Seeking Peace, Unity, and Purity: The Theological Task Force at

Mid-Point

Question:Question:

How can we continue to live together as a church in the face of

our differences?

Overview of the Task Force’s Work

 Jenny Stoner, co-moderator

The Preliminary Report: Affirmations on the Peace, Unity,

and Purity of the Church

Mark Achtemeier

Stacy Johnson

Peace

Unity

Purity↔

Impurity

Peace

Unity

Purity

↔

Impurity

Peace

Unity

Purity

Conflict

Division

↔

Impurity

Peace

Unity

Purity

Conflict

Division

↔

Ephesians 2:8-9Ephesians 2:8-9

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God—not because of works,

lest anyone should boast.

Purity

Peace

Purity

Unity

Ephesians 2:15-16Ephesians 2:15-16

He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus

making peace, and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility

through it.

Peace

Unity

Purity

RecommendationRecommendation

…that the 216th GA encourage every presbytery to create intentional

gatherings of Presbyterians of varied theological views to covenant together to discuss the affirmations in the task force’s preliminary report, utilizing the

resources being developed by the task force; and that sessions be encouraged

to do the same.

MandateMandate“… to lead the PC(USA) in spiritual

discernment of our Christian identity, in and for the 21st century, using a process which includes conferring with synods,

presbyteries, and congregations seeking the peace, unity, and purity of the church. This discernment shall include but not be limited to issues of Christology, biblical authority and interpretation, ordination

standards, and power.”

Seek DiscernmentSeek Discernment

“The task force is directed to lead the

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in spiritual discernment of our Christian identity, in and for

the 21st century …”

Take Ownership TogetherTake Ownership Together

“… lead the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in spiritual discernment of our Christian identity

… using a process which includes conferring with

synods, presbyteries, and congregations seeking the

peace, unity, and purity of the church …”

Find the Way ForwardFind the Way Forward

“The task force is directed to lead the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in spiritual discernment of our Christian identity …

This discernment shall include but not be limited to issues of Christology, biblical authority and interpretation, ordination

standards, and power.”

John 14:6John 14:6

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one

comes to the Father except through me.”

Question:Question:

How would the life of the PC(USA) change if we see the peace, unity, and purity of the

church as a gift made available in Christ rather than something

we create ourselves?

Future Directions – Moving Onward

Jack Haberer

John Wilkinson 

• Starting point?

• Questions to ask?

• Sources to consider?

MandateMandate“… to lead the PC(USA) in spiritual

discernment of our Christian identity, in and for the 21st century, using a process which includes conferring with synods,

presbyteries, and congregations seeking the peace, unity, and purity of the church. This discernment shall include but not be limited to issues of Christology, biblical authority and interpretation, ordination

standards, and power.”

IdentityIdentity

Who we are as a church…

Who we are to be…

Doing church in a new way

Three Sets of QuestionsThree Sets of Questions

• Issues to address?

• Theological topics?

• Presbyterian history and polity?

Polity

Theology

Ordination StandardsOrdination Standards

The Bible

HistoryTheology

The Church

demographics

historical polity moments

confessional church

schisms, unions, and reunions

differing perspectives

racial ethnic experiences

August 2004: Ordination and Human

Sexuality

August 2004: Ordination and Human

Sexuality

• Biblical, theological, and personal insights

• Importance to the church

• Case study

Addressing disagreements in such a way so that our identity is affirmed, our mission enhanced, and

our witness strengthened

Doing church in a new way

Your Role in the Task Force’s Work

Scott Anderson

Mike Loudon

I. While at the General Assembly

I. While at the General Assembly

• Attend committee hearings

• Attend breakfast and luncheon meetings

• Visit the booths of organizations and affinity groups

II. Pray for the PC(USA)II. Pray for the PC(USA)

• Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study

• Peace, unity, and purity of the church

• Theological Task Force

III. Organize a group in your congregation

III. Organize a group in your congregation

• Use the task force videos

• Use other GA resources, such as “Hope in the Lord Jesus Christ”

IV. Suggest a study with another congregation

IV. Suggest a study with another congregation

• Presbyteries could organize groups• Presbytery-wide retreats

You are the ChurchYou are the Church

• We have no arms but your arms.

• We have no legs but your legs.

• We have no voice but your voice.

You are the ChurchYou are the Church

• Don’t wait for someone else.

• Go home and take action.

• Start with a small step.

• Let God work through you.

Questions for Discussion:Questions for Discussion:

• How can we continue to live together as a church in the face of our differences?

• How do you see God already at work in your setting to help the church live together in the midst of differences?

• What are ways you can further the peace, unity, and purity of the church?

Seeking Peace, Unity, and Purity: The Theological Task Force at

Mid-Point