Impressions of the FCC by three NAPARC ministers (2 PCA and 1 RPCNA)

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Rom

Rom

Puritan Board Junior
As the Free Church of Scotland Continuing (FCC) US Presbytery continues to grow by the Lord's grace in the United States, this episode was helpful to see how those outside the denomination perceive it. This is Pastor Aldo Leon's Kingdom Polemics Podcast. He is a PCA minister serving in Miami, FL. He was joined by Rev. Trace Turner (RPCNA) of Houston, TX, and Rev. Eduardo Martorano (PCA) of Laredo, TX. All three attended the Fall Colloquium of the US Presbytery in Fredericksburg, VA.

Grateful for the unity and love of these brethren and for their ecumenical spirit. May the Lord continue to make us one that the world may perceive that the Father has sent the Son to save sinners (John 17:21). May the podcast be helpful to those who have expressed curiosity about our denomination.

 
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And since Pastor Rom posted this, I will take the opportunity to say that there are several families/individuals in the Birmingham, AL area (where I live) who are praying for an FCC plant. We are either members of or travel to the FCC in Opelika, a couple of hours away. If anyone on the board happens to live somewhere near either of these areas and has an interest in learning more, they can contact our pastor Rev. Logan Shelton at Providence Presbyterian in Opelika.
 
After listening to the podcast I continue to be deeply encouraged by all the great things going on in the FCC.

I am in prayer that the Lord will continue to grow your denomination in strength and in number, Rom. Blessings to you and the other faithful FCC Ministers.
 
Rom said:
As the Free Church of Scotland Continuing (FCC) US Presbytery continues to grow by the Lord's grace in the United States, this episode was helpful to see how those outside the denomination perceive it. This is Pastor Aldo Leon's Kingdom Polemics Podcast. He is a PCA minister serving in Miami, FL. He was joined by Rev. Trace Turner (RPCNA) of Houston, TX, and Rev. Eduardo Martorano (PCA) of Laredo, TX. All three attended the Fall Colloquium of the US Presbytery in Fredericksburg, VA.

Grateful for the unity and love of these brethren and for their ecumenical spirit. May the Lord continue to make us one that the world may perceive that the Father has sent the Son to save sinners (John 17:21). May the podcast be helpful to those who have expressed curiosity about our denomination.

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All I ask is, before you all get all big and uppity remember your poor Australian brethren and your sister church the PCEA. Thanks. Maybe throw a good word in for us once in a while.
 
Sam Jer said:
I believe they train their'e own ministers in a small denominational seminary, though some of their'e minister's have credentials from other seminaries
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Yes, many of the men being trained in the US are trained at GPTS. Greenville Presbyterian Church (FCC) is right next door.
 
Rom said:
May the Lord continue to make us one that the world may perceive that the Father has sent the Son to save sinners (John 17:21)
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Now you're talking about one of my favorite verses on eschatology.
Eschatology?
Yes, eschatology.

Without any detail or more discussion of John chapter 17, I just have one question.
Q. Are not the prayers of Jesus also prophecies?
 
Ed Walsh said:
Now you're talking about one of my favorite verses on eschatology.
Eschatology?
Yes, eschatology.

Without any detail or more discussion of John chapter 17, I just have one question.
Q. Are not the prayers of Jesus also prophecies?
Click to expand...

Yes and Amen. I also see John 17 as eschatological. I preached on church unity from John 17 in anticipation of that time when all the sad divisions, quarrels, and tumults cease and the Lord restores what the locusts have chewed away in the visible church. Look forward to when our ministers will see eye to eye (Isaiah 52:8) and so on. Christ’s prayer will be answered in His Sovereign Timing. May we press on, let brotherly love continue, and work through our differences.
 
MarrowMan said:
You'll have to forgive us in the RPCNA who are less than impressed by particular congregations and pastors who've moved to the FCC from our numbers
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Perhaps it would be profitable for those of us in the RPCNA to ponder why they are moving.

As someone who had a front row seat in the epicenter of the Free Kirk splitting, I was no fan of how it proceeded, and have been very wary of the FCC ever since. I still have some issues with adding another P&R denomination to North America, but my observations of the folks in the FCC in the States leave me with a high esteem for them - that, time, and subsequent declension in the Free Kirk has softened me quite a bit toward the FCC.
 
I would be curious to hear why particular congregations have chosen to leave the RPCNA for the FCC.
 
Ploutos said:
I would be curious to hear why particular congregations have chosen to leave the RPCNA for the FCC.
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I think this occurred with the church Pastor Rom used to pastor at. I was wondering this same thing. It seems like the RPCNA is experiencing a split.
 
Sam Jer said:
Are you sure this was the right place and way to air that out? The way you put it could get people to much worse conclusions than that ("are less than impressed" could mean a lot of things)
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I’ve mentioned it before and always tongue in cheek, though I can see how people unfamiliar wouldn’t see that. I’m happy to edit or delete to avoid confusion, though.

retroGRAD3 said:
That's why I was asking for clarification, but perhaps it's not supposed to be public knowledge.
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It’s not a secret and I’m sure those involved could clarify if they wish. I don’t want to inaccurately put words in anyone’s mouth. Better yet, I’ll just delete and avoid putting anyone on the spot.
 
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The reasons why the Dallas congregation left the RPCNA for the FCC were all given to the ecclesiastical body that had direct oversight over the congregation - the Midwest Presbytery of the RPCNA. The session worked openly and fully with the Midwest Presbytery, including a meeting with all elders of the Midwest Presbytery. At the conclusion of that meeting the following three motions were passed by the Midwest Presbytery of the RPCNA (and are public information):
  1. “That the MWP notes that the Dallas congregation has petitioned to be received into the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing), and requests to be informed of the outcome of the petition after the FCC General Assembly meets.”
  1. “That the Moderator of the Midwest Presbytery prepare and present a letter to the Dallas RP congregation, to be read publicly, affirming the presbytery’s love for the congregation and the years of fellowship enjoyed between us.”
  1. “MWP recommend to Trustees of Synod that the Dallas congregation be released with their assets upon being received by the FCC GA in May 2024, D.V.”
Respectfully, as with any decision made, there will be those who disagree, however most important is that those in authority and with proper oversight are in agreement and in this case, the MWP of the RPCNA was in agreement. At this point both parties have moved on and are busy laboring, by God's grace, to advance the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ.
 
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