Changes
by R.C. Sproul Jr.

One of the things that tend to make people wary of technology is that it often means and requires change. We get comfortable doing things the old way, and even when the new way is better, or easier, it still isn't always comfortable. Sometimes that comfort is warranted, sometimes it is not. We have made some important changes at Saint Peter Presbyterian Church (no, we haven't installed a Las Vegas style lighting system), and are still in the midst of making some others. First, as we have reported in the past, we need to be a part of a denomination.

One step along that path was for me to find a home. When our church left the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, the brothers there were kind enough to keep me there as a member in good standing, until I could find a denomination with which to affiliate. As I tried to make the case to the session for joining the PCA as a church, I also tried to transfer my ordination to the Westminster Presbytery of the PCA. That was rather a wild ride. The presbytery was already strongly divided. I was questioned on the floor briefly concerning my views on the Sabbath (I tend to be more continental than Puritan, as the majority of PCA pastors are), my views on worship (that I saw nothing wrong with burning incense was the problem, though there is nothing in the Confession against it), and on paedo-communion, where my views are out of accord with the Confession, and the great bulk of Presbyterians. (Of course, I think they are, however, biblical, else I would not hold to them.) In all three I expressed my willingness to bow to the wisdom of the brethren. I was, after all, coming to them looking for oversight. I was also questioned at length on my views on government schools. I affirmed that I believed that sending ones children to government schools was a sin. I also stated that it would be up to the local presbytery to determine how serious a sin such would be. That seemed to light a fire. My transfer passed, by a vote of 27 to 5, only to be suspended minutes later; by a rare parliamentarian maneuver. There were two more meetings of the presbytery, dealing with matters related to my request and finally, my request was denied by a vote of 27-18. Some say it was because the church was not yet ready to be a part of the PCA. Some say it was because of my views on education. Some say it was because I would have upset the delicate balance of power. And one man even told the press that I needed to stay out because I was a man of strong convictions and passions, and tend to take stands on public and controversial issues.

The presbyters, unlike the Supreme Court, however, do not publish formal opinions regarding their decisions so I guess we'll never really know. I was disappointed, because I thought it would be the best place for me. And I wanted to come into the presbytery because I thought it would be the best place for Saint Peter Church as well, and had hoped that eventually the church would join the presbytery. If I was kept out for political reasons, I'm glad to be left out. If I was left out because my views were too far off, that's okay too. I am, as I have been from the beginning of this process, at peace about it. I remain grateful for the men who labored and argued hard on my behalf, and continue to pray for the peace and fidelity of the Westminster presbytery.

Since that time I have been examined by and accepted into the Reformed Presbyterian Church General Assembly, a small denomination which is at the same time deeply committed to the Reformed faith, and committed to getting along nicely together. The gentlemen in the RPCGA have proven to be gentlemen indeed, and I am grateful for their oversight over the work that I do. Rest assured, if I start teaching heresy, they won't hesitate to bring to bear the grace of church discipline.

At that same meeting of the RPCGA, Laurence also was examined. Our session and our congregation had determined that it would be a wise and prudent move for us to call Laurence as our senior minister. That decision was a hard one for all involved. We believe that Laurence has some important pastoral gifts that are not my strengths. Laurence has a great capacity for compassion, and for outreach, and he is also a very fine preacher. Perhaps most important of all, Laurence is a man of character.

I remain a member of the session and a pastor of the church, with the principle responsibility of teaching through and running the Highlands Study Center. And the Study Center remains an integral part of the church as a whole. These decisions have not been easy ones. They have born some painful fruit, as several much loved families have determined to join other churches. We remain on good terms, but it is still painful for all of us. It is our hope that God will bless our decisions, and enable both the church and the study center to grow, and to be of service to the people of God.

We are still considering what denomination we would like to affiliate ourselves with. We do not like being independent, nor do we think it wise. We are naturally giving consideration to the RPCGA as a place for us, but also keeping several other avenues open as well.

We hope these changes, as radical as they may seem, will only help us in our continuing goal of helping Christians live more simple, separate, and deliberate lives for the glory of God and for the building of His kingdom. We ask that you would pray with us that we would do just that.