View of GA226 Plenary from the Chicago Presbytery seats. Photo by Jana Blazek
The apostles and leaders called a special meeting to consider the matter. Acts 15:6 MSG
The church has always had disagreements. The church has always had conflict. The issue in Acts chapter 15 is the inclusion of Greeks in the church of Christ. Is there something these Greeks should do to prove their loyalty and commitment to the church? Some argued for circumcision. Others demanded that these outsiders obey the law of Moses and perform other acts that reflected Jewish tradition. To resolve these issues, they called a special meeting. In our language today, they had an Assembly.
Last week, I attended my 15th General Assembly. Since I like numbers, here are a few. There were over 114 overtures or requests for clarity and direction from congregations, presbyteries, and synods. These overtures were divided among 15 committees — some having as many as 50 participants. The plenary had over 420 commissioners voting (7 from the Presbytery of Chicago). Wow! That’s a lot of talking, negotiating, deciding, and praying.
The work of GA is one aspect of the meeting. The other part is socializing, meeting friends, and making new acquaintances. I agree with those who call GA a family reunion! Over the years, I’ve accumulated hundreds of friends and acquaintances! It is wonderful to put a face to someone I’ve emailed or to see the entire person outside of a Zoom box!
Observing the plenary session at GA shows disagreements, passion, intelligence, wisdom, patience, and prayer. These are the same people serving congregations, presbyteries, and synods. Our colleagues sit with us in worship, set up the table for Communion, and serve cookies during fellowship. We get to know one another outside of the worship and church experience so that we can come to learn the joys and cares of life we possess. Knowing one another helps us care for one another.
Presbytery Assembly is like GA because it’s an opportunity to connect and meet colleagues in ministry. Socializing beyond what we say and do on the floor of the presbytery is significant.
The church has come a long way since the first assembly debated the inclusion of Greek outsiders. We still struggle with who should be allowed in and at what level of service. I’m saddened when churches are challenged by women in leadership and the inclusion of the LGBTQA+ community in all aspects of worship and service. May we learn the lesson from the first assembly, led by Peter. He recognized the Spirit consistently builds more bridges, connects with outsiders, and creates paths of welcome to all. May it always be so.
Rev. Dr. Craig Howard
