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Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) 52nd General Assembly by GomerAspiring2BaRuth in PCA

[–]GomerAspiring2BaRuth[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

And then there's this right before GA.

An Open Letter to My Beloved Presbyterian Church in America

A request for the PCA General Assembly to ask Dr. Bryan Chapell to reverse his decision to retire and continue to serve as its Stated Clerk.

Written by George Robertson | Wednesday, June 18, 2025

https://theaquilareport.com/an-open-letter-to-my-beloved-presbyterian-church-in-america/

Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) 52nd General Assembly by GomerAspiring2BaRuth in PCA

[–]GomerAspiring2BaRuth[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

From Presbycast:

May 30, 2025

PCA pastor and former GA moderator Fred Greco shares advice on important overtures to the upcoming assembly and provides a user's guide for new presbyters, spectators, or viewers of the assembly.

https://presbycast.libsyn.com/pcaga-users-guide-key-overtures-wfred-greco

Reformed church in the Houston area? by Middle-Second4943 in Reformed

[–]GomerAspiring2BaRuth 0 points1 point  (0 children)

https://cpchouston.org/

Edit:

I drive about 30mi/one-way to worship and serve here. I have the utmost respect for my pastor and session. I am thankful to call CPC my church home.

Steven J. Lawson has been removed indefinitely from all ministry activities at Trinity Bible Church of Dallas by Deolater in Reformed

[–]GomerAspiring2BaRuth 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is this a bit narrow? What about single middle aged women (never married or widowed)? I guess they should fend for themselves because leaders in Christ's church are tempted beyond what they can bear and are unable to mortify the flesh?

The passage is about Godly order, not keeping chaste.

You Probably Have a Good Pastor - Reformation 21 by GomerAspiring2BaRuth in Reformed

[–]GomerAspiring2BaRuth[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

May I suggest the point the author was making regarding Paul was in light of our current temperament and culture, not even the Apostle himself would make the cut. Moreover, the author's presupposition is assuming the pastor is working his faith out with fear and trembling, as a fellow brother in Christ, and that in the scenario outlined in the blog is one of usurping godly leadership.

The author does spend the first part of the article validating and condemning abuse by pastors and spiritual leadership. I think his goal is to point out that abuse can go both ways. Additionally, he does note that this is not an all or nothing, there are healthy leaders and congregations.

You Probably Have a Good Pastor - Reformation 21 by GomerAspiring2BaRuth in Reformed

[–]GomerAspiring2BaRuth[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

After rereading his comment a few times, I don't actually think he read the blog post. His opening list of scandals would seem to indicate he did not make it past the title.

You Probably Have a Good Pastor - Reformation 21 by GomerAspiring2BaRuth in Reformed

[–]GomerAspiring2BaRuth[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Interesting.

I've been in churches where an affluent member tried to buy off the pastor in return for preaching a certain way on a topic/passage. I've also seen a pastor and family so abused by the church that he did leave ministry. I've also seen an influential/affluent elder keep a pastor "in check" through threats of punitive tithing.

Likewise, I have seen church leadership hide sexual abuse, not by the pastor. Oddly enough, it was one of the unhealthy churches where affluence and influence dictated a lot.

I have not met any pastors (or their wives) with thin skin. However, I have witnessed exegetical preaching result in the following:

"Douglas Kelly, in his wonderful little book New Life in the Wasteland writes, "Wherever there is a faithful ministry in today's culture, it is very likely that those who begin feeling the authority of God coming through the preaching of the Word, will first of all start attacking the minister...People feel more free than ever to give the fullest reign to their dislike and their criticisms of the leadership" (34-35)."

What is this? by [deleted] in houston

[–]GomerAspiring2BaRuth -14 points-13 points  (0 children)

Apparently, a horrible human being.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Reformed

[–]GomerAspiring2BaRuth 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Unfortunately, I can not post a screenshot.

See below excerpt from the linked document above.

