Verdict

2 Chronicles 19:6 He told them, "Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for man but for the LORD, who is with you whenever you give a verdict.

 

Yesterday, I watched our General Assembly discuss and debate the most important issue to come before our denomination in twenty-five years. The participants and commissioners were dealing with a slate of recommendations from a Task Force called the “Peace, Unity, and Purity Report.”

 

During the debate, I was frequently praying to God for the guidance and presence of the Holy Spirit to be bestowed upon the Assembly. The atmosphere, even across the cyberspace streaming, was electrified, and everyone wanted to make the right decision. Our church has been hemorrhaging for decades over the issue of who is or isn't fit for ordination. Eventually, after hours of passionate debating, the commissioners decided to accept the Report, with 57% for, and 43% against.

 

I know that some people were deeply disappointed with the decision, and it will be interesting to see how it will all pan out in practice. However, I feel as though the denomination has given a verdict after carefully, and prayerfully, considering what needed to be done. Marj Carpenter, one of the most respected mission leaders and past moderators of our denomination made a pivotal point when she said, "I'm against the ordination of homosexuals, though I love ‘em. But we've been fighting in this ditch for 28 years and ditch is getting deeper. It's starting to affect our mission work, our youth ministry and our evangelism and I'm ready to try something else. Please, let's get on with being the church, taking the gospel into the world and offering them something else other than arguments."

 

Most of the commissioners echoed her feelings and I also agree. We've let this issue take over who we are and what we do. It’s time to consolidate our energy and resources, our time and focus on those things that are important to God. There’s a broken world outside the church that needs help, and we're supposed to be the servants and vessels of Christ’s healing ministry.

 

Prayer:             Lord Jesus, we pray Your blessing upon our church. We need to be helped and healed, strengthen and supported by Your Sacred Spirit, so that we can go out into the world to express the good news of salvation through our loving acts, transforming faith, and solid faith. Enable and empower to be all that You want us to be. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.