PCA GA June 2024
Last week the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) gathered in Richmond, VA for the annual General Assembly (GA) meeting. The meeting consisted of worship, reports from the agencies and committees of the denomination, and deliberation over matters pertaining to the purity and peace of the church. As a first-time commissioner I admit it was overwhelming and impressive. There were over 2000 registered commissioners, dozens of ministries and vendors on site, and robust debate and deliberation over a number of matters presented to the assembly. The entirety of the assembly can be watched on the official PCA youtube channel, but I want to offer a few observations:
1. The PCA is actively strengthening its Biblical positions and practices. There were overtures covering issues related to ensuring the Biblical integrity of the titles of Elder and Deacon, investigating literature associated with PCA ministries that were out of accord with our doctrinal standards, and clarifying our shared commitments on preaching.
2. The PCA is committed to faithfulness in doctrine and mission. We heard reports from our domestic missions agencies (Mission to North America) and our international missions agency (Mission to the World) highlighting the progress and work of the church. While many protestant denominations are in decline, the PCA is unique with steady growth.
3. The PCA is committed to truth and justice. Two overtures that received a lot of discussion concerned best practices for caring for the most vulnerable in our congregations: children and victims. In the lengthy debates on these items the following themes filled the discussion: upholding the honor of Christ, rooting our practices in the teachings of Scripture, and care for the flock.
4. The PCA is equipped to handle tough conversations. I am a bit of GA fanboy. Each year I follow the gatherings the major reformed denominations. This year, in addition to the PCA assembly, I have followed three other denominational gatherings. Of the four, the PCA was the most effective at deliberating through difficult topics in a Christ honoring and orderly manner.
5. On a personal note, as one who has attended four General Assemblies in a former denomination, this is the first time where I felt like my participation was important. I have always appreciated the times of worship and celebration of shared mission; however, at this gathering the commissioners also debated matters of consequence and engaged the work of its committees and agencies.
As a pastor and elder of Faith Church, I found the meeting last week to be overwhelmingly affirming for our church. I am grateful the Lord has lead us in this direction and encouraged by the opportunities for ministry and partnership it will open up for us.
Blessings,
Pastor Anthony
Last week the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) gathered in Richmond, VA for the annual General Assembly (GA) meeting. The meeting consisted of worship, reports from the agencies and committees of the denomination, and deliberation over matters pertaining to the purity and peace of the church. As a first-time commissioner I admit it was overwhelming and impressive. There were over 2000 registered commissioners, dozens of ministries and vendors on site, and robust debate and deliberation over a number of matters presented to the assembly. The entirety of the assembly can be watched on the official PCA youtube channel, but I want to offer a few observations:
1. The PCA is actively strengthening its Biblical positions and practices. There were overtures covering issues related to ensuring the Biblical integrity of the titles of Elder and Deacon, investigating literature associated with PCA ministries that were out of accord with our doctrinal standards, and clarifying our shared commitments on preaching.
2. The PCA is committed to faithfulness in doctrine and mission. We heard reports from our domestic missions agencies (Mission to North America) and our international missions agency (Mission to the World) highlighting the progress and work of the church. While many protestant denominations are in decline, the PCA is unique with steady growth.
3. The PCA is committed to truth and justice. Two overtures that received a lot of discussion concerned best practices for caring for the most vulnerable in our congregations: children and victims. In the lengthy debates on these items the following themes filled the discussion: upholding the honor of Christ, rooting our practices in the teachings of Scripture, and care for the flock.
4. The PCA is equipped to handle tough conversations. I am a bit of GA fanboy. Each year I follow the gatherings the major reformed denominations. This year, in addition to the PCA assembly, I have followed three other denominational gatherings. Of the four, the PCA was the most effective at deliberating through difficult topics in a Christ honoring and orderly manner.
5. On a personal note, as one who has attended four General Assemblies in a former denomination, this is the first time where I felt like my participation was important. I have always appreciated the times of worship and celebration of shared mission; however, at this gathering the commissioners also debated matters of consequence and engaged the work of its committees and agencies.
As a pastor and elder of Faith Church, I found the meeting last week to be overwhelmingly affirming for our church. I am grateful the Lord has lead us in this direction and encouraged by the opportunities for ministry and partnership it will open up for us.
Blessings,
Pastor Anthony