52nd General Assembly Reflections
This week, Teaching and Ruling Elders of the Presbyterian Church in America gathered together in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for the General Assembly. Our time together is always marked by sweet fellowship, and important business. The work we do as the General Assembly enables the PCA to remain faithful and effective in her ministry. Below are a few of this year’s highlights, and my overall response to the 52nd General Assembly.
A Study Committee for the Revision & Authoritative Use of the Directory for Worship
Perhaps the most encouraging result from the 52nd General Assembly is the formation of a new study committee which will make recommendations as to how the PCA can revise our Directory for Worship, with the intent of granting it full constitutional authority. As of now, the PCA stands as an outlier from fellow denominations within the North American Presbyterian and Reformed Council(NAPARC), in that we do not currently have an authoritative Directory for Worship. This has been a concern for many, including myself, for some time now, and this step forward is exactly the right course of action for our time.
This study committee will surely be comprised of diverse voices within the PCA, and will be able to provide numerous recommendations for future General Assemblies to consider and codify. This will allow us to formulate clear and constitutionally binding guidance on the elements of worship, while providing even more pious advice concerning how one might operate in numerous areas of ministry. I am eager to see the work of this committee, and trust that the PCA will produce a balanced, faithful, and helpful Directory which will be given the same constitutional status as the rest of our book. I trust this work will represent the entirety of the PCA well, and be well received across the board.
The Gift of Godly Leaders
One blessing that I am reminded of at every General Assembly, but especially the 52nd Assembly, is the gift of godly leaders. The PCA is blessed with numerous men who are faithful, and serve the denomination very well in key areas. This year only highlighted that fact, by the work of several men whom I wish to share my gratitude for.
First, we saw the election of Teaching Elder Kevin DeYoung as the Moderator of the Assembly. TE DeYoung led our time with great effectiveness, grace, and well timed humor. It seemed that all of the commissioners were particularly appreciative for TE DeYoung’s work as our Moderator this year.
Second, Ruling Elder Mel Duncan chaired the Overture’s Committee with steadfastness and grace. He skillfully managed not only the many deliberations of the Committee, but also the floor report as well. His steady presence was felt during the entirety of the Overtures work, and he is to be commended for it. He also was elected to serve in yet another way, being added to the Administrative Permanent Committee.
Third, Teaching Elder Fred Greco continues to serve our work in a variety of ways. From helping craft and send up several helpful overtures, to being on the Overtures Committee itself, as well as being the most knowledgeable mind regarding our polity, and parliamentary procedure, his impact is great. TE Greco’s service as Moderator of the 50th General Assembly was legendary, but his continued, selfless service enables the Assembly to function in a way it otherwise could not.
Much more could be said of so many others. It was encouraging to see accomplished and busy men be willing to serve, and be elected to key permanent committee positions, such as Teaching Elder Ligon Duncan, Ruling Elder Steve Dowling, and Teaching Elder Stephen Spinnenweber. Ruling Elder John Bise stepped in to serve as our Provisional Stated Clerk in exemplary fashion. Teaching Elder Steve Tipton continues to serve in numerous roles, exhibiting immense competence in even the most complex matters of procedural process. Teaching Elder Matt Adams adeptly led the Nominating Committee’s work. Surely these men, and several others, are a reason for the PCA to give thanks.
Oversight and Accountability
Presbyterianism thrives when there is appropriate oversight and accountability. It is built in as a feature of our polity. This year, we were reminded that these features are very much present and active in our denomination, and that should be encouraging for us all. No process is perfect, but when there is healthy oversight, and accountability for missteps taken, it shows us that our system works, and fosters trust.
This year, there were two main areas where we saw the oversight of the General Assembly helpfully bring correction and guidance in areas of need. First, there was oversight regarding the actions of our permanent committees. Questions pertaining to budget concerns for Mission to North America were identified, evaluated, and debated at great length. This brought several matters to light, which will certainly be a focus for MNA in the next year, as well as next year’s General Assembly. Additionally, public controversies which were associated with members or actions of the Administrative Committee were addressed, and appropriately dealt with.
