Presbyterian Polity

05/21/2026

"While it is true there is a distinction between Paul’s Apostolic authority and a modern-day Teaching Elder’s authority, pastors still have a derived authority that stands on the shoulders of the message once for all delivered by the prophets and apostles (Eph. 2:20; 4:11-16). The pastor’s authority is rooted and grounded in God’s Word, and the Scriptures have much to say about its nature." ~ TE George Sayour in "The Maligned Ministry of Authority"

We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.…

04/21/2026

"I believe the function of who is to shepherd the church is clearly taught in Scripture. The Greek word poimaninō (ποιμαίνω) is used 11 times in the New Testament and always speaks of Christ or His leaders in Christ’s church. The term is connected to the role of authority (Rev. 2:27). It is clearly linked to those who oversee the church (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:1–4)." ~ TE Thomas Richard in "Christ's Officers Are Sufficient"

Read the full article here:

We need to stop seeking innovation in the structure of the Church. Jesus Christ as King and Head of the Church has given all the instructions we need to structure church leadership, which are expli…

04/20/2026

Thomas Rickard continues his series arguing against use of the term "deaconess" in the PCA.

“Within courts and organizations, there are different opinions on various matters. However, some aspects of the PCA are not open to discussion, such as the fact that the ordained offices in Christ’s Church are open only to qualified, godly men.”

I hope these articles (first, second) continue to provoke thought and discussion regarding the practice of non-ordained commissioned deaconesses. I hope I am gracious and kind as I present my case …

04/17/2026

Dr. Michael Mock has contributed two essays on matters of critical importance in Presbyterian churches:

1) Sola Familia: When Family Ties Divide

2) Our Common Confession: What Unites Brothers

You do not want to miss these important pieces.

https://pcapolity.com/2026/04/16/sola-familia-when-family-ties-divide/

https://pcapolity.com/2026/04/17/our-common-confession-what-unites-brothers/

Yesterday we considered the danger of familial fidelity over loyalty to truth. When Sola Familia rules the roost, many are roasted by the fire of unholy zeal. We have natural affections for our fam…

04/16/2026

On the occasion of his retirement from the Presbyterian Polity Editorial Board, we wish to extend our sincerest thanks to RE Brad Isbell.

His contributions to the blog have always been great, and we hope that we will feature commentary from him in the future!

04/16/2026

Associate Editor Rich Leino penned a thoughtful (and mercifully brief) rejoinder to the recent salvo by the Alliance for Mission & Renewal (A4MR). He writes, "I was struck by how similar the piece feels to the way political populism operates. It identifies frustration, dislocation, or division, and then rallies people around a sense of shared sentiment."

Read the full rejoinder here: https://pcapolity.com/2026/04/16/for-the-recovery-of-the-pca-a-rejoinder/

04/16/2026

Dr. Michael Mock cautions against an unofficial "sola" that influences many Reformed churches:

"But the unofficial Sola rooted in many people’s hearts is Sola Familia, which is essentially a person’s (or group’s) commitment to a friend or family member over truth..."

Read more here: https://pcapolity.com/2026/04/16/sola-familia-when-family-ties-divide/

04/15/2026

Zack Groff offers a critical (but fair-minded) review of "Reformed Christian Politics" co-authored by PCA pastors Zachary Garris and Sean McGowan along with independent scholar Stephen Wolfe.

Biggest takeaway: this book emphatically does not support Theonomy.

Read the full review here: https://pcapolity.com/2026/04/15/review-reformed-christian-politics-by-stephen-wolfe-zachary-garris-and-sean-mcgowan/

04/04/2026

The Presbyterian Polity site has been refreshed. The organization of our blog content has been radically streamlined, and the homepage now emphasizes this strength of the site. Check it out at pcapolity.com!

02/17/2026

"Has Radney offered the PCA a theologically safe way forward that holds to historic Reformed principles of worship and complementarianism? No, I don’t think so.

The real debate here is not participation in worship, but who may take a leadership role in worship." - TE Scott Cook

Read more here: https://pcapolity.com/2026/02/17/laymen-should-participate-not-lead-in-worship/