This past week, I had the privilege of attending our denomination's 53rd General Assembly in Louisville, Kentucky.
For those who may not be familiar with Presbyterian church government, our churches are governed from the ground up. Local congregations elect elders to shepherd and govern their churches. Those elders then gather in regional assemblies called presbyteries. Each year, ruling and teaching elders from across the country meet at the General Assembly to consider and debate matters that affect the entire denomination.
I returned home encouraged by the state of the PCA. The Assembly elected excellent officers and dealt thoughtfully with several significant issues facing the church. Here are five actions that were especially noteworthy and may be of interest to Hope Church.
First, the Assembly voted to continue a study committee on Christian nationalism. You can read its initial report here. The committee appears to be moving in a faithful direction. It acknowledges that the term Christian nationalism is broad and difficult to define while also recognizing that the label has often been associated with unhelpful rhetoric and, in some cases, unbiblical teaching. If you have time, I would especially encourage you to read the pastoral letter at the beginning of the report. Next year, we can look forward to a more thorough and scholarly analysis of this topic, which will, Lord willing, serve the church for years to come.
Second, the Assembly voted to continue a study committee on worship. In our Book of Church Order, we have a Directory for Public Worship, but most of it is not constitutional or binding on the churches of our denomination. Many hope that this section of the Book of Church Order will eventually become constitutional, making it binding on all PCA churches. Since worship is not a secondary issue but lies at the very heart of the church's life and calling, I believe this could be a positive step. You can read an initial draft of the committee's document on worship here. It will be circulated among the presbyteries and churches over the next year with the goal of refining and strengthening it for the good of the church. I'm very encouraged by this development and hope it will be approved at next year's General Assembly.
Third, the Assembly voted to establish a study committee on the impact of large language models ("artificial intelligence") on the church. Lord willing, this will prove to be a valuable resource. If you participated in our Sunday school class on technology, you'll know that this is an area where Christians need careful biblical reflection. My prayer is that this study will help the church neither reject new technology out of fear nor embrace it uncritically, but instead use it wisely, faithfully, and for the glory of God.
Fourth, in an effort to remain faithful in our understanding of biblical manhood and womanhood, the Assembly declared the Danvers Statement to be biblically faithful and a helpful resource for the churches of our denomination. In 1987, the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (CBMW) produced this concise document to help the broader evangelical church articulate a faithful, biblical understanding of the complementary roles of men and women in the home and the church. I supported this action because I believe the Danvers Statement could serve as a valuable resource for Hope Church.
Finally, the Assembly adopted the following statement:
"Therefore, be it resolved that the 53rd General Assembly encourages all congregations in the Presbyterian Church in America to give thanks to the Lord for the United States of America as we approach the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding."
If you were in worship on Sunday, you may remember that I followed the recommendation of this resolution by giving thanks for our country during the pastoral prayer. Although our nation is not perfect and has done both good and evil throughout its history, we can still be thankful for God's many mercies to us and for the freedoms we enjoy through the sacrifices of so many. I hope we will all give thanks to God this week as we celebrate the Fourth of July.
Overall, I left the General Assembly thankful and encouraged. No denomination is perfect, but I believe the PCA continues to demonstrate a sincere commitment to the authority of Scripture, careful theological reflection, and faithful Presbyterian government. Please continue to pray for our denomination, its leaders, and our own congregation as we seek to glorify Christ and faithfully proclaim His gospel in our generation.