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Volume 8 Number 1 Published by Presbyterian International News Service, Inc., Coeburn, Virginia January-March 2002 PCA Pastor Featured in USA Today Scotty Smith’s Ministry Highlighted as Typical for Conservative Southern Suburbia

A minister of the Presbyterian Church in toward him and his ministry. Along the way, he Pastor Smith, while confirming that he was a America (PCA) was featured in the February 19, believes that they experienced what he would call conscientious objector during the Vietnam War, 2002, edition of the national newspaper, USA Today. “redemptive surprises.” clarified that that should not be taken to mean that The two-part article highlighted the profound The article in the national newspaper states that he is a pacifist. “I have never been a pacifist,” he differences between the relatively conservative Scotty Smith “wore jeans, socks and sandals as he said. Nashville suburb of Franklin, Tennessee, and the tried to reinterpret—and make more palatable—the When asked what reaction there had been to rather liberal city of Montclair, New Jersey, apostle Paul’s instructions in Ephesians 5:22-24 that his appearance in the national newspaper, he shared particularly on the issues of God, guns, and gays. women submit to their husbands. ‘Some of you hate that “friends were shocked that my mug was that Jill Lawrence, who covered the Franklin scene, these verses,’ Smith conceded. He argued that the big in the paper.” He also stated that “liberal elements wrote about the Rev. Scotty Smith, who is senior roles they defined amounted to ‘mutual submission. of our community were concerned with the pastor at the 5,000-member Christ Community . . . They are so not about power. They are so not impression left by the article that only conservatives Church. In an interview with P&R News, Scotty about who has the final vote.’” and evangelicals were living in our community.” Smith mused on the press coverage of him and his The article continued: “For a few Sundays after He added: “I so respect you and your publication ministry. Sept. 11, mirroring what happened across the country, taking the time to call me and to clarify my He noted that Mrs. Lawrence and her church attendance here surged, and terrorism was comments.” photographer were “anticipating that we would take the only subject from the pulpit. Smith, preaching Born in Burlington, North Carolina, Scotty Smith a club in our hand and beat our Southern women,” Sept. 16 for the first time in a new 80,000-square is a graduate of the University of North Carolina— and that they were surprised by the approach he foot church, assured his traumatized congregation Chapel Hill. He received his M.A.R. from took. Even so, the journalist did not catch the gist of that God existed and was good. ‘There’s only one Westminster Theological Seminary in 1977. Pastor Smith’s message on Ephesians 5:22-24, which kingdom that’s going to stand,’ he told them. Ordained in the Southern Presbyterian Church, he was that “radical submission to Christ” entails a ‘Brothers and sisters, you’re part of an unshakable served under Dr. Cortez Cooper at First Presbyterian “mutual submission in Christ.” kingdom that will last forever.’” Church, Nashville, Tennessee, before joining him and According to Scotty Smith, “The stress of that The reporter also wrote that Pastor Smith is “a several hundred people who withdrew from First sermon was, What are those responsibilities Christ self-described ‘’60s guy’ and a conscientious objector Church in 1981 to form a PCA congregation, Christ has given us in a marriage, rather than being about during the Vietnam War”; and that he claims that Presbyterian Church. In 1986, Pastor Smith became power.” An emphasis on domineering power “is “you’ll never hear gay-bashing from [his pulpit].” organizing pastor and then senior pastor at Christ more indicative of the Fall” than of the proper However, “like most in Franklin, taking [his] cue from Community Church. covenantal relationship of marriage. He averred: Scripture, [he views] homosexuality as a sin.” He is the author of two books, Unveiled Hope “Of course I believe there’s an authority structure in Accompanying the article was a picture of Mr. (an illustrated book on the Apocalypse) and marriage.” Smith in the pulpit. Even though he is a PCA minister Speechless. He is a sought-after speaker, and has Although Pastor Smith is grateful for the pastoring a PCA congregation, the article nowhere been featured on the campus of Covenant coverage in USA Today, he laments that the reporter identified their denominational affiliation. Theological Seminary in St. Louis. did not cover a significant aspect of religious life in Franklin, that of on-going racial reconciliation. He referred to the late Bill Lane, a professor at Western INSIDE THIS ISSUE Kentucky University who had been the first person PCA pastor featured in USA Today 1 to ask contemporary Christian musician Michael Card to write songs. While at Western Kentucky, New political group forms in PCA 2 Dr. Lane preached at a black Baptist church. Scotty AC votes to investigate apparent violation of service mark 2 Smith explained that when Bill Lane retired to Theological debate goes high-tech 4 Franklin, Tennessee, he “realized that Franklin has Complaints lodged regarding overtures 5 had a reputation of racial discrimination.” As a result, Westminster Presbytery will stay 6 he started meeting with local black pastors on a Tazewell Church joins RPCUS 7 regular basis. His efforts resulted in the founding of The Empty Hands Fellowship, a weekly breakfast PCA Foundation comes under scrutiny 8 gathering of 60 or 70 whites and blacks and now Proposal calls for replacement of SJC 9 some Hispanics. Pastor Smith stated: “The theme GPTS Spring Theology Conference 10 is, How is the gospel confronting our prejudice? How PCA minister takes group into closed country 14 can we be a reconciling force in this country? That Maryland church still grieving 15 was the direction that I tried to send Jill and her photographer.” Covenant College women’s basketball team enjoys best season ever 16 Jill Lawrence and the photojournalist had spent An open letter to a brother 17 one and a half weeks last spring in Franklin, and Church plant in Fayetteville, North Carolina 18 then came back for about a week in the summer. News from the Presbyteries 19 She interviewed him by telephone after the terrorist Tennessee pastor bears lonely witness against Sunday race 21 attacks on September 11th. In Scotty Smith’s eyes, Mike Milton installed as pastor of First Church, Chattanooga 23 the USA Today employees were “very respectful” 2 P&R News ² January-March 2002 Denominational Administrators and Pastors Spearhead New Political Organization A couple of denominational Presbyterian Church, Lecanto, Florida (1481 to support and employ the gifts of women group is seen not only in its proposals to administrators along with pastors from members), Pinewood Presbyterian Church, for lay and staff ministries in accord with amend the Constitution, but also in the mostly large churches are the leaders of a Middleburg, Florida (1077 members), New Scripture”; and “Having a missional careful way in which it is attempting to new organization engaged in ecclesiastical Life Presbyterian Church, Glenside, (cooperative) and humble relationship with shepherd the accompanying overtures politics. Calling itself “PCA Pastoral Pennsylvania (1041 members), Intown the wider church.” None of these terms is through the presbyteries and to passage at Leadership” (PCAPL), the new group has Community Church, Atlanta, Georgia (967 particularly defined. General Assembly. The PCAPL website helped orchestrate passage of overtures in members), Redeemer Presbyterian Church, The PCAPL organization, which has counsels potential recruits to coordinate numerous presbyteries that could New York, New York (745 members), characterized its approach as ‘pastoral’, has their efforts at the presbytery level, advises profoundly affect the shape and direction Covenant Presbyterian Church, St. Louis, positioned itself to advocate passage of two when overtures have to be received by of the Presbyterian Church in America Missouri (639 members), and Christ Church, amendments to the PCA’s Book of Church General Assembly, and issues cautions, (PCA). Jacksonville, Florida (494 members). Order. The amendment to BCO 21-4 would such as: “Please do not allow the wording Chief contact for PCAPL is Dr. Bryan Of the 17 men, at least four have specify ‘good faith’ theological in the proposed change to 21-4 to be Chapell, President of Covenant Theological significant ties to Redeemer Presbyterian in subscription to the doctrinal standards of amended in such a way that the word Seminary, the national seminary of the PCA. New York City. Dr. Timothy Keller is the the denomination. The term “‘good faith’ ‘doctrine’ is eliminated from the opening Another member of the 17-man Steering Senior Pastor at Redeemer; the Rev. Terry subscription” is being used in opposition sentence or its placement in the second Committee is Dr. Paul Kooistra, Coordinator Gyger, formerly Coordinator of the to an undefined “system subscription” paragraph.” for the denominational Mission to the World denominational Mission to North America position and a “strict subscription” Further counsel is slated to be offered Committee. Committee, is Executive Pastor; the Rev. position. at the group’s first open meeting, set for The other 15 men on the Steering Scott Sherman, presently Senior Pastor at The amendment to BCO 34-1 would April 10th at Intown Community Church in Committee serve as pastors in 14 churches. Intown Community Church, was on staff at change the number of presbyteries Atlanta. Among the items on the docket Included in that number are the Senior Redeemer; and the Rev. Fred Harrell has necessary to petition for original jurisdiction are Overture Presentation, Passage Pastors of the second, third, and fifth largest patterned his ministry along the Redeemer over a minister from a couple of presbyteries Requirements, and Questions and Answers, congregations in the PCA. model. to ten percent of the total number of to be handled by the Rev. George According to the 2001 PCA Yearbook, Two of these 17 men serve on the presbyteries. Given that there are more than Robertson, the Rev. Skip Ryan, and Dr. the 14 congregations whose pastors are on denominational Standing Judicial 60 presbyteries in the PCA, the amendment, Chapell; and 2002 General Assembly the Steering Committee have an average Commission: Dr. Kooistra, and Dr. Charles if it passes, would increase the number of Briefing and General Assembly membership of 1852. They range in size from McGowan, Senior Pastor of Nashville’s presbyteries from two to seven. Assignments, facilitated by Drs. Kooistra Briarwood Presbyterian Church, Christ Presbyterian Church. One of them, This proposed amendment comes in and Chapell. Birmingham, Alabama (5666 members) to Dr. Chapell, is on the denomination’s the context of the request in 1999 and 2000 [The practices of several of the men on The City Church of San Francisco (69 Committee on Constitutional Business. by several presbyteries for the General the Steering Committee might suggest members). Other congregations in the list The PCAPL’s website explains the Assembly to assume original jurisdiction intended parameters. In at least one of the include Park Cities Presbyterian Church, organization’s Mission, including the over the Rev. John Wood, Pastor of Cedar churches listed above, liturgical ballet has Dallas, Texas (5309 members), Christ following points: Renewal/Revival in the Springs Presbyterian Church, Knoxville, been used in public worship and is being Presbyterian Church, Nashville, Tennessee Reformed Tradition; Innovative Leadership Tennessee, with regard to his purported fostered in the broader church. In other (2928 members), Old Cutler Presbyterian Development; A Passion for Peace and advocacy of female preaching. The churches, women lead in public worship. Church, Miami, Florida (2021 members), Justice; Cultural Engagement; and presbyteries that had requested original Ecumenical services at one or more of these Village Seven Presbyterian Church, Reformed ‘Catholicity’. Among the sub- jurisdiction over Mr. Wood were Ascension, churches have included liberal (such as Colorado Springs, Colorado (1868 members), points are the following: “Appreciating Calvary, Eastern Carolina, James River, and United Methodist and Episcopalian) Lookout Mountain (Tenn.) Presbyterian different forms of worship within the Western Carolina. clergy people and/or Roman Catholic Church (1625 members), Seven Rivers Reformed tradition”; “Seeking better ways The political nature of the PCAPL priests.—Ed.] AC Votes to Investigate Apparent Violation of Service Mark

At its meeting on March 15, 2002, the using the initials “PCA”, since their use of contested the attempt of AC to enforce a General Assemblies, as the AC worked with Administrative Committee (AC) of the the “registered trademark” was policy that had not been adopted by the a law firm to hammer out the details of a Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) “unauthorized.” Mentioned as a violator General Assembly, and contended that, policy. In 1998, the AC reported that use of voted to investigate the apparent was the Center for the Advancement of because of the organic unity of the church, the initials by a local congregation for other infringement of its denominational service constituent congregations should be than local ministry was forbidden, as was mark by a group of PCA ministers. entitled to use the denominational service use of the initials in such a way as to imply Responding to a letter from the Rev. Larry mark. denominational ownership. That policy was Ball, the permanent committee, which is The 1996 General Assembly voted to communicated to all PCA churches. charged with handling legal matters, took request the Affirmation Session to change The AC also voted to require any the action with regard to the newly-formed the name of the news service, which was member of the denominational corporation ‘PCA Pastoral Leadership’ organization. done. The news agency has since operated immediately to report any possible Upon recommendation of Dr. L. Roy under the name Presbyterian International violations of the service mark, so that the Taylor, Stated Clerk of the PCA, the AC News Service, and publishes Presbyterian Committee could determine what action approved the following: “1. That the AC & Reformed News. (In 1998, the Affirmation would be appropriate. staff investigate the matter, conferring with Session relinquished ownership of the news In his letter to the Committee, Mr. Ball the leaders of ‘PCAPL.’ 2. That the AC staff service to a Georgia non-profit corporation.) expressed surprise that PCA ministers could report to the AC at the June 2002 meeting. not have been aware of the fact that their 3. That TE Ball be informed of the above use of the initials “PCA” would constitute actions.” Dr. Bryan Chapell a violation of the service mark. This is In a letter to Mr. Ball, Dr. Taylor promised especially the case, since “the list of leaders to keep him apprised “as to the investigation Paleo-Orthodoxy (CAPO). Also mentioned includes the president of the national and subsequent committee action.” An was Teaching Elder Frank J. Smith, Editor of seminary of the Presbyterian Church in accompanying email from Dr. Taylor what was then called PCA News Service America (who also serves on the Committee indicated that he had spoken with Bryan and its publication, PCA News. However, on Constitutional Business), the coordinator Chapell, and that he “will recommend to in point of fact, the minister was not the of Mission to the World (who also serves ‘PCAPL’ that they change their name so that owner of the news service; rather, it was on the Standing Judicial Commission), and there will not be any possibility of owned by the Session of Affirmation another member of the Standing Judicial confusion.” Presbyterian Church, Somers, New York, Commission (who was also Moderator of Dr. Chapell, who is President of where he served as pastor. the 1996 General Assembly—the very same Covenant Theological Seminary, is the leader Prior to 1996, there had been no public year the issue regarding the service mark of the political organization that has been notification that the denominational initials Dr. Paul Kooistra first arose).” using the denominational initials. had been registered with the federal Mr. Ball, who is Pastor of Bridwell In the denomination, the issue of the government, and there is a question as to Also in 1996, the General Assembly, Heights Presbyterian Church in Kingsport, initials “PCA”® first arose at the General whether the denominational corporation upon motion by the Rev. Dr. Morton H. Tennessee, also expressed dismay that Assembly in 1996. The AC, acting in its had even authorized that the paper work be Smith, the first Stated Clerk of the “there is an attempt to identify the efforts capacity as the Board of Directors for filed in order to register the initials. To date, denomination, instructed the AC to of this organization with the denomination Presbyterian Church in America (A no one has been able to reference that such determine what exactly was service marked, itself, and to do so by means of infringing Corporation), had voted in October 1995 to authorization had taken place. and to inform all the churches of its findings. on our denominational initials. Furthermore, request two entities to “cease and desist” The Session of Affirmation Session The matter came back to the next two Continued on page 3 P&R News ² January-March 2002 3 Larry Ball’s Letter to the Administrative Committee Regarding PCAPL’s Violation of Denominational Service Mark

Dear Fathers and Brethren: Committee at the denominational level. The of Westminster Presbyterian Church in can hardly be said to be supportive of them. Committee will determine what appropriate America. Yet another example may be found in the I am writing in order to report to you what I action should be taken to promptly remedy “PCA Christian School (implies fact that this organization proposes to consider is a serious infringement of the the infringement” (M25GA, pp. 250-51). denominational control or sponsorship); operate in a divisive way, pitting some denominational service mark (“PCA”). At the next year’s General Assembly, the however, ‘Christ Church PCA School’ members of the denomination against other AC stated: “Since 1974 the Presbyterian would be appropriate for the school members. On their website under “Overtures As you know, the 1996 General Assembly— Church in America has used the initials operated by Christ Church PCA.” (M26GA, Preparation Information”, they describe the first General Assembly to be informed ‘PCA’ to identify various programs and pp. 287-88). some presbyteries of the PCA as “very small of the action that had been taken on its printed materials. In order to prevent presbyteries of narrow and/or theonomic behalf to register the initials “PCA” with confusion from any unauthorized use of the What appears to be evident from these perspectives”. Such stereotyping I the federal government— “directed the PCA initials, the ‘service mark’ was actions, over a period of several years, is a personally find greatly inappropriate for men Board of Directors to prepare a statement registered with the U. S. Patent and jealous guarding of the denominational of such character on the Board of this describing what is actually trademark Trademark Office in 1987. Thus, the service mark, even to the point of employing Organization. They also continue to say protected, so that there may be a clear Presbyterian Church in America has the Gammon and Grange, the same law firm that such presbyteries “have used understanding of what is or is not exclusive right to use the PCA® initials in involved in the denominational legal audit, parliamentary and judicial procedures to permissible regarding its usage. This matters relating to educational services, in order to determine the appropriate uses push agendas and dominate the activities statement is to be distributed to all Sessions ministry services and missionary services. to which the service mark may be put. of the GA in recent years.” I find this and ministers of the PCA” (for corrected The Administrative Committee, which divisive and lacking a charitable attitude text, see M25GA, p. 485). The 1997 General serves as the Board of Directors of Recently, I became aware of an organization toward brethren who, after all, are entitled Assembly reiterated that instruction, and Presbyterian Church in America (A that has not complied with our jealously to use the rights and procedures granted to also heard a report from the Administrative Corporation), desiring to assist PCA guarded denominational rights in this them by our Constitution in obeying their Committee (AC), including the following: churches in the appropriate use of the regard. A group calling itself “PCA Pastoral own conscience. By using the initials “AC would remind the churches of the PCA® service mark, has adopted the Leadership” has established a presence on “PCA”, these comments appear to represent policy that the Board of Directors adopted following policy.” What followed was the the world wide web (www.pcapl.org), and the position of the PCA. following a recommendation from Gammon three-point policy, announced to the 1997 has also called for an open meeting on April and Grange relating to the PCA registered General Assembly. Also in the AC report 10, 2002, at an Atlanta congregation of the It is surprising to me that the leaders of this trademark: was a section on Application: Presbyterian Church in America. organization, all of them ordained ministers in the PCA, could not know about the “‘POLICY FOR MAINTAINING AND “Because it is impossible to anticipate every The appearance of the website and the use denomination’s assertion of its rights with PROTECTING THE PCA®’ possible situation when the PCA® might of initials “PCA” suggest that the group regard to its service mark. This is especially be used, the following are given only as intends to identify its organization with our the case since the list of leaders includes “1. Presbyterian Church in America (A examples of what is appropriate or denomination. On the web site, under the the president of the national seminary of Corporation) grants (either expressly or inappropriate: category “PCA Pastoral Leadership: The the Presbyterian Church in America (who tacitly) and will continue to grant to local Vision,” and the sub-heading, “Becoming a also serves on the Committee on churches and presbyteries the right to use “Examples of appropriate uses of the PCA® leader church for our culture and worldwide Constitutional Business), the coordinator its mark PCA® in connection with the name mark: body of Christ,” the group says: “We of Mission to the World (who also serves of the local church for ordinary local church “First Presbyterian Church, a believe that God is calling the Presbyterian on the Standing Judicial Commission), and activities (i.e., local advertising of the congregation of the PCA Church in America to be a leading voice for another member of the Standing Judicial church’s worship services and other “PCA Women in the Church proclaiming the truth of Scripture, for Commission (who was also Moderator of activities, ministries in the local church and “PCA Men’s Rally propagating a biblical, Reformed worldview the 1996 General Assembly—the very same its community, local church newsletters for in our culture, and for making disciples of year the issue regarding the service mark its members, etc.) “Examples of inappropriate uses of the PCA all nations. We also believe that God will first arose). “2. Presbyterian Church in America (A mark which imply denominational control use our church with other like-minded Corporation) requires that uses of the mark or sponsorship: groups of believers across denominational, In accord with the duty laid upon me by the for other than ordinary local church “PCA Publications (when printed by a cultural and ethnic barriers if we will humbly General Assembly, as well as the activities be approved in advance by the local church or a presbytery—implies seek to learn from and to work with others Administrative Committee, I am hereby Administrative Committee at the publication by the denomination); however, that God is calling for the advance of his informing you of this egregious violation, denominational level. Approval shall not ‘Covenant PCA News’ would be Kingdom. For these purposes we have and I hope you will rectify the situation be granted unless the Committee is able to appropriate for the newsletter of a local committed ourselves to providing promptly. The organization in question assert sufficient control over the mark’s use church named Covenant Presbyterian ecclesiastical pastoral leadership in our own indicates that Dr. Bryan Chapell is the to assure the mark is only utilized in a Church in America. settings with the prayer that God would lead contact person. His phone number is listed manner consistent with the doctrinal tenets, “PCA Parking (where a local church others of similar vision from across our on the organization’s web site as (314) 434- existing ministries, and policies of the rents out its parking lot during the week— church to work with us.” 4044; with an email address of denomination. not part of the church’s worship service or [email protected]. Or, you “3. Presbyterian Church in America (A usual church activities and also not related Again, it appears to me that there is an may write him at the address he lists in the Corporation) requires that any incidents of to the denomination); however, attempt to identify the efforts of this PCA Yearbook: Covenant Theological possible trademark infringement be ‘Westminster PCA Parking’ would be organization with the denomination itself, Seminary, 12330 Conway Road, St. Louis, immediately reported to the Administrative appropriate on the sign for the parking lot and to do so by means of infringing on our Missouri 63141-8697. denominational initials. Furthermore, in my opinion, the organization’s stated goals are I have nothing but the highest regard for Continued from page 2 out of accord with the “doctrinal tenets, each of these men, but I know you want to in my opinion, the organization’s stated that such presbyteries ‘have used existing ministries, and policies of the display the same zeal which you have in the goals are out of accord with the ‘doctrinal parliamentary and judicial procedures to denomination” (cf. AC policy regarding the past in protecting the rights of our tenets, existing ministries, and policies of push agendas and dominate the activities use of the service mark). For example, the denomination with respect to its registered the denomination’ (cf. AC policy regarding of the GA in recent years.’ I find this divisive group proclaims in its Mission Statement service mark, and that is also why I have the use of the service mark).” He took and lacking a charitable attitude toward that it appreciates “different forms of written to you. umbrage at the fact that the PCAPL group brethren who, after all, are entitled to use worship within the Reformed tradition.” Not is attempting to act divisively by fostering the rights and procedures granted to them only does this statement appear at best Thank you for your attention to this matter. non-Presbyterian views of worship, by by our Constitution in obeying their own ambiguous; but, on the surface, it appears I will fax you a copy of this letter with my “fostering amendments to our conscience. By using the initials ‘PCA’, to contradict the regulative principle of signature attached. Constitutional standards,” and by “pitting these comments appear to represent the worship, which states that God is to be some members of the denomination against position of the PCA.” worshipped in only one way (Confession Your obedient servant, other members.” Larry Ball was the Stated Clerk of of Faith, XXI.1). It is also out of accord The Tennessee pastor also was Westminster Presbytery for 23 years, from with the whole premise of the Westminster Larry E. Ball concerned that the political organization on 1976 to 1999. His reputation as a Standards, which was the establishment of its website would “describe some denominational loyalist has been enhanced uniformity of worship and doctrine. Member of Presbyterian Church in America presbyteries of the PCA as ‘very small over the past year, as he was in the forefront (A Corporation) presbyteries of narrow and/or theonomic of those trying to keep Westminster Moreover, this organization, since it is perspectives’. Such stereotyping I Presbytery from leaving the PCA. committed to fostering amendments to our Member of Westminster Presbytery personally find greatly inappropriate for men Constitutional standards, evidently is not of such character on the Board of this [See this page for Larry Ball’s letter to the satisfied with the existing ministries and Teaching Elder — Bridwell Heights Organization. They also continue to say Administrative Committee.—Ed.] policies of our denomination, and therefore Presbyterian Church, Kingsport, Tennessee 4 P&R News ² January-March 2002 Theological Debate in the Twenty-first Century Goes High-Tech

