The History of the PCA Standing Judicial Commission

03/29/24 • -1 min

Reformed Forum exhibited at the Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary conference in Greer, SC. This episode offers a deep dive into the Confessional Presbyterian Journal’s latest issue, with a special focus on the 50th anniversary of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) and the historical development of the PCA’s Standing Judicial Commission (SJC). Camden Bucey brings together Rev. Zachary Groff, pastor of Antioch Presbyterian Church, and Dr. Scott Cook, visiting professor of apologetics at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, both of whom are deeply involved in the Confessional Presbyterian Journal.

The conversation starts with an exploration of the journal itself, highlighting its dedication to addressing pressing issues in the church through a blend of pastoral scholarship and rigorous theological analysis. The latest issue’s theme revolves around the PCA’s 50th anniversary, offering a collection of articles that reflect on the denomination’s history, mission, and theological commitments.

Zachary Groff provides an overview of the journal’s contents, emphasizing the significance of the PCA’s commitment to the Great Commission and its historical context. He mentions various contributions that examine the PCA’s foundation, its growth, and its ongoing theological debates, particularly those concerning the church’s mission and the inclusivity of nations in God’s plan through Christ.

Dr. Scott Cook focuses on the specific topic of the PCA’s Standing Judicial Commission, outlining its origin and evolution. He describes the initial challenges faced by the PCA in maintaining discipline and order within its rapidly growing community. Cook traces the SJC’s development back to the 1980s, a period marked by significant debate and eventual compromise within the denomination. He articulates the tension between the desire for a grassroots, decentralized approach to church governance and the practical need for an efficient, centralized judicial body to handle disciplinary cases. This part of the conversation sheds light on the broader issues of polity and ecclesiastical authority within the PCA and offers insights into how the denomination has navigated these challenges over the years.

Throughout the episode, the guests underscore the Confessional Presbyterian Journal’s role in fostering informed theological conversation and community engagement within the Reformed tradition. The discussion not only celebrates the PCA’s past achievements but also critically examines its struggles and future directions, particularly in the realms of theological fidelity, church discipline, and mission.

Chapters

00:00:07 – Introduction
00:03:38 – Guest Introductions: Rev. Zachary Groff and Dr. Scott Cook
00:07:35 – In-depth Look at the Confessional Presbyterian Journal
00:23:00 – The Formation and Significance of the PCA’s Standing Judicial Commission
00:27:06 – Challenges and Future Directions for the PCA
00:56:35 – The Development of the SJC: From Concept to Reality
01:00:20 – The Challenges and Controversies of Implementing the SJC
01:04:26 – Reflecting on Growth and the Future of the PCA
01:12:23 – Reflecting on PCA’s Place in the Reformed World

Participants: Camden Bucey, Scott Cook, Zachary Groff

Chapters

00:00:07 – Introduction
00:03:38 – Guest Introductions: Rev. Zachary Groff and Dr. Scott Cook
00:07:35 – In-depth Look at the Confessional Presbyterian Journal
00:23:00 – The Formation and Significance of the PCA’s Standing Judicial Commission
00:27:06 – Challenges and Future Directions for the PCA
00:56:35 – The Development of the SJC: From Concept to Reality
01:00:20 – The Challenges and Controversies of Implementing the SJC
01:04:26 – Reflecting on Growth and the Future of the PCA
01:12:23 – Reflecting on PCA’s Place in the Reformed World

Participants: Camden Bucey, Scott Cook, Zachary Groff

Previous Episode

Consciences and the Reformation

In this enlightening episode, we discuss the nuances of conscience and confessional identity during the Reformation. Joined by Dr. Timothy Scheuers, we turn our attention to the transformative period of the 16th century, exploring how conscience acted not only as a catalyst for reform but also as a complex element influencing church unity, confessional standards, and the intricate relationship between church and state.

The core of our discussion centers around Dr. Scheuer’s book, Consciences and the Reformation: Scruples over Oaths and Confessions in the Era of Calvin and His Contemporaries (Oxford University Press), providing a fresh perspective on the role of conscience in driving forward the Reformation’s agenda. We explore the pivotal moments and figures of this era, including Calvin’s return to Geneva and the establishment of the Geneva Academy, to understand how these historical milestones continue to influence contemporary Christian thought and practice.

Through a blend of historical examination and practical application, this episode not only sheds light on the foundational aspects of Reformed theology but also invites listeners to reflect on the relevance of these principles in today’s ecclesiastical landscape. Whether you’re a theologian, a pastor, or simply someone interested in Christian history and doctrine, this episode offers valuable insights into the enduring legacy of the Reformation and its significance for the contemporary church.

Rev. Scheuers is the Associate Pastor of First United Reformed Church of Chino, CA, and an Adjunct Assistant Professor of History at Providence Christian College (Pasadena, CA).

Chapters

00:00:07 Introduction
00:05:49 Discovering the Topic
00:12:57 Conscience and the Reformation
00:18:59 Church-State Relations
00:24:47 Dissimulation and Conscience in the Reformation
00:31:57 The Role of Conscience in Calvin’s Geneva
00:49:44 Calvin’s Return to Geneva and Changes in Approach
00:59:58 The Effect of Sin on the Conscience
01:15:27 The Geneva Academy and Confessional Subscription
01:20:48 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Dan Ragusa, Tim Scheuers

Next Episode

Vos Group #87 — Deuteronomy and the Temptation of Jesus

In this installment of Vos Group, we turn to p. 336 of Vos’ book Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments, focusing on the temptations of Jesus Christ. This discussion ventures into the heart of Jesus’ wilderness temptations, offering a rich, theological analysis that challenges and enlightens. We consider the strategic use of Old Testament quotations by Jesus during his confrontation with Satan, underscoring the deep, theological significance of these moments.

This episode not only unpacks the unique messianic nature of Jesus’s temptations but also firmly opposes a moralizing interpretation, instead highlighting the redemptive work accomplished through Christ’s victory over sin. Through a careful examination of Jesus as the obedient Son and true Israel, this episode reveals the layers of meaning in these biblical narratives, connecting them to broader themes of redemption, covenant theology, and the Christian life. As we understand Jesus’ role as the mediator who binds and spoils the strong man, this episode encourages believers to find their identity in Christ, resting in his victorious work on our behalf.