Why have a Biblical Presbyterian Network? PDF Print E-mail

We've been asked, "Why are you trying to start another renewal group?".   Our answer is:  "We're NOT!!".   The renewal groups work at the national level, providing information to the average Presbyterian in the pew.   Shining a light in the darkness.  


What we're trying to do is create a grassroots movement that will empower those who still believe in the quote from the Westminister Confession:   "God alone is Lord of the conscience, and hath left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are in anything contrary to his Word, or beside it, in matters of faith or worship."


This past General Assembly disappointed many by passing the following actions:


  • This Assembly voted to remove the “fidelity and chastity” standard for ordained officers (G-6.0106b), an action that requires the approval of the presbyteries in order to be implemented. This action gives us the opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to fidelity in marriage between a man and a woman and chastity in singleness as a standard of behavior for deacons, elders, and ministers of the Word and sacrament.  While it is unfortunate that we must face this challenge again, face it we will in joyful obedience.  When Assembly actions come before your presbytery, we urge you in the strongest possible terms to see to it your congregation is fully represented and your voice is clearly heard.

  • Proposals for non-geographic synod or presbytery structures that would allow congregations to maintain more rigorous standards for membership and leadership while remaining united in ministry within the PC(USA) failed, along with the request to form an additional non-geographic Korean presbytery.  Clearly there is continuing misunderstanding of the term “inclusive” among Presbyterians.  These conversations are far from over, however, and we are already initiating next steps.

  • The Assembly did not approve a potentially catastrophic action that would have granted local option for the solemnization of same-gender marriages to pastors and sessions in states where this is now legal.  This action came to the Assembly as a request for Authoritative Interpretation.  Had it passed, the decision by the Assembly would have taken effect immediately without the possibility of consideration in the presbyteries.  We commend the Assembly for their action not only in defeating this attempt to circumvent the essential deliberative nature of our polity, but by reaffirming their convictions by an even stronger margin when a call was made to reconsider the initial vote.

  • Perhaps the most alarming action the Assembly took was to urge the Board of Pensions to extend benefits to the same-gender spouses and domestic partners of non-ordained church employees.  If this request is implemented by the Board of Pensions, it will result in a projected 1% increase in pension and medical payments across the board.  Please remember that the Assembly can only make this a request to the Board of Pensions.  A request has also been made to the BOP for some form of relief of conscience.*

* quoted from: A Pastoral Letter from Presbyterians for Renewal

This alone points out the need for a grassroots effort at the congregational and Presbytery levels.   Too often our church Sessions do not look past their doors to see what the larger denomination is doing in THEIR names.    

That is why a small group in Western Pennsylvania started the Biblical Presbyterian Network.    That is why this website is here, to help you find others who are firm in their belief that the Presbyterian Church USA and those who claim membership in it should be in this world, not of the world


Join us in forming a Biblical Presbyterian Network in your Presbytery and Synod.



 

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Newsflash

On May 9th, the moderators of the BPN issued a Call for Prayer and Fasting.   This call is asking all churches in the PCUSA to pray and fast so that the General Assembly will seek biblical faithfulness in its deliberations on the many issues facing the denomination, such as the definition of marriage, the place of the
nation of Israel in the world and ethical standards for ordained church officers.

 

 
As we begin the process of forming the Biblical Presbyterian Network, we ask that you join us by registering here on our website.     Then look over the member list to find others in your area to connect to.    Connecting to them is as easy as reviewing their profile, clicking on the Connections button, then selecting the Request Connection selection. In this way, you can form your own regional network of Biblical Presbyterians.