Groups within the Presbyterian Church in of churches. (PCAPL) organization and its presence on the in 1973 as an “Old School” church (i.e., a “strict America (PCA) are taking their ideological and Within the Presbyterian Church (United internet, a new website has emerged. Called subscriptionist” denomination) rather than a New theological viewpoints to new heights of States of America), the Presbyterian Lay Presbyterian Integrity, this internet site proclaims School body. technology. Within the past month or so, two Committee has maintained a web presence for a a vision of the church that is in opposition to that The CP site declares that subscription competing websites have been established on number of years. Publishers of the Presbyterian fostered by PCAPL. means “adopting the entirety of the Confession the internet, setting forth radically different views Layman, the layman’s organization has, since The Presbyterian Integrity website focuses and Catechisms as containing the system of of what the church should be. the 1950s, worked for reforming the mainline on defeating PCAPL initiatives by disseminating doctrine taught in the Bible. This does not mean Technological developments have always PC(USA) from a liberal to a more evangelical historical data and analyzing PCAPL resolutions. that every doctrine in the Standards is of equal impacted the communications and commerce of denomination. In opposition to PCAPL’s proposed BCO 21-4 importance. What it does mean is that the civilization. Gutenberg’s printing press In 2000, the Presbyterian Church in America amendment, the website offers documentary Standards faithfully reflect the Bible in every area revolutionized the spread of information, and the approved one of the first denominational e- evidence that the PCA was founded as a strict of doctrine. Finally, Old School subscription does relatively inexpensive printing of books, including zines—i.e., a web based denominational subscription church, contends that “Good Faith” not imply elevating the Standards to the level of the Bible, was in God’s Providence one of the magazine. Called PCANEWS.COM, the on-line subscription is a theological newcomer, and Scripture itself. The Standards are not inspired, keys to the success of the Protestant Reformation. publication has tried from its genesis to generate traces the roots of “Good Faith” subscription to and thus must answer to the inspired Word of Through the centuries, the church has discussion on a wide variety of hot-button topics. the Proposed Statement of Identity in 1994. The God. However, when we assent to the second employed new technology in the spread of the More recently, a new group calling itself website also suggests that “Good Faith” ordination vow, we are declaring that the gospel, whether it be utilizing steamships, “PCA Pastoral Leadership” hit the internet with subscription is another label for one formula of Standards are as written, completely faithful to railroads, and airplanes for travel, or attractive its own website. The domain’s administrative loose subscription and outlines what it says is the Bible.” tracts, pamphlets, and books. contact is Brad Hough, who lists his phone the sad history of theological disasters that have The website calls attention to the Over the past decade, the internet has number as that of Covenant Theological occurred whenever such policies have been “Memorials” which the CP group sent to the developed into a fast and efficient way in which Seminary. According to the Seminary website, adopted. General Assembly. In 1993, the Memorial to convey information, and the number of internet Mr. Hough is the Chief Technology Officer for Presbyterian Integrity also contests “identified seven areas of concern: 1. The sites with spiritual and religious themes has the St. Louis school. Documents indicate that PCAPL’s proposed BCO 34-1 amendment, Inerrancy and Sufficiency of Scripture, 2. The expanded exponentially. While many of those the domain was registered on February 19th. contending for the Biblical validity of “two Delegation of Responsibilities Given to the sites operated by orthodox Christians are focused According to an internet expert, the web page’s witnesses” against an arbitrary standard and Church Courts to Other Bodies, 3. Looseness in on the gospel itself and address unbelievers with source code indicates that the website was set warning readers of apostasy that has historically Practice Regarding Subscription, 4. The Drift from their need for Christ, many of them also entail the up so as not to attract the attention of search occurred when unorthodox men have been the Original Concept of Committees Serving the advocacy of a particular theological viewpoint. engines, such as Yahoo! and Google. shielded from prosecution. Assembly to Board-type Agencies, 5. The Efforts From ethics to worship, from soteriology (the Recently, the Administrative Committee of The website not only warns against these to Deny the Ecclesiastic Authority of Higher doctrine of salvation) to marriage and family the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church proposals, but sounds an alarm against PCAPL’s Courts over Lower Courts, 6. The Move Toward concerns, one can find a wealth of web pages in America (PCA) voted to investigate the openly declared strategy-planning sessions to Congregationalism within Congregations, 7. The from a Christian perspective. apparent infringement of the denominational control this year’s General Assembly, and decries Flagrant Disregard of the Regulative Principle of The church has also always had service mark (the initials “PCA”) by this fledgling the open use of political muscle to change PCA Worship.” Two other memorials were sent to the controversy within her gates, and the polemical organization (see “AC Votes to Investigate doctrine and disturb the peace and purity of the 1994 General Assembly: one repeated the arguments have been voiced not only on the Apparent Violation of Service Mark,” p. 2). The church. concerns of the previous year, and the other floor of church courts but also in books, group apparently will be changing its name, but Still in its infancy, Presbyterian Integrity expressed concern over the refusal of PCA pamphlets, and other publications. to what was not evident by press time. promises to add additional content quickly. administrative officials to release copies of the Today, church polemics are being aired Presumably, a change in name would also result In 1998, another organization within the denominational Legal Audit, authorized by the through the medium of the internet, and perhaps in a change of the domain name as well. PCA, Concerned Presbyterians (CP), also set up 1992 General Assembly, to members of the nowhere as notably as in the Presbyterian family In response to the PCA Pastoral Leadership a website. Its site affirms that the PCA was formed [Continued on next page]

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Prices subject to change without notice. (Paid Advertisement) P&R News ² January-March 2002 5 [Continued from previous page] denominational corporation who requested such. Complaints Lodged Against Actions by With the desire “that our church ‘may be perfected in unity’ (John 17:23)”, the purposes of Concerned Presbyterians are: “1. To declare the whole Presbyteries to Approve Overtures counsel of God as contained in the Scriptures and faithfully represented in the Westminster The Session of the Church of the offenses. hundred and sixty days, clothed in Standards, 2. To promote the biblical system of Covenant, Cincinnati, Ohio, has complained Finally, the Session argues that the overture sackcloth.” Presbyterian polity, 3. To hold the PCA against the action of Ohio Valley Presbytery “violates biblical principles as to fairness in Reasons four and five argue that the accountable to the terms of her formation, 4. To in adopting two overtures to General standards (Exodus 22:3,6 and 9; Deut. 10:17; Acts Book of Church Order (BCO) maintains identify and implement constructive and God- Assembly. Both of these overtures have 10:34). Should this overture be adopted, the system the same Biblical standard of requiring only honoring ways to accomplish these tasks. We been advocated by the “PCA Pastoral of doctrine, as determined by each and every two or three witnesses. acknowledge the need for reform in the PCA Leadership” organization. presbytery, would be no standard at all. The very The seventh reason notes that “this specifically in the areas outlined in the [original] The first complaint, with regard to the notion of a standard connotes: uniformity, a principle of two or three witnesses is Memorial and thereby set forth this document as overture on “good faith” subscription, urges definite rule, a conspicuous measure. None of applied with respect to ‘sessions who an attempt to outline the strategy that will be ten reasons for reversing the Presbytery’s these concepts is contained in this overture. refuse to act.’ The BCO carries forward employed toward reform and the evaluation approval of the overture. Rather, this overture would codify an ever- the ‘two or three witnesses’ principle from criteria by which those attempts at reform are to The first reason is that this action “has the changing standard as may be adopted by the process against individuals to process be measured.” effect of supplanting the Westminster Standards various presbyteries. Thus the concept of the against sessions. Presbyteries are to The current discussions have been noticed as the system of doctrine for candidates to the even-handed application of laws, as is found in assume original jurisdiction in matters by the official denominational web magazine. gospel ministry, and replacing the historically Exodus 22:3, 6 and 9, would be ignored in favor of where a session refuses to act and two or PCANEWS.COM provided information accepted system of doctrine with an arbitrary an ever-changing standard.” more presbyteries request the presbytery regarding the PCAPL group and its upcoming determination by the presbytery as to what to ‘initiate proper or appropriate action.’” meeting in Atlanta. A recent response from the constitutes the system of doctrine. For example, The second complaint, against the The eighth reason states that “the Rev. Andrew Webb was posted, in opposition a candidate for ordination could argue that proposal to require that ten percent of the proposed requirement of ‘ten percent of all the to the attempted amendment of the baptismal regeneration is consistent with WCF presbyteries petition in order for the General presbyteries’ would also be out of accord with Constitutional provision regarding the 28.6 (see Joel Garver’s article, ‘Baptismal Assembly to assume original jurisdiction, BCO 33-1, which grants the same provisions to assumption of original jurisdiction. Regeneration and The Westminster Confession argues twelve points. The first three of those sessions and presbyteries:” To date, PCANEWS.COM has not carried 28.6’ at http://www.lasalle.edu/~garver/wcf.htm) points revolve around the “Scriptural Ninthly, “ The proposed requirement of news of the official investigation by the and the presbytery examining the candidate standard of ‘two or three witnesses’ in ‘ten percent of all the presbyteries’ is an denomination’s Administrative Committee of the could agree that this interpretation is ‘neither matters of receiving testimony.” The unscriptural requirement, because it conflicts apparent infringement of the denominational hostile to the system nor strikes at the vitals of complaint states: “This standard is not with the Scriptural principle that testimony shall service mark. religion.’ The candidate would then be free to abrogated following the death and be established by two or three witnesses. There Whatever the outcome of the current preach and teach this position with impunity.” resurrection of Jesus Christ but is explicitly are no examples in Scripture, nor can any case theological battles, one thing is clear: all parties The second reason is the overture “violates continued in the New Testament in matters be made from good and necessary consequence in this twenty-first century are willing to use the very wording of the adopting vow as found of receiving accusations against an elder in from Scripture, that ‘testimony shall be whatever high-tech tools are at their disposal in in BCO 21-5. . . . “For one to ‘receive and adopt’ 1 Timothy 5:19: Do not receive an established by ten percent of witnesses.’ This order to promote their viewpoint. the confession and catechisms, one is agreeing accusation against an elder except from two is an arbitrary threshold that violates the The “PCA Pastoral Leadership” group’s to the form and substance found in those or three witnesses.” Furthermore, “There standard that Scripture has set. While there website is www.pcapl.org. The Presbyterian documents. For one to say they are ‘receiving are no circumstances in Scripture where a may be instances where more than ‘two or three Integrity website is www.presbyterianintegrity. and adopting’ while at the same time publicly higher number of witnesses than ‘two or witnesses’ are available and able and willing to org. The Concerned Presbyterians website is disagreeing to either or both the form and three’ is required to receive testimony supply testimony, this is nowhere required in www.concernedpresbyterians.org. substance is intellectual dishonesty.” against an accused party. Deuteronomy Scripture.” The third reason offered is that it “violates 17:6: Whoever is deserving of death shall In the tenth place, the complaint maintains the instruction found in the Westminster be put to death on the testimony of two or that “[t]he proposed requirement of ‘ten percent Confession of Faith Chapter XXII, paragraph 2 three witnesses; he shall not be put to death of all the presbyteries’ is an unconstitutional by requiring men, being ordained to the gospel on the testimony of one witness. Matthew requirement, because it is in conflict with the ministry, to vainly swear an oath to an ever 18:15-17: Moreover if your brother sins basic principles of discipline established in BCO changing system of doctrine as may be against you, go and tell him his fault 27-5. Are you determined by the presbytery.” between you and him alone. If he hears you, The final objection to the proposed Reasons four through seven also reference you have gained your brother. But if he will amendment is that “[t]he proposed the purported violation of a vow. “How can a not hear, take with you one or two more, requirement of ‘ten percent of all the concerned man bind himself to perform according to a that by the mouth of two or three witnesses presbyteries’ would, for all practical system of doctrine, when that system of doctrine every word may be established. And if he purposes, render null and void the judicial may change at the whim of presbytery?”, the refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. remedy provided in 34-1 with respect to complaint rhetorically asks. Furthermore, “This But if he refuses even to hear the church, let presbyteries ‘who refuse to act in doctrinal about overture attempts to amend the constitutional him be to you like a heathen and a tax cases or in cases of public scandal.’” obligations contained in the ordination vow collector. 2 Corinthians 13:1: This will be (BCO 21-5) without changing the language of the third time I am coming to you. By the The Stated Clerk of Ohio Valley Presbytery the vow, thus making void the vow.” mouth of two or three witnesses every word has circulated these complaints on a the The eighth reason is that the overture shall be established. Revelation 11:13: And presbytery-wide discussion list, so that they “attempts to transfer the authority of the I will give power to my two witnesses, and may be discussed prior to the May stated Constitution of the Church to the presbytery, they will prophesy one thousand two meeting when they will be presented. trends in making the constitution of the church a ‘living’ document. The practical effect of this transfer of authority, would allow differing systems of doctrine, depending solely on the arbitrary the PCA? whims of the various presbyteries, all of which would be authoritative.” LOOKING FOR Ninthly, the complaint contends that the ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ overture “violates BCO 29-1 which reads in part: ‘The Confession of Faith and the Larger and A PASTOR Then join Concerned Shorter Catechisms of the Westminster Assembly, together with the formularies of Presbyterians, an government, discipline, and worship are organization calling the accepted by the Presbyterian Church in America OPC Congregation in Costa Mesa, CA, has vacant Presbyterian Church in as standard expositions of the teachings of Scripture in relation to both faith and practice. pulpit. Adherence to WCF and Catechisms America to be what Nothing, therefore, ought to be considered by she said said she would any court as an offense, or admitted as a matter essential. Congregation well-taught in of accusation, which cannot be proved to be be. such from Scripture.’ postmillennialism, theonomic ethics, and 6-24hr “Should this overture be adopted, this language would have to be stricken from the creation day positions. Five years + experience BCO as the Westminster Standards would no Contact the Rev. Charles Wilson. longer be the system of doctrine by which preferred. Please inquire to Jim Andruss at 714- (704)542-9603 [email protected] offenses would be judged, rather, the arbitrary 528-0174 or e-mail to [email protected]. www.concernedpresbyterians.org system of doctrine adopted by the various presbyteries would become the arbiter of

(Paid Advertisement) (Paid Advertisement) 6 P&R News ² January-March 2002 Westminster Presbytery Will Stay Court Overwhelmingly Reverses Its Vote to Withdraw

Bristol, Tennessee (January 12, 2002)— the Presbytery go into executive session. noted that the 2001 General Assembly “did Presbytery” if people would remember that In a dramatic reversal, Westminster He did so, he said, so that “every man in not even agree to set up a new Presbytery fact. Turning to Pastor Johnson, Dr. Crook Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in this room [may] feel free to say what is on at the next General Assembly.” This failure stated: “I respect your decision, Henry.” He America (PCA) this morning voted to his heart, and not be concerned about how he regarded as a “breach of trust [and] then opined that there “may be a brief time rescind its resolution to withdraw from the it may be quoted.” confidence.” In his view, “If we were to of increased harmony,” but that, in his denomination. The voice vote was The Rev. Dr. Steve Meyerhoff, Stated carry through with this [i.e., the continued estimation, sooner rather than later, the same overwhelming, with only less than a handful Clerk and also a member of the special resolve to withdraw], there would be other theological fissures would become evident. of “No’s” being heard. committee, echoed that sentiment. Executive modifications” imposed by General “If someone wants to stay, they have the The action today marked the end of session was called for “to have a little bit of Assembly. right. . . . Serve within it [the PCA] in a way nine months of turmoil, begun when the privacy.” Secondly, “Many elders in Westminster that is helpful, not harmful.” court voted at its April 2001 meeting to However, it was pointed out that any Presbytery over the last few months have Ruling Elder Jerry Neas maintained that substitute for a main motion, a proposal to discussion that took place in executive indicated a desire to join with us in this new, conflict in and of itself is not bad. “I hope withdraw from the PCA effective the January session would not be able to be shared with continuing Westminster Presbytery. . . . The that it [the Presbytery] is not without 2002 stated meeting. That motion was then the congregations of the Presbytery, or even problem is, there was no mechanism up front conflict. What I hope for is that we will adopted at a called meeting in May 2001, with members of the Sessions who were not to deal with some of the problems among return to the type of conflict we had thirty and the Presbytery communicated to the present. And Ruling Elder Conrad Friede the various churches. . . . We are still not in years ago.” General Assembly its intention and contended: “We have a responsibility to be agreement as to what we are for.” The Rev. Ben Konopa wanted to know overtured the higher court to establish a able to inform them [members of our Third, the timing was not right for many from the Committee if “the motion to rescind new presbytery in the same geographical congregations] fully. . . . This body should of the ministers and churches of the hinges on the fact that there will be only bounds as the existing presbytery. have nothing to hide, since it is not a Presbytery to withdraw. “Several of you one other congregation” to leave the PCA In June 2001, the higher court declined personal matter.” men . . . expressed a desire to see that if the motion were not rescinded. Chairman to acquiesce in Westminster’s request, and Henry Johnson, like his fellow happen [i.e., the withdrawal of the Leuzinger responded that the Committee’s instead adopted a pastoral letter, urging the ministerial members of the committee, also Presbytery]. You thought it would be a good rationale consisted of “the reasons Henry Presbytery to reconsider its action. favored going into executive session: and wise thing, so you would have a place gave.” Mr. Konopa replied: “I didn’t hear In July 2001, the Presbytery heard and “Generally, I despise executive session since to go. . . . If the PCA continues down the him speaking for the Committee as a whole.” denied a complaint lodged by the Rev. Larry we are called to be children of the light. . . . road that she presently is, many of you will Mr. Johnson replied, starting with his Ball against the action of withdrawal. At its Sometimes, it’s good for my wife and I to be looking for a home.” He concluded: “Our mentioning his disillusioning experience at October 2001 meeting, the Presbytery step behind closed doors, so we will know prayer is that the Lord will bless you.” his first General Assembly, in 1981, in which modified the effective date of withdrawal how to speak to the children. The speeches that followed were more a prominent PCA minister declared that from January to July 2002, in the hopes that “We should have the freedom to talk merely the expressions of concerns rather “Calvinism and evangelism are antithetical” the 2002 General Assembly would erect a here without all our quotes being taken than arguments either for or against the and no action was taken against him for that new presbytery if the secession occurred. down, . . . without wondering if a quote will motion. Clynard Belcher, the first statement. The Tazewell pastor also stated: In December, the Standing Judicial be taken out of context. . . . I despise Moderator of the Presbytery, expressed his “Through the years it has been the Commission (SJC) denied Mr. Ball’s executive sessions, but sometimes we’re in desire that the Presbytery remain in the reputation of Westminster Presbytery in this complaint, and ruled that a presbytery may despicable situations.” PCA. Another ruling elder, Dan Witcher, denomination to be a unique Presbytery to indeed withdraw from the denomination. Ruling Elder John Thompson argued said that the Presbytery over the last several hold to [the Westminster Standards]. . . . But in the meantime, the delays had against proceeding behind closed doors, on years had “discovered six or eight or ten Many of you men who have come into this caused concern to some in the Presbytery two grounds. One, “the proceedings that issues” on which there was profound Presbytery are not pleased with that who very much wanted to be out of the PCA. have been in process have not been hid disagreement. As a result, a Conflict reputation. The Rev. Henry Johnson, Pastor of Trinity under a bushel. It behooves us to make Resolution Committee was formed. “About twelve years ago, I became Presbyterian Church, Tazewell, Virginia, was sure the information flow is open. The “Personally, I was very concerned that we convinced that Westminster Presbytery and of the opinion that the General Assembly, churches need to know about it. We ought would not go to the Word of God” for the PCA were not on the same page. . . . I by its refusal to create a new presbytery, to have the freedom,” he stated, to share resolution of those controversial matters. came to the conclusion that the PCA was had betrayed the commitment made at the with the churches what was discussed. Two, “We still see things that are unresolved.” going further and further away. . . . There Second General Assembly in 1974, which “I haven’t seen anyone restrained from Reflecting the viewpoint of his pastor, Brent was a marked difference in this Presbytery said that any presbytery could withdraw at expressing his views.” Bradley, Mr. Witcher said that there are “two in the old days. There was constant appeal any time according to the rules which it On a voice vote, the court remained different covenants” now being manifest to the Word of God.” made. Mr. Johnson also stated that he was open. within the denomination. “Thirty years ago, Five years ago, he became concerned aware that not every church or minister that But while the amount of and the we declared that Jesus Christ is the supreme that Westminster Presbytery was going might be dissatisfied with the current intensity of the discussion did not rise to Head of the church,” governing through the down the same road as was the PCA. One direction of the denomination was ready to the levels achieved in earlier meetings, there 66 canonical books. Further, in an early of the men of the Presbytery, Mr. Johnson move out at this time. was still some debate on the motion to resolution, the Presbytery declared that it stated, at one point asked him, “Henry, why In late December 2001, the Trinity rescind. “receives and adopts” the Westminster don’t you just leave?” Mr. Johnson said: “I Church voted unanimously to withdraw Henry Johnson began the matter by Standards “in the plain statement of these love this Presbytery. And I want us to be from the PCA, and also voted, with one presenting the unanimous recommendation words.” Elder Witcher wanted to know what one.” He noted the graciousness of Brother dissenting vote, to join the Reformed of the ad hoc committee to rescind the would happen to the theological dialogue if Steve Meyerhoff in trying to accommodate Presbyterian Church in the United States action to withdraw. He began his speech the motion to rescind was adopted. those who had wanted to withdraw the (RPCUS). With the Tazewell congregation by proclaiming: “The Lord Jesus loves His Dr. Meyerhoff responded that “the Presbytery. But, “For the reasons I’ve joining another group, there would have bride—a glorious bride.” He then said that Conflict Resolution Committee does still stated, I don’t believe this is the wise way been only one church which would have several things had changed since May 15, meet” and that there would be several ways for me, and our Session has said it’s not the remained with Westminster Presbytery 2001 (the date of the called meeting when to address these issues. wise way for us.” outside the PCA, viz., Westminster the motion to withdraw carried). He stated The Rev. Dr. Ed Crook announced that Mr. Johnson expressed his concern that Presbyterian Church, Kingsport, that the Session of his church “has spent he would be abstaining from voting on the the PCA was compromising on issues such Tennessee. The prospect of a one-church much time praying, begging the Lord for motion. “I don’t see this as a solution. I as the authority of Scripture, and that there presbytery was not a viable option, and this wisdom. We very much love you men in can understand very well the struggle that is a danger of an episcopacy in the reality helped to drive the Committee on Westminster Presbytery. We do not want a lot of the brothers in this Presbytery go bureaucracy and especially with regard to Ramifications of Withdrawal to recommend to cause unnecessary harm or difficulty.” through, and asking the question, Where the Standing Judicial Commission. He also a motion to rescind the action to withdraw Pastor Johnson announced that on do I best fit in this unfortunate world with a took exception to the refusal “to take stances the entire court. December 30, 2001, the Trinity Church had divided Body of Christ? I’ve been through on issues like women in the military.” The vote to rescind seemed almost voted unanimously to leave the PCA. “We that, three times,” he said, explaining that He concluded his remarks by saying: anticlimactic. It was almost as if the energy did so,” he said, “because we became his spiritual journey had taken him from the “How you resolve conflict that you do have of the court had been sapped through the convinced this would be the best for the Pentecostal to the Baptist to the Southern in this Presbytery, only the Lord knows.” emotional roller-coaster ride over the past Trinity Session.” Presbyterian Church, before he ended up in After Mr. Johnson’s speech, the court was nine months. The voice vote, which was Mr. Johnson set forth three reasons in the PCA. “I can say that in each case in ready to vote, and the motion carried with clearly overwhelmingly in the affirmative, particular for the congregational withdrawal. which I had to make that decision, I did not only scattered opposition. had very little volume or enthusiasm behind First, “The General Assembly met. We make that decision based on the size of the Two of those voting against the motion it. believe that the General Assembly broke her church. . . . I always resolved the struggle to rescind, Ruling Elders John Robbins and There was also very little discussion word. The action of the General Assembly on the basis of one thing. In what Charles Newland, recorded their negative on the matter. In point of fact, the most . . . broke the agreement by which denomination . . . do I best fit? That was votes. These two negative votes reflected lively debate took place on the motion on Westminster Presbytery came into the always my one and only area in which my the irony of the entire scenario, which had whether to go into executive session or not. PCA,” which included a provision that she decision was made.” The veteran pastor seen people from diverse theological and The Rev. Bill Leuzinger, the recently- could withdraw at any time “under the rules counseled, “Remember, the PCA didn’t join ecclesiastical perspectives joining forces to retired Moderator and Chairman of that she set.” He added: “I appreciate that you, you joined it”; and he stated that “we’d support the move to withdraw. Presbytery’s ad hoc committee, moved that that became a very embarrassing thing.” He have a lot less controversy in this Continued on page 7 P&R News ² January-March 2002 7 RPCUS Receives Tazewell Church and Wytheville Mission Work

