This world on this side of heaven is a multilayered system in which people have created their own versions of truth. The enemy is very seductive. We have all given in to some degree. This includes the man in the mirror and other kindred souls in orthodoxy. No one has it 100 per cent correct because it is sometimes difficult to see the truth. To say it’s complicated is an understatement.
It is a struggle. Those of use who are veterans of the church and are of a certain age grow weary. Thus, we tend to withdraw from engagement.
Praise God for raising up new believers who are drawn to the light and are anointed and equipped to proclaim the inconvenient truth.
I’ve had the opportunity to meet with the leaders of PCC Renewal on a few occasions in the past couple of years. Each time, I find myself at a loss for words. Quite simply, there is no way of adequately describing a situation in which the hands of God are working. I had an insightful Zoom meeting a few weeks ago with this movement’s three council members. If this were a print publication, this Q&A would be the cover story.
Everyone loves a good witness. Multiply that by three. Each of these young believers has a powerful story about coming to faith. And they are doing something about it. PCC Renewal was borne from a vision placed in their hearts and minds. For the record, they are not an offshoot of Renewal Fellowship. In fact, PCC Renewal was named without the founders even being aware that RF existed. They are that new and fresh to the PCC.
Their 55 Theses to The Presbyterian Church in Canada is more than just them saying, “Hey, here we are!” Way more. As you might guess, it’s a theological statement by the grassroots to a church institution. Like Luther’s 95 Theses, it’s a call to reform and restoration.
If you’ve already read it, I invite you to do it again. It’s an exquisite document, a thing of great beauty, 55 statements of truth, divided into five sections: God and His Word, Creation, The Gospel, The Church, Church Polity & Seminaries. It is a technical document in that its statements are meticulously referenced. And because it speaks powerful Spiritual truth, echoing the voice of God, it has foundational status. It is a great achievement.
Keep in mind this was created and crafted largely by Gen ‘Z’ lay church members. They consulted widely with veteran leaders. They are wise beyond their years.
“How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” – Romans 10:15, Isaiah 52:7.
PCC Renewal is on a mission similar to several other Generation ‘Z’ movements in North America and Great Britain which are connected with Operation Reconquista. Their goals are to restore classical doctrine to mainline Protestant denominations. PCC Renewal states boldly that it is the mainlines, rather than the non-denominational upstarts and megachurches, that possess the “theological and institutional heritage to evangelize to society and transform culture for the glory of God.”
On the ground, PCC Renewal is actively identifying congregations where the Word of God is proclaimed authentically and encouraging attendance in those places. It’s part of their mission to “Retrieve the riches of the Reformed tradition, Revive PCC churches by encouraging active attendance and evangelism, Reform the PCC by pointing to Scripture and advocating for orthodoxy.”
Orthodoxy is alive in The PCC. At a recent church gathering, an evangelical minister leaned in during dinner to declare his unbridled support for what Renewal Fellowship and PCC Renewal are doing. He encouraged us to keep up the fight. “No one else is speaking up for Biblical truth and believers,” he said.
It’s the kind of thing this weary pastor needs to hear once in a while.
At the same time, I am reminded of Living in Truth’s mission is to serve wider reformed orthodoxy, and this includes those who have departed and those who remain in the PCC. We have a specific place at the table for Living Stones, our former PCC friends. (I have great respect for their pursuit of a fellowship that adheres to biblical truth. Part of me wants to join with kindred souls and not deal with the inevitable butting of theological heads – But the Lord wants me to remain, for now.) I am also cheering on PCC Renewal because they are in line with the fundamental mission of RF, to be a voice for orthodoxy within the PCC. I feel a little like the father of the Hall of Fame Esposito brothers when their NHL teams played each other, cheering centre Phil to score but hoping netminder Tony will make the save.
The church can be a bit messy. But we plod along.
Also in the December edition are essays by Ian Shaw and Jim Statham, the second installment in Doug Cameron’s teaching series, another insightful contribution on Herman Bavinck by Robert MacKenzie and a very useful reminder on the need to pray in Matthew Ruttan’s latest leadership column. Oh, and an inspiring update from Shannon Bell from Nazko house church, a Living Stones congregation.
Our spring edition is expected in early March. As always, ideas and fresh content are always welcome. You know how to reach me.
May the hope, peace, joy and love of the Messiah be with us all.
