I was gratified to read in your December 2007 issue that Trinity Oro might be more than a remnant and there is a good possibility that it could become a viable congregation. However, I was very distressed to hear that Rev. Carey Nieuwhof found it necessary to take his 1,000 plus members and adherents out of the PCC. Our denomination cannot afford to lose one of our largest congregations in Canada.
Given the power and authority of our Presbytery, I know they acted in good faith to address the concerns of Rev. Nieuwhof. However, I can't help think that our bureaucratic structures have become an impediment to the development of new style ministries, new churches, and approaches that would sustain our church well into the future.
In today's fast paced world, opportunities come quickly and we can't afford to wait for reports from our various levels of government whether it's the Presbyteries, the National Church or General Assembly.
It seems that a small voice of dissent opposed to the development of a new church or ministry can make sure that proposals are bogged down in our courts for long periods of time until the energy and opportunities are lost. In a powerful sermon I heard recently, it was stated that ” it doesn't matter that the water (God's message) comes out of a glass, a porcelain vessel or a paper cup.” We must be open and able to respond swiftly to new, different and vibrant ministries that spawn within the confines of our church.
To paraphrase scripture, “the harvest is now” and we cannot afford to wait. In my darkest moments, I sometimes fear that we have become the Pharisees.
