Last night a season emerged in the life of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Two years ago the 221st General Assembly approved a rules change to allow co-moderators of the assembly, rather than a moderator and a vice-moderator. Many churches now have a co-pastor model, and G.A. is now following suit. Two sets of co-moderators stood … Continue reading “A New Season is Emerging at #GA222”
BlogPost: #GA222 of the #PCUSA Opens with Worship
The 222nd gathering of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) opened with worship this afternoon. While for many GA222 stared a couple of days ago (especially for staff, vendors, and YAADs), today was the official start. The moderator of the 221st General Assembly, Dr. Heath Rada, preached a sermon from Genesis 45.1-15, when … Continue reading “BlogPost: #GA222 of the #PCUSA Opens with Worship”
BlogPost: Don’t Promote the Hate
In 2014 a local pastor of a very small independent Baptist community preached a sermon calling for the execution of all homosexual people, posted a video of the sermon on YouTube, and then bought advertising on Facebook to promote it. It was picked up by the news and the sermon went viral. In response, the … Continue reading “BlogPost: Don’t Promote the Hate”
BlogPost: 15th Anniversary Reflection
Fifteen years ago yesterday it was Youth Sunday at the church where I grew up, Community Presbyterian Church of San Juan Capistrano, CA. As my wife of two years sat among the congregation that had loved, challenged, and sometimes tollerated me, I preached the morning sermon to encourage the graduating high school seniors. Then in … Continue reading “BlogPost: 15th Anniversary Reflection”
BlogPost: Values of Christian Faith
Many have debated the focus of Christian faith. Some have suggested the entire focus on “belief” in the One God of the Universe, uniquely revealed in and through Jesus from Nazareth. Others have suggested the focus is on “behaving” a certain way in the world: love God and love your neighbor as your self. Yet, … Continue reading “BlogPost: Values of Christian Faith”