Polity & Theology Feedback
We have heard from hundreds of people who have offered thoughtful feedback, edits, and suggestions on the working drafts of the Polity and Theology documents that we made available last month. We are grateful for the investment of time and spirit of partnership offered from brothers and sisters around the country. Friday, January 6 is the last day we’re able to receive feedback before preparing the revised Polity and Theology documents that will be distributed at the Orlando Covenanting Conference. If you would still like to read the drafts and share your feedback, the documents are available here; the respective email addresses for feedback are listed on the cover page of each document. Thank you for your partnership as we form something new together.
2 Responses
Comments on Presbyterian Fellowship Draft Theology and Polity Documents
January 6, 2012
Phillip A. Shultz, Ruling Elder, Aveleigh Presbyterian Church, Newberry, SC
I commend all involved with the preparation of the Presbyterian Fellowship (NRB) draft Theology and Polity Documents. Obviously the authors were prayerful servants of God, filled with the Holy Spirit and guided by the Word. I am greatly encouraged by these documents which I believe to be trustworthy guidance for a life obedient to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I have little to contribute to these inspired works, with the exception of a recommendation on their application to the NRB for its long term health. I believe that the PCUSA and other denominations are succumbing to attack from those who would divide Body of Christ and pervert the Word of God, because there is a hole in their armor. That hole is allowing for changes in foundational documents (essential tenets). Our Essential Tenets should never be altered because they are “essential”. When we as Congregations join the NRB we receive and adopt without hesitation the Essential Tenets. Allowing changes to the Essential Tenets is a temptation to anyone or any power intent on dividing Body of Christ and perverting the Word of God. In essence we have seen this in the PCUSA, for we may have perceived that “marriage was between a man and a woman” was an Essential Tenet, but because it was left to be decided at anytime by vote, it is no more a tenet at all.
In the draft Polity we define one of the duties of the Synod is to maintain the Constitution and Essential Tenets of the NRB (3.020 c.). The term “maintain” implies the authority to alter. To allow for a process or procedure to alter the Essential Tenets is to open the door to those who would divide the Body of Christ, pervert the Word of God, and destroy the NRB. Please, if you make no other changes to the Theology and Polity; make it clear that alteration of the Essential Tenets is never to be allowed. This will not prevent future attacks, but will at least provide an additional barrier and strengthen our armor.
In His Love,
Phillip A. Shultz
One way of avoiding extreme decision making at progressively widening councils is to assure each member church has equal representation. in addition to their pastor, regardless of the size of their membership at decision making meetings. Agendas of those meetings should be published in advanced so congregations can prepare for discussion. Procedures should be developed to take advantage of advances in communication technology to accept multiple site participation at the widest council deliberations. Each congregation should have one vote on changes to the Church Constitution along with member pastors.
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