New Wineskins group begins releasing documents in advance of convocation
By Craig M. Kibler, The Layman Online, February 28, 2005
The New Wineskins Task Force has begun releasing documents that will be voted on by delegates to a national convocation considering a “bold new design” for the Presbyterian Church (USA).
The convocation, with the theme “Following Christ into the 21st Century,” will be held June 15-18 at Christ Presbyterian Church in Edina, Minn., a growing 4,100-member congregation whose senior pastor is the Rev. John Crosby.
The study documents that will be acted on by the convocation propose new statements of faith essentials and ethical imperatives, as well as a revised constitution that calls for greater flexibility, a new approach to leadership development at the congregational level and a pared-down, adaptive service structure at the national level.
While the convocation will include preaching, prayer and worship, the focus will be on how evangelical Presbyterians respond to what task force leaders called “grave concerns about the health and effectiveness of our present organization” in theology, mission and structure.
The group’s vision statement says:
“We envision a connectional structure that . . .
- Serves the ministry and mission of the local congregation.
- Is united by a mutual commitment to a broadly evangelical and Bbiblical theology.
- Fosters relational networks based on ministry context as well as regional proximity.
- Provides accountability, support, and discipline in a healthy, balanced, biblical way.
- Is flexible and responsive to changing needs and cultural dynamics.
- Supports and encourages partnerships for cooperative mission between congregations.
- Encourages partnerships for ministry and mission with Christians of other denominations and parachurch ministries.
- Draws upon proven programs, curricula, and other resources available from across the broader body of Christ.
- Functions like a missions agency more than a regulatory agency.
The group’s “Declaration of Ethical Imperatives,” which lists 13 areas, begins with: “Genuine Christian faith is more than mere assent to propositions of truth. Saving faith issues forth in an ethical life: a life of love, obedience, and holiness.” The group includes 10 areas in its “Essential Tenets,” such as the lordship of Jesus Christ and the Bible being the “only infallible rule of faith and practice.”
“There is tremendous excitement” about the convocation, said the Rev. Tom Edwards, associate pastor at Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Wichita, Kan., who is coordinating the event for the New Wineskins Task Force. “A lot of work has gone into planning for this convocation – good work,” he said.
Task force members said the convocation is likely to have an international flavor, as the plans include inviting guests and speakers from Presbyterian churches around the world.
For further information, contact “Following Christ into the 21st Century” at 888-754-9693, or 7435 E. Oxford Ct., Wichita, Kan. 67226.