The Messenger - May 13, 2011 - A Question of Fidelity and Focus
A Question of Fidelity and Focus
Sexual Standards for Church Leaders at the First Presbyterian Church of San Pedro
Recently, the Presbyterian Church (USA) removed a clause from the constitution of our denomination that specifically prohibited the ordination of non-celibate homosexuals into church leadership. This decision does not require any congregation to accept gay leaders nor does it penalize those congregations that choose to do so. Thus, the governing board (i.e. Session) of each congregation must determine the appropriate sexual standards for their church leaders.
The Session of our congregation clarified our church's position on this issue several years ago during the tenure of Rev. Dr. Bill Steel. After extensive discussion among church leaders, careful study of the Scripture, and an open forum among church members, our Session voted to affirm that ordained leaders in our church should practice "fidelity in marriage between one woman and one man" or "chastity in singleness." This standard has not been changed by recent events.
In the 6 years I have served the First Presbyterian Church, I heard a few church members express their desire to include homosexuals in church leadership. While acknowledging that every explicit reference to homosexuality in Scripture is negative, these individuals argue that the overall direction of the New Testament and the early church was radically inclusive of those who had been rejected in the past. Moreover, these persons argue, we have learned things about human sexuality today that the Biblical writers could not possibly have known. On the other hand, several church members with whom I spoke are uncomfortable with this argument, believing it would require us to disregard the "plain sense" of Scripture for vague generalities. While acknowledging modern discoveries about homosexual inclination and affirming the great value of homosexual persons, these church members believe that disregarding homosexual behavior in church leaders would undermine the very gospel they are charged to proclaim.
In our form of church government, it is not the pastor's job to resolve this issue, but it is my job to "moderate" controversies in the church. If you would like to change our congregation's policy on homosexual leadership, you are welcome to express that opinion to our Session in writing. If Session chooses to reconsider it, then they will notify the congregation and seek congregational input for several weeks before any change is made.
Personally, I am conservative on this issue, but I respect the authority of the Session, and I love those church members who disagree with me. In my experience, the "liberals" and the "conservatives" in our congregation have worked together beautifully for years. We've overcome so many differences already. If we continue to keep our focus on commitment to God and compassion for one another, I believe that the Spirit of God will sustain these bonds of affection for years to come.
Yours in Christ,
Neal
Sharefest
Our church is joining in the Sharefest
WorkDay, TOMORROW, Saturday, May 14,
starting at 8:30 am. On this day,
churches all over Los Angeles will be
joining to serve our communities. We
will be working at Taper Avenue
School, and there will be many
different ways to help. For more
information, see
the flier or e-mail
Gordon Teuber.
Sat, May 14
8:30 am - Sharefest Project at Taper
Ave. School
4:00 pm - Volleyball - BVB vs FP6
5:00 pm - Volleyball - ASC2 vs FP2
6:00 pm - Volleyball - FP4 vs NEW
LIFE
7:00 pm - Volleyball - LW3 vs FP3
7:00 pm - Volleyball - SBCOG vs FP5
Sun, May 15
NACM Choral Festival
8:30 am - Adult Sunday School
9:30 am - Worship - Sonlight Singers
sing
Tue, May 17
7:30 pm - Session Meeting
Wed, May 18
7:00 am - Bible Study at Carrow's
4:00 pm - Parent Hangout
4:00 pm - Angel Choir
4:00 pm - Angel and Cherubs Storytime
4:00 pm - GG Devotional/Homework
Hangout
4:30 pm - Cherub Choir
5:00 pm - Gospel Gang Choir
5:45 pm - Dinner for King's Chorus and
SonLight Singers
6:15 pm - King's Chorus Choir
6:15 pm - High School Fellowship
6:45 pm - Co-Op Meeting in CE #1
7:00 pm - Bell Choir Rehearsal
7:00 pm - Prayer Group
7:15 pm - Junior High Fellowship
7:15 pm - SonLight Singers Choir
Thu, May 19
11:30 am - Forever Young Luncheon
7:30 pm - Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Sat, May 21
9:00 am - Relay for Life
4:00 pm - Volleyball - FP5 vs FP6
5:00 pm - Volleyball - NEW LIFE vs
FP3
6:00 pm - Outrigger Cruise
7:00 pm - Volleyball - LW2 vs FP3
Relay for Life continues
8:30 am - Adult Sunday School
9:30 am - Worship - Gospel Gang and King's Chorus sing
Erik
Larson is the interim editor of the
Messenger.
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Presbyterian Church of San Pedro