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
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
By Zachary Garris | September 17, 2022 It is no secret that Overture 15 (O15) barely passed the 49th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). The Overtures Committee recommended rejecting it, but RE Matt Fender delivered a minority report that convinced the Assembly to make a substitute motion in favor of the … More Why the PCA Needs Overture 15
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
By Jacob Gerber | August 11, 2022 Background At the 49th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), the Committee on Constitutional Business (CCB) presented its annual report, which included the results of its review of the minutes of the Standing Judicial Commission (SJC), according to the PCA’s Rules of Assembly Operations (RAO): … More Minority Reports, CCB, & the SJC – Part 1: The Parliamentary Rules
by Zachary Groff | August 6, 2022 This year, twelve proposed changes to the Presbyterian Church in America’s (PCA) Book of Church Order (BCO) will come before the denomination’s eighty-eight presbyteries for consideration.[1] Three of the twelve proposals address aspects of ministerial qualifications and examination. Perhaps the most talked-about item is that which resulted from … More The Biblical Genius of PCAGA49’s Overture 15
By Matt Fender | July 19, 2022 During the proceedings of the 49th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), we saw two examples of historical precedent being invoked to support a decision of the moderator that appeared to be contrary to the plain language of the Book of Church Order (“BCO”) or … More Deliberating by the Book
By Jacob Gerber | May 9, 2022 As a fundamental principle of church government in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), our Book of Church Order limits church power and authority to be only ministerial and declarative: All church power, whether exercised by the body in general, or by representation, is only ministerial and declarative since the Holy Scriptures … More All Church Power Is Only Ministerial & Declarative
By Zachary Groff | January 19, 2022 (updated February 26, 2022) Following the 48th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) – ably hosted by Missouri Presbytery in June, 2021 – the 88 constituent presbyteries of the Church have received eight proposed amendments to the denomination’s Book of Church Order (BCO). Of the … More Watching the Amendment Process in 2022
By Rich Leino | November 29, 2021 The title of this article is a hat tip to James Womack who has been at the fore of lean transformation movements for years. In one of his articles he points out that many Chief Executive Officers are heralded for their amazing leadership and vision to steer the ships … More Fewer Presbyterian Heroes, More Presbyterian Farmers