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

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 2:8-9 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 2:15-16 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

Recommendation …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.

Mandate “… to lead the PC(USA) in spiritual discernment of our Christian identity, in and for the 21 st 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 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 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 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 14:6 “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

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?

Mandate “… to lead the PC(USA) in spiritual discernment of our Christian identity, in and for the 21 st 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.”

Identity Who we are as a church… Who we are to be…

Doing church in a new way

Three Sets of Questions Issues to address? Theological topics? Presbyterian history and polity?

Polity Theology

Ordination Standards The Bible History Theology The Church

demographics historical polity moments confessional church schisms, unions, and reunions differing perspectives racial ethnic experiences

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 Attend committee hearings Attend breakfast and luncheon meetings Visit the booths of organizations and affinity groups

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 Use the task force videos Use other GA resources, such as “Hope in the Lord Jesus Christ”

IV. Suggest a study with another congregation Presbyteries could organize groups Presbytery-wide retreats

You 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 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: 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