1. Amendment 10A and FPCD A discussion for the congregation of First Presbyterian Church of Douglasville

2. Current Language of G-6.0106b (until July) “Those who are called to office in the church are to lead a life in obedience to Scripture and in conformity to the historic confessional standards of the church. Among these standards is the requirement to live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman (W- 4.9001), or chastity in singleness.

3. Current Language (cont) Persons refusing to repent of any self- acknowledged practice which the confessions call sin shall not be ordained and/or installed as deacons, elders, or ministers of the Word and Sacrament.”

4. New Language “Standards for ordained service [pastors, elders, deacons] reflect the church’s desire to submit joyfully to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life (G-1.0000). The governing body responsible for ordination and/or installation (G-14.0240; G-14.0450) shall examine each candidate’s calling, gifts, preparation, and suitability for the responsibilities of office.

5. New Language (cont) The examination shall include, but not be limited to, a determination of the candidate’s ability and commitment to fulfill all requirements as expressed in the constitutional questions for ordination and installation (W-4.4003). Governing bodies shall be guided by Scripture and the confessions in applying standards to individual candidates.”

6. What do we believe?  Scripture is our preeminent authority for all matters of faith and life.  Scripture reveals that sexual intimacy is one of God’s good gifts, and it was given for the context of marriage between one man and one woman. This is expressed in the Creation story, the Mosaic Law, and it is affirmed in the gospels and the New Testament letters.  Scripture is our preeminent authority for all matters of faith and life.  Scripture reveals that sexual intimacy is one of God’s good gifts, and it was given for the context of marriage between one man and one woman. This is expressed in the Creation story, the Mosaic Law, and it is affirmed in the gospels and the New Testament letters.

7. What do we believe? (cont)  The truth of Scripture regarding the moral life is given for our flourishing, and to live outside that is destructive to both the individual and those in his or her community.  The call of Christ is for sinners to experience salvation and to live in communities that encourage their spiritual growth as we all wrestle with our “body of death” (Ro 7:24).  The truth of Scripture regarding the moral life is given for our flourishing, and to live outside that is destructive to both the individual and those in his or her community.  The call of Christ is for sinners to experience salvation and to live in communities that encourage their spiritual growth as we all wrestle with our “body of death” (Ro 7:24).

8. What do we believe? (cont)  Officers voluntarily accept a mantle of accountability to the standards of the Bible and our confessional history. Officers do sin, but they are committed to not willingly engage in it and they are willing to receive the discipline of the church when they do.  The Session will continue to uphold “fidelity and chastity” as the biblical standard for sexual intimacy.  Officers voluntarily accept a mantle of accountability to the standards of the Bible and our confessional history. Officers do sin, but they are committed to not willingly engage in it and they are willing to receive the discipline of the church when they do.  The Session will continue to uphold “fidelity and chastity” as the biblical standard for sexual intimacy.

9. What’s next?  Keep the main thing the main thing: the ministry and mission of FPCD.  Denominations are declining numerically and in relevance.  Further develop the firewall between FPCD and the denomination, e.g., no PC (USA) curriculum, continue withholding finances.  Keep the main thing the main thing: the ministry and mission of FPCD.  Denominations are declining numerically and in relevance.  Further develop the firewall between FPCD and the denomination, e.g., no PC (USA) curriculum, continue withholding finances.

10. What’s next? (cont)  Help address the “guilt by association” issues:  We have aligned theologically with the World Reformed Fellowship (www.wrfnet.org)www.wrfnet.org  Reviewing our signage, logos, etc...  Help church members develop ways to complete both of these statements  “I am Presbyterian because…”  “I am Presbyterian, but…”  Help address the “guilt by association” issues:  We have aligned theologically with the World Reformed Fellowship (www.wrfnet.org)www.wrfnet.org  Reviewing our signage, logos, etc...  Help church members develop ways to complete both of these statements  “I am Presbyterian because…”  “I am Presbyterian, but…”

11. What’s next? (cont)  To continue to combat culture’s creep into the denomination through all avenues available to us.  To participate in and support efforts currently underway to realign churches and presbyteries according to a common theological and missional identity.  To continue to combat culture’s creep into the denomination through all avenues available to us.  To participate in and support efforts currently underway to realign churches and presbyteries according to a common theological and missional identity.