Seeking Peace, Unity, and Purity: The Theological Task Force at Mid-Point.
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Transcript of Seeking Peace, Unity, and Purity: The Theological Task Force at Mid-Point.
Seeking Peace, Unity, and Purity: The Theological Task Force at
Mid-Point
Question: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 2:8-9Ephesians 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 2:15-16Ephesians 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
RecommendationRecommendation
…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.
MandateMandate“… to lead the PC(USA) in spiritual
discernment of our Christian identity, in and for the 21st 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 DiscernmentSeek 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 TogetherTake 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 ForwardFind 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 14:6John 14:6
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one
comes to the Father except through me.”
Question: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?
MandateMandate“… to lead the PC(USA) in spiritual
discernment of our Christian identity, in and for the 21st 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.”
IdentityIdentity
Who we are as a church…
Who we are to be…
Doing church in a new way
Three Sets of QuestionsThree Sets of Questions
• Issues to address?
• Theological topics?
• Presbyterian history and polity?
Polity
Theology
Ordination StandardsOrdination Standards
The Bible
HistoryTheology
The Church
demographics
historical polity moments
confessional church
schisms, unions, and reunions
differing perspectives
racial ethnic experiences
August 2004: Ordination and Human
Sexuality
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
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)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
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
IV. Suggest a study with another congregation
• Presbyteries could organize groups• Presbytery-wide retreats
You are the ChurchYou 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 ChurchYou 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: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