By now word has spread far and wide about my having been removed from ordained office by the Permanent Judicial Commission of Grace Presbytery acting in behalf of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). I was found guilty on eight charges with respect to my leadership as Moderator of the Session and congregational meetings during the time Highland Park Presbyterian Church in Dallas conducted its own independent discernment process and eventually voted by an 89% margin to disaffiliate with the PCUSA. I was found not guilty on three other counts having to do with facilitating the dismissal of an Associate Pastor who wanted to stay in the denomination and thusly needed to find a new call.
In preparation for my trial I made a request of the PJC for a larger venue, knowing many, many friends had committed to stand with me. I was told the room for the trial would accommodate twenty-five observers, while I anticipated scores, if not hundreds of well wishers to attend – people who not only loved and supported my family and me, but also understood the significance of a pastor being defrocked solely on the basis of supporting a church in its process that circumvented the Presbytery’s policies and their understanding of certain provisions of the Book of Order.
The PJC denied my request. When I complained to the Stated Clerk, he replied, “Joe, this is just about you,” implying my trial was simply an internal matter for Grace Presbytery and of no importance to the larger church!
That statement to me was simply another indication of how out of touch many of the leaders have become regarding the state of the PCUSA and the unrest that resides in many congregations who have left the denomination or are considering the same. It is as if the Lord is saying once again, “Leave them alone; they are blind guides of the blind.” Nothing is more sacred to many denominational leaders than fidelity to the institution. And nothing could be further from the truth in terms of importance. My trial illustrates the increasing dilemma for pastors who serve with the conviction of being under the ultimate authority of Christ as revealed by the Spirit in the Word of God, while many church leaders operate as if the ultimate authority is the Book of Order.
I am greatly encouraged by the number of people from whom I have heard who are seeking His voice. Increasing numbers are understanding the spiritual warfare raging within the PCUSA. They are listening for the voice of the Master, seeking discernment as to the proper course of action in response to Christ, the true Head of the Church, particularly in light of increasing measures by the bureaucracy to invoke law rather than Spirit in the PCUSA. They are asking what happened at HPPC? And why did Joe Rightmyer, whose forty-two years of ordained ministry was marked by a position of advocating renewal from within, consent to lead a congregation out?
I know of these questions because I have heard from you! I have been overwhelmed by letters and email written to me, articles about me, and questions of me. This is not because the trial was “just about me,” but rather due to the valiant attempts by many to faithfully fulfill their ordination vows and understand the implications if such obedience puts them at odds with the denominational bureaucrats. The question of the cost of discipleship is being asked again and again. And the questions deserve answers.
But before I share details of my personal discernment process, let me offer thanks to God for His faithfulness throughout the entire process and to you, the many who have reached out to my family and me. Your prayers and your timely words of encouragement were indeed like “apples of gold in settings of silver.” And now your cards and letters, calls and comments almost daily bring new tears of joy. I have felt God’s pleasure as your prayers were answered.
I am especially grateful to the congregation of Highland Park Presbyterian Church for the privilege afforded me as their pastor during this chapter in their corporate life. However, when all is said and done, work is evaluated by its fruitfulness. The hard decisions were made by others. The Session led the charge following a very prayerful and honest retreat that resulted in a unanimous vote to call a congregational meeting for consideration of disaffiliation. The Elders went into the retreat with broadly variant opinions and no lack of passion. So when the vote was taken and the result was unanimous, there first was a stunned silence that soon gave way to a deep sense of awe in the presence of God! It was an experience I hope I never forget, and that I wish could be shared by all Sessions throughout the PCUSA. It gave the Session great courage and brought great joy.
And now HPPC is united, strong, led by an incredibly gifted new and young pastor, and flourishing. The hallways are filled these days with joy and laughter. It has been a long time coming, but well worth the effort and the financial cost. And I know beyond the shadow of doubt that had Grace Presbytery led the process, the church would be splintered and its mission greatly diminished. But the Lord’s name be praised, 1991 was not revisited! Presbytery was kept out of the process and great unity was attained. God provided everything necessary for the success of His mission and the protection of His people.
To Serve as HPPC’s Interim Senior Pastor . . . or Not?
That being said, let me explain some of the rationale behind my decision making process and share what God “told me in the darkness and whispered in my ears” (Matthew 10:27). I can honestly say that almost daily throughout this entire time frame the Lord awoke me before dawn and I sought Him in prayer. And, amazingly, I did “hear the Lord” on several specific occasions throughout the process. I want to share my story not because I seek anything for myself, but with the hope that others going through similar challenges may be encouraged to “hear the Lord” and experience the joy and peace that Christ provides.
On a very deep and personal level I wrestled with God over the matter of whether or not to respond affirmatively when asked if I would postpone my retirement and serve as the Interim Senior Pastor. I was questioning my leadership abilities, having served as the Executive Director of Presbyterians for Renewal for nine years, yet watching my denomination become anything but renewed. I truly felt like a failure. And if that were the case, I certainly did not want to harm the good people of HPPC by proclaiming a message and providing leadership that was seemingly ineffective.
