Reflections from General Assembly

The General Assembly has just concluded in Birmingham, Alabama and it's appropriate to reflect on some of what occurred over the past few days together. 

Highlights

First, of all, the great work done by Dr. Tim LeCroy and the DASHA Committee. That was an incredible moment for the Assembly and one I pray yields great fruit in the years to come. That was a launch rather than a completed mission and we have to give ourselves to the process of follow-through for the sake of all.

Second, the election of John Bise as Moderator. John proved to be a very gracious, capable, and humble Moderator who led us well. There were numerous challenges of the chair from the outset and he responded with good humor and good order. 

Third, a record level of registration. At one point, 2300+ Commissioners were on-site and working. That’s tremendous and I hope more will join in the work during future Assemblies, starting next year in Memphis. 

Fourth, terrific preaching. Roy Taylor, Kevin DeYoung, and especially Elbert McGowan provided exemplary and inspiring messages that brought the Gospel home to our hearts. 

Fifth, the Wednesday night Fellowship at Oak Mountain. Worship was magnificently led by Paul Randheim and the team, and we not only had the chance to pray and enjoy a great “dinner on the grounds”, but we were also offered a feast of a sermon by the great Russ Whitfield. What Joel St Clair and Mike Khandjian have crafted in this event is such a gift to us all. 

Sixth, on the challenging matter of Overtures about sexuality, O29 gained significant support and was passed by a wide margin (1922-200). I believe it will pass through the Presbyteries and return for a final reading next year. 

Seventh, the Rookie Dinner was a great experience. I was asked to serve as a table host and was delighted to greet and eat with six first-time Commissioners. Dr. Chappell’s presentation was terrific (as always) and I hope this event becomes a feature of every future assembly. 

Disappointments

Leaving the NAE was not a surprise, though it is an unhappy development in my view. The arguments for staying were not well-framed or persuasively argued. 

I was saddened by the Assembly’s failure to re-elect Ray Cannata to the SJC. Ray has served with well-known grace, wisdom, and dedication. He deserved another term. 

The narrow passage of O15 (by less than 200 votes, 1167-978) was a needless exercise. I am glad the margin was so small, however. It won’t meet the threshold needed for passage by the Presbyteries and all it secures is another year of debate and disagreement.

The failure of the Assembly to affirm the excellent Overture against Political Violence was founded on some deeply illogical and misleading statements in the debate. That Overture is something we should revisit. I think it will bring together brothers from across the spectrums to craft something yet more beautiful. 

Kevin Twit made some excellent points on the Overture that significantly changes the way Original Jurisdiction is implemented and I found his arguments persuasive. While his minority report was not sustained, and though I may be proven wrong, I suspect this Overture will face an uphill climb in the Presbyteries. Change is needed - the Overture makes several helpful suggestions - but there’s still more work to be done to perfect this. 

Lastly, while the Overture about ‘secret societies’ was thankfully defeated, it set up an opportunity for one Pastor in particular to express his unbridled and (sadly) intemperate anger over the NP. That display was one of the most unfortunate I’ve seen in over 20 years of General Assemblies and the calling of the question immediately after this outburst was equally reprehensible. 

Encouragement

Some of what is best at the GA occurs in Committee work and off the floor in private conversations that lead to renewed friendships and even new partnerships in the Gospel. I enjoyed great visits with church planters, pastors, publishers, and those serving in every area of the Church’s mission. Frankly, that’s all incredibly encouraging.

General Assembly is a demanding week for all, but it is certainly worth the effort. It reveals the PCA at its best and worst, and occasionally at its most hilariously Presbyterian: holding a vote on using the voting devices and using the voting devices for the vote, is peak Presbyterian Assembly silliness. We can laugh at ourselves. We can also weep, lament, repent, and commit in fresh ways to the work ahead. Churches should make every provision possible to send a full delegation to the General Assembly and I hope we will see that happen. Grace, Grace!