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.