a point of departure “I think that the core of the Pentateuch was responsibly with all the nuances of these us in a lot of complicated issues that have for the discussion, than ‘Who wrote the written by Moses, with other material added later. statements, but see no conflict between their occupied thoughtful people since at least the Pentateuch?’ The assumption is often made that For example, the final verses of Deuteronomy, essential content and the doctrines of inspiration early Middle Ages. if Moses did not write the Pentateuch (except for where Moses’ death is recorded, are most likely or inerrancy, since Moses is viewed as the actual “Nevertheless, to answer your question, the last chapter of Deuteronomy, I don’t think post-Mosaic.” human source (fons) of all of the materials whether Moses ‘actually penned the anyone thinks that he wrote about his death in explicitly assigned to him by the Pentateuch (e.g., Pentateuch,’ if by that you mean whether he is the past tense), then we have no basis for talking But other things besides that as well, you would Dt 31.22, 24-26).” responsible for the final form in which we have it about, for example, credible historiography of say. in our Bibles, I am confident that Moses did not the Pentateuch. In other words, if we have no “Quite probably, but I wouldn’t want to Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, write every word of the Pentateuch. The eyewitness to the events, so the argument goes, guess at how much. The main thing I want to Taylors, South Carolina: standard list of post-Mosaic elements would the facts related in the Pentateuch are less reliable. emphasize is that whatever may have been added need to be explained away in order to maintain “Of course, the problem with that is that if after Moses is just as inspired as the Mosaic Dr. Joseph A. Pipa, President: “I would want a that position. My opinion is very similar to that Moses wrote the Pentateuch, we still don’t have material. Whether God inspired Moses or some more unambiguous statement concerning the of E. J. Young as he expressed it in his an eyewitness to Genesis, since Moses wasn’t later editor matters little. The Pentateuch is Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch, in line with Introduction to the Old Testament, pp. 45-46. alive during that time. Sometimes that difficulty inspired because its divine author is God, not the statements by Allis and Young” (two There, among other things, Young draws a is resolved by saying that Moses was particularly because its human author is Moses. The precise scholars associated with Westminster helpful analogy between the Gospels and the inspired to write Genesis. But if we are willing to identity of the human or humans responsible for Theological Seminary in its earlier days). “Dr. E. Pentateuch. I express this analogy as follows: say that about Moses and Genesis, why can’t the production of the Pentateuch is not an issue J. Young, in his Introduction to the Old Jesus is ‘author’ of the Gospels (I think Young’s Joshua, for example, be inspired to write the story that touches the doctrine of inspiration.” Testament, allowed for what any of us would specific example is the Sermon on the Mount) in that commences with Moses, starting in Exodus? allow, viz., Moses using other historical the sense that the historical Jesus is the real Why can’t someone a generation or more after Have you made statements such as, If Moses documents. Young says, ‘The witness of sacred historical figure behind the written texts. The Joshua likewise be inspired by God to write what wrote most of the Pentateuch, or the Pentateuch, Scripture leads us to believe that Moses was the actual Gospel writers, however, wrote at a later God wants to have there? The assumption is that he did a pretty good job of covering it up? fundamental or real author of the Pentateuch.’ time and presented Jesus in ways that reflected often made that lack of Mosaic authorship “I don’t recall making that comment. What He then makes allowance for his use of existent their own particular theological concerns. (This impinges upon inerrancy, upon the authority of I do say is that the Pentateuch, by itself, does not historical materials, and then writes: ‘Under divine latter point is one that occupied much of Ned Scripture, upon inspiration and revelation. I feel claim Mosaic authorship. The Pentateuch itself inspiration, there may have been later minor Stonehouse’s academic work.) Likewise, Moses very strongly that these issues are not in the presents Moses as a third person character in additions and even revisions. Substantially and is the real historical figure behind the Pentateuch, slightest bit affected by how we answer that the narrative, not as the author of the narrative.” essentially, however, it [the Pentateuch] is the but he did not actually record the words as we historical question of how we got the final form product of Moses.’ In The Five Books of Moses, have them.” of the Pentateuch. No historical process is Would you say that other Scriptures claim O. T. Allis says: ‘Certainly all would agree that to necessarily outside of God’s sovereign use.” Mosaic authorship [for the Pentateuch]? assert that Moses wrote the Pentateuch and at And when you say that, you’re not simply “Other Scriptures connect the name of the same time admit that there is any considerable referring to the last verses of Deuteronomy, Do you believe that the Old Testament defies Moses with the Pentateuch. One way of post-Mosaic material in it would be quite you’re referring to other parts throughout the systematization? explaining this connection is to say that it points inconsistent. The Pentateuch cannot be both Pentateuch. “I think that the Old Testament is very to an ‘essential Mosaic’ authorship.” Mosaic and non-Mosaic.’” “That is precisely where the discussion difficult to systematize. ‘Defies systematization’ begins, because certainly there are post-Mosaic is too strong a way of putting it. It is best to think Professor Ben Shaw, Old Testament Professor: elements in the Pentateuch, Deuteronomy 34, as of systematizing the Bible as an open-ended “First, a general consideration of their you mention, being the classic example of that. exercise—not one that can be finally and rigidly Michael Kelly perspective. I do not know any of the men, either Other examples include: Num. 12:3; Deut 1:1; list done at any one point in time. All attempts to personally or professionally, I do not know their of Edomite kings in Gen. 36; the fact that the systematize are abstractions from the text, which What is your view of the Mosaic authorship of where they were educated, or under whom. That account of Moses’ life is written in the third are, to a certain extent, affected by a person’s/ the Pentateuch? being said, I surmise that, while they may have person. Of course, each of these should be community’s cultural setting. For a person who “I would affirm an essential Mosaic gotten their divinity degrees at conservative engaged on a case-by-case basis. But the is systematizing in the 14th century, for example, authorship of the Pentateuch. . . . Certainly the institutions, their graduate degrees were earned conclusion I have reached at this stage in my it will look different than such activity done in traditions [whether postmosaica or amosaica] at ‘major’ universities or seminaries. In such thinking is that Moses did not write these the 17th century. would go back to Moses.” institutions, the Mosaic authorship of the elements, and, hence, cannot be considered the “Of course, I systematize—I do it all the He continued: “I affirm the essential Mosaic Pentateuch is no longer even mentioned, let author of the Pentateuch in the strict sense. time. And I do it because I’m a human being. I origins of the Pentateuch, though, with E. J. Young alone considered as a viable ‘scholarly’ “These post-Mosaic elements rightly raise want to put the pieces together in a coherent and others, I allow for subsequent editorial explanation for the facts of the Pentateuch. the question of who is responsible for the final whole. But what can sometimes be lost in activity. I believe Young’s discussion of “What Graduate students, with rare exceptions, have form of the Pentateuch. This is an unanswerable systematizing the Old Testament is the fact that is Meant By Mosaic Authorship” on pages 45- neither the time nor the inclination to investigate question academically. As you know, people in God gave us the Old Testament in story form, 46 of his Introduction (2nd ed.) accurately reflects opinions that are presuppositionally dismissed the history of scholarship have attempted to not an abstraction of the story. Moreover, and my own position on the authorship of the by their faculty. Investigating the Mosaic locate—whether by conservatives or liberals, the perhaps more importantly, what can be lost in Pentateuch. In this brief discussion Young allows authorship of the Pentateuch in this day and in systematizing the Old Testament is redemptive for another actual ‘writer’ other than Moses, thus most university settings is equivalent to history. That doesn’t necessarily have to making possible either Moses’ use of sources or investigating the Ptolomaic cosmology in a HIRSH & HEUSER, P.C. happen, but it can and does. We lose sight of another author actually “writing down” what had modern astrophysics program. No one has the ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELORS AT LAW the form in which God chose to give us what He come from Moses. Also with Young, I believe time or interest, and particularly, no one is 125 TOWNPARK DRIVE wants us to know, which is, undeniably, for the there have been subsequent additions to and interested in being the local laughingstock. SUITE 300 most part, in story form and not in systematic revisions of the Mosaic elements of the “Even if someone had the inclination, they KENNESAW, GEORGIA 30144 form. In the final analysis, I remain convinced, as Pentateuch. Importantly, Young strongly affirms, probably would not know where to begin. The does the Westminster/Old Princeton tradition, as do I, that later editorial activity or revisions in classic texts in the discussion are not included in TEL (770) 420-8224 that there has to be a constant going back and no way impugn the inspiration of the final form the standard bibliographical references. An MICHAEL R. HIRSH FAX (404) 713-4400 forth, balancing between the systematic theology of the Pentateuch.” example of an oft-overlooked source is the (Paid Advertisement) and biblical theology. But perhaps the most extensive debate in the 1890’s between William P&R News ² January-February 2000 13

Henry Green and William Rainey Harper on the agnosticism? In sum they say, ‘Our view must editors. Nevertheless, on closer inspection dated much later than Moses, since for Young origin of the Pentateuch. This was in the pages be right. See, E. J. Young himself held to it.’ That differences seem to emerge. Young’s position the repeated ascriptions in the Book of Joshua of Hebraica (which has since become the is the worst kind of appeal to authority, because assumes that the Pentateuch (with the exception to ‘the book of the Law of Moses’ are part of his Journal of Near Eastern Studies). Other it doesn’t even bother to understand the of very minor details) is essentially complete by case for Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch standard texts which contradict the perspective authority accurately. the death of Moses and is the book (IOT, p.44). of these three Westminster Seminary professors “I know this critique may seem harsh, but I subsequently referred to in Joshua as ‘The Book “The parallel with the gospels is apt. No are Keil’s introduction to the Old Testament, and have heard and read these views too many times of Moses’. Enns, however, seems to allow one doubts that the Gospel writers, under the E. W. Hengstenberg’s defense of Mosaic to have much sympathy for it. Those who hold considerably more room for additions when he inspiration of the Spirit, framed their report of the authorship. W. H. Green’s major works include a these views take men sent to them to be trained states simply that ‘what eventually became the words of Jesus to suit their own narrative goals. critique of Bishop Colenso’s attack on Mosaic for the ministry of the Word, and teach them that Pentateuch essentially had its origins in Mosaic Nonetheless, conservatives would assert that authorship, The Higher Criticism of the the testimony of that Word is itself unreliable. times’, and that it could equally well have been the Gospels were composed from the evidence Pentateuch, and The Unity of the Book of They then defend their unbelief with ignorant composed a generation or two later. The difference of eye witnesses, close in time to the events Genesis. Books by two of the early professors at appeals to authority in regard to essential issues is more clearly stated by Green, who remarks: themselves. Moreover, in shaping their material Westminster Seminary—Robert Dick Wilson’s that they themselves have never adequately ‘The core of the Pentateuch was written by the gospel writers never invented new sayings, A Scientific Investigation of the Old Testament studied. When men come to us to study for the Moses, with other material added later’. which they then attributed to Jesus, nor did they and O. T. Allis’s The Five Books of Moses and ministry of the Word, we are answerable not only “What Wilson meant (and by inference so selectively quote Jesus as to misrepresent The Old Testament: Its Claims and Its Critics. to them, not only to the church, we are answerable Young, since he edited and revised Wilson’s A what he actually said. The Gospels are therefore Another classic scholarly treatement is Jonathan to God for what we teach. When we teach them Scientific Investigation of the Old Testament in an accurate historical record of what Jesus really Edwards’ “The Pentateuch Written by Moses.” that the Word doesn’t mean what it says, that it 1959) by Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch is said. Likewise, for Young and Wilson, the This is found in Volume Two of his Works (the really doesn’t matter who wrote the Pentateuch, this: ‘Whoever wrote the book meant to imply Pentateuch is an accurate historical record of Sereno Dwight edition currently printed by because after all, God is sort of basically that the authorship of Moses extends to the laws what Moses really said. Banner of Truth) under the section titled, ‘Notes responsible for it anyway, we must answer to and visions and commands God gave to him in “In principle, then, we are all agreed on the on the Bible.’ This work was possibly a response Him. the same manner that the Code of Hammurabi two points asserted by Young and Wilson, that (personal, hence not published) to the “The comparison of Mosaic authorship of was the work of the king whose name it bears. the Pentateuch as it stands is essentially the work introduction to the Old Testament by Richard the Pentateuch to Jesus’ authorship of the That is, the laws came through him and from of Moses and that there are inspired revisions Simon, a French Roman Catholic of the late Sermon on the Mount is particularly misleading. him’ (ASIOT, p.49). This obviously leaves room and editorial additions. For Young and Wilson, seventeenth century, who attacked Mosaic None of the gospels claims to have been written only for minor editorial updating and comment, those details were demonstrably small and of authorship, and whose work was quickly by Jesus, while the claim to Mosaic authorship but not for major additions to a Mosaic core. minor significance. It remains to be seen whether translated into English and widely distributed. of the Pentateuch is part of the warp and woof of There is no room in their conception for Enns and Green have retained exactly the same Twentieth century defenses of Mosaic the entire work.” substantial (inspired) additions ‘in the spirit of conception of the authorship of the Pentateuch authorship of the Pentateuch include R. K. Moses’ which cover subjects that Moses never or have, in fact, left room for much larger camels Harrison’s discussion in his Introduction to the Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, addressed. Nor could the Pentateuch itself be to enter the tent. I hope that it is the former.” Old Testament and Gleason Archer’s A Survey Mississippi: of Old Testament Introduction. Given all of this conservative scholarship, it is hard to believe Dr. John Currid, Old Testament Professor: “1) that the answers by the three Westminster For one to take a position called ‘Essential Mosaic’ Seminary professors are as agnostic about probably leaves the barn door open. What would Mosaic authorship as they are. They have read keep one from arguing for an ‘Essential Isaiah’, at least a few pages from E. J. Young’s and then having later editors add to the work— Introduction, which is terribly brief and not like Deutero-Isaiah and Trito-Isaiah? What about therefore thorough enough to be helpful. In short, an ‘Essential Mark’ preceded by Q and others, my impression is that not one of these three has and then followed by yet others? demonstrated a competence to comment in an “2) Who and how does one define what is educated and intelligent fashion on the questions ‘essentially Mosaic’? What are the criteria and and issues surrounding the Mosaic authorship parameters for making such distinctions? Really, of the Pentateuch. is that not what the source critics are doing? “In responding to particular points, Peter “3) Two of the professors mention Moses’ life Enns’ reference to Numbers 12:3 as post-Mosaic being written in the third person as evidence of reveals that he either is unaware of and/or rejects another writer. That is bogus. Much ancient OMPLIANCE ATTERS NC E. J. Young’s defense of the Mosaic authorship Near Eastern literature is written that way. Also, C M , I . of that verse in an extended discussion in his My the New Testament writers often refer to SPECIALIZING IN INTERNATIONAL REGULATORY COMPLIANCE Servants the Prophets. Young argues that the themselves in the third person—see the Gospels Mosaic authorship of the verse is essential to of Mark and John. It is simply a common device the progress of the argument in the chapter. Enns in ancient rhetoric. God even refers to himself in In Order to Compete You Have to Comply! should at least respond to Young’s defense. the third person at times; see Amos 4. “The alleged anachronisms of the “4)That Moses could have penned his own death “If anyone competes he is not victorious unless he Pentateuch have never been demonstrated is not a problem. Do we want to deny the convincingly to be anachronisms. It is possible possibility of prophecy at work here? Certainly competes according to the rules.” 2 Timothy 2:5 that they are (in which case they would have God is the first and greatest Prophet and Moses been added by Joshua, Moses’ divinely was well-known as a prophet too—could they approved successor), but more likely, we simply not have worked together to relay the information know too little about the period from Abraham about Moses’ death?” We can help! to Moses in the Ancient Near East to say that these must be anachronisms. It is more likely Westminster Theological Seminary in that they are not anachronisms at all. California, Escondido, California: Compliance Matters is a consulting firm “Doug Green in essence asserts that it really doesn’t matter who wrote the Pentateuch, when Dr. Iain Duguid, Old Testament Professor: “Enns, specializing in: he says, ‘Whether God inspired Moses or some Green and Kelly claim to share the opinions of later editor matters little.’ He obviously doesn’t E.J. Young, the former professor of OT at · American & European Product Regulatory Compliance see that the self-testimony of the Pentateuch is Westminster in Philadelphia. In his Old Testament · at stake. The Pentateuch asserts on numerous Introduction, Young in turn identifies his position CE Marking occasions that Moses was commanded to write with that of his predecessor Robert Dick Wilson. · Engineering support for: this or that portion of the Pentateuch. Two of the This position may be stated as follows: ‘That the · most important of these are Exodus 34:27 and Pentateuch as it stands is historical and from the Product Design Numbers 33:1-2. These both make it clear that time of Moses; and that Moses was its real author, · Technical Specifications Moses was being required not only to write what though it may have been revised and edited by · Technical Support & Documentation is in the immediate context, but to provide an later redactors, the additions being just as much · entire context for what he wrote. If Moses only inspired and as true as the rest’ (Wilson, cited in Hazard & Risk Assessment wrote the words immediately following what he Young, Introduction, 46). · Product Testing Requirements is told to write, nothing makes any sense, because “This position asserts two basic truths: 1) · there is no context for understanding it. That is the Pentateuch, as it stands, is basically the work Other related areas why it is necessary for Moses to have written of Moses; and 2) there are a number of later · ASQ Certified Quality Engineer Genesis–it provides the context for the entire (inspired) editorial revisions and additions. · ISO9000/9001 Process Consulting remainder of the Pentateuch. “Taken at face value, the position outlined · “The allusions of the Enns and Kelly to E. J. by Enns asserts the same basic truths. Moses is ISO Readiness Assessment Young I find especially disturbing. Is it perhaps ‘the real historical figure behind the Pentateuch’, the case that the two of them, finding their views just as Jesus is the real historical figure behind under attack, went running for a quick read of a the Sermon on the Mount. However, certain few pages from Young, and found there, in a minor details (e.g. Deut. 34; Num. 12:3; Gen. 36) Give us a call. We can help you compete. careless reading, a view to bolster an unread may well have been added later by inspired (404) 863-0823 (Paid Advertisement) 14 P&R News ² January-February 2000 EDITORIALS AND LETTERS Is the PCA Reformable? The Secret Society of Jesus or Even a casual reader, we believe, would live in a very strange era. And, it is be able to discern that one of the major understandable why some would react out themes to this issue of the newspaper is of a sense of despair. the Commonwealth of Christ? that the Presbyterian Church in America But while we may be approaching an I was raised Roman Catholic. Shapiro liberating in not being held individually (PCA) is in deep trouble, and that many of iceberg, we are convinced that we have not was not the most common Catholic name accountable for their words and decisions. the best and brightest in her ranks are yet struck it. And we are also of the opinion (nor is it the most common Presbyterian one, What is not realized is that every decision concerned about her direction and her that a concerted effort to wrest control of either!) From my earliest memories, I reached under the cloak of secrecy is by future. So concerned are some of her sons the church from the left-wing in our midst remember distinctly thinking, even in first definition capricious (because we do not and daughters, that they are seriously can be successful. and second grade, that while people went know why they reached that determination) contemplating abandoning the good ship In order for that to happen, however, to Church, the Church was really for the and biased (because we do not know who PCA, out of a belief that the denomination we must Pray, Preach, and Persevere. We priests, the archbishops, the cardinals, and, voted for what and in what numbers) and is so compromised as not to be salvageable. must be on our knees; we must boldly and of course, the Holy See. The affairs and undermine the very authority they seek to The departure of a church in New unabashedly proclaim the truth of the Word management of the Roman Church was assert. As my law professor once said, “any Jersey, coupled with the scheduled of God; and we must engage the battle with shrouded in secrecy, most typically seen in decision arrived by undue process is no discussion by Louisiana Presbytery, should perseverance and in an intelligent manner. the selection process for the Pope. A secret decision at all”; and so it is with our Church alert the church as a whole that all is not Of course, all of our efforts will come enclave in a sealed chapel complete with courts. well. Beyond these public acts, there is an to naught unless they are attended with white smoke! Secrecy has been a hallmark Consider, our God went to great length, ongoing debate on at least one email list divine blessing. Unless the Lord builds the of Roman orders down through the ages. It even sending His Son, to reveal to His with regard to separation; and a group of house, we labor in vain to build it; unless is Romanism that produced such “open” people (not just the leaders) what had been men (the “Vanguard Group”) has been the Lord keeps the city, the watchman wakes systems as the Inquisition and Bastile. for centuries hidden in the mind and heart preparing constitutional documents for a but in vain (Psalm 127). Nevertheless, we Then I came to Christ and discovered of God. Our leaders, like the ungrateful new denomination in case manning of the are responsible to use the “means of grace” the glorious doctrine of the Church as a holy slave, have returned the favor bestowed by lifeboats becomes necessary. which the Lord has ordained. commonwealth. That my elders, while called God by darkening counsel and acting like We are sympathetic to those who Will the PCA be spared from apostasy? of God, are selected by the citizens of this mere men. The people of God deserve better believe that the PCA is past the point of Time and providence will tell. Can she, from holy commonwealth, to administer a sacred of their leaders. Even the civil courts and reform. There is no question but that our our human perspective, be saved from office for the good of the people and glory legislatures know they must be open with beloved church is passing through a dark going irretrievably into liberalism? To that, of God—what a liberating doctrine! Alas, their citizens, as evidenced by CSPAN, period—a time when preachers cannot we answer with a resounding, “Yes!”, in how the silver has turned to dross in our published debates, deposed witnesses, and define what preaching is, when churchmen recognition that the same God Who can beloved church courts! court reporters. Why are God’s people twist and distort the “facts” in an effort not bring dead bones to life can revive a We now have whole Presbyteries treated more meanly than the world? to have to adjudicate an embarrassing and denomination whose spiritual condition, enveloping themselves with the shroud of It is with this conviction that inconvenient matter, when the while showing signs of serious sickness, is Executive Session to overlook doctrinal Presbyterian and Reformed News brings denominational college thinks that singing not yet moribund. lapses in our churches and teaching elders, you the news from our presbyteries and it in a Roman Catholic mass is a wonderful We have committed ourselves to to adjudicate (or fail to adjudicate) cases, to is our hope that our readers will take heart thing to do, when all kinds of bizarre working for the reform of our beloved reject credentials of PCA ministers in good and DEMAND that their session and hermeneutics are being applied to Genesis denomination. It is toward that end that we standing, and who knows what other presbytery report to them their minutes and and the rest of the Pentateuch, when we at P&R News have decided to go from a mischief. I suspect these churchmen find it decisions. —Bob Shapiro cannot agree on the “original intent” of our quarterly to a bi-monthly publication. We historical Constitutional documents, and trust that many of our readers will join us in when scholars who could bring some sanity Prayer, Preaching, and Perseverance with to the scene are deliberately shut out of the same noble goal in view. posts of authority and prestige. We truly — Frank J. Smith

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Robert Shapiro, Editor-in-Chief Editorial and Business Address: Hard Cover, approximately 1000 pages. $39.99 + $4 S&H Frank J. Smith, Ph. D., Editor 905 Dogwood Park Drive 1 Bittersweet Path, Willow Street, PA 17584 Penelope Ann Abraham-Smith, Assistant Editor Lawrenceville, GA 30045 Tel: (800) 999-4541 / (717) 464-6963 Adrian Abraham, Webmaster and Layout Manager 678-442-9863 OldOld PathsPaths Fax: (800) 999-2460 / (717) 464-6964 Robert Wildrick, Treasurer, E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.oldpathspublications.com 3685 Creekstone Place, Norcross, GA 30092 Web Site: http://pins.simplenet.com Email: [email protected] PublicationsPublications (Paid Advertisement) P&R News ² January-February 2000 15 Dear Frank: meeting. Your reference to this is correct in Greetings from South Carolina. It was column 4 of page 1, but is incorrect in the good to see you and your wife at the NAPARC Presbytery news report on page 20. meeting at Bonclarken last November. I trust Thank you very much. that your return to Atlanta was safe and Yours truly, in Christ, uneventful. E. Crowell “Midge” Cooley, Travelers Thanks for your recent coverage of my Rest, South Carolina keynote address to the North American [We appreciate “Midge” sending us this letter- Presbyterian and Reformed Council. I did, to-the-editor—especially since we also however, notice what appears to be a received one from his son-in-law, Bill Evans misquotation on p. 10 of the December 1999 (see the previous letter)! In response, please issue. You quote me as saying that “the issues note that in the December 1999 issue, we did we’re facing are challenging because they’re not report on the October 1999 stated meeting not issues of right and wrong, but matter of of Calvary Presbytery, but on the July 1999 balance.” I don’t believe I would have put it stated meeting. (Although not necessarily quite that way, and according to my the case here, it is true that there is often a manuscript from that evening, I did not. The time lag between when a presbytery meeting actual quote (with a bit more context) reads as occurs and when we are able to report on its follows: proceedings, because of having to wait until those minutes are formally approved.) What are the implications of all this for Therefore, we were accurate in our reporting the NAPARC community? The first is that the with respect to Dr. Pipa’s two resolutions: the divisive issues that we face are challenging one in July was adopted, the one in October precisely because they are not just matters of was not. Also, with respect to the Dr. Futato “right” and “wrong.” They are also matters situation, we had intended to run a story in of balance, in which both sides have worthy our December issue on the action by Calvary and legitimate concerns. This, in turn, Presbytery in October to postpone the matter. suggests that the NAPARC churches need However, the administration of Reformed each other. Theological Seminary strongly urged us not to do so, and we acceded to those wishes. I think you will agree that the omission of We thought we were being gracious by doing the word “just” changes the meaning of the so. But as this letter demonstrates, sometimes sentence substantially. I trust that this matter no matter what you do, you get into trouble!— will be corrected in the next issue of your Ed.] publication. With best wishes to you and your family Dear brothers in Christ: for the New Year, I remain, My distress at the tone of some parts of Yours in Christ’s service, P&R News increases with every issue. I value William B. Evans, Ph.D., Associate having a report on what is happening in the Professor of Bible and Religion, PCA, including the bad scenes. In most cases Erskine College I am in agreement with your understanding of [We apologize for the error, and we thank Dr. the meaning of “bad.” But too often I find the Evans for bringing this to our attention.—Ed.] way you express your concern sinfully offensive. As one who shares your concerns Dear Frank, I find it offensive. What impact does it have Thank you for the December issue of the on those whom you are criticizing? (Paid Advertisement) P&R News. I appreciate your full report on I will take as the most recent obvious the Cedar Springs matter—it helps me to case in point the “Reward” advertisement on understand the issues better. And I thank page 4 of the December issue. I think your you for the full report on the NAPARC article pointing out the errors in the SJC’s meeting. finding is appropriate. But the Bible says, “Let I am concerned, however, that you did all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, and evil not report the action of Calvary Presbytery in speaking be put away from you, with all reference to the Mark Futato matter. You were malice.” Maybe you have better imaginations generous in your last issue to report on a than I do, but I cannot imagine any way that proposal before the Presbytery, and the ad can be taken that does not express malice. recommendation of the Candidates Committee, It is evil speaking, and you need to repent of to whom the matter had been referred. But the accepting that ad. Its only purpose is to heap December issue, while reporting on the scorn on the members of the committee. I October meeting of Calvary Presbytery, would suggest that you contemplate our neglects to report the action of Calvary catechisms’ expositions of the 9th Presbytery on the Futato matter. commandment, and make public apologies as Calvary Presbytery did not adopt the signs of real repentance. The issue would recommendation of the Candidates Committee. have been much better if you had rejected It adopted the following substitute motion: this ad. “That discussion and public Then in the previous edition there was acknowledgement of Calvary Presbytery’s the description of those whose views on concern with RTS Orlando and Dr. Futato be worship differ from yours as seeking postponed until its stated meeting July 2000, “sensual” worship. Please tell me how this if appropriate at that time”. This adopted advances the discussion in a loving, Christian motion represents the only action by Calvary way? I am not particularly a fan of what is Presbytery on the entire matter. commonly called “contemporary” worship. I Your earlier reports implied that Calvary am strongly committed to the regulative Presbytery was very unhappy with the way principle. But I have my disagreements with that RTS was dealing with Dr. Futato. The the editor over what is approved in worship. I Presbytery received a motion that we not have challenged him and others who hold his recommend RTS Orlando to our candidates, views to answer my scriptural arguments and that motion was referred to the Candidates against their views, with no response. Should Committee at the July 1999 stated meeting. I write describing those views as “blindly The action of the Presbytery, after hearing traditional, lifeless, unscriptural” views of from the President of RTS and understanding worship? No! Name-calling just gets peoples’ that they are dealing with the issue in a pastoral backs up. It does not conform to our manner, led the Presbytery to give RTS time to catechisms’ biblical call for us to reject resolve the matter. whatever is “injurious to . . . our neighbour’s I appreciate your interest in the work of good name” (SC 78). . . . Calvary Presbytery, but I am disappointed that I would urge you to think very carefully you did not report our action as a Presbytery. about God’s view of slanderous speech. It comes up again and again, esp. in Psalms and By the way, Calvary Presbytery did not Proverbs (Ps 50:20; 101:5 Pr 6:16-19; 10:18; adopt the personal resolution offered by Dr. 11:13; 18:8; 19:5,9 20:19; 21:28; 25:18; 26:20,22, Pipa on the John Wood matter at our October for starters). [continued on page 17] (Paid Advertisement) 16 P&R News ² January-February 2000 NEWS FROM THE PRESBYTERIES portions of the minutes are not open to the public. Mission to North America reported on the particular churches. The matter of ending the Ascension These portions shall be included as appendices progress of two church plants in Clarion and church planting apprenticeship of the Rev. Phillip to the minutes and shall be marked as ‘restricted Venango Counties in Pennsylvania. A search Nelson was referred back to the Mission to North The winter stated meeting of the Presbytery use only.’” The AC also presented a motion to committee to seek a church planter to work with America Committee and his support was of the Ascension met January 29, hosted by the enter into conversations with Pittsburgh both of these groups was approved, as well as continued at the $1000/month level through Faith Presbyterian Church, Akron, Ohio. The Presbytery as to the feasibility of co-hosting a funding to assist in accomplishing this. January 2000. host church is celebrating its 25th Anniversary. future General Assembly in Pittsburgh. In an item postponed from the October Presbytery received Mr. Christopher A. Outgoing Moderator TE Scott Wright convened Under the report of the Candidates and meeting, the motion to terminate TE Byron Curtis’ Faria as an ordained minister from the Presbytery and preached the opening sermon Credentials Committee, Mr. Robert Hill of Grove permission to labor within the bounds of the Independent Fundamental Church of America on the text from Exodus 34:1-8. He set forth the City, PA, was approved as a candidate under presbytery was defeated on a close voice vote. (IFCA). His Th. M. degree is from Dallas crucial nature of the doctrine of justification in care of presbytery. Several overtures presented were referred Theological Seminary. He was granted the context of today’s declension from the Biblical At a called meeting of presbytery, December to committee, and Presbytery adjourned. permission to labor as a chaplain in the U. S. truth. The continuity of this doctrine between 21, 1999, one of the items dealt with was report of Carl W. Bogue, Correspondent Army. both testaments was underscored, the wonder an Ad Hoc Committee on the TE John Wood Mr. Joe Laird was removed from the roll of of the grace involved being seen in Moses’ Matter and Tennessee Valley Presbytery’s candidates, as he is under the discipline of his bowing low before the earth and worshiping. inaction with respect to women preaching. The Central Carolina session and by his own admission unable to The new moderator, RE Richard L. McBane, committee recommended that Presbytery return to that church and perform the necessary was introduced. He is a member of the host challenge the SJC leadership’s ruling that the The 79th Stated Meeting of Central Carolina conditions for restoration as outlined by that church. TE Jeffrey Noyes was introduced as overture asking the General Assembly to take Presbytery was hosted by First Presbyterian session. Mr. Kris Decker was transferred as a vice moderator. The Stated Clerk’s report included up original jurisdiction in the matter was “out of Church, Ellerbe, North Carolina, on October 23, ministerial candidate from the Evangelical a briefing of the Stated Clerk’s meeting in Atlanta. order.” The appeal of this matter, plus the re- 1999. The Rev. James Watson preached from Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Mike Kuhn was The nominations committee presented nominees submitting of the overture and a reference to the Acts 11, “When is a Church Christian?” The received as a candidate. Both are members of for the presbytery committees, G.A. permanent Constitutional Business Committee were all Moderator, Ruling Elder George James, presided Christ Covenant Church, Matthews. Presbytery committees, and G.A. committees of approved in substance and the Ad Hoc over the meeting. established an internship for each of these men commissioners. As elected, the new presbytery Committee was constituted a Commission to In executive session, the court approved at Christ Covenant. committees convened before lunch to elect their perfect the language and see to its completion. the report of two judicial commissions. First, the Mr. Clint Dowda was examined and licensed officers for the current year. TE Carl W. Bogue, chairman of the Commission judgment in the case of Presbyterian Church in to preach. He stated one exception to the TE Robert Peterson, chairman of the reported that their work was completed. America vs. Dr. Robert Shive was sustained, and Westminster Standards, with regard to the Administration Committee, brought several items Ministerial Relations Committee chairman, his appeal from his excommunication by Christ Sabbath. He stated: “I affirm the abiding of business, including the approval of the year RE George Caler, brought the committee’s Covenant Church, Matthews, North Carolina normativity of the fourth commandment. I affirm 2000 budget. The following motion with respect recommendations for changes in the Standing was denied. Then, the judgment by the Back that it should be devoted to worship, mercy, to presbytery minutes was approved Rules. One issue hotly debated and in need of Creek Judicial Commission was approved. This necessity and rest. I do attempt to honor the day unanimously: “All approved minutes of clarification concerns the issue of if or when the commission dealt with several complaints which uniquely as a day of rest and worship. I do Presbytery are to be considered as public records presbytery may insert itself in a local congregation arose because of embezzlement by the church attempt to remember the Christian Sabbath and which are open to anyone who desires to see when a presumption of a problem exists but the treasurer, and the alleged failure of the Session of keep it holy. I take exception only to the them. Ones who are not members of Presbytery presbytery has not been invited in to assist. After Back Creek Presbyterian Church to deal prohibition against recreation as found in 21:8 shall bear the cost of reproduction. Presbytery much discussion the matter was referred back to adequately with the man. Among the (WSC 60; WLC 117). I believe that there is may, by majority vote, determine that certain committee. commission’s determinations were that the freedom of conscience for how the day can be Session had clearly erred when it approved the observed that is impinged upon by the treasurer’s “Repenting and Restitution prohibition against recreation. My concern is Agreement.” For example, his statement in the that the definition of what ‘worldly recreation’ is Westminster Theological Seminary Agreement “that he ‘mishandled church funds’ must be different for different people in different contradicts his guilty plea to specific acts of places. I agree that the church can provide some in California stealing church funds as enumerated in the guidelines. But that it must not legislate what Anniversary Scholarship indictment. His assertion that he gave a false individuals and families do on the Christian report of church funds by not using proper Sabbath. If recreation would contribute Westminster Theological Seminary in California is pleased to announce the institution accounting methods contradicts his plea of guilty positively to worship, mercy, necessity and rest, of the Anniversary Scholarship. This grant combines a full-tuition scholarship