The Diaconate Question
A brief historical survey of decisions of the General Assembly of the PCA regarding the ordination of women to the office of deacon or deaconess.
Many people are commenting on the overtures that are coming before the 53rd GA, mainly ones relating to the diaconate. As of today, 41 overtures have been submitted from Presbyteries; one Presbytery submitted 16 (cough cough). However, several are frequently discussed and will continue to be discussed. Regarding overtures seeking to allow women to serve as deacons or deaconesses, or to open new avenues for women to serve the church. I thought it would be useful to have an article that examines when this issue has arisen in the PCA.
The preliminary factor that makes this difficult is that, when examining minutes or the history of a Presbyterian church, it is easy to see what the Denomination did: they voted on a particular motion or recommendation , and it passed or failed. The difficulty lies in the fact that we do not always have the exact vote counts, and, more importantly, we do not know why it passed or failed. I will limit this article to examining what was passed and what was not passed by the Assembly, and to numerical data, while avoiding speculation.
Overture 1984-28
I will start in 1984. I have written about the period preceding the formation of the PCA.
It is 1984, and many current pastors in the PCA were not in school, and some had not yet been knit together by the Lord yet. The Denomination is not old enough to drive. At the Twelfth General Assembly, Delmarva Presbytery, which is now Heritage (1990) sent overture 28 titled, “Study the particular question of women in the diaconate.” This was sent to the Bills and Overtures Committee. The overture is small and simple, with three Whereas statements and one therefore, “we the Delmarva Presbytery do overture the Twelfth General Assembly of the PCA to study the particular question of women in the diaconate.”1 The 12th General Assembly voted in the negative with a simple reply, “Refer to I Timothy 3:8, 12; Acts 6:3, and BCO 9-3, 7.”2 Thirty men requested that their negative vote be recorded. At the GA, 945 Commissioners were present.3
Rabbit Trail
One factor that initiated this discussion was an event in 1983 in which a candidate was denied ordination for his views, including those regarding BCO 7-2 and 9-3, i.e., the ordination of women as deacons. This case could be a topic for discussion and researching minutes. This covers over multiple years, multiple commissions, and complaints. Procedural disparities, e.g., GA annulling sustaining an examination but not annulling the Presbytery’s ordination. Review of the Presbytery Records was involved through an exception. Multiple challenges to the moderators, with extremely close votes.
Here is what I believe I can piece together from the minutes, but I am still not certain this is the full extent. It began at the 11th GA, with Case 2, a complaint brought to GA by a ruling elder.4 Ultimately, the General Assembly annuls the candidate’s examination. Then, in 1984, the matter was raised as a reference (Reference 1), which was not addressed by the Assembly but was forwarded to the 13th GA.5 The 12th General Assembly sustained a charge of non-compliance with the 11th Assembly’s directives but rejected charges of constitutional violation and contumacy, directing the Presbytery to re-examine the candidate. The General Assembly also clarified one of the factors, stating, “The position that one believes that it is Biblically valid to ordain women as deacons, but who agrees to abide by the position of the BCO 7-26 and 9-37 is not sufficient reason by itself to deny ordination or reception in the PCA.”8
The handling of this matter resulted in Tennessee Valley’s overture 10 to the General Assembly9. The request in the overture was denied.10 The reference was sent to the Committee on Judicial Business (CJB). The CJB advised the Stated Clerk, “only the General Assembly has jurisdiction and therefore the Assembly will have to rule on this issue.” It then came before the Assembly in 1985, with case 6.11 The General Assembly initially voted 205–192 to receive, approve, and accept the Judicial Commission’s report and judgment, but after adopting a motion to reconsider, it reversed course by a 204–158 vote to reject the report and appointed a new commission to adjudicate the case and report to the next Assembly.12 In 1987, the complaint was largely denied.13 The report has multiple layers and is complex due to actions across multiple years by the General Assembly and the Presbytery, as well as what appears to be a change in the candidate’s views.
