October 2002
The person of Jesus Christ and the identity of his followers (how the church speaks about Jesus in a trinitarian framework, in Christian and Reformed tradition, and in the church catholic; what it means to be his witnesses and disciples in a pluralistic age).
The current social and religious context of Presbyterian life and mission (the ‘decline’ of mainline Protestantism and the reality of religious pluralism; various perspectives on the current cultural and religious scene and such issues as racial and ethnic diversity, generational differences, changing family structures, etc.; the present period as a missional challenge).
February 2003
The Bible, creeds and confessions in Christian faith and life (knowing God: how God’s revelation in Scripture authorizes and shapes Christian teaching; how Scripture is interpreted in Christian reflection; how Scripture animates Christian life; the role of creeds, confessions and other statements of faith in the Reformed tradition).
How the Presbyterian church understands and proclaims its faith (the historic roles of creed and confessional statements of various kinds; norms in Reformed tradition for theological study, biblical authority, interpretation and teaching; the nature of authority in matters of faith; how theological disputes have been and may be addressed, from the Adopting Act to the present day).
August 2003
The nature and purpose of the church in Reformed tradition: the community of faith (how Christian believers in community form a common mind in Christ, honor individual conscience and diversity, teach and nurture each other, exercise discipline, and order their life, leadership and ministry).
How the Presbyterian Church orders its common life: decision-making (principles of Presbyterian government; the role of the Constitution; obligations and rights of individual members and affiliated congregations; duties and powers of different governing bodies; formal and informal uses of power; various modes of decision-making; how organizational disputes have been and may be settled, including the history of voluntary separation, schism, excision, compromise and reunion).
October 2003
The nature and purpose of the church in Reformed tradition: worship and mission (how Christians in Reformed tradition give glory to God, proclaim the Word outside the church, and radiate the life of faith in service to a suffering world).
How the Presbyterian Church orders its common life: leadership (Reformed understanding of ordination; how disputes over ordination standards and their application may be addressed).
Then, beginning with the February 2004 meeting, the task force would begin discussing more directly the issues raised by its mandate, as follows:
February 2004
Basic principles of Reformed faith and basic principles and patterns of Presbyterian life together to be lifted up and affirmed for our day.
August 2004
How to address theological controversies? How to address the ordination dispute?