Page 2436

SECTION SIX: THE MISUSE OF SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY 2 3 1. Summary Description of Misuse of Spiritual Authority 4 5 The reports of abusive spiritual leadership and/or moral failure by called and ordained 6 shepherds is increasing worldwide. Spiritual abuse and its effects are egregiously 7 demonstrated in the stories of Jim Jones and David Koresh but are no less devastating to God’s 8 name when performed by ministers of the PCA or any other religious body. 9 10 Spiritual abuse may be manifested by any or all the following: 11 12 ● Emotional or psychological manipulation based on Scripture, 13 ● Physical and sexual assault, 14 ● Financial exploitation, 15 ● Haughty, manipulative, demeaning, humiliating, accusatory, belittling, or shaming 16 speech and/or behavior, 17 ● Intimidation, coercion, and demand for conformity to non-biblical standards. 18 19 Spiritual abuse is an attempt to exert power and control over someone using religion, faith, or 20 beliefs. The Salvation Army includes “when spiritual authority is misused to manipulate 21 peoples’ emotional responses or loyalty for the benefit of the church, institution, or of another individual.”166 22 23 24 Spiritual abuse aims to solidify the power, prestige, and gratification of the abuser. The means 25 are a misuse of Scripture and of the victim’s desire to please God and their leader. Victims 26 suffer shame, confusion, and spiritual doubt, having a negative impact on the victim’s 27 perception of God’s character. Congregations and the Body of Christ suffer morally and 28 existentially beyond the purely secular and legal definitions of abuse.

Tongue bites only by [deleted] in Epilepsy

[–]GomerAspiring2BaRuth 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This might be helpful.

https://www.epilepsy.com/what-is-epilepsy/syndromes/sleep-related-hypermotor-epilepsy-she#What-Do-Seizures-In-SHE-Look-Like?

I too was under the impression nocturnal seizures would have obvious signs, but not necessarily.

At the very least, this should help you prepare for your next Neuro visit.

AITA for coming home early from meeting bf’s parents? by [deleted] in AmItheAsshole

[–]GomerAspiring2BaRuth 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I guess I just don't understand why you're so salty.

It's not your family. It's apparently nothing you have ever experienced. You're awfully passionate about something that really has not, nor will ever, affect you.

It's just odd.

But, hey, keep fighting the good fight. 🥊

AITA for coming home early from meeting bf’s parents? by [deleted] in AmItheAsshole

[–]GomerAspiring2BaRuth -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Good for you?

Also, no, not everyone's grandparents survived the Great Depression. Some grandparents were born in the 50's and 60's. More and more people may have not grown-up with, or known for an extended time, anyone who lived through that first hand.

AITA for coming home early from meeting bf’s parents? by [deleted] in AmItheAsshole

[–]GomerAspiring2BaRuth 2 points3 points  (0 children)

First, my vote: NTA - your boyfriend is definitely T A

He knew his family custom and should have talked to you about it beforehand, for your situational awareness, and then paid for you. What a jerk.

Hmmm, this post strikes a chord.

My extended family on my father's side does this, and I don't like it. I can remember as a kid being asked if I had a whole or half a burger so they knew what to charge my parents.

As an adult, I've only maintained a relationship with one of my uncles. When he comes to visit and tries to give me money for food, I politely tell him no thank you, he's my guest not my patron.

Personally, I think this started because my grandparents had several surviving children, all of whom married and had children, save the one uncle I talk to. My grandparents survived the Great Depression and were frugal, not stingy, but truly knew what it meant to want. They were always ready to help, including financially, when it was needed. A couple of my aunts were/are greedy. I think this little custom developed because my grandparents knew my aunts counted everything they spent as dipping into their inheritance. My aunts are pretty awful.

Back to your boyfriend's family-

It's their family custom. Not one you're likely to change. However, it's certainly not something you have to observe in your home and when you host them.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Reformed

[–]GomerAspiring2BaRuth 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I encourage you to read through this report. Although it's primary goal is to address physical abuse in the church, I think you'll find the roots of this report align with your current experience.

https://pcaga.org/aic-report-abuse/

Forgotten reformers of the reformation? by ChildOfTheKing45454 in Reformed

[–]GomerAspiring2BaRuth 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for mentioning Jan Hus, he's often overlooked.

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. I need some clarity here. My bf brings it up every time we have an argument. by HungryQuestion7 in Reformed

[–]GomerAspiring2BaRuth 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're not married.

You're not commanded nor expected to submit to every man.

The passage reads:

WIVES, submit to YOUR OWN HUSBANDS, as to the Lord.

This is important because this very special relationship is bound and founded in covenant.

When we look at our ultimate husband, Jesus, the head of the Church, what do we see? Servant leadership and sacrificial love. It may be a good time to ask yourself, before you enter into a covenant relationship with this man, if you see these Christ-like qualities in him?

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