I was fortunate to be elected a commissioner from Greater Atlanta Presbytery to the 223
rd
General Assembly (GA) of the Presbyterian Church, held in St. Louis, MO from June 16 – June 24. This was my first GA and I was assigned to Committee 06-Church Polity and Ordered Ministry. This committee had 26 overtures and resolutions—more than any other committee so I was busy with a lot of reading prior to going to St. Louis. Let me begin by saying that the week of GA was one of the most positive experiences I have had. I came away knowing that the spirit of God moved through the hallways and meeting rooms and luncheons and dinners—speeches and conversations---motions and votes. God was present! We worshipped Him. We prayed for guidance and understanding. We asked that He lead our deliberations and I earnestly believe that He heard and guided us.
I came away knowing that our church is alive and well. I was energized listening to the diverse voices: the voices of our youth; the voices of our seminarians; the voices who spoke with accents different from my own. I was humbled by the generosity exhibited when almost $50,000 was raised at the first offering so that people who were jailed for misdemeanors and could not afford bail could be bailed out of jail. My spirit was fed by the sermons and music in our daily worship services.
Of course there was work to be done and the first two days were spent studying overtures, debating, listening to policy advisors and each other so that our committees could make recommendations to the body for the final vote. In Plenary, the recommendations of our committee were approved. We debated the best way to institute family leave throughout the denomination and recommended that the issue be studied by a task force. The process of voting was interesting. I think I learned more about parliamentary procedure and Roberts Rules in one week at GA than I had in all my previous years. After the motions were “perfected”, the commissioners were advised by the YAADs (Young Adult Advisory delegates), the TSADs (Theological Seminary Advisory delegates), the EADs (Ecumenical Advisory delegates) and one other group of Advisory delegates, who voted first as advice. Then the commissioners voted. Often the advice was taken, but of course, sometimes it wasn’t. I’m sure that everyone was not pleased with every vote, but I do believe that everyone had a chance to be heard.
The whole process of organizing the General Assembly made me really appreciate the work of our offices in Louisville and throughout the denomination. Everything ran smoothly. Going to GA made me more aware of the fact that we are a CONNECTIONAL church. I learned so much about the PCUSA and what we are doing as a denomination throughout the world to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. Everyone should go to GA at least once! The week in St. Louis renewed my spirit, filled me with hope, and affirmed that even though times may seem difficult, God is in control and we must trust in Him.
