The Administrative Committee (AC) will present a revised 2010 Strategic Plan to the AC Committee of Commissioners Tuesday afternoon for approval, and for later action by the 38th General Assembly. The changes come in response to feedback that has been received since the Plan was approved and distributed in April.

The most significant changes deal with two recommendations. The revised proposal features these alterations:

Substitutes “Civil Conversation” for “Safe Places”

According to an explanation of the changes, the use of metaphorical language in the Strategic Plan was misunderstood. Some assumed that “safe places” meant people could advance ideas/theology/polity that are out of accord with the PCA’s standards without any accountability, though the constitutional requirements of BCO 21-4, Q. 2 regarding reporting changes of views remains. 

“Civil conversation,” according to the new recommendation, means that “we engage in charitable discourse on such issues as theological reflection as a Confessional Church, how we may best do ministry, and work to fulfill the Great Commission.” The explanation cites examples, including the Duncan/Keller seminars in 2009 and 2010 and voluntary associations and affinity gatherings such as Twin Lakes Fellowship.

A second recommended change is to:

Substitute “Increased Involvement” for “More Seats [at the Table]”

According to the explanation given to the committee of commissioners, the metaphorical language, again, was unclear.

The new recommendation explains: “As the PCA is still a majority Anglo denomination, it is difficult for non-Anglos to be elected to General Assembly Committees and Boards.  … By endorsing this theme we affirm the value of input from a diversity of persons, including those who are younger, and declare our intentions to seek their insights more than we have previously.”

The AC Committee of Commissioners will vote on the Strategic Plan later Tuesday morning. Their decision will then be taken to the General Assembly.