God is greater than every vessel we construct to represent the Body of Christ. Also the circle of faith, hope, and love inaugurated by Jesus Christ is wider than every circumference we establish to clarify our belonging. It seems to me that our conversation about Presbyterian witness should bear in mind these comparative spiritual metrics as we fashion our future.
It is my hope that competing voices leading the current conversation about our future witness would demonstrate greater forbearance and an appreciation both for one another and also for the place we hold within the broader course of Christian witness. While perceived pejorative hooks being used in conversation may become scattered salt for old wounds, I think the notion of a non-geographic governing body need not be rejected out of hand.
Yet since the Body of Christ is a greater reality than our denominational boundaries, I believe some humility in our line drawing would demonstrate a measure of deepening faith. It serves no lasting benefit for Presbyterians to be drawing lines finer and finer to ensure a uniformity of cause and commitment. While the Reformed tradition was begun as an attempt to reform and revitalize the Body of Christ, its schismatic outcome for the life of the Christian Church was not an intended outcome. Unfortunately, we have spent more of our time throughout the centuries in squabbles with each other than in reforming dialogue with the larger communion of believers. This heritage has not added to our benefit. The circle is wider.
It seems to me that some thoughtful leaders of our congregations are seeking to find a way to keep communion within our denomination while allowing room for a distinction of voice. As a local pastor I appreciate the need for each shepherd to teach and lead a congregation in a manner that generates greater faith and charity within the unique context of each setting. If circles need to have sub-circles with dotted lines and permeability, I believe that a generous spirit within our body can allow for that. Yet it would be both refreshing and faithful if greater energy were applied to the challenge of growing together than spending our energy in currents that deplete and separate our witness. Throughout history, I believe the separations of Christian communions have not served to strengthen the witness of Christ for the world. Indeed, such divisions have made our witness smaller in spirit and manner.
Presbyterians would acknowledge that God is greater than all human conception. So also, we surely acknowledge our apprehension of the Body of Christ is only partial. Each generation seeks to fashion a faithful vessel by which the eternal God can be praised. The shape of our belonging in Christ can surely flex and adapt while remaining true to God.
We need not disdain others who propose alternate patterns for our witness and communion. Indeed, the character and concerns of the Church are often framed by the attitudes of each age. As a confessional church, we believe that not only the community of believers in the ancient church but even also the faithful of the 19th
century church speak – indeed every era of faith informs our witness. Yet while the witness of prior generations guides our current confession, former structures need not be a prison of the past. Our calling is to demonstrate faith today.
Our knowledge of God’s sovereignty ought to generate greater patience and humility in our conversations than I currently see amongst my colleagues. We can do better, and certainly, God is greater.
Brian R. Paulson, D. Min.
Pastor, First Presbyterian Church of Libertyville, Illinois
March 28, 2011
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