It’s hard to use a single adjective to describe the General Assembly for a young observer. While it was a very valuable and eye-opening experience to see how the church operated, admittedly it was also quite dry and confusing at times. I’m very grateful that a pastor helped get me registered as an observer and that GA was close enough this year for me to attend. What I enjoyed the most were: getting a better understanding of our church as a whole (not just as single congregations), a greater appreciation for our church polity, fuller awareness of our church’s situation, and fellowship with likeminded peers and pastors.
Since the meetings started at 8:30 am in the mornings, and I had to commute 2 hours to reach McMaster, I usually arrived around 10:30 am. Everyone was seated in rows in a big lecture hall, and I felt transported back to my college days. I felt very timid slipping into the hall while the first presentation was going on, but soon felt at ease as I saw a few commissioners going in and out to take breaks. The rhythm of the meetings ebbed and flowed; it was difficult to pay attention the entire time, and sometimes certain topics projected on the screen were only referred to by a code. As someone who only read around 25 pages out of the 250 pages of reports, it was impossible to understand everything. Even many commissioners couldn’t fully grasp all the relevant aspects of certain topics, and it was at these moments that historic gems like Pastor James Hurd from Parkwood church in Ottawa stood out with their expertise on documents such as the Book of Forms, and vast experience from past GA’s. I was filled with deep admiration for such pastors that help guide our church in discussions, and at the same time I was slightly worried whether there were such experts to take their place in the future.
The discussion periods were often very interesting. During the first sederunt’s discussion, I clapped along as each speaker finished sharing their view; however, we were politely called to order by the moderator who told us not to clap because it was simply a discussion and not a debate for each side to cheer on their proponents. I chuckled a bit, realizing that even commissioners get carried away sometimes. Although I had my disagreements with some speakers, I was glad to hear everyone’s perspective.
The biggest topic of this year’s GA was confronting the harsh reality of our dwindling numbers. Many found this situation addressed far too late since we had been decreasing in size for decades, but I suppose it’s better late than never. This is an issue close to my heart as well because I love the Reformed tradition and am actively working to spread awareness of it and encourage Christians to check out the PCC, or any mainline church. The Assembly Council’s report, “Narratives of Hope and Possibility”, pointed to the story of Jesus meeting his disciples after the resurrection and telling them to cast their net on the other side, after which they caught so many fish that the boat began to sink (John 21:1-6, 15-17). Jesus asked Simon Peter three times if he loved him, harkening back to Peter’s threefold denial, and Jesus instructed Peter to feed the sheep. The report called for creative ways to reach out to our communities with the gospel, and for regional resource centers to be created for the purpose of greater efficiency. However it also encouraged amalgamations of small congregations (which would negatively impact the rural congregations) and centralization of many functions of the church. In my opinion, a key part missing from this report was examining the underlying theological reasons of our denomination’s decline. There’s a study I’ve been meaning to read up on and popularize through PCC Renewal, which is David Haskell’s 2016 research paper that noted a strong correlation between church decline and liberal/progressive theology. Comparing growing churches vs. declining churches, the latter had
1. Fewer churches with a teen ministry and bible study
2. More focus on music and social activity programs
3. Pastors that were less likely to read their bible daily
4. Less firm belief in the bodily resurrection of Christ
5. Belief that Christian doctrine needed to adapt to the times
6. Less desire for evangelism
7. Less belief in miracles
Some may say correlation does not equate causation, and that there are many factors behind our decline. While that may be true, I find it very logical that with a diluted gospel, there will be a weakened church. Anecdotally, I’ve heard that the most progressive churches are dying the fastest (see the UCC), and those who are still standing firm are mostly orthodox. Not to say that sound doctrine alone can guarantee stability, as churches still need to find engaging ways to share the gospel in our increasingly pluralistic and tech-driven society, but it’s an indispensable component of growth. I am praying for the denomination as a whole to return to God’s Word and not compromise the gospel. In the meantime, I will do my part, and have felt greatly encouraged by faithful ministers that have been working very hard for decades.
I was really blessed by the conversations I got to have with various pastors and YARs (Young Adult Representatives). I was able to bring encouragement about the renewal of interest among youth in traditional, classical Protestantism, and be encouraged by stories in their churches of how they found ways to thrive after Covid. The orthodox YARs and I quickly became friends as we related in many ways. They faced quite a lot of pressure to be conformed to the rest of the YARs opinions of the church, but with much prayer and encouragement, they stood firm and delivered a message that struck a deep chord with many pastors.
Despite all the procedures and tensions that come with being part of a large historic denomination, I love Presbyterian polity. I believe this is the best form of unity we can have while on this side of heaven – accepting our differences (within reason), keeping each other accountable, making decisions together through open discussions, and celebrating diversity. While it hasn’t all gone perfectly, I believe this form of church governance at least makes reform possible. I’m so glad I got to participate and feel a greater sense of belonging in this church.