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Volume 8 Number 2 Published by Presbyterian International News Service, Inc., Coeburn, Virginia April - June 2002 30th General Assembly to Meet in Birmingham Briarwood Presbyterian Will Host GA for Third Time

The 30th General Assembly of the Presbyterian debate, including theological subscription, the The Assembly itself will begin on the evening Church in America (PCA) is slated to convene in proper role of denominational management of the 18th, with an opening communion service. Birmingham, Alabama, June 18-21, 2002. This will personnel, and whether individuals have the right to Bringing the message will be the retiring moderator, be the third time that the PCA Assembly has met in inspect the records of denominational agencies. Mr. Steve Fox of Montgomery, Alabama. A ruling Alabama’s largest city. Other controversial issues include whether to elder at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Alabama’s Host church for this year’s gathering will be replace the Standing Judicial Commission, and capital city, Mr. Fox is a printer by trade. His Briarwood Presbyterian Church, whose large overtures on racial reconciliation. announced message, based on Jeremiah 1:4-19, is facilities will house the Assembly itself as well as On Monday, June 17th, various committees of entitled, “The PCA . . . A Fortified City,” numerous meetings of committees connected with commissioners, as well as the Committee on Review After the communion service, a new moderator the annual meeting. This will be mark the third time of Presbytery Records, will begin their work. On will be elected. By custom, the PCA alternates that the PCA’s second largest congregation will have Tuesday, the 18th, the remaining committees of between electing ruling elders and teaching elders hosted the General Assembly. The other two commissioners will undertake their tasks. as moderator, and this is the year for a minister to occasions were 1973, when the First PCA Committees of commissioners, comprised of be selected. Assembly met, and 1991, when the 19th Assembly representatives from the presbyteries, bring most In past years, up to 1400 or more was in town. of the motions that will be voted on to the floor of commissioners have attended the General This year’s Assembly promises to be lively. On the Assembly. Assembly. With the meeting being held in the heart the agenda for the highest PCA of Dixie, where most PCA churches judicatory are issues are located, a heavy turnout guaranteed to is expected. spark

The skyline of Birmingham

The Riverchase Galleria The Art Museum 2 P&R News ² April - June 2002 Overview of the Overtures Most of the items of business which parliamentary procedure, the Committee can records of controlled corporations, then the New River, and Potomac Presbyteries have will generate the most discussion come in accept any of these overtures either en toto General Assembly will have lost effective overtured the Assembly to allow for a diversity the form of overtures from the presbyteries or in an amended form. Or, the Committee control of them. The overture petitions that of views on the matter and to dismiss the Women of the denomination. This year, at least 34 could recommend that any or all of these a sunshine policy would apply not only to in Military Committee with thanks. Northern overtures and three communications have proposals be voted down. Or, the the Foundation but to all the committees California Presbytery has also sent a been sent to the General Assembly. Committee could recommend that the matter and agencies of the church [see story on communication to the same effect. On the other However, in reality, many more overtures be studied, perhaps by a special committee page 4—Ed.] hand, Mississippi Valley Presbytery has sent its have been received, as several of the appointed by the General Assembly. own communication, expressing an affirmation overtures dealing with theological of the Committee’s work, particularly the view subscription and the assumption of original that women abstaining from combat is a Christian jurisdiction over a minister have been duty. adopted by multiple presbyteries. Race and Ethnicity Theological Nashville Presbytery has sent in a controversial overture on racial Subscription reconciliation, which calls upon the Generating the most number of Assembly to repent “of our pride, our overtures this year is the matter of complacency, and our complicity” for the theological subscription. Arising from the “sins of our fathers.” Overture 20 states discussion at the pre-Assembly seminar last that “the heinous sins attendant with year, numerous presbyteries are asking that unbiblical forms of servitude—including the Book of Church Order be amended in oppression, racism, exploitation, man order to specify that a candidate for the stealing, and chattle slavery—remain ministry does not have to subscribe to every among the defining features of our national statement of the Confessional Standards in history.” Chesapeake Presbytery has sent order to be in agreement with the system of Overture 19 calling for a study committee doctrine. on ministry amidst ethnic diversity. In meetings in January 2002, Missouri, Evangel (eastern Alabama), Susquehanna Judicial Process Valley, Northern California, and Central Tall office buildings constructed during the early 20th century caused an Florida Presbyteries adopted the same intersection in Birmingham to be dubbed “the heaviest corner on earth.” The city In Overture 6, Westminster Presbytery overture, in order to advocate what is being has continued the trend of building skyscrapers. calls for the replacement of the Standing called “good-faith subscription.” Judicial Commission (SJC) with regionally- Also in January, Ohio Valley Presbytery based judicial commissions. The overture sent in its own version of the same overture. Original expresses great dissatisfaction with the Also in January, North Georgia, Politicking present system. Currently, the SJC is Tennessee Valley, Rocky Mountain, Jurisdiction Overture 34 from Westminster comprised of 24 men in four classes of three Nashville, North Florida, and Heartland Overture 5 requests that the BCO be Presbytery asks the Assembly to teaching elders and three ruling elders each, Presbyteries adopted a third version of the amended so that at least ten percent of the disapprove of denominational management elected directly by the General Assembly. same overture. presbyteries, rather than only a couple of personnel using their posts of prestige and The Westminster proposal would have Still in January, Metropolitan New York presbyteries, would have to petition the influence in ecclesiastical politicking. commissions selected by lot from among Presbytery adopted a fourth version of the General Assembly for the assumption of Expressly targeting the Presbyterian the commissioners of the previous General overture. original jurisdiction over a minister when Pastoral Leadership Network (PPLN), the Assembly. Later in January, North Texas his presbytery has refused to act. Sixteen overture states that denominational Overture 28, also from Westminster Presbytery adopted a fifth version of the presbyteries adopted that overture. A personnel were used in order to create the Presbytery, asks that proposed changes to overture. similar overture (Overture 30) was sent up organization’s web site, to send emails, and the SJC Manual be rejected. Concern is In March, Iowa Presbytery adopted a by Philadelphia and Iowa Presbyteries. to assist in the meeting in Atlanta. The especially expressed over the way in which sixth version of the overture; and Potomac Presbytery has sent in its own overture asks the Assembly to counsel said the SJC has proposed the handling of Philadelphia Presbytery followed the same version, which would specify that at least personnel that the use of denominational Memorials, with the Presbytery suggesting month with its particular version of it. five percent of the presbyteries would have resources for such political activities is that at least some of the changes may be Among the variations found in these to petition for jurisdiction. Overture 18 also inappropriate. un-Constitutional. Last year’s General overtures from sixteen presbyteries are calls for amending the BCO with regard to a Assembly had referred these proposed differences of wording of the proposed presbytery assuming original jurisdiction changes to the presbyteries for comment. change to the BCO, and differences in the over a church member. Under Potomac’s Women in the WHEREAS clauses. For example, North plan, at least five percent of the Sessions of Texas’ overture omits all of the WHEREAS a presbytery, rather than the current two Military Report Concern Over clauses—statements which assert, among Sessions, would have to petition in the In 1998, the General Assembly other things, that the PCA was not founded matter. appointed a study committee on the subject the TNIV as a strict-subscriptionist church. of women in the military, especially in Concern over a new gender-neutral Countering the proposals promoted by combat. Only a portion of that committee’s translation of the Bible, “Today’s New the Presbyterian Pastoral Leadership Open or Closed report was adopted at last year’s Assembly. International Version,” prompted Central Network (PPLN) is Overture 29 from The crucial issue, viz., whether forbidding Carolina Presbytery to send up Overture 33. Westminster Presbytery. Like the PPLN Records women to take up combat roles is a matter The overture calls for a study committee of overtures, this overture would allow for Westminster Presbytery’s Overture 7 of Biblical prohibition or merely a matter of this new version, especially given the fact exceptions to the Confessional Standards, focuses on the PCA Foundation and its prudence and wisdom, was postponed until that many PCA congregations already use but would specify that any deviation from a refusal to allow members of the this year’s Assembly. Meanwhile, the report the New International Version (NIV). [See particular statement or proposition in the denominational corporation to “inspect the was sent down to the presbyteries for story on page 12.] Standards would ipso facto constitute an records.” The overture argues that unless comment. exception. The overture also provides that individuals are allowed to inspect the Western Carolina, Metropolitan New York, all exceptions are to be reported directly to The Superiority the General Assembly, by being included in the Stated Clerk’s annual report. A further of Scripture provision of Westminster’s overture is that Comparing Presbytery Votes Everyone in the PCA agrees that the presbytery would have to determine According to the 2002 Commissioners’ Handbook . . . Scripture is the only infallible rule of faith what liberty an ordinand would have with Of the sixteen presbyteries that had adopted the PPLN language regarding and practice, and that the Bible therefore respect to his exception. theological subscription, all had adopted the PPLN plan regarding original jurisdiction. must take precedence over man-made Ohio Valley Presbytery has also Of the eighteen presbyteries that had adopted the PPLN plan for changing the documents. But what should be done when addressed the question of what to do with number of presbyteries necessary to petition for original jurisdiction, all but three— a proposed statement or action seems to a man’s exception. Overture 4 asks that BCO Fellowship, Illiana, and Piedmont Triad—also adopted the PPLN proposal regarding contradict the Scriptures, and the church’s 21-4 be amended so that a presbytery would theological subscription. Constitution appears not to provide a way specifically determine whether or not an Of these eighteen presbyteries, seven had voted against the BCO amendment to redress the situation? exception could be taught or practiced, which would require Sessions “to ensure that the Word of God is preached only by In Overture 27, Eastern Canada publicly or privately. such men as are sufficiently qualified . . . .”, seven had voted in favor, and four had not Presbytery is seeking a way of handling The Bills & Overtures Committee will reported their votes in time for printing in the handbook. The handbook indicates that alleged disagreements between the consider all of these overtures. In there were 38 presbytery votes in favor of the amendment, and eight opposed. Constitution and Scripture. Eastern accordance with precedent and Canada’s proposal would require a P&R News ² April - June 2002 3 supermajority (3/4) vote before the Assembly could overturn an action. The MTW Coordinator on Five Month Sabbatical background for this overture was the Mission to the World (MTW) great love for the Lord and a great love for Kooistra be re-elected as MTW scenario at last year’s Assembly, when Coordinator Paul Kooistra has been on a world missions. Coordinator. The Committee says: “We many members of the court seemed to be five month sabbatical. According to MTW Mr. Massengill stated that besides strongly commend his performance during frustrated with their inability to remove officials, Dr. Kooistra has been on a being preaching, Paul Kooistra has “also 2001-2002 especially in the following areas: offensive language from the SJC’s report sabbatical since the beginning of the year, been involved in writing.” He mentioned · His forthright demeanor and and a concurring opinion on the John Wood and is slated to return to the office in early the Coordinator’s 31-day study entitled, management have instilled trust matter. June. Living in Grace, as being a project that Dr. between members of the Atlanta According to MTW Chairman Bob Kooistra is updating. The Chairman also staff, between the Atlanta staff and Massengill, “We felt that Paul was going mentioned Dr. Kooistra’s writing on the field missionaries and between Popularity Contests so hard. His job is not a nine-to-five job, or Faith-Promise, a study paper on church MTW and the churches of the In Overture 17, Eastern Canada seeks even a five or six day per week job, because planting, and a work on discerning God’s PCA. redress of what it perceives as a political you never know when something’s going will. · His exemplary spiritual leadership pitting of one candidate for a post against to come up on the different fields.” The suggestion for Dr. Kooistra to take of MTW especially in the another candidate. If this overture is Mr. Massengill continued: “We just a sabbatical came from the MTW Committee, development and teaching of approved, floor nominees will no longer be wanted him to take a little time to be not from the Coordinator. “This was not Living in Grace. placed in nomination against specific rejuvenated, to have some time away from him coming to us, saying, Hey, guys, why · His encouragement and leadership candidates, but the contests will be random. the pressure of the job.” In his opinion, don’t I take a sabbatical?”, declared the of the organizational redesign this was necessary because the Coordinator Chairman. process as the implementation of is “on call all the time.” Even during the Mr. Massengill also stated that the the results of this redesign Male Only sabbatical, Dr. Kooistra was available when sabbatical was not granted for the purpose resulting in even greater efficiency Two overtures (14 and 15) from Rocky the staff or the Committee had to get in of Dr. Kooistra being involved in the and unity throughout the entire Mountain Presbytery seek the amendment touch with him, according to Chairman organization known as Presbyterian MTW organization. of BCO 24-1 so as to make clear that only Massengill. Pastoral Leadership Network (PPLN). Mr. · His encouragement and leadership men shall hold office in the church. The ruling elder from Brookhaven, Massengill said that he was “really not in fund-raising, construction, and Mississippi, stated that the MTW familiar” with that organization, other than move to the new building. Coordinator has “probably preached every through information which Dr. Dominic According to General Assembly Unity other weekend” while on sabbatical. In Bob Aquila, Editor of PCANEWS.COM, sent out minutes, Dr. Kooistra’s total compensation Western Carolina Presbytery’s Overture Massengill’s view, Dr. Kooistra “always on news about the organization. is $139,090. The commissioners’ handbook 1 would add the phrase “and unity” to the represents Mission to the World well. He is The MTW Committee is for the 2002 Assembly does not list what sixth ordination vow in BCO 21-5, so that an excellent preacher,” one who brings a “enthusiastically” recommending that Dr. his total compensation will be for next year. the ordinand would “promise to be zealous and faithful in maintaining the truths of the Gospel and the purity and peace and unity of the Church, whatever persecution or Ever since its founding, opposition may arise unto you on that Birmingham has been an account?” industrial center. Pictured at right is the Mercedes-Benz US Freemasonry International Visitors Center. Louisiana Presbytery is asking, in Overture 9, that Freemasons would be prohibited from holding office in the PCA. The Presbytery appeals to the report of an ad hoc General Assembly which 15 years ago reported the incompatibility of Masonry with the gospel. Photos on pages 1-3 courtesy of Greater Birmingham Augmented Sessions Convention and Ascension Presbytery wants to provide Visitors Bureau. for a Session to be augmented, so that it Photo on page 2 can continue to function as a church court by Charles even if it has lost a quorum. Overture 25 Seifried, ©1997. calls for amending the BCO, including Visionland is an area amusement park. Can you canoe down the Cahaba? adding a new paragraph (12-11), for that purpose and for the purpose of providing procedures in case a Session cannot act. INSIDE THIS ISSUE Presbyteries Birmingham to Host PCA General Assembly for the Third Time 1 New York State Presbytery is asking Overview of the Overtures 2 that all of the Empire State (other than that MTW Coordinator on Five Month Sabbatical 3 portion in and around New York City which PCA Foundation Controversy Continues 4 belongs to Metropolitan New York Presbytery) be given to it. Presently, much Presbyterian Pastoral Leadership Network (PPLN) Meets in Atlanta 5 of western New York is in the bounds of Mississippi Valley Presbytery Votes Down PPLN Overture 5 Ascension Presbytery. Rocky Mountain Presbytery is asking PPLN Steering Committee Member’s Views on the Role of Women 6 that the entire state of Montana be included PPLN Fosters Its Agenda through Emails 7 within its bounds. If the Assembly approves Unanswered Questions 7 Overture 16, the Presbytery will consist of three western states: Colorado, Wyoming, Perspective from a Covenant Seminary Board Member 7 and Montana. Interview with PPLN Spokesman George Robertson 8 Overtures from New River and James River Presbyteries call for the establishment Westminster Presbytery’s Communication to General Assembly 10 of a new presbytery in central Virginia, to Correspondence between Dr. Morton H. Smith and PPLN 11 be known as Blue Ridge Presbytery. Both Presbytery of the Dakotas Versus Doug Wilson and Christ Church, Moscow, Idaho 12 of the existing presbyteries will cede territory in order to erect this new one. OPC New Jersey Presbytery Asks For NKJV to be Used in Educational Materials 12 Coming as a recommendation from the ‘Indelible Grace’ in Concert 13 Mission to North America Committee is a proposal to erect a new bi-lingual Korean- Editorials and Letters 14 American Presbytery. Like the seven Metokos Ministry Expands to Include New Congregational Analysis Tool 16 existing Korean-language presbyteries, this Jubilee Celebration in New Jersey 16 court would be non-geographical. If the requests to erect both new presbyteries are News from the Presbyteries 17 approved, there will be 65 PCA presbyteries. Sponsors 19 4 P&R News ² April - June 2002 PCAF Controversy Continues EVALUATION OF AC’s RESPONSE The Administrative Committee (AC) of church member who is curious as to what The Administrative Committee’s response, first of all, is based on an appeal to Delaware the Presbyterian Church in America has another member gave. law. It is the position of AC that members of a non-stock corporation do not have the same weighed in on the controversy surrounding PCA Committees and Agencies would rights to inspect the records as do stock-holders of a stock corporation. the PCA Foundation. In its report to the be severely hindered in raising funds to The Delaware Code, however, does equate stockholders in a stock corporation and 30th General Assembly, the AC is carry out their respective missions, if the members of a non-stock corporation. Title 8, Chapter 1, Section 220 (“Inspection of books recommending a negative answer to inspection of any and all records, and records.”), subsection (a), of the Delaware Code, says: “As used in this section, Overture 7 from Westminster Presbytery. particularly donor records, were allowed. ‘stockholder’ means a stockholder of record of stock in a stock corporation and also a In making its recommendation, AC set Overture 7 was referred to both AC and member of a nonstock corporation as reflected on the records of the nonstock corporation. forth several grounds, as follows: the PCA Foundation. Accordingly, at least As used in this section, the term ‘list of stockholders’ includes lists of members in a nonstock The overture is based on an incorrect two Committees of Commissioners will deal corporation.” Subsection (b) provides: “Any stockholder, in person or by attorney or other assumption; i.e. that any commissioner of with the matter. agent, shall, upon written demand under oath stating the purpose thereof, have the right the General Assembly is analogous to a Westminster Presbytery has requested during the usual hours for business to inspect for any proper purpose the corporation’s stockholder in a corporation. The PCA is that the matter be referred also to the Bills stock ledger, a list of its stockholders, and its other books and records, and to make copies incorporated under Delaware law as a & Overtures (B&O) Committee, since the or extracts therefrom. A proper purpose shall mean a purpose reasonably related to such non-stock corporation, which does not B&O Committee handles general matters person’s interest as a stockholder. . . .” give individuals the right to inspect all and since the overture also asks that if the The second ground cited by AC is that the books are found in order by outside records as the overture alleges. Assembly is unable to assert its control over auditing firms. However, the concern that gave rise to the overture from Westminster All Committees and Agencies are separately-incorporated committees and Presbytery is not financial malfeasance, but rather the particular organizations to which the related to the Assembly as committees agencies, the Assembly begin the process money is going. (“RAO” 4-3). As such their books are of divesting itself of them. In response to The third ground is that individual members have no oversight responsibilities with audited annually by outside auditing firms that communication, Stated Clerk Roy regard to General Assembly Committees and Agencies. This ground represents one of the and such audits are duly reported to the Taylor has publicly asserted that it would key philosophical differences between the AC approach and that of Westminster Presbytery. Permanent Committees or Boards and be improper for him to refer the matter to the The Presbytery’s overture is informed by the doctrine of total depravity, the notion of subsequently reported to the respective B&O Committee. The public chiding of a mutual accountability, and the contention that in a large organization individual investigation Committees of Commissioners of the lower court by a PCA General Assembly is necessary in order to bring to the attention of the whole any matter needing redress. The General Assembly, and subsequently Stated Clerk is apparently without AC position would totally trust the committees and not allow any digging for information approved by the General Assembly. precedent. other than through “official” channels. The General Assembly as a whole, not Meanwhile, the Session which brought The fourth ground as to why AC is advocating a negative answer to the overture is individual members of the PCA, has the overture to Westminster Presbytery has that it is “far reaching.” This is a point on which all parties agree. oversight of General Assembly Committees circulated a letter to every Session in the The fifth ground asserts the illegality of allowing certain records to be open to inspection. and Agencies. denomination, setting forth what it believes However, Overture 7 does not contemplate opening any and all records to inspection. The The overture is far reaching to include are the dangers of the PCA Foundation’s types of records which a “stockholder” is entitled to inspect include “its stock ledger, “the records” not only of the Foundation position with regard to financial disclosure. books of account, and minute books” (Title 8, Chapter 1, Section 224, of the Delaware but all Committees and Agencies. Midway Presbyterian Church, Code). It would be illegal to allow individual Jonesboro, Tennessee, sent the letter. The The sixth ground appeals to the fact that individual donor records are not open for members to inspect some records, for communiqué was signed by Pastor Ross inspection in a local church. However, Westminster’s overture is not aimed at retrieving the example, academic records of individual Lindley and every ruling elder in the information as to who gave money, but rather, where the money is going. students at Covenant College or Covenant congregation. The seventh ground is that PCA agencies would be severely hindered in raising funds Seminary, or personnel records of any Located between Jonesboro and “if the inspection of any and all records, particularly donor records, were allowed.” However, Committee or Agency. Johnson City, Tennessee, Midway Westminster’s overture is not aimed at “any and all records” but rather at the records which It is a common practice of PCA Presbyterian was the first congregation indicate what benevolence causes are being aided and in what amount. churches that donor records are organized by a presbytery of the Continuing confidential records and individual donor Presbyterian Church movement (now the [P&R News would like to thank the attorneys who helped us in our understanding of records are not open for inspection to any PCA). Delaware law and kindly gave their pro bono assistance for this article.—Ed.]

