Decently and In Order

(Note: The petition referenced below is now closed.)

My Dear Friends In Faith, 

Christ gives to his Church its faith and life, its unity
and mission, its officers and ordinances. Insofar as Christ’s will
for the Church is set forth in Scripture, it is to be obeyed. In the
worship and service of God and the government of the church,
matters are to be ordered according to the Word by reason and
sound judgment, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

- Presbyterian Book of Order (G-1.0100)

Last night the Session of Community Presbyterian Church voted to approve a budget which eliminates our youth program and the position of Youth Director. Ken and I talked this morning and we still agree: We love being Presbyterian. We love Port Aransas, and most of all we love the youth of this community. We were called here, and have served side by side with friends and supporters in this mission field. We have been blessed by these kids over the last 4 years, and have many, many testimonies of success and love.

There is more to do.

We are committed to finding a way to move forward, despite what we feel is a faithless action by some members of the session – the vote was split. This isn’t about a job or a budget. This is about what we say to our kids when we “cut” them. It’s about what happens to a church whose membership is aging and dying faster than they are adding new members. It is about vision, and stewardship and family.

It is about leadership.

It is the duty of elders, individually and jointly, to strengthen and nurture the faith and life of the congregation committed to their charge. Together with the pastor, they should encourage the people in the worship and service of God, equip and renew them for their tasks within the church and for their mission in the world, visit and comfort and care for the people, with special attention to the poor, the sick, the lonely, and those who are oppressed

G-6.0304 (Presbyterian Book of Order, 2011)

Our Presbyterian Book of Order is clear on what the responsibilities of a Session Member are:

G-10.0100 The Session – Responsibilities

h. to challenge the people of God with the privilege of responsible Christian stewardship of money and time and talents, developing effective ways for encouraging and gathering the offerings of the people and assuring that all offerings are distributed to the objects toward which they were contributed;

i. to establish the annual budget, determine the distribution of the church’s benevolences, and order offerings for Christian purposes, providing full information to the congregation of its decisions in such matters;

j. to lead the congregation continually to discover what God is doing in the world and to plan for change, renewal, and reformation under the Word of God

e. to provide for the growth of its members and for their equipment for ministry through personal and pastoral care, educational programs including the church school, sharing in fellowship and mutual support, and opportunities for witness and service in the world;

f. to develop and supervise the church school and the educational program of the church;

• Our Session failed to lead us by not communicating the issue sooner rather than later. 
• Our Session failed to listen to the will of the congregation as they are charged to do.
• Our Session failed to respond with faith by initiating a stewardship campaign.
• Our Session failed to look beyond their own counsel for resources.