Reformed and Confessional Resurgence?

Is there a Reformed resurgence occurring in the Presbyterian Church in America? Could experiential Calvinism and genuine confessionalism be on the ascent? In my recent GRN luncheon message at General Assembly, I suggested that there is evidence indicating things are improving in the PCA, and that we have much for which to be thankful. I still believe it! We should be encouraged about the results of the last two General Assemblies. Things are looking up.

However, the work of fostering biblical fidelity and confessional integrity in the PCA is far from over. Erroneous views of church leadership, sexuality, and mission continue to plague certain quarters of our denomination and have the potential to lead us down the path of progressivism. We’ve seen it happen before in other denominations. We don’t want it to happen to us. Therefore, we must firmly resist the incremental accommodation of cultural orthodoxies and confessional equivocations for the sake of cultural influence. Faithfulness to Scripture and Confession must be our passion and primary aim.

The work of the GRN is to inform, exhort, and encourage the PCA. We are not a political caucus. In fact, often there are healthy disagreements about important issues within our network of elders. We hope and pray that the conversations we’ve started in our half-century-old denomination have ultimately served to strengthen our elders, churches, and global witness.

Because of our love for the PCA, the GRN Council has decided on a considerable expansion of the GRN leadership. The GRN Council will add approximately 15-20 new members, and be divided into an Executive Council and General Council. The Executive Council will remain the same, with one new addition. The new council members, constituted of PCA TEs and REs, will serve in various ways to encourage the PCA to be faithful to the Scriptures, true to the Reformed Faith, and obedient to the Great Commission.

At the GRN Fall Gathering on Saturday, September 17th, I will announce the new GRN Council Members — godly men who love the Lord and the PCA, and cherish the Reformed Confession. We will also consider the various actions of the 49th General Assembly, not least overtures 8, 15, and 29, and discuss a healthy way forward for the PCA. Of course, we will make an earnest season of prayer, robust singing, a devotion from Scripture, and warm Christian fellowship a priority as we did at last year’s fall gathering. And yes, a delicious catered lunch will be served for all who register and attend.

All PCA TEs and REs are welcome to attend. There is still plenty of room if you’d like to join us. Register now. If you are unable to attend in person, have no fear! The event will be live-streamed by our gracious host, Woodruff Road Presbyterian Church.

There is much to be encouraged about in the PCA. The past two General Assemblies have provided signs of a Reformed and Confessional resurgence, especially among many of our young presbyters. Even so, there is still plenty of work to be done. I will end with the words of a departed theologian who has influenced us all:

In every generation the gospel must be published anew with the same boldness, and the same clarity, and the same urgency that came forth in the 16th century Reformation. — RC Sproul

See you in Greenville.

Your Servant, Brother, and Friend,

Jon