What is "Practical Presbyterianism"?

[jwright82]

Strategic Planning
Since 2000 the PCA has been involved in an ongoing process of Strategic Planning on how best to
minister the Gospel in our changing culture. The 38th General Assembly approved three themes and
related sets of goals and means to accomplish the goals.
The 39th General Assembly adopted a fourth theme, “Practical Presbyterianism.” The goal of
theme four is “to foster a cordial and practical commitment to the ‘formal values’ of the PCA, i.e., the
Doctrinal and Governmental Standards, for use in ministry, as opposed to merely theoretical affirmation
in the vows of ordination and church membership.” Means 1-4 for accomplishing this goal, which were
approved, include having Assembly seminars annually on theological and church polity issues, working
toward all newly planted churches participating in financial support of PCA ministries, developing a
curriculum on PCA doctrinal standards, and adding “proof” texts to the BCO. Means 5 and 6, which
involve revising the BCO Rules of Discipline, as well as revising and approving as part of the
Constitution the Directory of Worship section of the BCO, were recommitted for further study.

This quote from the http://www.pcaac.org/2011GeneralAssembly/Actionsofthe39thGeneralAssembly.pdf, is a not so clear to me as to what is meant from the phrase "Practical Presbyterianism". What does it mean? What does it prescribe for each Presbytery in the PCA?

 

[jwithnell]

the Doctrinal and Governmental Standards, for use in ministry, as opposed to merely theoretical affirmation in the vows of ordination and church membership.

Taken at face value, I would hope this means they're trying to encourage people to walk the walk instead of just being theologically correct at examination. Sadly, I don't know any PCAers around here who are solid enough to ask.

 

[Edward]

They appear to be approaching the problems in various Presbyteries/congregations as being caused by ignorance which can be fixed by education, rather than wrongdoing that needs a healthy application of discipline. I'm not sure that the basic premise is sound, but it is certainly the charitable approach.