It was not as if these congregations chose the most theologically conservative new homes. The great majority of congregations leaving the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) chose to join the Evangelical Presbyterian Church or the Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians. Few chose to join the larger Presbyterian Church in America, which does not permit women clergy.  ... Continue Reading

In the very next passage, the epistles goes on to say: So, then, did he [God], as one might suppose, send him [his Son] to rule in tyranny, fear, and terror? Not at all.  But with gentleness and meekness, as a king sending his own son, he sent him as a king; he sent him... Continue Reading

In brief, it is no longer possible for churches to provide tax-sheltered reimbursements to their pastors or other employees for individually purchased health insurance coverage. The churches may assist employees by increasing taxable compensation that can be used for anything (though they cannot increase with provision that the increase must be used for health insurance),... Continue Reading

“While not commenting on the actions taken by the Episcopal Church of the USA, Archbishop Welby said his visit to America was “a real gift in terms of communication. At least there was understanding why we disagreed with each other when we disagreed, rather than simply disagreeing and not understanding each other.” But he added:... Continue Reading

“Documentary and video evidence was sent to the IRS showing PCUSA delegates meeting with members of Hezbollah – which is designated by the US as a terrorist organization – as well as publishing anti-Semitic materials and passing around political advocacy materials in violation of its status.”   In response to the Presbyterian Church USA’s (PCUSA) decision... Continue Reading

Noted canon lawyer Allan Haley says that what this means is that the highest court of a State has now ruled that there is no provision in the governing documents of the Episcopal Church (USA) that keeps a Diocese from withdrawing its membership in that organization. The Church in fact is an unincorporated association of... Continue Reading

There are certain conditions in the church that increase the likelihood of a pastor’s departure well before it takes place….When a pastor leaves a church, whether through firing or voluntary departure for negative reasons, it is rarely a single immediate factor that led to the exit. There are typically negative conditions that created the environment... Continue Reading

The confessing church alters their methods of preaching. The compromising church alters the message they preach. While it is wise and biblical for the body of Christ to be relevant to culture regarding the preaching of the gospel, it should never put being relevant above being faithful. The compromising church puts being relevant before biblical faithfulness. Hence, they not only... Continue Reading

There are hard feelings on both sides. Some who are moving to the new congregation say PCUSA is trying to “change” the Bible. Some on the other side disagree with the church’s growing fundamentalist tilt and say the schism began with the hiring of an assistant pastor who disagrees with the direction PCUSA has taken.... Continue Reading

Reading these words from Billings also reminded me of a sermon Paul Wolfe preached. Pastor Wolfe urged us saying, “The gospel makes us recognize the size of the gulf between the way things are and the way they are supposed to be.” He defined groaning as “the sound at the intersection between pain and hope.”... Continue Reading