Last month, Pastor Travis Brown and Pastor Ben Phillips, among others, attended General Assembly, the PCA's annual business meeting in Richmond, Virginia.
What is General Assembly?
The highest denominational meeting in our denomination, the Presbyterian Church in America. Open to all Teaching Elders and a certain number of Ruling Elders depending on church size.
What happens at General Assembly?
Updates are given from various agencies within the PCA (ex. Mission to the World).
Motions called “overtures” are submitted to the Assembly. These either modify our Book of Church Order (BCO – basically our constitution), or call for an action.
Were there encouraging updates?
A stat given to us by our Stated Clerk, Bryan Chapel: More people have left the American church in the last 25 years than joined the church in the 1st and 2nd Great Awakenings, and the Billy Graham crusades combined, but the PCA continues to grow.
Our Discipleship Ministry update, especially the women’s conferences (click here) that they are having that are open to women as well as girls from 3rd grade up
What were the most controversial overtures?
From last year. Amend the BCO so that unordained people may not be given the title of an ordained office.
Rationale: This was meant to be another barrier against ordaining women as deacons.
Argument against: In Korean culture, “Deaconess” is an honorific for elderly women in the church. This motion would make this unconstitutional.
Status: Approved.
Overture 3 (click here) – Grant Constitutional Status to BCO 53
Rationale: This was meant to be another barrier against allowing women to preach.
Argument against: BCO 53 is currently non-binding but offers good advice. To make this chapter binding would be a step too far. For example, preaching too long would be unconstitutional (BCO 53-4 click here)
Status: Answered in the Negative
Overture 13 - Commend and Encourage Distribution of Commission Letter Regarding Gender Reassignment for Minors (Original letter with the PCA's official stance click here. Printed copies of this letter are available in the Welcome Center and Narthex of the church)
Rationale: Last year the Assembly voted for this letter to be written, this year we had the opportunity to commend the authors.
Argument against: An issue is not ordinarily brought up twice. The letter was sent on behalf of the Assembly, repetitive to then commend it again.
Status: Approved.
Overture 17 – Require Background Checks for Church Office
Amended to *Recommend* Background Checks for Church Office
Rationale: Requiring may place a financial burden on churches. Additionally, policies differ between states and provinces.
Status: Approve as amended
Note: CMPC does a background check for all volunteers that work with children/youth.
Conduct an Impact Study about the book Jesus Calling
Rationale: Due to significant theological error and the popularity of the book authored by a PCA missionary, it is necessary to ask questions to our Discipleship Ministry and MTW on the effect it has had.
Argument against: This opens the door to action against any book an individual, session, or presbytery doesn’t agree with.
Status: Approved.
Overture 1 – Allow atheists to testify in church courts. (most controversial)
Rationale: Church courts should utilize every resource at their disposal to protect the vulnerable.
Argument against: The church courts are not civil courts. An atheist is not able to swear an oath before God.
Status: Answered in the negative.
Note: If you are interested in church polity, this is it at its very best. Good arguments from both sides with respectful disagreements. You can watch it here.