with a to specific acts of issuing false documents and then I would not oppose it, as long as my session need-based living stipend to be awarded annually to promising African-American and specific acts of falsifying records.” The concurred.” On the vote to sustain his licensure Hispanic-American students. commission wrote that the wording by the exam, the Rev. Mike Ericson asked that his treasurer’s admissions in the Agreement “lead abstention be recorded. us to conclude that he is admitting only to Presbytery voted to lift the suspension of Description and Purpose inability or negligence in his duties as treasurer the Rev. Danny Van Zant, upon his This award was created by a generous donor to celebrate the Seminary’s twenty-year and not to intentional acts of wrongdoing. This demonstration of sincere repentance. Presbytery anniversary of training pastors and other leaders for the Christian community. By is completely contradictory to his plea of guilty dissolved the pastoral relationship between providing financial assistance for promising African-American and Hispanic-American to intentional acts of wrongdoing as charged in Christ Covenant Church and the Rev. Jerry Currin, students, this scholarship is instituted to encourage Christian leadership development. the indictment. . . .” The commission ruled that and voted to approve the call to him by North the Session’s acceptance of the Agreement was Hills Presbyterian Church, Salisbury, North Funding “null and void.” The commission also ruled that Carolina, to be the pastor. Presbytery dissolved These scholarships shall pay the recipient’s tuition and fees, as well as a living expense the Session erred when it cancelled a full audit of the pastoral relationship between the Rev. Randy stipend, for up to three years of full-time study at the Seminary. The tuition portion shall the financial books. And, the commission Edwards and Redeemer Presbyterian Church, be credited to the account of the recipient. The living stipend portion is based upon deferred to the lower court which saw fit not to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and approved financial need, is subject to annual adjustment, and shall be awarded semi-annually impose suspension from the sacraments upon his call from Grace Presbyterian Church, upon review. the treasurer. Kernersville, North Carolina, to be assistant Out of executive session, the Presbytery pastor. Presbytery dissolved the pastoral approved the report of the South Point relationship between Redeemer Church and the Recipients Commission. The court approved the Rev. Rick Downs, who was called to be senior Recipients shall be African-American and Hispanic-American students selected by the recommendation that the South Point Mission, pastor of Christ the King Presbyterian Church, Anniversary Scholarship Committee, and must be accepted and enrolled into Gastonia, North Carolina, be closed and that its Cambridge, Massachusetts. And, the pastoral Westminster Theological Seminary in California for full-time studies. All recipients must assets be used for church planting and renewal. relationship between the Rev. Scott Willet and be U. S. citizens. Completed applications for admission and for this scholarship must be Presbytery thanked the pastors and elders of Bible Presbyterian Church, Concord, North received and approved by the Seminary on or before April 15, 2000 for the 2000-2001 First Presbyterian Church, Stanley, North Carolina, was dissolved, as he accepted a call to academic year. Continuation of an award in subsequent years is contingent upon Carolina, for their revitalization efforts and an Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Virginia. continuous enrollment as a full-time student at the Seminary; maintenance of a 3.0 commitment to the South Point Mission. cumulative grade point average at the Seminary each academic year; and completion of As a second reading, the Presbytery the M.Div. degree within three years (six semesters) or the M.A. degree program within approved the following amendment to its Covenant two years (four semesters). Manual, with regard to the Credentials Committee: “When a man takes an exception to Covenant Presbytery met in its 87th Stated To apply for the Anniversary Scholarship, please contact: the Confession or has a disputable interpretation Meeting on Tuesday, October 12, 1999, at Grace Admissions of the Confession, yet it is an issue where diverse Chapel on the campus of Reformed Theological Westminster Theological Seminary in California opinions are held within the Presbytery, let the Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi. Dr. David 1725 Bear Valley Parkway Committee note the issue and let the Presbytery Jussely preached and the Rev. Brad Stewart, Escondido, CA 92027-4128 decide.” Presbytery Moderator, administered the Presbytery approved the organization of sacrament of communion. Telephone: (760) 480-8474 FAX: (760) 480-0252 Sovereign Grace Mission and Hope Mission as Dr. Guy Richardson, Senior Vice President, [email protected] * www.wtscal.edu

(Paid Advertisement) P&R News ² January-February 2000 17 Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, assumes the position of Coordinator for the GA/ Carolina. Mississippi, welcomed the commissioners and Fathers and Brethren of Mississippi Valley MNA Subcommittee on Campus Ministries. The Presbytery approved a petition to the visitors attending the meeting. Presbytery, Pray also for smooth transitions in the staff General Assembly, asking it to assume original The work of various commissions was Your communication of June 1st has been changes that will be taking place this year on our jurisdiction in the judicial case of Presbyterian approved, including: the Minutes of New received and brought to the Presbytery by the Mississippi and West Tennessee campuses. Church in America vs. John Wood. Beginnings Commission; Minutes of July 26, 1999 Administration Committee. It was with That praise and thanksgiving be offered to God Presbytery handled a complaint concerning meeting of Church Care Committee to dissolve trembling hands and a humble attitude that we for His blessings on the work of Reformed Licentiate Inman’s approval without exception pastoral relationship between TE Carter Mills and sent our letter of pastoral concern to you. Your University Ministries in reaching students for at the Summer Stated Meeting. A motion to the Covenant Presbyterian Church, Little Rock, response has greatly relieved us, not only Christ and equipping them to serve Him while on deny the complaint failed, 11-13. A motion to AR, and to dismiss TE Mills to the Rocky because of its wholesome tone, but for the the campus and throughout their lives. sustain the complaint failed, 12-13, with Ruling Mountain Presbytery; Minutes of the September message contained therein. Your godly spirit The Chairman also encouraged the Elder Ron Gilbert recording his affirmative vote. 14, 1999 meeting of the Church Care Committee and humble manner have both gladdened and commissioners to remember the New Beginnings Presbytery voted to amend its Manual of to dissolve the relationship between TE Chris convicted us. Your fervent dedication to the Community Church in inner-city Memphis, Operations so as to conform to BCO 13-6 with O’Brien and the Grace Presbyterian Church, faith once delivered to the saints instructs us. Tennessee, and directed their attention to the regard to the examination of ministers seeking Jackson, TN, and to dismiss TE O’Brien to the We are full of joy for the encouragement you financial report concerning that work. admittance to the Presbytery. The vote was Central Georgia Presbytery. have given us. May we together join in prayer Presbytery appointed a commission to unanimous (19-0). Presbytery admitted the following to our sovereign God that He might strengthen examine the Independent Presbyterian Church The Rev. Douglas Addington, Chairman of commission reports to the record, approved the our hands in our calling. May he send times of Session (per BCO 13-8), and then receive the the Mission to North America Committee, actions on behalf of presbytery documented in refreshing to our church to His glory and honor. church into Presbytery. reported that the Hurricane Disaster Fund, the subject commission reports, and dissolved Covenant Presbytery TE Charles Godwin, Chairman, presented established by this committee in September, had the subject commissions: Commission to install the report of the Christian Education Committee. received $25,000 so far, with checks arriving daily. TE Charles Godwin as associate pastor of Grace A memorial for Elder James Loyt Gray of the He reported that the committee decided not to Also, a summary of the physical needs was Presbyterian Church, Starkville, MS, on 5/30/99; Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church, Water Valley, sponsor any area seminars at this time. The presented. People desiring to provide personal Commission to install TE Jim Danner as senior Mississippi, was spread on the record. committee recommends in-house teacher training assistance should contact either Mr. Addington pastor of Main Street Presbyterian Church, TE Fred Showers presented the report of by utilizing church members who are excellent or one of the noted pastors. Columbus, MS, on 6/6/99; Commission to install the Mission to North America Committee. He teachers. The committee also recommends to Presbytery granted Evangelist Bill Marshall TE Steve Irby as pastor of the Northside reported that the MNA Committee had member churches the Presbyterian Church, Sherwood, AR, on 06/13/ established a Church Planting Subcommittee usage of EQUIP 99; Commission to install TE Don Locke pastor (CPSC) as follows: The Church Planting magazine for information of the Houston Presbyterian Church, Houston, Subcommittee (CPSC) is a subcommittee of the on various training MS, on 06/27/99. MNA Committee of Covenant Presbyterian opportunities. The The Treasurer’s report indicated a Church whose purpose it is to expedite the MNA Chairman reported that beginning balance on January 1, 1999, of Committee’s efforts in church planting. The CPSC camp support monies $57,320.37, and a balance on September 20, 1999, consists of at least three teaching elders and two had been distributed to of $30,319.45. ruling elders appointed by the MNA Committee. several member Covenant Presbytery set stipends for 2000 Members do not have to be members of the MNA churches per request. as follows: Stated Clerk: $4,500; Recording Clerk: Committee. Members must have experience in The Presbytery voted to $2,300; Treasurer: $1,200. church planting or a passion for seeing God’s distribute extra Covenant Presbytery adopted the 2000 church extended throughout Covenant Committee Project and Budget. Included in the Budget were $61,000 for Presbytery and beyond. The CPSC will elect a Retreat monies for the MNA Committee; $14,520 for Administration chairman and secretary annually. The CPSC will additional support to Committee; $5,500.00 for Christian Education advise the MNA Committee, and under the needy churches if Committee; and $3,100 for other committees, for Committee’s authority and supervision, oversee requested. a total of $84,120. and administer church planting within Covenant TE Ricky Jones, Presbytery asking for 2000 is $20.12 per Presbytery. These duties will include chairman of the communing member. This is the proposed 2000 development and implementation of a Covenant Presbytery The flood waters outside of ruling elder William Michel’s garage budget grand total ($84,120.00) divided by the comprehensive plan for church planting, MTW Committee, had already receded about a foot when this photo was taken. total number of communicant members in encompassing perspective target sites, introduced Mr. David Covenant Presbytery (4,180 as of 12/31/98). TE recruitment of church planters, propagating a Bergmark, who is a MTW IMPACT missionary another year of the powers of evangelist to Randy Thompson, Administration Committee vision for church planting within Covenant to Sweden. Mr. Bergmark presented the need for govern, and to receive and dismiss members. Chairman, exhorted churches to give according Presbytery, and securing funds necessary to establishing reformed churches in Sweden and As requested by the Rev. Dr. Al Herrington, to the asking and to plan on giving according to accomplish the plan. other Scandinavian countries. He encouraged Presbytery approved his change in call from more regular intervals. Presbytery recognized the Hot Springs the churches to pray and support the MTW Executive Director of Presbyterian Evangelistic Nathan Smith (son of TEDavid Smith) was church plant in Arkansas as a mission of church planting work there. Fellowship to Full-time Evangelist, working out awarded the Covenant Presbytery College Covenant Presbytery from the Hot Springs TE Les Newsom, Chairman, presented the of Conyers, Georgia. Scholarship for 1999. Congregation of Covenant Presbyterian Church report of the Credentials Committee. TE Robert The Treasurer’s Report was received and Presbytery received with thanksgiving the with the concurrence of the Session of Covenant Douglas Thacker, a member of Mississippi Valley spread on the minutes. The Moderator communication from Mississippi Valley regarding Presbyterian Church, Little Rock, and authorized Presbytery, was examined and transferred in order announced the shortfall of YTD Income vs YTD Covenant Presbytery’s previous communication the Covenant Session of Little Rock to serve as to become Assistant Pastor in the Westminster budget at 11.7%. to them, and recorded their communication in the overseer of this work. Mr. Showers reported Presbyterian Church, Greenwood, MS. The Presbytery voted to adjourn the stated the minutes. The Moderator instructed the Stated that the MNA Committee is evaluating the The following Presbytery Officers were meeting until November 6, 1999, to be reconvened Clerk to communicate to Mississippi Valley possibility of planting a new church in the elected for the year 2000: Jim Alinder, Moderator; immediately after a called meeting on that date. Presbytery the court’s thankful reception of their Jonesboro, Arkansas, area. A search for a James Codling, Parliamentarian; David M. Smith, On November 6, the Presbytery reconvened at communication. Covenant Presbytery later possible church planter along with possible Recording Clerk; Grover E. Gunn III, Stated Clerk; Antioch Presbyterian Church, Goldsboro, North responded with this communique: financial and other help has begun. W. Lee Mattox, Treasurer; Brad Stewart, Vice- Carolina. The Chairman directed commissioners’ Moderator. The Presbytery voted to divest the Rev. LETTERS, continued from page 15 attention to the report of Reformed University Presbytery voted by the necessary two- Jeff Miller without censure pending his being The longest answer to any question in Ministries contained in the meeting information thirds majority (23-1-12) to divest TE Lawrence assigned as a member of Trinity Reformed the Larger Catechism is to Question 145. . . . packet. The Presbytery approved the following Rountree without censure in accordance with Presbyterian Church, Wilmington, North The Westminster Assembly understood that recommendations found at the end of the report: BCO 34-10. Carolina, with that Session’s consent. this is a very serious matter, and one easily That churches be encouraged to have campus The court approved the internship of Mr. Presbytery received the report of S. Brane passed by. We who hold to their confessions ministers speak to their congregations so that David Skinner. regarding Emmanuel Ministries, ECP and the US should also realize this is a serious offence, people can see that God is using Reformed In expressing thanks to Reformed Seminary Internal Revenue Service and spread it upon the one easy to slip into, and so exercise extreme University Ministries to transform lives. That for its hospitality, the Presbytery especially noted minutes. Presbytery also determined that this care to avoid it. churches be reminded that approximately 20% the catfish dinner that had been served. report, the report of the auditing committee and Yours in Christ, of the funds for campus work comes from the applicable IRS guidelines be assembled by Don Codling, Pastor presbyteries, and the remaining portion must the Committee on Administration and delivered Bedford Presbyterian Church come from the benevolent giving of local Eastern Carolina to the Stated Clerk for forwarding to Emmanuel Bedford, Nova Scotia churches and gifts from individuals. The Ministries. [The fuller version of this letter, including continuance of the ministry and any expansion Fall Stated Meeting A letter was received from the Rev. and Mrs. criticism of our coverage of the World is dependent upon gifts from churches and The Fall Stated Meeting of Eastern Carolina Eddie (Gail) Brown in Nairobi, Kenya, ministering magazine story, may be found on our website. individuals. That churches be encouraged to Presbytery convened on October 16 at Village to Ugandan refugees. By way of comment, the party who took out pray regularly on behalf of the campus ministry, Chapel, New Bern, North Carolina. The The Rev. Ron Gray reported regarding the ad evidentally was trying to make a point not only remembering the campus ministers, their Moderator, Ruling Elder Tem Blackburn, called flooding in Rocky Mount caused by Hurrican with it. As for the “sensualistic” worship at families, and the students involved, but also the the meeting to order and presided. The opening Floyd. The mission work has moved to an General Assembly, perhaps you had to be ministry’s efforts to reach those who are lost. worship was led by the host church, with the otherwise vacant Baptist church building. One there to experience it in order to understand Particularly remember in prayer the strategic sermon by Candidate-under-care Byron Peters, hundred and twenty people came to the opening our comment. (It’s the same sort of problem opportunity that the campus ministry has to as part of his ordination exam today. worship service in September. There are now 60 the late G. Aiken Taylor had while attempting reach those international students studying in Mr. Peters was examined for ordination and people involved regularly in the mission church. to describe the infamous “New Days! New the United States on our university campuses. approved. He has been called as Assistant Pastor The flooding in Ron’s study did destroy his entire Ways?” conference at Montreat in 1968.) Ed.] That prayer be offered for Rod Mays as he of Church of the Good Shepherd, Durham, North library and office equipment. 