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Prices subject to change without notice. (Paid Advertisement) P&R News ² April - June 2002 5 New Group Holds First Public Meeting in Atlanta Atlanta, Georgia (April 10, 2002)— as forums for the promotion of the progress be approximately 5,000 commissioners present. BCO 21-4. In urging the proposed overture’s Intown Community Church played host to 450 of the church and for the encouragement and He said that “we are having only a very small defeat, the MTW Coordinator declared: “I churchmen (and a few church women) as the equipping of brothers for ministry. minority at the General Assembly.” He think we need to say once and for all we’re organization now billing itself as Presbyterian “Our presbyteries increasingly are promulgated a five point plan with respect to not a strict subscriptionist denomination. . . . Pastoral Leadership Network (PPLN) held its dividing over philosophical differences.” He participation in the Assembly. Read—“We I feel strongly that we never were.” first public meeting here. The day’s activities, lamented that the ruling elders participate at need to get on the web site the material that With regard to Overture 7 from which started at 10:00 AM and concluded only a fraction of former levels, as the elders even a newly-ordained ruling elder can Westminster Presbytery, which is asking that before its scheduled time of adjournment at are “discouraged by the continual wrangling understand.” Attend. Stay—“More than individuals be allowed to “inspect the 4:00 PM, featured sermons, worship, panel and and by the preacher arguments over the attend, we need to stay. I feel that I need to records” of the PCA Foundation and the small-group discussion, and old-fashioned minutiae that seem to them to have little to do repent of my past sins.” Concentrate. other Assembly committees and agencies, ecclesiastical politicking. with the gospel priorities that they want to Challenge—challenge someone else from he deferred to Mr. Stair, who gave reasons The first speaker today was Dr. Bryan pursue. Ministry-minded pastors in Biblically- one’s presbytery to attend. Although it would for opposing the overture. The Foundation Chapell, President of Covenant Theological vibrant churches increasingly see our be nice to have people attend PPLN meetings, president said that if this overture passed, it Seminary, who preached from Ephesians 1. He corporate gatherings as irrelevant. “if you had a choice, we’d rather you go to the would “also allow members of churches to began his sermon by justifying the workings “You perceive as mean and petty the General Assembly where you can participate.” inspect the records of local churches.” He of the organization: “This is open. And preoccupations of the arguers,” Dr. Chapell Mr. Gyger stated: “I hope that these concluded his remarks by quoting the everything we have tried to do has been open stated, in what is a “caustic atmosphere.” He [PPLN-sponsored] amendments . . . will pass summary of the controversy given by P&R to make us as vulnerable as possible for the added: “Many of you cannot imagine by a wide margin. [Otherwise] it will not say to News in its January-March 2002 edition. sake of the church.” The thrust of his message encouraging your own children to be leaders our ruling elders what we hope it to say.” While Dr. Kooistra spoke against Overture 6 was the wonder of the church, as God orders in our church because you do not want them acknowledging that he “can’t predict what the from Westminster Presbytery, which would His universe for the church’s benefit. to risk being damaged by the pain and the votes will be,” Mr. Gyger said that “it is easy to replace the Standing Judicial Commission After that address, Dr. Tim Keller gave polarization that you have felt and that you imagine that we could have a substantial” vote (SJC) with regionally-based commissions. He the organization’s vision for the church. He think characterizes so much of our church.” in favor of the overtures. He also stated that argued that the SJC “is working well. . . . The stated that the Vision Statement was “not a Speaking of the PPLN Steering “we need to prioritize our involvement,” and SJC by definition is going to make somebody legislative document. We didn’t go through Committee, Dr. Chapell claimed: “These are encouraged his listeners to let their voices be unhappy [with its decisions]. . . . The SJC it word by word.” What it represented was not politicos. They are church leaders,” who heard on the floor of the Assembly: “You need has brought us a lot of peace.” [Dr. Kooistra “an effort to make the invisible visible.” He “have risked their reputations” for the sake of to speak.” serves on the SJC.—Ed.] said that there are “different vision maps” enabling the church to talk about ministry. Three members of the denominational Dr. Kooistra deferred to PPLN Steering presented by various groups within the PCA. Dr. Chapell declared: “We do not want to management—Dr. Paul Kooistra (Mission to Committee member Mike Khandjian to One group’s vision is British Puritanism, be consumed by being a church that is against the World Coordinator), Dr. Frank Brock oppose another proposed overture being another frontier evangelism, another Southern things”—a statement which met with (President of Covenant College), and Mr. presented to Westminster Presbytery, which Presbyterianism. What PPLN was doing was applause. Randy Stair (President of PCA Foundation)— was invoking the Conflict of Interest policy making its vision map visible, by laying out “We can’t seem to get past whether a then gave a briefing on the 2002 General in order to express disapproval of what this group of churchmen believes should minister or a missionary or an agency or a Assembly. [NB: In the original agenda, this denominational management personnel from be the direction for the denomination. presbytery is operating according to portion of the program was called “2002 GA being involved in ecclesiastical politicking. Pastor Keller’s first point was this: “We standards of theological subscription that we Briefing” and “GA Assignments.”—Ed.] The Miami, Florida, pastor stated that this believe that it is important for the PCA to relate can’t seem to agree about.” He later added Dr. Kooistra urged support for the PCA overture “really is kind of a sample of what around a common vision.” Secondly, he stated that in order to get to the gospel, the PCA Strategic Planning process, which has been we’re trying to stop,” as he stated that those that PPLN believes that its vision is must deal with subscription, even though it is chaired by Dr. Brock. The Covenant College putting forth the overture should have gone “compelling,” particularly as it attempts to an “unpleasant” matter: “Who in his right president picked up on Dr. Keller’s theme, as to Dr. Kooistra first as in the steps of discipline hold together three strands which were mind would want to debate an issue as obscure he said: “We [on the committee] definitely had in Matthew 18. [NB: After the meeting today, manifest in the life of Jonathan Edwards: as subscriptionism?” the idea of making the invisible visible.” Dr. the author of the overture approached Dr. theological, revivalist, and culturalist. Thirdly, “We dream of kingdom priorities. . . . We Brock mentioned the meeting at Cedar Springs Kooistra with regard to the matter.—Ed.] the PPLN group is “being vulnerable” by long to unite with like-minded Christians. . . . Presbyterian Church in Knoxville in 1994, which Dr. Kooistra concluded his presentation setting forth its agenda publicly. Dr. Keller’s We dream of addressing the truly difficult tried to develop a “consensus statement” for by saying: “Somebody has said this is a challenge to everybody in the denomination issues of race and gender and worship in safe the denomination, adding: “Something truly caucus. . . . I would not deny we are who has a vision is to put that vision up on a forums where ideas can be expressed and important is happening today, [too].” He caucusing.” web site as PPLN. “My challenge to you is, Is Biblically-grounded innovations tried without concluded his remarks by saying, “Our dream Dr. Chapell capped the discussion by your vision as compelling?”, he rhetorically fear of being immediately labeled as liberal or would be that the spirit that’s been here today encouraging those present “to vote for the asked. legalistic or un-Reformed.” would continue and would soar.” long-range plan” being presented to the The New York pastor then addressed He concluded: “We ask you to dream Dr. Kooistra urged the defeat of several Assembly; to support PPLN’s overtures what he conceded were “hot buttons.” “We with us about becoming a leader church for overtures. For example, he argued that Overture regarding amending BCO 21-4 and 34-1; to do resist the idea that there’s only way to do our culture and our world. Is it just a dream? 17 from Eastern Canada Presbytery would write to PPLN; and to pray, even for those Reformed worship.” “We are resisting the Without your help and without your prayers, eliminate floor nominations. He opposed who oppose the PPLN agenda. element in the PCA that wants to shrink what it most definitely is just a dream.” However, Overture 9 from Louisiana Presbytery, which The afternoon program concluded with women can do. We would like to exercise our through prayer, sacrifice, and attendance, “A would forbid Freemasons from holding office. a sermon by the Rev. Joe Novenson from Constitutional freedom.” “We resist the gospel-driven church can be not just a In his view, the Assembly, having already dealt Acts 15, and a time of singing. elements in the PCA that don’t want us to dream—it can be our legacy!” with that issue in adopting what he called “a Originally calling itself PCA Pastoral have anything to do with churches that are After Dr. Chapell’s presentation, a panel good [study] paper,” should not be bothered Leadership (PCAPL), the group changed its not like us.” discussion ensued. Participants included Dr. with the issue again. name after a complaint was lodged with the Dr. Chapell then addressed the question Chapell, Dr. Keller, Dr. Charles McGowan, Terry Dr. Kooistra attacked a proposed overture PCA Administrative Committee over the use of “Why Now?”—why was the PPLN Gyger, Fred Harrell, John Yenchko, and Ray which was going to be considered three days of the denominational service mark (“PCA”). organization being started now? His first Cortese as the moderator. After giving their later by Westminster Presbytery which was a No public announcement or explanation was reason was “because we love our church,” general impressions of the vision of PPLN, substitute for the PPLN proposal on amending made as to why the name had been changed. which is absolutely committed to Scripture, they answered written questions which had the Reformed faith, and world missions. been submitted from those who had gathered Mississippi Valley Votes Down PPLN Overture President Chapell averred that “we find for the meeting. Mississippi Valley Presbytery has turned Scott Reiber. Pastor of Westminster ourselves increasingly hindered” by the During the lunch break, the attendees down an overture sponsored by the Presbyterian Presbyterian Church, Vicksburg, Mississippi, constant theological tug-of-war. “Our broke up into small groups of ten to twelve Pastoral Leadership Network (PPLN). T h e Mr. Reiber stated that adoption of the overture Assemblies and ministries are being diverted people each for discussion. overture regarding theological subscription was would water down the Standards. In his view, by the fears and interests and accusations of After lunch, the Rev. George Robertson brought by the Session of the prestigious First asking an ordinand to subscribe to these the few. These few honestly believe that the presented the rationale for the overtures Presbyterian Church, Jackson, Mississippi. Standards is not asking him too much to do. PCA and her leaders are not being faithful to which PPLN is championing. The first overture The overture, which called for amending In favor of the overture was the Rev. Jeff historic principles of Reformed tradition. We seeks to amend BCO 21-4 so as to specify BCO 21-4 so as to specify “good faith” Elliott, associate pastor at Pear Orchard respectfully disagree.” After saying that these “good faith” subscription; the second subscription, was defeated by an almost two-to- Presbyterian Church, Ridgeland, Mississippi. concerned brethren are valued and welcome, overture seeks to amend BCO 34-1 so as to one margin. Of those voting on the measure, 16 In an interview with P&R News, Mr. Elliott stated he continued: “nevertheless, we believe the increase the number of petitioning voted in favor and 29 voted against it. that he favored the overture for two basic concerns that they are expressing, and the presbyteries necessary to force the General Among those speaking out against the reasons: (1) Mr. Bob Cannada, who was the manner in which they are expressing these Assembly to assume original jurisdiction over overture on the floor of the Presbytery was Robert driving force behind the overture being adopted concerns, is damaging our church. . . . What a minister in a judicial matter. Duhs. A retired minister who has been ordained by First Church, Jackson, was intimately increasingly troubles us is that while these The Rev. Terry Gyger then set forth some for over fifty years, Dr. Duhs contended that the involved in the formation of the PCA and was few speak of grass roots commitments, these of the mechanics of accomplishing PPLN’s proposal was a step in the wrong direction and therefore in a position to know the original intent brothers’ actions are consistently directed at goals. First, he stated that “if we are captured would represent a weakening of the church’s of the denomination; (2) the proposal “describes imposing new and narrow views on the by this vision, we need to establish a vision Standards. He also stated that the approach was what we functionally are doing in terms of majority of the PCA through legislation, budget to get our ruling elders and pastors to similar to that which he had experienced in the granting exceptions.” In the interview, he also litigation, and committee procedures at the General Assembly.” Secondly, “the better the old church—that is, the Southern Presbyterian expressed his belief that the discussion over General Assembly and presbytery levels.” vision, the less often we would have to meet.” Church, from which he and many others separated subscription was going to be a good and healthy “Our Assemblies are now noted more as He stated that if everyone who was eligible to because of theological liberalism. thing for the denomination. arenas for arguments and attack rather than come to General Assembly did so, there would Also speaking in opposition was the Rev. 6 P&R News ² April - June 2002 1989 Document Reveals Views of PPLN Steering Committee Member Toward Role of Women in the Church A document written about a dozen years . . . They will probably also exercise a away from the general oppression of women Among the ministries in which women ago reveals the attitude of a member of the teaching ministry in the church, depending conducted by society. The church should engage is that of helping to take the offering Presbyterian Pastoral Leadership Network on their gifts.” have seen that the Bible does not teach the during public worship, and assisting in the (PPLN) Steering Committee with regard to “Together with the deacons, they will inferiority of women. . . . distributing of the elements of communion. the role of women in the church. The equip and guide people into ministry in the “. . . Some 15 years ago, we would have Three years ago, the views of the Rev. document, entitled “Women and Ministry— church. At Redeemer we want to help entered the Presbyterian Church USA to John Wood with regard to female preaching Redeemer Presbyterian Church,” was laypeople begin and conduct ministries. minister, but we were told that our view of came to light. In an interview with written in November 1989 by Tim and Kathy Deacons and Deaconesses will do this women-in-ministry precluded us from Presbyterian & Reformed News, Mr. Wood Keller. Its conclusions with regard to together.” serving there. Though we would have stated that a woman can legitimately do women’s role in public teaching parallel the anything that an unordained man can do. views of the Rev. John Wood, Pastor of This includes being the main speaker in a Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church, service of public worship, so long as it was Knoxville, Tennessee, whose controversial under the authority and at the direction of views caused an intense debate in the the elders of the church [see separate box Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). for a comparison of views—Ed.]. Dr. Keller’s paper, which “represents Tennessee Valley Presbytery, where many years of reflection, discussion, Mr. Wood held membership, took no formal experimentation and practice,” was action on a request from Western Carolina designed to “serve as a foundational paper Presbytery to investigate his views. for future patterns of women’s ministry in Subsequently, several presbyteries the life of our congregation.” petitioned General Assembly to assume Among the document’s controversial original jurisdiction over Mr. Wood for the statements are the following: purpose of conducting a trial. The Standing “Women . . . were deaconesses (1 Tim. Judicial Commission (SJC) declined to 3:11; Romans 16:2); this meant they were proceed to trial. The 2000 General Assembly ministry leaders, initiating and supervising ordered the SJC to conduct a full ministries. It is wrong, therefore, to say that The PPLN meeting broke up into small discussion groups over lunch. investigation of the matter and to proceed women cannot be area directors in para- to trial if warranted. The SJC, after a panel church ministries, or to say that women investigated the situation, concluded that cannot lead evangelistic, discipling, “The church will continue to have worked beside people with different views, no trial would be held. educational, or teaching ministries. Tabitha broad-based planning and strategizing. those on the other side of the fence would The provision under which the John (Acts 9:30) was a leader of mercy ministry Deaconesses will serve on planning/ not work with us.” Wood matter was brought to the General to the poor, while Euodia and Syntyche oversight committees (e.g. evangelism, Redeemer Presbyterian Church is often Assembly is found in Book of Church Order (Phil. 4:2,3) were Paul’s evangelistic education, worship) with other officers and touted as one of the flagship churches of 34-1, which provides that if two presbyteries associates. Priscilla discipled and non-officers. Deaconesses could chair such the PCA. Around it and its ministry, petition for original jurisdiction over a instructed Apollos (Acts 18:26) and led a a committee if the group so elects. Also, Metropolitan New York Presbytery was minister in a case in which his presbytery house church (Rom. 16:4,5). As in the Old the Elders, Deacons, and Deaconesses will erected five years ago; and a number of has failed to act, the Assembly shall do so. Testament (Exodus 15), women were meet regularly for strategy and oversight of daughter churches have sprung up in and This year, overtures from numerous prophets and did prophesy. They spoke the church. In matters of discipline and around New York City. presbyteries are asking that the requisite and prayed in public worship (I Cor. 11:5). doctrine, the elders have the final say—they Dr. Keller was called by the number of presbyteries to petition for “It appears from this that there are no have ‘tie-breaking authority’! Also, the denominational Mission to North America original jurisdiction be raised from two, to ministry gifts nor ministries that are elders represent the church at (MNA) Committee to plant Redeemer ten percent of the whole (which would forbidden to women.” denominational meetings. But deaconesses Presbyterian in 1989. Coordinator for MNA currently mean seven). The PPLN “Elders are leaders who admit or will sit in positions of influence and will have at the time was the Rev. Terry Gyger, who is organization has been pushing for this dismiss people from the church, and they regular part (along with many women on presently an associate pastor at Redeemer. change. do ‘quality control’ of members’ doctrine. program committees) into the strategizing These are the only things that elders and decision-making process of the church. exclusively can do. “The real challenge will A Comparison of Views Others can teach, not be to create a structure, disciple, serve, witness.” but to create a climate in “. . . there are no ministry gifts nor ministries that are forbidden to women.” “In a nutshell, our which men and women truly “Elders are leaders who admit or dismiss people from the church, and they do ‘quality control’ of position is this: whatever work together as equal members’ doctrine. These are the only things that elders exclusively can do. Others can teach, a non-ruling elder male ministry partners in the disciple, serve, witness.” can do in the church, a church, still recognizing the “. . . whatever a non-ruling elder male can do in the church, a woman can do. We do not believe woman can do. We do principle of male headship in that I Timothy 2:11 or I Cor. 14:35-36 precludes women teaching the Bible to men or speaking not believe that I the eldership. Will we really publically. . . .”—PPLN Steering Committee member Tim Keller. Timothy 2:11 or I Cor. let women lead ministries? 14:35-36 precludes Will we really release So you think that a woman may do anything an unordained man may do, other than women teaching the Bible women’s gifts to witness, serve as an officer or administer the sacraments? “Yes.” That means that a woman to men or speaking nurture, and serve in the may preach (i.e., give a sermon or the main message during a service of public worship, publically. . . . church? Will we incorporate which may include exposition of Scripture and/or exhortation)? “If it was under and “Thus, women at the wisdom of all the mature at the invitation of the Session.”—John Wood, responding to questions, P&R News, Redeemer will be free to Christians into the planning March 1999. use all the gifts, privately of the church? Or will we and publically. There are Dr. Tim Keller at the recent have a paternalistic attitude “Our church will create new systems of leadership development for the theological training of the no restrictions on PPLN meeting in Atlanta which in thousands of laity (to avoid clericalism) and the practical training of ministers (to avoid scholasticism) . . . ministry at all. There is a subtle ways puts women Seeking better ways to support and employ the gifts of women for lay and staff ministries in restriction on the office of elder. Why? down and does not listen to their advice or accord with Scripture.”—from the PPLN Mission Statement. Because the Bible precludes it, and therein concerns? That remains to be seen! But it points us back to the Trinitarian pattern that is our goal—to create a community that Do you think that Covenant Theological Seminary, and the other theological seminaries which which is strong in marriage and muted in even non-believing feminists recognize as supply the PCA with ministers, should specifically oppose the concept of women leading in society, but which is practiced in the not oppressive, yet one that honors the public worship? “I would think so. If that’s the position that the PCA takes, and Covenant church.” Biblical distinction between the genders.” Seminary is a PCA seminary, I would think that they would oppose it.” Do you think that anyone “We hope to have two boards of The document began by stating that who endorses that activity, like women preaching, for example, should remain in the PCA? “I officers: elders and deacons/deaconesses.” Redeemer Presbyterian Church “is think that anybody in any official capacity who endorses that is subject to discipline. Whether “The Deaconesses will be women committed to a high view of Scripture.” Also they remain in the PCA would be up to whatever court made that decision.”—Jack Williamson, elected by the congregation who will do on the first page, Tim and Kathy Keller Moderator of the First PCA General Assembly and member of the Standing Judicial Commission, discipling, counseling, and shepherding in maintained: “For many centuries, the responding to questions, P&R News, March 1999. the church, particularly among the women. church . . . did not let the Scripture lead it P&R News ² April - June 2002 7 PPLN Fosters Its Southern California Center for Agenda Through Unanswered Christian Studies Emails Questions The following questions were submitted to The Southern California Center for Christian Studies advances, sponsors, The Presbyterian Pastoral Leadership Dr. Bryan Chapell. He received them on Network (PPLN), which has described itself May 6th. As of press deadline, about two and subsidizes the work of serious Christian scholarship and education. as a non-political organization, has been weeks later, no answers to them had been It endeavors to cultivate intelligent commitment to the Christian faith and spreading its message and fostering its received. seek to expound and explain the system of truth found in the Scriptures, agenda through the internet. In an email sent out on May 6, 2002, Dr. Bryan Chapell What have been your efforts on behalf of to challenge unbelief in all its forms, to apply God’s word to all areas of set forth what he called “concrete things” this group? How much time have you spent life, to encourage Christian piety, outreach, compassion and maturity. that can be done “to make the PCA more on it? Where have you traveled on its ministry-oriented and positive in its behalf? Who paid for your expenses to direction.” attend the meetings in Atlanta? Were you These goals are pursued by the following means: (1) Research and Entitled “Steps toward a Gospel-driven on vacation during the time that you addressing special issues; (2) Writing and Publication; (3) Conferences, Church,” the email proposes Eleven Steps attended these meetings? toward that end. Among the lectures, seminars, debates, TV/Radio programs; (4) Course work, recommendation actions were the following: Will PPLN plan to interact with instruction and tutoring through Bahnsen Theological Seminary. attending the General Assembly (“It is not denominational committees and agencies, too late to register if you have not already and if so, how? For what ends? done so”); serving on a Committee of Please contact us for a complimentary copy of our resource catalog Commissioners (“It is especially important How many folks from Covenant Seminary that fair-minded representatives register have assisted in any way, and in what ways immediately to serve on the Bills and have they given assistance? How were PO Box 328, Placentia, CA 92871 Overtures Committee”); encouraging many these people recruited? Will PPLN continue 714 572-8358 other ruling and teaching elders to attend to use Seminary resources and/or personnel the Assembly; staying on the floor and to further its goals? What will be the [email protected] voting (“Key votes on the Book of Church disposition of those Seminary employees www.scccs.org Order, world mission strategy, racial who for conscience sake refuse to support reconciliation and the future services of the tasks assigned them? PCA agencies will occur throughout the Assembly week”); voting for the Long- We saw the Seminary Vice-President and range Plan of the PCA Planning Committee; the Dean of Students at the meeting on April electing ministry- and mission-prioritizing 10th in Atlanta. Were they on vacation that men to the Boards of the Committees and day, that they could be away from St. Louis Bahnsen Theological Seminary Agencies; holding a pre-General Assembly in the middle of the week? information meeting in one’s area Traditional Reformed Theology in a Non-Tradition Package (“Familiarize fellow ruling and teaching Why was only one viewpoint on the elders with the issues our church will face subscription debate, viz., your own, at GA and beyond. Use the PPLN website . featured in Covenant Seminary’s official Bahnsen Theological Seminary offers the best in Reformed theology in . . to get resources and information”); and publication Presbyterion last year? Who a non-tradition package. Utilizing technological advances, BTS allows communicating to one’s Session the vision paid for sending that issue to the entire you to complete a seminary education in the convenience and comfort statement of PPLN. denomination? How much did it cost to The email was sent from the office of distribute it to the entire denomination? of your home or office—for a fraction of what it costs to study at the President of Covenant Theological traditional in-residence institutions. Seminary. Will PPLN reimburse the ministries whose On April 26, 2002, another email from resources were perhaps improperly used to the President’s office was sent, and signed further PPLN aims? Students may enroll either in one of our four degree programs (M.Div., by George Robertson, PPLN Spokesman. M.A. in Christian Studies, M.A. in Apologetics and M.A. in Philosophy) That email indicated that the Committee on You spoke of the “timbre” with which Constitutional Business had given its women are spoken of in the PCA, and that or in one of our 75 individual courses. Included in each course is up to blessing to the PPLN-sponsored overtures. this “timbre” is the reason why more women four hours of one-on-one tutoring with one of our distinguished faculty On April 17, 2002, another email from did not participate in the Atlanta meeting the President’s office was sent, once again despite having been invited. Who were the members.* from Dr. Chapell. President Chapell wrote women who were invited? What did you that audio and written reports of the April mean by this comment? BTS takes a no-nonsense approach to Christian education. Each program 10, 2002, public meeting in Atlanta were now available on the internet. emphasizes critical thinking skills, the development of a wide breadth of An email, dated April 12, 2002, was also Perspective from a knowledge and, above all, the mastery of classic texts. The heart of our sent from the President’s office, giving a report on the meeting two days earlier. An CTS Board curriculum is Holy Scripture. It serves as the central and final authority April 8, 2002, email from Dr. Chapell, also of all our programs. sent from the President’s office, reminded Member people of the upcoming meeting and urged them to register for lunch. The Rev. Bill Spink, a member of the BTS holds to the doctrines that have historically defined On March 20, 2002, Dr. Chapell’s secretary Covenant Theological Seminary Board, Presbyterianism—sola Scriptura, the doctrines of grace, covenant at Covenant Theological Seminary sent an email said that the political nature of the group in theology, the abiding validity of God’s law, Sabbath observance, an on his behalf, urging people to sign up for lunch which Dr. Chapell was involved was and also that laypeople as well as ministers attend assumed. “He spoke of the overtures that eschatology of victory, six-day creation, and presuppositional apologetics. the April 10th meeting. were going to be brought to the General Assembly. It was clear that the group believed these overtures were for the good Please contact us for a complimentary copy of our academic catalog. of the denomination and consistent with the mission of Covenant Seminary.” 714 572-8358 When asked if the Board intended for other personnel to be involved in this effort, Mr. Spink [email protected] said, “No, I never sensed that. I sensed that www.scccs.org Bryan wanted to be up front, that he had been approached to help lead this group. [However], I don’t think there was any idea that other *Faculty members include Dr. James E. Bordwine, Michael Butler, personnel would necessarily be involved.” Dr. Jerry Crick, Dr. Kenneth L. Gentry, Michael Mang, Dr. Joseph When asked if he thought that it is appropriate for Seminary personnel to be C. Morecraft, III, Dr. George Scipione, Jeffery J. Ventrella, and involved, Pastor Spink stated: “As long as they Dr. RogerWagner President Randy Stair of the PCA were individually desirous of doing that, as long Foundation presents his agency’s as they were not conscripted.” perspective on Overture 7. (Paid Advertisement) 8 P&R News ² April - June 2002 Interview with PPLN Spokesman George Robertson

