Recently at least one pastor has advocated leaving the PCA
for what he believes are valid reasons.
In response another pastor argued that while those reasons give rise to
some concern, they are not serious enough in his mind to warrant a departure. To leave or not to leave, that is the
question. I believe there are two
preliminary queries that must be answered in order to resolve this larger
issue. First, is leaving a church or
denomination necessary? Second, is
leaving a church or denomination wise? Regarding
the former question, I am in agreement with the second pastor’s response. The concerns about the PCA do not necessitate
leaving the denomination. As to the
latter question, I do not believe it is wise at this time to leave the
PCA. Indeed, it appears very unwise
to depart from one fellowship without being called to a different
one. That is to say, it is never wise to
leave any church or denomination for purely negative reasons. God does not simply drive us away from
challenging or difficult circumstances. He
uses them to test, challenge and refine – to sanctify us. Therefore, we are to stand firm in the
faith, act like men, be strong (1Cor 16:13). In other words, be courageous! We need not flee from anything except
sin. But of course that is dealt with in
the first question – is it necessary? A
wise departure always involves being called or guided to something – to a
new sphere or opportunity for service, ministry or fellowship.
Let us resist the consumeristic urge to think only of our
own tastes and preferences. Paul says, Do
nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more
significant than yourselves (Php 2:3).
We must look not only to our own interests but also to those of others
(v. 4). Membership in a church or
denomination involves a significant degree of commitment. It means we become part of a family in which
we are bound to maintain a holy fellowship and communion in the worship of
God, and in performing such other spiritual services as tend to [our] mutual
edification (WCF 26.2). To leave
unnecessarily for selfish reasons is never wise. One of the distinguishing traits of a truly
Christian character or a genuine Christian church is loyalty. We serve and worship a God who promises He
will never leave us or forsake us. Even if
we are faithless, He remains faithful (2Ti 2:13). That kind of fidelity should be reflected in
our lives and relations. I do not mean we
are to be loyal at all costs, for sometimes circumstances demand decisive
action and a break with ungodly influences.
The formation of the PCA is a case in point. The churches leaving the PCUS departed
necessarily and wisely. But I do mean
that loyalty requires kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing
with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each
other… and above all these put on love, which binds everything together in
perfect harmony (Col 3:12-14). Is it
necessary to leave the PCA? No. Is it wise to leave the PCA? No, because God is not calling us elsewhere
and loyalty demands that we persevere together.
As for me and our church, since at this time a departure is unnecessary
and unwise, we will remain gratefully within the PCA.
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