'Becoming One' Rationale
The New Wineskins vision is to develop a permission giving, non-regulatory missional church founded on the Essential Tenets of Our Reformed Faith. Our hearts’ desire is to be part of a true missional, evangelical, Reformed and Presbyterian church.
We deeply appreciate the welcome given us by the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. There is tremendous commonality between the churches in the transitional presbytery and the EPC.
As we consider the possibility of full membership in the EPC, we are mindful of several concerns that have been expressed:
1. Are we losing the New Wineskins vision of ministry networks? No, that vision is still strong. Ministry networks develop better when participating congregations are in geographical proximity. We are very spread out. Uniting with congregations in the EPC will increase the critical mass necessary for ministry networks to function effectively. Ministry networks can be done in a geographical presbytery.
2. Pastors and Sessions coming into the EPC will be examined by the geographical presbyteries. While that idea may cause some anxiety, honestly, aren’t we glad that there are no free passes in the EPC? We can learn about the process, prepare and present ourselves as “a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 NIV) Much positive feedback has been received from New Wineskins ministers who have been examined by EPC presbyteries. One Pastor commented, “I am grateful to be part of a denomination that has orthodox essentials and boundaries. They make for a deep level of trust in the EPC.”
3. The ordination of women in the EPC is a source of concern to many. In the EPC a local church is free to elect and ordain female Ruling Elders. The ordination of women as Teaching Elders is not considered an essential of the faith. Each presbytery has the right to develop its own policy. At this time, several EPC presbyteries have reviewed or are reviewing their positions. We need to respect and support the presbyteries, and pray for them as they work through the process.
We believe that the best way to move forward in fulfilling the vision of New Wineskins is for the NWEPC congregations to move toward full membership in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. As we proceed to do so, focusing on the vision that unites us, we believe that the various concerns will work themselves out along the way.
As we in the New Wineskins TP/SN look at moving into full membership in the EPC, we are aware that this will be full assimilation into the EPC. We want to enter this with our eyes wide open. Jesus said to count the cost. In doing so, it may be helpful to consider the following questions. Are we called to preserve New Wineskins or are we called to build the Kingdom of God? Are we willing to be seed that falls into the soil so that new life may come? Do we believe that we can be leaven the in hands of the Lord, be worked into the dough, and help make the whole lump of dough more what He wants it to be. Is God calling us into the Evangelical Presbyterian Church?
God has brought us together for such a time as this. Let us join together with our brothers and sisters in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church to be a church that is truly missional, evangelical, Reformed and Presbyterian. To God be the glory!
In the belief that full membership in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church is the best way forward in fulfilling the vision of New Wineskins, we present this report on Becoming One for your consideration.
Submitted by:
Coordinating Team of the Transitional Presbytery/Support Network and Joint Commission
May 4, 2009
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