Changes in Governance: Our Response 

As part of the Presbyterian Church (USA), First Pres is guided by the Book of Order, the constitution of our national church and the document that governs our life together. Several changes to the Book of Order have been proposed, and these changes are now in the process of being voten on each PC(USA) Presbytery. (A Presbytery is a group of local churches in a specific geographical location; we belong to the San Francisco Presbytery.)

Our Elders and Pastors have discussed these changes and what they might mean for First Pres. In specific, the conversation has centered around the changes to ordination standards contained in Amendment 10-A, and the changes to governance (New Form of Government, or "N-FOG").

Our Session has determined that we will continue to abide by the ordination standards and policies contained in the current 2009-2011 Book of Order while we carefully respond to these changes. We have set aside a period of time to give us the chance to create opportunities for education on the issues, develop a thoughtful approach to the conversation, and have the leadership and input of our next Senior Pastor.

If you are interested in reading more about these issues and our response to date, click here for a PDF containing the following documents, or download each document separately using the links below:

Letter from Tim Shaw, Interim Senior Pastor (click here)
This congregational letter, dated May 13, 2011, was sent when Amendment 10-A was passed. It summarizes the changes, invites congregational input, and affirms our unity in Christ.

Changes in Governance: Our Response (click here)
This document, dated May 17, 2011, details our leadership's process and response. The pastoral team presented a document to the Session, our church's governing body, containing four proposed motions. These motions include directives for prayer; education of the leadership and congregation on the various issues surrounding the changes; timeline considerations in light of our pastoral transition process; and preparation for a more extensive discernment process once our new Senior Pastor is installed. These motions were unanimously adopted by the Session.

Letter from the Elders and Pastors (click here)
This congregational letter, dated May 26, 2011, summarizes the four adopted motions, and how these motions will impact the governance and life of our church as we await our new Senior Pastor.

Frequently Asked Questions (click here)
Learn more about the changes to the Book of Order and our response.

Please be in prayer for our church and leadership as we navigate these changes together.