SolaScriptura
Puritanboard Brimstone
Scott -
I understand what you're saying.
But I still disagree.
I know far too many people who are members in good standing of PCA churches whose elders are all very confessional - and have been for many many years - and yet these members have beliefs on some key issues that are at complete variance with the Standards.
I don't buy the "oh, let them join and they'll eventually come along" argument.
Being Presbyterian we put a lot of emphasis on the importance of the elders. But elders are elected by the people. Pastors are chosen by the people. There is a lot of talk on this Board about all the unconfessional pastors running around denegrating the Standards... but we should take a step back and ask the question, "Why is there a "market" for these men in our denomination?" It is because many of the people don't believe the Standards themselves, so they hire a man in line with their convictions.
I'd rather see smaller membership rolls and yet have people who actually believe the confession.
I understand what you're saying.
But I still disagree.
I know far too many people who are members in good standing of PCA churches whose elders are all very confessional - and have been for many many years - and yet these members have beliefs on some key issues that are at complete variance with the Standards.
I don't buy the "oh, let them join and they'll eventually come along" argument.
Being Presbyterian we put a lot of emphasis on the importance of the elders. But elders are elected by the people. Pastors are chosen by the people. There is a lot of talk on this Board about all the unconfessional pastors running around denegrating the Standards... but we should take a step back and ask the question, "Why is there a "market" for these men in our denomination?" It is because many of the people don't believe the Standards themselves, so they hire a man in line with their convictions.
I'd rather see smaller membership rolls and yet have people who actually believe the confession.