The “Why” Behind Seeking Dismissal

Why should we seek dismissal from the Presbyterian Church (USA) so that we can join a new Presbyterian denomination, Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians (ECO)? FPC’s unhappiness with the PC(USA) is not new. It began long ago. For example, it was in the 1990’s that FPC quit giving undesignated funds to denominational entities as one of the few ways available to register discontent. What’s new is the recent action of the presbytery to allow churches to file for dismissal. Over the years, several reasons have led us to conclude that ECO is a better fit. I will expand on these reasons over the next few weeks.

We have a different understanding of the Bible and its role in the Christian life. We consider the Bible to be the infallible and inspired Word of God that is authoritative for all matters of faith and life. It has no peers or equals. Too many times we have seen decisions and actions in the denomination that run contrary to our understanding of Scripture and reveal a very different view of its authority.

We struggle with the theological fuzziness of the PC(USA). In their ordination vows, all officers commit to “receive and adopt the essential tenets of the Reformed faith.” Nice idea, but to this day no one can state what are the essential tenets. If you ask a denominational representative for the list, he or she will tell you that ordaining bodies, like a congregation or a presbytery, can define for themselves the essential tenets. It does not make any sense! As a result, the breadth of theological views of pastors and Elders is staggering. Often those views are in conflict with the PC(USA)’s official positions. Unfortunately, loss of accountability accompanies fuzzy theological identity. One great concern is the lack of clarity and conviction regarding the saving work of Jesus Christ.

We think that congregations should retain control and ownership of property. FPC has for over 50 years carefully managed the gifts of our congregants to build and maintain the church campus we enjoy today. There is no financial investment of presbytery that needs repayment. Sadly, the Georgia courts recently ruled that the denomination through its presbyteries “owns” the property. If FPC wants to ensure control of the church property for the next generation of members and freedom from any future attempts of the denomination to use land and buildings as leverage against them, then it is prudent to take advantage of this window of opportunity created by our presbytery for us to leave the PC(USA) with the property.

We have a different understanding of what comprises the moral and ethical mandates for the Christian life. It is not surprising that along with a different commitment regarding the place of the Bible in the Christian life and a different classification of theological orthodoxy we also have a definition of the moral and ethical code of the Christian life that is in conflict with the PC(USA) and our presbytery. We understand differently the significance of human life’s sacredness at any age or stage. We view differently the boundaries that describe sexual purity. We think differently about the biblical definition of marriage.

The “institution” is broken and there is little reason to think it can be fixed. Remove the theological, biblical and ethical issues and we are still left with a very unhealthy institution. The denomination is half what it was in the 1960’s and is declining at increasing rates. Presbyteries, synods and the national office are starving for resources. All the while denominational entities have busied themselves with the wrong priorities. What’s worse is that there is little possibility of self-correction. We need a way to organize and ECO meets that need.