18 P&R News ² January-February 2000 Ruling Elder Austin Leake, Stated Clerk of Presbytery as a minister out of bounds while he approve the plans. Presbytery, gave the Treasurer’s report. The gets acquainted with Nashville Presbytery. He Presbytery voted to approve a Resolution financial shortfall is significant, the balance is has been called to be Headmaster of New Hope on Gambling. Great Lakes approximately $6,243 and only $5,000 has been Academy, Franklin, Tennessee. The date of the Spring Meeting of received this quarter. The disaster fund, to help Presbytery dissolved the pastoral Presbytery was changed from the fourth The Fall Stated Meeting of Great Lakes in the aftermath of Hurricane Floyd, has relationship between the Rev. Nick Willborn and Thursday in April to the fourth Saturday in April. Presbytery was held on October 8-9, 1999, at approximately $35,000. Reformed Heritage Presbyterian Church, Miss Jill Estes has been given $3,000 for her Northwest Presbyterian Church, Dublin, Ohio. Birmingham, Alabama; and the associate pastoral missionary support with MTW Impact in Ukraine. The Moderator, Mark Dalbey, presided. Mr. November Called Meeting relationship between that congregation and the The court voted to invite Mr. Leibert to David Rogers preached at opening worship from At a called meeting on November 6, 1999, Rev. Carl Russell. present a seminar on Understanding Genesis. Luke 4:31-44. Eastern Carolina Presbytery transferred the Rev. The pastoral relationship between the Rev. The Christian Education and Fellowship Various commission reports were approved: Paul Zetterholm from Mississippi Valley Jamie Sanders and Southwood Presbyterian Committee was instructed to put together an to ordain and install David Sabella as Pastor of Presbytery, to become Pastor of Harvest Church was dissolved, so that he could be ongoing Bible Training Program for the Covenant Presbyterian Church, Cynthiana, Presbyterian Church, Jacksonville, North transferred to Tennessee Valley Presbytery. Presbytery. The program will consist of courses Kentucky; to ordain and install David Kuo as Carolina. He stated he has only one exception to Presbytery voted not to approve the call of in Old Testament, New Testament, and electives Assistant Pastor of Community Presbyterian the Westminster Standards, this being with regard the Eastside Presbyterian Church, Gadsden, such as What is Reformed Theology, Church, Louisville, Kentucky; to install Dan Clay to Sabbath observance in that he does not find Alabama, to Mr. Robert Countess as stated Apologetics, and Church History. The times, as Pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church, that the Scripture precludes family and church supply. places, and instructors are to be worked out by Cincinnati, Ohio; to install Petros Roukas as Senior family, non-commercial recreational activities on Presbytery voted not to accede to the judicial the Committee. Pastor of Tates Creek Presbyterian Church, the Lord’s Day in light of Exodus 31:17 and other reference of the Session of Faith Presbyterian The Presbytery approved having Western Lexington, Kentucky; and to organize Walnut teaching on Sabbath Day refreshment. Church, Birmingham, Alabama, asking that the Carolina Presbytery become a part of the South Creek PCA, Gahanna, Ohio, and install Steve higher court assume original jurisdiction in a Carolina area committee with regard to campus Resch as Pastor. discipline matter. Instead, the Presbytery offered ministry. The dismissal of David Young to Siouxlands Evangel advice. First, the Session should exercise its right The Rev. Fred Thompson was approved as Presbytery, which was approved by the Executive to remove from their membership rolls the woman stated supply at Zion Presbyterian Church for Committee, was ratified. Also ratified was the The September 28, 1999, stated meeting of in question, since she had joined a congregation one year. appointment of members of a committee to Evangel Presbytery elected the Rev. Bill Hay, in another branch of the visible church; the matters Mr. Chrishon Ducker’s internship was formulate policies regarding teaching elders Pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church, under investigation should be communicated to approved as having been completed. laboring out of bounds. Two members of the Birmingham, Alabama, as Moderator. her new church if they request such information. The Membership Committee reported that Church/Ministerial Welfare Committee were Presbytery approved the minutes of several The man in question should be given sufficient it is putting together a survey and questionnaire authorized to attend Session meetings of the commissions: to assist the Session to install the time either to recommit himself to his membership to be used by pulpit committees to assist them in South Dayton (Ohio) Presbyterian Church “to Rev. Henry Morris as Assistant Pastor of First vows at Faith Church or to relocate to another determining the suitability of a pastoral candidate. observe and advise concerning a potential Presbyterian Church, Tuscumbia, Alabama; to PCA church. If he does not join another church, The Rev. Sam Hoyt made available copies discipline case.” ordain and to assist the Session to install the the Session at Faith should exercise pastoral of minutes concerning the formation of Calvary The Presbytery Stated Clerk, the Rev. Dave Rev. Marty Crawford as Assistant Pastor of discipline and erase his name from the Presbytery for anyone interested in putting Dively, who coordinated the arrangements for Covenant Presbyterian Church, Birmingham; membership rolls. If either the man or the woman together a history of the formation of the PCA in the 27th PCA General Assembly, thanked the Presbytery adopted a resolution in honor should come under the jurisdiction of another South Carolina. Presbytery for its help in hosting the Assembly. of Dr. Frank M. Barker, Jr., who was retiring as PCA court in the future, the Session should The Rev. Dr. Richard Belcher had been There was a surplus of $10,000. Of that money, Pastor of Briarwood Presbyterian Church, counsel any such church receiving them to nominated at the April 1999 meeting to be $5,000 was to be given to the denominational Birmingham, Alabama . request the information of the matters under Moderator of the January 2000 meeting. Ruling offices for cost overruns, and $5,000 to the A complaint had been brought against the investigation. Elder Shaun Ballard of the Westminster Presbytery for use in church planting in the Detroit, Session of Grace Fellowship Presbyterian Presbytery found in order the appeal of Mr. Presbyterian Church, Rock Hill, South Carolina, Michigan, area. Church, Albertville, Alabama. Presbytery voted Ed Fitzsimmons, and authorized the Stated Clerk was nominated to be Moderator of the April 2000 The Rev. Tim Bayly, a member of Presbytery to uphold the action of the Session in response to assemble the appropriate materials and forward meeting. who serves at the Church of the Good Shepherd, to the original complaint, and to deny the request them to the General Assembly Stated Clerk. that the Presbytery assume original jurisdiction Dr. Frank Barker reported on several areas over the church. where the home missions committee would be Presbytery adopted a budget of $83,625. looking to plant new churches: Springville- The following men were received under care Trusville; Mt. Laurel/Chelsea area; Montevallo; as candidates: Messrs. Justin Clement, Casey and Oxford. He reported on the present status of Custer, and Rick Mitchell. Mr. Lyle Caswell was the several mission works. removed from the roll of candidates, upon Presbytery approved the call to the Rev. Presbytery receiving word that he had been Henry Morris to plant a church in Florence. The ordained in Australia by the Westminster call has a total package of $46,246.93 with four Presbyterian Church. weeks vacation. The internship of Mr. Rick Searle was A commission was appointed to organize approved. He was examined and approved for the mission work at Madison, Alabama, as a ordination, based on a call from Decatur (Ala.) particular church, under the leadership of the Presbyterian Church to be Assistant Minister. Rev. Stewart Jordan. Mr. Robert Allman was examined and The Committee on National & Local Moral licensed. & Ethical Issues urged the churches to work on Mr. Michael MacCaughelty was examined getting out the vote on the lottery issue on and approved for ordination, having been called October 5th. as Assistant Minister by Altadena Valley Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, Alabama. The Committee on Candidates, Interns and Fellowship Licentiates raised the question regarding QUARRYVILLE Candidate Jay Barrett, who is legally blind. The The Sixteenth Meeting of Fellowship study of original languages is difficult to Presbytery was hosted by Olivet Presbyterian impossible for him because of his blindness. Church, McConnells, South Carolina, on Presbytery asked the Committee to give the September 30, 1999. The retiring Moderator, the PRESBYTERIAN Presbytery advice on the matter. The Committee Rev. Wallace Tinsley, convened the meeting. Dr. later reported, and the Presbytery approved, the John Carson, a minister in the Associate Reformed RETIREMENT COMMUNITY statement “that Jay Barrett’s languages will not Presbyterian Church, preached from Hebrews hinder his ordination in Evangel Presbytery.” 13:20-21. After a season of prayer, Dr. Carson, A warm and vibrant Christian community Presbytery approved the reception of the who is President of Erskine College and Seminary, Rev. Shelton MacGillivery from the Evangelical Due West, South Carolina, addressed the court Independence with lifetime care Presbyterian Church to serve as Pastor at the with regard to these institutions. Worry-free living in a comfortable environment Grace Fellowship Presbyterian Church of Ruling Elder James Lever was elected Albertville. He had served previously in the Moderator by acclamation. Friends to get to know and experiences to share PCA’s Eastern Canada Presbytery. Memorials for two deceased elders— The Presbytery approved the change in call Herbert A. Shealy and William Raymond Pursley, of the Rev. Tom Cox from Assistant to Associate Jr.—were received and spread upon the minutes. If you or someone you love would like to receive Pastor at Faith Presbyterian Church, Anniston, Fellowship Presbytery is responsible for the Alabama; and the change in call of the Rev. Ralph conduct of one of the worship services at General our free brochure, please call us at: Keel from Assistant to Associate Pastor at Assembly in 2000 in Tampa, Florida. Presbytery (717) 786-7321 or (888) 786-7331 Southwood Presbyterian Church, Huntsville, voted to yield the planning of the worship service Alabama. [However, no installation services were at General Assembly to the Organizing Committee arranged in order to effect these changes.—Ed.] for General Assembly, with the Rev. Shelton Quarryville Presbyterian Retirement Community Presbytery voted to allow the Rev. Anthony Sanford being the liaison from Fellowship 625 Robert Fulton Highway, Quarryville, PA, 17566-1400 Gordon to remain on the roll of Evangel Presbytery. Presbytery reserved the right to Paid Advertisement P&R News ² January-February 2000 19 Bloomington, Indiana, requested more formal a pastor by Centralia Presbyterian Church, if a The Ministerial & Church Relations Committee City and for the Fellowship Baptist Church. relation to the Presbytery without joining the call has been made and if the Ministerial and will focus on shepherding the churches. Presbytery voted that the Stated Clerk denomination. The special ad hoc committee Church Relations Committee asks to place the A budget of $43,7000 was adopted for the should write to the Rev. Cleve Chandler, per BCO dealing with ministers laboring out-of-bounds matter on docket. year 2000. This includes $10,000 for Reformed 34-10, that the matter of his transfer from was asked to consider the matter and make Mr. David Bentz was examined and University Ministries at the University of Virginia, Louisiana to Southeast Louisiana Presbytery be recommendations to the Presbytery. approved for licensure. The sermon he preached Charlottesville. handled at the next stated meeting of Presbytery. The Rev. Luis Orteza brought fraternal for this licensure exam was on justification, based Presbytery received and approved a petition The Clerk was instructed to write a letter to greetings from the Orthodox Presbyterian on Romans 5. His internship was also approved. from Grace Community Church, Charlottesville, the First Presbyterian Church, Stamps, Arkansas, Church. Reports were received from the ministerial for organization. The organizational service was requesting that the church employ only Reformed The Rev. Thomas E. Venema was examined candidates and the licentiates of the Presbytery. scheduled for December 5, 1999. men as pulpit supply and that the church and received from Northern California Presbytery, Messrs. Charles Bussada and Richard encourage such a regular supply as Mr. Bill Lanier to become Pastor of South Dayton (Ohio) Gordon were removed from the roll of ministerial Called Meeting to seek examination and licensure by Presbytery. Presbyterian Church. candidates. A called meeting of James River Presbytery Presbytery voted to redress the error of the Mr. Dave Rogers was presented for Mr. Bret Carl was examined to be ordained was held at Centralia Presbyterian Church, April 17, 1999, stated meeting by changing the licensure and ordination examination. His exams as Assistant Pastor at Westminster Reformed Chester, Virginia, on November 20, 1999. The designation of the “ad hoc Session” for the were approved, and the court voted to ordain Presbyterian Church, Suffolk, Virginia. He court licensed Mr. John Lindsay, who has been DeRidder (La.) Presbyterian Church to “ad hoc him as an evangelist and church planter in LaPort, preached from I Corinthians 15:9, Ephesians 3:7- called to fill the pulpit at West Hopewell Commission,” and by appointing Mr. Crocker as Indiana. The Presbytery voted, unanimously, to 8, and I Timothy 1:15 on the Christian life. Presbyterian Church, Hopewell, Virginia. Mr. convener of the commission. accept his previous experience as fulfilling the Presbytery voted that Mr. Carl continue to study Lindsay stated his opposition, based on his The court removed Ruling Elder Ken internship requirements. the doctrine of the Sabbath with the Committee, understanding of Scripture, to creation in the Thurman as a licentiate because of his move to Mr. John Robertson of Tyrone Covenant especially such aspects as: (1) the Sabbath as a space of six literal days. He also opined that “the Texas out of Presbytery’s bounds. Church, Fenton, Michigan, was taken under care creation ordinance (Confession of Faith, XXI.7), authors of the confession [Westminster as a ministerial candidate. Also taken under care (2) the Sabbath as perpetually binding on all men Confession of Faith] did not intend for the phrase January meeting was Mr. Mike Hoppe of Indianapolis. in all ages (Confession of Faith XXI.7), and (3) ‘in the space of six days’ to be understood as The Sixty-second Stated Meeting of Presbytery voted by a three-fourths vote the Sabbath as binding on Christians today. He necessarily denoting six solar days.” Louisiana Presbytery met at the Pineville (La.) (24-8) to waive the requirement of BCO 18-8 is to be brought back for examination “when he Orthodox Presbyterian Church on January 15, regarding PCA church membership, in order to is prepared to state clearly whether or not he 2000. Retiring Moderator Dana Casey preached allow Mr. Rob Hooper to come under care as a accepts the positions of the Confession of Faith Louisiana from James 1:1-8; and the Session of Westminster ministerial candidate. (He is a member of the and further that he continue to study the Presbyterian Church, Opelousas, Louisiana, Church of the Good Shepherd, Bloomington, relationship of justification and sanctification October meeting assisted him in the administration of communion. Indiana.) He was then examined and received as with particular attention to the role of justification The Sixty-first Stated Meeting of Louisiana Ruling Elder Hewitt Carter, who was not a a candidate. in sanctification and the role of faith in the Presbytery was held on October 16, 1999, at the commissioner to the court, assumed the office of The previous experience of Mr. Earl Cornett sanctification process.” John Knox Presbyterian Church, Ruston, Moderator. was approved as fulfilling the internship The Rev. Mr. John Crimmins, without call, Louisiana. The Moderator, the Rev. Dana Casey, The Presbytery noted in its minutes that requirement. The internship of Mr. R. J. Stansbury, was examined for transfer from Southern Florida convened the meeting. The Rev. George Crocker Oakdale (La.) Presbyterian Church has withdrawn per his request, was suspended. Presbytery. He noted two exceptions and one preached a sermon from I Peter 5:1-3, I Timothy from the PCA. [The congregation joined the It was reported that Grace Covenant reservation to the Constitution. (1) He believes 6:3-6, and Titus 2:1-8. The Rev. Jeff Steel Evangelical Presbyterian Church.—Ed.] Presbyterian Church, Bloomington, Indiana, was that God created everything in six days, but not administered the Lord’s Supper. In response to a letter from Ruling Elder dissolved on June 30, 1999. Disposition of the necessarily six twenty-four hour periods. (2) He Numerous visitors, both men and women, Wayne Sparkman, Director of the PCA Historical property and final arrangements continue. does not believe that there is any new revelation were introduced. The court voted to extend to Center, the Presbytery voted that it “allow public Presbytery adopted the following resolution and he does not believe that the exercise of the visitors the privilege of the floor. access to its minutes (except for minutes of of thanks: spiritual gifts will result in new revelation, but he The Rev. Jim Jones introduced the Rev. Bill executive sessions).” “To the family of the faithful at Northwest is not a secessionist with regard to the Smith of Fellowship Baptist Church, Sulphur, The Rev. Marcus Rench reported that the Presbyterian Church: extraordinary spiritual gifts. His reservation Louisiana. Mr. Smith outlined his hope of bringing mission work in Bossier City, Louisiana, has come “As the Great Lakes Presbytery met at your concerns proper observance of the Sabbath. He himself and his church into the Presbyterian under the care of the Presbytery’s Mission to facility, your wonderful hospitality was far believes he can take his wife out to dinner or play Church in America, under the care of Mr. Jones North America Committee. He read a letter from beyond what we deserved or expected. In your tennis with his son on the Sabbath and still honor and the Session of Bethel Presbyterian Church Lakeside PCA in Brookfield, Wisconsin, service to us and in your leading us in worship the Lord. The matter of Mr. Crimmins’ views was in Lake Charles. The Rev. Steve Wilkins offered requesting to become a member of Louisiana we received a glimpse of the grace and mercy of sent back to the Committee and brought back to prayer for the intended church plant in Bossier Presbytery. It was moved, seconded, and passed God. We know you have experienced God’s the Presbytery “with a view to a clearer shielding and protection between His shoulders presentation of his views on the continuation of Psalms of Praise as you have passed through troubled waters. tongues and prophecy in relation to the doctrinal We commend you to God with these words: The standards.” His examination was suspended VOLUMES I AND II Lord your God is with you. He is mighty to save. until the next stated meeting of Presbytery when May He take great delight in you. May He quiet he will be re-examined in theology. you with His love. May He rejoice over you with The Rev. Ruffin Alfin introduced Miss Jill singing.” DeVerer, who has served on four separate one- year missionary terms with MTW to Ukraine. She is seeking to become a full-time missionary James River there as part of a church planting team. The Rev. Pete Hurst introduced Mr. Vance Brown, who is Fall Stated Meeting an approved MTW candidate to work in Ukraine. James River Presbytery met for its Fall Stated He has taught English there and wishes to go Meeting at Trinity Presbyterian Church, back to continue. Charlottesville, Virginia, on October 9, 1999. Host Presbytery approved the report of a judicial pastor John Hall preached from Revelation 5 and commission, handling an appeal from West End administered the sacrament of communion. The Presbyterian Church. The commission ruled that Rev. Paul Carter of Lexington, Virginia, was elected it lacked jurisdiction to decide the first three Moderator. issues raised, namely: (1) Did the notification and 22 selections The Treasurer’s Report revealed that the trial procedures in June 1998 conform with BCO 41 selections (51 minutes) Presbytery had a beginning balance (January 1, 32-3? (2) With respect to the defendant’s (70 minutes) 1999) of $28,923.44, and an ending balance membership at West End, did the Session err in CD (cm440) ..... $14 (September 30, 1999) of $40,564.59. rejecting his request to proceed under BCO 38-4 CD (cm425) ..... $14 Mr. John Lindsay was transferred as a (“Cases Without Process”) by trying him instead, cassette (cm420) $10 cassette (cm445) $10 ministerial candidate from Eastern Carolina finding him guilty as charged, and inflicting extra lyric booklets extra lyric booklets Presbytery. He has accepted an internship censures? (3) With respect to his holding the $1.10 position at West Hopewell Presbyterian Church, office of deacon, did the Session err in rejecting $1.10 Hopewell, Virginia. The Presbytery voted to his request to proceed under BCO 24-8 (allowing inform the congregation and Mr. Lindsay of the for resignation from office) by trying him instead, Metrical psalms sung a cappella in four-part harmony • All arrangements irregularity of his having assumed a position there finding him guilty as charged, and inflicting from The Book of Psalms for Singing • Recorded in studio by New Song without being licensed or ordained. The censures? The court accordingly lifted the Presbytery instructed the church and the suspension of those judgments. However, with from Geneva College • Lyric booklet included • Free catalog by request candidate that until he sustain a licensure respect to the fourth issue, the court ruled that Psalms of Praise examination, he should not preach regularly. The the Session did err by proceeding to Crown & Covenant Publications Shipping & Handling: Presbytery also voted to allow Mr. Lindsay to fill excommunicate the defendant; and that censure 7408 Penn Avenue Orders up to $10, add $2; $10.01–$20, the pulpit at West Hopewell “under the was reversed. Pittsburgh, PA 15208-2531 add $3; $20.01–$30, add $4; $30.01– supervision of his internship supervisor, Presbytery amended its Bylaws to (412) 241-0436 $50, add $5; over $50, add 10% of submitting to him each week the outline and point restructure two of its committees. The Church your discounted total. of his sermon.” Presbytery voted to hold a called Vocations Committee is now named Candidates E-mail: [email protected] meeting within six weeks in order to examine Mr. and Credentials, and will handle all the www.psalms4u.com Lindsay for licensure, and to consider the call of examinations, the interns, and the men under care. (Paid Advertisement) 20 P&R News ² January-February 2000 that Presbytery consider bringing this church pastor of Wyndale Church. a sermon from Luke 23 entitled “What’s going As a substitute, the Executive Committee into Louisiana Presbytery, and that the MNA Three overtures came to the floor of on here?” The Moderator, Ruling Elder proposed that a commission to handle the letter Committee pursue all that is involved in this Presbytery in New Business. These overtures John Mardirosian, presided over the meeting. from Mrs. Chin and the call to Keith Graham be matter, and bring representatives of the were brought by St. Paul Presbyterian Church, The Rev. Chris Elhers was examined and appointed. It was moved and carried to divide congregation to the next Presbytery meeting. Jackson, Mississippi. All three overtures dealt transferred from Southwest Florida Presbytery the substitute. The first substitute was to appoint The Rev. Dana Casey reported that the Rev. with the nature of a woman’s involvement in the to become senior pastor of Covenant a commission to handle the letter from Mrs. Chin. Rupert Pickett, a minister in the Evangelical Lord’s Day corporate worship services of the Presbyterian Church, Cherry Hill, New Jersey. A substitute was moved to return the letter and Presbyterian Church, has been able to