The Westminster Standard

RE Billy Ball, founder of the Ruling Elder Network along with TEs Job Dalomba and Ben Dunson join the show preview the General Assembly with expectations and opportunities for connection and fellowship.

In this episode RE Matt Lee along with TEs Jos. Pipa, Ryan Biese, Terry Johnson, and Paul Lee discuss the significance of the Korean Language Presbyteries in the PCA as well as the "Korean Style Prayer" that will feature as an element in Thursday's worship at PCA General Assembly in Richmond. The panel notes that the so-called "Korean Style Prayer" is not practiced in many PCA congregations and therefore it may be improper to label it as such. Additionally, there are biblical, historical, and theological reasons to be skeptical of the propriety of the practice as part of a public worship service. https://byfaithonline.com/pca-general-assembly-will-feature-korean-style-worship-service/ https://x.com/eminpodcast/status/1786464147154047194

Numerous overtures are before the PCA General Assembly next month that have the potential to reshape the character of our judicial procedures. Some of these proposed changes are in grave conflict with the PCA Constitution. Even though there are no 'hot button' issues before the General Assembly, these subtle and nuanced proposals could have profound impact on the PCA.

Another all-star panel reviews several of the selected overtures before the GA. TEs Zachery Byrd, Ryan Biese, and Zack Groff as well as REs Matt Lee and Steve Dowling.

Numerous statements and visions are proposed as the "mission of the church" nowadays. But the panel argues the Church already has a mission, given by Christ the king, which is to make disciples. Rather than be distracted by all manner of projects and endeavors, the panel argues the church should remain focused on making disciples through the preaching of the Word. TEs Stephen Spinnenweber, Ryan Biese, and Wilson van Hooser are joined by Mrs Sean Morris and Mrs Seth Miller, the presbygirls.

Ruling Elders are crucial to the health of the PCA. On this week's episode REs Ross Harris and Charlie Nave join the program to share their own reflections and insights as to why REs need to make the effort to take part in the work of the Church Courts. RE Nave is the founder of MORE in the PCA, which raises funds to help REs cover the cost of attending the General Assembly in order to relieve he financial burden on smaller churches. Visit their website: www.moreinthepca.org for more information as well as to register for the fellowship event on Wednesday, June 12 in the evening. Read more from the National Partnership here: https://1ar.s3.amazonaws.com/2021/12/NPP_Emails_2013_2021.pdf

An article based on a study by RE Matthew Lee suggests the PCA General Assembly is not only giving greater attention to ensuring presbyteries are rightly handing TEs with differences with the PCA Constitution, but also that the PCA is becoming more robust in her commitment to the Reformed Faith as expressed in the Westminster Standards. This seems to confirm what TE Chas. McGowan noted at the 50th General Assembly: while the PCA was founded as 'big tent movement,' the PCA has become stronger over the years because of greater theological focus.TEs Jas. Bruce and Zack Groff join the show as well. Find RE Lee's article here: https://pcapolity.com/2024/02/21/exceptionalism-in-the-pca/

"We Old Schoolers can’t work to make our Agencies superb by ignoring them; we need to support them by offering up more elders to serve on their permanent committees. Certainly there is a place to raise concerns and criticisms, but we also need to find men willing to serve on the permanent committees who can change the culture and commitments of PCA Agencies so they will be thoroughly Reformed." An article read by the author.

There are now dozens of podcasts and blogs focused on the news and polity of the PCA. This was not the case even five years ago. On the program this week we discuss how the proliferation of media focused on the PCA has impacted the General Assembly and the health of the denomination at as a whole. The PCA is healthier now and more robustly presbyterian today than she was five years ago. tl;dr: we think the greater interest in the happenings of the PCA has resulted in greater participation and thereby a resurgence in a commitment to the PCA's historic commitments of faithful to the Scriptures, true to the Reformed Faith, and obedient to the Great Commission.

In this bonus episode we are joined by RE Charles Higham and TE George Sayour of the  @PandR-Churchmen . RE Higham explains the circumstances behind his recent public repentance for his support of Revoice.