The Problems Faced By Small New Wineskins Churches
(And Others Who Would Like To Be) in the PC(USA)

Michael R. “Mac” McCarty

As more large and middle-sized churches begin to progress toward dismissal or disaffiliate from the PC(USA), some small congregations find that they are effectively denied relief by the entrenched bureaucracy. These small churches, with equally small working budgets, have members who would be quite happy to become part of a presbyterian Church which is evangelical, conservative, and faithful to the Scriptures, but they cannot afford to pay a “ransom” that is being demanded by the PC(USA)and its presbyteries.

It is a sad fact of life that many presbyteries, cash-strapped themselves, have made the decision that they cannot afford to litigate over property against larger churches. Many such presbyteries have initially relied on the promises of the Louisville Papers that the so-called trust provision is an iron-clad guarantee of victory, only to discover that the iron has turned to rust. Their local counsel advise them that the battle over property is anything but a sure win and push for settlement. Faced with dwindling bank accounts and mounting legal bills of their own, they negotiate deals for dismissal, either with or without a financial payment.

But this scenario applies only to those churches that have the financial wherewithal to engage in a potentially protracted legal battle. What of the smaller churches? What are their options?
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