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A Coherent and
Active Strategy
Expounded by Constitutional Presbyterians
By Rev. Clay Brown, pastor
First Presbyterian Church
Mooresville, NC
November 15, 2006
Some attendees of the recently held Constitutional Presbyterians
gathering have written of their displeasure with what transpired
there. They perceive that the gathering was another "all talk and no
action" event similar to others convened over the years, with no
clear strategy offered as a way forward.
I respectfully disagree. I heard a coherent and active strategy
expounded as follows:
1. Fear not as you strive against the current direction of the PCUSA.
Truth, as in Scripture, our confessional and constitutional witness,
and the classic Reformed tradition as a whole, is on your side.
2. Know that the issue of the ordination of self-affirming,
practicing gays and lesbians has not yet been decided. There is
disagreement even on whether or not ordination standards indeed have
been changed. You will not know for sure until a case makes it to
the PJC. Until then, it is too early to talk of leaving.
3. In the meantime: a) Make sure your theology grounds your polity
and ethics. Know what you believe, why you believe it, and how your
belief should direct your practice – then make sure it does. b)
Articulate and contend for the authority of Scripture, the
consensual creeds of the Church, and the orthodox constitutional
ordination standards in your congregations, sessions and
presbyteries. Get involved. Ask tough questions fairly and
forthrightly. Serve when, where, and how you can. Band together with
like-minded people for support and encouragement. c) Evaluate your
stewardship regarding funds sent to higher judicatories. d)
Investigate your congregation's property issues in your state sooner
rather than later. e) Use the resources provided to help you with a)
through d).
4. Remember that the PCUSA is but a small part of the Church
universal. If push comes to shove, there are sound Reformed criteria
for distinguishing between the depravity always found in the church
and the apostasy that necessitates a decision to leave. For now,
though, there is much work to be done, and you are part of God's
"can-do army" for doing it.
That seems a pretty clear strategy to me. It may not be the strategy
some want to hear, but it is a viable strategy nevertheless.
Furthermore, it is a strategy I believe is the most appropriate one
at this time. I recognize something could happen tomorrow that might
change things (was it Ron Scates who said, in his address to the
Constitutional Presbyterians, that every day he wakes up and wonders
what shame the PCUSA will bring on the gospel today?), but as of now
this is where I stand.
The Rev. Dr. Clay J. Brown, pastor
First Presbyterian Church
Mooresville, N.C.
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We are members of the
PC (USA) taking action to be in a church where leaders, councils and
institutions govern according to the rule of law under the authority
of Scripture and a constitution. With the light of Scripture and our
church confessions, we understand the recent Authoritative
Interpretation of G-6.0108b to be a serious and grave subversion of
our church's constitution and one of many recent signs that
theological progressives and conservatives are not existing together
in peace, unity and purity under the same confessional and
institutional boundaries. |
