The Presbyterian Lay Committee has a new resource posted on its web site The Layman “designed to describe the challenges faced by theologically centrist congregations who continue to adhere to the essential tenets of the Reformed faith as expressed in the Confessions of the Church but which are no longer lived out in some of the policies and practices of the Presbyterian Church (USA).” It is also available in Spanish.
In the preamble, Carmen Fowler LaBerge, president of the Presbyterian Lay Committee, writes:
This resource is designed for Elders and other church leaders who need materials that can be adapted for use in their own setting. What is offered here is a resource that is designed to describe the challenges faced by theologically centrist congregations who continue to adhere to the essential tenets of the Reformed faith as expressed in the Confessions of the Church but which are no longer lived out in some of the policies and practices of the Presbyterian Church (USA). The document speaks in the first person from the perspective of a local church session that is seeking to describe the situation to members of the congregation.
The reader is reminded that the discernment process is spiritual. This is not a battle against flesh and blood but a battle for the witness and mission of the local church whom God has called and sent. The particular denomination with whom a local congregation feely associates provides either support for, or the stifling of:
- the proclamation of the Gospel for the salvation of humankind,
- God-honoring, Word centered Worship,
- Biblically faithful discipleship,
- the spiritual nurture and fellowship of the people of God, and
- opportunities for shared mission in the world.
Is the denomination of which you are a part assisting you in advancing these Great Ends of the Church in ways that glorify God and edify God’s people? If not, what is your denomination doing?
As representatives of Christ in the world today, Christians are called and sent to bear faithful witness to the character of God. We learn to recognize the authentic character of God through His Word and Spirit. So, as we evaluate the ideas advocated by a particular denomination we must ask, “Are they bearing honest witness to the character of God as revealed in the Bible?”
- Is the advocacy of the denomination (through statements, personnel, offices in Washington, seminary education, General Assembly actions, conferences, etc) aligned with the revealed will of God in the Old and New Testaments?
- Does it bring glory to God and does it build up the Church into her calling as the pure, unblemished holy Bride of Christ?
- If the ideas being advanced and advocated are not aligned with the Word of God, then what voices or what spirit is the denomination submitting itself to?
The answers to those questions will determine the course that must be taken; whatever the cost.
This resource is available in Spanish. No rights are reserved by the author nor the original publisher of the resource.
Carmen Fowler LaBerge, Layman.org
The entire resource is available by clicking here
Spanish translation available here.
It can also be found on The Layman’s PCUSA discernment resources page.
7 Comments. Leave new
It’s interesting that the “Great Ends of the Church” are redacted for the PLC publication, omitting the final two. Here are the actual Great Ends:
The great ends of the church are:
The proclamation of the gospel for the salvation of humankind
The shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship of the children of God
The maintenance of divine worship
The preservation of the truth
The promotion of social righteousness
The exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the world
All local church Sessions should refer this document to a A special committee for review and evaluation. The committee would report back to the Session with comments. The committee would be comprised of Elders, Deacons, Trustees, and members of the congregation. An Elder member of this committee would serve as chairperson .A Secretary should be appointed. The committee should take its time and do an excellent job.
Jason – thanks for that edit. Important to include all the relevant information. I should have made direct reference to the entire list from F-1.03 in the Book of Order. Instead I summarized. Thanks again. – Carmen
First, I’m dismayed to see anything presented as a “battle” among the kindred of God, the Body of Christ. Second, if the PLC is now no longer “serving” only the PC(USA), what does it have to say about that denomination’s decisions? In those contexts, your resource comes across as not only sheep-stealing, but flock theft.
Ms. Kellam-Scott,
The “sheep” and “flocks” do not belong to the PC(USA), but to the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ (Jn. 10.11-18).
Rather the PC(USA) is a “hired hand” that has proven worthless and has even led the “sheep” and “flocks” astray. It should, therefore, be no surprise if the Good Shepherd then takes His “sheep” and “flocks” and entrusts them to another under-shepherd who knows His mind and will, and who will therefore represent His interests in caring for His “sheep” and “flocks”.
Your accusations are miss- placed. Every leader must safe guard the
People in their care and follow God’s discerned will. The Bible is full of people who were called to leave a place and move as God directs:
Abraham, Joseph, the brothers of Joseph, Moses, Daniel, Naomi and Ruth,
Esther, Paul and the early church. That is what the Reformation was about. The above resource gives leaders insight in asking pertinent question in the discernment process.
I am in favor of moving people in my care to a place where the wheat will not be choked out by the tares. May God help us all as we seek His will!
Barbara Kellam-Scott says:
“First, I’m dismayed to see anything presented as a “battle” among the kindred of God”
With all do respect, you’re joking right?