News from the Presbyterian Church of Queensland.
Available for reading and download in four parts: One; Two; Three; Four.
It was good to read about The Gap Presbyterian Church. Chris Perona, who pastors the group is a good friend and faithful servant.
For those interested in church administration, there is also an article about changes to the rules of the PCQ. The overall effect of these changes represent “a major shift from centralism to regionalism of the Church’s life”.
This outcome is a healthy and biblical one. Presbyterian church government is not hierarchical. Local congregations are not governed from afar. At the same time, they are accountable to one another, and they agree on common standards that facilitate co-operation in mission and ministry.
Note: long time PCQ staffer and editor of New Directions, Lynda Rackley, has concluded her employment, this being the last edition put together by her. Lynda has served the Lord well through her work for the PCQ.
mgpcpastor's blog 
Thanks for the heads up about the article on the Code changes, Gary – that’s useful for work…
I didn’t think much of the column next to it on “Cultural Shifts and Its Pitfalls” (even apart from the grammar) – he starts badly by painting a traditional/contemporary dichotomy in discussing worship – whereas we should start with the regulative principle of worship – and then as, apparently a baby-boomer minister – if not older – he opines about what my generation is “put off” by – including “traditional church buildings” and “ritual” – we’d all rather be in bland theatre-like spaces for worship apparently. Well just as a start I’d observe people of my generation seem to have no problem with “traditional church buildings” when it comes to getting married in them! And “old buildings” are still very popular when it comes to buying somewhere in which to live – otherwise inner-city terraces would be cheap! Overall a disappointingly superficial treatment which doesn’t do much to set people on a wise or promising path.
It’s good to see Chris Perona and the folk at The Gap, isn’t it?
Re. the Qld Code. As one who would prefer one basic document, with a few regional distinctives appended as needed, to be used throughout Australia, I have mixed feelings.
Qld is now very, very different in structure and operation to the other states, which would make adoption of something like a common Australia wide set of rules seem very unlikely.
The structure Qld have adopted has positive qualities, but I am not certain they will be widely accepted by others.
Re. ‘Cultural Shifts’. Don Geddes is indeed an older man, an experienced pastor, and a brother in Christ, and we respond to his thoughts accordingly.
An article which finishes with the words: “How do you judge whether a congregation is worldly or not? If the appeal is to sense, sight and sound and the preaching is in the “feel-good” mode avoiding sin, repentance and Calvary, it is worldly. If the service is more like a meeting rather than worship of the Eternal God and the atmosphere lacks reverence, it is worldly. If you leave feeling you have been entertained rather than challenged by God’s Word, it is worldly.
We dare not ignore the warning of James 4:4: “You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” does not seem to have reached a superficial conclusion.
I appreciate your tolerant response, Gary!