What does being a Presbyterian Global Fellowship congregation look like? One pastor answers this question. Download the document from the resources section of missionalweb and see what you think:
by D. Paul La Montagne
PGF values could guide a strategy that would move us forward in this difficult time. But translating values into operating strategy is an important and a difficult step. What follows is a proposal for a strategy based upon PGF missional values. Once I had constructed it I realized that I could give both it and PGF my commitment.
1. When matters come to a vote, vote in favor of orthodox and Reformed Christian theology and in favor of traditional Reformed practice, especially in the areas of Christian sexual ethics and the Reformed practice of ordination.
2. When called upon, make clear statements concerning these issues, affirming always Apostolic, Nicene, Chalcedonian theology.
3. Do not, however, be distracted by denominational politics and spend excessive time campaigning over these issues, organizing to address them, writing and publishing about them or fighting involved polity and governance battles.
4. For the most part, recognize that ministry and mission happen at the individual and congregational level, so pay attention to the denomination (at least at its highest levels) only insofar as it supports the work that God has called us to do. Waste neither time nor money nor strength fighting a losing battle to force this particular division of the visible church into closer correspondence with the invisible church.
5. Since denominations by their very nature will always be broken institutions, waste neither time nor strength nor money trying to leave the denomination or create a new one or set up an alternate polity structure within the present one.
6. Instead, dedicate ourselves, especially at the level of congregations, to ministry and mission. Our primary calling is to help people grow up to the stature of the fullness of Christ and to proclaim the Gospel throughout the earth. Remember that throughout the earth includes, in this day and age and for us here, to a secular, post-Christian American culture.
7. Spend as little time and effort and money as possible on structures to support our ministry and mission, for structures are largely secondary or tertiary. Focus instead on fellowship among those who are dedicated to the same ministry and mission. Such fellowship is more effective by far in enabling and enhancing the ministry and mission of concrete particular congregations than any structural attempt to accomplish the same task. Even good structures created by faithful people and oriented to the proper mission and ministry of the church can be obstacles to fulfilling our calling if we spend too much time and effort upon them. What little structure we create should limit itself to servant work in support of the fellowship among those dedicated to the same ministry and mission.
