Thread by @CAHutch1990

PCA 🧵.

As the pastor of a church in a college town, it's my privilege to introduce many students and others to the PCA. And then to recommend it further as they move on, trying to help them find a church near them.

I won't give numbers but after 17 years, it's been a few 1/10

But it's not automatic. We are but one small part of the larger Body of Christ (Book of Church Order 2-2). Sometimes there are other healthier or more fitting churches.

So what makes me want to recommend the PCA first?
It's been our overall "brand" as I see it. 2/

That in PCA churches, they will hear the Gospel of grace proclaimed clearly every week.

They will be reminded of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ on their behalf.

That even though they struggle with their sanctification, they are yet justified by grace. 3/

But that's not guaranteed. Sure, every PCA pastor and leader can articulate the Gospel.

But they don't all emphasize it. They may think they do, but other concerns and ministries may end up over-shadowing it without them even realizing it. 4/

I'm not sub-tweeting. I've been saying this since 1998™.

I have in mind things like evangelism programs, theological precision, missions, even keeping the moral law.

All good things. But not the Gospel. 5/

I think now we see another threat to this "brand" more pronounced than ever, if not new.

The culture wars are pressuring us more than ever before, forcing us to take sides.

And sometimes we have to - you either have to mask or not mask. But the key is to take sides gently. 6/

Which I have not always done well. But that brings me - by way of repentance - back to my point.

Are we still keeping the main thing the main thing?

Is the PCA still most known for preaching the doctrines of GRACE - of keeping Jesus central? 7/

Am I going to keep enthusiastically recommending to people who move that they first check out the PCA church nearest to them?

What I tell them is to go where they hear the word of Christ most clearly, and where the people genuinely love one another as a result of such grace. 8/

And on top of that, has godly leadership and polity, with accountability. Word, Prayer and Sacraments.

Which all center on the Gospel, not programs, or numbers or the latest denominational controversy or culture war cause du jour.

That ought to be the nearest PCA church. 9/

But if not, then find a place that will bring you Christ each week.

Which emphasizes love and joy, and builds you up in faith and hope, not a spirit of fear or burden or dread.

That's the brand I'm after. Sisters & brothers, let's help one another not to get distracted. 10/10

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