We, the members of Session, hope you had a wonderful Christmas season and we pray that God may continue to bless us, guide us and draw us all closer to Him throughout 2024.
A number of you have asked for more information about the process of moving in another denominational direction, and we have been intentionally holding off on that while we spent much of this past year seeking God’s guidance and yours. It has become apparent to many that the PCUSA has not remained true to its roots or to Scripture, and thus to God Himself. Therefore, we believe that they have, in effect, left us. Our goal would be to seek to join another Presbyterian denomination that is a much better match for us theologically and that will provide a much greater level of connectivity. Click here for the link to the Presbytery document that outlines the process that we must follow. It is lengthy, but for those of you who truly want to dive into it, please do so. This article will offer a brief overview in the meantime.
Within the next month, Session will hold a vote to determine whether or not to inform the Executive Committee of Presbytery that Hebron Church wishes to enter into a discernment process with the Presbytery that could result in our dismissal to another Presbyterian denomination. If we are dismissed, it must be to another Reformed body. They will then set up a Discernment Team (DT) to meet with our Session and will also hold meetings for the membership at large. During this time, the Session will be free to express in more specific terms the many concerns we have with the PCUSA and our local Presbytery. This part can last 6 to 12 months – their rules!
At some point, we will hold a vote of the members of Hebron Church. There must be, at least, a simple majority of the members who vote in favor of seeking dismissal or everything stops there and the DT can declare us a split church, which is not good. The more overwhelming the majority, the better it is for us. Assuming a solid majority votes in favor of dismissal, the Presbytery will appoint an Administrative Commission which will begin to meet with the Session in what is called the “Season of Negotiation.” Unique in the PCUSA, the local Presbytery holds “in Trust” the church property – the building and the cemetery – all of it. All financial information must also be disclosed during this time. Among the many churches who have gone through this process, the dollar amounts of the settlement have ranged widely so this is an unknown right now.
Finally, once a settlement is negotiated, asecond vote of the members will be taken to approve it. At least 50% of our active members must be present for this vote, but the more, the better, and more than 75% of them must vote to accept the settlement! Payment amounts will have to be met or we could still lose our property. This may require us to take out a loan to be paid back over time.
Hopefully, this helps provide a better picture of the road ahead. It will not be easy, but most things worth doing are not. That’s why we need to stay focused on our calling to stand up with and for our Triune God and His Truth, because that is priceless and timeless. Please continue to pray for Hebron and for the Pittsburgh Presbytery for His grace and guidance in this entire process.
– Session