[Note: this constitutes neither the official minutes nor an exhaustive report of all the actions of the Presbytery.]
First Presbytery met at First ARP Gastonia. Moderator Mr. Keith Began called the meeting to order and Rev. Tim Watson constituted the meeting with prayer. The men and women of First ARP Gastonia provided gracious hospitality for the delegates throughout the day. Numerous guests were introduced.
Rev. Dr. David Smith preached a doctrinal sermon on “Doctrine as an Organism” from Ephesians 2:19-22 and 2 John 9-11 for the morning worship. The Lord’s Supper was observed and an offering was taken for the Presbytery benevolence fund. Rev. Tim Watson led the court in a season of prayer for needs in the presbytery.
The Moderator opened proceedings with old business. Minutes of the July 2023 meeting were approved.
Under old business, the court approved a second reading to the Manual of Procedure to add an appendix on the procedure to follow when two congregations desire to merge. Two merger commissions reported on the service of unification and were dismissed with thanks.
Just prior to lunch, Rev. Stephen Maginas from Geneva Benefits, presented information about the ARP Retirement Plan to the court.
Following lunch, the court reconvened with “Let Them Praise His Name.”
A motion from the floor was made to add a new paragraph to the newly approved MOP Appendix 14. Motion was referred to the Congregational Health Committee in collaboration with the Church Extension Committee.
The court received the reports of the Treasurer and the Stated Clerk. The Stated Clerk’s report included an appendix on presbytery attendance over the past 5 years as well as data on the numbers required to fill out standing committees.
A motion from the floor was made to add a paragraph to MOP VI.E.4 regarding ministerial absences at presbytery with no excuse given. Motion was referred to the Minister & His Work committee.
One item of business referred to the presbyteries from the General Synod was discussed – to add a sentence to FOG 3.25 regarding members meeting certain criteria not counting against a quorum for congregational meetings.
The Moderator’s Committee on Memorials and Resolutions recommended giving thanks to the host church and all who were involved in hosting presbytery.
The Minister & His Work Committee contained several recommendations that were approved, such as provisional moderator, stated supply, and two sabbatical plans. The committee met over lunch and came back with an additional recommendation to remove a minister from the roll of presbytery without censure and to transfer oversight to a local PCA church.
Rev. Morrie Lawing offered prayer for the chaplains of First Presbytery after which the court recessed for 15 minutes.
A motion from the floor was made to continue funding for 2024 for three missionary families through World Witness since there was no report or recommendations from the World Witness committee.
A motion from the floor was made for the moderator to form an ad hoc committee to examine the composition of presbytery’s standing committees in light of current and future trends and needs and bring back recommendations to the presbytery at the Summer 2024 Stated Meeting.
In the report of the Candidates and Examinations Committee, several items were approved.
Rev. Ross Meyer was examined and approved for transfer as associate pastor of spiritual formation of City Church of Asheville. First Presbytery granted Rev. Meyer’s exception concerning WLC 109 with the proviso that his exception not be taught.
Mr. Boone McAuley was received as a student of theology under care of First Presbytery by transfer from the PCA.
A motion from the floor was made to amend MOP VI.A.6.D to add a sentence regarding an acceptable maximum level for the court as a whole to hold a specific exception. The motion was referred to the Candidates & Examinations Committee.
The Church Extension Committee brought forth recommendations regarding an exploratory work in Henderson County beginning January 1, 2024, with Rev. Zack Keuthan being called as an evangelist to the exploratory work. Funds were also authorized for RUF Queens and Trinity Chapel.
The Christian Education Committee report had no recommendations, so it was received as information.
The Congregational Health Committee report reminded churches to send their 2022 session minutes to the Stated Clerk. It also asked for any retired ministers willing to serve as stated supply and moderate a session.
The Nominations Committee brought names for several committees for approval.
The Stewardship & Finance Committee recommended that the 2024 proposed budget be approved and it was.
There was no report from the World Witness committee.
The court was dismissed after announcements and the singing of the Psalm of Christian Unity at 4:59 PM.
The next stated meeting of First Presbytery will be on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at Huntersville ARP Church.
Respectfully submitted,
Rev. G. Mark James, Stated Clerk
First Presbytery of the ARP Synod 