What Happened in Orlando- and Why I Wasn't There.

This past week, more than 2,000 Presbyterians met in Orlando for gathering to discuss the future of the Presbyterian Church (USA)- or rather, the lack it. Beginning last year with a letter from a group of (mostly large church) pastors that declared our denomination was "deathly ill", an organization called the Fellowship of Presbyterians (FOP) was formed and culminated in the unveiling of a new denominational entity called, The Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterians (ECOP- their new logo is displayed above). You can read more about it here. While it claims that this split was not simply over the issue of homosexuality and ordination, it is also no secret that this has been the lightning-rod that spurred this movement. At this point, it is a new denomination that allows others to affiliate with it, even if they choose to stay in the PCUSA.

If you click on the links above and read through the materials, you will find some exciting materials about what the Church is called to be- and could be in the future. I love the passion, admire many of the leaders and embrace their stated values.

So why wasn't I part of the launch of this "new reformed body"?  I will answer that question more fully in the week to come, but I'll answer it briefly here with another question:

How is ECOP and what they claim to want, different than anything that could be done within our current denomination?

It is no secret the PCUSA has been struggling. Since the late 60's, it has seen a steady decline in its membership. Like all other 'mainline' churches, it has wrestled (for better or worse) with the key issues of the day. It has tried to be inclusive (some would say, too inclusive) of a broad spectrum of viewpoints. This is not inclusion for the sake of inclusion, but because of the belief that the Body of Christ itself is broad and diverse.  It hasn't been easy or comfortable and the FOP is not the first to declare the Presbyterian Church to be "ill." I know I have.

That said, it was this "deathly ill" denomination that helped launch New Hope as a new congregation less than 25 years ago. It bought the land we sit on and gave it the support it needed to get started. When the young (barely a year old) congregation became "ill" and charges were made against the pastor, it was this same denomination (through the Presbytery of Denver) that stepped in, provided leadership, guidance, support and healing. Without that support, New Hope- and all the ministry and mission that has emerged the last two decades would not exist.

When the church began to grow, it was the same denomination that provided us with grants for equipment and staffing. When we wanted to expand, it helped us by purchasing one of the three additional acres we needed. It is not an overstatement to declare that without the support, guidance and leadership of this "deathly ill" denomination, New Hope would not exist today.

The watchword of the ECO Presbyterians is 'missional'. Supposedly, this is one of the things that will distinguish it from the current PCUSA. In my next post, I'll tell the story of how an effort to ship a couple of boxes of books grew into an entire denominational effort to extend the love and grace of God into Zimbabwe. For now, I will just say that I would challenge any denomination or entity to display a more missional, flexible, cooperative and redemptive approach to ministry than the one we have in the Denver Presbytery.

So again, I am left with with the question:

How is ECOP and what they claim to want, different than anything that could be done within our current denomination?

The only thing that seems to emerge  is that this new entity will allow people of "like mind" to gather without having to be distracted by people who don't agree with them. Granted, that would make life a lot more comfortable.

But last I checked, my comfort level wasn't the issue. My whole-hearted commitment to Christ as Lord and Savior is. The call on my life is to be a disciple of Jesus Christ that I might be transformed- and be a transforming presence in Christ's name. The uncomfortable truth is that I have been stretched, challenged and grown by other Christians who are not like me. It would be much easier to hang out with people who agree with me and generally share the same views. Unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be what Jesus has called us to do. As I read the Bible, it wasn't part of the church in the first century, so why would I expect it to be any different in the 21st? 

That is just as well, since the world in the 21st century is just as diverse and divided as anytime in history. If the Gospel we preach only works if I am with those I agree with, then we don't have much of a Gospel. The Gospel that compels me calls me to a Table where people will gather from the east and west, north and south. Presumably, that includes people from the Left and Right, Conservative and Liberal.

So, why wasn't I in Orlando this week?  Because it seems to me that as well-intentioned as this movement may be, I see it as a step backwards from the very goals they profess. It is a step away from the Gospel that claims my life, the Cross that commands my attention, the Lord who demands my allegiance,  and the Table that captivates my imagination. I am open to wherever the Holy Spirit is leading and am certainly willing to be corrected by friends and colleagues who did attend, but right now, this effort does not seem to be much of a new direction, just a distraction.

NEXT:  "Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing"

Comments

[Dave Ehline]

Well said, Russ!