A searchable, downloadable PDF of the original article appears below. Bob Astop is the Clerk Of Session, Whalley Presbyterian Church, Whalley, B.C.
As a first-time commissioner I had my own preconceived viewpoint of what was going to happen at this Assembly. It was going to be a very bureaucratic, boring and unspiritual process. I was even wondering why I volunteered to attend. In reality the Lord was at work, prompting me to go. What a pleasant surprise! The Holy Spirit is alive in our denomination and he has invited us to get involved and serve God.
General Assembly is the highest court in the Presbyterian Church, very similar to Congregational Meetings. However, more in-depth reports are submitted, discussed and approved: then issues are voted upon. 275 Commissioners (50% Ministers & 50% Elders), 25 Young Adult Representatives and 100 support staff participated to make it an enjoyable, loving and spiritual event.
Our new Moderator, John Congram, (editor of Presbyterian Record) is gifted with God’s wisdom. He dealt with all the issues, reports and recommendations with loving kindness knowing when to be firm and when to leave the commissioners to dialogue in order to make their point. Some issues were not resolved, requiring more time according to the Presbyterian process. This process is fair and examines all issues to avoid making a mistake.
Some of the Key Issues discussed were: Han-Ca Presbyteries – two Korean Presbyteries to be formed for a five-year trial period; homosexual lay person preaching in Montreal – General Assembly appointed a Special Commission to deal immediately with this issue (as it has been dragging on too long) and report back to 124th General Assembly; pension plan – Rule of 95 was approved that a minister or staff person can now retire without penalty if his/her age and years of service add up to 95.
Additional concerns were dealt with in group discussions based upon an Open Space Concept. Delegates from the floor were asked to voice issues concerning them and to be prepared to act as coordinator for a group. Eighty topics were brought forward by Young Adult Reps. and Commissioners. The remainder of delegates then chose topics to participate in over the next day-and-a-half. Some of the topics were “The Shrinking Church,” “Youth and their needs,” “The work of the Holy Spirit in your life and community,” and “Homosexuality in the Church.” This Open Space Concept enabled us to discuss, debate, seek resolution and pray. This process brought everyone together, with the Holy Spirit at work in all of our hearts.
I was impressed with the youth and their input. All of the Young Adult Representatives participated and were heard at General Assembly. I urge youth to get involved in the church and make things happen. I encourage you to bring your friends to Church – you never know what it might lead to. You are equals and we love you dearly. We need your help and participation to serve our Lord and make his Church grow.
During General Assembly I felt the Holy Spirit at work bringing forth the fruits of the Spirit. Presbyterians are a loving, kind, and caring denomination. We are not a dying Church, we are alive and well. We love the Lord and want to serve him. There is a renewal process happening in our Church manifested in musical praise and worship, serving, helping, prayer and healing. One minister was healed from a herniated disc. Others experienced spiritual renewal. The Holy Spirit dwells in us, calling us to prayer and intimacy with God.
Attending General Assembly has been a rewarding and spiritual experience. I saw a whole denomination united in worship of our Lord and I am proud to be a Presbyterian.