Well, it has happened. Citing the recent changes in our constitution, one of our congregations has asked to be dismissed to another denomination. Several others are considering similar moves. Some of these are congregations in which we have made considerable investments of time, prayer, energy and money. All of them are congregations with faithful people whom I love and cherish (even if we don’t always agree).
As much as I try to be charitable, I have to admit that my first response comes not from my rational brain and higher spiritual self but rather from my amygdala where both my fight/flight response and my emotional baggage are stored. I feel hurt and angry at the rejection, just as I did when my first marriage ended in divorce. I am offended at being labeled “unbiblical” or “non-Christian” by others; and sad at the possibility of loss. I also wrestle with the desire for retaliation: if someone wants to leave, then it’s gonna cost ‘em… I want my pound of flesh!
When I move beyond these emotional responses and try to think theologically and Biblically about denominational divorce, I am challenged to a better way.
It is clear from scripture that maintaining unity amidst diversity is the church’s single most powerful witness to the reconciling work of Christ. First and foremost is the prayer of our Lord on the night of his betrayal:
‘I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, 21that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us,* so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, 23I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.’ (John 17. 20-23).
Other important passages come from Paul, especially those that explore imagery of the church as the Body of Christ, and our relationships with one another as members of that body (see Romans chapter 12-14). In fact, it would appear that the epistles are largely directed to issues of strife and division amongst believers in the fledgling church, with the writers exhorting them to unity in Christ and cautioning them against judging one another.
So unity in Christ and mutual forbearance are our highest calling. When we fail in this endeavor, it is sin. Anytime there is division or schism in the body, it constitutes a massive failure on the part of everyone involved. No matter which “side” we are on, when there is a division, all of us have failed to love one another as God has loved us. And for this, we must ask forgiveness.
Our failures are not the end of God’s grace or purpose. Time and again, scripture helps us to see that God can redeem even our worst for his purposes. The book of Acts recounts how Paul and Barnabas had “a sharp disagreement” that led to their splitting up. But even as they parted ways, the missionary efforts of the early church were not divided but multiplied! It seems that the witness of the gospel can survive even the people of God!
When depravity prevails and a split does occur in the church, it is all the more important that we do our best to bear witness to the gospel in the way we handle the separation. While our feelings may drive us to seek retaliation or pay-back, I’m not sure that’s the most faithful response. Christ’s exhortations to his followers in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5.21-48) encourage us to resist retaliation and instead to embrace a generosity of spirit and material goods. In the parable of the prodigal son we see a graciousness that does not seek revenge. I am struck by how, despite the son’s rejection of him, the father does not resist, retaliate or debase … he hands over the inheritance freely and allows the son to depart. When the son returns wishing to be reconciled, there is no ‘re-entry’ fee… he is welcomed back and feted as though he never left. The father in this parable exhibits extraordinary generosity and grace… the same grace that God exhibits toward us, and the same grace that Christ tells us to exhibit with one another.
Some will say, “But what of our investments? Shouldn’t we be repaid? Shouldn’t we get some return on them?” I have come to believe that we must think of our efforts as investments in the Realm of God rather than as investments in the PC(USA)… otherwise we are flirting with idolatry. The property, the facilities, and everything else belong first and foremost to God. If a departing congregation is still participating in the Realm of God (even in a form with which we differ), then perhaps it is best for us to let it go with all the assets in hand with prayers that the ministry will flourish and that Christ will be glorified.
And so as we approach a season of division, I’m praying that we will be led more by the Holy Spirit than by the spirit of this age. And may God forgive us our trespasses.
Thoughts & Images from the Heart 
Rebecca,
I admire the openness of your response. I also have to remind you that over and over and over again the majority of Presbyterians told a vocal minority, with an axe to grind, that they did not believe the Bible, which we believe is the inspired Word of God, condemns homosexuality.
We were aware that our lack of Biblical obedience would cause losses, but we chose to count them as unimportant and chose to be “politically correct” as opposed to “spiritually righteous” in order to satisfy this 30+ years of irritant rather than standing for “Biblical truth”. The Presbyterian Church has joined with other mainline denominations to give up its role of moral and spiritual leadership in a world becoming more and more bereft of such leadership.
As Martin Luther once said, “…here I stand. Amen”
Larry Lewis,
Honorably Retired
Rebecca,
Thank you for this very “real” expression of grief and very sincere theological reflection. It captures my own sense of loss and my own hopefulness for unity beyond this season of division. Like you, I too, in my lesser moments feel anger at those who would leave the denomination that has nutured, blessed and stretched us all to worship God with heart, soul mind and strength. But when I step back and reflect I am reminded that my “anger does not work the righteousness of God.” And that goes for us on both sides of the matter – whether we are angry and want to leave because we believe our church has “departed from the faith” or whether we wish to vent our rage self-righteously at those who are pulling out of the denomination. As you so eloquently say, we have ALL failed at Jesus’ call to unity. May we indeed take the long view as we make this sad journey, realizing that the Church of Jesus Christ goes on and the Kingdom of God will not be thwarted by our disunity. I am glad the Lord has gifted our presbytery with an able, loving and theologically astute shepherd like you to be with us in these days.
Ted Smith
Cartersville, First
Bless you, Rebecca,
Thank you for your words of wisdom. When hurt, I too find my first response is emotional and I want to hurt someone back. Fortunately, given a little time–and not a little prayer time–I develop a more thoughtful response.
Having survived the 1980 schism at SPC, I have witnessed many times God’s “mysterious
ways His wonders to perform” and look forward to witnessing more.
Thank you for your leadership. I echo Ted Smith’s words of thanksgiving in that “God has given our presbytery an able, loving and theologically astute shepherd like you to be with us in these days.”
I am sure you will understand the following GROOK:
“Time heals all wounds, or so they say.
But I have lived to learn….
That although Time can heal a wound,
Old scars ache and burn.”
Even after 30 years….
Sue Spivey
Summerville Presbyterian Church
I fell in love with God sixteen years ago at a retreat called Cursillo. I am so glad that it fell in line with my Presbyterian roots, because that encounter changed my life. I have been a Presbyterian for 42 years, and unlike many others, I know only the Presbyterian faith. I have been brought up to believe in the Bible as God’s holy word, and I have recited our confessions more than I can count. It saddens me that our denomination has lost over 100 churches in the last 5 years and it leaves me to wonder what the future may hold. Despite the fact that I do not support the actions of the General Assembly, I love my church family and my Presbyterian roots. I will remain faithful to the denomination and pray that we will be able to seek unity in this difficult time. I too like Rebecca want to lash out in anger and retaliation at what I feel is a slap in the face, but Christ is calling us to unite and so that is what I will continue to pray for.
Sharon Dunlap
First Presbyterian Church
Cartersville, Georgia