What I believed would be a review of overtures led to a rabbit trail regarding this issue. Ordaining women as deacons was one small factor in this case that appears to have been resolved by the 12th GA's statement. The candidate was ordained and remained in the PCA until his retirement and passing unto Glory in 2019.
1991-40
Now, the PCA is 18 and would be legally eligible to vote. An overture is presented to the 19th General Assembly titled, “Declare ordination of deaconesses to be in violation of BCO.” The overture comes from a teaching elder not a Presbytery. The overture was presented to the Presbytery, Northeast Presbytery (which was divided in 2000 into three Presbyteries, Northern New England, Southern New England, and New York State). The Presbytery took no action and submitted it to the General Assembly. General Assembly took no action (RAO 10-10) with the grounds, “Northeast Presbytery has not had ample opportunity to consider this overture and has not yet acted.”14 From what I can find, no follow-up overture was sent in subsequent years.
2008-09
Now, the PCA is 35, the point in life when you begin to experience the early signs of aging. No longer in your prime, close to the top of the hill, and starting to descend. Overture 9, which was titled, “Erect a Study Committee on Deaconesses,” came before the Assembly. Originating from Philadelphia Presbytery. The motion before the assembly was to answer Overture 9 in the negative, with a minority report presented. A point of order was raised, and the Moderator ruled it was not well taken. The Assembly voted to sustain the chair, 518–369. The debate was closed with a vote of 420-467. The minority report was defeated and the main motion to erect a study committee was defeated the recommendation was approved, “That Overture 9 (“Erect Study Committee on Deaconesses”) be answered in the negative, and that presbyteries are reminded that appropriate ways to bring these issues before the Assembly are through presbytery overtures to amend the BCO, or by way of reference (BCO 41).” The following grounds were provided: “BCO 7-2, chapter 9, and especially 9-7, provide a sufficient answer to the issues contemplated in Overture 9; the presbyteries should work through the implications in their own local contexts. This is always subject to the actions noted in the text of the response.”15
Three other overtures were sent from three Presbyteries: Overture 15 from Western Canada (Now Canada West); Overture 17 from Rocky Mountain Presbytery; and Overture 19 from Central Georgia.16 A Communication was sent from Northern California Presbytery in concurrence with Overture 9.17
2010-07
A few years later, in 2010, PCA is now 37; it is closer to 40 than 30. Overture 7 came from Evangel Presbytery, titled “Amend BCO 9-7 to specify that persons who assist deacons may not be ordained.” Overture 7 was adopted as amended, which is the current version of BCO 9-7.
The opening sentences of the grounds provided were as followed “There was general consensus on the Overtures committee that we are committed to two ordained offices, elder and deacon, to be held by men only. There was much discussion, however, regarding different models and terminology for women’s ministry occurring alongside the deacons in accord with BCO 9-7.”18
Four other presbyteries submitted overtures that year concerning this matter, Overture 2 from Central Carolina Presbytery, “Amend BCO 9-7 to Prohibit Deaconesses”; Overture 9 from Eastern Carolina Presbytery, “Revise BCO 9-7 to Prohibit Assistants to the Deacons from Being Commissioned or Installed as Office Bearers”; Overture 13 from Westminster Presbytery, “Assistants to the Deacons not to be Elected, Ordained, or Installed as if they were Office Bearers;” and Overture 16 from the Presbytery of Tennessee Valley, “Affirm Unordained Deaconesses.”19
2016-AIC
In 2016, the PCA was 43 years old, and the children were entering new life stages. The Administrative Committee recommends the formation of an Ad Interim Study Committee to examine the role of women in the church (Recommendation 3). A point of order was raised, and the moderator ruled that it was not well taken. A vote was put before the Assembly. The Assembly sustained the chair, 582-466-36. 173 elder commissioners registered their agreement with the point of order and disagreement with the Moderator’s ruling. 126 TEs, 46 REs, and one unknown; of these men were from 54 presbyteries.20 A substitute was presented by the AC CoC, which was defeated (447-699-8). Recommendation 3 was adopted (767-375-12).
