Editor’s Note: The e-Link overture discussed in this article is a revised version of an overture proposed but not adopted at the Birmingham GA. The overture was passed by the Beaver-Butler Presbytery and is #010.

The eLINK overtures were crafted with one significant question in mind:

What structure could allow a diverse mainline denomination like the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to have a purpose into the future?

Our current denominational answer to the question is a one-size-fits-all structure, much like a one-room schoolhouse. We can see this dynamic played out at the General Assembly level, where our leaders feel intense pressure to hold widely disparate belief systems together in an increasingly rancorous (one-room) environment. We can also see this structure in operation at the presbytery level, where geography determines your presbytery and synod connections whether or not you identify with that particular structure of style, belief, and mission.

In this one-room structure, as we have witnessed for a number of years, the key battle is for control. Within the conflict that constantly rages we hear voices on the margins of left and right demanding total and complete victory. We have groups positioned just inside of right and left fighting more subtly, yet with some form of complete victory in mind. And we have a significantly large “center” of the denomination that feels pulled and battered by the constant tug-of-war over ordination and biblical standards. The recently released PUP report (the Report of the Task Force on the Peace, Unity, and Purity of the Church) acknowledges these dynamics and begs for reason and deference to replace rancor.

An increasingly large number of congregations and pastors have become frustrated. Some are frustrated by constant conflict; others because their particular belief standards are being compromised as the denomination seeks to remain together in its diversity. A growing number of conservative, evangelical congregations are speaking openly of “two synod models” and schism, and if not schism, then negotiated departure.

In this environment we must ask ourselves the significant, fundamental question that lies at the heart of the current eLINK overture: Is there a structure that will accommodate diversity and still allow ministry under “one roof?”

The answer is that by setting aside our obsession with a one-room structure, we may create a number of rooms and allow different groups to practice ministry and mission in their own unique ways.

This eLINK overture allows congregations and presbyteries to freely associate as they discern the leading of God. As the acronym eLINK seeks to articulate, allowing this simple re-alignment in our system of connection is:

Emerging: Rather than seeing a/the solution to denominational crisis as a fixed point/place in time and space, we have the freedom within judicatories to explore what postmodern ministry looks like, yet within an existing framework ordered by the Book of Order.

Logical: Conservatives accustomed to fighting battles on ordination standards may declare that these overtures, emanating as they do from a more conservative, evangelical presbytery, represent a capitulation to “the left.” Those on the left, especially from the gay and lesbian community, accustomed to seeking justice and validation through the denomination’s monolithic structure, may cry “foul” as many presbyteries and synods opt for different standards. Our reply is that it is precisely this winner-take-all mentality that is hindering congregational, presbytery, and synod exploration of belief, affirmation and mission. If these overtures pass, instead of looking for the one-room answer, presbyters will have to do the hard work of study, discussion, belief, association, and more. These small changes will make a big difference as more rooms are created and renewal is given a chance.

Innovative: Under eLINK belief, mission and initiative are rewarded. When congregations and presbyteries are free to associate as God leads and as they discern, we could end up with judicatories positioned for missional systems, emerging paradigm systems, inner city and/or rural church systems, and more.

Non-Geographic: A geographic model is parish-based, and current wisdom within the church world is that parish-based systems (think Europe) tend to discourage initiative. Our current parish-based judicatory system that guides presbytery and synod membership is forced to hold congregations together without benefit of the fresh breath of renewal that comes from “always reforming.” A non-geographic structure encourages thinking outside the box.

Kairos: Kairos is a Greek concept meaning, “God’s time.” We believe it is God’s time for our denomination to take a simple yet bold step into God’s future. We trust that “wisdom is proved right by her actions,” so that instead of discouraging strong belief we would encourage it and discern, from the outcome, what path is best.

For Christ’s glory and the building of his church.

Jeff Arnold is the pastor of First Church of Beaver, Pa., and Bill Teague is pastor of Langhorne Church in Langhorne, Pa.

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