Well, last week I attended my first PCA General Assembly in Dallas. It was an experience.
I would have liked to have seen the debate on erecting a study committee on women as deacons continue a little longer. I had bounced back and forth on the issue, and I would have loved to have someone convince me to change my vote. Sadly, I was not impressed with all the talk. There were some good points made, but nothing earth-shattering.
I do have one major complaint, though. Where were the ruling elders? According to the Stated Clerk’s statistics, there were 262 of us registered, vs. over 800 teaching elders. Pardon me, but that is pathetic! I actually had two teaching elders pat me on the back and say, “Wow! A ruling elder. Welcome, brother.”
I have been told that ruling elders outnumber teaching elders in the PCA 5 to 1. I think it is inexcusable that we made up only about 1/4 of those in attendance. How do we expect to do anything regarding the future of our denomination?
I’ve heard all the arguments about costs and lack of “weight” in arguments. However, I think there’s another problem at the root of this. I believe it is a combination of apathy and vacation. I wonder how many ruling elders really don’t want to get involved. Just let the teaching elders do all the work. That’s why we pay them the big bucks. I also think too many don’t want to give up 4 or 5 days of vacation just to discuss church business.
Well, I for one, enjoyed my time in Dallas. I got to meet a number of people that I knew only through email discussions. I also got to meet some men whose work I regularly read on the internet in preparation for my Sunday School class and my Bible study. Although my pastor told me I might not want to let anyone know too soon, I plan of attending GA next year in Orlando.
