By Trent Johnson, The Midland-Reporter-Telegram (Texas).
The congregation of First Presbyterian Church of Midland voted on Sunday [11/1/15] to leave the Presbyterian Church (USA) and move its denominational affiliation to ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians. A discernment team recommended a congregational vote because of input from churchgoers earlier this year.
Three-fourths of the congregation voted to join ECO; 25 percent voted to remain with PCUSA. Even with the majority vote, the move isn’t permanent, as negotiations to separate from the PCUSA are underway with issues such as memberships and property in the balance pending an undisclosed settlement, senior pastor Steve Schorr said.
Last year, First Presbyterian appointed a denominational task force comprised of elders and pastors to gather information regarding various issues and topics relevant to the affiliation following a PCUSA general assembly, according to the information packet for congregation members.
After a survey highlighted issues concerning members of First Presbyterian, a vote was taken to begin the discernment process with four members from FPC and four members from the Presbytery of Tres Rios, the branch of PCUSA that the Midland church resides in.
“The decision is the culmination of many months of prayerful discernment, churchwide input, and deliberation by our members,” Schorr said in a press release. “We appreciate the gracious involvement of our local Tres Rios Presbytery throughout this process.”
Related articles:
Frankford Presbyterian congregation changes denominations (Missouri, 51 members)
Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church takes on new name (Utah, 21 members)
5 Comments. Leave new
Oh I have no doubt that the presbytery has been gracious, in Texas they don’t have much of a choice.
It’s interesting that this church was originally Cumberland Presbyterian. I wonder if they considered going back to the CPC as one of their options. I know of two PCUSA churches who have done that – one in Texas and one in Tennessee.
CORRECTION – I thought I was commenting on the Frankford church in Missouri that was originally CP. My mistake.
And half of the presbytery budget disappeared….
It’s about Gods Holy word ,, not budget.. Do you not trust in God to provide ? Is your treasures here on earth or in heaven?