On the weekend of February 22-23, 2002, in principle to withdraw from the PCA. If So, on Friday, February 22nd, Covenant Presbyterian body which has adopted the Covenant Presbytery of the Reformed the withdrawal had actually occurred, Presbytery proceeded to examine Jeff Black original 1648 Westminster Confession of Presbyterian Church in the United States Westminster Presbytery would be an in Christian experience and systematic Faith, the Larger and Shorter Catechisms, (RPCUS) met at Trinity Presbyterian Church, unaffiliated presbytery, with the expectation theology. The theology portion of the the Form of Government and the Directories Tazewell, Virginia, in order to complete the that she would remain unaffiliated for at least examination consisted of several questions for Public and Family Worship. This original transfer of that congregation and its mission form of the Standards includes additional work in Wytheville, Virginia. The reception statements regarding whom one may marry, was precipitated by the unanimous vote of that the Pope is the antichrist, and with the Trinity Church on December 30, 2001, to regard to the civil magistrate. According to leave the Presbyterian Church in America Jeff Black, some churchmen have suggested (PCA), and an all-but-unanimous vote to join that the modern plight of these United States the RPCUS. can be traced to the deleting of a portion of The pastor of the Trinity Church is the the Confession on the civil magistrate when Rev. Henry Johnson, who has served the the Westminster Standards were adopted congregation for 23 years. A graduate of by American Presbyterianism’s first General Westminster Theological Seminary, he was Assembly. the church’s organizing pastor. The Trinity Certain distinctives identify this church plant was a daughter church of the denomination besides the adoption of the Covenant Presbyterian Church, Cedar Bluff, original version of the Westminster Virginia, where Pastor Carl Howell is Standards. It stresses the optimism found currently the pastor. Trinity and Covenant in the standards, particularly in the Larger continue to have a close relationship with a Catechism’s exposition of the petition, “Thy joint radio program and other ministries. kingdom come,” in the Lord’s Prayer. Along The mission work in Wytheville, a city with this is an emphasis upon on the I-81 corridor, is called Providence presuppositional apologetics which the Reformed Presbyterian Church. Begun in church claims is found in the first chapter 1997, its oversight was transferred from of the Confession. Christian education of Westminster Presbytery (PCA) to the covenant children is another prominent Trinity Session when all of the members of distinction in the denomination. Despite the mission work transferred their an adherence to the regulative principle of membership to the care of the Tazewell Elders and ministers of the RPCUS worship and to the Westminster Standards, church in 1999. three years—in effect, its own denomination from each chapter of the Westminster the church does not believe in exclusive The Rev. Jeff Black, called to be during that time. Confession of Faith. Having sustained his psalmody, even to the point that ministers Associate Pastor of Trinity Presbyterian, Jeff Black was not comfortable with that examination he was received pending who subscribe to that doctrine are forced has the responsibility for preaching in prospect, especially since the newly- transfer from Westminster Presbytery to take an exception to the doctrinal Wytheville and assisting in its eventual independent court, presumably consisting (PCA). Mr. Johnson, who had sustained standards. Those active in the masonic organization. He moved onto the field after of only a handful of ministers and churches, an examination three years ago, was not re- order may not be admitted into membership. would not have had examined, but was received pending There is a desire to apply the whole of opportunity to work transfer. Scripture to the whole of life in Christ Jesus. through differences Saturday the 23rd witnessed the According to Mr. Black, “This small which the examination of Ruling Elders Dr. Eric denomination seeks consciously to be withdrawing group Schrader and Bill Alicie and may have had among Deacon Larry Lambert. The themselves. He was, first question was put to Mr. however, very much Alicie by the Rev. Dr. Joe in favor of joining the Morecraft III, as he asked, RPCUS, a small “In the light of the denomination which ontological trinity would had taken the time to you please explain the work through knotty hypostatic union of the theological issues, natures of Christ?” After a and which therefore moment’s thought, Elder presented a unified Alicie responded, “We position on them. don’t speak in tongues John Otis, Jeff Black, Paul McDade and Henry Johnson The Trinity here.” The procedure was Session, which had in similar to Friday in that the having served at White Oak Presbyterian 1999 seriously contemplated joining the theology examination Church, Fremont, North Carolina, until RPCUS (and had at that time called, and then proceeded through each September 2001. cancelled, a congregational meeting to effect chapter of the Westminster Dr. Joe Morecraft converses with Jeff Black. Mr. Black’s acceptance of the call in the change), agreed with Mr. Black’s Confession of Faith. Virginia came during a tumultuous time for perspective. Plans were accordingly laid in After the theology examinations were faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ holding to Westminster Presbytery, which had voted late 2001 to make the switch. sustained questions were asked regarding an unswerving reliance upon sovereign church discipline. One of the RPCUS grace and the sufficiency of God’s Word. ministers said that their rules of discipline She is aggressive in evangelism knowing Continued from page 6 were only three paragraphs long. He further that Christ has promised to build His Church mused that the length of the book of through the faithful and bold preaching of The action to rescind the motion to Withdrawal from PCA,” May-June 2001; discipline is inversely proportional to the the gospel. She has set her sights upon withdraw was taken at the regular stated “Westminster’s Request Turned Down: trust between the men in the church and discipling the nations for the King of Kings meeting of the Presbytery, held today at Assembly Offers Pastoral Counsel Instead” that the shortness of the rules was in part and is firm in her reliance that all that the Eastern Heights Presbyterian Church. and “Westminster Presbytery Stays on due to the desire that no rules be set which Father has promised to the Son throughout [See also the story on this page on the Course Toward Withdrawal from PCA: can not be supported by clear warrant from the New and Old Testaments will be reception of Trinity Presbyterian Church, Larry Ball’s Complaint Denied on Roll Call Scripture. fulfilled.” Tazewell, Virginia. For the complete story Vote of 32-19,” July-August 2001; Presbytery recessed for a lunch meal Even though Messrs. Johnson and on the struggle over the withdrawal of “Westminster Presbytery Will Reconsider and the refreshment of a free afternoon. At Black have been received by the RPCUS, Westminster Presbytery, see the following Withdrawal from PCA: Picture is 5:30 PM, the ladies of the church, and some they technically remain PCA ministers. articles in P&R News: “Westminster Complicated as Tazewell Congregation men, served a delicious supper in the Their reception is still pending transfer by Presbytery Hangs by a Thread: Extremists Votes to Leave Denomination” and “SJC fellowship building for the Presbytery and Westminster Presbytery. on Both Sides Join Forces to Favor Denies Larry Ball’s Complaint: High Court guests. At 7 o’ clock, the Presbytery Withdrawal from PCA,” March-April 2001; Rules that Westminster Presbytery May reconvened for a worship service of Trinity Presbyterian Church “Westminster Votes to Cut the Tie That Leave,” Sept.-Oct. and Nov.-Dec. 2001.] reception. P. O. Box 442 Tazewell VA 24651 Binds: Court Overwhelmingly Supports The RPCUS is a small Reformed and (276)988-9541 8 P&R News ² January-March 2002 PCA Foundation Comes Under Scrutiny Refuses to Release Names of Recipients of Benevolence Giving PCAF’s Lawyer Claims that the Denominational Corporation Has No Control Over Agency

The Presbyterian Church in America Finally, the overture petitions the Assembly right to inspect the books and records of a of the incorporated committees and Foundation has come under scrutiny for its “that if it is unable to assert its rightful Delaware nonstock corporation generally agencies would be accountable to members refusal to release the names of the recipients ownership of and oversight over these does not extend to the books and records of the corporation or the corporation itself. of benevolence giving. And in the course agencies, the Assembly begin the process of another corporation, even a controlled Currently, the incorporated entities of the controversy, the Foundation’s lawyer of divesting itself of these agencies.” corporation; operating under Presbyterian Church in has maintained that it is not under the legal At its meeting on March 8, 2002, the “(b) it appears that the PCA Corp. has America (A Corporation) include Insurance, authority or control of the denominational Foundation Board adopted a Resolution no legal authority or control over the Annuities, and Relief; Mission to the World; corporation. concerning the Westminster overture, in [Presbyterian Church in America] Covenant College; and Covenant The refusal to release the information which it concluded that it “strongly Foundation, and that the General Assembly, Theological Seminary. has resulted in a presbytery of the disagrees and refutes the Overture on the which does exercise certain controls over The Westminster overture asks the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) PCA Foundation from Westminster the Foundation, is not a corporation General Assembly “to instruct all of the sending up an overture to the General Presbytery.” Appeal was made not only to governed by Delaware corporate law; committees and agencies, including those Assembly, asking for corrective action. the lengthy argumentation which the Board “and (c) the Foundation is a Georgia that may be separately incorporated, of the The non-disclosure policy of the PCA offered in its eight page resolution, but also nonprofit corporation without any rights of the members of the General Foundation came to light last summer when pleaded “for the cause of the Kingdom of members, and therefore whatever rights that Assembly in this regard”; and concludes Westminster Presbytery’s representative to Jesus Christ and for His Church.” might exist under the Georgia Nonprofit by petitioning that if the General Assembly the Committee of Commissioners on Among the arguments made by the Corporation Code for members to inspect “is unable to assert its rightful ownership Administration called the PCA Foundation Foundation are the following: that adoption the books and records of the Foundation of and oversight over these agencies, the (PCAF), wanting to know where $1.3 million of the overture would represent “a major are inapplicable.” Assembly begin the process of divesting was being sent. That money was listed in shift of oversight from the ecclesiastical According to a legal expert consulted itself of these agencies.” the Foundation’s budget reviewed by the oversight of General Assembly to civil by P&R News, the assertion by Attorney The General Assembly has in the past Administrative Committee (AC), which is oversight by individuals invoking Delaware Flanigan that the General Assembly is not a addressed the relationship between the thereupon reviewed by the AC Committee State Law (that in this particular instance corporation governed by Delaware Assembly and the Foundation. In 1993, the of Commissioners each year. does not apply to the PCAF) and the corporate law, is a misstatement. The judicatory declared: “That the General What was initially thought to be a ‘denominational corporation charter’”; that Corporate Bylaws of Presbyterian Church Assembly instruct the PCA Foundation that routine request for information turned out “such civil oversight of ecclesiastical in America (A Corporation) state: “The the Foundation is under the authority of to be something else. Within fifteen minutes matters by its members is not the intent of annual meeting of the Corporation shall be General Assembly both ecclesiastically and of having called the Foundation and spoken the PCA”; that the Board believes certain at such time and such place as designated as touching civil matters” (M21GA, p. 181). with a secretary, Westminster Presbytery’s paragraphs of the overture to be “incomplete by the General Assembly” (Article II, Section The issue in the current dispute representative received a call from the and misleading”, “without merit, misleading, 2). Other than the meeting of the General appears to come down to a definition of Foundation’s President, Randel Stair, who and incorrect”, and “irresponsible”; that the Assembly, there is no separate meeting of what is meant by oversight. The stated to the presbyter that for reasons of General Assembly oversight to which the the corporation, thereby implying that the Foundation position is that it is required confidentiality the Foundation does not Foundation submits is limited to express meeting of the General Assembly is the only to submit to the General Assembly as make public where the money goes. provisions such as those found in the Book meeting of the corporation. Furthermore, a whole, which means primarily via its report At its meeting in August, 2001, the of Church Order and the Rules for the Bylaws also provide that the “business every year to the General Assembly through Foundation voted to approve the position Assembly Operation; and that “‘the affairs of the Corporation, as distinguished the PCAF Committee of Commissioners. laid out by President Stair. Subsequent records’ could be construed by many to from the ecclesiastical matters, shall be The Westminster Presbytery position is correspondence with the PCA Foundation, mean all of the records of the PCAF,” managed by the Board of Directors” (Article based specifically on an appeal to including the Foundation’s Chairman of the including confidential personnel files. III, Section 1), which implies that the corporation matters, but also informed by Board, David Clelland, has confirmed the The argument that the denomination ecclesiastical matters of the corporation are the notion that individual members of a Foundation’s position: members of the has a right-to-know how benevolence handled by the General Assembly itself. corporate body have to have the ability to denomination per se have no right to know funds are being distributed is seemingly And Article IX states: “These Bylaws may investigate the matters of that body. Which whom that money is benefiting. strengthened by virtue of the fact that be amended by a majority vote at any annual of these two antithetical positions is On January 12, 2002, Westminster Presbyterian Church in America (A or special meeting of the General Assembly.” adopted by the General Assembly will, as Presbytery adopted an overture, asking the Corporation) is a Delaware corporation, and The overture from Westminster noted by PCAF’s response to the overture, General Assembly “to instruct the PCA under Delaware corporate law, members of Presbytery, besides calling attention to have a profound impact on the direction of Foundation that it must allow members of the corporation have the right to inspect alleged problems with the Foundation’s the denominational agencies and their the General Assembly to inspect the the books. (All commissioners to the position, also notes that if that agency’s relations to the General Assembly. records in accord with the denominational General Assembly are the members of the reasoning is upheld in this matter, then none corporation charter and Delaware state law.” corporation.) The overture also asks the Assembly “to However, in a letter outlining the legal instruct all of its committees and agencies, status of the PCA Foundation, the including those that may be separately Foundation’s attorney, David A. Flanigan, Response from the incorporated, of the rights of the members Jr., wrote: of the General Assembly in this regard.” “(a) under Delaware law, a member’s PCA Foundation

After the proposed article was emailed to the Foundation, and after an exchange of emails, the following statement was received from Mr. Stair: “In our opinion, there are numerous innacuracies in the P&R News article and in Westminster Presbytery’s Overture Concerning PCAF. If anyone desires to read in full the PCA Foundation Resolution concerning the Westminster Presbytery Overture on PCA Foundation, approved by the PCA Foundation Board of Directors at its March 8, 2002 meeting, they may request a copy by emailing [email protected].” Mr. Stair’s comments were directed at the initial version of the article, which had been written prior to receiving the PCAF Board’s Resolution on the matter.

Did you know?

-The PCA Foundation was initially founded as a sub-committee which reported to the General Assembly through the Stewardship Sub-committee (M4GA, p. 81).

-Incorporated in 1980, PCAF became a separate agency in 1983. -In the year 2000 PCAF had assets of $25 million and distributed $6.1 million. (Paid Advertising) P&R News ² January-March 2002 9 Westminster’s Overture Regarding the PCAF Southern California Center for

WHEREAS, the PCA Foundation was formed by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America; and Christian Studies WHEREAS, the PCA Foundation is a constituent part of the Presbyterian Church in America, and all of the members of the PCA Foundation Board are elected by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America (Corporate Bylaws of Presbyterian Church in America (A The Southern California Center for Christian Studies advances, sponsors, Corporation), Article VI.5); and WHEREAS, the intimate connection between the Foundation and the denomination is seen even and subsidizes the work of serious Christian scholarship and education. in the ability of the Board of the Foundation to designate a member of the Administrative Committee It endeavors to cultivate intelligent commitment to the Christian faith and of the General Assembly (BCO 14-1-12); and seek to expound and explain the system of truth found in the Scriptures, WHEREAS, the PCA Foundation, which was originally a sub-committee of a sub-committee, gained separate agency status in 1983, similar to other agencies, such as Covenant College, to challenge unbelief in all its forms, to apply God’s word to all areas of Covenant Theological Seminary, Ridge Haven, and Insurance, Annuities, and Relief (M9GA, p. life, to encourage Christian piety, outreach, compassion and maturity. 116, 8.e.; M11GA, p. 113, 1.); and WHEREAS, the provisions regarding Covenant College and Covenant Theological Seminary in 1983 included the following: “Since the General Assembly is responsible for the conduct of the These goals are pursued by the following means: (1) Research and work which the whole church does unitedly, the powers and activities that it has delegated to addressing special issues; (2) Writing and Publication; (3) Conferences, institutions under its jurisdiction shall always be subject to review. It shall not delegate any of its general powers beyond its own recall so as to cease to be fully responsible for the spiritual lectures, seminars, debates, TV/Radio programs; (4) Course work, oversight of the entire denomination” (M9GA, p. 100, 5.i.); and instruction and tutoring through Bahnsen Theological Seminary. WHEREAS, recent correspondence from the PCA Foundation, indicates that the PCA Foundation is maintaining that the right of a member of the denominational corporation to inspect the records does not include the right to inspect the records of the PCA Foundation; and Please contact us for a complimentary copy of our resource catalog WHEREAS, the position taken by the PCA Foundation would mean that it is no longer under the effective control of the General Assembly; and WHEREAS, while we have no grounds to believe that there is presently any malfeasance being PO Box 328, Placentia, CA 92871 practiced by the PCA Foundation, nevertheless, in order to maintain proper checks and balances, 714 572-8358 the General Assembly itself, and by extension the members thereof, must have the ability to inspect the records of the PCA Foundation; and [email protected] WHEREAS, the position taken by the PCA Foundation, if not corrected by the General Assembly, www.scccs.org will imply that any and all denominational corporations will no longer be subject to General Assembly control, but will essentially be autonomous agencies; and WHEREAS, we have an obligation, corporately and individually, to exercise oversight of the denominational agencies, and it would be malfeasance on our part to refuse to assert our oversight responsibility; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Westminster Presbytery hereby overtures the 30th General Assembly, meeting in Birmingham, Alabama, in June, 2002, to instruct the PCA Foundation Bahnsen Theological Seminary that it must allow members of the General Assembly to inspect the records in accord with the denominational corporation charter and Delaware state law; Traditional Reformed Theology in a Non-Tradition Package AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Westminster Presbytery hereby overtures the 30th General Assembly to instruct all of the committees and agencies, including those that may be separately incorporated, of the rights of the members of the General Assembly in this regard; Bahnsen Theological Seminary offers the best in Reformed theology in AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Westminster Presbytery hereby overtures the 30th General a non-tradition package. Utilizing technological advances, BTS allows Assembly that if it is unable to assert its rightful ownership of and oversight over these agencies, you to complete a seminary education in the convenience and comfort the Assembly begin the process of divesting itself of these agencies. of your home or office—for a fraction of what it costs to study at traditional in-residence institutions.