So I took the matter to God in prayer. And here is what God “told me in the darkness and whispered in my ear.” God said, “Joe, you are looking at your experience all wrong. You were not a failure. You, along with many others in the PCUSA, took a strong stance on the authority of My Word and in 1996 the PCUSA stood with Me when it adopted its ordination standards of ‘fidelity in marriage between a man and a woman, and chastity in singleness.’ The church honored My Word in taking that stand, and I honored the PCUSA by keeping My restraining hand upon her. I have been protecting her in light of that action. But now the PCUSA has said it does not believe that anymore. She has rejected My Word. So I am removing my restraining hand from the denomination and giving it over to what it wants. Therefore, get my sheep in HPPC to safe pasture. Take them out and don’t look back.”
I was speechless before the Lord! It was such a clear word, yet so different from His instructions to me in prior years. As I mulled over what I had heard, renewed thoughts about marriage began to flood my mind. The Apostle Paul’s teaching about the “mystery of marriage” as it represents Christ and His Church suddenly loomed so large! The message in the Spirit transformed the conversation among God’s people from human sexuality and same sex unions to the very gospel itself! It dawned on me that to vary from a four thousand year understanding about marriage within God’s covenant people was to offer a false gospel, the epitome of which is seen in homosexuality – offering a form of “life” without the possibility of reproducing true life! There is but one source of true life and that is Jesus Christ. His seed, implanted by the Holy Spirit in the womb of His bride, the Church, is a message well worth preserving!
To offer anything other to the world is a false gospel. I realized why Christ would instruct me to get his sheep to safe pasture – especially for the sake of the children and grandchildren who would be subjected to contrary teaching if the Presbytery controlled the property (i.e. controlled the pulpit!). The leadership in Grace Presbytery had already made it clear that they would only support a new pastor at HPPC who subscribed to their “big tent” philosophy; that is, “tolerant” of a broad view of theological perspectives and sexual conduct. But “big tents” are the centerpiece of a circus, not the church. The way of Christ is still narrow and the gate is small that leads to eternal life.
Forming a Statement of Values
Once God’s Spirit confirmed in my spirit that I had heard His voice, I said yes to the role and responsibility of serving as Interim Senior Pastor. But I realized I needed a clear set of values that could easily be communicated as the rationale behind any leadership decisions I would make. The internal discernment process that soon followed was not the recurrence of that “voice,” but rather convictions that grew stronger and stronger in my heart and mind. Three things emerged, as follow:
Work for the greatest unity of HPPC. Those familiar with the history of HPPC are aware that in 1991 the church, with a membership of over 8,000, experienced a horrendous split. The pain of those days was still being felt by many within the congregation, and as conversations about a potential vote on disaffiliation grew, so did the fear of another division within the house. This was the concern I heard above all others. Everyone knew the church could not sustain a revisitation of the rancor and ugliness that filled those days of over twenty years ago.
As I listened to the fears and the pain, my role as pastor solidified. I felt above all other values, the unity of the congregation should be paramount. The unity of this particular church soared way above denominational affiliation in my mind. I committed to work for the greatest unity, and voiced my commitment to the same by offering to support either staying or leaving on this basis. It did not take long following personal visits with every active elder currently on the Session, meetings with many of the inactive elders, and listening to many congregants to realize that leaving the PCUSA was by far the dominant view and held the greatest promise for unity.
Work for the greatest blessing for Grace Presbytery. At the same time, the paradoxical teaching of Jesus could not be avoided. For many years I had shared that our Lord’s teaching in Luke 6:27-28 was for me the hardest of all. And now His words were being put to the test per these instructions: “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” I knew that if HPPC were to take a “righteous” stand regarding its property and its pulpit, it must also be obedient to the righteousness of Christ regarding attitudes and actions toward those who would oppose her decisions.
One of the worst snares for HPPC would be the temptation to believe that severing relationships with the PCUSA would make the church more righteous than Grace Presbytery or the denomination. Such self-righteousness would do as much or more damage to the gospel as redefining marriage. The only true righteousness at our disposal is our union with Christ Jesus by grace through faith. We have no righteousness apart from Him. And to refuse to love, do good, bless, and pray for the pastors and members remaining in the Presbytery and denomination would be to condemn the good work and the good people serving at the bidding of Christ. If HPPC were to secure disaffiliation but fail to love those with whom they formerly served and even disagreed, they might win the battle but lose the war.
Work for the greatest freedom to fulfill God’s mission. As part of the search process for a new Senior Pastor, HPPC had completed a very comprehensive Mission Study Report. One of the eight opportunities presented in that paper was to resolve the question of denominational affiliation, driven not only by long-standing and growing theological differences with the PCUSA, but also by pragmatic and personal reasons involving several members of the church staff. HPPC has a wonderful tradition of using its resources for the training of future leaders who have gone on to serve in places far and wide around the world. Many come on staff from various denominational affiliations, but with great spiritual qualifications and leadership potential. Many pursue theological training in seminaries in the greater Dallas area, of which none is PCUSA.
In recent years the Committee on Ministry of Grace Presbytery adopted more stringent requirements for candidates, effectively eliminating those for consideration based not on what they currently believe, but where they have chosen to study. These limitations worked greater and greater hardship upon faithful men and women who serve in non-ordained positions at HPPC but want to seek ordination. This illustrates one of the most significant restraints for God’s mission in the minds and hearts of the leadership at HPPC.
