P&R News ² March 1999 Recording the Presbyterian & Story of the Presbyterian Reformed News Church in America $2.75 per issue/$15.00 per year

Volume 6 Number 2 Published by Presbyterian International News Service, Inc., Lawrenceville, Georgia March-April 2000 SJC RULES JOHN WOOD CASE ‘OUT OF ORDER’ FULL COMMISSION CHANGES OFFICERS’ ‘STATEMENT OF FACTS’ AS WELL AS BASIS FOR RULING At its March stated meeting, the full Standing Judicial Commission (SJC) of the Presbyterian Church in America Commission (SJC) of the Presbyterian Church in America ruled the case against John Wood out of order. In a letter (PCA) ruled administratively out of order the judicial case dated November 29, 1999, this judgment was communicated regarding John Wood. The vote was 17 in favor, 3 opposed, to three of the four presbyteries which have filed charges 3 recused, and 1 absent. against the Knoxville pastor. In making its ruling, the full Commission agreed with The officers found that the case was administratively in the SJC officers that the case was “out of order,” but order, in that it had been timely filed. However, they also disagreed as to why. The officers had said that the case was determined that it was judicially out of order, and cited two judicially out of order. The full Commission said that it was points in doing so. administratively out of order. Furthermore, the full First, they stated that the Session is responsible for the Commission also changed a key finding in the officers’ conduct of worship (Book of Church Order, 12-5e), and “Statement of Facts.” they reason from that that any charges with regard to a In making its ruling, the SJC gave two reasons why the woman preaching from the pulpit of Cedar Springs “matter” was out of order. First, “The Session has jurisdiction Presbyterian Church should be directed against the Session. over worship in the local church.” From that statement it is Secondly, they declared that Tennessee Valley Presbytery inferred that only the Session, presumably corporately, may did not refuse to act, in that at its October 1999 stated be charged with a matter flowing from its jurisdiction. Second, meeting, that court vindicated the Session of Cedar Springs. “The Presbytery did not refuse to act.” The reasoning here In making their determination, the SJC officers gave a is that the vindication by Tennessee Valley Presbytery (TVP), Statement of Facts. At least several of the alleged facts which was taken in October (three months after three appeared to be erroneous. presbyteries had in essence brought the matter to the General For example, it was stated that at its Spring 1999 meeting, Assembly), constituted action. [This vindication came apart the Tennessee Valley Presbytery (TVP), “having been from a judicial trial or a judicial investigation.—Ed.] advised about Western Carolina Presbytery’s concern, The case had been brought by three presbyteries, appointed a committee to investigate this matter.” There is Western Carolina, Calvary, and Ascension, asking that the no indication in the minutes of the Presbytery that a General Assembly assume original jurisdiction over the committee was appointed at the Spring 1999 meeting. minister from Tennessee Valley Presbytery, when that court The SJC officers further alleged: “There was further allegedly refused to act in the matter. The charges revolve discussion on this matter at TVP’s Summer 1999 stated around Mr. Wood’s allegedly having invited a woman to fill meeting.” However, the discussion that had been scheduled the pulpit at his church on two occasions in August 1998. for and was conducted at the Summer 1999 meeting was According to at least two of the presbyteries which brought completely informal, and was on the theoretical question as the charges, Mr. Wood’s views, which favor female to the propriety of women teaching in public worship. The preaching, were also involved. “matter” of the allegations with regard to Cedar Springs was According to the SJC ruling, the matter began when not on the agenda. Western Carolina Presbytery, at its March 1999 meeting, Thirdly, the SJC officers stated: “There is no record of “asked Tennessee Valley Presbytery (TVP) to investigate TVP formally responding to Western Carolina Presbytery allegations that ‘Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church, until August 3, 1999 by a letter from TVP’s Stated Clerk.” Knoxville, Tennessee, has had women preachers to fill its However, in point of fact, TVP did not adopt a motion, pulpits.’” The ruling maintains that TVP discussed the matter SJC officers Robert Ferguson and John White also serve as introduced at the Summer meeting, that would have formally at its April 1999 stated meeting, and again at its July 1999 General Assembly parliamentarians. Here they are pictured communicated with Western Carolina Presbytery. stated meeting. consulting Roberts Rules of Order. Fourthly, the SJC officers maintained: “At its Fall stated Shortly thereafter, Western Carolina, Calvary, and meeting (October 12, 1999), TVP heard the report of its Ascension petitioned the Assembly to take original Presbyterian Church “to allow a woman on staff, under their investigative committee. . . .” However, there is no record of jurisdiction in the matter, and try the case. Western Carolina’s authority and guidance, to speak from the pulpit on two Tennessee Valley Presbytery having appointed an and Calvary’s petition had two specific charges. The first is Sunday evenings, to explain her biblical approach to investigative committee. that Mr. Wood “has violated the Biblical teaching of worship Christian Education.” Normally, the SJC officers would have no ability to as understood by the Presbyterian Church in America, which At that October 12, 1999, meeting of the Presbytery, determine if a case is judicially in order: that responsibility is to be led by men under the Headship of Christ, in having TVP adopted two resolutions. The first was that “the usually falls upon the judicial panel to which the case is a woman fill the pulpit, preach, give instruction and exhort Session of Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church (1) is in committed. However, when the officers decide that the the congregation from the Word of God . . . .” The second is conformity with the standards of the PCA; (2) has not acted importance of the case mandates that the full Commission that he “has violated the clear teaching of the Word of God, in any way injurious to the testimony of Christ or His church; hear it, then the officers must decide that case’s judicial as which says that women are to keep silence in the church, and (3) is in submission to their fellow elders, and are eager well as administrative orderliness. and are not to exercise authority over men (I Cor. 14:34; I to maintain the peace and purity of the church.” The second The three presbyteries to which the communication was Tim. 2:8-15; 4:13), in violation of the Second Commandment resolution was that TVP “openly and plainly declares that it sent—Ascension, Calvary, and Western Carolina—had as interpreted by our Standards . . . .” Ascension Presbytery is not proper for women to preach and teach in the church’s thirty days from the receipt of the notice to put the case in added two additional charges: that Mr. Wood had violated corporate worship.” order, if possible. Ascension and Western Carolina the Fourth Commandment (with regard to profaning the Subsequently, the officers of the Standing Judicial considered the matter at called meetings in December. Sabbath) and the Fifth Commandment (with regard to his ordination vow of “being subject to the brethren in the Lord”). The General Assembly Stated Clerk received these INSIDE THIS ISSUE petitions shortly after they were adopted. The SJC officers did not make a ruling until November, after the October stated Women Preaching and the SJC...... 1-3 Ministering Bread to the Hungry...... 10 meeting of Tennessee Valley Presbytery. New Magazine, New Office Building...... 4 All Aboard the Balsam Valley Railroad...... 11 In the meantime, three teaching elders from TVP, on North Florida ‘Decries’ Newspaper...... 5 Letters & Editorials...... 12-13 their own accord, met with Mr. Wood in order to discuss the Conference on Sufficiency of Scripture...6-7 News from the Presbyteries...... 14-17 matter thoroughly. They presented a report to the October Covenant College Stories...... 5,8 Obituaries...... 18 meeting of Presbytery. According to the SJC, what they discussed was the decision by the Session of Cedar Springs “Open Forum” on Creation...... 9 Church Sponsors...... 18-19 2 P&R News ² March-April 2000

Both of these presbyteries contended The two presbyteries also directed that there is no basis by which the SJC could Constitutional inquiries to the Committee on rule the case out of order. They also stated Constitutional Business, which reviews the FORMAL OBJECTION that the SJC officers reached conclusions minutes of the SJC. In dealing with cases, the Pursuant to SJC Manual Section 21.2, the the Church, to assume original jurisdiction, based on alleged “facts,” when there could CCB can, if it finds there has been a violation undersigned, a member of the Standing Judicial i.e., to first receive and initially hear and be no “facts” in that the matter had never of the SJC Manual or the chapter of the Rules Commission, hereby files a written determine the case. Therefore, the case should been tried by a court. The presbyteries for Assembly Operations dealing with the OBJECTION to the handling of the matter have been styled The General Assembly of “respectfully” asked the SJC officers “to SJC, report such violations to the General styled by the Officers of the SJC as Judicial the PCA vs. TE John M. Wood. If in the produce the documentation . . . which will Assembly; and the Assembly may on that Case 99-1, Western Carolina Presbytery, et al. process of hearing and determining the matter, demonstrate either the truth or falsity of their basis overturn the judgment. However, the vs. TE John M. Wood. it had been established that TV Presbytery statements.” SJC has renamed the John Wood case a had not refused to act, the request for action The two presbyteries also noted that “the “matter” rather than a “case.” What effect, if This objection is made is with respect to by the resolutioners might have been properly original filings of the presbyteries all make any, that will have on the provision which two actions of the SJC, which are interrelated dismissed. But no case was properly formed, reference to the allegation of the teaching allows for review of the minutes of the SJC in their substance. They are: 1. The with a proper Record of the Case, etc., nor elder’s having ‘publicly defended the practice remains to be seen. disqualification of attending SJC members could such a case be properly formed by the of women preaching, teaching and exhorting.’” The three dissenters to this SJC ruling from the Western Carolina, Calvary, and Officers acting as a recommending Court. Therefore, “the issue does not turn on whether were Ruling Elders Howard Dunahoe Ascension Presbyteries under section 6.2 of a teaching elder ‘has jurisdiction over worship (Pittsburgh Presbytery) and Robert Miller the SJC Manual, specifically subsection (d): DISQUALIFICATION ISSUE in the local church’ . . . . It also turns on TE (New River Presbytery), and the Rev. John “Being a member of a Court which is a party to The above explains why the members of [Teaching Elder] Wood’s stated views and McArthur (Fellowship Presbytery). Ruling the case.” 2. The ruling of the SJC that the the three resolutioner presbyteries should not whether those are in conformity with the Elder John Van Voorhis (Calvary Presbytery) resolutions of the three presbyteries are not have been disqualified from the debate and Standards of the Church. This clearly rises to strongly resisted the recusal of himself (and in order. voting.SJC Manual 6.2(d) speaks of courts the level of a ‘doctrinal case.’” the other two SJC members who hail from which are “a party to the case.” But there has Also pointed out was the fact that Ascension and Western Carolina THE ROOT PROBLEM not yet been any formal “case” in the sense adoption of an overture does not constitute Presbyteries), as well as the whole procedure The underlying irregularity which lies at which is envisioned here, and the “parties” judicial process, and can be reversed at a future in the matter; and he has filed a formal “written the heart of the SJC’s improper action in this are not those intended by this section, which date. Furthermore, “the overtures adopted objection” which will be included in the SJC case is that the Officers have sought to make is meant to preclude participation by members by [Tennessee Valley Presbytery] do not report made to the General Assembly. themselves a formal level in our Presbyterian of courts which have previously acted with explicitly address all the issues raised by the Eastern Carolina Presbytery, at its system of graded courts. Under our presently respect to the offending action being presbyteries, and they appear to be October 16, 1999, stated meeting adopted a constituted Standing Judicial Commission considered. Here there has been nothing but contradictory (Overture 2 states ‘it is not petition similar to the petition for original system of the Presbyterian Church in America, a request for investigation, and the members proper for women to preach and teach in the jurisdiction from Ascension Presbytery. That our Constitution, Rules of Assembly of the three resolutioner presbyteries should church’s corporate worship’ while Overture 1 Presbytery has been informed that its petition Operation, and SJC Manual provide that cases clearly not have been disqualified from admits that this happened and states that the was not filed in a timely fashion. may be heard and recommended decisions participation. session is in submission).” issued by Judicial Panels of the SJC or cases may be heard and finally decided by the full PEACE AND PURITY PRESBYTERIES OVERTURE TO AMEND SJC. There is no provision that cases may be I further object to the SJC’s action on the formed and heard by the Officers acting as a following less technical grounds. We have third level Court. In this matter the Officers here a situation which I believe all would admit BCO REGARDING WOMEN PREACHING arrogated to themselves powers which the is not directly and clearly dealt with in the SJC Concern over the practice of women God to establish the New Covenant Church for Church has not chosen to give them. Of Manual. But most would also concede, I think, preaching in the Presbyterian Church in America our Lord, were all men (Mt. 10: 1-4)”; that “the course the Officers do have the responsibility that the matter involves a question crucial to (PCA) has prompted two presbyteries to overture Bible forbids women to teach or exercise authority to review preliminary administrative matters the ongoing purity, peace, and unity of our the General Assembly to begin the process of over men (I Tim. 2: 11-15)”; that “God forbids and to make proper recommendations to the denomination. It there were any question as amending the Book of Church Order (BCO) so ordained office to women (I Tim. 3: 2,12; Titus 1: SJC when they feel that preliminary to how this matter should have been handled as explicitly to prohibit the practice. 6)”; and that “the entire Bible teaches the principle requirements have not been met. This does and resolved, it should have been referred In February, both Mississippi Valley and of covenant headship of men over women (I Cor. not confer upon them the power to implicitly back to the GA or to the Committee on Potomac Presbyteries passed overtures to this 11: 3), a principle which is usurped when women or explicitly make rulings as to the Record of Constitutional Business for advice. But even year’s Assembly. However, the overtures seek exhort or instruct men in the church.” Interjected the Case. This is precisely what they have if those alternatives had not been followed, to amend different sections of the BCO. is a reference to the Larger Catechism, Question/ done in establishing their so-called “Summary zeal for love among brothers, openness in The Mississippi Valley proposal seeks to Answer 158, which states: “. . . the Word of God of Facts” in the matter at hand. Their error is considering difficult issues in our modify the Directory for Worship, by changing a is to be preached only by such as are sufficiently brought particularly into focus because the denomination, and desire to maintain our unity phrase in BCO 53-6. The phrase now reads, “No gifted and also duly approved and called to that briefs of the parties make it clear that those in the face of the opposition of the one who person shall be invited to preach in any of the office.” “facts” are in dispute. The fact that the full “seeks whom he may devour” should have churches under our care without the consent of The Mississippi proposal would amend a SJC voted to approve the Officers’ action dictated that the SJC do all in its power to the Session,”; it would be replaced with the section of the Book of Church Order which is cannot transform what was an illegal action of avoid even the appearance of unfair and unjust following language: “Only qualified men with governed by a “Temporary Preface.” When the the Officers ab initio into an approved action suppression of serious issues confronting our the consent of the Session shall be invited to Third General Assembly adopted the Directory of the SJC. Church. No doubt my esteemed brothers were preach/exhort in any of the churches under our for Worship, it did so by adopting a prefatory A further issue perhaps goes even unwitting as to the consequences of their care.” statement, which reads: “The Directory for deeper in analyzing this issue. The Officers action herein. I fear, however, that by this The Potomac proposal seeks instead to Worship is an approved guide and should be styled this matter, improperly, I believe, as action the SJC may have helped to fuel the clarify the duties of a Session by amending BCO taken seriously as the mind of the Church Western Carolina Presbytery, et al. vs. TE John fires of precipitous and unjustified actions on 12-5.d by the addition of the following phrase: agreeable to the Standards. However, it does not M. Wood. In point of fact, this is not a case of the part of some, which actions may tend “to encourage the women of the church to hold have the force of law and is not to be considered the three resolutioners against TE Wood. It is toward division. May God help us to correct meetings and give instruction appropriate to their obligatory in all its parts.” process properly brought under BCO 34-1 to our course in time. calling (e.g. Titus 2:3-5), while prohibiting women In 1980, the Assembly voted to send down request the General Assembly, on behalf of RE John H. Van Voorhis, Member, SJC from expounding or preaching the Word of God to the presbyteries for their ratification Chapters as an ordinance of public worship (cf. BCO 4-4; 56-58 of the Directory for Worship. After 53-2), as this is clearly forbidden in Scripture (1 receiving the requisite two-thirds affirmative vote Tim. 2:11-12);” by the presbyteries, the 1981 Assembly also The overtures from these two large adopted those chapters, thus giving them full presbyteries reflect a widespread concern Constitutional status. 1-888-646-0038 regarding the fact that women have been allowed How to amend a section of the Constitution www.cono.org to fill the pulpit of a prominent PCA church. The that was only originally adopted by a single Potomac overture says that “questions have General Assembly, and was never viewed as fully been raised across the church concerning the Constitutional, will be a matter for the Committee legitimate role of women in the PCA, and whether on Constitutional Business (CCB) to consider. the Constitution of the PCA is sufficiently explicit The CCB could rule that the “Temporary Preface” to guard against unbiblical practices with respect to the Directory means that those chapters that to the ministry of women in our churches.” do not have the force of law are, in essence, in The overture from the Magnolia State is a thesi statements, and therefore could be amended more lengthy document, and presents a by a single Assembly. On the other hand, the theological and Biblical argument. It begins by CCB could decide that, since it is an amendment referring to the Westminster Confession of to the BCO, it would require ratification by two- Faith’s listing of “sound preaching . . .” as an thirds of the presbyteries and by a subsequent element of corporate worship. It next notes that Assembly. Final lap for “God ordained men to be the spiritual leaders of Besides being evaluated by the CCB, both A Christian Boarding Israel (Ex. 18: 17-26)”; that “the priesthood of overtures will go to the Bills & Overtures & Day School homeschoolers Israel was composed only of the sons of Aaron Committee for consideration at this year’s General (Ex. 28: 14)”; that “the Apostles of Jesus, used of Assembly in Tampa.

