How GA Works

The work of the Assembly is done largely in committee. We have standing committees that are staffed and work throughout the year. These committees are responsible for Covenant College, Covenant Theological Seminary, Mission to the World, Mission to North America, Reformed University Ministries, etc. Then we have committees that only meet occasionally, or perhaps even just a day or two before the Assembly. These committees, such as the Committee on Inter-church Relations, conduct the business assigned to them and produce a report. The Overtures Committee is another such committee, reviewing the overtures submitted to the Assembly and recommending action to the Assembly in each case.

Once the Assembly convenes, it consists primarily of receiving the report of each of these committees. Sometimes these reports are information only, giving us an update on the work of the committee (such as the "State of the Seminary" type address that Bryan Chapell is making now regarding Covenant Theological Seminary of which he is President). Other reports, such as the Overtures Committee, will make reports that require action on the part of the Assembly.

Today we have primarily received informational reports. Together they constitute a fairly comprehensive picture of the "State of the Denomination". Soon we'll recess for Dinner and then return for evening worship. Unless we get way ahead of the docket, we won't begin to address the Overtures issues until tomorrow. Keep reading here for updates tomorrow. I'll post results as each overture is decided.