FAQS
ON THE PCUSA ORDINATION CHANGETHE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (U.S.A) AND AMMENDMENT 10-A
How should a Lake Murray Presbyterian react to the
recent vote to eliminate national standards for ordination? There is no
set answer. Some haven't heard it has been debated. Many will
rightly think it is unimportant to the day to day way they live their Christian
life. Some welcome the change. Some will feel a pang of embarrassment that
we seem to have affirmed something that scripture plainly says is wrong (see
linked passages at the bottom of this article). About ten years ago our
church split over just debating this issue- so it is not to be taken lightly.
While our presbytery and session affirm the former, historic, and we believe
biblical standards (see link below), our
denomination narrowly has changed the standards to allow some presbyteries to
have "self-affirming, practicing, unrepentant" (language from the 1978 GA) homosexuals and adulterers. We have
been debating this for over forty years, and this is the fifth vote taken on
this issue.
Our session saw this coming, and has voted to reaffirm
our biblical standards (not the revised ones) for ordination.
We are seeking to be faithful. Faithful to where
God has called us- not knee jerking into believing we can join a really pure
denomination. No denomination (or church or person) is perfect.
We are seeking encouragement and informal fellowship with churches who have
taken a stand similar to ours- but not seeking to leave the denomination.
We are
also seeking to be faithful to our foundation- scripture alone (sola scriptura)
that gives us standards for our beliefs and practice.
We ask that you also be faithful and have patience with us.
This is a tough task for many. In our consumer culture we are taught that
if you don't like one taste you go to the next one.
However, if you really believe God has called you to Lake Murray Presbyterian,
keep an ear out for God to still work and use you here.
We are
trying to be faithful, but this is only possible if you are faithful too.
We are not retreating from missions, reaching out to
those who need to hear the good news of Christ, or from helping those who are in
need.
We continue to look for new ways to serve Christ
in our community and world.
We are hopeful that God may bring about a way to
end debate, and move forward in mission with hope.
We ask that you join us in praying God to lead us
through.
Jesus Christ is still the Head of the Church.
Pastor Ben
CLICK ON LINKS BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION
FAQS
ON THE PCUSA ORDINATION CHANGE
WHY
WE SHOULD STAY IN THE P.CU.S.A.
HIGHLIGHTS
OF FELLOWSHIP OF PRESBYTERIAN MEETINGS