These three values – the greatest unity, the greatest blessing, and the greatest freedom became the values by which I made my decisions. But were they consistent with our historic Presbyterian understanding of ordination vows?
Guilty! Of What?
The background material and the ordination vows of the PCUSA in the Book of Order clearly state that the ultimate authority in the Church is Jesus Christ, that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the authoritative witness to Jesus Christ and God’s Word, that we are to be instructed and led by the essential tenets in the Confessions, and that we are to fulfill our ministry in obedience to Jesus Christ, under the authority of Scripture, and guided by our confessions. Furthermore, we vow to be governed by our church’s polity . . .abide by its discipline . . . be a friend among our colleagues, working with them, subject to the ordering of God’s Word and Spirit.
Being on trial for violations of one’s ordination vows seemed very surreal, but nothing like hearing the words “We find you guilty” eight times over! For what? For living under the authority of Jesus? No. For trusting the Scriptures and being led by essential tenets? No. For being governed by our church’s polity, subject to the ordering of God’s Word and Spirit? No.
There were but two issues behind all eight charges – agreeing with the HPPC Trustees that there was a civil liberty being violated by Grace Presbytery under a recent ruling in the Texas Supreme Court, and agreeing with the HPPC Session that there was a moral liberty being violated by Grace Presbytery in creating a policy that made it effectively impossible for the church to leave the denomination. The Presbytery argued that my role as Moderator of the relative Session and congregational meetings was a most grievous action. This was their justification for bringing me to trial. HPPC had circumvented their process, held a congregational meeting for a purpose not recognized by the Book of Order, and blocked Grace Presbytery through court order from participation. In their eyes it was an all out rebellion and I was the leader. From an institutional perspective the case was cut and dried. I would be tried for my words. In their opinion I was guilty of offenses that required the most severe censure available – removal from office.
The stated reasons for the charges were linked primarily to our ordination vows. I would laugh at the whole scenario if it were not so sad. Eight times over I was told that I had acted so inappropriately that I was not worthy of being a teaching elder in the PCUSA, all because of not following their process. It is enlightening to note what they were not saying in regard to my ordination vows. They did not say I was unfaithful to Christ and the Scriptures. They did not say I preached heresy. They did not say I failed to discern the voice of the Spirit of God. They did not say I failed as a pastor. They did not say I was guilty of sexual misconduct, malfeasance, child abuse, or homophobia. They did not even say I was guilty of being governed by our church’s polity . . . subject to the ordering of God’s Word and Spirit! No, in their eyes I was guilty of not being governed by the church’s polity . . . subject to rules that had changed in the Book of Order and a hotly contested policy that had been adopted by Grace Presbytery.
I believe it is absolutely necessary to live under authority. God works through authority structures. I have vowed submission to the same. My ordination vows linked me to the same Book of Order that require I subject my leadership to the ultimate authority of Christ and the examination of all my decisions and actions as ordered by God’s Word and Spirit. Having done so, I found myself in disagreement with lesser authorities. I did not teach disobedience in those instances, but rather obedience to the higher authority. In my defense I pointed out that this is precisely what the Book of Order demands that I do! And when I tested the demands of Grace Presbytery over against the ordering of God’s Word and Spirit, I found their demands woefully short of the Spirit and gospel of Christ whom I am called to serve. In concert with the apostles when brought before the magistrates, I obediently opted to serve God rather than man.
Grace Presbytery could not bind my conscience, so they removed me from office and stated that their action was not only to punish me, but to serve as a warning to any other pastors who might consider similar leadership.
I would say to my fellow pastors, fear God rather than man!
Will I Appeal Their Decision?
No. I understand the strong desire on the part of many for me to take this injustice to the Synod PJC and ultimately to the General Assembly if needed. It is that serious and the reasons are sound.
But those reasons are not what God has put on my heart. To do so would keep the focus on the legislative process and delay the attention needed on the far more important spiritual issues within the PCUSA. I believe that my trial is truly “not about me,” but rather is God’s instrument for shining light on what really has gone wrong in our formerly great denomination. It is no secret that our larger church is half the size of its former self, that it is in dire straights financially and morally, and that our global mission is but a fraction of what it once was. It is dying, and attention needs to be shifted from the technical and legal aspects of the Book of Order to the life-giving message in the Scriptures the Holy Spirit is offering to the PCUSA if she will but pay attention. If the PCUSA neglects that message, an appeal of my case in higher courts might prevail but in the meantime the denomination will continue her fatal downward spiral. There is a systemic sickness unto death that has gone either undetected or the diagnosis has been rejected. Either way, the PCUSA is in such a perilous position that unless God restores His restraining hand, the denomination will continue its descent into insignificance as God’s wrath is displayed by giving her over to what she so strongly desires.
The real tragedy in the meantime is the number of sheep in God’s fold that will be devoured by the wolves. I applaud the number of pastors who are obediently fulfilling their calling in the place of God’s choosing for the sake of the sheep. I was one of them until being removed from office. I did not leave the denomination with HPPC. I was called to stay in for the sake of the sheep who remain. But now, while I currently cannot administer the sacraments or officiate a wedding as an ordained officer in the PCUSA, I have an even greater liberty to communicate with the saints. So let me share what I believe my trial was really about. I believe it was God’s utility for yet another message about His concerns for this once great and gifted denomination.