Presbytery Calls for Replacement of Students may enroll either in one of our four degree programs (M.Div., Standing Judicial Commission M.A. in Christian Studies, M.A. in Apologetics and M.A. in Philosophy) or in one of our 75 individual courses. Included in each course is up to Bristol, Tennessee (January 12, 2002)— The wording of the proposed four hours of one-on-one tutoring with one of our distinguished faculty Reflecting deep-seated opposition by many amendments to the Book of Church Order members.* churchmen to the Standing Judicial would appear to allow men who do not Commission (SJC), Westminster Presbytery actually attend the General Assembly to be of the Presbyterian Church in America placed in the pools. The term utilized is BTS takes a no-nonsense approach to Christian education. Each program (PCA) today called for the abolition of the “commissioners” rather than “registered SJC and for the establishment of regional- commissioners.” Furthermore, BCO 14 emphasizes critical thinking skills, the development of a wide breadth of based General Assembly judicial provides that all teaching elders are knowledge and, above all, the mastery of classic texts. The heart of our commissions instead. The vote was automatically commissioned to the General curriculum is Holy Scripture. It serves as the central and final authority unanimous. Assembly by virtue of their office. And, Under the new proposal, all BCO 14 also states that those ruling elders of all our programs. commissioners to the previous General who are eligible to attend a called meeting Assembly would be placed in pools, of the General Assembly are those who were grouped geographically in no less than six elected by the respective Sessions to attend, BTS holds to the doctrines that have historically defined regions. When a case would arise from a not those who attended the previous Presbyterianism—sola Scriptura, the doctrines of grace, covenant presbytery within that region, seven Assembly. theology, the abiding validity of God’s law, Sabbath observance, an ministers and seven ruling elders, drawn at The SJC was given final approval in random, would be selected to constitute a 1988, and began operating in 1989. The eschatology of victory, six-day creation, and presuppositional apologetics. commission of the General Assembly. The commission is composed of twenty-four quorum would be ten, at least five of whom men, elected in four classes of three ministers would have to be ruling elders. and three ruling elders. Members may be Please contact us for a complimentary copy of our academic catalog. In contrast to the present system, in re-elected in perpetuity. Although no which the General Assembly almost never members of permanent committees of the 714 572-8358 votes on cases, the new proposal provides General Assembly may serve on the SJC, that all decisions by commissions would there is no prohibition from General [email protected] have to be voted up or down by the General Assembly employees serving. Presently, www.scccs.org Assembly, without debate on the matter. four of the twenty-four members are The reason why the motion would be non- employed by General Assembly agencies debatable is because the Assembly as a and committees. *Faculty members include Dr. James E. Bordwine, Michael Butler, whole would not have had opportunity to The proposed BCO amendments will Dr. Jerry Crick, Dr. Kenneth L. Gentry, Michael Mang, Dr. Joseph hear the matter. The reason why the be considered by the Constitutional decision would still have to be approved Business Committee to evaluate their C. Morecraft, III, Dr. George Scipione, Jeffery J. Ventrella, and by the General Assembly is so that the court compatibility with the current Constitution, Dr. RogerWagner itself does not relinquish its ability to review before being sent to the Bills & Overtures Committee for recommendation. judgments. (Paid Advertisement) 10 P&R News ² January-March 2002 Wherein Consists Reformed Spirituality? Greenville Seminary Theology Conference Focuses on ‘Communing with Our Glorious God’ Taylors, South Carolina (March 12-14, Two Types of Meditation Furthermore, without meditation, Among the numerous theological rubrics 2002)—Reformed Spirituality was the Dr. Beeke, who pastors the preaching won’t benefit us, our prayers on which Puritans wrote with respect theme for Greenville Presbyterian Heritage Netherlands Reformed Church won’t be effective, and we will be unable to meditation, “eschatology wins the Theological Seminary’s Spring Theology in Grand Rapids, Michigan, noted that to defend the truth. day,” including topics such as heaven, Conference. The three-day event, Puritans spoke of two kinds of Puritans recommended frequent death, judgment, and hell. Christians which focused on “Communing with our meditation: occasional and deliberate. meditation, ideally twice a day, but must meditate especially on heaven. glorious God,” challenged the Occasional meditation occurs when one certainly at least once daily. A person There are many benefits to participants with regard to personal “takes what one observes with his should set a particular time for the meditation, including that it helps us focus piety, including Sabbath observance; and senses and uses that to climb to practice, and stick with it. The Lord’s on all three persons of the Trinity; it also witnessed a debate between an takes the veil away; it augments one’s advocate of redemptive-historical affections; it hatches good affections; it preaching and an advocate of a more helps us worship; it enables us to traditional homiletic approach. discharge religious duties; it provides relief in affliction; and it promotes Communion with God gratitude and thus glorifies God. It’s not Delivering the first lecture was the the Christian who reads, but who Rev. Ian Hamilton, a minister of the meditates, most, who will be the most Evangelical Presbyterian Church of blessed and the sweetest Christian. England and Wales and pastor of the Cambridge Presbyterian Church. A Obstacles to Meditating native Scotsman, Mr. Hamilton utilized The Puritans acknowledged that the insights of John Owen, a 17th century there were many obstacles to meditating, English churchman and theologian. among them the following: wandering Using I John 1:1-7 as his text, the UK thoughts; busyness; spiritual lethargy; pastor spoke of the intimate communion worldly pleasures and friendships; and believers enjoy with each member of adverseness of heart. But, the Puritans the Trinity, as well as the special sense would remind their listeners that the of communion during the observance of Christian has a duty to meditate; that the Lord’s Supper. Mr. Hamilton also great busyness should move us to emphasized the fullness of the greater meditation; and that heaven is “koinonia” which Christians enjoy with the reward of them who take the the Almighty. kingdom by force. The Puritan Practice of Meditation Hundreds attended the conference singing psalms and traditional hymns. Self-Examination and Meditation The opening afternoon also saw the heaven.” Biblical examples of this type Day should be used for heavier doses According to Dr. Beeke, Rev. Dr. Joel Beeke speak on how the of meditation include Psalm 8, where of meditation, which would help to “meditation was a comprehensive Puritans focused on a diligent use of the the psalmist meditates on the glory of exclude worldly talk. Special times of method for Puritan devotion.” And, means of grace, including meditation. the Creator in the heavens and the earth; refreshment, and turmoil, and spiritual meditation always led to self- According to Dr. Beeke, more than 40 and John 4, where Christ used the well stirring, should also be improved by examination. For the unbeliever, he must Puritans wrote on the art of Biblical water to teach the Samaritan woman meditation. ask himself the question, “Why isn’t God meditation. spiritual truths. “This type of meditation, in all my thoughts?” For the saved, the The basic meaning of meditation is the Puritans said, is really quite easy. A The Art of Meditating Puritans warned that “neglecting to “muse.” The speaker stated that the spiritual man can easily spiritualize How does one engage in meditation was dangerous; it will destroy word “meditation” is used more in the natural things.” meditation? First, by clearing his mind your love for God, dampen your fervor However, the Puritans of the things of this world. Secondly, by were also aware “that cleansing his heart from sin. Third, by there were dangers approaching the task with utmost with occasional seriousness. Fourth, by finding a quiet meditation,” and were place, characterized by secrecy, silence, especially concerned and rest (i.e., no motion). Fifth, by lest occasional adopting a comfortable body posture. meditations go beyond The first task of meditating is to ask Scripture, perhaps even the Holy Spirit for assistance. Puritans into the excesses of suggested that the one meditating read Ignatius Loyola. What some Scripture and adapt a verse or reigned in the Puritans doctrine, picking one subject at a time, was a deep usually a subject that is most applicable commitment to to the present circumstances. Scripture. Memorizing the selected verse aids one Deliberate meditation, in meditating on it. Indeed, fixing one’s according to the thoughts upon the Scripture without Dr. Joel Beeke chats with conferees. Puritans, is to be done going beyond what God has revealed is Dr. Joseph Pipa Psalms than in any other book of the every day, as a man deliberately sets key. Other guidelines included: stirring Bible; and argued that what makes aside time to meditate upon Christ and up one’s affections (love, desire, hope, for Him, and lead you to sin.” meditation in the Christian tradition heaven. There were two foci in this courage, gratitude, joy); applying the distinct from other forms of meditation type of meditation—dogmatic (or meditations to one’s self; turning Seeing God’s Glory is that it is rooted in the Word of God. theological) and practical. personal applications into resolutions, Dr. Beeke also spoke on Tuesday Furthermore, the Puritans “taught such as the resolve to fight against evening, this time from Exodus 33 on that you must meditate in order to do. The Duty and Necessity of temptation; concluding the time of Moses’ yearning to see God’s glory. He who meditates on God moves his Meditation meditation with prayer and thanksgiving “This is Biblical Christianity—yearning intellect and moves his emotions. . . . The Puritans argued for the duty and Psalm-singing; and not breaking too for God, declared the preacher. He True meditation penetrates the door of and necessity of meditation. The same quickly with meditation in order to go noted that Moses’ request was understanding, . . . the door of the heart, God who commands us to believe, back into worldly activity. circumstantially motivated, and and . . . the door of practical doing. commands us to meditate, and provides Appealing to historians, Dr. Beeke wondrously answered. Meditation was a duty that gave rise to numerous Biblical examples of such. contended that Puritans were more “Seeing the glory of God is the every other duty. It lubricates all the “One cannot be a Christian without diverse in their topics than were the essence of what conversion is,” said Dr. other means of grace.” meditation,” in the view of the Puritans. Roman Catholics in their meditations. Beeke. “An unbeliever never truly P&R News ² January-March 2002 11 beholds the glory of God. . . . When you continues this for the New Covenant. ceremonial.” Furthermore, Christ as every true Christian. can see the glory of God, that glory is teaching that the Sabbath was made for The Formative Principle of far more beautiful . . . than this drab Sabbath Observance man and not man for the Sabbath experimental Calvinism for Mr. black and white world.” On the first point, Dr. Pipa stated teaches that the Sabbath is a means of Hamilton is not that of predestination, In the midst of circumstances which that “God calls us to a very careful and blessing. The way in which man enjoys but that of “the glory of the Lord God drained Moses spiritually, and in view precise observance of the Sabbath,” as that blessing is by recognizing that the Almighty.” The primary question, then, of what would be a forty-year he noted that the Sabbath is mentioned day is holy to the Lord. In the words of is not, “How shall I be saved?”, but, wandering in the wilderness, Moses in every genre of both Old and New the Westminster Shorter Catechism, God “How shall God be glorified?” “needed the spiritual strength of seeing Testaments. “The things that God thinks has a “propriety” in it. The Foundational Experience is God’s glory.” is important, He emphasizes.” Even the sanction for violation of seen in Isaiah 6, where the prophet was What is God’s glory? “It is the sum God set forth in the Sabbath the Sabbath—the death penalty— brought to a deep awareness of his need total of all His attributes as He has ordinance His own pattern of rest. “God indicates that the Sabbath is part of the for God, of his corruption, of God’s revealed them to us,” according to Dr. ceased from work. And in that resting, moral law, for “there is no violation of forgiving grace, and of his having to yield Beeke. Two attributes in particular He He took a particular delight in ceremonial law that led to death.” his life unreservedly to God. Mr. revealed to Moses, as He passed by the contemplation of that work. We then Even so, there were ceremonial Hamilton quoted Borden of Yale, the cleft of the rock: His goodness and His are to cease from our own work.” All aspects which attached to the Sabbath millionaire who had given up his fortune kinds of work are prohibited, including in the Old Covenant. One of those and committed himself to go to the mental and manual. “On the Sabbath ceremonial aspects was the observance mission field, as he lay dying: “No return, we are to cease from all ordinary work.” of the day of rest on the Even the construction of the tabernacle seventh day of the week. The was to cease on the Sabbath. change to the first day of the This resting is not merely a negative week was in commemoration concept. There is also the notion of that “our redemption was refreshment, and of celebrating the accomplished on the first day Sabbath. “We are to do, to perform, of the week. . . . We need no certain acts for the due celebration of Easter Sunday. Every Sunday the day. The Sabbath is not a time of is ‘Easter’ for us.” inactivity, but rather we are freed from other activities so that we can spend the Sabbath and the Gospel whole day in private and public The continuing validity of worship.” the Sabbath gives Christians a Dr. Pipa called for the Christians “great opportunity to witness” Rev. Ian Hamilton is flanked by the Rev. William who go out to restaurants on Sunday, to the world. When Harrell and the Rev. Ken Wendland. and some ministers who fly home on unbelieving friends invite Professor Nick Willborn gives Sunday afternoon or evening, to change Christians to engage in forbidden activity no reserve, no regrets.” Mr. Hamilton suggestions for good books to read. their practice. Both of these activities on the Sabbath, the believers can use added: “That’s experimental Calvinism.” involve other people in unnecessary their polite and gracious declining the The Fundamental Features are that sovereignty. work and deprives them of a blessing. invitation to speak of their faith. The it honors God’s unconditional Referring to his own experience of world may then clamor: “Introduce me sovereignty; it lives life before the face being mugged in Latvia a few months A Sign to the Old Covenant People to a God who has such a claim on your of God; it shapes all of life by the ago, Dr. Beeke testified that while he With regard to the second major life.” revelation of God’s unimpeachable was bound and blindfolded and lying on point, Dr. Pipa noted that the Sabbath But the church’s “flagrant disregard holiness; it exercises faith in God being the floor, “I saw the goodness of God. . was one of several signs, including the for the Sabbath is why the church is able to do His will; it loves God’s law; it . . I saw in Jesus’ blood [the goodness rainbow, circumcision, and the Passover, impotent today.” Dr. Pipa noted that the is content and satisfied with Scriptural of God].” given to the Old Covenant people. “The church had substituted a humanly- worship; and it cherishes God’s grace The preacher averred that “God’s Sabbath is the sign that God is their invented list of piety in the place of and will seek to emulate God’s love. goodness without His sovereignty will Creator. It’s also a sign of the promise Sabbath observance: “Don’t drink, don’t give you a truncated view. . . . Our God of eternal life. The seventh day in the smoke, don’t chew, don’t date girls that John Calvin’s Spirituality is graciously sovereign, our God is Garden was an open-ended day, pointing do . . . don’t go to movies.” On Wednesday afternoon, Dr. sovereignly good.” Making forward to eternity.” Therefore, the “The Sabbath reminds us that we James McGoldrick, recently retired contemporary application, he noted that Sabbath was on the seventh day for two will triumph over sin, Satan, and death. from a long tenure as history professor “a god of capricious sovereignty is the reasons: one, to commemorate Creation; The Sabbath puts a knife in the heart of at Cedarville University in Ohio, lectured god of Islam.” and two, to point forward to the our idolatry. The Sabbath helps us to Dr. Beeke concluded his message redemption to come. conform us to the image of Christ. The by maintaining that the place of Christ’s The Sabbath, which totally set apart Sabbath reminds us that this is a day of crucifixion—Golgotha— “is God’s cleft the Israelites from the nations around communion.” in the rock.” them, also entailed responsibility. Besides idolatry, Israel was judged for Essential for Piety and Orthodoxy The Lord’s Day and Communion Sabbath-breaking. “The Sabbath was Dr. Pipa observed: “Piety is with God appointed to be a great means of vanishing. And understand from On Wednesday morning, the Rev. grace.” It was, to use the old Puritan Dabney that orthodoxy is not far Dr. Joseph Pipa boldly proclaimed the phrase, “the market-day of the soul.” behind.” He punctuated his point with importance and necessity of Sabbath Dr. Pipa did not shun away from powerful pithy statements: “The Sabbath observance for communion with God. the traditional understanding of Isaiah is not some non-essential . . . as I was He has already written a book on the 58:13-14 and its proscription of worldly told again just last week.” “To rule it as subject, The Lord’s Day. employments and recreations. If Israel a non-essential will destroy any church, The President of Greenville would keep the Sabbath, then she “would presbytery, or denomination that Seminary began his address by have an experimental enjoyment of the declares it to be such.” “There is no reference to nineteenth century blessing of God,” denominated in that ‘continental view of the Sabbath’ during Southern Presbyterian theologian Robert passage as the “heritage of Jacob.” the time of the Reformation. . . . Calvin Dr. James McGoldrick Lewis Dabney, who stated that “the may not have gotten there the same on the spirituality of the great Genevan sacred observance of one day in seven A Sign for the New Covenant, Too way, but he got there [i.e., to a reformer. Currently Professor of is God’s appointed means for the For the third point, Dr. Pipa Sabbatarian position].” Church History at Greenville Seminary, cultivation of piety” and “when piety maintained that the text “teaches us that Dr. Pipa concluded by calling for “an Dr. McGoldrick distinguished between vanishes, orthodoxy vanishes.” the Sabbath is a perpetual, moral exuberantly entering into the glories and piety and spirituality. In the sixteenth Using Exodus 31:12-18, a text most obligation.” Verse 18 of Exodus 31 privileges of this day, that you and I may century, because the latter term was often employed by those who believe “reminds us of the extraordinary manner enter into the joy of the Lord.” associated with Roman Catholic that the Sabbath was a ceremonial in which God gave Ten mysticism, the Protestant reformers ordinance only, Dr. Pipa presented three Commandments, engraving the Experimental Calvinism preferred the term pietas, a Latin word basic points: 1. God commands careful commandments with His finger. And Also on Wednesday morning, Ian which signified worship, then reverence, observance of the Sabbath; 2. God it’s ludicrous to pull one of the Hamilton spoke on “experimental then charity toward needy people. The appoints the Sabbath as a sanctifying commandments out of the middle of the Calvinism”—that is, the piety that must Protestants challenged the Romanist sign for the Old Covenant people; 3. God Ten Commandments and say that it’s characterize every true Calvinist as well notion of a sacred/secular dichotomy, 12 P&R News ² January-March 2002 which was expressed, for example, in hanging over the debate. He noted that exegesis should be reversed, so that the called the extremes of the redemptive- the monastic lifestyle. the Biblical theological approach which emphasis is upon history—an historico- historical movement. He noted that Dr. But the reformers certainly were he represented had come in for three grammatical exegesis. Richard B. Gaffin, generally considered deeply interested in genuine spirituality, basic criticisms. One, Biblical theology In his opinion, “Good preaching does one of the champions of a redemptive- or true godliness. For Calvin, true has its origin as a specific theological not apply the text to you, but applies you historical approach to Scripture, has godliness “embraces God’s discipline in the German Enlightenment. to the text. The preacher is not drawing himself been critical of some in the righteousness and produces a greater Two, the historical-redemptive genre is the text into your world, he is drawing redemptive-historical camp who have desire to die than to displease God.” one of many genre of Scripture, and you into the world of the text.” apparently not been willing to grant a For Calvin, like the other reformers, therefore the redemptive-historical legitimate use of example and of the “God’s revelation is the basis of true approach is not the only legitimate one. An Opposing Voice imperative. With respect to James’ use Christian living.” Nevertheless, there Three, Biblical theology fails to apply Responding to Dr. Dennison was the of Elijah as an example of a man of also must be a subjective knowledge of the text of Scripture to the lives of God’s Rev. John Carrick, also a minister in the fervent prayer, Dr. Gaffin, according to God, a topic with which Calvin dealt in people. Biblical theology has been said OPC. Mr. Carrick, who is Assistant Professor Carrick, “points out that Book III of his Institutes of the to be analogous to the way an airplane Professor of Applied and Doctrinal James has seized on an incidental and Christian Religion. Calvin’s magnum flies—i.e., never touching the ground. Theology at Greenville Seminary, began subordinate point and turned it into a opus was not “so much a summa by stating that the explanation and major point.” The Greenville professor theological as it was summa pieta.” application of the text is the traditional rhetorically asked: “Does the This approach fit well with Calvin’s approach. After referring to Robert redemptive-historical school regard pastoral side, and his belief that “theology Lewis Dabney, who said that preaching James’ appeal to I Kings 18 to be was for all believers,” not for an elite is “to make men do”, Professor Carrick ‘atomistic’ and moralistic?” class. attacked those who in the Exemplaristic- He continued: “The fact that Christ Calvin’s practical piety was also Redemptive/Historical Controversy in is our Savior does not mean that He is reflected in his emphasis on Holland in the 1930s and 1940s not also an example.” Atoning value congregational singing, especially of the eschewed the use of Biblical characters and exemplaristic value lie side-by-side. Psalms. For Calvin, adoration was the as examples. The redemptive-historical Using Gaffin-type language, central feature of worship: “He wanted advocates also charged the exemplarists Professor Carrick declared, to avoid liturgy becoming an appeal to with moralism and anthropocentricity. “Christocentricity must not be permitted our feelings.” Professor Carrick, on the other to degenerate into Christomonism.” Calvin’s theocentric focus led him hand, wants to maintain a balance Professor Carrick again appealed to also to view the love of self as “a mortal between the objective and the Dr. Gaffin, who has expressed concern plague that Christians must rip out. subjective, or between the indicative and that “some redemptive-historical What we’ve been given is to be given the imperative—a balance which he preaching is one-sided, especially to others.” believes “is illustrated by Apostolic because it has an eye only for the preaching.” typological institutions of the Old In his view, redemptive-historical Testament. Old Testament figures The Glory and Beauty of God Dr. Dennison emphasises a point Joseph Pipa preached on preaching has gone astray in its “failure should be regarded as believers, as well Wednesday evening, from Psalm 93. In Dr. Dennison maintained that both to note and to implement the indicative- as types.” Furthermore, we must not his exposition, he marked out God’s sides in the dispute agree on the imperative pattern.” J. Gresham “polarize by underplaying the majestic reign, the conquering power of necessity of application, and the reality Machen, one of the founders of the continuity.” And, “some so-called the majestic Christ, and our response to of progressive revelation. The problem redemptive-historical preaching doesn’t the majestic King. is the presuppositional grid that informs do justice to the imperative. There is a “There are few things more each perspective. “The discussion concreteness and specificity about the powerful than flood waters,” Dr. Pipa needs a dose of [Cornelius] Van Til’s imperatives of Scripture.” noted. By means of the figure of a flood, methodology, viz., transcendental Professor Carrick took to task the the psalmist “is picturing for us the critique.” overemphasis on eschatology, which tumultuous things of life,” both The Covenant College professor “goes hand-in-hand with an circumstances and spiritual matters, as then gave an overview of Western underemphasis on the ethical. It’s one well as the rebelliousness of the nations. thought, as he spoke of the thing to assert that eschatology is prior But the Lord reigns over all. interrelationship of ethics, history, to soteriology in logical terms; it’s With regard to our response, grammar, and rhetoric. The classical another to assert its priority in terms of President Pipa pointedly proclaimed that view of history was to make it importance.” “to refuse to submit at any point is subservient to ethics, and the Medieval rebellion, and if persisted in, means that church, as well as the Protestant Bill Dennison Replies you have no grounds for believing you Reformation, largely adopted the Greco- Dr. Dennison replied by saying, “I are converted.” Roman approach to history. don’t see myself in terms of the Part of our response to the King is “The relationship among rhetoric, Netherlands discussion [i.e., the to worship Him. “When the elders turn history and ethics found a home in the Professor John Carrick Exemplaristic-Redemptive/Historical the keys, they open the doors of heaven church, especially with respect to answers a question. Controversy—Ed.]. I don’t see myself itself, and a mysterious transaction takes preaching. Preaching was viewed as Orthodox Presbyterian Church, as one who is carrying this battle cry of place. We mount up and join with the an application of history.” Ethics thus “highlights the fundamental difference being against application.” awesome angels, and all the departed took precedence over history, with the between liberalism and Christianity by The college professor professed that saints. We have transactions with the result that the study of history was saying that liberalism has only the he didn’t recognize himself in the King in corporate worship. With this appreciated more for the moral lessons imperative, while Christianity has the critique that John Carrick had presented awareness, worship will not be dull or which it teaches than for its own sake. indicative as the foundation of the of the redemptive-historical school, boring, and you will not be dull or Professor Dennison applauded the imperative. The Christian preacher especially with regard to the lack of the boring.” Reformers for helping to turn the begins with a triumphant indicative.” imperative. Dr. Dennison later made classical world upside down. However, However, Machen does not leave it reference to a 1979 article of his in the Redemptive-Historical vs. in his view, they like all of us were there, but goes to application: Calvin Theological Journal in which Traditional Preaching products of their time, and so did not “Christianity is not always in the he wrote (approvingly) on the indicative- Thursday morning was given over fully liberate their world-and-life view indicative mood.” imperative paradigm. to a discussion as to what type of from the liberal arts tradition. The New Testament reveals a For Professor Dennison, the preaching—redemptive-historical or In the late nineteenth century and double indicative into which a double contemporary controversy is the result of traditional—is the most Biblical. early twentieth century, it was indicative is interwoven. Christ died for the redemptive-historical and the traditional The Rev. Dr. William Dennison, Geerhardus Vos, an Old Princeton sinners (indicative); therefore, repent approaches operating on two different Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary scholar, who helped to define the and believe (imperative). You are dead paradigms, with the result that Studies at Covenant College and a discipline of Biblical Theology, and in so to sin (indicative); therefore, reckon application looks differently to each of minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian doing to recapture some of the pristine yourself dead to sin (imperative). the two schools. He agrees that Paul Church (OPC), presented the case for perspective of the original Reformers. holds up Israel as an example in I redemptive-historical preaching. He “Vos saw the focus of history in Christ, The Necessity of Balance Corinthians 10, but he does so in terms began by stating that, in his view, there not ethics. The focus of history is on Professor Carrick, while expressing of eschatology. “We use examples; but was no longer a peaceful co-existence Christ, not on morality.” appreciation for a redemptive-historical they’re examples in the sense that you between the two positions, but that For Dr. Dennison, the traditional perspective, argued for a balanced are in the eschatological drama.” In rather there was a cloud of suspicion approach of grammatico-historical approach, and he attacked what he Exodus 32, “Israel was rejecting union P&R News ² January-March 2002 13 with Jehovah God. If they stayed in Aristotelian golden mean idea. . . . The the example of aspiration but the example protestations, Professor Carrick stated union with the God who brought them Christian life is indicative and imperative. of assimilation. Aspiration is Platonic— that Kerux, a journal on biblical theological out of Egypt, they would not have made . . . I’m interested in the intimate . . . or ’Jesus is the ideal to which you aspire to preaching edited by James T. Dennison, idols. The imperatives [of Scripture] are existential union. You just don’t have the be.’” Rather, you assimilate the life- Bill’s brother, “does represent the extreme nonsense without union.” Christian life [without] . . . loving God pattern. Aspiration is works-religion. wing” of the redemptive-historical Rejecting Professor Carrick’s call for and keeping His commandments.” “You’re called to suffer in the world, and approach. Speaking of the sermons “balance,” Dr. Dennison declared, “I’m He continued: “Your life is found in as you do so, you will be exalted with found in Kerux, he stated: “You can count not interested in ‘balance’—that’s an the Bible. In terms of ‘example,’ it’s not Christ. He allows you to live the exact the imperatives on the fingers of your hands. It’s all in the indicative mood.” They Said It . . . Prof. Carrick also rejected Bill Dennison’s assertion: “When Christ died, “I was shaken by one thing in my talk and that is that I have seven points. But I died with Him. There is no imperative when I heard that Ian had nine, I took fresh courage.”—Joel Beeke. beyond that paradigm.” Carrick noted that it was wrong so to highlight definitive “When I meet people with the lines of their theology clearly and neatly sanctification that one neglected the demarcated, I try to avoid them.”—Ian Hamilton, speaking on the reality of imperatives of progressive sanctification seeing through a glass darkly. with which the New Testament literally teems. “You ask, why do you consider A. A. Hodge to be a Southern Presbyterian? He maintained that “we do believe in Because he wrote his systematic theology while at Fredericksburg, Virginia.”— Biblical theology; but, we don’t want to Morton H. Smith. emphasize Biblical theology to the Dr. Morton H. Smith introduced his exclusion of systematic theology and the protege, Dr. Pipa. “He was part of the group that came from Belhaven [College] over to Reformed grammatico-historical approach.” Theological Seminary. That particular group believed what we were teaching same life pattern. . . . You walk in the world as a suffering servant. . . . The at that time.”—Morton H. Smith, speaking of Joseph Pipa, one of his students Platonic model of aspiration . . . is nothing [As in past years, Greenville Seminary is in the early days of RTS. but works-righteousness.” making plans for publishing a book based on the lectures at the conference. “It has been a learning experience to come to the South. I have learned that John Carrick Responds Previous volumes include Did God Create there was no Civil War—it’s the War of Northern Aggression.”—Ian Hamilton. Prof. Carrick said that it was in Six Days? (1999), Written for Our reductionistic to attribute the exemplary Instruction: The Sufficiency of Scripture “A woman asked me what a Calvinist is. [After explaining it,] she looked at me or moralistic strain in interpretation for All of Life (2000), and Sanctification: somewhat puzzled and said, ‘But isn’t that what a Christian is?’”—Ian Hamilton. uniquely to the classical tradition, as if Growing in Grace (2001). For ordering the word of God itself did not sanction information, call 864-322-2717 or visit “Coming from the Church of Scotland, . . . I thought that they would be a little the use of such a strain. the seminary’s web site at more rigorous and heart-searching than they were.”—Ian Hamilton, on being Despite Dr. Dennison’s www.gpts.edu.] examined for licensure by Mississippi Valley Presbytery (PCA). “The drift [of seminaries] begins not because they adopt a different hermeneutic, but when the heart is not gripped with the glory of Christ.”—Ian Hamilton. Introducing “‘And Isaiah got up and did a holy dance.’”—Ian Hamilton, with tongue-in- HOPE BOOKS cheek regarding Isaiah 6 after Isaiah saw the glory of God. ~ HARVARD ORGANIZATION OF PROFESSING EVANGELICALS