(Paid Advertisement) P&R News ² March-April 2000 3 LOUISIANA PRESBYTERY SEEKS DISCIPLINE OF TVP Cajun Court Also Asks for Condemning of Judgment in John Wood Case At its April 15, 2000, stated meeting, principle: ‘In the event the lower court does church’s Standards? Assembly (BCO 15-4, “. . . and each Louisiana Presbytery of the Presbyterian nothing [with regard to discipline], by virtue 2. Suppose that the Standing Judicial subsequent Assembly should declare the Church in America (PCA) adopted two of its ecclesiastical authority the higher court Commission was derelict in its duty, whether Standing Judicial Commission as a whole to overtures, both of them dealing with may (a) ignore the failure to act, or (b) counsel, deliberately or because of incompetence. be its commission”), may the current General Tennessee Valley Presbytery (TVP) and the advise, exhort, and urge the lower court to What possible recourses are there? Assembly condemn the opinion of the SJC John Wood case. The court overtured the comply, or (c) reprimand or rebuke the lower a. For example, would it be appropriate or which is reported in the current year? General Assembly to discipline Tennessee court, or (d) suspend one or all of the legitimate for judicial charges to be brought These proposals did not meet with Valley Presbytery and to condemn the ecclesiastical privileges of the lower court with against the individual members of the SJC? unanimous approval. The series of judgment rendered by the Standing Judicial respect to the higher courts—e.g., to overture b. Would it be appropriate or legitimate for Constitutional inquiries was approved, 14-4. Commission in the John Wood case. or reference a matter to the higher courts, to administrative charges to be brought against The overture asking for the condemnation of The first overture which passed asks the vote upon amendments to the Standards, to the individual members of the SJC? the John Wood case was approved, 10-4. The 28th General Assembly of the Presbyterian vote at the higher courts, or even to have (Presumably, this would require a rescinding third overture, asking for disciplinary Church in America to condemn and to bear commissioners at the higher courts, or (e) as a of the vote to elect them to their post.) How measures to be brought against Tennessee testimony against the judgment of the 27th last resort ‘act against’ the lower court by would an administrative trial be conducted? Valley Presbytery, carried, 10-6. The Rev. Dana General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church dismissing it from the fellowship’ (M14GA, If prior notice were given, would a vote to Casey asked that his negative vote be in America in re the judicial case with respect pp. 103, 436)”; that “given the great turmoil remove require a simple majority? recorded on these motions. to the Rev. Mr. John Wood. Included among which TVP’s failure to act has engendered 3. If a court is responsible for a particular The series of Constitutional inquiries will the rationale offered were the following: throughout the PCA, it does not seem prudent matter, may charges be brought not only be sent to the Committee on Constitutional “Presbyterianism historically has allowed for for the General Assembly to ignore this willful against the court corporately but also against Business, which will report directly to the floor one General Assembly to condemn the failure”; that “since sister presbyteries have the individual members thereof who approved of the General Assembly. The overture on opinion of another General Assembly”; “the already counseled and urged TVP to act in a of that action? For example, our Book of condemning the John Wood case presumably decisions of the Standing Judicial Commission satisfactory manner and it has refused to heed Church Order says that the session is will go to the Bills & Overtures Committee, (SJC) are those of the previous General this advice, it seems that the second option responsible for the conduct of public worship which will bring recommendation to the floor Assembly”; “the General Assembly is bound has already, in essence, been exercised”; and in the congregation. Suppose that a session of the Assembly. The overture regarding ‘to bear testimony against error in doctrine . . that “we do not want to proceed immediately authorized a known homosexual to preach; Tennessee Valley Presbytery may be referred . , injuriously affecting the Church’ (BCO 14- to the drastic measure of exscinding TVP from could charges be brought against the either to the Bills & Overtures Committee or 6.a.)”; “the decision of the SJC in re our fellowship without giving it at least one individual members of the session who voted the Committee on Review of Presbytery Presbyterian Church in America vs. John more opportunity to repent.” for that action? Records. Wood is evidently flawed”; “because of the Louisiana Presbytery thereupon 4. What would be the effect of an Two other overtures did not pass peculiar nature of current PCA judicial process, overtured the 28th General Assembly “to take Assembly declining to approve the motion, Louisiana Presbytery. One would have called the General Assembly as such never was appropriate disciplinary measures against that it declares the SJC to be its commission upon the General Assembly, “as an emblem able directly to review this decision of the Tennessee Valley Presbytery for its failure to (BCO 15-4)? of its own distrust of the current makeup of SJC”; “the decision is flawed in numerous uphold the Standards of our church, said 5. Historically, Presbyterianism has the SJC, to decline to adopt the motion ways, especially in its interpretation of the disciplinary measures being that of a reprimand allowed one General Assembly to condemn declaring the SJC to be its commission.” The Constitution”; “this situation of having a or rebuke, along with the pronouncement that the opinion of a prior Assembly (see M12GA, other would have asked the Assembly to seriously-flawed decision in this judicial case if TVP does not act in a satisfactory fashion p. 140: “Properly speaking no action of “seek the removal from the SJC of those is troubling to the church and is potentially by the time of the 29th General Assembly, its previous General Assemblies may be members who voted with the majority in the divisive”; “the God who has called us to peace ecclesiastical privileges of having amended, rescinded, or annulled. A John Wood case, and to use any and all lawful is not the author of confusion”; and commissioners seated at the General subsequent General Assembly may take a means to do so, including, but not limited to, “the Ninth Commandment requires ‘from the Assembly and of having representatives from contrary position and condemn the action of the following: (1) asking for their resignation; heart, sincerely, freely, clearly, and fully, the Presbytery to be nominated to any General a previous Assembly . . . .”). Since an SJC (2) administratively removing them from their speaking the truth, and only the truth, in Assembly committee, commission, board or decision is the position of the previous General posts.” Those motions failed, 4-10 and 7-9. matters of judgment and justice’ (WLC, Q/A agency, will be revoked.” Louisiana 144).” Presbytery further resolved that the 28th The overture lists various errors in General Assembly should “enact these Constitutional interpretation: “(1) The SJC measures by any lawful means possible, assumes that a corporate responsibility by a including, if deemed necessary, the conduct session means that individual members cannot of a trial on the floor of the Assembly (BCO also be held responsible for the action of the 40-5 and 40-6).” session; (2) the SJC assumes that there were Also passed was a resolution consisting no doctrinal issues involved, but merely the of a series of questions to be posed to the action of inviting a woman to fill the pulpit, Committee on Constitutional Business (CCB). when there is evidence that Mr. Wood The overture begins by stating that “many in advocates female preaching; (3) the SJC the Presbyterian Church in America have assumes that action by Tennessee Valley serious doubts about the ability of the Presbytery to vindicate the Session of Cedar Standing Judicial Commission (SJC) effectively Springs Presbyterian Church, Knoxville, to represent the denomination as a whole”; Tennessee, automatically clears Mr. Wood; that “the decision of the Standing Judicial (4) the SJC forcibly recused members of the Commission in re the judicial case of SJC from Ascension, Calvary, and Western Presbyterian Church in America vs. John Carolina Presbyteries, based on the allegation Wood is, in the minds of many in our that these presbyteries were parties to the denomination, seriously flawed”; that “we case, whereas in point of fact, in a case of desire to proceed in these matters in such a original jurisdiction, the ‘original and only way as to address our concerns in a proper parties in a case of process are the accuser and, so far as possible, a peaceful manner, and the accused. The accuser is always the with full submission to the wisdom of the Presbyterian Church in America . . .’ (BCO 31- General Assembly”; and that “the toleration 3). of a situation in which a woman is allowed to A second successful overture directly fill a PCA pulpit is divisive, and will, if not takes aim at Tennessee Valley Presbytery, satisfactorily redressed, lead to division of our seeking its discipline. The overture argued beloved church. Based on those premises, that “several presbyteries of the Presbyterian Louisiana Presbytery directed the following Church in America (PCA) have formally questions to the CCB: brought to the attention of Tennessee Valley 1. Suppose that a presbytery declined to Presbytery (TVP) the fact that one of its proceed judicially against a session with churches has allowed women to preach”; that regard to an apparent violation of our “TVP, to date, has refused to deal adequately Standards (for example, allowing a woman to with the situation”; that “our Constitution tells preach), and suppose further that no one in us that it is ‘incumbent’ upon a higher court the presbytery filed a complaint against that that has been ‘well advised’ of serious neglect willful failure by the presbytery. What are the or irregularity, to ‘take cognizance of the same, possible recourses for others in the and to examine, deliberate and judge in the Presbyterian Church in America in order to whole matter’ (BCO 40-4)”; that “the 14th deal with the situation? For example, would it General Assembly, in approving the report of be appropriate or legitimate for charges to be the blue-ribbon Ad Interim Committee on the brought against the presbytery, seeking its General Assembly, approved the following discipline since it had failed to uphold our (Paid Advertisement) 4 P&R News ² March-April 2000 AC APPROVES WEB MAGAZINE, NEW OFFICE BUILDING At its March 2000 stated meeting, the will sponsor the World and Life Section. PCA tears of sadness. However, the people also two-story building at 1852 Century Place, Atlanta, Administrative Committee (AC) of the Foundation is sponsoring “News of the expressed gladness and affirmation that he could was purchased. Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) gave its Churches” (i.e., up-to-the-minute news about the be of service to the broader church. Originally designed as an open office space, blessing to two new proposals: an innovative presbyteries and the Assembly). Mission to the The position will be part-time for the time the enclosed offices which were subsequently web-based magazine, and a new denominational World (MTW) has agreed to sponsor the world being. Dr. Aquila expects that he will move to the erected (after purchase) have taken their toll on office building. Both proposals seem aimed at missions news page; while Mission to North Atlanta area in the early fall. the overtaxed air conditioning system. bolstering the public image and unity of the largest America (MNA) is sponsoring the home More than that, Mission to the World evangelical Presbyterian denomination in the missions page. AC Approval (MTW) has outgrown its second-floor space; country. Each of these “charter sponsors” has agreed For the last several years, responsibility for and, because of expansion, will soon be forced to spend a minimum of $15,000 in advertising. the News Office of the General Assembly has either to vacate the premises altogether or further The amount of money spent is a function of how resided in the Stated Clerk’s Office, under the to divide its offices. PCANEWS.COM many people visit that particular page of the auspices of the Administrative Committee. Beyond considerations of the building itself, The Rev. Don Clements, a member of the magazine. So far, eight sponsors have signed on (Formerly, the responsibility had been that of there is the problem of its location. Traffic in denominational Christian Education and the bottom line, with two more expected shortly. CE/P.) Atlanta has become nightmarish. Coupled with Publications Committee, presented the proposal In order to handle the sponsorships and At its meeting on March 17, 2000, the AC the high price of real estate closer in to the city, regarding the new magazine. To be called other advertisements, Mr. Clements has formed considered the proposal, in executive session, many of the new staffers who come to work at PCANEWS.COM, the magazine will be web- an internet advertising network company, which for over an hour. After coming out of executive Century Place find that they are having to based rather than printed. will sell the advertising for PCANEWS.COM. It session, the Committee announced that it had negotiate a lengthy, and oft-times dangerous, Mr. Clements explained that this will be will charge a standard 15 percent in order to handle approved the proposal. However, in doing so, commute each day. Moreover, finding new staff different from email. To date, there are very few the accounts. He stated to the AC meeting that AC had also established a guideline for its staff, to work for the denomination, given the present web-based publications; the most famous, he has traveled widely over the past several who would be authorized to “pull the plug” if location of the building, is becoming increasingly perhaps, is Salon.com. This will be the first web months, selling the concept. deficits were being incurred. Under the guideline problematic. magazine sponsored by a denomination. adopted, no more than a $50,000 obligation Illustrative of the problems facing Pastor of Valley Presbyterian Church in Who Will Operate the System would ever be allowed to accumulate. commuters on I-85 in the mornings is the fact Narrows, Virginia, Don Clements related that he Mr. David Poteet, a ruling elder of Grace The affirmation of the plan was a victory for that Dr. Roy Taylor, denominational Stated Clerk, and Ruling Elder John White had discussed over Covenant Presbyterian Church, Blacksburg, Mr. Clements, who had lobbied hard for the was several months ago involved in an lunch at the 1999 General Assembly in Louisville, Virginia, is in charge of a web engineering proposal. He had confessed before the CE/P automobile pile-up on the interstate on his way Kentucky, the need for an “official” company, New City Media, Inc., which will design Committee the previous month, “When the to work. denominational news organ. Mr. White, who and own the system. The system involves a Messenger died, I wept profusely.” All of the denominational committees and was Moderator of the 17th PCA General new design concept, meaning that one cannot agencies which rent space in the current building Assembly and is currently Chairman of the simply take an existing program “off the shelf.” decided to let AC determine the direction on the Standing Judicial Commission, agreed. Out of New Office Building question of a new building. AC voted to proceed that lunch meeting came the idea that instead of Dominic Aquila Named Editor For several years, the matter of the with a re-location. The new facility is to be trying to print a magazine, the church should The Stated Clerk’s Office has announced denominational office building has been one of located about seventeen miles northeast of the instead use the world-wide web. that the Rev. Dr. Dominic Aquila will be Editor of discussion. In 1987, the General Assembly present building, along the I-85 corridor in In 1994, the PCA Messenger, which had PCANEWS.COM. A native of the Panama Canal overwhelmingly approved the purchase of a Gwinnett County. This would be near the been the denominational magazine, ceased Zone, Dr. Aquila has served in the Reformed building in order to house virtually all of the intersection of the interstate and Sugarloaf publication, after continuing to run large deficits Presbyterian Church, Evangelical Synod, and the denominational offices. Shortly thereafter, the Parkway. over many years. The demise of the Messenger Orthodox Presbyterian Church. He was Dean of has paralleled similar phenomena in other Students at Reformed Theological Seminary denominations—such as the Presbyterian (1984-1986), and has been an adjunct professor Church (USA)—which have also had a hard time at Knox Theological Seminary since 1990. For keeping official publications functional. the last twelve years, he has been Senior Pastor The current proposal is designed so as not of Kendall Presbyterian Church, Miami, Florida. to require the same outlay of capital expenditures, Pastor Aquila is no stranger to once the system is up and running. It also is denominational politics. He is currently an officer hoping to tap into the growing internet of the PCA Standing Judicial Commission. He community. According to estimates, forty percent also was one of twenty-nine signatories on the of the PCA constituency is “on line.” Proposed Statement of Identity for the Presbyterian Church in America, a document How It Will Work which sought to define and clarify doctrines that PCANEWS.COM is slated to be divided are being debated in the church and inform its into several “sections” (or “pages”, in internet theology and practice of ministry. lingo). If all goes according to plan, when a person In a recent interview, Dr. Aquila said that he enters the site, he will be able to check out was approached by the Stated Clerk in February denominational news, home missions news, to consider taking on the new post. He agreed in world missions news, Christian education news, early April to become Editor. He said he believes news for and about teaching elders, news of the that there was the desire on the part of the AC to churches, news about the PCA Foundation, a “have someone who knows the church, the QUARRYVILLE Christian living section, entertainment reviews, issues in the church, and hopefully has the and so forth. There is to be a section called respect of the church.” PCAJOBS.COM (advertising jobs in PCA church When asked if he would relinquish his seat vocations), and classified ads. And there is to be on the SJC, he said: “I really haven’t given this PRESBYTERIAN an umpired debate each month, in which two or much thought yet, but I don’t anticipate doing more views on a given matter will be posted; a that right now.” He doesn’t view his situation as single umpire will evaluate the responses sent in being any different than Paul Kooistra being by readers to ensure that they are in temperate MTW Coordinator and also serving on the SJC. RETIREMENT COMMUNITY language before being posted in the magazine. Dr. Aquila said that he does not have a According to Mr. Clements, the goal is to straight journalistic background. However, he have five new items of church news posted daily, believes that he was chosen because of his good A warm and vibrant Christian community six days per week. Consideration is being given writing skills, which he has honed through his Independence with lifetime care to offering complimentary gifts for sending years in the ministry and through his taking of interesting news items for publication. writing courses in the past. Worry-free living in a comfortable environment PCANEWS.COM will be launched on June Friends to get to know and experiences to share How It Will Get Paid For 20, 2000, the first day of the General Assembly in The issue of financing this venture is one of Tampa. The Rev. Brian Kinney, who has been the keys to its success. The primary way in the News Officer in previous Assemblies, will If you or someone you love would like to receive which this is to be done is by selling advertising assist Dominic Aquila for this year’s Assembly. for the various sections. Dr. Aquila stated that the position of News Officer our free brochure, please call us at: For example, the CE/P Committee is to will have subsumed under it several (717) 786-7321 or (888) 786-7331 sponsor the page entitled, “News of Our People.” responsibilities: 1) PCANEWS.COM Editor, 2) Ligonier Ministries has already signed a contract Press Relations, 3) Print Magazine Editor (which in order to sponsor the umpired debate section. we do not have at this time). Quarryville Presbyterian Retirement Community Knox Theological Seminary will sponsor “Letters When he announced his resignation to the 625 Robert Fulton Highway, Quarryville, PA, 17566-1400 to the Editor.” Great Commission Publications congregation on April 9th, there were, he said, Paid Advertisement P&R News ² March-April 2000 5 CHALMERS CENTER ASSISTS HARVARD TEAM IN NORTH FLORIDA ‘DECRIES’ NEWSPAPER REGIONAL ECONOMIC GROWTH PLAN FOR PRESBYTERY ASKS ASSEMBLY TO JOIN IT IN CHATTANOOGA According to the Mandate of the Chalmers demands from churches in such diverse places CONDEMNING ‘CONTENTIOUS AND DIVISIVE Center for Economic Development, the Chalmers as Memphis, Kansas City, Atlanta, Peru, Kenya, Center has an “unexpected opportunity” to work Philippines, Ukraine and China. At the same PRACTICES AND FAULT FINDING SPIRIT’ “alongside internationally renowned Michael time, the staff recognizes that to whom much has At its January 2000 stated meeting, North doing mentioned in the overture. The first is that Porter, professor at Harvard Business School.” been given, much is expected. Pray with us that Florida Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in the paper “has printed statements even though The Spring 2000 issue of the Chalmers Center we would be faithful to His will in using these America (PCA) voted to express its “disfavor, the person or persons have asked not to be newsletter indicates that “Dave Shideler, research opportunities to equip and empower the local dissatisfaction, and disapproval of much of the quoted (Spring 1998 issue, p. 5).” The second is associate at the Chalmers Center, is working with church to bring economic development and current contentious and divisive practices and that the paper “has printed statements about a Porter and his team of analysts as they aid the spiritual transformation to the poor of their fault finding spirit of the Presbyterian and member of North Florida Presbytery that called formulation of a regional economic development communities.” Reformed News.” The overture, which according into question his reputation, integrity and growth plan . . . called the Chattanooga Regional The Chalmers Center is named after Thomas to reports was overwhelmingly adopted, also Christian character,” with reference to the News Growth Initiative.” Chalmers, the nineteenth century Scottish calls on the PCA General Assembly to join the Bulletin #27-1 at the 1999 General Assembly. The The article states that Mr. Shideler “has Presbyterian reformer and one of the founders of Presbytery in expressing the same disfavor, third makes reference to the printing of summaries been serving on a local technical assistance the Free Church of Scotland. Besides concern dissatisfaction, and disapproval, and to instruct of the minutes of the Presbytery. committee (the ‘Core Team’) to collect and for theological orthodoxy, he was also known the Assembly Stated Clerk “to include in his next According to the Editor-in-Chief of P&R contextualize economic and demographic data for his educational reform and ministry to the letter, to all teaching Elders and Clerks of Sessions, News, Mr. Robert Shapiro, no one contacted him for the Harvard-based team to use in their poor. a statement about the view of the General or any of the editorial staff before the analysis of the Chattanooga region. In addition Located at Covenant College, the Chalmers Assembly regarding the