As I stood before the PJC during my trial, I said that if I were in their shoes I would be more concerned about why Presbyterians in large numbers are fleeing the denomination. While the list of reasons is quite extensive, I wondered myself what Christ might say to the PCUSA if He were speaking similarly as He did to the seven churches addressed in Revelation 2 and 3. What would be His commendation? What would be His warning? And then in answer to my own questions and during the heart of the trial I preached my last sermon as a teaching elder in the PCUSA.
The three main points of that message (the leaven of the Pharisees and Herod, the sin of Balaam, and the tolerance of Jezebel) are expanded in a separate document titled, “My Last Sermon as a PCUSA Pastor.” In my heart of hearts it is the far more important word for the church than this letter. Please give serious consideration to its content.
Now I look forward to “hearing His voice” regarding my future. In the meantime and throughout the entire ordeal, “He has made me glad.” I wish the same for you. I trust you are listening to Him with regard to your own journey, for it truly is not “just about me!” We are in this together, hopefully “doing all things to the glory of God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” May His name be praised!
Your brother in Christ
Joe Rightmyer
Read the entire letter in pdf format by clicking here.
Read Joe Rightmyer’s “Last Sermon as a Teaching Elder in the PCUSA” (pdf file)
First delivered by Joe Rightmyer before the PJC of Grace Presbytery on January 6, 2015, in a more abbreviated form. This expanded version is dated February, 2015, following requests for the content of his message.
40 Comments. Leave new
From James H.: God Bless you Joe for standing up against grace presbytery. HPPC has a long history of strong Biblical preaching. The actions against you were petty and vindictive. I strongly believe “that he who has begun a good work in you will complete it to the very end”. This could be the start of a new ministry, one with the freedom to do and say whatever God lays on your heart without a bunch of heretics breathing down you neck.
Thank you Joe, for your ministry, your leadership, your courage, your fidelity, your Biblical convictions, your clarity, and for these words. May God continue to bless you in ministry, a calling which is way beyond the PCUSA and originates in Heaven.
God bless you and your family Joe. Thank you for your courage and years of faithful service! Your witness has been an inspiration to me and many others.
Blessed are you when men persecute you for following Jesus! I pity the people who did this to you!
I am a ruling elder at 1st Pres. in DeRidder, La. and I agree with you on 99% of what you posted. Having tolerated PCUSA’s “transformation” with our original roots. Something has changed…mindset…or whatever you want to describe. I also am having a though time digesting the decisions affecting the current pastors, ruling elders , etc. It has always been my determination to Lead according to God’s Laws and Jesus’s direction…nothing else needed. God Bless you and I pray that somehow out of this mess God’s hand will prevail…sincerely, James K. “Jamie” White
Thanks Joe for standing firm and living what the Bible asks us us to believe and practice. God bless you , your family and your church. You ate a model of a true and faithful Christian and a courageous spiritual guide to congregations that ate in the process of leaving Pcusa. As you very well said ” you lead God’s people to safe pastures. ” Indeed you acted ad a faithful servant ; protected His flock. We are not alone; God is with us and nothing shall we want! May the Lord continue guiding you and yours! Amen! Jorge Martinez, Elder, Presbyterian church , Bayamon P.R.
Notice: There is a mispriint in my comment: correction, where it says Ate, it should read “are” Sorry!
Let’s call this process for what it really was for the presbytery and PCUSA. It was a heresy show-trial pure and simple. The outcome was predetermined, and employed to inflict pain and damage on the ‘accused”. Or cause fear and intimidation to those who share the sentiments and feelings of the accused.
But the PCUSA in this process assumed it was 1615 and not 2015. That the internet and social media was not invented or that the accused and convicted, much like in the dark ages, either retired to country never to heard from again and his works and words purged from the system.
But in their own stupidity and arrogance, the PCUSA gave voice and mileage to this story and narrative far, far beyond the confines of some minor and shrinking regional religious organization in Texas. The liberal ruling elites and their apologists will always accuse those of the faith of not living up to their ordination vows or always stirring the pot for bad purposes.
We do not have to. 1001 and Triennium misdeeds, show trials, that the world can see was a sham, all we have to do is sit back and watch and observe the incompetency of those in charge burn their own house down around them. The world will remember the words of Pastor Joe well after the PJC and its content is consigned to the circular file.
In your last paragraph you refer to “1001 and Triennium misdeeds.” What do you mean by that? You can respond to my email, rplatta@gmail.com. Thanks so much.
One thing we never discuss here is the possibility that God is “finished” with this denomination.
If we can wash our hands of a problem, why can’t God?
I wrote more than a decade ago that we were perfuming a corpse. We still are.
Let it go.
It’s all interpretive defensiveness to cover for the arrogant self serving, self righteous disobedience to the parent chuch. When an empoyee disagees with their employer, they can suck it up and move forward or quit and seek a better fit for their beliefs and talents. Being troublesome and undermining is not appropriate and still more wrong by laying it off at Christ’s feet. Shame on everyone that presumes to know the mind of God and then go on and make God in their image, to their choosing and liking in order to do their own will. Where is Jesus Christ’s teachings and tennants in this mans actions? It’s really quite indefensible to call the mutinous actions Christian or Godly. When did Jesus tell us to act that way?rbob4u@yahoo.com if you know different based on his words, the prince of peace, the real head of our church.
