Romans922
Puritan Board Professor
This seems like it will be a big story in the coming years. MTW has set up what they call the "Original Vision Network". Please read and discuss here/there about what this is all about. Anyone know anything more about this?
What is Mission to the World’s PCA Original Vision Network? « Johannes Weslianus
As we noted on April 12, Dr. Paul Kooistra and Mission to the World are forming the PCA Original Vision Network to form a network of people in the PCA to promote what they are calling the “original vision” of the PCA as we find ourselves at a time which they consider to be a crucial “crossroads.” We have obtained more information on this project. According to a recent newsletter, you can contribute to the support of TE Larry Hoop (who is coordinating the network, pictured above on left) by contacting MTW:
The Mission to the World Project # is 98310. You can also contact them here for more information.
Please make checks payable to and mail to (please include project # in memo line):
Mission to the World. P.O. Box 116284. Atlanta, GA 30368-6284 (donations address)
Here is more information on MTW’s PCA Original Vision Network network from a newsletter article sent out by TE Larry Hoop:You can download this letter here.
As I indicated in the February “Pastor’s Desk” column, my “retirement” (or, as Dr. Charles McGowan would say, “redeployment”) plans call for me to undertake a new challenge placed before me by Dr. Paul Kooistra, Coordinator of the PCA’s foreign mission agency, Mission to the World. Since my initial acceptance of this challenge, we have refined our vision for this endeavor. We are calling it the Original Vision Network because it is an attempt to rally our denomination around its original vision. We have prepared a description of the Original Vision Network which I have reproduced below. One final note: in the last paragraph of the description, I mention the need of sponsors. I am looking for people who will pray for my work at least weekly, and/or provide financial support. I need to raise $25,000 for the Network to be fully funded. Of course, Colfax Center should be your first priority in giving, but if you are able and would be so led, I’d appreciate your help. I have reproduced a sponsor card below, which you could mail to me. I will also place a quantity of the sponsor cards on the literature table in the fellowship hall with a box in which you may deposit them. — Pastor Hoop
The torch is being passed. The generation that founded the PCA is passing from the scene and as a result we are at a crossroads. At this key moment in our denomination’s history it is vital that we renew our commitment to the original vision our founders established nearly 40 years ago. This vision is embodied in our long-time motto: “Loyal to Scripture, Faithful to the Reformed Faith, Obedient to the Great Commission.” Our founders envisioned:
- a denomination firmly based on the inerrant Word of God, in contrast to the rampant liberalism they had contended with so long;
- a denomination committed to a broadly Reformed theological position, steering clear of both a formless evangelicalism with sketchy theological commitments and a narrow sectarianism that could consume our energies building a theological fortress;
- above all, a denomination aggressively pursuing the mission our Lord gave His church of making disciples of all nations.
This original vision has attracted many to the PCA throughout her history. It has fueled the evangelistic zeal that has resulted in scores of churches planted in the United States and Canada, and the development of the largest Presbyterian mission force in history. It can unite us today as it did at our founding nearly 40 years ago.
The Original Vision Network, which is being developed through the initiative of Mission to the World, consists of both fathers of the PCA and younger leaders who want to see our denomination rally around this vision once again. The Original Vision Network will promote this vision through a website, through seminars at the General Assembly, and through the individual influence of its members. Dr. Larry Hoop, who has served 24 years as pastor of the Colfax Center Presbyterian Church, will coordinate this network, with the advice of a Steering Committee of well respected PCA leaders.
We invite you to join the Original Vision Network. We need both active participants who will seek to promote the original vision personally in their circles of influence, and sponsors who will support the network with their prayer and financial support.