99-22    Worship Service

Presbytery was led in worship by staff and members of Reformed University Ministries.

99-23    Call to Order and Opening Prayer

The Eightieth Stated Meeting of Gulf Coast Presbytery was called to order at 9:40 am (CST) on Tuesday, May 11, 1999, at the Laguna Beach Christian Retreat Center, Panama City Beach, Florida, by the Moderator, TE Michael Swain. Mr. Swain led in the opening prayer.

99-24    Roll Call and Determination of Quorum

A quorum was declared to be present with the following commissioners in attendance:

Others: TE H. A. Maves, hon. ret.; TE M. Schneider, Trinity Independent PC, Valparaiso; TE F. Dole, Hospice of NW Florida; TE B. Sinclair, New Song, Pace; TE S. DeVries, MTW; TE R. Gardner, chaplain, USAF; TE D. Miller, PEF, Mobile, AL;

Candidates: B. Carl and C. Ryor.

Excused: TEs J. Bancroft, S. Bradford, J. Cavanah, C. Gwin, H. Morris, E. Yune, and RE commissioners from Grace Presbyterian, Madison.

Absent: TEs R. Hopper, E. Stanton and D. Wren and RE commissioners from Chattahoochee, Christ (Mobile), Christ (Panama City), Concord, First Presbyterian (Atmore), Grace Fellowship, New Philadelphia, and Westminster (Tallahassee).

Visitors: Caleb Dunn, EPC TE Larry Bein, First Presbyterian Church, Atmore; TE Monty Kirk, chaplain, USAF, Eglin AFB; TE John Mathieu, (EPC); J.R. Foster, RUF FSU; Lynn Kirkland, RE Craig Barrows; Kevin Zeitlin; George Shamblin.

99-25    Approval of Printed Minutes

Minutes from the Seventy-ninth Stated Meeting, February 9, 1999 were approved as printed,

99-26    Communications

1. Minutes of the Commission to Ordain and Install David Hutchinson, approved and printed in the minutes. (Appendix A)

2. Minutes of the Commission to Install TE Robert Hopper, approved and printed in the minutes. (Appendix B)

3.Letter from TE J. Hopwood and the Chattahoochee Presbyterian Church, requesting dissolution of pastoral relationship, referred to Ministers and Candidates Committee.

4. Letter from A. R. Schick, Stated Clerk of Southern California Presbytery, notifying presbytery of the transfer of TE R. Hopper, received as information.

5. Letter from TEs Perrin & Resch notifying presbytery of the times assigned for prayer in behalf of the Twenty-seventh General Assembly, received as information and communicated to the churches.

6.Letter from Ms. Ellie Brown concerning Presbytery Scholarship Fund at Covenant Seminary, referred to Ministers and Candidates Committee.

7.Letter from TE E. Yune notifying presbytery that Panama City Korean Presbyterian Church no longer has any ruling elders, referred to Ministers and Candidates.

8.Letter from George Shamblin requesting transfer of candidacy to Gulf Coast Presbytery, referred to Ministers and Candidates Committee.

9.Overture from the Session of Faith Presbyterian Church, referred to Bills and Overtures.

10. Letter from TE S. Jennings requesting dismissal to North Florida Presbytery, referred to Ministers and Candidates.

11. Letter from Caleb Dunn requesting that he be received as a candidate for the Gospel ministry and the Session Fairfield Presbyterian Church commending Mr. Dunn to Gulf Coast Presbytery, referred to Examinations Committee.

12. Letter from TE S. Jennings informing presbytery of a change in his views in regards to the practice of a private prayer language, received as information.

13. Letter from TE H. Morris requesting dissolution of his relationship with Gulf Coast Presbytery and a transfer to Evangel Presbytery, referred to Ministers and Candidates Committee.

14. Letter from Kevin Zeitland requesting that he be received as a candidate for the Gospel ministry and from the Session of the Pinewoods Presbyterian Church commending him to presbytery, referred to Examinations Committee.

15. Letter from John Giles, of the Christian Coalition of Alabama, inviting participation in a meeting in Montgomery, AL, May 14, concerning the Alabama , received as information.

16. Requests for excused absences received from TEs J. Bancroft, S. Bradford, C. Gwin, H. Morris, E. Yune and J. Cavanah, granted.

17. Petition for organization from New Song Fellowship to Gulf Coast Presbytery requesting organization as a particular church, referred to the Mission to North America Committee.

99-27    Greetings from Reformed UNIVERSITY FELLOWSHIP—TE Cliff Wilcox

Mr. Wilcox welcomed the commissioners and thanked them for their support of RUF.

