Tuesday night, Harry L. Reeder III was elected as moderator of the Presbyterian Church in America’s 38th General Assembly. In his nomination speech, Mike Milton, president of Reformed Theological Seminary-Charlotte, praised Reeder as “God’s man for this hour.” Milton described Reeder as a humble man from the red dirt of Charlotte, N.C., who has influenced thousands—from Covenant College to RTS-Charlotte; from Pinelands Presbyterian Church in Miami, Fla., to Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Ala.; from individuals impacted by his books to the hundreds of churches touched by his church revitalization ministry, Embers to a Flame.

“Moderator [of General Assembly] is a position of honor,” Milton said, “and electing Reeder is a way to express our gratitude to him for the man that he is and for all he’s done. He’s brought health to our denomination and renewed vitality to our churches.”

Milton further believes that Reeder is focused on the right mission. “The moderator is a point person for the PCA, not just at General Assembly but during the year,” Milton said. “Reeder is widely respected throughout the denomination. He’s respected by those interested in world missions because he’s a big proponent of missions. He’s respected by those interested in church planting, in church revitalization, in one-on-one evangelism. On all points, the mission is touched.”

Milton describes this as a critical time in the PCA, and feels the time is right for Reeder to be moderator. “This is a moment where the Strategic Plan is being set forth, a moment where there have been rising tensions on several fronts,” Milton said. “Reeder is the man for the moment because he brings unity to the denomination at a time when it is needed.”

When asked how he feels about being elected moderator, Reeder said, “It’s a very humbling concept. In 27 years of going to General Assembly, I’ve been every year but I’ve never spoken from the floor. There are a lot of people smarter than I am. I’ve been hesitant to serve, but I felt like if the church leadership and the body wanted me to serve, I’m willing.”

Reeder is optimistic about the future of the PCA. “Our best days are ahead of us,” Reeder said. “I believe we’re at a crucial time in the denomination. The 40- to 80-year mark in a movement is a critical time where there is either a rebirth of the church or one begins to drift either to the left or the right.

“We have great influence but we need to focus on spiritual vitality to reproduce and to strengthen our churches. We need leadership who are committed to the message, faithful to the mission, and committed to the biblical method of reaching people.”