PPLN spokesman George Robertson is means of the web site. I think each of us on I meant in terms of Board members, certainly, personal ax to grind only later to discover pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church, the Steering Committee probably called yep. PPLN and become enthusiastic about our St. Louis, Missouri. He graciously granted some of our friends. I certainly did. The fact mission. They said, “If I had known that us an interview, so that we can help the that we had to scramble and get more Oh, in terms of Board members? Do you this was part of a larger effort, I would have Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) lunches at the last minute shows that we know how that support was garnered or supported it.” understand the aims and desires of this new were surprised at how many did show up. came about or anything? organization. I am a member of the Board of Covenant What presbyteries were those people in? How many had you expected? College, and I talked to the Board about it, Well, since that communication was sent to How and when did the group get started? The only objective determinant that we had and I urged them to be there. me in private, I don’t feel the liberty to share The ‘when’ I have to think about. I think was the registration for lunches. And I think that. our first meeting was in November. Our first we may have had 200 or so by the time we And that was at a Board meeting you talked meeting was November 29-30 in Atlanta. had the meeting. And at the last minute we to them? What will be PPLN’s posture to members The ‘how’ was that a group of us who are had to double it. Yes, all kinds of announcements are made of the PCA who are not members of PPLN, likeminded and knew each other just as at board meetings. Mine was just one of or, if there’s no membership, might not be friends decided to get together in Atlanta What is PPLN’s budget? several. supportive of its goals? and try to answer a question that we’d heard We have no budget. Each member of the Our desire is not to foster a party spirit. It is thrown about by other people, “What Steering Committee pitched in. Some people not to be antagonistic. And we really do would we like to see the PCA become in the covered the cost initially, mostly Intown want to live in unity with others as much as next ten years? And what do we need to do initially covered the cost of the lunches, possible. We do not want to single out as participants in the church to realize some and then each of us sort of pitched in to try personalities. We do not want to be of those dreams?” It was a very unofficial, to allay those costs incurred, but we have argumentative. As I said in my comments at kind of casual gathering, among people who no budget. the April 10 meeting, I think there is were just loosely-connected through certainly room in the church for those of various informal networks. And we knew Do you know how many denominational strict subscriptionist conviction. I am we were similarly-minded. employees have been used to help promote convinced there is room for that. In fact, I its agenda? would welcome that. It is just that as the What do you mean by similarly-minded? No. years have rolled on, since the 10th General Similarly-minded in that all of us have been PPLN panel participants Assembly, it’s more and more the case that pastors, and most all of us are currently Who has been employed in order to set forth while there may be room for strict pastors. We are theologically-concerned, the agenda of the organization? subscriptionists in our church, there’s not we are theologically-conservative, have a No one. We have no employees. Is there a membership for PPLN, other than room for us in a strict subscriptionist love for the Confession. And at the same the Steering Committee? Is there a way of church. time we are ministerially- and missionally- I was using the term ‘employee’ in a more joining this organization? zealous. All have ministries that are general way, not necessarily as a paid No. The only means of connecting is for I know that y’all have maintained that. Have outreach-oriented. That doesn’t mean that employee. For example, who set up the web someone like you have done yourself to you talked with people like Morton Smith our worship services are necessarily seeker- site? sign up for the correspondence from the or Joseph Pipa or David Coffin on that sensitive, but I mean that we have a passion The web site is set up by, as we published, web site. particular point? to reach out to those around us. Brad Hough at the Seminary. There have been many conversations. There And will it publish the minutes of its have been those conversations. I know you have 17 on the Steering So, he’s a denominational employee, then. meetings, or make them available, the Committee. Were there only 17 at the He’s an employee of the Seminary. minutes of the Steering Committee? Can you tell me with whom, from the PPLN initial meeting in Atlanta, or were there Well, we’re not keeping minutes. We are that side? others? How many were there in Atlanta in Were there any other folks from Covenant informal. Each of us jots down notes for our No, I don’t think so. I know the November? Seminary that were assisting in any way? responsibilities, like mine is to publish the conversations have occurred, but I’m not I don’t recall exactly, Frank. I know that there Well, I don’t know. You know, all of us may press release and so forth, but it’s not even sure exactly with whom, other than our were some—Bill Lyle, for example, was on a have various vocations, various formal enough to have minutes. Moderator, Bryan Chapell. missions trip. Joe Wheat was indisposed in commitments, but we’re volunteering our some way. I don’t remember what it was. I time. So, whatever is done for PPLN is done Who owns the web site then? In your remarks, you stated that the think the only one who joined the group voluntarily, not because someone has been I don’t know. I don’t know how that works. group’s position is that of system after that meeting might have been Harry conscripted by means of the organization It’s registered under us. But I can’t even subscription, by which I take it to mean Reeder. It was a very small gathering. he’s a part of. answer that, I’m still ignorant of such things. that you believe that there is a general Reformed system of theology contained in How would you encapsulate the aims of the Please describe Bryan Chapell’s and Paul If PPLN is not political, how then will it the Standards but not co-extensive with the group? Kooistra’s efforts on behalf of this group. seek to accomplish its agenda? Standards. Is that a fair statement? Or how I think the primary aim is, as churchmen, to Do you know how much time have they spent We are a group of people who have lots of would you characterize it? I don’t want to try to serve the denomination in helping on it, or even where have they traveled on friends. And each of us talks to those mischaracterize it. her to become a servant-leader its behalf? natural networks, and we share our ideas. By “system subscription” or “good-faith denomination to the evangelical world. With No, I don’t know that. And those have been largely embraced subscription,” I am thinking more of a our Reformed distinctives, with our world- spontaneously. So, we really haven’t had methodology of determining subscription and-life view, with our church government, Is there any way that we could find that out? to do any kind of maneuvering to get things rather than a degree of subscription within all of the basic building blocks are in place Probably not. passed. Most of the work on the overtures, the system. And the methodology is the to be a great leader-church to the evangelical [NB: Mr. Robertson later sent us notice that most of the people who have taken the one that we currently practice. That is a man world, leading that church to better places. when we conducted the interview with him, overtures to their presbyteries, have done is asked what his differences are when he But we haven’t gone to bat with those Dr. Chapell had been out of the country. so because they have heard about it through comes for licensure or ordination. His components in becoming that kind of leader. Upon his return, Dr. Chapell offered the their natural network and brought it up in differences are then weighed by the following in response to the question about their own sessions and then to the presbyteries to determine if they are indeed How many people were at the meeting in how much time he had spent on PPLN: “I presbyteries. exceptions, and whether or not they are Atlanta? asked my Board of Trustees for permission inimical to the system. The court that is to If we go by the lunches, there were over to be involved in PPLN prior to my So there was no concerted effort by anyone determine whether or not that difference is 450. involvement. Because the Board recognized on the Steering Committee to coordinate inimical is the presbytery. So, it’s the the vision of PPLN to be important for the and to say, We’d like you to be the key presbytery ultimately that will have to Do you have any idea how many of those future of the PCA, they unanimously person in a particular presbytery? answer the question that you just asked me, were denominational employees, or where approved my involvement. No seminary No, we haven’t been that organized. We I think. people were from? personnel outside the president’s office haven’t done that, as far as I know. Each of No, I don’t. I haven’t reviewed the have been required to support PPLN. While us I’m sure has called friends to let them Right, but I’m just trying to understand registration. That wasn’t my responsibility. our Board’s approval could grant us greater know what we are doing, but we have not what your position is. Are you saying that allowances, we have chosen instead for the organized any kind of key-man network, to exceptions are to particular statements of There has been an impression given that efforts of PPLN to be supported by my knowledge. I mean, I’m the spokesman, the confessional standards. In other words, the PPLN group’s success was largely the individuals volunteering their own time and so I would think that kind of thing would if a man has an exception, it’s because he result of spontaneous reaction. Can you tell resources.”] have to come through me. I certainly served has an exception to a particular statement us if there were any efforts made by PPLN as a resource by phone and I think other of the Standards. Is that fair? steering committee members to drum up You mentioned that there was heavy support people have as well. When they’ve found I think I understand your question better support for the passage of the overtures from Covenant College, Covenant out about the overtures, they’ve called us. now. I’m saying that a good-faith and/or to invite people to come to the Theological Seminary, and Mission to the We’ve received mail lately from a number of subscriptionist is one who publishes to the Atlanta meeting? If there was, could you World. I think you said that there were a people who opposed the overtures earlier presbytery any and all differences with the please describe those activities? lot of folks from those organizations that in their presbyteries because they didn’t Standards—whether those differences be As far as the meeting in Atlanta, about the were present at the meeting in Atlanta. Is know out of what context it was coming. with titles, propositions, statements or only advertising we could give was by that correct? They thought at first it was someone’s doctrines. If the presbytery judges that his P&R News ² April - June 2002 9 differences are exceptions, then it must elder, and each elder has a fold team that because we haven’t talked about it any more past use of women’s gifts in mercy ministry, weigh if they undermine the system of serves with him. Women are on those teams specifically than what we have posted on but we did not discuss the ordination of doctrine comprised by the Standards, but and actively share the mercy and pastoral the web. women as deacons, or even their being set not necessarily coextensive with every care needs of the fold. They are called apart as deaconesses. proposition, statement, or doctrine in the undershepherds as are all the members on PPLN advocates what it calls a “Reformed Standards. the team. We elected not to call them ‘Catholicity’”. Does this ‘catholicity’ One other question. How do you pastorally deacons’ assistants, as the BCO would include cooperation and/or ecumenical deal with people who might attend a church, There were strong intimations during the allow, because we don’t want to services with clergy people from liberal let’s say, pastored by someone on the PPLN presentations in Atlanta that people who communicate to, in our particular sub- denominations (such as those that belong Steering Committee, that has women may not be on board your agenda are not culture, that these are deacons. And we to the National and/or World Councils of reading Scripture in public worship, who interested in evangelism and missions, and didn’t want to encourage passivity among Churches) and/or Roman Catholic are maybe surprised by that practice, and are not concerned about being pastoral. Is our men, or our deacons. Now that’s a very priests? in his conscience or her conscience doesn’t that the view of PPLN? small example, but I think that reveals a bit We intentionally use the adjective know whether to continue to sit there or to That’s a good question, and I think it’s of our heart, that women have gifts of mercy “Reformed” in our statement to refer to walk out? How would you counsel a person something that I would personally be that could be utilized more effectively than catholicity among Reformed people. like that pastorally? concerned about, if that impression was they are, and those gifts should be realized Well, I would say if someone is offended in given. And I think it’s possible for us at to the church. Whom particularly would you have in mind his conscience by a practice, then he should times to give that impression, and it’s wrong. there? follow Paul’s warning that whatever is not It’s wrong to communicate that because George, as you noted, our Book of Church I don’t have anybody particularly in mind— of faith is sin, and he should remove himself someone might have a different view on Order does allow for women to be employed we haven’t discussed it any more than that. from the place where he’s being tempted subscription that he is not concerned about as diaconal assistants—I think it’s Chapter and do it so as not to cause a disturbance. lost souls. And that would be an 9, paragraph 7. The question also arises, From your own perspective, would this unfortunate thing to communicate. however, in terms of women’s participation include the Evangelical Presbyterian But doesn’t this then create a problem, and in public worship. Is the terminology being Church, or the PC(USA), or the RCA? in a sense become divisive within our Bryan Chapell spoke of the “timbre” with used by PPLN in terms of the gifts of women From your own perspective. denomination? I take it, from your which women are spoken of in the PCA, or participation by women include things Well, I don’t know that I’m free to talk about organization’s stated goals, that you are and that this “timbre” is the reason why such as women reading Scripture in public my own perspective. Reformed catholicity hoping for the unity of the church, and of more women did not participate in the worship? is shared values among those who make course that’s the desire of every churchman Atlanta meeting despite having been invited. It could, because, obviously, there are claim to the same Reformed faith that we to seek the unity of the church. How does Who were the women who were invited? women in churches, as you noted in your treasure. that fit with the unity of the church, when What did Bryan mean by this comment? article, who read Scripture. We, as a you have an historic practice and you have I’m afraid I can’t answer either one, because denomination, have not refused that yet. No matter what their denominational that re-affirmed by the General Assembly, I don’t know which women were invited, While we do not have women in my church affiliation. and yet the opposite is going on in and I’m not as in touch with the whole fabric reading Scripture during a morning worship Well, I don’t know that we have churches? Again, speak to me pastorally. of the denomination as Bryan is because of service, there might be other men on the denominations in view, as much as the kind How does one deal realistically with that his travels and because of the women that Steering Committee who do practice that. of informal, organic relationship that we situation? are on the campus of the Seminary. And I’m We have not, to be perfectly honest, as a have as a committee. I’m not sure that you and I would interpret sure that perspective arises out of his committee sat down and discussed this the 1997 action the same way. I’m not sure listening so much to the women across the mission statement and how it would be But these would all be people from outside when we were responding to minutes, I’m denomination. He would have to be asked implemented. This is kind of a culmination the PCA? That’s the whole point of not sure that that action determined that question. of some brain-storming. But what you have Reformed catholicity, I would presume. expressly that women may not read is about as specific as we ever got. So I Right. Scripture in public worship. I’m not sure As you know, Covenant Seminary has a can’t answer you further than that. that it became part of our legally-enforceable policy of not talking to us. Would Bryan as Is there anything I didn’t ask you that I Constitution. a member of PPLN be willing to answer By the way, the General Assembly five years should have? that question? ago did take exception to Southern There probably was. I do want to point out Well, the next year the General Assembly I will ask it for you. Florida’s minutes for having a woman read that the language I was trying to get in our interpreted its action with specific Scripture, and another one lead in prayer discussion about the use of women’s gifts. reference to Scripture and to Questions George, Tim Keller pointedly did not in public worship. So I think the Assembly We say in the second point of our mission and Answers 155-159 of the Larger exclude the possibility of ordaining women has taken a position on it. statement that we are seeking better ways Catechism. So, the Assembly was saying, as deacons, or, it seems to me, even as ruling [NB: Mr. Robertson later offered this of producing culturally-sensitive, We’re interpreting the Standards and elders. What is the goal of PPLN with statement: I have had a chance to look at practically-trained men to be ministers of applying the Standards in this particular regard to women’s ordination? the Assembly’s actions with reference to the word. And I can tell you that that manner, as well as applying Scripture. So, There is no goal in regard to women’s Southern Florida’s minutes recording a language was very intentionally chosen in it wasn’t just the ’97 Assembly, it was the ordination. In our mission statement, we woman’s reading Scripture. The minutes order to communicate that our intention was ’98 Assembly which not only was taking make a distinction between an ordained male are not clear on what action was taken not to seek the ordination of women to the the same viewpoint, but actually ministry and the use of women’s gifts. We exactly. Yes, it did take exception to the ministry. strengthened it. are simply not pushing for women’s practice in 1997 and the Committee did Well, I was absent at the ’98 Assembly, so ordination. not accept Southern Florida’s response in Correct. But my question was that that I’ll have to check that. In view of that, you’ve 1998. However, the N-B in brackets leaves open the door for ruling elders and/ caught me flat-footed, and I’m not prepared And that would be true to all offices of the indicates that the Committee did not or deacons to be women. to answer in an intelligent way. So I will church, then? convincingly demonstrate that Southern And frankly, we didn’t discuss that topic. look at that myself, Frank, and I will try to We’re not pushing for ordination in any Florida’s practice constituted a “violation We didn’t discuss ruling elders. We have give a more intelligent answer when you direction. I think there are certainly people of Scripture” or a “serious irregularity no intention of seeking the ordination of send me the transcript. who would to no one’s surprise have the from the Constitution,” nor did it show that women as ruling elders. We did discuss the conviction that the diaconate is open to it was “out of accord with the deliverances women. There would be those who would of the General Assembly,” or that it was an follow the lead of Warfield and others. But “impropriety and important delinquence” we have no agenda for realizing that, and it (RAO 14-6 C.1). My original answer to really is not an interest at this point. We are your question was that as I remembered it, concerned rather to affirm the gifts that the Assembly’s action during the presbytery women in our churches have and creatively records report did not result in anything seek outlets for the use of those gifts, of Constitutional significance such that an working within the existing structure of our official position was declared on women denomination and our Constitution. reading Scripture. In my review of the minutes as well as my review of BCO 14-7, Can you give me some concrete examples I would say that I am still correct in that of what has been done in your church or in opinion. I would go further to say that other churches in terms of how you would there is nothing in our Constitution or in implement that? the Scriptures that explicitly forbids a I couldn’t give you examples of other woman to read Scripture without comment churches. I will give just one example from in public.] our church. In our church, we looked at the historic service of women in the areas of Also, PPLN very explicitly, and also in Dr. mercy and pastoral care and we asked Keller’s remarks, wants a diversity of ourselves how such gifts could be utilized worship within the Reformed tradition. more effectively in our congregation. We Does that diversity include liturgical dance, determined that we should restructure those liturgical drama, the use of video clips, and ministries of our church to utilize women’s alternative rock music? Is that what’s in gifts more effectively. So we subdivided view by the use of that terminology? the church into folds. Each elder is a fold Again, we don’t know what’s in view (Paid Advertising) 10 P&R News ² April - June 2002 Westminster Presbytery Sends a Communication to the General Assembly