Jjack wrote: “If we can wash our hands of a problem, why can’t God?”
The reason God can’t is a matter of basic stewardship (and I’m not talking about the dollars and buildings “owned” by PCUSA entities).
We proclaim we own nothing. Everything that we can see belongs to the Lord. Therefore, the Lord is the “owner” of the PCUSA, even in its tarnished and misguided state of being. The PCUSA is on loan from God to those who currently lead us. Despite their lack of reverence and respect for scripture or the confessions, God still owns this denomination.
Robert,
It seems as if you are thinking in corporate employment terms (employer-employee), but the PCUSA was not Joe’s employer. In the most basic sense, HPPC was his employer, and he was heeding their will in helping them find a more fitting denominational home. But even this kind of thinking misrepresents a Reformed understanding of ordination and calling.
Joe Rightmyer was not “employed” by HPPC, but called there to carry out the ministry for which Christ had ordained him. Joe’s primary “service” was carried out for the glory of his Master. Ideally, the PCUSA should also be in alignment with the same Master, but when this is not the case, the faithful servant will carry out his Master’s will despite what other authorities may try to impose. From Joe’s open letter, it is clear he believes with all his heart that his actions were true to the will of Christ, though opposed to the will of Grace Presbytery.
I would encourage you to take care in your judgments lest you transgress the command found in Scripture: “Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls” (Romans 14:4). Joe will one day stand before his Master (as will we all) and be required to account for his actions. I am fully convinced that he will be completely acquitted; even more, that he will be praised by our Master with “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
May the same be said of us and our actions in that Day.
The logic in Pastor Dave’s response seems incomplete to me. Though it is true that God owns all that exists, it does not follow that He is forbidden from washing His hands of things that no longer are of value to His purposes. The threats by the Risen Lord to the churches of Rev 2-3 that if they do not amend their ways, their “lampstands will be removed,” makes a clear statement that they will cease to exist because God will “wash His hands of them.” And indeed, over the years those churches came to naught. God can do what He wishes with what He owns, even destroy it should it prove unfruitful for His purposes.
There are alot of victims in the wake the 2014GA, let there be no doubt that grace presbytery is not one of them.
Because of change of employment, my family moved from Indiana to Wisconsin in 1965. There was no Presbyterian Church in our community, and with four young children, we decided to join the local Moravian Church. It seemed a match with the PCUSA. As it turned out it was. My wife and I enjoyed singing in the choir and the offspring enjoyed the youth programs.
Then the match got even more similar. The Moravians, Northern Province, took a pro-choice position. When I attempted to start a pro-life group, it was shot down. “We are pro-life and pro-choice.”
Then one Sunday, the minister was listing the evils as mentioned in the Scriptures. He concluded one portion with “and homosexuality, if you chose to believe so.”
We resigned our membership shortly after that. I met with the Elders and told them I didn’t realize the list of sins was a smorgasbord, where we could pick and choose our sins.
After a five year hiatus in another denomination in another city, we returned to the Moravian church, because my wife missed her friends and we both loved singing in the Moravian choir.
After she died 9 years ago, I remained in the church, but not as a member. Last summer the Northern Province adopted a change to the rules, which now allows the ordination of homosexuals ‘in a covenant relationship.’
As soon as the choir director retires, I will leave for good.
I hold tight to the old Presbyterian and Moravian Church, while I must reject the ‘new, improved’ version of both.
My compliments to Brother Rightmyer on his decision to stand firm in the Word.
Okay but by who’s JUDGEMENTS did he and his congregation make their decisions? I gave an opinion based on his letter and observation of human nature. If I am guilty of judging as you suggest, then so are they and you. It’s all self serving and does nothing in service of the lord. The actions were clearly self serving based on predudicial interpretation and only served to divide and weaken a greater authority and unity. That’s undermining and deceptive no matter how much a person says they do it for Christ. Crazy people claim to kill for God and that doesn’t make it acceptable because they sound sincere. Yes, it’s not a corporate model accept when that too proves convenient.
Congregations like these were led away from the larger body when women were allowed ordination not so many years ago. Our churches and members quietly hated Jews for a very long time. The same ignorance and selective faith was at work then as it is here. Why is respecting anothers basic human rights and freedoms so difficult? Especially when it actually has zero impact on them? Then it becomes; just the idea! Perhaps they should enjoy some opression, ridicule and exclusion before making their decisions though it would be much easier to just really live a life as modeled And told us by Jesus Christ. The PCUSA governance is by vrious and wide ranging congregational members and clergy that have decided to hear and consider a wide variety of issues including human rights questions. They are not made to think any given way and presumably represent their congregations broader ideals.
Remember the kid that got mad and took the only game ball when they stomped off after not having their way? That’s all this actually boils down to if the the real truth be known. It’s an excuse, a power pLay that is ego and fear driven with nothing to do with scripture or God. I’ll spare you the rational arguments that support my assertion but if you read what Jesus said, I don’t think their or his actions hold a drop of water. It seems we mostly all really pray for God’s will to be the same as ours. That makes it very easy to justify and defend our actions….doesn’t it? Perhaps we should go stone to death a disobdient servant or child while we consider? How about a God sanctioned wife beating? Let’s enjoy some bacon wrapped shrimp while we decide. God’s example of love and forgiveness by Jesus Christ should give us all a big a clue about how to proceed and it’s not through the door of deceit, self promotion, devisiveness, hate, greed and fear. MAY God please help us all to do so.
