The final two chapters in the ARP version of the Westminster Confession, adopted in the early twentieth century to emphasize the role of the Holy Spirit and to soften the Calvinism of the Confession, were mercifully removed in a near-unanimous voice vote after no discussion (!). The matter now goes to the presbyteries for their consideration.  ... Continue Reading

Bryan Chapell, 59, is Senior Pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria, IL.  Since 1981, he was at Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis where he served as a professor, President and Chancellor. He continues as President Emeritus at Covenant. Before going to the seminary, Chapell pastored two churches, Woodburn Presbyterian Church and Bethel Reformed... Continue Reading

A number of important topics are before the Assembly this year probably led by Overture 6, “Child Protection in the PCA.” There are an additional 23 overtures with concurrences, commendations and affirmations of it bringing the total number of overtures this year to an unusually high 52. Earlier today this overture in slightly amended form,... Continue Reading

So the practical question is this: do we walk with these new believers, repeatedly drawing them back to the Scriptures, showing them the absolute claims of Christ on their lives, and yet expecting that not all of the “incongruities” in their lives will be worked out immediately?   As I’ve reflected on the majority and... Continue Reading

At the conclusion of the Synod of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (ARP), Rev. Jamie Hunt was elected as Moderator-elect for the 2015 Synod. Hunt is pastor of Coddle Creek ARP Church, Mooresville, N.C., and will be retiring in three weeks after serving there for 33 years. Rev. Boyce Wilson nominated Hunt for Moderator-elect. “We... Continue Reading

The four issues (Standing Judicial Commission, the Role of Women, Views on Creation, and the Insider Movements Study Report) were chosen because of the level of discussion and number of overtures these topics have generated. We are not advocating for or against any particular overture.   Dear PCA Brothers of Good Will, Whatever Stripe or... Continue Reading

The second thing I want to say about this (a thing which isn’t entirely clear in the Aquila Report) is that this evening of confessional concern and prayer is a wake-up call of the PCA. This is not merely a discussion of the major issues facing the denomination at the General Assembly. This is a group... Continue Reading

Despite the clear statements in Scripture (special revelation) and the unequivocal teaching of the Westminster Standards (the interpretation of special revelation), there is a growing movement in our day to synthesize the theory of evolution (the interpretation of general revelation) with biblical hermeneutics (the interpretation of special revelation). Overture 32 states, “there are attempts to... Continue Reading

Jennings: I believe that the overriding question we actually face before God and others is whether we will unwittingly remain in our Euro-American-tribal gated communities, e.g., Greco-Latin theological instincts, or exhibit an ever-reforming growth through humbly engaging with other parts of the omnilingual Creator-Redeemer’s worldwide Church. Garner: The IMP is the cutting edge, emergent church paradigm... Continue Reading

At its June 11, 2014 meeting, the Synod of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (ARP) unanimously approved the recommendations of its study committee to amend their version of the Westminster Confession of Faith by removing Chapters 34, Of the Holy Spirit, and Chapter 35, Of the Gospel, along with the appended note “(b)”to Chapter 3,... Continue Reading