Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. ~ 2 Corinthians 15:58
I had the pleasure of attending the EPC’s 46th General Assembly (GA) with Henry in June. Hebron’s decision to join the EPC affirmed our belief in the Presbyterian principles of biblical authority and being connectional. Both were on display at GA, but first I wanted to tell you that giving continues to be slightly ahead of budget through June. (The numbers above look better due to some prepaid tithes and rent.) I encourage you to remain steadfast so we finish the year strong while we chart our course for 2027 and beyond.
The GA was a wonderful experience. Each day began and ended with worship. The preaching was transformational and missional. My overall takeaway, besides being encouraged to see a plethora of young, capable leaders, was how intent the denomination is in living out its four gospel priorities: Multiplication (church planting), Transformation (evangelism and church health), Global Movement (world outreach), and Effective Biblical Leadership (continual spiritual formation). Those priorities are what connects individual churches, presbyteries,and national leadership. For example, Hebron’s Vision Team has been working closely with the EPC’s Church Health Team which has evangelism tools Hebron can consider. There are also collaborative mission opportunities at the presbytery and national level that Hebron can pursue. There are multiple avenues for Hebron to engage and connect within the denomination.
There were dozens of business matters considered by the assembly, the most notable being changes to the EPC’s Position and Pastoral papers on Human Sexuality (which can be accessed at epc.org) and proposed amendments to ordination standards for teaching elders and other officers, including that all officers must conform to the historic biblical view of chastity in singleness and sexual purity in marriage.
Should you have any questions or comments concerning the GA, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Henry, Dan Brown, or myself.
Dan Gallagher, Stewardship Team