Abingdon, Virginia (May 6, of the original proposal. The lengthier Westminster Presbytery’s Communication 2002)—At a called meeting this evening version presented some of the rationale at the Abingdon Presbyterian Church, for the various overtures which the Dear Fathers and Brethren: Westminster Presbytery adopted a Presbytery has sent up to the Assembly Greetings in the matchless name of our Savior, Jesus Christ! formal communication to the General this year. Among those overtures are We want to thank you for all the time, effort, and energy that you have spent on our Assembly. The communiqué which was the following: to replace the Standing Presbytery over the past couple of years. As you know, we have had a difficult time sent to the higher court expressed Judicial Commission (SJC) with wrestling with how to deal with theological and ideological differences among us. Although thanks “for all the time, effort, and regionally-based judicial commissions; there are numerous issues about which not all of us agree, nevertheless, we are happy to energy that you have spent on our to instruct the PCA Foundation and all report that there has been a sweeter spirit in our meetings over the past year or so. We Presbytery over the past couple of denominational agencies that they must believe that this is due to the prayers of God’s people, and we thank you for all the prayers years.” The letter also thanked the allow members of the denominational which you have offered up on our behalf. Assembly for their prayers on behalf of corporation to inspect the records; to In January of this year, our Presbytery voted to rescind its determination to withdraw the Presbytery. amend BCO 21-4 with regard to from the Presbyterian Church in America. The motion to rescind carried overwhelmingly, The called meeting was held theological subscription; to counsel with less than a handful of votes against it. This is truly a remarkable occurrence. We primarily in order to consider denominational management personnel appreciate the pleading of the 29th General Assembly, as expressed in its pastoral letter to us, communication to the Assembly, that it is inappropriate for them to that we reconsider our intention to break the ties of fellowship, and we are happy to report especially in light of the fact that the engage in ecclesiastical politicking; and that we have indeed determined to continue to walk together with our denomination. Presbytery had not informed the to recommend that amendments to the Our determination to remain in the Presbyterian Church in America is reflective of our Assembly that it had rescinded its SJC Manual not be adopted. desire that the PCA become a leader church for our culture in the twenty-first century. We earlier determination to withdraw from However, a substitute by the Rev. believe that there are tremendous challenges for the Body of Christ in this new millennium, the denomination. The motion to Larry Ball prevailed, which employed from ethical issues (cloning, for example), to persecution of God’s people, to the threat of rescind carried overwhelmingly at the only the first five paragraphs of the false religious systems (including Islam and Roman Catholicism). Throughout church January 2002 stated meeting. proposal. The final paragraph was later history, Presbyterians have always been leaders, and we are hopeful that our beloved Westminter’s communication attached to the communication. denomination can itself fulfill a central role in successfully addressing these challenges. employs pastoral-type language. It In arguing for his substitute, Mr. We believe that in order for us to fulfill this crucial role, we must have a balanced notes the importance of missions and Ball stated that although he agreed with approach in the life of our denomination, so that we would exhibit not only doctrinal purity, piety as well as doctrinal purity. And almost all of what had been presented, but also an evangelistic zeal to reach the lost, and a personal piety that exemplifies the Lord the communication also expresses the he thought that it was better simply to Jesus Christ. Our deep desire is that we in the Presbyterian Church in America, based upon desire that the Presbyterian Church in make the arguments on the floor of the the solid foundation of our Confessional Standards, would be committed to world missions, America (PCA) be a leader church in the Assembly rather than to argue for the and would experience the reality of being grace- and gospel-driven in our lives and in our twenty-first century, filling the historic overtures in a separate communication. dealings with one another. role which has often characterized The communication will be We join with you in praying that the Lord of the Church would grant us the grace to be Presbyterians. distributed to the commissioners when involved in mission, for the transformation of the world. May we give the Lord no rest until That which was adopted by the they register for the Assembly in He makes Zion a praise in all the earth, and the knowledge of the glory of the Lord covers the court was a greatly-truncated version Birmingham. earth as the waters cover the sea.

(Paid Advertisement) P&R News ² April - June 2002 11 AN OPEN LETTER TO THE PRESBYTERIAN PASTORAL LEADERSHIP Dear Brethren in Christ: you suggest in your overture that the PCA apostasy of the mainline Presbyterian disturbing rumors about your group, I would It is with a sense of deep sorrow that I has always held to something less than clear Church. It has often been said that if one ask you, in the spirit of a openness and feel called upon to address you in this way. subscription? Read the second vow. cannot learn from history, one will repeat pastoral candor, either publish all of your First, I desire to express to you my genuine Professor John Murray, who was the same errors of those who have gone other political goals and mailings— esteem and love for you as brethren in customarily precise in his interpretation of before. Have we forgotten the Auburn including whether you: (a) have circularized Christ. A number of you hold high callings language, asserts, “It is not simply the Affirmation and its related decline? Is 1973 a 10-point plan to stack certain key GA by the General Assembly of the system of doctrine contained in the so far behind us that we have forgotten why committees this year; (b) plan to employ Presbyterian Church in America. For this, Confession that is adopted, the Confession we left liberalism? parliamentary tactics to disallow verbal you deserve to be recognized and honored is adopted as containing the system of Surely you do not desire that the PCA improvements to previously submitted as servants of Christ and of his Church. doctrine taught in Scripture.” This is all go down that same road. Why then should overtures, as if they were unamendable; or Others of you hold distinguished that we who hold to historic subscription you espouse the very broadening steps that (c) hope to eliminate the historic office of pastorates, which is a high honor and great desire, that our officers recognize that they led the PCUSA into liberalism? You may deacons (Acts 6) so that women may serve responsibility as servants of Christ. All of are adopting the Confession and not agree with my understanding of the equal to men in an un-ordained capacity— you as fellow Christians are to be held in Catechisms as the confession of their faith. early history and intent of the PCA, but or else for the peace of the church, please love and respect as brethren in the Lord. I That this was the position of the PCA is many will conclude that the adoption of the unequivocally and publicly disavow that seek to write to you what I view to be the seen in the language of the first Assembly loose position you espouse is, to say the you or your political allies will use such truth “in love” as a fellow Christian. adopting the Confession and Catechisms least, a dangerous step, which cannot help carnal methods or seek such goals. My concerns are several. First, as a as the bond of our unity. It is seen in the but weaken the present and future Dear brothers, my opinion in some areas group seeking to offer pastoral leadership way that most judicial cases dealing with testimony of the PCA. Knowing the may not be as far from yours as caricatured. in the PCA, it seems to me that on known doctrines were handled earlier, although propensity of sinful human nature, instead May I challenge you, me, and all members controversial subjects, you should have some recent decisions seem willing to depart of loosening our Standards, should we not of the PCA as follows: Indeed, I quite agree acted more pastorally and invited some of from that standard. It is also seen in the be striving to strengthen our commitment that we desperately NEED more of a pastoral, those who differ with you to have consulted answer to questions about the meaning of to our Standards? patient approach that humbly listens, to see if a genuine consensus could be subscription adopted by the Tenth General Some of you seem to fear classic embraces many, and that waits on God more reached. In fact, such openness and Assembly. subscription, because it may bring on in prayer than depends on raw political collegiality might have helped avoid certain Fourth, I ask, why you brethren are charges of heresy against those who fail to power or the tyranny of the majority. We misstatements (see next paragraph). Your seeking to organize and chart a radically keep their ordination vows. Can you tell us NEED far less politics and much more hasty pressing for legislative changes (and different direction for the PCA. The when or how often that has actually openness, true consensus, research, that as your initial offering to the church) “Address to All Churches” adopted and happened in the entire history of the PCA? reasoned-discussion, and true concern for before consultation with a broad cross- signed by the members of the first General The design of healthy subscription is merely flocks. We MUST NOT, even in respect for section of leaders—even if that means a Assembly sets forth a very different goal to aid candor and honesty, as much as to your impressive, collective greater diversity than you personally might than that proposed by the Presbyterian require that our officers maintain the accomplishments, follow the agenda that desire—is, to say the least, less than what Pastoral Leadership group. This being the ordination vows that they have taken, and you presently promote so zealously. Christ would expect of us. I plead with you case, it seems to this writer that if you are to uphold the historic, Biblical I do not believe that the perceived brethren to lessen your efforts to impose not satisfied by the PCA’s goals and Presbyterianism of the Westminster “crisis” is present, nor is the need so your own political vision on the Church on direction, then you should use pastoral Standards. Failure of the denomination to pressing, nor are the remedies proposed so such a major issue as subscription, until persuasion to change the Constitution do this will result in the decline of the sound. Brothers, may we not apply a little the broader church asks or commissions through our normal procedures—not by denomination’s orthodoxy. Jonathan patience with one another, a little more you, or some other group, to do so. As a orchestrating the so called “ground swell” Dickinson, who opposed the original honesty and charity to those who sincerely pastoral leadership group you should lead of a number of presbyteries adopting the Adopting Act, said that unless discipline is disagree, and not divide the church?? We us by patient and humble persuasion instead same overtures, and then seeking to block exercised orthodoxy would not be have time . . . and God’s own promises; let’s of by political maneuvering. A pastoral any amendment to the overtures. You might maintained. (Stated in a sermon preached listen more and politicize less. approach—not an imposed legislative even humbly submit to other brothers and at the opening of the Synod of Philadelphia, Yours in Christ, one—is what is needed. a church that may not be as convinced of September 19, 1722.) Morton H. Smith Second, the citation of the statement, the need to adopt your positions. Finally, having heard some very First Stated Clerk of the General Assembly which I made at the last Assembly to the One wonders why you men, who have effect that I failed to press the issue of affirmed in your ordination vows the subscription at the First General Assembly, Reformed Faith and conservative did not include the larger context of the Presbyterianism in general, cannot learn Point and Counterpoint statement and my life’s work. I ask you as from the history of American pastors of honesty and integrity to correct Presbyterianism regarding subscription to PPLN and Dr. Smith Exchange Responses or remove your mistaken references to my the Standards. During the period from 1801 comments, with apology, or quickly to to 1837 the broad, loose Presbyterianism of On May 14. 2002, Dr. Morton H. Smith so that you could respond as you believed publish a correction in some clear form as the New School group brought about a submitted his open letter to the Presbyterian best. Thus, we welcome the response that an excellent model of repentance and distinct decline in the doctrinal position of Pastoral Leadership Network (PPLN) to we now have from you in this public form charity. I indicated that the reason I had the Presbyterian Church. The result was several news outlets, including even as we have welcomed the private not pressed the question of nature of the major division of 1837 in which the Old PCANEWS.COM. He was informed by the responses of others.” confessional subscription was based on the and New School groups went separate PCANEWS.COM editor that his letter The response then quotes from Dr. assumption that all conservative ways. The vast majority of the Southern would not be posted to the denominational Bryan Chapell’s January letter. That letter Presbyterians of the 20th century would have Presbyterian Church came out of the Old web magazine until the following week. expresses the hope that he “would perceive concurred with the conservatives of the 19th School Church. It is an historical fact that On May 18, 2002, his letter was posted on these proposed changes as a middle-ground century that full subscription was our they clearly identified themselves as Old PCANEWS.COM, along with a solicited position between a strict- and broad- position. In other words, I presupposed School Presbyterians and the PCA, in its response from PPLN. subscription position that would not that a Continuing Southern Presbyterian original formulations, overtly embraced the Below are summaries of and excerpts from establish all you desire, but would Church would be one that held to historic stance of the First Southern General the PPLN response and Dr. Smith’s response to accomplish much that you wish.” The letter subscription as the Southern Presbyterian Assembly. it. acknowledges that it is not to be expected Church did in her early years. To cite The Northern Old and New School that Dr. Smith would agree to the “whereas” someone out of context is less than the best Churches merged in 1869 on the ground of clauses accompanying the overture on pastoral leadership you might have allowing both views of subscription to the PPLN subscription. Yet the letter also asks him to exhibited. You claim that you want “good Standards. By 1910 subscription had been “apply your respected leadership to the faith” subscription. Yet, you have twisted reduced from commitment to the PPLN’s response begins: “Dear Respected support of this compromise.” the record of what I attempted to suggest Westminster Standards to the adoption of Father, The response states that “to be and thus distorted my words to make me the five points of fundamentalism. In 1923, “With love for you and with great pastoral we have circulated the overtures appear to say that the PCA did not hold to after the Assembly had reaffirmed the appreciation for your noble contributions broadly and invited reactions just as you the received subscription position. I trust position of 1910, a group of some 1,300 to the establishment of the Presbyterian ask in the first concern of your ‘Open Letter’ that it was done unwittingly, so I sincerely ministers of the denomination signed the Church in America, we seek humbly to to us. We have done this because we believe ask that you not harm the PCA with Auburn Affirmation, which declared these respond to the concerns that you have so the overtures can help bring peace and misinformation and that you bear true five points to be theories that Presbyterian carefully expressed to us. Out of great regard progress to our church. We set up a national witness to my sentiments. Please, in the ministers did not need to affirm. Nothing for you and out of a desire to face squarely meeting in April and invited all leaders in interests of fairness to all and love to me, was done to them, and this view eventually issues that have troubled our church for our church to attend and give us their input correct or publish this letter as a clarification prevailed in the mainline Church. The result some time, we wrote to you personally (along regarding these overtures and regarding a from my own hand. The fact is that this is was the separation of the Orthodox with other leaders that we felt would be broader Vision Statement for the bright not my position, and never has been, and I Presbyterian Church from the Presbyterian concerned about our efforts) in January future of the PCA. The overtures took certainly did not intend to leave the Church in the United States of America in 2002 regarding the overtures that we hoped different forms in various presbyteries impression that the PCA did not adopt the 1936. It was a terrible day for American would be moved through normal precisely because particular concerns were historic subscription position of our Presbyterianism to see a great denomination procedures in our presbyteries. We wrote voiced, and we urged brothers to amend forefathers. that had begun with clear adherence to the to you before most others in our church and improve the overtures in ways that did Third, in the light of a call for “good Standards to allow this requirement to slip were aware of these overtures to be not destroy their intent. As a result, we have faith,” have you shown good faith when from its grasp and to head toward the virtual completely open about our intentions, and (Continued on page 15) 12 P&R News ² April - June 2002 Presbytery of the Dakotas Takes on Doug New Jersey Presbytery (OPC) Wilson and Christ Church, Moscow, Idaho Requests New King The Presbytery of the Dakotas of the moderating the congregational meeting New St. Andrews College. Its pastor, Doug James Version to be Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC) has which would vote on his call. Twelve Wilson, is also well-known for his numerous adopted a strong resolution, warning all members of the congregation forced the books, particularly on classical Christian Used in Educational OPC presbyteries of “some grave dangers calling of a congregational meeting to deal education, courtship, and marriage. One of in the practices of Douglas Wilson and with the pastoral call. Eventually, all three the faculty members at New St. Andrews Materials Christ Church, Moscow, Idaho.” According of the original elders left the congregation. College is Dr. Peter Leithart, a minister in Use of New International to the Presbytery, these practices One of them joined the Reformed Church in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), “undermine the discipline of reformed the United States, the denomination in a sister church to the OPC. Among his Version Questioned churches and refuse to support it, assuming which he was raised. Another one is now several books is Daddy, Why Was I The Presbytery of New Jersey of the it is unbiblical without even hearing the attending Hidden Valley Presbyterian Excommunicated?, a defense of paedo- Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC) has case.” Church, a newly-organized Presbyterian communion. determined to “request the 69th General The Presbytery also forwarded the Church in America congregation in Draper, The Idaho congregation spearheaded Assembly to request Great Commission correspondence to its fellow presbyteries, Utah. The other elder, Tony Maneri, the formation of the Confederation of Publications, for the sake of greater unity, as well as to the 69th OPC General Assembly, “resigned” from the church rather than Reformed Evangelicals (CRE), a federation to replace the New International Version with asking that the Assembly “forward it to transferring to another church, although he of churches. Founded in 1998, CRE seeks the New King James Version in all its churches with whom we have ecclesiastical subsequently joined a local Reformed to bring together a variety of people who educational materials as they undergo fellowship.” Baptist church. profess an allegiance to Reformed theology. revision.” At the center of the controversy is Under OPC rules, a person may The spectrum is a wide one, encompassing The communication, which is Christ Presbyterian Church, Salt Lake City, “resign” from the denomination. However, Reformed Baptists and paedo- Communication #17 to the OPC General Utah, an OPC congregation. The Session the church court is not obligated to accept communionists. Unlike standard Assembly, was adopted at the April 23, 2002, at the Utah congregation had already taken the resignation, but may continue with any Presbyterian polity, a minister’s membership stated meeting of the Presbytery. the Idaho church to task for counseling a disciplinary proceedings. According to the is held in the local church, not in the broader The Presbytery Stated Clerk, Mr. former elder in the Salt Lake City Christ Presbyterian Session, Mr. Maneri was church. Richard A. Barker, in sending the congregation that he can refuse to cooperate confronted individually and before The CRE corresponded with a PCA communication to the Assembly, noted: “In with the process of church discipline. witnesses before he resigned. The Session presbytery over the discipline of Burke accordance with another action of the The dispute revolves around charges decided to proceed with formal judicial Shade. Illiana Presbytery deposed Mr. Presbytery, substantially the identical that were brought against one of the original charges, because of the gravity and Shade in 1999. The Carbondale, Illinois, request is being sent to Great Commission elders of the Utah church. Shortly after persistence of the alleged charges he was minister was eventually received by CRE, Publications and to the Committee on organization two years ago, the newly- making against Mr. Wallace. along with the church which he now pastors, Christian Education of the Orthodox installed Session tried to prevent the Christ Church in Moscow is well- Cornerstone Reformed. The congregation, Presbyterian Church.” congregation from voting on calling the known for its publication of Credenda which was started by members from On April 24, 2002, the Great organizing pastor, Jason Wallace, to be the Agenda, and its sponsorship of other Evangelical Presbyterian Church, the PCA Commission Publications instructed the pastor of the church. One of the objections ministries, including Canon Press, Collegiate church in Carbondale formerly pastored by Executive Director “to begin with was that Mr. Wallace was going to be Reformed Fellowship, Greyfriars Hall, and Mr. Shade, practices paedo-communion. implementation set forth in ‘Procedure on (See P&R News, May-June 2001). Bible Translations—Step 1’ and report to Introducing According to Pastor Wallace, Mr. the fall Board meeting what progress has HOPE BOOKS Maneri was convicted in absentia at a trial been made and what are the proposed next ~ on August 22, 2001. Appointed as his steps.” Step 1 is as follows: “GCP staff HARVARD ORGANIZATION OF PROFESSING EVANGELICALS counsel was Mr. Mark Hausam. Mr. Maneri (including staff, Board members, and others) was convicted of false witness, being found will begin by reassessing the PUBLICATIONS guilty of having charged Pastor Wallace appropriateness of GCP’s use of the NIV in with false witness, with being morally unfit terms of three criteria: 1) integrity of for office, and with being a divisive man translation; 2) usage and acceptance within Rev. Russell Kent, President according to Titus 3:10. Pastor Wallace the OPC/PCA; 3) instructional value for the indicated that Mr. Maneri had refused to particular materials published by GCP.” For July release via University Press of America, Inc.: bring these charges for adjudication, and Great Commission Publications (GCP), was instead spreading them as gossip. which was founded by the OPC, became in A Biblical Theology of Judges, Rev. Russell Kent, Th.M., Ph.D. candidate, Mr. Maneri’s position is that he had 1975 a joint publishing effort between the American University of Biblical Studies joined another church and therefore was not OPC Committee on Christian Education and subject to OPC jurisdiction. This was also the Christian Education and Publications Exegesis and Sermonic Development — The Path from Text to Sermon, the counsel of Doug Wilson to him. Committee (CE/P) of the PCA. Originally Rev. Dr. George Joseph Gatis, J.D., Ph.D., Th.D. As explained in a letter last year from located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, GCP Doug Jones of Christ Church, Moscow, to moved to Suwanee, Georgia, in 1993. Its The Puritans on Law: The View of Key Puritans on Substantive Biblical the Clerk of Session of the Salt Lake City executive director is the Rev. Tom Patete, a Law, Rev. Dr. George Joseph Gatis, J.D., Ph.D., Th.D. church, “The main point of [our position] is member of Philadelphia Presbytery (PCA). the claim that if one is not a member of the According to Mr. Patete, “The action “This is My Body” — Ratramnus and Radbertus: Their Controversy OPC, then one isn’t subject to OPC taken by the GCP Board is for the purpose Regarding the Eucharist Explicated, Rev. Dr. George Joseph jurisdiction. Surely, your session does not of researching translation options in general Gatis, J.D., Ph.D., Th.D. disagree and claim that nonmembers are and addressing questions raised about the indeed subject to OPC jurisdiction.” The NIV in particular.” International Law Afloat on a Sea of Religious Ethics — The Influence email went on to say: “we don’t find him The New International Version (NIV) of Major World Religions on the Development of International [Doug Wilson] making specific judgments is based on a translation theory known as Law, Rev. Dr. George Joseph Gatis, J.D., Ph.D., Th.D. against specific persons or courts on your “dynamic equivalence.” This approach end but instead voicing strong, well- contrasts with that of older translations The Necessity of Governmental Integrity to the Survivability of the grounded skepticism about general (such as the King James Version) which American Constitutional Republic, Rev. Dr. George Joseph Reformed patterns of litigiousness, along follow a more “literal” translation. Gatis, J.D., Ph.D., Th.D. with long-standing confidence in the According to an article in Religion Today character of Mr. Maneri. Mr. Wilson by Matt Pyeatt, in recent days, Freedom of Religion in “Liberated” Kuwait? The Case of Robert explicitly stated that he was making claims organizations and key individuals have Hussein and Its Implications for International Human Rights about patterns and appearances as an questioned the newest edition of the NIV, and American Foreign Policy, Rev. Dr. George Joseph Gatis, ‘outsider.’ . . . . If your session is genuinely Today’s New International Version (TNIV), J.D., Ph.D., Th.D. interested in dissuading Mr. Wilson of his and its “inclusive language” approach skepticism in your particular case, we which is designed to be more “gender Calvin the Magistrate: The Legal and Political Legacy of the Genevan recommend that you send us the trial accurate.” The 1997 General Assembly of Reformer, Rev. Dr. George Joseph Gatis, J.D., Ph.D., Th.D. documents which show that you have risen the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) above the contemporary Reformed norm. expressed its agreement with the decision Teaching Reformed Theology in the 21st Century — A Teacher’s Manual, We would be glad to read them and return at that time by the NIV Committee on Bible Rev. Dr. Chuck Baynard, LL.D., Th.D. our comments back to you.” Translation, the International Bible Society, The OPC General Assembly is slated and Zondervan “to not pursue their plans to meet June 12-19, 2002. Among the to publish a ‘gender-inclusive’ version of For inquiries, please denominations with which the OPC has the NIV in the United States, believing that contact Dr. Baynard at ecclesiastical fellowship are the PCA, the such a version is inconsistent with the . Reformed Presbyterian Church of North Biblical doctrine of divine inspiration.” America, the Associate Reformed Meanwhile, Central Carolina Presbytery Presbyterian Church, and the Canadian and has overtured this year’s PCA Assembly to (Paid Advertisement) American Reformed Churches. study the propriety of the TNIV. P&R News ² April - June 2002 13 ‘Indelible Grace’ in Concert Group Goes on Tour to Promote Old Lyrics Wedded to New Tunes

