I'm not an Elder and only have been following this in my denomination. Our Pastor is on the Overtures Committee and is in favor of the study committee but has shown no signs (ever) of wanting to establish women in ecclesiastical authority over men.

The original overtures are to study scripture and report recommendations (which could be changes or no changes). While I may be overly optimistic, I do not anticipate a majority report recommending to ordain women deacons based on Scripture exegesis because at the very best, Scripture is unclear on this. Maybe a divided report, say 5 to 2 with the majority affirming the value of the office of Deacon, ordained, elected, authoritative, worthy of honor, open to men only according to Scripture.

Again, maybe I'm too optimistic but I think it more likely recommendations from a Study Committee would be for Book of Church Order provisions that actually clarify further the Board of Deacons oversight, maintenance with responsibility and authority for mercy ministry in each local church. Maybe even a provision that allows the Board of Deacons to appoint men and women to assist them in mercy ministry. A strengthening and clarification of the office of Deacon and its administrative authority. It is even remotely possible of recommending creation of an "office" of servant widow strictly in accordance with I Timothy 5 (nonordained, under the authority of the Elders and Deacons) with the biblical requirements there (age 60, widow, served well, etc.) for those churches that wish to try that.

Also, I expect virtually unanimous result of ending of this practice of not having the office of Deacon and substituting for it instead, a "commissioned" group of women who take similar vows and perform similar functions.

Even if a majority of the Study Committee were to recommend changes to our Book of Church Order, I do not expect it would be adopted by the General Assembly. Changes to our Book of Church Order would require 2/3 of Presbyteries to ratify changes. I just do not see any signs of that happening or even being remotely likely.

Having said that we need to *pray, pray, pray* for a biblical process and result!

__________________
Arlene
PCA
North Carolina
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.