99-28    Adoption of Docket

The docket was approved as amended. (Appendix C)

99-29    Introduction of Visitors

Visitors were introduced to Presbytery: (see 99-24)

99-30    Appointment of Standing Committees

The Moderator appointed the following commissioners to serve on the Standing Committees of Presbytery:

99-31    EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Report—TE R. Hornick, Stated Clerk

TE B. Hornick, Stated Clerk presented the report to Presbytery. The following recommendations were adopted:

1. That the docket be approved.

2.  That the nominated commissioners be elected to serve on the Committee of Commissioners for the 26th GA.

3.That the motion adopted by the 79^th Stated Meeeting to study theological issues to assist the Examinations Committee be answered as follows:

The Executive Committee recommends that the Examinations Committee be guided by previous decisions of the General Assembly concerning the issues of tongues and theonomy and to the forthcoming report of the Study Committee on the days of creation.

The report was approved as a whole. (Appendix D)

99-32    Examinations—TE J. Cavanah, II, Chairman

TE M. Schneider presented the Examinations Committee report. Mr. Schneider led the presbytery in a prayer of thanksgiving for the life and ministry of a former member of the committee, RE J. Gibson.

Presbytery was updated on the status of the written examinations for licensure and ordination.

1. Examination of TE M. Kirk (Grace Presbytery) for reception into GCP. 

TE Schneider examined Captain Monty Kirk (chaplain, USAF) in experiential religion and call to ministry.  This portion of the examination was arrested. 

TE Schneider examined Mr. Kirk in the area of views systematic theology. This portion of the examination was arrested. 

Mr. Schneider examined Mr. Kirk on his views English Bible. This portion of the examination was arrested. 

Mr. Schneider examined Mr. Kirk in his views of Church Polity. This portion of the examination was arrested. 

Mr. Schneider examined Mr. Kirk in his views in the area of Sacraments. This portion of the examination was arrested. 

Presbytery sustained Mr. Kirk’s examination as a whole and pending dismissal from Grace Presbytery, received Mr. Kirk as a member of Gulf Coast Presbytery.  Presbytery granted Mr. Kirk the powers of an evangelist to conduct the sacraments as a military chaplain and granted him permission to labor out of bounds of presbytery.

2. Examination of Candidates for Licensure

Mr. Schneider introduced the following to presbytery:

a.      TE Larry Bein (EPC) – called to serve as Interim Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Atmore.

b.      Mr. Brett Carl – Youth Director, Eastern Shore Presbyterian Church

c.      Mr. Edward J. Foster – called to serve as Reformed University Fellowship Campus Minister, Florida State University.

d.      Mr. Craig Barrows – Ruling Elders Supply, Northeast Presbyterian Mission, Pensacola. 

Mr. Schneider examined Messrs. Bein, Carl, Foster and Barrows in the areas of experiential religion and call to the ministry. This portion of their examinations was arrested. 

TE Schneider examined Messrs. Bein, Carl, Foster and Barrows in the area of systematic theology. (By common consent, the examination was interrupted to present the Mission to the World report.)

99-33    Mission to the World—TE J. Moore, Chairman

TE Moore presented the Mission to the World Committee report. TE Scott  DeVries presented a report on his work with MTW. 

The report was received as information.

Special Order—11:30 am (CST)—Sharing and Prayer groups

            Presbytery was separated into several small groups for a season of prayer.

Special Order—11:45 am–12:30 pm (CST)— Lunch

99-34    12:30 pm (CST) Presbytery Reconvened

The Moderator called presbytery to order and led in prayer.

99-35    Examinations—TE J. Cavanah, II, Chairman, continued

Presbytery was divided into four committees to hear sermons from the candidates for licensure. 

TE Chuck Phillips reported for the committee that heard TE Larry Bein’s sermon. This portion of Mr. Bein’s examination was arrested. 

TE Bob Hayes reported for the committee that heard Mr. Edward  Foster’s sermon. This portion of Mr. Foster’s examination was arrested. 

TE Tom Hughes reported for the committee that heard Mr. Craig Barrows’s sermon. This portion of Mr. Barrows’ examination was arrested. 

Mr. Schneider reported for the committee that heard Mr. Carl’s sermon. This portion of Mr. Carl’s examination was arrested.

Mr. Schneider resumed the examination of Messrs. Bein, Carl, Foster and Barrows in the area of systematic theology. After questions from the floor, presbytery arrested this portion of the examination. (Note: Mr. Bein acknowledged that he practiced a private prayer language, but did not view it as continuing revelation. He also holds to  lengthened days view of creation.) 