“‘Lord, we are worms.’ . . . And he paused and he prayed, ‘Lord, make us PUBLICATIONS glow worms.’”—Ian Hamilton, speaking of the late (and idiosyncratic) William Still in a prayer meeting in Aberdeen, Scotland. Rev. Russell Kent, President “A proud Calvinist is a theological oxymoron.”—Ian Hamilton. For July release via University Press of America, Inc.: “God, save us from a church that is obsessed with programs.”—Ian Hamilton. A Biblical Theology of Judges, Rev. Russell Kent, Th.M., Ph.D. candidate, “People . . . like to portray John Calvin as a semi-human being. . . . Few people American University of Biblical Studies in history have suffered from misrepresentation as much as has John Calvin.”— Exegesis and Sermonic Development — The Path from Text to Sermon, James McGoldrick. Rev. Dr. George Joseph Gatis, J.D., Ph.D., Th.D.

“So often our piety is marked by this sterility of missed expectations.”—Joseph The Puritans on Law: The View of Key Puritans on Substantive Biblical Pipa. Law, Rev. Dr. George Joseph Gatis, J.D., Ph.D., Th.D. “Nebuchadnezzar’s confession [in Daniel 4] is more sound than a lot of “This is My Body” — Ratramnus and Radbertus: Their Controversy evangelicals today.”—Joseph Pipa. Regarding the Eucharist Explicated, Rev. Dr. George Joseph Gatis, J.D., Ph.D., Th.D. “When you pick up the newspaper in the morning, you are reading of the work International Law Afloat on a Sea of Religious Ethics — The Influence of the King.”—Joseph Pipa. of Major World Religions on the Development of International Law, Rev. Dr. George Joseph Gatis, J.D., Ph.D., Th.D. “Some of us grow weary in our struggles within our denominations. But it’s not our church. It belongs to the King.”—Joseph Pipa. The Necessity of Governmental Integrity to the Survivability of the American Constitutional Republic, Rev. Dr. George Joseph “I have become convinced that this is not a fruitful discussion—and yet, here I Gatis, J.D., Ph.D., Th.D. am today.”—William Dennison. Freedom of Religion in “Liberated” Kuwait? The Case of Robert “Eschatological this, eschatological that—at times I feel eschatologized to Hussein and Its Implications for International Human Rights death!”—John Carrick, speaking of the emphasis in redemptive-historical and American Foreign Policy, Rev. Dr. George Joseph Gatis, preaching on eschatology. J.D., Ph.D., Th.D. Calvin the Magistrate: The Legal and Political Legacy of the Genevan “It was he who did introduce me to the duties of Sabbath keeping. I did used to Reformer, Rev. Dr. George Joseph Gatis, J.D., Ph.D., Th.D. watch the Super Bowl. I used to rationalize doing things with youth after service in the evening. He’s ruined me—I’m not fit for today’s church and it’s all his Teaching Reformed Theology in the 21st Century — A Teacher’s Manual, fault.”—Joseph Pipa, affectionately referring to Morton H. Smith. Rev. Dr. Chuck Baynard, LL.D., Th.D. “One or two had heard that Joey [Pipa] has horns. I assumed then they were well hidden. People warmed to Joey and Sissy as a couple when they came to For inquiries, please Cambridge. They realized they were normal people.”—Ian Hamilton. contact Dr. Baynard at . (Paid Advertising) 14 P&R News ² January-March 2002 PCA Pastor Visits Closed Country

Last fall, a minister in the Presbyterian you know, because I asked you to pray, and back there, but, this is something where God he’s the pastor of a house church on the Church in America, was part of a team of others to pray, the power of prayer got us is keeping me humble. weekend. He asked me to go to a couple of fourteen people, most from his church but through, with no problem. these houses that he’s been ministering to. also some from Texas, who visited a closed What were your thoughts after you were The first house I went into housed a lady country. In the following interview, he How long did it take you to prepare for the allowed into the country? and man in their mid to late sixties. I started relates what it was like to go on this trip. journey? I had no idea what I was getting into. I was to tell them the reason I was there, that I It took us three months, and most of that prepared, I was prayed up, I was ready to wanted to come and share with them some Tell us how you first got involved in an time was spent in prayer. We would go over go. I had no idea what was going to take news of something that has just absolutely overseas trip. from the viewpoint of the natives how best place. Our first night, we stayed in a hotel changed my life. I started going through Between my second and third year in to evangelize. This was a 100% evangelistic in the capital. In this hotel, we were the ‘Roman Road’, and I started off with seminary, I was interning at Trinity Church trip. We went to work with churches in the approached by someone who spoke English [Romans] 3:23, and then I went to 6:23, 5:8, in Montgomery, Alabama. When I showed various areas. Catholicism has a stronghold very well, and we were always told that if 10:9 and 8:1. And as I was doing this, I was up over there, I took 25 kids on a work there. But it’s interesting, because after the that happened, that you just politely break looking at the lady, and I could see her project to Jamaica. I noticed a change in eyes—literally, you could see the the kids from when we arrived to the last countenance on her face change. The man day; we saw the power of Christ being used was sitting about three feet or four feet from through them, and they were affecting me. It was dark. There’s not much electricity: people. And they came back and were really the light was probably a 25 watt bulb. I my core youth group there in Montgomery. could barely see his face. It was dirty and hidden behind a beard. I had no idea what In terms of this trip, how did you get was happening there. Toward the end, after involved? I had gone through this presentation, and We have here at Christ Church a lady who emphasized that they were sinners and they was born in this closed country and had were lost without Jesus Christ. I asked them fled. Before we arrived, she, who has a heart if they wanted to begin a relationship with for her people, about four years ago, under Christ, did they want to be connected with much prayer, felt very convicted to go back a church and God’s people. They both said, and get involved with some of the people ‘Yes.’ At this point, I asked him, Do you she knew before. She went back there with know what a Bible is? Yes. Do you have a a legal visa from the Treasury Department. Bible? No, oh no, we don’t have a Bible. This country has between 60,000 and Would you like to have a Bible? And when 100,000 Americans who go in illegally every I gave that Bible to him, there were tears year. We went in legally. She went back that were streaming down his face. He took and visited some of the churches. And from that Bible. He kissed it, he held it tight that, we have developed a network to where against his chest. And I want you to know, we’re meeting pastors and starting to work Frank, I ran underneath conviction, because with other churches, throughout the whole probably like you and me, how many Bibles island. The minister and a local pastor do you have in your house? How many of these Bibles do you use? And this man How many people were involved? dictator took over, it’s not the Catholicism the conversation off, because most likely took this Bible, and held it. This man This last trip, we went in with fourteen that we would see in America. There’s they were a Communist agent. We weren’t pleaded with me, Please, this message is so people. We had to keep the team relatively another religion where they take voodoo in the hotel 30 minutes when that happened. good, can you come back tomorrow? I will small, because you don’t want to attract and Catholicism and mix it together. The Inwardly, I was thinking, What is God trying have my entire family here. We weren’t too much attention when you’re going one thing we found that was really to teach me? I think what He was teaching supposed to go back, because we really through customs. From our church, we had comforting is that most of the people know me was that He wanted me to be on my knees need to stay one step ahead of the customs four ruling elders, myself, two other what a Bible is, know that it’s the inerrant, that entire trip. This really changed my people. But at this point, I said, yes, I will infallible word of God, but they’ve never seen a Bible. And so we would spend time in the Word, talking about various things we may be faced with and various ways to answer them, memorizing Scripture. But mostly for these three months, we spent together in prayer.

Was this first time to go into a closed country? Yes. Going into this closed country, I had people praying for me. I knew that there was nothing really they could do to me physically. The worst thing that could happen there was to confiscate all their materials, go out and burn them—we were carrying as many Bibles as we can. They would put us back on a plane and we would immediately just be kicked out of the country. Because the dollar there is their The first couple with whom the minister shared the The capital city’s sky line boasts no church steeples. gospel on this missions trip. currency, they’re not going to harm me or put me in jail. They spiritual life. It made a tremendous impact. be back at three o’ clock. And at three o’ gentlemen, and three women. will just put me immediately on the plane. clock the next day, his house was packed My big fear, and this is something I shared Tell us about your experiences in the not only with family but with friends and Do you pretend you know each other, or with the congregation, is that I am petrified country. with friends of friends. He had gotten up do you pretend you don’t know each other? of flying. My theology is sound, I know Let me tell you two quick experiences. The and rounded up as many people as he could We don’t talk with each other until we get God is sovereign, but something happens first day, we went to a little city 45 miles east to come hear this message. This was one of through customs. I was traveling with one when that plane starts moving. That’s what of the capital. The major commerce is a the most joyful times I have ever had, to see of our ruling elders and purposely sat with scared me the whole trip—the plane ride! concrete factory. Most of the people there, the joy on these people’s faces, who have him the whole trip. If the question was As the pastor-leader, my heart’s desire was because of the dust in the air, have some absolutely nothing. His average salary asked, Who was my traveling partner, I to go on one of these trips. So, I had a lot of sort of lung problems. The mortality rate would probably be $6 a month. And yet the would point to this ruling elder. When we people praying that I would overcome this there is pretty high. As we were going in, I joy that was there! He told me that when I went through customs in this closed fear of flying. I got on the plane both ways, went door-to-door working with a gentleman come back, I’m welcome to stay at his house country, it was pretty intimidating. But, as and obviously I’m back. And I plan on going who’s a truck driver during the week and any time. And I’m looking forward to going P&R News ² January-March 2002 15 back to see what God’s doing. going to do a lot of walking. The road you than he that is in the world. Yes, we the tension between us. In the past six system is horrible. Some of the places we had some risks, but God protected our team months, God has done a miraculous healing. The other opportunity was with regard to a went to, they said there was a road—I and me. But isn’t it wonderful, just the power of witch. I had a translator, whom the pastor couldn’t find it. To go deal with these Is there anything else I didn’t ask you that God’s love? I’m proud to call you—proud had gotten for me. These Christian people, the risks are physical, and you’re I should have? in the good sense—to call you friend, to translators come from all over the country. going to be underneath the spiritual warfare. I’d like to take this moment and thank you call you brother. Just great, godly people. As this translator Before I went, I had a number of problems for your interest in this trip. I also want to and I sat down in her living room, which that cropped up. I realized Ephesians 6 is thank you for your friendship and the kind was probably eight by ten (her entire true, we’re not wrestling not against flesh correspondence we’ve had the past couple apartment wasn’t much bigger than that), I and blood, we’re wrestling against of months. I just want to take this moment started to share a message which had just principalities, against darkness. But I go to thank you for that. I was just thinking, changed my life. She stopped me and said, back to the verse, Greater is he who is in our past circles of friends have known of I want you to know that I am a witch. At this time, I decided just to quote Scripture to her. I began by saying, Greater is he who is in me than he who is in you. And then I Maryland Church Still Shocked by Tragedy Four Members of Family Killed in Auto Accident Six Year Old Daughter is Only Survivor

February 17, 2002, is a date that will not likely ever be forgotten at Valley Presbyterian Church. For it was on that day that the Lutherville, Maryland, congregation of approximately 500 members suffered a grievous and shocking loss. Across the state line in Delaware, at four o’ clock that Sunday afternoon, the van in which the Wayne Abbott family was riding was struck from the rear by a car driven by a 21 year old girl at a speed calculated by the police as 92 miles per hour. The van catapulted as many as three times, tossing the occupants violently. Killed instantly were Wayne, Douglas (nine years old), and Brian (four years old). Wayne’s wife, Emily, died in a hospital of internal injuries. The only survivor was six year old Meg. Losing any family in such a tragic way would be shocking enough, but the loss felt by the Valley Church is particularly acute. Wayne, aged 49, had been an elder. Emily, who had grown up in the church, was the choir director. They were, moreover, a “major family,” according to Senior Pastor Tom Osterhaus, a “model family” which was an example to other families in the congregation. One of the nicest houses in the The tragedy has “caused us to think,” said Mr. Osterhaus. “We’re still kind of reeling from this.” neighborhood is the single story on the But it has also caused others in the community to think as well. “A lot of people’s cages have been rattled for sure,” declared left, which is where a famous would-be the pastor, who also indicated that people are still attending as a result of the funeral. refugeelives. News of the accident spread rapidly throughout the Baltimore area, and media coverage was intense. According to Pastor Osterhaus, “They [the media people] were absolutely wonderful. I think because of the type of the tragedy, they accommodated us. got on the ‘Roman Road’ and I just read Several of them, of course, had little children and were absolutely shaken by the accident.” verse after verse after verse to her. But then In the pastor’s view, the media did not truncate the story. “The print media printed the whole story and the God-honoring I asked her if she would read a Bible if I testimonies given by people.” The same was true of the local television coverage. gave her one. She said yes. The people of The way in which the church and the media interacted was apparently mutually appreciated. Mr. Osterhaus noted: “One of the this country are a people of their word. I TV stations called back to thank us for how we treated them.” gave her a Bible, and I marked the Gospel of Media outlets in Delaware, as well as national media, were interested in the story, too. Pastor Osterhaus believes that the John for her. I said please read this. I told heightened interest was because the tragedy left only “this little girl,” which fact “just pulled some heart strings.” her where the house church is, where the The numerous opportunities to speak with the media had given occasion for people to be “able to share their hope and faith, and pastor was, and said you can talk to him the faith of Wayne and Emily,” said Mr. Osterhaus. On the Monday evening, and then on the Tuesday morning, prayer services were and he will be able to help you. And so we held at the church, not only for the benefit of members of the congregation but also for anyone who wished to attend, and the press left. I didn’t think I’d ever see her again. was there for those events. The press also was there for the multiple funeral itself, attended by an overflow crowd of 900 people, About an hour later, in this complex of many of whom had to watch the service from the fellowship hall via closed circuit television. probably 5000 housing project apartments, One of the ways in which the church was able to share Emily’s testimony was by means of a funeral form which she had filled she tracked me down and came in with the out. The Valley Church asks its members to fill out a form, so that when they die, their wishes can be carried out as to which Scripture next family I was talking to. She sat very texts and hymns they would like as part of the funeral. Emily, who was 46 years old, had indicated her wishes in that regard, and had close to me to listen to every word that I also spoken of the sovereignty of God. said. When I came to that part about if it That same providential care in which Wayne and Emily had trusted is now manifesting itself in the care being shown to Meg. made sense to you, do you want to begin a Seriously injured, with two broken legs, a broken hand, a broken pelvis, and head injuries which necessitated a flap of the skull being relationship with Christ, with tears in her removed in order to relieve the swelling of the brain, she is now doing marvelously well. Not only has she recovered from her eyes, she raised her hand and said, Yes. physical injuries, but she has also demonstrated, according to Pastor Osterhaus, “amazing perception.” When the child psychologist That confirmed to me the power of the word visited her a few days after the accident and asked her where her parents and brothers were, she didn’t even verbalize it: she just of God! It’s not me, it’s not you. God’s lifted her eyes toward heaven. power is in the gospel. Romans 1:16-17 is The accident’s sole survivor is living with Emily’s brother and his family in Manchester, Maryland. Bruce and Susan Schwarz true—I saw it. That just made me more have three children of their own, but have now taken little Meg to live with them. Bruce is an ordained deacon in the Presbyterian excited when I came back here just to share Church in America. He and his family are members at the Hanover Valley Presbyterian Church in Pennsylvania, formerly a mission the power of the gospel, to see God work. work sponsored by Valley Presbyterian Church. “The family that Meg has gone Would you encourage others to go on to is a godly family,” her pastor similar trips? indicated. “You couldn’t have written Absolutely! I know, Frank, you and me and a better script.” a lot of our brothers that are pastors spend Asked to comment on what time in prayer. But it is so different when lessons others might learn from the you are out of your comfort zone, not recent tragic event, Pastor Osterhaus knowing what you are going to say, not thought for a moment, and then knowing who God is going to place in your answered: “We’re in God’s hands. God path. We realized that every person we met is sovereign. He’s Lord of heaven and was a divine appointment—that God had earth. We don’t know what might come been working in their lives long before we forth. So live for God’s glory today.” showed up. It was God who was working, Life, of course, goes on. It goes we were the ones being His instruments. on for the driver of the car which caused God didn’t need me. I was more blessed by the accident, who has been charged this trip than the people in the country, just with four counts of manslaughter. It seeing how God works. That is so exciting goes on for the members of Valley to me. I almost feel like the church at Presbyterian Church, still in shock and Ephesus, returning back to that first love, still wondering about the mysterious that first zeal. I just want to share Jesus purposes of God. with the world, shout it from the rooftops. But as the congregants wrestle So the answer to the question—Yes! with the reality of divine providence, they are encouraged to emulate Wayne What are the risks? and Emily who looked in faith to the I think if there are any risks, they are One who has foreordained all that probably some health concerns. You’re comes to pass—even a shocking The Wayne Abbott family tragedy on a Delaware highway. C:\PR31\CC Minis 16 P&R News ² January-March 2002 Covenant College Women’s Basketball Team Has Best Season Ever The Covenant College women’s Covenant’s all-time leading scorer with In a recent interview, Coach Tami from both students and faculty. In her basketball team has just experienced the more than 2500 points, won the AAC Smialek said that perhaps the most words, it was an “awesome group of best season it has ever had. For the first Player of the Year award and was memorable game was the final game of young ladies that have played the last time, the Lady Scots finished first in the second team NAIA All-American. the regular season, in which a win over couple of years.” Even though several Appalachian Athletic Conference, having Other players who won honors were Montreat College enabled Covenant to players will be graduating, she also is become co-champions. The overall Kristyn Border, a senior, and Abby tie Brevard College for first place. The hopeful that the returning squad along record of 24-9 represents the most wins Reed, a junior, who became NAIA top finish garnered a plaque and a banner with new recruits will enable the Lady for any basketball team at Covenant, and Academic All-Americans. For Miss which will be displayed in the school’s Scots to have another successful season the 16-4 conference record the most Border, it was the second consecutive gymnasium. this coming year. conference wins. year for her to achieve this honor, which Coach Smialek expressed Covenant College is located atop Clair Lowe, a senior who became is open only to juniors and seniors. appreciation for the great fan support, Lookout Mountain, Georgia.