I would also like to remind that the few that leave in a self righteous cloud of phoney indignation are going against the will of the other 90+%. How does it become God’s will for a renegade pastor and a tiny minority of the greater church body to just have their way, cut and run. It seems to assume that the 90% were not called to God or that they are all disobedient. I don’t believe tgat reflects a reasonable fact to conclude. If they want to believe something the entire remaining denomination either doesn’t or cares little about, that’s fine but they should really just go find another denomination or religion and stop pretending it’s not about money and property. I suggest that they try the whacko Islamic extremists version of religion since it seems to fit their antiquanted patriarchal views and actions. Most sincerely. -RB
Mr. Berry,
Your last comment explains exactly whats wrong with the PCUSA, people vote with their money, and what you got ain’t selling. So when people leave and want to take what they paid for with them, your side takes them to court, when they can, or just complains how we are just a bunch of greedy right wingers who just want the property and endowments, and you know, your’re right. We want the property that was paid for by faithful people who gave out of their love for the Lord and his gospel, not for your kind to turn it into the church of whats happening now.
Face the facts nobodys buying what your’re selling, so the only thing you can do is get it from those of us who still believe that little ol’book called the Bible is God’s road map for our lives.
Telling us to just leave, well that says more about you than it does us. However by the way, you’re getting your way, just not the way your side wanted it.
Quoting from the statement, Pastor Rightmyer, trying to be brief and not pushing the bookkeeping, I am very interested in knowing a little more of the backgrounds of those in the HPPC who were pushing the issues. Is it possible to identify leaders and supply next to their names their personal affiliation, seminary affiliation, and most important, how long have their families been Presbyterians.
I have been noticing a pattern, and I would like to know. After all, Joe, this is all about you, isn’t it?
Your statement reads as follows:
[i]Work for the greatest freedom to fulfill God’s mission. As part of the search process for a new Senior Pastor, HPPC had completed a very comprehensive Mission Study Report. One of the eight opportunities presented in that paper was to resolve the question of denominational affiliation, driven not only by long-standing and growing theological differences with the PCUSA, but also by pragmatic and personal reasons involving several members of the church staff.
HPPC has a wonderful tradition of using its resources for the training of future leaders who have gone on to serve in places far and wide around the world. Many come on staff from various denominational affiliations, but with great spiritual qualifications and leadership potential. Many pursue theological training in seminaries in the greater Dallas area, of which none is PCUSA.[/i]
As an ordained elder in the PCUSA that left the PCUSA while actively serving on session, I found myself thinking of having my child grow up in a denomination that is quickly drifting from understanding the Word of God, going forth and working for the good of humankind, changing doctrine to become liberal and express more concern for money. While I lived in Dallas, I was a member of HPPC and still have good friends there and they prayed that God lead them to how they should vote.
My family and I are now members of the United Methodist Church and in a church where my child has learned more about God, serving others, and memories bible verses.
Based on projections, the PCUSA, if it does not focus on growing congregations, encouraging new members, getting back to Reformed roots, will die. The PCUSA cannot survive when its largest congregations have left, in the process of discernment, and/or contemplating entering the discernment process.
In the end, I believe Grace Presbytery was embarrassed that one of its largest congregations left and in the end they got want that wanted and probably desperately need —-money. I pray that they use that money to make disciples of Christ and not use it as an iron fist at other churches that want to grow and be successful, even it is is leaving the PCUSA. In the end, it does not matter what denomination or non-denomination in which we belong, Christ and he word are all the same. It is government, politics and lobbyists that try to re-write the Word of God.
I admire Joe for putting the health of a congregation above himself. It is a shame that Grace Presbytery took the action they did. Ultimately, the God of Grace, will determine who is a good and faithful servant.
Mr. Berry —
I take it then that you disagree with Sir Thomas More’s decision to contest his “guilt” in court. You would have counseled him to say nothing. Right?
And you seem to think that the fault lines began to appear only a few years ago. Oh, no. I remember, for example, when the denomination inexplicably donated $10,000 to Angela Davis’ defense fund. You remember her, don’t you? Davis, an avowed Communist, was accused of smuggling a weapon into the hands of George Jackson, who then murdered a federal judge and at least one other court officer, before dying in a hail of bullets. That was 44 years ago.
For a half-century, the denomination has been “reimagining” Christ, reinterpreting the Word, modifying the liturgy, banning the hymns we know and love, and silencing those who disagree. And did I mention the denomination’s intrusion into domestic and international policy? Fifty years ago, could you have guessed that the denomination would endorse a woman’s “right to choose”? A woman’s right to what??? Fifty million slaughtered children later, it staggers the imagination. And yet, that is the PCUSA.
No, sir, there is a lot more here than simply fidelity and chastity. The denomination embarked on its self-destructive path decades ago, and I suspect it was deliberate.
A young person asked me today to explain ISIS. I replied, “Evil is real.”
