Pastors declare: It’s
‘Time for Something New’
The Layman, January 27, 2011
Pastors of several large Presbyterian Church (USA) congregations met in early January in Scottsdale, Ariz., and out of that meeting a white paper declaring that it’s “Time for Something New” was created. Click Here to download the White Paper
“We believe we will not survive without drastic intervention,” the white paper states. “We are ready to do something different, to thrive as the Body of Christ. We call others of like mind to envision a new future for congregations who share a Presbyterian, Reformed, Evangelical heritage. If the denomination has the ability and will move in this new direction, we will rejoice. Regardless, a group of us will change course, forming a new way for our congregations to relate.”
Dated Jan. 7, 2011, the white paper opens with a lament of the denomination’s decline and Biblical drift, and then proposes options for moving forward. Citing shrinking PCUSA membership and financial difficulties among middle governing bodies, the white paper conveys a sense of urgency.
“Remaining locked in unending controversy will continue a slow demise, dishonoring our calling, offering a poor legacy to those we hope will follow us,” the white paper states. “We humbly share responsibility for the failure of our storied denomination. We are no better as pastors and no more righteous than anyone on other sides of issues. We have tolerated what we regard as theological error and Biblical drift far too long, hoping something would change for the better. How we got to this sad place becomes less important than how to move forward.”
The paper suggests that the “something new” should be characterized by passions and values. The list of needs under that heading includes:
- A united theological core
- A commitment to nurturing leadership in local congregations
- A passion to share in the larger mission around the world
- Multiplying healthy communities of faith
- Fellowship
- A minimalist governmental structure
- Clarity on property issues – specifically that property and assets reside under the stewardship of the local session
- Replacing large institutional structures with joint ventures with specialized ministries
- Support for congregations both inside and outside the PCUSA
The options that the group of pastors, which at this point remains anonymous as the white paper is not signed and has not been widely released to the public, include:
- Forming an association of Presbyterian congregations with a goal of encouraging local churches and bringing together like-minded congregations and pastors to begin work on another future, different than the current PCUSA.
- The formation of a new synod, and/or presbyteries allowing PCUSA congregations to express freedom from the anticipated ordination changes and ongoing theological disagreements. The white paper suggests working with the existing PCUSA Middle Governing Bodies Commission (MGB) to explore options.
- Creating a new Reformed body apart from the PCUSA with a strong confessional stance, but remaining in correspondence with the denomination.
The short-term goals for the group include:
- Working with the MGB commission
- Planning an event for August 2011 to bring together the “like-hearted”
- Working to reverse the PCUSA’s property clause to allow for easier exits
- Asking the Board of Pension to delay discussions on extending benefits to same-sex couples
- Supporting current standards for ordination
Realizing that proposals such as forming a new communion outside the existing PCUSA will essentially end efforts to reform from within, the group acknowledges that “fighting” is not the way it wants to proceed. In its conclusion, the group declares that attaining a degree of separation may be the only way forward.
“Our goal is not institutional survival but effective faithfulness, fully participating in the world-wide church,” the white paper states. “We propose this change with regret, despising division and all it entails in witness to the world, but with excitement at what may emerge. We are not angry, and share responsibility for the rupture of fellowship. We have allowed a ‘broadening’ church for so long that health has left us, and together we must rediscover our calling and identity in Christ.”