Presbyterian and presentation or adoption of this overture by North to providing Shideler with a crash-course on Center “assists the Church in declaring the Reformed News.” Florida. Chattanooga’s economy, this opportunity has Kingdom of God in word and in deed by training The overture calls on Northeast Presbytery allowed the Center to demonstrate its capacity college students, pastors. Missionaries, “to instruct the Editor(s) of the Presbyterian and for analysis relevant to economic development churches, and Christian ministries in the Reformed News that Christian charity demands Statement from the Editor before prominent government and business implementation of holistic, church-based that they more seriously consider and humbly As stated in the news story, no one from leaders in the region.” programs to bring spiritual transformation and respect the requests of Christian brothers and North Florida Presbytery officially contacted us The article concludes: “God, in His economic development to the poor. The Center Presbyteries.” That statement is followed by a before the overture was brought to the floor of goodness, has graciously provided numerous is at Covenant College, 14049 Scenic Highway, quotation of Ephesians 4:3 (“. . . with all humility the Presbytery, or adopted. Often, when a opportunities like the Chalmers Center’s Lookout Mountain, GA 30750; (706)820-1572, ext. and gentleness, with patience, showing controversial matter is brought to the attention involvement in the Chattanooga Regional Growth 1805; [email protected]. Their website is forbearance to one another in love, being diligent of a church court, and the parties bringing the Initiative. In fact, the Center cannot keep up with at www.chalmers.org. to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of matter have not first contacted the people peace.” In the same section, the overture refers involved, “Matthew 18” immediately is invoked. to “the light of wisdom of the Westminster Larger However, the majority in North Florida apparently Catechism 144-145” (dealing with the Ninth has decided that Matthew 18 does not apply to Commandment); and then states that the this matter (at least not in the way it has often newspaper “should more diligently strive to been cited in recent days). protect the good name and reputations of all The first allegation of wrong-doing has to people, even those who do not share the views do with quoting people who do not want to be of the Editor(s) and should promote the Biblical quoted. Please note the very sweeping way in principles of mutual accountability, truthfulness which this objection is presented. I must confess and unity. Such a humble and gracious attitude that I don’t know how in the world a journalist is in accordance with, and even required by, the could possibly do his job, unless he had the fifth membership vow: (BCO 57-5~ Do you submit liberty to quote people who do not want to be yourselves to the government and discipline of quoted. (I am not referring here to private the Church, and promise to study its purity and conversations or conversations “off the record”; peace?) as well as the sixth ordination vow (BCO however, the objection is phrased quite broadly. COMPLIANCE MATTERS, INC. 21-5 and 24- 5 ~ Do your [sic] promise to be In the particular instance referred to, the person SPECIALIZING IN INTERNATIONAL REGULATORY COMPLIANCE zealous and faithful in maintaining the truth of agreed to the interview, and then had about a the Gospel and the purity and peace of the month in which to make changes to the article, Church, whatever persecution or opposition may which he declined to do.) In Order to Compete You Have to Comply! arise unto you on that account? ~ Do you promise The second allegation has to do with a to strive for the purity, peace, unity and edification paragraph which appeared in a news bulletin at “If anyone competes he is not victorious unless he of the Church?).” General Assembly. That paragraph reads as The overture was originally presented to follows: “Chairing the MNA Committee of competes according to the rules.” 2 Timothy 2:5 the October 1999 stated meeting of North Florida Commissioners is the Rev. Mr. Rod Whited. The Presbytery by the Rev. Bill Lyle, Pastor of Christ pastor from North Florida Presbytery is a ‘co- Presbyterian Church, Jacksonville, Florida. The opted member’ of the MNA Committee, who has original proposal presented by Mr. Lyle began participated in the meetings of the Permanent We can help! with the following WHEREAS: “the Presbyterian Committee and has remained in the room when and Reformed News is in many ways a mean- the Permanent Committee has gone into executive spirited publication which has historically printed session.” That’s it! That’s the only reference in Compliance Matters is a consulting firm misinformation and disinformation.” News Bulletin #1 at the 1999 General Assembly At the October 1999 meeting of North about a member of North Florida Presbytery. I specializing in: Florida, the proposed overture was given to a seriously doubt that we could have a free press committee, and the Presbytery as a whole was (or free speech) if merely recounting factual solicited for suggestions regarding it. Three matters may result in charges of libel or slander. · American & European Product Regulatory Compliance months later, the Presbytery itself adopted an The third allegation of wrong-doing is that · CE Marking amended version. we have carried summaries of minutes of North Engineering support for: The initial WHEREAS (with regard to being Florida Presbytery. Please note that the · a “mean-spirited publication” and WHEREAS does not even refer to the minutes, · Product Design “misinformation and disinformation”) was but merely to summaries of minutes. Well, · Technical Specifications deleted. Added to the overture was language minutes are simply the record of what transpired which spoke of “contentious and divisive at a meeting. In order to report accurately on a · Technical Support & Documentation practices and fault finding spirit.” Also added meeting, one must reflect, in some sense, the · Hazard & Risk Assessment was a section which asked the Editor(s) of the official record of what happened. Product Testing Requirements newspaper not to print the minutes or summaries Finally, it should be noted that I am not · of the minutes of the Presbytery. morally or legally responsible for the content of · Other related areas The overture calls upon Northeast the newspaper. Mr. Robert Shapiro, our Editor- · ASQ Certified Quality Engineer Presbytery “to instruct the Editor(s) of the in-Chief, assumed that responsibility, as of Presbyterian and Reformed News that Christian October 1998. Therefore, I am bewildered as to · ISO9000/9001 Process Consulting charity demands that they more seriously why Northeast Presbytery would have any · ISO Readiness Assessment consider and humbly respect the requests of jurisdiction in the matter, since I am the only Christian brothers and Presbyteries.” Following member of the editorial staff who is subject to are quotations from Ephesians 4 and the that Presbytery’s direct jurisdiction, and I am not Westminster Larger Catechism’s explanation of personally responsible for the newspaper’s Give us a call. We can help you compete. the Ninth Commandment. content. There are three specifics of alleged wrong- —Frank J. Smith (404) 863-0823 (Paid Advertisement) 6 P&R News ² March-April 2000 SEMINARY HOSTS CONFERENCE ON SUFFICIENCY OF SCRIPTURE Worship, Role of Women, and Theonomy Subjects of Discussion Taylors, South Carolina (March 7-9, 2000)— at GPTS, gave “A History of Sola Scriptura.” He views of Gordon Fee, who believes that Scriptural regarding the matter of headship. Professor The second annual Spring Theology Conference noted that Roman Catholicism has had three documents were written only to the original Knight further averred: “When you overturn the at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary sources of authority—Scripture, church tradition, recipients and apply to us only if they are written headship of man in the church, you’re on the drew a total of approximately 200 people. The and papal infallibility—which became equally in an absolute way. slippery slope to overturn the headship of man theme for this year’s conference was the authoritative. Dr. Johnson traced the origins of By way of contrast, the traditional in marriage.” “Sufficiency of Scripture in the New Millennium.” this “tradition” to early church father Tertullian, Presbyterian position is that church government According to Scripture, a woman should During the course of the three day gathering, who distinguished between Scripture and is given by Christ. The church’s government, learn in quietness, in full submission. “‘Silent, the conferees heard a Biblical defense of the tradition “almost as if they were two sources of then, is jure divino (according to the law of God). silent’—do you get the message?” regulative principle of worship (as well as attacks revelation.” Later, Pope Innocent I pressed papal Dr. Knight stated that the Apostle was on redefinitions of worship), were treated to a authority: “sort of sola Roma,” Dr. Johnson Education prohibiting the activity of authoritative speaking, lively debate on theonomy, and were reminded quipped. Popular speaker and noted educator George not simply the office of authority. Alluding to of the historic Presbyterian view on church In point of fact, two schools of thought Grant gave an address on the state of education the present controversy in the PCA with regard government and the role of women in the church. developed within the Catholic Church. The first, today. He proclaimed that “American beliefs and to women filling pulpits, he said: “That turning represented by Oxford scholars Bradwardine and traditions are becoming a lost continent to us.” point is going to be the nub of the discussion in The Doctrine of Sufficiency Wycliffe, affirmed the primacy of Scripture. The Dr. Grant asserted the necessity of maintaining our churches.” The keynote address came on Tuesday second, represented by William of Ockham and the “antithesis”—that is, the absolute and sharp He later noted that “Paul’s words deny the afternoon, March 7th, as Dr. Morton H. Smith Gabriel Beale, argued for a two-source fusion, demarcation between right and wrong. assertion that a woman may do anything an spoke on “The Doctrine of the Sufficiency of which included canon law and church traditions. “Antitheses are unnerving—they’re all so black unordained man may do.” With regard to the Scripture.” Dr. Smith, who was the original Stated Changing the dynamics of the discussion and white. . . . Real litmus tests with real litmus allegation that a woman may “preach” because Clerk of the Presbyterian Church in America was the Protestant Reformation. A necessary paper. . . . What Satan was hoping for, was squishy women could “prophesy,” Dr. Knight stated that (PCA) and who serves as Dean of Faculty at precursor to the Reformation, according to the ideas. Satan wanted to work us into thinking “prophesying is the direct giving of the Word of GPTS, began by saying that the doctrine of sola church historian, was the Renaissance, as that that there is no black and white, but only shades God. This conveying of revelation does not scriptura—“only the Scripture”—is “the movement pushed scholars back to the texts. of gray.” convey authority to that person.” To illustrate regulative principle of what we are to believe and The resulting study called into question several “Satan is after any alternative to the truth. the point, he asked, “How many of you would how we are to live.” He decried the abandonment mistranslations in the Vulgate (the Latin Bible He will have us affirm anything at all, as long as have nominated Balaam’s ass to be the of this doctrine in today’s church, as he cited used by Roman Catholicism). With its emphasis it is not the Lordship of Jesus Christ.” replacement of a regular minister of the Word?” several examples of such: the charismatic on Scripture, “the Reformation is simply the However, “there is no neutral ground.” And Dr. Knight emphasized that the prohibition

Dale Johnson Joseph Pipa George Grant Steve Wilkins David Coffin movement, the abandonment of the regulative rediscovery of Biblical Christianity. It is more the bottom line is that “God spoke the world into “is on what she [a woman] may or may not do, principle of worship, a shallowness of much of than cliche to claim that the Reformers dethroned existence. Anything apart from the Word of God not what she may or may not be.” The activities the preaching today (“lots of little stories with the pope, and enthroned Scripture.” is insane, crazy. It’s not just wrong.” are what is prohibited. Indeed, of what use is a little reference to the Bible”), and the idea that the The Reformers clearly embraced the school Dr. Grant bemoaned the fact that no one prohibition on the “office” if the function is Bible is not detailed enough. of thought which asserted Scripture’s primacy. today seems to want to stand up for what is allowed: “Can you imagine going home and Dr. Smith alluded to Martin Luther’s However, John Knox, with his claim to be able to right. “Where are the John Calvins . . .? Where saying, ‘I’m the head of the house, but you can declaration on March 18, 1521, that he was “the foretell the future, does not clearly fall into that are the heroes? Where are the people maintaining do whatever you want . . .’?” prisoner of the Scriptures.” The Dean of Faculty category. While still basically in the sola the antitheses?” adduced both Old and New Testament passages Scriptura camp, he constitutes a unique For George Grant, the key today is for Counseling in establishing the Biblical basis for the doctrine. category. covenantal faithfulness, particularly with respect Famed author Dr. Jay Adams spoke on the He appealed to such texts as Deuteronomy 4:2, to the responsibility of training up the next sufficiency of Scripture for the field of counseling. which says not to add to nor take away from the generation. There are, he said, “glorious He took contemporary psychology and law; and Matthew 15:1-9, in which Jesus attacks Sola Scriptura and Church Government opportunities presented by the next generation.” psychiatry to task for their rejection of the the Jewish leaders who “thought that the Dr. George Knight, a member of the GPTS perspective of the Word of God. traditions of the elders were necessary, because Board of Trustees and an adjunct professor at The Role of Women the Scripture was not sufficient.” GPTS, and formerly a professor of New Testament Dr. Knight also dealt with the issue of the Worship Dr. Smith also appealed to the Westminster at Covenant and Knox Theological Seminaries, role of women in the church. The Orthodox Dr. Joseph Pipa, President of Greenville Confession of Faith, which posits that the presented the relationship between Scripture and Presbyterian Church (OPC) minister, who at one Seminary, took on the views of worship of both insufficiency of natural or general revelation is church polity. He stated that evangelicals “are time served in the Presbyterian Church in America John Frame and Steve Schlissel. Mr. Frame, who the root of the Confession’s view of the not convinced that the Scriptures are sufficient (PCA), argued that the Apostle Paul called upon will soon be moving from Westminster sufficiency of Scripture. for church government,” and he cited the wives “voluntarily to submit to the headship and Theological Seminary in California to Reformed standard evangelical confusion over polity which loving leadership of their husbands. Men are Theological Seminary in Orlando, “redefines the An Historical Overview would posit that there are various conflicting graciously, humbly, lovingly to lead their wives.” regulative principle.” Mr. Schlissel, who pastors Dr. Dale Johnson, church history professor views expressed in Scripture. He also scored the The creation activity of God is determinative Messiah’s Congregation in Brooklyn, New York, P&R News ² March-April 2000 7 “denies the regulative principle.” But both men only rule of life; (4) the moral law of God is THEY SAID IT . . . persecution comes.” * * * * “You can imagine come to similar conclusions with respect to universally binding; this includes those nations what would happen if one stood up in the General worship. not under the special covenant of ancient Israel. Dr. Dale Johnson: “Two of my colleagues the Assembly and said, ‘God hates your worship!’ Dr. Pipa noted the two divergent principles Many of these Old Testament laws were past fifteen minutes have already warned me to But that’s what Calvin says. . . . The time for governing Protestant worship at the time of the apparently given through Adam and perhaps keep them awake—that really does wonders tolerance and a nonchalant attitude is long since Reformation: the Lutheran, which allows the Noah, before being inscripturated. Examples for one’s confidence.” * * * * “In April 1861, past. I fear that our denominations are already tradition of the church to dictate any given adduced by Mr. Wilkins included: laws regarding when the war broke out between North and under God’s judgment for their idolatrous practice of worship as long as it doesn’t violate sacrifices (Genesis 4); the tithe (Genesis 14); a South—Dr. [Morton] Smith will be happy to tell worship.” * * * * “Our worship is so pale and explicit prohibition; and the Calvinist, which priesthood (Melchizedek and Jethro); laws of you all about it . . . .” * * * * “[This lecture] will so boring . . . it’s no wonder that people run off maintains that only what is commanded is restitution (Genesis 31:39); levirate law; and laws be something akin to a drive-by shooting—we to these man-made trivialities.” allowed. Messrs. Frame’s and Schlissel’s new regulating slavery. Moreover, many of the laws will stop at a few points, unload a few clips, and definition, while ostensibly working within a which are viewed as given to Israel, were known then drive on . . . in our Reformed vehicle. Given Dr. Jay Adams: “I was the foreman of a jury in Calvinist framework, is that the church is free to by the nations. For instance, nations, such as the price of gas, we probably won’t get very California—by the way, we convicted the guy. determine the details of worship. For Mr. Frame, Sodom and Gomorrha, are destroyed for their far.” * * * * “Tradition is the weed in the . . . I don’t like to use the word ‘spokesperson,’ the explicit commands are few and far between. lawless deeds. Proverbs 14:34 enunciates a Christian garden, Rome fertilized it, and . . . it any more than ‘personhole covers.’” * * * * Mr. Schlissel has been developing his “Informed general principle: “righteousness exalts a nation, eventually developed into the theological “There are at least 250 viewpoints of psychology Principle of Worship.” but sin is a reproach to any people.” And Psalm equivalent of kudzu.” * * * * Commenting on in this country. Would anyone get in an airplane President Pipa illustrated the differences 2 calls upon all nations to submit to the Lord, the Anabaptists: “Their motto, ‘No creed but if there were 250 viewpoints of air traffic control?” among these these three views by noting the while Psalm 72 declares that all kings shall fall Christ, no book but the Bible,’ is, of course, a * * * * “It [II Timothy 3:16] would really say, ‘All way they would regard advent candles. The down before Him. creed. They do, however, win the prize for Scripture is expired,’ but the librarians ruined Lutheran principle would say, “no problem.” The Pastor Wilkins noted that no one quarrels minimalism.” * * * * On the contemporary lack that for us, and the undertakers didn’t help us Calvinist principle would say, “no way!” The that the individual or the family or the church is of theological knowledge in Protestantism: “The any, either.” * * * * “It depends on what you new principle would say, “a way.” bound by God’s law. The civil magistrate is biggest issue preventing a union between mean by mental illness. If I hit you over the The seminary president argued that the likewise bound by the law of God. The civil Protestantism and Rome is that of celibacy.” head with a crowbar, you’re going to have Reformed branch of the Reformation was official is called the minister of God, to punish mental illness. . . . ‘Is a person being diagnosed committed to the regulative principle. This is in evil doers and to protect the righteous. Dr. Morton H. Smith: “Virtually all ministers in with schizophrenia being lied to?’ Yes and no. contrast to J. I. Packer, noted Anglican author, However, the Bible does limit what the the PCA would say that Scripture is sufficient, . . . [laughter] On the other hand, . . . .” who maintains that this principle was a Puritan magistrate can do. He is not to judge theology but deny its perspicuity. We do fail in how to innovation, and in contrast to Steve Schlissel, or doctrine, while at the same time he is to prevent apply Reformed theology. . . . Ministers will say, Steve Wilkins: “Is theonomy Reformed? Of who claims that the principle is a Presbyterian blasphemy. Indeed, according to the Louisiana Where’d you get this thing called the regulative course it is, or why would I embrace it? That’s innovation with no background in the Reformed minister, “Without the restrictions placed on the principle? Just read the Confession. . . . It’s part the pro hominen argument.” * * * * Speaking churches on the Continent. “Their statements magistrate by God’s Word, there is no principled of the warp and woof of the Confession. . . . The of contemporary civil magistrates: “They are are absolutely wrong,” declared Joseph Pipa, as opposition to civil tyranny.” seminaries are failing to teach practice in worship, very good at regulating the price of milk, and he noted that Calvin’s first principle for the Some protest that Israel was a unique nation. practice in evangelism.” * * * * “‘If God cannot what should go on a pizza, but they can’t catch reformation of the church was not the doctrine Mr. Wilkins conceded Israel’s uniqueness, but lie, why is there such a controversy over six day a thief and they don’t know what to do with him of justification by faith alone, but rather revolved countered that “crime was not unique to Israel— creation?’ . . . I just saw Dave Coffin slip out— if they do.” * * * * “You need to come to the around the mode by which God is worshipped. that’s common to all societies and peoples.” I guess he didn’t want to hear the answer to point to realize that if God had wanted us to Both Messrs. Frame and Schlissel urge that Moreover, there was a distinction in ancient this.” vote, He would have given us candidates.” * * the fulfillment of the Old Testament types and Israel between church and state; and, even non- * * With reference to David Coffin, his debate sacrifices loosens the regulation of worship. Both citizens of the Israelite state had the same rights Dr. George Grant, reading and answering a opponent: “Is the time up? Not according to men concede that synagogue worship was and duties as did the (circumcised) citizens. question, and then immediately sitting down: my watch. This is Louisiana time. I get to have divinely-ordained, but argue that it was Pastor Wilkins vehemently denied that “‘Is it not insane to put our children in the public twice as much time as he does, because he can unregulated. theonomists teach justification by works, or that schools?’ Yes!” talk twice as fast.” But Leviticus 23:3 shows that every they advocate vigilante action, or that they Sabbath there was to be a holy convocation, advocate the violent overthrow of un-Biblical Dr. Joseph Pipa: “I said two and a half years ago David Coffin: “‘I am free from the law, O happy which establishes the synagogue; and Dr. Pipa civil government. He stated that theonomists that within five years we’d be fighting the issue condition, I can sin as I please And still have suggested that we can rightly infer, on the basis believe that it is the general equity of the law, not of women in office. I do not believe that we’d remission.’ That is surely a different gospel!” * of the Second Commandment and the close the case laws themselves, which is what is have the intestinal fortitude in the PCA to stand * * * “Theonomists are wonderful anti- connection between temple and synagogue, that binding. Only the principle is binding—the case against the cultural tide. We’re fighting it two antinomians. One wag has referred to them as synagogue worship was regulated. Synagogue laws illustrate the principle. and a half years earlier, so my prophecy’s only the ‘ninjas of the law.’” * * * * “I sound so worship had no existence apart from temple In sum, theonomy “seeks to uphold the half right.” * * * * Introducing Dr. Jay Adams: much to my congregation like I’m living in the service. And, in the synagogue, what was done Bible as the sole rule for our public life.” “I thought about recommending a book, but I seventeenth century, they’ve been heartened consisted of those regulated worship practices didn’t have a wheelbarrow big enough. . . . His by my work with Dabney in the nineteenth of the temple minus those typical elements. A Dissenting Opinion bark is a lot worse than his bite—he really is a century, to bring me into the modern era.” * * * Dr. Pipa also countered Mr. Schlissel’s Presenting an opposing viewpoint was the big old huggable teddy bear.” * * * * “Our * On why he believes the civil magistrate should arguments with regard to Purim and Hannukah. Rev. David Coffin. The pastor from Fairfax, congregation can either learn, ‘Shine, Jesus, not be engaged in supporting any religion: With regard to Purim, this was a holiday revealed Virginia, began by noting that this was an Shine,’ or they can learn the psalms. I prefer “Suppose we end up with a magistrate with a in Scripture; furthermore, the Westminster intramural debate, and he applauded theonomy’s they know the psalms, for the time when Willow Creeker over here.” Standards themselves allow that civil magistrates great concern for the law of God. could call for days of thanksgiving. With regard At a conference dedicated to the sufficiency to Hannukah, or the Feast of Dedication, John of Scripture, Mr. Coffin took an unusual approach. 10:22 simply indicates that Jesus was present at He argued that Scripture is “insufficient” in a Instead, the true choices are three: theonomy or sufficient for every detail of justice; nevertheless, the temple during this time; there is no evidence number of ways. general revelation or autonomy. And in Mr. there is a standard of justice set forth therein. If that He participated in this extra-Scriptural feast: The Scripture is “insufficient” without the Coffin’s view, the civil magistrate ought to be there is no such standard, how can we know if a rather, He was just walking under the portico, to work of the Holy Spirit. It is “insufficient” without regulated by general revelation, rather than by ruler is unjust? get out of the rain (as implied by the phrase, “it reasoning and thinking. It is “insufficient” with divine statute. Mr. Coffin countered Mr. Wilkins by saying was winter”). regard to certain questions that are insolvable. It The Virginia minister suggested that there that he was guilty of equivocation with regard to is “insufficient” with regard to certain were dangers to theonomy. For one thing, the definition of righteousness. For example, in Theonomy circumstances of worship and polity, which is to theonomy fails to grasp the fulfillment by Christ terms of Proverbs 14:34, the question is whether The Rev. Steve Wilkins, noted author and be made up through general revelation. It is of the Old Testament. In their zeal for the the only righteousness is the Israelitish law. How Southern historian, presented the case for “insufficient” with regard to the clarity of all sufficiency of Scripture, he contended, they don’t might the civil magistrate know what “theonomy.” Pastor Wilkins began by referring matters. It is “insufficient” with regard to our do justice to the sufficiency of Christ. Also, righteousness is? Mr. Coffin suggested that it to the late Greg Bahnsen, who is widely regarded curiosity. It is “insufficient” with regard to moral theonomy threatens religious liberty: “It seems might be by general revelation: “The theonomic as the most influential popularizer of the decisions—that is, we have to apply the to me that the missionary would be in a race with assertion is that Israelitish law qua Israel must be movement. Dr. Bahnsen’s No Other Standard directives of Scripture. the civil magistrate to see who could get to the the law of the nations. The alternative is that the explained that theonomists are committed to the Mr. Coffin appealed to seventeenth century pagan first,” he said, with tongue a bit in cheek. particular Israelitish law is apropos because it’s transformation of all institutions under the theologian Francis Turretin, who said that applicable in that situation.” Lordship of Christ. In this enterprise, the Law is Scripture is sufficient in terms of what is The Debate is Joined the sole supreme standard. The sine qua non of necessary for salvation; or, in general terms, that After having made their pro- and anti- Tapes and a Book the theonomic view is that the Old Testament it is sufficient for its purpose. The question, theonomy presentations, Messrs. Wilkins and Out of Greenville Seminary’s first such laws are morally binding unless modified by the therefore, is, What is God’s purpose for Scripture Coffin were given opportunity to rebut each spring conference came a book, Did God Create New Testament. with regard to civil governments? other’s arguments. Steve Wilkins asserted that in Six Days? Seminary officials expect to release Mr. Wilkins proclaimed the perspective of The pastor from the Old Dominion Romans 13, to which Mr. Coffin appealed in terms a book based on the presentations done at this theonomy as being that “the Word of God in its expressed his appreciation for Dr. Vern Poythress’ of de facto governments being the “ministers of year’s conference. The pre-publication price is entirety is authoritative at all places and in all The Shadow of Christ in the Law of Moses, in God for good,” was not an endorsement of the $14.00 and the book is expected to be released times.” There are four presuppositions of helping to sharpen his thinking with regard to Roman government, but an indictment of Nero. this summer. Tapes are also available for $35.00 theonomy: (1) the unchangeable nature of God; the uniqueness of Israel and the fulfillment of the “The conclusion is not rebellion. But, this is a per set. Contact the Seminary at (864)322-2717, (2) He alone has the right to determine what is Mosaic legislation in the Messiah. reminder of what the magistrate should be. God’s or visit its website at www.gpts.org for more good and evil, and the Word of God is Pastor Coffin asserted that Mr. Wilkins had providential overruling of evil does not mean information. determinative with regard to truth; (3) the set up a false dichotomy, in asserting that there that He endorses that evil.” complete sufficiency of the Word of God as the were only two options: theonomy or autonomy. Mr. Wilkins conceded that the Bible is not 8 P&R News ² March-April 2000 COVENANT COLLEGE BOARD COLLEGE BOARD ADOPTS APPROVES AFFIRMATION SABBATH WORK POLICY An article by Aaron Mesh in the March According to the Bagpipe, “The new policy 24, 2000, issue of the Covenant College . . . is ‘consistent but not identical with what STATEMENT Bagpipe reports that the college Board of was circulated earlier,’ board chairman Joel Trustees “clarified the school’s Sunday Belz said. At its March 2000 stated meeting, the Covenant College Board voted to join its work policy.” According to the article, the “The new policy says that employees faculty in the Covenant College Affirmation Statement. The statement, which was adopted Board, at its meeting on March 16, 2000, with convictions against Sunday labor will by a majority of the faculty in 1995, reads as follows: adopted the following policy: still be hired by the college, so long as ‘those scruples are made clear prior to hiring,’ and Covenant College seeks to be a distinctively Christian academic community in which The college heartily affirms the there are enough employees to fill the time trustees, faculty, students, administration, and staff encourage one another in spiritual sanctity of the Lord’s Day and that only slots. The policy also instructs the school and intellectual development. This effort requires us to exercise a prophetic critical works of necessity are to be done on the administration to schedule work hours so judgment in order to discern views and positions contrary to the truth of Christ, and to Sabbath. The college also affirms that employees can attend at least one local affirm those views consistent with that truth. Such judgment is to be applied equally to utilization of its facilities by Christian church. the views of the college community and to those of the broader culture. groups (mostly youth) when the college is “The policy explains that while Sunday Covenant College is called to a task beyond that of simply preparing students for not in session is good stewardship of the work will be minimized as much as possible, fulfilling vocational interests and personal spiritual development. This larger task is that magnificent setting and facilities God has ‘works of necessity’ such as food service of bearing witness to the redemptive work of Christ in all of life’s pursuits. Such activity provided. The board instructs the will still be needed, especially during the is equally responsibility of the collective Church of Jesus Christ. However, the distinctive administration to do all it can to minimize summer conference season.” contribution of the college to this task is to examine and work out in a Christian liberal arts Sabbath work, recognizing that a few The issue of Sabbath employment was context what it means to think about reality in terms of the mind of Christ, in order that He Sunday changeovers are inherent in raised in September 1999, after it was might be pre-eminent in all things. making the college attractive to summer reported in both the Bagpipe and The theological confession of Covenant College is The Westminster Standards. In conferences. The board further instructs Presbyterian & Reformed News that three addition to that confession, the trustees and faculty of Covenant College, in response to the administration to carefully explain to women, students at Covenant, had been contemporary concerns, affirm the following: prospective employees the extent of fired from their summer employment at the Sabbath work required and to schedule college because of a principial refusal to SCRIPTURE work hours so that the employee has time work on the Lord’s Day. They specifically Scripture, the revealed written word of God, is without error in all that it affirms. As to worship at a local evangelical church. objected to the fact that the Sunday work the truth of God, it is the final authority in matters of faith and practice. Consequently, As long as the college can find enough schedule precluded them from attending Scripture is an indispensable tool of scholarship for integrating the Christian faith with all employees to fulfill the need, students with morning worship. One of the three young academic disciplines. Scripture provides both specific and principial guidance in this task scruples regarding Sabbath work may be ladies is a Roman Catholic (formerly a in ways suited to the different disciplines. hired if those scruples are made clear prior member of the Presbyterian Church in to hiring. Once hired, all other employees America [PCA]), while the other two are from ORIGINS will be expected to work on the Sabbath the PCA. In keeping with Genesis 1 and 2, we affirm that “in the beginning, God created the as required by the college. At its October 1999 meeting, the heavens and the earth,” and that the creation of human beings was a special creative act Covenant College Board directed the school of God. We do not believe naturalistic or theistic evolution to be the mechanism by which The next day (March 17th), the Board administration to reconsider its policy on God ordered His creation. passed a further motion on the subject. the matter. GENDER God created two genders, male and female, in His own image. While different in some ‘WE’RE FOOTLOOSE!’ roles, mena dn women are equal in dignity as bearers of that image. Male headship in marriage and the leadership of men in the church are intended by God for the good of man and woman, family, church, and society. Headship, and all authority, is to be modeled on PROCLAIMS STUDENT NEWSPAPER Christ’s sacrificial service for the Church. We are to refer to God as we are taught in Scripture. Jesus was himself a male, and he teaches us to refer to God as “our Father.” COVENANT COLLEGE APPROVES SEXUALITY The biblical standard for expressing sexual behavior is heterosexual marriage. Scripture DANCING FOR STUDENTS explicitly rules out pre-marital and extra-marital sex, and homosexual activity. While A front-page story in the Covenant mean stiffer penalties for students hosting Christians must exhibit compassion to those whose sexual behavior the Bible describes as College Bagpipe declared a victory for parties with drugs or alcohol.” sinful, they are not to support any public policy or view that legitimizes such sinful students at Covenant College who had The article states that the Student Life behavior as an appropriate lifestyle. been pushing for a relaxation of the rules Committee “concluded that changing the which prohibited dancing. The article was location of the policy would strengthen the COMPASSION written by Miss Heather Honaker. prohibitive section by offering more Christians are to exhibit compassion informed by a social conscience in which there is According to the March 24, 2000, consistency.” The article also says that a biblical concern for the economically, socially, and politically disadvantaged (e.g., the article, the change was passed unanimously second motion “was brought and passed poor, widows, orphans, and aliens). Strategies for expressing this concern in public policy by the Board of Trustees. The dance policy to ‘commend the students involved in should emphasize personal responsibility. was moved from “the alcohol and tobacco working through this significant policy bans to the ‘Living According to Biblical change.’” CULTURAL DIVERSITY Teachings,’ section of the Student An editorial by Bagpipe Editor-in-Chief Diversity and unity are both manifested in God’s person and His creation. Cultural Handbook. The day before, the Student Neal N. Howard praised three students— and ethnic distinctions that properly reflect such diversity and unity are deserving of Life and Enrollment Management Committee Autumn Fredericks, Student Senate respect. The truth of Christ, which transcends such distinctions, is the standard for had unanimously recommended the board President; Jamin Scribner, Dance Committee judging all cultural and ethnic expressions and values. Believers of all races and cultures pass the policy change. chairman; and Heather Honaker, newly- enjoy unity in Christ which enhances their personal and ethnic identity. “The decision effectively leaves the elected Junior Class President—for their issue of dancing off campus within “leadership and initiative” to “bring about students’ own discretion, while maintaining the desired change many of us only talk some restrictions for on-campus jiving. about.” Implementation of the proposal will also

EDITOR’S NOTE: We have been contacted by a reader 144 and # 145), because, among other who expressed concern about the way in reasons, the way in which the article was which a recent article was presented. The presented does not preserve and promote reader is Dr. Samuel Logan who is President the good name of our neighbor and because of Westminster Theological Seminary it does employ “doubtful and equivocal (Philadelphia) and a teaching elder in the expressions.” Orthodox Presbyterian Church. We do not necessarily agree with Dr. Dr. Logan communicated to us that he Logan’s assessment but wanted to take note believes the article, “Westminster OT Profs of it here in order to reassure our readers of Don’t Know Who Wrote the Pentateuch,” our commitment to live and speak in full A new Three Year Plan at Covenant College, with a primary focus on violates the Ninth Commandment, as the obedience to all of Scripture, including the academics, includes upgrade of the library facilities. Pictured above is Ninth Commandment is interpreted by the Ninth Commandment as that Commandment the Kresge Memorial Library, which was built in the early 1970s. Westminster Larger Catechism (questions # is interpreted by the Larger Catechism. P&R News ² March-April 2000 9 OPEN FORUM: A RESPONSE TO THE Psalms of Praise ARTICLE ON THE OPC CREATION DEBATE VOLUMES I AND II We are writing in response to the article in your January-February 2000 issue by OPC ruling elder Michael DiPeppino commenting on the debate over the days of creation in the Presbytery of Southern California of the OPC. The first problem with Mr. DiPeppino’s article is the most serious. He enters into editorializing commentary when he says: “Any rewording, deletions, and redefining of the Secondary Standards must be done consciously, constitutionally, carefully, and competently to comply more with Scripture’s teaching. Any method of change or change of content that undermines the Secondary Standard’s adherence to Scripture is immoral vow breaking requiring clerical and congregational resistance.” Such statements in the context of the current debate seem to imply that Mr. DiPeppino considers the authors of the Report to be guilty of “immoral vow breaking.” If that is his intention, it is morally and Biblically incumbent upon him to bring charges against those in the Presbytery who hold to the framework interpretation. If we have misunderstood, we urge him to clarify what he meant for the readers of P&R News. Furthermore, Mr. DiPeppino’s concern that the framework interpretation “undermines” the secondary standards obscures the real issue—the historic tradition 41 selections 22 selections (51 minutes) in American Presbyterianism, beginning with the Adopting Act of (70 minutes) 1729, of allowing the church to define the sense in which she understands the vow of CD (cm440) ..... $14 subscription. The animus imponentis—the mind of the body that imposes the vow—is CD (cm425) ..... $14 CD (cm440) ..... $14 determinative of the meaning of the vow. Thus, when men “sincerely receive and adopt cassette (cm420) $10 cassette (cm445) $10 the Confession of Faith and Catechisms of this Church, as containing the system of extra lyric booklets extra lyric booklets doctrine taught in the Holy Scriptures” (OPC FOG XXIII:8), the church has the right to $1.10 determine what in the secondary standards is essential to the system of doctrine. $1.10 The Report of the Committee adduces evidence that the mind of the OPC from its Metrical psalms sung a cappella in four-part harmony • All arrangements inception has been to regard the issue of the length of the days of creation as non- essential to the system of doctrine. Thus, men who hold to the framework interpretation from The Book of Psalms for Singing • Recorded in studio by New Song are not breaking their subscription vow, since they have taken the vow in accordance from Geneva College • Lyric booklet included • Free catalog by request with the mind of the church. Mr. DiPeppino’s readers might have been better served if he had argued that, in his opinion, the OPC has been wrong to treat the days of creation Psalms of Praise as non-essential to the system of doctrine, and that this policy needs to be reconsidered. Crown & Covenant Publications Shipping & Handling: In addition, Mr. DiPeppino incorrectly reports certain facts. He writes, for example, 7408 Penn Avenue Orders up to $10, add $2; $10.01–$20, that the nine-member Committee to Study the Framework Hypothesis divided five to Pittsburgh, PA 15208-2531 add $3; $20.01–$30, add $4; $30.01– four, with five framework advocates, versus four who defended the literal six-day position. (412) 241-0436 $50, add $5; over $50, add 10% of But in fact one of the five, who is also the Chairman of the Committee (the Rev. Donald E-mail: [email protected] your discounted total. Poundstone), does not embrace the framework interpretation. Yet he, along with the four men who do hold that view, concluded that the framework view accords with the system of doctrine of the OPC’s secondary standards, and therefore does not disqualify www.psalms4u.com framework candidates from licensure or ordination in the OPC. (Paid Advertisement) Mr. DiPeppino laments that the position represented by the authors of the Minority Report was the minority of the Committee, “despite the apparent majority of Traditional Interpretation advocates within the Presbytery.” But there are many presbyters who nevertheless maintain that liberty should be granted to both literal and non-literal approaches to the days of creation. In the Presbytery of Southern California, and in the OPC generally, it would appear that liberty has always been and continues to be the majority position. Another example of factual error occurs later in the article, when Mr. DiPeppino Established in 1810, the Reformed Presbyterian states that the Committee in its Report distributed to the Presbytery a different definition of the framework interpretation than the one in the copy sent to the Minority. This Theological Seminary provides a noble heritage, statement is untrue, and casts doubt on the integrity of the members of the Committee. qualified and gifted professors (all with years of It is true that the original definition that the Committee as a whole agreed upon at the beginning of its work was modified later during the writing of the reports, but the pastoral experience), faithful Reformed teaching, full Minority was informed of the modification before the reports were R accreditation, a new two-year Master of Theological completed. Furthermore, the modification was, in our judgment, a clarifying refinement, and one that did not introduce anything substantially new. Studies in addition to the Master of Divinity degree Mr. DiPeppino is again inaccurate and engages in editorializing when he says that the Minority repeatedly stated that they believe other Committee members when they program, affordable tuition, a nurturing environment, claim not to be motivated by a desire to harmonize Scripture with “evolutionary and a vision for discipling the nations of the world. philosophy,” but that this concern was proved valid after all by ruling elder A. M. Laurie’s speech on the floor. But Mr. Laurie said nothing in his speech about evolution; he spoke of the necessity of maintaining his own personal integrity as a practicing What more could you want? scientist who in his daily work must deal with the evidence for an old earth. None of the members of the Committee hold to macroevolution. In fact they all P endorsed a strongly worded consensus statement, composed of ten affirmations and For more information, contact: denials, that was co-authored by the Revs. Lee Irons and Kenneth Gentry, although Mr. Gentry (along with the rest of the Minority) later withdrew his support for it. In that Office of Admissions statement, which was included in the Report, the Committee rejects an evolutionary Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary scenario for the origin of man, and affirms that each of the “kinds” were products of special creation. 7418 Penn Ave. Further, and of even greater importance, macroevolution is logically a separate Pittsburgh, PA 15208-2594 issue from the question of whether the picture of God’s creating the world in six days is to be taken figuratively. Therefore, raising it as if it were a potential implication of the Phone: (412)731-8690 framework interpretation confuses the discussion, preventing a fair evaluation of the T interpretation itself. E-Mail - [email protected] We pray that the Lord of the Church would restore peace and unity both to our Presbytery and to the broader Reformed community as the ongoing discussion of the meaning of confessional subscription with respect to the days of creation continues. www.rpts.edu Yours in Christ’s service, William J. Baldwin S. M. Baugh Lee Irons S A. M. Laurie Donald M. Poundstone

(Paid Advertisement) 10 P&R News ² March-April 2000 MINISTERING BREAD TO THE HUNGRY