Mr. Schneider examined Messrs. Bein, Carl, Foster and Barrows in the area of English Bible. This portion of the examination was arrested. 

TE Schneider examined Messrs. Bein, Carl, Foster and Barrows in the area of church polity. This portion of the examination was arrested. 

Presbytery sustained the examination of TE Larry Bein as a whole. 

Presbytery sustained the examination of Edward J. Foster as a whole. 

Presbytery sustained the examination of Craig Barrows as a whole. 

Presbytery sustained the examination of Brett Carl as a whole. 

The Moderator proposed the questions of BCO 19-3 to the candidates and they answered in the affirmative. Mr. Swain led presbytery in prayer for the candidates and addressed them in the words of BCO 19-4. 

In addition, Mr. Foster’s candidacy was transferred form Central Carolina Presbytery and he was enrolled as an intern of Gulf Coast Presbytery. 

At Laguna Beach, Florida, the eleventh day of May, 1999, the Gulf Coast Presbytery, having received testimonials commending Messrs. C. Barrows, L. Bein, B. Carl and Edward J. Foster, proceeded to submit them to the prescribed examination for licensure, which was met to the approval of presbytery. Having satisfactorily answered the questions for licensure, Messrs. Barrows, Bein, Carl and Foster were licensed by the Presbytery to preach the Gospel within the bounds of this Presbytery.

3. Examination of Candidates for the Gospel Ministry 

Mr. Schneider introduced Messrs. George Shamblin, Caleb Dunn and Kevin Zeitlin to presbytery. 

Mr. Schneider examined Messrs. Shamblin, Dunn and Zeitlin in the areas of experiential religion and call to the ministry. Presbytery sustained the examinations as a whole. 

The Moderator posed the questions of BCO 18-3 to the candidates. The candidates answered the questions in the affirmative. TE J. Findlay charged the men according to BCO 18-3 and closed the proceeding with prayer. 

Presbytery enrolled Mr. George Shamblin as an intern of Gulf Coast Presbytery. 

At Laguna Beach, Florida, the eleventh day of May, the Gulf Coast Presbytery, having received testimonials commending Mr. George Shamblin, having received him as a candidate for the ministry, has placed him under internship at his request in order to test his gifts for the gospel ministry.

The report was approved as a whole.

99-36    Christian Education—TE R. Fennig, Chairman

TE R. Fennig presented the Christian Education Committee report. 

TE H. A. Maves gave a brief report on the organization of the Emerald Coast School of Bible, a school for lay ministry in Pensacola, FL. 

Mr. Fennig reported on various resources available to our churches through General Assembly’s Committee for Christian Education and Publications. 

The report was received as information.

99-37    Ministers & Candidates—TE C. DeBardeleben, Chairman 

TE C. DeBardeleben opened with prayer as he presented the report to presbytery. 

The following recommendations were adopted: 

1. That the pastoral relationship between Chattahoochee Presbyterian Church and TE J. Hopwood be dissolved and that he be transferred, pending his reception Central Florida Presbytery. Mr. Hopwood has been called as pastor of the Community Presbyterian Church, Safety Harbor, FL. 

2. That, pending reception, TE S. Jennings be transferred to North Florida Presbytery. Mr. Jennings has been called as pastor of the Westminster Presbyterian Church, Jacksonville, FL. 

3. That presbytery certifies that Mr. Brett Carl has completed the internship requirements for ordination. 

4. That Mr Edward J. Foster be received as a candidate and that his Candidacy be transferred to Gulf Coast Presbytery. (see    )

5. That Mr. Caleb Dunn and Kevin Zeitlin be examined for Candidacy (See   ) 

6. That Mr. George Shamblin’s candidacy be transferred from SW Alabama Presbytery  and that he be enrolled in Presbytery’s Internship Program. 

7. That pending successful completion of examination, TE Larry Bein (EPC) be called as Interim Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, Atmore, AL. (See  ) 

8. That TE Ezra Yune be granted the powers of an evangelist to receive and dismiss members, train officers and conduct the Sacraments while he serves as Pastor of the Panama City Korean Church.

9. That Presbytery proceed to divest Dan Wren from the gospel ministry without censure at the next stated meeting (BCO 13-2; 34-10) in view of his being without a call for over three years, and that the Clerk of Presbytery notify him of this action.

10. That TE Henry Morris’ pastoral relationship with Gulf Coast Presbytery be dissolved and that he be dismissed, pending reception, to Evangel Presbytery. 