The second way we saw oversight and accountability this year was through our Review of Presbytery Records(RPR). RPR is a committee which meets to evaluate the minutes of every presbytery, and report back to the General Assembly for any exceptions which need to be addressed. Exceptions can be of form(the format of something was incorrect) or of substance(the substance of the action is in question), and these issues are approved by the General Assembly to be sent back to the local presbytery, for comment and further information. If the response is not satisfactory, RPR can recommend the General Assembly issue a citation, which forces the presbytery to have to adjudicate the matter. This year’s RPR report was received well by the Assembly, and the appropriate next steps will be taken.
RPR continues to be an encouragement to so many pastors and elders, because it shows that our system works. When churches or presbyteries act in errant ways, there are systems of accountability built in to our polity, to ensure the peace and purity of the church are maintained. While it would be ideal for no infractions ever to occur, we recognize this to be unrealistic. A strong system which provides accountability for local sessions and presbyteries is needed to ensure a healthy denomination. Thankfully, RPR over the past several years has shown us that this work is indeed happening, and we should be thankful for this.
Some Other Encouragements & A Couple Missed Opportunities
It was encouraging to see several Overtures pass this Assembly, which could be great aids to our process. Overture 8, which would require Ruling Elders and Deacons to formally state any differences they have with the Westminster Standards makes sense, and will help us guard the offices of the Church. Overture 33, which seeks to add language regarding the examination of covenant children for admission to the Lord’s Supper and communing membership, will give helpful guidance for pastors and elders. Both of these overtures will now go to the presbyteries to be voted on.
The 52nd General Assembly also approved a second study committee, focused on defining and evaluating Christian Nationalism. This movement has caused a lot of controversy and turmoil within PCA churches. This committee will produce a report which will be a resource for churches who are trying to understand this movement, and how to engage it in a faithful, and pastoral way. The Assembly was nearly unanimous in this action, which speaks to both its need, but also the unity of our body concerning this matter.
One area I believe we left something on the table, and missed an opportunity was our failing of Overture 12. This measure sought to clarify that only ordained officers ought to distribute the elements of the Lord’s Supper. This was narrowly defeated, by a vote of 1080-922. Teaching Elder Randy Thompson gave perhaps the most compelling minority report I have ever heard, as he laid out a biblical case for having only ministers, and ordained officers be involved in the distribution of the elements. His case was compelling, and I hope to see this return again.
Another missed opportunity was the failure to pass Overture 34, which would have amended the Rules of Assembly Operation(RAO), to require churches to report the membership of their Session, as well as their Diaconate, and provide rationale if no Diaconate existed. There are several reason why this would be a helpful measure, but the vote failed to meet the two-thirds threshold needed to amend the RAO. Of the 2000+ men registered for General Assembly this year, a sizable portion was not present on Tuesday night for these RAO votes. Had more men been present for the entirety of the Assembly, these may have been easily ratified. It serves as a helpful reminder to us all, that those of us who serve as commissioners ought to be present for all of the work of the Assembly.
On to Louisville
As we conclude the 52nd General Assembly, we know there is still more work to do. I continue to pray that the PCA would grow, be fruitful in her ministry, and live into the fullest expression of historic, confessional presbyterianism. After seeing the work of the Assembly, and hearing of the numerous reports from our Committees and Agencies, my spirit is encouraged. I am thankful for the PCA, and I am hopeful for the PCA. As thousands of pastors and elders return back to their churches to preach the Gospel, counsel members, catechize children, and more, we ought to do so joyfully, in light of what God is doing in the PCA. Let us continue to pray for our beloved denomination, and continue the work that will keep the PCA faithful for generations to come. Louisville 2026 cannot come soon enough. Praise God for the PCA.