In January, the Administrative Committee announced that it had nominated Teaching Elder Fred Greco to serve as the PCA’s next stated clerk. Greco has been the senior pastor of Christ Church in Katy, Texas, for 20 years.

A former corporate attorney and ruling elder, Greco has been heavily involved in denominational leadership. In 2023 he moderated the PCA’s 50th General Assembly and is currently chairman of the Standing Judicial Commission, which he has chaired for 10 years. He was the chairman of the Candidates and Credentials Committee for Houston Metro Presbytery and has moderated the General Assembly Overtures Committee three times. 

Born in Niagara Falls, New York, Greco earned his law degree from the University of Michigan in 1996. In 1998 he was ordained as a ruling elder at Grace Presbyterian Church in Hudson, Ohio, while working as a corporate attorney in the Cleveland area. 

When Grace’s senior pastor left to teach at Covenant Theological Seminary, Greco assisted with preaching during the pastoral search. Members of Grace suggested he get some seminary training, so Greco enrolled in distance courses at Reformed Theological Seminary Jackson. He then decided to move to Jackson, enroll at RTS full time, and pursue ministry. 

Over the years Greco has developed an expertise in parliamentary procedure, often rising to the General Assembly microphone to guide the Assembly through confusion over how to proceed. He told byFaith in 2023 that when leading a meeting, he considers himself a kind of traffic cop, preventing procedural gridlock by ensuring everyone follows the rules and has their turn. 

“My goal is for the Assembly to run smoothly and for people to have the opportunities to make their points and for us to get out on time,” he said. 

Just as he learned from elders such as David Coffin and John White, Greco wants to come alongside younger pastors who have an interest in procedure so that the next generation of General Assembly leaders will be prepared to run efficient, equitable meetings.

“Part of serving the church is realizing that the church is perpetual. It goes beyond you,” he said. 

The General Assembly will vote on Greco’s nomination when the Administrative Committee gives its report to the Assembly. 

ByFaith asked Greco about his nomination and what he’s looking forward to about serving in the role for which he is nominated. The following conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

What makes you interested in serving as the PCA’s stated clerk?

My desire to serve the PCA as its stated clerk grows out of my ministry in the PCA over the last 30 years. I have always sought to be a churchman who helps and serves not only his own congregation, but also other congregations and presbyteries. While I am sad to leave my congregation of 20 years, I am excited by the challenges and opportunities for ministry that the position of stated clerk has. I am excited to use my background as a lawyer and ruling elder to better serve the denomination.

What do you see as the primary role the clerk plays in the life of the denomination? 

The clerk must be prepared to lead the PCA administratively, enabling the PCA’s ministries to have maximum impact in their mission. The clerk cannot (and should not) create policy or instruct the General Assembly on what it must do. At the same time, the stated clerk can be a blessing to the broader Church as he carries out his role. He should be experienced in the Book of Church Order and able to advise church courts on fulfilling their duties and responsibilities. He should be accessible to all and act as a servant to many. 

The clerk should also work to promote unity within the PCA. Just as a pastor must unite different parts of his congregation with diverse preferences, so the clerk should rally the PCA around our core goals: submission to the Lord’s Word (faithful to the Scriptures), sound doctrine (true to the Reformed faith), and evangelism (obedient to the Great Commission).

What do you consider to be the PCA’s most pressing challenges?

The PCA has been placed by the Lord in this particular time and place, which carries with it challenges. The broader culture has moved in an increasingly unbiblical direction, and the PCA will face the challenge of standing for the truth of God’s Word. At the same time, there are incredible opportunities that result from the obvious failures of attempts to replace God with other false philosophies. This means that the PCA must seize these opportunities and not be complacent or self-satisfied. There are churches to be planted, missionaries to be sent out, campus works to be established, and saints to be equipped for the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:12). The PCA must commit to the Word of God not just as truth, which it is, but as the means God has given us to serve him.

According to the PCA’s Rules of Assembly Operation, the clerk “must be able to work with the leaders of all branches of this true Church” (RAO 3.5.h). How do you see yourself helping the PCA nurture relationships with evangelical churches both in and outside of NAPARC?

I hope to continue building the personal relationships I already have across denominational lines. As my good friend John Bise has already done, I will travel to NAPARC gatherings and other general assemblies to listen, encourage, and meet leaders in other denominations. But I believe that connections should be made even beyond NAPARC. There are other denominations (for example, the Southern Baptists) and ecumenical organizations (such as the International Conference of Reformed Churches) where greater connections can be made, and the visible unity of Christ’s Church displayed.

As you stand for election, anything else you would like people to know about you?

I am an avid fan of Michigan sports and a long-time lover of baseball.

I have been married for almost 30 years to my wonderful wife, Deb. We have four children: Peter, Daniel, Paul, and Abigail. Our son Peter will continue to work and live in Houston. Our son Daniel and his wife Kam have two children, and Daniel serves as a deacon at a PCA church in Maryland. Our son Paul and his wife Avery are members of a PCA church in the Dallas area. Our daughter Abigail is graduating from Stephen F. Austin University and will take a teaching job in the Dallas area. 

After my commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ and my love for my family, my passion is for the Church. I hope to be able to serve the PCA well. My goal, should I be elected, is to be available to as many leaders and members in the Church as possible.