11.That the annual report of Candidates, Licentiates and Teaching Elders laboring out of bounds be received as information.  (Appendix E) 

The report was approved as a whole.

99-38    Mission to North America—RE C. Fellers, Chairman

RE Fellers presented the Mission to North America Committee.

Oral reports were received from the following ministries:

1.New Song Church—TE Bruce Sinclair

2.Grace Fellowship Church—TE Mack Griffith

3.Korean-American Church—TE Bob Hayes

4.Florida Joint Reformed University Ministries Committee—TE Bob Hayes

5.Northeast Presbyterian Church—TE John Findlay

Presbytery adopted the following recommendations: 

1.That Gulf Coast Presbytery receive and approve a petition from New Song Fellowship for organization according to BCO 5-8 and that the MNA Committee constituted as a commission to examine Ruling Elder candidates and oversee the Organization Service at a date and time to be determined by the commission. (Quorum – 2 TE/2 RE) 

2.That Presbytery approve the terms of call to Edward J. Foster, Jr. as the Reformed University Ministries’ campus minister at Florida State University. (Appendix F)

Mr. Fellers closed the report with prayer. The report was approved as a whole.

99-39    Administration—RE V. Kane, Chairman

TE D. Gilleran presented the report to presbytery. 

Presbytery adopted the following recommendations:

The committee gave the following recommendations  The report was approved as a whole.

99-40    New Business 

1. Presbytery directed the Stated Clerk to secure a host for the 81^st Stated Meeting. 

2. Presbytery adopted the following resolution regarding the life and ministry of RE J. Gibson and directed the clerk to present the resolution to the family of Mr. Gibson:

Whereas God in His sovereign providence and mercy has called unto Himself our fellow elder and brother in the Lord, Julian Gibson, 

Therefore Let It Be Resolved this eleventh day of May, in the Year of our Lord 1999, that Gulf Coast Presbytery, meeting for its Eightieth Stated Meeting, does hereby express gratitude to God for Mr. Gibson’s life of faithful service, leadership, and godly example set before this Presbytery throughout its twenty-six year history, and, 

Further Let It Be Resolved that we express our love, support and prayers for Mrs. Gibson and her family. While we rejoice in the Lord at the death of His saints, we express our sense of loss to the Gibson family and to Grace Presbyterian Church, Madison, Florida.

99-41    Reports of Standing Committees

1. Resolutions & Thanks – Presbytery adopted the following:

The Eightieth Stated Meeting of Gulf Coast Presbytery expresses its thanks to Reformed University Ministries for hosting this meeting in conjunction with its annual summer conference. We appreciate the efforts made to meet our needs while conducting a conference for some four hundred college students involved in various chapters of PCA campus ministries. We are especially thankful for the efforts Cliff Wilcox expended to make these two events work together.

The food, the hospitality, the accommodations, and the opportunity to see God’s blessing upon our university ministries were much appreciated.

99-42    Bills and overtures—TE David Gilleran, Chairman

Presbytery adopted the following overture to the Twenty-seventh General Assembly:

Whereas the purpose of the Committee on Review of Presbytery Records of the General Assembly is stated in RAO 14 and,

Whereas the change in RAO 14-7-3 by last year’s General Assembly moves the CRPR away from its stated purpose by making the CRPR to determine the theology and practice of the PCA, 

Therefore be it resolved that RAO 14-7-3 be amended to read as follows:

3.Minutes approved with exception of substance which shall be presented to the General Assembly, which presentation include citation of any relevant Scriptural, Constitutional and/or RAO references and provide the Committee’s rationale for finding the exception of substance. The citation(s) and rationale are only to be seen as advice by the General Assembly through her committee to help the Stated Clerk and the Presbytery cited to frame a satisfactory response to the citation.

(Changes to current RAO underlined)

Reason: The Committee on Review of Presbytery Records should not be in the business of framing doctrine and practice for the PCA. The Committee’s work is to approve minutes and if exceptions of substance are found, to bring to General Assembly to vote on them. All references should be a help to a Stated Clerk and a Presbytery to frame a satisfactory response to the next General Assembly. It should be up to the Assembly on motion from the floor to deal with the proper recourse to an egregious exception. And example would be in a man coming for ordination denied the Virgin Birth and was still approved for ordination by a presbytery. It should be up to the Assembly to order a re-examination of the man and if his view was not changed not to admit him.

99-43    ADJOURNMENT & Closing Prayer—3:20 pm (CST)

Presbytery adjourned at 3:20 pm. TE Swain led in the closing prayer.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

TE R. Hornick, Stated Clerk

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