Has Jeff P’s new polity statement made it to the local level yet?

21 Comments on T4G Polity

  1. Jim says:

    I’ll take the lack of response as a “no”, or a “none of your business, you blogger“.

    What we do know is that Harvey’s Polity Statement, which was SGM’s official statement, has vanished, and that Purswell read 18 pages to the SGM pastors at T4G. I have no idea if statements were handed out or have yet become official.

    BTW, this is the same Jeff Purswell who deleted the polity section of Grudem’s Systematic Theology from his Bible Doctrine remix.

    The irony…

  2. Canary says:

    I don’t understand how men who represent a God who never changes can keep changing their polity.  Oh well…

    Hey Jim, did you get my email I sent about a week and a half ago?

  3. Defended says:

    Jim, any word on breakout or panel discussions on polity at T4G?

  4. musicman says:

    This just strikes me as so ironic…a movement that has prided itself at doing church right, excuse me, the LOCAL church right, is now retracting it’s sacred stance on polity.  Just had to laugh….PK deserves some credit on this one.
    I’ll be very curious to hear how polity 2.0 turns out…..until then.

  5. The Missus says:

    So after sniping at SG for 2 years to change their polity, you’re making fun of them for doing what you’ve repeatedly said they should do?  I’m really surprised.  First of all, do we even know for sure that the polity is going to change all that much at the local level?

    However, if it turns out that they are going to change wouldn’t it make more sense to be glad than to sneer?

  6. Canary says:

    So, am I reading this right?  SGM is changing its church government policies in one form or another?  Really?

  7. Canary says:

    (hey Jim, did you get my email?)

  8. formersgmer says:

    Any chance someone can get a copy of this polity document?  I would love to read it because as much as I would like to hope that changes will occur I am not sure that substantative changes will in fact happen.  I cannot imagine that the churches will move to a presbyterian model (although some SGM churches do have non-vocational elders.  See the church in Spokane) and I could never see them adopting a congregational form even though SGM friend Mark Dever openly states that this form is the proper Biblical form of polity.  So eliminating those two alternatives does not leave many changes which SGM couild make.

  9. Square Peg says:

    If there is a polity change afoot, something away from the one-man control and authoritarianism now practiced, I’ll be applauding and cheering.  A step in the direction of reform, repentence, and restoration of damaged relationships?  I’m all for it!  Time will tell…

  10. Jim says:

    The Missus,

    If you were addressing me, you’re correct, and I’m wrong for making the snarky Purswell comment.

    Canary, I don’t think I rec’d your email.

    To all, I’m chomping at the bit to get my hands on anything that reveals what Purswell presented. I have no clue what changes have or will be made.

  11. Defender says:

    Am I to understand that there is a change in Polity at SGM?
    Is is available to read, … anywhere?
    I mean, I just might have to find something to do with all my spare time once everything is made right.
    Gonna have to get out of my pajamas.
    Put some clothes on and go outside.
     
    I’m just saying…..

  12. Defender says:

    Okay Jim,
    I forgot to refresh before I posted.
     
    So,
     
    I can stay in my pajamas?? (It’s cold outside.)

  13. Irv says:

    D – If it is cold outside you are living in the wrong part of the country:) – I

  14. Defender says:

    Irv, This is Colorado.
    It’s Spring in Colorado.
    That means that although we had one day so far with temps up to about 80, it is still April. I expect another 8 inch snow fall,  …… about Mothers Day.
    Keep the tomato plant inside for another month.
    and……..keep the warm pajamas handy too.
    (I put my winter clothes away on July 4th,and get them back out around Aug 15th. I do Love Colorado!)
    Come visit sometime.
    ;>}

  15. Irv says:

    D – I’d love to but  it would have to be between the 4th of July and Aug 15. By that time we will be melting in AZ!!!  - I

  16. Mel says:

    I’m also looking forward to seeing the new polity material. Any update on that?

  17. Canary says:

    Defender,

    Wrong—–we are getting snow tonight through tomorrow!  Man, just when the weather was getting nice.  My kids are bummed.  Spring in CO is one big surprise after another – my husband and I LOVE it!

  18. charlie says:

    Hi Mel…. about that site (*edited)…

        That website was funny.  Notice how you cannot comment to these children.  I have been in Sovereign grace ministries longer than they are alive.  I’m glad their pastors “chastise” them, because they need it…..they are mearly children.      

  19. Jim says:

    Mel-please use a valid email address when posting. I know all about the guys behind the site you referenced, which I deleted, BTW.

  20. Defender says:

    Canary,
    YOU are up on those rock piles I see to my west. (Getting all that beautiful snow.)
    I’m down here in the prairie (where the dear and the antelope play) and am still waiting for that Mothers day snowstorm.
    We did get some hail though, but that doesn’t count.
    I didn’t make it all the way to those rock piles, I had to stay close to my home where three tornadoes were circling. (Had to chase ‘em off with my rake.)
    So the cats can live another day…
    (To all you cat lovers, JUST KIDDING ABOUT THE CATS.)

  21. Defender says:

    Okay Canary,
    Time for those three little words every woman loves to hear.
    YOU ARE RIGHT!
    I have at least 4 inches of snow here, and it’s still falling. (I gotta go get Defended at the airport in an hour. Guess I’m taking the jeep.)
    Maybe Mothers day will be sunny and 78 degrees now.
     
    How about that Polity statement.
    Anybody able to secure a copy yet??
     

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