Report
from Houston
Coalition Gathering X Participants Prepare for Reform and
Renewal:
“Let Us Rise Up and Build: A Plan for Reformation in the Presbyterian
Church (USA)”
The tenth Gathering of the Presbyterian Coalition was characterized by positive and hopeful response to a call to “Rise Up and Build!”
The plan for reformation in the Presbyterian Church (USA) takes its title and impetus from the book of Nehemiah. Gathering workshops and discussion groups focused on models and means for implementing twelve goals that address reforms at every level of the church. The plan was developed and presented by Presbyterians representing a wide range of reform and renewal ministries.
A service of commission, led by Coalition co-moderators Jerry Andrews and Mary Naegeli, assisted by board member Peter Barnes, dismissed participants at the Gathering with both the plan and tools to begin bringing the goals to life in their congregations and presbyteries.
Presbyterians who were unable to attend the Gathering will find the plan and its appendices on the Coalition website (click here). The website also has a number of the plenary presentations in audio format. CDs of the presentations are available by contacting the Coalition office.
Prayer and repentance was an essential aspect of the Gathering
A service of Prayer and Repentance that followed John Calvin’s order of worship was a central part of the Gathering. Calvin regarded repentance is the first and lifelong calling of the Christian. Those who planned the Gathering recognized that reformation requires prayer and repentance on the part of those who hope to be God’s instruments of reform and renewal.
The appendices offer models for implementing the goals
Extensive appendices are attached to the plan. They give advice, examples, models, and lists of resources to assist congregations in implementing the goals. A great many of the models are taken directly from resources currently developed or used by Presbyterian churches to increase biblical literacy, knowledge of the faith, to prepare and develop the spiritual leadership of elders, and to extend the Gospel beyond the walls of the church.
The Coalition board committed itself to furthering the goals of the plan
Following Gathering X, the Coalition Board met to plan next steps in implementing the plan.
• The Coalition will offer leadership and resources in preparation for the upcoming General Assembly. There is already considerable work in progress.
• We will assist the formation of fellowship groups in presbyteries, including the development of networks and reform strategies as well as communions of worship. This work will build on current efforts to encourage pastors, racial ethnic communities and other leaders to know each other, serve each other in relationships of mutual accountability, and work with each other for the reform and renewal of the church.
• Prayer continues to be a priority that we will both do and encourage others to do as an essential work of reform and renewal.
• We commit ourselves to following through on the goal to produce a study of Reformed ecclesiology.
“Let Us Rise Up and Build!” is meant to be dynamic. It is meant to lead to action that permeates the church. The goals are adjustable to respond to new situations and needs. We hope the appendices will grow into an increasingly useful set of models and resources so that churches will help each other and renewal groups will be drawn on effectively to aid reform efforts.