Atlanta, Georgia (April 2, 2000)—Just before Now, up to 50 people can be comfortably The preacher moves through the first few become so effective and pervasive that the seven o’ clock in the evening, the people start to accommodated. Towards the back of the facility, verses of the fifty-third chapter of Isaiah. He communities become known by the churches’ arrive. There are walk-ins—those who come from past the shelves of days-old bread donated by demonstrates that Jesus Christ was the One Christian names: Rock of Ages, Solid Rock, and the ten apartment buildings which house 675 grocery stores, is a small dining area. anticipated by the Israelites. “He’s coming, He’s so forth. It is sort of the like the Roman Catholic units. There are drive-ins—those who come from About twenty people, black and white, have coming, He’s coming!” At the instigation of the parish concept, in which a neighborhood a distance because they share the multi-ethnic been lured by the succulent smells emanating preacher, the congregants chant in unison becomes known by the name of the local Roman vision of the group. There are ride-ins—those from the stove. Meatloaf, green beans and regarding the hope of potato, lettuce salad, and dinner rolls fill paper ancient Israel. plates, and chocolate-frosted cake completes But even the faith the simple meal. to believe the truth of An hour later, the Sabbath evening the gospel comes from service begins. The Sabbath morning service God. The Presbyterian consists of formal worship. “We don’t go minister unabashedly for this ‘swing-ding’,” proclaimed Dr. speaks of God’s Wilkinson in a previous interview, explaining irresistable grace, and that there is often the recitation of standard boldly tells the flock: “If creeds. The evening gathering, however, is you’re dependent on more informal, and often consists of an your strength to hold evangelistic Bible study. on, you’re going to There is no pianist this evening. Pastor hell. . . .You trust Him to Ben leads the singing of old-time favorites do it, because if He and choruses from an evangelical doesn’t do it, it ain’t hymnbook. “Bless the Lord, O My Soul,” going to get done. . . . Pastor Ben shakes hands with a parishioner. “Trust and Obey,” “Father, I Adore You,” Trusting Him, only, in “Shall We Gather at the River?”, “Amazing my sanctification, even as I’ve trusted Him for Catholic church which dominates the landscape. Grace”: the songs strike a familiar chord with my salvation.” Like the leaven in the parable Jesus told the congregation. The singing is not robust, The service ends with a call to surrender all concerning the progress of the kingdom, there is and Pastor Wilkinson admits, “Well, to Christ. “Where He Leads Me I Will Follow,” nothing flashy or swift about this work. The musically we didn’t sound like the Mormon another old favorite, serves as the final hymn. ministry, quite simply, is that of the old, old story Tabernacle Choir.” However, he quickly adds: of the gospel. Instead of telling drug addicts not “But in your heart you’re a lot better off than ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ to do drugs—they already know that, Pastor they’ll ever be.” Ben says—he encourages his workers just to There is also opportunity for the Rock of Ages Church has been at its present talk about the Lord. There has generally been an people to give testimonies. “Have you seen location for about ten years. Located about acceptance of the people who take that approach. God at work, and you’d like to share it?”, halfway between downtown and the city’s “Now, does that change a community? Not queries the gentle pastor. One woman says “perimeter” (I-285), the changing neighborhood overnight. But it does change people as they are that just for waking up each morning, she is, demographically and economically, irresistably drawn. The gospel changes a society Ben Wilkinson wants to “praise and thank the Lord.” increasingly resembling downtown areas. over a long period of time.” Another woman speaks: “This morning, I Reaching out to the disenfranchised has Dr. Wilkinson’s goal of starting Christian who are invited and given rides by others. Their felt sick, but I’m glad I feel better, so I can come to long been a goal of Dr. Wilkinson, who has a big schools in the inner city is another expression of destination is the bottom floor of one of the church this evening.” A teenager confesses: heart for those on the lower rungs of society. the long-term vision. Education is part of the apartment buildings at Clairmont Lodge, down “I’m glad for my sisters.” “I’m glad you’re glad But he has very little patience for the affluent vision, as seen by the cooperative effort with the the block and across the street from the for your sisters,” Ben Wilkinson states, adding who refuse to minister to those who struggle Atlanta School of Biblical Studies to offer college- Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) that many young people are mad at their siblings economically. In a prior interview, he alleged that level courses to the congregants. denominational office building. rather than glad for them. A man testifies that he the PCA has failed to reach out to Outside, a sign proclaims this to be the used to be wheelchair-bound, but now he “can the approximately one and a half meeting place of a church. Through the walk again.” A newcomer he has brought with million Hispanics in North Georgia; windows, one can see the tired piano, rows of him also speaks: he notes the brevity of life, and the church’s attitude is equivalent chairs, and shelves stocked with loaves of bread. declares: “I’m just so thankful, because to saying to the Hispanics here, The minister also I could “Go to hell.” He continued: “We soon arrives. Clad in black have been just don’t have the passion for the sweater and tie, he moves somewhere down- and-out.” at a deliberate gait from his else.” And Indeed, contrary to car to greet those yet another expectations, ministering the awaiting his arrival. man gives Reformed faith to the “down-and- His name is thanks for the out” is often far more successful Ben Wilkinson, a congregation: than attempting to teach “yuppies” veteran churchman “I couldn’t the same truths. “I don’t remember who has been ask for a anyone rising up [after a intimately better group presentation of sovereign grace] connected with of people.” and resisting it. I was told they inner city work for The message would not understand it, and that many a year. He tonight is from they would not accept it. But quite was the man Isaiah 53. The the opposite is the case.” selected to evangelistic thrust The pastor explains the twin replace the is clear, with an thrusts of the ministry: that of late Bill Hill initial focus on the preaching, discipling, and A sign advertises the presence of Rock of Ages Church. as Executive blood of Christ and assimilating, and that of meeting Director the necessity of the basic needs of people, including food and of the shedding of blood for the clothing. He states that one of his problems with ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Presbyterian remission of sins. The inner-city work has been that “if the founder dies, Evangelistic message also touches on it dies.” By way of contrast, what Ben Wilkinson The service is over, but the message still Fellowship redemptive history: the has been doing is building a church, which resonates with the hearts of the people who had (PEF), a post first gospel promise institution should outlive him. gathered. Some leave almost immediately, going he held from (Genesis 3:15), the ancient Dr. Ben is well-known not only for his out into the darkness of the evening, while others 1973 to 1995. conflict between good ministry at this congregation, but for his vision remain within the fuchsia walls to fellowship. But Now 67 and evil illustrated by for the entire city of Atlanta. He was the instigator they all know that they’re welcome to return to years old, he Cain’s murder of Abel, of the Synod of the City, a group of churches, Rock of Ages Presbyterian Church, where they continues The congregation joins in singing old favorites. Jacob’s ladder, the setting missions, outposts, and ministries from a variety can find food for body and soul. his unique up of sacrificial worship of ecclesiastical backgrounds who come together blend of Reformed theology and ministry to the under Moses. once a month to pray and strategize in order to For those interested in down-and-outers of society. Dr. Wilkinson proclaims that “Moses is foster the gospel in the metropolitan area. supporting this ministry, there are many Inside, the fuchsia-colored walls reflect the given very clear instructions as to how they were His vision is that of exercising dominion, as opportunities for volunteer work, especially colorful ministry of Rock of Ages Presbyterian to worship God.” And, as part of that instruction, illustrated even by the selection of a name for the in the summer. Contact Pastor Ben Church. In the last few months, the meeting “Moses sprinkled blood on the people and on various churches which he has helped to found. Wilkinson at (404)378-7805. room has been expanded to allow more seating. the book,” as an act of purification. His desire is that the ministry of the churches P&R News ² March-April 2000 11 ALL ABOARD THE BALSAM VALLEY RAILROAD!!! Hazelwood, North Carolina (April 4, 2000)— Bill Seibert’s plan was as simple as it was On Wednesdays, half of the boys work with All is quiet now on the Balsam Valley, as it The diesel locomotive negotiates the tight ambitious: to befriend boys who themselves Bill Seibert on the construction of the table layout sleeps for the night. Tomorrow its rails will hum curves, freight cars and caboose obediently needed attention. In doing so, he hopes to point while the others are led by Ruling Elder Frank once again, as the colorful box cars, reefers, and following. The train slows as it approaches the them to the only One who can keep them on the Scates in a Bible study. On Tuesdays, while half flat cars—AT&SF, Union Pacific, Pacific Fruit yard, then comes to a complete stop while the right track. of the group works on the layout, the brakeman uncouples the box car from the engine. In order to implement this program, others go with Mr. Sam Smith, another It is another day on the Balsam Valley Railroad. cooperation with the public schools was ruling elder at Hazelwood, in order to Well, actually, this is the Balsam Valley essential. Mrs. Shirley Livingston, guidance work on assembling kits of model Model Railroad. But even though it is only a counselor at the local school, has been the key. buildings which, along with tiny model railroad, it is having a very real impact on According to Mr. Seibert, Mrs. Livingston automobiles from the 1950s era, will “jumped” on his idea when he first mentioned it. eventually comprise “Smithville” and “She thought this was really the thing to do,” he “Scatestown.” Each town will be located recalled. The Principal, Mr. Wyatt, “jumped on it, either side of a vertical divider painted too.” The level of cooperation can be seen in the with blue sky and clouds; plaster-of-Paris fact that the boys are transported from the school, mountains will form the backdrop, and after school hours, on a public school bus. the two towns will be connected via a Hosting the new model railroad is tunnel. Sam Smith oversees the construction of buildings. Hazelwood Presbyterian Church, a congregation Today, Mr. Smith’s group is working of Western Carolina Presbytery of the on a house. He demonstrates how to apply the Express, Western Maryland—clickety-clack their Presbyterian Church in America. One room on glue to the plastic model. His hands gently but way over the tracks. the second floor in the educational building firmly assist in the construction. But tonight, in their own homes not far from houses the four foot by eight foot layout, and an In the other room, General Manager Seibert the old Southern Railway tracks, boys will listen adjacent room helps the boys lay down for train horns and dream of faraway places. And provides space for “ballast” on the tracks. Bill Seibert, perhaps remembering his own construction of the Carefully, ever so fatherless childhood, will pray for the budding buildings which will carefully, they pour the young engineers, brakemen, and switchmen who be placed on the “ballast” out of paper help him run the railroad. layout. cups, and then brush it The Men of the into place. So much The Balsam Valley Model Railroad is open for Covenant (MOC) at attention is paid to details, guided tours most Tuesdays and Wednesdays Hazelwood that imitation rust lines the during the school year from 3:00 to 4:30 PM, Presbyterian decided sides of the HO-scale and at other times by appointment. Donations to adopt this project, rails. of cash and/or equipment are also welcome. and donated the $300 Not all is work, You may contact Hazelwood Presbyterian Pastor Larry Wilson leads a devotional. in its treasury. At the however, on the railroad. Church at (828)456-3912. monthly MOC supper, Engineer Seibert the lives of at-risk boys from the local public $4 is collected from instructs his young elementary school. each man who trainees in running the The brainchild of Bill Seibert, the Balsam attends; this brings in train. He teaches them Valley has been under construction for about a another $50 to $60 per “how to throttle and how year. A retiree who also serves as a ruling elder month. The money to couple without at Hazelwood Presbyterian Church, Mr. Seibert has gone to purchase ‘breaking the eggs,’” as became aware of at-risk children—those who, material, building kits, well as how to move cars for one reason or another, were having problems and railroad cars. and solve problems. in school and/or at home. As a result of a meeting Help has also Next month, he expects to with officials at Hazelwood Elementary School, come in from outside introduce bills of lading he decided to try to help boys who needed a the church. A widow and switch lists. friend and perhaps a father-figure, while at the of the one of the After forty same time using his life-long interest in members of the Bill Seibert at the controls minutes or so, the two railroading. Western Carolina groups of boys switch Model Railroad Association donated about two places. Forty minutes after that, at 4:30, it’s dozen pieces of rolling stock, and a friend of Mr. quitting time on the Balsam Valley Railroad, and Bill Seibert’s interest in railroads goes back Seibert donated a Santa Fe locomotive. So far, time for Mr. Seibert to take the boys back to the seven decades, to the time when he was about about $900 worth of goods has been donated. school where they are picked up by their families. eight years old, growing up in Pennsylvania But there has been no need for any tools: the Most of the boys, says Mr. Seibert, don’t Dutch country. His older brother eventually tools for doing the work come from Mr. Seibert’s have fathers. The father of one of the youngsters, became part-owner of the famous Strasburg collection. a fifth grader, died two years ago. Mr. Seibert’s Railroad, a short-line which still operates steam Right now, the railroad needs $250 for a blue eyes well up with emotion as he quietly and other vintage trains through the Amish area capital improvement: the purchase of a Digital says, “If I can help that boy through this, it will outside of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Command Control (DCC). This equipment will be worth the whole thing.” allow locomotives to be controlled by The ballast is carefully laid on the tracks. radio signals, thus obviating the need for a “block” system, and allowing for a more efficient and realistic operation of trains. Railroads and the Reformed Faith On Tuesdays and Railroads and the Reformed faith have often intertwined. In the nineteenth century, Northern Wednesdays, about three o’ clock, the Presbyterian missionary Sheldon Jackson frequently rode the rails in his travels to win the West boys—mostly fourth and fifth for Christ. Jackson took advantage of offers by various rail lines to erect church buildings in places graders—arrive at the church. With along the tracks. He also, on at least two occasions, sponsored tours of Presbyterian General Lance peanut butter cheese crackers Assembly commissioners via rail, so they could see the sights of Denver and other locales as well in hand, the five youngsters listen to as appreciate the newly-established Presbyterian churches and mission works. Pastor Larry Wilson give a brief In the twentieth century, at least two professors associated with Westminster Theological devotional. Seminary displayed a tremendous interest in railroads. J. Gresham Machen loved to ride on the Today, Mr. Wilson tells the open platform in observation cars and experience the speed of, for example, the Pennsylvania’s boys that life is like a mountain railroad. A young brakeman prepares to throw the switch. Broadway Limited. Paul Wooley collected hundreds of railroad timetables. The tracks on a mountain line are not Between the ages of 8 and 16, Pastor Larry Wilson would ride on gear-driven Shay steam As a boy, Bill Seibert set up a model railroad very straight, but very crooked, and therefore locomotives, often assisting the engineer, on the Graham County Railroad between Robbinsville set in his attic. He has been an avid hobbyist— the engineer has to be very careful in negotiating and Topton, North Carolina (his father being president of the railroad). PCA Pastor Frank perhaps seen best by his ownership of every the curves. And, he is dependent on his light, VanLandingham of Montrose, Colorado, was an engineer for the Southern Pacific. The PCA’s issue of Model Railroader magazine since 1950, particularly at night and in bad weather. Pastor second stated clerk, Dr. Paul Gilchrist, has had a particular interest in steam locomotives. Sam all in binders and fully indexed. Wilson points to John 1, where Jesus, the Word Duncan, a ruling elder who moderated the 25th PCA General Assembly, has often taken the Now in his retirement, he has sought to use of God, is referred to as the light of the world; and Crescent between Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and Atlanta on church business. Licentiate David his hobby in a constructive way as he inculcates to John 8:12, where Christ claims, “I am the light Queener of Westminster Presbytery builds large-scale replicas of locomotives and rolling stock in young boys an appreciation for the romance of the world.” The pastor applies the message: for clients. One of the early PCA ministers, Todd Allen, worked for a brief time as a dining car of the rails, as well as for the necessity of careful “Boys, I hope you will follow the Lord Jesus steward on the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. And PCA minister Frank J. Smith “popped the attention to detail. Christ all of your lives.” question” to his future bride on board the Crescent. 12 P&R News ² March-April 2000 LETTERS AND EDITORIALS none of us ever will. Were the petitions all in more specifically to some of the questions people to that gospel. When historic Letters order? Does it finally come to ones own you raised. Presbyterianism does that it shatters the I suppose better late than never is what I interpretation? Maybe the petition was one First, both of us are passionate about objections of its critics. They are more likely should say. I am responding to the Dec. 99 day late or something like that I do not know. something because there is something we to see the sanity and Biblical authority for our issue and the hot topic of women preaching. Are we going after the letter of the law and deeply love. From that standpoint, we have gospel formulations. When historic Can it be put any clearer? “I do not allow not the spirit? It really does not matter. The much in common. We both love the truth. We Presbyterianism does not sound this note it a woman to teach or exercise authority over a Scripture says a woman must not teach a man. love the Lord of the truth. More specifically, is perceived as cold, legalistic, critical, man ” We in the PCA pride ourselves in I know this is not a popular thing but we love the expression of that truth in uncaring and dead. That’s the stereotype that saying we believe in the simple literal meaning since when was the Gospel a popular thing? evangelical, reformed Presbyterianism. It’s exists within the minds of many people. of Scripture. We believe Paul is speaking The true Gospel is offensive to the world and obvious that our past experience has informed Unhappily, examples of the stereotype under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. even we Christians have a hard time dealing that passion. Apparently, you remember are legion. Recently, I visited with a man who Doesn’t this mean anything to us at all? Why with it at times. It is popular to allow women coming out of or seeing up close apostate graduated from Westminster Seminary and to we have word gymnastics by saying, “Oh to speak in the church. Not allowing them to Presbyterianism. You are rightly concerned then gone into the practice of law. For years the women are teaching under the authority speak “makes it look as if we are about anything that might cause us to drift he had attended broadly evangelical of the Session.” Or “This is a cultural thing.” discriminating”. Who care what “it looks back in that direction. churches. Recently they moved to our area The Bible says that a woman is not allowed to like?” Since when is the true Church of Jesus I came out of evangelical Arminianism. and began looking for a church. His wife teach or exercise authority over a man. How Christ led by those who do not accept the Someone gave me Spurgeon’s sermons. I was began to come to a Bible study at our church else can you say it? What is wrong with the clear teaching of the Word? The bottom line floored! I had never heard preaching like that. and suggested to him that perhaps the whole SJC to say this is not the plain and simple is this: Women are not to preach/teach in There was a vision of God, an intoxication family should come. He reluctantly came, and meaning of these words? These people church when men are present. with Christ, and a love for lost people that actually found out that it was an inviting place. represent the highest court in our I have said enough. shattered all of my stereotypes of Calvinists. I made an appointment to visit denomination. If they do not take a stand, is it Stanley Armes, MTW Missionary to By the way, I think it is the shattering of those him. He told me that he was frankly “turned any wonder that the churches are confused? South Africa stereotypes that needs to be one of our main off” on reformed Presbyterians. He had met It has nothing to do with whether we think objectives and I will explain what I mean by the stereotypes, and turned away in disgust the women are better or less than men. The I cannot tell you how much I appreciated that later. The sermons also had the ring of to fellowship in churches that weren’t as whole issue stands on what God says and the article about MTW in the January- Biblical authority. It began a journey that theologically precise as we are, but evidenced not what we THINK he says. February issue of your paper. I am a PCA continues. It was a journey first of all more real love for God and others. I am Teaching and exercising authority are not pastor and I believe that our MTW of re-reading the Scripture and finding out saddened when I hear people describe historic necessarily the same thing, but the Bible says missionaries are the salt of the earth. I was that these outlandish Calvinist doctrines were Presbyterianism in that way. the women must not do either even if the thrilled to know that we treated them well and in actuality Biblical doctrines. So it was a I believe that grace-centered, vibrant, Session says it is OK. The Bible is our I would be in favor of any expenditure from journey of the mind, but it was also a journey orthodox Presbyterianism is precisely what authority not the Session. Where these two anywhere that would encourage MY of the heart. What convinced me most was the church and secular world needs. I want to differ we must go the route of Scripture. missionaries when they come home. They the beauty of the truth. That beauty was disabuse people of these stereotypical What really concerns me is that Cedar deserve 10 times what they will ever get. It conveyed in my reading of the Scriptures and notions. BUT the only way they will be Springs Church admits that this is not the first would be a shame and neglect for anyone to in Calvin, Edwards, Lloyd-Jones, Packer and disabused of these notions, and the only way time this has happened. Based on how the go to NY and not see a Broadway show. I then by those within the denomination I