2017-AIC
The following year, 2017, the AIC presented its report. A point of order was raised because the AIC had no Ruling elders on the committee; the point of order was not well taken and was put to a vote. The Assembly sustained the moderator (781-299).21 Other points of order were raised, recommendation 1 was taken up, which was Overture 3 from Westminster Presbytery, which was titled, “Declare that the 44th General Assembly Erred in the Formation of an Ad Interim Committee on Women, that the General Assembly not Receive the Report of the Ad Interim Committee on the Role of Women as not Being Properly before the Court, and Dismiss the Ad Interim Committee with Apology.” Recommendation 1 was to answer Overture 3 negatively, which passed (941-307). The minutes then record many substantive motions, points of order, challenges of the chair, and calls to question. Recommendations passed as followed 2 (880-349-12); 3 (908-279-6); 4 was amended (908-279-6) and then adopted (939-140-18); 5 failed a substitute (391-796-8), was adopted (830-362-11); 6 was amended and passed (838-289-32); 7 was adopted (649-501-6); 8 was adopted (966-119-15); and 9 was adopted (1056-38-17).22
2018-09
The PCA is now 45 years old, with teenagers in the house and some off at college. Grace Presbytery sends Overture 9, “Amend BCO 9-7 regarding assistants to deacons or deaconesses and amend BCO 24-11 by adding new 24-11 regarding women officers.” Which was recommended by the overtures committee to be answered in the negative with a vote of 104-4-3.23 The Assembly adopted the committee’s recommendation.24 The full text of the overture appears in the minutes,25 but the summary is that the congregation may not require vows or promises from deaconesses or deacon assistants comparable to those made by ordained deacons.
2019-29
In 2019, Metropolitan New York Presbytery sent up overture 29, which was titled, “Amend BCO 5-9.c, 5-9.i(1), 7-2, 9-3, 17-3, 24, and Add a Chapter 25 In Order to Allow Local Sessions to Decide Whether Women Are Allowed to Serve as Deacons.” This overture was later withdrawn from the Presbytery.26
2023-26
In 2023, the PCA marks its 50th anniversary. Overture 26 from Northwest Georgia titled, “Amend BCO 7-3 Regarding Titling of Unordained People” is sent to the General Assembly. The Overture Committee amended the overture and sent it to the General Assembly, recommending approval by a vote of 91-44-1.27 The General Assembly approved the recommendation 1427-481-20.28 The recommendation being approved it was given the item number 1, and was passed by presbyteries, 65-14.29 At the 51st General Assembly, the amendment to BCO 7-3 was ratified via standing vote, due to technological difficulties there is no counted vote.30 116 members requested that their negative votes be recorded: 96 TEs and 20 REs, representing 50 presbyteries.
2026
This year 41 overtures have been sent up from Presbyteries, to date five are related to the topic above, Overture 14 from Southwest Florida Presbytery titled, “Amend BCO 7-3, 7-4, 9-2, and 9-7 to Regarding Titles and Offices for Unordained People;” Overture 34 from Savanah River Presbytery titled, “Amend BCO 9-2 Regarding the Expectation of the Establishment of a Diaconate;” Overture 36 from Catawba Valley Presbytery titled, “Add BCO 8-11 and 9-8 Regarding the Exercise of the Duties and Authority of Elder 2 and Deacon;” Overture 37 from Pacific Presbytery titled, “Amend BCO 9-3 to Allow Women to Serve as Ordained Deacons;” and Overture 38 from Metro Atlanta Presbytery titled, “Amend BCO 7-3 and add 9-8 to Allow Sessions Flexibility Regarding the Diaconate.” From what I have heard from the grapevine (I am sure that is not what Jesus meant), more overtures will be coming concerning this discussion.