Johnson City, Tennessee (April 8, fears; the bleeding Sacrifice in my behalf The fifth and final stanza sweetly celebrates in order to interest people in the type of 2002)—The female soloist, her sung words appears.” the doctrine of justification: “Oh! I am my music that is possible to utilize with old being punctuated by deep percussion and “The gospel is definitely a mystery,” beloved’s and my beloved is mine! He hymns, what was experienced this evening accompanied by guitars, loudly and Matthew declares, “that the Judge of all brings a poor vile sinner Into His house of was indeed a concert, not a worship service. passionately sang. But this love song was would come to earth to set His prisoners wine. I stand upon His merit, I know no The musicians tonight were giving a not the type usually heard in a university free.” other stand. Not e’en where glory dwelleth performance; in a service of worship, the auditorium. For she was singing, “O, The Sounding a theme of eternal In Emmanuel’s land.” emphasis would be different, and the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus.” deliverance, the group also sings “On Samuel Rutherford, of course, was a congregation would be expected to join in Puritan, and as such committed to psalm- singing. singing for public worship. Psalmody was This tour for ‘Indelible Grace’ is being also a theme for the evening. “I think it’s funded with a grant from the Calvin Institute important to sing the Psalms,” Matthew of Worship, based at Calvin College, Grand Smith stated. “First of all, because it’s in Rapids, Michigan, and with funds provided the Word of God. And also, the way the by Lilly Endowment, Inc. In September, a psalmist expresses fear and faith, often in two-day conference will be held at Belmont the same Psalm, joy and despair. Men of University in Nashville, under the God in the past have been able to show that sponsorship of RUF at Belmont, to explore they’re human.” Among the selections ways in which the old hymns can be heard this evening, at least three were based rediscovered in the contemporary church on canonical psalms (Psalms 62, 73, and 130). scene. Besides Matthew Smith and Katy Bowser, three musicians played with the For more information, you may group: Paul Eckberg on drums, Steve contact the Rev. Kevin Twit at Miksell on bass, and Jeremy Casella on [email protected]. The web guitar. Jeremy had begun the presentation address for the group is this evening with a solo performance which www.indeliblegrace.com. featured songs from his CD recording. For a lively internet discussion of the After the concert, Matthew Smith and pros and cons of the music being performed ‘Indelible Grace’ in concert at East Tennessee State University Cason Cooley, who runs the sound by ‘Indelible Grace’, go to PCANEWS.COM equipment for the group, explained more of (www.Christianity.com/pcanews) and It was a love song, to be sure, but not Jordan’s Stormy Banks I Stand.” The what the group is doing. Mr. Cooley search for ‘Indelible Grace’. one with romantic overtones. Rather, it was rendition of this old hymn was more mellow emphasized that although the concert was directed to her Savior. And the young than some of the other offerings this vocalist, Katy Bowser, declared, “And if I evening. CLASSICALN ANDN CHRISTIANN EDUCATION die while in East Tennessee, sing it at my Less-familiar vintage songs are also funeral.” sung, such as one by William Gadsby. “It’s Miss Bowser is a vocalist in a group of a comfort song, so take comfort,” Katy AND five musicians called ‘Indelible Grace.’ The counsels. LATIN group, most of whom are members at Christ One of her favorite songs, “The Sands Community Church, a Presbyterian Church of Time Are Sinking,” reflects the words of in America (PCA) congregation in the 17th century Scottish churchman Samuel Nashville suburb of Franklin, Tennessee, is LOGIC on tour, demonstrating their appreciation for the rich words of old, traditional hymns. But their presentation comes with a twist, or, perhaps better, a beat. For most of their ON VIDEO! music definitely has a contemporary sound and rhythm. Even when the traditional tune is used, as in the case of “O, The Deep, Deep Love of Jesus,” the tune (“Ebenezer”) Julie Garfield has been teaching Latin to the Elementary stu- has a distinct beat that old-time church dents here at Logos School for over 10 years. Her clean and goers would not recognize. LATINN PRIMERN I straightforward style helps make Latin understandable to kids. The Rev. Kevin Twit, who mentors the VIDEON COURSE This level (for the 2nd to 4th grader) focuses on vocabulary, case group, is College Pastor at Christ Community endings (chants!) and simple translation. The complete home Church and Reformed University Ministries $85.00 instruction package includes the video set, textbook, teacher’s campus minister at Belmont University in edition, test booklet, noun and verb case ending chants, and Nashville. As he explains on the group’s Katy Bowser, Matthew Smith, other helpful information for the homeschooler. web site (www.indeliblegrace.com), “Our and Steve Miksell Now you can have Logos School’s Jim Nance teach your chil- hope is to help the church recover the dren (or you!) Introductory Logic. Jim’s ten years of teaching tradition of putting old hymns to new music Rutherford. “For years, I’ve loved Samuel Logic have made him very proficient at the subject. The 20- for each generation, and to enrich our Rutherford’s letters,” Miss Bowser INTRODUCTORY lesson video set follows the lessons in the Introductory Logic worship with a huge view of God and His confides. “He was widowed twice, he lost LOGICvVIDEO COURSE textbook which Jim co-authored with Doug Wilson, and also indelible grace.” six children, he lost his pastorate, he saw includes Venn diagrams and translations from hypothetical to The goal is to deepen one’s the church get ripped apart by the $75.00 categorical syllogisms. This complete home instruction pack- appreciation of and love for Christ, while government. . . . His letters are romantic— age includes the video set, textbook, answer key book, and test conveying that piety by means of they read like love letters.” But, their focus booklet; everything you need to learn logic at home! For stu- contemporary music that “connects” with is on a tryst with the Savior. Miss Bowser dents at the 7th to 12th grade level. today’s generation. enthusiastically sings, to a modern rhythm: The overarching theme focuses on the “The sands of time are sinking, The dawn To order call toll free atonement of Christ, and the messages of heaven breaks, The summer morn I’ve given by group leader Matthew Smith and sighed for, The fair, sweet morn awakes. by Katy Bowser between musical numbers Dark, dark, had been the midnight But 866-562-2174 gently, but definitely, hammer home that dayspring is at hand. And glory, glory Call for a FREE catalog of our many other fine educa- theme. Our only hope for reconciliation with dwelleth In Emmanuel’s land.” The artist’s tional materials for homeschoolers. God is the perfect life and perfect death of feelings intensify in the fourth verse: “The Visit us on the Web! www.logosschool.com Christ, credited to us. That evangelical bride eyes not her garment But her dear LOGOS message is found throughout the old hymns bride-groom’s face. I will not gaze at glory SCHOOL Read about us in Doug Wilson’s Classical and Christian Education for over which are sung: “Amazing Love! How can But on my King of grace. Not at the crown 20 years book “Recovering the it be That Thou My God should die for me?” He giveth But on His pierced hand. The “Arise, my soul, arise, shake off your guilty Lamb is all the glory Of Emmanuel’s land.” Lost Tools of Learning.” (Paid Advertisement) 14 P&R News ² April - June 2002 Editorials and Letters times he said that he didn’t know what was We would respectfully submit that the However, the AC’s entire argument is Impressions meant by terminology which the PPLN figure of a building is a more solid one, and beside the point. What is important to Mission Statement sets forth. Is it possible more Biblical. No, it’s not a tri-pod—the church maintain is the local and diverse flavor which from Atlanta that most of those affiiliated with the PPLN is a building, founded on Apostolic teaching. presently obtains, as well as freedom from Big don’t really know what the political leadership And as soon as we are able to agree on that, Brother telling us what to preach. Although The recent meeting of the newly-formed is doing? we will have even more common ground on there is some value to having an overarching Presbyterian Pastoral Leadership Network Moreover, perhaps very tellingly, Mr. which to discuss the theological and practical theme for the Assembly, we fear that that (PPLN) in Atlanta gives a lot of food for Robertson, when he made modifications to differences among us. FJS approach could too easily be manipulated into thought. We were glad that we were able to the interview transcript (which we invite a politicization of the preaching at the attend. interviewees to do), amended his answer Assembly in order to promote a particular There were many positive aspects to the regarding women’s ordination to the diaconate Don’t Change It! agenda, all in the guise of piety and worship. meeting. Who can argue with an emphasis to say that that “really is not an interest at this Therefore, we recommend that the on missions and personal piety? Or, for that point” (the emphasized words being what he Ever since 1981, there has been a practice Assembly “just say no” to this proposed matter, with a desire to reach our society with added). of having the constituent presbyteries change. The system ain’t broke—let’s not fix the gospel of Christ? May we respectfully point out that a lack conduct the worship services at each General it. Moreover, the fellowship, particularly as of clarity, historically, has been—well, to put Assembly. In our estimation, this has been a expressed in the small groups around lunch, it politely, not helpful in the life of the church? good practice, one which allows the General was good and genuine. In sum, then, our impression from Atlanta Assembly to sample what the various Letter to the Editor But there were other, less-happy aspects is that this is another effort to silence, or at presbyteries have to offer. to the meeting, especially as fostered by those least to render irrelevant, those of us who have The Administrative Committee (AC) now Dear Sirs: of PPLN who are more interested in political an historic understanding of the Presbyterian wants to change all this, and to have the Local I am enclosing a check for my subscription posturing. Church in general and of the PCA in particular. Arrangements Committees to conduct all the to Presbyterian and Reformed Newsletter [sic]. In our estimation, in order to give a full There are many good-hearted folks caught worship services. This is not an endorsement of your work but evaluation of PPLN and its public meeting in up in this effort—folks who have latched onto What the AC fails to note is that the Local payment for services rendered. I still have strong Atlanta, it is important to distinguish several the many noble themes and sentiments which Arrangements Committees are subject, in the concerns about your editorial bias and agenda. groups who were at the meeting, as well as to the PPLN leadership has promulgated. final analysis, to the General Assembly Your full page slobber fest over Rushdoony distinguish between two different types of However, we are of the opinion that the vast Arrangements Committee, over which the AC shows only too well where your biases lie. churchmen on the PPLN Steering Committee. majority of those at the meeting in Atlanta do exercises veto power (“Final approval of all I will also state that I am not a Southerner At the meeting itself, there were at least not desire that the PCA follow its predecessor decisions regarding the Assembly shall rest and that I have absolutely no interest in the two groups of people. First, there were those bodies into liberalism. The critical issue, in the [Administrative Committee]”—Manual P.C.U.S. or how the P.C.U.S. did things. I am sick who are enthusiastically committed to the plan therefore, for the future of the PCA is this— for General Assembly Arrangements). and tired of the slobber fest over how glorious which PPLN has formulated. No matter what will we in the PCA be able to discern the The recommended change would and wonderful the P.C.U.S. was. “How long will PPLN does (within reason), this group is sure problems with the PPLN approach and represent another manifestation of ye weep over Saul..?”. to follow. A second group at the meeting, distinguish between the gold and the dross? centralization of power. We believe that we I do, however, have a very big interest in the while basically favorable to some of the stated Will we be able to take the good things which ought to keep the present system. We’d like Old School Presbyterianism of the North and its goals of PPLN, is more skeptical, and wants to PPLN offers, and yet also discard what it offers to think that in at least in this small way, we heritage as maintained in the Bible Presbyterian know the ramifications of the proposed that is not beneficial? can keep things at the grass-roots level. Church and then the late and lamented Reformed Constitutional amendments before signing on On that question may rest the future, In making its recommendation, AC notes Presbyterian Church, Evangelical Synod, which to them, hook, line, and sinker. humanly-speaking, of the PCA. FJS that it would take 21 years to go through the was the most wonderful Presbyterian Even among the Steering Committee entire roster of presbyteries. Of course, if we denomination we had in this country. I would members, we perceive two types of leaders. allow the Local Arrangements Committees to welcome the unification of all churches of the One group is more political in nature, and has influence (or even to determine, with the Machen heritage under one banner. demonstrated a shrewdness in fostering Not a Tripod, blessing of AC) the direction of the worship Yours sincerely, PPLN’s political agenda. Another group is services, it would take at least 63 years or W. Aardsma less politically-inclined, and is participating in But a Building more for each presbytery to be represented. Kansas City, Missouri the hope of ensuring peace in the courts of (Actually, some would never be represented, [The “slobber fest” to which Mr. Aardsma the church, with the result that more ministry Among the themes sounded at the as they are too small to host a General refers in the first paragraph was R. J. can occur, locally, regionally, and nationally. presentations at the PPLN meeting in Atlanta Assembly.) Rushdoony’s obituary.—Ed.] Quite frankly, we have much sympathy was this: that the church must have a balanced with those who are concerned with getting approach, in which doctrine, piety, and PRESBYTERIAN AND REFORMED NEWS on and doing the ministry of the church. We missions are all equally ultimate. And that, OWNERSHIP: Presbyterian International News Service, which publishes Presbyterian and Reformed sincerely desire the same thing! we believe, is precisely where the difference The only problem is, there are folks in may lie—a subtle, yet significant difference— News, is a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation. our midst who don’t believe the same things between the PPLN folks and those who are PURPOSE: The purpose of Presbyterian International News Service is to advance fellowship, piety, and we do, and who accordingly don’t practice trying to keep the PCA the way she is. orthodoxy, especially among the constituency of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), through the the same things we do. Of necessity, the All of us believe that piety and missions dissemination of news about and of interest to the PCA and through the publication of articles and editorials inevitable result is going to be on-going are critically important. However, how we which promote historic Presbyterian doctrine and practice. theological conflict. conceive of their relationship to doctrine is POLICY: Signed articles and editorials are the responsibility of each individual author. Unsigned articles and The Southern Presbyterian doctrine of also of crucial significance. editorials are written by the Editor. However, the Editor-in-Chief is responsible for whatever is written under the spirituality of the church; the regulative We believe that doctrine forms the the auspices of the editorial staff and published in the newspaper or posted on the PINS website. Only principle of worship; the traditional necessary foundation for the entire church documents signed and authenticated by the appropriate clerks should be regarded as having official status. understanding of the role of women; and enterprise and for one’s personal piety. We Unless otherwise noted, all photographs are the property of the news service. Correspondence (whether by ecclesiastical separation from “churches” believe that missions and piety flow out of letter, fax, or e-mail) sent to the Editor dealing with a topic previously discussed in this publication will be which despise the gospel—these are among our doctrinal commitment. considered a “Letter to the Editor” unless it is clearly marked “Not for publication.” Letters to the Editor the critical issues of our day. As long as there In Ezra 7:10, Ezra is described as one who are ministers and elders in the PCA who insist first sought the law of God (doctrine), then should ordinarily be 250 words or less, and may be edited for space considerations. on imposing their contrary views on our sought to do it (piety) and to teach it SUBSCRIPTION POLICY: Presbyterian and Reformed News is published quarterly, and is sent, free of beloved church, those of us who hold dearly (missions—à la the Great Commission). charge, to every PCA clerk of session and to every PCA teaching elder not serving in an organized PCA to our Presbyterian distinctives are The Apostle Paul sets forth the apostles congregation. The subscription rate is $15.00 (six issues), or $4.75 per issue. Sponsoring churches may determined, lovingly yet firmly, to defend and prophets as being the foundation of the request additional copies at no extra charge, mailed in bulk to one address. Bulk subscriptions are available against the constant attempts to take our church, with Christ being the chief as follows: 5-10 copies, $12.00 each; 11 or more copies, $10.50 each. denomination away from what she said she cornerstone (Ephesians 2). It is on the basis ADVERTISING POLICY AND RATES: Presbyterian and Reformed News will accept advertising that would be. of that theological foundation that the church conforms to its stated purpose; it reserves the right to reject any advertising that is antithetical to historic PPLN has declared that it wants a grace- is built. Presbyterian orthodoxy or practice. Rates: Classified ads—for each letter or space, $0.10 (average 35 per and gospel-driven church. Amen! Who can We believe that we can trace much of the line), minimum of $10.00; 20% discount for multi-issue placement. Other ads—full page, $500.00; half disagree with motherhood, apple pie, and current controversy in the PCA to what page, $250.00; quarter page, $150.00; eighth page, $80.00; discounts available for advertising in multiple piety? appears to be a contrary conception of how issues. But the difficulty is that those who are theology relates to the life of the church. SPONSORS: Churches are invited to assist this ministry by becoming a sponsoring congregation. Sponsoring the politicos on the PPLN Steering Committee We also believe that unless we get this are using that type of language, with which one straightened out, we are doomed as a churches are listed in each issue, along with their address and times of services. Other bodies and institutions no one can disagree, in order to promote an denomination to devolve into do-goodism (such as presbyteries and seminaries) are welcome also to co-sponsor this publication. agenda—an agenda that may very well lead and liberalism. our denomination down the proverbial We understand why making missions and Robert Shapiro, Editor-in-Chief Editorial and Business Address: primrose path. As a matter of fact, as piety on a par with theology would be Frank J. Smith, Ph. D., Editor P.O. Box 60 demonstrated by the interview which we did attractive, and that this three-point plan would Penelope Ann Abraham-Smith, Assistant Editor Coeburn, Virginia 24230 with PPLN spokesman George Robertson, not seemingly offer stability. But a strong gust of Adrian Abraham, Webmaster and Layout Manager 276-395-PINS (7467) even the Steering Committee members know wind can much more easily knock over a tri- Financial Office E-mail: [email protected] where they are going! Notice the number of pod than a substantial structure. P. O. Box 60, Coeburn, Virginia 24230 Web Site: www.presbyteriannews.org P&R News ² April - June 2002 15 (Continued from page 11) The response contends: “Numerous faith opportunities, and had you not rushed jot and title of the wording of the Standards, seen wonderful Gospel fruit of numerous overtures and motions through the years ahead prematurely, we probably could have but it is to all the doctrines. On the other brothers working past caricatures, coming have attempted to mandate a strict spared a great deal of tension and strife that, side, it is not a subscription to some together on these issues and being subscription perspective for our church. All no doubt, will exist at our next General undefined system of doctrine. The system reconciled.” such proposals have failed because, Assembly. is defined by all the doctrines set forth in The response calls attention to the contrary to your fourth concern that we are “As to my second concern, you have the Confession and Catechisms. It is my PPLN web site, which sets forth the ‘charting a radically different direction for provided the kind of repentance and charity position that as long as this is the form of organization’s vision for the church and the PCA,’ the consensus of our church is that I requested. I publicly thank you for the vow, then it must be understood to be a information relating to the overtures. It also that the strict view is inconsistent with our admitting your mischaracterization of my receiving and adoption of the Confession states that even people opposed to their church’s heritage and mission. We know that remarks last year and for offering a public and Catechisms as containing the system efforts have been included on the PPLN you grieve over our church’s disagreement retraction in your response to my open letter. of doctrine. This I understand to be full or email list. with you, but this is the position that our I appreciate your willingness to clarify my strict subscription. The response continues: “We have constitution has established and that most intent on your web page. Thank you very “A fifth concern is that you totally tried to be as open and responsive as elders in the PCA have always believed is much for admitting the misrepresentation failed to understand my citation of Jonathan possible not only to inform our church of most biblical. For you simply to assert that and apologizing. Nothing else is needed Dickinson. I did not claim him as supporting our efforts and dreams, but also to try to we are diverging from the ‘Address to All on this score, except for me to thank you subscription. He was opposed, as I counter the kinds of rumors that you ask the Churches’ signed by so many faithful again for the sincere repentance expressed. understand it, to any form of it. He held the about in your ‘Open Letter.’ Thank you for men at the PCA’s founding and, then, for “As to my third concern, I’ll simply exercise of discipline to be necessary for indicating that they are only ‘rumors.’ As you to give no specifics as to how this is have to leave as a matter of substantive the preservation of the purity of the church, to your questions about them, we can only so, we humbly submit does not provide a disagreement, whether it is wisest and most with or without subscription. I have the respond, dear father, please do not believe foundation to your concern.” pastoral for the future of our church to feeling that many fear the exercise of rumors! The answer to your questions is The response concludes: “We know weaken or strengthen its doctrinal discipline, and thus call for a loose simply, ‘No, no and no.’ Our impression is that your desire is for the church to maintain adherence. If, as you suggest, you truly subscription. It is my conviction that that the rumors you cite are the result of her faithfulness to God’s Word, dear father. desire to strengthen—not lessen—our without the proper exercise of discipline, persons passing to you negative re- We love and respect you for this. What we doctrinal adherence, may I encourage you we shall not be able to preserve a pure interpretations of what we have clearly wish you could see is the discouragement not to press your loose subscription view church. stated on our Web site or in widely so many of us and our fellow elders feel on the church. “You indicate that I merely referenced distributed e-mails made available to after decades of debate that seem not to “A fourth concern has to do with your the Address to All Churches, without any everyone. You and all others are welcome have brought us closer together, but rather citation of the fact that Professor John specific citations. I attach as an appendix, to examine directly what we have written. have entrenched us in unfruitful patterns Murray was not a strict subscriptionist. The the Address, with some comments that I We would also encourage you to address of argument and suspicion. Yes, liberalism article I was citing was his discussion of published several years ago. It is quite clear one of us personally, or our spokesman, Rev. is a constant danger, and so is the danger the ordination vows of the PCUSA. It had that PPLN does not hold to the same view George Robertson, if you have questions of losing gospel vitality. Let us resolve by nothing to do with his personal practice of of the nature and mission of the Church, about any further rumors. the power of the Spirit to fight both with subscription. You have failed to grasp the which the PCA affirmed it held in 1973. “In our attempt to provide as much such rigorous honesty and charitable point that I was making in my citation of Without getting into other matters covered information as can reasonably be digested compromise in our perspectives that we can him. The vow says that we receive and adopt in the Address, let the reader peruse the by our church on our Website we can make move forward together in God’s purposes.” the Confession and Catechisms as Appendix. mistakes. In the second concern you containing the system of doctrine. We do “Let me call for the three P’s of good express, you say that we misrepresented not subscribe to the system of doctrine. Presbyterianism: patience, persuasion, and you in a comment about your statements at Dr. Smith’s This is all that the strict subscriptionist prayer. General Assembly this past year. We desires. It is a declaration that we receive “God bless you and I thank you for deeply regret this. We love and respect Response and adopt the Confession and Catechisms your sincer e and helpful response to my you. Because your General Assembly as the confession of our faith. Nothing more concerns. statements are referenced in various On May 20, 2002, Dr. Smith responded or less than this is the position of the vow “Sincerely in Christ, contexts on our Web site, we may have erred to the PPLN response, as follows: itself. It is with this exegesis of the vow, “Morton H. Smith” more than once. So, lest there by any “Dear Brothers, that I have and will continue to maintain As indicated, attached to his response mistake repeated, we hereby state as clearly “Thank you very much for several key that the subscription of this vow is a was the “Address to All Churches,” along as we are able that we believe Dr. Morton corrections and the refreshing tone of your subscription to all of the doctrines with comments. Smith intended for the PCA to be response to my open letter. Such true contained in the Confession and The full text of these documents may established according to the view of strict collegiality may provide a needed opening Catechisms. It is not a subscription to every be found at www.presbyterianintegrity.org. subscription that he has long espoused and, for us to work together in the upcoming further, he believes that this was our history General Assembly to do something to put and that this should be our future. We some of these matters behind us. I quite apologize for statements we have made that agree that if we could settle this matter, the Graham Bible reflect anything different. If the above PCA would be much better positioned to College clarification is still not an accurate statement seize its many mission opportunities. graduation of your position, Dr. Smith, please let us Responses like yours certainly model good ceremony was know and we will try further to correct leadership, and I hope that in the future such held on May 10, ourselves.” opportunities for these kinds of healthy 2002, at King The response quotes from Dr. Smith’s exchanges may be encouraged and Memorial retiring moderator’s sermon at last year’s available before legislative language Presbyterian Assembly, and says: “If we have not here becomes codified or finalized. This is, after Church, Bristol, quoted you accurately, or have not given all, part of the genius of presbyterianism Virginia. sufficient context, then we invite all to listen and its wide basis of counsel. I believe that to the full content of your message on the when we intentionally include those of PCANews.com Web site. various viewpoints in the preliminary and “We deeply esteem your contributions on-going discussions, we can avoid to our church, Dr. Smith, but are compelled politicizing the business of the church. to disagree respectfully with your reading “As a way to further thank you, to seek of our history at a number of key points further clarity, and to advance the that you cite in your third and fourth discussion even more, I make the following concerns. Numerous examples of where we responses. In so doing, I invite you to offer believe current strict subscriptionists have additional responses and dialogue so that misread our history or misapplied history we can all work together to improve our to our situation are already indicated in the church. articles on our Website. For example, in “First, it is true that you wrote to me in your ‘Open Letter’ to us, you cite John January, 2002, but it should be noted that at Murray to support your position, but we least two presbyteries had already adopted document his well-known publication of a overtures to the General Assembly, which list of his exceptions to the Confession and overtures you have been promoting across Catechisms. His words and actions as a the Church, before I received your letter. In whole contradict the present strict other words, you had already started the subscription position. You cite John process of seeking to amend the Dickinson for support, but he opposes the Constitution prior to your informing me kind of subscription you advocate.” about it. There was no opportunity for The response takes exception to Dr. those of my persuasion to enter into basic Smith’s understanding of the actions of the discussion with you about the issues. 10th General Assembly: “The motions the There was no call for and encouragement 10th Assembly actually passed included to enter into an open pursuit of deliberate much milder wording than the study paper— consensus, with real give-and-take. For the wording that would be acceptable to those record, you simply informed me (and others) with a ‘good faith’ subscription.” of your intentions. Had we had such good (Paid Advertising) 16 P&R News ² April - June 2002 Metokos Ministries Jubilee Celebration in New Jersey! Expands to Include Church Recognizes Elder’s Fifty Years of Active Service New Congregational On April 20th of this year, Vincent Donato found it necessary to relocate to its present Both Vincent and his sister, Rose Marie, Analysis Tool celebrated fifty years of continual active service property in Mt. Laurel, Vincent was one of the were raised as Roman Catholics, but converted. as a ruling elder in the Evangelical Presbyterian After someone witnessed to their mother, she Dr. Don Clements, founder and Director Church of Mt. Laurel, New Jersey. A resolution began to attend Dr. Carl McIntire’s church, the of Metokos Ministries, was one of three to honor Vincent was passed by the Session of Collingswood (N. J.) Bible Presbyterian Church. the church at its March meeting. At the morning Both Vincent and his sister thought their mother Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) st ministers who recently completed a three day worship service on April 21 , Vincent was was in danger of going to hell because she was training seminar sponsored by ChurchSmart presented with a plaque thanking him for his half attending a Protestant church. However, their Resources in St. Charles, Illinois. Through a century of continual dedicated service. He was mother encouraged them at least to try to attend this seminar, the attendees became certified also presented with a framed copy of the a service. Subsequently, his mother and sister coaches and authorized to use the fast- resolution passed by the Session. In addition, a started to attend a Baptist church and then growing Natural Church Development survey. resolution honoring Vincent was presented to eventually, through a series of events, all three This instrument has been recently developed and approved by the New Jersey Presbytery of started to attend the Bible Presbyterian Church and provides a statistically accurate way to the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) at its of East Camden—now the Evangelical meeting on May 18, 2002. Presbyterian Church of Mt. Laurel where Vincent determine the health of any church in eight th major areas of ministry. Vincent will be celebrating his 77 birthday has so faithfully served. He became a member of in June. He and his wife, Betty Jean, will celebrate the church in 1943; his wife Betty Jean was one Metokos Ministries, currently a part-time rd ministry affiliated with Presbyterian their 53 wedding anniversary in July. of the charter members when the church left the Evangelistic Fellowship (PEF), is designed to Interestingly, Vincent and his sister, Rose PCUSA in 1941. provide “Encouragement For Small Marie, married a brother and sister, William and Vincent enlisted in the United States Army Betty Jean Born, in a double wedding ceremony Air Force at the age of 18. He was a bombardier Churches”. Dr. Clements is available to th conduct a variety of special events in small in 1949. William was made an elder emeritus, on a B-24 Liberator at the age of 19 with the 8 Air having served 37 years as an active elder in the Force, serving in the European Theater. After churches, such as Vision Planning Training, Vincent Donato Pulpit Nominating Committee Selection and same church as his brother-in-law. the war, he completed his education and Operating Training, and Conference The Donato couple has three children and graduated with a degree in electrical engineering. Preaching. According to Dr. Clements, “The nine grandchildren. Both sons are deacons in team who was instrumental in finding the He worked for the Westinghouse Corp. for more Natural Church Development tool—which has the Mt. Laurel church. Their wives are active in necessary land and for working on the many than 35 years and took early retirement at the age been used in 30 countries and by tens of details required in the building of the current of 61. He has been retired from the work force for thousands of churches—is not only a facilities. He was the first to cite the verse which the past fifteen years, but not from his service to statistically valid instrument, it also is not became the standard for the congregation as it the Lord. ‘slanted’ towards any particular style of looked to build the church building: “Unless the Recently, Pastor Gary Englestad, who is in worship, form of government, or even Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain” his seventeenth year as pastor of the Mt. Laurel theological position. It is exactly the (Psalm 127:1). church, commented that there was one individual The Evangelical Presbyterian Church who in all his public prayers consistently prayed instrument for which I have been searching th for more than 18 months to help me to do experienced the spiritual reality of the 127 Psalm that “love would abound in our church.” Of church health evaluations.” in its nascent days. In 1941, the congregation course, he was referring to Vincent. In the At the upcoming annual meetings of both was formed when four-fifths (100 out of 125 resolution passed by the Session, it noted that the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church members) of Grace Presbyterian Church left the “he [Vincent] has been a faithful and dedicated (ARP) and the PCA, Dr. Clements will be liberal mainline denomination, the Presbyterian servant of the Lord in the discharge of his duties available to meet with leaders from churches Church in the United States of America (PCUSA), and responsibilities; and that he has been faithful who are interested in pursuing one of these The Session in 1952: George Morad, in order to form a new church. Four elders and in the spreading of the gospel and has been opportunities. Attendees at the ARP Synod Wilbert Williams, the Rev. Morgan the trustees resigned their offices and turned the diligent regarding the purity of the Church of should look for him in the hotel registration Jones, Harry Frett, Wilbur Cassedy, keys of the church building over to the liberals. Christ.” The Session ended the resolution with area on Monday and Tuesday. Those at the and Vincent Donato. In the six decades since the break with the thanks to the Lord for Vincent’s years of service PCA General Assembly should look for him PCUSA, the church has had six pastors. Vincent and solicited the Lord’s blessing upon Vincent at the PEF table in the main Fellowship Hall. the programs of the congregation. The Donato’s has served with five of them. for many more years of service. Also, Metokos Ministries will be sponsoring daughter is a member of the Church of the Good an informational breakfast on Thursday, June Shepherd, a PCA congregation in Durham, North 20th. Free tickets are available for the asking. Carolina, where she provides support for the A Faithful Congregation Information about the work of Metokos church’s music program. Her husband is an Ministries (including an explanation of the inactive ruling elder. Vincent Donato’s half century of faithful service is paralleled by the faithfulness interesting name of the ministry) may be found In addition to his responsibilities as a ruling of his congregation. In 1941, the Bible Presbyterian Church of East Camden was by visiting www.metokos.org online. elder, Vincent Donato has been the church formed when the stated supply preacher of Grace Presbyterian Church, a congregation Dr. Clements was for many years Stated treasurer for almost two decades. He also heads which dates to 1889, was forced out of the pulpit. The issue was the gospel. Clerk of New River Presbytery. He was up the crew which maintains the church grounds Mr. Samuel Warren, who had been preaching ordained in 1974, one of only about a dozen of and facilities. In summer he can be seen mowing at the PCUSA congregation in Camden, New people who have ordination certificates the grass each week. If he isn’t outside the church Jersey, for three years, criticized the West Jersey reading “National Presbyterian Church” (the building working, you can find him working on Presbytery for “accepting for ordination a candidate original name of the PCA). He was a Navy the inside. Besides all of these activities, he is the who made the statement that he did not know chaplain from 1976 to 1985. Since 1994, he has chief cook for dinners held by the Adult whether the Bible taught belief in the resurrection pastored Valley Presbyterian Church in rural Fellowship. or if that is what Paul believed.” Narrows, Virginia. When the Evangelical Presbyterian Church The Presbytery met on June 17, 1941, and removed Mr. Warren’s license, stating that he was “no longer loyal to the Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. and that his temperament is not suitable.” Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Five days later, June 22nd, was a Lord’s Day. Officers Mt. Laurel, New Jersey Pastor: Are you looking for a of the church turned their keys over to the Presbytery, and that very day convened a meeting of a new congregation in a funeral home, just down the block from the old church building. Services were held at the funeral home the next nice place to live and/or retire? week also. On July 6th, the service was held in a tent on a vacant lot, between the old church building and the funeral home, which Mr. Warren had purchased for $800 for back taxes. A small, rural PCA congregation in On October 12, 1941, the new congregation met in a former Athletic Club building which it had purchased. The building was located diagonally across the street from the PCUSA church southwest Mississippi offers a which the members had left. For forty years, the congregation worshipped in that building. In 1981, that building was gentler pace of life. sold so that the church could relocate outside of Camden. For two and a half years, the church met in a funeral home. In the meantime, land was purchased, and in 1984, a new church building Contact Mike Guice, Meadville Presbyterian Church was dedicated. The congregation was a member of the Bible Presbyterian Church, later called the PO Box 307, Meadville, Mississippi 39653 Evangelical Presbyterian Church, which merged with the Reformed Presbyterian Church in [email protected]; (601)384-5735(h). North America (General Synod) in 1965 to form the Reformed Presbyterian Church, Evangelical Or look at the church’s web site: www.meadvillepresbyterian.org Synod (RPCES). In 1982, the RPCES joined and was received by the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA).

