Are you considering the Biblical Presbyterian Network? The question arises: What makes this different from every other evangelical group which has emerged out of the PCUSA? Those of us who are initiating the BPN asked the very same question. We did not want to reinvent the wheel or attempt something that has already been tried.

Frankly, most of us are too busy to attempt something that we did not think would work or would be effective for the cause of Christ within the PCUSA.

Here is what makes the BPN different:

1.  We are forming an accountable, committed, fellowship/network of evangelical churches, pastors and elders. We are asking that sessions vote to become a part of the network so that we will consist primarily of committed member churches (with individual pastors and elders as well).

2.  We will have representative leadership who speaks for our members. Our leadership will be elected by the members. When our leadership speaks, it will speak for real member churches and individuals(who elected them to speak on their behalf). We will not have self-appointed boards. If your session or you individually join us, you will have a direct voice in the network. You will be involved in the leadership of the BPN.

3.  Our network is committed to engaging the denomination with a faithful, Biblical witness. We intend to stand for orthodox, Biblical values within the PCUSA. We will actively stay engaged with the polity process within our denomination. We will support one another through prayer, fellowship and even material means if needed. Our goal is for evangelical churches, pastors and elders to be closely linked together throughout the PCUSA. As we link together, we will find strength in our fellowship through our common commitment to Christ and his Word and through the power of the Holy Spirit.

4.  We will be a "grass-roots" effort. We don't intend to host big conferences with expensive speakers. We are counting on a volunteer movement with the blood, sweat and tears of busy people volunteering their time. We are praying for a God-sized vision that can only be accomplished through the power of the Holy Spirit. If this works it won't be because of anyone's brilliance or clever moves. We will succeed in renewal because everyday, ordinary Presbyterians put themselves at God's disposal.

5.  Members can't simply join us and then be done. If you join, then we are asking for time, effort and commitment. Many in the Confessing Church Movement voted to be Confessing Churches, announced it to the public and that was it. They were finished. We want to take it one step further. We are asking that churches and individuals identify with us and then invest in the hard work of engaging each other in fellowship and being activists in the PCUSA. We are asking for mutual encouragement and mentoring of one another in the kingdom work of making disciples of all nations. This is an ongoing commitment of time and energy.

Pray and see if God might be calling you to join us as a church or as a pastor or elder. We are looking for contact people across the country to get the movement started. We ask that evangelical churches, pastors and elders consider joining with us in this movement of the Holy Spirit.

Greg Wiest
Glade Run United Presbyterian Church
Valencia, PA.