What Happened at Presbytery?
The Midwest Presbytery met in Leavenworth, Kansas (hosted by the Winchester RPC). Retiring Moderator Pastor Bruce Parnell (Stillwater, OK) opened the court preaching on 1 Timothy 2:8 and encouraged us all to take a humble and dependent posture before the Lord. On Thursday morning Pastor Daniel Hemken (Clay Center, KS) preached from Romans 1:18-32 and the need that a sinful and wicked world has for the gospel.
Pastor John McFarland (Lawrence, KS) was nominated as this year’s Moderator. Pastor Andrew Barnes (Grandview, MO) retired from serving as clerk of presbytery as his gifts are needed as Synod’s clerk. Pastor Joe Allyn (Shawnee, KS) was nominated as clerk and Allen Blackwood (Laramie, WY) as assistant clerk.
There are a number of students under care of presbytery who sustained examination. Ruben Ibarra (Oklahoma City, OK) was examined in Systematic Theology 1, Bible, Preaching, and Personal Godliness. Agnel Soundron (Longmont, CO) presented a Church History paper, and Lucas Donato was licensed to preach after sustaining Systematic Theology 1 and Church History paper.
The presbytery took up a request from a candidate to be granted an exception to the RPCNA’s position on women deacons. The exception was denied (23-15), and so the presbytery judged that this man could not fulfill the requirements of ordained office to be eligible to receive a call.
We welcomed the transfer of Pastor Wade Mann to the presbytery from Gulf Great Lakes. Pastor Mann is living and working in Quinter, KS. We honored the request of two pastors to have their ordination terminated. Prayer was offered on behalf of both of these men, as they are commended to the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.
We heard a number of reports from various commissions overseeing fledgling works — Dallas, Houston, Little Rock, and Oklahoma. While there are some good things happening in these congregations, a number of them are dealing with significant difficulties and questions about sustainability. We continue to pray for the Lord to bless these works, remembering not to despise the day of small things.
The presbytery’s Tobacco Study Committee reported with some suggested changes to the RP Testimony. This report was recommitted to the committee.
The Houston Judicial Commission reported. This summer a complaint was submitted to the presbytery arising from a member of that congregation over an action of the Houston Temporary Governing Board (TGB) relative to the presence and behavior of a visitor in the worship and fellowship of the church. The commission adjudicated the complaint and sustained it in part. It did not overturn the TGB’s action, but gave correction and counsel to the TGB, and gave counsel to the complainants as well.
The presbytery heard a complaint submitted by Pastor Kyle Borg (Winchester, KS) against the Houston Judicial Commission (HJC). Pastor Borg complained against the HJC’s decision to retain for the record written testimonies that accused the above mentioned complainant of sin and attacked his character — testimonies that were not in keeping with the rule of Christ and the order of the church. The presbytery sustained the complaint (21-5), and the accusations were struck from the record.
The Sharon RP session submitted a request that the presbytery consider and clarify if a session may send two ruling elders as delegates to presbytery if a teaching elder is not available. After discussion the request was returned to the session. A communication was also presented requesting the presbytery to study a number of questions relative to Artificial Intelligence. The request was sent back to the submitter.
The Black Forest Reconciliation Committee reported. This committee is helping to guide reconciliation between a suspended pastor and those parties sinned against. The committee is seeking to do its work with agreed-to confidentiality, so the presbytery only heard that the hard work of reconciliation continues — may the Prince of Peace give patience and grace in every present trouble.
The presbytery took up a paper submitted by Pastor Allen Blackwood with the endorsement of the Church Evangelism and Extension Committee. This paper asked the presbytery to consider an action from April 2024 when we let go of the Dallas RP congregation to go to the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing). In response, the presbytery acknowledged sin and failure to shepherd the saints of Dallas RP, and we corporately repented. Communication will be made with those affected by our sin and poor shepherding.
We heard reports from several of our congregations and from visitation committees. These are encouraging as we hear of what the Lord Jesus continues to do in different areas through the ministry he has given to the church. Additionally, we heard or received updates from several other committees serving in different capacities, all seeking to serve the good of the church and the glory of God.
The presbytery will meet again next spring (March 4-6) in Lawrence, KS and it was decided to meet in Grandview, MO in fall of 2026 (October 21-23).
Presbytery finished earlier than scheduled, and for this we give thanks! We’re glad to continue serving according to the ministry Jesus Christ has given us. With dependence on God we closed the meeting singing together Psalm 72: “And may His name of glorious worth, Receive its praise eternally, and may His glory fill the earth, Amen, Amen; so may it be.”
Rev Kyle Borg
Winchester RPCNA