(Paid Advertisement) P&R NewsNews ² April - June 2002from the Presbyteries 17

has satisfactorily completed the ministry Calhoun. a season of prayer. He read I Timothy 2:1 Fellowship internship, has received a call and is The Presbytery voted in favor of all the on confession and led the Presbytery in a awaiting transfer to the presbytery of the BCO amendments, except for adding season of prayer on confession. He read The 23rd Meeting of Fellowship calling church, so as not to impede (delay) Appendix H, “Suggested Procedures for from I Timothy 4:9 and Genesis 3:1-7 on our Presbytery was held on January 26, 2002, at the ordination and installation of the Presbytery Judicial Commissions Acting as hope in the living God and led Presbytery Scherer Memorial Presbyterian Church, candidate.” Appellate Courts,” to the BCO. The court in a season of prayer on our hope in Him. Lake Wylie, South Carolina. The Moderator, Reports were heard on the Presbytery’s voted in favor of amending BCO 13-1 to The worship service was concluded with a Ruling Elder Max Dorsey, opened the interns: Frank Hamrick, Craig Marshall, and allow at least two ruling elders to represent prayer, a hymn, and the benediction. meeting with prayer. Bradley McRee. Mr. Hamrick’s completed each congregation in presbytery meetings. Ruling Elder Leland Nichols welcomed Ruling Elder Scott Mosley, an applicant internship was approved. This amendment had been presented as an the presbyters to the West End Church. He for ordination, read from Isaiah 6:1-8 and overture by the Ellisville (Miss.) announced that today was the Rev. Wayne preached a message. Presbyterian Church but rejected by Grace Good’s 70th birthday. Presbyters recognized The Rev. Dr. Michael Bolus from Grace Presbytery. The vote to ratify was 28-11-4. the occasion by singing “Happy Birthday.” Hopewell Presbyterian Church, Rock Hill, The Advisory Committee reported that Mr. Good was later approved as stated South Carolina, was elected Moderator. The The 102nd stated meeting of Grace it had acted as a commission to the pastoral supply for the West End Church for one Rev. Wallace Tinsley was appointed as the Presbytery met at Bay Street Presbyterian relationship between the Rev. Paul year. Parliamentarian. Church, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, on Honomichl and the Bay Street Presbyterian The court approved the minutes of the Ruling Elder Roy White Johnston of January 9, 2002. The Rev. Steve Shuman Church effective January 13, 2002, and to following commissions: to ordain and install Zion Presbyterian Church, Chester, South led the opening worship, and preached from dissolve the pastoral relationship between Greg Thompson as RUF campus minister at Carolina, was memorialized. He passed II Corinthians 1:3-11 on the topic, “The God the Rev. Wilson Smith and the First the University of Virginia; to ordain and away November 20, 2001, at the age of 87. of All Comfort.” The Presbytery entered Presbyterian Church of Crystal Springs, install Jerry Gill as associate pastor of New The Presbytery voted to relinquish its into a season of prayer. Ruling Elder Mel Mississippi, effective December 31, 2001. City Fellowship, Fredericksburg, Virginia. time for conducting a worship service at Stegall led the Presbytery in the Ministerial Mr. Smith was dismissed to North Georgia Presbytery added a new article to its General Assembly. Obligation Form [i.e., in reaffirming one’s Presbytery to accept the call from Midway Bylaws, establishing a Committee on The Presbytery voted to establish a ordination vows, which in some Presbyterian Church, Powder Springs, Reformed University Fellowship. committee of three ministers and three ruling presbyteries is done annually—Ed.]. Georgia. The treasurer, Charles Parker, reported elders to consider the possibility of putting The Moderator, the Rev. Michael Mr. Don Admire was examined for that the Presbytery received $39,247.06 and together a group health insurance policy Ganucheau, called the meeting to order and ordination and approved. He is being called disbursed $59,478.89 in 2001. At the end of for the churches in the Presbytery. offered the constituting prayer. The as Assistant Pastor of First Presbyterian the year, there was a balance of $14,219.48. Mr. Scott Mosley was examined and moderator-in-nomination, Ruling Elder John Church, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where he The court voted to ratify all of the BCO approved for ordination. He has been called Burnam, was elected Moderator by is now employed as their youth minister. amendments sent down for consideration. as Pastor of Christ Cornerstone acclamation. The Session issued a call of $42,000 plus The Presbytery considered presbytery Presbyterian Church, Fort Mill, South Presbytery received the reports of the health insurance and four weeks of vacation realignment, including whether to divide Carolina, with a total package of $50,000. following commissions: to ordain Mr. annually. into two or three presbyteries. The court The Presbytery received letters of thanks Clinton E. Wilcke as campus minister at the Mr. David (Andy) Jones, who is youth decided to approve a change in boundaries, and appreciation from Christ Cornerstone University of Southern Mississippi under minister at First Presbyterian Church, Crystal ceding its westernmost churches and congregation and session for the oversight the auspices of Reformed University Springs, Mississippi, was examined and territories to a new Blue Ridge Presbytery. of the Presbytery and the leadership of the Ministries; to install the Rev. Norman A. licensed to preach. [The boundary change is pending General Rev. Dr. Dick Belcher, who served as stated Bagby, Jr., as Assistant Pastor of First Presbytery approved the 2002 budget Assembly approval.—Ed.] supply for over a year. Fellowship Presbyterian Church, Hattiesburg, for Reformed University Ministries Mr. Joe Varaksa was licensed to preach. Presbytery also extended its own thanks to Mississippi; to ordain and install Mr. Mississippi Joint Committee on Campus Mr. Robert Rink was taken under care John (Chip) McArthur, Rick Lindsay, Stanley E. Layton as Pastor of First Work, in the amount of $693,051.00. This as a ministerial candidate. Russell Bowman, Jim Audrey, Shaun Presbyterian Church of Picayune, budget had also been approved by the The Presbytery voted to accept the Ballard, and Scott Mosley for their sacrificial Mississippi; and to install the Rev. John L. other two presbyteries involved, viz., Bible Content Exam and accept it as a labor at the congregation. The provisional Ford as Pastor of the Northwood Hills Mississippi Valley and Covenant. substitute for the present versions of session for Christ Cornerstone was Presbyterian Church, Gulfport, Mississippi. The Mississippi Joint Committee had licensure and ordination exam. The court dissolved. The Ford commission noted that the also included a recommendation that no also accepted the proposed sermon criteria The Presbytery paused to watch congregations of First Presbyterian Church, changes be made in its current structure. for it to be a written 35 page document. Celebrate the Glory, a video from Mission Gulfport, and First Presbyterian Church, Since this was a motion not to change Mr. Chris Copeland was removed as a to the World. Biloxi, called off their evening services in anything, Grace Presbytery decided not to candidate upon his reception of a call from The Presbytery unanimously voted in order to participate in the service of process it. a particular church. favor of all the BCO amendments, except installation. The Grace PresWIC Council requested Mr. Dan Carrell presented the report of for the amendment to BCO 12-5(e) (which The Treasurer’s report for the last four that a letter of thanks be read to the court, the West End Presbyterian Church would specify that women are not to months of 2001 was approved. A total of which was done. Weesie Megehee was Commission on Complaints. Several preach). The court voted against that $4,655.00 was received; disbursements approved to serve as Christian Growth complaints had been presented by members amendment, 7-30-1. totaled $4,339.45, with a balance on hand of Chairperson, and Ruth Mathis to serve as of the West End Church, and several by its It was moved, seconded, and failed to $6,909.36 as of December 31, 2001. Historian. former pastor, Dr. Robert Wilson. adopt the overture to amend BCO 21-4 to The Benevolence Treasurer’s report Ruling Elder Bill Sistrunk gave a brief The Coventry Church, Yorktown, specify “good faith” subscription. It was was received as information. Receipts for report regarding the church planing effort Virginia, reported that it had requested that moved, seconded, and carried to adopt the the last four months of the year were in McComb, Mississippi. the Presbytery dissolve the congregation overture to amend BCO 34-1 to require $5,766.31, disbursements were $9,568.00, The Rev. Doug Mallow was granted five and place its pastor, the Rev. James C. Allen, greater consensus before removing original leaving a balance at the end of the year of minutes to address the Presbytery on the on the roll of Presbytery as honorably jurisdiction from presbyteries. $9,401.59. There was also a total of short-term mission projects for this summer. retired. The church’s dissolution was the The 2002 budget, totaling $87,200, was $15,495.64 in the Presbytery Escrow A five minute report on Harvest result of declining membership and the need adopted. Account as of December 31, 2001. Ministries and Presbytery’s summer camps to undertake major building repairs in order Presbytery approved giving $4,000 in The Presbytery received notice that the was presented by the Rev. Norman Bagby. to comply with building codes. It was 2002, $3,000 in 2003, and $2,000 in 2004 to Sleigo Presbyterian Church had dissolved The Presbytery determined to continue reported that Mr. Allen and most of the Barrett and Judy Jordan, church planters in and merged with the Prentiss (Miss.) to provide the pledged support to the Rev. members of The Coventry Church were West Virginia. Presbyterian Church. The Sleigo Church Scot Rich, a church planter in British attending Grace Covenant Presbyterian The Presbytery approved the minutes noted that it had “faithfully served the Columbia, through 2005 from the General Church, Williamsburg, Virginia. Mr. Allen of the Christian Education and Fellowship community of Lone Star for almost 150 Benevolent Funds. was honorably retired as of December 31. Committee, since there was not a quorum years,” that it “is the parent church of the A Memorial Resolution from Covenant The Rev. Mark Kuiper was transferred present. Presbytery approved the Prentiss Presbyterian Church,” that the two Presbyterian Church, Laurel, Mississippi, to Pacific Presbytery pending receipt. The disbanding of the Committee. The churches are less than eight miles from each in memory of Dr. Robert L. Thompson, was Presbytery granted permission to the Rev. Administration Committee is to recommend other, that “all active members on the roll of approved and spread on the record. Richard Horner to labor out of bounds as as to where to reassign oversight of WIC the Sleigo Presbyterian Chruch have been head of a Christian study center in Florida and Men of the Covenant. transferred to the roll of the Prentiss pending the approval of Central Florida Mr. James McManus was received as a Presbyterian Church,” and that “all tangible James River Presbytery. candidate for the ministry. He was also made assets of the Sleigo Presbyterian Church The Chairman of the Ministerial and an intern, and will do his internship under have been properly and legally dispersed.” West End Presbyterian Church, Church Relations Committee, the Rev. Cal the supervision of the Rev. John McArthur. The resolution was signed by the entire Hopewell, Virginia, hosted the winter stated Frett, reminded presbyters that teaching Presbytery approved changing its active membership of the Sleigo meeting of James River Presbytery on elders must not physically leave the field Manual to provide for the Membership Presbyterian Church, consisting of Leslie January 19, 2002. The Moderator, the Rev. until Presbytery or an appropriate Committee to act “as a commission in cases E. Benson, Elder and Clerk of Session; Ruby John Lindsay, read Psalm 66 on reasons for commission has dissolved the pastoral where the candidate for the gospel ministry L. Benson; Grace McRaney; and Pearl praising the Lord and led the Presbytery in relationship. 18 P&R News ² April - June 2002 Mr. Troxell spoke about being a chaplain in Southwest the Arizona National Guard, especially in light of the recent terrorist attacks. The Presbytery of the Southwest met Mr. Larry Mills spoke of his work with for a stated meeting on September 20, 2001, Leadership Ministry International. at Fellowship of Grace PCA, Peoria, Arizona. Mr. Peter Boling, a member of Desert Palms The Moderator, the Rev. Tom Troxell, called PCA, Chandler, Arizona, was introduced. He the meeting to order and opened with prayer. plans to study at Covenant Theological Seminary, The Rev. Bradd Nymeyer of the United St. Louis, Missouri. He preached a sermon from Reformed Church, Phoenix, Arizona, and the Rev. Titus 3:1-8; and, after examination, was licensed Charles Perkins of the Orthodox Presbyterian to preach. Church, Prescott, Arizona, brought fraternal The meeting, which began at 1:04 PM, was greetings. adjourned at 5:30 PM. The Presbytery approved the report of its Christian Education and Credentials Committee, acting as a commission, to take Messrs. Allen Susquehanna Cooney, Ryan Hughes, and Joshua Moon under care. Also approved was the report of the Valley commission to ordain Mr. Dennis Hermerding as campus minister at the University of Arizona in Susquehanna Valley Presbytery met for Tucson. a stated meeting on February 16, 2002, at The court considered an amendment to its Trinity Presbyterian Church, Harrisburg, Standing Rules which would have provided for Pennsylvania. The Moderator, Ruling Elder two stated meetings, following the third Lord’s Jeff Barrall, called the meeting to order. Mr. Day in March and October. Following a request Brett Hartman preached from Isaiah 40. The for a division of the house, the Moderator ruled Rev. David Kertland, Assistant Pastor at that the motion had been defeated. the host church, administered the Lord’s The Rev. Tom Troxell read a memorial for Supper. the Rev. Donald R. Esty. It was reported that there was at the end of Ruling Elder David Moon was elected as 2001 $43,851.75 in the General Fund; and Moderator for the year 2002. $163,197.08 in the Investment Fund, $163,197.08. Upon the request of the Rev. Tom Johnson, The Church Planting and Outreach it was moved to replace Mr. Johnson with the Committee reported on Harvest Presbyterian Rev. John Pickett as a member of the commission Mission, Lampeter/Strasburg, Pennsylvania, to particularize Christ the King mission church in which is meeting at the Willow Street Restaurant El Paso, Texas. After some discussion, the motion on Sunday evenings and having a great time. was defeated. The Rev. William Massey is the organizing pastor, A commission was appointed to oversee all and also Moderator of the temporary Session. matters pertaining to organizing Rincon The Presbytery approved giving $50,000 to the Mountain Mission into a particular church. The mission for the year 2002. associate pastoral relationship between the Rev. The Presbytery also voted to give $5,000 to Phil Kruis and the Catalina Foothills PCA was the Hanover Valley Presbyterian Mission for dissolved, pending his call to serve as pastor of 2002. the Rincon Mountain church. The Presbytery approved a Church Planter It was reported that Mr. Bill Inman has a Recruiting Strategy [see separate box]. desire to move within Presbytery’s bounds in Licentiates James D. Tyson and Brett order to pastor the Navajo Bible Church, Crystal, Hartman were examined and approved for New Mexico. The Rev. Dan Young spoke to ordination. Mr. Tyson was called as Pastor Presbytery about a new Hispanic work to which of Christ Reformed Presbyterian Church, he is being called, forming on the east side of El Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania, as pastor; and Paso, Texas. Mr. Hartman was called as Assistant Pastor Mr. Mark McCurdy spoke to the court of of New Covenant Fellowship, the transition taking place in his life. He is currently Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. working with the United Indian Mission, The license to preach of Licentiate Ed providing aviation support to other missionaries Suthers was extended for four years, until May serving in various parts of Mexico. 2006.

Susquehanna Valley’s Church Planter Recruiting Strategy 1. That the CP&O [Church Planting and Outreach] Committee will conduct all church planter searches for Presbytery Initiated church plants. 2. That the CP&O Committee will identify the top five to eight most viable church planting locations in the Presbytery in consultation with local church sessions. 3. That the CP&O Committee will seek qualified church planters, serving as a search committee as funds are available and will select the site from one of the top locations in consultation with the church planters to become the target area for the plant he will lead.

4. That the CP&O Committee allocate $2,000 per year from the Presbytery Initiated category of the budget for prospecting and recruiting of church planters.

5. That the CP&O Committee actively encourage our churches to take on apprentices for the purpose of developing the next generation of church planters.

