Why a Discernment Process?
• Not all churches who feel disenfranchised in the PC(USA) will feel called to leave
• Discernment involves each congregation seeking God’s call for them
Prayer - Community - Conversation
Discernment: Why Now?
• Changing landscape in PCUSA• Trend of churches asking for dismissal
from PCUSA• Presbyterian Outlook survey: Projected
loss of 800 PCUSA churches• Things will change, even if we choose to
do nothing – we need to be informed
Trends in the PCUSA
• Increasing conflict/division, rather than increasing unity•Conflict growing since the inception
of the PCUSA in 1983• Factions at cross purposes within the
PCUSA result in increasing divisions and political arguing
Trends in the PCUSA (cont)
• Energy spent on conflicts detracts from ability to engage in common missions
• Government structure increasingly cumbersome: G.A. decisions about middle governing bodies
Past Actions by Session• Joined Confessing Church Movement, 2001– Jesus Christ alone is Lord of all and the way of
salvation– Holy Scripture is triune God’s revealed Word, the
Church’s only infallible rule of faith and life– God’s people are called to holiness in all aspects of
life. This includes honoring the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman, the only relationship within which sexual activity is appropriate
Past Actions by Session
• Affirmed Amendment B in Book of Order, 2011“those who are called to office in the church are to lead a life in obedience to Scripture…among which are the requirements to life in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman, or chastity in singleness.”
How Does This Affect Us?
• Conflicts at national and Presbytery levels affect how people perceive our local congregation
• Our pastors and leaders must spend considerable time dealing with conflicts and bureaucracy
• Voting power at Presbytery will change significantly as churches leave
SPC Discernment TimelineSPC Discernment Timeline
June 2Presbytery approved
updated Gracious Dismissal policy
June 2Presbytery approved
updated Gracious Dismissal policy
June 30 – July 7General Assembly considers several
proposals that bear on the issues
June 30 – July 7General Assembly considers several
proposals that bear on the issues
January 2012Evangelical Covenant
Order of Presbyterians (ECO) launched in
Orlando
January 2012Evangelical Covenant
Order of Presbyterians (ECO) launched in
Orlando
July 8 & 106:30-8:00pm
SPC Town Hall meeting (identical content)
July 8 & 106:30-8:00pm
SPC Town Hall meeting (identical content)
August 5 & 76:30-8:00pm
SPC Town Hall meeting (identical content)
August 5 & 76:30-8:00pm
SPC Town Hall meeting (identical content)
Key EventsKey Events
If Session determines SPC is a congregation disaffected with the PC(USA), then Presbytery and SPC will begin a process described in the Book of Order and Presbytery of San Jose’s Gracious Dismissal policy to see if differences can be resolved. No change can be made without SPC member approval by vote.
Revised 6/8/2012
Estimated Timeframes: ___
SPC’s Mission Statement
Inspiring all generations to make Jesus Christ central in every part of our lives
† Relationship with Jesus† Community centered in Christ† Compassion in response to Christ
What Should You Do?
• Pray for our church• Attend both Town Hall meetings• Ask lots of questions; do your own research• Give pastors and Discernment Team feedback
– [email protected]• Stay focused on our mission
Inspiring all generations to makeJesus Christ central in every part of our lives
What Do You Believe?
?Authority of ScriptureLordship of JesusWorship, Membership & LeadershipPolitical Activism in SPC
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