Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) Votes to Investigate ‘Jesus Calling’

The Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) has voted to investigate the book *Jesus Calling* over the next year to assess its “appropriateness for Christians.” This decision came during the denomination’s 51st General Assembly in Richmond, Virginia, where leaders gather annually to discuss and decide on biblical and ministry matters.

Pastor Benjamin Inman of North Carolina introduced the investigation through an overture, citing concerns that the book promotes “ostensibly grave errors.” He noted that the book has been rejected by influential figures within the PCA and those theologically aligned with it. The overture passed with a vote of 947-834, directing two committees to evaluate whether the book violates the Second Commandment and recommend any necessary actions.

The book, authored by Sarah Young, a former PCA member and graduate of Covenant Theological Seminary, was born from her spiritual practice of “listening prayer.” Young journal entries, which she shared with a women’s prayer group, were later published by Integrity Publishers as a year-long devotional in 2004. The book’s author bio encouraged readers to “read slowly, preferably in a quiet place with your Bible open.”

Young’s husband, Steve, a PCA elder and missionary to Japan, opposed the investigation. He argued that her writings “did not add to Scripture but explain it,” and described her as a “sister in Christ” who “delighted in the law of the Lord.” He urged attendees to vote against the investigation, asserting that her work aligned with the teachings of Martin Luther.

The PCA’s decision reflects ongoing tensions within Reformed circles about the role of personal spiritual experiences in Christian teaching. Some pastors worry that presenting the book as the voice of Jesus could undermine the doctrine of *sola Scriptura*, which holds Scripture as the ultimate authority. The investigation aims to determine whether such concerns are valid and what steps, if any, the denomination should take.

The PCA’s committees will now prepare a report on the book’s theological implications. The outcome of this process could influence how Reformed churches approach devotional materials that blend personal spiritual insights with biblical teachings. As the denomination moves forward, the case of *Jesus Calling* highlights broader questions about the boundaries of Christian authority and the nature of spiritual guidance.

Source: Read the original report