preach Church of Jesus Christ. The first two overtures The salary package totaled $80,000/year plus four tell the author that she has the right to complain part-time at First Presbyterian Church, Stamps, failed even after amendment. However, the third weeks vacation. The Presbytery recognized the to the session and that if she is unsatisfied with Arkansas. overture was approved unanimously after Honorable Retirement of Dr. George Fuller as the response of the session she has the right to The Presbytery approved the request of amendment. This overture resolves to replace Senior Pastor of Covenant Church of Cherry Hill. complain to the Presbytery. This lost 7 to 12. The the Rev. Michael Frazier to labor out of bounds the wording of BCO 53-6, which currently reads, Presbytery adopted the 2000 budget. This motion to appoint a commission to handle the while he seeks another call both to a particular “No person shall be invited to preach in any of budget represents a 12.9% increase in Ministry letter from Mrs. Chin was now on the floor. This church and as reserve chaplain. the churches under our care without the consent Expense and an 8.6% increase in the total budget. motion carried. The Rev. Dr. Robert Cameron It was noted that the Rev. Cleve Chandler is of the Session,” with the following, “Only The 1999 per member suggested giving was asked that his negative vote be recorded. currently working with the Community Bible qualified men with the consent of the Session $12.88 and for 2000 will be $14.00. This is an The next substitute now before the Church in Baton Rouge. He has indicated that shall be invited to preach/exhort in any of the increase of 8.6% and based on Presbytery Presbytery was the matter of appointing a Southeast Louisiana Presbytery will not receive churches under our care.” membership of 900 communicants. commission in the matter of a call to Keith Graham. him as long as he is involved in this work. He After setting the arrangements for the next The Presbytery took up the matter of an The main motion was lost by a vote of 4 yeas, 9 therefore requested that Louisiana Presbytery Presbytery meeting to be held at Reformed appeal from Beverly Chin from the decision of nays with 8 abstentions. allow him to withdraw without censure that he Theological Seminary on June 6, 2000, Dr. Ligon the Session of Mt. Carmel Church, Somerset, Presbytery approved the dissolution of the might pursue his current work with Community Duncan closed the meeting with prayer. New Jersey. Mr. Potoka reported for the pastoral relationship between Locktown Church Bible Church. The Presbytery voted to accept Guy Richard, Correspondent committee established at the September meeting and the Rev. Keith Graham as pastor. Per the Mr. Chandler’s request. to look into the matter, by reading its report. The church’s request, Mr. Graham was appointed as Presbytery approved an amended version recommendation of this committee is: “We Stated Supply and Moderator of the Locktown of an overture from John Knox Presbyterian New Jersey suggest that Presbytery appoint a committee to Session. Church, Ruston, Louisiana, which addresses The Presbytery of New Jersey of the determine what actions the session intended to Mike Schuelke reported for the Mission to Tennessee Valley Presbytery with regard to the Presbyterian Church in America met for its 91st implement and further whether those actions the World Committee. He presented Craig Cedar Springs matter [see related story on page stated meeting on Saturday, November 20, 1999 were accompanied by any appropriate DiBenedictis who reported on his visit to the 4—Ed.]. The Presbytery also approved an at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Cherry Hill, opportunity for Mrs. Chin to exercise any options Terranovas in Colombia. He presented a need amended overture from the Auburn Avenue New Jersey. Ruling Elder Bruce Gunther brought available to her in the Book of Church Order.” for $5,000 to help the local church develop Presbyterian Church, Monroe, Louisiana, pastors. George Smith led in prayer for the work regarding the future of Louisiana Presbytery in in Colombia and for the Terranovas. the PCA [see related story on page 9—Ed.]. Mr. Schuelke presented a further report on Presbytery arose as a Presbytery and was Bill Rose, Founding PCA Minister MTW. He asked that the churches provide a list seated as a Corporation in order to elect of the missionaries that each church is Corporation officers. Bill Rose, a founding minister of the Presbyterian Church in America and one of the first supporting. He will coordinate that information, ministers of Warrior Presbytery, passed away on Friday, February 11, 2000. He was 78. being compiled by Jack Dever, with MTW in Born William Henry Rose, Jr., in West Point, Mississippi, on May 29, 1921, the future minister Atlanta. Presbytery approved giving $500 for Mississippi Valley attended Kemper Military School, Davidson College, and the University of Mississippi, receiving Will Hallman to provide housing during his next his Bachelor of Science from the school of pharmacy at Ole Miss in 1947. For theological training, tenure in Africa. A stated meeting of the Presbytery of the he attended Mid-South Bible College and Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, Georgia, from Presbytery also approved a total of $11,400 Mississippi Valley (PCA) was held at Trinity which he graduated in 1960. Licensed by East Mississippi Presbytery in 1957, he was ordained by from the BRING account for the support of Shore Presbyterian Church, Jackson, Mississippi, North Alabama Presbytery in 1960. He served as pastor of Ward Memorial Chapel, Gadsden, Points Fellowship for 2000 in accordance with a February 15, 2000. TE Jim Landrum opened the Alabama, 1959-63; was on the pastoral staff of First Presbyterian Church, Gadsden, 1960-63; schedule submitted to the Treasurer. meeting with prayer at 9 AM. The Stated Clerk pastored the Durant (Miss.) Presbyterian Church, 1963-65; pastored Mt. Olive (Miss.) Presbyterian Gary Englestad reported that the prayer established that there was a quorum present. TE Church and Hopewell Presbyterian Church, Mt. Olive, Mississippi, 1965-67; was pastor of Oakland retreat was well attended and had cost Dean Rydbeck was elected Moderator and he Heights Presbyterian Church, Meridian, Mississippi, 1967-71; and pastored Woodland Heights Presbytery about $500. He proposed that another again opened in prayer. The adoption of the Presbyterian Church, Selma, Alabama, 1971-87. retreat be held May 19 & 20 at the same location docket was approved, visitors were introduced, It was while in Selma in 1973 that he joined the fledgling Warrior Presbytery, and helped lead (Marriott Residence Inn, Somers Point). The and the welcome was given from the host church. his congregation into the Continuing Presbyterian Church movement, which became the motion carried. Resolutions were adopted and read in Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). Pastor Rose achieved notoriety at the Convocation of Various concerns about the ministry of memory of Howard Allen who passed away. Dr. Sessions held in Atlanta in May 1973, prior to the formation of the denomination. He told the Mount Carmel Church were expressed. Derek Thomas lead us in worship preaching from delegates that he had written a book, and he held up two large pieces of cardboard taped together. Presbytery took time to pray that the love of 1 Peter 5:1-11. The entire meeting was seasoned On the outside of this “book” were the words, “All the Good Reasons for Staying in a Liberal Christ might be manifested in all parties through with prayer throughout. Denomination.” He then opened the “book” to reveal blank white cardboard—and he brought these difficult times. After various actions were Rev. Wes Baker was dismissed to work with the house down! proposed, Presbytery voted to continue the Presbyterian Evangelistic Fellowship in Peru. Like many of his fellow pastors in the Continuing Church movement, he was more amount of the Associate Pastor’s salary to Keith The call for Rev. Jeff Elliott to become “conservative” in his religion than “Reformed” in his theology, but he also was willing to learn Graham, beginning on January first until the Associate Minister of Pear Orchard Presbyterian what it meant to be Reformed. A deeper understanding of the doctrines of grace—truths such as February Presbytery meeting (deducting the Church in Ridgeland was approved. divine sovereignty and predestination—became wedded to his evangelistic zeal, which he never amount that Keith is making as Stated Supply at Rev. B. I. Anderson was approved as stated lost. He published his own evangelistic Locktown) if Mt. Carmel fails to pay him, subject supply for Union (Miss.) Presbyterian Church. tracts, which he would leave with to a letter from Presbytery stating that it appears Mr. Mike Philliber was approved as student waitresses as well as give to pastors for to Presbytery that Mt. Carmel has an obligation supply in Pickens, Mississippi for one more year. further distribution. to Keith for one year. Rev. Mark Kreitzer was approved as stated On the denominational scene, he Presbytery approved the development of a supply for Bailey Presbyterian Church. became a well-known figure at General provisional session for Village PCA, comprised The following men were approved as Assembly. His Southern drawl often was of Ruling Elders from 10th Presbyterian Church candidates: Scott Jones at RTS Orlando, and heard to say, “Mr. Moderator, I’m Pastor (PCA), Philadelphia, PA., who live within the Chad Bailey, Guy Richard, William Inman, and Bill Rose of Warrior Presbytery. I rise to geographic boundaries of the New Jersey Rohan Crown, all at RTS Jackson. call the question.” But besides moving Presbytery, and that this action be re-evaluated The following men were approved as for cloture, he also participated in some of at the February 2000 meeting of Presbytery. It is interns: Dennis Hermerding at First Presbyterian the key debates on the floor. In 1989, he noted that Presbytery was of the opinion at the Church in Madison, William Inman at Alta experienced perhaps his finest hour when last meeting that this was not permitted by General Woods Presbyterian Church, Chad Bailey at he led the floor fight which helped to Assembly. However, a call to the Office of the Belhaven College RUM, Guy Richard at First defeat, at least temporarily, the expansion Stated Clerk indicated it was possible. Presbyterian Church in Jackson. of the Administrative Committee—an Dr. David Jussely, RTS Jackson, was expansion which caused that body to approved for licensure based on his previous Bill Rose resemble an interlocking board rather than North Florida examination. Mr. David Bergmark was examined an ecclesiastical committee. The next year, and approved for licensure after preaching a he helped to put a muzzle on the Stated Clerk by supporting an amendment to the Rules of Northshore Presbyterian Church, sermon on Matthew 8:1-4. Rev. Mark Kreitzer Assembly Operation, specifying that the Clerk was not to speak on issues unless the Assembly Middleburg, Florida, hosted the Fifth Stated was examined for licensure and approved with specifically authorized him to do so. The last Assembly he attended was in 1996. Meeting of North Florida Presbytery. The Rev. the stipulation of not teaching/preaching in three After his 1987 retirement, he and his wife settled into Jackson, Tennessee, where they became Jonathan Jones, host pastor, led the opening areas in which he took exception: the Regulative active in Grace Presbyterian Church. As an honorably retired minister, he transferred his credentials worship. Ruling Elder Brad Bradford, a candidate Principle of worship in a cross-cultural situation, into Covenant Presbytery. Even in retirement, he sought opportunities to engage in evangelistic for licensure, preached from I Peter 5:10-11 on his continental view of the Sabbath, and his outreach and to do church planting in North Mississippi. the theme, “Called to be Restored.” views on the covenant (he denies the existence Besides his church work, Bill was also known as a ventriloquist. The Moderator, Ruling Elder William Xvara, of the Covenant of Works). Mr. Larry Wissel Bill Rose is survived by his wife, the former Miss Flora Adams, whom he married on March called the meeting to order. The Rev. Chuck was examined and approved for ordination as 15, 1961. He was buried in his native West Point, Mississippi. McArthur was elected as the new Moderator. The Administrative Committee P&R News ² January-February 2000 21

(Paid Advertisement) 22 P&R News ² January-February 2000 recommended that the Standing Rules be approved. Presbytery approved changes of call for two church planting among the poor and less suspended for the day in regard to the Credentials Mr. Bradford, who had preached a trial of its ministers. The Rev. Jeffrey Taylor, New opportune, and multi-cultured peoples living in Committee examination of ministers. The sermon at the beginning of Presbytery, was Hope PCA, Cumming, Georgia, was given a 6.5% the [North Georgia Presbytery] area, and to Committee proposed that “After the questioning examined and licensed to preach. He denied increase; and the Rev. Thomas Irby, Harvester provide strategic opportunities for better by the [Credentials Committee] in these four areas, being a theonomist or charismatic in the modern PCA, Douglasville, Georgia, was given an resourced churches to engage in these the minister can be examined for five minutes on sense of those terms. He noted his exception to increase in insurance premium only. communities of need.” the floor of Presbytery. . . . The time limit can be the Westminster Standards with regard to Presbytery voted to encourage Session “to Dr. Mitchell reported for the Bills and extended by a simple majority of Presbytery.” allowing recreation on the Sabbath. However, continue exploring avenues of cooperation and Overtures Committee. Presbytery adopted a Following discussion, the motion was withdrawn he affirmed the priority to keep the Sabbath day and referred to the Credentials Committee. holy. Approved unanimously, as a first reading, The Rev. Dr. Benson Cain, Chairman, was an amendment to the Standing Rules which presented the Shepherding Committee report. As would expand the membership of the Credentials a first reading, the following amendment was Committee from six to eight members, each with added to the Standing Rules: “The committee a four year term. will cultivate a confidential relationship with the The Year 2000 Askings from North Florida ruling and teaching elders of North Florida Presbytery’s churches was distributed. An Presbytery, seeking to establish a forum for the askings of $20 per communicant member was private discussion of issues facing teaching and requested, to propose a Year Budget 2000 of ruling elders.” The Clerk noted that “It was further $58,360. clarified before presbytery and understood that In light of this report, and the request by this confidentiality would not prohibit the Northshore Presbyterian Church for financial aid, Shepherding Committee in certain cases to report the Presbytery voted to invite Lewis Wilson and to Presbytery those issues the Committee An ice storm on January 23 wreaked havoc Archie Parrish as resources to talk and counsel believed necessary to promote the peace and throughout the heart of Dixie, causing with Northshore’s Pastor and Session. purity of the Church.” widespread cancellation of church services. Mr. Bob Bishop of the denominational The Bills and Overtures Committee Especially hard hit was the Atlanta area. Insurance, Annuities, and Relief explained the Chairman, the retiring Moderator, reported that ministry of IAR in the Life and Health insurance the B&O Committee had considered the overture mutual support with nearby sister PCA churches, version of “The Adopting Act,” originally fields. offered by the Rev. Bill Lyle with regard to i.e., combined special services/mission adopted by the Synod of Philadelphia in 1729; The Presbytery heard from the Rev. Andrew Presbyterian International News Service. The conferences, pulpit/choir exchanges, youth this resolution was brought by the Session of Lamb, a staff member of Mission to the World Committee offered amendments to this proposed activities, etc.” Westminster Presbyterian Church, Atlanta. An and a member of Southwest Florida Presbytery. overture, and also recommended approval of the Presbytery voted to change its Bylaws to overture from Cherokee Presbyterian Church, He reported that, thankfully, the debt on the PCA overture after a process of review by the extend the term of Moderator to one year Woodstock, with regard to amending the Book office building in Atlanta has been retired. Presbytery. Amendments and written comments beginning with the January Stated Meeting. The of Church Order in terms of dealing with However, there remains a $125,000 deficit due to were encouraged to be sent to the B&O Presbytery, by a requisite two-thirds majority, exceptions to the Standards, was not adopted. the financing of the 25th Anniversary Committee through the Stated Clerk. The B&O voted to suspend its Bylaws in order to deal with Celebration. Committee was empowered as an ad hoc the change immediately. Then, the Presbytery January Stated Meeting With respect to MTW, Mr. Lamb reviewed committee to make recommendations to voted to reconsider the previous action, and Smyrna (Ga.) Presbyterian Church hosted New Directions in MTW. He highlighted a Presbytery at the next stated meeting with regard recommitted this motion to the Administrative the stated meeting of North Georgia Presbytery Refocus on Reformed Theology, relational to this overture. Committee for perfection. on January 15, 2000. The Moderator, John White, changes with cooperative agreements, and Ruling Elder Richard Johns of Westminster The Presbytery amended its Bylaws with had asked his pastor, the Rev. Dr. Chuck Frost, growth in the number of career and short-term Presbyterian Church, Jacksonville, Florida, was regard to the responsibilities of the Shepherding pastor of Atlanta’s Westminster Presbyterian missionaries. He emphasized that “grace” was nominated as Moderator-in-nomination for the Committee. It is authorized officially to visit Church, to preach for the opening worship. the motivation in MTW and the desire to deal Sixth Stated Meeting, January 14, 2000. He was churches “only at the request of the Session or Presbytery received under care three men: interpersonally in a grace-based way. MTW has approved by acclamation. Teaching Elder.” Messrs. Ralph Kelly, Greg Tinkle, and Lance committed to be more Efficient, Encouraging, and The Stated Clerk reminded the presbyters In its report, the Shepherding Committee Lewis. Effective. to pick up the gift bags which the Northshore noted that the ministers’ “koininia” meetings “in Presbytery transferred three men: the Rev. Historically, team-based missionaries were Women in the Church had prepared and offered a few regions are going exceptionally well and Bernie Kuiper from Rocky Mountain Presbytery; the model for forming a church nucleus. to the presbyters’ wives. the ministers involved report they are deriving the Rev. Ron Coleman from Central Carolina However, a recent shift in missiological thinking many benefits. A couple of regions report spotty Presbytery; and the Rev. Kyle Brown from incorporates the “national first paradigm” which attendance while still others continue to Western Carolina Presbytery. Mr. Kuiper was seeks to facilitate the national church. Mr. Lamb North Georgia demonstrate little or no enthusiasm for getting approved to become Pastor of Little River Church, stated that he is concentrating on a third model together with other ministers for fellowship, a “Brethren” type of unaffiliated congregation which seeks to partner churches in the U. S. with October Stated Meeting prayer and mutual accountability.” outside of Canton, Georgia. (He reported that national churches and pastors on the field. This The Presbytery of North Georgia met for its The Committee also stated that “it appears the elders at this church, where he has been “partnering relationships” model seeks to Stated Fall Meeting on October 23, 1999, at some Presbytery churches are combining their serving for several months, had already installed interact, encourage, mentor, resource, and Carriage Lane Presbyterian Church, Peachtree minister’s salary, housing allowance, benefits and him.) Presbytery approved the call to Mr. Brown facilitate the national church and their pastors. City, Georgia. The Moderator, the Rev. Dr. George ministry expenses in a manner which may give a to be an assistant pastor, with a total package of It was later moved and carried that Mr. Lamb Mitchell, preached from John 19:16-24, “Jesus misleading impression to church members.” $74,539 (plus four weeks vacation); and the call be appointed as a consultant to the MTW Earned It For Us.” Dr. Mitchell administered the The Rev. Ted Lester reported on a meeting to Mr. Coleman to be assistant pastor at Parkview Committee with the rights of committee Lord’s Supper. to be held on November 5th, by Citizens for Church, Lilburn, Georgia, with a total package of discussion, but without vote. It was also moved The Moderator Designee, Ruling Elder Community Values against pornography. $70,102 (plus four weeks vacation). and seconded that Presbytery confer upon Mr. John White, was elected Moderator by The Rev. Bob Edmiston, Chairman of the Dr. Frank J. Smith, a member of Northeast Lamb the designation of Missionary in Residence acclamation. Christian Education Committee, recommended Presbytery, applied for transfer based on a call as with privileges of the floor, but without voting The Presbytery