The Church’s Two Laws

By Brad Isbell | February 28, 2023 In the Presbyterian Church in America, there are but two offices: elder and deacon. All officers in the PCA are ordained; both offices (by definition) are filled by (and only by) ordained persons. Officers are essential in many kinds of organizations inasmuch as they are legally required or … More The Church’s Two Laws

2022 Proposals: The Case for Item 6 & Against Item 11

By Jacob Gerber | November 5, 2022 The Presbyteries of the PCA are currently voting on two Book of Church Order (BCO) amendments that are very similar: Item 6 (Overture 2021-20) and Item 11 (Overture 2021-21). In their final forms, both seek to require a 2/3 vote to suspend the official functions of an officer, … More 2022 Proposals: The Case for Item 6 & Against Item 11

Grassroots Presbyterianism & Amending BCO 34-1

By Jared Nelson | October 13, 2022 “Grassroots Presbyterianism” has become a common description of the polity of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). The term generally communicates the understanding that the PCA has been a bottom-up denomination that was formed with a conscious effort to give more power to the Presbyteries rather than the … More Grassroots Presbyterianism & Amending BCO 34-1

Researching the Rationales of PCAGA49’s Proposed BCO Amendments

By Jacob Gerber | October 7, 2022 The list of Book of Church Order (BCO) amendments handed down to the Presbyteries from the 49th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) is daunting. For a basic refresher on the amendments before us, including a breakdown of the votes that they received in Overtures and … More Researching the Rationales of PCAGA49’s Proposed BCO Amendments

Minority Reports, CCB, & the SJC – Part 2: Why This is Important

By Jacob Gerber | August 16, 2022 In my last article, I detailed the parliamentary rules[1] which require minority reports from the Committee on Constitutional Business (CCB) the right to be presented to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) for consideration. Further, I showed how our parliamentary rules for handling such … More Minority Reports, CCB, & the SJC – Part 2: Why This is Important