The Layman

‘A Time For Every Purpose Under Heaven’

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The Layman – Volume 40, Number 1 – Posted May 7, 2007

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Stephen G. Brown
Chairman
Presbyterian
Lay Committee
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing in your midst. Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” Isaiah 43:18-19

Such is the title and opening Scripture of the report of the strategy team of the New Wineskins Association of Churches that was presented to the Orlando convocation in February. To have hundreds of Presbyterians agree unanimously on a historic plan of action is historic in itself. They have perceived the “new thing” and are on the path of unity that has been lacking for what seems like an eternity.

Many people in the church have been crying out for decades for a plan of action, while renewal groups have waged the battle to turn the Presbyterian Church (USA) back to its foundational beliefs. A true action plan is here, folks, and it has been conceived based on Biblical principles. It is not just a plan for those wanting to depart. It covers every conceivable position a congregation can be in, namely:
  • Those who are called to leave now.
  • Those who believe they will probably leave in the future.
  • Those who have not yet discerned which path to follow.
  • Those who are called to remain.
You don’t have to be on the threshold of making a decision to benefit from A Time For Every Purpose Under Heaven. Of the members in the PCUSA who are aware of the crisis, the vast majority are watching and waiting. But while they wait, they ought to be educating themselves. And I can’t think of a better way to understand the dilemma than by reading this book.

The volume (see page 15) is a fabulous resource for every church concerned about the state of the denomination. Most of the book is comprised of resource materials, legal action plan documents, denominational resources and practical aids.

In 2005, the Presbyterian Lay Committee published a monograph titled Can Two Faiths Embrace One Future? After attending New Wineskins convocations since 2005 and reading this book, I found there is overwhelming evidence that we have two faiths under one tent. And they are not the least bit compatible. But each person has to make that judgment. Education is the key.

Sometimes, we clearly see God bless a particular effort in building his Kingdom. He truly blessed and guided the New Wineskins strategy team. His blessings are written all over their product in clear and uncertain terms. God grants us wisdom when we seek his will, and he gave it to them in abundance.

While the Bible speaks against schism in the church (dividing over non-essentials), we are called to separate over essentials. Some of those who are committed to institutional preservation at all costs will label the New Wineskins Association of Churches as schismatic. An honest evaluation of the question of schism versus separation can be achieved by reading this book.

Then, perhaps you will be able to answer the question in Isaiah 43:18-19 in the affirmative: “Yes, Lord, I perceive it and it is a good thing and it has you and only you as its purpose.”

Stephen G. Brown, a PCUSA elder, resides in Poinciana, Fla. He is chairman of the Board of Directors and chief executive officer of the Presbyterian Lay Committee.
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