The starting five gives high fives all around. Tip-off! Nicky Jessen of Milligan Leading scorer Clair Lowe College and Clair Lowe of Covenant makes an appearance at the charity stripe. College reach for the ball.

A driving lay-up for the Lady Scots Victory in the first round of the Appalachian Athletic Conference Championship: Coach Smialek plots strategy during a time-out. Covenant 68, Milligan 59.

Coach Smialek pleads her case. Kristyn Borger shoots for three.

Even the referees were having a good time. Pictured above from left to right are Brent Warner, Ronnie Woods, and Sherl Ball. PCA minister’s daughter Krista Steere of Abby Reed drives for the basket. Summerville, Georgia, is Covenant’s scorekeeper. ster's Daughter.tif P&R News ² January-March 2002 17 Editorial An Open Letter to a Brother Dear John: hinted to him that it was not in his best How many believers does it take I am writing in response to your letter interest to hire me. in which you indicated your intended Well, I had already resigned, and we to change a light bulb? support of the overtures being proposed had already put a deposit on a house, so by the “PCAPL” group with regard to we really had no choice but to move back subscription and the assumption of original to my native city. I quickly was in touch Charismatics: Only one. Hands already in the air. jurisdiction. In that letter, you also with North Georgia Presbytery and asked Pentecostals: Ten. One to change the bulb and nine to pray against the spirit of expressed concern because you had heard to be licensed to preach within its bounds. darkness. that some of the more conservative I was informed that I really didn’t need to members of our denomination, perhaps be licensed in order to preach in North Presbyterians: None. Lights will go on and off at predestined times. including myself, would feel forced to leave Georgia pulpits, so there was no necessity the PCA should the subscription for me to appear before the Presbytery. Roman Catholic: None. Candles only. amendment be written into our In spring 1999, I was called by a non- Constitution. PCA congregation at which I had been Baptists: At least 15. One to change the light bulb and 3 committees to approve the First of all, I want to thank you for preaching to be the stated supply. Based change and decide who brings the potato salad. taking the time to write to me, and especially on that call, I applied to North Georgia to express your genuine concern about my Presbytery for membership. Episcopalians: Eight. One to call the electrician and 7 to say how much they liked future in the Presbyterian Church in It was not until October 1999 that I the old one better. America. I was truly touched by your letter. was examined by North Georgia’s Secondly, please allow me to assure committee. However, my application was Mormons: Five. One man to change the bulb and 4 wives to tell him how to do it. you that I have no intention of leaving my delayed, and I was told to return to the (our) beloved denomination. I have been January 2000 meeting. The Chairman, a Unitarians: We choose not to make a statement either in favor of or against the need privileged to be her first ministerial few days before that meeting, told me that for a light bulb. However, if in your own journey you have found that light bulbs candidate, to write her first history, and to I didn’t need to attend. After the meeting, work for you, that is fine. You’re invited to write a poem or compose a modern have served in her ministry for twenty-two he emailed me that the Committee was dance about your personal relationship with your light bulb, and present it next years. As I have given my life for her recommending that my transfer be denied. month at our annual light bulb Sunday service, in which we will explore a number of light bulb traditions, including incandescent, fluorescent, three-way, long life, and service, my sincere desire is to remain When I showed up at the Presbytery tinted, all of which are equally valid paths to luminescence. within her gates all my life. meeting, still hoping to be examined, the Thirdly, should our church adopt the court went into executive session for forty- Methodists: Undetermined. Whether your light bulb is bright, dull, or completely overtures on theological subscription as five minutes without having asked me one out, you are loved. You can be a light bulb, turnip bulb, or tulip bulb. Church wide written by the “PCAPL” group, I would be question! I was thereafter informed that I lighting service is planned for Sunday, August 19. Bring bulb of your choice and a disappointed. On the other hand, please be had been denied transfer. covered dish. aware that I am not opposed to amending Now, John, I am sure that you would BCO 21-4 in order formally to allow not treat me like that. However, it is a reality Nazarene: Six. One woman to replace the bulb while 5 men review church lighting exceptions to be dealt with. Indeed, I have that there are at least several PCA policy. sent in a proposed overture for adoption presbyteries where I would not be by Westminster Presbytery, which I believe welcome. Furthermore, as you may be Lutherans: None. Lutherans don’t believe in change. would help to clarify and to strengthen what aware, my wife and son have suffered Drs. Chapell and Kooistra and others have insults and indignities at more than one Amish: What’s a light bulb? proposed. General Assembly. No, I have no intention Fourthly, however, I need to say that of leaving; but staying often comes with a Jehovah’s Witnesses: None. The lights are on but no one’s home. however the General Assembly handles high price. these various proposals, there is no panacea I share my experience with you for the intra-ecclesiastical troubles which because of your concern that I might currently plague us. There are deep-seated contemplate leaving. I share it also because issues, mostly revolving around the reality there are many people in the PCA— PRESBYTERIAN AND REFORMED NEWS that, on numerous critical issues, we simply particularly lay people— who have been OWNERSHIP: Presbyterian International News Service, which publishes Presbyterian and Reformed don’t agree! treated perhaps even more shamefully. News, is a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation. Now, I personally believe that we do There are dear, godly saints, desirous of a PURPOSE: The purpose of Presbyterian International News Service is to advance fellowship, piety, and agree on many matters—probably 95% of good, Reformed church, who have been orthodoxy, especially among the constituency of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), through the all doctrine. However, the way in which told that they are not welcome in their own dissemination of news about and of interest to the PCA and through the publication of articles and editorials we structure these doctrines does differ. church because they aren’t with the which promote historic Presbyterian doctrine and practice. And, there are different opinions on various “program”—meaning, usually, a program topics, such as the role of women, the of seeker-sensitive, contemporary worship. POLICY: Signed articles and editorials are the responsibility of each individual author. Unsigned articles and nature of worship, the place of the I could recount for you several instances, editorials are written by the Editor. However, the Editor-in-Chief is responsible for whatever is written under Decalogue in society, and the doctrine of even recently, of what I call bully-ism and the auspices of the editorial staff and published in the newspaper or posted on the PINS website. Only creation. tyranny by so-called under-shepherds of documents signed and authenticated by the appropriate clerks should be regarded as having official status. If I understand you correctly in your the flock. Being editor of a newspaper, I Unless otherwise noted, all photographs are the property of the news service. Correspondence (whether by letter, what you are hoping for is further hear of these matters all the time, from letter, fax, or e-mail) sent to the Editor dealing with a topic previously discussed in this publication will be dialog on these and many other matters. I around the country. considered a “Letter to the Editor” unless it is clearly marked “Not for publication.” Letters to the Editor heartily concur! If we believe that our The problem, John, is not that people should ordinarily be 250 words or less, and may be edited for space considerations. position is the true one, then we should not want to leave, or even necessarily feel that SUBSCRIPTION POLICY: Presbyterian and Reformed News is published quarterly, and is sent, free of fear vigorous debate. conscientiously they must leave. It is that charge, to every PCA clerk of session and to every PCA teaching elder not serving in an organized PCA However, John, in the meantime, there they get tired and disgusted and worn out congregation. The subscription rate is $15.00 (six issues), or $4.75 per issue. Sponsoring churches may are indeed other dynamics at work. I have by what goes on in the PCA. request additional copies at no extra charge, mailed in bulk to one address. Bulk subscriptions are available already indicated that I have no intention of The result is that denominations like as follows: 5-10 copies, $12.00 each; 11 or more copies, $10.50 each. leaving our beloved church. On the other the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and ADVERTISING POLICY AND RATES: Presbyterian and Reformed News will accept advertising that hand, I and many others may have to face Reformed Presbyterian Church of North conforms to its stated purpose; it reserves the right to reject any advertising that is antithetical to historic the possibility of persecution for remaining America are reaping many of our most Presbyterian orthodoxy or practice. Rates: Classified ads—for each letter or space, $0.10 (average 35 per within her gates. godly and faithful people. line), minimum of $10.00; 20% discount for multi-issue placement. Other ads—full page, $500.00; half Four years ago, as Penny, Adrian, and To reiterate a prior point, no matter page, $250.00; quarter page, $150.00; eighth page, $80.00; discounts available for advertising in multiple I were preparing to move from New York what is done on the subscription overtures, issues. to the Atlanta area, I was in essence offered we’re not going to solve these problems SPONSORS: Churches are invited to assist this ministry by becoming a sponsoring congregation. Sponsoring a job helping to get a tutoring service started overnight. Sometimes I wonder what the churches are listed in each issue, along with their address and times of services. Other bodies and institutions on the east side of the city. Based on the solution is, and I would certainly welcome (such as presbyteries and seminaries) are welcome also to co-sponsor this publication, with such information putative job offer, we put a deposit down your suggestions. on a house near where I would be working, In any case, let me thank you again Robert Shapiro, Editor-in-Chief Editorial and Business Address: and I resigned my pastorate. Two days for writing. I am sure that you will be in Frank J. Smith, Ph. D., Editor P.O. Box 60 later, the fellow who owned the business Birmingham in June—perhaps we can have Penelope Ann Abraham-Smith, Assistant Editor Coeburn, Virginia 24230 called me to say that seven well-respected a cup of coffee together. Adrian Abraham, Webmaster and Layout Manager 276-395-PINS (7467) people in the PCA had had some not very Financial Office E-mail: [email protected] nice things to say about me, and therefore Cordially in Christ, P. O. Box 60, Coeburn, Virginia 24230 Web Site: www.presbyteriannews.org he was withdrawing the offer. It had been Frank J. Smith 18 P&R News ² January-March 2002 New Church Plant Near Fort Bragg Providence Presbyterian Seeks to Revive Scotch-Irish Heritage in North Carolina’s Sandhills Fayetteville, North Carolina, has been describing the situation in Fayetteville. says the Lord GOD to these bones, “Behold, community and searching for an affordable known for many things through the years. Because this is a military town, lost souls I will cause breath to enter you that you meeting place.” According to Pastor It features a famed market square from an incredible diversity of ethnic, may come to life. I will put sinews on you, Braden, members of Cross Creek who are downtown, where slaves would be religious, and economic backgrounds are make flesh grow back on you, cover you not involved in the new mission work will auctioned in antebellum days. It is the half- constantly coming and going. It is my great with skin and put breath in you that you be showing their support by helping to way point for snowbirds traveling down US desire both to reach these people with Good may come alive; and you will know that I am distribute the brochures. 301 and I-95 from New York to Florida. There News of salvation through faith in Christ the LORD”’ [Ezekiel 37:5-6]. I know full well Unlike many PCA church plants, is a ubiquitous military presence, as the and to found a church where the saints who that while such a work of reformation and Providence Presbyterian will deliberately artillery from sprawling Fort Bragg can be come to Fayetteville might have their faith revival is impossible with men, with God all seek to hold to the regulative principle of heard for miles around, soldiers and airmen nurtured and grow in the grace and things are possible.” worship taught in the Confession of Faith, seem to be on every street corner, and aircraft knowledge of the Lord.” Andy himself knows something of the Chapter XXI.1. Andy’s vision for the from Pope Air Force Base and Simmons The Scottish heritage of the region is work of grace in his own heart. Until several church’s worship is that it should be simple Army Airfield often fly overhead. For many everywhere apparent, particularly in place years ago, he was a thorough pagan and and Biblical. By conviction, he will not names. Southwest of Fayetteville skeptic, until the Lord wondrously got hold impose the observance of man-made is Laurinburg, home of the of him and converted him. His Presbyterian-affiliated St. wife, Joy, became a Christian Andrews College and county seat at about the same time. of Scotland County. The Webbs began Andy notes that as a result of attending McLean (Va.) this Presbyterian heritage, “there Presbyterian Church, then are several Presbyterian churches pastored by the Rev. Steve in the area, some of them dating Smallman. Andy gradually felt back to the early 18th century, but the call to the ministry, and unfortunately all of them went entered Westminster Seminary PC(USA) after the merger of the in 1997. Northern and Southern churches While there, he started his in the 1980s. From what I can own internet discussion list, gather, this was hardly surprising the Warfield List, named after Joy, Margaret and Andrew Webb as the Presbyterian churches in the Old Princeton theologian, the area had gone liberal long B. B. Warfield. The Warfield a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne, before that. While the Scots who settled List now boasts several Old town hall and slave market Fayetteville was the closest opportunity to this area were zealous supporters of hundred subscribers, who engage in often- religious holy days upon the flock. visit a red light district. orthodox Reformed Presbyterianism, their lively theological debate. However, Andy’s vision does represent a Fayetteville historically was also the descendents gradually fell away from the At present, Providence Presbyterian modification of the traditional Scottish home of many staunch Scotch-Irish faith of their fathers. As you probably know, has a core group consisting of members of Presbyterian worship: he does believe in Presbyterians. And for a newly-ordained the same thing has happened in Scotland Cross Creek Presbyterian, who are requiring the use of uninspired hymnody in minister in the Presbyterian Church in itself, so that Buddhism and Islam are now committed to seeing a PCA church addition to the singing of Psalms, and also America (PCA), the area’s religious history growing by leaps and bounds in the nation established in the north of the city. The would allow the use of musical helps to shape his vision for a new PCA that was once the vibrant heart of Cross Creek Church, including its Senior instrumentation. church plant being organized in the north Presbyterianism. Once again we have a clear Pastor, James Braden, has been very Like many church plants, this one is in of the metropolitan area. reiteration of the truism ‘God has no supportive of this new effort. Mr. Braden need of assistance. In Andy’s words, “If An Englishman who has long since grandchildren’, as well as a stern warning commented: “I couldn’t be happier with you can, please consider supporting this been Americanized, the Rev. Andrew Webb that biblical orthodoxy is something that Andy. He’s very much along the lines of church plant either financially or by graduated from Westminster Theological must be loved, embraced, adopted, and what we and our church feel is right and committing to pray for us. In order to survive Seminary in Philadelphia last May. While nurtured lest it slip away over time to be proper. We’re not ‘seeker-sensitive.’” and prosper, Providence PCA will require a in seminary, he served as a ruling elder at replaced by the bitter dregs of unbelief. Speaking of Andy, the veteran pastor lot of prayer support and a good deal of Christ Covenant Presbyterian Church, “I was reminded by this historical said: “He’s very bright, but also down-to- financial support as well.” Hatboro, Pennsylvania. He received a call lesson of the contrast between the believing earth. He’s not afraid to take a stand for his The transient nature of the area, with from Cross Creek Presbyterian Church in generation that entered the promised land principles, but he does it in a very loving military personnel constantly being Fayetteville, which is the mission work’s with Joshua, and the idolatrous generations “mother” church, and was examined and that followed: ‘The people served the LORD approved for ordination in October 2001. all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who survived Joshua, who had seen all the great work of the LORD which He had done for Israel. Then Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died at the age of one hundred and ten. And they buried him in the territory of his inheritance in Timnath-heres, in the hill country of Ephraim, north of Mount Gaash. All that generation also were gathered to their fathers; and there arose another generation after them The new Airborne & Special Operations Museum who did not know the LORD, nor yet the work which He had and humble way. He seems to be very self- transferred in and out, makes for a Hay Street in downtown Fayetteville done for Israel. Then the sons motivated, which is one thing that is very particularly challenging venture. But a Ordained by Central Carolina Presbytery as of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD needed in a church planter.” He summarized newly-commissioned officer in the Lord’s an assistant pastor, he was recently and served the Baals, and they forsook the his view of Andrew Webb by saying that army is committed to wielding the sword of installed as associate pastor at the Cross LORD, the God of their fathers, who had he is a “great teacher, good preacher, a very the Spirit in order to conquer this major Creek Church. brought them out of the land of Egypt, and competent individual.” metropolitan area of 121,000 people with the Andy describes the need for a new followed other gods from among the gods The fledgling group has already begun gospel of Jesus Christ. church this way: “While there are many of the peoples who were around them, and to meet in homes. “We have an evangelistic churches in Fayetteville, there are hardly bowed themselves down to them; thus they Bible study meeting on Wednesday Those wishing to support Providence any solid orthodox Reformed churches. provoked the LORD to anger. So they evenings at the home of the one of the core Presbyterian Church may send their There is a desperate need for more, forsook the LORD and served Baal and the group members and we meet for informal checks to 430 S. McPherson Church Rd., especially in a community that has so many Ashtaroth’ [Judges 2:7-13]. family worship on Sunday afternoons at our Fayetteville, NC 28303. The Rev. Andrew members going in harm’s way on a regular “For this reason, I am particularly eager house,” Pastor Webb said. Webb may be contacted at (910)482-8226 basis. to see the Reformed gospel flourish once He added: “We hope to begin holding or (910)322-8611. His fax number is: “Truly, the saying of our Lord Jesus again in this area, that this place which has evening worship on Sundays in a few (419)730-5385; ICQ#: 57574769; email: Christ, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the become something of a Presbyterian ‘valley weeks. We are currently preparing [email protected]. workers are few’, is particularly apt when of dry bones’ might come to life again: ‘Thus advertising materials to be distributed in the P&R News ² January-March 2002 19 News From The Presbyteries by mutual consent, the assistant pastoral After much discussion, the Presbytery approved the commission Calvary relationship between the Rev. Mark voted 20-30 not to approve the request recommendation that Covenant Horn and Shannon Forest Presbyterian to organize the church. Dr. Joseph Pipa Presbytery remove the indefinite The Seventy Second Stated Meeting Church, Greenville, South Carolina, was gave notice that he would be filing a suspension of Mr. George Soltau which of Calvary Presbytery met at the dissolved and he was dismissed to complaint. [Dr. Pipa subsequently had been in effect since May 1996, and Greenwood (S. C.) Presbyterian Church Tennessee Valley Presbytery. decided against bringing a complaint on that Covenant Presbytery restore Mr. on October 25, 2001. The Moderator, A budget of $90,000 was proposed the matter.