First Presbyterian Church Boulder Denominational Frequently Asked Questions What is Amendment 10A and what's the controversy all about? In May 2011 a majority of Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) presbyteries across our country voted to approve the following amendment (10A) to our Book of Order: “Standards for ordained service reflect the church’s desire to submit joyfully to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life (G-1.0000). The governing body responsible for ordination and/or installation (G.14.0240; G14.0450) shall examine each candidate’s calling, gifts, preparation, and suitability for the responsibilities of office. The examination shall include, but not be limited to, a determination of the candidate’s ability and commitment to fulfill all requirements as expressed in the constitutional questions for ordination and installation (W-4.4003). Governing bodies shall be guided by Scripture and the confessions in applying standards to individual candidates.” This wording replaced the former Book of Order wording (G-6.0106b) which explicitly mandated traditional biblical standards governing human sexuality for church leadership: Those who are called to office in the church are to lead a life in obedience to Scripture and in conformity to the historic confessional standards of the church. Among these standards is the requirement to live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman (W-4.9001), or chastity in singleness. Persons refusing to repent of any self-acknowledged practice which the confessions call sin shall not be ordained and/or installed as deacons, elders, or ministers of the Word and Sacrament.” The passage of Amendment 10A removed a nation-wide polity standard and now provides for a "local option", effectively allowing local ordaining bodies (congregations and presbyteries) to determine what constitutes behaviors acceptable in their candidates for church office (pastors, elders, and deacons). So what's the big deal about this? I've heard this is mainly about gay ordination. Is that true? It's a big deal to many churches because it is the latest development (some would say "the straw that broke the camel's back") in a movement away from traditional understandings of what the Bible teaches in many areas, including human sexuality. The PCUSA, in one form or another, has been debating sexual standards for church officers (including the possibility of ordaining practicing homosexuals) for over 40 years. Much time and energy has been spent studying, debating, lobbying, voting, amending, etc--creating a significant drain of resources and diverting us from the tasks of evangelism, discipleship, and global mission. Also, during this time, the membership of the PCUSA has declined precipitously. The primary issue at stake is not just the ordination of practicing gay and lesbian candidates for church office. The main concern, for churches like ours, is the significant departure of a majority of our denomination from its historic reliance on the authority of Scripture and its proper interpretation.
Frequently Asked Questions,
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First Presbyterian Church Boulder Among other things, this includes serious differences among Presbyterians regarding biblical interpretation, the uniqueness of the person and work of Jesus Christ, the nature of salvation and its extent, the mission of the church, and human sexual ethics. (For more specific information, please consult the additional handout "100 Years of Struggle for the Soul of U.S. Presbyterianism.") The bottom line for many is that they feel there is no longer any denominational common ground or shared core values on these biblical convictions. Is First Pres leaving the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)? No, not at this point. The First Pres Session (its governing board of elders) has voted: 1) to reaffirm the stances it has taken historically on traditional biblical authority and interpretation in matters of sexual ethics; 2) to appoint a task force (the "Compass Task Force") to discern options for First Pres related to our denomination; and 3) to join the "Fellowship of Presbyterians." What is the explicit mandate of the Compass Task Force? The Compass Task Force is to "explore and recommend to Session the wisest course of action for our congregation to take with respect to the Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterians (ECO)." This could involve everything from recommending that no action be taken at all (and First Pres remain in the PCUSA), to joining ECO or even another Reformed denomination. What does it mean for our Session to join the Fellowship of Presbyterians? The Fellowship of Presbyterians "is an umbrella association, in and beyond the current PC(USA), through which members can share ideas, ministry resources, and missional strategy...The Fellowship and ECO share the same mission of building flourishing churches that make disciples of Jesus Christ." For more on the biblical core values of the Fellowship, go to www.fellowship-pres.org/about/. Note: at this point, many Presbyterian congregations have voted to join the Fellowship and remain within the PCUSA. Joining the Fellowship does not mean we have left the PCUSA. It is a purposeful step to show our support and affiliation with a group of Presbyterian churches that has similar biblical convictions. What is this new Presbyterian denomination "ECO"? From the ECO website: "As an expression of The Fellowship of Presbyterians, ECO seeks to serve the ministry and mission of Christ’s Church. Our name represents a three-fold commitment to make disciples of Jesus Christ (Evangelical), connect leaders through accountable biblical relationships founded in God’s grace (Covenant), and commit to a shared way of life together (Order). The acronym ECO also speaks to our commitment to strengthen the “ecosystems” of local churches, providing the resources needed to grow, thrive, and reproduce." (See www.fellowship-pres.org/eco). Please visit this website for much more information. What about our pastors? How does this process affect them? Pastors (or "teaching elders" as they are now called in the PCUSA) are not members of the local congregation, but of the presbytery. Pastors must discern their own sense of God's leading for their denominational affiliation. If they decide to move to another denomination, there is a separate process for them. Frequently Asked Questions,
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First Presbyterian Church Boulder Are there other options we're studying besides affiliation with ECO? Yes. Another option, especially if it is approved by this summer's General Assembly, is the possibility of aligning with a non-geographic "affinity" presbytery (a presbytery united by a common mission aim or set of ministry objectives/convictions). In addition to ECO, we are examining the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (www.epc.org). We may consider other Reformed church options as well. Where can I go to get more information, speak with a task force member, or voice my concern or opinion? There are several ways for church members and friends to become better informed and engage our task force members and Session elders: there will be a congregational forum on Sunday, April 29, at 10:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. in the Chapel; people may email the Session directly at
[email protected] (and this address may also be used for the Compass Task Force); we recommend consulting http://www.fpcboulder.org/denomination/ for up-to-date details on this discernment process; and be sure to watch the bulletin for more announcements. What are other churches in our denomination doing? The congregations of many churches in our denomination have voted to begin the process or have completed the process of dismissal from the PCUSA to other reformed bodies. According to a report issued by The Layman Online on April 3, 2012, this represents over 60 churches and over 34,000 members since the beginning of 2010. 2010
14 churches
7,340 members
2011
38 churches
20,072 members
2012
12 churches
7,359 members
Here are some of the churches with memberships in excess of 1,000: First Presbyterian
Colorado Springs
4,108 members
First Presbyterian
Edmond, OK
1,760 members
First Presbyterian
Orlando, FL
3,951 members
First Presbyterian
North Palm Beach, FL
1,112 members
Third Presbyterian
Richmond, VA
1,332 members
Eastminster Presbyterian
Wichita, KS
2,302 members
Freemont Presbyterian
Sacramento, CA
1,234 members
Chapel Hill Presbyterian
Gig Harbor, WA
1,691 members
Colonial Presbyterian
Kansas City, MO
1,700 members Frequently Asked Questions,
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