Presbyterian Church in America Votes to Leave Over Disputes

Burk Parsons, senior pastor at St. Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Florida, and the editor of Ligonier’s Tabletalk magazine, is reportedly under investigation by the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). According to minutes of the Central Florida Presbytery, the Minister and His Work committee found sufficient evidence to warrant an investigation into his conduct. The details of the investigation remain undisclosed, but it has sparked discussions within the PCA about accountability and pastoral oversight.

St. Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Florida, voted to leave the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) by a vote of 669 to 108. The decision reflects growing tensions within the congregation and raises questions about the future of the PCA and its relationship with congregations that have chosen to separate. The church’s departure from the PCA has been a topic of discussion among Reformed communities, highlighting the complexities of denominational loyalty and congregational autonomy.

David E. Taylor, the self-proclaimed apostle and leader of Kingdom of God Global Church and Joshua Media Ministries, has been arrested in a “nationwide takedown of their forced labor organization,” according to a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) press release. The arrest underscores the legal challenges faced by some Christian ministries, particularly those operating in the global context. It also raises concerns about the ethical responsibilities of religious leaders and the potential for abuse of power within certain ecclesiastical structures.

MinistryWatch recently added government grant funding information to the ministry profiles in the MinistryWatch 1000 database. This month’s list compiles the 50 Christian ministries that received the largest government grants based on their IRS Form 990 from 2023. The inclusion of this data highlights the intersection of faith-based organizations and public funding, prompting conversations about transparency, accountability, and the role of government in supporting religious institutions.

With the new Trump administration making news with its federal funding freeze proposals, the issue of nonprofits, specifically Christian ministries, receiving government funding has been a matter of conversation. Christian ministries are navigating these changes, seeking clarity on how to maintain their operations and continue their mission work. The situation reflects broader challenges faced by religious organizations in balancing their spiritual goals with the practical realities of financial sustainability.

Samaritan’s Purse, a global poverty-relief and disaster response organization, has expressed confidence that its efforts will remain secure despite the Trump administration’s 90-day pause on foreign aid. The organization’s assurance comes as many Christian ministries grapple with the implications of policy changes that could affect their ability to operate internationally. This situation illustrates the vulnerability of faith-based organizations to political shifts and the importance of adaptability in mission work.

The MinistryWatch Top 25 Stories of 2025 include a range of issues affecting Christian ministries, from legal challenges to financial transparency and denominational dynamics. These stories reflect the diverse landscape of Reformed and Presbyterian churches, their leaders, and their communities. As the year draws to a close, these developments underscore the ongoing conversations within the body of Christ about accountability, justice, and the faithful stewardship of resources.

The challenges and decisions faced by Christian ministries in 2025 offer a reminder of the call to live out Micah 6:8 — to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. Whether through legal accountability, financial transparency, or denominational unity, these stories highlight the importance of integrity and responsibility in the Christian life.

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