Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1961 - Rparchives.org

42 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THE
Last year Synod proceeded, at the request of our committee,
to the election of Rev. Howard Elliott to the position of full time
work in evangelism in the Church. Because of the lateness of
this decision at the meeting of Synod, Synod voted for a year's
delay in the implementation of this office dependent upon the
disposition of Synod's call by Rev. Elliott. Our committee counselled
with Rev. Elliott at our February meeting and felt that it
was mutually profitable. Having promised an answer to us within
three weeks he reported to us his intentions not to accept this
call of Synod and we assume he will report this decision to this
body. Although our committee was disappointed, that Rev. Elliott
did not accept this call, we would make the point that he declined
not because of basic disagreement with the need but on the basis
that he did not feel that God was calling him to this ministry at
this time.
Synod should know that his decision does not change our
basic conviction that if the Church is to develop an effective
vital, evangelistic spirit and ministry, it must have the personal
touch of a dedicated man with a heart for this ministry.
However, since our committee was not able to meet until
Synod following the announcement of Rev. Elliott's decision we
are not asking Synod to call another man at this time. During
the coming year we propose to activate our own committee to a
greater degree, work on our "materials" projects already underway,
educate the Church through our publications to the immediacy
of the need of evangelism, and work out our plan and program for
this proposed office in greater detail and thoroughness.
Therefore, we recommend:
1. That Synod approve the following re-arrangement of the
classes of our committee. The current arrangement is that all the
laymen are elected in one year. We desire to spread these appointments
as follows:
1961 -D. R. McClurkin 1962-P. Faris 1963-R. Blackwood
F. L. Stewart R. P. Robb M. W. Dougherty
R.j. Huey R. McCrory W. Piper
2. That the terms of D. R. McClurkin, F. L. Stewart, and
R. J. Huey expire with this meeting of Synod and that their successors
should be chosen.
3. That Presbyteries give diligence in requiring their Presbytety
Committees on Evangelism to maintain active promotion of
evangelistic efforts within the congregations of their Presbytery.
4. That Sessions either activate or reactivate systematic
evangelistic visitation programs in each congregation. These
programs are to be reported on to this committee before the next
meeting of Synod.