The Session of Auburn Avenue Presbyterian Church believes it will be beneficial
to develop a consistent
and long-range approach to missions. The Session acknowledges that the Lord
of the harvest utilizes many
reapers and various gifts as He draws His elect people to Himself.
The Session acknowledges that there are many recipients worthy of support
and that it is not possible
for one congregation to support even a small percentage of them. The Session
deems it advisable to develop
biblical and prudent policies to guide it in the decision of allocating limiting
resources among worthy missions.
The Session proclaims its whole-hearted commitment to the Reformed faith, sometimes
called
Calvinism. Agreeing with our brother, Charles H. Spurgeon, we believe that "Calvinism
is the Gospel and
nothing else." With that important principle before us, we proclaim chat
we will only support chose missions
which are firmly and distinctively Reformed in their belief, practice and worldview.
The Session believes that a family blessed with children has a primary calling
to train those children in
the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Therefore, the Session will not support
any mission in which the
children are separated from their parents absent circumstances the Session deems
extraordinary and justifiable.
Any mission seeking support from AAPC will be carefully examined by the Session
or its chosen
representatives as to the mission's whole-hearted commitment to the Reformed
faith. To assist in the evaluation
of missions, the following areas of inquiry will be among chose discussed with
each mission:
a. Please list any exceptions, if any, which the mission holds to the Westminster
Standards.
b. Please describe how the mission agrees or disagrees with the so-called "five
points" of Calvinism.
c. Please describe the mission's views concerning creation and the flood.
d. Please describe the mission's views of the Lord's Day and the Laws of God.
e. Please describe the mission's views of the sacraments, including the modes
and recipients of same.
f. Please describe the mission's views as to the apostolic gifts, continuing
revelations and tongues.
g. Please describe the mission's view of the covenant, especially as to husbands,
wives and their children.
h. Please describe the mission's views concerning the role of women in the Church.
i. Please describe the specific works this mission intends to accomplish and
the plans for accomplishing same.
j. Please describe the mission's view of evangelism.
k. Please describe the mission’s system of spiritual and financial accountability.
J. Steven Wilkins, Session Moderator