General Theology
Peace, Purity, and the PCA
by Blake Johnson
This week the PCA (our denomination) will meet for its annual General Assembly. Each year Ruling Elders and Teaching Elders from our churches congregate to discuss and deliberate various theological, cultural, and practical issues facing our denomination.
The PCA has enjoyed much growth in recent years while remaining faithful to the Gospel and historic Christian orthodoxy. We also are a “big-tent” denomination including inner city church plants in needy areas, downtown high-churches, suburban mega-churches, country parishes, and everything in between. With such a healthy diversity, obviously our ministers and leaders do not agree on every jot and tittle of theology. That is why our denomination practices “good-faith subscription.” Members and ministers do not have to agree on particular matters that are unclear or commonly disputed in our Confession of Faith.
Many faithful men of God in the PCA are rightfully concerned to protect the purity of the church against threats to the gospel. Unfortunately, though, Presbyterians have an unpleasant track record of infighting, and thus splintering all in the name of “the Gospel.” While we should be eager to protect the purity of the church, we should also be eager to protect the unity of the church.
As the General Assembly meets this week, please pray for our elders and ministers to wisely carryout the business of our denomination in a way that preserves the unity and peace of the PCA.
Posted by Blake Johnson at June 11, 2007 02:15 PM
Blake, If possible I would tousle that curly head of hair that you posesss… but I am in Memphis. But seriously, thanks again for calling all members of the PCA to charitable discourse without compromising any of the tenets that we hold precious. I will attempt to see if they really do have authentic blues on Beale street.