In the PCA, we have rules to prevent us from taking that easy, pragmatic approach. In the PCA we have all agreed on a “due process” to deal with problem people (see BCO 29ff). This procedural, constitutional method is both relational and loving, and it is biblical (cf. Matthew 18:15ff). It preserves the rights even of the “difficult” person to make his case and enables the elders to shepherd that allegedly difficult person to the glory of Christ. Because of our polity and necessary due process, we are required to actually do the hard work of shepherding and discipleship.
On August 11, 2024 I marked 11 years of ordained ministry in the PCA. With each passing year, I grow more grateful to God for the PCA and for preserving me in it.
I was reflecting recently on the blessings of PCA polity and culture. Someone once quipped about the PCA: “she is full of pastors who want to be lawyers and lawyers who want to be pastors.” Whether meant as a pejorative or as a compliment, it’s true!
Each year at PCA General Assembly, there are numerous constitutional and procedural questions. And whenever there is controversy, numerous men head for the microphones with their “Blue Bricks” and iPads in hand to remind us of the appropriate procedure or requirement from our Form of Government or Rules of Assembly Operation.
In the PCA, we believe polity is important because it comes from our King. This is reflected in the beginning of our Book of Church Order:
Christ, as King, has given to His Church officers, oracles and ordinances; and especially has He ordained therein His system of doctrine, government, discipline and worship, all of which are either expressly set down in Scripture, or by good and necessary inference may be deduced therefrom;
It is a blessing to serve in a denomination with “polity nerds” like Jared Nelson, Scott Edburg, and Ben Ratliff who have kept us entertained and informed with a whole podcast dedicated to the principles of our polity and the foundations of Presbyterian Church Government.
Robust Polity is Loving
It is the prerogative of Church courts to establish polity in accordance with God’s word. In the Westminster Standards, we confess:
It [belongs] to synods and councils, ministerially, to determine controversies of faith, and cases of conscience; to set down rules and directions for the better ordering of the public worship of God, and government of His church (WCF 31:2)
While the PCA has been criticized for being overly strict in its adherence and commitment to procedures and polity and for not being “relational” enough, I do not think those criticisms are reasonable. In fact, I think those sort of criticisms misunderstand what it is to be “relational.” Our polity exists for “the better ordering of public worship of God” and the “better…government of His Church.” Following the rules we have established and agreed upon is the loving thing to do.
The polity of a denomination determines how the members of that communion will relate to one another. They are the rules we agree to follow together. These rules provide a level, clear, and fair playing field for all people and parties. The same rules apply to me as a pastor of a small church of about 100 people as apply to David Strain, David Cassidy, David Hall, or David Barry all of whom pastor much more significant congregations in the PCA. The fact they pastor flagship congregations gives them no more right or standing in the Church courts than have I!