Assembly Reflections

A searchable, downloadable PDF of the original article appears below. Clair MacLeod is the minister at St. James’ Presbyterian Church, Truro, Nova Scotia.

The 120th General Assembly had, for me, special significance because I believed, prior to Assembly, that we would be dealing with issues that could “make” or “break” the Presbyterian Church in Canada. I believed our failure to adopt the “Report on Human Sexuality” could spell the demise of our beloved denomination. My fears were somewhat lessened when it was moved in amendment to the motion that the report be adopted as the statement of the Presbyterian Church in Canada and the motion as amended carried with a large majority. This went much beyond the original motion in the report as being simply “a guideline and a basis for ongoing thought and discussion.” The Church has clearly spoken on matters of vital importance and I believe it has happened under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Please allow me to explain the conclusion at which I have arrived. There appears to have been a widespread concern prior to Assembly, and across our denomination, concerning the position that would be taken on the Human Sexuality Report. In conversation with some of those people I could sense their concern and desire to take these matters before God in prayer. I believe many did commit themselves to concerted times of prayer for the well being of our denomination and for God’s directive to be followed. I saw this pattern continued with the nightly prayer meetings that followed each evening sederunt. These times of prayer, that lasted for more than an hour each night, attracted dozens of people who fervently sought the Lord’s will and brought all matters of concern to him. It was a very moving atmosphere and one which I found most refreshing and humbling. I can only thank God for those who were responsible for organizing these prayer meetings and I certainly trust that they would be continued at all future Assemblies. God honours the faithfulness of his people.

One has to ask oneself what the lasting impact is going to be on our denomination as a result of the decisions that were made at the General Assembly with respect to the human sexuality issue. Only God knows the final outcome but I take great confidence in the fact that many of the Commissioners at Assembly appeared to place such trust in the authority of the Scriptures as the inspired Word of God and would not move from that position. This bodes well for the Presbyterian Church in Canada. When we face difficult issues it is to the Scriptures we must turn and not allow the opinions of people to dominate our thinking. It always annoys me when I see God’s Word distorted in order that we can make an individual or a group of individuals comfortable in whatever position they choose to take. The Word of God can, and should, make us uncomfortable when we choose a lifestyle that is contrary to his will for us. Thank God we can rid ourselves of such discomfort when we openly confess our sins before God.

I believe in our denomination and am excited by the things God has in store for us. He has promised his Holy Spirit to be our Counselor and he wants that we be faithful to him. He has made a way open to us through the sacrificial death and the glorious resurrection of his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, whom to know is life eternal. How can we have anything but a positive approach to the Church of Jesus Christ when we hold such tremendous truths dear in our hearts?

The greatest impact resulting from the 120th General Assembly upon those of us who claim the name Presbyterian, may well be in the form of a warning in that we not wait for some crucial issue to confront us before we search the Scriptures for the truth and seek God’s face through prayer. The Apostle Paul’s instruction in 2 Timothy 2:15 is clear: “study [the Scripture] to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth,” and in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 we are told to “Pray without ceasing.” Both of these challenges must be met for the spiritual wellbeing of individuals and the Church alike. And when they are met we can only move, by the grace of God, from strength to strength.