Stated Clerk, Mr. Dwight the approval of changes in the “Presbytery of stated supply at a non-PCA church. North privileges, pending approval of his presbytery. Allen, reported that First Presbyterian Church, North Georgia Theological Training Program for Georgia denied the transfer. This designation would be simply honorary, and Jackson, Mississippi, had granted the Presbytery Licensed Interns.” This was approved. Presbytery examined and approved for should not be considered a call nor intended in of North Georgia $50,000 over a three year period, Also approved was the document entitled, ordination Mr. Dong Soo Rhee, who accepted a any way to compete or conflict with his on the recommendation of Mission to North “Guidelines for North Georgia Scholarship call as a tent-maker in order to organize a Korean membership in Southwest Florida Presbytery. America, for a church plant in the Atlanta area Assistance.” language church. At the urging of the Rev. The intention by this “honorary designation” by Dr. Roy Taylor. The candidacy of Mr. James Weston (Wes) Dwight Linton, retired missionary to Korea, would be to encourage the churches and Stated Clerk Emeritus Bob Valentine Alford was transferred to Tennessee Valley Presbytery invoked the extraordinary clause, committees of the presbytery to utilize him as a expressed via letter his appreciation for the Presbytery. exempting Mr. Rhee from having studied the resource person while he is living in the continuing annuity provided by the Presbytery. Chairman Doug Griffith of the Mission to original Biblical languages. However, in taking geographical area. A substitute motion prevailed, Presbytery admitted to record the reports North Georgia Committee presented the this action, the court exhorted him to avail himself which referred the matter of this designation to of its commissions to install David Beckman as committee budget for 2000 and encouraged of the opportunities to acquire the languages as the Administrative Committee, the MTW Assistant Pastor at Cherokee Presbyterian greater giving to meet the budget. necessary tools for the ministry. (Mr. Rhee, who Committee, and the Stated Clerk. Church, Woodstock, Georgia; and to install Presbytery approved the passage of a is a fairly recent convert and immigrant, had After lunch, the Presbytery was Shayne Wheeler as Assistant Pastor at Ivy Creek resolution, “Toward a Consortium of PCA attended the local campus of the New Orleans reconvened with the singing of the praise song, Church, Lawrenceville, Georgia. Resources in Atlanta.” This consortium, which Baptist Theological Seminary, which does not “Praise the Name of Jesus.” The Presbytery The Rev. Weldon Williams was transferred includes the Presbytery’s Mission to North require knowledge of the Biblical languages for a divided into small groups as it was directed in a to Northern Illinois to pursue church planting Georgia Committee and Mission to the World theological degree.) time of adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and work there. Committee, the denominational Mission to the Presbytery approved the petition from supplication. Various members mentioned items Mr. Robert Clayton Coffee was transferred World Committee, Perimeter Ministries Redeemer Presbyterian Church, Athens, Georgia, for praise and prayer. as a candidate from Missouri Presbytery. International, and Presbyterian Evangelistic to become an organized church. The court also The Rev. John Findlay was transferred from Presbytery approved his internship at Perimeter Fellowship’s Synod of the City, is designed only granted limited powers of evangelist to Mr. Gulf Coast Presbytery, to become Associate Church PCA, Duluth, Georgia. as a way of developing resources among the Coleman, Mr. Rhee, and the Rev. Mike Glass, Pastor at Pinewood Presbyterian, Middleburg. Messrs. Daniel Wannall and William Robert groups, with no power or intention of directing who will attempt to organize a church in West He stated that he has no exceptions to the (Rob) Edwards were examined and licensed to the various ministries. The consortium’s specific Cobb County. Westminster Standards. His call, with a preach. purpose is that “of evangelism, discipleship, and compensation package of $70,000, was P&R News ² January-February 2000 23

Life; and with the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, in which the duties and requirements in the administration Philadelphia “4. That the Philadelphia Presbytery he desires to pursue ordination. Presbytery of the sacraments presented its written report encourage the distribution of the Philadelphia accordingly dismissed his internship, removed from the chair, TE Don Stone. The Committee Philadelphia Presbytery (PCA) met for a Presbytery’s Pro-Life Committee’s materials to him from the roll of candidates, and revoked his reported that its work had been successfully stated meeting on November 13, 1999, at Church all of the PCA’s presbyteries and particular licensure. completed, as evidenced by its letter of September of the Saviour, Wayne, Pennsylvania. The churches. Presbytery approved Mr, Webb’s proposal 30, 1999 and a response from Chaplain Nay Moderator, Ruling Elder Royce Seifert, called the Presbytery also received from the Committee for an internship to be completed by December asking “. . . that [Mr. Stone] convey my deepest meeting to order and presided. a paper on biblical fasting (distributed at the 2000, at Christ Covenant Mission under the gratitude to the Brothers on the committee for In his roll as Treasurer, Mr. Seifert presented meeting and available from the Committee). supervision of the Rev. Mark Herzer. their time, and for the Presbytery’s interest in this the financial report through October, 1999. Presbytery voted that part 1) of the Presbytery adopted a proposed overture matter.” On motion the Committee was dismissed Presbytery rejoiced in his announcement that complaint of RE David Lachman dated October to General Assembly to amend Book of Church with thanks. the long-standing debt of the Unrestricted Fund 9, 1999, be found out of order since it was never Order 57, submitted by the Session of Presbytery moved to consideration of the to the Putnam Fund had now been completely a proper complaint to the Session of Calvary Crossroads Presbyterian Church, Upper Darby, complaint against its action of May 8, 1999, in satisfied. Presbyterian Church, which decision both Pennsylvania. responding to the memorial of Dr. Lachman. On The Judicial Business Committee noted that Presbytery and Session had previously and Presbytery appointed a commission to motion Presbytery voted to docket one hour, it was continuing to work on an overture to properly made in a timely manner. The court also install TE Richard Phillips as an associate pastor 10:00 to 11:00 AM, at the January 8, 2000, stated General Assembly concerning making specific determined that with respect to part 2) of the of Tenth Presbyterian Church. meeting to consider this complaint on the floor. the forbidding of complaints against judicial above complaint, Presbytery reaffirm its original The Special Committee to Assist Chaplain process while a trial is in progress. decision that “there is no constitutional basis for Robert Nay, US Army, in his understanding of Presbytery examined and licensed two of complaint against the its candidates, Andrew Webb and Richard handling of a trial while in Zweig. Mr. Webb presented the following process” and that exception, which was ordered spread on the Presbytery deny this item minutes: “I do sincerely and wholeheartedly of the complaint. receive and adopt the Westminster Standards A motion from the as my own confession of faith with the following floor was made and exception. I believe that section 5 of chapter 21 of seconded to disburse the Westminster Confession of Faith, “Of $1,500 from Presbytery’s Religious Worship, and the Sabbath Day”, which undesignated funds for the currently reads in part,“The reading of the work of the General Scriptures with godly fear, the sound preaching Assembly’s Women in the and conscionable hearing of the Word, in Military Committee. obedience unto God, with understanding, faith, Discussion revealed that and reverence, singing of psalms with grace in the $1,000 previously the heart,’ should be amended to read, ‘The authorized by Presbytery reading of the Scriptures with godly fear, the had not yet been sound preaching and conscionable hearing of disbursed. Presbytery the Word in obedience unto God with voted to adopt the motion understanding, faith, and reverence, singing of regarding $1,500 as an psalms and hymns with grace in the heart.’ This addition to the original would bring that section of the Confession into commitment, making a total compliance with our Book of Church Order, of $2,500. chapter 51, sections 1-5, and chapter 48, section The Assistance and 7, our denominational practice and, I believe, the Membership Committee teaching of Scripture (see Ephesians 5:19, Col. asked guidance from 3:16).” Presbytery regarding how Presbytery extended the licensure of Mr. to proceed on an Gregg MacDougall for another four years. application for membership On motion Presbytery voted to require that by John Appleton, pastor any exceptions to the Standards be presented in of Grace Chapel, writing, whether for licensure or ordination exams. Roxborough (formerly a TE Tim Crowe introduced Pastor Mark pastor and congregation Stephens of South Africa, working with churches respectively of the in Capetown in reaching out to the inner city Reformed Episcopal through conflict resolution and principles of Church). On motion reconciliation. Mr. Stephens spoke of his work Presbytery voted to advise and his consultations with the Philadelphia the Committee to proceed Leadership Foundation toward similar concerns with Mr. Appleton as with in Philadelphia. Dr. D. Clair Davis gave an oral an unordained man, report on activities of the GA MTW Conunittee, directing him to move expressing his thanks for having had the through the Committees on opportunity to serve on the Committee for his Candidates and Internship, four-year term now coming to conclusion. Licensure, and Ordination, Ruling Elder Bill Devlin reported for the with the further counsel Presbytery’s Pro-Life Committee, speaking on that these committees be the work of the Urban Family Council and its requested to act as growing impact both in Philadelphia and New expeditiously as possible. York City. Dr. Peter Liliback then presented “A Teaching Elders Niel Bech, Call for a Day of Prayer & Fasting to the PCA Mark Herzer, and Erwin Presbyteries and Churches”; Presbytery Morrison requested their adopted the documents and these resolutions: negative votes be recorded. “1. That the Philadelphia Presbytery along [Mr. Bech is a former with our General Assembly reaffirm with a united administrative assistant to voice the sanctity of human life under the the president of the protection of the Sixth Commandment, and that Theological Seminary of the Philadelphia Presbytery encourage all of the the Reformed Episcopal PCA presbyteries and churches to do likewise, Church.—Ed.] “2. That the Philadelphia Presbytery Presbytery took encourage each presbytery and particular church under care as candidates to hold a ‘Day of Prayer and Fasting’ as they the following: Suler may deem appropriate on either the Wednesday Acosta, Bernard Aubert, or Thursday following January 23, 2000, the Daniel Bradley, Bradley Sunday set aside as a ‘Day of Prayer for Life’ in Copeland, David Goncau, the PCA, Flavien Pardigon, and “3. That every presbytery and every local David White. congregation in the PCA be urged by the It was reported that Philadelphia Presbytery to establish a sanctity Candidate Walter of life committee to help implement all of the Copeland has become recommendations of the Sixth General engaged in pastoral service Assembly’s adopted Report on the Sanctity of in Maine in connection

(Paid Advertisement) 24 P&R News ² January-February 2000 on Ministerial Relations (CMR) as to their failure of the erroneous views alleged, citing how the 10, 1999, in handling the withdrawal of Dr. Mark Potomac to submit a “without call” report for 1999. views are out of accord with the Constitution of D. Futato from the PCA. The Presbytery Presbytery approved the resignation of the the PCA, which shall then be submitted to the responded to the complaint by determining: McLean (Va.) Presbyterian Church hosted Rev. Stanley Long as Pastor of Forest Park Teaching Elder in question. “i) that the presbytery erred in failing to the 40th Stated Meeting of Potomac Presbytery Presbyterian Church, Baltimore, Maryland, “Within 20 days of adjournment Presbytery have and consult the current wording of BCO on November 13, 1999. The Rev. Stephen E. effective midnight January 23, 2000. shall meet and receive written answer and hear 38-3 (reflecting the amendment adopted in [1998]) Smallman, Sr., preached from II Timothy 2:1-10. Since there is only one ruling elder at Faith the oral defense of that answer by the Teaching in its handling of the charges pending against The Moderator, the Rev. Ronald E. Steel, presided Reformed Presbyterian Church, Frederick, Elder (or his representative) in question, if he is TE Futato and his withdrawal from the PCA; but over the meeting. Maryland, and in the absence of a pastor, willing, who shall have consulted further with “ii) that the action by presbytery with Presbytery approved the commission Presbytery appointed the CMR as a commission the Committee on Credentials ad interim, and who reference to TE Futato was nevertheless not reports to install Richard Burguet as Pastor of to handle any matter needing the action of a shall have the right to counsel from among the inconsistent with the current (amended) wording Loch Raven Presbyterian Church, Baltimore, church court at the congregation, until the members of Presbytery appointed on his behalf. of BCO 38-3; and therefore Maryland; and to install Will LaRose as Session is reconstituted. If after further examination and consideration “iii) that, in view of TE Futato’s renunciation Assistant Pastor of Grace Evangelical The Rev. Benton W. Taylor was examined Presbytery fails to sustain the examination, that of the jurisdiction of South Coast Presbytery and Presbyterian Church, Edgewater, Maryland. and received from Central Georgia Presbytery, to fact, along with the written statements herein the PCA and in view [of] the difficulty of The following officers for the year 2000 were become an Associate Pastor at Timonium (Md.) required, shall be entered in the minutes of prosecuting this particular case in absentia, the elected: Moderator, Ruling Elder George Presbyterian Church. The call was approved Presbytery, and shall be conveyed to the presbytery will not further adjudicate the charges Anderson; Vice-Moderator, James Hutchens; “with the requirement that the Session, with the Presbytery of which the Teaching Elder in that were pending against TE Futato when it Stated Clerk, Ruling Elder Richard R. Larson; concurrence of the congregation, would pursue question is a member. took the action complained against.” The Rev. Recording Clerk, Ruling Elder Gordon E. the call of one of the Associate Pastors as Senior “If the Teaching Elder (or his representative) James Dennison, a faculty member at Klotsch; Treasurer, Deacon James P. Sperger. Pastor by the February 2000 meeting” of the in question does not appear, the facts shall be Westminster Theological Seminary in California Presbytery approved the reception of the Presbytery. The Presbytery postponed recorded in the minutes, as well as the written (where Dr. Futato had taught), requested that his Rev. James Tonkowich from Northern California consideration of an overture from the Timonium statements of allegations, and there the matter negative vote be recorded. Presbytery. He had been referred back to the Church, proposing amending the Book of Church shall end.” Dr. Iain Duguid reported for the Commission Committee on Credentials because of questions Order so as explicitly to allow for multiple pastors. The Rev. Ron Steel reported on the work of dealing with the Mahoney complaint. The regarding his view of the Roman Catholic Church. Mr. Timothy H. Hudson was examined and the Committee on Presbytery Boundaries. The committee found the complaint out of order due The motion to sustain the exam was amended to approved for ordination as Associate Pastor of Presbytery received a resolution from Pilgrim to the failure to file said complaint within the include the words, “and to allow no further Severn Run Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Presbyterian Church, Martinsburg, West thirty day time limitation. examination.” Severn, Maryland. Virginia, requesting that the Presbytery “apply Dr. Dick Kaufmann reported on the progress The Rev. John Keen was received from Mr. Mark J. Rollman was examined and all due diligence in pursuing the division of the toward a new church plant in downtown San Central Florida Presbytery to become Assistant licensed to preach. Mr. Calvin Tam was taken Presbytery”; and also requesting that the Diego. The Rev. Gary Nannt of Border Pastor at Chapelgate Presbyterian Church, under care as a ministerial candidate. Presbytery Presbytery “concur with the desire of and to Evangelism and Mercy Ministry reported on Marriottsville, Maryland. approved the action of its Committee on lend assistance to particular congregations in its plans to develop ministry to Hispanics on both Presbytery approved the petition from Credentials acting as a commission which western region in the formation of a Shenandoah sides of the US/Mexican border at Tijuana and Harvest Fellowship for organization as a particular licensed Mr. Steven Lee. Valley Presbytery.” San Diego. church, scheduled for February 20, 2000. As a first reading, the Presbytery voted to The Presbytery agreed to nominate the Rev. The Presbytery approved the “needful amend its Bylaws by adding a new section, as Dennis Johnson for election as a trustee of work” reports of several ministers serving out of follows: “With respect to the examination of a South Coast Covenant College. bounds; and also directed several other ministers Teaching Elder seeking admission to Potomac Presbytery examined and approved for to submit their reports by February 2000. Upon Presbytery from another Presbytery of the PCA South Coast Presbytery (PCA) met for a licensure Mr. Matthew Bohling. He stated two the review as required by BCO 13-2 and 34-10, (BCO 13-6), upon CC [Committee on Credentials] stated meeting on September 18, 1999, at North exceptions to the Westminster Standards: (1) The the Presbytery found no culpable dereliction nor recommendation and after oral examination, Coast Presbyterian Church, Encinitas, California. Westminster Shorter Catechism Q/A 61 lists as a evident lack of acceptance to the church by the Presbytery shall vote either aye or nay The Rev. Dr. Dave Eby read and commented on violation of the fourth commandment “the Revs. Richard Fisher, William Rose and Michael concerning the question to sustain. Should Psalm 145:1-7, 18-20; and I Corinthians 15:58. He profaning the [Sabbath] day by idleness,” but Conord, and therefore continued them as Presbytery fail to sustain the examination, at that welcome the Presbytery on behalf of the host he believes that Scripture enjoins physical rest ministers “without call.” Three other ministers meeting of Presbytery representatives of the church, expressing thanks to God for providing as well as worship on the Lord’s Day; (2) The were directed to communicate with the Committee majority shall be appointed to prepare a statement the funding to enable the congregation to Westminster Confession of Faith 27:4 states that purchase and remodel its new facility in Poway. the sacraments may not be “dispensed by any, The license to preach of three men— but by a minister of the Word lawfully ordained”; Quotes from the Quorums Messrs. Doug L. Coyle, Gerard Marinucci, and he believes that while the ministry of the Word Brad Trenham—had expired. Presbytery and the administration of the sacraments should The following quotes were heard on the floor of the January 15, 2000, meeting of North removed them from the roll of Licentiates and be kept together, he also believes that in Georgia Presbytery: Candidates. exceptional cases—for instance, where Presbytery approved the transfer of the Rev. geographical distance consistently prevents the “My youth group leader in seventh grade never would have dreamed that I’d be standing here Fred Hofland to Eastern Carolina Presbytery, and presence of a minister—it would be appropriate one day. My parents are equally shocked.”—Ralph Kelly, being examined to become a ministerial the transfer of Mr. Bernie van Eyk’s candidacy for a doctrinally-sound ruling elder to administer candidate. and licensure to Central Georgia Presbytery. the sacraments. The Presbytery voted that his Presbytery divided to hear licensure first “exception” is not an exception to the “I have a youth ministry degree that is almost totally useless. . . . I’m not at ‘liberty’ to tell you which sermons from Candidates Matthew Bohling and Standards, and that his second exception is school I went to.”—Greg Tinkle, speaking of the Christian college in Virginia he attended. David Booth. indeed an exception to the Standards. Darlene Eby, regional teacher-trainer for Presbytery received Mr. Rich Schaeffer “I’m sure you’re wondering about the $64,000 question. . . . How is it that you grew up in West Great Commission Publications and the under care as a ministerial candidate. Philadelphia, got saved in a Pentecostal church, and are now standing here as a Presbyterian? . . denominational Committee on Christian . In the last millennium, we became members of Tenth [Presbyterian in Philadelphia].”