Alongside Rev. Ben Griffith and Rev. Tony Giles, and ruling elders, Mr. Jim Smith and Mr. Jim Payne, I had the privilege to serve as one of your representatives at the 48th General Assembly (GA) of the Presbyterian Church in America. Though a very long week of business, the spirit, deliberations, and decisions of the 48th General Assembly give us reason to give thanks to God for our beloved denomination.
As always, there were a number of weighty matters before the General Assembly this year. The matter that garnered the most attention was sexuality. As some of you might recall, two years ago at the 47th General Assembly (we didn’t meet last year due to COVID), a study committee on human sexuality was erected to explore the Bible’s teaching on this subject and provide guidance on a number of disputed issues relating to homosexuality, same sex attraction, transgenderism, and other such matters. The excellent study committee report was presented and received affirmatively (nearly unanimously!) by the GA. I have no doubt that this report will be a tremendous resource for years to come in our denomination.
In addition to the study committee report, a number of presbyteries sent overtures (items of business) to the GA this year in an attempt to clarify whether a man who experiences same sex attraction is qualified to hold church office. There is simply no way I can adequately relay the complexity and nuance of this discussion in the time and space provided here. Suffice it to say that godly men committed to the Scripture’s teaching and the doctrine of the Reformed faith labored long to craft language that would bring the PCA together on this matter. Though not everyone could sign off on the language in the end, a significant majority of the GA voted to approve the statement below:
“Officers in the Presbyterian Church in America must be above reproach in their walk and Christlike in their character. Those who profess an identity (such as, but not limited to “gay Christian,” “same sex attracted Christian,” “homosexual Christian,” or like terms) that undermines or contradicts their identity as a new creation in Christ, either by denying the sinfulness of fallen desires (such as, but not limited to, same sex attraction), or by denying the reality and hope of progressive sanctification, or by failing to pursue Spirit-empowered victory over their sinful temptations, inclinations, and actions are not qualified for ordained office.”
The passing of this statement is the first step in a three-step process. Over the next year, this statement will be voted on by the eighty-eight presbyteries of the PCA (including the Nashville Presbytery of which we are a part). If it passes 2/3 of the presbyteries, it will come before next year’s General Assembly for final approval. If it passes next year’s GA, it will be included as a part of our Book of Church Order—our official manual of governance.
When the time is right, I will highlight some of the key points and recommendations coming out of the report on human sexuality. I’ll also find a way to update you on other important matters that came out of this year’s GA. Until then, keep praying for the peace and purity of the PCA. We have much to be thankful for!
