Why the PCUSA is in trouble

The problem is theological. Liberals who control the power in much of the demonination, are more concerned with using the power of the demoniations to support political causes than work for evangelism. Actually the difference between a liberal Christian and a Moslem is less than you would think. Both do not see Jesus as divine, Moslems treat Him as a prophet, liberals as a good man who taught some good things like pacifism, love everyone, tolerate everyone (except for those who are intolerant, which is everyone you disagree with), so you can see how the real split is between those of us who take the Bible seriously, and those using the demonination as a tool.

I find it fascinating liberals accuse "conservative, fundamentalist" Christians of perverting the gospel for political purposes, when they have been doing it for decades. Meeting with our demonination's moderator, it was interesting how most of his focus was on political issues, not spiritual. For example:
Opposition to Israel's occupation of the West Bank.
Helping illegal immigrants sneak into the U.S.
Opposition to Iraq war. He admitted that probably a majority of members disagreed with the churches position.
So it's not that they are opposed to using the church for politics, just for conservatives using it for political purposes.

The main theological question was how to change the church to meet the needs of the postmodern generation, which he described as doers, not joiners. Not so much a theological perception, but practical.

A good way to understand the situation in the Presbyterian church is that the church buildings are owned by the demonination. If you try to leave, you may have to start over with no resources, or pay a big ransom. In Virginia in 2003, Rivermont Church left, but the presbytery demanded payment of 30% of the churches building's appraised value.

Other churches when they wanted to leave, had their pastors removed. In Findley Ohio, Maumee Presbyery appointed an administrative commission, which changed the locks, and forced the pastors to leave, even though the congregation voted 217 to 19 to leave. The Presbytery now runs a church with only 68 members, (up from less than 40). The old congregation is now over 700, with an ambitious building plan. (According to the local paper in 2004):
http://www.thecourier.com/issues/2004/jul/070904.htm#story10

Money and power are why the liberal leadership doesn't want churches to leave. We are a colony they have exploited. We pay $24 per member each year, so it is a lot of money. The colonialists have permitted local evangelical churches to go about their work of saving souls, as long as they don't threaten to upset things. So is the smart thing to just keep your head down, and don't get involved? Or does Niemoeller's saying in the 30's apply.
"First they came for the communists, and I did not speak out--
because I was not a communist;
Then they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out--
because I was not a socialist;
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out--
because I was not a trade unionist;
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out--
because I was not a Jew;
Then they came for me--
and there was no one left to speak out for me."

What would God have us do?

I suspect the message to Laodicea may apply here.

Message to Laodicea

So sure your wealth
will protect you.
You are wretched, pitiful
poor, blind & naked.

Come buy My gold
refined in the fire.
Wear My robe
to cover your nakedness.

Those I love I rebuke
& discipline.
I stand & knock.
Open the door.
(Revelation 3:14-22)
© Presbypoet, July 31, 2005

What will we do?