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Paul Kooistra Elected Moderator of the 36th General Assembly

June 2008

On Tuesday night Dr. Paul D. Kooistra, coordinator of Mission to the World, was elected moderator of the PCA’s 36th General Assembly in Dallas, Texas.

“My prayer is that we will look like the family of Christ and have the mind of Christ,” said Kooistra in his acceptance remarks. “Courts and families both have rules of order, but the difference is atmosphere. May we look only to Christ this week.”

Two other nominees were submitted during the Tuesday night meeting, including Rev. Tom Kay, Jr., pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Aliceville, Ala., and Dr. O. Palmer Robertson, vice chancellor of African Bible College in Uganda.

Dr. Bryan Chapell, president of Covenant Theological Seminary, nominated Kooistra from the floor of the assembly. “Paul Kooistra has served the PCA in many capacities,” said Chapell. “He’s been a leader of remarkable courage and insight when we needed it most.”

Chapell cited Kooistra’s influence in building Covenant Theological Seminary into one of the largest and strongest seminaries in North America, and Mission to the World into the largest Presbyterian missions agency in history.

He also hailed him as a “champion of grace.”

In all these roles, Chapell said, Kooistra has demonstrated leadership by service. “Our church calls for leaders, and someone to give us vision.”

Paul Kooistra has served as coordinator of Mission to the World since 1994. Previously, he served as president of Covenant Theological Seminary, professor at Reformed Theological Seminary and Belhaven College, and staff minister in Florida.

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First Name:
TE Samuel Ling

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Redondo Beach, California

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Courts can have a family atmosphere, full of grace (I've seen it in action), while families need God's law, and will languish without it. Both are under God's law and grace. God bless you as you lead, Paul.

2008-06-11 02:09 Permalink Reply

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First Name:
kenny mackenzie

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isle of lewis Scotland and Uganda

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May The Lord Guide and Bless you All at This Time

2008-06-11 03:36 Permalink Reply

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First Name:
Moisés Zapata

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El Paso, TX

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There is no doubt, where ever God is the atmosphere is different. Yes, atmosphere says a lot! Isaiah experienced it. The lifes of the Disciples attested it. True Churches are living it. May our Lord continue to shine His face upon Dr. Kooistra. Our Lord is GOOOOOOD!!!

2008-06-11 08:42 Permalink Reply

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RE Sam Graham

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Memphis, TN

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What an encouragement to see such a faithful and wise servant of God elected as the moderator of our GA. Dr. Kooistra has been such a blessing to so many throughout the years. May our Lord continue to bless this champion of God's grace with extraordinary vision and wisdom in this important capacity.

2008-06-11 09:32 Permalink Reply

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Stephen Ro

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Queens, NY

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"champion of Grace" indeed.

2008-06-11 10:28 Permalink Reply

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Brian Deringer

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Atlanta, Georgia

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In my experience of working closely with Dr. Kooistra and sitting with him through many difficult decisions, I would give honor to Christ that a culture of grace has permiated the ministries in which he works. While difficult questions must sometimes be faced, the ongoing biblical perspective of Word and deed, seasoned with grace, has been a constant focus. Christ preiminent, Holy Spirit guided, and honor to our Father is the heartbeat of his ministry. Thankyou for modeling the kind of family I hope to be a part of in the PCA.

2008-06-11 11:40 Permalink Reply

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First Name:
Biao Chen

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Ovideo, FL

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PCA needs a leader not only to give a vision of global perspective, but also ability to mobilize regional presbyters to reach people different from current demongraphic and racial and social compositions.

2008-06-12 01:04 Permalink Reply

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DeAnn Harris

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St. Louis MO

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Wonderful news - May the Lord give you even greater measure of His grace to lead this body of leaders so that we all more clearly reflect the face of Jesus our Lord in this world - til He comes again!

2008-06-12 07:34 Permalink Reply

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Carol Siddall

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MTW-GA

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I couldn't think of anyone better to lead the GA. Dr. Kooistra has such an encouraging spirit and truly walks with Christ. The PCA will be blessed with this choice.

2008-06-13 10:18 Permalink Reply

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First Name:
Virginia Yip

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Waco TX

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This was the first time I went to GA. I have heard a lot of this man and have read things written by him. Now that I met him in person, boy, he is truly a man of God, a leader with integrity, principle and a heart of a pastor and father. My soul was refreshed just by standing next to this man. It was a real blessing that we have man like him in our denomination.

2008-06-14 10:25 Permalink Reply

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Aaron Jussely

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Brandon MS

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Dr. Kooistra did a tremendous job. He paused the assembly many times to pray. Any of the men that were nominated would have done fantastic, but God put Dr. Kooistra in that post and the GA was blessed by him moderating the proceedings.

2008-06-14 13:15 Permalink Reply