byFaith Magazine - PCA News - Overture 14 Seeks Reconciliation, Not Retreat

Overture 14 Seeks Reconciliation, Not Retreat

April 2009

Overture 14, the most recent overture submitted to the PCA’s General Assembly, centers on the issue of pastors leading congregations out of the denomination.

“We hope to make teaching elders more cognizant of their vows to not harm the peace and unity of the church,” said T. John Mulkey, who serves as stated clerk of North Texas Presbytery, the presbytery which submitted Overture 14. “Our concern is that teaching elders are not working to resolve problems but actually exacerbate problems by encouraging their churches to leave the denomination.”

Overture 14 recommends that the Book of Church Order 25 be amended to read: “While particular churches need remain in association with any court of this body only so long as they themselves desire, such is not the case with teaching elders. Teaching elders remain under the jurisdiction of the presbytery of which they are members and are subject to the vows they took to guard the peace and unity of the church. … It should always be the desire of the faithful minister of Christ to effect reconciliation between all bodies of Christians but especially those of his own denomination.”

“Ultimately, we desire reconciliation in this process, because great harm can be done to congregations otherwise,” said Mulkey.

To view the complete list of 2009 overtures, visit www.pcaac.org/37thovertures.htm.

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First Name:
K. H. Acton

Last Name:
Heidelberg, Mississippi

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This was the problem with the change in ordination vow that added unity to peace and purity. What kind of unity exists outside the purity of the gospel and the peace of loving brethren? Institutional heirarchy not collegiallity of trust. It poisons the well with straw men by implying that ministers are out there promoting disunity. If this is true in N.Tex.Presbytery then they should address it. But if it's not generally true, and I contend that it's not, then it casts a shadow of insurrection over honest disagreement. The strength of the PCA's unity is the fact that it's not held together coercively, but by truth and love in the Spirit. When a pastor and his flock leave there may be cause for discipline, but it may honestly be the best path to follow. The problem may be deaf or lazy courts. Our unity is Christ and his gospel.

2009-04-30 14:06 Permalink Reply

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First Name:
Larry Edison

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Sarasota Fl

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Wow, I never would have thought we would see people want to move the PCA into this position of control and coersion. How very sad, and how strange that this strikes against the way in which many came into the PCA. Dialogue and trust should be the order of the day, not strong arm tactics. Maybe examine the denomination, not the man.

2009-04-30 16:39 Permalink Reply

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First Name:
John C

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SC

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On one hand, I support the idea of doing what can be done to discourage hothead pastors leading churches (& themselves) out of PCA.
On the other hand, I am not in line with the current push towards "Biblical Restoration" which as administered is usually ends up as an exercise of coercion. The so-called "Biblical Reconciliation" movement is another exercise in raw power under the guise of following the Bible literally.

2009-04-30 17:05 Permalink Reply

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First Name:
Lewis Long

Last Name:
Colorado Springs

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Be careful, John. To follow the Bible literally is our calling. Anything else is not following the Bible. Sometimes it calls for power, and sometimes power is mercy.

2009-04-30 23:48 Permalink Reply

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First Name:
Lou

Last Name:
Heritage

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I disagree with those who characterize this overture as some sort of "strong arm tactic." The position of the TE is guard and guide those under their care and if they are not willing to submit to polity, vis-a-vis, the book of church order and the ruling of the denomination as a whole, they are not fit to lead their people. in the end, I believe we will be pleased to find that it would only be the mose wiley of wolves who will not be willing to seek reconciliation.

2009-04-30 19:56 Permalink Reply

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Jim P

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Baltimore

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So were the original founders of the PCA who came out of the the PCUS "exacerbating problems by encouraging their churches to leave the denomination", as some in that body said and still say? There is a whole lot of irony in this overture. Let's not miss the chance to take a good long look at ourselves in the mirror of history while we vote it down. It'd be good for our corporate humility.

2009-04-30 21:47 Permalink Reply

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First Name:
K H Acton

Last Name:
Heidelberg, Mississippi

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Exactly, remember we were founded by "reverse discipline." This overture threatens to involve us in hypocricy. And it is not just wiley wolves who see it as such.

2009-05-01 18:51 Permalink Reply

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James Pitts

Last Name:
SE Alabama

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I thought I was reading Layman Online for a moment. This "power grab" sounds very similar to what is going on in the liberal denomination (as well as Washington DC). Since when does doing that which the constitution of the church specifically authorizes constitute schism?

2009-05-01 18:05 Permalink Reply

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First Name:
Rob

Last Name:
OKC

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As you might imagine, there is a history behind the overture, relating to a man who led his congregation out of the PCA rather than face church discipline over a matter. The matter grieved me (as I was a member), as it did the NTP, but I am still nervous about the language of the overture and what it might mean down the road.

2009-05-06 14:04 Permalink Reply