Views
-
Reminder from
the Plumb Line EditorsThe Presbyterian Plumb Line is an online journal designed to biblically inform about issues that impact the ability of ordained officers in the Church to govern under Christ’s authority and faithfully shepherd the flock. We strive to provide content that is accessible, firmly rooted in God’s Word, spiritually guided, and committed to the highest standards…
-
Note from the Plumb Line Editors
It has now been more than two months since the 46th General Assembly. What we once considered a faithful and conservative denomination is facing internal strife resulting from over 40 percent of commissioners rejecting the path chosen by leaders in the EPC. Although some may think the controversy is ended now that Greg Johnson and…
-
Repent and Spin No More
The story of Humpty Dumpty accurately describes the state of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. After a divisive and disastrous vote by the 46th General Assembly to allow the ordination of celibate homosexuals, the Stated Clerk and Moderator are now attempting to spin the story with an open letter assuring us that all is well and…
-
What is Schism?
“I never approved of a schism, nor will I approve of it for all eternity.” Those words were written by Martin Luther in 1519 in a letter to People Leo X. And yet, Luther went on to defy the Pope and lead the Protestant Reformation. Schism is a serious sin, to be sure. However, the…
-
Stay and Contend for the Faith
Many of us left the 46th General Assembly discouraged by the votes that allow for those experiencing ongoing SSA to be in ordained positions. I know many of you feel that the clock has run out, the game is over, and we have suffered a difficult defeat.
-
Does the Book of Government Amendment Make Any Difference?
In coming months, EPC Presbyteries will vote on a proposed amendment to the constitution (BoG 9-3) regarding standards for ordination. Whether it is defeated or not, the amendment will do nothing to quell the controversy currently raging in the denomination. The proposed amendment says nothing about the ordination of SSA (same-sex attracted) candidates, which is…
-
One Year Later
As churches in the EPC consider their future, I would like to offer my own perspective as one who left a year ago to join the PCA. I hope that by sharing my experience it will help to guide and inform others who might be facing a similar transition.
-
Exercising the Right to Withdraw
The EPC Constitution recognizes nine rights reserved to the local church. These rights have been part of our EPC constitution from the very beginning, as the founders sought to avoid the problems and abuses experienced in other denominations.
-
A Moderator’s Meanderings
“Meanderings” definition: Rambling or passing from one topic to another. I hope you find the following collection of articles, quotes, quips, and Scripture to be informative, edifying, and thought-provoking. This information is not as thorough or detailed as the other articles in the Plumb Line. But I hope to stimulate honest and open debate on…
News
- Elders Gather in Kansas City
to Launch New DenominationConcerned by the direction and Biblical fidelity of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 50 teaching and ruling elders gathered in Kansas City October 6-8 to launch a new denomination, the Westminster Churches of America (WCA). Preaching to the assembly, Bill Heming, pastor of Parkway Presbyterian Church in Tacoma, Wash., said he grieved over the theological errors of the EPC and called for Biblical and spiritual reform. - What is the WCA?
An Interview with Bill HemingBill Heming, senior pastor of Parkway Presbyterian Church in Tacoma, Wash., was elected as the first Stated Clerk of the new Westminster Churches of America. In this interview, he explains why it was necessary to leave the EPC and create a new denomination.