The Presbyterian Church in America’s Fourth Membership Vow
It is not sufficiently appreciated how grave and strict the requirement in this vow is, and how much it requires of the individual member.
All of this invites questions of great practical consequence: why did we bring into our own denomination a requirement – this vow to support – that was only introduced into our predecessor in the years of her growing infidelity, that was used to coerce and intimidate the faithful remnant, and that was not precedented (in... Continue Reading
What’s in a Title?
Should titles have a different role for men and women in the church?
As the apostolic age is coming to its close, Paul makes provision for the ongoing governance of the church by the continuing offices of “elder” and “deacon,” but not “apostle” (1 Tim. 3:1-13; Tit. 1:5-9). No longer will the church’s governance be invested in apostolic eyewitnesses of the resurrection who have been specifically called and... Continue Reading
Reflections on the ‘Jonesboro 7’ and A Case for Church Discipline
Reflections from one who has seen discipline done correctly, seen discipline done wrongly, and has also watched this case from the beginning.
Ryan Biese has already chronicled this case (Harrell v Covenant Presbytery) quite extensively, complete with a list of lessons to be learned, and his account is well worth reading. I would, however, like to add my own reflections as one who has seen discipline done correctly, seen discipline done wrongly, and has also watched this... Continue Reading
South Florida Presbytery, 50th Anniversary of PCA
The process for founding the PCA’s Gold Coast Presbytery (now South Florida Presbytery) began Sunday, June 3, 1973.
The new presbytery held its first meeting June 26, 1973 with Rev. Ross Bair moderator and Rev. Donald Esty stated clerk. The churches included: Covenant in Ft. Lauderdale, Coral Springs (Now First Church) in Coral Springs, Spanish River in Boca Raton, Seacrest Boulevard in Delray Beach, Lake Osborne in Lake Worth, Faith Church in Wauchula,... Continue Reading
History of Membership Vows, Presbyterian Church in America
The parachurch can provide ministry opportunities and support services beneficial to the work of the PCA, but participation in the parachurch should be considered carefully remembering that the first responsibility of members as affirmed in their vows is congregational and connectional.
When a Christian supports the church, it includes participating in its ministry with time, talents, and skills. A tithe, or even a tithe plus, placed in the plate, bag, or box does not exhaust the meaning of “support.” As the Apostle Paul has said, the church is a body with each member fulfilling a necessary... Continue Reading
For the Jews
We must pray for the Jews: that the Lord would deliver the afflicted through their affliction and open their ears through adversity; that the Spirit of God would pour into their broken hearts and make them new.
The present sufferings of our Jewish neighbors have revealed that they are not the only ones with veiled hearts. My heart (maybe yours too?) has been veiled towards the Jews. Paul confessed, “I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from... Continue Reading
The “Jonesboro 7” Submit to Edicts of Session
When the "Jonesboro 7" appealed their case, the Temporary Session of Elders took an additional step to keep the censure in place during the appeal and then resigned from service to the little church.
Despite the “unfair” process deployed against the Jonesboro 7 by the Temporary Session, the men nonetheless demonstrated the strength of their commitment to the Scripture, to their membership vows, to Presbyterian Church government, and to the Reformed Faith. After the Jonesboro 7 appealed the decision of the Temporary Session to Covenant Presbytery, the Temporary Session... Continue Reading
Two Great Men: John And Martin
The Reformation began 506 years ago, resetting the ministry of the Church since then.
It goes without saying that Reformed Faith churches owe their very existence to John Calvin and Martin Luther. And if such a premise is true, isn’t it worth becoming acquainted with them in a more-than-superficial manner? Do we know anything more about Luther than the fact he nailed 95 theses on a church door? Is... Continue Reading
Covenant Presbytery Denies Appeal of Jonesboro 7 Finding No Errors in Session Trial
A group of Christians in Jonesboro wanted to have a PCA Church in their town. But organizing a church was more difficult than expected, yet God proved abundantly sufficient and able. (Part Four)
It is a most remarkable providence; if one reads the protest against Presbytery’s action to preserve the church plant, the signers represent the elders from Covenant Presbytery’s wealthiest and most influential churches and committees. Yet the speech of a largely unknown, retired former Arkansas church planter was powerfully used by God to change the course... Continue Reading
Listen, Don’t Critique
Our chief responsibility as we carry out the general office of believer is to listen to the preaching of the word, not critique it.
We should realize that we have come to listen to the word so that it would critique us, not so that we could criticize the preaching of it. Such is the difference between listening to the sermon and critiquing it—it’s humility vs. pride. We should also realize that God has established his church in such a... Continue Reading
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