would historic Presbyterianism will flourish in the church has reacted up to this point, I assume hope the reports are accurate. eventually serve namely in Tim Keller, Jim land is if there are 1000’s of reformed people that it won’t be the last. I hope I am wrong in Sincerely, Boice, and Jack Miller. It was the poetry of the who demonstrate a quality and power this. If this continues on, it would indicate a Rev. Jim Mitchell, Clearwater, Florida gospel within those communicators that of life that is different. It is the defiant attitude that a minister must not have. stormed and captured my heart. It changed quality and power of life in the gospel. And It seems that the SJC is not taking this Dear Mr. Smith and Mr. Shapiro, my life and my family. I was in a part of that’s precisely where the P & R News whole thing seriously. Several Presbyteries Thank you for your respectful and the country where I didn’t have any fellowship disturbs me. It seems to give fodder to the are concerned about this issue. Scripture says straightforward response to my concerns. In with any Calvinists. I also paid a price for the critics. It seems to reinforce the stereotypes. it only takes 2-3 to establish a matter. Here we fact, you showed more restraint than I did change in my convictions. Eventually, I If I were a broadly evangelical person (or a have several presbyteries wanting something with my remarks. Having said that, I would moved my family from one part of the country secular person) reading the P & R News, I done. like to respond in a general way to your to another so I could fellowship with the larger would say, “There they go again.” I would I do not know the full story and perhaps communication. Later, I will try to respond covenant family that I felt was most poised to say, “Yeah, those Presbyterians are a cranky, spread these truths across the land, namely unloving lot.” Worse, if I were a secular PRESBYTERIAN AND REFORMED NEWS the PCA. Unlike many of the reformed person, I would be saying, “I’ve got OWNERSHIP: Presbyterian International News Service, which publishes Presbyterian and Reformed News, denominations that I had observed, the PCA enough problems without adding the problem is a Georgia non-profit 501(c)3 corporation. was planting churches, had a great missions of religion.” In short, I’m convinced it hurts PURPOSE: The purpose of Presbyterian International News Service is to advance fellowship, piety, and organization, and inspiring leaders who were the cause. It may be well-intended, and it’s orthodoxy, especially among the constituency of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), through the making an impact in many parts not to say that the issues you highlight don’t dissemination of news about and of interest to the PCA and through the publication of articles and editorials of the country. That’s what I wanted to be a have importance, but overall it detracts from which promote historic Presbyterian doctrine and practice. part of. the greater goal. POLICY: Signed articles and editorials are the responsibility of each individual author. Unsigned articles and So we both love the truth, and the Lord Then finally, when I read of harsh who inspired that truth. However, I would criticisms of MNA, MTW, Redeemer editorials are written by the Editor. However, the Editor-in-Chief is responsible for whatever is written under like to think that I love the truth in better ways Presbyterian, etc., I am enflamed. These were the auspices of the editorial staff and published in the newspaper or posted on the PINS website. Only than in the way I see it expressed in the P & R the people who shattered my stereotypes, and documents signed and authenticated by the appropriate clerks should be regarded as having official status. The News. I say “better” not “more”. I have no convinced me that the PCA was a reformed names and addresses of the presbytery stated clerks are provided as a courtesy, and do not imply that the clerk question that you love the truth as much as I, denomination that could spread this gospel listed is responsible for the material. Correspondence (whether by letter, fax, or e-mail) sent to the Editor but I think you love it in ways that actually across the land. I’m not saying they are perfect dealing with a topic previously discussed in this publication will be considered a “Letter to the Editor” unless impede rather than enhance its growth. What or not in need of accountability, but when the it is clearly marked “Not for publication.” Letters to the Editor should ordinarily be 250 words or less, and I mean is I think historic Presbyterianism is end of the day has come they will be the ones may be edited for space considerations. loved and expressed best when its to truly advance “the cause.” The movement SUBSCRIPTION POLICY: Presbyterian and Reformed News is published bi-monthly, and is sent, free of proponents major on the majors, and minor within the PCA reflected in the P & R News charge, to every PCA clerk of session and to every PCA teaching elder not serving in an organized PCA on the minors. When I say major on the majors jeopardizes the cause. It does not reflect the congregation. The subscription rate is $15.00 (six issues), or $2.75 per issue. 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Rates: Classified ads—for each letter or space, $0.10 (average 35 per line), means to win some” (hopefully “many”) lost a future edition. minimum of $10.00; 20% discount for multi-issue placement. Other ads—full page, $500.00; half page, Cordially, $250.00; quarter page, $150.00; eighth page, $80.00; discounts available for advertising in multiple issues. POLICY REGARDING LETTERS Dennis Brown SPONSORS: Churches are invited to assist this ministry by becoming a sponsoring congregation. Sponsoring Broomall, Pennsylvania churches are listed in each issue, along with their address and times of services. Other bodies and institutions The policy of P&R News is to print (such as presbyteries and seminaries) are welcome also to co-sponsor this publication, with such information all of the letters-to-the-editor that we about them being printed as they may desire. receive. We encourage our readers CORRECTION: Robert Shapiro, Editor-in-Chief Editorial and Business Address: to share their thoughts with us. In the last issue, we reported that First Letters may be sent via email Presbyterian Church of Oakdale, Louisiana, Frank J. Smith, Ph. D., Editor 905 Dogwood Park Drive left the Presbyterian Church in America for Penelope Ann Abraham-Smith, Assistant Editor Lawrenceville, GA 30045 ([email protected]) or via snail the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. In point Adrian Abraham, Webmaster and Layout Manager 678-442-9863 mail, 905 Dogwood Park Drive, of fact, the Oakdale congregation withdrew to Financial Office E-mail: [email protected] Lawrenceville, GA 30045 independency. We regret the error. 6470 Bentley Trail, Cumming, GA 30040 Web Site: http://pins.simplenet.com P&R News ² March-April 2000 13

Dear Fathers and Brethren: The Jan-Feb ’00 P&R NEWS [p. 11] Due Diligence Not Done Leads to an Undoing carried an item “The PCA and the Lodge” to I had all sorts of excuses for why I given cause to believe this ad would be inappropriate linkage. It is an uncharitable which I would like to respond by way of didn’t get hold of Joel Belz before releasing accepted as well, but, Joel Belz assured me leap to assume (which we did) that both posing some questions for thoughtful for print the December 1999 article that this has been and will continue to be Joel Belz and Marvin Olasky approved of reflection. concerning World magazine turning down the advertising policy. the Chorale’s participation in the Mass. I offer these in light of personal the Trinity Foundation advertisement. But, Secondly, while there were well-known Moreover, according to Joel Belz, the experience with 1) my Father’s membership in in the end, all the excuses in the world (no signatories such as R. C. Sproul and D. Covenant Board, while cautioning the the Blue Helion Lodge of Huntsville, AL, and pun intended) do not excuse the fact that James Kennedy to the Reformation Day chorale not to accept in the future as a Scottish Rite 32 degree member up to his we, no I, didn’t get it right. Statement being placed, Joel Belz pointed invitations to participate in the mass, did death; 2) my high school years of active Afterward, when I heard that Joel had out that neither of these men, both of whom not find this situation to be a disciplinable membership in the DeMolay chapter of that taken issue with some of the things we have a nation-wide ministry, has featured offense. This hardly makes either man a Lodge; 3) my file containing my father’s papers published, I rationalized, well, the story is or highlighted his Reformation Day support papal sympathizer. and books such as Pike’s MORALS AND well-documented—what more could Mr. from his platform. It is one thing to support For these and probably other still- DOGMA—to include my study of same and Belz have added? “One man’s case seemeth a cause and quite another to stake your unrecognized errors I extend P&R News’ my conversations with Masons who also just until another presents his cause” came business and the welfare of your employees apology to Joel and Dr. Olasky. There is professed to be Christians; and lastly 4) my back to bite me on this. Allow me to set the on that cause. never so little time to allow mistakes like own education in the field of NT Greek and record straight(er). Thirdly, P&R’s reference to Dr. this to occur. Now, if Joel can only get Bill Theology. World states as part of its advertising Olasky’s and Joel Belz’ connection with the Safire to apologize for publicly trashing The 1985 PCA GA response to an policy that all advertisements are subject World magazine Reformation Day Statement World! overture about the issue of Freemasonry [= to the approval of the publisher, so in fact controversy and Covenant College Board’s —Bob Shapiro Masonry = the Lodge and related bodies] no firm agreement was breeched. The fact position concerning the Covenant chorale’s apparently led to a later GA exhortation that that previous ads were accepted may have singing in the Roman Mass was an all members of Freemasonry and those considering membership in Freemasonry and who are members of a PCA congregation “reconsider their relationship with that Biblical Realignment—A Remedy for Ecclesiastical Potholes organization in the light of evidence” etc. The Last issue, Rev. Frank Smith posed the us thin emotionally and is downright doesn’t seek comeuppance or form cliques. allowable inference from the 15th GA is that question: Is the PCA Reformable? And dangerous to our spiritual and theological When one hurts, we all hurt. When one membership in both the PCA and the Lodge while Dr. Smith concluded that it can be, I health. So it is, I believe, with life in our rejoices, we all share the blessing. But are permissible IF the man will “reconsider saw this weekend encouraging evidence presbyteries. covenantal connectedness, this tender their relationship” etc. that the Holy Spirit is at work, moving us This mis-alignment can manifest itself fatherly, brotherly, sisterly attitude toward If I may offer an analogy, it is as follows: beyond talking past one another to as distrust of the larger churches exercising each other, cannot just be a theological Pike wrote in MORALS AND DOGMA [p.213] “seeking to preserve the unity of the Spirit undue influence in the presbytery. Or, it position, it must be a work of God’s Spirit in that “Every Masonic Lodge is a temple of in the bond of peace.” can be manifest as arrogance toward the our lives. The Spirit, speaking through the religion; and its teachings are instruction in I’m sure many of you, in your driving small churches because their ministers Scriptures, is able to give us each a Biblical religion.” Some pages later, “Masonry . . . . is experience, have come on rough road, taken supposedly don’t know how to pastor their realignment. Our Savior said “if I be lifted the universal, eternal, immutable religion, a turn too short, or perhaps parked your car flock. Misalignment sharpens our tongues, up I will draw all men to myself,” and if we such as God planted it in the heart of universal before you had it stopped. All of these thins our patience, and creates distrust on draw near to Him, we must, bound by the humanity. No creed has ever been long-lived situations can mis-align your car so that, as the issues with which we wrestle. Dr. Render same cords of love, be drawn to each other that was not built on this foundation. It is the you drive, you find the car naturally veering Caines of Covenant Presbyterian in as well. base, and they are the superstructure.” [p. one way or the other. That, I fear, is what Chattanooga struck the note perfectly when Without this Spirit-wrought 219] Hence, by simple inference from the has happened to us in our presbyteries: as he recently pointed out that we, by virtue realignment, we are destined to come upon explicit implication of Dr. Pike’s authorized we have come on rough road with our of being covenantal Presbyterians, are a pothole that will cause us to lose control, version, the Westminster Standards and the brethren, in ecclesiastical bump after nasty family—“for we are all members of one and I fear the result will not be a pretty sight. theology of the PCA are erected upon the bump we have developed a tilt, one way or another”. —Bob Shapiro “foundation” of Freemasonry. The PCA GA another. Continuing to drive this way wears Family doesn’t divorce family. Family ought to either acknowledge the correctness or incorrectness of Pike’s assertions. Therefrom, then, the PCA by analogy ‘Whatsoever Things Are Lovely’ ought not merely request that PCA-ers “reconsider” their associational membership In the book of Philippians, the Apostle run numerous articles which have well be one epistle which does not in the Masonic temple religion—the universal Paul commends the saints at Philippi for demonstrated a less-than-pretty picture of emphasize any “church problems.” and eternal religion founded by God—but, sending a gift to assist him in his need. what is going on. Nevertheless, the wisdom found in chapter rather, the PCA GA ought to “request” that Towards the end of his epistle, the apostle When the newspaper was started five four, verse eight, certainly does apply PCA-ers CONSIDER whether or not they are says that “the things which were sent” were years ago, the desire really was simply to universally. COMFORTABLE [the governing “touchy, “an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice serve the church by providing the news of The sacrificial gift on behalf of the feely” concept of our day] with being members acceptable, well-pleasing to God.” the denomination. One of the particular apostle was something lovely—a sweet- of TWO separate and hostile religions. Several verses prior to that means of doing so was by providing news smelling fragrance. Similarly, the Bride of Analogously, would the PCA GA ask PCA- commendation, Paul had written, “Finally, of the presbyteries—a section which Christ herself is lovely as she is affected by ers to “reconsider” being a member of both brethren, whatsoever things are true, remains one of our more popular. the King’s garments which are perfumed the PCA as well as a Hindu or Buddhist or whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever What was quickly discovered, with myrrh, aloes, and cassia (Psalm 45). Moslem or Unitarian or Jewish temple- things are just, whatsoever things are pure, however, is that there are things going on We do not intend to cease telling those congregation [mutatis mutandis]??? When I whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever in the denomination which are not very things which are “true” and contending for was Visiting Professor in l998 in Odessa, things are of good report; if there be any attractive. And we have felt an obligation those things which are “honest” and “just” Ukraine at the Odessa International virtue, and if there be any praise, think on to let the church know about these matters, and “pure.” At the same time, we will try to Theological seminary, teaching Contemporary these things.” so that it could have a candid understanding do a better job of also focusing on those Religious Movements,” I did not EVER teach We are aware that there are some folks of the church’s true condition. things which are “lovely” and of “good or imply that a Christian might be a member of in the denomination who believe that we at But in the process of “doing our duty,” report.” a non-Christian religion, nor did I EVER teach P&R News are interested only in covering is it possible that we have lost the balanced —Frank J. Smith or imply that a Christian ought to “reconsider” scandal in the church. It is not hard to perspective of which the Apostle Paul his/her membership in a non-Christian religion. understand why that is the case. We have spoke? It is true that Philippians may very By definition in the words of our Lord Jesus The Mercy Committee of TN Valley Christ Himself in John l4:lff., the Gospel is Presbytery reported on a need arising from exclusionary and narrowly focused and its OUR FINANCIAL OFFICE HAS MOVED! one of its members who is in the process of parameters are called restricted to salvation being restored. Due to his suspension from IN Jesus Christ alone. Though unpopular in It is now located at office his family has suffered a significant “mainline denominations” and to the present reduction in income. While this brother Pope, this exclusionary Gospel places 6470 Bentley Trail, Cumming, GA 30040 recognizes that his difficulties result from his obligations upon an honest presentation in own sin the Mercy Committee wants the evangelistic activity. I cannot imagine Elisha A one year subscription is only $15. presbytery to help restore him. The committee asking the Prophets of Baal at Mt. Carmel to reminded presbytery of the prodigal who “reconsider” their membership in that religious If you haven’t done it before, now would be a returned home to find what he did not expect. cult. Perhaps dual membership in the Lodge The father welcomed him and threw a party in is not a problem for many or any of our good time to give a subscription to a friend or his delight that his son had returned. churches. I hope it is not. Presbytery was encouraged to show the same (Rev.) Robert H. Countess, Ph.D. loved one. Checks may be made payable to delight in a repentant brother and to incarnate [Retired] the gospel for him and his family. Gifts may be [Called] Stated Supply, Eastside PCA, sent to Render Caines, Stated Clerk, 8451 E. Gadsden, AL Presbyterian International News Service. Brainerd Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37421. 14 P&R News ² March-April 2000 NEWS FROM THE PRESBYTERIES Presbytery approved that Chaplain as Pastor of Christ Community Church, dependence on the help of the rest of the Central Georgia Charles Morrison, who retired from the U. S. Thomasville, Georgia. church. We’d ask for your prayers, and if you Army on October 1st, remain on the rolls as Presbytery approved the report of its ad are able, your material support as we approach The 106th stated meeting of Central honorably retired. hoc committee to study all issues pertaining churches in days to come. Georgia Presbytery met on October 12, 1999, The pastoral relationship between the to conduct of business at presbytery. The The Presbytery has also proposed to at Lakemont Presbyterian Church, Augusta, Lakemont Church and the Rev. Dean Conkel four recommendations passed by the requisite Assembly’s Committee on Mission to North Georgia. The court was divided in order to was dissolved, and he was given permission two-thirds supermajority to amend the America consideration of a different church hear messages from two ordinands, Mr. Matt to labor out of bounds with the Christian Presbytery By-Laws. The first planting model for Eastern Canada. Christian (Matthew 5:17-20) and Mr. Brad Education and Publications Committee in recommendation was that the Moderator be Recognizing that response here is slow, even Staten (Galatians 3:10-14). Atlanta. elected for a one year period, at the spring in world class cities like Toronto, we have The Rev. Dr. Michael Milton was elected Per their own request, the names of meeting; and that the Moderator-in- proposed making a longer term commitment Moderator, and Ruling Elder John Marshall Messrs. Dennis Boatright and Earnest Nomination be elected at the same time with to support, and where possible sending a team, from Trinity Presbyterian Church, Statesboro, Holloway were removed from the roll of the understanding that he will automatically rather than one family to work to plant one or Georgia, was elected Moderator-in- ministerial candidates. Mr. Brent Turner was be placed in nomination for Moderator the more congregations. We have also asked that Nomination. allowed to remain on the roll of candidates, following year (carried 33-15-0). The second they consider making Eastern Canada a high Mr. Christian was examined and approved even though the church of which he is a recommendation was to change the meeting priority area, as was done a few years ago in for ordination as Assistant Pastor of First member has left the PCA. times of Presbytery: now, the quarterly stated the Western US. The need is very great—of Presbyterian Church, Macon, Georgia. Mr. Presbytery approved the petition from meetings will always be on a Saturday, and our eight congregations, three are missions, Staten was examined and approved for Kirk O’ the Isles Presbyterian Church to twice a year (winter and summer stated one is effectively closed, and the loss of one ordination as Assistant Pastor at Islands become organized. Dr. Milton is to be installed meetings), the Presbytery will meet also on or two families would end the life of a fifth. Presbyterian Church, Savannah, Georgia. as Pastor, assuming that a call to him is the previous Friday (32-15-0). The third Only three are well established at this point, The Rev. Christopher O’ Brien was forthcoming. recommendation was that a roll call for and only one has a normal attendance above examined for reception from Covenant A report was received from Chaplain Gary determining a quorum will be done by a sign 70. As the MNA committee has just met, we Presbytery. He was called to be an Assistant Sexton on his new assignment as senior in list (rather than by the Stated Clerk calling don’t even know if they had time to consider Pastor at Golden Isles Presbyterian Church, instructor for chaplains at Fort Jackson in the roll) (35-0-0). The fourth recommendation this, and certainly have not had time to begin Savannah, with the specific responsibilities Columbia, South Carolina. established a normal docket, including the to discuss it with us. Nevertheless, we would of being the organizing pastor of the Presbytery heard a report about the work provision that the Candidates and Credentials appreciate your prayers for our outreach in Needwood Mission Work of Brunswick, of the International Seamen’s House in Committee will always report first, with the what seems to be the hardest soil in the Georgia. Savannah. Reports were given by Mrs. Sue other five Permanent Committees rotating their geographical bounds of the PCA. The Rev. Dr. Michael Bolus had resigned Jakes, Christian Education & Publications order of reporting from meeting to meeting Problems in Grace Toronto Church led to as Pastor of the Grace Church, Bainbridge, trainer from Atlanta; Dr. John Parker, a ruling (27-8-0). the appointment of two commissions to deal Georgia. Presbytery approved his elder at San Marcos Presbyterian Church of with divisive issues. Again, we desire your resignation. the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Quito, prayers. Presbytery dissolved the pastoral Ecuador, who works with Mission to the Eastern Canada The Presbytery closed Friday evening relationship between the Rev. Scott Reiber and World and HCJB; Mr. Robert Bishop of the with a time of reporting on blessings and needs Providence Presbyterian Church, Savannah, Insurance, Annuities and Relief agency; and The Presbytery of Eastern Canada met in in our churches, and prayer for one another Georgia, and dismissed him to Mississippi the Rev. Walton Kendall, who encouraged London, Ontario, February 24-25, 2000. This and the work of Christ in our midst. Valley Presbytery pending receipt. attendance