Letting Go

Dear Friends,

The following news will come as no surprise to most of you who have read this blog. For generations the Presbyterian Church and its member denominations have grappled over belief. Belief in Jesus as the singular, saving, Lord of all. Belief in the Trinity. Belief in the Bible as God's infallible Word. Belief in miracles. ETC. I have spent over 10 years grappling with these issues as an inquirer, candidate, and 7 of those years as an ordained clergy. Grappling, fighting, disagreeing over the most basic matters of the faith. Nearly 2 years ago I attended my 2nd GA as an observer and it became clear to me that we were spiritually matched in a deathgrip. I for one felt called of God to let go and yesterday the congregation I serve by a unanimous vote agreed.

To my friends still in the PCUSA - please understand that the door of escape is closing if you must stay then please do so in full awareness that you will face loss of goods and kindred if you wait - a worthwhile choice if you must make it. To my friends in the NWEPC - see you soon! Thanks for the safe harbor and the blessing of good fellowship already extended.

Statement:

The First Presbyterian Church of Thibodaux at its duly called congregational meeting on May 4th, 2008 voted unanimously to disaffiliate from the Presbyterian Church (USA) and voluntarily affiliate with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Of its 91 voting members 47 were present and all voted in the affirmative to disaffiliate and all voted in the affirmative to seek admission into the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

It is with great expectation that we announce what we consider this to be our return to our roots in orthodox Christian practice by joining our sister churches in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC). Already one of the congregations we had the honor of planting many years ago (First Presbyterian Church of Houma) is a member of the EPC with them and others we are taking a firm stand for the Essential Tenets of the Christian Faith as articulated in the EPC Constitution.

For decades we have watched with alarm as the PC (USA) has drifted from its roots and its clear proclamation of Jesus Christ as Lord. We do not perceive this so much as our leaving the denomination as our recognition that it left us. With that realization came a desire to return to our long lost family in the EPC. As a Christian Church in the Reformed tradition we hold dear to the teachings of the Bible and its call upon our lives (see the possition papers section). In this action we choose to remain Presbyterian in our polity (church governance) and Biblical in our beliefs while affirming that actions as well as words matter.

This moment is made bittersweet by the many friends that we leave behind in the PC(USA) but we know that we must follow Jesus above all other relationships. We also live in the hope that our friends will realize that we have not changed; merely our institutional affiliation has changed. We will continue to pray for the PC(USA) but it is time for us to move forward with joy and expectation into our new life in Christ.

Matthew 10:38-39 38 and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.