(a) CP&O will actively seek churches willing to invest in apprentices. (b) CP&O will actively seek apprentices from the Assessment Center and the seminaries to fill available apprenticeships. (c) CP&O will begin a Church Planter Development Fund to underwrite apprenticeships with an initial goal of raising $100,000 to fund apprenticeships. CP&O will develop a strategy for raising this additional money and an application process to assess candidates who seek this funding. P&R News ² April - June 2002 19

The seminary study plan presented by Mr. licensed to preach. The Presbytery also amended its Standing Presbytery voted to approve an overture Matt Irvine was approved. Licentiate Eric Youngblood was examined Rules to combine the Mission to North America proposing an alternative to other proposals with The Presbytery voted to approve two and approved for ordination. He has been called and Mission to the World Committees into a regard to theological subscription. The overtures to General Assembly. One seeks as Pastor of the Rock Creek Fellowship Mission new Missions Committee. Presbytery also approved an overture calling on amendment of BCO 21-4 with regard to the Church. The final Greene County Commission denominational management personnel not to meaning of theological subscription, and the other The Presbytery amended its Standing Rules Minutes were presented approved. be involved in ecclesiastical politicking such as seeks amendment of BCO 34-1 by raising the to divide the Minister & His Works Committee It was reported that Trinity Presbyterian the Presbyterian Pastoral Leadership Network number of presbyteries necessary to petition for into two committees, viz., Theological Examining Church, Tazewell, Virginia, had voted to withdraw (PPLN). original jurisdiction from two presbyteries to ten Committee and Pastoral Care Committee. from the PCA and to join the Reformed The Presbytery suspended its rules by a 2/ percent of the whole. A modified version of the overture proposed Presbyterian Church in the United States 3 vote in order to consider a new overture. This by Covenant Presbyterian Church, Chattanooga, (RPCUS); and that the congregation had been new overture to the General Assembly Tennessee, was adopted. Also adopted was an received into that denomination on February 23, communicated the court’s opinion that the Tennessee Valley overture to increase the number of presbyteries 2002. The Rev. Henry Johnson and the Rev. Jeff proposed amendments to the Standing Judicial necessary to petition for original jurisdiction over Black were transferred to Covenant Presbytery Commission Manual should be voted down. The Tennessee Valley Presbytery met for a a minister from two presbyteries, to at least ten of the RPCUS, pending their reception. Mr. The court declined to suspend its rules in stated meeting at Covenant Presbyterian Church, percent of all the presbyteries. Johnson was replaced on the Overtures and order to consider a communication to the General Oak Ridge, Tennessee, on January 12, 2002. The The Rev. Dennis Griffith reported that the Judicial Business Committee by the Rev. Brent Assembly [see story on page 10 for the Moderator, the Rev. Lea Clower, called the meeting Mission to North America Committee is searching Bradley. subsequent adoption of a communication at a to order and opened with prayer. for a new man to take over the ministry at the The Presbytery approved allocation $500 called meeting.—Ed.] Ruling Elder Rob Woodard, serving on the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. The each to two ministers with financial need. The Christian Education Committee temporary Session of East Ridge (Tenn.) Committee is looking at possible new church The Missions Committee was instructed to reported on the Presbytery Camp for this summer. Presbyterian Church, gave an encouraging report planting areas including the former mission work work out the details of a meeting with the Rev. The Committee noted that it is assuming regarding the church. at Morristown, Tennessee, and a Spanish- Archie Parrish of the denominational Mission to responsibility for approval of camp speakers, and The Rev. Dr. Mike Milton, a member of speaking ministry in Dalton, Georgia. North America Committee, in consultation with will in the future require camp directors to obtain Central Georgia Presbytery, was examined and The Rev. David Zavadil of the Christian the Presbytery Stated Clerk. The action came in approval from the Committee before inviting approved for reception. He has been called to be Education Committee reported on the Men’s response to an overture presented a year ago by speakers, when men are being considered who Senior Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Retreat, the Pastor’s retreat, and the PresWIC. the Session of Coeburn (Va.) Presbyterian are not teaching or ruling elders in Westminster Chattanooga, Tennessee [see story in March Mr. Dwight Wilkinson presented the work of Church. Presbytery. One of the speakers for this year will 2002 edition of P&R News.—Ed.]. Christian Camping International. Mr. Matthew It was moved, seconded, and carried that be the Rev. Wayne Rogers, whose wife, Judy, a Ruling Elder Rudy Schmidt reported that Bryant presented the Committee’s plans for the “the churches in Westminster Presbytery, who well-known musical artist, will be singing at the the Rev. Randy Nabors, who had been appointed youth Breakaway in March. would be interested in pursuing this, combine camp. Mr. Rogers is the son-in-law of Clynard as the prosecutor in the Stuart Merriam case, The Rev. David Hoover of the Mercy their efforts to have tent meetings, use itinerant Belcher, the first Moderator of Westminster was unable to attend today because of military Committee gave a report. It was moved, evangelists (PEF), placement of ads, public Presbytery; he is currently a minister in the obligations. The Stated Clerk reported that he seconded, and carried that the Presbytery relations and use of ministerial interns and RPCUS. A motion that Mr. Rogers be instructed had sent $2,000 to Dr. Merriam to cover a round establish an endowment for mercy ministry, “to seminarians as they attempt to reach out to other not to teach theonomy to the children, died when trip ticket for him to appear at today’s meeting. be established and held by the PCA Foundation areas and communities.” it did not receive a second. He had requested the $2,000 for the trip but after and administered by the Presbytery’s Mercy receiving it, he stated that he would not be able Committee. This endowment will solicit and to attend until he resolved a legal suit regarding receive funds from interested churches, some property in the Highlands of Papua New individuals, and any other legitimate financial Guinea. The Stated Clerk also reported that Dr. source, so that money might, as God blesses, Merriam had indicated that he is not willing at increase so as to be used for designated ministries this time to appear before Presbytery for the and acts of mercy as the Mercy Committee should LOOKING FOR purpose of standing trial on the current charges authorize.” and is only interested in meeting with Presbytery to discuss the previous action taken by A PASTOR Presbytery seven years ago. It was moved, Westminster seconded, and carried to cite Dr. Merriam and all witnesses to appear at the spring stated meeting Bristol, Tennessee (April 13, 2002)— of the Presbytery (April 20, 2002), in order that Dr. Walnut Hill Presbyterian Church hosted the OPC Congregation in Costa Mesa, CA, has vacant Merriam stand trial and answer the charges one hundred and seventh stated meeting brought by the Presbytery as recorded in the of Westminster Presbytery. The Rev. Curtis pulpit. Adherence to WCF and Catechisms minutes of the special called meeting held May Stapleton preached on the Confession of 31, 2001. Faith, Chapter XXX (“Of Church essential. Congregation well-taught in The court spread on its minutes the report Censures”), and host pastor Dr. Ed Crook of a commission that had examined and taken administered the Lord’s Supper. postmillennialism, theonomic ethics, and 6-24hr under care Mr. Kenny Foster. The Moderator, the Rev. Trevor Downie, Mr. Zack Carden, a member of Covenant called the meeting to order. He was re-elected as creation day positions. Five years + experience Presbyterian Church, Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Moderator. Mr. Downie read Psalm 133. preferred. Please inquire to Jim Andruss at 714- and a student at Covenant Theological Seminary, The court amended its Standing Rules to was taken under care as a candidate. Also taken add, after a reference to Robert’s Rules of Order, 528-0174 or e-mail to [email protected]. under care was Mr. Matt Novenson, who begins the following sentence: “At all times the Word of his study at Covenant Seminary next week. God is to be the supreme authority in all meetings Candidate Robby Holt was examined and of this Presbytery.” (Paid Advertisement)

DESERT SPRINGS PRESBYTERIAN SHARON ORTHODOX PRESBYTERIAN CHEROKEE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SUPPORTERS CHURCH CHURCH † 5549 Hwy. 92E/Woodstock 1555 W. Overton Road/Tucson 17680 NW 78 Avenue/Hialeah S.S., 9:35 AM; Worship, 8:00/10:45 AM S.S., 9:20 AM; Worship, 10:30 AM S.S. 11:20; Worship 10:00 AM/5:00 PM (770)928-2051 ALABAMA (520)742-8990 (305) 821-5761 LOUISIANA EBENEZER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CALIFORNIA TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH† AUBURN AVENUE PRESBYTERIAN 2478 Hobbs Island Road/Huntsville GRACE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH† 44 Southview Avenue/Valparaiso CHURCH S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM Meeting at Costa Mesa 7th Day Adventist S.S., 9:15 AM/Worship, 10:30 AM 224 Auburn Avenue/Monroe Bible Study, Wednesday, 7:00 PM Church, 271 Avocado St./Costa Mesa Third Sunday Service and Supper, 6:00 PM S.S., 9:15 AM Fellowship Supper, 2nd Wednesday, 6:30 S.S., 11:30AM; Worship, 9:30AM (850) 678-0060 Worship, 10:30 AM/6:00 PM PM (714) 526-3153 GEORGIA (318)323-3061 (205)883-7298 CONNECTICUT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BETHEL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH TALUCAH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF One Harker Road/Ft. Oglethorpe 2040 East McNeese Street/Lake Charles 2374 Talucah Road/Valhermoso Springs MANCHESTER S.S 10:00 AM;Worship,11:00 AM/6:00PM S.S., 9:30AM; Worship, 8:15AM/10:45PM S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 10:45 AM 43 Spruce Street/Manchester (706)866-2521 (318) 478-5672 (205)778-8288 S.S., 9:15 AM; Worship, 10:30 AM SOUTH LIBERTY PRESBYTERIAN WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN ARIZONA (860)643-0906 CHURCH CHURCH CALVIN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (OPC)† FLORIDA Sharon Barnett Road/Sharon 146 E. Cherry Street/Opelousas 4150 Acoma Road/Phoenix GRACE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH S.S., 10:00 AM; S.S., 9:30 AM; Worship, 10:45 AM S.S., 9:15AM;Worship, 10:30AM/6PM 1875 N. W. Britt Road/Stuart Worship, 11:00 AM (1st/5th Sun.) (318)948-9339 Wednesday Bible Study, 7PM S.S., 9:30AM; (706)456-2377 (602) 992-4454 Worship, 11:00AM/6:00PM (561) 692-1995 20 P&R News ² April - June 2002 MARYLAND WHITESIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH GRACE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH NEW HOPE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Highway 74/Cashiers 1955 Riverside Drive/Conway Fairfax Fire Station #3 (Williams Elkton High School/Elkton S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM S.S., 9:30 AM/Worship, 10:45 AM Memorial Hall), S.S., 11:15 AM; Worship, 9:15 AM Wednesday, 7:00 PM Prayer Meeting (843)347-5550 4081 University Blvd./Fairfax (410)398-3192 (828)743-2122 FAITH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH S.S., 11:15 AM CHRIST REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN WHITE OAK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1800 Third Loop Road/Florence Worship, 9:30 AM/5:30 PM CHURCH 699 Polly Watson Road/Fremont S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship 11:00 AM/6:00 PM (703)385-9056 Diplomat Building, 13992 Baltimore S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM (843)665-9235 CALVARY REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN Avenue, Suite 300/Laurel (919)284-4196 BEECH STREET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH S.S., 9:30AM; Worship 10:30AM/6:00PM HAZELWOOD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CHURCH 403 Whealton Road/Hampton (301) 498-3700 117 E. Main Street/Hazelwood 1403 Beech Street/Gaffney S.S. 10:00AM; Worship: 8:30 AM/11:00 AM MINNESOTA S.S., 9:30 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:15 PM S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM Evening Gathering: 6:00 PM GOOD SHEPHERD PRESBYTERIAN Wednesday, 7:00 PM (864)489-2014 (757)826-5942 CHURCH (828)456-3912 CALVARY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH WEST END PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 15321 Wayzata Blvd./ Minnetonka SHEARER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 9201 Old White Horse Road/Greenville 1600 Atlantic Street/Hopewell S.S., 11:15 AM; Worship, 9:30 AM 684 Presbyterian Road/Mooresville S.S. 10:00 AM; Worship 11:00 AM/6:00 PM S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 10:50 AM/6:00 PM Sunday Evening Bible Study, 6:00 PM S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/5:00 PM Wednesday Prayer Meeting 7:00 PM Wednesday Prayer Meeting, 7:00 PM (952) 835-6358 Wednesday, 7:00 PM (864)294-0895 (804)458-6765 MISSISSIPPI (704)892-8866 SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH KNOX REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN MCDONALD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH TRINITY REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN 105 River Street/Greenville CHURCH 295 E. Williamsburg Road/Collins CHURCH S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM 4883 Southard Lane/Mechanicsville S.S., 10:00AM; Worship, 11:00AM/6:00PM 3701 South College Road/Wilmington Wednesday, 5:45 PM S.S., 9:30 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM Wednesday prayer meeting, 7:00PM Worship 10:30 AM (864)232-7621 Sunday Evening, 6:00 PM (601)765-6437 (910)395-1252 FELLOWSHIP PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (804)779-7608 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH NOVA SCOTIA 1105 Old Spartanburg Road/Greer IMMANUEL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH East Beach Blvd. at 24th Ave./Gulfport BEDFORD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM 4700 Colley Avenue/Norfolk S.S., 9:30 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 49 Nelson’s Landing Blvd./Bedford Wednesday, 6:30 PM Worship, 10:30AM/6:30PM PM S.S., 11:30 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/7:00 PM (864)877-3267 Wed. Christian Education Classes, 7:00PM Wed., Family Dinner (6:00)/Bible Study (902)864-1587 TENNESSEE Sat. Prayer Meeting, 7:00PM (6:30) OHIO BRAINERD HILLS PRESSBYTERIAN (757) 440-1100 (228)863-2664 FAITH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CHURCH TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ST. PAUL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 2540 S. Main Street/Akron 6388 East Brainerd Road/Chattanooga 108 Hill Street/Tazewell 5125 Robinson Road/Jackson S.S., 9:30 AM S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 10:45AM/ S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00/7:00 PM S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship,10:55 AM/6:00 Worship, 10:45 AM/6:00 PM 6:30PM (540)988-9541 PM Wednesday, 7:00 PM (423) 892-5308 WASHINGTON (601)372-7497 (330)644-9654 MIDWAY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CHRIST COVENANT REFORMED (PCA) 4011 Old Jonesborough Road/ CHURCH 625 N. Church Ave./Louisville 14787 Palmer Road SW/Reynoldsburg Jonesborough 2700 Andresen Road/Vancouver Worship 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM Psalter Service, 9:30 AM/Worship, 10:45 S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship 11:00 AM/7:00 PM Worship, 10:00 AM 2nd Sunday, Fellowship Meal, 12:15 PM, AM (423) 753-941 Sunday Bible Study, 6:30 PM Evening Studies at 1:00 PM. Thurs. Bible Study, 7 PM BRIDWELL HEIGHTS PRESBYTERIAN (360)254-1726 Wed Supper 6:00 PM; Prayer Mtg, 6:30 PM (740)964-0889 CHURCH WEST VIRGINIA (601)773-5282 OKLAHOMA 108 Bridwell Heights Drive/Kingsport PROVIDENCE REFORMED PEARL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BEAL HEIGHTS PRESBYTERIAN S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 2933 Old Brandon Road/Pearl CHURCH (423)288-3664 5865 Davis Creek Road/Barboursville S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM 614 SW Park/Lawton FELLOWSHIP PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH S.S. 11:30; Worship 10:00 AM/6:00 PM (601)939-1064 Worship, 10:45 AM and 6:00 PM Highway 25/70/Newport (304)736-0487 TCHULA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (580)355-4702 S.S., 9:30 AM/Worship, 11:00 AM/7:00 PM WISCONSIN 109 E. Main Street/Tchula PENNSYLVANIA Wednesday Prayer Meeting, 6:00 PM CALVARY ORTHODOX PRESBYTERIAN S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/5:00 PM NEW LIFE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF (423) 623-8652 CHURCH† Wednesday Prayer Meeting, 7:30 PM HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN 136 West Union Avenue/Cedar Grove (601)924-7334 2795 Patterson Drive/Aliquippa CHURCH S.S., 10:30 AM; Worship 9:00 AM/7:00 PM FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH S.S., 9:30AM; Worship, 11:00AM 900 Watauga Street/Kingsport (920)668-6463 600 Main Street/Woodville (724) 378-4389 S.S., 10:00 AM REFORMATION PRESBYTERIAN S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 LEHIGH VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN Worship, 11:00 AM/7:00 PM CHURCH† Wed. Prayer Mtg. (Oct.-May), 6:00 PM CHURCH (423)247-7341 Aurora Medical Center, I-94 at Highway 164/ (601) 888-4837 31 S. 13th Street/Allentown TEXAS Waukesha SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship. 11:00 AM/6:00 PM COLLEYVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Bible Study, 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM 1926 Grand Avenue at 20th/Yazoo City (610)797-8320 715 Cheek Sparger Road/Colleyville Wednesday Prayer Service, 7:00 PM S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/5:00PM FAITH REFORMED CHURCH S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM (262)246-2421 Wednesday, 7:30 PM 2953 Saltsman Road/Erie (817)498-2626 LAKESIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (601)746-8852 S.S., 9:45 AM/Worship, 11:00 AM COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Seventh Day Adventist Church, 21380 W. NEW JERSEY (814)899-3037 2701 N. 7th Street/Harlingen Cleveland Ave./New Berlin LOCKTOWN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH S.S., 9:30 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM S.S., 10:45 AM: Worship, 9:30 AM 197 Locktown-Flemington Road/Flemington 515 West County Line Road/Hatboro Midweek service, 7:00 PM Wednesday (262)968-6769 S.S., 10:30 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM S.S., 9:45 AM (Sum., 9:00); Worship, 11:00 (956)425-3136 (908)996-7707 AM (Sum., 10:00) COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH GRIEVING WITH HOPE MOUNT CARMEL CHURCH† (215)675-9688 SDA Church, 1209 S. John Redditt Rd./ The Rev. James Alexander 350 Franklin Blvd./Somerset ROCKY SPRINGS PRESBYTERIAN Lufkin PO Box 7100 S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM CHURCH S.S., 9:30 AM; Worship, 10:45 AM/5:30 PM Florence, SC 29502-7100 (732)846-8777 123 Rocky Springs Road/Harrisville (409)637-6043 (843)664-9759 NEW YORK S.S., 10:00 AM CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Website: www.griefwithhope.com AFFIRMATION PRESBYTERIAN Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM 1620 E. Common Street/New Braunfels Email: [email protected] CHURCH (724)735-2743 S.S., 9:30 AM; Worship, 10:45 AM Routes 100 and 139/Somers HILLCREST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (830)629-0405 S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM Route 19, three miles south of Leesburg/ PROVIDENCE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH We are pleased tohave congregations and (914)232-0546 Volant 3510 Austin Parkway/Sugar Land organizations join us as cosponsors of this NORTH CAROLINA S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship 10:55 AM/6:30 S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM and 6:00 venture. If you would like to become a DILLINGHAM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH PM PM (except 1st Sun.) sponsor, just let us know: PINS Financial 16 Stoney Fork Road/Barnardsville (724)533-4315 (281)980-2522 Office, P. O. Box 60, Coeburn, VA 24230. S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM SOUTH CAROLINA VIRGINIA Checks should be made payable to (828)626-3668 REEDY RIVER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH COEBURN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Presbyterian International News Service. COUNTRYSIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 46 Main Street/Connestee 220 Second Street SW/Coeburn † Indicates a non-PCA church. 127 Ponderosa Road/Cameron S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00AM/6:30PM S.S., 9:45AM; Worship, 11:00AM/6:30PM S.S., 9:30 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM (864) 277-5455 Wednesday Prayer Meeting, 7:00PM (919)499-2362 (276)395-2866