In 2024, the 51st General Assembly passed an overture instructing Mission to the World and the Committee on Discipleship Ministries to provide responses about their relationship to the book “Jesus Calling” and its author, the late Sarah Young.

MTW’s Response

As part of its report to the upcoming General Assembly, MTW has published the following response:

In response to Overture 33 of the PCA’s fifty-first General Assembly, MTW has prepared this report answering the questions related to Sarah Young’s book, “Jesus Calling.”

1. Examine MTW’s relationship with the book, knowledge of its content, and any counsel given to the author.  

The author and her husband served with MTW for 41 years, first in Japan, then in Australia, and finally in Nashville until the author’s passing on August 31, 2023. Her widower, Stephen Young, continues to serve with MTW. As an organization, we miss her dearly but rejoice that she’s in the arms of her precious Savior. 

While MTW had a missionary/sending agency relationship with the Youngs for many decades, MTW had no relationship or connection with the writing or publication of the book itself. The author did not write or publish the book at MTW’s request or with MTW’s involvement, and MTW did not review, edit, or approve the book in advance of its release.

After MTW’s good faith investigation of the matter addressed by the Overture— bearing in mind the amount of time that has passed since the book was written and published—MTW was unable to ascertain whether the author asked any individuals in MTW to give any counsel regarding the content of the book. To the best of MTW’s knowledge, the author wrote this book independently. 

2. Consider actions that MTW and the General Assembly should take in light of this study of the book and of the agency’s relationship to it.

Since  MTW  had and has no formal relationship with the book and its author is now with the Lord, it has no recommendations regarding actions related to the book.

CDM’s Response

As part of its report to the upcoming General Assembly, CDM has published its response as follows:

Part 1: Report to “examine the history of the CDM’s relationship with the book and outline its reasons for withdrawing the book from its inventory previously and not offering it for sale since.”  

Integrity Publishing first published Jesus Calling by Sarah Young in 2004. Thomas Nelson Publishing acquired Integrity Publishers in 2006. In 2012, HarperCollins acquired Thomas Nelson. Consequently, various editions of the Jesus Calling book(s) may have different publishing information.  

In 2014, Coordinator TE Estock received complaints about Jesus Calling and, for pastoral reasons,  directed the PCA Bookstore staff to remove the title from the website. The Bookstore no longer sells Jesus Calling. CDM staff conducted a thorough search of available records and discovered the following  facts:  

• • There are no references to Jesus Calling in the CEP/CDM¹ Minutes.  
  • In 2013, there was a chart comparing bestselling Christian titles from various outlets with those sold by the CEP Bookstore (M41GA2013, p. 227). Jesus Calling and Jesus Today were referenced as top sellers according to the Association for Christian Retail (CBA).  
  • The PCA Bookstore sold 202 copies of Jesus Calling and its associated Journal between 2011- 2014.  

Part 2: Report to “assess the book’s appropriateness for Christians in general and PCA members and congregations in particular with special regard for its doctrine and method.” 

The Committee on Discipleship Ministries (CDM) is a program committee of the Assembly tasked to conduct the affairs of the church in the areas of Christian education and publications (RAO 4-1, 2; 6-1).  As a committee, CDM does not direct any Church judicatory (BCO 14-1.7) or seek to replace/undermine the pastoral responsibility of local church elders to their members. CDM staff members may occasionally respond to questions related to resources based on information from pastors, ministry leaders, and PCA members, and their own personal perspectives. To serve the whole of the PCA well, neither CDM nor its staff recommend Jesus Calling.  

Part 3: Report to “provide recommendations (if needed) for remedial materials, advisory statements, or General  Assembly actions concerning Jesus Calling.” 

Since the devotional life and spiritual maturity of each person are unique, local church elders are best suited to evaluate the spiritual needs and maturity of those considering the book. Elders should converse with members and recommend alternative or remedial devotional materials as needed. CDM staff members and ministry partners stand ready to help leaders connect members to Word-based devotional resources. 

¹At the 42nd General Assembly in 2014, the Assembly changed the name of the permanent committee  from “Committee on Christian Education and Publications” (CEP) to “Committee on Discipleship  Ministries” (CDM). Hereafter, “CDM” refers to the permanent committee under either name. Similarly, c. 2014 the CDM staff changed the name of the bookstore affiliated with CDM from “CEP Bookstore” to  “The PCA Bookstore.” Hereafter, “PCA Bookstore” refers to both.