Conclusion
Given the large number of overtures, this will be a very difficult General Assembly; more importantly, some will require substantial discussion and, I am sure, one or more minority reports. I began by seeking to remain factual, but here I might include some personal commentary that I believe is accurate. The PCA has a complicated yet clear history with this topic. The PCA has consistently and clearly stated that only godly, qualified men are eligible for ordination in the Presbyterian Church in America. However, it has been considerably more complex along the way, given the denomination’s various practices. I have written on this before and appeal to my Brothers to stop using the title of deaconess. However, what is clear from reading the minutes is that whenever this issue comes up, it is very much like Acts 15:6, where there is ‘much debate,’ points of order are raised, the chair/moderator is sustained or challenged, technology fails, votes are close and then reconsidered and the outcome changed, and even in the black and white of the text of the minutes, you can see passionate people. This year’s General Assembly will be difficult, but often in life, you need to have difficult conversations with the people you love. You need to talk about hard things with them, with love and respect for one another. I am sure Paul and Barnabas had a difficult conversation about what to do with John Mark (Acts 15:36–39).
For this work to be carried forward in an orderly and faithful manner, the PCA must be represented at the next General Assembly and in those that follow. This representation properly comes through ordained Teaching and Ruling Elders, who attend not as individuals but as commissioners representing their local churches.
If you are unable to vote because you are not an ordained Teaching or Ruling Elder, I encourage you to speak with the elders of your own congregation; pray for them, support them, and urge them to serve where the Church has called them, in the courts. Above all, let us pray for one another and for our denomination, that we would conduct our work with charity and patience, showing kindness and compassion toward one another, and remaining steadfastly faithful to the Word of God and to Christ, the only Head and King of the Church.
I would like to conclude with a great encouragement: Christ ascended on high and rules and reigns supreme. Christ appointed officers for this task to oversee his church, as under shepherds caring for souls. God’s word goes forth from teaching elders behind pulpits every Lord’s Day, and the Spirit continues to move and change hearts. Throughout the book of Acts, the early church faced many problems, some from external sources and persecution, and others from internal growth. Yet the constant refrain is that the word of God continued to increase (Acts 6:7; 12:24; 19:20). We see Christ’s church grow, even with external persecution and internal tensions. We see the promise that Christ said, He is the one who builds his church (Matt 16:18; cf. 1 Cor 3:6–7).
Pray that the Presbyterian Church in America may continue in her calling to be faithful to the Scriptures, true to the Reformed faith, and obedient to the Great Commission.
M12GA p. 42
M12GA p. 102
https://www.pcahistory.org/pca/ga/index.html
M11GA p. 139 ff.
M12GA p. 67
7-2. The ordinary and perpetual classes of office in the Church are elders and deacons. Within the class of elder are the two orders of teaching elders and ruling elders. The elders jointly have the government and spiritual oversight of the Church, including teaching. Only those elders who are specially gifted, called and trained by God to preach may serve as teaching elders. The office of deacon is not one of rule, but rather of service both to the physical and spiritual needs of the people. In accord with Scripture, these offices are open to men only.
9-3. To the office of deacon, which is spiritual in nature, shall be chosen men of spiritual character, honest repute, exemplary lives, brotherly spirit, warm sympathies, and sound judgment.
M12GA p. 142
M13GA p. 46
M14GA p. 106
M14GA p. 152–161
M14GA p. 152
M15GA p. 129
M19GA p.171
M36GA pgs. 204–205
M36GA pgs. 210–211
M36GA p. 213
M36GA pgs. 379–378
M36GA p. 386
I believe this man was a Teaching Elder.
M45GA p. 27
M45GA pgs. 27-33
M46GA p. 33
M46GA p. 36
M46GA pgs. 685–686
https://www.pcaac.org/resources/2019-overtures/
M50GA p. 103
M50GA p.77
M51GA p.980
M51GA p.17