Yes, it is.
Mr. Gregory —
It was a show trial.
Sir Thomas Moore immediately came to mind. (Please see my reply to Mr. Berry.)
I am sorry that Highland did not take on the Presbytery in court. Highland had the money to bring the denomination to its financial knees, had it pursued that option. That would have benefited the smaller churches that don’t have the wherewithal to stand up to these tyrants. But, the Lord must have pointed the way.
Mr. Berry would be happy to know that we are looking at other denominations. We have long been drawn to the Church of Christ because it does not have the multi-tiered structure that the PCUSA does. But mainly, in the C of C, the Scripture is the Word and the Word is God. We also like the Catholic Church. I studied the Mormon Church, but could not accept some of its basic tenets. But, there is so much there to admire.
“Stand up for Jesus.” ***
*** Famous old hymn was purged in the 1982 hymnal because wheelchair-bound worshippers would be “offended.” What madness . . .
Mateen, I do understand your point. Thank you for sharing in a way that is helpful and based in scripture.
If God decided to wash hands of the PCUSA, a significant number of very faithful to the scripture and guided by the confessions believers, would be left behind (sic). I suppose God could do this, but there are still many of us who speak the truth before our wayward presbyteries and lead congregations who do not agree with the decisions of GA or recent (or pending) amendments to the BoO (or even the new BoO for that matter).
In some presbyteries, departure is really not an option, for many and complicated reasons, unique to each congregation. This is the hard and difficult reality. Hopefully God remains with us and does not abandon the remnant.
Bravo to Pastor Joe and his church! So many of us are appalled by the PCUSA’s false teachings and stands on such subjects as the marriage issue. We are grieved about what is happening in our denomination’s governing bodies and what is infiltrating our churches. Many of us are staying because we so love the dear people in our congregations and will stay to help teach and speak the truth of God’s word. When the Holy Spirit tells us it is time to leave we will, but with saddened hearts for those whose spiritual hearts are somehow blinded to His truth.
Ms. Trotman I know exactly what you’re talking about, my family is in the same position. My term as ruling elder is not up for a while, so I’ll do what God’s called me to do until then.
Doesn’t that line of reasoning mean that the PCUSA should merge itself into the Church of Scotland and that the Church of Scotland should merge itself into the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of Rome should merge back with the Eastern Orthodox?
Love the letter Joe. Thanks for it. I hope it gives encouragement to the other ministers who believe in the Holy Scriptures and who believe that Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, so that they may have courage too. Thankfully, our country is free. And by the way things seem today, we all may be called to defend those freedoms again some day. I am surprised I haven’t seen a letter in a while from our stated clerk “speaking” for the whole PCUSA, in support of the latest thing the current administration in Washington is doing. We have seen these letters in the past. We all know that the Office of General Assembly of the PCUSA in Louisville acts as an arm of the current democrat party and assumes to speak for the whole PCUSA in doing so. It is time to get rid of the Office of GA. The Office of GA is NOT a historically Presbyterian office. So let us get rid of it and be more Presbyterian as we used to be. The church would be better for it. We do NOT need the Office of GA. We used to not have it. We also do NOT need executive Presbyters. That is also not a historically Presbyterian position.
Dave, I understand and empathize with the plight in which many believers find themselves, seeking to be faithful to God in an increasingly hostile environment. In the days of Ahab and Jezebel, Elijah thought he was the only believer left, till God revealed to him, “I have kept for myself 7000 who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” I take from this that God knows fully who are His own, and will continue to guide and protect them should the denomination be divinely abandoned. May He strengthen you in your standard-bearing role within your presbytery and church.
“Secular Humanist”, Robert. Look it up, it will be like looking in the mirror. You may be fine with that but realize this – “Secular Humanist” does not equal “Christian.”
Robert, if you changed the parameters of your argument to a more biblical model, the logic you employ would support the opposite conclusion. Consider the position of HPPC on traditional Judeo-Christian beliefs and practices, and that of God’s people throughout history, both Christian and Jewish. The percentage of Christians today who embrace “progressive” positions would account for less than 1% of the total believers throughout history on these moral/theological matters. So to paraphrase your words, “How does it become God’s will for a renegade [denomination] and a tiny minority of the [universal church] to just have their way, cut and run [from the faith once for all delivered to the saints]? I don’t believe that reflects a reasonable fact to conclude. If they want to believe something the entire [universal church] either doesn’t or cares little about, that’s fine but they should really just go find another religion and stop pretending it’s not about money and property.”
Though your words I’ve quoted (mutatis mutandis) are not exactly the way I would phrase things myself, they get the point across. I am sincerely interested in learning if this makes any impact on your thinking, or if not, how you would respond thoughtfully to this perspective?
A quick search of the Presbyterian Outlook website for the name “Rightmyer” shows the most recent article involving a mention of Joe to be from Jan 13, 2003. I’m astounded that what the Layman has covered so fully has been completely ignored by the “mainstream, news-reporting” organization that prides itself on being evenly balanced, covering all the reportable events happening in the PCUSA. Is this not sufficiently important for its readership to know about?
Pastor, may our Lord continue to support you in your stance for the truth.
