Ordination Standards and a Changing

ChurchSan Clemente Presbyterian Church

May 2011

The Replaced Standard Those who are called to office in the church are to

lead a life in obedience to Scripture and in conformity to the historic confessional standards of the church. Among these standards is the requirement to live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman (W-4.9001), or chastity in singleness. Persons refusing to repent of any self-acknowledged practice which the confessions call sin shall not be ordained and/or installed as deacons, elders, or ministers of the Word and Sacrament.

The Passed Amendment 10-A

Standards for ordained service [pastors, elders, deacons] reflect the church’s desire to submit joyfully to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life (G-1.0000). The governing body responsible for ordination and/or installation (G-14.0240; G-14.0450) shall examine each candidate’s calling, gifts, preparation, and suitability for the responsibilities of office. The examination shall include, but not be limited to, a determination of the candidate’s ability and commitment to fulfill all requirements as expressed in the constitutional questions for ordination and installation (W-4.4003). Governing bodies shall be guided by Scripture and the confessions in applying standards to individual candidates.

“Should 10-A pass, no presbytery or congregation would have to accept any candidate for office they deem does not meet scriptural, confessional, or constitutional standards for office.”

Dan Saperstein of the Advisory Committee on the Constitution

“That Jesus Christ alone is Lord of all and the way of salvation.”

“That holy Scripture is the triune God’s

revealed Word, the Church’s only infallible rule of faith and life.”

“That God’s people are called to holiness in all aspects of life.”

Our “Confessing Church” Commitment: circa 2001

We further acknowledge that the current crisis of accommodation and confusion in sexual ethics, Christian marriage and the appropriate conduct of church leaders has caused further division and uncertainty as to what the church believes and teaches. So we hereby reaffirm:

  “Christian marriage is an institution ordained of God, blessed by our Lord Jesus

Christ, established and sanctified for the happiness and welfare of mankind, into which spiritual and physical union one man and one woman enter, cherishing a mutual esteem and love, bearing with each other’s infirmities and weaknesses, comforting each other in trouble, providing in honesty and industry for each other and for their household, praying for each other, and living together the length of their days as heirs of the grace of life.” (Westminster Confession of Faith 6.131)

“The relationship between man and woman exemplifies in a basic way God’s ordering of the interpersonal life for which he created mankind. Anarchy in sexual relationships is a symptom of man’s alienation from God, his neighbor, and himself.” (The Confession of 1967, 9.47

Our “Confessing Church” Commitment: circa 2001

There is nothing in the new standards that compromises my convictions. I can be faithful and obedient to the Scriptures and fulfill my vows as a pastor.

There is nothing in these standards that requires or compels SCPC to change our ordination standards for officers.

Others with differing views on the qualifications for officers will ordain those with whom we would disagree on their fitness for ordained office.

We will have to be healthy and differentiated disciples to maintain our convictions and uphold the unity of the Church.

Tod’s Observations…

I will continue to uphold and support what I believe are biblical standards for ordination and continue to affirm the “fidelity and chastity” standard for church officers.

I will keep my vows to further the peace, unity and purity of the church.

I understand that not all will agree with me on this, that some may leave the church or want a different pastor, or that there may be some potential personal ramifications.

As it stands now, I will not leave the PC(USA.

Tod’s Personal Response…

We need to help people to say…

“I am a Presbyterian because…”“I am a Presbyterian, but…”

What might be helpful…

Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.

(Ephesians 4:1-6)