—Ed.] Soltau to his office as Teaching Elder in Ruling Elder John George, opened the for 2002. The whole matter was The Rev. Toby Woodard reported good standing in Covenant Presbytery meeting with prayer and presided. referred back to the Administration on the first worship service for the in accordance with BCO 37-3. The Candidate Frank Matthews Committee. Redeemer Mission Church, held on Soltau commission was dissolved with preached from II Corinthians 2:12-17 on All of the proposed Book of October 14, 2001. the thanks of Covenant Presbytery. the topic, “Giving Thanks.” Church Order amendments were The following motion was adopted: The Rev. William Spink, chairman, Immediately after the adoption of ratified. The proposal to amend BCO “Affirming the spirit of the overture to presented the report of the Misner the docket, it was moved, seconded, and 13-1, so that every church in every divide Calvary Presbytery, recognizing Commission. The court ratified the carried that “In light of our National presbytery will automatically be entitled the legitimate concerns, and addition of Ruling Elder Mark Brink to situation, to join in the Pledge of to send two ruling elders to presbytery, recommitting to rural as well as urban the commission. The recommendation Allegiance to our nation’s flag,” which passed, 33-32-2. Church planting, the Calvary Presbytery was approved that Mr. James Misner was done. Presbytery voted to receive Mr. MNA Committee recommends be suspended from the office of Several commission reports were Stephen Murphy as a candidate pending responding with the formation of an ad teaching elder and all of the functions approved: the commission to install his transfer from North Georgia hoc committee of the Presbytery to thereof, for a period of one year Richard Thomas as Pastor of Mt. Presbytery; and his internship plan under initiate cooperation with the other two beginning June 16, 2001. The Misner Calvary Presbyterian Church, Roebuck, the Session of Second Presbyterian Presbyteries in the state, to discuss and Commission was dismissed with the South Carolina; to ordain and install Church, Greenville, South Carolina, was work toward a logical and strategic thanks of Covenant Presbytery. Michael Hall as Assistant Pastor of approved. Mr. Daniel Dodds was reformation of presbyteries for the The following men were received Clemson (S. C.) Presbyterian Church; received as a candidate. The internship purposes of better advancing the as ministerial candidates: Mr. David and to ordain Dr. Jimmy Agan, who is plan for Mr. Jeffrey Ferguson was Kingdom of God in South Carolina.” Dobbs, a student at Reformed laboring out of bounds at Erskine approved under the supervision of A report from the Christian Theological Seminary and a member of Theological Seminary, Due West, South Reformed University Fellowship. Education Committee was received as Grace Presbyterian Church in Starkville, Carolina. Candidate Frank Matthews was information. The Committee reported Mississippi; Mr. Mark Koller, a student By consent of both parties, the examined and approved for licensure. on its survey on Sunday Schools and at Whitefield Theological Seminary, and pastoral relationship between the Rev. The court determined that when he Vacation Bible Schools in the a member of Covenant Presbyterian Bryan Wright and Smyrna Presbyterian comes for ordination, he will be re- Presbytery’s churches. [See separate Church in Little Rock, Arkansas; Mr. Church, Newberry, South Carolina, was examined in English Bible and in box.] Nathan Tircuit, whose candidacy was dissolved, and he was dismissed to theology. transferred from Grace Presbytery; Mr. Eastern Carolina Presbytery in order to A petition from Scottish Josh Martin, whose candidacy was become Pastor of Calvary Presbyterian Presbyterian Kirk of the Covenant was Covenant transferred from Calvary Presbytery, Church, Raleigh, North Carolina. Also presented with a list of seven petitioners. which has already dismissed him Covenant Presbytery met in its 93rd pending reception; and Mr. Kelley Hand, The Report of Calvary Presbytery’s Christian Education Stated Meeting on Tuesday, October 2, whose candidacy was transferred from 2001, at the Main Street Presbyterian Missouri Presbytery. Committee Regarding Sunday School and VBS Church, Columbus, Mississippi. At the Presbytery approved the internship opening service of worship, Mr. Joshua of Mr. Martin, completed at Second Among the Committee’s findings were the following: Martin preached from I Thessalonians Presbyterian Church, Greenville, South 5:1-11, and the Rev. Jim Danner, the Carolina, and approved by Calvary “Many churches complained of the lack of solid Biblical and Reformed materials host pastor, administered the sacrament Presbytery. The Presbytery approved which were both teachable and understandable. Some of our churches are of the Lord’s Supper. the ordination exam of Mr. Martin and using ‘Arminian’ materials in the adult Sunday School. Both Great Commission The Rev. Grover Gunn gave the called him to be the Reformed University Publications & Christian Education & Publication are doing very little work on Stated Clerk’s report. This included a Fellowship minister at Delta State adult Sunday School. The ARP [Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church] report from the Rev. Don Erwin, who, University. Also approved was the does produce an adult quarterly which is solidly Biblical & Reformed.” as a Presbytery evangelist, had internship of Mr. Tircuit, completed at examined and ordained ruling elders and First Presbyterian Church, Crystal “Most churches in the presbytery use a random approach to subject matter for organized the Covenant Presbyterian Springs, Mississippi, and approved by the adults. There is an obvious need for the development of a comprehensive Church, Russellville, Arkansas. The Grace Presbytery. Mr. Hand’s approach to subject matter as opposed to the ‘random’ philosophy. Most of our Presbytery admitted the report to the internship, completed at Providence adults are not getting a solid comprehensive education in Scripture through adult record and approved the action. Reformed Presbyterian Church, St. Sunday School.” Also admitted to record was the Louis, Missouri, was accepted as report of the commission which had meeting the internship requirement for “Most of our churches have very little or no training/development for the teachers. particularized the Covenant ordination, pending approval of the There are many books and video resources which can be of great help to teachers Presbyterian Church, Jackson, completed internship by Missouri who are unable to attend training seminars.” Tennessee, and had ordained and Presbytery. installed that congregation’s ruling Mr. Dobbs was made an intern of “Most of our churches have no accountability system for the teachers. One elders. Covenant Presbytery; he will begin his church did pair each teacher with an elder for accountability and encouragement. The Presbytery Treasurer, Ruling internship within the geographic bounds The CE&P bookstore has an ‘Annual Teacher Covenant Contract’ which is to Elder Lee Mattox, presented a report. of Mississippi Valley Presbytery pending be signed by each teacher and by the Moderator of the Session. One church The Presbytery had a balance on the approval of Mississippi Valley utilized a yearly self-evaluation based on the Sunday School Teacher January 1, 2001, of $35,396.83. The Presbytery (BCO 19-11), with the Rev. Responsibility handout. This self-evaluation was filled out by each teacher total receipts from January 1, 2001 Joey Wright of Mississippi Valley once a year at one of the Sunday School teacher meetings. Thus each teacher through August 31, 2001 were Presbytery as his mentor. Mr. Koller was able to evaluate themselves in light of their specific responsibilities. Many $52,383.44 undesignated and $68,850.00 was made an intern of Covenant of our churches do not have Sunday School Teacher Responsibility handouts designated. The total balance on August Presbytery with the Rev. Tim Reed as which makes specific accountability difficult.” 31, 2001, was $70,073.38. Of that his mentor. balance, only $24,817.15 is available for Mr. Nathan Tircuit was introduced “Most of the VBS materials (even Reformed ones) utilize gospel presentations Presbytery salaries and operating to the presbytery and preached a which are strongly ‘Arminian’ in both content and application.” expenses. The remaining $45,256.23 is sermon on the text, Isaiah 40:12-17. He designated for other causes. was examined and approved for “Many churches evidenced a strong ‘independence’ and a firm resolve to have The Rev. Randy Thompson, ordination, and called to be the no accountability at the presbytery level for their Sunday School & VBS chairman, presented the report of the Reformed University Fellowship ministries.” Soltau Commission. The Presbytery minister at The University of Tennessee 20 P&R News ² January-March 2002 at Martin. Jackson, Tennessee), with the member for 2002 is $13.00. that the members of Grace Covenant The Rev. Carl Chaplin reported on understanding that Mr. Jones will receive inform the MNA Committee of their the work of the Czech Republic church 4 weeks of vacation per year. wishes in regard to transfer of their planting team. He introduced Mr. Dick Chairman Thompson informed the Eastern Carolina church membership within one year. In Sechler to the presbytery. Mr. Sechler presbytery that the Rev. John Rhodes addition, nonetheless, ECP would and Mr. Chaplin encouraged the has communicated a reconsideration of The 87th Stated Meeting of Eastern welcome a plan by the members of presbytery churches to support the his views on women’s ordination and is Carolina Presbytery was hosted by The Grace Covenant mission for church planting work in the Czech in the process of licensure in St. Church of the Good Shepherd, Durham, reorganizing, specifically addressing Republic. They told those present of Andrews Presbytery of the PC(USA). North Carolina, on October 20, 2001. the issues cited above for our their availability to come to churches and No action was taken at this time. Ruling Elder Mike Newkirk served as rescinding the minister’s call to this tell of the work in the Czech Republic. The Church Care Committee was Moderator. A total of 22 ministers and work. Mr. Chaplin challenged those present to given the power of a commission to 14 ruling elders, representing 14 The court amended the main motion consider overseas ministry. approve the call of the Rev. Don Erwin churches, attended. to strike all that is in italics, and to leave The Rev. Curt Presley of Grace as the pastor of the newly organized Presbytery examined the Rev. the underlined. Presbytery was examined and approved Covenant Presbyterian, Russellville, George Lajueness for possible transfer A substitute was moved and to receive a call to Christ Presbyterian Arkansas. After its organization, the from the Southern Baptist Church, as seconded, as follows: “1. That the Church, Oxford, Mississippi. church had called Mr. Erwin as pastor. he continues to serve as a chaplain at powers of BCO 8-6 be renewed for a The Presbytery granted to Julian Presbytery had not received a copy of the Wayne County Correctional period of six months. 2. That during Russell powers of an evangelist (BCO the call in time to approve them at this Institute. He was granted an exemption this period the MNA committee work 8-6) to receive and dismiss members meeting. from the language requirements (Greek with TE Marshall to set in motion, and and to instruct and examine potential The Rev. Jay Outen, chairman, and Hebrew) because of his age and see to its conclusion, a plan to provide officers, in order to move the New presented the report of the the exceptional character of his ministry ruling elders in Grace Covenant mission Beginnings mission toward Administration Committee. Presbytery as a prison chaplain. Presbytery denied church no later than April 30, 2001. 3. particularization. Mr. Russell reported voted to send Grover Gunn to the Stated his transfer at this time, and That Presbytery appoint a commission that the mission work had just purchased Clerk’s meeting in Atlanta. The 2002 recommended that he study the Book to examine the three adult male its own building. mileage rate was set at the current of Church Order, the Westminster communicant members in regular The Rev. Randy Thompson, Internal Revenue Service allowable. Standards, and Bible knowledge under attendance with regard to their chairman, presented the report of the Presbytery increased the Stated Clerk’s the guidance of the Session of the White qualifications to serve as ruling elders. Church Care Committee. He reported salary $500 to $5300, the Recording Oak Presbyterian Church, Fremont, (Each of these members has been taught that a subcommittee has met with Clerk’s salary $300 to $2800 and the North Carolina. Reformed doctrine for periods of time members and staff of First Presbyterian Treasurer’s salary $500 to $3500. The The Rev. Bryan Wright was ranging from two to ten years, including Church, Indianola, Mississippi, to Treasurer requested that $300 of his examined and transferred from Calvary the office of ruling elder and are willing address their concerns. salary increase be budgeted to Presbytery to become Pastor of Calvary to submit to such an examination. The court transferred the accounting fees. Presbyterian Church, Raleigh, North However, if this motion should carry, the credentials of the Rev. Steve Willicombe Presbytery awarded the Covenant Carolina. His salary package totals Evangelist will provide weekly and to the Westbrook Church of Hartland, Pastor’s Scholarship to Andrew Russell, $74,992. specific training in the duties of the office Wisconsin. son of Julian Russell. The Presbytery voted to form a of the ruling elder over a period of The Presbytery approved the calls Presbytery adopted the proposed commission to determine eligible officer several weeks prior to their examination for the Rev. Ricky Jones (Reformed 2002 budget totaling $87,020.00. This nominees for the Christ our Comfort by the Presbytery.) 4. If men qualified University Fellowship, Mississippi State represents an increase from the 2001 mission and to oversee the church’s for the office of ruling elder are found, University) and the Rev. Robbie Hinton budget which totaled $85,620.00. The organization. the committee will work with the (Covenant Presbyterian Church, Presbytery asking per communing A request from the Rev. Chip Evangelist to particularize the Denton, that he be divested without congregation at the earliest possible censure, was received and, per the date. (The minister and congregation Central Carolina Says Confessional Phrase requirements of the Book of Church are willing that the names of those Means Creation in Six Calendar Days Order, scheduled for consideration at judged qualified be submitted to the the next stated meeting (January 2002). congregation for election.) 5. If men It was moved and seconded that the qualified to serve as ruling elders are Central Carolina Presbytery became the latest presbytery of the Presbytery move into executive session not found, that Presbytery provide one Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) to take a stance on the meaning of the for the Bill Marshall matter, with the of two alternate means of governing Confessional and Catechetical phrase, “in the space of six days.” At a called exception of the entirety of the MNA a mission church found in BCO 5-3, meeting on January 13, 2002, the court determined that the phrase does indeed Committee. The procedural motion that is, 5-3(2) governance by the mean that Creation occurred in six calendar days. failed. session of a church within the The resolution which was adopted is as follows: The MNA Committee then Presbytery, or 5-3(3) a commission presented its recommendation, as appointed by Presbytery to serve as Whereas, the 29th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in follows: Eastern Carolina Presbytery a Session for the mission. (Either of America in 2001 stated that, “it is the responsibility of the lower courts to commends the persevering faith and these two methods would satisfy the determine if a man’s views are in accord with the constitution, not the man labor of father and brother TE Bill present need for a plurality of elders himself, not the General Assembly, except in cases of judicial process,” Marshall, serving Grace Covenant at Grace Covenant.)” This substitute and Presbyterian Fellowship for the past motion failed, 4-20. Also failing was a Whereas, the Bible, in Genesis 1, Exodus 20:11, and Exodus 31:17 11 years, during which time he also motion to replace the italicized of #5 with teaches that God created the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is held a full-time position outside the the Committee’s motion. in them in six days,and mission’s ministry and endured Finally, the main motion carried. Whereas, our doctrinal standards (WCF 4, LC 15, and SC 9) affirm significant personal trials. The effect of this was to close the that it pleased God, by the word of his power, to create the world and all Notwithstanding this commendation, mission work. things in the space of six days, and all very good. ECP recognizes that, after more than The Rev. Ron Gray’s existing Therefore, Be It Resolved, with charity toward all members and with a decade, the mission lacks the fruit powers of evangelist were renewed for fidelity to the original authors of our confessional standards, our of Biblical leadership (i.e. a plurality a period of six months, during which time understanding is that, unless evidence to the contrary is found, the of elders) that God ordinarily he is to meet monthly with the Rev. Dr. Westminster Standards’ phrase “in the space of six days” means that the produces even in difficult harvest David Bowen to receive training in six days of creation were days of normal duration with evening and morning. fields (Titus 1:5, 12-13). Further, the areas of church planting about which Accordingly, for the peace of the church, any future candidates who differ geographic dispersion of the the MNA Committee has concerns. A with this original meaning should declare an exception to the Confession, mission’s members minimizes the motion to change the six months to unless documentation that the Westminster Assembly meant otherwise is likelihood that any particular twelve months failed. firmly established. community can foreseeably be The Rev. Fred Hofland was given reached and served effectively by this full powers of evangelist for the coming The wording of this resolution parallels similar ones passed in Calvary work. Therefore it is M/S that TE twelve months; and the Rev. Randy and Mississippi Valley Presbyteries. Those two presbyteries had also overtured Marshall’s powers of evangelist (BCO Jenkins was given the power to receive the 2001 General Assembly to adopt the same position, but last year’s General 8-6) not be renewed; that TE Marshall’s and dismiss members for the next twelve Assembly declined to do so. Rather, as noted in the Central Carolina resolution, call to serve Grace Covenant mission months. the Assembly referred the matter of Constitutional interpretation to the lower church be rescinded as of 60 days (BCO The Presbytery amended its Manual courts. 13-1) from the coming Lord’s Day; and of Operation to establish a permanent P&R News ² January-March 2002 21 Reformed University Ministries It was moved and passed that the Covenant College; and Dr. James Committee continues to work on Committee. General Assembly Mission to North McGoldrick reported on Greenville developing Reformed University The court denied the complaint of America Committee be requested to Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Ministries within the bounds of the the Rev. Bill Marshall against the action release the $61,000 bequest for the The Committee on Shepherding gave Presbytery. Proposals and Input from of Presbytery in response to the Christian education of Cherokee Indians a “Proposal for Presbytery Care the churches are welcome. complaint of Ruling Elder Keith from the PCA Foundation to North Groups,” which was adopted. Presbytery approved two overtures Williams. Mr. Marshall’s complaint Texas Presbytery for administration by The Mission to the World Committee presented by four teaching elders (Mark alleged the impropriety of the Presbytery its Christian Education Committee. has defined its purposes as the following: Dalbey, Brian Kinney, Charles Scott having reversed its judgment in the Messrs. John Allgaier and Shaynor (1) To be an advocate for Presbytery Parsons, and Petros Roukas) with appeal of Dr. Neil Jeansonne, and doing Newsome were received under care as missionaries; (2) To be a resource for regard to amending the Book of Church so by allowing Mr. Williams and other ministerial candidates, and their Presbytery churches. The Rev. Scott Order. The first overture seeks to members of the trial court to present internship plans were approved. Brown reported on Presbytery amend BCO 21-4 in terms of theological oral testimony with no opportunity for Pete Hatton led Presbytery in a missionaries. The Rev. David Wegener subscription, and the second would rebuttal. “Cheer” plagiarized from the Nittany reported on his plans for serving in amend BCO 34-1 in order to increase Lions before presenting the resolution Zambia with the denominational MTW the number of presbyteries necessary of the Thanks Committee. Committee. All churches are requested to petition General Assembly for original North Texas to complete previously-sent Missions jurisdiction. (All four ministers have ties questionnaires and return them to the to Covenant Theological Seminary, three The sixty-eighth stated meeting of Ohio Valley committee. as graduates and one as an employee.) North Texas Presbytery was held on Presbytery dissolved the call of the The Rev. Dan Clay requested that his October 26-27, 2001, at New Covenant The newly-formed Ohio Valley Rev. Mike Hoppe to Crossroads negative vote be recorded on the motion Presbyterian Church, Dallas, Texas. Presbytery held its Winter Stated Community Church, Fishers, Indiana, to adopt the first of these overtures. The Moderator, David Sherwood, called Meeting at South Dayton Presbyterian and approved him to be six-month [Complaints were later lodged by the the meeting to order and presided. Host Church, Dayton, Ohio, on January 11- interim pastor at River Oaks Session of his church against the pastor Jeff Weir preached from I 12, 2002. The Moderator, Dan Clay, Presbyterian Church, Greenwood, adoption of these motions; see story on Corinthians 9:12-33 and administered the called the meeting to order, and yielded Indiana. page 5.—Ed.] Lord’s Supper. to the Rev. David McKay who gave a The Presbytery voted to grant Rev. Also approved was an overture Reports were heard from several devotional based on Isaiah 42:1-7. Mr. Roger Williams access to Eastside funds presented by the Rev. Dr. Dave Dively, of the churches and ministries of the McKay was elected Moderator for in the 2002 MNA budget for Presbytery’s Stated Clerk, which would Presbytery, with prayer being offered 2002. development of a mission work on the also amend BCO 21-4 in order to require after each report. The report of the Commission to east side of Indianapolis, with oversight a presbytery to determine whether an The Presbytery approved its budget ordain and install Marc Champagne as from the Session of Christ Community ordinand may teach or practice any for 2002. Assistant Pastor at North Cincinnati Church, Carmel, Indiana. exception he has to the Confessional Reports from the Commissions to Community Church, Cincinnati, Ohio, A six-man commission was elected standards. Ordain/Install Jeffrey Mays at Christ was approved and admitted to record, in order to examine ruling elder Per a request from the Rev. Tim Community Church in Mesquite, Texas, as was the report of the Commission to candidates at Redeemer Presbyterian Bayly, a committee was appointed to and Tom Browning at Arlington (Tex.) organize Crossroad Community Church, Church, Indianapolis, Indiana, and to discuss with his unaffiliated Presbyterian Church were received and Fishers, Indiana. particularize the church. congregation’s relationship with Ohio found in order. Presbytery granted to Rev. Michael The Mission to North America Valley Presbytery. Mrs. Debbie Kanavel and Miss Pahls a one-year extension of his Dawn Brady were allowed to address permission to labor out of bounds. the court on their mission efforts in The Stated Clerk was directed to Tennessee Pastor Bears Lonely Witness for Senegal and Ukraine, respectively. inform Cincinnati Presbytery of the Four church planters gave oral PC(USA) that Brian Carpenter is in the Privilege to Worship on Race Weekend reports, and reports from the Southwest process of transferring his credentials Since the 1960s, when the Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway was built, its neighbors have had Church Planting Network and to the PCA. to contend with inconvenience on race weekends. Over the years, expansion of the stands at Reformed University Ministries were Mr. John McKenzie was taken what is the fastest half-mile track in the country has brought 150,000 fans to the racetrack, and has received as information. under care as a candidate. By a three- caused serious disruptions in the lives of the residents. Indeed, when the Food City 500 is held The President of the Pres-WIC fourths vote, the Presbytery waived the each year, it occurs on Sunday, and the resultant traffic patterns have forced half a dozen churches organization reported on the Women in in the immediate vicinity to call off services, since their parishioners cannot get to church. requirement that he be a member of a Most of the affected congregations have adjusted by deciding to forego worship that day the Church activities. PCA church, and to recognize his and, instead, to reach out evangelistically. However, the one Reformed church in the vicinity has There was a $15,431 surplus from membership in an independent church. decided that it wants no part of countenancing Sabbath desecration. the General Assembly 2001 Committee, Presbytery heard reports on three Bellemont Presbyterian Church, an unaffiliated congregation founded in the 1950s by which was distributed as follows: educational institutions from three of its Presbyterian evangelist Dan Graham, has decided not to compromise its Christian testimony by Women in the Church, $2,431; members. Mark Dalbey reported on participating in the racing activities. Presbytery General Fund, $10,000; Covenant Theological Seminary; Ruling Pastor of the Bellemont Church is the Rev. Trevor Downie, who is currently serving as Administrative Committee, $3,000. Elder Mark Harris reported on Moderator of Westminster Presbytery (PCA). His advocacy for keeping God’s Law gave him opportunity to bear what was a lonely witness for the sanctity of the Lord’s Day. An article in the March 17, 2002, edition of the Bristol [Va.] Herald-Courier, highlighted the contrast between Mr. Downie’s principled position, and the position of other ministers, such as those from Avoca Christian Church and Volunteer Baptist Church. The latter see the Winston Cup race as an opportunity to make money by essentially renting their parking lots as well as an occasion to witness rather than attending divine worship. In the article, entitled “‘What would Jesus do if 150,000 people came within a mile of his church?’”, staff writer Nick Adams reported: “But one church’s opportunity is another’s violation of God’s fourth commandment—to keep the Sabbath holy. “‘We don’t participate in anything having to do with the race,’ said Trevor Downie, pastor of Bellemont Presbyterian Church, which is less than a mile from the track. ‘Racing on the Sabbath breaks the fourth commandment, and we don’t want to support it in any way.’ “The heavy traffic prevents the congregation from worshiping at Bellemont on Sunday, he said, so he encourages his members to attend other churches that week. “‘We don’t even allow people to park at the church,’ Downie said. ‘I know other churches think differently, but we disagree.’” In an interview with P&R News, Mr. Downie related that the church perennially has had to deal with vandalism as well as clean up beer bottles after the big race. He laments the fact that none of the other churches in the area will join with Bellemont in protest of the Sabbath desecration— a desecration which results in the church having to close down on race weekend. This is Mr. Downie’s second spring at the independent congregation. Both times, he has been forced to go out of town, rather than to be able to engage in worship with his church. Like a prophet of old, Trevor Downie’s stance for the fourth commandment is a lonely one, indeed, pitting him against fellow ministers as well as the opinion of the world, and forcing him to be separated from his flock. But he is also in company with Presbyterian and other pastors, both down through the ages and in today’s time, whose pleasure is to call the Sabbath a delight. (Paid Advertising) 22 P&R News ² January-March 2002

