Reflections on GA

Blogging took a backseat to the long days associated with the work of GA – reading and re-reading; praying and contemplating; communicating and sleeping. Despite the hours and the work required to be an effective “witness for the Kingdom” being at GA was an awesome experience. It provided an opportunity to gain in-depth familiarity with issues too often ignored in hopes that whatever is decided will neither directly impact the every day work of offering hope through Jesus Christ, nor alter Biblical truths. Admittedly, there were occasions when I wondered if only to myself -- What would Jesus do? Would Jesus show up? No, not a look-alike (and there was a person who resembled the well-recognized interpretations), but Jesus himself (or at least the Holy Spirit). While some may interpret the end result of this GA as the democratic process of Presbyterian polity, I do believe first-hand I caught a glimpse of the power of the Holy Spirit to emerge and resolve some diverse opinions (if only for a time – the next GA – or possibly the one scheduled for Pittsburgh in 2012). Nevertheless, let me share my thoughts by reflecting on a few questions -- (1) What Jesus might say about GA in San Jose? I think He might re-tell the story of the woman at the well and how (John 4:23-24)…the time is coming and is already here when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for anyone who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” (2) What might we do to further the cause of peace (and reconciliation – humanity to humanity, humanity to God) in our world today? Even in the midst of GA, I was aware of the need to filter decisions made by the words of Christ reflected in Matthew 22:37-39…“ ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself… The work of GA brought clarity to the fact that honoring God needed to be from the heart and not just the lips; not based on effective lobbying or consultations, but by conviction of the Spirit. Reliance on human wisdom, understanding, and plans could lead to destruction; it may even be hypocritical to faith. (3) What is our calling to “do justice” in this time -- in our denomination, nation, and in the world? It is evident that the diversity of the denomination, the nation, and the world requires finding a way to live in harmony, sharing and caring, for one another, the land; and all that is created by God. GA Advisory Delegates (YADs, TSADs, MADs, EADs) sometimes reminded Commissioners of the calling to “do justice”… living like the people of God, with good sense, making every minute count being of utmost importance. The result of many GA actions reflects the Holy Spirit’s ability to confirm a desire for justice, now and in time (when all are on one accord). (4) What about controversial issues? I am mindful that Jesus Christ the Son of the living God… in Matthew 16:18-19 declared that the (true) Church will live… “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” …we have been given the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever we bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever we loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven… I will probably continue to ponder that passage in light of GA. However in reality, I cannot begin to speculate on the future resolution of the controversial issues that face the denomination, many apparently circulating around whom God might call (translated at the GA level into issues around confession, ordination, sexuality, and marriage). IN CONCLUSION -- GA is over. It is now time for this Presbytery and congregations to review the results and actions; to act on the resolutions (just passed and those from the past that are still applicable). I only pray that God’s Will shall be done. For, I am reminded that God will one day hold us accountable, each according to our call to serve. Jermaine McKinley, Minister Commissioner GA 2008.