Steven S. Bryant, Sr. Testimonial

“First, having been examined by Central South Presbytery approximately one year ago, I found the entire process to be a great blessing.  I took the exam preparation time seriously and studied more than I had studied in years.  I had to be honest with myself and pinpoint the many areas of my theology wherein I was weak and needed to do a better job of defending the faith.  I spent time talking through various doctrines with learned friends.  I discovered some “new favorite” Reformed and Systematic Theologians.  Yes, I was anxious about the exam, but I was blessed by the opportunity to study.  As it turned out, the time spent with the Ministerial Committee and on the floor of Presbytery felt more like a burden lifted because I knew I was truly among like-minded believers.  I’m sure Central South Presbytery had heard infinitely better answers, but they embraced me nonetheless, theological warts and all, with Christ-like love.

Second, as one who works with an outstanding group of Ruling Elders, we all had to admit to one another that past examinations at the Session level were not really what they should have been.   So, all the Ruling Elders of Grace Chapel embarked upon some much needed study.  We made used of the excellent EPC Leadership Training Guide and enjoyed getting acquainted with the modern language version the Westminster Confession of Faith.  Like me, they were richly blessed by their study time.  When the Administrative Commission of Central South Presbytery arrived to examine our Ruling Elders, we found them to be affirming, engaging, encouraging, and like long lost family members. Our Ruling Elders were quickly put at ease, and the examination itself was more like a roundtable discussion among good friends.   I was very proud of our Ruling Elders and not at all surprised when the Administrative Commission unanimously approved them. 

Third, as a member of the Ministerial Committee of Central South Presbytery, I have participated in quite a few examinations over the past year.  It is a different world.  The EPC cares about sound doctrine.  So, candidates are thoroughly examined.  But, I can honestly say that each candidate has been treated with the love and respect of the entire Ministerial Committee.  Quite often, what begins as a question and answer session morphs into an informed conversation and celebration of that which we all hold most dear – the very doctrinal beliefs compelling us to unite with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.   Never once have I witnessed anything even remotely adversarial or hyper-critical on the part of the Ministerial Committee in an examination.  Further, all the deliberations of the Committee before and after a particular examination have been prayerful and very generous toward examinees.

Fourth, I have been honored to serve on Administrative Commissions charged with the examination of Ruling Elders at First Presbyterian Church of Corinth, MS, and the Woodland Presbyterian Church of New Orleans, LA.  I am absolutely confident that if asked, they would echo the very affirming experiences of the Grace Chapel Ruling Elders, not only in the study time but also in the examination itself.  Each examination was marked by outstanding fellowship, moving testimonies of faith, much laughter, and a sense of great relief and excitement to be a part of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.”