at the Presbytery’s first Men’s was our first meeting in this town, home of a Yours in Christ, The Rev. Donald McKelvey was Retreat. growing mission congregation, Thames Don Codling, Pastor dismissed to New River Presbytery, pending Presbytery approved the report of the Valley Presbyterian. We were pleased to meet Bedford (NS) Presbyterian Church receipt. commission to ordain and install Keith Coward and share in Christian fellowship with some of the people of the congregation. Growth is slow, as we find all through the Eastern Canada James River region. We covet your prayers for Dane Lewis, IN SEARCH OF PASTOR the organizing pastor, and the people who are The Winter Stated Meeting of James taking part in Thames Valley Presbyterian River Presbytery was held on January 8, 2000, Mission. They are finding a wide opening for at New Covenant Presbyterian Church, Bellemont Presbyterian Church (unaffiliated) outreach in the international community Virginia Beach, Virginia. The Moderator, the gathered in and around the University there. Rev. Paul Carter, presided over the opening Bristol, Tennessee The Presbytery was saddened to receive worship and preached a sermon from Romans word of the closing of Grace Presbyterian 8:1-4 about a life of tribulation, but no Fellowship in Kitchener-Waterloo. After more condemnation for those who are in Christ than twenty years, during many of which the Jesus. congregation was the active, vital, growing Charles R. Parker, Treasurer, reported that heart of the Presbytery, Grace held its last the balance as of December 31, 1999, was service February 27. The church will not close $44,753.98. formally until its building has been sold. Pastor Licentiate David Bentz was examined and Joe Gray and a number of the members are approved for ordination as Assistant Pastor looking at making a new beginning in at New Life in Christ Church, Fredericksburg, downtown Kitchener, but will likely have to Virginia. The ordination exam for Mr. Brett join another denomination due to lack of Carl, which had been postponed from the resources in ours to support the work quickly. October meeting so that he could study the We were encouraged by the report that doctrine of the Sabbath, was at this meeting Grace Toronto Church has spun off its first sustained. He has been called as Assistant daughter congregation, Grace Japanese Pastor at Westminster Reformed Presbyterian Mission, organizing pastor Masato Murai. At Church, Suffolk, Virginia. this point Masato is only able to give part Messrs. Frank Sindler and Stephen time to the ministry, as he has to work outside Jeanrenaud were examined and received as the church to support himself and his family. ministerial candidates. , Nestled in the Beautiful Mountains of East Tennessee Grace Japanese becomes the 8th congregation Presbytery voted to dissolve the in the Presbytery. commission to particularize Grace Community The Presbytery examined and agreed to Mission Church in Charlottesville, Virginia, , Founded by Pastor/Evangelist Dan Graham in 1953 receive the Rev. Ian Crooks to be organizing with thanks, since the mission church does pastor for a mission congregation in not have enough elder candidates to , 1/4 mile from Graham Bible College Miramichi, New Brunswick. Ian’s serious particularize at this time. A commission was commitment to our confessional teaching and established as a temporary session for Grace to Christ, and his enthusiasm for evangelism Community Church. , Committed to the Westminster Standards were an encouragement to the whole The court voted to reimburse All Saints Presbytery. Ian is presently pastor of a church Reformed Presbyterian Church up to $350 for in Rasharkin, Northern Ireland. After several expenses incurred by the Rev. Howard Griffith , Traditional Worship using the Trinity Hymnal years there, he “felt God’s call to move on to a for attending the General Assembly’s Creation new challenge and work in His service”, and Study Committee meeting in December. was drawn to the PCA. He and his family are Presbytery voted to direct a Send resume: R. E. Bill Hamilton ready to move, and the core group is constitutional inquiry to the Committee on 272 Hamilton Lane enthusiastically anxious to receive him, but Constitutional Business, with regard to the first we need to raise funds to support him. In meaning of the word “church” in BCO 57-5 Bluff City, TN 37618 our small Presbytery this means heavy (membership vows). The inquiry was (Paid Advertisement) P&R News ² March-April 2000 15

(Paid Advertisement) 16 P&R News ² March-April 2000 generated at least partially because earlier Morrison as Associate Pastor of Christ Portsmouth. He reported that one night Potomac Presbytery to become Pastor of the printings of the BCO had used the capitalized Presbyterian Church, New Haven, “during an outdoor presentation of ‘Jesus Reformed Presbyterian Church, Duanesburg, version (“Church”) in the membership vows, Connecticut. Christ Superstar’, the core group distributed New York. He stated one exception to the implying the universal church rather than a The Rev. Glenn Hoburg reported on the hundreds of leaflets entitled ‘The Rest of the Confessional Standards, viz., that he prefers particular church. work of Reformed University Ministries at Story,’ that I had written to explain the the term “The Lord’s Day” rather than “The James River Presbytery also sent an Harvard University. Resurrection (which is not even mentioned in Sabbath.” overture to the Assembly, in order to clarify, Presbytery apologized to Joann Longton, the JCSS drama).” He also held a worship amend, and restate BCO 32-19 with regard to member of Covenant Presbyterian Mission, service for the core groups developing in the use of “professional counsel” in a judicial Groton, Connecticut, regarding the confusion Portland and Kennebunk, Maine. The Rev. Northern California trial. of not handling her letter of concern properly. Dennis Griffith, a member of Tennessee Valley The court then approved the correspondence Presbytery, expressed great interest and The Fall Stated Meeting of Northern Northeast prepared by the Rev. Mark Scholten, the Rev. motivation to move to Portland to plant the California Presbytery (PCA) was held in Al LaValley, and the Rev. Dr. David Prescott. church. Concord, California, on October 1-2, 1999. September Stated Meeting Presbytery approved the petition of the At its May 1999 stated meeting, The Rev. Mike Hayes was appointed Northeast Presbytery (PCA) met for a Groton church to be organized as a particular Presbytery approved the minutes of the Temporary Moderator in the absence of the stated meeting on September 17-18, 1999, at church. commission examining the Rev. David Moderator, the Rev. Lewis Ruff. West Springfield (Mass.) Covenant Mr. Tim Andrews, a ministerial candidate Ketchen, “with exception of the statement Presbytery responded to an exception of Community Church. The Moderator, the Rev. of the Presbytery, was approved to begin an regarding TE Ketchen’s exception to the substance taken to its minutes by General Brad Evans, presided. internship program at Redeemer Presbyterian BCO.” The Ketchen Commission Assembly. The exception is that Presbytery Presbytery business is currently Church, Concord, Massachusetts. recommended that Presbytery permit his erred by receiving a candidate who is not a conducted according to three subregions: Mr. Steve LaValley was examined and exception to BCO 58-4 (with regard to fencing member of the PCA. The Presbytery, while Southern New England, Northern New approved for ordination, to be a church planter the table) without restriction, with the not agreeing with the exception as stated, also England, and New York State. The Presbytery in the Lenox, Massachusetts, area. He has concurrence of his Session.” The rationale said that it “now realizes that in light of the approved a procedural motion that all been called as an Assistant Pastor at the West stated that there were several options available wording of BCO 18-8 (‘An applicant coming unanimous recommendations from the Springfield Church. in BCO 58-4. This recommendation failed. It as a candidate from another denomination subregional committees be approved in an The Rev. Dr. Richard Lints announced was moved, seconded, and carried to permit must present testimonials of his standing in omnibus motion unless there was objection his resignation as Pastor of Redeemer his exception to that section “with freedom to that body and MUST become a member of a to a particular recommendation being included Presbyterian Church, Concord, argue his position when acting in a several congregation of the Presbyterian Church in in the omnibus. Massachusetts, with the intention of capacity, but when acting jointly, or the in the America. He shall THEN FULFILL the The court approved the change in the devoting his ministerial efforts to training fencing of the Lord’s Table, that he use all requirements of applicants listed under BCO terms of call to the Rev. Samuel Viera, in that future ministers. (He is a professor at Gordon- language (as clarified, perhaps) according to 18-2 . . .’) we should not have even proceeded he has now been named Senior Pastor at Christ Conwell Theological Seminary.) Presbytery BCO 58-4.” with and sustained the first part of the the King Presbyterian Church/Igrega dissolved the pastoral relationship, and Ruling Elder Bill Spanjer, who has been examination for bringing a man under care. Presbyteriana Cristo Rei. declared the pulpit vacant as of December 31, supplying the pulpit at Affirmation “The Presbytery will not repeat such Presbytery had requested that its ten 1999. Presbyterian Church, Somers, New York, was action in the future. We will not initiate any churches which had not supplied the The Executive Committee was directed examined and approved for ordination as examinations of candidates for coming under statistical forms to General Assembly, report by the Presbytery to bring recommendation Pastor of that church. He stated one exception care who are not first members of a PCA regarding their progress in complying with for use of proceeds from the Braintree Fund to the Westminster Standards, viz., with regard congregation.” Presbytery’s request. The court voted to to the January stated meeting. (The to “recreation” on the Lord’s Day. Ruling Elder George MacKenzie of Delta instruct its Stated Clerk to inform those who Presbytery continues to realize money from Oaks Presbyterian Church, Antioch, California, did not report that they are to report at the the sale of the building of a former PCA October Called Meeting gave greetings to the Presbytery from the next stated meeting of Presbytery. congregation in Braintree, Massachusetts.— A called meeting of Northeast Presbytery Northern California Presbytery of the Orthodox According to the mandate of the May Ed.) It was moved, seconded, and carried to was held at Hope Church, Ballston Spa, New Presbyterian Church. 22, 1999, stated meeting, the Executive take $1000 from the Braintree Fund and send York, on Saturday, October 30, 1999. The court Mr. Ruff reported that he had received a Committee presented a report on the future of it to Jeff Marlowe’s MTW account unanimously agreed to erect a commission to letter from the General Assembly MNA the Presbytery. The Committee candidly immediately. (Mr. Marlowe is a member of the examine three men as elder candidates and to Committee stating that they had considered admitted the difficulties that had been Presbytery, who ministers in Senegal.—Ed.) deal with all matters relating to organizing Faith the Presbytery’s request that the requirement experienced over the past year, because of Presbytery approved the work of the Presbyterian Church, Clifton Park, New York, in the Guidelines that presbyteries guarantee confusion over the system of dividing the commission to handle all matters regarding into a particular church. mission church loans be removed and had Presbytery into subregions. In accord with the resignation of Joseph Trombetta from the denied the request. recommendations of the Committee, the pastorate at Christ Presbyterian Church, November Called Meeting The report of the commission with regard Presbytery decided to continue with the Nashua, New Hampshire. Mr. Trombetta had At a called meeting at West Springfield to the organization of Redeemer Presbyterian present subregional system. Among the been installed as Pastor in March 1999, and (Mass.) Covenant Community Church on Church was approved. practical suggestions were: designate resigned in June 1999. The commission November 15, 1999, Northeast Presbytery In response to the urging of the 27th responsible leaders; don’t call a pro re nata dissolved the pastoral relationship, and voted to transfer the Rev. Rick Downs from General Assembly regarding the meeting unless absolutely necessary; and declared the Nashua pulpit vacant. The Central Carolina Presbytery, in order that he establishment of a Pro-Life Committee, the plant churches (“Don’t miss the opportunity commission voted that the Presbytery might accept a call to Christ the King Presbytery voted to appoint a temporary Pro- of regional prayer and godly energy. Begin to respond to transfer requests, “with an Presbyterian Church, Cambridge, life Committee for up to one year. The move ahead for the kingdom of God in your indication of the dates of Joe’s reception into Massachusetts. Mr. Downs expressed his Moderator was authorized to make the regions. Expect great things.”). The NEP [Northeast Presbytery] and of this disagreement with the Standards with regard appointments to this committee. Presbytery also responded to an exception to meeting at which his resignation was to the keeping of the Sabbath, and the whole Mr. Hayes reported, on behalf of the its minutes taken by General Assembly, by approved, plus a copy of the resignation treatment of the Law in which the standards Ministers & Churches Committee, that the rescinding its action of November 21, 1998, letter.” That motion carried, 5-3-1, with the divide the Law into moral, civil and dietary charges which had been brought by the Rev. which granted authority to the regional Rev. Herb Shipman recording his negative laws. David Brown against Mr. Ruff had been committees to act as commissions in urgent vote. Mr. Trombetta was directed to BCO 45 It was moved that the examination be withdrawn; that the issues were resolved to candidate matters at the discretion of those regarding his disagreement with the last suspended pending Mr. Downs’ willingness the Committee’s satisfaction; and that there committees in between stated meetings of the action. to fence the Lord’s table in accordance with was reconciliation with successful resolution. Presbytery. Mr. Bob Bjerkaas was taken under care BCO 58-4. It was moved and seconded to Mr. Hayes reported on an Presbytery directed the Rev. Al LaValley as a ministerial candidate. He has been serving postpone consideration of the examination to excommunicated member from the Park City to report at the next stated meeting regarding as Student Supply at Trinity Presbyterian a certain date, i.e., at the next stated meeting (Utah) Presbyterian Church. how the Presbytery might conduct a joint Church, St. Albans, Vermont. He has had in January. The motion was defeated. The Presbytery voted to dissolve Christ evangelistic event in connection with the extensive internship experience in the Presbytery thereupon approved the Presbyterian Church. There was no property annual fair in West Springfield known as the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. The six-month examination. to be disposed of. “Big E.” membership requirement for applicants for Presbytery dissolved the pastoral Presbytery approved the report of the candidacy was waived. The Presbytery December Called Meeting relationship between the Rev. Thomas judicial commission which found Dr. G. Joseph proceeded, by unanimous vote, with an A called meeting was held at First Venema and Sierra View Presbyterian Church, Gatis guilty on three counts. The court ordination exam. Mr. Bjerkaas noted his Presbyterian Church, Schenectady, New York, effective September 19, 1999, and transferred imposed the censure of definite suspension exceptions to two areas of the Westminster on December 15, 1999, the purpose of which him to Great Lakes Presbytery pending from the ministry for one year. A complaint Standards: he holds to an “old earth” view, was “to examine Rev. Santo Garofalo for reception. Also dissolved was the pastoral by the prosecutor, the Rev. Phil Adams, was and he takes exception with regard to certain reception by Northeast Presbytery to fill the relationship between the Rev. Don Treick and filed against the action of the Gatis Commission language regarding keeping the Sabbath day pulpit of the Reformed Presbyterian Church the Campbell (Calif.) Presbyterian Church, on the basis of three specifications of errors holy (“whole time” and “all recreations”). in Duanesburg, NY, along with all other matters effective December 31, 1999. of process. The Moderator ruled the Reports were heard from the Rev. Doug which pertain to this call.” Mr. Bruce VanHorn was removed from complaint out of order on the basis that at the Domin regarding First Presbyterian Church, It was moved and seconded to proceed the list of ministerial candidates. Mr. Rick time the complaint had been filed, the action Concord, New Hampshire, and the Rev. Chris with the examination. A substitute was moved Sisson was taken under care as a candidate. of the commission had not yet become the Robinson regarding Hope Presbyterian and seconded, to appoint him as stated supply Mr. Daniel Katches, a candidate, was action of the Presbytery. Mission, Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The and moderator of the Session until the regular examined and approved for licensure. Presbytery approved the work of its mission in Concord closed on property on January meeting of Presbytery. The substitute Received under care and licensed was Mr. E. commission to organize Trinity Presbyterian June 30th. Mr. Robinson has been able to was defeated, and the main motion was C. Bell, whose internship was also approved. Church, Providence, Rhode Island, and its work full-time in the ministry, engaging in approved. The Rev. Tim Conkling was transferred commission to ordain and install Tom personal evangelism on the streets of The minister was transferred from from Philadelphia Presbytery, to be Associate P&R News ² March-April 2000 17 Pastor at Trinity Presbyterian Church— Just before lunch, as a special order, reception and oversight. Windward, Kailua, Hawaii. several people reported. Miss Joy Bowers Potomac Presbytery voted to sign an Presbytery extended for up to one year spoke of her trip to Mexico; the Rev. John affiliation agreement with Reformed University the call as stated supply for New Song Salt Shane regarding his work in Africa; and Mr. Ministries to begin a new campus work at the MID-AMERICA Lake Mission Church, to the Rev. Patrick Scott Stevens on the Calvary Home for University of Maryland—College Park. A call McDaniel. The Presbytery expressed Children. Other reports which were heard was issued to Mr. Steve Marusich to be Reformed Seminary gratitude to Pat and Leah McDaniel for their included that by Teaching Elder Lee Ferguson campus minister for that work. service to the Presbytery, and the mission regarding his trip to Vienna and Ukraine, Chaplain Charles Morrison was “ hold out the Word of life ” congregation “in their hour of need.” The Teaching Elder John Harvey on his trip to transferred from Central Georgia Presbytery Philippians 2:16 New Song Oversight Commission was Germany, Teaching Elder Craig Bailey on his so that he could accept a call as Assistant authorized to examine, ordained and install work at Island Community Church at James Pastor o Annapolis (Md.) Evangelical ______ruling elders, to act on a petition for the Island, and Teaching Elder Daryl Madi on his Presbyterian Church. Since he is a retired U. organization of the mission church, and to campus work at the University of South S. Army chaplain and considers his retirement install any properly elected pastor on behalf Carolina. The Rev. Charles Tyler reported on pay as sufficient for his needs, the terms of Discover the riches of of the Presbytery. a letter he had received from the Rev. Randy call are to oay his expenses and provide a car The Presbytery budget for 2000 was Riddle, indicating the significant flood damage allowance. § Worldview Calvinism adopted. Budgeted expenses total $29,866. which had occurred in the Conway area, Messrs. Tony Kim and Kenneth Woo § Reformational Theology including to homes of people from his church. were taken care as ministerial candidates. Mr. § Presuppositional Apologetics Presbytery approved the entrance of Claude Hubbard was dismissed, per his § Pastoral Apprenticeship Training Palmetto Western Carolina Presbytery into the South request, as a candidate to Metropolitan New Carolina Joint Committee for Campus Ministry. York Presbytery. § Spiritual Formation The Sixty-Fourth Stated Meeting of The Committee on Ministerial Palmetto Presbytery met on Thursday, Responsibility reported that it had acted as a ______October 28, 1999, at Lexington (S. C.) Potomac commission to dissolve the pastoral Presbyterian Church. Ruling Elder Dean Ezell, relationship between the Rev. Arthur G. Ames Moderator, called the meeting to order. The The 41st stated meeting of Potomac and Glen Burnie (Md.) Evangelical Come and study with us! Rev. John Ropp, Jr., was elected Moderator Presbytery was held on February 12, 2000, at Presbyterian Church, in accordance with their for the year 2000, to assume duties at the Valley Presbyterian Church, Lutherville, mutual agreement. The congregation will —Where ministry is January meeting. Other officers approved for Maryland. The Rev. William T. Osterhaus, supply him with full pay and benefits for an more than a degree, 2000 include the following: Stated Clerk and host pastor, led in worship, and preached the additional six months. The Rev. Michael it’s a calling — Treasurer, Ruling Elder William C. Plowden, sermon, “We Stand In Your Presence,” from Coleman was designated as Moderator of the Jr.; Assistant Clerk, the Rev. Peter J. Cannon; II Chronicles 20. Session until a Pastor is elected by the ______Assistant Treasurer, Ruling Elder James E. The Moderator, Ruling Elder George G. congregation or another moderator is Player, Jr.; and Recording Clerk, Rebecca L. Anderson, convened the meeting and appointed to serve in Mr. Coleman’s place. Baston. presided. Increases in pay were approved for Call toll free: The Rev. Scott Sherman, Senior Pastor The minutes of the following several ministers. of Intown Community Church, Atlanta, commissions were approved: to install John The responses of several ministers, who 1-888-440-MARS Georgia, preached from II Samuel 5:1-15, a K. Keen as Assistant Pastor of Chapelgate were cited at the last stated meeting to respond sermon entitled, “A Reality Check.” The Presbyterian Church, Marriottsville, with regard to their status, were found to be 229 Seminary Drive sacrament of communion was administered. Maryland; to install Benton W. Taylor as acceptable. Presbytery reviewed the Dyer, IN 46311 (near Chicago) Mr. Sherman later conducted the Ministry Assistant Pastor of Timonium (Md.) situations with regard to the Rev. James Brown E-mail: [email protected] Time. Presbyterian Church; and to ordain and install and the Rev. Edwin Olson, and found no Website: www.m-ars.com A memorial for Ruling Elder James L. Timothy W. Hudson as Associate Pastor off culpable dereliction nor evident lack of Long, a ruling elder emeritus of Covenant Severn Run Evangelical Presbyterian Church, acceptance by the church. They were Presbyterian Church, Columbia, South Millersville, Maryland. continued on the roll without call, with the (Paid Advertisement) Carolina, was spread on the record. Mr. Long The Committee on Presbytery understanding that this would be reviewed Maryland, effective December 31, 1999, and passed away on May 9, 1999. Boundaries reported on their support for the annually, and with the understanding that also granted to him his request of being Presbytery approved the 2000 budget for four Shenandoah Valley churches to form a each man shall have the responsibility to honorably retired. the standing committees, totaling $197,050. presbytery of their own and proposed to help demonstrate that a continued absence of call As a first reading, the