—Lance Education and Publications, brought a report. Lewis. Melanie Cogdill, president of South Coast Southwest Florida Prosaic, brought her report. “I became a Christian at the age of six. However, after that, it didn’t take too long to grow up into The Rev. Andy Noch reported on his Summer Stated Meeting the child my mother didn’t want me to play with.”—Bernie Kuiper. ministry in Ethiopia, which focused on The Thirty Sixth Stated Meeting of developing a one-to-one discipling program, and Southwest Florida Presbytery was held on July Ted Lester: “Who are the proper subjects of baptism?” on the discipleship-training program in which he 10, 1999, at Faith Presbyterian Church, Sarasota, Dong Soo Rhee: “Children of believers, [too].” is now engaged in San Diego County, among a Florida. The Moderator, Ruling Elder Gordon Ted Lester: “We wanted to make sure you got past New Orleans Baptist Seminary!” variety of ethnic groups, with Church Dynamics Shaw, presided. International. Three committees were appointed to hear Ted Lester: “How much water should be used in baptism?” Licentiate Lloyd Kim preached a sermon three licensure sermons, by Messrs. Don Hulsey, Dong Soo Rhee: “It depends on number of hairs.” from Ruth 2:8-16 as part of his ordination exam. Jeff MacDonald, and Paul Joiner. They were He stated one exception to the Westminster later examined and licensed to preach within the Harvey Anderson: “What does Presbytery do?” Standards, viz., that he believes that some forms bounds of the Presbytery. Dong Soo Rhee: “In my case, ordination.” of recreation do not hinder rest and worship on Mr. Philip Chandler was received under care the Lord’s Day and therefore are permitted by as a candidate for the ministry. “I was embarrassed by the number of our churches that have not turned in their statistical reports. Scripture. His examination was approved. He Presbytery granted to Tampa Bay . . . In the old denomination, when a church didn’t turn in a statistical report, it was always assumed has been called by New Life Mission Church of Presbyterian Church the remaining amount of that it was because they were ashamed. . . . So, if you’re not ashamed, please turn in your statistical Anaheim Fullerton, a congregation of the Korean the Presbytery Intern Scholarship Fund ($2,000) report.”—Kennedy Smartt, Moderator of the 26th PCA General Assembly. West Presbytery, to serve as associate pastor. for the support of Candidate Michael Young. Dr. Rod Mays, national director of Reformed The Rev. Tim Rice of Trinity Presbyterian Heard on the floor of Western Carolina Presbytery, during a church polity exam: University Ministries, and the Rev. Russ Church, Lakeland, Florida, reported on the McCauley, RUM campus minister at the mission work. The court appointed a commission “What is an ‘associate member’?” “A Floridian.” University of California Santa Barbara, brought to organize the church the next day. a report on the PCA’s ministry to North American The Rev. John Clark, honorably retired, was [Do you have some “quotes from the quorum”? Please send them in! P&R News, 905 Dogwood colleges and universities. received from Philadelphia Presbytery; and the Park Drive, Lawrenceville, Georgia 30045-9335; 678-442-9863; email: [email protected].] Presbytery adjudicated a complaint brought Rev. Richard Franks, called to be Pastor of by Matthew Bohling against the actions of April Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, Lutz, Florida, P&R News ² January-February 2000 25 was received from Westminster Presbytery. Pennsylvania State University, asking that the Presbyteries. Church and the Rev. Steve Wilson, per their The Presbytery approved the minutes of court reconsider its decision in February 1999 Jeffrey Trimbath, who has joined an mutual request. Presbytery approved the call four sessions, with corrections. However, those which disallowed the Rev. Carl Derk from being Evangelical Free Church, was removed from the from Carlisle (Pa.) Reformed Presbyterian Church exceptions were not listed in the minutes. connected with that group. A separate letter roll of candidates. to the Rev. John Gallagher to be Associate [EDITORIAL NOTE: In 1984, the General from Mr. Derk apologized for the way he interfaced Because of a delay in the processing of loan Pastor; and the call from Covenant Christian Assembly took exception to the minutes of with the Presbytery and the Church Planting and applications (such as the Lamb Fund), the Academy to the Rev. Chris Perrin to be Palmetto Presbytery because “exceptions to Outreach Committee Chairman, and asked that a Presbytery authorized the Stated Clerk to sign Headmaster. session minutes were not set out on the record “new relationship” be considered. The and process loan application requests without Presbytery instructed one of its ministers (BCO 40-3; RAO 9-13-5b).”—Ed.] Presbytery responded by adopting a letter to delay providing that the candidate’s local session that “it is not appropriate for him to forbid his the student officers in State College, stating that and the Candidates, Interns and Examinations wife and children from attending the worship Called Meeting Mr. Derk’s resignation in February severed him Chairman have concurred. services of the Carlisle Reformed Presbyterian On August 8, 1999, Southwest Florida from his advisory capacity to the group. “The Church unless he is presenting charges against Presbytery met for a called meeting at Covenant presbytery accepted his resignation in February, November meeting the session of that church. If Christians either Presbyterian Church, Lakeland, Florida. The but we asked Carl to continue advising you Providence Presbyterian Church, York, individually or as a church court act in a grievous purpose of the meeting was to ordain Mr. Paul through the end of May 1999. We intended this Pennsylvania, hosted a stated meeting of manner which would break our fellowship, we Joiner as an evangelist. continuation to aid you in the transition from Susquehanna Valley Presbytery on November are responsible to confront them with their sin. If The Rev. Tim Rice preached during the Carl’s leadership to a provisional leadership. 20, 1999. The Rev. Michael Rogers preached they will not repent this should be brought to service of ordination, and the Rev. Steve Casselli However, in this new school year, we have asked from I Peter a sermon entitled, “Practical Holiness the attention of the appropriate church court. It posed the constitutional questions to Mr. Joiner. Carl to remove himself from any advisory or for Elders 101.” is not right to hold an offense against brothers. He was ordained with the laying on of hands, leadership capacity with RUM/PSU.” [Mr. Derk The treasurer’s report stated that there was We must either cover our brothers’ weaknesses while Ruling Elder Tim Strawbridge led in prayer. served for three years (1996-1999) as the $29,233.22 in the General Fund and $8,785.59 in and sins with love or else work through the The new ordinand pronounced the benediction. Northeast coordinator for RUM, and for two the Investment Fund as of this date. The procedures Christ has given us to bring them to years as campus minister for RUM at Penn State Moderator honored the outgoing treasurer, Mr. repentance.” The Presbytery instructed the man (1997-1999); he is now laboring “out of bounds” Willard Lutz, with a certificate of appreciation for “that he ought to worship almighty God in the Susquehanna Valley as a campus minister for the Coalition for Campus his many years of service to the Presbytery. The worship services of the Carlisle Reformed Outreach.—Ed.] The Presbytery also thanked court adopted a budget for the year 2000, of Presbyterian Church. This church is a member September meeting Mr. Derk for his past service to the students at $63,720. in good standing of our Presbytery. It is fully Susquehanna Valley Presbytery met for a Penn State through RUM, and expressed In light of the progress being made by the accountable to Christ and to our Presbytery. [The stated meeting at Hope Reformed Presbyterian gratitude to God for his letter of apology. The Rev. Drew Derreth, the Presbytery extended man’s wife] is a member of this church and desires Church, Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, on court stated: “We value Carl and are grateful for permission to him to function as the church to worship there. She believes that it is in her September 18, 1999. The Rev. John MacRae God’s grace in his life. We reaffirm our love for planter at Hanover Valley Presbyterian Mission, best interest, the best interest of their children, preached from Zephaniah 1-3. Carl and our desire to fellowship with him for the under the oversight of Valley Presbyterian and of [her husband’s] best interest, to worship It was reported that 20 to 25 people are glory of God and the advancement of the Church, until February 19, 2000. Presbytery in this congregation. The session of this church regularly worshipping in the mission work in Kingdom of Christ. We look forward to further appointed a commission to organize Christ is ready to welcome [him] and his family back Palmyra. Presbytery approved a commission conversation on these matters.” Community Church, Williamsport, Pennsylvania, into their fellowship and to seek to minister God’s report which gives Tom Becker approval to begin Mr. David Henry was examined and on December 5, 1999. grace to everyone in the . . . family. We believe the necessary work to establish a Reformed approved for licensure. He took one exception The Presbytery voted to prioritize the that it is inappropriate for any PCA teaching elder University Fellowship (RUF) in the Lancaster to the Westminster Standards, with respect to Lampeter/Strasburg area and Reading for to fail to worship in a PCA church for a long area (Franklin and Marshall University and/or the keeping of the Sabbath. research with regard to future church planting. duration. We believe that [this minister] needs Millersville University). He has been authorized Mr. John McCullough was taken under care The Clerk is to communicate with the appropriate to be in one.” [The minister had been assistant to raise his support, up to $66,500, with $55,150 as a ministerial candidate. Orthodox Presbyterian Church Presbytery of the pastor at Carlisle Reformed Presbyterian Church of that being compensation. Presbytery approved a cooperative desire to plant PCA churches in these areas. from 1997 to 1998, and has been without charge The Presbytery received a letter from agreement for Candidate David Thomas Presbytery dissolved the pastoral since then.—Ed.] Reformed University Fellowship students at The between Susquehanna Valley and Missouri relationship between Westminster Presbyterian The Moderator, the Rev. Bruce MacRae, ANNOUNCING THE 22ND BANNER OF TRUTH GRANTHAM MINISTERS’ CONFERENCE MAY 23-25, 2000 Speakers * Rev. Bart Elshout — Pastor of Heritage Reformed Congregation, Jordan, Ontario * Rev. Howard Griffith — Pastor of All Saints Reformed Presbyterian Church, Richmond, Virginia * Rev. Ian Hamilton — Pastor of Cambridge Presbyterian Church, Cambridge, England, and Trustee of the Banner of Truth Trust * Dr. Joseph Pipa — President of Greenville Theological Seminary, Greenville, South Carolina For brochure with schedule, costs, and registration information: Call (717) 249-5747 Fax (717) 249-0604 email: [email protected] Mail — Banner of Truth, P.O. Box 621, Carlisle, PA 17013 Visit our website at www.banneroftruth.co.uk 26 P&R News ² January-February 2000 introduced the subject of worship and trial, drew the conclusion that indicated that there would be further the members of a mission work discussion on this topic at the February in Wytheville, Virginia, and the 2000 stated meeting. Presbytery gave a Session of Trinity Presbyterian round of thanks to the Moderator “for the Church, Tazewell, Virginia, had excellent way in which he guided us acted prematurely and with through our work during 1999.” disregard for presbyterian polity. (The dispute had to do with the apparent inability of the members of the mission work Tennessee Valley to receive a transfer of their membership from the oversight The Winter Stated Meeting of of the Draper Valley Tennessee Valley Presbytery met at Christ Presbyterian Church, Draper, Presbyterian Church, Sweetwater, Virginia, to the Tazewell Tennessee, January 8, 2000. The church—see P&R News, Moderator, the Rev. Carter Johnson, December 1999, page 26.) presided. Presbytery voted to deny the The court approved the reports of complaint. A motion to its commissions to ordain David Stoddard reconsider action on the protest to serve with Mission to the World in was defeated. Berlin, Germany; to install the Rev. Jamie Presbytery voted to renew L. Sanders as Associate Pastor of the relationship as Student Evergreen Presbyterian Church, Supply of Mr. Ron Creech to Sevierville, Tennessee; and to ordain and the Sandlick Presbyterian install David Arthur as Assistant Pastor Church, Birchleaf, Virginia, for of Lookout Mountain (Tenn.) Presbyterian one year. Church. It was reported that the Presbytery reported a balance of Session of Meadow Creek $10,250.73 in its bank account as of January Presbyterian Church, 1st. Greeneville, Tennessee, has Candidate Phil Gagliardi preached withdrawn its endorsement of from I Samuel 30:1-6. He was later examined Mr. Michael Byers as a and approved for licensure. ministerial candidate. The Rev. Bob Haymes, chairman of Presbytery deferred action the Waltermyer Judicial Commission, regarding the matter until the gave its report. Mr. Waltermyer confessed his sin church. elected by acclamation as the new Moderator. January stated meeting, in order to garner further and asked the Presbytery for forgiveness. The Presbytery considered overtures from The Rev. Larry Ball, who had served as information. Presbytery adopted the following the session of Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church, Presbytery Stated Clerk since 1976, resigned from Mr. John Irwin, a recent graduate of Covenant recommendations of its commission: (1) that Mr. Reformed Presbyterian Church, and Wayside that post for health reasons. The Rev. Steve Theological Seminary, had been turned down for Waltermyer receive a definite suspension from Presbyterian Church with regard to the matter of Meyerhoff, who had served as Stated Clerk of ordination when he was examined at a called his office and duties related thereto for a period of women preaching. A protest from the Rev. Dr. Heartland Presbytery, was nominated to be Stated meeting on September 7, 1999. Presbytery voted one year beginning at this stated meeting and King Counts was admitted to record. [See lead Clerk; nominated from the floor was the Rev. Pat to examine him for licensure at this meeting, “with ending at the stated meeting in January 2001, at stories in this issue.—Ed.] Parham. Mr. Meyerhoff was elected, and special emphasis on those areas where Presbytery which time the suspension will be lifted unless Mr. David Swanson, a member of First immediately assumed the duties of office. and the Committee had objections or concerns.” the Presbytery determined then that the duration Presbyterian Church, Ft. Oglethorpe, Georgia, was Presbytery voted to transfer its files to the new After re-examination, the Presbytery voted that of definite suspension should be extended; (2) taken under care as a candidate. The licensure of Stated Clerk’s office and to donate Presbytery’s the licensure exam not be approved. Immediately that the commission should stay in operation as Mr. Bill Higgins was terminated, as he has been interest in the printer, copier, computer and furniture thereafter, Presbytery voted to approve the an oversight body and make a recommendation ordained to the gospel ministry in another to Bridwell Heights Presbyterian Church, licensure exam with areas of concern noted (the regarding the suspension at the January 2001 denomination. Kingsport, Tennessee, where Mr. Ball is pastor, in role of women in teaching men in Christian meeting; (3) that the Presbytery pay $800 for the Presbytery determined to vote at the Spring recognition of his tenure as Stated Clerk. The education classes, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the Waltermyers to receive eight months of over-the- Stated Meeting on whether to remove the Revs. Rev. Jeff Fulford was elected as Presbytery mode of baptism, Christian education of children, phone counseling through the Sonship program; Herb Broadwater, Jim Campbell, and Ernie Gross Treasurer. the role of the civil magistrate), “with the (4) that Mr. Waltermyer immediately seek secular from the rolls of the Presbytery. The Rev. Dr. Ben Konopa, Chairman of the understanding that he is not to teach on those employment; (5) that supporters of the mission Committee on Resolution of Conflict, reported. areas, and that TE Ross Lindley and TE Cortez work at which he was laboring be contacted and Presbytery voted to continue this committee. Cooper be appointed to meet with him to instruct informed by Mr. Waltermyer of his situation and Westminster The Presbytery voted not to receive a protest him in those areas.” Dr. Konopa requested that that they be encouraged to continue to support from the Rev. Bill Leuzinger and Ruling Elder Don his abstention be recorded; and the following the work in Morristown, Tennessee; and (6) that Westminster Presbytery met for its ninety- Kiser “because it is submitted in language that is requested their negative votes be recorded: the the Waltermyers find a local PCA church in which seventh meeting at Midway Presbyterian Church, intemperate.” The Rev. Carel van der Merwe, Rev. Jim Reedy, Mr. Conrad Friede, the Rev. Tom to worship. Jonesborough, Tennessee, on October 8, 1999. Chairman of the Committee on Overtures and Sullivan, the Rev. Raymond Colgrove, and Mr. Two members of the Morristown mission The Moderator, Ruling Elder Neil Smith, called Judicial Business, asked that his negative vote be van der Merwe. Presbytery then approved the reported their continued enthusiasm for planting the meeting to order. The Rev. Brent Bradley recorded on this action. call to Mr. Irwin as Student Supply for one year at a PCA church in their community. Three ruling preached on “lawful oaths and vows.” Host Both this protest and a complaint by Mr. van the Arcadia Presbyterian Church, Kingsport, elders from three different congregations were pastor Ross Lindley administered the sacrament der Merwe had to do with action by Presbytery at Tennessee, in the total amount of $32,704. appointed as a borrowed session for this mission of the Lord’s Supper. The Rev. Steve Baker was the July stated meeting, in which the court, without