discussions for each overture. The Ferguson (Texas A&M), Derick question was called, and the substitute McDonald (University of Texas Westminster South Texas motion failed. The question was called, international students), and Bill Boyd and the original motion passed. The (University of Texas). The Rev. Leo Bristol, Tennessee (January 12, The sixty eighth meeting of the Rev. Jerry Maguire rose to a point of Schuster exclaimed, “Hook em Horns!” 2002)—Eastern Heights Presbyterian Presbytery of South Texas met at personal privilege concerning limiting Miss Dawn Brady was given the Church hosted the 106th stated meeting Westminster Presbyterian Church, debate of issues. privilege of the floor in order to address of Westminster Presbytery. The Rev. Bryan, Texas, on January 25-26, 2002. The judicial panel concerning the Al the Presbytery regarding her work with Tom Sullivan, following the regular The Moderator, Ruling Elder Martin Anderson complaint reported that they MTW in Ukraine. The Rev. Keith Presbytery pattern of hearing sermons Wysocki, called the meeting to order, were continuing work on the case. Mr. Kanaval reported on his activities with on the various chapters of the opened with prayer, and read Scripture. Wysocki is chair of that panel. MTW and his planned return to Senegal. Westminster Confession of Faith in The following commission minutes The judicial case of T. J. O’Roarke Ruling Elder Alex Villasana reported on successive order, preached on the were approved: to install Don Robertson was returned to the Session of the works in Tampico, Mexico. doctrine of baptism (Chapter XXVIII). as Senior Pastor of Faith Community Covenant Church, Harlingen, at the Mr. Matt Boulter, who is being Host pastor Rick Light and the Eastern Church, Pearland, Texas; to install Jerry October meeting of Presbytery. The called as an assistant pastor by Heights Session administered the Lord’s Maguire as Senior Pastor of Covenant Rev. Timothy Hold visited with Mr. Redeemer Presbyterian Church, Austin, Supper. Presbyterian Church, Harlingen, Texas; O’Roarke and the Harlingen Session Texas, was examined and approved for The Rev. Trevor Downie was and to install Whitney Anderson as and explained the case. ordination. elected Moderator by acclamation. Associate Pastor of CrossPointe PRES WIC President Helen The Rev. Mr. Tom Gibbs of North The court approved the minutes of Church, Austin, Texas. Ferguson was given the privilege of the Texas Presbytery was examined and the installation commission of the Rev. The Presbytery approved its 2002 floor for the purpose of addressing the received for reception. He is planting a Jeff Black as Associate Pastor of Trinity budget. It was moved and carried to floor. She reported on activities of church in San Antonio, Texas. Presbyterian Church, Tazewell, Virginia. designate a $10,000 gift from the Irvin PRES WIC and expressed thanks to the The court approved a change in the Mr. Black has the responsibility of May estate to the Irvin M. May Presbytery for support and leadership. call of the Rev. Clay Holland from ministering to Providence Presbyterian Scholarship Fund. Activities include the annual October Assistant Pastor to Associate Pastor of Church, the mission work in Wytheville, A motion was made to receive the conference, the pastors’ wives Christ the King Presbyterian Church in Virginia. overture from the Session of Christ the appreciation luncheon, and various Houston. The Rev. Bill Leuzinger proposed King Presbyterian Church, Houston, planning meetings. Mrs. Gladys Hare The Rev. Dr. Edmund Clowney was an amendment to Presbytery’s Manual, Texas, and docket it for vote via ballot is slated to be installed as the next granted honorably retired status. Dr. which would add the following phrase: by the delegates of this presbytery by President in February 2002. Clowney addressed the Presbytery, and “At all times the Word of God is to be April 1, to the stated clerk by mail or The Presbytery heard reports from Mr. Schuster offered thanks to God for the supreme authority in all meetings of fax. A substitute motion was made to two church planters, the Rev. Tom Gibbs Dr. Clowney’s time in South Texas this Presbytery.” The matter was docket it as new business tomorrow. and the Rev. William McCrocklin. Four Presbytery and his return to southern referred to the Overtures and Judicial The question was called, and the church groups—two in Laredo, and one California. Business (O&JB) Committee. substitute motion to docket the overtures each in Victoria and McAllen, hope to Mr. Hoke publicly thanked Dr. Mr. Leuzinger introduced the Rev. tomorrow under new business failed. A particularize within the year. Clowney for his ministry. The Gloria Henry Johnson, another member of the substitute motion was made to docket RUF reports were received from Patri was sung. Committee on Ramifications of the overtures now with 20 minute Pat Roach (Rice University), John Withdrawal, who presented the

(Paid Advertising) P&R News ² January-March 2002 23 Committee’s recommendation that the approved on a first reading. New Pastor Installed action to withdraw from the The court also adopted a response denomination be rescinded. The motion to Mr. Downie’s dissent to the action of at First Church, Chattanooga carried. [See story in this issue, Presbytery to withdraw from the PCA. “Westminster Presbytery Will Stay: The Presbytery received as The Rev. Dr. Michael A. Milton was the charge to the congregation; and Dr. Court Overwhelmingly Reverses Its information the evaluation of the O&JB installed as Senior Pastor of First Haden, who gave the charge to the Vote to Withdraw.”—Ed.] Committee concerning the Standing Presbyterian Church, Chattanooga, minister. The sermon was preached by The Presbytery gave the Rev. Curtis Judicial Commission (SJC) proposal with Tennessee, in a service conducted by the Rev. Robert E. Baxter, who, when Stapleton, campus minister at East regard to handling Memorials. The Tennessee Valley Presbytery on Sunday he was Senior Pastor of Olathe (Kan.) Tennessee State University, a 5% Committee recommends opposition to evening, February 10, 2002. Dr. Milton Presbyterian Church, discipled the increase in salary, and amended the 2002 the proposed amendment to the SJC succeeds the Rev. Dr. Ben Haden, who Miltons. budget accordingly. Manual. was Senior Pastor from 1967 until 1999. Dr. Milton becomes the twelth The Rev. Ben Konopa, Chairman The Rev. Bill Lamkin of North Pastor Milton was ordained in 1993 pastor of First Church, Chattanooga, of the Greene County Commission, Florida Presbytery had sent a copy of a by Heartland Presbytery, and was since its founding in 1840. The latest presented its report, which was letter he had written to the Editor and Organizing Pastor and Senior Pastor of denominational statistics reveal that the approved. The Rev. Richard Hicks, Editor-in-Chief of Presbyterian Redeemer Presbyterian Church, downtown congregation at the end of Chairman of the Meadow Creek International News Service, calling upon Overland Park, Kansas. He comes to 2000 had 2,703 members. Shepherding Commission, presented its them to repent with regard to their the venerable Chattanooga church after report. The court acknowledged that it coverage of the controversy concerning having served as Organizing Pastor and had erred at the October stated meeting, Covenant Theological Seminary and a Senior Pastor of Kirk O’ the Isles “when it both passed a motion to dissolve woman allegedly preaching on campus Presbyterian Church, Savannah, this Commission and gave that last spring. The Editor had responded Georgia. Prior to his pastorate in Commission more work to do. to Mr. Lamkin, and had also sent a copy Savannah, he had been an administrator Presbytery apologizes for this error and of his reply to Westminster Presbytery. at his alma mater, Knox Theological declares that it declares its desire that The court voted to inform Mr. Lamkin Seminary, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. the Commission today continue its that the Editor is a member in good Dr. Milton received his Ph.D. from work.” standing in Westminster Presbytery, and the University of Wales in 1997. His The court voted that the Rev. Jim that if he desires to bring charges against BA degree is from Mid-America Thornton’s response to Mr. Hicks and the Editor, he should do so according to Nazarene College. the Rev. Dr. Steve Meyerhoff “be found the provisions of the Book of Church Besides having written numerous satisfactory and that Presbytery not Order. Since the Editor-in-Chief is a articles, he also authored a book entitled, place charges against him.” It was also member of the Coeburn (Va.) A Career to Follow a Call: A approved to require Mr. Thornton to Presbyterian Church, the court Vocational Guide to the Ordained enter into a period of six months’ forwarded copies of the correspondence Ministry. counseling with Dr. Meyerhoff and Mr. to the Coeburn Session. Among those participating in the Sullivan and that they report to Presbytery appointed the installation service were the Rev. Dr. Presbytery at the end of that period. Shepherding Committee as a L. Roy Taylor, Stated Clerk of the The Presbytery dismissed the Meadow General Assembly of the Presbyterian commission, to handle all matters Dr. Michael Milton Creek Commission with thanks, relating to the resignation of the Rev. Church in America (PCA), who gave effective today. The court also Raymond Colgrove as Pastor of expressed appreciation to Mr. Hicks for Providence Presbyterian Church, Quotes from the Quorums his service as prosecutor for Presbytery Limestone, Tennessee. Mr. Colgrove and that he be relieved of his duties as has accepted a call to his native town The following was heard on the floor of Westminster Presbytery at its January prosecutor. of Boligee, Alabama. 2002 stated meeting: Presbytery approved overtures to Dr. Roger Schultz, who had allowed General Assembly with regard to the his licensure to elapse, was examined “I was unable to be present, and they elected me Chairman.”—Trevor Downie, PCA Foundation and with regard to for licensure. He passed. speaking of the Christian Education Committee meeting. proposing a new method for handling It was reported that Ruling Elder judicial matters at the General Assembly Phil Proctor of the Brainerd Hills Late in the meeting: “Examinations Committee—please don’t tell me you have level. [See stories on pages 6 and 7.— Presbyterian Church, Chattanooga, a lot of examinations.”—Moderator Trevor Downie. “It’s not our fault.”— Ed.] The Presbytery did defeat a Tennessee, had been approved as pulpit Chairman Ross Lindley. recommendation from its O&JB supply at the Meadow Creek Committee, that the Presbytery send a Presbyterian Church, Greeneville, “Under Christian experience, Roger, do you pay your taxes?”—Ross Lindley. letter regarding the PCA Foundation Tennessee. He is a student at “I have to.”—Roger Schultz. “I move that that portion of the exam be matter to all the churches of the PCA. Greenville (S. C.) Presbyterian approved.”—Ross Lindley. The Presbytery approved the Theological Seminary. It was moved, O&JB recommendation that the seconded, and carried to approve him “I’m glad I’m not in a PC(USA) presbytery any longer. They would’ve been Presbytery’s Mission to the World and to preach at Meadow Creek and have having us do exercises in the pews. On more than one occasion it actually Mission to North America Committees a called meeting to examine him in the happened.”—Moderator Trevor Downie, after a one-minute break. be combined into a Missions Committee. near future. This proposal to amend the Manual was

DESERT SPRINGS PRESBYTERIAN FLORIDA SOUTH LIBERTY PRESBYTERIAN SUPPORTERS CHURCH GRACE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CHURCH 1555 W. Overton Road/Tucson 1875 N. W. Britt Road/Stuart Sharon Barnett Road/Sharon S.S., 9:20 AM; Worship, 10:30 AM S.S., 9:30AM; S.S., 10:00 AM; ALABAMA (520)742-8990 Worship, 11:00AM/6:00PM Worship, 11:00 AM (1st/5th Sun.) EBENEZER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CALIFORNIA (561) 692-1995 (706)456-2377 2478 Hobbs Island Road/Huntsville GRACE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH† SHARON ORTHODOX PRESBYTERIAN CHEROKEE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM Meeting at Costa Mesa 7th Day Adventist CHURCH † 5549 Hwy. 92E/Woodstock Bible Study, Wednesday, 7:00 PM Church, 271 Avocado St./Costa Mesa 17680 NW 78 Avenue/Hialeah S.S., 9:35 AM; Worship, 8:00/10:45 AM Fellowship Supper, 2nd Wednesday, 6:30 S.S., 11:30AM; Worship, 9:30AM S.S. 11:20; Worship 10:00 AM/5:00 PM (770)928-2051 PM (714) 526-3153 (305) 821-5761 LOUISIANA (205)883-7298 CONNECTICUT TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH† AUBURN AVENUE PRESBYTERIAN TALUCAH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF COVENTRY 44 Southview Avenue/Valparaiso CHURCH 2374 Talucah Road/Valhermoso Springs 55 Trowbridge Road/Coventry S.S., 9:15 AM/Worship, 10:30 AM 224 Auburn Avenue/Monroe S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 10:45 AM S.S., 10:45 AM; Worship, 9:30 AM/6:30 PM Third Sunday Service and Supper, 6:00 PM S.S., 9:15 AM (205)778-8288 (860)742-7222 (850) 678-0060 Worship, 10:30 AM/6:00 PM ARIZONA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF GEORGIA (318)323-3061 CALVIN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (OPC)† MANCHESTER FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BETHEL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 4150 Acoma Road/Phoenix 43 Spruce Street/Manchester One Harker Road/Ft. Oglethorpe 2040 East McNeese Street/Lake Charles S.S., 9:15AM;Worship, 10:30AM/6PM S.S., 9:15 AM; Worship, 10:30 AM S.S 10:00 AM;Worship,11:00 AM/6:00PM S.S., 9:30AM; Worship, 8:15AM/10:45PM Wednesday Bible Study, 7PM (860)643-0906 (706)866-2521 (318) 478-5672 (602) 992-4454 24 P&R News ² January-March 2002

WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN NORTH CAROLINA HILLCREST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH PROVIDENCE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CHURCH DILLINGHAM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Route 19, three miles south of Leesburg/ 3510 Austin Parkway/Sugar Land 146 E. Cherry Street/Opelousas 16 Stoney Fork Road/Barnardsville Volant S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM and 6:00 S.S., 9:30 AM; Worship, 10:45 AM S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship 10:55 AM/6:30 PM (except 1st Sun.) (318)948-9339 (828)626-3668 PM (281)980-2522 MARYLAND COUNTRYSIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (724)533-4315 VIRGINIA CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 127 Ponderosa Road/Cameron SOUTH CAROLINA COEBURN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Elkton High School/Elkton S.S., 9:30 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM REEDY RIVER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 220 Second Street SW/Coeburn S.S., 11:15 AM; Worship, 9:15 AM (919)499-2362 46 Main Street/Connestee S.S., 9:45AM; Worship, 11:00AM/6:30PM (410)398-3192 WHITESIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00AM/6:30PM Wednesday Prayer Meeting, 7:00PM CHRIST REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN Highway 74/Cashiers (864) 277-5455 (276)395-2866 CHURCH S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM GRACE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH NEW HOPE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Diplomat Building, 13992 Baltimore Wednesday, 7:00 PM Prayer Meeting 1955 Riverside Drive/Conway Fairfax Fire Station #3 (Williams Avenue, Suite 300/Laurel (828)743-2122 S.S., 9:30 AM/Worship, 10:45 AM Memorial Hall), S.S., 9:30AM; Worship 10:30AM/ WHITE OAK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (843)347-5550 4081 University Blvd./Fairfax 6:00PM 699 Polly Watson Road/Fremont FAITH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH S.S., 11:15 AM (301) 498-3700 S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM 1800 Third Loop Road/Florence Worship, 9:30 AM/5:30 PM MINNESOTA (919)284-4196 S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship 11:00 AM/6:00 PM (703)385-9056 GOOD SHEPHERD PRESBYTERIAN HAZELWOOD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (843)665-9235 CALVARY REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 117 E. Main Street/Hazelwood BEECH STREET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 15321 Wayzata Blvd./ Minnetonka S.S., 9:30 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:15 PM CHURCH 403 Whealton Road/Hampton S.S., 11:15 AM; Worship, 9:30 AM Wednesday, 7:00 PM 1403 Beech Street/Gaffney S.S. 10:00AM; Worship: 8:30 AM/11:00 AM Sunday Evening Bible Study, 6:00 PM (828)456-3912 S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 Evening Gathering: 6:00 PM (952) 835-6358 SHEARER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH PM (757)826-5942 MISSISSIPPI 684 Presbyterian Road/Mooresville (864)489-2014 WEST END PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH MCDONALD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/5:00 PM CALVARY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1600 Atlantic Street/Hopewell 295 E. Williamsburg Road/Collins Wednesday, 7:00 PM 9201 Old White Horse Road/Greenville S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 10:50 AM/6:00 PM S.S., 10:00AM; Worship, 11:00AM/ (704)892-8866 S.S. 10:00 AM; Worship 11:00 AM/6:00 PM Wednesday Prayer Meeting, 7:00 PM 6:00PM NEW COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN Wednesday Prayer Meeting 7:00 PM (804)458-6765 Wednesday prayer meeting, 7:00PM CHURCH (864)294-0895 KNOX REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN (601)765-6437 10301 Old Creedmoor Road/Raleigh SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CHURCH FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH S.S., 11:00AM; Worship, 9:30AM/6:00PM 105 River Street/Greenville 4883 Southard Lane/Mechanicsville East Beach Blvd. at 24th Ave./Gulfport (919) 844-0551 S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM S.S., 9:30 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM S.S., 9:30 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 TRINITY REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN Wednesday, 5:45 PM Sunday Evening, 6:00 PM PM CHURCH (864)232-7621 (804)779-7608 Wed., Family Dinner (6:00)/Bible Study 3701 South College Road/Wilmington FELLOWSHIP PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IMMANUEL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (6:30) Worship 10:30 AM 1105 Old Spartanburg Road/Greer 4700 Colley Avenue/Norfolk (228)863-2664 (910)395-1252 S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 Worship, 10:30AM/6:30PM ST. PAUL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH NOVA SCOTIA PM Wed. Christian Education Classes, 7:00PM 5125 Robinson Road/Jackson BEDFORD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Wednesday, 6:30 PM Sat. Prayer Meeting, 7:00PM S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship,10:55 AM/6:00 49 Nelson’s Landing Blvd./Bedford (864)877-3267 (757) 440-1100 PM S.S., 11:30 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/7:00 PM TENNESSEE TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (601)372-7497 (902)864-1587 BRAINERD HILLS PRESSBYTERIAN 108 Hill Street/Tazewell COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OHIO CHURCH S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00/7:00 PM 625 N. Church Ave./Louisville FAITH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 6388 East Brainerd Road/Chattanooga (540)988-9541 Worship 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM 2540 S. Main Street/Akron S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 10:45AM/ WASHINGTON 2nd Sunday, Fellowship Meal, 12:15 PM, S.S., 9:30 AM 6:30PM WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN Evening Studies at 1:00 PM. Worship, 10:45 AM/6:00 PM (423) 892-5308 CHURCH Wed Supper 6:00 PM; Prayer Mtg, 6:30 Wednesday, 7:00 PM MIDWAY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 2700 Andresen Road/Vancouver PM (330)644-9654 4011 Old Jonesborough Road/ Worship, 10:00 AM (601)773-5282 CHRIST COVENANT REFORMED (PCA) Jonesborough Sunday Bible Study, 6:30 PM PEARL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 14787 Palmer Road SW/Reynoldsburg S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship 11:00 AM/7:00 PM (360)254-1726 2933 Old Brandon Road/Pearl Psalter Service, 9:30 AM/Worship, 10:45 (423) 753-941 WEST VIRGINIA S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 AM BRIDWELL HEIGHTS PRESBYTERIAN PROVIDENCE REFORMED PM Thurs. Bible Study, 7 PM CHURCH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (601)939-1064 (740)964-0889 108 Bridwell Heights Drive/Kingsport 5865 Davis Creek Road/Barboursville TCHULA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OKLAHOMA S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM S.S. 11:30; Worship 10:00 AM/6:00 PM 109 E. Main Street/Tchula BEAL HEIGHTS PRESBYTERIAN (423)288-3664 (304)736-0487 S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/5:00 CHURCH FELLOWSHIP PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH WISCONSIN PM 614 SW Park/Lawton Highway 25/70/Newport CALVARY ORTHODOX PRESBYTERIAN Wednesday Prayer Meeting, 7:30 PM Worship, 10:45 AM and 6:00 PM S.S., 9:30 AM/Worship, 11:00 AM/7:00 PM CHURCH† (601)924-7334 (580)355-4702 Wednesday Prayer Meeting, 6:00 PM 136 West Union Avenue/Cedar Grove FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH PENNSYLVANIA (423) 623-8652 S.S., 10:30 AM; Worship 9:00 AM/7:00 PM 600 Main Street/Woodville NEW LIFE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN (920)668-6463 S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP CHURCH REFORMATION PRESBYTERIAN Wed. Prayer Mtg. (Oct.-May), 6:00 PM 2795 Patterson Drive/Aliquippa 900 Watauga Street/Kingsport CHURCH† (601) 888-4837 S.S., 9:30AM; Worship, 11:00AM S.S., 10:00 AM Aurora Medical Center, I-94 at Highway SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (724) 378-4389 Worship, 11:00 AM/7:00 PM 164/Waukesha 1926 Grand Avenue at 20th/Yazoo City LEHIGH VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN (423)247-7341 Bible Study, 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/ CHURCH TEXAS Wednesday Prayer Service, 7:00 PM 5:00PM 31 S. 13th Street/Allentown COLLEYVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (262)246-2421 Wednesday, 7:30 PM S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship. 11:00 AM/6:00 PM 715 Cheek Sparger Road/Colleyville LAKESIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (601)746-8852 (610)797-8320 S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM Seventh Day Adventist Church, 21380 W. NEW JERSEY FAITH REFORMED CHURCH (817)498-2626 Cleveland Ave./New Berlin LOCKTOWN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 2953 Saltsman Road/Erie COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH S.S., 10:45 AM: Worship, 9:30 AM 197 Locktown-Flemington Road/ S.S., 9:45 AM/Worship, 11:00 AM 2701 N. 7th Street/Harlingen (262)968-6769 Flemington (814)899-3037 S.S., 9:30 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM S.S., 10:30 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Midweek service, 7:00 PM Wednesday GRIEVING WITH HOPE (908)996-7707 515 West County Line Road/Hatboro (956)425-3136 The Rev. James Alexander MOUNT CARMEL CHURCH† S.S., 9:45 AM (Sum., 9:00); Worship, 11:00 COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH PO Box 7100 350 Franklin Blvd./Somerset AM (Sum., 10:00) SDA Church, 1209 S. John Redditt Rd./ Florence, SC 29502-7100 S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 (215)675-9688 Lufkin (843)664-9759 PM ROCKY SPRINGS PRESBYTERIAN S.S., 9:30 AM; Worship, 10:45 AM/5:30 PM Website: www.griefwithhope.com (732)846-8777 CHURCH (409)637-6043 Email: [email protected] NEW YORK 123 Rocky Springs Road/Harrisville CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH We are pleased tohave congregations and AFFIRMATION PRESBYTERIAN S.S., 10:00 AM 1620 E. Common Street/New Braunfels organizations join us as cosponsors of this CHURCH venture. If you would like to become a sponsor, Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM S.S., 9:30 AM; Worship, 10:45 AM just let us know: PINS Financial Office, P. O. Routes 100 and 139/Somers (724)735-2743 (830)629-0405 Box 60, Coeburn, VA 24230. Checks should be S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM made payable to Presbyterian International (914)232-0546 News Service. † Indicates a non-PCA church.