Presbytery voted This represents an increase of 9.44% over the them in meeting General Assembly guidelines is not the result of “breach of his covenant for amendments to its Bylaws, which would 1999 budget. The requisite two-thirds for presbytery division which at this time have engagement” or “lack of acceptance to the deal with the duty of the Committee on supermajority approved the motion. not been met. church.” Ministerial Relations in following up on At the request of Craig E. Hess, The Treasurer’s report was received. Presbytery dissolved the Associate ministers who are delinquent in their Presbytery divested him without censure. The Presbytery went into executive Pastor relationship between the Rev. Brian attendance at stated meetings, and with regard Presbytery approved the call of Faith session to hear a report from a commission. Sleeth and Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, to sessions which are delinquent in not Presbyterian Church, Cheraw, South Carolina, Presbytery voted to divide into two California, Maryland, and approved the call sending representatives to the Presbytery. to the Rev. Michael Ahlberg, with a total sections in order to hear sermons from Messrs. issued to him to be Pastor of the soon-to-be- Presbyter acceded to the request of the package of $48,500, plus moving expenses and John Ceselsky and Thurman Williams, organized Harvest Fellowship Presbyterian Aisquith Presbyterian Church to take original four weeks of vacation. Dr. Ahlberg was candidates for ordination. The court later Church. jurisdiction with respect to all reports transferred from Mississippi Valley examined and approved both men for The Rev. Larry Wanaselja was approved concerning the theological views of Ruling Presbytery. Also approved was the call of ordination. Mr. Ceselsky has been called as as stated supply at Faith Reformed Ken Wilson. The Committee on Credentials MTW to Anthony Graham Myers, with an Assistant Pastor of Aisquith Presbyterian Presbyterian Church, Hagerstown, Maryland, was appointed as a commission clothed with annual salary of $2,992, plus insurance, Church, Baltimore, Maryland; and Mr. and continuing until the installation of a new judicial powers to act on the Reference, and housing, contributions to the PCA annuity Williams as Pastor of New Song Community pastor, Mr. Wanaselja’s call to another to initiate its jurisdiction with respect to Mr. plan, expenses in traveling to and from the Church, Baltimore. ministry, or by mutual consent for reasons Wilson and to make final disposition of the field, and four weeks of annual vacation. Mr. Presbytery examined and received the deemed appropriate by both parties, but not matter under the Rules of Discipline in Myers was examined and approved for Rev. Gregory Perry from North Georgia to exceed one year unless renewed at the whatever manner appears most conducive to ordination. Presbytery, pending dismissal. He was request of the Session and with the approval the honor of Christ, Mr. Wilson’s good, and Messrs. Terry Fox and Daniel W. Johnson granted permission to labor out of bounds as of the Presbytery. the edification of the church. were received as ministerial candidates. Mr. the Washington Area Director of Birthmother Presbytery dissolved the Associate Presbytery turned down an overture from Johnson was placed in an internship with Dr. Ministries. Pastor relationship between the Rev. Santo Timonium Presbyterian Church, asking for an K. Eric Perrin as his Field Elder. Mr. Fox was The Rev. Larry Trotter, a missionary with Garofalo and Grace Reformed Presbyterian amendment to the Book of Church Order so placed in an internship with the Rev. David Mission to the World laboring in Mexico, was Church, Relay, Maryland; and he was as to allow for multiple pastors in a church. Mulholland as his Field Elder. tranted the special powers of an evangelist to dismissed to Northeast Presbytery to accept Presbytery did vote to overture the Assembly, Mr. Okey Landers, by his own request, organize churches, and until there is a session a call as Pastor of Reformed Presbyterian to amend BCO 12-5.d., so as explicitly to was removed from the list of candidates. in the church so organized, to ordain and Church, Duanesburg, New York. prohibit women from expounding or preaching The annual reports of various men install ruling elders and deacons therein, and The Associate Pastor relationship the Word of God as an ordinance of public laboring out of bounds were received, and to receive and dismiss members, for the period between the Rev. Drew Derreth and Valley worship. However, a motion to overture the they were granted their request to labor out of one year. The court also affirmed, Presbyterian Church, Luthersville, Maryland, Assembly to amend BCO 53-6 by replacing of the ecclesiastical bounds of the Presbytery retroactive to February 1998, any actions of was dissolved, so that he could accept a call “no person” with “no men”, failed. for another year. Presbytery granted the above nature taken by him in the routine as church planter in Susquehanna Valley Presbytery voted to grant $20,000 of the permission to Messrs. Mike Austin and Jim of his work as a missionary evangelist from Presbytery. 1999 surplus of $45,000 to Chesapeake Brown to continue to labor without call for the Presbytery. The Presbytery voted to approve the Theological Seminary, with a report to be given one year. The Rev. Marlin Hardman led in prayer succession of the Rev. Robert P. Eickelberg at the May stated meeting as to how the money Presbytery voted that it fulfill the Biblical with regard to the Feminist Expo 2000 being from Associate Pastor to Pastor at Timonium was used. injunction in James 5:14-15 as it relates to held in Baltimore, Maryland, March 2 to April (Md.) Presbyterian Church. Presbytery found teaching elders with serious illnesses, who 2, 2000. that no installation service was necessary in P&R News is now were present and desirous. The court Presbytery voted to transfer oversight this case. available in PDF format from designated $1,000 out of its Shepherding of the Hanover Valley Mission in Hanover, Presbytery accepted the resignation of our web site, located at Committee Funds to help Teaching Elder Pennsylvania, to Susquehanna Valley the Rev. William Jones from being Pastor at Charles Wilson with his medical expenses. Presbytery on February 19, 2000, pending their Inverness Presbyterian Church, Baltimore, pins.simplenet.com 18 P&R News ² March-April 2000

Looking for a Summer Mission Opportunity with a Reformed Perspective? RP Missions is a short-term mission organization under the authority of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America’s Board of Foreign Missions. We are committed to carrying out missions from a consistently Reformed and Biblical perspective. Our missions range from three to six weeks in duration and we always work with established congregations In the summer of 2000, we hope to send out teams to the under the authority of their pastors and sessions. following locations: Our motto is “To Serve and Proclaim”, and everything we do on these mission trips is Scotland (June 5 - July 13) based upon our desire to serve Christ and His Church and to proclaim the gospel. We seek to Cyprus (June 12 - July 6) aid and implement the programs of the host congregations, rather than take our own agendas or France (June 28 - August 4) programs to foreign or domestic sites. Japan (July 28 - August 20) Each project is unique, based on the particular needs and current events of the host Syracuse, New York (July 3 - August 4) congregation, but typical activities might include: assisting with vacation Bible schools, door-to- If you would like more information about RP Missions, please door evangelism, street evangelism and literature distribution, leading investigative Bible studies, visit our website at: providing able hands for manual labor, studying the history of Christianity in each respective country, leading conversational English classes, learning about the language and culture of each www.rpmissions.org country, working in inner city and homeless centers, and more. RP Missions works with college age young people ages 18-25 who are members in E-mail: [email protected] good standing in their local churches and who have a heart for serving and learning. Applica- tions are available by writing to the address listed, or by visiting our website. The application or you can visit with our Missions Director at the following deadline is January 1, 2000.* If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. address: We look forward to hearing from you! RP Missions c/o Matt Filbert 7418 Penn Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15208-2594 (412) 243-4037 (Paid Advertisement)

Richard Lawrence Brinkley, 1919-2000 Drennon Blair Cottingham, 1929-2000

The Rev. Richard Lawrence Brinkley Presbyterian Church, Bowling Green, On March 11, 2000, the Rev. Dr. Drennon Odessa, Florida; and Trinity Presbyterian passed away on February 24, 2000. He was Kentucky. In 1967, he became pastor of Blair Cottingham passed away. He was 70. Church, Dothan, Alabama, as pastor. He was 80. Trinity Presbyterian Church, Columbus, Ohio. Born in Vaiden, Mississippi, on December on staff at Kendall Presbyterian Church, Born in Wilmington, North Carolina, Nine years later, he became pastor at the River’s 6, 1929, Dr. Cottingham graduated from Miami, Florida, from 1973 to 1975. Starting in Pastor Brinkley attended Bob Jones University Edge Bible Church (later River’s Edge Millsaps College, Jackson, Mississippi, in 1981, he was a chaplain at Baptist Hospital in before graduating from Covenant College in Presbyterian Church), Hopewell, Virginia. He 1958. His B. D. (later turned into an M. Div.) Miami, a post from which he retired in 1995. 1961. He received his B. D. from Covenant remained at River’s Edge from 1976 until his was earned at Columbia Theological Seminary, In 1985, he authored Suicide: Turning the Theological Seminary three years later; and, retirement in 1983. Decatur, Georgia, in 1961. In 1984, Reformed Tide. in 1974, received an M. A. degree from the Mr. Brinkley was married to the former Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi, Dr. Cottingham was married on July 24, same institution. Frances Markham, in Hopewell, on April 16, conferred the D. Min. degree. 1949, to the former Miss Virgie Stodghill. He Mr. Brinkley was ordained by the 1941. He is survived by his wife, three children, Ordained in 1961 by the Presbyterian is survived by his wife and their four children: Reformed Presbyterian Church, Evangelical four grandchildren, and seven great- Church in the United States, Dr. Cottingham Judith, Virginia, Joan, and James. Synod, in 1965, to pastor Westminster grandchildren. served Keystone Presbyterian Church,

ARIZONA CONNECTICUT WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SUPPORTERS DESERT SPRINGS PRESBYTERIAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF COVENTRY 3722 Belfort Road/Jacksonville CHURCH 55 Trowbridge Road/Coventry S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 10:45 AM/6:00 PM ALABAMA 1555 W. Overton Road/Tucson S.S., 10:45 AM; Worship, 9:30 AM/6:30 PM (904)737-5133 BRENT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH S.S., 9:20 AM; Worship, 10:30 AM (860)742-7222 CYPRESS RIDGE PRESBYTERIAN US Hwy. 82, North Side/Brent (520)742-8990 PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF CHURCH S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM CALIFORNIA MANCHESTER 3085 Cypress Gardens Road/Winter Haven (205)926-4722 GRACE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH† 43 Spruce Street/Manchester S.S., 9:00 AM; Worship, 10:30 AM EBENEZER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Meeting at Costa Mesa 7th Day Adventist S.S., 9:15 AM; Worship, 10:30 AM (941)325-9864 2478 Hobbs Island Road/Huntsville Church, 271 Avocado St./Costa Mesa (860)643-0906 GEORGIA S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM S.S., 11:30AM; Worship, 9:30AM FLORIDA FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Bible Study, Wednesday, 7:00 PM (714) 985-4865 GRACE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH One Harker Road/Ft. Oglethorpe Fellowship Supper, 2nd Wednesday, 6:30 PM TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1875 N. W. Britt Road/Stuart S.S 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM (205)883-7298 940 East Valley Parkway, Suite G/Escondido S.S., 9:30AM; (706)866-2521 WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH S.S., 11:00 AM; Worship, 9:00 AM/5:00 PM Worship, 11:00AM/6:00PM SOUTH LIBERTY PRESBYTERIAN 1400 Evangel Drive/Huntsville (760)480-4373 (561) 692-1995 CHURCH S.S., 11:10 AM; Worship, 9:30 AM/6:00 PM NEW LIFE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SHARON ORTHODOX PRESBYTERIAN Sharon Barnett Road/Sharon (205)830-5754 500 Manhattan Beach Blvd./ CHURCH † S.S., 10:00 AM; TALUCAH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Manhattan Beach 17680 NW 78 Avenue/Hialeah Worship, 11:00 AM (1st/5th Sun.) 2374 Talucah Road/Valhermoso Springs S.S., 9:30 AM/Worship, 10:30 AM S.S. 11:20; Worship 10:00 AM/5:00 PM (706)456-2377 S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 10:45 AM (310)372-8455 (305) 821-5761 CHEROKEE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (205)778-8288 5549 Hwy. 92E/Woodstock S.S., 9:35 AM; Worship, 8:00/10:45 AM (770)928-2051 P&R News ² March-April 2000 19 ILLINOIS FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SOUTH HILLS REFORMED VIRGINIA EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 209 Union Street/Schenectady PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH COEBURN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 624 N. Oakland Street/Carbondale S.S., 9:30 AM; Worship, 8:15 and 11:00 AM 110 Hays Road/Upper St. Clair/Pittsburgh 220 Second Street SW/Coeburn S.S., 11:15 AM; Worship, 9:30 AM and 6:00 PM S.S., 9:15 AM; Worship, 10:30 AM; S.S., 9:45AM; Worship, 11:00AM/6:30PM (618)529-1616 (518)374-4546 Wednesday, 7:30 PM Wednesday Prayer Meeting, 7:00PM LOUISIANA AFFIRMATION PRESBYTERIAN (412)941-3480 (540)395-2866 AUBURN AVENUE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH HILLCREST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH NEW HOPE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CHURCH Routes 100 and 139/Somers Route 19, three miles south of Leesburg/ Fairfax Fire Station #3 (Williams Memorial 224 Auburn Avenue/Monroe S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM Volant Hall), S.S., 9:15 AM (914)232-0546 S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship 10:55 AM/6:30 PM 4081 University Blvd./Fairfax Worship, 10:30 AM/6:00 PM NORTH CAROLINA (724)533-4315 S.S., 11:15 AM (318)323-3061 DILLINGHAM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SOUTH CAROLINA Worship, 9:30 AM/5:30 PM BETHEL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 16 Stoney Fork Road/Barnardsville REEDY RIVER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (703)385-9056 2040 East McNeese Street/Lake Charles S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM 46 Main Street/Connestee CALVARY REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN S.S., 9:30AM; Worship, 8:15AM/10:45PM (828)626-3668 S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00AM/6:30PM CHURCH (318) 478-5672 COUNTRYSIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (864) 277-5455 403 Whealton Road/Hampton WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 127 Ponderosa Road/Cameron GRACE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH S.S., 11:15 AM; Worship, 9:30 AM/6:30 PM 146 E. Cherry Street/Opelousas S.S., 9:30 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM 1955 Riverside Drive/Conway (757)826-5942 S.S., 9:30 AM; Worship, 10:45 AM (919)499-2362 S.S., 9:30 AM/Worship, 10:45 AM KNOX REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN (318)948-9339 WHITESIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (843)347-5550 CHURCH MARYLAND Highway 74/Cashiers FAITH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Bennett’s Chapel, 8520 Lee Davis Road/ CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM 1800 Third Loop Road/Florence Mechanicsville Elkton High School Wednesday, 7:00 PM Prayer Meeting S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship 11:00 AM/6:00 PM Fellowship, 9:00 AM; S.S., 9:30 AM; S.S., 11:15 AM; Worship, 9:15 AM (828)743-2122 (843)665-9235 Worship, 10:45 AM (410)398-3192 WHITE OAK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BEECH STREET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Sunday Evening, 6:00 PM CHRIST REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN 699 Polly Watson Road/Fremont 1403 Beech Street/Gaffney (804)559-0264 CHURCH S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM IMMANUEL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Diplomat Building, 13992 Baltimore (919)284-4196 (864)489-2014 4700 Colley Avenue/Norfolk Avenue, Suite 300/Laurel HAZELWOOD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CALVARY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Worship, 10:30AM/6:30PM S.S., 9:30AM; Worship 10:30AM/6:00PM 117 E. Main Street/Hazelwood 9201 Old White Horse Road/Greenville Wed. Christian Education Classes, 7:00PM (301) 498-3700 S.S., 9:30 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:15 PM S.S. 10:00 AM; Worship 11:00 AM/6:00 PM Sat. Prayer Meeting, 7:00PM MINNESOTA Wednesday, 7:00 PM Wednesday Prayer Meeting 7:00 PM (757) 440-1100 GOOD SHEPHERD PRESBYTERIAN (828)456-3912 (864)294-0895 TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CHURCH SHEARER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 108 Hill Street/Tazewell 8716 62nd Avenue, N./Brooklyn Center 684 Presbyterian Road/Mooresville 105 River Street/Greenville S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00/7:00 PM (Minneapolis) S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/5:00 PM S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM (540)988-9541 S.S., 9:45 AM/Worship, 8:30/11:00 AM; Wednesday, 7:00 PM Wednesday, 5:45 PM WASHINGTON Bible Study, 6:30 PM (704)892-8866 (864)232-7621 WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN (612)533-2133 NEW COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN FELLOWSHIP PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CHURCH MISSISSIPPI CHURCH 1105 Old Spartanburg Road/Greer 2700 Andresen Road/Vancouver FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 10301 Old Creedmoor Road/Raleigh S.S., 11:15 AM; Worship, 9:45 AM/6:00 PM Worship, 10:00 AM East Beach Blvd. at 24th Ave./Gulfport S.S., 11:00AM; Worship, 9:30AM/6:00PM (864)877-3267 Sunday Bible Study, 6:30 PM S.S., 9:30 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM (919) 844-0551 TENNESSEE (360)254-1726 Wed., Family Dinner (6:00)/Bible Study (6:30) TRINITY REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN MIDWAY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH WEST VIRGINIA (228)863-2664 CHURCH 4011 Old Jonesborough Road/Jonesborough PROVIDENCE REFORMED ST. PAUL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 3701 South College Road/Wilmington S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship 11:00 AM/7:00 PM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 5125 Robinson Road/Jackson Worship 10:30 AM (423) 753-941 5865 Davis Creek Road/Barboursville S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 10:55 AM/6:00 PM (910)395-1252 BRIDWELL HEIGHTS PRESBYTERIAN S.S. 11:30; Worship 10:00 AM/6:00 PM (601)372-7497 NOVA SCOTIA CHURCH (304)736-0487 COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BEDFORD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 108 Bridwell Heights Drive/Kingsport PILGRIM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 625 N. Church Ave./Louisville 49 Nelson’s Landing Blvd./Bedford S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM 601 Albert Street/Martinsburg Worship 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM S.S., 11:30 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/7:00 PM (423)288-3664 S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM 2nd Sunday, Fellowship Meal, 12:15 PM, (902)864-1587 FELLOWSHIP PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (304) 263-5362 Evening Studies at 1:00 PM. OHIO Highway 25/70/Newport WISCONSIN Wed Supper 6:00 PM; Prayer Mtg, 6:30 PM FAITH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH S.S., 9:30 AM/Worship, 11:00 AM/7:00 PM REFORMATION PRESBYTERIAN (601)773-5282 2540 S. Main Street/Akron Wednesday Prayer Meeting, 6:00 PM CHURCH† PEARL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH S.S., 9:30 AM (423) 623-8652 Lake Country SDA Church, 142 Lake St./ 2933 Old Brandon Road/Pearl Worship, 10:45 AM/6:00 PM WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN Pewaukee S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM Wednesday, 7:00 PM CHURCH Bible Study, 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM (601)939-1064 (330)644-9654 900 Watauga Street/Kingsport Wednesday Prayer Service, 7:00 PM TCHULA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CHRIST COVENANT REFORMED (PCA) S.S., 10:00 AM (414)781-2171 109 E. Main Street/Tchula 14787 Palmer Road SW/Reynoldsburg Worship, 11:00 AM/7:00 PM LAKESIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/5:00 PM Worship, 10:00 AM (423)247-7341 Lydell School, 5205 N. Lydell Avenue/ Wednesday Prayer Meeting, 7:30 PM Thurs. Bible Study, 7:00 PM TEXAS Whitefish Bay (601)924-7334 (614)236-5433 COLLEYVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH S.S., 10:45 AM: Worship, 9:30 AM SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OKLAHOMA 715 Cheek Sparger Road/Colleyville (414)962-6646 1926 Grand Avenue at 20th/Yazoo City BEAL HEIGHTS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/5:00 PM 614 SW Park/Lawton (817)498-2626 RON HAYNES Wednesday, 7:30 PM Worship, 10:45 AM and 6:00 PM COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Disaster Response and Mercy Ministries (601)746-8852 (580)355-4702 2701 N. 7th Street/Harlingen Presbyterian Evangelistic Fellowship NEW JERSEY PENNSYLVANIA S.S., 9:30 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM 1003 Hollyleaf Court LOCKTOWN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH NEW LIFE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF Midweek service, 7:00 PM Wednesday Ballwin, Missouri 63021 197 Locktown-Flemington Road/Flemington HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP (956)425-3136 (314)227-2612 S.S., 10:30 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM 2795 Patterson Drive/Aliquippa COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (908)996-7707 S.S., 9:30AM; Worship, 11:00AM SDA Church, 1209 S. John Redditt Rd./ GRIEVING WITH HOPE MOUNT CARMEL CHURCH (724) 378-4389 Lufkin The Rev. James Alexander 350 Franklin Blvd./Somerset LEHIGH VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN S.S., 9:30 AM; Worship, 10:45 AM/5:30 PM PO Box 7100 S.S., 10:00 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM CHURCH (409)637-6043 Florence, SC 29502-7100 (732)846-8777 31 S. 13th Street/Allentown CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (843)664-9759 NEW YORK S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship. 11:00 AM/6:00 PM 1620 E. Common Street/New Braunfels Web: pages.prodigy.net/grievingwithhope REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (610)797-8320 S.S., 9:30 AM; Worship, 10:45 AM Email: [email protected] Route 7/Duanesburg COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (830)629-0405 S.S., 9:30 AM; Worship, 10:30 AM/7:30 PM 515 West County Line Road/Hatboro PROVIDENCE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH We are pleased to have congregations and (518)895-2448 S.S., 9:45 AM (Sum., 9:00); Worship, 11:00 3510 Austin Parkway/Sugar Land organizations join us as co-sponsors of this WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AM (Sum., 10:00) S.S., 9:45 AM; Worship, 11:00 AM and 6:00 venture. If you would like to become a 35 Station Road/Rock Tavern (215)675-9688 PM (except 1st Sun.) sponsor, just let us know: PINS Financial S.S., 11:45 AM; Worship, 10:00 AM ROCKY SPRINGS PRESBYTERIAN (281)980-2522 Office, c/o Mr. Robert Wildrick, 3685 (914)496-7971 CHURCH Creekstone Place, Norcross, GA 30092. 123 Rocky Springs Road/Harrisville Checks should be made out to Presbyterian S.S., 10:00 AM International News Service. Worship, 11:00 AM/6:00 PM † Indicates a non-PCA church. (724)735-2743