When "Kicking It Old School" Is Big Change

When "Kicking It Old School" Is Big Change

It must be part of the human condition to have short attention spans. We always seem to be surprised that history is repeating itself. And in my own denomination, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), we have just experienced a return to our historical standards that is catching everyone off-guard.

First it might help to know some basics about us Presbyterians: we are a thinking people who ask lots of questions, and as such we frequently disagree. Historically we have split and reunited so many times it’s dizzying. Have you noticed that there are three Presbyterian churches in town and not all of the same denomination? We are sorry to confuse you, but there really is a lot of rich history in that. And now we are at another heightened moment of disagreement.

Around 30 years ago there were new restrictions put into place for those being ordained to be Ministers as well as Elders and Deacons – lay people in congregations responsible for running the church and providing pastoral care along with the pastor. This new portion stated that those ordained (again – not just ministers) are to be held to the standard of living “either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman, or chastity in singleness.” For the record, “chastity” was intentionally never defined and it is different than celibacy – it’s just that nobody really knows how. Functionally, this portion has since frequently allowed heterosexual men to do whatever while others were held to a different standard. Those wanting to be ministers have also been held to this rule much more strictly than those within a congregation who have been know for forever, and it isn’t minded that X has been living with still-married Y, for example. So both historically and functionally this part of the constitution did not stay true to the Christian Life as we Presbyterians understand it.

Last Monday this changed. Last Monday the majority of voting regional bodies approved a change to our constitution. Now ordination isn’t all hung up on issues of sex but has returned to a holistic understanding of what it means to live a faithful life. Our constitution still says of those being ordained that “Their manner of life should be a demonstration of the Christian gospel in the church and in the world. They must have the approval of God’s people and the concurring judgment of a governing body of the church.” It also now says that “Standards for ordained service reflect the church’s desire to submit joyfully to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life,” and that those responsible for ordaining “shall examine each candidate’s calling, gifts, preparation, and suitability for the responsibilities of office.” And in case anyone had any further questions, “Governing bodies shall be guided by Scripture and the confessions in applying standards to individual candidates.” All those being ordained will be determined on a case-by-case basis, and no governing bodies shall make a blanket rule of inclusion or exclusion.

If anyone cries that they are being forced to do anything not limited to but including ordaining gays and lesbians, that is not the case. What is in fact happening is that we are returning to what our forefathers decided in 1729 with The Adoption Act that established the “middle way” which, at the time, was between those who believed in the supremacy of following the historical writings and teachings of the church versus those who believed personal experience and belief was most important.
If anything we are being reminded that we as Presbyterians are a thinking people who ask lots of questions, and as such we frequently disagree. Will churches leave the denomination? Yes. Will we miss them? Yes. Will the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) survive? I am here to make sure that happens. And while I will indeed be sad to have friends leave the church, I will also with joy welcome my brothers and sisters who have not yet been able to fulfill their calling as leaders in the church. Often terms such as “traditional family values” are thrown about. We Presbyterians, in the face of great controversy, are striving to faithfully live by ours.