Jon Payne and I Agree? Yes, We Do!

Gospel Reformation Network council member Jon Payne recently published a new article on the GRN website in which he notes that there are dismayed church leaders and members wondering if it’s time to give up on the PCA and leave. In “Should We Stay or Should We Go?” he asks that rhetorical question noting that “It’s a question that more than a few PCA elders and members are asking right now.” 

I agree. Many are asking that very question right now. Sadly. Jon, I wonder if you have anything to do with that? I don’t recall that question being on the lips of so many until very recently. 

Jon answers the question with a somewhat muted ‘not yet’. He writes, “It is not time to depart the PCA. It’s time to contend for the PCA—to humbly contend for the biblical and confessional faithfulness of our beloved church” (Italics his).

I agree with Jon. I think he’s absolutely right. I am definitely not going to leave and I am definitely going to contend for the PCA I love and call ‘home’. I appreciate the encouragement. 

True, I might’ve written my ‘No I won’t go’ in more emphatic terms than Jon did. After all, he does go on to note that the exits are clearly marked but that those are emergency exits only and he and his tribe won’t use them… yet. Maybe later. He writes, “Obviously, there may be a time in the future to organize and depart together as a large group of confessional churches. But now is not the time.”

I’m glad you’re still here Jon. I hope you stay. I also hope you stop using ‘confessional’ in such exclusive terms as if you and your tribe are the only ones worthy to claim the name. In the old days, we called that ‘begging the question’. It’s not a good look. 

In regard to the problem of indwelling sin, Jon writes, “We are called to kill our sin, not manage it. Those in the PCA who believe otherwise should repent or peacefully depart and find a denominational home elsewhere.”

I agree Jon. In fact, I couldn’t agree more. Of course, Jon is writing about sexual licentiousness here, specifically homosexual attraction. OK. I still agree. I’ll also give him the benefit of the doubt and claim that he would agree that this exhortation applies to greed, arrogance, bitterness, malice, sowing discord, and false witness. Kill it. We agree. 

In a section on recommendations, Jon urges that we “Pray for the PCA — Why is prayer so often the last thing we think to do? Calling upon the name of our sovereign Lord should be our first impulse, and never an afterthought. Let us, therefore, make earnest, humble, and consistent prayer for the PCA a priority in our closets, living rooms, and sanctuaries.”

I agree. Again! I agree passionately and wholeheartedly. I’m not sure that Jon thinks the answer to his prayer includes me being in the PCA, but let’s leave that to the One who answers prayer. That said, Jon, let’s pray. I’m with you. 

I also agree with Jon when he writes that we should, “Pray that we would carry out the true mission of the church, to make disciples of all nations through faithful gospel proclamation, and the planting (and strengthening) of biblical churches.” One hundred percent with you on that Jon. All of us at Spanish River are fully in on planting churches, here, around the country, and around the world. If you’re looking to plant a church, we’ll sure consider helping to support that too. Truly. 

Jon also writes, “Pray sincerely for (and with) those with whom you disagree.”

Once again, Jon and I agree - kinda weird, I know. But Jon knows I pray for him - and for all those on the GRN Council, and that I have a lot of friends who appreciate the GRN. We’re brothers. It’s a big tent. 

I’m encouraged by Jon noting that we should all read articles he and David Coffin have written about the controversial Overtures 23 and 37. He writes, “be on the lookout for contrasting articles by Rev. David Coffin and myself for ByFaith Magazine, as we’ve been invited to present our rationale for why overtures 23 and 37 should or should not be adopted and added to our Book of Church Order.” Yes. Do read these. I agree.

In fact, here’s a bonus: you don’t even have to wait to read Dr. Coffin’s work on these important Overtures. It’s already published right here: https://www.semperref.org/articles/against-overtures-23-and-37

OK. We Do Disagree About a Couple Things

Yes, Jon did write some things I disagree with. He once again plows the ground on some of his favorite topics like Revoice Theology, CRT, and other possible terrors that he thinks are deeply rooted in the PCA, things which must be expunged, even encouraging readers to start bringing charges against Pastors who aren’t teaching according to the way the GRN sees these issues. He writes, “Another way to get involved is to bring charges against those who are teaching doctrine contrary to our confession. To be sure, presenting charges against a minister or a session can be an unpleasant business; but it’s biblical and, at times, necessary to protect the peace and purity of the church.”

So even though he doesn’t name a single minister teaching Revoice Theology (or even attempt to define it - it’s just a catchall phrase for whatever it is that makes people afraid of the PCA becoming as morally latitudinarian as the PCUSA), or define Critical Race Theory (maybe whatever Vaudie Baucham says it is?), by all means, bring charges against ministers who don’t see things the way we see them. That’s a first. But hey, I appreciate the heads up. Pastors, make sure you get fully informed on CRT - Jon and his posse are coming for you if you can’t explain what it is and denounce it in terms they can say “Amen” over. Because if you’re not with them on CRT, you’re not - checks notes - confessional. 

Here’s a link to Jon’s article: Click Here »

Here’s a link to mine on CRT (You know, in case you were wondering about charges): Click Here »