Recently a majority of the presbyteries in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) approved an amendment to our constitution that changed our standards of ordination. When the decisive vote occurred, major newspapers across the United States reported it. A few weeks later a majority of our presbyteries approved an amendment that significantly changes the shape and content of Part II of our constitution. That vote will affect what Presbyterians do and how we do it for decades. Yet, few of us know about it. In our congregation I accept responsibility for that. I supported this change, but could not make educating us on this issue a higher priority than other ministries. In the months ahead, I hope to help our session and all interested members understand and live into these significance changes.
I’m far from an expert, but the primary difference I see is that our revised constitution gives greater freedom and flexibility to sessions and presbyteries by challenging them to define their mission and ministry in light of their unique contexts. On July 10, 2011, when our new Form of Government takes effect, our session will be called to shape our mission and ministries not by requirements written for all congregations but by the gifts of God we have received and needs in the community we serve. We started that process in the last two years. This change recognizes that our denomination is a “big tent,” i.e. we have varied theological perspectives but regularly unite in our mission in Jesus’ name. For example, few members of MWPC have as liberal an outlook as I do; yet, when we declared feeding the hungry our signature outreach ministry nearly everyone readily joined the effort. Focusing on mission will not make our theological differences disappear, but it directs our energies into service. As we serve together, who knows how the Spirit will deepen our unity.
Our new Form of Government has fewer regulations. Our old Book of Order resembled an operations manual. By focusing on core principles rather than guidelines for everything, our revised constitution should enable us to respond more quickly. That may not result in fewer meetings, but perhaps our meetings will stress how to be faithful more than how to follow the rules.
Our new Form of Government calls each session to develop “manual of administrative operations that will specify the form and guide the work of [our] mission.” In other words, a single document will define the essentials of what we seek to do in Jesus’ name and how we seek to do it. I hope that becomes a living document that helps to orientate new leaders and reminds experienced leaders of what we value most.
Our new Form of Government includes some changes in terminology. In July I will no longer be a Minister of Word and Sacrament. I will become a teaching elder and our other elders will become ruling elders. Those terms from our heritage emphasize that we share a basic ministry but have different functions within it. Personally, I appreciate the challenge to make certain that those with whom I serve derive some benefit from the excellent education I have received.
Most of us will notice little change after July 10. The differences will come as sessions and presbyteries ask, “What does Jesus Christ most want us to do and be in this particular place and time?” If our new Form of Government helps us take that seriously, fresh winds of the Spirit will blow. That’s good news!
Grace and Peace,
LP
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