ARIZONA CONNECTICUT WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH UPPORTERS DESERT SPRINGS PRESBYTERIAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF COVENTRY 3722 Belfort Road/Jacksonville S CHURCH 55 Trowbridge Road/Coventry S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 10:45 AM/6:00 PM ALABAMA 1555 W. 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Britt Road/Stuart S.S 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM (205)883-7298 940 East Valley Parkway, Suite G/Escondido S.S., 9:30AM; (706)866-2521 WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH S.S., 11:00 AM; Worship, 9:00 AM/5:00 PM Worship, 11:00AM/6:00PM SOUTH LIBERTY PRESBYTERIAN 1400 Evangel Drive/Huntsville (760)480-4373 (561) 692-1995 CHURCH S.S., 11:10 AM; Worship, 9:30 AM/6:00 PM NEW LIFE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SHARON ORTHODOX PRESBYTERIAN Sharon Barnett Road/Sharon (205)830-5754 500 Manhattan Beach Blvd./ CHURCH † S.S., 10:00 AM; TALUCAH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Manhattan Beach 17680 NW 78 Avenue/Hialeah Worship, 11:00 AM (1st/5th Sun.) 2374 Talucah Road/Valhermoso Springs S.S., 9:30 AM/Worship, 10:30 AM S.S. 11:20; Worship 10:00 AM/5:00 PM (706)456-2377 S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 10:45 AM (310)372-8455 (305) 821-5761 CHEROKEE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (205)778-8288 5549 Hwy. 92E/Woodstock S.S., 9:35 AM; Worship, 8:00/10:45 AM (770)928-2051 P&R News ² January-February 2000 27 ILLINOIS FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ROCKY SPRINGS PRESBYTERIAN PROVIDENCE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 209 Union Street/Schenectady CHURCH 3510 Austin Parkway/Sugar Land 624 N. 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(618)529-1616 (518)374-4546 Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM (281)980-2522 LOUISIANA AFFIRMATION PRESBYTERIAN (724)735-2743 VIRGINIA AUBURN AVENUE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SOUTH HILLS REFORMED NEW HOPE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CHURCH Routes 100 and 139/Somers PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Fairfax Fire Station #3 (Williams Memorial 224 Auburn Avenue/Monroe S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM 110 Hays Road/Upper St. Clair/Pittsburgh Hall), S.S., 9:15 AM (914)232-0546 S.S., 9:15 AM; Worship, 10:30 AM; 4081 University Blvd./Fairfax Worship, 10:30 AM/6:00 PM NORTH CAROLINA Wednesday, 7:30 PM S.S., 11:15 AM (318)323-3061 DILLINGHAM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (412)941-3480 Worship, 9:30 AM/5:30 PM BETHEL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 16 Stoney Fork Road/Barnardsville HILLCREST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (703)385-9056 2040 East McNeese Street/Lake Charles S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM Route 19, three miles south of Leesburg/ CALVARY REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN S.S., 9:30AM; Worship, 8:15AM/10:45PM (828)626-3668 Volant CHURCH (318) 478-5672 COUNTRYSIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship 10:55 AM/6:30 PM 403 Whealton Road/Hampton WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 127 Ponderosa Road/Cameron (724)533-4315 S.S., 11:15 AM; Worship, 9:30 AM/6:30 PM 146 E. 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Prayer Meeting, 7:00PM MINNESOTA Wednesday, 7:00 PM 1403 Beech Street/Gaffney (757) 440-1100 GOOD SHEPHERD PRESBYTERIAN (828)456-3912 S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CHURCH SHEARER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (864)489-2014 108 Hill Street/Tazewell 8716 62nd Avenue, N./Brooklyn Center 684 Presbyterian Road/Mooresville CALVARY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00/7:00 PM (Minneapolis) S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/5:00 PM 9201 Old White Horse Road/Greenville (540)988-9541 S.S., 9:45 AM/Worship, 8:30/11:00 AM; Wednesday, 7:00 PM S.S. 10:00 AM; Worship 11:00 AM/6:00 PM WASHINGTON Bible Study, 6:30 PM (704)892-8866 Wednesday Prayer Meeting 7:00 PM WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN (612)533-2133 NEW COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN (864)294-0895 CHURCH MISSISSIPPI CHURCH SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 2700 Andresen Road/Vancouver FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 10301 Old Creedmoor Road/Raleigh 105 River Street/Greenville Worship, 10:00 AM East Beach Blvd. at 24th Ave./Gulfport S.S., 11:00AM; Worship, 9:30AM/6:00PM S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM Sunday Bible Study, 6:30 PM S.S., 9:30 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM (919) 844-0551 Wednesday, 5:45 PM (360)254-1726 Wed., Family Dinner (6:00)/Bible Study (6:30) TRINITY REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN (864)232-7621 WEST VIRGINIA (228)863-2664 CHURCH FELLOWSHIP PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH PROVIDENCE REFORMED ST. PAUL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 3701 South College Road/Wilmington 1105 Old Spartanburg Road/Greer PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 5125 Robinson Road/Jackson Worship 10:30 AM S.S., 11:15 AM; Worship, 9:45 AM/6:00 PM 5865 Davis Creek Road/Barboursville S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 10:55 AM/6:00 PM (910)395-1252 (864)877-3267 S.S. 11:30; Worship 10:00 AM/6:00 PM (601)372-7497 NOVA SCOTIA TENNESSEE (304)736-0487 COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BEDFORD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH MIDWAY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH PILGRIM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 625 N. Church Ave./Louisville 49 Nelson’s Landing Blvd./Bedford 4011 Old Jonesborough Road/Jonesborough 601 Albert Street/Martinsburg Worship 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM S.S., 11:30 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/7:00 PM S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship 11:00 AM/7:00 PM S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM 2nd Sunday, Fellowship Meal, 12:15 PM, (902)864-1587 (423) 753-941 (304) 263-5362 Evening Studies at 1:00 PM. OHIO BRIDWELL HEIGHTS PRESBYTERIAN WISCONSIN Wed Supper 6:00 PM; Prayer Mtg, 6:30 PM FAITH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CHURCH REFORMATION PRESBYTERIAN (601)773-5282 2540 S. Main Street/Akron 108 Bridwell Heights Drive/Kingsport CHURCH† PEARL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH S.S., 9:30 AM S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM Lake Country SDA Church, 142 Lake St./ 2933 Old Brandon Road/Pearl Worship, 10:45 AM/6:00 PM (423)288-3664 Pewaukee S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM Wednesday, 7:00 PM FELLOWSHIP PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Bible Study, 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM (601)939-1064 (330)644-9654 Highway 25/70/Newport Wednesday Prayer Service, 7:00 PM TCHULA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CHRIST COVENANT REFORMED (PCA) S.S., 9:30 AM/Worship, 11:00 AM/7:00 PM (414)781-2171 109 E. Main Street/Tchula 14787 Palmer Road SW/Reynoldsburg Wednesday Prayer Meeting, 6:00 PM LAKESIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/5:00 PM Worship, 10:00 AM (423) 623-8652 Lydell School, 5205 N. Lydell Avenue/ Wednesday Prayer Meeting, 7:30 PM Thurs. Bible Study, 7:00 PM WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN Whitefish Bay (601)924-7334 (614)236-5433 CHURCH S.S., 10:45 AM: Worship, 9:30 AM SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OKLAHOMA 900 Watauga Street/Kingsport (414)962-6646 1926 Grand Avenue at 20th/Yazoo City BEAL HEIGHTS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH S.S., 10:00 AM S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/5:00 PM 614 SW Park/Lawton Worship, 11:00 AM/7:00 PM RON HAYNES Wednesday, 7:30 PM Worship, 10:45 AM and 6:00 PM (423)247-7341 Disaster Response and Mercy Ministries (601)746-8852 (580)355-4702 TEXAS Presbyterian Evangelistic Fellowship NEW JERSEY PENNSYLVANIA COLLEYVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1003 Hollyleaf Court LOCKTOWN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH NEW LIFE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF 715 Cheek Sparger Road/Colleyville Ballwin, Missouri 63021 197 Locktown-Flemington Road/Flemington HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM (314)227-2612 S.S., 10:30 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM 2795 Patterson Drive/Aliquippa (817)498-2626 (908)996-7707 S.S., 9:30AM; Worship, 11:00AM COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH GRIEVING WITH HOPE MOUNT CARMEL CHURCH (724) 378-4389 2701 N. 7th Street/Harlingen The Rev. James Alexander 350 Franklin Blvd./Somerset LEHIGH VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN S.S., 9:30 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM PO Box 7100 S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM CHURCH Midweek service, 7:00 PM Wednesday Florence, SC 29502-7100 (732)846-8777 31 S. 13th Street/Allentown (956)425-3136 (843)664-9759 NEW YORK S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship. 11:00 AM/6:00 PM COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Web: pages.prodigy.net/grievingwithhope REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (610)797-8320 SDA Church, 1209 S. John Redditt Rd./ Email: [email protected] Route 7/Duanesburg COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Lufkin S.S., 9:30 AM; Worship, 10:30 AM/7:30 PM 515 West County Line Road/Hatboro S.S., 9:30 AM; Worship, 10:45 AM/5:30 PM We are pleased to have congregations and (518)895-2448 S.S., 9:45 AM (Sum., 9:00); Worship, 11:00 (409)637-6043 organizations join us as co-sponsors of this WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AM (Sum., 10:00) CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH venture. If you would like to become a 35 Station Road/Rock Tavern (215)675-9688 1620 E. Common Street/New Braunfels sponsor, just let us know: PINS Financial S.S., 11:45 AM; Worship, 10:00 AM CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH S.S., 9:30 AM; Worship, 10:45 AM Office, c/o Mr. Robert Wildrick, 3685 (914)496-7971 Blacktown & Georgetown Rds/Beaver Falls (830)629-0405 Creekstone Place, Norcross, GA 30092. S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM Checks should be made out to Presbyterian Wednesday, Prayer and Bible Study, 7:00 PM International News Service. (724)843-1423 † Indicates a non-PCA church. 28 P&R News ² January-February 2000 P&R News ² January-February 2000 29 30 P&R News ² January-February 2000

146 E. Cherry Street/Opelousas SHEARER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SDA Church, 1209 S. John Redditt Rd./Lufkin SUPPORTERS S.S., 9:30 AM; Worship, 10:45 AM 684 Presbyterian Road/Mooresville S.S., 9:30 AM; Worship, 10:45 AM/5:30 PM MARYLAND S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/5:00 PM CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Wednesday, 7:00 PM 1620 E. Common Street/New Braunfels ALABAMA S.S., 9:30 AM; Worship, 10:45 AM BRENT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Elkton High School NOVA SCOTIA US Hwy. 82, North Side/Brent S.S., 11:15 AM; Worship, 9:15 AM BEDFORD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH PROVIDENCE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM MINNESOTA 49 Nelson's Landing Blvd./Bedford 3510 Austin Parkway/Sugar Land EBENEZER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH GOOD SHEPHERD PRESBYTERIAN S.S., 11:30 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/7:00 PM S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM and 6:00 2478 Hobbs Island Road/Huntsville CHURCH OHIO PM (except 1st Sun.) S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM 8716 62nd Avenue, N./Brooklyn Center FAITH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH VIRGINIA Bible Study, Wednesday, 7:00 PM NEW HOPE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (Minneapolis) 2540 S. Main Street/Akron Fairfax Fire Station #3 (Williams Memorial Hall), Fellowship Supper, 2nd Wednesday, 6:30 PM S.S., 11:00 AM; Worship, 9:45 AM; Bible S.S., 9:30 AM; Worship, 10:45 AM/6:00 PM 4081 University Blvd./Fairfax WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Study, 6:30 PM Wednesday, 7:00 PM S.S., 11:15 AM; Worship, 9:30 AM/5:30 PM 1400 Evangel Drive/Huntsville MISSISSIPPI CHRIST COVENANT REFORMED (PCA) CALVARY REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN S.S., 11:10 AM; Worship, 9:30 AM/6:00 PM FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 14787 Palmer Road SW/Reynoldsburg CHURCH TALUCAH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 403 Whealton Road/Hampton East Beach Blvd. at 24th Ave./Gulfport Worship, 10:00 AM; S.S., 11:15 AM; Worship, 9:30 AM/6:30 PM 2374 Talucah Road/Valhermoso Springs S.S., 9:30 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM Thurs. Bible Study, 7:00 PM KNOX REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 10:45 AM Wed., Family Dinner (6:00)/Bible Study (6:30) OKLAHOMA CHURCH ARIZONA ST. PAUL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BEAL HEIGHTS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Bennett’s Chapel, 8520 Lee Davis Road/ DESERT SPRINGS PRESBYTERIAN 5125 Robinson Road/Jackson 614 SW Park/Lawton Mechanicsville CHURCH S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 10:55 AM/6:00 PM Worship, 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM; Wednesday, Fellowship, 9:00 AM; S.S., 9:30 AM; Worship, 1555 W. Overton Road/Tucson COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 7:00 PM 10:45 AM S.S., 9:20 AM; Worship, 10:30 AM 625 N. Church Ave./Louisville PENNSYLVANIA Sunday Evening, 6:00 PM CALIFORNIA Worship 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM. LEHIGH VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 2nd Sunday, Fellowship Meal, 12:15 PM, 31 S. 13th Street/Allentown 108 Hill Street/Tazewell 940 East Valley Parkway, Suite G/Escondido Evening Studies at 1:00 PM. S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship. 11:00 AM/6:00 PM S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00/7:00 PM S.S., 11:00 AM; Worship, 9:00 AM/5:00 PM Wed Supper 6:00 PM; Prayer Mtg, 6:30 PM CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH WASHINGTON NEW LIFE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH PEARL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Blacktown and Georgetown Roads 500 Manhattan Beach Blvd./Manhattan Beach WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 2933 Old Brandon Road/Pearl Beaver Falls S.S., 9:30 AM/Worship, 10:30 AM S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM 2700 Andresen Road/Vancouver S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM COLORADO TCHULA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Worship, 10:00 AM; CHRIST’S CHURCH † Wednesday, Prayer and Bible Study, 7:00 PM 109 E. Main Street/Tchula Sunday Bible Study, 6:30 PM 27710 Hwy. 74/Evergreen ROCKY SPRINGS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/5:00 PM WEST VIRGINIA S.S., 10:15 AM; Worship, 9:00 AM 123 Rocky Springs Road/Harrisville Wednesday Prayer Meeting, 7:30 PM PILGRIM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CONNECTICUT S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 601 Albert Street/Martinsburg PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF COVENTRY COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1926 Grand Avenue at 20th/Yazoo City S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM 55 Trowbridge Road/Coventry 515 West County Line Road/Hatboro S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/5:00 PM WISCONSIN S.S., 10:45 AM; Worship, 9:30 AM/6:30 PM S.S., 9:45 AM (Sum., 9:00); Worship, 11:00 AM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF Wednesday, 7:30 PM REFORMATION PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (Sum., 10:00) MANCHESTER NEW JERSEY † 43 Spruce Street/Manchester LOCKTOWN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SOUTH HILLS REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN Lake Country SDA Church, 142 Lake St./ S.S., 9:15 AM; Worship, 10:30 AM 197 Locktown-Flemington Road/Flemington CHURCH Pewaukee FLORIDA S.S., 10:30 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM 110 Hays Road/Upper St. Clair/Pittsburgh Bible Study, 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM JUPITER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH † MOUNT CARMEL CHURCH S.S., 9:15 AM; Worship, 10:30 AM; Wednesday Prayer Service, 7:00 PM 110 Park Street/Jupiter 350 Franklin Blvd./Somerset Wednesday, 7:30 PM LAKESIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH S.S., 9:45 AM: Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM HILLCREST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Lydell School, 5205 N. Lydell Avenue/ WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH NEW YORK Route 19, three miles south of Leesburg/Volant Whitefish Bay 3722 Belfort Road/Jacksonville REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship 10:55 AM/6:30 PM S.S., 10:45 AM: Worship, 9:30 AM S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 10:45 AM/6:00 PM Route 7/Duanesburg SOUTH CAROLINA CYPRESS RIDGE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH S.S., 9:30 AM; Worship, 10:30 AM/7:30 PM BEECH STREET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH RON HAYNES 3085 Cypress Gardens Road/Winter Haven WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1403 Beech Street/Gaffney Disaster Response and Mercy Ministries S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM S.S., 9:00 AM; Worship, 10:30 AM 35 Station Road/Rock Tavern Presbyterian Evangelistic Fellowship FELLOWSHIP PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH GEORGIA S.S., 11:45 AM; Worship, 10:00 AM 1003 Hollyleaf Court 1105 Old Spartanburg Road/Greer Ballwin, Missouri 63021 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH S.S., 11:15 AM; Worship, 9:45 AM/6:00 PM (314)227-2612 One Harker Road/Ft. Oglethorpe 209 Union Street/Schenectady GRACE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH S.S 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM S.S., 9:30 AM; Worship, 8:15 and 11:00 AM 1955 Riverside Drive/Conway GRIEVING WITH HOPE SOUTH LIBERTY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH and 6:00 PM S.S., 9:30 AM/Worship, 10:45 AM The Rev. James Alexander Sharon Barnett Road/Sharon AFFIRMATION PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH PO Box 7100 Florence, SC 29502-7100 S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM (1st/5th Routes 100 and 139/Somers 105 River Street/Greenville (843)664-9759 Sun.) S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH NORTH CAROLINA Wednesday, 5:45 PM We are pleased to have congregations 205 Rome Blvd./Summerville DILLINGHAM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH TENNESSEE and organizations join us as co- S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM 16 Stoney Fork Road/Barnardsville BRIDWELL HEIGHTS PRESBYTERIAN sponsors of this venture. If you would CHEROKEE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM CHURCH 5549 Hwy. 92E/Woodstock COUNTRYSIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 108 Bridwell Heights Drive/Kingsport like to become a sponsor, just let us S.S., 9:35 AM; Worship, 8:00/10:45 AM 127 Ponderosa Road/Cameron S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM know: PINS Financial Office, c/o Mr. WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ILLINOIS S.S., 9:30 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM Robert Wildrick, 3685 Creekstone 900 Watauga Street/Kingsport EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH WHITESIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Place, Norcross, GA 30092. Checks 624 N. Oakland Street/Carbondale Highway 74/Cashiers S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/7:00 PM should be made out to Presbyterian S.S., 11:15 AM; Worship, 9:30 AM S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM TEXAS LOUISIANA Wednesday, 7:00 PM Prayer Meeting COLLEYVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH International News Service. AUBURN AVENUE PRESBYTERIAN WHITE OAK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 715 Cheek Sparger Road/Colleyville † Indicates a non-PCA church. CHURCH 699 Polly Watson Road/Fremont S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM 224 Auburn Avenue/Monroe S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 2701 N. 7th Street/Harlingen S.S., 9:15 AM; Worship, 10:30 AM/6:00 PM HAZELWOOD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH S.S., 9:30 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 117 E. Main Street/Hazelwood Midweek service, 7:00 PM Wednesday S.S., 9:30 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:15 PM COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Wednesday, 7:00 PM P&R News ² January-February 2000 31 32 P&R News ² January-February 2000 Bill Rose, Founding PCA Minister Bill Rose, a founding minister of the Presbyterian Church in America and one of the first ministers of Warrior Presbytery, passed away on Friday, February 11, 2000. He was 78. Born William Henry Rose, Jr., in West Point, Mississippi, on May 29, 1921, the future minister attended Kemper Military School, Davidson College, and the University of Mississippi, receiving his Bachelor of Science from Ole Miss in 1947. For theological training, he attended Mid-South Bible College and Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, Georgia, from which he graduated in 1960. Licensed by East Mississippi Presbytery in 1957, he was ordained by North Alabama Presbytery in 1960. He served as pastor of Ward Memorial Chapel, Gadsden, Alabama, 1959-63; was on the pastoral staff of First Presbyterian Church, Gadsden, 1960-63; pastored the Durant (Miss.) Presbyterian Church, 1963-65; pastored Mt. Olive (Miss.) Presbyterian Church and Hopewell Presbyterian Church, Mt. Olive, Mississippi, 1965-67; was pastor of Oakland Heights Presbyterian Church, Meridian, Mississippi, 1967-71; and pastored Woodland Heights Presbyterian Church, Selma, Alabama, 1971-87. It was while in Selma in 1973 that he joined the fledgling Warrior Presbytery, and helped lead his congregation into the Continuing Presbyterian Church movement, which became the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). Pastor Rose achieved notoriety at the Convocation of Sessions held in Atlanta in May 1973, prior to the formation of the denomination. He told the delegates that he had written a book, and he held up two large pieces of cardboard taped together. On the outside of this “book” were the words, “All the Good Reasons for Staying in a Liberal Denomination.” He then opened the “book” to reveal blank white cardboard—and he brought the house down! Like many of his fellow pastors in the Continuing Church movement, he was more “conservative” in his religion than “Reformed” in his theology, but he also was willing to learn what it meant to be Reformed. A deeper understanding of the doctrines of grace—truths such as divine sovereignty and predestination— became wedded to his evangelistic zeal, which he never lost. He published his own evangelistic tracts, which he would leave with waitresses as well as give to pastors for further distribution. On the denominational scene, he became a well-known figure at General Assembly. His Southern drawl often was heard to say, “Mr. Moderator, I’m Pastor Bill Rose of Warrior Presbytery. I rise to call the question.” But besides moving for cloture, he also participated in some of the key debates on the floor. In 1989, he experienced perhaps his finest hour when he led the floor fight which helped to defeat, at least temporarily, the expansion of the Administrative Committee—an expansion which caused that body to resemble an interlocking board rather than an ecclesiastical committee. The next year, he helped to put a muzzle on the Stated Clerk by supporting an amendment to the Rules of Assembly Operation, specifying that the Clerk was not to speak on issues unless the Assembly specifically authorized him to do so. The last Assembly he attended was in 1996. After his 1987 retirement, he and his wife settled into Jackson, Tennessee, where they became active in Grace Presbyterian Church. As an honorably retired minister, he transferred his credentials into Covenant Presbytery. Even in retirement, he sought opportunities to engage in evangelistic outreach and to do church planting in North Mississippi. Bill Rose is survived by his wife, the former Miss Flora Adams, whom he married on March 15, 1961. He was buried in his native West Point, Mississippi.