 Presbyterian Leaders’ Forum  Monday, September 14, 1998
A Message from the PLC Chair “For such a time as this” will be the theme of Gathering III, October 8-10, 1998. Hundreds of members, elders and ministers will be coming to Dallas, Tex., determined to take decisive actions which can help the PCUSA metamorphose from a struggling denomination of dwindling numbers and relevance into a revitalized body of believers, growing and serving Jesus Christ as real disciples in the third millennium.Worship and study of God’s word will be inspired by “Union in Christ: A Declaration for the Church.” That Declaration reaffirms with exciting relevance the theological bedrock of our historic faith delivered once for all in God’s word written and incarnate, as the only sure foundation for transformation of the Church. Multiple interactive workshops will be devoted to the related proposal of the Coalition’s Visioning Team – “Turning Toward the Mission of God: A Strategy for Transformation of the PCUSA.” Participants will consider specific strategies for Renewal of Mission, Worship, Polity, Theological Education, Educational Ministries, and Church Discipline. During the past two years, it has been my privilege to become personally acquainted with the directors of the Presbyterian Coalition, who serve as the Steering Committee for that informal gathering of Presbyterians who are deeply “committed to strengthening Biblically, constitutionally, and confessionally the Body of Christ.” I have also become personally acquainted with many of those who have served so faithfully on the Coalition’s Visioning Team, Gathering Planning Teams, and support staff. I have come to know and appreciate their hearts and minds, their passion and enthusiasm for the renewal and transformation of our beloved church. I thank God for their dedication and for the opportunity to serve with them and to witness this historic turning point “for such a time as this” in the life and resurrection of Christ’s church. I urge readers of The Layman to join me in expressing that appreciation by participation in Gathering III. Constructive planning for the future will be an effective antidote for the wearisome illness of conflict and division that has consumed so much of our time, energy and resources in recent years. Declaring our common faith through union in Christ will identify the common ground on which unity can be achieved out of the diversity of our fallen humanity. We are called to be doers of His word, not merely hearers. Showing solidarity with others committed to our historic Reformed faith is something specific you can do in responding to God’s call “for such a time as this.” History will affirm God’s providence in leading us out of the drift and decay of the last three decades. God is giving us the opportunity to help write that history at Dallas as participants in Gathering III. Hope to see you there! Robert Howard |
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