The actions of your former presbytery are not surprising to anyone who has followed the history of the PCUSA. As you may recall, the PCUS did not claim to own the property of individual congregations until some time in the sixties. I know that your congregation was, formerly, PCUS.
To me, that a body that calls itself Presbyterian has taken the actions that the PCUS has is abominable, for, even though the name signifies the form of government, the name also did signify that the written Word of God is the authority for all.
The Book of Church Order (PCUS) stated that there is no other King and Lawgiver but Christ–and the PCUSA General assembly has arrogated to itself both offices.
May your ministry be blessed.
Perhaps there is a desire to keep the masses (much smaller than they used to be) ignorant of the high-handed treatment given those who stand up for the truth?
As my church goes through the discernment process, and I also am discerning what God’s will might be, I have come to some similar
understandings with Rev. Rightmyer. The PCUSA has not had any growth
since 1967 when they adopted the Book of Confessions and their own confession. Pondering that helped me realize that God’s mercy has been with the denomination these last 50 years despite theological confusion.
The church has been bearly surviving, renewal groups have felt called to stay and provide some balance, and churches through Presbyteries have
by polity maintained some order and adherence to Scripture.
God has withheld judgement; God alone can execute against those who snub His right to be God and those who reject His word and created order.
Now I am discerning that many are getting the call to leave the battle. What will that mean for the PCUSA?
On one level, the progressives think they have won with the out come
of GA and the current voting on all the amendments in Presbyteries.
But the cost of disobedient to the Constitution, Book of Order, the Confessions, the Scripture, mission partners, toward most Christians
around the world will result in huge loses. And the greatest loss may be God withholding His further blessing and restraint toward the PCUSA.
One of the last things Jesus instructed his disciples was to flee when they see the destruction of their beloved temple building and coming spiritual desolation in their midst. (See MArk 13)
Rev. Rightmyer is one who watches, sees, and acted!
Linda, leave the dead to bury their dead. A dead tree cannot prod uce fruit, and the rest will be history.
Joe
A wise pastor once told me that God holds us accountable for our efforts, the results belong to him. It is trite, but true. Well done good and faithful servant
“After all, Joe, this is all about you, isn’t it?”
Fortunately, this matter was not about Joe Rightmyer.
I was there, I am on the session of HPPC, I attended countless meetings, I wrestled with the issues, I voted to leave along with every other member of the session.
There was no drive from the ministerial staff to “herd us out of the PCUSA”, rather the commitment to leave arose from within the congregation and the session. Ministers were on both sides of the issue and all were given free and open opportunity to express their heart felt views.
HPPC has fought to reform the PCUSA from within for decades but it has become abundantly clear that the theological chasm between the two bodies is unbridgeable. What can one surmise when a member of our staff is ‘boo-ed’ on the floor of Presbytery for using the three words “Wrath of God”? J. Gresham Machen’s commentary on this situation from almost 100 years ago has been proven to be the true assessment.
Red_Dirt, your desire to know names, seminaries, affiliations(?) and length of time as Presbyterian, strikes one as curious perhaps even a bit Orwellian. For what ends would you use such information? To build bridges of understanding or some other goal? I would hope the former.
Perhaps if you desire more information and for positive ends, I would suggest coming down and talking with us, a meeting I would encourage and welcome.
I think that Joe’s letter is so genuine and spot on.
What no one is mentioning in all of this was the fabrication of a desire for unity Grace Presbytery continued to put forth throughout this process. They spoke of unity, but from the beginning, desired control. They sought to disengage Ron Scates from his position there at HPPC. They met with a small group within the congregation who were like minded, before the Session moved forward in any of their proceedings. Very similar to how Grace acted with the congregation in Longview, TX. They sought to determine who could be called as the Interim (much like they did at FPC Arlington when they told the Session they had to choose one of the people recommended by Grace). When the congregation asked for Joe to be the Interim, the presbytery relented, because they knew Joe had worked within the denomination for renewal, and that when push came to shove in the past, he stayed and encouraged others to as well. They worked to hand pick their successor to the pulpit of HPPC, but then everything took a turn when HPPC got a court order to keep their hands out of the process.
For anyone looking in from the outside, it was easy to see that Grace got their hand caught in the cookie Jar for the second time (FPC Longview would be the first). Except this time, they did not have the resources to win the fight. They stood to lose (and more than money) and needed to blame someone. That someone became Joe, since he was the only one left. The mask of unity came off quickly, the forgiveness promised disappeared, the leadership of Grace continued its move to centralize power and Joe got punished for their losses.
If anyone thinks this whole trial of Rev. Joe was based on the charges rendered, or that the decision was not reached prior to the beginning of the trial, you are mistaken.
I have read the many many comments on this issue, one of which focusing on right to life , and the other being accepting homosexual marriage. Sincerely, people, it is 2016. Humans have evolved, and many many facts have surfaced about the legend of Jesus. Let’s face the facts. Lets move toward the future. If Jesus is our GUIDE, then let him be the guide. Walk the walk. Don’t fire and brimstone people to death and wonder why your attendance numbers are slipping and your funding is falling off of a cliff. Jesus did not judge people, he loved people.
PS: If Mr Rightmyer knew just how MANY gay relatives he had, perhaps he wouldn’t take such a harsh stand against them. Or maybe he would just turn his back on us, like he has progress.